sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Two quarterbacks now in mock top five

By Todd McShay


The NFL's regular season is over and the playoff field is set, which means the top 20 of the NFL draft order is also locked in.

Our next full mock first round is still a couple of weeks away, but here's a quick look at how I see the top five playing out right now.

All five of the players below are underclassmen who have until mid-January to decide whether they will enter the draft, so this is obviously subject to change. But as things stand today, there is little question who the top pick would be.


1. Carolina Panthers -- Stanford QB Andrew Luck
Luck is the highest-graded quarterback since Matt Ryan in 2008 and will be the face of the franchise that drafts him for years.

2. Denver Broncos -- Auburn DT Nick Fairley
A versatile lineman with the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Fairley would help shore up a defense that has been a mess for some time now.

3. Buffalo Bills -- LSU CB Patrick Peterson
Peterson's combination of size, instincts and athleticism would be an instant upgrade for the Bills both on defense and in the return game.

4. Cincinnati Bengals -- Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers
The Bengals managed only 27 sacks in 2010 and could use Bowers' quickness and athleticism off the edge. He also can play the run.

5. Arizona Cardinals -- Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
Gabbert has risen up the board late in the season thanks to the size, arm strength and pocket mobility to develop into an effective starter in the NFL.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
QB Andy Dalton is solidifying his status

By Todd McShay


The story of the Rose Bowl from a scouting standpoint was TCU QB Andy Dalton (Scouts Inc. grade: 47) and the way he handled the pressure of the situation. Dalton was dialed-in and in complete control from the first snap of the Horned Frogs' 21-19 win over Wisconsin.

Dalton didn't seem bothered when things went wrong, adjusting on the fly rather than forcing things and always limiting the damage on broken or bad plays. He threw with touch and timing, leading his receivers nicely on crossing routes, and he changed velocity nicely throughout the game.

Dalton has come a long way since last year's bowl loss to Boise State, but he's still just 6-foot-1 and hasn't yet proved capable of throwing consistently in the intermediate and vertical areas of the field. Dalton also has yet to develop the timing to throw to spots rather than his receivers.

However, teams looking for a developmental prospect in the third or fourth round certainly will have Dalton on their radar because they could bring him along at a cheap price and turn him into a solid backup or even an adequate starter.


Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi (93)
Carimi absolutely silenced top TCU pass-rusher Wayne Daniels, and although it might be a stretch for Carimi to play left tackle in the NFL, he certainly can be a very good right tackle. What he lacks in foot quickness he makes up for with balance, toughness and technique. There are tackles in this year's class with higher ceilings, but Carimi is NFL-ready right now and it won't surprise us if he's off the board in the top 20 picks.

Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt (88)
He didn't play his best game against TCU, but Watt did use his hands well to keep TCU OT Marcus Cannon and other blockers off his body. At 6-6 and 280 pounds, he carries his weight well, shows tremendous effort and displays the versatility to line up at both end spots and even reduce inside to tackle on occasion.

It's obvious, though, that Watt is not an explosive athlete. He's a good fit at left end in a 4-3 defense, but given his lack of burst and overall athleticism, he won't be a double-digit sack guy in the NFL. Watt is ready for the NFL if he enters the draft as a junior, but another year to develop his feet wouldn't hurt, either. He carries a high-second-round grade regardless.

TCU OT/G Marcus Cannon (76)
After seeing him up close on the field, there's no doubt the massive Cannon is every bit his listed size of 6-5, 361 pounds. He's tough to get around because he's just so big, and if he's in even decent position, he can lean on defenders and create room in the running game, but Cannon's lack of lateral mobility is a concern when projecting him to the next level.

Cannon did a solid job against Watt but was caught off balance at times against double moves, and the 280-pound Watt is not as fast or athletic as the edge rushers Cannon would see in the NFL. Cannon's best fit at the next level is at guard for a power running team, but even then he's not an explosive, jarring blocker. He gets the job done with size, though, and should be off the board on Day 2.

Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks (73)
Kendricks showed well against TCU and is a good athlete for an H-back prospect, but at 6-4 and 238 pounds, he doesn't have the speed to stretch the field in the NFL. The biggest question is where he will line up. We've heard some scouts grade him as high as the second round, but we don't like him before the third, and the team that takes him had better have the right scheme to take advantage of his unique skills.

Wisconsin WR Nick Toon (60)
Toon is not a burner, but his routes keep getting better and he understands how to work against zone coverage. He made some great catches in the Rose Bowl, and when QB Scott Tolzein was in a jam, he would inevitably look for Toon. That says a lot about his reliability. Toon is a junior and needs more time to develop, but if he returns to school and keeps improving, he could turn into a Day 2 pick in 2012 who becomes a solid No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL.

TCU WR Jeremy Kerley (51)
Kerley made some big plays against the Badgers and found ways to get open, but he's a bit overrated in the sense that his pro potential doesn't match his college production. Kerley is the classic quicker-than-fast receiver who doesn't show a second gear in the open field and won't run away from NFL defenders the way he has from opponents in a non-AQ conference in college. He's also undersized (5-9, 189) and no better than a fifth-round prospect, but he is worth a shot in the later rounds.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Andrew Luck has the total package

By Steve Muench


Stanford's 40-12 win over Virginia Tech in the Discover Orange Bowl featured one of the best quarterback matchups of the bowl season, but there were plenty of other pro prospects on display Monday night in Miami as well.

Here's how the quarterbacks and others fared as they wrapped up their seasons.


Stanford

QB Andrew Luck* (Scouts Inc. Grade: 98)
Luck solidified his position atop our board with an impressive performance against one of the best pass defenses in the country. He stayed poised going through his progressions, kept his eyes downfield when forced to move around the pocket and got the ball out of his hands as soon as he located the open man.

While he missed within the strike zone on a couple of throws Luck showed above-average accuracy and touch over the course of the game, especially when he rolled out of the pocket. In addition, WR Ryan Whalen shoulders the bulk of the blame for Luck's interception because he failed to shield talented Tech CB Jayron Hosley from the ball.

FB/MLB Owen Marecic (67)
Marecic is a throwback iron man who can line up on both sides of the ball, and that versatility alone makes him an intriguing middle-round prospect. He's not much of a threat as a runner but he did a nice job driving his legs on his third-quarter touchdown run and he can push the pile in short-yardage situations. He's also a physical lead blocker who took adequate angles to his blocks and showed no hesitation when taking on defenders in the hole.

Marecic's lack of athletic ability showed up on defense at times. Hokies QB Tyrod Taylor shook him in the open field at one point but he timed his blitzes well and showed adequate instincts in underneath zone coverage. He is also a tough run stopper who helped clog up the middle.

DT Sione Fua (54)
Fua is quick for a 300-pound defensive tackle prospect and at 6-foot-1 he has a relatively low center of gravity, so it didn't come as much surprise when he was able to establish position and anchor on the interior. He also showed above-average upper-body strength and locked his arms out, though he needs to get off blockers quicker both as a pass rusher and a run defender. Solidly in the middle rounds at this point.

OT Derek Hall (Grade: 45)
Hall didn't sink his hips enough in pass protection, raising concerns about his ability to anchor against power rushers and keep his balance when forced to redirect. He doesn't have elite initial quickness, either, but he has the long arms to ride edge rushers past the pocket when he gets his hands on them. As a run blocker, he played with adequate pad level and was aggressive. He gets a late-round grade as is stands now.

WR Chris Owusu* (45)
Owusu caught just one pass for two yards and has a long ways to go in terms of route-running, which is why it would be wise for him to return for another year even if Luck declares for the draft. On the other hand, Owusu is a willing blocker who did a nice job of getting into position and walling defenders off for the most part. He is also an effective kickoff return man who can locate seams and is fast enough to exploit them.

C Chase Beeler (39)
Beeler is a tough, blue-collar player who continued to get into position and fought to sustain his blocks, but he will have harder time matching up at the next level. He's a very good college player but he's vastly undersized for an interior offensive line prospect and is a late-round prospect at best.

TE Konrad Reuland (34)
Reuland's production never matched his considerable ability during his time at Stanford, but he did catch two passes for a total of 14 yards against the Hokies and also did a nice job of covering up the outside linebacker and riding him inside on RB Jeramy Stewart's 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Reuland is a late-round or free-agent prospect.


Virginia Tech

RB Ryan Williams* (87)
It's been a disappointing season for Williams, who missed four games with a right hamstring injury earlier this year and then injured the same hamstring during practice leading up to the Orange Bowl. He played but carried the ball just four times for a total of four yards. Now it's important that Williams get healthy and run well for scouts should he chose to enter the draft, and he could be a fringe first-rounder if all goes well.

CB Rashad Carmichael (77)
Carmichael took a poor pursuit angle and missed a tackle in the first quarter but he didn't play as poorly as the numbers suggest. Although he allowed too much separation at times he showed the fluid hips to develop his man-to-man cover skills and good instincts in zone coverage. And while it may have appeared Carmichael was beaten by TE Coby Fleener for a touchdown in the third quarter that was not the case. Carmichael was trying to bail out a teammate who slipped and did a nice job trying to rip the ball out of Fleener's hands. Overall, Carmichael is in the early-third round range.

QB/WR Tyrod Taylor (49)
Taylor's 11-yard touchdown pass to RB David Wilson in the second quarter is one of the best plays I've seen all year. He showed great poise, mobility and anticipation while scrambling out of the pocket, avoiding defenders and delivering a strike to Wilson while tightroping the sideline.

However, Taylor just isn't consistent enough to line up at quarterback in the NFL and it showed against the Cardinal. The good news is that Taylor continued to show he has the burst and agility to make the jump to receiver, where his considerable athletic ability makes him a middle-to-late round pick despite his lack of experience there.

DT John Graves (39)
Graves is an active interior run stuffer but he doesn't have great size so he has to win with quickness, and he had hard time holding his ground against Stanford, especially when the offensive line blocked down on him. He's a late-rounder.

DE Steven Friday (34)
There's a lot to like about Friday's motor but he doesn't have elite initial quickness had a tough time turning the corner against Hall. He also had some problems anchoring against the run, all of which makes him a fringe prospect.

S Davon Morgan (32)
Morgan allowed too much separation and was beaten by Fleener for a 58-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He did record six tackles, but Morgan didn't show great recovery speed on Stewart's 60-yard touchdown run and took too long to fight off a block on Cardinal RB Stepfan Taylor's 53-yard run in the third quarter. Another fringe prospect.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Receivers on the rise after bowls

By Steve Muench


With the bowl season winding down, it's time to take a look at the NFL prospects who have helped their stock over the past few weeks.

Here are five draft-eligible prospects (and where they stand now) who jumped out at me during the postseason. Draft-eligible underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.


Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon* (Scouts Inc. Grade: 92)
Blackmon caught nine passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. It was his 12th straight game with at least 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. Granted, Blackmon's 71-yard, first-quarter touchdown catch was a product of broken coverage, and he likely didn't impress many NFL types by running across the field near the goal line at the end of the play. But he continued to show the speed to stretch the field at the NFL level.

In addition, he showed good ball skills and toughness. Blackmon can adjust to balls thrown outside his frame, catch passes in stride and snatch the ball out of the air instead of letting it get to his frame. He showed no fear working the middle of the field and fought for yards after the catch against the Wildcats. I don't expect him to move ahead of A.J. Green* and become the No. 1 wideout on the board, but Blackmon is breathing down the neck of No. 2 Julio Jones*.


Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd* (75)
Floyd caught six passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Miami in the Sun Bowl. He did an excellent job of tracking the ball, adjusting to underthrown passes, and high-pointing the ball on his second touchdown catch of the game. That touchdown was an impressive play considering Floyd was working against fringe first-round cornerback Brandon Harris*.

Floyd also ran hard and flashed better-than-expected burst after the catch. It will be difficult for Floyd to move up our board because several receivers who are ranked ahead of him have played well enough to solidify their standing, and there are still concerns about his ability to separate from man coverage. However, Floyd has stabilized his stock after falling from the early second round at the beginning of the season to his current mid-third round status.


Syracuse RB Delone Carter (64)
Carter carried the ball 27 times for 198 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. He is a tough downhill runner who gets behind his pads and turns his shoulders upfield as soon as he locates a seam. At 5-foot-8 and 219 pounds, Carter has a low center of gravity and above-average lower-body strength, so he can pick up yards after contact and almost always falls forward at the end of runs.

The biggest concern with Carter is his ability to contribute on passing downs. While he did an adequate job of getting into position as a pass-blocker, he didn't catch a pass against Kansas State and has not played a big role in Syracuse's passing attack during his career. Still, Carter could prove to be an excellent value for a team looking for a short-yardage back in the middle rounds.


Washington OLB Mason Foster (57)
Foster recorded 12 tackles (3 TFL, 2 sacks) in Washington's improbable 19-7 win over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. He timed blitzes well and showed above-average closing speed on his sacks. Foster also played a big part in the Huskies' holding the Cornhuskers to 91 rushing yards on 41 carries. He is a relentless run defender who locates the ball quickly, shows more-than-adequate range and tackles well. A strong showing during all-star games and pre-draft workouts could move Foster into the fourth round.


TCU SLB Tank Carder* (No grade)
Horned Frogs QB Andy Dalton deserves a shout-out for his strong performance in the Rose Bowl, but Carder was the TCU player who stuck out most to me. He recorded six tackles (3 TFL, 1 sack) against Wisconsin, and while Carder needs to get stronger at the point of attack, he has the instincts and burst to beat blockers to the point and make plays in the backfield. He is also a big hitter who closes quickly when pursuing the run and rushing the passer.

Carder is a redshirt sophomore, and we have not given him a draft grade at this point; returning to school would be a wise decision for him. However, based on his Rose Bowl performance, I'd give Carder a grade in the late third round or early fourth round heading into the offseason. His film will get a thorough review in the near future and we'll have an even better read on his status heading into the meat of the pre-draft process.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Mike Pouncey plays well in space

By Kevin Weidl


With bowl season winding down and film study picking up, we at Scouts Inc. have had a chance to re-examine a lot of players in recent weeks, and many prospects have stood out for reasons positive and negative.

Here are three players whose stock is rising in my eyes heading into the pre-draft process, and three who are sliding a bit as their film reveals flaws.


On the rise

Florida C Mike Pouncey
I've been a Pouncey fan for a while now, but after watching his performance against Penn State in the Outback Bowl and taking a look at two other games from 2010 I'm even higher on him.

Pouncey is pretty much a carbon copy of his twin brother and 2010 first-round pick, Maurkice, except that Mike perhaps moves a little better laterally and when pulling down the line. Maurkice is a bit more explosive at the point of attack, but Mike always has his feet under him and shows the strong inline power base to engage and steer defenders.

Mike adjusts well to defenders when moving in space, whether in pulls or when working to the second level to cover up linebackers. Everything he does just seems to come naturally, and you can bet a lot of teams will start showing interest in the middle of the first round. He's a safe pick who's ready for the NFL right now.


Clemson DT Jarvis Jenkins
One of the fastest-rising players on the board right now, Jenkins (6-foot-4, 303) shows good pop and explosion off the ball with a short punch to shock and shed blockers, and he plays with the leverage to hold up against and at times fight through double teams. I'm impressed with the way he stays balanced and remains on his feet, which gives him the ability to shed blockers and redirect to the ball.

I saw Jenkins play live twice in 2010, and the film is only reinforcing what I saw on the field. He does play a bit high at times and lacks an elite anchor, but he will be a good fit in just about any 4-3 scheme. As far as I'm concerned, he's a second-round pick at this point.


LSU OLB Kelvin Sheppard
I like Sheppard's overall instincts and ability to find the ball, and while he does not have elite sideline-to-sideline range he can make plays outside the tackle box and shows a good first step to get downhill quickly against inside runs.

Sheppard plays under control in space and does a good job breaking down to secure tackles. In zone coverage, he understands passing lanes and is fluid enough to cover adequate ground in zone looks. He doesn't show a lot of snap or explosiveness at the point of attack, but overall Sheppard has the skills to warrant a spot early in the third round or perhaps late in the second.


On the slide

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett
What I saw from Mallett in the Sugar Bowl only reinforced the concerns I had after watching film of his games against Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. His release and arm strength allow him to make some jaw-dropping throws, but Mallett's overall lack of mobility hinders his accuracy significantly.

Mallett stands 6-6 and needs room in the pocket to use his long legs to step into throws. When he is not given room to step up in the pocket, his lead leg locks up and balls sail, and he doesn't have the foot quickness to reset in the pocket and look for his second and third reads. Most of Mallett's interceptions are the result of hurried throws and bad decisions under pressure, and any team that drafts him must have a good offensive line in place if it hopes to help Mallett reach his full potential.

In my mind his shortcomings bring his grade down into the late first round, but the NFL is a quarterback-driven league and his upside, arm strength and ability to throw downfield with touch will likely have him off the board much earlier.


Oklahoma S Quinton Carter
I got a good look at Carter while breaking down film of Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert's performance against the Sooners. Carter is aggressive and gets downhill quickly in run support, and he takes good angles and does a good job taking on blocks for the most part.

However, he plays a bit high for my taste and showed some tightness when breaking down in space. While Carter looked tough during preseason film study, he seemed to back off a bit against the Tigers. He is also a step late recognizing plays and breaking on balls in coverage, and in my evaluation Carter has fallen from the second round into the third.


Arkansas OT Demarcus Love
I like Love's toughness and upper-body strength, which combine to make him a better fit on the right side in the NFL. He shows a strong punch and can sink and anchor against bull-rushers, but Love is not a smooth athlete and always seems to be fighting his body.

He has quick feet, but Love is stiff and not a natural knee-bender, which makes him susceptible to being off-balance and leaves him vulnerable to double moves from pass-rushers. He struggles to sustain at times, despite his strength, and can be overaggressive in his pass sets. Love is falling down the board, but he can be a finisher in the running game and that should keep him at least in the fourth round in my estimation.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
No doubt Nick Fairley is an elite prospect

By Steve Muench


There were 11 players in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game between Auburn and Oregon who receive draftable grades from Scouts Inc., some of whom shined under the bright lights and others who did not fare so well.

Here's what I saw from the NFL prospects on the field in the title game, including two possible first-round picks (as always, draft-eligible underclassmen are noted with asterisks):


Auburn DT Nick Fairley* (Grade: 97)
Fairley recorded three tackles for losses, including a sack, and forced a fumble in Auburn's 22-19 win. He used his quick hands to slip the left guard and finished the play with a big hit that jarred the ball loose on his sack, and Oregon also failed to pick up Fairley on a first-and-10 play late in the first quarter. On that play he showed excellent closing speed for a 299-prospect and his pressure played a big role in QB Darron Thomas throwing an interception.

The quick pace of Oregon's offense did appear to fatigue Fairley at times -- he could be seen breathing heavy between snaps -- but it didn't appear to affect his effort once the play was underway. Officials flagged Fairley for a personal foul early in the third quarter and he needs to a better job of controlling his emotions, but his overall performance solidified his spot as the top defensive tackle in the 2011 class. He has the quickness, active hands and motor to make an immediate impact as a one-gap 3-technique in a base 4-3 defense, and Fairley is likely to be a top-five pick.

Auburn QB Cam Newton*(89)
Newton rushed for 82 yards on 22 carries against the Ducks, and he threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. On the plus side, Newton showed above-average arm strength and flashed adequate touch on some downfield passes, and there's obviously a lot to like about his mobility and power in the pocket. He showed good burst on an 18-yard scramble that converted a third-and-12 in the fourth quarter and he shook what could have been a sack to complete his second touchdown pass.

The negatives outweigh the positives for Newton, however. His accuracy was inconsistent at best and he made a poor decision on his interception, and carrying the ball away from his frame and losing a fumble with less than five minutes remaining in a championship game and an eight-point lead is inexcusable. Oregon tied the score following the fumble, but Newton completed just one pass and rushed for one yard on two carries on the ensuing game-winning drive.

Making matters worse, Newton could be seen grimacing late in the fourth quarter and received X-rays on his back following the game. His aggressive running style makes his durability a concern at the NFL level, where he'll take more and bigger hits. It only takes one team to fall in love with him for Newton to come off the board in the first round, but he's a risky pick there should he declare for the draft because he has so much developing to do in order to transition to a pro-style offense.

Oregon RB LaMichael James* (73)
James had a disappointing night running, gaining just 49 yards on 13 carries. In fairness, his offensive line struggled to create seams for him as expected and he generally made the most of the blocking he got. James had a much better night catching the ball, finishing with four catches for 39 yards and two touchdowns.

He showed great vision, burst and balance after the catch, and James did a sound job of recognizing blitzes and picking them up when asked to help out in pass protection. His potential as a change-of-pace back should make him a good value in the third round if he declares for the draft.

Auburn OT Lee Ziemba (70)
Ziemba played with an edge and flashed a strong punch as a run blocker. He got into sound position and held his own in pass protection as well, but his high pad level jumped out at times. Ziemba had a difficult time getting under Oregon's defensive linemen when Auburn ran and he didn't sink his hips low enough in pass protection. Defensive linemen will expose this weakness at the next level unless his technique improves, which is why he projects as a late third- or early fourth-round pick at this point.

Auburn RB Mario Fannin (42)
True freshman Michael Dyer and speedster Onterio McCalebbovershadowed Fannin this year and in this game. He didn't get a carry against Oregon, and while he showed adequate awareness and got into sound position in pass protection Fannin he could have been more aggressive and attacked the legs of blitzing defenders.

On a more positive note, Fannin extended a fourth-quarter drive with a 16-yard catch on third-and-4. He located a soft spot in underneath coverage, got his head snapped around and looked the ball into his hands. In addition, his blend of size and quickness hints at untapped potential. He could prove to be an excellent value in the later rounds.

Auburn WR Terrell Zachery (39)
Zachery caught six passes for 48 yards against Oregon. While he could be more crisp on short-to-intermediate routes, he has above-average top-end speed and he tracked the deep ball well. He's not overly elusive but was productive after the catch, and he snatched the ball out of the air without breaking stride and showed good burst with the ball in his hands. Zachery is a late-round prospect.

Auburn DT Michael Blanc (38)
Blanc recorded three tackles, including a tackle for loss that resulted in a safety. His initial technique on the safety wasn't great -- he was a bit too high and was too quick to turn his shoulders -- but Blanc's recovery was excellent. He used his strong upper body to get off the block and wrap up James in the end zone. He also did a nice job of working down the line when the Ducks tried to run off-tackle, and while he isn't nearly as explosive as Fairley and doesn't project as a starter, Blanc could develop into an effective No. 3 defensive tackle in the NFL.

Auburn C Ryan Pugh (37)
Pugh is a four-year starter and against Oregon he got into sound initial position and fought to sustain once locked on. He won't be as effective in the NFL, however. Power clearly gave him problems at times, and though he got adequate hand placement he didn't jolt Oregon's defensive tackles with violent punches. At best, Push develops into effective backup at the next level.

Auburn K Wes Byrum (36)
Kickers would be hard-pressed to find a better way to impress NFL teams than connecting on the game-winning field goal as time expires in the national championship game. And though he didn't get to show his range on either of his two field goals, Byrum got more than enough distance on his kickoffs and overall looks like a late-round possibility.

Auburn ILB Joshua Bynes (34)
Bynes recorded two tackles and broke up a pass against the Ducks, and while his straight-line speed, muscular frame and toughness make him an intriguing late-round possibility, Bynes didn't do enough to improve his stock. He appeared stiff in space and took too long to get off blocks, and his instincts are also a concern. He failed to recognize a screen until it was too late and got sealed inside on James' second-quarter touchdown catch.

Oregon ILB Casey Matthews (39)
Matthews recorded six tackles, forced a fumble and broke up a pass, setting up Oregon's game-tying drive with the forced fumble. He showed above-average closing speed, awareness and effort while chasing down Newton, and his extension and timing on both the forced fumble and pass breakup were impressive.

Matthews, like most of the Oregon defense, got caught gearing down when Dyer appeared to go down in the middle of what became a 37-yard run late in the fourth quarter, but there is no question Matthews has the motor and enough natural ability to develop into an effective backup linebacker and valuable special teams contributor.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Two OT prospects stand out on film

By Kevin Weidl


With bowl season over and plenty of underclassmen declaring for the 2011 NFL draft, our focus here at Scouts Inc. has turned to film study, and over the past couple of days it's become clear the offensive tackle class has gotten a little deeper and might soon have a new player at the top of the rankings.

Tyron Smith of USC has made himself eligible for the draft, and I came away thoroughly impressed with the film I saw. Smith is 6-foot-5 and weighs only about 290 pounds, but he has good strength, bends naturally at the knees, and plays with leverage and a wide base, giving him a better inline power base in the running game than his size suggests.

Smith is put together well and has ridiculously long arms for his frame, and he has by far the best footwork and overall agility I've seen from any 2011 tackle prospect. He moves well laterally, can shuffle his feet and mirror pass-rushers, and everything he does just seems to come naturally.

Finally, Smith is an aggressive finisher who is always hustling and looking to make a block. He is the only offensive tackle I've seen pull around the corner and hurdle a defender looking to take out his legs before continuing to the second level to find a moving target.

He's a little raw in terms of overall instincts and awareness and will duck his head early at times, but those are minor flaws that can be corrected with more practice reps and playing time. Smith got the best of California DE Cameron Jordan, an early-round prospect, and the way he threw around Oregon defenders throughout that game was impressive.

Smith is moving up the board quickly, and at this point I will be surprised if he lasts beyond the top 15 overall picks.


OT Solder solidifying his status

I also watched three games of Colorado OT Nate Solder recently, and while he isn't as blessed athletically as Smith, Solder is a bit bigger (300 pounds) and carries his weight well on his 6-8 frame. Solder is strong, takes good angles in the running game and has good mobility to stay in front of pass-rushers.

His pad level is inconsistent, though, and when Solder plays too high he tends to fall off blocks at times. His footwork on his initial kick step also needs some refining. Against California he struggled with speed rushers off the edge, turning his shoulders and getting off-balance at times, and he gave up two sacks and took a holding penalty against the Golden Bears.

Still, Solder has the strength to create movement when he gets in position in the running game, and when he shows good initial technique in pass protection he can sink and anchor and use his long arms to control defenders.

Overall, Solder has very good potential and his flaws can be corrected, so he should come off the board in the mid-to-late first round.


Amukamara closing the gap on Peterson

The more I watch Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara, the more impressed I am with his overall game. Patrick Peterson of LSU remains the top cornerback on the board because of his size and playmaking ability, but Amukamra is closing the gap a bit based on what I've seen on film.

Amukamara is a bit more polished than Peterson in terms of instincts, anticipation and positioning, and the way he reads routes and always seems to know what's coming is impressive. Two plays in particular from the Colorado game stood out in that area.

First, with the Buffaloes lined up with three receivers to the right, Amukamara was on the outside receiver. At the snap of the ball, the outside receiver ran a slant while the slot receiver came at Amukamara as if to set a pick on him. Amukamara recognized the slant, got himself between the receivers and closed quickly enough to break up the pass.

On the very next snap a Colorado receiver ran a curl route, and as the wideout got to the top of his stem Amukamara had already read the route and made a break on the ball. He got in front of the pass so quickly it hit him in the chest.

Finally, Amukamara has fluid hips and almost always stays in good position against receivers, and even when he's beaten on a double move he doesn't panic because he has the agility and top-end speed to recover and locate the ball.

There's no doubt Aukamara has joined Peterson as an elite corner prospect and a likely top-10 pick.


DE Jordan shows impressive strength

What stood out most while watching two games of DE Cameron Jordan was his size (6-4, 280), strength and ability to anchor against the run. Jordan has active and violent hands and does a good job keeping blockers off his frame, and he plays with good leverage and pad level as a run defender.

He also shows an effective swim move as a pass-rusher, though he needs refining in that area because he does not counter well when defenders are able to catch him initially. Jordan also lacks elite athleticism and at times has trouble locating the ball while fighting off blocks -- two of the reasons he had trouble against Smith earlier this season -- but given his ability as a run defender and ability to contribute at times as a pass-rusher, Jordan could still hear his name called in the first round.
 
Messages
46,859
Reaction score
5
Oregon ILB Casey Matthews (39)
Matthews recorded six tackles, forced a fumble and broke up a pass, setting up Oregon's game-tying drive with the forced fumble. He showed above-average closing speed, awareness and effort while chasing down Newton, and his extension and timing on both the forced fumble and pass breakup were impressive.

Where does a grade of 39 put someone?

7th rounder?
 

cmd34

Pro Bowler
Messages
11,877
Reaction score
119
With bowl season over and plenty of underclassmen declaring for the 2011 NFL draft, our focus here at Scouts Inc. has turned to film study, and over the past couple of days it's become clear the offensive tackle class has gotten a little deeper and might soon have a new player at the top of the rankings.

Tyron Smith of USC has made himself eligible for the draft, and I came away thoroughly impressed with the film I saw. Smith is 6-foot-5 and weighs only about 290 pounds, but he has good strength, bends naturally at the knees, and plays with leverage and a wide base, giving him a better inline power base in the running game than his size suggests.

Smith is put together well and has ridiculously long arms for his frame, and he has by far the best footwork and overall agility I've seen from any 2011 tackle prospect. He moves well laterally, can shuffle his feet and mirror pass-rushers, and everything he does just seems to come naturally.

Finally, Smith is an aggressive finisher who is always hustling and looking to make a block. He is the only offensive tackle I've seen pull around the corner and hurdle a defender looking to take out his legs before continuing to the second level to find a moving target.

He's a little raw in terms of overall instincts and awareness and will duck his head early at times, but those are minor flaws that can be corrected with more practice reps and playing time. Smith got the best of California DE Cameron Jordan, an early-round prospect, and the way he threw around Oregon defenders throughout that game was impressive.

Smith is moving up the board quickly, and at this point I will be surprised if he lasts beyond the top 15 overall picks.

BOOYAH!!!!!!!
 

cmd34

Pro Bowler
Messages
11,877
Reaction score
119
290 is pretty small for a tackle in the NFL, don't you think?

1) D'Brickashaw Ferguson was around the same weight while at Virginia.
2) Like Ferguson, Smith will bulk up before the Combine.

If he was already 300 lbs they would be saying he's a lock to go in the Top 10.

Have you ever seen DeMarcus Ware standing next to another Cowboy or seen him in person? His arms come down to his knees. Tyron is built almost exactly like him. His long arms let him get his hands on pass rushers quickly and he's very aggressive. With pass rushers getting smaller and quicker someone is going to gamble high on Smith and try to match the athleticism of the James Harrison's and Trent Cole's of the world.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
He'll have to put on weight or he'll never be a franchise LT. I don't care how mobile he is.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Big Ten dominates DE rankings

By Steve Muench


Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers and North Carolina's Robert Quinn give the ACC the top two defensive ends on Scouts Inc.'s draft board, but after that the Big Ten owns the rankings.

Four of the next six ends on our board are from the Big Ten, and while there are differences in the group all four grade out as first-round talents. Here's how I break them down heading into the pre-draft process.


Adrian Clayborn, Iowa (Grade: 95)
Clayborn didn't get to the quarterback as often this year as he did in 2009, but he is still the most dynamic pass-rusher on this list. He has a powerful punch to rock offensive tackles back, the active hands to prevent blockers from locking onto his frame and the quick-twitch, lateral mobility to redirect inside after starting outside.

He will sometimes take a split-second too long to react to the snap, but Clayborn has the initial quickness to turn the corner, and he closes well when he has a lane to the quarterback. Film evaluation from this season shows that teams frequently adjusted their protection and forced him to fight through double-teams during my evaluation.

One of Clayborn's biggest weaknesses is his pad level when teams run at him. He exposes his chest and gives offensive tackles a big target. However, he flashes the ability to stack and shed in time to make plays at the line of scrimmage, and he can also close down cutback lanes and make plays in pursuit. At this point Clayborn looks like an early-to-mid first-rounder.


Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue (94)
Kerrigan has perhaps the best closing speed of the ends on this list. He excels at ripping under the outside arm of the defensive tackle and bending back inside, and his ability to deliver the big hit and knock the ball loose is impressive.

Kerrigan is a disruptive run-stopper who would fit well as a one-gap player in a 4-3 front, but I question his ability to hold up in a two-gap, read-and-react scheme. Like Clayborn, he plays a bit too high, but Kerrigan doesn't get off blocks as quickly. He has some stiffness in his hips and is not as fluid redirecting inside, and he can have a hard time containing mobile quarterbacks. His limitations in coverage also mean he is not an ideal fit at outside linebacker in a base 3-4 scheme, and because of that Kerrigan ranks slightly behind Clayborn at this point.


J.J. Watt, Wisconsin (92)
Watt's first-step quickness isn't elite and doesn't close as quickly as the players ahead of him on this list, but he's got enough burst to turn the corner on occasion. He is also a savvy pass-rusher who can use outside moves to set tackles back up to the inside. He can work the edge several times and then shoot inside when he sees the offensive tackle cheating outside.

Watt has active hands that make it difficult for offensive tackles to lock into his frame and has perhaps the best motor of the players on this list, so he makes plays with second effort. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks when he doesn't get all the way to them also stands out. He has long arms and gets his hands up when he sees quarterbacks start their throwing motion, and his ability to block field goals and PATs adds value to his stock.

Pad level is a concern for Watt, too, and despite his lack of an elite anchor Watt plays with an edge and fights to hold his ground when teams run at him. He is the only underclassmen on this list, and as it stands right now Watt carries a late-first-round grade.


Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (91)

Heyward's best fit is as a 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme. He is reportedly heavier than his listed weight of 288 pounds and has the long arms and upper-body strength to keep blockers off his frame. Though Heyward doesn't have elite instincts, he keeps his head up and locates the ball quickly for the most part.

His ability to line up at defensive tackle in certain situations gives defensive coordinators the ability to go a four-man front by kicking him inside and walking an outside linebacker up on the outside. Heyward doesn't have the explosive burst NFL front offices covet in their edge-rushers and he'll have a harder time getting to the quarterback at the next level, but he is an effective power-rusher with active hands and an above-average motor. Heyward ranks as a late first-rounder.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Film reveals good, bad for underclassmen

By Steve Muench


nfl_i_bburton2_300.jpg

Brandon Burton has the overall skill set to become a solid cover man at the next level.


We at Scouts Inc. wrote full evaluations on more than 200 NFL prospects heading into the 2010 college season and are in the midst of updating or completing evals on every player invited to the 2011 NFL combine, including all underclassmen who declared for the 2011 draft.

Some of those underclassmen had breakout seasons or surprised us with their decisions to turn pro, and after a deeper look here are a few underclass prospects who jumped for reasons both good and bad during recent film study:


Burton adds depth at cornerback

Utah CB Brandon Burton (Scouts Inc. grade: 80) had just three interceptions during his three years at Utah, and because he plays with a high center of gravity Burton sometimes allows too much separation out of breaks when lined up in off-man coverage. He could also be more aggressive in run support, but he still gets a second-round grade because he has all the tools to develop into an excellent press corner.

The 6-foot Burton has the long arms and enough upper-body strength to re-route receivers, and he has the hip fluidity and speed to turn and run with most receivers even if he doesn't get his hands on them. There's also a lot to like about his potential on special teams. Burton blocked two field goal attempts this season and has experience covering kicks.


Buyer beware of WR Brown

At 6-foot-6 and 239 pounds, Southern Miss WR DeAndre Brown (31) has the body control and enough speed to develop into a vertical threat. He lacks the suddenness to consistently separate from man coverage, but he has the wide frame to box out defenders and will have a physical advantage in almost every jump-ball situation. That makes him a threat in the red zone, and he has the overall physical talent to be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

The problem is, Brown is surrounded by red flags. He was arrested for disorderly conduct in the summer of 2010 and missed seven games with a leg injury this season, and most importantly Brown's offensive coordinator questioned his effort following the South Carolina game. The coaching staff could have handled the situation differently but the film backs up the opinion. As a result, Brown projects as a late-round pick and could even go undrafted. Any team thinking about drafting or signing him must have the leadership in the locker room and experience on the coaching staff to foster his work habits and unlock his potential.


DE Parr a late-round sleeper

There is nothing flashy about Virginia DE Zane Parr (30), who does not have the initial burst, closing speed or ability to bend back inside that elite NFL pass rushers possess. Parr isn't going to make a ton of plays in the backfield and won't chase down many NFL backs in pursuit, either. However, there are reasons to believe he can provide quality depth at left defensive end for a base four-man front and possibly even develop into a starter.

While Parr's hands could be more violent, they are active and he has a strong upper body. Parr can stack and shed against the run and he flashes push-pull and rip-and-swim moves when rushing the passer. He could prove to be an excellent value in the late rounds for a base 4-3 defense looking to bolster its depth.


OT Claytor looks like a project

Georgia Tech OT Nick Claytor (42) has the frame, natural strength and enough athletic ability to develop into an effective reserve right tackle. It will take a substantial investment in terms of time and coaching to unlock the potential of this 6-6, 285-pounder, though. Claytor's footwork and hand placement are inconsistent at best. He also tends to duck his head and lunge, so he slips off too many blocks in the running game and in pass protection.

Part of the problem is that Claytor played in an option scheme at Georgia Tech that calls for its offensive linemen to frequently attack the legs of defensive linemen rather than staying square. The hope is that his technique will improve as he gains more experience in a pro-style offense, but his work ethic on film is reason for concern. Claytor appears content walling off defenders and at times is caught watching the play instead of looking for someone to hit when he releases downfield. He projects as a late-round pick or rookie free agent.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Trattou, Dial not headed to Indy

By Steve Muench


The NFL combine will take place Feb. 24-Mar. 1 in Indianapolis, giving more than 250 prospects the chance to show their wares for NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel on the biggest pre-draft stage there is.

After taking a look at the invite list, though, we noticed a few interesting names that were left off. Here are the five highest-graded players who did not receive invitations, along with other notable prospects who will not be in attendance.


1. South Florida DE Craig Marshall (Scouts Inc. grade: 46)
Marshall notched four sacks in his first five games but a foot injury in October all but ended his senior season. He has the measurables (6-foot-4, 262 pounds) and flashed production throughout his career but Marshall needs to stay healthy and continue to improve his feet and power in order to make it in the NFL.

2. Florida DE Justin Trattou (44)
An undersized (6-3⅜,255) college defensive tackle who lacks the speed and athleticism to play end in the NFL. Needs to help on special teams and find a niche on defense, but there's a lot to like about his motor and instincts.

3. Alabama TE Preston Dial (42)
Dial is an undersized (6-2⅛, 238) H-back with only adequate speed. Still, we think he has a chance to contribute in the NFL because he's tough, gives great effort and is a reliable pass catcher.

4. Southern Illinois CB Korey Lindsey (39)
A versatile playmaker as both a defensive back and return man at the FCS level, Lindsey's marginal size (5-10⅛, 182) and below-average speed put a low ceiling on his NFL potential.

5. Mississippi CB Jeremy McGee (35)
A solid player who never took his game to the next level. McGee has average height (5-10⅜, 197) and top-end speed, and only one interception each of his last two seasons does not help his cause.


Others of interest

There are some other notable names not attending the combine, including four underclassmen (denoted with an asterisk).

• Stanford LB Thomas Keiser* (58)
• Oregon S Javes Lewis* (47)
• Gerorgia Tech OT Nick Claytor* (42)
• Nebraska OT Michael Smith (34)
• Oklahoma OT Cory Brandon (34)
• Oklahoma CB Jonathan Nelson (34)
• Texas TE Greg Smith (33)
• Stanford OT Derek Hall (33)
• Kent State S Brian Lainhart (32)
• Florida OLB Brandon Hicks (32)
• Stanford TE Konrad Reuland (31)
• Virginia DE Zane Parr* (30)
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Five on the fringe

Three DBs on the cusp of the first round

By Steve Muench


My colleague Todd McShay rolled out his latest 1st round mock this morning, one that will surely see some changes as the NFL combine and on-campus pro days give scouts a look at underclassmen who did not participate in the college all-star games.

Here's my take on five underclassmen who did not crack the first round in McShay's latest projection but could use pre-draft workouts to boost their stock and work their way into the top 32 picks.


UCLA S Rahim Moore (Scouts Inc. Grade: 88)
Moore picked off just one pass in 2010 but had 10 interception in '09 and shows excellent ball skills on film. He excels playing the deep middle because of his instincts and range. Moore's 6-foot-1 frame raises concerns about his ability to limit separation out of breaks but he has the quick feet and speed to develop above average man-to-man cover skills for a safety. If he looks fluid during drills at the combine his stock could jump.

The Jets pick at No. 30 overall and have a need at free safety, where Brodney Pool and Eric Smith are both unrestricted free agents. Moore's strength is in coverage and he can hold up on the back end of a blitz-heavy scheme like the one the Jets run.


Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams (88)
Williams' production plummeted during his redshirt sophomore season thanks in large part to a nagging hamstring injury that cost him four games and limited him for most of the year. However, he was one of the best backs in the nation in '09 (1,655 yards, 21 TD) and would have pushed Alabama's Mark Ingram for the top spot in this year's class had he stayed healthy. When he's playing at 100 percent Williams shows an excellent blend of vision, power and burst.

Teams looking for a back in the late-first or early-second round will be checking the results of Williams' physical thoroughly, and New England at No. 28 is an interesting possibility. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is coming off an excellent season but is a restricted free agent and Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are all free agents on the wrong side of 30. Williams would give the Patriots a tough downhill runner who has more upside than Green-Ellis.


Miami DC Brandon Harris (88)
Harris wasn't enough of a playmaker at the collegiate level but he's flashed above-average ball skills on film and closes quickly when the ball is in the air, so he has upside in this area. He also has the quick feet, balance and confidence to develop above-average man-to-man cover skills. We expect Harris to interview well and he should run the 40-yard dash in the 4.4 range.

Seattle could be looking to shore up its quarterback depth chart but also need to bolster a pass defense that finished the regular season ranked 27th in the NFL (249.6 ypg). CBs Kelly Jennings and Matt McCoy are free agents while Marcus Trufant is 30 years old, so Harris could make sense.


Maryland WR Torrey Smith (88)
Smith is an unpolished route runner who needs to improve his footwork and make crisper cuts at the top of his stem, but he shows a rare second gear when tracking the deep ball and returning kickoffs. He is also the kind of a player that can make a big splash at the combine. Smith os expected to run the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range and his solid intangibles could help him ace the interview process.

Chicago needs help along the offensive line but there's an excellent chance that the value won't be there at No. 29 overall. Defensive tackle is another option, but Smith would give the Bears an immediate vertical threat who could run down QB Jay Cutler's deep ball and eventually develop into the No. 1 receiver Chicago currently lacks.


Texas CB Aaron Williams (87)
Critics are quick to point out that Williams doesn't make a lot of big plays and had a hard time staying with Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon last season. However, Blackmon has made plenty of good corners look bad and the film shows that he by no means dominated Williams. Overall, Williams has fluid hips and changes directions well for a 6-foot corner. He also appears fast enough to run with most NFL receivers and can help himself by running sub-4.5 in the 40 at the combine.

Pittsburgh needs help along the offensive line first and foremost, but CB Bryant McFadden struggled in 2010 and three other corners -- including the soon-to-be-31-years-old Ike Taylor -- are free agents. Adding Williams would give the Steelers a corner capable of competing for a staring job from Day 1.
 

cmd34

Pro Bowler
Messages
11,877
Reaction score
119
I wouldn't mind if we traded up into the bottom of the 1st round to take Rahim Moore. I don't think he'll last to our 2nd round pick.

This is assuming we don't trade up in the 1st. Trading up twice like that would be way too costly.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Three mid-round QBs offer potential value

By Todd McShay


We've talked plenty about the big names in the 2011 quarterback class, but who should you keep an eye on after Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett are off the board?

Here's a look at three other names to know, players who could prove to be good values in the middle rounds if they land with the right team.


Andy Dalton, TCU (Grade: 77)
Dalton is the best of the three prospects on this list and could come off the board as early as the second round. He has good football intelligence, can pick things up quickly and has the most game experience of players on this list. The team that picks Dalton will also get a three-time bowl MVP, a player who stepped up in his team's biggest games.

Dalton's mechanics will need some tinkering but as he becomes more consistent with his footwork his accuracy will improve, and the fact that his completion percentage went up in each of his season with the Horned Frogs proves he is willing to work to improve. He also brings some mobility to the table.

Dalton looks capable of running just about any NFL system, and while he won't be ready to step in right away he could develop into a starter two or three years from now. He could offer value for teams like the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers or Minnesota Vikings that have a need at the position but won't find much help in their areas of the first round, perhaps in the later portion of the second round.


Christian Ponder, Florida State (74)
An injury to his throwing elbow derailed most of Ponder's senior season and he had two surgeries on the elbow, but at the Senior Bowl he appeared to be rounding into form and his arm looks like it's close to full strength.

However, even at full strength Ponder's inability to drive the ball downfield is one of his biggest limitations and he's not a fit for teams like the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens that rely on play-action to set up deep passes. However, with his mobility Ponder could be a good option in the third or fourth round for teams that run west coast offenses and are looking for a backup with developmental potential.


Colin Kaepernick, Nevada (69)
Kaepernick is the biggest project of the players in this group. He needs to add bulk and strength, work on the hitch at the top of his delivery and improve the overall consistency of his mechanics. Kaepernick made big strides in 2010 in terms of accuracy, though, he has the size (6-foot-4]) to see over the line and scan the field, and he's an even better athlete than Dalton and Ponder.

Kaepernick won't fit with teams that have an immediate need at quarterback but those looking for long-term developmental guys behind established starters will show interest in the middle rounds. Some scouts we've talked to have him as high as the third round and others put him in the mix early on Day 3. If the New England Patriots can't hold on to Brian Hoyer or the Philadelphia Eagles trade away Kevin Kolb they would offer the kind of opportunity for development (solid systems and coaching) Kaepernick needs.
 

dbair1967

Administrator
Messages
60,711
Reaction score
10,769
I wouldn't mind if we traded up into the bottom of the 1st round to take Rahim Moore. I don't think he'll last to our 2nd round pick.

This is assuming we don't trade up in the 1st. Trading up twice like that would be way too costly.

I agree, like Moore. If there's no free agency then he's a potential longterm solution at FS.
 

sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
Plenty of value available at WR and TE

By Kevin Weidl


The standout, prototypical wide receivers at the top of the board -- A.J. Green and Julio Jones -- have naturally gotten most of the attention from NFL scouts, but there are plenty of wideouts available further down the line who can fill important roles for teams picking in the middle rounds.

And while the tight end class is lacking in terms of top-shelf, can't-miss prospects, there are intriguing value prospects available there who scouts will be watching closely as the predraft process unfolds.

With that in mind, here are three prospects at each position to keep an eye on and why they could turn into draft bargains for teams looking to fill specific needs:


Wide receivers

Jerrel Jernigan, Troy (Grade: 80)
Jernigan is undersized (5-foot-9, 183 pounds) but brings toughness and blazing top-end speed to the table. He can stretch the field vertically and is dangerous when given room in the open field.

Jernigan is able to work the underneath areas and also make tough catches in the middle of the field, making him a good fit for a team like the Baltimore Ravens, who have a lot of big, strong receivers on the perimeter but need to add speed to the offense. Throw in the fact that he can contribute in the return game and Jernigan could start getting attention late in the second round.


Greg Salas, Hawaii (68)
Salas hasn't gotten a lot of national exposure but he has an underrated skill set. He shows the toughness, hands and focus to bring the ball in while absorbing contact over the middle, attacks the ball when it's in the air and shows up in big spots.

His routes could use a little polish but Salas could prove to be a good value in the middle rounds for a team like the Chicago Bears, who could use a reliable possession receiver to do the dirty work over the middle and make catches on third down.


Cecil Shorts, Mount Union (59)
A Division II prospect with good top-end speed and the burst to separate out of breaks, Shorts also shows good body control and is elusive in the open field. His hands are inconsistent at times but, like Jernigan, he has the tools to develop into a good slot receiver at the next level. The Atlanta Falcons are in need of depth and a big-play option alongside Roddy White and could offer a good fit in the fifth- or sixth-round area.


Tight ends

Weslye Saunders, South Carolina (65)
There are a lot of off-field issues Saunders must address during the predraft interview process. He missed the entire 2010 season after being dismissed from the program and questions abound regarding his work ethic, leadership and qualities as a teammate. However, after breaking down his 2009 film it's clear Saunders has second-round talent.

He has a prototypical blend of size (6-5, 268), athleticism and ball skills, the ability to get down the seams and can flex out wide at times. Saunders also has the size and strength to become a decent run blocker. The Arizona Cardinals have free agents at the top of their tight end depth chart and if they are comfortable with Saunders' character he could add youth and talent in the middle rounds.


Lee Smith, Marshall (53)
Smith is another big-bodied tight end (6-5, 269) but does not have the same athleticism or receiving skills as Saunders. However, Smith is a savvy underneath route runner and has very solid hands, giving him the potential to become a good safety valve and red zone target.

He's also a solid run blocker with a good inline power base and enough strength to create movement at the point of attack. That could make him a mid-round steal for a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, who will almost certainly re-sign Marcedes Lewis but could use Smith's versatility.


Jordan Cameron, USC (50)
Cameron began his college career as a basketball player at BYU before transferring and playing both hoops and football at the juco level, and he even had a short stint with the USC basketball team. He's a smooth athlete who does a good job avoiding contact and getting a clean release at the line of scrimmage, tracks the ball well downfield and has soft hands. Cameron doesn't offer much as a run blocker, though, and toughness is a question.

Still, teams looking to add a pass-catching tight end who can stretch the field could get that in Cameron. The Carolina Panthers are an intriguing option given their potential free-agent losses and need to provide QB Jimmy Clausen with weapons, and the Falcons could also look to bolster their depth behind an aging Tony Gonzalez.
 
Top Bottom