Maximum Draft

Undrafted Free Agent Notes

2009-05-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some guys we could hear from soon, this year's undrafted class was very deep compared to recent years.

Top 10

1. Gerald Cadogan, OT/Penn St/Carolina

I had him rated as a 3rd-4th rounder, very smart and talented guy that had questions about his commitment to football and mean streak. Long arms, great feet, has the frame and intelligence to potentially start at LT someday.

2. Quan Cosby, WR/Texas/Cincinnati

He likely didn't get drafted because of his height and age, but there is no shortage of ability. Cincy could use a playmaking punt returner like Cosby, he's a great guy off the field and is very mature. Quick guy who could contribute in the slot.

3. Phillip Hunt, OLB/Houston/Cleveland

College DE with a ton of natural pass rushing ability, very long arms for his height, and has excellent athleticism. If he doesn't make it in Cleveland he could still be in the league for a while, not too many weaknesses in his game.

4. Rulon Davis, DE/California/Denver

Davis ran the 3-4 in college at Cal, and the Broncos are running it as their base D for the first time this year. That will give the former marine an opportunity to show a knowledge and familiarity with the system that few players on the roster will. He's at his best against the run and can bull rush, but likely didn't get drafted because of his age and lack of explosiveness.

5. Augustus Parrish, OT/Kent St/New Orleans

Athletic swing tackle with a good punch, sometimes his technique got sloppy in college but he showed a ton of potential in the postseason. Reminds me a lot of Oniel Cousins, a guy that will need some time but has the tools to work with.

6. Roger Allen, OG/St. Louis

He's a big, strong guard from a small school. Surprisingly nimble for such a big guy, I was extremely surprised he didn't get picked up on day 2.

7. Jamarko Simmons, WR/Green Bay

Not many receivers are Simmons' size, and he has enough speed to stretch the field. His routes need some work, but he's just a natural athlete.

8. Mitch King, DT/Tennessee

Extremely productive, not a textbook DT at all but collapses the pocket with great intensity on every play.

9. Brannan Southerland, FB/NY Jets

A traditional lead blocking FB that showcased surprising athleticism at the combine.

10. Graham Gano, K/P/Baltimore

His versatility might warrant a roster spot over incumbent Steve Hauschka.

Honorable Mention

Keith Fitzhugh, SS/NY Jets: Active special teamer, great in run support.

Zach Potter, DE/NY Jets: Prototypical 3-4 DE, great size.

Kory Sperry, TE/San Diego: Smooth receiving TE, needs to work on blocking.

Devin Moore, RB/Seattle: Extremely quick and productive scatback; a little small.

Cecil Newton, C/Jacksonville: Athletic center from the small school level.

Louis Ellis, NT/Miami: Miami doesn't have too many solid NT's, he has the size and skill to compete.

Darry Beckwith, ILB/San Diego: Productive and instinctive ILB.

Antonio Appleby, ILB/New England: Experienced in the 3-4, great against the run.

Jamar Love, CB/New England: Could contribute immediately as a gunner; blazing speed.

Dudley Guice, WR/Tennessee: Big, fast, impressed in the postseason; has potential.

Chris Baker, DT/Denver: He might be a DE in the 3-4, quick, natural pass rusher from the inside.

Frantz Joseph, MLB/Oakland: Excellent against the run, very powerful MLB.

Tyrell Sutton, RB/Green Bay: Pass catching and blocking skills might get him a shot as a 3rd down back.

Colt Anderson, SS/Minnesota: Smallish safety with great instincts, hustle player could make his mark on special teams.

Jason Chery, WR/KR/Carolina: Carolina's need of a return man will very likely be filled by him or his fellow UDFA Larry Beavers.

Jonathan Casillas, OLB/New Orleans: Has had a major problem with injuries, but is an extremely athletic guy and productive when healthy.

Michael Ray Garvin, KR/CB/Arizona: Amazing speed and instincts running with the ball, won't be counted on as a CB.

Kory Sheets, RB/San Francisco: Very quick, has a solid chance of sticking with the team as a special teamer/developmental type player.

Darius Hill, TE/Cincinnati: He was signed after a tryout, great potential in the passing game with his length and fluidity.

Will Johnson, DT/Baltimore: Extremely strong guy, great against the run.

Jason Watkins, OT/Houston: Long and athletic, might need some time but could develop as a LT.

Bill Rentmeester, FB/San Diego: Prolific special teamer at Wisconsin, but will it be enough to earn a roster spot in the NFL?

Dallas Cowboys Draft Report

2009-05-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

3 (69) Jason Williams, ILB/Western Illinois

-Athletic player they see as a potential starter down the road at ILB. Doesn’t possess ideal instincts and is several years away from contributing on anything other than special teams.

3 (75) Robert Brewster, OT/Ball State

-He doesn’t have great potential but was solid in college, probably just a backup swing OG/OT down the road.

4 (101) Stephen McGee, QB/Texas A&M

-I really think they should’ve gone in a different direction here. Had some solid pre-draft workouts but lost his job to Jerrod Johnson last season. Rhett Bomar was still on the board here and is much more talented in my opinion.

4 (110) Victor Butler, OLB/Oregon St

-A defensive end in college, Butler is a naturally talented pass rusher and could contribute on special teams right away.

4 (120) Brandon Williams*, DE/Texas Tech

-He lacks the athleticism to be an every down OLB, even in a 3-4, but is a skilled pass rusher and playmaker in the backfield. Has the frame to bulk up and may be asked to put on 20-30 lbs and play end.

5 (143) DeAngelo Smith, CB/Cincinnati

-A CB/S ‘tweener with ball skills; has some talent but lacks the speed to keep up with most receivers.

5 (166) Michael Hamlin, S/Clemson

-This is an excellent value pick. Hamlin has the size, instincts, and playmaking ability to compete for a starting job sooner than most 5^th round picks would. Lacks elite speed but not many safeties have that anyways.

5 (172) David Buehler, K/USC

-The only reasoning I can see for this would be if the Cowboys believe a kickoff specialist is worth a 5^th rounder, because that’s all he could do with Nick Folk already on the roster.

6 (197) Stephen Hodge, SS/TCU

-A guy with his size, speed, and aggressiveness should be able to make plays on special teams right away. Lacks the cover skills to ever start at safety and doesn’t have the frame to be a 3-4 OLB but could be a solid backup at both positions.

6 (208) Brad Phillips, TE/Virginia

-Solid blocking TE but will never be a threat in the passing game. Might have trouble making the team and seeing the field would be an even greater challenge with Bennett & Witten ahead of him.

7 (227) Mike Mickens, CB/Cincinnati

-Has a ton of talent but has trouble staying on the field. If he can overcome his injuries he could be a solid nickel CB down the road, similar to Aaron Glenn.

7 (229) Manuel Johnson, WR/Oklahoma

-Quick receiver with soft hands; has potential in the slot but guys like him are not hard to come by. Chances of making the active roster are slim.

The Good: Butler and Hamlin were probably their best picks; Hodge adds great value in the 6^th as a special teamer and versatile backup.

The Bad: Both of the 3^rd rounders were reaches that probably could’ve been available later. A kicker in the 5^th doesn’t make any sense to me.

Grade: 3/10 (D)

Top 256 Prospects

2009-04-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

There are 256 picks in this year's draft; here are the players I think will be taken with those selections today and tomorrow:

Quarterback

1. Mark Sanchez*, USC (1)

2. Matthew Stafford*, Georgia (1)

3. Rhett Bomar, Oklahoma (2)

4. Josh Freeman*, Kansas St (1)

5. Pat White (WR), West Virginia (2)

6. Nate Davis*, Ball St (4)

7. Hunter Cantwell, Louisville (5)

8. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M (5)

9. Mike Reilly, Central Washington (6)

10. Tom Brandstater, Fresno St (6)

11. Willie Tuitama, Arizona (7)

12. Jason Boltus, Hartwick (7)

13. Curtis Painter, Purdue (5)

Running Back

1. Knowshon Moreno*, Georgia (1)

2. Chris Wells*, Ohio St (1)

3. Shonn Greene*, Iowa (2)

4. LeSean McCoy*, Pittsburgh (2)

5. Donald Brown*, Connecticut (1)

6. Andre Brown, N.C. St (3)

7. Rashad Jennings, Liberty (3)

8. Javon Ringer, Michigan St (4)

9. Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian (5)

10. James Davis, Clemson (4)

11. Cedric Peerman, Virginia (4)

12. Kory Sheets, Purdue (5)

13. Ian Johnson, Boise St (5)

14. Glen Coffee*, Alabama (6)

15. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (6)

16. Gartrell Johnson, Colorado St (5)

17. Javarris Williams, Tennessee St (7)

18. Mike Goodson*, Texas A&M (4)

19. P.J. Hill*, Wisconsin (5)

20. Devin Moore, Wyoming (6)

21. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska (7)

Fullbacks

1. Tony Fiammetta, Syracuse (4)

2. Quinn Johnson, LSU (4)

3. Brannan Southerland, Georgia (6)

4. David Johnson, Arkansas St (7)

5. Jason Cook, Ole Miss (6)

6. Frank Summers, UNLV (7)

Tight Ends

1. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St (1)

2. James Casey*, Rice (2)

3. Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss (2)

4. Jared Cook*, South Carolina (2)

5. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (4)

6. Cornelius Ingram, Florida (4)

7. Kory Sperry, Colorado St (5)

8. Chase Coffman, Missouri (3)

9. Cameron Morrah*, California (4)

10. Dan Gronkowski, Maryland (5)

11. Davon Drew, ECU (6)

12. Zach Miller, UN-Omaha (7)

13. Carson Butler*, Michigan (7)

Wide Receivers

1. Michael Crabtree*, Texas Tech (1)

2. Darrius Heyward-Bey*, Maryland (1)

3. Jeremy Maclin*, Missouri (1)

4. Hakeem Nicks*, North Carolina (1)

5. Percy Harvin*, Florida (1)

6. Kenny Britt*, Rutgers (2)

7. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma (2)

8. Brian Robiskie, Ohio St (2)

9. Jarrett Dillard, Rice (4)

10. Ramses Barden, Cal-Poly (3)

11. Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian (4)

12. Patrick Turner, USC (4)

13. Brandon Gibson, Washington St (5)

14. Deon Butler, Penn St (4)

15. Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia (3)

16. Louis Murphy, Florida (3)

17. Austin Collie*, BYU (4)

18. Derrick Williams, Penn St (3)

19. Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan (6)

20. Brandon Tate, North Carolina (4)

21. Mike Thomas, Arizona (6)
22. Quan Cosby, Texas (7)

23. Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin (7)

24. Brooks Foster, North Carolina (6)

25. Andrew Means*, Indiana (7)

26. Quinten Lawrence, McNeese St (7)

27. Dudley Guice, Northwestern St (7)

28. Mike Wallace, Ole Miss (6)

29. Marko Mitchell, Nevada (5)

30. Brian Hartline*, Ohio St (5)

Offensive Tackles

1. Michael Oher, Ole Miss (1)

2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia (1)

3. Jason Smith, Baylor (1)

4. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina (2)

5. Andre Smith*, Alabama (1)

6. Eben Britton*, Arizona (2)

7. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma (3)

8. William Beatty, Connecticut (1)

9. Sebastian Vollmer, Houston (4)

10. Lydon Murtha, Nebraska (5)

11. Augustus Parrish, Kent St (4)

12. Gerald Cadogan, Penn St (3)

13. Troy Kropog, Tulane (6)

14. Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee St (6)

15. Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech (4)

16. T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan (4)

17. Xavier Fulton, Illinois (5)

18. Joel Bell, Furman (7)

19. Robert Brewster, Ball St (6)

Offensive Guards

1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma (2)

2. Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech (3)

3. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin (3)

4. Herman Johnson, LSU (4)

5. Tyronne Greene, Auburn (5)

6. Roger Allen III,Missouri Western (4)

7. Jaimie Thomas, Maryland (5)

8. Greg Isdaner*, West Virginia (4)

9. Andy Levitre, Oregon St (3)

10. Ray Feinga, BYU (6)

11. Seth Olsen, Iowa (6)

12. Lance Louis, San Diego St (7)

13. Travis Bright, BYU (6)

14. Ryan Durand, Syracuse (7)

Centers

1. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama (2)

2. Alex Mack, California (2)

3. Eric Wood, Louisville (3)

4. Max Unger, Oregon (2)

5. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas (5)

6. Blake Schlueter, TCU (6)

7. Cecil Newton, Tennessee St (7)

Defensive Ends

1. Everette Brown*, Florida St (1)

2. Brian Orakpo, Texas (1)

3. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (2)

4. Tyson Jackson, LSU (1)

5. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati (1)

6. Aaron Maybin*, Penn St (1)

7. Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond (3)

8. Robert Ayers, Tennessee (1)

9. Larry English, Northern Illinois (2)

10. Kyle Moore, USC (4)

11. Henry Melton, Texas (4)

12. David Veikune, Hawaii (5)

13. Phillip Hunt, Houston (5)

14. Zach Potter, Nebraska (4)

15. Cody Brown, Connecticut (5)

16. Brandon Long, Michigan St (6)

17. Brandon Williams*, Texas Tech (6)

18. Julius Williams, Connecticut (6)

19. Michael Bennett, Texas A&M (7)

20. Derek Walker, Illinois (7)

21. Daniel Skuta, Grand Valley St (7)

22. Rulon Davis, California (6)

23. Will Davis, Illinois (7)

Defensive Tackles

1. B.J. Raji, Boston College (1)

2. Peria Jerry, Ole Miss (1)

3. Jarron Gilbert (DE), San Jose St (2)

4. Ziggy Hood, Missouri (2)

5. Fili Moala, USC (2)

6. Ron Brace, Boston College (2)

7. Alex Magee, Purdue (3)

8. Corvey Irvin, Georgia (4)

9. Terrance Knighton, Temple (6)

10. Clinton McDonald, Memphis (5)

11. Mitch King, Iowa (6)

12. Chris Baker*, Hampton (5)

13. Terrance Taylor, Michigan (7)

14. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman (7)

15. Vance Walker, Georgia Tech (5)

16. Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa (7)

17. Ra'Shon Harris, Oregon (4)

18. Ricky Jean-Francois*, LSU (4)

19. Khalif Mitchell, ECU (5)

20. Sen'Derrick Marks*, Auburn (6)

21. Roy Miller, Texas (6)

22. Dorell Scott, Clemson (6)

23. John Gill, Northwestern (5)

24. Louis Ellis, Shaw (7)

25. Will Johnson, Michigan (7)

Inside Linebackers

1. Rey Maualuga, USC (1)

2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio St (2)

3. Gerald McRath*, Southern Miss (3)

4. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina (3)

5. Darry Beckwith, LSU (4)

6. Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh (6)

7. Jason Phillips, TCU (5)

8. Stanley Arnoux, Wake Forest (5)

9. Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia (5)

10. Antonio Appleby, Virginia (6)

11. Frantz Joseph, FAU (7)

12. Spencer Adkins, Miami (7)

Outside Linebackers

1. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (1)

2. Brian Cushing, USC (1)

3. Clay Matthews, USC (1)

4. Tyrone McKenzie, USF (3)

5. Clint Sintim, Virginia (2)

6. Marcus Freeman, Ohio St (2)

7. Jason Williams, Western Illinois (4)

8. Kaluka Maiava, USC (5)

9. Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin (4)

10. Nic Harris, Oklahoma (4)

11. Moise Fokou, Maryland (6)

12. DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin (5)

13. Lee Robinson, Alcorn St (7)

14. Anthony Felder, California (6)

15. Robert Francois, Boston College (7)

16. Russell Allen, San Diego St (7)

17. Mike Rivera, Kansas (7)
18. Zack Follett, California (5)

Cornerbacks

1. Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St (1)

2. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest (1)

3. D.J. Moore*, Vanderbilt (3)

4. Vontae Davis*, Illinois (1)

5. Macho Harris, Virginia Tech (4)

6. Sean Smith*, Utah (2)

7. Darius Butler, Connecticut (2)

8. Sherrod Martin, Troy (3)

9. Joe Burnett, UCF (4)

10. Mike Mickens, Cincinnati (5)

11. Lardarius Webb, Nicholls St (3)

12. Bradley Fletcher, Iowa (3)

13. Coye Francies, San Jose St (4)

13. Asher Allen*, Georgia (4)

14. Domonique Johnson, Jackson St (3)

15. Kevin Barnes, Maryland (5)

16. Don Carey, Norfolk St (6)

17. Ryan Mouton, Hawaii (5)

18. Donald Washington*, Ohio St (4)

19. Chris Owens, San Jose St (5)

20. Captain Munnerlyn*, South Carolina (6)

21. Keenan Lewis, Oregon St (6)

22. Jerraud Powers*, Auburn (6)

23. Jamar Love, Arkansas (7)

24. William Middleton, Furman (6)

25. Michael Ray Garvin, Florida St (7)

26. D.J. Clark, Idaho St (7)

27. Morgan Trent, Michigan (6)

28. Gregory Toler, St. Paul's (7)

Safeties

1. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan (2)

2. Patrick Chung, Oregon (2)

3. William Moore, Missouri (3)

4. Rashad Johnson, Alabama (3)

5. Darcel McBath, Texas Tech (3)

6. Michael Hamlin, Clemson (4)

7. Chip Vaughn Wake Forest (3)

8. Derek Pegues, Mississippi St (5)

9. David Bruton, Notre Dame (4)

10. Curtis Taylor, LSU (5)

11. Chris Clemons, Clemson (4)

12. Jamarca Sanford, Ole Miss (5)

13. Emanuel Cook*, South Carolina (5)

14. Michael Mitchell, Ohio (7)

15. Courtney Greene, Rutgers (5)

16. Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati (6)

17. Stephen Hodge, TCU (6)

18. Colt Anderson, Montana (7)

19. Al Afalava, Oregon St (7)

20. C.J. Spillman, Marshall (6)

Kickers/Punters

1. David Buehler, USC (K)

2. Kevin Huber, Cincinnati (P)

3. Graham Gano, Florida St (P)

4. Ryan Succop, South Carolina (K)

5. Jake Richardson, Miami (OH) (P)

6. Jake Ingram, Hawaii (LS)
7. Thomas Morstead, SMU (P)

projected round is in parentheses
*=underclassman

Players in red did not get drafted. There are 60 on my list that went undrafted, that means I got 76.6% of the players drafted right. My personal best since '02 is 79.5% and my average is right around 75.

Final Rankings: Skill Offense

2009-04-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Quarterback

1. Mark Sanchez*, USC

2. Matthew Stafford*, Georgia

3. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St

4. Josh Freeman*, Kansas St

5. Pat White (WR), West Virginia

6. Nate Davis*, Ball St

7. Todd Boeckman, Ohio St

8. Hunter Cantwell, Louisville

9. Mike Reilly, Central Washington (DII)

10. Willie Tuitama, Arizona

11. Tom Brandstater, Fresno St

12. Bobby Reid, Texas Southern (FCS)

13. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M

14. Jason Boltus, Hartwick (DIII)

15. Chris Pizzotti, Harvard (FCS)

16. John Parker Wilson, Alabama

17. David Johnson, Tulsa

18. Brian Hoyer, Michigan St

19. Chase Daniel, Missouri

20. Cullen Harper, Clemson

21. Mike Teel, Rutgers

22. Brian Johnson, Utah

23. Curtis Painter, Purdue

24. Drew Willy, Buffalo

25. Brock Smith, Liberty (FCS)

26. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona St

27. Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech

28. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech

29. Keith Null, West Texas A&M (DII)

30. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas (FCS)

31. Chase Holbrook, New Mexico St

32. Chase Patton, Missouri

33. Billy Farris, Colorado St

34. Nate Longshore, California

35. Chase Clement (ath), Rice

36. Joey Halzle, Oklahoma

37. Joe Ganz, Nebraska

38. Billy Malone, Abilene Christian (DII)

39. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern

40. Drew Weatherford, Florida St

41. Rodney Landers (ath), James Madison (FCS)

42. Cole Bergquist, Montana (FCS)

43. Chris Crane, Boston College

44. Chris Nickson (ath), Vanderbilt

45. Randall Hippeard, Virginia-Wise (NAIA)

46. Jacary Atkinson (ath), Tuskegee (DII)

47. Casey Dick, Arkansas

48. Tyler Lorenzen (ath), Connecticut

49. Michael Desormeaux (ath), La-Lafayette

50. Dustin Grutza, Cincinnati

Running Back

1. Knowshon Moreno*, Georgia

2. Chris "Beanie" Wells*, Ohio St

3. Shonn Greene*, Iowa

4. Donald Brown*, Connecticut

5. LeSean McCoy*, Pittsburgh

6. Andre Brown, N.C. St

7. Rashad Jennings, Liberty (FCS)

8. James Davis, Clemson

9. Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian (DII)

10. Javon Ringer, Michigan St

11. Cedric Peerman, Virginia

12. Jamall Lee, Bishop's (Canada)

13. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern

14. Gartrell Johnson (FB), Colorado St

15. Kory Sheets, Purdue

16. Josh Vaughan, Richmond

17. Glen Coffee*, Alabama

18. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon

19. Ian Johnson, Boise St

20. Javarris Williams, Tennessee St (FCS)

21. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska

22. Mike Goodson*, Texas A&M

23. P.J. Hill*, Wisconsin

24. Devin Moore, Wyoming

25. Branden Ore, West Liberty St (DII)

26. Antone Smith, Florida St

27. Aaron Brown, TCU

28. Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas

29. Marcus Thigpen, Indiana

30. LaRod Stephens-Howling, Pittsburgh

31. Julian Edelman (QB), Kent St

32. Curtis Brinkley, Syracuse

33. Rodney Ferguson, New Mexico

34. Arian Foster, Tennessee

35. Yonus Davis, San Jose St

36. Tarrion Adams, Tulsa

37. Brad Lester, Auburn

38. Anthony Kimble, Stanford

39. Tyrell Fenroy, La-Lafayette

40. Walter Mendenhall, Illinois St (FCS)

41. Markus Manson, Valdosta St (DII)

42. Shannon Woods, Texas Tech

43. Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois (FCS)

44. Wynel Seldon, Wyoming

45. Keegan Herring, Arizona St

46. Kyle Bell (FB), Colorado St

47. Jerry Seymour, Glenville St (DII)

48. Darrell Mack, Utah

49. Dennis Kennedy, Akron

50. Stanley Zwinggi, Texas St (FCS)

51. Kahlil Bell, UCLA

52. DiIvory Edgecomb, Florida Atlantic

Fullbacks

1. Tony Fiammetta, Syracuse

2. Quinn Johnson, LSU

3. Brannan Southerland, Georgia

4. Frank Summers (RB), UNLV

5. Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh

6. David Johnson (TE), Arkansas St

7. Jason Cook, Ole Miss

8. Cedric Hill (TE), USF

9. Bill Rentmeester, Wisconsin

10. Fui Vakapuna, BYU

11. Asaph Schwapp*, Notre Dame

12. Brock Bolen, Louisville

13. Travis McCall (TE), Alabama

14. Tyler Roehl (RB), North Dakota St (FCS)

15. Chris Pressley, Wisconsin

16. Mark Hafner (TE), Houston

17. Will Ta'ufo'ou, California

18. Rich Belton, Wake Forest

19. Marcus Mailei, Weber St (FCS)

20. Courtney Tennial, Tulsa

21. Eddie Williams (TE), Idaho

22. Jorvorskie Lane (RB), Texas A&M

23. Zeek Zacharie (TE), La-Monroe

24. Brandon Simmons, ECU

25. Dane Romero (RB), Wofford (FCS)

Top 50: Post-Combine

2009-03-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

LAST UPDATED: 4/20 @ 9:15 AM
-Scouting Reports added for:
#13 Hakeem Nicks
#14 Brian Cushing
#15 Knowshon Moreno

I'm in the process of putting together write-ups on each of these players, and will be done with as many as I can by April 25 (Draft Day). For the NFL Comparisons I'm putting 2 players that they're similar to, or a "cross" between because you can't really compare 1 player to 1 other player very accurately. Please remember these rankings are not where I project these players will be picked, but it is according to how good I think they should be in the NFL.

1. Aaron Curry, LB/Wake Forest
Measurables: 6'2" 254; 4.56; 25 reps
2008 Stats: 105 tackles; 16 TFL; 3 FR

Pros: He's a great all-around linebacker, could fit any number of schemes (best as a 4-3 OLB but could also be 4-3 MLB, 3-4 OLB or 3-4 ILB) and is the safest pick in the draft in my opinion. Excellent size, speed, and strength, and it shows up on the field. Solid in coverage and very good vs. the run, would improve a defense greatly from Day 1. I've been a fan of his since his unheralded sophomore year (go to archives and look at 2007-08 players to watch) and he has proved me right consistently.

Cons: He could probably improve his quickness and might not be able to stay with some shiftier RB's in coverage, but he doesn't show a whole lot of weaknesses.

Outlook: He could go anywhere from #1 to the Lions (although this isn't very likely w/the Julian Peterson trade) to #5 to the Browns, it appears unlikely to me that he'll fall out of the top 5, and is a virtual lock to stay in the top 10.

NFL Comparison: Patrick Willis/Marcus Washington

Current Grade: 9.78

2. Michael Crabtree*, WR/ Texas Tech

Measurables: 6'1" 215
2008 Stats: 93 rec; 1,135 yards; 18 TD

Pros: He's a tremendous natural hands catcher with great body control and instincts when the ball is in the air. He gains yards after contact and can go over the middle with the best of 'em. A playmaking wideout that can get open and make plays on the ball. Possesses good natural strength and can physically overpower most DB's.

Cons: His top-end speed is questionable, and he won't be a big time deep threat at the next level. The foot injury that prevented him from running a 40 isn't doing him any favors. Will he struggle to get open in an NFL offense against quicker CB's?

Outlook: There is no way I'd pass on him if I were the Rams at #2 or the Seahawks at #4, but if he for some reason falls it shouldn't be too far as the Bengals (#6), Raiders (#7), and Jaguars (#8) all appear to be in the market for a WR.

NFL Comparison: Larry Fitzgerald/Roy E. Williams

Current Grade: 9.55

3. Everette Brown*, LB/DE/Florida St
Measurables: 6'2" 256; 4.73; 26 reps
2008 Stats: 36 tackles; 21.5 TFL; 13.5 sacks; 4 FF

Pros: He's one of the most naturally gifted and instinctive pass rushers coming out of college that I've seen in a long time. Shows great potential as a possible 3-4 OLB and has the athleticism in space that could help him dropping into coverage. He also has the frame to put on more weight if a 4-3 team would like him to stay at end. Explosive off the edge with very good technique and leverage.

Cons: He might take a little time to develop at either position, and isn't quite the physical freak that DeMarcus Ware or Shawne Merriman are. Not great vs. the run as a DE but can hold his own. If it didn't work out at LB he might be relegated to situational pass rusher duty, but that seems unlikely to me.

Outlook: He'll probably be off the board toward the end of the top 10, but most people don't have him ranked near as high as I do and he could go to a mid-to-late 1st team that runs a 3-4 (Pats @ 23?). Right now Green Bay @ #9 or San Francisco @ #10 seem like the most logical destinations.

NFL Comparison: LaMarr Woodley/Derrick Burgess

Current Grade: 9.49

4. Brian Orakpo, LB/DE/Texas

Measurables: 6'3" 263; 4.70; 31 reps
2008 Stats: 42 tackles; 19 TFL; 11.5 sacks; 4 FF

Pros: He's a physical freak of nature, and a productive pass rusher. He has Merriman-like potential as a 3-4 LB but could also be kept at DE with his strength and frame. He can dominate the point of attack and has a very powerful upper body, good closing and straight line speed. Turned heads at the combine and improved his stock greatly.

Cons: He isn't especially quick or fluid in open space, and a transition to LB could take some time that many aren't willing to give to top 10 picks. A little inconsistent over his career and can disappear at times. He reminds me of Vernon Gholston, the Jets #6 pick last year that had a very disappointing rookie season.

Outlook: He's likely to go #5 to Cleveland, but if he slips by them he shouldn't get past Green Bay @ #9. Most have him ranked higher than Everette Brown, he will probably be the 2nd defensive player off the board after an extremely strong showing at the combine.

NFL Comparison: Shawne Merriman/Vernon Gholston

Current Grade: 9.39

5. Jason Smith, OT/Baylor
Measurables: 6'5" 309; 5.22; 33 reps; 33.6" arms

Pros: Most agree he has the most potential of all the OT's in this draft, highly athletic guy with excellent feet and solid strength. Has all the tools to be a franchise LT, possesses a mean streak and finishes plays. He really passed up the other prospects at the combine.

Cons: He's not a physically dominating guy in the run game, and needs to work on using proper technique and leverage. He probably isn't the most NFL ready of the top 4 OT's and may need to sit a year or spend one at RT.

Outlook: He has a real shot of going #1 to the Lions if they pass on Stafford, if not the Rams @#2 look to be interested in an OT, as do the the Seahawks @#4, Bengals @#6, Raiders @#7, and Jaguars @#8. It is between Smith and Eugene Monroe to be the top OT taken, and both are all but locks in the Top 10.

NFL Comparison: Chris Samuels/Marvel Smith

Current Grade: 9.32

6. B.J. Raji, DT/Boston College
Measurables: 6'2" 337; 5.12; 33 reps
2008 Stats: 42 tackles; 14 TFL; 7.5 sacks

Pros: He's versatile, has the size/strength to clog up running lanes as a NT and the quickness to penetrate the backfield as a 4-3 DT. Probably helped himself more than anyone at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with a strong combine performance.

Cons: He might have to watch his weight once he's in the league, and he lacks the prototypical height and length of a DT. Won't really bat down many passes and may struggle against bigger linemen with longer arms. I'm not concerned about the rumor of the failed drug test for marijuana, even if it was true.

Outlook: The highest he'll go would probably be to the Browns @ #5 or Bengals @#6, the Jaguars may be interested @#8 and I doubt he would make it past the Broncos @#12.

NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers/Ryan Pickett

Current Grade: 9.25

7. Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR/Maryland
Measurables: 6'2" 210; 4.30; 16 reps
2008 Stats: 42 rec; 609 yards; 5 TD

Pros: He has prototypical size, unbelievable straight line & deep speed, long arms and soft hands. His potential is undeniable, and he has a good chance of becoming a top flight, Pro Bowl deep threat.

Cons: He wasn't as productive as his talent would suggest, but that has more to do with the Terps QB's than it does with him. Not real physical over the middle or blocking and needs to sharpen his routes.

Outlook: He helped himself with an amazing combine and could go as high as #8 to the Jaguars, the Jets may be interested @#17 and he shouldn't make it past the Ravens @#26. He may take a couple years of refinement but his potential is through the roof.

NFL Comparison: Andre Johnson/Troy Williamson

Current Grade: 9.19

8. Rey Maualuga, ILB/USC
Measurables: 6'2" 249; 4.81; 23 reps
2008 Stats: 79 tackles; 2.5 TFL; 2 INT

Pros: He is a devastating hitter and violently explodes through the ballcarrier. Would come in and help a team's run defense significantly on day 1. Great size and overall strength, plays with amazing intensity on every down.

Cons: He will never be a great guy in coverage, and may just be a 2-down MLB because he cannot stay with fast running backs. Lacks speed and isn't a great overall athlete.

Outlook: He should go to a team looking to boost their run D immediately. Cincinnati and Oakland at #6 and #7 would probably be a stretch but he would fill a need in either town, right now Denver @#12 looks like the best fit but he could slip after struggling at the combine.

NFL Comparison: E.J. Henderson/Earl Holmes

Current Grade: 9.11

9. Michael Oher, OT/Ole Miss
Measurables: 6'5" 309; 5.34; 21 reps; 33.4" arms

Pros: He's a big guy that bends well and can absolutely dominate at times. Although you may hear differently, I believe he had a very impressive Senior Bowl week and played with aggressiveness. Solid athlete on the field, can slide well and moves with fluidity at the second level.

Cons: I think the combine really hurt him, as his bench was average at best, 40 was below average, and his arms measured shorter than the other top tackles. Some have questioned his intelligence and learning curve, and he can be a little inconsistent during games. He did not play up to his talent consistently during his senior season.

Outlook: In my eyes he was a lock for the top 10 before the combine, but now it's not so certain. One thing going for him is the amount of teams in the top half of the 1st looking for a quality young LT. He might need to take some time at OG (he played there his freshman year) and develop into a starter at Left Tackle someday. As far as teams go, the Bengals and Raiders might be too high but I don't think he'll get past the Eagles @#21.

NFL Comparison: Vernon Carey/Levi Brown

Current Grade: 9.09

10. Eugene Monroe, OT/Virginia
Measurables: 6'5" 309; 5.18; 23 reps; 33.7" arms

Pros: He's a big, long LT prospect with the frame to add more weight. He's a good athlete and can block at the second level easily. One of the most NFL ready tackles in the draft, specializes in pass protection and slides very well.

Cons: He can be inconsistent at times, doesn't always show great aggressiveness and won't finish every play. His combine workout wasn't what some expected, he could improve his overall strength & run blocking.

Outlook: There is still a chance he could go to the Lions at #1, the Rams and Seahawks might be interested as well. I doubt he gets past the Jaguars @#8, most have him ranked as the 2nd best OT prospect behind Baylor's Jason Smith. Depending on which team he goes to, he could be a day 1 starter at LT.

NFL Comparison: Ryan Harris/Jammal Brown

Current Grade: 9.05

11. Jeremy Maclin*, WR/Missouri
Measurables: 6'0" 198; 4.46
2008 Stats: 102 rec; 1,260 yards; 13 TD

Pros: He's a playmaker and his acceleration is second to none. Very productive in college, both as a returner and #1 receiver. Runs with excellent vision in the open field and makes efficient cuts, has game-changing potential.

Cons: He played in a spread offense, so it will be interesting to see how his routes translate to the NFL. Not a real big guy, didn't run as well as many thought he would at the combine. Will probably have trouble going over the middle at the next level.
Outlook: The Jaguars should take a look at him @#8, he could go to the Jets @#17 and may even slip to the Ravens @#26 but a guy with his talent shouldn't slip out of the first round. I think he could contribute right away on special teams but may take a year or two before he becomes a player in the passing game.

NFL Comparison: Roddy White/Ted Ginn Jr

Current Grade: 9.03

12. Mark Sanchez*, QB/USC
Measurables: 6'3" 227; 4.92
2008 Stats: 3,207 yards; 65.8%; 34 TD 10 INT

Pros: He's a solid athlete and can throw very well on the run. His performance in the Rose Bowl against Penn State was unbelievable, really showed he has the arm to make every throw. He definitely has the potential to develop into a good starter if he's developed properly.

Cons: Inexperience is the biggest knock against him, and he doesn't have the same rocket arm that Stafford does. Isn't really a prototype pocket passer in terms of size and he may need to take some time on the bench before he's ready to start.

Outlook: The highest he could go would probably be to the Seahawks at #4, but that appears unlikely. The best fit right now looks like the 49ers @#10, and if he doesn't go there he could slip to the Jets @#17. He will probably need some time to develop and would fit best in a West-Coast scheme but has all the tools to be a productive QB somewhere down the road.

NFL Comparison: Tony Romo/Trent Edwards

Current Grade: 8.92

13. Hakeem Nicks*, WR/North Carolina
Measurables: 6'1" 212; 4.51
2008 Stats: 68 rec; 1,222 yards; 12 TD

Pros: He's a big, strong possession receiver with great hands, overall athleticism and body control. Reminds me a lot of Anquan Boldin, who has been doing very good for himself. Nicks is a playmaker that had an excellent postseason. Has the strength to physically dominate most DB's. Excellent run after the catch, very hard to bring down.

Cons: His separation speed will be tested at the next level, he didn't always appear to be running routes 100% at UNC and took a few plays off per game. Not the quickest guy around, might have some weight fluctuations.

Outlook: He could go to the Vikings, Ravens, or Titans near the end of the 1st, and wherever he goes he has the playmaking ability at WR to make an impact soon.

NFL Comparison: Chris Chambers/Anquan Boldin

Current Rating: 8.90

14. Brian Cushing, OLB/USC

Measurables: 6'3" 243; 4.74; 30 reps
2008 Stats: 73 tackles; 10.5 TFL; 3 sacks

Pros: He's a big, strong, athletic guy that plays with tenacity and toughness. A versatile player that could contribute at multiple positions in different defensive schemes, a reliable tackler and is solid in coverage.

Cons: He's had some injury problems in college and durability would be a concern. Sometimes he takes very aggressive angles to the ballcarrier and ends up missing out on the play altogether.

Outlook: He should definitely be a first round pick, and could improve a defense right away as either a 3-4 ILB or 4-3 OLB. Some teams that might be interested are the Saints @#14, Texans @#15, and I doubt he'll make it past the Falcons @#24.

NFL Comparison: Nick Barnett/Ben Leber

Current Grade: 8.83

15. Knowshon Moreno*, RB/Georgia
Measurables: 5'11" 217; 4.63; 25 reps
2008 Stats: 1,400 yards; 5.6 average; 16 TD

Pros: He's a strong back, and runs with good pad level but his biggest strengths would have to be his lateral mobility and vision. He rarely gets stopped for losses and can find holes in the defense before they're even open. Solid all around player and a hard worker, excellent overall athlete.

Cons: He ran a below average 40 time, but straight line speed was never considered a strength of his. Might not ever be a star and his breakaway speed isn't amazing but he makes plays and should be a good starter in the league.

Outlook: There are rumors about the Bengals falling in love with him but a more realistic scenario would be to the Texans, Chargers, or even Broncos. He might start out on the bench but has the talent to be a playmaker in the league.

NFL Comparison: LaDainian Tomlinson/Marshawn Lynch

Current Rating: 8.81

16. Matthew Stafford*, QB/Georgia

Measurables: 6'2" 225; 4.81
2008 Stats: 3,459 yards; 61.0%; 25 TD 10 INT
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

17. Michael Johnson, DE/Georgia Tech

Measurables: 6'7" 266; 4.75; 28 reps
2008 Stats: 43 tackles; 15 TFL; 7 sacks; 2 FF
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

18. Percy Harvin*, WR/Florida

Measurables: 5'11" 192; 4.41; 19 reps
2008 Stats: 40 rec; 644 yards; 7 TD; 660 rushing yards; 10 TD
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

19. Connor Barwin, DE/LB/Cincinnati

Measurables: 6'4" 256; 4.66; 21 reps
2008 Stats: 53 tackles; 16 TFL; 11 sacks
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

20. Malcolm Jenkins, DB/Ohio St

Measurables: 6'0" 204; 4.51; 15 reps
2008 Stats: 57 tackles; 9 PD; 3 INT; 3FF
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

21. Jamon Meredith, OL/South Carolina

Measurables: 6'5" 304; 5.03; 31 reps; 34.4" arms
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

21. Knowshon Moreno*, RB/Georgia
Measurables: 5'11" 217; 4.63; 25 reps
2008 Stats: 1,400 yards; 5.6 average; 16 TD
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

22. Beanie Wells*, RB/Ohio St
Measurables: 6'1" 235; 4.59; 25 reps
2008 Stats: 1,197 yards; 5.8 average; 8 TD
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

23. Peria Jerry, DT/Ole Miss

Measurables: 6'2" 299; 4.98; 28 reps
2008 Stats: 49 tackles; 18 TFL; 7 sacks; 2 FF
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

24. Aaron Maybin*, LB/DE/Penn St

Measurables: 6'4" 249; 4.78; 22 reps
2008 Stats: 49 tackles; 20 TFL; 12 sacks; 3 FF
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

25. Andre Smith*, OT/Alabama

Measurables: 6'4" 332; 5.28; 19 reps; 35.3" arms
Pros:
Cons:
Outlook:

26. Brandon Pettigrew, TE/Oklahoma St

27. Ron Brace, NT/Boston College

28. Lawrence Sidbury, DE/LB/Richmond

29. Eben Britton*, OT/Arizona

30. Alphonso Smith, CB/Wake Forest

31. Vontae Davis*, CB/Illinois

32. Fili Moala, DT/USC

33. Josh Freeman*, QB/Kansas St

34. Shonn Greene*, RB/Iowa

35. Antoine Caldwell, C/Alabama

36. Louis Delmas, S/Western Michigan

37. D.J. Moore*, CB/Vanderbilt

38. James Casey*, TE/Rice

39. Jarron Gilbert, DE/DT/San Jose St

40. Kenny Britt*, WR/Rutgers

41. Sean Smith*, DB/Utah

42. LeSean McCoy*, RB/Pittsburgh

43. Clay Matthews, OLB/USC

44. Ziggy Hood, DT/Missouri

45. Jared Cook*, TE/South Carolina

46. Shawn Nelson, TE/Southern Miss

47. Patrick Chung, S/Oregon

48. Robert Ayers, DE/Tennessee

49. Rhett Bomar, QB/Oklahoma

50. Brian Robiskie, WR/Ohio St

Player Interview: Josh Vaughan

2009-03-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

Josh Vaughan is a very productive and versatile RB from last year's FCS champions Richmond Spiders. He patiently waited behind current Arizona Cardinal Tim Hightower for 3 years and it paid off in the end. He's a similar type of player, being around the same size and running with the same hard nosed style. He has a very good chance to get picked up on day 2 of the draft.

Career Highlights:

79-yd TD reception vs. Maine (2005)

91 carries; 569 yds; 5 TD (2006)

109 carries; 723 yds; 9 TD (2007)

132 yds and 2 TD vs. William & Mary (2007)

Game-Winning TD in 5-OT game @ Delaware (2007)

354 carries; 1,884 yds; 20 TD (2008)

240 yards; 2 TD @ Hofstra (2008)

133 yards; 3 TD vs. Appalachian St in FCS Quarterfinals (2008)

162 yards; TD vs. Montana in FCS Championship (2008)

1st team All-CAA (2008)

"I’m a big back who has good speed, agility, and versatility"

-Josh Vaughan

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time and 225 bench reps?

JV: 6 feet, 230 and 40 probably 4.6ish range right now. I can get 25 reps.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

JV: Right now I’m just training down in Florida, just getting away from all the distractions back home so I can just be focused on bettering myself for my Pro Day.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to, or model your game after?

JV: Not off the top of my head, I liked how Fred Taylor runs, and Frank Gore. They’re pretty versatile and I like their running style.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

JV: My ability to break tackles, I’m smart, like I know what’s going on on the field, and versatility I believe, being able to run and catch and block.

JP: What area of your game do you think could use the most improvement?

JV: Pass Pro.

JP: Are you happy you waited it out at Richmond behind Tim Hightower?

JV: I believe so, everything happens for a reason. Tim helped pave the way for a guy like me, the 1-AA guys.

JP: Who is the best defensive player you’ve ever faced?

JV: Clint Sintim, he’s a first or second round pick this year in the draft.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot of playing at the next level?

JV: Lawrence Sidbury, Sherman Logan, hopefully all the guys that graduate this year have a shot. All of us started and contributed to our team’s success a lot, so any of us that left school this year should get a chance.

JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

JV: Probably us winning the national championship this year.

JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

JV: The Redskins.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

JV: Just basically relax, I’m kind of a video game guy, so you know, play video games, and just sleep really.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

JV: Because I’m a big back who has good speed, agility, and versatility. You have a person who’s going to work hard and do anything to get on the field and contribute.

Combine Review

2009-02-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

Winners

Possible 3-4 OLB's: Brian Orakpo and Everette Brown cemented themselves in the top half of the first round, Connor Barwin may have pushed himself into the first, Clay Matthews ran very well, and although Aaron Maybin ran an average 40 time, he put up some solid numbers in other drills.

Lydon Murtha, OT/Nebraska: He was on top of the Offensive Linemen group in virtually every category in Indy, running the best official 40 time by .14 seconds and moving like a TE in drills. After his performance in the East/West Shrine Game, this could boost his stock into that first 3 round conversation.

Sherrod Martin, CB/Troy: In a very disappointing day for CB's overall, Sherrod Martin definitely impressed me the most in ball drills, was very fluid flipping his hips and ran some of the best times in quickness drills. If he checked out physically (he's had a ton of injury problems), he could be a steal for someone.

Jared Cook, TE/South Carolina: He had freakish numbers, from his 40 time (4.5) to his vertical (41") and arm length (35 3/4"). Cook could be the 2nd tight end taken after his performance here.

Non-FBS Prospects: D-III Jason Boltus set a QB record with 26 reps of 225 lbs, Lardarius Webb and Johnny Knox ran some great 40 times, and Javarris Williams showed up in great shape and posted some of the best RB numbers across the board. Some other small school guys that boosted their stock were OT Joel Bell, DT Chris Baker, and DE/LB Lawrence Sidbury.

Losers

I don't like to focus on the negatives, so I'll just name two groups of players that disappointed overall:

Linebacker/Safety "tweeners": Kevin Ellison, Kevin Akins, and Nic Harris all ran around 4.8. I do believe Harris will be a solid LB in the NFL and Ellison could maybe make it on special teams, but they didn't do anything to help themselves this week.

Cornerbacks: The 40 times were terrible overall, with only 2 players (Lardarius Webb and Vontae Davis) breaking 4.50 and none getting into the 4.3's. The excuse of slow turf won't work either, as safeties ran relatively well and WR's ran excellent times (4 in the 4.3's and many more in the 4.4's). The whole group performed pretty poorly in ball drills and Malcolm Jenkins, thought to be the consensus #1 CB, may have ran himself into being a FS with a time in the mid-4.5's.

Player Interview: Ben Owens

2009-02-23T20:22:00.001-08:00

Ben Owens is a productive, athletic, and versatile linebacker from Arkansas State. He was a highly sought after recruit coming out of high school as a threat on both sides of the ball (he also played RB). He could be a high riser as draft day gets closer, and expects to really impress on his pro day on March 31st.

Ben Owens' Career Highlights:
6th-best recruit in Arkansas by SuperPrep ('05)
Special Teams Standout ('05)
34 tackles; 2 sacks; 1 interception as reserve MLB ('06)
1st Career interception vs. Auburn ('06)
96 tackles; 3 TFL ('07)
Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference ('07)
Named to Nagurski & Butkus Award Watch Lists ('08)
Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week ('08)
-vs. Texas A&M, 7 tackles; 1 sack; 1 int; 1 fr
87 tackles; 5 TFL; 2 sacks; 2 interceptions ('08)
2nd Team All-Sun Belt Conference ('08)

"I have tremendous upside and a great attitude"
-Ben Owens

JP: What is your current height/weight, and 40 time?

Owens: 6'2" 240, 4.5.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

Owens: I'm training at the All Star Sports facility in Deland, Florida. There were many players here from different parts of the south and the east coast. Some of the schools were: Miami, Florida State, Florida, UCF, UAB, Georgia, Colorado, Lehigh, Boston College, UMass, Hampton, LSU, Iowa State, Concordia, Iona, Delaware State. I'm working on my strength, my acceleration and speed, and my hip flexion. Those are some of the areas I have focused on.

JP: Who is the best RB you've ever played against?

Owens: When we played Texas in 2007, Jamaal Charles.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you model your game after, or would compare yourself to?

Owens: Patrick Willis, his game is built around his speed and athleticism. He uses those attributes to get him to the ball quicker.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

Owens: My intelligence, my speed and athletic ability, my versatility, my willingness to learn, and my attitude.

JP: What are some areas you think you could improve in your game?

Owens: Being more physical ALL the time, playing more consistent.

JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and how do you think you could help a team in that role?

Owens: I have 4 years of experience on special teams. I started on them ever since I was a true freshman. The last two seasons I started on Punt and Kickoff. I love to play them.

JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

Owens: Winning the conference title. Coming back in the second half from 22 point deficit to beat Memphis, our rival.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

Owens: Because I'm a hard worker. I take care of my business on and off the field. I feel I have tremendous upside and a great attitude. Also, I learn quickly and I love getting better.

JP: Thanks for your time

Player Interview: Antonio Appleby

2009-02-23T15:18:00.001-08:00

Antonio Appleby is a big inside linebacker that has a nose for the ball. Part of the reason he's so appealing to NFL teams right now is the growing popularity of the 3-4 defense. He was a starting ILB for 3 years at Virginia. With him, you get a big, run stuffing ILB who also has enough speed to possibly play on the outside. I listed him as a 4-star performer in this year's Texas vs. the Nation Game and he had a key fumble recovery playing MLB in a 4-3. I expect him to be taken on the 2nd day of the draft. Talking to him you really get the feeling he's an intelligent guy who will do everything he can to reach his great potential.

"I’m a player but I know I stand for more than that"

-Antonio Appleby

Some of his career highlights:

6th-Best recruit in VA by SuperPrep & Scout ('05)

2 starts, led true freshmen in tackles ('05)

10 tackles in Music City Bowl ('05)

Started all 12 games at ILB ('06)

Second on team with 68 tackles ('06)

Started all 13 games at ILB ('07)

60 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks ('07)

Started 11/12 games at ILB ('08)

Career high 72 tackles, 7.5 TFL ('08)

JP: What is your current height/weight?

AA: I’m 6’3” and 245. I should bench in the 20’s.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

AA: Right now I’m training in Orlando with Tom Shaw at the Wide World of Sports, just doing speed and conditioning drills.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to, or model your game after?

AA: I don’t really model my game after anyone. The person I would relate most to would be James Farrior of the Steelers. We play the same position and in the same defense. I see a lot of my game correlating to how he plays.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

AA: Running the defense, communicating, and getting everybody on the same page. Stopping the run, doing what needs to be done as a Middle Linebacker.

JP: What area of your game do you think could use the most improvement?

AA: I’m working on just making more plays in the passing game, working on my drops, man to man coverage, anything correlating to the passing game.

JP: Would you feel comfortable as an MLB in a 4-3 defense, or would you rather stay as an ILB in a 3-4?

AA: With me I really feel comfortable in either defense. I got a little bit of experience with that at the Texas vs. Nation game in El Paso in January. I’m basically versed in the 3-4 but I feel like I could probably play MLB or WLB in a 4-3, football is football.

JP: Who is the best RB you’ve ever gone against?

AA: I get asked that question a lot, and it’s kind of hard for me to say because I’ve faced so many great running backs. If I had to pick an overall best player I’ve played against it would be Calvin Johnson. He was super gifted, made incredible plays and he was a gamer.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot of playing at the next level?

AA: This year we have a long list of guys. Eugene Monroe, Clint Sintim, Kevin Ogletree, John Phillips, Cedric Peerman. Athletically Chris Cook, hopefully Jameel Sewell will get a chance, Will Barker. There’s a long list and we have a pretty good amount of players.

JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

AA: My freshman year we played Florida St. We beat them and they were ranked 3 or 4 in the nation. It was a great experience I’ll never forget. The power went out for a little while; it was just a freak game.

JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

AA: I don’t really have a favorite NFL team; I just like watching great defenses. The Ravens, the Steelers, Titans, just watching great defenses take over a quarter of a game and just dominate. I’m really more of a fan of great defenses that just dominate.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

AA: We as football players work so hard in my free time, I just kick back and relax, watch TV, do a little reading, video games, anything to get my mind off the grind.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25^th/26^th?

AA: I feel as though I bring a certain level of professionalism to any organization that picks me up. I’m a player but I know I stand for more than that. I represent my family, the organization, the city, and myself. They know they have a man that takes his job seriously, and a person who is not looked upon as just a football player, I’m looked at as a role model and a leader in the community. It’s more than just football.

JP: Thanks for your time.

AA: Thank you

Pre-Combine Rankings: DB's

2009-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

Cornerbacks

1. Malcolm Jenkins (S), Ohio St

2. D.J. Moore*, Vanderbilt

3. Vontae Davis*, Illinois

4. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest

5. Sean Smith* (S), Utah

6. Macho Harris (S), Virginia Tech

7. Jairus Byrd*, Oregon

8. Keenan Lewis, Oregon St

9. Darius Butler, Connecticut

10. Cary Harris, USC

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Mike Mickens, Cincinnati

Asher Allen*, Georgia

Coye Francies, San Jose St

Bradley Fletcher, Iowa

Sherrod Martin (S), Troy

Captain Munnerlyn*, South Carolina

Kevin Barnes, Maryland

Domonique Johnson, Jackson St (FCS)

Ryan Mouton, Hawaii

Jerraud Powers*, Auburn

Chris Owens, San Jose St

Lardarius Webb, Nicholls St (FCS)

Mark Parson, Ohio

Lydell Sargeant, Penn St

Jahi Word-Daniels, Georgia Tech

Morgan Trent, Michigan

D.J. Clark, Idaho St (FCS)

Jamar Love, Arkansas

Joe Burnett, UCF

Ellis Lankster, West Virginia

Don Carey, Norfolk St (FCS)

Londen Fryar, Western Michigan

William Middleton, Furman (FCS)

Donald Washington*, Ohio St

DeAngelo Smith (S), Cincinnati

Wopamo Osaisai, Stanford

DeAngelo Willingham, Tennessee

Tony Carter, Florida St

Brandon Hughes, Oregon St

Jason McCourty, Rutgers

Bruce Johnson, Miami

Gregory Toler, St. Paul's (DII)

Dwain Crawford, Baylor

Jacob Lacey, Oklahoma St

Glover Quin, New Mexico

Armando Murillo, Nebraska

Danny Gorrer, Texas A&M

Jackie Bates, Hampton (FCS)

Allen Langford, Wisconsin

DeAndre Wright, New Mexico

Jeremy Gray, N.C. St

Marquis Hundley, Arizona

Jameel Dowling, Hawaii

K.J. Gerard (S), Northern Arizona

Michael Ray Garvin (RS), Florida St

Strong Safeties

1. Patrick Chung, Oregon

2. Michael Hamlin, Clemson

3. Otis Wiley, Michigan St

4. Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest

5. Keith Fitzhugh, Mississippi St

6. Kevin Ellison (LB), USC

7. Emanuel Cook*, South Carolina

8. Trimane Goddard, North Carolina

9. Dahna Deleston (LB), Connecticut

10. Stephen Hodge (LB), TCU

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Reshard Langford, Vanderbilt

Jamarca Sanford, Ole Miss

Colt Anderson, Montana (FCS)

Al Afalava, Oregon St

Brandon Gathof, Eastern Kentucky (FCS)

Paul Anderson, Boston College

Anthony Reddick, Miami

Michael Mitchell, Ohio

Anthony Scirrotto, Penn St

De'Von Hall (LB), Utah St

Sha'reff Rashad, UCF

C.J. Byrd, Georgia

Free Safeties

1. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan

2. Derek Pegues (CB), Mississippi St

3. William Moore (LB), Missouri

4. Darcel McBath, Texas Tech

5. Lendy Holmes, Oklahoma

6. Curtis Taylor, LSU

7. Rashad Johnson, Alabama

8. Dre'Mail Hardin, Stillman (DII)

9. David Bruton, Notre Dame

10. Courtney Greene, Rutgers

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Brandon Underwood (CB), Cincinnati

Steven Coleman, TCU

C.J. Spillman, Marshall

Kevin Patterson, Wake Forest

Troy Nolan, Arizona St

Marcus Haywood, James Madison (FCS)

Chris Clemons, Clemson

Tyrrell Hebert, Toledo

Marcus McClinton, Kentucky

Devin Gregg, Texas A&M

Adekunle Akingba, Buffalo

Javorris Jackson, Savannah St (DII)

Ryan Walters, Colorado

Daniel Charbonnet, Texas Tech

Tom Nelson, Illinois St (FCS)

Kenneth Fontenette, Houston

Corey Boudreaux (LB), San Diego St

Pre-Combine Rankings: Front 7

2009-02-22T15:53:00.000-08:00

Defensive Ends

1. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech

2. Tyson Jackson (3-4 DE), LSU

3. Paul Kruger*, Utah

4. Robert Ayers, Tennessee

5. Lawrence Sidbury (LB), Richmond (FCS)

6. Tim Jamison, Michigan

7. Kyle Moore, USC

8. Brandon Williams*, Texas Tech

9. Zach Potter (3-4 DE), Nebraska

10. Derek Walker, Illinois

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Rulon Davis (3-4 DE), California

Phillip Hunt (LB), Houston

Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin

David Veikune (LB), Hawaii

Michael Bennett, Texas A&M

Marcus Benard, Jackson St (FCS)

Henry Melton, Texas

Will Davis, Illinois

Pierre Walters, Eastern Illinois (FCS)

Maurice Evans*, Penn St

Ian Campbell, Kansas St

Nick Reed (LB), Oregon

Ronald Talley, Delaware (FCS)

Willie VanDeSteeg, Minnesota

Pannel Egboh (3-4 DE), Stanford

Cyril Obiozor, Texas A&M

Jamaal Westerman, Rutgers

Moton Hopkins, Tulsa

Alex Field (3-4 DE), Virginia

Jarius Winn, Georgia

Defensive Tackles

1. B.J. Raji, Boston College

2. Peria Jerry, Ole Miss

3. Ron Brace (NT), Boston College

4. Fili Moala (3-4 DE), USC

5. Jarron Gilbert (3-4 DE), San Jose St

6. Ziggy Hood, Missouri

7. Sen'Derrick Marks*, Auburn

8. Mitch King (DE), Iowa

9. Alex Magee, Purdue

10. Clinton McDonald (DE), Memphis

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Corvey Irvin, Georgia

Everette Pedescleaux (3-4 DE), Northern Iowa (FCS)

Terrance Knighton (NT), Temple

Ricky Jean-Francois* (3-4 DE), LSU

Chris Baker*, Hampton (FCS)

Adrian Grady, Louisville

Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech

Ra'Shon Harris (NT), Oregon

Sammie Lee Hill (NT), Stillman (DII)

Nader Abdallah, Ohio St

Roy Miller, Texas

Khalif Mitchell, ECU

Vance Walker, Georgia Tech

Louis Ellis, Shaw (DII)

Terrance Taylor (NT), Michigan

Demonte' Bolden (3-4 DE), Tennessee

Myron Pryor, Kentucky

Melvin Matthews, Grambling St (FCS)

Dorell Scott, Clemson

Will Johnson, (3-4 DE), Michigan

Terrill Byrd, Cincinnati

John Faletoese, Cal-Davis (FCS)

Marlon Favorite (NT), LSU

Hybrids (3-4 OLB/4-3 DE)

1. Everette Brown*, Florida St

2. Brian Orakpo, Texas

3. Aaron Maybin*, Penn St

4. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati

5. Larry English, Northern Illinois

6. Clay Matthews, USC

7. Cody Brown, Connecticut

8. Victor Butler, Oregon St

9. Julius Williams, Connecticut

10. Jovan Belcher, Maine (FCS)

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Kenny Mainor, Troy

Stryker Sulak, Missouri

Orion Martin, Virginia Tech

Ataefiok Etukeren, Georgetown (FCS)

Slade Norris, Oregon St

Brandon Swain, West Texas A&M (FCS)

Sherman Logan, Richmond (FCS)

Daniel Skuta, Grand Valley St (DII)

Dakota Walker, Georgia Southern (FCS)

Greg Peach, Eastern Washington (FCS)

Inside Linebackers

1. Rey Maualuga, USC

2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio St

3. Darry Beckwith, LSU

4. Gerald McRath*, Southern Miss

5. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina

6. Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh

7. Frantz Joseph, FAU

8. Antonio Appleby, Virginia

9. Josh Mauga, Nevada

10. Jason Phillips, TCU

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

Michael Tauiliili, Duke

Worrell Williams, California

Stanley Arnoux, Wake Forest

Anthony Felder (OLB), California

Dave Philistin, Maryland

Derek Nicholson, Florida St

Morris Wooten, Arizona St

Maurice Crum, Notre Dame

Brit Miller, Illinois

Rashad Bobino, Texas

Ben Owens, Arkansas St

Robert Henson, TCU

Purnell Sturdivant, Virginia Tech

Kevin Grant, Akron

Joe Mortensen, Kansas

Outside Linebackers

1. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

2. Brian Cushing, USC

3. Tyrone McKenzie, USF

4. Marcus Freeman, Ohio St

5. Nic Harris (SS), Oklahoma

6. Clint Sintim (3-4 OLB), Virginia

7. Lee Robinson, Alcorn St (FCS)

8. Kaluka Maiava, USC

9. Jonathan Casillas (SS), Wisconsin

10. Moise Fokou, Maryland

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin

Jason Williams, Western Illinois (FCS)

Ashlee Palmer, Ole Miss

Mortty Ivy, West Virginia

Johnny Williams, Kentucky

James Holt (SS), Kansas

Zack Follett, California

Anthony Heygood, Purdue

Robert Francois, Boston College

Willie Williams, Union College (NAIA)

Jerome Boyd (SS), Oregon

Solomon Elimimian, Hawaii

Brian Toal, Boston College

Leon Freeman (3-4 OLB), Baylor

Prince Kwateng, Northwestern

K.C. Asiodu (3-4 OLB), Central Oklahoma (DII)

Toddrick Verdell, Florida St

Brad Jones, Colorado

Kevin Malast, Rutgers

Kevin Akins (SS), Boston College

Cody Glenn, Nebraska

Pre-Combine Rankings: OL

2009-02-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

Offensive Tackles

1. Michael Oher, Ole Miss: The most talented of all the tackles, I believe he will be a franchise LT.

2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia: Polished, good frame and athleticism, doesn't always play up to his ability.

3. Jason Smith, Baylor: Great athlete, former TE isn't real big and could improve run blocking.

4. Andre Smith*, Alabama: I really believe he'll shift to OG in the NFL, very talented but just doesn't have the length to play OT.

5. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina: Versatile, extremely athletic with a good frame, I'd say he's closer to the top 4 than he is to the next 3.

6. Eben Britton*, Arizona: Big and athletic, should be a solid starter someday.

7. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma: He could be the next Marcus McNeill, but he could also be a big time bust, huge and strong but plays way too high and struggles with speed rushers.

8. William Beatty, Connecticut: I don't see the first round talent everyone seems to see in him, he holds when he gets beat and doesn't even have great feet for a smaller OT.

9. Sebastian Vollmer, Houston: Sleeper pick, has a ton of potential and is still learning the game. Big with solid strength and athleticism.

10. Augustus Parrish, Kent St: Very good athlete with an explosive punch, relies too much on physical ability than technique and will take some time to develop.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Lydon Murtha, Nebraska

Troy Kropog, Tulane

Jason Watkins, Florida

Xavier Fulton, Illinois

T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan

Gerald Cadogan, Penn St

Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee St

Fenoki Tupou, Oregon

Ramon Foster, Tennessee

Garrett Reynolds, North Carolina

Joel Bell, Furman (FCS)

Raphael Nguti, Albany (FCS)

Dan Gay IV, Baylor

Ryan McKee, Southern Miss

Colin Brown, Missouri

Robert Brewster, Ball St

Rylan Reed, Texas Tech

Reggie Youngblood, Miami

Jose Valdez, Arkansas

Kyle Link, McNeese St (FCS)

Phil Trautwein, Florida

Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech

Andrew Hartline, Central Michigan

Dane Randolph, Maryland

Nick Hennessey, Colgate (FCS)

Stanley Bryant, ECU

Tavita Thompson, Oregon St

Sean Sester, Purdue

Michael Brown, Alabama A&M (FCS)

Jeremy Ashcraft, Arkansas Tech (DII)

Ben Coblyn, Massachusetts (FCS)

Eric Vanden Heuvel, Wisconsin

Alex Boone, Ohio St

Offensive Guards

1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma: All around guard, solid in pass pro and run blocking, should be able to contribute pretty soon.

2. Tyronne Greene, Auburn: Very good Senior Bowl showing, former DT, plays aggressive and has natural strength.

3. Herman Johnson, LSU: Just a huge guy. Boom or bust type pick, needs to lose some weight and isn't quick but will not lose once he locks on.

4. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin

5. Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech: Big, strong, and aggressive, doesn't have great feet but is athletic enough to stay in front of most DT's.

6. Jaimie Thomas, Maryland: Good feet for his size, stout and doesn't get pushed back easily.

7. Andy Levitre, Oregon St: He doesn't really impress me but I have to give him some credit for versatility and he had a good regular season.

8. Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati: Doesn't do anything great but does it all pretty well.

9. Roger Allen III, Missouri Western (DII): Very big, needs to improve on the 2nd level but has the tools to be a starter someday.

10. Ray Feinga, BYU: Big and strong with underrated athleticism, needs to play with better technique and leverage.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

C.J. Davis, Pittsburgh

Greg Isdaner*, West Virginia

Cedric Dockery, Texas

Matt Slauson, Nebraska

Andy Kemp, Wisconsin

Ryan Durand, Syracuse

Rich Ohrnberger, Penn St

Lance Louis, San Diego St

Paul Fanaika, Arizona St

Cliff Ramsey, Boston College

Steve Rehring, Ohio St

Anthony Parker, Tennessee

Noris Malele, California

Curtis Crouch, N.C. St

George Bussey, Louisville

Tim Henderson, Northwestern St (FCS)

Brandon Walker, Oklahoma

Nick Marshman, Virginia Tech

Keegan Kennedy, Northwestern

Mike Butler, Iona (FCS)

Maurice Miller, Ole Miss

Jordan White-Frisbee, Washington

Tom Pestock, NW Missouri St (DII)

Louis West, Henderson St (DII)

Travis Bright, BYU

Centers

1. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama: The best true center in the draft that can play in any scheme. Good in every area, will start someday but doesn't have big time potential.

2. Alex Mack, California: Will be a perfect fit in some schemes, very athletic and smart but also undersized.

3. Max Unger, Oregon: Mr. Versatility, can play all 5 positions on the OL but isn't great at any of them.

4. Eric Wood, Louisville: He isn't real athletic or strong but gets the job done most of the time.

5. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: Very good reaching the 2nd level, gives too much ground at the point of attack.

6. Edwin Williams, Maryland: Not the quickest center around, but is pretty strong and technically sound.

7. Cecil Newton, Tennessee St (FCS): Could be a steal for a ZBS team, smallish but very athletic and hasn't reached his full potential yet.

8. A.Q. Shipley, Penn St: He was a great college player but he might lack the physical tools to be effective in the NFL.

9. Blake Schlueter, TCU: Very athletic and smart, hustle player that is not very strong or big.

10. Robby Felix, UTEP: Good all around center, could fit a number of schemes.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Jon Cooper, Oklahoma

Brett Helms, LSU

Colin Dow, Montana (FCS)

Ryan Shuman, Virginia Tech

Rob Bruggeman, Iowa

Alex Fletcher, Stanford

Dallas Reynolds, BYU

Philip Beliles, Memphis

J.D. Quinn, Montana (FCS)

Juan Garcia, Washington

Pre-Combine Rankings: Skill Positions

2009-02-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

Quarterbacks
1 Mark Sanchez*, USC: Looked like an All-Pro in the Rose Bowl, I think he has the most potential of any QB in this class.

2 Matthew Stafford*, Georgia: I'm not near as big a fan as most of him; great physical tools but makes too many poor decisions.

3 Josh Freeman*, Kansas St: Huge with a great arm, think Daunte Culpepper coming out of UCF.

4 Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St: Athletic, has all the tools to be a starter, needs to put them together consistently.

5 Nate Davis*, Ball St: Very productive against lesser competition, had a rough end to the season.

6 Hunter Cantwell, Louisville: Great size and arm strength; not real mobile or productive.

7 Todd Boeckman, Ohio St: 1st Team All Big Ten as a Junior; got beat out by the #1 recruit in the nation as a senior.

8 Tom Brandstater, Fresno St: Has prototypical size/arm, doesn't always show it.

9 Cullen Harper, Clemson: Played like a 1st rounder as a Junior, like a UFA as a Senior.

10 Willie Tuitama, Arizona: Had a great career at Arizona, pretty big arm but is inconsistent with it.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Chase Daniel, Missouri

Jason Boltus, Hartwick (DIII)

Chris Pizzotti, Harvard (FCS)

Mike Reilly, Central Washington

Stephen McGee, Texas A&M

David Johnson, Tulsa

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech

Brian Hoyer, Michigan St

Mike Teel, Rutgers

John Parker Wilson, Alabama

Rudy Carpenter, Arizona St

Drew Willy, Buffalo

Bobby Reid, Texas Southern (FCS)

Brian Johnson, Utah
Joe Ganz, Nebraska

Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas

Chase Clement, Rice

Chase Holbrook, New Mexico St

Running Backs
1 Knowshon Moreno*, Georgia: Complete back, average size but great vision and quickness.

2 Shonn Greene*, Iowa: Great vision and feet for a big back, very productive. One year wonder?

3 Chris Wells*, Ohio St: Has had injury problems, but when healthy is the most talented back in this class. Does he have the drive to be great?

4 LeSean McCoy*, Pittsburgh: Dynamic playmaker but may not be a full time starter in the NFL.

5 Donald Brown*, Connecticut: Productive, gets the most out of his ability but doesn't have the same kind of potential that others above him do.

6 Andre Brown, N.C. State: Excellent Senior Bowl showing boosted him to the top of a weak senior RB class; good size/athleticism, not real productive in college.

7 Rashad Jennings, Liberty: Big back that runs like a smaller one, good speed and can break some tackles.

8 Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern: Should be an excellent 3rd down RB in the NFL, runs with deceptive power and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield but lacks size.

9 James Davis, Clemson: Shared time with C.J. Spiller his entire career; has talent but hasn't put it all together yet.

10 Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian: Great burst and acceleration in the open field, can run through arm tackles but needs to get stronger and put on some weight.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Javon Ringer, Michigan St

Gartrell Johnson, Colorado St

Glen Coffee*, Alabama

Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon

Marlon Lucky, Nebraska

Cedric Peerman, Virginia

Mike Goodson*, Texas A&M

P.J. Hill*, Wisconsin

Kory Sheets, Purdue

Devin Moore, Wyoming

Branden Ore, West Liberty St (DII)

Antone Smith, Florida St

Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas

Javarris Williams, Tennessee St

Aaron Brown, TCU

Ian Johnson, Boise St

Josh Vaughan, Richmond

Arian Foster, Tennessee

Curtis Brinkley, Syracuse

Tarrion Adams, Tulsa
Anthony Kimble, Stanford

Rodney Ferguson, New Mexico

Yonus Davis, San Jose St

Walter Mendenhall, Illinois St (FCS)

LaRod Stephens-Howling, Pittsburgh

Kahlil Bell, UCLA

Fullbacks
1 Tony Fiammetta, Syracuse: Excellent old school, lead blocking FB.

2 Quinn Johnson, LSU: Huge, punishing runner but isn't very quick.

3 Brannan Southerland, Georgia: Hard nosed traditional FB.

4 Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh: Versatile; excellent receiver out of the back field but lacks size.

5 David Johnson, Arkansas St: Played TE in college; could be a high riser after the combine.

6 Eric Kettani, Navy (Service Commitments): It's a shame he can't attend the combine, is a very good player.

7 Frank Summers, UNLV: Can also play RB, very stout and runs with power.
8 Travis McCall, Alabama: Looks like an H-Back type; good receiver with solid size.
9 Cedric Hill, USF: Played mostly TE at USF, very good athlete.
10 Bill Rentmeester, Wisconsin: Great special teams player, big and tough.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Jason Cook, Ole Miss

Fui Vakapuna, BYU

Asaph Schwapp*, Notre Dame

Brock Bolen, Lousisville

Chris Pressley, Wisconsin

Eddie Williams, Idaho

Will Ta'ufo'ou, California

Mark Hafner, Houston

Zeek Zacharie, Louisiana-Monroe

Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M

Rich Belton, Wake Forest

Marcus Mailei, Weber St (FCS)

Tight Ends
1 Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St: Great blocking TE with good size and athleticism; complete player.

2 James Casey*, Rice: Extremely productive; good athlete, receiver, and runner, should be a very good H-Back.

3 Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss: Had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl, athletic but needs to put on some weight.

4 Jared Cook*, South Carolina: He could jump to #2 after the combine, should run a very good 40. Good receiver but lacks blocking skills.

5 Travis Beckum, Wisconsin: Injured his whole senior season, a playmaker in the passing game when healthy.

6 Cornelius Ingram, Florida: Athletic, good receiver, injured for most of his senior year.

7 Chase Coffman, Missouri: Played in a spread offense, lacks separation speed but is athletic with good hands.
8 Kory Sperry, Colorado St: He looks the part, fluid in the open field and can hold his own as a blocker.
9 Bear Pascoe, Fresno St: Not very athletic but has soft hands and can block well.

10 Cameron Morrah*, California: Good athlete, makes plays in the passing game, should move up as draft day nears.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Davon Drew, ECU

Brian Mandeville, Northeastern (FCS)

Anthony Hill, N.C. State

Ryan Purvis, Boston College
John Phillips, Virginia

Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas (FCS)

Jared Bronson, Central Washington (DII)

Darius Hill, Ball State

Dan Gronkowski, Maryland

Zach Miller, Nebraska-Omaha (DII)

Rob Myers, Utah St

Branden Ledbetter, Western Michigan

Richard Quinn*, North Carolina

Wide Receivers
1 Michael Crabtree*, Texas Tech: He's no Larry Fitzgerald but is pretty similar. Won't run a great 40 but is big, physical and has very strong hands.

2 Jeremy Maclin*, Missouri: Awesome speed, makes plays on offense & special teams.

3 Darrius Heyward-Bey*, Maryland: Track speed and good size, could be a great deep threat.

4 Percy Harvin*, Florida: Playmaker, reminds me of Ted Ginn, not real polished as a WR but could contribute right away in the return game.

5 Hakeem Nicks*, North Carolina: Doesn't have great speed but plays physical and has very good size. Amazing hands, makes some acrobatic catches.

6 Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma: Very productive #1 WR in college, will probably be a solid #2 WR on the next level.

7 Kenny Britt*, Rutgers: Not real quick but is big with solid speed and overall athleticism.
8 Brian Robiskie, Ohio St: He isn't a top athlete but is polished and NFL ready in terms of routes and hands.
9 Patrick Turner, USC: Never lived up to his potential in college; very quick routes for a big guy with soft hands. Top end speed is average at best.
10 Derrick Williams, Penn St: He'll get drafted higher than this but doesn't look like much more than a solid slot WR and kick returner to me.

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)

Brandon Gibson, Washington St

Jarrett Dillard, Rice

Deon Butler, Penn St

Louis Murphy, Florida

Ramses Barden, Cal-Poly (FCS)

Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia

Mike Thomas, Arizona

Austin Collie*, BYU

Brandon Tate, North Carolina

Johnny Knox, Abilene Christian (DII)

Darius Passmore, Marshall

Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan

Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin (FCS)

Mike Wallace, Ole Miss

Quan Cosby, Texas

Brooks Foster, North Carolina

Manuel Johnson, Oklahoma

Sammie Stroughter, Oregon St

Kenny McKinley, South Carolina

Jordan Norwood, Penn St

Brennan Marion, Tulsa

Brian Hartline*, Ohio St

Marko Mitchell, Nevada

Aaron Kelly, Clemson

Greg Orton, Purdue

Dobson Collins, Gardner-Webb (FCS)

Taurus Johnson, USF

Jaison Williams, Oregon

Jason Chery, Louisana-Lafayette

D.J. Boldin, Wake Forest

Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers

Jeremy Childs*, Boise St

Dudley Guice, Northwestern St (FCS)

Demetrius Byrd, LSU

Andy Brodell, Iowa

Greg Carr, Florida St

Quinten Lawrence, McNeese St

Dominick Goodman, Cincinnati

Casey Fitzgerald, North Texas

John Matthews, San Diego (FCS)

Kevin Ogletree*, Virginia

Julius Pruitt, Ouachita Baptist (DII)

John Halman*, Concordia-Selma (NAIA)

Dicky Lyons Jr, Kentucky

Andrew Means*, Indiana

Desmond Tardy, Purdue

Michael Jones, Arizona St

Kole Heckendorf, North Dakota St (FCS)

Nate Swift, Nebraska

Player Interview: Mike Butler

2009-02-19T16:38:00.001-08:00

Mike Butler is a versatile, strong interior OL (he can play RG, LG, and C) that is not getting the kind of attention that a guy with his talent should. He's a tough, smart player and an extremely hard worker. He will work out at Hofstra's Pro Day.

Career Highlights:

JuCo standout ('05-'06)

All MAAC (2007)

No sacks allowed (2008)

Held John Faletoese to 0 tackles/0 sacks (2008)

Iona's Kevin Fales Most Valuable Lineman (2008)

East Coast Bowl Nominee (2008)

"I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game"

-Mike Butler

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time, and 225 bench reps?

MB: I am 6' 2, 303 lbs. I run a 4.96 forty time. My 225lb bench press rep max is 37 times.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for your Pro Day?

MB: I have been training at All Star Sports Training down in Paisley Florida. There are about 20 guys here training for the combine and individual pro days. In addition there are also some guys here training that have been playing in the NFL and are currently in the process of hooking on with different teams.

JP: Who is the best DL you've ever faced?

MB: The best Defensive Lineman I have ever faced would have to be John Faletoese from Cal-Davis. He had great speed off the ball and was a very technically sound player.

JP: What NFL player would you compare yourself to?

MB: I would compare myself to Chris Snee from the Giants. I think we are similar in size and the way we play. Hes a great player who always does whatever he has to, to get the job done.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

MB: In my opinion my strengths as a player are that I am a strong, aggressive player who is always fighting to win. I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game. I feel I am a hard nosed player who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and my motor is always running.

JP: What areas in your game do you think you could improve?

MB: Every football player always has room to improve no matter what level they are playing. I feel that an area I could use improvement is, depending more on my technique as a lineman rather then my strength.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a chance to play at the next level?

MB: A player that i think has a chance of playing professional ball is Wide receiver Tim Mastrino. I think he was one of, if not the best wide receiver in division 1-AA (FCS) football. You can always depend on him to catch the ball and make a play. If I am blocking and I see the pass is thrown to Tim I know I need to get ready to go down field and make a block.

JP: What's your favorite NFL team?

MB: My favorite team in the NFL is the New York Giants. Growing up in my house my father raised us Giant fans.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

MB: In my spare time off I really just like spending time with my family and friends.

JP: Do you have any plans after football?

MB: I'm not quite sure what I plan on doing after football yet, I love the game so much and am not trying to look past playing it yet. However I would love to open up some kind of training facility of my own and be some kind of strength coach or trainer, because that is something I have a great interest in.

JP: What are some goals you have set for yourself in the near future?

MB: I am taking this all one step at a time. My first goal I have to conquer is to kill my pro day. After that the pieces will fall in place. I am willing to do whatever it takes to play for an NFL team.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

MB: Because I am a coachable offensive lineman who will do whatever I have to. I will never half ass anything and will bring my best effort day in and day out.

JP: Thanks for your time, good luck.

MB: Thank you very much for the opportunity!

Player Interview: John Halman

2009-02-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

John Halman is a wide receiver from Concordia College, an NAIA school in Selma, Alabama. He lit up the competition last year, and really stepped up his play in big games. In two games against FCS Schools in 2008 (UT-Martin and Texas Southern), John had 6 receptions for 232 yards (38.7 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns. He is an early entrant into the 2009 NFL Draft, and will be working out at the Troy University Pro Day on March 5th. John Halman is a guy we should definitely keep an eye on in the future. Below are some of his 2008 season highlights:

225+ receiving yards vs. Edward G. Waters College

2 rec; 123 yards; 2 TD vs. Texas Southern

4 rec; 109 yards; 1 TD (83-yards) vs. UT-Martin

47 & 33-yard TD receptions vs. Bethel

900+ receiving yards (10 games)

40+ receptions

Handled kicking duties all season

"I don't compare myself to anybody, I want to be compared as John Halman only"

-John Halman

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time, and any other measurables like bench, shuttle, 3 cone, vert, etc?

JH: My current height is 6'2" my weight is 217. 40 time is a 4.44, short shuttle is a 4.1, 3 cone is a 6.9, and 225 reps is 13.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

JH: I am training at All Star Sports Training in Paisley,FL.

JP: What made you decide to enter the draft early?

JH: The main reasons were because of my age and I had a very good season.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you try to model your game after, and who would you compare yourself to?

JH: I try to model my game after Jerry Rice because I think he was a complete player. I don't compare myself to anybody, I want to be compared as John Halman only.

JP:What do you feel like your strengths are as a player?

JH: My strengths as a player would have to be my size, speed, hands, and just the drive to become a better player.

JP: What areas do you think you need to improve?

JH: I think everyone has room for improvement. I also think that every reciever can improve on blocking, so I would say blocking.

JP: Which one of your teammates do you think has a shot at playing somewhere on the next level?

My quarterback!! Ken Johnson, In my eyes the best QB in college football hands down. Great athlete! Whatever team gives him a shot is going to get a complete QB.

JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and do you think you could help a team in that role?

JH: Most of my special teams experience would be kicking. Kickoff and field goals mainly. I also did punt attack and kickoff return. I think I could definitely help out a team in all these fields.

JP: What's your favorite NFL team?

JH: The team that selects me is my favorite team. However, I grew up a fan of the Cleveland Browns. My mom and dad are from Ohio, and I have a lot of family in Ohio.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

JH: In my free time I love to chill out and be with family and friends.

JP: Are there any other sports you have played?

JH: In high school I played soccer, baseball, and ran track.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

JH: A team should select me because they will get a player who could play a significant role in making their franchise better. Also, they will have a player who is completely and totally dedicated, getting better, and helping the Team win!

JP: If the NFL for some reason doesn't work out, would you want to play in the CFL or any other professional football leagues?

JH: I wouldn't mind playing in another league at all I just want to play football. The NFL is what I want most though because it is the pinnacle of football.

JP: Thanks for your time, and good luck with everything.

JH: Thank you for the opportunity! What you're doing is a great thing for all athletes.

2008 Highlights (Turn the sound down before you play it, and go to YouTube to watch in High Definition)

Player Interview: Dre'Mail Hardin

2009-02-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

I recently had the chance to interview Dre’Mail Hardin, a talented prospect from Stillman College, a Division II school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He transferred there from Mississippi State after his freshman season and has had an extremely productive career, notching 16 interceptions in 32 games. Just talking to him you get the feeling he’s going to be something special at the next level.

"I have the goal of trying to be the best to ever play the game"

-Dre'Mail Hardin

Some awards Hardin has won:
First Team All SIAC (2008) 
Honorable Mention All-American (2008)
First-Team Preseason All-SIAC (2008)
First-Team All-SIAC (2007) 
SIAC Player of the Year Finalist (2007) 
D2Football.com All-America (2007) 

JP: What is your current height/weight/40 time?

DH: My height, weight is 6’ ¾” 206; I ran a 4.6 at my pro day last year, and I recently benched 225 19 or 20 times. I’m going to work out March 8th at the Alabama pro day with Sammie Lee Hill.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

DH: I’m training at Velocity Sports in Memphis, TN with Rob Weatherly. I’m working out with Phillip from Memphis, Rob, he played in the AFL, Jeremy LeSueur out of Michigan, he was a 3rd rounder a couple years back, and a LB from Miami, he’s been out a year.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to?

DH: Brian Dawkins. I love the way Ed Reed plays but I play more like Brian Dawkins.

JP: What are your strengths as a player?

DH: Being physical, hitting, tackling, good angles, I like to think of myself as a ballhawk.

JP: What areas do you think you could improve?

DH: Being on an island. Sometimes I played a little corner at Stillman. Right now I’m working on playing 10 yards back, out of the box. In college I did a lot of tackling.

JP: Who is the best WR you’ve ever faced?

DH: It has to be Jacoby Jones, or Chad Jackson, who played at Hoover when I was in high school.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot at playing in the NFL?

DH: Quinn Porter he’s been a TB, he’ll probably be more like a WR or H-Back in the league. Darren Mack, he’s a linebacker. Oliver Wells, a DB, he’s pretty good. He’s coming along. He played as a true freshman last year.

JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and do you think you could help a team in that role?

DH: Definitely, I blocked 6 or 7 kicks last year; I think I played a big role on special teams. I definitely could help a team there and I love playing special teams. A lot of people have a tendency to take those off but I loved those. I played on every special team in college.

JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

DH: It would probably have to be HS when we beat County High 17-0, it was our archrival and they had Le’Ron McClain. I had some good times at Stillman. I returned a 102-yard interception against Miles College my Junior Year. We played Lane in St. Louis and I had 2 interceptions and double-digit tackles, I returned a blocked FG for 100 yards and at the end of the game I had a game saving interception. High school was probably the best one though because I played both ways, I played WR and TB. I returned a kick for 40 or 50 yards against County High. In college I didn’t play any offense.

JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

DH: Oakland Raiders, they always had some of my favorite players. I kind of picked that up from my dad when I was little. They had Rod & Charles Woodson. I loved the players. They were the original bad boys, I loved the way they played the game, and they were nasty with it.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

DH: I have a little girl now so I love playing with her; I play a lot of poker and house games, play on the Internet sometimes. And I do a lot of bowling; I bowl 3 times a week, and Xbox 360. My tag is Mel18free, because that’s my nickname and my position.

JP: Do you have any plans after football?

DH: Well I’m in the middle of trying to own my own recreation center. I want to own one and maybe run that after football. I want to own a couple apartment complexes but mainly it would be my recreation center for kids.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

DH: I think my biggest thing is physical ability. I don’t have the goal of making it to the NFL, I have the goal of making it to the Pro Bowl. I have the goal of trying to be the best to ever play the game. My play is going to determine how much I love the game. I’ll be loyal to the team, I love X’s and O’s and studying. It’s also how much of a person I am off the field. I could help in multiple ways. I’m loyal, determined, and a hard worker.

Dre'Mail Hardin's Official Website

2007 Highlights

2008 Highlights

No Combine No Problem

2009-02-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

These are the players that I feel have the best chance of getting drafted at each position despite not being invited to the upcoming combine.

QB: Chris Pizzotti, Harvard:
Prototypical size for a pocket passer, makes very good decisions in the pocket. He was very productive, passing current Cincinnati QB Ryan Fitzpatrick for many of the Crimson Tide passing records.
2008 Stats: 2490yds; 62.7%; 17td; 4int
Projected Measurables: 6'5" 225; 4.90

RB: Devin Moore, Wyoming:
He looks like he could be a very good 3rd down back with his speed and receiving ability. Could also potentially be a kick returner, very fast and elusive in the open field.
2008 Stats: 1301yds; 5.2avg; 7td
Projected Measurables: 5'9" 190; 4.35

FB: Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh:
With the gradual decline of the fullback, versatility is the key here as he can run, catch, and block very well.
2008 Stats: 93yds; 4.0avg; 9rec; 77yds
Projected Measurables: 6'0" 225; 4.65

TE: Ryan Purvis, Boston College:
Wasn't very productive during his senior year, but has soft hands and is a very solid blocker.
2008 Stats: 24rec; 176yds; 7.3ypc
Projected Measurables: 6'4" 255; 4.80

WR: Jamarko Simmons, WMU:
He's a more polished and productive version of Legedu Naanee. Great size for a WR or H-B, doesn't have great speed but can get open and catch the ball very well.
2008 Stats: 104rec; 1276yds; 12.3ypc; 7td
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 240; 4.65

WR: Dobson Collins, Gardner-Webb:
He's smallish but is very athletic and fluid running routes/after the catch.
2008 Stats: 76rec; 937yds; 12.3ypc; 10td
Projected Measurables: 6'1" 180; 4.45

LT: Sebastian Vollmer, Houston:
Great size and good feet, has a lot of potential and has only been playing football for 5 years.
Projected Measurables: 6'7" 315; 5.25

LG: T.J. Lang, EMU:
Consistent and versatile, does everything well and is good at the 2nd level. Can also play OT.
Projected Measurables: 6'4" 310; 5.10

C: Cecil Newton, Tennessee St:
Smallish but athletic, could be a good developmental center for a ZBS team.
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 295; 5.15

RG: Ryan Durand, Syracuse:
Tough guy, good run blocker and pass blocker, polished.
Projected Measurables: 6'5" 305; 5.30

RT: Raphael Nguti, Albany:
He's a huge, mauling RT that had a very good career against a lower level of competition.
Projected Measurables: 6'7" 340; 5.50

DE: Phillip Hunt, Houston:
Very productive pass rusher, doesn't have ideal size but makes up for it with leverage, quickness, and strength.
2008 Stats: 52tkls; 18.5tfl; 14sacks; 3ff; 1fr
Projected Measurables: 6'1" 260; 4.65

DE: Marcus Benard, Jackson St:
He will probably add weight and play DE, but has the athleticism, size and pass rushing ability to possibly be a 3-4 OLB.
2008 Stats: 84tkls; 21.5tfl; 15sacks; 1ff; 2fr
Projected Measurables: 6'4" 270; 4.80

DT: Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa:
Former basketball player is also being looked at as a possible 3-4 DE, should be very impressive in workouts.
2008 Stats: 62tkls; 11.5tfl; 6.5sacks; 3ff
Projected Measurables: 6'6" 305; 4.90

DT: Clinton McDonald, Memphis:
Very athletic and active inside, gets good penetration and had a productive career.
2008 Stats: 39tkls; 7.5tfl; 7sacks; 1ff
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 290; 4.80

ILB: Frantz Joseph, FAU:
Great vs. the run, violent hitter. Struggles a little in coverage but could be a good 2 down LB.
2008 Stats: 154tkls; 9tfl; 1ff; 2fr
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 245; 4.75

OLB: Jason Williams, Western Illinois:
Good size and athleticism, has a lot of potential and looks like a late rounder at this point.
2008 Stats: 67tkls; 17tfl; 4sacks; 6ff
Projected Measurables: 6'1" 240; 4.60

OLB: Ashlee Palmer, Ole Miss:
Looks like he could make the move to SS to me, played well in the Senior Bowl.
2008 Stats: 50tkls; 5tfl; 1sack; 1int; 1ff
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 225; 4.55

CB: D.J. Clark, Idaho St:
Great size and speed for a CB, is expected to perform very well at his pro day, might be asked to make the move to safety.
2008 Stats: 58tkls; 1tfl; 8pbu; 5int; 2fr; 1ff
Projected Measurables: 6'1" 200; 4.45

CB: Mark Parson, Ohio:
Shutdown corner lacks size but is very quick and instinctive in coverage.
2008 Stats: 46tkls; 1tfl; 5pbu; 2int; 1ff
Projected Measurables: 5'9" 190; 4.45

SS: Keith Fitzhugh, Mississippi St:
The best player not invited to the combine in my opinion, offers great support vs. the run and is a playmaker.
2008 Stats: 50tkls; 2.5tfl; 2pbu; 2int; 1fr
Projected Measurables: 5'10" 210; 4.55

FS: Trimane Goddard, North Carolina:
Had a very productive senior season, probably won't wow anybody in workouts but has talent.
2008 Stats: 54tkls; 1.5tfl; 12pbu; 7int; 2ff
Projected Measurables: 5'11" 195; 4.55

RS: Jason Chery, La-Lafayette:
Claims to be able to run in the 4.2's. Showed great balance and quickness as a punt returner at the Texas vs. Nation game. He also brings value as a slot WR, and could easily sneak into the draft with his versatility.
2008 Stats: 44kr; 953yds; 1td
Projected Measurables: 5'10" 190; 4.40

Honorable Mention:
Todd Boeckman, QB/Ohio St
Willie Tuitama, QB/Arizona
Brian Johnson, QB/Utah
Josh Vaughan, RB/Richmond
Aaron Brown, RB/TCU
Antone Smith, RB/Florida St
Frank Summers, RB/FB/UNLV
Travis McCall, H-B/Alabama
Zach Miller, TE/Nebraska-Omaha
Darius Hill, TE/Ball St
Dudley Guice, WR/Northwestern St
D.J. Boldin, WR/Wake Forest
Greg Carr, WR/Florida St
Colin Brown, OT/Missouri
Cedric Dockery, OG/Texas
Rich Ohrnberger, OG/Penn St
Blake Schlueter, C/TCU
Colin Dow, C/Montana
Henry Melton, DE/Texas
Pierre Walters, DE/Eastern Illinois
Julius Williams, DE/LB/Connecticut
Louis Ellis, DT/Shaw
Nader Abdallah, DT/Ohio St
John Faletoese, DT/Cal-Davis
Antonio Appleby, ILB/Virginia
Michael Tauiliili, MLB/Duke
Johnny Williams, OLB/Kentucky
Willie Williams, OLB/Union
Anthony Heygood, OLB/Purdue
Jerome Boyd, OLB/SS/Oregon
William Middleton, CB/Furman
Jamar Love, CB/Arkansas
Ellis Lankster, CB/West Virginia
Londen Fryar, CB/WMU
Dahna Deleston, SS/LB/Connecticut
Nate Ness, FS/Arizona
Dre'Mail Hardin, FS/Stillman
Michael Ray Garvin, RS/CB/Florida St

Top 10 Overall-Update #1

2009-02-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is my top 10 on February 8th, 2009. This is NOT where I think these players will be drafted, but it is how good I think they will be in the NFL. Most of you might think I'm crazy for having 3 Wide Receivers in my Top 10, but that is just a testament to how talented these guys are. Here it is:

1. Michael Crabtree**, WR/Texas Tech:
He's a beast, physically overpowers CB's and has very strong hands. Has the concentration to make catches in traffic and go up and get it. Runs good routes and gets open, great size and overall athleticism. The one question with him is his relatively average (projected) straight line speed.
Projected Measurables: 6'3" 215; 4.55
2008 Stats: 93rec; 1,135yds; 12.2ypc; 18td
Best Fits: St. Louis @ #2 or Seattle @ #4

2. Everette Brown*, DE/OLB/Florida St:
He needs to show he can drop into coverage because he has the look of an OLB. Excellent athlete, very quick off the snap and has great natural pass rush ability. He'll be a hot commodity on draft day with 3-4 teams, the Combine will be very important to his stock, if he decides to work out.
Projected Measurables: 6'4" 250; 4.65
2008 Stats: 36tkls; 21.5tfl; 13.5sacks; 4ff
Best Fits: Green Bay @ #9 or San Francisco @ #10

3. Michael Oher, OT/Ole Miss:
He's a very well proportioned big man, could probably even add some weight and muscle. Gets out of his stance quickly in pass pro and his initial pop in the run game is up there with the best of 'em. Fluid athlete for a guy his size, looks like he can play LT to me but also has quality experience at OG. High risk-high reward player, mental capacity has been questioned and struggles to re-direct at times. Players with his talent don't come around too often.
Projected Measurables: 6'5" 309; 5.20
Best Fits: Cincinnati @ #6 or Jacksonville @ #8

4. Aaron Curry, LB/Wake Forest: I've been talking about him since his Sophomore year, prototypical size/strength, very productive and has a nose for the football. Not the most athletic guy around but definitely has enough to be an excellent LB. He's a playmaker who probably won't go as high as he should just because many teams don't like spending high picks on LB's.
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 245; 4.60
2008 Stats: 105tkls; 16.5tfl; 2.5sacks; 1int; 3fr
Best Fits: Kansas City @ #3 or Cleveland @ #5

5. Rey Maualuga, ILB/USC: A big, intimidating presence in the middle. Very hard hitter and can really take some heads off. He could lose some weight and can't really run with RB's in coverage. Will miss some occasional tackles but makes a ton of plays and can change the mindset of a defense.
Projected Measurables: 6'2" 254; 4.75
2008 Stats: 79tkls; 2.5tfl; 2int
Best Fits: Oakland @ #7 or Denver @ #12

6. Jeremy Maclin**, WR/Missouri: Dynamic playmaker in the return game or as a receiver, very quick and knows how to get open. He's not the biggest guy around but I definitely wouldn't call him slight. Good hands, has improved every year and should keep getting better.
Projected Measurables: 6'1" 200; 4.40
2008 Stats: 102rec; 1,260yds; 12.4ypc; 13td
Return Stats: 24.0yds/kor; 1td; 11.7yds/pr; 1td
Best Fits: Oakland @ #7 or Jacksonville @ #8

7. Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB/Texas: Physical freak of nature, should be a solid 4-3 DE but might be able to play some 3-4 rush LB. Quick off the line but doesn't have great top end speed and doesn't really look like a guy who could consistently drop into coverage and be as productive. Packs a punch once he gets to the QB, which is very often. Awesome in the weight room, and it translates well to the field.
Projected Measurables: 6'4" 260; 4.75
2008 Stats: 42tkls; 19tfl; 11.5sacks; 4ff
Best Fits: Cleveland @ #5 or Green Bay @ #9

8. Mark Sanchez*, QB/USC: His performance in the Rose Bowl was the best Bowl showing by a pocket passer in a long time. A little inconsistent, didn't face top competition but has shown that he has all the tools to be a franchise signal caller in the NFL. Might need to sit on the bench for a year or two, given his relative lack of experience. More potential than Leinart had coming out, but the Pete Carroll situation did make me scratch my head a little.
Projected Measurables: 6'3" 225; 4.80
2008 Stats: 3,207yds; 8.8yds/att; 65.8%; 34td; 10int; 3 rush td
Best Fits: Kansas City @ #3 or San Francisco @ #10

9. Eugene Monroe, OT/Virginia: Probably the most polished OT in the draft, but doesn't have quite as much potential as Oher. Great frame, looks comfortable getting to the 2nd level and has a lot of experience. Kept last year's first round pick Branden Albert at OG, should be able to contribute very soon.
Projected Measurables: 6'5" 315; 5.20
Best Fits: St. Louis @ #2 or Jacksonville @ #8

10. Percy Harvin*, WR/Florida: Extremely talented in the open field, dangerous with the ball in his hands. He's a little raw as a WR but has a ton of tools to work with. Looks like he'll be a great #2 WR (depending on the scheme & team) and game breaker at the next level, but doesn't have great size and might do most of his damage in the return game early on. Should run very well at the combine.
Projected Measurables: 5'11" 195; 4.40
2008 Stats: 40rec; 644yds; 16.1ypc; 7td
Rushing Stats: 70rush; 659yds; 9.4avg; 10td
Best Fits: San Francisco @ #10 or NY Jets @ #17

Best of the Rest (Loosely Ranked)
2nd Tier:
Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR/Maryland
B.J. Raji, DT/Boston College
Knowshon Moreno*, RB/Georgia
Malcolm Jenkins, DB/Ohio St
Peria Jerry, DT/Ole Miss
D.J. Moore*, CB/Vanderbilt
Andre Smith*, OT/Alabama
Matthew Stafford*, QB/Georgia
Jason Smith, OT/Baylor

3rd Tier:
Shonn Greene*, RB/Iowa
Brian Cushing, LB/USC
Hakeem Nicks*, WR/North Carolina
Chris Wells*, RB/Ohio St
Michael Johnson, DE/Gerogia Tech
LeSean McCoy*, RB/Pittsburgh
James Laurinaitis, ILB/Ohio St
Brandon Pettigrew, TE/Oklahoma St
Aaron Maybin**, OLB/Penn St
Alphonso Smith, CB/Wake Forest
Vontae Davis*, CB/Illinois

4th Tier:
James Casey**, TE/Rice
Sean Smith*, DB/Utah
Jamon Meredith, OL/South Carolina
Fili Moala, DT/USC
Paul Kruger**, DE/Utah
Donald Brown*, RB/Connecticut
Josh Freeman*, QB/Kansas St
Eben Britton*, OT/Arizona
Juaquin Iglesias, WR/Oklahoma
Kenny Britt*, WR/Rutgers
Duke Robinson, OG/Oklahoma
Clay Matthews, LB/DE/USC

5th Tier:
Ron Brace, NT/Boston College
Keenan Lewis, CB/Oregon St
Antoine Caldwell, C/Alabama
Tyson Jackson, DE/LSU
Larry English, DE/Northern Illinois
Macho Harris, DB/Virginia Tech
Derrick Williams, WR/Penn St
Alex Mack, C/California
Derek Pegues, DB/Mississippi St

Rising Prospects (Not Ranked)
Jarron Gilbert, DL/San Jose St
Bernard Scott, RB/Abilene Christian
Robert Ayers, DE/Tennessee
Coye Francies, CB/San Jose St
Deon Butler, WR/Penn St
Shawn Nelson, TE/Southern Miss
Louis Delmas, S/WMU
Jarrett Dillard, WR/Rice
Tyronne Greene, OG/Auburn
Tyrone McKenzie, OLB/USF
Lee Robinson, OLB/Alcorn St
Sebastian Vollmer, OT/Houston

Senior Bowl Game Report

2009-02-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

Nobody really stood apart from the pack this year, although B.J. Raji did in practices. Considering this year's draft is stocked with juniors, we may see a very low number of first round picks from this game.

*****
1. Robert Ayers, DE/Tennessee: It was real tough to rank these 6 because they all had good games but nobody really separated themselves. Ayers showed some great quickness, beat his man inside or and outside. He holds up well against the run and has a nice strength/athleticism combination. Probably helped himself the most of anyone this week.

2. Michael Oher, OT/Ole Miss: I was impressed that he even decided to compete this week. He proved to me that he's worthy of that top OT spot. He bends very well, looks natural at the 2nd level and adjusts to moving targets well. Gets a good push in the run game, very quick out of his stance.
3. Peria Jerry, DT/Ole Miss: Extremely active on the inside, just lines up and beats the man in front of him, no matter what he has to do. He worked his way into the first round in my opinion.
4. Juaquin Iglesias, WR/Oklahoma: He got open all night, runs good routes and is a gamer. Good hands and size, gets the most out of his physical tools. In most drafts I'd say he's a late 1st round talent but with this year's underclassmen I'd say early to mid 2nd.

5. Andre Brown, RB/N.C. State: Has some durability concerns and never dominated in his college career but had a Joseph Addai-like week/game. He has great quickness for a guy his size and showed some pretty good receiving skills.
6. Scott McKillop, ILB/Pittsburgh: Instinctive, tough, and smart LB. Rarely caught out of place and seemed to be around the ball on every run play. He won't be a top pick because of his measurables, but he's a player.

****
7. Mike Wallace, WR/Ole Miss: Looked like the fastest guy at this game, just ran by people, made some good plays on special teams and did I mention he's fast?
8. Fili Moala, DT/USC: He's big and very explosive off the line of scrimmage. I think he could play 3-4 DE, reminds me of Luis Castillo.
9. Tyrone McKenzie, OLB/USF: Has a great frame and looks athletic in pursuit. Smooth dropping into coverage, made some solid hits.
10. Derek Pegues, DB/Mississippi St: Versatility is the key, looks like a CB and can play S. Gets to top speed very fast. Played aggressive today and made some good tackles.
11. Pat White, QB/West Virginia: He was the most impressive all around QB although he overthrew some guys. Should've played WR here if he felt comfortable running routes. I don't think he can be a full time #1 QB at the next level.

12. Quinn Johnson, FB/LSU: He's huge and is very good inline blocker, had some quality receptions and blew up some people on special teams.
13. Mitch King, DT/Iowa: He'll find a place at the next level no matter where it is. It seemed like he made every play on the first drive but didn't do a whole lot after that.

***
14. Darius Butler, CB/Connecticut: Great in coverage, out of his breaks, but missed a tackle bad and isn't very big
15. Brian Cushing, LB/USC: The most athletic of the USC trio, made some plays vs. the pass and run
16. Ron Brace, DT/Boston College: Looked great chasing down Andre Brown, is huge and will be a solid NT
17. Phil Loadholt, OT/Oklahoma: I didn't see him get beat, not a good bender but gets the job done and is a giant
18. Clay Matthews, LB/USC: He can definitely play 3-4 LB, and probably even 4-3, fluid in space
19. Macho Harris, CB/Virginia Tech: You didn't hear his name called much and that's a good thing, blanket coverage all day
20. Patrick Turner, WR/USC: Great routes for a guy with his size, pretty good hands but average top end speed
21. Tyronne Greene, OG/Auburn: He controlled Raji pretty well, really put himself on the map with this game
22. Patrick Chung, S/Oregon: Had some big hits, very aggressive and explosive athlete, alright in coverage. Why was he returning kicks?
23. Cedric Peerman, RB/Virginia: Runs hard, falls forward, can't be arm tackled. Did have a fumble, though
24. Louis Delmas, S/WMU: Aggressive, sure tackler with good closing speed. Should add weight

**
25. Jeremiah Johnson, RB/Oregon: Looks like he'll be a solid 3rd down RB, good receiver and makes quick cuts
26. Darry Beckwith, ILB/LSU: Athletic and natural dropping into coverage, reads QB's eyes well
27. Rhett Bomar, QB/Sam Houston St: Made some questionable decisions but looked comfortable in the pocket, had the strongest arm of all the QB's in Mobile
28. Brian Robiskie, WR/Ohio St: He runs efficient routes, a rare quality in 6'3" WR's, needs to put on weight
29. Alphonso Smith, CB/Wake Forest: Gambled on one then dropped a sure pick-6 but showed great speed out of his breaks and stayed step for step with his man
30. David Veikune, DE/Hawaii: Hustle player, natural pass rush skills are pretty good. Looked good on ST but probably lacks the athleticism to play LB
31. Coye Francies, CB/San Jose St: Very much a finesse player, offers little to no support vs. the run and is real thin but is a great athlete with prototype speed/quickness and blanketed his man all night
32. Alex Mack, C/California: Athletic, should be a solid pick for a zone blocking team
33. Marcus Freeman, OLB/Ohio St: Exploded into some hits and looked pretty fast, can take a little too long disengaging from blockers
34. Antoine Caldwell, C/Alabama: My favorite Center in the draft, equally effective in pass pro and run blocking
35. Eric Wood, C/Louisville: Looked good on some pulls but didn't always lock onto his man very effectively
36. Kory Sheets, RB/Purdue: Showed some excellent speed down the sideline but didn't play real strong. Watch out for him at the combine

*
37. Rashad Jennings, RB/Liberty: He doesn't run like a 6'1" 234 RB
38. Michael Hamlin, S/Clemson: Won't be a star but is solid in coverage and can help vs. the run
39. Ellis Lankster, CB/West Virginia: Made some mistakes but also came up with an INT and had a great tfl vs. the run
40. Ashlee Palmer, OLB/Ole Miss: He looks like a SS to me, very smooth in space and looked good in coverage, took a bad angle on a blitz
41. Cody Brown, DE/LB/Connecticut: Should definitely play LB, very explosive and fluid athlete but is a finesse DE
42. Connor Barwin, DE/TE/Cincinnati: Had some good blocks at TE and an almost-sack in his limited time at DE
43. Derrick Williams, WR/Penn St: Solid on ST, showed good speed on a reverse
44. Eric Kettani, FB/Navy: Could be a very good short yardage RB for somebody, quick for his size and runs very low to the ground
45. Tim Jamison, DE/Michigan: Goes all out every play, works hard and does a good job keeping hands off him
46. Quan Cosby, WR/Texas: Gets to top speed real quick, should be a solid slot WR in the NFL
47. Herman Johnson, OL/LSU: Played way better than he did in practices, great once he locked on but really struggled with outside speed rushers. Unless he loses weight and gets a lot quicker, he should definitely play OG

48. Moise Fokou, LB/Maryland: Not very athletic, looked stiff in pursuit but was strong vs. the run and very aggressive
49. Ramses Barden, WR/Cal-Poly: Struggled to get open but is huge and has great hands
50. Sherrod Martin, CB/Troy: Made a good play in run support, then missed a tackle on a screen pass. Has a great frame and looks very athletic
51. Corvey Irvin, DT/Georgia: Active inside, gets the most out of his ability but can be controlled at times

These players didn't help or hurt their stock in my eyes:
Rey Maualuga, MLB/USC: He did exactly as I expected, looked great blowing up a screen play but also missed a tackle he should've made
B.J. Raji, DT/Boston College: He helped himself the most in practices but didn't do much in the game

Mike Thomas, WR/Arizona: Muffed a punt real bad but looked good in the open field
Chip Vaughn, S/Wake Forest: Showed good speed on ST but didn't do much on D
Greg Carr, WR/Florida St: Late add, made a nice catch on a slant but lacks speed
James Davis, RB/Clemson: He didn't stand out, solid but not great
Rashad Johnson, S/Alabama: Doesn't do any one thing well but didn't make mistakes, looked relatively thin
Jason Watkins, OT/Florida: He's athletic, needs to play more aggressive
Kyle Moore, DE/USC: Didn't make plays today but he looks like a player
Lawrence Sidbury, DE/Richmond: I didn't see him much
John Parker Wilson, QB/Alabama: Showed more mobility than I expected but isn't a very talented QB
Larry English, DE/Northern Illinois: Not a freak athlete, looks like he should add weight and stay at DE to me
Will Davis, DE/Illinois: Explosive athlete but doesn't show it a whole lot, he played a finesse game today
Brandon Pettigrew, TE/Oklahoma St: Made a nice catch on the sideline, blocked well
Ziggy Hood, DT/Missouri: Held up well vs. the run
Jonathan Luigs, C/Arkansas: Athletic, locks onto his blocks
Alex Magee, DT/Purdue: Late add, he definitely fit in this week
John Phillips, TE/Virginia: He should add some weight considering he's not a great receiver
Kraig Urbik, OG/Wisconsin: He's solid but nothing special, not a great athlete
Manuel Johnson, WR/Oklahoma: He was only targeted once but looked quick
Anthony Hill, TE/N.C. St: Has a good frame, soft hands but isn't explosive at all
Nathan Brown, QB/Central Arkansas: Considering he didn't have much stock coming into the game, he would've had to do a lot to drop it. Just an average QB, shouldn't be drafted.

I didn't watch these players enough to rank them, some may not have played much or at all:
Tony Fiammetta, FB/Syracuse
William Moore, S/Missouri: Injured in the first quarter, the one time I really noticed him was when he took a poor angle and missed a tackle
Keenan Lewis, CB/Oregon St (DNP-Injured)
Morgan Trent, CB/Michigan: Late add to the roster, didn't play much
Ryan Shuman, C/Virginia Tech
Antone Smith, RB/Florida St: Late add
Shawn Nelson, TE/Southern Miss (DNP-Inured)
Vance Walker, DT/Georgia Tech:
Travis McCall, H-B/Alabama: Has a FB build
Brandon Gibson, WR/Washington St (DNP-Injured)

I was disappointed in:
Cullen Harper, QB/Clemson: He showed the same thing he has all year: Frustrating inconsistency
Domonique Johnson, CB/Jackson St: Made an acrobatic catch on the sideline, but only got one foot in. Doesn't change directions real well, struggled with double moves
Troy Kropog, OT/Tulane: He'll be a project, looked a little out of place at times and doesn't get a push in the run game or have much of a punch
Trevor Canfield, OG/Cincinnati: Needs to improve balance, works hard on the field but has average feet at best
Xavier Fulton, OT/Illinois: I was expecting a lot more from him, was beaten inside several times
Andy Levitre, OL/Oregon St: He'll have to play guard, is short and looked slow-footed today
Zack Follett, LB/California: He doesn't look athletic enough
Clint Sintim, LB/Virginia: Took some really bad angles, didn't make any plays
David Bruton, S/Notre Dame: Couldn't run with Quan Cosby, had a terrible drop of an int right in his hands
Graham Harrell, QB/Texas Tech: Saying he lacked arm strength would be an understatement

DeAngelo Smith, CB/Cincinnati: He didn't show anything in terms of recovery speed, burst, or acceleration out of his breaks
William Beatty, OT/Connecticut: After watching him here, the 1st round talk seems very unwarranted to me. He looked thin and passive, has good feet and is solid on the 2nd level but really lacks strength and didn't use his hands well

East-West Shrine Game Report

2009-02-05T21:42:00.001-08:00

Who impressed me the most:

******
1. Jamon Meredith, OT/South Carolina: He was on a different level than anyone else here, by far. Looks like a TE running downfield and reaching the 2nd level, excellent feet in pass pro and has the frame to add weight. Played inside at OG a lot this year, so that brings some versatility, I would definitely take him 2nd round, maybe even late first.

*****
2. Keith Fitzhugh, SS/Mississippi St: He's very active and has a quick trigger to come up and fit vs. the run. About as sure a tackler as you'll find, played extremely hard. Made a couple mistakes in coverage and doesn't appear to be as instinctive against the pass, but has a lot of tools to work with and showed tremendous potential. Great on Special Teams.

3. Sebastian Vollmer, OT/Houston: The only guy that could contain Sidbury, an OT with his length and feet is extremely hard to get by. He's got some technique issues he could work out and doesn't get a great push in the run game, but is athletic and could be a steal early on the 2nd day as a developmental type.

4. Jarrett Dillard, WR/Rice: One word to describe him would be savvy. Sure he has great hands and ups and good quickness/speed, but the precision in his routes is uncanny. Almost everything about them seemed perfect. The only thing keeping him from being in that top tier of WR's is his size.

5. Mike Thomas, WR/Arizona: Dillard was 1A and Thomas was 1B of the WR's, in my opinion. He looks very short out there (He's 5'8"), but his toughness and strength over the middle makes up for a lot of it. Good hands and can jump, very quick and runs good routes. Could be a Welker type slot WR at the next level.

6. Tyrell Sutton, RB/Northwestern: He looks like Chester Taylor to me. Excellent receiver out of the backfield (149 catches in his college career), could be a great 3rd down back for somebody. Looked good on kick returns, runs low to the ground and with surprising power, makes efficient cutbacks. Might not be a full time back in the NFL but is a hell of a player.

****
7. Lawrence Sidbury, DE/Richmond: He could be a productive situational pass rusher. Terrorized the West OL, extremely quick off the ball and has very long arms. A huge question for him will be the 3-4 LB one, and he should get a chance to show some cover skills at the combine. His one negative is a huge one: Really struggles when ran at, can get driven back pretty easily once he's locked onto (which is rare), ended up going too far upfield and overrunning the play too often.

8. Louis Vasquez, OG/Texas Tech: I don't see why this guy isn't higher on everyone's boards. Sure, he's not a quick, 1 on 1 type of blocker but he gets a great drive in the running game, is huge, and holds his ground with the best of 'em. Some say he looks sluggish, but I didn't see that. He would really struggle if put on an island at LT and he'll probably run a 5.4ish forty, but those things aren't too important for OG's. The one thing that concerns me with him is his second level blocking.

9. Gartrell Johnson, RB/Colorado St: Extremely powerful, I'd hate to try and bring him down. Huge legs, keeps them driving on contact and always falls forward. I think some people will write him off after he runs a disappointing forty at the combine (probably 4.6-4.7), but he could be an excellent short yardage back, and could maybe even play some FB.

10. Brandon Mouton, CB/Hawaii: Blanketed his man all day, got in Aaron Kelly's head big time. Small but plays big, very quick. His top end speed might not be great but he does have a little burst.

11. Deon Butler, WR/Penn St: He adjusts to the ball in the air as smoothly as any receiver I've ever seen. Runs sharp routes and has good hands but is smallish and his top-end speed is questionable.

12. Kaluka Maiava, LB/USC: He was often overlooked because of the talent around him, but was able to showcase his skills here. Instinctive and smart player, sure tackler and looks fluid dropping into coverage. He's smallish and isn't great vs. the run, reminds me of Brendon Ayanbadejo.

13. Bear Pascoe, TE/Fresno St: Made an acrobatic catch above Courtney Greene over the middle, showing some impressive athleticism. Several of his blocks sealed off huge lanes for Aaron Brown and others to run through. He'll never be mistaken for a WR but he is a smart, blue collar player.

14. Phillip Hunt, DE/Houston: Plays with outstanding power and leverage for a guy his size. I've heard his name be brought up as a possible OLB but this game convinced me he should stay at DE. He's very stout, reminds me very much of Keyunta Dawson. His size is a big drawback to being a 1st day pick, and it's a shame because he's talented.

15. Marlon Lucky, RB/Nebraska: After a disappointing senior year he ran like a different person in this game and reminded us why he was one of the most coveted H.S. recruits in the nation. If I was a GM I'd have to make sure this is the real him before I took him. I'd really like to know why he wasn't more productive this season.

16. Augustus Parrish, OT/Kent St: He's raw in technique & footwork but flashes jaw-dropping potential at times. He's athletic but doesn't move his feet real quick. Has a strong upper body and a great frame but doesn't always use leverage and hand placement to his advantage. He could sneak into the 3rd round a la Oniel Cousins with an impressive combine.

17. Michael Tauiliili, ILB/Duke: He was just all over the field. I'm not sure if his talent will transfer to the NFL but he sure is fun to watch. Instinctive, tough player, if a team can convince themselves he's the next Zach Thomas and not just one of the many great college players that lack the size and speed to make it in the NFL, he'll get drafted.

18. Clinton McDonald, DT/Memphis: He can play 3-4 end, but I view him as a 4-3 tackle. Extremely active and looked like a poor man's Rod Coleman/Jon Babineaux. He was the only one to push Vasquez back all day. Lacks the prototypical size of a DT but he was very productive and gets good penetration.

***
19. Ryan Palmer, CB/Texas: Extremely aggressive (sometimes over-aggressive), suffocated receivers
20. Curtis Taylor, S/LSU: Looks like a big time player with his size/speed/athleticism, played solid but not great
21. Hunter Cantwell, QB/Louisville: Big guy with a big arm, he didn't get to throw as much as I would've liked

22. Tom Brandstater, QB/Fresno St: Probably had the most impressive game of any of the QB's but I'm not sold on him
23. Myron Pryor, DT/Kentucky: I doubt he gets drafted b/c of his size but he could make a team with hustle and he makes plays
24. Jon Cooper, C/Oklahoma: He could fit for a zone blocking team looking for a mobile C, moves very well at the 2nd level but can be thrown around at times
25. Roy Miller, DT/Texas: Very active, I could see him as part of a 3 DT rotation someday
26. Jason Williams, OLB/Illinois St: He'll be a project, lacks some in technique but looks the part, showed impressive speed in pursuit
27. Matt Shaughnessy, DE/Wisconsin: He's long and gets his hands up at exactly the right time, impressive pass rusher needs to add weight, looks a little stiff in pursuit
28. Javarris Williams, RB/Tennessee St: Runs very low to the ground and makes quick cuts

**
29. Aaron Brown, RB/TCU: Great in the open field with his cutbacks/speed, but can be arm tackled way too easily
30. Johnny Williams, LB/Kentucky: Good size for the position, made some solid hits but struggled disengaging blockers
31. Lendy Holmes, S/Oklahoma: Didn't really make too many plays but showed very good speed chasing down Marlon Lucky. He could be one of those surprise-sub 4.4 guys at the combine.
32. Jarron Gilbert, DL/San Jose St: I expected more from him but he did have a solid game

33. Matt Slauson, OG/Nebraska: Power run blocker, has a mean streak but doesn't look good at the 2nd level
34. Jasper Brinkley, ILB/South Carolina: One of the highest prospects on my board coming into the game, this game was forgettable for him, only had one play that made an impact but looked smoother in coverage than I thought he would.

35. Nick Reed, DE/Oregon: He looks like he could make the move to 3-4 LB, high motor pass rush specialist
36. Jason Phillips, LB/TCU: Very aggressive, good on special teams but his reported timed speed (4.5's) doesn't translate to the field
37. Brian Hoyer, QB/Michigan St: Had a very disappointing senior season, was on target today

*
38. Terrance Taylor, DT/Michigan: Doesn't make many plays because he's too busy taking up blockers
39. Sammie Stroughter, WR/Oregon St: Not very fast but he can get open and catch the ball
40. Stephen McGee, QB/Texas A&M: He got benched this year and somehow didn't look rusty
41. Stryker Sulak, DE/Missouri: Long, lanky, doesn't look like he could play LB but does have the frame to bulk up
42. Bradley Fletcher, CB/Iowa: One big question with him in my mind is recovery speed and short area burst, had a pretty good game but didn't do anything to answer me
43. Don Carey, CB/Norfolk St: Quick twitch athlete, looks good and fluid running with WR's but was beaten deep bad by Marko Mitchell then pulled up with a hamstring injury
44. Collin Mooney, FB/Army: Old school, hard nosed FB
45. Mark Hafner, H-B/Houston: Was left uncovered over the middle all day and made the most of it
46. Brian Mandeville, TE/Northeastern: Tall with good straight line speed, needs to add strength and improve blocking
47. Ryan Durand, Syracuse: Tough guy, locks on consistently but has average physical tools
48. Mortty Ivy, LB/West Virginia: Looked more fluid as an athlete than I thought he would, sure tackler

Didn't help or hurt themselves
Ramon Foster, OT/Tennessee: Lumbers at the 2nd level but got a solid push in the run game, exactly what we all expected
Greg Orton, WR/Purdue: Solid downfield blocking but only had one reception and it was a body-catch
Etienne Legare, DE/Laval (Ca): Showed a nice bull-rush but nothing else, should play in the CFL
Morgan Trent, CB/Michigan: His interception was cancelled out by the whole Dillard beating him by 10yds thing
C.J. Spillman, S/Marhsall: Physical player, takes good angles but doesn't change directions very well
Manuel Johnson, WR/Oklahoma: Didn't do anything that stood out but looked pretty quick
Mike Reilly, QB/Central Washington: Didn't play near as bad as his stat line, actually impressed me a little bit
Edwin Williams, C/Maryland: Big center, good once he locks on but doesn't re-direct well
Ian Johnson, RB/Boise St: The most recognizable name in this year's game. I think he'll end up playing in the CFL, if he wants to, doesn't have any tools that really separate him from the rest of the pack

Victor Butler, LB/Oregon St: Made some plays on ST, I didn't see him on defense
Fenuki Tupou, OT/Oregon: He can slide well and is a mauler, it's when he has to change directions that he really struggles
Jared Bronson, TE/Central Washington: Doesn't look very fast but caught the ball well
Ra'Shon Harris, DT/Oregon: He looked way bigger than he's listed, could probably play NT
Michael Bennett, DE/Texas A&M: Fast in the open field, he looked like an LB, got pushed back too much and never really pressured the QB
Dannell Ellerbe, LB/Georgia: He was solid in coverage and vs. the run, but didn't stand out

I didn't get to single out these guys as much as I would've liked (some of them did not play b/c of injury):
Cecil Newton, C/Tennessee St
Seth Olsen, OG/Iowa
Nick Walker, TE/Alabama
Jaimie Thomas, OG/Maryland
David Johnson, FB/TE/Arkansas St
Darcel McBath, S/Texas Tech
Kevin Ellison, S/USC
Anthony Felder, LB/California
Al Afalava, S/Oregon St
Glover Quin, CB/New Mexico
Cary Harris, CB/USC
Worrell Williams, LB/California
Juan Garcia, C/Washington
Cedric Dockery, OL/Texas
Ray Feinga, OG/BYU
John Faletoese, DT/Cal-Davis
Darius Passmore, WR/Marshall: He's one of my guys but I'm not even sure he played; never noticed him

Robert Francois, OLB/Boston College
Brandon Hughes, CB/Oregon St

I was disappointed in the following players:
Chase Daniel, QB/Missouri: Had a disappointing week overall, I don't know if it was a lack of communication with the WR's, center, or what but he didn't look like the Chase Daniel I've seen in the past. Hopefully this is just a fluke

Brandon Underwood, DB/Cincinnati: He can play FS and CB, but didn't look very good at either one. He looked thin and slow to react most of the day
Courtney Greene, S/Rutgers: Got mossed by Bear Pascoe, didn't look on top of his game
Aaron Kelly, WR/Clemson: It looked like he was intimidated and he's rail thin. Fell down too much
Taurus Johnson, WR/USF: Didn't necessarily hurt himself, but confirmed suspicions about his shaky hands
Orion Martin, DE/Virginia Tech: Ran around blockers and struggled when he got locked onto, doesn't look athletic enough to make the position change either, struggled with open field tackling/angles
Darryl Richard, DT/Georgia Tech: I was expecting him to be one of the first DT's off the ball, but more often than not he was the last
Jorvorskie Lane, FB/Texas A&M: He's all but erased his chances of being drafted by showing up at reportedly 295 (he looks all of 300) and struggling to punch it in from inside the five

Dan Gay IV, OT/Baylor: Sidbury destroyed him. Looked good early on... against Etienne Legare
Simeon Rottier, OT/Alberta (Ca): Every time I saw him it seemed like he was on the ground, looked very thin
Pannel Egboh, DE/Stanford: He just seems a step slow to play DE, I think he should add weight and play DT because he had a couple solid bullrushes
Marko Mitchell, WR/Nevada: Was overthrown on badly on a deep ball that would've been a TD, then dropped several catchable balls
Travis Bright, OG/BYU: Slow feet, struggled to stay in front of his man
De'Von Hall, LB/SS/Utah St: Didn't look like he belonged, took poor angles and tried to arm tackle, not physical enough to play LB or athletic enough to play safety
Alex Boone, OT/Ohio St: This game was before we knew about his "drunken rampage" but his performance here hurt his stock (almost) as much. Showed no ability to stay with speed rushers, was beaten badly by a Nick Reed spin move. On a positive note, he looked huge

Texas vs. Nation Game Report

2009-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

I watched the game twice, and here's what I came up with:

*****
1. Bernard Scott, RB/ACU: Great vision and quickness, keeps legs driving and is surprisingly powerful. Needs to add weight and has a slight frame, but there is definitely a spot for a guy with his talent at the next level.

2. Terrance Knighton, DT/Temple: He appeared to be unblockable at times, splitting double teams like they were nothing. If he got pushed back at all, I never saw it. There were a couple plays it seemed like he took off, so conditioning may be an issue.

3. Zach Potter, DL/Nebraska: Rotated seemlessly between DT and DE. Does a good job of getting his hands up to block throwing lanes, is definitely athletic enough and looks huge on the field. Looks like a 3-4 DE to me.

4. Frantz Joseph, MLB/FAU: He was all over the field, excellent vs. the run and is a violent hitter. Solid but nothing special in coverage, may be a 2-down LB in the NFL, intercepted a tipped pass but didn't show much speed on the return.

5. Johnny Knox, WR/ACU: He displayed amazing concentration on his touchdown catch, a tipped pass, looks very quick running routes and in the open field, but for some reason didn't look very comfortable as a returner. He'll need to put on some weight and looked thin, but he definitely has the tools to be a productive slot receiver.

6. Lydon Murtha, OT/Nebraska: He never got beat, looked like he should've been at the Senior Bowl. Has battled injuries over the past 2 seasons but has a ton of talent. No matter who he was going up against today, he was just physically a better player than them. Moves well at the 2nd level.

****
7. Adrian Grady, DT/Louisville: Penetrated the pocket consistently, was in on the play a lot for a DT.
8. Antonio Appleby, ILB/Virginia: Big LB, big hitter, looked a little stiff in coverage but overall he was very impressive and made plays.
9. David Johnson, QB/Tulsa: His decision making wasn't too great, threw into double coverage some but showed very good accuracy and looked comfortable in the pocket.
10. Lardarius Webb, CB/Nicholls St: Looks like an NFL athlete, excellent closing speed and flashed potential as a returner.
11. Jamar Love, CB/Arkansas: Made the hit of the night as a gunner, even though he got the flag. Fast, fast, fast, recovers very well.
12. Derek Walker, DE/Illinois: I was wondering why Will Davis got the Senior Bowl invite and it wasn't the other way around, and he confirmed that for me today. Struggled some when ran at, but beat his man inside and out.
13. Colt Anderson, S/Montana: Heady and instinctive player with excellent quickness. Makes up for his limited size/speed with his knowledge for the game and hustle.

***
14. Kory Sperry, TE/Colorado St: Didn't really make many plays but looked fluid in his routes and controlled his man for the most part as a blocker.
15. Roger Allen III, OG/Missouri Western: Held his ground against bull rushes, got a good push in the running game.
16. Jason Chery, WR/PR/La-Lafayette: Had a couple of excellent returns, didn't do much as a receiver though. Very fast & dangerous in the open field.
17. Stephen Hodge, SS/TCU: Looks way too big to be a safety, but he makes plays. Got beat some by Davon Drew but was all over the field.
18. Rulon Davis, DL/California: Prototypical DE size, he fought to keep the hands off him and even played some DT.
19. Blake Schlueter, C/TCU: He looked quick and played to the whistle. One of the few bright spots in an overall disappointing OL performance.
21. Khalif Mitchell, DT/ECU: Physically, he's got all the tools. Doesn't consistently dominate but made some big time plays.
22. Rashad Bobino, ILB/Texas: Excellent instincts, reads and reacts very quickly but is small.
23. Lydell Sargeant, CB/Penn St: Didn't hear his name called, but sometimes that's a good thing at CB, blanketed his man.
24. Davon Drew, TE/ECU: Athletic, a WR in a TE body, can hold his own as a blocker but he specializes in the passing game, runs smoothe routes and is a hands catcher.

**
25. Ryan Purvis, TE/Boston College: Soft hands, won't jump out at you but is a solid player.
26. James Holt, OLB/Kansas: Good range, but didn't look very aggressive.
27. Lee Robinson, OLB/Alcorn St: Physical freak of nature, made some plays but will be a project.
28. Dudley Guice, WR/Northwestern St: Isn't a hands catcher but is physical and gets open.
29. Henry Melton, DE/Texas: One of my favorite players, a former RB who didn't flash a whole lot but was rarely driven back and got consistent pressure.
30. Jason Boltus, QB/Hartwick: Some might argue with me but I think he showed some potential tonight after he calmed down. Has a cannon but a little bit of a funky release.
31. Frank Summers, FB/UNLV: Sure handed RB/FB, he's HUGE and gets yards after contact.

32. Londen Fryar, CB/WMU: Irving's son showed good athleticism and wasn't beaten all day.
33. Nader Abdallah, DT/Ohio St: Didn't play like I thought he would after hearing about the practices, but was stout vs. the run and didn't get pushed back.
34. Dobson Collins, WR/Gardner-Webb: Targeted a lot, a fluid athlete with good size.

*
35. Pierre Walters, DE/Eastern Illinois: Played with leverage.
36. Kevin Malast, LB/Rutgers: Will be a good special teamer.
37. Jordan Norwood, WR/Penn St: Didn't play as good as I expected, but he's quick

38. Reshard Langford, SS/Vanderbilt: Good help vs. the run, but he got ran over by Frank the Tank.
39. Ian Campbell, DE/LB/Kansas St: Doesn't look like enough of an athlete to play LB, but he hustled and made some plays.
40. Gerald Cadogan, OT/Penn St: Consistently held off his man, nothing special but is a good player.
41. Jahi Word-Daniels, CB/Georgia Tech: Made some good hits and looked quick.
42. Devin Moore, RB/Wyoming: Doesn't look like he runs a sub-4.4 to me but I think he could be a good 3rd down back at the next level.
43. C.J. Davis, OL/Pittsburgh: Got to the 2nd level well and held up at the point of attack.
44. Chris Owens, CB/San Jose St: He's not the most talented player at this game like some have said, but he should be a solid nickelback for someone.
45. Yonus Davis, RB/San Jose St: Definitely not in the same class as Sproles or MJD, but has some moves and solid vision.

46. Brannan Southerland, FB/Georgia: Ran with power and blocked well.

0*
46. DeAngelo Willingham, CB/Tennessee
47. Etukeren Ataefiok, DE/LB/Georgetown
48. Colin Brown, OT/Missouri
49. Tarrion Adams, RB/Tulsa
50. Cornelius Lewis, OL/Tennessee St
51. Louis Ellis, DT/Shaw
52. Tony Carter, CB/FSU
53. Nick Moore, WR/Toledo
54. David Richmond, WR/San Jose St
55. Sean Glennon, QB/Virginia Tech
56. Moton Hopkins III, DE/Tulsa
57. Jamarca Sanford, SS/Ole Miss
58. Anthony Kimble, RB/Stanford
59. Garrett Reynolds, OT/North Carolina
60. Demonte Bolden, DT/Tennessee
61. Dahna Deleston, SS/LB/Connecticut
62. Chase Holbrook, QB/NMSU
63. Conredge Collins, FB/Pittsburgh
64. Julius Williams, DE/Connecticut
65. Drew Willy, QB/Buffalo
66. Danny Gorrer, CB/Texas A&M
67. William Middleton, CB/Furman
68. John Matthews, WR/San Diego
69. Richard Ohrnberger, OG/Penn St
70. Joel Bell, OT/Furman
71. Jovan Belcher, DE/LB/Maine
72. Brit Miller, ILB/Illinois
73. Andy Schantz, LB/Portland St
74. Will Johnson, DT/Michigan
75. Mike Teel, QB/Rutgers

Here are some guys who hurt themselves (not in order):
Michael Reed, WR/BYU: Isn't a quick twitch athlete, failed to hang on to several passes
Kevin Akins, OLB/SS/Boston College: Missed 3 tackles that I saw, took poor angles
Stanley Bryant, OT/ECU: Beaten like a drum all day
Maurice Miller, OG/Ole Miss: Looked sluggish, late out of his stance too often
Tim Henderson, OG/Northwestern St: Bull-rushed way too easily, slow footed
Branden Ledbetter, TE/WMU: Fumbled, doesn't look fluid running
Jose Valdez, OT/Arkansas: Got dominated by Pierre Walters, inconsistent
Jaison Williams, WR/Oregon: Big and fast but had 2 drops, it was not his day

Chase Patton, QB/Missouri: You could really tell he hasn't started a game since H.S, looked very uncomfortable and didn't show me anything
Cyril Obiozor, DE/Texas A&M: Wasn't noticeable and got pushed back in the run game.
Curtis Painter, QB/Purdue: Didn't display the accuracy or arm strength to warrant a draft pick
Robert Brewster, OT/Ball St: He's known for having good feet but was beaten badly to the outside several times

I didn't really notice any of these players, good or bad. I saw some of them but they didn't stand out. Some of them may have not played due to injury:
Marcus Mailei, FB/Weber St
Michael Jones, WR/Arizona St
Dominique Edison, WR/SFA
Jeremy Davis, OL/NW Missouri St
Cornelius Lewis, OL/Tennessee St
Michael Reed, LB/Central Oklahoma
Cody Glenn, OLB/Nebraska
Tyrrell Herbert, S/Toledo
Marcus McClinton, S/Kentucky
Chauncey Calhoun, S/WR/Valley City St
Branden Ore, RB/West Liberty St
Jamall Lee, RB/Bishop's (Canada)
Jamarko Simmons, WR/WMU
Chris Vaughn, WR/Louisville
Alex Fletcher, C/Stanford
T.J. Lang, OL/EMU
Nick Hennessey, OG/Colgate
Andrew Hartline, OT/CMU
Michael Brown, OL/Mississippi St
Kirston Pittman, DE/LSU
Maurice Crum, ILB/Notre Dame
Jason McCourty, CB/Rutgers
Joe Burnett, CB/UCF
Mark Parson, CB/Ohio
Anthony Scirrotto, SS/Penn St
Corey Small, CB/FAU
Chris Ogbonnaya, RB/Texas

Guess Who's Back?

2008-11-26T12:19:00.001-08:00

After an 18 month layoff from draft coverage, I've decided to re-start the blog. I'm going to need help from everyone who has ever read one of my articles. I stopped because I didn't feel I had enough time to provide the information and opinions that were needed. I didn't want the blog to become simply one of many, recycling "expert" opinions. Now that I have more time to dedicate myself to this, I'm going to have some fun.

Thank you,
JP

Top Undrafted Players

2007-05-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Every season lots of very talented players fall through the cracks of the draft, and this year was no exception. Here are the 92 of them that I had ranked in my Top 300, along with the team each one has signed with:

QB’s
1. Jared Zabransky, Boise St (107): HOUSTON
2. Chris Leak, Florida (162): CHICAGO
3. Jeff Smith, Georgetown (KY) (192): CINCINNATI
4. Matt Moore, Oregon St (229): DALLAS
5. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh (249): NEW ORLEANS
6. Brett Ratliff, Utah (284): NY JETS

RB’s
1. Darius Walker, Notre Dame (128): unsigned
2. Jon Cornish, Kansas (164): unsigned
3. Jackie Battle, Houston (170): DALLAS
4. Cory Anderson, FB/Tennessee (175): HOUSTON
5. D.D. Terry, Sam Houston St (204): JACKSONVILLE
6. Ramonce Taylor, Texas College (222): unsigned
7. Ronnie McGill, North Carolina (238): unsigned
8. Danny Ware, Georgia (257): TENNESSEE
9. Selvin Young, Texas (261): DENVER
10. Alonzo Coleman, Hampton (264): DALLAS
11. Justin Vincent, LSU (273): ATLANTA
12. Eldra Buckley, Chattanooga (279): SAN DIEGO
13. Jesse Allen, FB/Virginia Tech (288): NY JETS
14. Tyrone Moss, Miami (290): CLEVELAND
15. Stefan Logan, South Dakota (298): NY GIANTS

WR’s
1. Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame (104): NEW ORLEANS
2. Matt Trannon, Michigan St (121): ARIZONA
3. Brandon Myles, West Virginia (197): NY GIANTS
4. Maurice Price, Charleston Southern (234): unsigned
5. David Ball, New Hampshire (242): CHICAGO
6. Biren Ealy, Houston (260): TENNESSEE
7. D’Juan Woods, Oklahoma St (276): JACKSONVILLE

TE’s
1. Jonny Harline, BYU (193): INDIANAPOLIS
2. Joe Newton, Oregon St (200): SEATTLE
3. Daniel Coats, BYU (241): CINCINNATI
4. Matt Herian, Nebraska (280): TAMPA BAY

OL
1. T.J. Downing, OG/Ohio St (117): ARIZONA
2. Enoka Lucas, C/Oregon (144): HOUSTON
3. Nello Faulk, OT/FAU (152): unsigned
4. Tim Duckworth, OG/Auburn (158): DENVER
5. Scott Stephenson, C/Iowa St (180): CLEVELAND
6. Mike Jones, OG/Iowa (183): SAN DIEGO
7. Stephon Heyer, OT/Maryland (202): WASHINGTON
8. Cliff Louis, OT/Morgan St (212): unsigned
9. Dan Mozes, C/West Virginia (215): MINNESOTA
10. Gabe Hall, OT/Texas Tech (219): NY GIANTS
11. Jake Kuresa, OG/BYU (226): NEW ORLEANS
12. Tala Esera, OG/Hawaii (240): MIAMI
13. Lyle Sendlein, C/Texas (243): ARIZONA
14. Robert Turner, OG/New Mexico (271): DALLAS
15. Dan Parrish, OT/Florida A&M (274): JACKSONVILLE
16. Kurt Quarterman, Louisville (285): ATLANTA
17. Joel Clinger, Missouri (294): NY GIANTS

DL
1. Joe Anoai, DT/Georgia Tech (163): MINNESOTA
2. Walter Thomas, DT/NW Miss CC (173): NEW ORLEANS
3. Marquay Love, DT/Houston (198): MIAMI
4. Justin Hickman, DE/UCLA (227): WASHINGTON
5. Derrick Jones, DE/Grand Valley St (235): PITTSBURGH
6. Louis Leonard, DT/Fresno St (246): SAN DIEGO
7. Mkristo Bruce, DE/Washington St (259): MIAMI
8. Xzavie Jackson, DE/Missouri (263): CINCINNATI
9. Kelly Talavou, DT/Utah (268): unsigned
10. Jason Trusnik, DE/Ohio Northern (293): NY JETS
11. Daniel Muir, DT/Kent St (296): GREEN BAY
12. Marquies Gunn, DE/Auburn (300): NY GIANTS

LB’s
1. Rory Johnson, OLB/Ole Miss (135): GREEN BAY
2. Jon Abbate, MLB/Wake Forest (148): HOUSTON
3. Earl Everett, OLB/Florida (151): CINCINNATI
4. Tony Taylor, MLB/Georgia (157): ATLANTA
5. Juwan Simpson, OLB/Alabama (179): GREEN BAY
6. Quinton Culberson, MLB/Mississippi St (184): ST. LOUIS
7. Sam Olajubutu, OLB/Arkansas (194): TAMPA BAY
8. Nate Harris, OLB/Louisville (206): unsigned
9. Taurean Charles, MLB/Bethune-Cookman (214): unsigned
10. Matt Muncy, MLB/Ohio (223): CINCINNATI
11. Kyle Shotwell, OLB/Cal-Poly (248): OAKLAND
12. KaMichael Hall, OLB/Georgia Tech (275): INDIANAPOLIS
13. Dedrick Harrington, MLB/Missouri (277): DALLAS
14. Mario Reese, OLB/Minnesota (283): unsigned

CB’s
1. Travarous Bain, CB/Hampton (79): ARIZONA
2. DeAndre Jackson, CB/Iowa St (130): unsigned
3. Kenny Scott, CB/Georgia Tech (176): TAMPA BAY
4. Anthony Arline, CB/Baylor (182): SAN DIEGO
5. Melvin Bullitt, S/Texas A&M (221): INDIANAPOLIS
6. Duane Coleman, CB/Clemson (232): BUFFALO
7. Marquice Cole, CB/Northwestern (244): OAKLAND
8. Geoff Pope, CB/Howard (255): MIAMI
9. Reggie Lewis, CB/Florida (265): BUFFALO
10. David Lofton, S/Stanford (272): unsigned
11. Calvin Bannister, CB/Hampton (278): BALTIMORE
12. Will Gulley, S/Houston (281): ARIZONA
13. John Talley, CB/Duke (286): WASHINGTON
14. Andrew Shanle, S/Nebraska (287): NEW ORLEANS
15. Jay Staggs, S/UNLV (289): CHICAGO
16. Greg Fassitt, CB/Grambling St (291): unsigned
17. Leonard Peters, S/Hawaii (295): NY JETS

TOP FIVE UNDRAFTED CLASSES
Here are the teams that I think helped themselves the most in the days after the draft, with some of their most notable signings under them:

1. Houston Texans

The Texans are hoping Zabransky will be the next Jeff Garcia

QB Jared Zabransky, Boise St
C Enoka Lucas, Oregon St
MLB Jon Abbate, Wake Forest
FB Cory Anderson, Tennessee
WR Onrea Jones, Hampton
CB Derrick Roberson, Rutgers
DE Victor DeGrate, Oklahoma St
OT Tavo Tupola, Utah
TE Luke Smith-Anderson, Idaho

2. Arizona Cardinals

Bain was the only player in my Top 100 not to hear his name called

CB Travarous Bain, Hampton
WR Matt Trannon, Michigan St
OG T.J. Downing, Ohio St
C Lyle Sendlein, Texas
S Will Gulley, Houston
QB Toby Korrodi, Central Missouri
RB Steve Baylark, Massachusetts
FB Roshon Vercher, Fresno St
LB David Holloway, Maryland

3. Dallas Cowboys

Ron Jaworski made it no secret that Moore has NFL talent

QB Matt Moore, Oregon St
RB Jackie Battle, Houston
MLB Dedrick Harrington, Missouri
OG Robert Turner, New Mexico
WR Jerard Rabb, Boise St
RB Alonzo Coleman, Hampton
NT Ola Dagunduro, Nebraska
TE Rodney Hannah, Houston

4. New Orleans Saints

McKnight caught 15 TDs as a senior, 3 more than teammate Jeff Samardzija

WR Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame
DT Walter Thomas, NW Missisippi CC
QB Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
S Andrew Shanle, Nebraska
OG Jake Kuresa, BYU
OT Peter Dyakowski, LSU
OLB Ameer Ismail, Western Michigan
OLB Wade Koehl, Houston
CB Joseph Porter, Rutgers

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Everett was a Day 1 lock until a very disappointing combine

OLB Earl Everett, Florida
MLB Matt Muncy, Ohio
QB Jeff Smith, Georgetown (KY)
TE Daniel Coats, BYU
DE Xzavie Jackson, Missouri
OT Dane Uperesa, Hawaii
LB Cameron Siskowic, Illinois St
FB Stan White Jr, Ohio St
WR Jesse Holley, North Carolina

Live Draft Results-Day 2

2007-04-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

4TH ROUND
100. Oakland: Michael Bush, RB/Louisville
101. Jacksonville: Adam Podlesh, P/Maryland
102. Minnesota: Brian Robison, DE/Texas
103. Dallas: Isaiah Stanback, QB/WR/Washington
104. San Francisco: Jay Moore, DE/Nebraska
105. Detroit: A.J. Davis, CB/N.C. St
106. Tampa Bay: Tanard Jackson, CB/Syracuse
107. New Orleans: Antonio Pittman, RB/Ohio St
108. Miami: Paul Soliai, DT/Utah
109. Atlanta: Stephen Nicholas, OLB/USF
110. Oakland: John Bowie, CB/Cincinnati
111. Buffalo: Dwayne Wright, RB/Fresno St
112. Pittsburgh: Daniel Sepulveda, P/Baylor
113. Jacksonville: Brian Smith, OLB/Missouri
114. Cincinnati: Marvin White, S/TCU
115. Tennessee: Leroy Harris, C/N.C. St
116. NY Giants: Zak DeOssie, OLB/Brown
117. Detroit: Manuel Ramirez, OG/Texas Tech
118. Carolina: Ryne Robinson, WR/Miami (Ohio)
119. Green Bay: Allen Barbre, OT/Missouri Southern
120. Seattle: Baraka Atkins, DE/Miami
121. Denver: Marcus Thomas, DT/Florida
122. Dallas: Doug Free, OT/Northern Illinois
123. Houston: Fred Bennett, CB/South Carolina
124. Seattle: Mansfield Wrotto, OG/Georgia Tech
125. New Orleans: Jermon Bushrod, OT/Towson
126. San Francisco: Dashon Goldson, S/Washington
127. New England: Kareem Brown, DT/Miami
128. Tennessee: Chris Davis, WR/Florida St
129. San Diego: Scott Chandler, TE/Iowa
130. Chicago: Josh Beekman, OG/Boston College
131. Indianapolis: Brannon Condren, S/Troy
132. Pittsburgh: Ryan McBean, DE/Oklahoma St
133. Atlanta: Martrez Milner, TE/Georgia
134. Baltimore: Antwan Barnes, OLB/Fla Int'l
135. San Francisco: Joe Cohen, DT/Florida
136. Indianapolis: Clint Session, OLB/Pittsburgh
137. Baltimore: Le'Ron McClain, FB/Alabama

5TH ROUND
138. Oakland: Jay Richardson, DE/Ohio St
139. St. Louis: Dustin Fry, C/Clemson
140. Cleveland: Brandon McDonald, CB/Memphis
141. Tampa Bay: Greg Peterson, DE/NC Central
142. Arizona: Steve Breaston, WR/Michigan
143. Washington: Dallas Sartz, OLB/USC
144. Houston: Brandon Harrison, S/Stanford
145. New Orleans: David Jones, CB/Wingate
146. Minnesota: Aundrae Allison, WR/ECU
147. San Francisco: Tarell Brown, CB/Texas
148. Kansas City: Kolby Smith, RB/Louisville
149. Jacksonville: Uche Nwaneri, OG/Purdue
150. Jacksonville: Josh Gattis, S/Wake Forest
151. Cincinnati: Jeff Rowe, QB/Nevada
152. Tennessee: Antonio Johnson, DT/Mississippi St
153. NY Giants: Kevin Boss, TE/Western Oregon
154. St. Louis: Clifton Ryan, DT/Michigan St
155. Carolina: Dante Rosario, FB/Oregon
156. Pittsburgh: Cam Stephenson, OG/Rutgers
157. Green Bay: David Clowney, WR/Virginia Tech
158. Detroit: Johnny Baldwin, OLB/Alabama A&M
159. Philadelphia: C.J. Gaddis, CB/Clemson
160. Kansas City: Justin Medlock, K/UCLA
161. Seattle: Will Herring, OLB/Auburn
162. Philadelphia: Brent Celek, TE/Cincinnati
163. Houston: Brandon Frye, OT/Virginia Tech
164. Carolina: Tim Shaw, OLB/Penn St
165. Oakland: Eric Frampton, S/Washington St
166. Jacksonville: Derek Landri, DT/Notre Dame
167. Chicago: Kevin Payne, S/La-Monroe
168. Chicago: Corey Graham, CB/New Hampshire
169. Indianapolis: Roy Hall, WR/Ohio St
170. Pittsburgh: William Gay, CB/Louisville
171. New England: Clint Oldenburg, OT/Colorado St
172. San Diego: Legedu Naanee, WR/Boise St
173. Indianapolis: Michael Coe, CB/Alabama St
174. Baltimore: Troy Smith, QB/Ohio St

6TH ROUND
175. Oakland: Oren O'Neal, FB/Arkansas St
176. Minnesota: Rufus Alexander, OLB/Oklahoma
177. NY Jets: Jacob Bender, OT/Nicholls St
178. Dallas: Nick Folk, K/Arizona
179. Washington H.B. Blades, MLB/Pittsburgh
180. New England: Justin Rogers, DE/SMU
181. Miami: Reagan Mauia, RB/Hawaii
182. Tampa Bay: Adam Hayward, OLB/Portland St
183. Houston: Kasey Studdard, OG/Texas
184. Buffalo: John Wendling, S/Wyoming
185. Atlanta: Trey Lewis, DT/Washburn
186. San Francisco: Thomas Clayton, RB/Kansas St
187. Cincinnati: Matt Toeaina, DT/Oregon
188. Tennessee: Joel Filani, WR/Texas Tech
189. NY Giants: Adam Koets, OT/Oregon St
190. St. Louis: Ken Shackleford, OT/Georgia
191. Green Bay: Korey Hall, MLB/Boise St
192. Green Bay: Desmond Bishop, MLB/California
193. Green Bay: Mason Crosby, K/Colorado
194. Atlanta: David Irons, CB/Auburn
195. Dallas: Deon Anderson, FB/UCONN
196. Kansas City: Herbert Taylor, OT/TCU
197. Seattle: Courtney Taylor, WR/Auburn
198. Atlanta: Doug Datish, C/Ohio St
199. MiamI: Drew Mormino, C/Central Michigan
200. Cleveland: Mel Purcell, DE/Hawaii
201. Philadelphia: Rashad Barskdale, S/Albany
202. New England: Mike Richardson, CB/Notre Dame
203. Atlanta: Daren Stone, S/Maine
204. Tennessee: Jacob Ford, DE/Central Arkansas
205. Washington: Jordan Palmer, QB/UTEP
206. Tennessee: Ryan Smith, CB/Florida
207. Baltimore: Prescott Burgess, OLB/Michigan
208. New England: Justise Hairston, RB/Central Conn St
209. New England: Corey Hilliard, OG/Oklahoma St
210. Seattle: Jordan Kent, WR/Oregon

7TH ROUND
211. New England: Oscar Lua, MLB/USC
212. Dallas: Courtney Brown, CB/Cal-Poly
213. Cleveland: Chase Pittman, DE/LSU
214. Tampa Bay: Chris Denman, OT/Fresno St
215. Arizona: Ben Patrick, TE/Delaware
216. Washington: Tyler Ecker, TE/Michigan
217. Minnesota: Tyler Thigpen, QB/Coastal Carolina
218. Houston: Zach Diles, MLB/Kansas St
219. Miami: Kelvin Smith, MLB/Syracuse
220. New Orleans: Marvin Mitchell, MLB/Tennessee
221. Chicago: Trumaine McBride, CB/Ole Miss
222. Buffalo: Derek Schouman, TE/Boise St
223. Tennessee: Mike Otto, OT/Purdue
224. NY Giants: Michael Johnson, S/Arizona
225. Miami: Brandon Fields, P/Michigan St
226. Carolina: C.J. Wilson, CB/Baylor
227. Pittsburgh: Dallas Baker, WR/Florida
228. Green Bay: DeShawn Wynn, RB/Florida
229. Jacksonville: John Broussard, WR/San Jose St
230. Cincinnati: Dan Santucci, OG/Notre Dame
231. Kansas City: Michael Allan, TE/Whitworth
232. Seattle: Steve Vallos, OG/Wake Forest
233. Minnesota: Chandler Williams, WR/Fla Int'l
234. Cleveland: Syndric Steptoe, WR/Arizona
235. NY Jets: Chansi Stuckey, WR/Clemson
236. Philadelphia: Nate Ilaoa, RB/Hawaii
237. Dallas: Alan Ball, CB/Illinois
238. Miami: Abraham Wright, DE/Colorado
239. Buffalo: C.J. Ah You, DE/Oklahoma
240. San Diego: Brandon Siler, MLB/Florida
241. Chicago: Aaron Brant, OT/Iowa St
242. Indianapolis: Keyunta Dawson, DE/Texas Tech
243. Green Bay: Clark Harris, TE/Rutgers
244. Atlanta: Jason Snelling, FB/Virginia
245. Tampa Bay: Marcus Hamilton, CB/Virginia
246. Tampa Bay: Kenneth Darby, RB/Alabama
247. New England: Mike Elgin, C/Iowa
248. St. Louis: Keith Jackson, DT/Arkansas
249. St. Louis: Derek Stanley, WR/Wisconsin-Whitewater
250. NY Giants: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB/Marshall
251. Jacksonville: Chad Nkang, S/Elon
252. Jacksonville: Andrew Carnahan, OT/Arizona St
253. Cincinnati: Chinedum Ndukwe, S/Notre Dame
254. Oakland: Johnathan Holland, WR/La Tech
255. Detroit: Ramzee Robinson, CB/Alabama

JP's Top 50 Undrafted Players
1. Travarous Bain, CB/Hampton (79)
2. Rhema McKnight, WR/Notre Dame (104)
3. Jared Zabransky, QB/Boise St (107)
4. T.J. Downing, OG/Ohio St (117)
5. Matt Trannon, WR/Michigan St (121)
6. Darius Walker, RB/Notre Dame (128)
7. DeAndre Jackson, CB/Iowa St (130)
8. Rory Johnson, OLB/Ole Miss (135)
9. Enoka Lucas, C/Oregon (144)
10. Jon Abbate, MLB/Wake Forest (148)
11. Earl Everett, OLB/Florida (151)
12. Nello Faulk, OT/FAU (152)
13. Tony Taylor, MLB/Georgia (157)
14. Tim Duckworth, OG/Auburn (158)
15. Chris Leak, QB/Florida (162)
16. Joe Anoai, DT/Georgia Tech (163)
17. Jon Cornish, RB/Kansas (164)
18. Jackie Battle, RB/Houston (170)
19. Walter Thomas, DT/NW Miss CC (173)
20. Cory Anderson, FB/Tennessee (175)
21. Kenny Scott, CB/Georgia Tech (176)
22. Juwan Simpson, OLB/Alabama (179)
23. Scott Stephenson, C/Iowa St (180)
24. Anthony Arline, CB/Baylor (182)
25. Mike Jones, OG/Iowa (183)
26. Quinton Culberson, MLB/Mississippi St (184)
27. Jeff Smith, QB/Georgetown (KY) (192)
28. Jonny Harline, TE/BYU (193)
29. Sam Olajubutu, OLB/Arkansas (194)
30. Brandon Myles, WR/West Virginia (197)
31. Marquay Love, DT/Houston (198)
32. Joe Newton, TE/Oregon St (200)
33. Stephon Heyer, OT/Maryland (202)
34. D.D. Terry, RB/Sam Houston St (204)
35. Nate Harris, OLB/Louisville (206)
36. Cliff Louis, OT/Morgan St (212)
37. Taurean Charles, MLB/Bethune-Cookman (214)
38. Dan Mozes, C/West Virginia (215)
39. Gabe Hall, OT/Texas Tech (219)
40. Melvin Bullitt, S/Texas A&M (221)
41. Ramonce Taylor, RB/Texas College (222)
42. Matt Muncy, MLB/Ohio (223)
43. Jake Kuresa, OG/BYU (226)
44. Justin Hickman, DE/UCLA (227)
45. Matt Moore, QB/Oregon St (229)
46. Duane Coleman, CB/Clemson (232)
47. Maurice Price, WR/Charleston Southern (234)
48. Derrick Jones, DE/Grand Valley St (235)
49. Ronnie McGill, RB/North Carolina (238)
50. Tala Esera, OG/Hawaii (240)

Draft Results-Day 1

2007-04-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

1ST ROUND
1. Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, QB/LSU
2. Detroit: Calvin Johnson, WR/Georgia Tech
3. Cleveland: Joe Thomas, OT/Wisconsin
4. Tampa Bay: Gaines Adams, DE/Clemson
5. Arizona: Levi Brown, OT/Penn St
6. Washington: LaRon Landry, S/LSU
7. Minnesota: Adrian Peterson, RB/Oklahoma
8. Atlanta: Jamaal Anderson, DE/Arkansas
9. Miami: Ted Ginn Jr, WR/Ohio St
10. Houston: Amobi Okoye, DT/Louisville
11. San Francisco: Patrick Willis, MLB/Ole Miss
12. Buffalo: Marshawn Lynch, RB/California
13. St. Louis: Adam Carriker, DE/Nebraska
14. NY Jets: Darrelle Revis, CB/Pittsburgh
15. Pittsburgh: Lawrence Timmons, OLB/Florida St
16. Green Bay: Justin Harrell, DT/Tennessee
17. Denver: Jarvis Moss, DE/Florida
18. Cincinnati: Leon Hall, CB/Michigan
19. Tennessee: Michael Griffin, S/Texas
20. NY Giants: Aaron Ross, CB/Texas
21. Jacksonville: Reggie Nelson, S/Florida
22. Cleveland: Brady Quinn, QB/Notre Dame
23. Kansas City: Dwayne Bowe, WR/LSU
24. New England: Brandon Meriweather, S/Miami
25. Carolina: Jon Beason, OLB/Miami
26. Dallas: Anthony Spencer, DE/LB/Purdue
27. New Orleans: Robert Meachem, WR/Tennessee
28. San Francisco: Joe Staley, OT/Central Mich
29. Baltimore: Ben Grubbs, OG/Auburn
30. San Diego: Craig Davis, WR/LSU
31. Chicago: Greg Olsen, TE/Miami
32. Indianapolis: Anthony Gonzalez, WR/Ohio St

2ND ROUND
33. Arizona: Alan Branch, DT/Michigan
34. Buffalo: Paul Posluszny, OLB/Penn St
35. Tampa Bay: Arron Sears, OG/Tennessee
36. Philadelphia: Kevin Kolb, QB/Houston
37. San Diego: Eric Weddle, S/Utah
38. Oakland: Zach Miller, TE/Arizona St
39. Atlanta: Justin Blalock, OG/Texas
40. Miami: John Beck, QB/BYU
41. Atlanta: Chris Houston, CB/Arkansas
42. Indianapolis: Tony Ugoh, OT/Arkansas
43. Detroit: Drew Stanton, QB/Michigan St
44. Minnesota: Sidney Rice, WR/South Carolina
45. Carolina: Dwayne Jarrett, WR/USC
46. Pittsburgh: LaMarr Woodley, DE/LB/Michigan
47. NY Jets: David Harris, MLB/Michigan
48. Jacksonville: Justin Durant, OLB/Hampton
49. Cincinnati: Kenny Irons, RB/Auburn
50. Tennessee: Chris Henry, RB/Arizona
51. NY Giants: Steve Smith, WR/USC
52. St. Louis: Brian Leonard, RB/Rutgers
53. Cleveland: Eric Wright, CB/UNLV
54. Kansas City: Turk McBride, DT/Tennessee
55. Seattle: Josh Wilson, CB/Maryland
56. Denver: Tim Crowder, DE/Texas
57. Philadelphia: Victor Abiamiri, DE/Notre Dame
58. Detroit: Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE/Hawaii
59. Carolina: Ryan Kalil, C/USC
60. Miami: Samson Satele, C/Hawaii
61. Detroit: Gerald Alexander, S/Boise St
62. Chicago: Dan Bazuin, DE/Central Mich
63. Green Bay: Brandon Jackson, RB/Nebraska
64. Tampa Bay: Sabby Piscitelli, S/Oregon St

3RD ROUND
65. Oakland: Quentin Moses, DE/Georgia
66. New Orleans: Usama Young, CB/Kent St
67. Dallas: James Marten, OT/Boston College
68. Tampa Bay: Quincy Black, OLB/New Mexico
69. Arizona: Buster Davis, MLB/Florida St
70. Denver: Ryan Harris, OT/Notre Dame
71. Miami: Lorenzo Booker, RB/Florida St
72. Minnesota: Marcus McCauley, CB/Fresno St
73. Houston: Jacoby Jones, WR/Lane
74. Baltimore: Yamon Figurs, WR/Kansas St
75. Atlanta: Laurent Robinson, WR/Illinois St
76. San Francisco: Jason Hill, WR/Washington St
77. Pittsburgh: Matt Spaeth, TE/Minnesota
78. Green Bay: James Jones, WR/San Jose St
79. Jacksonville: Mike Walker, WR/UCF
80. Tennessee: Paul Williams, WR/Fresno St
81. NY Giants: Jay Alford, DT/Penn St
82. Kansas City: Tank Tyler, DT/N.C. St
83. Carolina: Charles Johnson, DE/Georgia
84. St. Louis: Jonathan Wade, CB/Tennessee
85. Seattle: Brandon Mebane, DT/California
86. Baltimore: Marshal Yanda, OT/Iowa
87. Philadelphia: Stewart Bradley, OLB/Nebraska
88. New Orleans: Andy Alleman, OG/Akron
89. Green Bay: Aaron Rouse, S/Virginia Tech
90. Philadelphia: Tony Hunt, RB/Penn St
91. Oakland: Mario Henderson, OT/Florida St
92. Buffalo: Trent Edwards, QB/Stanford
93. Chicago: Garrett Wolfe, RB/Northern Illinois
94. Chicago: Michael Okwo, OLB/Stanford
95. Indianapolis: Daymeion Hughes, CB/California
96. San Diego: Anthony Waters, MLB/Clemson
97. San Francisco: Ray McDonald, DT/Florida
98. Indianapolis: Quinn Pitcock, DT/Ohio St
99. Oakland: Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR/UTEP

I always rank players according to how good I think they'll end up in the NFL, not where I think they'll be drafted. That said, it's always interesting to see how many of the top 100 you get right (even though there were only 99 picks today). I got 78 out of 99 players taken on day 1 correct, and here are the ones that are still undrafted at this point:

1. Michael Bush, RB/Louisville (40)
2. Joel Filani, WR/Texas Tech (43)
3. Rufus Alexander, OLB/Oklahoma (45)
4. Ben Patrick, TE/Delaware (53)
5. Antonio Pittman, RB/Ohio St (60)
6. Brandon Siler, MLB/Florida (61)
7. Aundrae Allison, WR/ECU (63)
8. Josh Beekman, C/Boston College (66)
9. Troy Smith, QB/Ohio St (74)
10. Daren Stone, S/Maine (77)
11. Travarous Bain, CB/Hampton (79)
12. Stephen Nicholas, OLB/USF (81)
13. John Wendling, S/Wyoming (83)
14. Tim Shaw, OLB/Penn St (84)
15. Tanard Jackson, CB/Syracuse (85)
16. Manuel Ramirez, OG/Texas Tech (90)
17. David Irons, CB/Auburn (91)
18. Zak DeOssie, OLB/Brown (92)
19. Le'Ron McClain, FB/Alabama (94)
20. Allen Barbre, OT/Missoui Southern (98)
21. Doug Free, OT/Northern Illinois (100)

Top 300 Overall

2007-04-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

1 Calvin Johnson*, WR/Georgia Tech 9.97
2 Adrian Peterson*, RB/Oklahoma 9.81
3 Joe Thomas, OT/Wisconsin 9.66
4 Brady Quinn, QB/Notre Dame 9.49
5 JaMarcus Russell*, QB/LSU 9.47
6 Patrick Willis, MLB/Ole Miss 9.43
7 LaRon Landry, S/LSU 9.39
8 Gaines Adams, DE/Clemson 9.37
9 Marshawn Lynch*, RB/California 9.24
10 Adam Carriker, DE/Nebraska 9.08
11 Amobi Okoye, DT/Louisville 9.03
12 Ted Ginn Jr*, WR/Ohio St 8.94
13 Jamaal Anderson*, DE/Arkansas 8.85
14 Alan Branch*, DT/Michigan 8.80
15 Chris Houston*, CB/Arkansas 8.72
16 Robert Meachem*, WR/Tennessee 8.67
17 Levi Brown, OT/Penn St 8.61
18 Greg Olsen*, TE/Miami 8.55
19 Paul Posluszny, OLB/Penn St 8.49
20 Darrelle Revis*, CB/Pittsburgh 8.45
21 Dwayne Jarrett*, WR/USC 8.43
22 Leon Hall, CB/Michigan 8.40
23 Tony Ugoh, OT/Arkansas 8.29
24 Reggie Nelson*, S/Florida 8.26
25 LaMarr Woodley, DE/Michigan 8.22
26 Lawrence Timmons*, OLB/Florida St 8.18
27 Joe Staley, OT/C Michigan 8.13
28 Sidney Rice*, WR/South Carolina 8.07
29 Dwayne Bowe, WR/LSU 8.04
30 Ben Grubbs, OG/Auburn 8.02
31 Anthony Spencer, DE/Purdue 8
32 Brandon Meriweather, S/Miami 7.93
33 Ryan Kalil, C/USC 7.92
34 Jarvis Moss*, DE/Florida 7.89
35 Justin Blalock, OG/Texas 7.86
36 Jon Beason*, OLB/Miami 7.79
37 Aaron Ross, CB/Texas 7.78
38 David Harris, MLB/Michigan 7.75
39 Eric Weddle, S/Utah 7.73
40 Michael Bush*, RB/Louisville 7.69
41 Justin Harrell, DT/Tennessee 7.66
42 Kevin Kolb, QB/Houston 7.62
43 Joel Filani, WR/Texas Tech 7.6
44 Michael Griffin, S/Texas 7.58
45 Rufus Alexander, OLB/Oklahoma 7.55
46 Zach Miller*, TE/Arizona St 7.51
47 Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE/Hawaii 7.48
48 Jason Hill, WR/Washington St 7.46
49 Charles Johnson*, DE/Georgia 7.44
50 Anthony Gonzalez*, WR/Ohio St 7.42
51 Sabby Piscitelli, S/Oregon St 7.39
52 Arron Sears, OG/Tennessee 7.35
53 Ben Patrick, TE/Delaware 7.33
54 Eric Wright*, CB/UNLV 7.3
55 Buster Davis, MLB/Florida St 7.29
56 Steve Smith, WR/USC 7.27
57 Victor Abiamiri, DE/Notre Dame 7.25
58 Drew Stanton, QB/Michigan St 7.22
59 Marcus McCauley, CB/Fresno St 7.19
60 Antonio Pittman*, RB/Ohio St 7.16
61 Brandon Siler*, MLB/Florida 7.14
62 Brian Leonard*, RB/Rutgers 7.12
63 Aundrae Allison, WR/ECU 7.07
64 Jonathan Wade, CB/Tennessee 7.05
65 Kenny Irons, RB/Auburn 7.04
66 Josh Beekman, C/Boston College 7.01
67 Quentin Moses, DE/Georgia 6.99
68 Josh Wilson, CB/Maryland 6.98
69 Samson Satele, C/Hawaii 6.95
70 Brandon Jackson*, RB/Nebraska 6.92
71 Troy Smith, QB/Ohio St 6.89
72 Mario Henderson, OT/Florida St 6.88
73 Tim Crowder, DE/Texas 6.86
74 Trent Edwards, QB/Stanford 6.85
75 Stewart Bradley, OLB/Nebraska 6.82
76 Tony Hunt, RB/Penn St 6.79
77 Daren Stone, S/Maine 6.77
78 Matt Spaeth, TE/Minnesota 6.75
79 Travarous Bain, CB/Hampton 6.74
80 Jacoby Jones, WR/Lane 6.71
81 Stephen Nicholas, OLB/USF 6.7
82 James Marten, OT/Boston College 6.69
83 John Wendling, S/Wyoming 6.66
84 Tim Shaw, OLB/Penn St 6.65
85 Tanard Jackson, CB/Syracuse 6.63
86 Chris Henry*, RB/Arizona 6.61
87 Ryan Harris, OT/Notre Dame 6.58
88 Justin Durant, OLB/Hampton 6.54
89 Lorenzo Booker, RB/Florida St 6.52
90 Manuel Ramirez, OG/Texas Tech 6.51
91 David Irons, CB/Auburn 6.49
92 Zak DeOssie, OLB/Brown 6.47
93 Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR/UTEP 6.44
94 Le'Ron McClain, FB/Alabama 6.43
95 Tank Tyler, DT/N.C. St 6.41
96 Yamon Figurs, WR/Kansas St 6.39
97 Aaron Rouse, S/Virginia Tech 6.36
98 Allen Barbre, OT/Missouri Southern 6.34
99 Turk McBride, DT/Tennessee 6.31
100 Doug Free, OT/Northern Illinois 6.28
101 Baraka Atkins, DE/Miami 6.24
102 Scott Chandler, TE/Iowa 6.22
103 Tarell Brown, CB/Texas 6.19
104 Rhema McKnight, WR/Notre Dame 6.18
105 Kevin Payne, S/La-Monroe 6.17
106 Brian Robison, DE/Texas 6.15
107 Jared Zabransky, QB/Boise St 6.13
108 Ryan McBean, DT/Oklahoma St 6.12
109 Daymeion Hughes, CB/California 6.09
110 Craig Davis, WR/LSU 6.07
111 Quincy Black, OLB/New Mexico 6.03
112 Michael Allan, TE/Whitworth 6.02
113 Ray McDonald, DT/Florida 6.01
114 John Beck, QB/BYU 5.98
115 Michael Johnson, S/Arizona 5.97
116 Kolby Smith, RB/Louisville 5.95
117 T.J. Downing, OG/Ohio St 5.93
118 C.J. Wilson, CB/Baylor 5.9
119 Quinn Pitcock, DT/Ohio St 5.89
120 Herbert Taylor, OT/TCU 5.86
121 Matt Trannon, WR/Michigan St 5.82
122 Justise Hairston, RB/C Conn St 5.79
123 Marshal Yanda, OT/Iowa 5.78
124 Jay Richardson, DE/Ohio St 5.75
125 Brandon Mebane, DT/California 5.73
126 H.B. Blades, MLB/Pittsburgh 5.7
127 Dan Bazuin, DE/C Michigan 5.69
128 Darius Walker*, RB/Notre Dame 5.68
129 Andy Alleman, OG/Akron 5.67
130 DeAndre Jackson, CB/Iowa St 5.63
131 Mike Otto, OT/Notre Dame 5.62
132 Anthony Waters, MLB/Clemson 5.59
133 C.J. Gaddis*, CB/Clemson 5.58
134 Mansfield Wrotto, OG/Georgia Tech 5.57
135 Rory Johnson*, OLB/Ole Miss 5.55
136 Usama Young, CB/Kent St 5.53
137 Courtney Taylor, WR/Auburn 5.52
138 Brandon Frye, OT/Virginia Tech 5.51
139 Fred Bennett, CB/South Carolina 5.49
140 Marcus Thomas*, DT/Florida 5.47
141 Garrett Wolfe, RB/Northern Illinois 5.46
142 Ryan Smith*, CB/Florida 5.44
143 Antonio Johnson, DT/Mississippi St 5.43
144 Enoka Lucas, C/Oregon 5.42
145 Paul Williams, WR/Fresno St 5.41
146 Jeff Rowe, QB/Nevada 5.38
147 Corey Hilliard, OT/Oklahoma St 5.37
148 Jon Abbate*, MLB/Wake Forest 5.36
149 Michael Coe, CB/Alabama St 5.33
150 Kevin Boss, TE/W Oregon 5.31
151 Earl Everett, OLB/Florida 5.3
152 Nello Faulk, OT/FAU 5.28
153 Mike Walker, WR/UCF 5.27
154 Chinedum Ndukwe, S/Notre Dame 5.24
155 Jay Moore, DE/Nebraska 5.23
156 Isaiah Stanback, QB/Washington 5.22
157 Tony Taylor, MLB/Georgia 5.21
158 Tim Duckworth, OG/Auburn 5.19
159 Dwayne Wright*, RB/Fresno St 5.18
160 Martrez Milner, TE/Georgia 5.17
161 Gerald Alexander, S/Boise St 5.16
162 Chris Leak, QB/Florida 5.15
163 Joe Anoai, DT/Georgia Tech 5.14
164 Jon Cornish, RB/Kansas 5.12
165 Josh Gattis, S/Wake Forest 5.1
166 Dallas Baker, WR/Florida 5.08
167 Dallas Sartz, OLB/USC 5.07
168 Dan Santucci, OG/Notre Dame 5.06
169 Clifton Ryan, DT/Michigan St 5.05
170 Jackie Battle, RB/Houston 5.04
171 David Clowney, WR/Virginia Tech 5.03
172 Antwan Barnes, OLB/Fla Int'l 5.02
173 Walter Thomas, DT/NW Miss CC 5.01
174 Leroy Harris, C/N.C. St 4.99
175 Cory Anderson, FB/Tennessee 4.98
176 Kenny Scott, CB/Georgia Tech 4.96
177 Jordan Palmer, QB/UTEP 4.93
178 Adam Koets, OT/Oregon St 4.92
179 Juwan Simpson, OLB/Alabama 4.91
180 Scott Stephenson, C/Iowa St 4.9
181 Kareem Brown, DT/Miami 4.89
182 Anthony Arline, CB/Baylor 4.87
183 Mike Jones, OG/Iowa 4.86
184 Quinton Culberson, MLB/Mississippi St 4.84
185 Laurent Robinson, WR/Illinois St 4.83
186 Marvin White, S/TCU 4.82
187 Uche Nwaneri, OG/Purdue 4.8
188 Ramzee Robinson, CB/Alabama 4.79
189 Ahmad Bradshaw*, RB/Marshall 4.77
190 Chris Davis, WR/Florida St 4.76
191 C.J. Ah You, DE/Oklahoma 4.74
192 Jeff Smith, QB/Georgetown (KY) 4.72
193 Jonny Harline, TE/BYU 4.71
194 Sam Olajubutu, OLB/Arkansas 4.69
195 Doug Datish, C/Ohio St 4.68
196 Clark Harris, TE/Rutgers 4.67
197 Brandon Myles, WR/West Virginia 4.66
198 Marquay Love, DT/Houston 4.65
199 Legedu Naanee, WR/Boise St 4.64
200 Joe Newton, TE/Oregon St 4.63
201 Brandon McDonald, CB/Memphis 4.61
202 Stephon Heyer, OT/Maryland 4.59
203 Paul Soliai, DT/Utah 4.58
204 D.D. Terry, RB/Sam Houston St 4.57
205 Kasey Studdard, OG/Texas 4.56
206 Nate Harris, OLB/Louisville 4.55
207 A.J. Davis, CB/N.C. St 4.53
208 Chad Nkang, S/Elon 4.51
209 DeShawn Wynn, RB/Florida 4.5
210 Jay Alford, DT/Penn St 4.49
211 Prescott Burgess, OLB/Michigan 4.48
212 Cliff Louis, OT/Morgan St 4.47
213 Brannon Condren, S/Troy 4.46
214 Taurean Charles, MLB/Beth-Cookman 4.44
215 Dan Mozes, C/West Virginia 4.43
216 Jacob Ford, DE/C Arkansas 4.42
217 Derek Schouman, FB/Boise St 4.41
218 Kelvin Smith, MLB/Syracuse 4.39
219 Gabe Hall*, OT/Texas Tech 4.38
220 Courtney Brown, CB/Cal-Poly 4.37
221 Melvin Bullitt, S/Texas A&M 4.36
222 Ramonce Taylor*, RB/Texas 4.35
223 Matt Muncy, MLB/Ohio 4.34
224 Brian Smith, OLB/Missouri 4.32
225 Mike Richardson, CB/Notre Dame 4.31
226 Jake Kuresa, OG/BYU 4.29
227 Justin Hickman, OLB/UCLA 4.28
228 Jermon Bushrod, OT/Towson 4.27
229 Matt Moore, QB/Oregon St 4.26
230 Michael Okwo, OLB/Stanford 4.25
231 Thomas Clayton, RB/Kansas St 4.24
232 Duane Coleman, CB/Clemson 4.23
233 Chris Denman, OT/Fresno St 4.22
234 Maurice Price*, WR/Charleston Southern 4.21
235 Derrick Jones, DE/Grand Valley St 4.19
236 Steve Breaston, WR/Michigan 4.18
237 Jacob Bender, OT/Nicholls St 4.17
238 Ronnie McGill, RB/North Carolina 4.16
239 Greg Peterson, DE/NC Central 4.15
240 Tala Esera, OG/Hawaii 4.14
241 Daniel Coats, TE/BYU 4.13
242 David Ball, WR/Northeastern 4.11
243 Lyle Sendlein, C/Texas 4.1
244 Marquice Cole, CB/Northwestern 4.09
245 James Jones, WR/San Jose St 4.08
246 Louis Leonard, DT/Fresno St 4.07
247 Roy Hall, WR/Ohio St 4.06
248 Kyle Shotwell, OLB/Cal-Poly 4.05
249 Tyler Palko, QB/Pittsburgh 4.04
250 Cam Stephenson, OG/Rutgers 4.03
251 Desmond Bishop, MLB/California 4.01
252 John Bowie, CB/Cincinnati 4
253 Will Herring, OLB/Auburn 3.99
254 Dante Rosario, FB/Oregon 3.98
255 Geoff Pope, CB/Howard 3.97
256 Ryne Robinson, WR/Miami (Ohio) 3.96
257 Danny Ware*, RB/Georgia 3.95
258 Tyler Thigpen, QB/Coastal Carolina 3.93
259 Mkristo Bruce, DE/Washington St 3.92
260 Biren Ealy, WR/Houston 3.91
261 Selvin Young, RB/Texas 3.89
262 Steve Vallos, OG/Wake Forest 3.88
263 Xzavie Jackson, DE/Missouri 3.87
264 Alonzo Coleman, RB/Hampton 3.85
265 Reggie Lewis, CB/Florida 3.83
266 Johnathan Holland, WR/La Tech 3.82
267 Dustin Fry, C/Clemson 3.81
268 Kelly Talavou, DT/Utah 3.8
269 Chansi Stuckey, WR/Clemson 3.79
270 Derek Landri, DT/Notre Dame 3.78
271 Robert Turner, OG/NewMexico 3.77
272 David Lofton, S/Stanford 3.76
273 Justin Vincent, RB/LSU 3.75
274 Dan Parrish, OT/Florida A&M 3.74
275 KaMichael Hall, OLB/Georgia Tech 3.73
276 D'Juan Woods, WR/Oklahoma St 3.72
277 Dedrick Harrington, MLB/Missouri 3.71
278 Calvin Bannister, CB/Hampton 3.69
279 Eldra Buckley, RB/Chattanooga 3.68
280 Matt Herian, TE/Nebraska 3.67
281 Will Gulley, S/Houston 3.66
282 Marvin Mitchell, MLB/Tennessee 3.65
283 Mario Reese, OLB/Minnesota 3.63
284 Brett Ratliff, QB/Utah 3.62
285 Kurt Quarterman, OG/Louisville 3.61
286 John Talley, CB/Duke 3.59
287 Andrew Shanle, S/Nebraska 3.58
288 Jesse Allen, FB/Virginia Tech 3.57
289 Jay Staggs, S/UNLV 3.55
290 Tyrone Moss, RB/Miami 3.54
291 Greg Fassitt, CB/Grambling St 3.52
292 Jordan Kent, WR/Oregon 3.51
293 Jason Trusnik, DE/Ohio Northern 3.49
294 Joel Clinger, OT/Missouri 3.48
295 Leonard Peters, S/Hawaii 3.47
296 Daniel Muir, DT/Kent St 3.46
297 Andrew Carnahan, OT/Arizona St 3.44
298 Jason Snelling, FB/Virginia 3.42
299 Brandon Harrison, S/Stanford 3.41
300 Marquies Gunn, DE/Auburn 3.39

Top 10 in '06
1. Reggie Bush, RB: 9.91
2. Vince Young, QB: 9.84
3. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT: 9.73
4. Mario Williams, DE: 9.70
5. A.J. Hawk, LB: 9.62
6. Vernon Davis, TE: 9.51
7. Michael Huff, S: 9.48
8. Matt Leinart, QB: 9.44
9. DeAngelo Williams, RB: 9.19
10. Jay Cutler, QB: 9.12

Top 10 in '05
1. Ronnie Brown, RB: 9.64
2. Braylon Edwards, WR: 9.52
3. Antrel Rolle, CB: 9.40
4. Cedric Benson, RB: 9.39
5. Derrick Johnson, OLB: 9.35
6. Cadillac Williams, RB: 9.23
7. Aaron Rodgers, QB: 9.15
8. Shawne Merriman, OLB: 9.04
9. Alex Smith, QB: 8.92
10. Alex Barron, OT: 8.88

Safety Rankings

2007-04-26T19:37:00.002-07:00

1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Reggie Nelson*, Florida
3. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
4. Eric Weddle, Utah
5. Michael Griffin, Texas
6. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon St
7. Daren Stone, Maine
8. Michael Johnson, Arizona
9. John Wendling, Wyoming
10. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
11. Kevin Payne, La-Monroe
12. Chinedum Ndukwe, Notre Dame
13. Gerald Alexander, Boise St
14. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest
15. Marvin White, TCU
16. Chad Nkang, Elon
17. Brannon Condren, Troy
18. Melvin Bullitt, Texas A&M

19. Zach Catanese, Arizona St
20. Brandon Harrison, Stanford
21. Dashon Goldson, Washington
22. Will Gulley, Houston
23. Leonard Peters, Hawaii
24. David Lofton, Stanford
25. Eric Frampton, Washington St
26. Andrew Shanle, Nebraska
27. Craig Dahl, North Dakota St
28. Jay Staggs, UNLV
29. Brenden Hill, Virginia Tech
30. Charles Manigo, Portland St
31. Willis Barringer, Michigan
32. J.D. Nelson, Oregon
33. Quinton Teal, Coastal Carolina
34. J.J. Billingsley, Colorado
35. Jessie Daniels, LSU
36. Rashad Barksdale, Albany (NY)
37. Roderick Rogers, Wisconsin
38. Andre Kirkland, Kent St
39. Wesley Smith, Memphis
40. Brandon Sharp, Louisville
41. Brandon Mitchell, Ohio St
42. Jon Corto, Sacred Hart
43. Rashod Moulton, Fort Valley St
44. Jake Patten, Virginia Tech
45. Dan Peters, Shepherd
46. Ryan Glasper, Boston College
47. Marcus Paschal, Iowa
48. Joe Sturdivant, SMU
49. Stacey Thomas, Texas Southern
50. Freddie Parish, Stephen F Austin
51. Jeramie Johnson, Mississippi St
52. Tristan Burge, E Illinois
53. Marcus Wimbush, Maryland
54. Omeonigho Imeokparia, Delaware St
55. Antwan Stewart, Tennessee
56. Eric Wicks, West Virginia
57. Joey Card, Miami (Ohio)
58. Randy Kelly, Arkansas
59. Tad Crawford, Columbia

Cornerback Rankings

2007-04-26T19:37:00.001-07:00

1. Chris Houston*, Arkansas
2. Darrelle Revis*, Pittsburgh
3. Leon Hall, Michigan
4. Aaron Ross, Texas
5. Marcus McCauley, Fresno St
6. Eric Wright*, UNLV
7. Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
8. Josh Wilson, Maryland
9. Travarous Bain, Hampton
10. C.J. Wilson, Baylor
11. Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
12. David Irons, Auburn
13. Daymeion Hughes, California
14. DeAndre Jackson, Iowa St
15. Usama Young, Kent St
16. C.J. Gaddis*, Clemson
17. Tarell Brown, Texas
18. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
19. Ryan Smith*, Florida
20. Michael Coe, Alabama St
21. Kenny Scott, Georgia Tech
22. Anthony Arline, Baylor
23. Ramzee Robinson, Alabama
24. Brandon McDonald, Memphis
25. A.J. Davis, N.C. St
26. Mike Richardson, Notre Dame
27. Courtney Brown, Cal-Poly

28. Reggie Lewis, Florida
29. Duane Coleman, Clemson
30. John Bowie, Cincinnati
31. Marquice Cole, Northwestern
32. John Talley, Duke
33. Geoff Pope, Howard
34. Tra Battle, Georgia
35. Calvin Bannister, Hampton
36. Willie Gaston, Houston
37. Corey Graham, New Hampshire
38. Willie Byrd, Miles
39. Darius Vinnett, Arkansas
40. Bo Smith, Weber St
41. William Gay, Louisville
42. Joe Garcia, Nevada
43. Greg Fassitt, Grambling St
44. Tony Franklin, Virginia
45. Alan Ball, Illinois
46. Rashaad Woodard, Delaware
47. Sergio Gilliam, Clemson
48. Trumaine McBride, Ole Miss
49. Antonio Smith, Ohio St
50. Derrick Roberson, Rutgers
51. Montavis Pitts, Auburn
52. Marcus Hamilton, Virginia
53. Quinton Jones, Boise St
54. Larry Anam, Boston College
55. Tyron Brackenridge, Washington St
56. Tim Mixon*, California
57. Justin Robinson, BYU
58. Daniel Francis, LSU
59. T.J. Wright, Ohio
60. John Guice, UNLV
61. David Heard, Mississippi St
62. Joseph Porter, Rutgers
63. Frank Wiwo, Miami (Ohio)
64. Dennis Mitchell, W Kentucky
65. Sammy Joseph, LSU
66. Raquan Pride, Rhode Island
67. Jasper Faulk, Southern Miss
68. Antonio Huffman, Texas Tech
69. Fletcher Terrell, Washburn
70. Rayshaun Kizer, Walsh
71. Antoine Horton, Cincinnati
72. Terry Washington, Colorado
73. Ivan Stevenson, McNeese St
74. Lorenzo Sims, Colorado
75. Chaz Williams*, La-Monroe

Outside Linebacker Rankings

2007-04-26T19:35:00.002-07:00

1. Paul Posluszny, Penn St
2. Lawrence Timmons*, Florida St
3. Jon Beason*, Miami
4. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
6. Stephen Nicholas, USF
7. Tim Shaw, Penn St
8. Justin Durant, Hampton
9. Zak DeOssie, Brown
10. Quincy Black, New Mexico
11. Rory Johnson*, Ole Miss
12. Tony Taylor, Georgia
13. Dallas Sartz, USC
14. Earl Everett, Florida
15. Antwan Barnes, Fla Int’l
16. Sam Olajubutu, Arkansas
17. Juwan Simpson, Alabama
18. Nate Harris, Louisville
19. Prescott Burgess, Michigan

20. Justin Hickman, UCLA
21. Brian Smith, Missouri
22. Michael Okwo, Stanford
23. Will Herring, Auburn
24. Mario Reese, Minnesota
25. Kyle Shotwell, Cal-Poly
26. KaMichael Hall, Georgia Tech
27. Johnny Baldwin, Alabama A&M
28. David Holloway, Maryland
29. Ameer Ismail, W Michigan
30. Devraun Thompson, Rutgers
31. Clint Session, Pittsburgh
32. Mickey Pimentel, California
33. Larry McSwain, UAB
34. Danny Verdun Wheeler, Georgia
35. Cameron Siskowic, Illinois St
36. Karibi Dede, Auburn
37. Desmond Sims, Arkansas
38. Aaron Cotteral, Lenoir-Rhyne
39. Charleston Hughes, Northwood
40. Ramon Guzman, Buffalo
41. Victor Worsley, North Carolina
42. Mike Alston, Toledo
43. Will Beckford, Rutgers
44. Barry Wright, West Virginia
45. Adam Hayward, Portland St

Inside Linebacker Rankings

2007-04-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

1. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
2. David Harris, Michigan
3. Buster Davis, Florida St
4. Brandon Siler*, Florida
5. Anthony Waters, Clemson
6. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
7. Jon Abbate*, Wake Forest
8. Tony Taylor, Georgia
9. Quinton Culberson, Mississippi St
10. Taurean Charles, Bethune-Cookman
11. Kelvin Smith, Syracuse
12. Matt Muncy, Ohio

13. Desmond Bishop, California
14. Marvin Mitchell, Tennessee
15. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri
16. Boo McLee, West Virginia
17. Justin Warren, Texas A&M
18. Mark Zalewski, Wisconsin
19. Brock Stratton*, Texas Tech
20. Zach Latimer, Oklahoma
21. Cameron Siskowic, Illinois St
22. Zach Diles, Kansas St
23. Blair Phillips, Oregon
24. Thaddaeus Washington, Colorado
25. Pago Togafau, Idaho St
26. Oscar Lua, USC
27. Keyonvis Bouie, Fla Int’l
28. George Hall, Purdue
29. Cameron Jensen, BYU
30. Rob Caldwell, Navy
31. Korey Hall, Boise St
32. Mike Klobucher, Ferris St
33. Dwayne Andrews, Fresno St
34. Beau Manutai, Arizona St
35. Tavarski Wallace, Adrian
36. Demetrius Eaton, Northwestern

Defensive Tackle Rankings

2007-04-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to be able to post scouting reports for all the defensive positions. There just wasn't enough time, and there are more things I have to get done before the draft this Saturday. Sorry to all of you who were looking forward to it, and I've learned from my mistake. Next year, I'll start these earlier. I will post complete positional rankings for everything though, and look for my Top 250 to be done probably sometime tomorrow.

1. Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2. Alan Branch*, Michigan
3. Justin Harrell, Tennessee
4. Turk McBride, Tennessee
5. Ryan McBean, Oklahoma St
6. Tank Tyler, N.C. State
7. Ray McDonald, Florida
8. Brandon Mebane, California
9. Marcus Thomas*, Florida
10. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio St
11. Antonio Johnson, Mississippi St
12. Clifton Ryan, Michigan St
13. Joe Anoai, Georgia Tech
14. Walter Thomas, NW Miss CC
15. Kareem Brown, Miami
16. Marquay Love, Houston
17. Paul Soliai, Utah

18. Jay Alford, Penn St
19. Louis Leonard, Fresno St
20. Kelly Talavou, Utah
21. Joe Cohen, Florida
22. Matt Toeaina, Oregon
23. Quintin Echols, Kansas St
24. Derek Landri, Notre Dame
25. David Patterson, Ohio St
26. Conrad Bolston, Maryland
27. Daniel Muir, Kent St
28. LaRon Harris, NW Oklahoma St
29. Keith Jackson, Arkansas
30. Jeremy Clark, Alabama
31. Ramel Meekins, Rutgers
32. J.P. Bekasiak, Toledo
33. Zach West, UTEP
34. Stanley Doughty*, South Carolina
35. Ola Dagunduro, Nebraska
36. Dominic Lee, Alabama
37. Trey Lewis, Washburn
38. Shelton Bynum, North Carolina
39. Joel Penton, Ohio St
40. Deljuan Robinson, Missisippi St
41. Brent Curvey, Iowa St
42. Ray Gant, Georgia
43. Larry Brown, Oklahoma St
44. Steven Harris, Florida
45. Xavier Lawson-Kennedy, Oklahoma St
46. Howie Fuimaono, UNLV
47. Keenan Carter*, Virginia
48. Chris Thorner, Syracuse
49. Ed Johnson, Penn St
50. Freddy McCutcheon, San Jose St

Underrated Players

2007-04-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

There are two types of underrated players, “sleepers” and the guys that are simply underrated. “Sleepers” tend to be the late round-to undrafted guys that have potential. Underrated players are mainly the guys that I feel aren’t getting their due attention from the draft “experts” and mainstream media. I posted my “sleeper” list yesterday, and here are some guys that I feel are very underrated:

1. Joel Filani, WR/Texas Tech: He’s big, strong, athletic, and can run after the catch.

2. Mario Henderson, OT/Florida St: Needs to get stronger, but has all the tools to start someday at LT.

3. Stephen Nicholas, OLB/USF: Instincts are second to none, very experienced and productive, fluid in space.

4. Le’Ron McClain, FB/Alabama: Excellent lead blocker could be a Mack Strong or Lorenzo Neal type FB someday.

5. Jared Zabransky, QB/Boise St: A leader with an underrated arm and excellent mobility.

6. Jay Richardson, DE/Ohio St: Huge with the frame to add even more weight, very strong vs. the run and can get to the passer.

7. Rufus Alexander, OLB/Oklahoma: After a couple average 40 times, everyone stopped talking about him. He gets my vote as this year’s DeMeco Ryans.

8. Kevin Payne, S/La-Monroe: Sure tackler, fluid athlete and former RB from a small school held his own against the best at the Senior Bowl.

9. Matt Trannon, WR/Michigan St: Could be a big time red zone threat, huge with deceptive speed and excellent hops.

10. Joe Anoai, DT/Georgia Tech: Very active on the inside, versatile and experienced.

All-Sleeper Team 2007

2007-04-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

QB: Jeff Smith, Georgetown (KY)
6’5” 237; 4.87
He’s huge, athletic, and has the arm to make all the throws. Is worth a late round pick strictly as a developmental prospect, really impressed me in the postseason. Not the most accurate QB and didn’t put up great numbers in D2, but is very talented.

RB: Justise Hairston, Central Conn St
6’1” 210; 4.58
Big back runs with power and has enough speed to break it to the outside. Not the quickest guy around and doesn’t have a great set of moves, but can make some people miss in the open field. Played at Rutgers earlier in his career, and looked good.

FB: Oren O’Neal, Arkansas St
6’0” 248; 4.67
He’s an old school type of FB. Excellent size and strength, plays tough and to the whistle. Excels as a run blocker, but can run it up the middle occasionally. Had 8 rushes for 59 yards last season. Not a bad receiver won’t make anybody miss in the open field but can run some people over.

TE: Braden Jones, Southern Illinois
6’3” 260; 4.58
Former LB at Northwestern has had some injury problems over his career, but is a very good athlete. Was a sixth year senior last season and will be a 25 year old rookie. He’s a productive receiver with the size and strength to contribute as a blocker. Might have some upside as an H-Back.

WR: Biren Ealy, Houston
6’3” 207; 4.50
He was a top recruit coming out of high school. Had a good freshman season at Arizona. Has deceptive speed, is more of a long strider but can get behind DB’s. Catches the ball away from his body, can run after the catch.

WR: Roy Hall, Ohio St
6’2” 229; 4.41
He’s a very talented player that showed his true ability at Ohio State’s pro day. Was stuck behind two even more talented players at OSU. Impressed me in the Hula Bowl, has a great combination of size, speed, and strength. Lack of playing time is a concern, but he played well whenever he got in the game, was a solid special teamer.

LT: Nello Faulk, FAU
6’7” 292; 5.11
Extremely athletic for such a big guy, slides well in pass protection. Played a great game against Gaines Adams this season, holding him to 3 tackles and no sacks. Long arms and a big frame give him excellent size potential. Played last season close to 270 pounds, but got up to 292 at his pro day.

LG: Derrick Markray, Bowling Green
6’3” 350; 5.63
He’s a huge, mauling run blocker with the size and strength to develop into a solid starter for a team that specializes in the power run game. When he’s not tired, he has good athleticism and movement skills for such a big guy. Needs to work on conditioning and overall technique to make it at the next level, but has potential.

C: Scott Stephenson, Iowa St
6’3” 297; 5.20
Great athlete for an OL, excellent on pulls and can reach the second level. Could develop into a starter for a zone blocking team like the Broncos or Falcons. Former DT, inexperienced and raw but is smart and has potential.

RG: T.J. Downing, Ohio St
6’5” 298; 5.19
Versatile technician, doesn’t have the measurables of some other players in this class, but could step in and contribute right away. Uses hands well and very rarely lets defensive linemen get into his body. Doesn’t give ground to bull rushers, plays with a solid base. Lacks elite quickness and speed, but makes up for it with leverage and technique.

RT: Cliff Louis, Morgan St
6’6” 280; 4.90
Has a ton of potential, runs like a TE and hits like an LB. Huge frame with long arms, is a knee bender, not a waist bender, which is a very good thing in the NFL. Played last season at close to 260 pounds, but has gotten that up to around 290 recently. Might take some time to develop, but will be worth it.

DE: Greg Peterson, NC Central
6’5” 286; 4.73
He’s huge and very athletic for his size. Raw, got by mainly on physical skill in college, but all the tools are there. Very productive, had 25.5 career TFL. Could find his name called later on day 2 thanks to his potential.

DE: Keyunta Dawson, Texas Tech
6’1” 272; 4.72
Productive and experienced, very sturdy build and can play the run or pass. He’s undersized for a DE and might be too slow to play LB, but is simply a playmaker. Solid set of pass rush moves, has excellent upper body strength, and plays with leverage and technique. Think a poor man’s LaMarr Woodley.

DT: Marquay Love, Houston
6’0” 307; 5.10
Has potential to be an excellent run stuffing nose tackle and takes up multiple blockers at a time. Extremely hard to move, can collapse the pocket on occasion. Needs to get in better shape and isn’t very tall, but takes up a ton of space and keeps blockers busy.

DT: Daniel Muir, Kent St
6’2” 303; 4.90
He was pretty much off the radar until his pro day. Excellent athletic numbers, at 303 pounds, he ran a 4.90 and benched 225 37 times. I really can’t think of anyone else who did that. Active on the inside, but played last season at closer to 285 pounds. Had 11 TFL and even returned a pick for a TD.

MLB: Taurean Charles, Bethune-Cookman
6’1” 240; 4.70
Former prep phenom has had a rollercoaster college career. Got kicked out of Florida because of several run-ins with the law, then enrolled at Bethune-Cookman. There’s no denying his talent, can rush the passer and cover RB’s in man. Led the Wildcats with 94 tackles last season, then performed well at the Texas vs. Nation game.

OLB: Mario Reese, Minnesota
6’3” 231; 4.70
One of the best cover LB’s in the draft, a playmaker with excellent ball skills and hands. Has the frame to add a lot more weight, needs to get bigger and stronger. Can get pushed back in the run game and struggles to disengage at times, but takes good angles and is a sure tackler.

OLB: Mickey Pimentel, California
6’0” 230; 4.55
He’s extremely athletic and is a hard worker. Can rush the passer and cover RB’s, but isn’t very strong vs. the run. He has the look of a high effort backup that excels on special teams and can come in on passing downs. He never was a full time starter at Cal, but made plays when he was in there.

CB: Ramzee Robinson, Alabama
5’9” 188; 4.42
He’s a small, playmaking CB that could turn into an excellent nickel back. Inconsistent over his career, but a very good postseason could sneak him into the draft. Strong vs. the run for a guy his size, won’t lay anybody out but is a sure tackler.

CB: John Bowie, Cincinnati
5’11” 188; 4.37
He’s a great athlete, very fast, quick, and can jump. Needs to get stronger to improve in run support, but is tough and tries hard. Ball skills need to get better, but is great in man coverage. Needs a little technique work, but could contribute on special teams right away.

SS: Jay Staggs, UNLV
6’0” 214; 4.50
Lead UNLV with 87 tackles and 3 interceptions last year, very productive and experienced. Smart player, hits like a LB and runs like a safety. Needs to get better at changing directions, lacks elite quickness but is an athlete and could be a solid in the box, John Lynch type of safety.

FS: David Lofton, Stanford
6’4” 212; 4.48
He’s the son of Hall of Famer James Lofton, excellent athlete with a great pedigree. Played QB, switched to WR, then found his home at FS. Great workout numbers, prototypical size, speed, and has a high football IQ. Doesn’t have the ball skills that you’d expect from a former WR, instincts are lacking, but is still a good player.

Defensive End Rankings

2007-04-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
6’5” 258; 4.64; 21 reps
Statistics: 62tkls; 17.5TFL; 12.5sacks
Extremely athletic with the frame to get bigger and an excellent array of pass rush moves…explosive first step blows by offensive linemen, could make the switch to LB if he has to…he doesn’t have ideal overall strength and struggles when ran at…inconsistent effort and can disappear at times.

2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
6’6” 296; 4.90; 33 reps
Statistics: 52tkls; 16TFL; 7sacks
Excels vs. the run, strong at the point of attack…has good quickness and overall athleticism for a guy his size, could play basically any DL position other than NT…had a great Senior Bowl week after a disappointing senior season…not the most explosive guy, won’t ever be a premier pass rusher, but is solid in that area.

3. Jamaal Anderson*, Arkansas
6’5” 288; 4.75; 22 reps
Statistics: 65tkls; 19TFL; 13.5sacks
His main positive is potential…former WR has a big frame, long arms, and excellent athleticism…had a breakout junior year, showed a quick first step, and a solid set of pass rush moves…could improve vs. the run and be stronger at the point of attack, but isn’t terrible in that area…very raw and inconsistent, bigger of a risk than Carriker, but might have more upside.

4. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
6’2” 266; 4.74; 29 reps
Statistics: 36tkls; 16.5TFL; 12sacks
Playmaker that lacks ideal measurables but was extremely productive in college…versatile, has experience at LB and 3-4 DE…great vs. the run, explosive at the point of attack and knocks back OT’s that outweigh him by 50 to 100lbs…powerful, wrap up tackler…a ‘tweener without a true position, might lack the speed/cover skills to play LB, small for a DE.

5. Jarvis Moss*, Florida
6’7” 250; 4.70; 16 reps
Statistics: 56tkls; 11TFL; 7.5sacks
Tall, lanky athlete, versatile and has the speed/quickness to make the switch to LB…excellent pass rusher, uses long arms to get separation…fluid in space, lacks experience in coverage but has potential in that area…very thin and weak for a DE, desperately needs to get bigger and stronger…struggles when teams run at him.

6. Anthony Spencer, Purdue
6’3” 261; 4.70; 30 reps
Statistics: 93tkls; 26.5TFL; 10.5sacks
Explosive athlete and playmaker, undersized but makes up for it with his strength and hustle…needs to improve pass rush set, might have to switch to LB, but lacks experience in coverage…powerful hitter with great short area burst and acceleration…first step is up there with the best.

7. Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii
6’5” 280; 4.85; didn’t bench
Statistics: 39tkls; 10TFL; 4 sacks
Loads of upside…excellent combination of size, athleticism, and strength…plays to the whistle and is very aggressive…father played in the NFL…inexperience shows, very inconsistent and not near as productive as a player with his tools should have been…doesn’t use size to his advantage and plays with poor leverage.

8. Charles Johnson*, Georgia
6’2” 270; 4.84; 33 reps
Statistics: 44tkls; 19TFL; 9.5sacks
Outplayed more heralded teammate Quentin Moses most of the time this year…powerful upper body, plays low and with leverage…quick, tough vs. the run and rarely misses tackles...didn’t run very well at the combine and lacks elite measurables…relatively weak lower body, can get pushed back by bigger linemen…effort is inconsistent.

9. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
6’4” 267; 4.80; 25 reps
Statistics: 43tkls; 15TFL; 10.5sacks
Solid, but not star player…consistent vs. the run and can get to the passer…not an out of this world athlete but is quick and powerfully built with a huge frame and long arms…doesn’t change directions well and looks mechanical in space…inconsistent technique, lacks the speed to chase plays down.

10. Quentin Moses, Georgia
6’5” 261; 4.82; 17 reps
Statistics: 33tkls; 12TFL; 4.5sacks
More athlete than football player at this point…frame could add more weight, excellent playing speed and quickness…looks like a LB in space, instinctive and fluid…very lean for a DE, had a disappointing showing at the combine…weak base and gets pushed back way too often…inconsistent against the run, effort and desire are questionable.

11. Tim Crowder, Texas
6’4” 272; 4.69; 32 reps
Statistics: 59tkls; 18TFL; 10.5sacks
Uses sound technique, leverage…high effort and hustle player that simply makes big plays…plays with a solid base, has the size and strength to hold up vs. the run…average athletically and doesn’t have the potential of many other players in this class…doesn’t have ideal quickness, burst or acceleration.

12. Jay Richardson, Ohio St
6’6” 279; 5.00; 20 reps
Statistics: 25tkls; 8.5TFL; 4sacks
One of my favorite sleepers at DE…excellent size, strength, and has the frame to add even more bulk…more quick than fast and has a good first step…one of the best in the class vs. the run, hard to move…lacks speed and isn’t the greatest athlete…technique is inconsistent and doesn’t always play with proper leverage.

13. Baraka Atkins, Miami
6’5” 271; 4.69; 22 reps
Statistics: 49tkls; 9TFL; 4sacks
Versatile, can play DE, 3-4 DE, and DT…still has some potential left and is a very good athlete…has a great combination of power and acceleration, excellent at the point of attack…inconsistent, doesn’t always look like he’s playing hard…not much of an edge rusher.

14. Brian Robison, Texas
6’3” 259; 4.67; 27 reps
Statistics: 37tkls; 9TFL; 5.5sacks
One of the most impressive players at the entire combine…has the athleticism to play 3-4 LB, which is where I think he’ll end up…has been talked about as a “hustle” player or and “overachiever”, but showed his true athleticism at the combine…lacks elite size and has little playing strength, narrow base and really struggles when teams run at him.

15. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan
6’3” 266; 4.77; 25 reps
Statistics: 67tkls; 15TFL; 10.5sacks
Productive in college, gets to the quarterback and finishes consistently…excellent short area burst, more quick than fast…powerful upper body, explosive at the point of attack…lacks lower body strength and plays with a narrow base…might be too small to play full time in the NFL.

16. Jay Moore, Nebraska
6’5” 274; 4.92; 26 reps
Statistics: 45tkls; 17TFL; 6sacks
Gets the most out of his physical ability…solid in all areas but lacks potential…impressed at the Senior Bowl, winning Defensive MVP honors…plays to the whistle and with sound technique…lacks explosiveness, athleticism, and speed.

17. C.J. Ah You, Oklahoma
6’4” 274; 4.70; 26 reps
Statistics: 41tkls; 8.5TFL; 4sacks
Had excellent explosive numbers at the combine, but doesn’t play that way…Good athleticism for his size, strong and tough, old school kind of player…will turn 25 as a rookie, which limits his upside…didn’t make a ton of plays in college…doesn’t excel in any one area.

18. Xzavie Jackson, Missouri
19. Jacob Ford, Central Arkansas
20. Mkristo Bruce, Washington St
21. Jason Trusnik, Ohio Northern
22. Rondell Biggs, Michigan
23. Derrick Jones, Grand Valley St
24. Edgar Jones, SE Missouri St
25. Darius Sanders, Oregon
26. Keyunta Dawson, Texas Tech
27. Robin Gamble, Miles College
28. Dennis Ellis, Boise St
29. Marquies Gunn, Auburn
30. Larry Birdine, Oklahoma
31. Chase Pittman, LSU
32. Jason Jack*, Texas A&M
33. Mel Purcell, Hawaii
34. Alex Obomese, UTEP
35. Antwan Applewhite*, SDSU
36. Greg Peterson, NC Central
37. Noland Burchette, Virginia Tech
38. Marcus Smith, Arizona
39. Victor DeGrate, Oklahoma St
40. J.J. Milan, Nevada
41. Matt King, Maine
42. Jeffery Nweke, Fort Valley St
43. Brian Rackley, North Carolina
44. Travis Tofi, USC
45. Gilberto Perez, Air Force
46. Abraham Wright, Colorado
47. Justin Rogers, SMU
48. Nu’u Tafisi, Cal
49. Bryan Andrews, Wake Forest
50. Kyle Bissinger, UAB
51. Jyles Tucker, Wake Forest
52. Darrell Burston, Florida St
53. Nick Cavallo, Purdue

Center Rankings

2007-04-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

1. Ryan Kalil, USC
6’3” 299; 4.96; 34 reps
Extremely athletic and technically sound, equally solid run and pass blocker…excellent on pulls, gets to the 2nd level quickly and can adjust to moving targets…very bright, high football IQ…doesn’t have a wide base and may struggle against NT’s, average size.

2. Josh Beekman, Boston College
6’2” 313; 5.36; 24 reps
Powerful run blocker, technically sound and versatile…engulfs smaller linemen, hard to move, can anchor vs. bull rushers…lacks ideal agility and athleticism…short arms hurt him as a pass blocker.

3. Samson Satele, Hawaii
6’3” 300; 5.24; 25 reps
Great athlete with solid overall technique and strength, very explosive…really impressed me at the combine…versatile and smart, could contribute right away in the right system…lacks elite size and lower body strength, won’t push the pile in the running game…plays aggressive.

4. Enoka Lucas, Oregon
6’3” 303; 5.46; 34 reps
Athletic, more explosive than he is fast, plays much quicker than his 40 time would suggest and can get to the 2nd level…has solid upper body strength and size, plays to the whistle…needs to be more consistent and work on overall technique, ends up on the ground too often…lacks ideal lower body strength and won’t push the pile.

5. Leroy Harris, N.C. State
6’3” 302; 5.35; 29 reps
Extremely experienced, technical, makes up for lack of speed and explosiveness by taking sound angles to blocks…tough and plays through pain…strong and doesn’t give much ground to bull rushers…lacks quickness and agility, really struggles at the 2nd level…has had some minor injury problems.

6. Scott Stephenson, Iowa St
6’3” 297; 5.20; 21 reps
Former defensive lineman with loads of potential…has the frame to get bigger…extremely athletic and gets to the 2nd level effectively…needs to improve playing strength and plays with a narrow base, gets pushed into the pocket too often…inexperience shows at times, inconsistent technique.

7. Doug Datish, Ohio St
6’4” 302; 5.13; 31 reps
Versatile, experienced with a high football IQ…solid quickness, athleticism, and frame, physical and tough, could contribute right away but lacks elite potential…1st step is a bit slow, lacks ideal quickness…struggles against bigger NT’s, plays smaller than he is.

8. Dan Mozes, West Virginia
6’3” 293; 5.35; 28 reps
Technically sound and does everything well, but nothing great…explosive first step, gets the most out of his physical ability…could be an ideal fit for a zone blocking team thanks to his smarts and quickness…lacks potential, but could step in and contribute right away…short arms, average strength and overall athleticism.

9. Lyle Sendlein, Texas
10. Dustin Fry, Clemson
11. Mark Fenton, Colorado
12. Darnell Stapleton, Rutgers
13. Nick Jones, Georgia
14. Mark Bihl, Michigan
15. Chris White, South Carolina
16. Mike Elgin, Iowa
17. Steve Rissler, Florida
18. Drew Mormino, Central Michigan
19. Anthony Wollschlager, Miami
20. Donald Usry, SE Louisiana
21. Kurt Mann, Nebraska
22. Cedric Gagne-Marcoux, UCF
23. Brent Pousson, McNeese St
24. John Sullivan, Notre Dame
25. David Ligon, Tennessee
26. Robby D’Angelo, Southern Miss
27. David Ochoa, Kansas

Offensive Guard Rankings

2007-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have noticed, there is an ad at the top of the page. If you want to help out Maximum Draft, take 2 seconds out of your day and click on it. Thanks, and here are my Offensive Guard Rankings/Analysis:

1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
6’3” 311; 5.18; 29 reps
He has a unique combination of athleticism and power…is relatively inexperienced at the position, still has some upside…explosive, quick, can reach the second level…would fit pretty much any system…a safe pick, but not the biggest guy around and could improve overall technique.

2. Justin Blalock, Texas
6’3” 320; 5.10; 40 reps
Played every OL position in college, aside from center…extremely strong, hard to move…holds his ground against bull rushers, big frame and ideal bulk…explosive in short areas…has trouble reaching the 2nd level and lacks ideal speed/quickness.

3. Arron Sears, Tennessee
6’3” 319; 5.09; 21 reps
Technically sound, versatile…athletic and has quick feet for such a big guy…strong lower body, anchors well, is hard to move…explosive in small areas, has no trouble against bigger DT’s…Conditioning and durability are minor concerns…Average upper body strength, doesn’t push the pile much, not a great 2nd level blocker.

4. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
6’3” 326; 5.30*; 40 reps
Simply massive, extremely strong overall and is very hard to push back…has a mean streak, plays to the whistle and with a wide base…can push the pile in the running game…short arms hurt him in pass pro, poor technique and gets sluggish late in games…might take some time to adjust to the NFL game…Not being able to fully workout in front of scouts hurts him.

5. T.J. Downing, Ohio St
6’5” 298; 5.19; 31 reps
Versatile technician, does the little things well…hard to move, plays with a wide base and can anchor vs. bigger DT’s…fights to the whistle, gets good hand placement…gets the most out of his limited physical tools…one of my favorite players in the draft, but isn’t very athletic or explosive…plays too high at times and isn’t very flexible.

6. Andy Alleman, Akron
6’4” 305; 5.07; 27 reps
Explosive and athletic with a lot of potential…hard worker, team guy with a high football IQ and room to improve…good 2nd level blocker, plays to the whistle…gets pushed back into the pocket too often, not the biggest or strongest guy…a little inconsistent and unproven.

7. Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech
6’3” 317; 5.40; 27 reps
Former DT with excellent combination of strength and athleticism…loads of potential, if he can just be more aggressive and consistent…explosive first step and jarring initial punch…excels as a run blocker, but can be beaten by quicker DT’s…needs to improve on the 2nd level, needs a lot of technique work.

8. Tim Duckworth, Auburn
6’3” 306; 5.42; 20 reps
Hard to move, plays with a mean streak…extremely strong lower body and plays with a wide base…can push the pile in the running game…aggressive, played well at the Senior Bowl…might lack the athleticism and quickness to ever start…average combine didn’t help his chances.

9. Dan Santucci, Notre Dame
6’4” 301; 5.13; 23 reps
He has a solid combination of mobility, size, and strength…improved a lot in his senior season, really impressed me at the combine…hard worker, plays to the whistle…inexperienced, inconsistent technique, lacks ideal base and bulk and gets pushed back too often…won’t push the pile.

10. Mike Jones, Iowa
6’5” 309; 5.46; 28 reps
Extremely experienced, smart technician knows how to use angles and technique to make up for his lack of physical talent…Versatile, former OT, has long arms…relatively weak overall for an OL, lacks the base to anchor, not very explosive or athletic.

11. Uche Nwaneri, Purdue
6’3” 325; 5.37; 24 reps
More upside than production pick, has the tools to contribute, athletic for a guy his size…plays aggressive, sometimes too aggressive…powerful upper body and jarring punch…gets pushed into the pocket too often, plays with a narrow base…inconsistent, spotty footwork and technique…minor character concerns, would need time to develop.

12. Kasey Studdard, Texas
6’3” 303; 5.18; 32 reps
Blue collar, hard worker that gets the most out of his abilities…extremely aggressive, plays with a wide base and is hard to move…poor quickness and athleticism, short arms and has already maxed out his frame…not much potential, but has the look of a decent backup.

13. Jake Kuresa, BYU
6’3” 343; 5.23; 35 reps
Huge with ideal strength and solid short area quickness for his size…experienced and versatile…rarely, if ever loses once he’s locked on and doesn’t give ground to bull rushers…conditioning has been a major concern over his career…lacks ideal athleticism and really struggles on the 2nd level.

14. Tala Esera, Hawaii
15. Cameron Stephenson, Rutgers
16. Steve Vallos, Wake Forest
17. Kurt Quarterman, Louisville
18. Derrick Markray, Bowling Green
19. Kyle Cook, Michigan St
20. Rueben Riley, Michigan
21. Robert Turner, New Mexico
22. Tucker Peterson, New Hampshire
23. George Batiste, Southern Miss
24. Mike Elgin, Iowa
25. Brian Johnson, LSU
26. Josh Day, Colorado St
27. Trai Williams, Kentucky
28.Nathan Bennett, Clemson
29. Brian Daniels, Colorado
30. Harrison Nikolao, E Wash
31. Jamar Foulks, Mansfield
32. John Simonitis, Pittsburgh
33. Roman Fry, Clemson
34. Matt Maddox, Illinois
35. Stephen Berg, Arizona St
36. Dylan Lineberry, North Texas
37. Renardo Foster, Louisville
38. Stanley Daniels, Washington
39. Palauni Ma Sun, Oregon
40. Bob Morton, Notre Dame
41. Thomas Coleman, South Carolina
42. Corey Davis, James Madison
43. Bob Whitaker, Kansas
44. Cory Niblock, Florida St

Offensive Tackle Rankings

2007-04-16T18:54:00.001-07:00

NOTE: I’m going to post shortened versions of scouting reports for all Linemen due to time restraints (I have to get every position done before April 28th, draft day)

OFFENSIVE TACKLES
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
6’7” 311; 4.92; 28 reps
Combines elite physical skill with unmatched polish and pass blocking/technique…could improve run blocking and be a little more aggressive…about as complete of a prospect as you can find…had a torn ACL last year, but it looked completely healed this season…gets to the 2nd level with the best of ‘em.

2. Levi Brown, Penn St
6’6” 323; 5.40; 31 reps
A boom or bust pick…big, strong, and explosive, but gets lazy and isn’t the quickest guy around…may have to switch to RT in the pros, but if he gets his mind right and tries harder, I think he can stay at LT…Impressed at the Senior Bowl and looked like he actually cared.

3. Tony Ugoh, Arkansas
6’5” 301; 5.06; 32 reps
He’s upside, potential, and more upside…huge frame, long arms, and a powerful build…really improved in senior season, as a pass and run blocker but still has a ways to go in terms of consistency and technique…I really like him, he just looks like a future star and really impressed me blocking for McFadden/Felix Jones last season...needs to play meaner.

4. Joe Staley, Central Michigan
6’6” 306; 4.79; 27 reps
Extremely athletic former TE…one of the fastest linemen you’ll ever see, can break 4.80 in the 40…needs to get bigger and stronger to handle bull rushers…not very aggressive, but has upside, especially if someone can light a fire under him.

5. Mario Henderson, Florida St
6’7” 302; 5.11; 20 reps
Extremely underrated prospect with all the tools to start at LT in the NFL (long arms, athleticism, size), really came on strong late in his senior year…a disappointment earlier in his career, needs to get stronger, be more consistent…smart, hard worker, good character guy.

6. James Marten, Boston College
6’8” 309; 5.08; 25 reps
To put it simply, he’s big…tough, strong, and quick, prototypical RT in the NFL…not the most athletic guy around and needs to be more flexible…has trouble with speed rushers…not much potential, but is a safe pick.

7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
6’5” 305; 5.09; 22 reps
He’s an experienced, polished finesse blocker…excels against speed rushers…solid quickness, shows the ability to mirror & slide well…not strong or aggressive enough to contribute right away…average as a run blocker.

8. Mike Otto, Purdue
6'6" 305; 5.20; 20 reps
Experienced, polished pass blocker is a solid pick but won’t ever be anything special…makes up for lack of elite physical tools with proper footwork and hand placement…big, plays strong and can hold his ground against bull rushers.

9. Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern
6’4” 300; 4.84; 28 reps
Combine standout, small school star, versatile and extremely athletic…Lacks ideal lower body strength and can be pushed back by bull rushers…level of competition is a concern…not the biggest frame, could move to OG.
NO PICTURE

10. Herbert Taylor, TCU
6’4” 296; 5.19; 26 reps
He’s an extremely athletic, could start for a zone blocking team right away…versatile, technician, very smart with a high football IQ…makes up for his lack of strength and explosiveness with his quickness and athleticism…wears sunglasses all the time, so that’s a plus.

11. Marshal Yanda, Iowa
6’4” 307; 5.15; 23 reps
Versatile, plays with good technique most of the time…very hard to push into the pocket, plays with a wide base and excels against bull rushers…limited athleticism/frame make a switch to OG probable, can’t play LT…overaggressive at times.

12. Brandon Frye, Virginia Tech
6’4” 301; 5.08; 34 reps
He’s more of an athlete than a football player at this point…big, strong and athletic, but needs to work on the little things…inconsistent in terms of technique and focus…a boom or bust pick with all the tools, needs development time.

13. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
6’6” 324; 5.19; 22 reps
Former TE is very athletic, but had a disappointing senior season and might lack the aggressiveness/mean streak to ever make it big…Not very strong run blocker, but excels as a pass blocker w/his long arms and quick feet.

14. Corey Hilliard, Oklahoma St
6’5” 308; 5.29; 28 reps
Versatile, can play any position but Center…needs time to develop but has a lot of tools to work with…plays with inconsistent technique and leverage, but got by on pure strength and athleticism in college…plays with a mean streak.

15. Nello Faulk, FAU
6’7” 292; 5.11; 22 reps
One of my favorite sleepers in this draft…huge frame with rare athleticism and speed…gets to the 2nd level with the best of ‘em…experienced, long arms help him as a pass blocker…needs to add bulk and strength to improve in the run game…might not have the mean streak to make it, but has a ton of tools and could be a very intriguing developmental prospect.

16. Adam Koets, Oregon St
6’5” 298; 5.08; 20 reps
He’s an athletic, quick player that excels in pass pro, but really needs to add overall bulk and strength to succeed at the next level…poor run blocker, won’t push the pile…impressed with quickness and footwork at the combine.

17. Stephon Heyer, Maryland
6’6” 334; 5.59; 30 reps
He’s simply a huge guy with freakishly long arms and a very wide base…plays strong, experienced with solid technique…top heavy, lacks quickness and athleticism…will have to be strictly RT in the NFL, might even have to switch to guard…has had injury problems.

18. Cliff Louis, Morgan St
6’6” 280; 4.90; 21 reps
He’s extremely athletic, has a big frame with long arms. Loads of potential, runs like a TE and hits like an LB…played last season close to 260lbs, needs to add bulk and lower body strength…very raw and inexperienced, will take developmental time but is worth a late round flyer due to his potential…level of competition is a concern.

19. Gabe Hall*, Texas Tech
6’4” 313; 4.91; 22 reps
Very athletic with a lot of potential, especially in a zone-blocking scheme that utilizes it’s linemen’s quickness…Not the strongest guy, could get bigger…can be pushed into the pocket and struggles vs. bull rushers…very inexperienced and raw technique, former TE.

20. Andrew Carnahan, Arizona St
21. Dan Parrish, Florida A&M
22. Jermon Bushrod, Towson
23. Chris Denman, Fresno St
24. Joel Clinger, Missouri
25. Julius Wilson, UAB
26. Jacob Bender, Nicholls St
27. Jonathan Palmer, Auburn
28. Dane Uperesa, Hawaii
29. Chase Johnson, Wyoming
30. Jason Capizzi, Indiana (PA)
31. Eric Graham, ECU
32. Thed Watson, USF
33. Andrew Cameron, Cal
34. Kyle Tatum, Alabama
35. Eddie Keele, BYU
36. Clyde Reed, SC State
37. Peter Dyakowski, LSU
38. Ken Shackleford, Georgia
39. Brandon Cox, La-Lafayette
40. Robert Kraay, Air Force
41. Ed McCarthy, Yale
42. Zac Tubbs, Arkansas
43. Aaron Brant, Iowa St
44. Tavo Tupola, Utah
45. Chris Messner, Oklahoma
46. Clint Oldenburg, Colorado St
47. Brian Stamper, Vanderbilt
48. Elliot Vallejo, UC Davis
49. Marion Dukes, Clemson
50. Joe Ainslie, Minnesota
51. Jeff Perrett, Tulsa
52. Willie Henderson, Memphis
53. Rob Austin, Troy
54. Glenn January, Texas Tech
55. Mike Kolodziej, Michigan
56. Daniel Inman, Georgia
57. Kyle Williams, USC
58. David Shemaria, Bloomsburg
59. James Newby, N.C. St
60. Charles Harris, Washington St
61. Tanner Bell, Arizona

Wide Receiver Rankings

2007-04-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

1. Calvin Johnson*, Georgia Tech
6’5” 239; 4.35
Statistics: 76rec; 1,202yds; 15TDs
Positives: Everything. Imagine a WR with Randy’s athletic ability, T.O.’s size/strength, Larry Fitzgerald’s hands and attitude, and you’ve got Calvin. I’ve been his biggest fan since his freshman year, but since he gets enough praise already I’ll stop there.
Negatives: It’s hard to find ‘em. He could run better routes and is faster than he is quick. Drops some easy passes occasionally, loses concentration at times. He didn’t show up in a couple big games this year, but that was mainly because of Reggie Ball’s erratic play.
Best Case: See Above
Worst Case: Andre Johnson earlier in his career

2. Ted Ginn Jr*, Ohio St
5’11” 178; 4.38
Statistics: 59rec; 781yds; 9TDs; 1retTD
Positives: His speed, quickness, and playmaking ability are second to none. He has a ton of upside as a returner, and a switch to DB is still possible. Hands are underrated in my opinion; a deep threat that makes good cuts in his routes and doesn’t lose speed.
Negatives: He’s not very big or strong, and his slow comeback from a high ankle sprain brings up some serious durability concerns. Not real polished as a receiver, could run better routes, concentration comes and goes, leading to some drops.
Best Case: Joey Galloway in his prime
Worst Case: Bethel Johnson

3. Dwayne Jarrett*, USC
6’4” 219; 4.62
Statistics: 70rec; 1,015yds; 12TDs
Positives: He’s tall, has long arms, can jump, and makes some spectacular catches with his huge, soft hands. Has a lot of potential as a red zone threat. Big time playmaker in college that really stepped it up when the lights came on.
Negatives: The “Mike Williams” comparisons are really damaging his stock. He doesn’t have ideal top speed and failing to break 4.6 on a fast track hurt him, after not running at the combine. Work ethic and character have been questioned, doesn’t always go 100%.
Best Case: Plaxico Burress
Worst Case: Mike Williams

4. Robert Meachem*, Tennessee
6’2” 214; 4.39
Statistics: 71rec; 1,281yds; 11TDs
Positives: He has all the measurables that scouts look for, excellent speed for his size, great runner after the catch. Followed a breakout junior season with an excellent showing at the combine. Has a ton of potential, but his high bust potential keeps him from being the #2 WR in my opinion.
Negatives: He needs to improve his routes and doesn’t really look like a 4.3 guy on the field. Was a bit of a disappointment prior to his junior season, which raises the one-year-wonder question. Doesn’t play tough and looks a little hesitant over the middle.
Best Case: Poor man’s Roy Williams
Worst Case: David Terrell

5. Sidney Rice*, South Carolina
6’4” 200; 4.51
Statistics: 72rec; 1,090yds; 10TDs
Positives: He has a knack for reaching the end zone; his 23 TDs in 2 years at SC broke the school record. His height, long arms, soft hands, and hops make him a prime jump ball target. Good character, team player, works hard and doesn’t quit.
Negatives: He doesn’t have great bulk, strength, or timed speed. He could improve his routes, runs lazy in and out of his cuts at times. Might have trouble blocking at the next level with his somewhat slight frame.
Best Case: Smaller Marques Colston
Worst Case: Billy McMullen

6. Dwayne Bowe, LSU
6’2” 221; 4.51
Statistics: 65rec; 990yds; 12TDs
Positives: Big, smooth athlete that really stepped it up in his senior year. Excellent over the middle, blocks like a TE and is a team player. Impressed everyone in attendance at the Senior Bowl practices. Improved his hands greatly over his career, good runner after the catch.
Negatives: As improved as his hands are, they don’t look real natural or soft and he lets some passes get into his body. Doesn’t have ideal top end speed or a second gear in the open field, not much of a deep threat. A safe pick, but I don’t think he’ll be a star.
Best Case: Muhsin Muhammad
Worst Case: Derrius Thompson

7. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
6’2” 211; 4.55
Statistics: 91rec; 1,300yds; 13TDs
Positives: He’s a big, strong, possession receiver that goes over the middle and run after the catch. Has ideal size and frame, a playmaker in college that stepped it up in the big games. Was projected to go day 2 when everyone thought he ran a 4.7, but the 4.55 really helped him. He’s one of my favorite players in the draft.
Negatives: He doesn’t have real natural hands and looks mechanical at times. Had a severe case of the drops earlier in his career, and he still drops some easy ones. Doesn’t have great top speed or quickness.
Best Case: Poor man’s Terrell Owens
Worst Case: Kelley Washington

8. Jason Hill, Washington St
6’1” 204; 4.32
Statistics: 41rec; 600yds; 7TDs
Positives: He’s got a sturdy frame, strong hands, and excellent timed speed. Top speed was considered his weakness before the combine, then he ran a 4.3. Good acceleration and burst off the line, knows how to get open and has natural receiving instincts.
Negatives: He doesn’t play as fast as his timed speed would indicate, lacks a second gear in the open field. Could improve the little parts of his game, like his routes and blocking. Hands aren’t especially reliable, had a very average senior season.
Best Case: David Givens
Worst Case: Taylor Jacobs

9. Anthony Gonzalez*, Ohio St
6’0” 193; 4.44
Statistics: 51rec; 734yds; 8TDs
Positives: He’s a very safe pick, excellent character and work ethic, gets the most out of his abilities. Quickness is second to none, decent top speed and runs very consistent routes. Has reliable hands and all the tools to develop into a solid #2 receiver.
Negatives: His limited size and strength will likely prevent him from ever becoming a star. Won’t break any tackles after the catch and lacks the overall upside of some of the other top receivers in this year’s class.
Best Case: Isaac Bruce
Worst Case: Keary Colbert

10. Steve Smith, USC
6’0” 197; 4.44
Statistics: 71rec; 1,083yds; 9TDs
Positives: Another safe pick that lacks great potential, he has all the tools to develop into a solid contributor. He has reliable hands, routes, very consistent and productive at the college level. Strong for a guy his size and has no trouble getting off the jam.
Negatives: He never really jumped out at me when watching him. He’s a solid, but not great receiver that lacks the size and overall athletic ability to develop into a #1. He doesn’t look as fast as his time would suggest, was never a true #1 in college.
Best Case: Brandon Lloyd w/49ers
Worst Case: B.J. Johnson

11. Aundrae Allison, ECU
6’0” 198; 4.39
Statistics: 62rec; 708yds; 4TDs
Positive: He’s an excellent athlete with ideal separation speed, acceleration, and a second gear in the open field. Has a ton of unrealized potential. Fluid runner after the catch, has good routes when he wants to and possesses a knack for making spectacular catches.
Negatives: He lacks ideal size and strength and appears a bit hesitant going over the middle. Hasn’t fulfilled his potential in college, which brings up some work ethic questions. Boom or bust guy that will be as good as he wants to be.
Best Case: Donte Stallworth
Worst Case: Tim Carter

12. Jacoby Jones, Lane
6’3” 210; 4.50
Statistics: 68rec; 822yds; 6TDs; 3retTDs
Positives: Upside and potential are his two main strengths. Excellent top speed and elusiveness for a guy his size, at the least he’ll be a solid kick returner. Former basketball player, times his jumps well and his long arms help. Runs good routes when he has to.
Negatives: He doesn’t like going over the middle and shies away from contact way too often. Hands are very small for a guy his size, and inconsistent, to say the least, loses focus way too much. Level of competition is a pretty big concern.
Best Case: Javon Walker
Worst Case: Darrell Hill

13. Johnnie Lee Higgins, UTEP
5’11” 186; 4.48
Statistics: 82rec; 1,319yds; 13TDs
Positives: He’s very explosive and has upside as a slot receiver and returner. Playmaker, good instincts in the receiving game as well as the return game. Tries his hardest, very tough and not afraid to go over the middle, runs hard and can break some tackles.
Negatives: He just doesn’t have the size or speed to develop into a starting wideout, needs to show better concentration, hands are inconsistent. Lacks ideal second gear and tops out too quickly while running downfield. Doesn’t have a ton of potential.
Best Case: Laveranues Coles
Worst Case: Peter Warrick

14. Matt Trannon, Michigan St
6’6” 216; 4.57
Statistics: 44rec; 518yds; 4TDs
Positives: Excellent size and strength for a receiver, knows how to use his body to shield defenders, has the potential to develop into a prime jump ball target. Ran a faster time than expected, is a long strider with deceptive speed. Played basketball for the Spartans.
Negatives: He doesn’t have great burst, quickness, or acceleration and really needs to work on his routes. Won’t make anybody miss in the open field and lacks the second gear to run away from people. His hands are inconsistent, drops some easy passes but makes some acrobatic catches.
Best Case: Ernest Wilford
Worst Case: Kassim Osgood

15. Yamon Figurs, Kansas St
5’11” 174; 4.30
Statistics: 28rec; 418yds; 3TDs; 2rushTDs; 2retTDs
Positives: His speed, burst, and acceleration are second-to-none. He’s an excellent runner in the open field, tons of upside as a returner. Saves his best for the big games, very explosive and makes some amazing plays.
Negatives: He doesn’t have ideal bulk or strength to be much more than a #3, slot WR and a punt returner. Won’t break a whole lot of tackles, drops some passes and lacks ideal receiving instincts, runs inconsistent routes.
Best Case: Dante Hall
Worst Case: Mark Jones

16. Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame
6’1” 211; 4.53
Statistics: 67rec; 907yds; 15TDs
Positives: Smooth, fluid athlete with big, soft hands and the body control to make tons of acrobatic catches. Strong and sturdy, not afraid to take a hit, solid character guy with an excellent work ethic. Had a very productive senior season after a rollercoaster career.
Negatives: He doesn’t have the speed or consistency to warrant a 1st day pick. Has had some pretty serious knee problems, which is a big red flag to many teams. Doesn’t have very reliable hands and drops some easy passes.
Best Case: Jimmy Smith
Worst Case: Rashaun Woods

17. Craig Davis, LSU
6’1” 200; 4.41
Statistics: 56rec; 836yds; 4TDs
Positives: He has the tools to develop into a starter. Has a very good combination of speed and strength, not afraid to go over the middle. A big play that can get separation against some of the best corners and also has upside as a kick returner.
Negatives: I don’t really like him as much as some people do. Scouts drool about his speed, but he runs a little mechanically and doesn’t show great burst in his routes. His hands aren’t real natural, has potential, but that word gets over hyped on draft day.
Best Case: Bernard Berrian
Worst Case: Ken-Yon Rambo

18. Courtney Taylor, Auburn
6’2” 204; 4.50
Statistics: 54rec; 704yds; 2TDs
Positives: He’s a big, strong receiver with the hands and consistency to be a solid possession receiver and special teams contributor. Ran much faster at the combine than expected, makes big plays when the stakes are high, excels on jump balls.
Negatives: He doesn’t play near as fast as his 4.5 time would suggest, lacks the explosiveness and quickness to be a starter. Doesn’t have the potential of many other prospects. Average senior season, has had some injuries in college.
Best Case: Justin McCareins
Worst Case: Sam Aiken

19. Mike Walker, UCF
6’2” 209; 4.35
Statistics: 90rec; 1,178yds; 7TDs
Positives: His 4.35 time helped him a lot. Was looked at as mainly a “possession” guy that would run in the 4.6’s prior to the combine. Runs good routes, shows reliable hands and an ability to go over the middle. Smart, hard worker that even played some CB.
Negatives: He doesn’t play as fast as his time would suggest, did the majority of his damage against sub-par teams last season. He’s a little raw, relatively inexperienced. Needs to improve as a blocker, not much of a playmaker after the catch.
Best Case: Eddie Kennison
Worst Case: Darius Watts

20. Paul Williams, Fresno St
6’1” 205; 4.45
Statistics: 21rec; 229yds; 1TD
Positives: He has all of the tools to be a star, including a rare combination of size, speed, and overall athletic ability. Runs very well after the catch, excellent on deep routes thanks to his second gear and jump ball ability. He has tons of upside.
Negatives: The perfect example of a boom or bust prospect. His performances in the postseason may move him into the 1st day, but he had a terrible senior season. His desire and work ethic have been questioned, for good reason. His hands are inconsistent, runs poor routes and has had some injuries in college.
Best Case: Jerry Porter in his prime
Worst Case: Devard Darling

21. Dallas Baker, Florida
6’3” 208; 4.53
Statistics: 60rec; 920yds; 10TDs
Positives: He has the frame to get bigger, with long arms and soft hands. Excellent in the red-zone, times jumps very well and can go up for it in traffic. Faster than he is quick, a long strider with deceptive speed that helps him get deep occasionally.
Negatives: He doesn’t have much burst, acceleration, or quickness. Needs to add strength to improve as a blocker and doesn’t like going over the middle.
Best Case: Amani Toomer
Worst Case: John Standeford

22. David Clowney, Virginia Tech
6’0” 188; 4.36
Statistics: 34rec; 424yds; 0TDs
Positives: His speed and quickness are up there with the best. Could contribute as a punt returner in the future. Excellent burst off the line, solid runner after the catch, runs with good vision and instincts. Has reliable hands and is tough for a guy his size.
Negatives: Had a very disappointing senior season, but that was mainly due to inconsistent QB play. Lacks the ideal size/strength to develop into a starter. Durability is a concern, and he doesn’t have any meaningful return experience.
Best Case: Poor man’s Terry Glenn
Worst Case: Troy Edwards

23. Chris Davis, Florida St
5’10” 181; 4.50
Statistics: 49rec; 684yds; 4TDs
Positives: He has all the tools to be an excellent slot receiver and a special teams demon. Quicker than he is fast, great burst off the line and changes directions without slowing down. Hands are big for a guy his size, wins a surprising amount of jump balls for a guy his size. Has potential as a punt returner.
Weaknesses: He’s very small and lacks ideal upside. Top end speed is just average and his lack of a second gear hurts him as a returner and runner after the catch. Not very strong, doesn’t go over the middle much and can be pushed around by DB’s.
Best Case: Tim Dwight
Worst Case: Triandos Luke

24. Laurent Robinson, Illinois St
6’2” 199; 4.38
Statistics: 40rec; 718yds; 7TDs
Positives: Here’s another guy that was thought to be more of a “possession” WR that helped himself a ton by timing in the 4.3’s at the combine. He has the frame to add bulk, reliable hands and is a very skilled route runner. He’s a smart, hard worker with good character and the desire to be great.
Negatives: Lacks ideal strength and bulk, played against inferior competition and his transition to the NFL may take some time. More of a long strider in the open field, won’t make many people miss or break a whole lot of tackles. Durability is a minor concern.
Best Case: Bigger Kevin Curtis
Worst Case: Quincy Morgan

25. Brandon Myles, West Virginia
6’1” 189; 4.41
Statistics: 32rec; 522yds; 8TDs
Positives: Long arms, reliable hands, and decent athletic ability. He times his jumps well and excels at tracking passes over his shoulder. Has the second gear to run past defenders in the open field and on his routes, is also very quick.
Negatives: He’s too thin and not strong enough to contribute in the NFL right away. Raw overall technique and didn’t get a whole lot of passes thrown his way in college because of WVU’s running offense. Needs to work on his routes and plays timid at times.
Best Case: Ike Hilliard in his prime
Worst Case: Cliff Russell

26. Legedu Naanee, Boise St
6’2” 225; 4.41
Statistics: 35rec; 541yds; 6TDs
Positives: His combination of size, timed speed, and strength are very rare. Has a ton of upside. Former QB, smart, hard worker that always gives 100%. He’s very raw, but his excellent work ethic helps lower his bust chances.
Negatives: He doesn’t play as fast as his time would suggest, has trouble getting open against top CB’s and needs to improve routes. Slows down too much to cut and is slow out of them. He runs mechanical at times, doesn’t have real natural hands.
Best Case: Doug Gabriel
Worst Case: Karl Hankton

27. Maurice Price*, Charleston Southern
6’1” 200; 4.52
Statistics: 103rec; 985yds; 10TDs
Positives: He has the size, hands, athleticism, and consistency to be a solid producer. Excellent leaper, explosive, he’s quicker than he is fast. Played well at the Texas vs. the Nation Game, entered the draft as an underclassman, which is sometimes a plus in the later rounds of day 2.
Negatives: He does everything well, but nothing great. Lacks ideal top end speed and may have trouble separating at the NFL level. Not much of a threat after the catch. Dominated against inferior competition, has little to no experience against top CB’s.
Best Case: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Worst Case: J.R. Tolver

28. Steve Breaston, Michigan
29. David Ball, Northeastern
30. James Jones, San Jose St
31. Roy Hall, Ohio St
32. Johnathan Holland, Lousiana Tech
33. D’Juan Woods, Oklahoma St
34. Chansi Stuckey, Clemson
35. Ryne Robinson, Miami (Ohio)
36. Jordan Kent, Oregon
37. Biren Ealy, Houston
38. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
39. Brad Ekwerekwu, Missouri
40. Ryan Moore, Miami
41. Jemalle Cornelius, Florida
42. Bret Smith, Tennessee
43. Paul Thompson, Oklahoma
44. Dorien Bryant, Purdue
45. Junior Taylor, UCLA
46. Syndric Steptoe, Arizona
47. Chad Schroeder, Texas A&M
48. Vincent Marshall, Houston
49. Dominique Zeigler, Baylor
50. Jesse Holley, North Carolina
51. Robert Johnson, Texas Tech
52. Kerry Reed, Michigan St
53. Eric Deslauriers, Eastern Michigan
54. Drisan James, Boise St
55. Onrea Jones, Hampton
56. Brandon London, UMass
57. Ean Randolph, USF
58. Mike Mason, Tennessee St
59. Jerard Rabb, Boise St
60. Chandler Williams, Fla Int’l
61. Tyrone Timmons, Miss Valley St
62. Henry Tolbert, Grambling St
63. Johnny Quinn, North Texas
64. Logan Payne, Minnesota
65. Marquay McDaniel, Hampton
66. Syvelle Newton, South Carolina
67. Terry Richardson, Arizona St
68. Jayson Swain, Tennessee
69. Carl Berman, Indiana St
70. John Broussard, San Jose St
71. Aaron Fairooz, Central Arkansas
72. Deyon Williams, Virginia
73. Derek Stanley, Wisc-Whitewater
74. Najeh Pruden, Akron
75. Chris McFoy, USC
76. Terry Moss, Ball St
77. Preston Brown, Toledo
78. Patrick Bugg, Eastern Kentucky
79. Sonny Shackelford, Washington
80. Martin Teal, Troy
81. Aaron Brown, New Hampshire
82. Tony Kays, Cal Davis
83. Jahkeen Gilmore, Indiana
84. Dereck Faulkner, Hampton
85. Prince Prempeh, Marist
86. Reggie Ball, Georgia Tech
87. Scott Mayle, Ohio
88. Willie Foster, Rutgers
89. James Finley, Oregon
90. Trent Shelton, Baylor
91. Joe Fernandez, Fresno St
92. Evan Moore, Stanford
93. Omarr Conner, Mississippi St
94. Smokey Hampton, Troy
95. Mark Bradford, Stanford
96. Nate Morton, Wake Forest
97. Akieem Jolla, New Mexico St

Tight End Rankings

2007-04-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

1. Greg Olsen*, Miami
6’6” 254; 4.51
Statistics: 40rec; 489yds; 1TD
Positives: He’s an excellent athlete and really separated himself from the rest of the TE’s at the combine. Has the potential to be a big time threat in the passing game, with his rare combination of size, speed, and hands. Has the frame to add bulk and strength.
Negatives: He never really improved his blocking over his career at Miami and needs some work in that area. Lacks overall strength, gives solid effort but is just not big or strong enough to hold his own. Wasn’t productive last season, but that was mainly because of inconsistent QB play for the ‘Canes.
Best Case: Jeremy Shockey
Worst Case: Matt Schobel

2. Zach Miller*, Arizona St
6’4” 256; 4.87
Statistics: 50rec; 484yds; 4TDs
Positives: He has very reliable hands and catches pretty much anything thrown his way. Plays faster than he times, and knows how to get open. He’s a sound blocker from a technique standpoint and is a high character guy.
Negatives: As much as the combine helped Olsen, that’s how much it hurt Miller. Both were projected 4.7 guys, but Miller ran a 4.87, which is very poor for a receiving TE. Doesn’t have ideal size or strength and could improve as a blocker.
Best Case: Dallas Clark
Worst Case: Bennie Joppru

3. Ben Patrick, Delaware
6’3” 252; 4.74
Statistics: 64rec; 639yds; 6TDs
Positives: A smooth athlete with big, soft hands and long arms. Has potential as a receiver thanks to his leaping ability and quickness. Solid blocker that can hold his ground against most DE’s and plays to the whistle.
Negatives: He doesn’t really have star potential. Lacks ideal height and doesn’t have much of a second gear. Level of competition is a minor concern, but he competed against ACC competition at Duke earlier in his career.
Best Case: Poor man’s Antonio Gates
Worst Case: George Wrighster

4. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
6’7” 270; 4.81
Statistics: 47rec; 564yds; 4TDs
Positives: Does everything well. Of the top tight ends in this year’s class, he’s probably the best blocker. Can break tackles in the open field and is very tough. He’s a solid athlete with reliable hands, a huge frame and good strength.
Negatives: He doesn’t have ideal speed, quickness, or burst off the line. He could improve his blocking technique, as he mainly got by with pure size and strength in college.
Best Case: Erron Kinney
Worst Case: Roland Williams

5. Scott Chandler, Iowa
6’7” 270; 4.78
Statistics: 46rec; 591yds; 6TDs
Positives: He has a very big frame that could add even more weight, but his main strength is his overall receiving skills. Not a great leaper, but times his jumps well, not the fastest guy, but knows how to get open. He has excellent hands and ball skills.
Negatives: He really needs to improve his overall and playing strength. Lacks ideal top end speed and won’t run away from anybody. Gets thrown around too much as a blocker and doesn’t have a mean streak.
Best Case: Less Athletic Heath Miller
Worst Case: Chris Luzar

6. Michael Allan, Whitworth
6’6” 255; 4.71
Statistics: 53rec; 1,100yds; 9TDs
Positives: He was a very productive receiver in D3, and has the skills to do it at the next level. Great speed for a guy his size, solid runner after the catch and can break tackles. Good hands, has the frame to add bulk.
Negatives: He needs to add some more strength to improve his blocking. The transition from D3 to the NFL is an obvious concern. Doesn’t really have great burst or acceleration, he’s more fast than quick.
Best Case: Courtney Anderson
Worst Case: Aaron Walker

7. Jonny Harline, BYU
6’4” 248; 4.84
Statistics: 58rec; 935yds; 12TDs
Positives: He’s a very reliable receiver that could contribute right away. Solid blocker, shows good effort, plays to the whistle. Solid hands, was very productive in college and can run after the catch. Has some upside as a possible H-back.
Negatives: He’s small for a TE and doesn’t have top notch speed or strength. Older than the average prospect, will turn 25 during his rookie season.
Best Case: Eric Johnson
Worst Case: Tim Euhus

8. Martrez Milner, Georgia
6’4” 252; 4.79
Statistics: 30rec; 425yds; 3TDs
Positives: Great athlete with better speed and quickness than his times would indicate. He’s a solid runner after the catch and can make people miss or run over them. Explosive as a blocker and receiver, has a lot of potential.
Negatives: He’s way too inconsistent to contribute right now in the NFL, a boom or bust prospect. Drops too many passes and needs to improve his blocking technique. He was put on the bench at one point last season, after dropping 3 passes against Florida.
Best Case: L.J. Smith
Worst Case: Marcellus Rivers

9. Kevin Boss, Western Oregon
6’7” 252; 4.78
Statistics: 33rec; 403yds; 5TDs
Positives: He has the potential to be a very valuable threat in the receiving game. Being a former basketball player is always a plus. He wins jump balls with his strong hands and good receiving instincts. Has the frame to get bigger. Good athlete for a 6’7” tight end.
Negatives: He doesn’t have elite speed, and needs to add bulk and strength before being able to block anybody at the next level. He had a serious shoulder injury last season, so durability is a little bit of a concern, as is level of competition.
Best Case: Jerramy Stevens
Worst Case: O.J. Santiago

10. Clark Harris, Rutgers
6’6” 251; 4.80
Statistics: 34rec; 493yds; 2TDs
Positives: Solid blocker and intermediate receiver that has some versatility as a long snapper. Has the big frame to add bulk and strength, reliable hands and adequate athleticism for a guy his size.
Negatives: He doesn’t have ideal strength right now, doesn’t have a tough guy reputation and doesn’t play a physical game. Lacks speed in the open field and quickness in his routes, doesn’t have a whole lot of potential.
Best Case: Chad Lewis in his prime
Worst Case: Brett Pierce

11. Joe Newton, Oregon St
6’7” 257; 4.87
Statistics: 36rec; 466yds; 7TDs
Positives: His size is obvious, and he uses it to full advantage. Has good hands and overall instincts in the receiving game, plus the frame to get bigger and stronger. Hard worker and high character guy that will do whatever it takes to win.
Negatives: He needs to put on some weight, uses sound technique when blocking but doesn’t have ideal strength. Lacks speed and explosiveness, won’t ever do anything after the catch. Has had some pretty significant durability problems in the past.
Best Case: Steve Heiden
Worst Case: Darnell Sanders

12. Daniel Coats, BYU
13. Matt Herian, Nebraska
14. Cody Boyd, Washington St
15. Zac Herold, Nebraska-Omaha
16. Brent Celek, Cincinnati
17. Chad Upshaw, Buffalo
18. Tyler Ecker, Michigan
19. Jake Nordin, Northern Illinois
20. Desmond Allison, South Dakota
21. Dan Murray, UCONN
22. Cole Bennett, Auburn
23. Anthony Pudewell, Nevada
24. Rodney Hannah, Houston
25. Samuel Smith, Fla Int’l
26. Braden Jones, Southern Illinois
27. Julius McLellan, NC Central
28. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
29. Jamaal Lewis, Arizona St
30. Brad Wood, Arizona
31. Matt Farbotko, Harvard
32. L’Tydrick Riley, Texas A&M
33. Michael Matthews, Georgia Tech
34. Kendrick Ballantyne, Northeastern
35. Chris DeSpain, Nebraska-Omaha
36. Anthony James, Louisiana Tech
37. Keith Zinger, LSU
38. Melvin Bryant, Illinois

How Important are 40 Times?

2007-04-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

All the talk over Dwayne Jarrett’s pedestrian 40 times got me thinking. What is the relation between fast 40’s and NFL success, if there even is one? It has an obvious impact on draft stock and value, but is it really that important? I took all of the 40 times ran by receivers at each of the last 5 combines (Not including this year), divided them up, and found out the percentage of each group that have developed into starting WR’s. This is not a real accurate or complicated study, as each prospect has their different strengths and weaknesses. For example, one that doesn’t run as fast of a time might be much bigger or stronger than someone who does. All that this takes into account are 40 times.

Remember, some top prospects choose not to run at the combine, and wait until their pro day. Those times were not put into this study, since they are often ran on fast tracks, and the times are very unofficial.

4.3’s: 3/18 or 17%
Javon Walker; 1st Round, 2002; 4.38
Lee Evans; 1st Round, 2004; 4.39
Matt Jones; 1st Round, 2005; 4.37

4.4’s: 6/46 or 13%
Deion Branch; 2nd Round, 2002; 4.47
Andre Johnson; 1st Round, 2003; 4.40
Roy Williams; 1st Round, 2004; 4.48
Reggie Brown; 2nd Round, 2005; 4.45
Mark Clayton; 1st Round, 2005; 4.41
Greg Jennings; 2nd Round, 2006; 4.42

4.5’s: 7/60 or 12%
Antonio Bryant; 2nd Round, 2002; 4.57
David Givens; 7th Round, 2002; 4.56
Nate Burleson; 3rd Round, 2003; 4.51
Arnaz Battle; 6th Round, 2003; 4.58
Bernard Berrian; 3rd Round, 2004; 4.58
Jerricho Cotchery; 4th Round, 2004; 4.54
Marques Colston; 7th Round, 2006; 4.50

4.6’s: 4/29 or 14%
Brandon Lloyd; 4th Round, 2003; 4.62
Larry Fitzgerald; 1st Round, 2004; 4.63
Michael Clayton; 1st Round, 2004; 4.67
Michael Jenkins; 1st Round, 2004; 4.60

4.7’s: 2/10 or 20%
Anquan Boldin; 2nd Round, 2003; 4.72
Ernest Wilford; 4th Round, 2004; 4.79

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald didn’t tear it up at the
Combine, but now they form the best WR duo in the NFL

These results don’t really prove anything other than; don’t weigh 40 times too heavily when evaluating prospects. I'm sure many of you already know this, but a lot of smart people still fall in love with fast 40’s or other impressive measurables. This also works in reverse, and it causes talented players like Anquan Boldin to fall due to poor times, but in the end, everything evens out.

All 40 Times from NFLDraftScout.com
Copy and paste this address to see all combine results dating back to 1999.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/nflcombinebypos.php?draftyear=2007&GenPos=QB&sortorder=LastName&order=ASC

One final note: Please don’t take this article too seriously (like somebody did about my piece on 1st round QB’s), I’m not really saying anything that surprising or unbelievable, I just thought the numbers were interesting.

Fullback Rankings

2007-04-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

1. Le’Ron McClain, Alabama
6’0” 256; 4.88
Statistics: 64yds, 5.8ypc; 20rec 175yds 3TDs
Positives: He’s a big, strong lead blocker that is a surprisingly smooth receiver for a guy his size. Powerful back that can break some tackles and runs hard.
Negatives: With the gradual decline of classic FBs in the NFL, he could have a tough time making it. Average overall athlete, won’t make anybody miss in the open field.
Best Case: Mack Strong
Worst Case: Deon Dyer

2. Cory Anderson, Tennessee
6’2” 247; 4.70
Statistics: 1rush yd; 3rec 13yds
Positives: He’s a very aggressive blocker that plays until the whistle and finishes his blocks. A solid athlete for his size and offers some upside as a possible short yardage specialist, is a reliable receiver.
Negatives: He had very little rushing experience in college. Plays overaggressive and needs to use better technique. Weighed in well under his listed weight, and didn’t show ideal strength at the combine.
Best Case: Jeremi Johnson
Worst Case: Stanley Pritchett

3. Derek Schouman, Boise St
6’2” 247; 4.74
Statistics: 29rec 276yds 4TDs
Positives: A former tight end that really impressed at the combine. Good overall athleticism, excellent hands, reliable receiver. Versatility should get him some looks, he can play H-B, FB, and TE.
Negatives: He has no rushing experience, a little bit of a ‘tweener. Doesn’t have a second gear in the open field and doesn’t do much after the catch. Sound technique as a blocker, but doesn’t have dominating strength and isn’t real physical.
Best Case: Poor Man's Chris Cooley
Worst Case: Aaron Shea

4. Dante Rosario, Oregon
5. Jason Snelling, Virginia
6. Roshon Vercher, Fresno St
7. Jesse Allen, Virginia Tech
8. Deon Anderson, UCONN
9. Gijon Robinson, W Missouri St
10. Oren O’Neal, Arkansas St
11. Brad Lau, Boise St
12. Ruben Mayes, Grambling St
13. Stan White Jr, Ohio St
14. Bryson Davis, Mississippi St
15. Dave Herron, Michigan St
16. Tim Castille, Alabama
17. Obi Oluigbo, Michigan
18. Billy Latsko, Florida
19. Paul Mosley, Baylor
20. Dane Todd, Nebraska

Running Back Rankings

2007-04-03T18:50:00.003-07:00

1. Adrian Peterson*, Oklahoma
6’2” 217; 4.40
Stats: 1,012yds; 10TDs; 5.4ypc
Positives: He runs so fast and so hard, nobody wants to get in his way. He has great measurables, very productive. He’s mainly a North-South runner, but shows good quickness and moves when he has to.
Negatives: Durability is his only major question. The only full, healthy season he played was his freshman one. He runs too upright, which leaves him open to big hits. Not a proven receiver, but that was mainly because of OU’s offense.
Best Case: Eric Dickerson
Worst Case: Fred Taylor

2. Marshawn Lynch*, California
5’11” 215; 4.46
Stats: 1,356yds; 11TDs; 6.1ypc
Positives: He has a more complete skill set than A.D, is a better receiver, but just doesn’t quite have that kind of potential. Runs with power, low to the ground, and has an excellent set of moves. Great vision, sees holes before they open.
Negatives: He doesn’t exactly shine in any one area, and might not end up a star in the NFL. He lacks patience and sometimes tries to do too much. Has some character concerns, but nothing major. In most years, he'd be a top 10 pick, easily, but this class is very talented at the top.
Best Case: Clinton Portis
Worst Case: Chris Perry

3. Michael Bush*, Louisville
6’1” 243; 4.60*
Stats: 128yds; 3TDs; 7.5ypc
Positives: He has all the tools to be a star in the NFL. High risk, high reward player that looked like a probable 1st rounder before breaking his leg. Has excellent size and power, surprising speed and quickness for his size. He’s a very consistent short yardage guy. A doctor recently said he was "99 percent healed".
Negatives: Injuries are a major concern. Not being able to work out for scouts is also a huge deal, since nobody really knows his 40 time. There haven’t been many starting RBs his size in the NFL. Lacks elite quickness and top end speed.
Best Case: Stephen Davis in his prime
Worst Case: Eric Shelton

4. Antonio Pittman*, Ohio St
5’11” 207; 4.40
Stats: 1,233yds; 14TDs; 5.1ypc
Positives: Everyone knows he’s very quick, but he really surprised people with his timed speed at the combine. Productive, runs hard and has reliable hands.
Negatives: He lacks ideal size and bulk, doesn’t play as fast as he times. He could definitely get stronger and work on his blocking.
Best Case: Julius Jones
Worst Case: Jamel White

5. Brandon Jackson*, Nebraska
5’10” 210; 4.54
Stats: 989yds; 8TDs; 5.3ypc
Positives: He has excellent burst and quickness, Short and squatty, runs low and with surprising power. Didn’t get a whole lot of carries in college, which is sometimes good in the eyes of scouts, since he’s had less wear and tear.
Negatives: He lacks prototypical size and strength. Plays faster than he times, is more quick than fast, but doesn’t have elite top end speed. Needs work as a blocker, his inexperience shows at times.
Best Case: Thomas Jones
Worst Case: Onterrio Smith (Pre-Suspension)

6. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
6’2” 226; 4.52
Stats: 423yds; 5TDs; 4.5ypc
Positives: He’s extremely versatile, can play FB and H-B, but wants to play RB. He really helped himself at the Senior Bowl and then the Combine. Was a running back before Ray Rice came, and has ideal size/power/receiving skills.
Negatives: He lacks the ideal quickness and burst of a feature back, doesn’t really play as fast as he times. He’s not a great blocker as a FB, and is a bit of a ‘tweener.
Best Case: Duce Staley in his prime
Worst Case: Jonathan Wells

7. Kenny Irons, Auburn
5’11” 203; 4.45
Stats: 893yds; 4TDs; 4.5ypc
Positives: He’s very agile and runs through arm tackles well for a guy his size. Has the speed to turn the corner, and the frame to add more bulk and strength, very instinctive and tough.
Negatives: He wasn’t utilized as a receiver much, and might not be durable enough to carry the full load. Needs to add overall bulk and strength, doesn’t push the pile much. Had a bit of a disappointing and injury-plagued senior season.
Best Case: Cadillac Williams
Worst Case: Derrick Blaylock

8. Tony Hunt, Penn St
6’2” 233; 4.68
Stats: 1,386yds; 11TDs; 5.0ypc
Positives: Very productive in college, excellent size, strength, and power. Durable, runs low to the ground and could be an excellent short yardage back at the next level.
Negatives: He doesn’t have the speed to turn the corner or the quickness to make people miss. Decided not to run at the combine, then posted some poor times at his pro day.
Best Case: LaMont Jordan
Worst Case: Ki-Jana Carter

9. Chris Henry*, Arizona
5’11” 230; 4.40
Stats: 581yds; 7TDs; 3.5ypc
Positives: Upside, upside, and upside. He has the size, speed, and strength to be a starter. Really impressed at the combine. He had some pretty good games late in his junior season. His limited carries in college is a plus, since he has more mileage left on his legs.
Negatives; He’s never really produced at a high level at Arizona. Doesn’t have a great set of moves, not a very instinctive or elusive runner. Anyone who takes him will be taking a gamble, since he’s raw and unproven.
Best Case: Deuce McCallister
Worst Case: LaBrandon Toefield

10. Lorenzo Booker, Florida St
5’10” 191; 4.46
Stats: 616yds; 4TDs; 4.3ypc
Positives: He has the speed and elusiveness to be a valuable change of pace back and returner. Runs with a second gear in the open field, good receiving skills.
Negatives: He doesn’t have the size or strength to be a #1 back in the NFL. Needs to add some bulk. Doesn’t have the lower body strength to break many tackles.
Best Case: Michael Bennett w/o Injuries
Worst Case: Aveion Cason

11. Kolby Smith, Louisville
5’11” 220; 4.50
Stats: 862yds; 7TDs; 5.6ypc
Positives: He has the overall athleticism to be an excellent backup and special teams player. Breaks tackles with the best of em, punishes smaller DB’s. Has good speed for a guy his size and shows solid initial burst.
Negatives: He’s not a creative runner at all. Would rather run over defenders than around them, lacks any real moves or elusiveness in the open field. A little inconsistent, never had to carry a full load in college.
Best Case: Joseph Addai
Worst Case: Cedric Cobbs

12. Justise Hairston, Central Conn St
6’1” 210; 4.58
Stats: 1,847yds; 20TDs; 6.7ypc
Positives: This is one of my favorite running backs in the entire draft, and I think he has all the tools to be an effective backup, and maybe develop into a starter. He really impressed me in the Hula Bowl. Transferred from Rutgers after losing his starting job as a soph. Rushed for over 200 yards in 4 games, and over 300 in one.
Negatives: He doesn’t really shine in any one area, lacks elite speed and quickness. Level of competition is always a concern for small school guys. Runs a little too upright, which leaves him open to big hits.
Best Case: Poor Man’s Willis McGahee
Worst Case: Lamar Gordon

13. Darius Walker*, Notre Dame
5’10” 206; 4.55
Stats: 1,267yds; 7TDs; 5.0ypc
Positives: He has the overall skill set to be an excellent 3rd down back. Good receiver out of the backfield, gets the most out of his natural talent. Runs with patience and vision, elusive and quick in the open field. Very productive in college, has a lot of experience.
Negatives: He doesn’t have the tools to be a starter, lacks ideal size, speed, and strength. Can be taken down easily.
Best Case: Dominic Rhodes
Worst Case: Quincy Wilson

14. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
5’8” 186; 4.39
Stats: 1,928yds; 18TDs; 6.2ypc
Positives: The most productive of any RBs in this class, and did it against some top competition as well. He’s an extremely quick and instinctive runner with the speed to turn the corner. Has upside as a kick returner, excellent burst and acceleration.
Negatives: He’s very small, there really aren’t any RB’s his size in the NFL right now (Maurice Drew is thicker, Warrick Dunn is taller). Lacks experience in the return game, can be tackled easily and lacks strength.
Best Case: Warrick Dunn
Worst Case: Bruce Perry

15. Dwayne Wright*, Fresno St
6’0” 228; 4.66
Stats: 1,462yds; 11TDs; 5.6ypc
Positives: He’s a big, bruising back that can get the tough yards and runs with great pad level. Could be a productive short yardage back at the next level. He has solid vision and instincts, is a reliable blocker and receiver.
Negatives: He just doesn’t have the speed or overall athleticism to be a feature back in the NFL. Struggled to get to the outside against WAC D’s, so he probably won’t be able to in the NFL. Had a major knee injury in ’04 that sidelined him for 2 seasons.
Best Case: Anthony Thomas
Worst Case: Musa Smith

16. Jon Cornish, Kansas
6’0” 206; 4.62
Stats: 1,457yds; 8TDs; 5.8ypc
Positives: He’s a hard worker and a hard runner that can pick up yards after contact and has a very strong lower body, was very productive in college. A solid receiver, could contribute on special teams.
Negatives: He just doesn’t have a whole lot of natural ability. Lacks ideal speed and quickness and struggles to turn the corner. Doesn’t have much potential.
Best Case: Olandis Gary in his prime
Worst Case: Tony Fisher

17. Jackie Battle, Houston
6’2” 235; 4.42
Stats: 943yds; 15TDs; 5.1ypc
Positives: Had an extremely impressive pro day workout, posted some eye-popping numbers after being snubbed by the combine. Runs with a solid combination of power and finesse, solid short yardage back, excellent athlete.
Negatives: He doesn’t run with as much power as you’d think he would. Doesn’t play as fast as his measurables would suggest, lacks the ideal quickness and burst of a feature back.
Best Case: Michael Turner
Worst Case: Shawn Bryson

18. Ahmad Bradshaw*, Marshall
5’10” 198; 4.55
Stats: 1,523yds; 19TDs; 6.1ypc
Positives: He was extremely productive, gets the most out of his ability. He has excellent vision, patience, and quickness. Runs hard and with surprising power for his size. Only lost 52 yards on 249 carries this season, which is an excellent ratio.
Negatives: He lacks the size and speed to be a #1 back in the NFL. Needs to add bulk and overall strength. Doesn’t have much of a second gear in the open field. Not a very good blocker.
Best Case: Kevin Faulk
Worst Case: James Mungro

19. D.D. Terry, Sam Houston St
6’1” 196; 4.40
Stats: 1,328yds; 15TDs; 6.2ypc
Positives: He’s a very interesting prospect with a ton of potential but is very raw at RB. He has elite speed, ran track for the Bearkats, and it shows on the field. He’s an excellent all around athlete with great natural ability and instincts.
Negatives: He’s thin for an RB and lacks ideal strength. Played against lower competition in college, so he got by mainly on pure athleticism, but needs to focus on the little things to make it on the next level. He’s very inexperienced and it shows.
Best Case: Tatum Bell
Worst Case: Damien Anderson

20. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
5’10” 232; 4.47
Stats: 699yds; 6TDs; 4.9ypc
Positives: He has the measurables to play in the NFL, very good quickness and burst for a guy his size. He’s a productive between the tackles runner with good vision and power when he runs hard.
Negatives: An underachiever that lacks any noticeable work ethic or discipline. Has had some nagging injuries throughout his career, doesn’t run with authority and has a bad habit of tiptoeing up to the line. I really don’t know if he can make it in the NFL, but somebody will take him because of his potential and his measurables.
Best Case: Poor Man’s DeShaun Foster
Worst Case: Adam Echemandu

21. Ramonce Taylor*, Texas College
5’10” 195; 4.50
Stats (’05): 513yds; 12TDs; 6.8ypc
Positives: He’s a first day talent with excellent speed, athleticism, vision, and instincts. Could be a top kick returner, was a big time playmaker last season at UT. Good receiver out of the backfield.
Negatives: He has some big time character concerns, and legal ones. Transferred to Texas College last year, but was ineligible academically. He’s a little thin to be a full time RB, fumbles a little too much, and lacks experience. Doesn’t break a ton of tackles.
Best Case: More Talented Maurice Morris
Worst Case: Jamal Robertson

22. Thomas Clayton, Kansas St
5’10” 218; 4.63
Stats: 322yds; 3TDs; 4.8ypc
Positives: He has the prototypical build of an RB, compact build with great overall athleticism. Was productive when he was on the field, solid quickness and instincts.
Negatives: He has some significant character concerns and got benched for inconsistent play as a senior. He didn’t put up great times at the combine, fumbles a little too much and runs timid at times.
Best Case: Michael Pittman
Worst Case: Tony Hollings

23. Alonzo Coleman, Hampton
24. Ronnie McGill, North Carolina
25. Eldra Buckley, Chattanooga
26. Danny Ware*, Georgia
27. Reggie Merriweather, Clemson
28. Selvin Young, Texas
29. Kenneth Darby, Alabama
30. Curtis Brown, BYU
31. Stefan Logan, South Dakota
32. Tyrone Moss, Miami
33. Justin Vincent, LSU
34. Steve Baylark, Massachusetts
35. Nate Ilaoa, Hawaii
36. Clifton Dawson, Harvard
37. Marcus O’Keith, California
38. Lonta Hobbs, TCU
39. Germaine Race, Pittsburg St
40. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M
41. Ab Kuuan, Grambling St
42. Terry Caulley, UCONN
43. Gary Russell*, Minnesota
44. Dan Burks, UAB
45. Kyle Steffes, North Dakota St
46. Stevie Hicks, Iowa St
47. Pierre Rembert, Illinois St
48. Arkee Whitlock, Southern Illinois
49. Tre Smith, Auburn
50. Pierre Thomas, Illinois
51. Robert Hubbard, Nevada
52. Alvin Banks, James Madison
53. Quinton Smith, Rice
54. Josh Allen, Maryland
55. Kenny James, Washington
56. E.B. Halsey, Illinois
57. Eugene Gross, M. Tenn St
58. Jason Peters, UCF