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Big Board: Free agency reflecting available drafts talent
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Not surprisingly, Peyton Manning's search for a new team has driven the media coverage of this year's NFL free agency. And while Manning's hour-to-hour travel plans make for entertaining speculation, the focus on free agency by team has shed some light on what scouts believe are the strengths and weaknesses of the incoming draft class. As the ultimate copy-cat league, perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that teams in the NFL are whipping out their checkbooks in an attempt to duplicate the Giants' strategy of building through stellar play at quarterback and on the defensive line.
Free agent Matt Flynn hasn't generated the big money deal that some thought he would (yet), but that might only be a reflection of teams realizing there are younger, cheaper options at quarterback in the draft. A talented draft crop at defensive tackle may also be the reason why free agents at that position haven't generated the dollars they normally do.
However, teams are shelling out millions to defensive ends -- Mario Williams, Frostee Rucker and Jeremy Mincey for example. The same appears to be happening at tight end and safety, two more relatively weak positions in the 2012 draft.
Put simply, only one player, North Carolina's Quinton Coples, has value among my top 20 rated prospects at these three positions. Teams picking early in the first round with needs at these spots have little choice but to spend extravagantly in free agency, trade down, or make a reach on draft day.
* signifies underclassman
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford*: Luck's intelligence and poise are extraordinary but lost in the shuffle of his intangibles is the fact that he's a terrific athlete, as well. Folks keep looking for reasons to call Luck overrated and he keeps proving them wrong. He'll do the same when he throws for scouts at his March 22 Pro Day.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor*: By proving his size, speed and magnetic personality are every bit as unique as we'd all seen on his run to the Heisman Trophy, RG3 leapt into the top two on virtually every draft board in the league. And why not? Griffin's combination of straight-line speed and touch on the deep ball may make him the prototypical quarterback for today's NFL.
3. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal*: Any doubts as to which of the top three junior offensive tackles would rise above the rest ended with an impressive all-around combine effort from Kalil. He isn't an elite OT prospect in the mold of Joe Thomas or Jake Long but isn't far off.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*: Considering how the running back position has been de-valued in today's NFL it would be easy to rank Richardson lower. The reality is, however, Richardson's elite talent transcends trends. He is an elite talent blessed with size, burst and incredible power who will make an immediate impact.
5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU*: The 2011 Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top cornerback, Claiborne was more impressive in position drills than he was running the 40-yard dash (4.50) but don't think scouts are worried about his athleticism or speed. A silky-smooth cover corner with extraordinary ball skills, Claiborne is more technically refined than former teammate Patrick Peterson, who was selected fifth overall last year by the Cardinals and was voted to the Pro Bowl as a punt returner.
6. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford*: In terms of consistent dominance, there hasn't been an offensive or defensive lineman I've graded higher thus far this season than DeCastro. Only the fact that he plays guard may keep him out of the top half of the first round.
7. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College*: Like Luck, it is easy to get caught up in the intangibles that Kuechly brings to the position but at the Combine he proved much faster and more explosive than most scouts had given him credit for. He may have locked up a spot in the top 20 in doing so.
8. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina*: Let's be clear. Coples is not only the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the 2012 draft he's also the most talented senior prospect, regardless of position. At a shade under 6-6 and 281 pounds physically-speaking, he'll earn first round grades from scouts working for 3-4 and 4-3 clubs, alike. Coples has developed a me-first reputation, however, and doesn't play with enough snap to snap consistency to earn the top five grade from me that his talent obviously warrants despite the fact that he enjoyed a dominating week in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl.
9. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State*: Blackmon answered questions about his straight-line speed by running in the low 4.4s as part of an impressive showing at his March 9 Pro Day. Scouts had some reservations about his speed but certainly can't knock the two-time defending Biletnikof Award winner's production with the Cowboys.
10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford*: Martin's size (6-6, 305) and athleticism is very intriguing -- especially in a zone-blocking offense. Scouts wonder, however, if he has the physicality to be successful in every scheme. What they don't have to wonder about is Martin's light feet and balance in pass protection.
11. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State*: Cox didn't earn nearly the media attention for his spectacular combine workout as Memphis' Dontari Poe but unlike the Tigers' star, the strength (30 repetitions of 225 pounds) and athleticism (4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash) Cox showed in Indianapolis consistently shows up on tape. Cox isn't viewed by all scouts as a top 15 prospect but considering his scheme versatility, it may only be a matter of time before he is so ...
12. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU*: After creating a buzz with his size (6-5, 322) and imposing wingspan (83"), Brockers actually turned in a less than impressive Combine workout and as such slipped out of the top spot on the defensive tackle rankings of some teams. The redshirt sophomore's upside is undeniable but he scared some teams off at the combine with his immaturity and lack of preparation. Most Pro Day workouts aren't very important for top 15 caliber prospects but in Brocker's case, March 22 will be.
13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: In registering a 4.47 second 40-yard dash at 6-3, 220 pounds Floyd provided an emphatic answer to concerns about his size/speed combination. Floyd wasn't the consistent big play threat that Blackmon or Wright were in college but his game may project best to the NFL.
14. Dontari Poe, DT/NG, Memphis*: Producing a workout that has earned comparisons to that of Baltimore Ravens' star Haloti Ngata's when he left the University of Oregon, Poe's scheme-versatility and unbelievable upside have scouts excited. Poe isn't as explosive on tape as his eye-popping athleticism might lead you to believe, however, as he too often raises his pads on contact, negating his own strength. This may have been measureable at the combine, too, where Poe's marks were better than Ngata's in everything except two that measure explosion -- the vertical jump, where Ngata bested Poe, 31.5 to 29.5 (inches), and the broad jump, where Ngata was better, 9' 02" to 8' 09". Someone will gamble on him early based on his upside, but Poe remains precisely that -- a gamble.
15. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: Other than linebacker drills, Upshaw only participated in one athletic event at the combine and posted a solid 22 reps on the bench press. He looked stiff and slow dropping back during pass coverage drills at the combine but that isn't what the team that drafts Upshaw will ask him to do. He's arguably the most physically aggressive prospect in the draft and made himself into an All-American at Alabama by beating SEC talent as a power rusher. Whether at defensive end or outside linebacker, I believe he's actually the safest of this year's pass rushers.
16. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: Measuring in at 6-5 and 346 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Glenn nonetheless demonstrated surprising agility in Mobile, boosting his chances at remaining at left tackle. While good outside, he was even better at left guard as a junior and may be best served moving back inside in the NFL. If he played with greater intensity Glenn could rank among the elite offensive line prospects in the 2012 draft.
17. Melvin Ingram, DE/LB, South Carolina: Blessed with extraordinarily light feet for a 6-2, 276 pound man, Ingram's impressive agility made him a star at defensive tackle for the Gamecocks in 2011. As he proved at the combine, his athleticism may be good enough, in fact, to make the transition to defensive end or even outside linebacker in the 3-4 at the next level. That said, his short arms (31") will make him much easier to block in the NFL level and Ingram has struggled a bit with durability. Also, scouts would be wise to remember that Ingram started only 13 of the 51 games he played with the Gamecocks.
18. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Scouts had compared Wright to Pro Bowlers DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith but the Baylor playmaker's stock is slipping after he looked sluggish in drills and was clocked at a pedestrian 4.61 second 40-yard dash. Scouts say they aren't worried about Wright's poor workout due to his impressive tape but unless Wright proves much faster at his March 21 Pro Day, they may be forced to alter that thinking ...
19. 'Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama*: Kirkpatrick answered concerns about his speed at the combine (4.51) but the greater test came in the interview rooms with scouts. Some NFL decision-makers were less than impressed with Kirkpatrick's answers, which could cause the lanky cornerback to slip a bit on draft day.
20. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State*: Worthy measured in a bit smaller (6-2, 308) than expected at the combine and wasn't particularly impressive there in drills. He was much better at his Pro Day, however, and was the primary reason why the Spartans led the Big Ten in both run and total defense. I have some reservations about his snap to snap consistency but Worthy is a tough run-stuffing presence on the inside with uncommon burst to penetrate gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
21. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: Instinctive, physical and a significantly more reliable open field tackler than he was earlier in his career, Barron has established himself as the unquestioned top safety of the 2012 draft.
22. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa*: Reiff was a standout left tackle for Iowa but after appearing at the combine to be a bit less athletic (5.23 seconds in the 40) and weaker (22 reps at 225 pounds) with relatively short arms (33 1/4") some believe his NFL future lies inside at guard.
23. Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Still's talent has been obvious throughout his career but until a breakout senior season in which he earned recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year it simmered below the surface. Still's inability to play in the Senior Bowl (sprained toe) was disappointing and for some will re-energize concerns about his consistency and intrinsic motivation.
24. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M: In terms of physical talent, there is denying that Tannehill has the tools to warrant a first round pick. The 6-4, 225 pound quarterback has a strong arm, good touch and obviously rare athleticism for the position considering that he earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors as a receiver in 2009. With just 19 career starts at quarterback, however, Tannehill is understandably lacking in the finer techniques of the position and, as such, may struggle if thrown into the fire as a rookie.
25. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford: The $25 million dollar contract given to former Seahawk John Carlson by the Minnesota Vikings only reinforces how much teams will overspend to jump on the mismatch tight end bandwagon. Fleener, who led Stanford with 11 touchdown receptions this season, will see his stock skyrocket if he proves as athletic during his March 22 Pro Day as sources suggest he's looked in preparing for the workout.
26. Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal*: As had been anticipated, Perry enjoyed one of the combine's most impressive all-around performances showing speed (4.64), strength (35 reps) and explosiveness (38.5"). He led the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks in 2011 and may just be scratching the surface of his potential.
27. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU: Despite earning All-SEC accolades in 2011, Randle didn't post eye-popping numbers as a junior (53 catches for 973 yards and eight touchdowns). He's been a standout in the conference since signing as an extremely highly touted prep prospect and has made significant gains each year.
28. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut: I thought Kendall Reyes was the most impressive defensive tackle at the Senior Bowl and after going back and reviewing his tape since returning from Mobile I believe the Reyes is arguably the draft's most underrated defensive lineman. His power, burst and size (6-4, 300) makes him a candidate for 4-3 and 3-4 teams, alike, and as such a legitimate first round candidate.
29. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: At 6-2, 314 pounds, Thompson lacks the length and versatility of some of the other top-rated defensive linemen, but his squatty build and excellent power (35 reps) make him a quality run defender.
30. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: Crick missed the final eight games of the Huskers' season and the Capitol One Bowl and Senior Bowl with a torn pectoral muscle, but that won't keep scouts from grading the 2010 All-American as a possible first round prospect, especially after the 2010 All-American proved his strength has returned by posting 26 reps at his Pro Day. Big and physical, Crick can play inside in the 4-3 but I like him best as a 3-4 defensive end.
31. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State: Due to their greater straight-line speed, some will point to Miami's Lamar Miller or Virginia Tech's David Wilson as the back likely to follow Richardson. Martin, however, is a more natural runner, demonstrating the vision, lateral agility, balance and burst to be a feature back in the NFL.
32. Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois: Mercilus' staggering production (16 sacks, nine forced fumbles) at Illinois in 2011 was a function not only of his own talents but also an aggressive scheme that often gave him favorable matchups. While his statistics were inflated, the athleticism Mercilus demonstrated in workouts indicate he has more upside than I previously thought. As one of several pass rushers capable of lining up at defensive end in the 4-3 or outside linebacker in the 3-4, I fully expect him to be drafted higher than my ranking indicates.
Just missed the cut:
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Not surprisingly, Peyton Manning's search for a new team has driven the media coverage of this year's NFL free agency. And while Manning's hour-to-hour travel plans make for entertaining speculation, the focus on free agency by team has shed some light on what scouts believe are the strengths and weaknesses of the incoming draft class. As the ultimate copy-cat league, perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that teams in the NFL are whipping out their checkbooks in an attempt to duplicate the Giants' strategy of building through stellar play at quarterback and on the defensive line.
Free agent Matt Flynn hasn't generated the big money deal that some thought he would (yet), but that might only be a reflection of teams realizing there are younger, cheaper options at quarterback in the draft. A talented draft crop at defensive tackle may also be the reason why free agents at that position haven't generated the dollars they normally do.
However, teams are shelling out millions to defensive ends -- Mario Williams, Frostee Rucker and Jeremy Mincey for example. The same appears to be happening at tight end and safety, two more relatively weak positions in the 2012 draft.
Put simply, only one player, North Carolina's Quinton Coples, has value among my top 20 rated prospects at these three positions. Teams picking early in the first round with needs at these spots have little choice but to spend extravagantly in free agency, trade down, or make a reach on draft day.
* signifies underclassman
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford*: Luck's intelligence and poise are extraordinary but lost in the shuffle of his intangibles is the fact that he's a terrific athlete, as well. Folks keep looking for reasons to call Luck overrated and he keeps proving them wrong. He'll do the same when he throws for scouts at his March 22 Pro Day.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor*: By proving his size, speed and magnetic personality are every bit as unique as we'd all seen on his run to the Heisman Trophy, RG3 leapt into the top two on virtually every draft board in the league. And why not? Griffin's combination of straight-line speed and touch on the deep ball may make him the prototypical quarterback for today's NFL.
3. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal*: Any doubts as to which of the top three junior offensive tackles would rise above the rest ended with an impressive all-around combine effort from Kalil. He isn't an elite OT prospect in the mold of Joe Thomas or Jake Long but isn't far off.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*: Considering how the running back position has been de-valued in today's NFL it would be easy to rank Richardson lower. The reality is, however, Richardson's elite talent transcends trends. He is an elite talent blessed with size, burst and incredible power who will make an immediate impact.
5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU*: The 2011 Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top cornerback, Claiborne was more impressive in position drills than he was running the 40-yard dash (4.50) but don't think scouts are worried about his athleticism or speed. A silky-smooth cover corner with extraordinary ball skills, Claiborne is more technically refined than former teammate Patrick Peterson, who was selected fifth overall last year by the Cardinals and was voted to the Pro Bowl as a punt returner.
6. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford*: In terms of consistent dominance, there hasn't been an offensive or defensive lineman I've graded higher thus far this season than DeCastro. Only the fact that he plays guard may keep him out of the top half of the first round.
7. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College*: Like Luck, it is easy to get caught up in the intangibles that Kuechly brings to the position but at the Combine he proved much faster and more explosive than most scouts had given him credit for. He may have locked up a spot in the top 20 in doing so.
8. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina*: Let's be clear. Coples is not only the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the 2012 draft he's also the most talented senior prospect, regardless of position. At a shade under 6-6 and 281 pounds physically-speaking, he'll earn first round grades from scouts working for 3-4 and 4-3 clubs, alike. Coples has developed a me-first reputation, however, and doesn't play with enough snap to snap consistency to earn the top five grade from me that his talent obviously warrants despite the fact that he enjoyed a dominating week in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl.
9. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State*: Blackmon answered questions about his straight-line speed by running in the low 4.4s as part of an impressive showing at his March 9 Pro Day. Scouts had some reservations about his speed but certainly can't knock the two-time defending Biletnikof Award winner's production with the Cowboys.
10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford*: Martin's size (6-6, 305) and athleticism is very intriguing -- especially in a zone-blocking offense. Scouts wonder, however, if he has the physicality to be successful in every scheme. What they don't have to wonder about is Martin's light feet and balance in pass protection.
11. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State*: Cox didn't earn nearly the media attention for his spectacular combine workout as Memphis' Dontari Poe but unlike the Tigers' star, the strength (30 repetitions of 225 pounds) and athleticism (4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash) Cox showed in Indianapolis consistently shows up on tape. Cox isn't viewed by all scouts as a top 15 prospect but considering his scheme versatility, it may only be a matter of time before he is so ...
12. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU*: After creating a buzz with his size (6-5, 322) and imposing wingspan (83"), Brockers actually turned in a less than impressive Combine workout and as such slipped out of the top spot on the defensive tackle rankings of some teams. The redshirt sophomore's upside is undeniable but he scared some teams off at the combine with his immaturity and lack of preparation. Most Pro Day workouts aren't very important for top 15 caliber prospects but in Brocker's case, March 22 will be.
13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: In registering a 4.47 second 40-yard dash at 6-3, 220 pounds Floyd provided an emphatic answer to concerns about his size/speed combination. Floyd wasn't the consistent big play threat that Blackmon or Wright were in college but his game may project best to the NFL.
14. Dontari Poe, DT/NG, Memphis*: Producing a workout that has earned comparisons to that of Baltimore Ravens' star Haloti Ngata's when he left the University of Oregon, Poe's scheme-versatility and unbelievable upside have scouts excited. Poe isn't as explosive on tape as his eye-popping athleticism might lead you to believe, however, as he too often raises his pads on contact, negating his own strength. This may have been measureable at the combine, too, where Poe's marks were better than Ngata's in everything except two that measure explosion -- the vertical jump, where Ngata bested Poe, 31.5 to 29.5 (inches), and the broad jump, where Ngata was better, 9' 02" to 8' 09". Someone will gamble on him early based on his upside, but Poe remains precisely that -- a gamble.
15. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: Other than linebacker drills, Upshaw only participated in one athletic event at the combine and posted a solid 22 reps on the bench press. He looked stiff and slow dropping back during pass coverage drills at the combine but that isn't what the team that drafts Upshaw will ask him to do. He's arguably the most physically aggressive prospect in the draft and made himself into an All-American at Alabama by beating SEC talent as a power rusher. Whether at defensive end or outside linebacker, I believe he's actually the safest of this year's pass rushers.
16. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: Measuring in at 6-5 and 346 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Glenn nonetheless demonstrated surprising agility in Mobile, boosting his chances at remaining at left tackle. While good outside, he was even better at left guard as a junior and may be best served moving back inside in the NFL. If he played with greater intensity Glenn could rank among the elite offensive line prospects in the 2012 draft.
17. Melvin Ingram, DE/LB, South Carolina: Blessed with extraordinarily light feet for a 6-2, 276 pound man, Ingram's impressive agility made him a star at defensive tackle for the Gamecocks in 2011. As he proved at the combine, his athleticism may be good enough, in fact, to make the transition to defensive end or even outside linebacker in the 3-4 at the next level. That said, his short arms (31") will make him much easier to block in the NFL level and Ingram has struggled a bit with durability. Also, scouts would be wise to remember that Ingram started only 13 of the 51 games he played with the Gamecocks.
18. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Scouts had compared Wright to Pro Bowlers DeSean Jackson and Steve Smith but the Baylor playmaker's stock is slipping after he looked sluggish in drills and was clocked at a pedestrian 4.61 second 40-yard dash. Scouts say they aren't worried about Wright's poor workout due to his impressive tape but unless Wright proves much faster at his March 21 Pro Day, they may be forced to alter that thinking ...
19. 'Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama*: Kirkpatrick answered concerns about his speed at the combine (4.51) but the greater test came in the interview rooms with scouts. Some NFL decision-makers were less than impressed with Kirkpatrick's answers, which could cause the lanky cornerback to slip a bit on draft day.
20. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State*: Worthy measured in a bit smaller (6-2, 308) than expected at the combine and wasn't particularly impressive there in drills. He was much better at his Pro Day, however, and was the primary reason why the Spartans led the Big Ten in both run and total defense. I have some reservations about his snap to snap consistency but Worthy is a tough run-stuffing presence on the inside with uncommon burst to penetrate gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
21. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: Instinctive, physical and a significantly more reliable open field tackler than he was earlier in his career, Barron has established himself as the unquestioned top safety of the 2012 draft.
22. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa*: Reiff was a standout left tackle for Iowa but after appearing at the combine to be a bit less athletic (5.23 seconds in the 40) and weaker (22 reps at 225 pounds) with relatively short arms (33 1/4") some believe his NFL future lies inside at guard.
23. Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Still's talent has been obvious throughout his career but until a breakout senior season in which he earned recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year it simmered below the surface. Still's inability to play in the Senior Bowl (sprained toe) was disappointing and for some will re-energize concerns about his consistency and intrinsic motivation.
24. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M: In terms of physical talent, there is denying that Tannehill has the tools to warrant a first round pick. The 6-4, 225 pound quarterback has a strong arm, good touch and obviously rare athleticism for the position considering that he earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors as a receiver in 2009. With just 19 career starts at quarterback, however, Tannehill is understandably lacking in the finer techniques of the position and, as such, may struggle if thrown into the fire as a rookie.
25. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford: The $25 million dollar contract given to former Seahawk John Carlson by the Minnesota Vikings only reinforces how much teams will overspend to jump on the mismatch tight end bandwagon. Fleener, who led Stanford with 11 touchdown receptions this season, will see his stock skyrocket if he proves as athletic during his March 22 Pro Day as sources suggest he's looked in preparing for the workout.
26. Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal*: As had been anticipated, Perry enjoyed one of the combine's most impressive all-around performances showing speed (4.64), strength (35 reps) and explosiveness (38.5"). He led the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks in 2011 and may just be scratching the surface of his potential.
27. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU: Despite earning All-SEC accolades in 2011, Randle didn't post eye-popping numbers as a junior (53 catches for 973 yards and eight touchdowns). He's been a standout in the conference since signing as an extremely highly touted prep prospect and has made significant gains each year.
28. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut: I thought Kendall Reyes was the most impressive defensive tackle at the Senior Bowl and after going back and reviewing his tape since returning from Mobile I believe the Reyes is arguably the draft's most underrated defensive lineman. His power, burst and size (6-4, 300) makes him a candidate for 4-3 and 3-4 teams, alike, and as such a legitimate first round candidate.
29. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: At 6-2, 314 pounds, Thompson lacks the length and versatility of some of the other top-rated defensive linemen, but his squatty build and excellent power (35 reps) make him a quality run defender.
30. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: Crick missed the final eight games of the Huskers' season and the Capitol One Bowl and Senior Bowl with a torn pectoral muscle, but that won't keep scouts from grading the 2010 All-American as a possible first round prospect, especially after the 2010 All-American proved his strength has returned by posting 26 reps at his Pro Day. Big and physical, Crick can play inside in the 4-3 but I like him best as a 3-4 defensive end.
31. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State: Due to their greater straight-line speed, some will point to Miami's Lamar Miller or Virginia Tech's David Wilson as the back likely to follow Richardson. Martin, however, is a more natural runner, demonstrating the vision, lateral agility, balance and burst to be a feature back in the NFL.
32. Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois: Mercilus' staggering production (16 sacks, nine forced fumbles) at Illinois in 2011 was a function not only of his own talents but also an aggressive scheme that often gave him favorable matchups. While his statistics were inflated, the athleticism Mercilus demonstrated in workouts indicate he has more upside than I previously thought. As one of several pass rushers capable of lining up at defensive end in the 4-3 or outside linebacker in the 3-4, I fully expect him to be drafted higher than my ranking indicates.
Just missed the cut:
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin
