MLB Emmanuel Acho (Texas)
Brother to former Longhorn and 2011 4th round pick of the Arizona Cardinals Sam Acho, Emmanuel has been a 3 year starter at linebacker for Texas and looks like a mid round pick. The 6-2 240 pounder had 117 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 3 sacks this season.
WR Joe Adams (Arkansas)
One of Arkansas’ all time leading receivers, Adams has 3 seasons of good production for Arkansas, including 54 catches for 612 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. He’s also scored 5 times on punt returns, 4 times this season, including one of the greatest plays of the year. Extremely quick in space, the 5-11 190 Adams figures to be an early pick on day 3 as a punt return and possibly as a depth receiver.
OT Mike Adams (Ohio State)
Suspended for the first 5 games of the season in the Terrelle Pyror scandal, the 6-8 320 pound is a physically imposing offensive tackle who still made the All-Big 12 2nd team despite missing 5 games and could have been an All-American had he not been suspended. The former #1 overall offensive tackle prospect coming out of High School, Adams struggled with speed rushers such as Whitney Mercilus and Jack Crawford this season and figures to go in the 2nd round as a right tackle.
OT Levy Adcock (Oklahoma State)
A big physical 6-6 320 pounder, Adcock has played both left and right tackle for Oklahoma State and looks like a right tackle going forward. Not the most athletic, but a powerful blocker as a pass protector and a run blocker, Adcock had an up and down senior season and struggle at times with speed rushers, but dominated Oklahoma’s Frank Alexander in the Big 12 Championship game this year. Adcock can also play guard and looks like a 2nd or 3rd rounder in April.
S Antonio Allen (South Carolina)
Primarily a box safety, Allen had 89 tackles this season and also has looked good in coverage for a South Carolina team that really didn’t surrender a lot of big plays this season except for the one game Allen missed against Arkansas. The 6-2 205 pound Allen also had 4 career picks, including 2 pick sixes and 3 picks this season. In a weak safety class, Allen figures to be an early day 3 pick as a strong safety, but could move up into day 2 with a good pre-draft season, starting with the Senior Bowl.
RB Vick Ballard (Mississippi State)
A powerful back at 5-11 220, Ballard managed 1189 yards and 10 touchdowns on 193 carries despite poor blocking and a generally weak supporting cast this season. This year, the powerful back had 968 yards and 19 touchdowns on 186 carries. An improved pass catcher with 20 catches this season and also a good blocker, Ballard could be a real sleeper on day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft.
S Mark Barron (Alabama)
A projected day 2 pick had he declared last season, Barron made the decision to return to Alabama and it seems to have been the right one. Barron had a fantastic senior season for “National Champion” Alabama and looks like the top safety in a weak safety class. On the season, the 6-2 220 pound Barron had 66 tackles, 5 for loss, 1 sack, 5 deflections, and 2 picks. He’s a fringe first round pick at the moment.
CB Dwight Bentley (Louisiana Lafayette)
One of the better small school cornerbacks, Bentley is undersized at 5-11 180, but plays with a good motor and explosion. Bentley was frequently thrown away from this year, but didn’t face a lot of good quarterbacks. The best one he faced this year was San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley, who throw on him with some ease in their bowl game so I question how he’ll do against the best of the best this week, but he could surprise. At the moment, he’s probably a late rounder or undrafted player.
DE Jake Bequette (Arkansas)
A talented 3 year starter at defensive end for Arkansas, Bequette had 5.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss in 2009 and 7 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in 2010. After struggling with injuries and missing 3 games this season, Bequette had a huge senior season with 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss on the season, including 8 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his last 5. Bequette’s stock is obviously soaring and could land him on the 2nd day of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6-5 275 pound end is probably a left end at the next level and is above average against the run, in addition to being a great and accomplished pass rusher.
OT Tony Bergstrom (Utah)
Playing both left and right tackle for a good Utah team this year, Bergstrom isn’t the most athletic and may have to move to guard long term. Right now, he’s a late rounder.
G Will Blackwell (LSU)
An All-American 2nd teamer, Blackwell is not a highly rated prospect because he is undersized at 6-4 290. However, Blackwell had a great senior season and career in general at LSU. A talented run blocker, Blackwell has some mid to late round upside as a developmental pick for a zone blocking scheme.
C Philip Blake (Baylor)
A member of the All-Big 12 first team, Blake is a physical presence at 6-3 320 who had a great game in their bowl game against Washington and potential 1st rounder Alameda Ta’amu. A powerful run blocker, Blake also displayed good chemistry with Heisman winner Robert Griffin III for Baylor’s high powered offense. His stock is on the rise right now and he could end up pretty high on the 3rd day of the draft and as one of the first 5 or so centers taken.
CB Brandon Boykin (Georgia)
A bit undersized, the 5-10 180 Boykin was a shut down corner for Georgia this season, but his size could land him on the day 3, though he could also go in the 3rd round or so. Boykin played great physical coverage on the 6-4 Rueben Randle in the SEC Championship against LSU, limiting him to 2 catches for 13 yards, in a game where he had 2 deflections, giving him 9 on the season. He’s a great athlete and returned 4 kickoffs to the house in his career, as well as a punt return this season. He also scored this season on an 80 yard rushing touchdown. If he runs in the 4.3s, he’s got a chance to go higher than the 3rd round, but otherwise teams might just see him as a nickel back, which will hurt his stock.
OLB Nigel Bradham (Florida State)
The first Seminole to lead the team in tackles in 3 straight years since Marvin Jones, Bradham has totals of 93, 97, and 86 in the last 3 years. A bit undersized at 6-3 240, but Bradham makes up for it with good speed and coverage ability. Bradham looks like a 4-3 outside linebacker, especially in a cover 2 system, which he played in at Florida State.
DE Andre Branch (Clemson)
Great numbers, 77 tackles, 16 for loss, and 9.5 sacks, as well as great measurables with 4.6 speed at 6-5 260, but an inconsistent motor. When he’s on, he’s on and he’s a fierce pass rusher, but has a tendency to be invisible in some games. He also gets washed against the run at times and needs to add more functional strength.
C Mike Brewster (Ohio State)
An accomplished center and a 4 year starter, Brewster came in this year as a potential first round, but trouble with snaps late in the season dropped his stock to the 2nd day or possibly even the 3rdday. A good run blocker, Brewster’s future may be at guard. He’ll need a good Senior Bowl to help his stock.
OT James Brown (Troy)
One of the better small school offensive linemen, Brown will need a good week here to prove he belongs and get himself drafted.
OLB Zach Brown (North Carolina)
One of the top linebacker prospects in this class, Brown is 6-1 230 and could run a 40 in the 4.4s, though he’s been rumored to run at 4.28. Brown makes a large number of splash plays and is excellent both as a blitzer and in coverage. On the season, Brown had 103 tackles, 13.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 4 deflections and 3 picks. A better fit in the 4-3, but he could also play 3-4 middle linebacker and be an emergency 3-4 outside linebacker because of his blitzing ability and his athleticism.
K Randy Bullock (Texas A&M)
One of several kickers who could get drafted this season, Bullock finished this year 29 of 33 on field goals and 55 of 57 on extra points, but only hit once from longer than 50.
P Randy Butler (Georgia)
An accomplished punter who could be the first punter off the board, Butler has averaged at least 44 yards per punt in each of the last 3 seasons, including 48.1 yards per punt in 2009.
MLB Audie Cole (NC State)
A big physical linebacker at 6-5 245, Cole could play inside in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. A 3 year starter at NC State, Cole had 108 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks last season and figures to go late on day 2 or early day 3.
DE Quinton Coples (North Carolina)
Arguably the top prospect at this game, Coples looks like a top 10 lock and could go as high as 6 to Washington. Normally high rated players attending this game is rare, but perhaps after watching Von Miller raise his stock even more last year (from the 8-12 range to 2nd), Coples decided to attend this year. That shows he’s a competitor. A physical freak with 4.7 speed at 6-5 285, Coples would be a good fit for either the 4-3 as an end or a 3-4 as a 5-technique defensive end. Coples burst onto the scene with 59 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 10 sacks as a junior in 2010. He didn’t quite match those numbers this year with 55 tackles, 15 for loss, and 7 sacks, but he frequently drew double and triple teams, which opened things up for his teammates. He’s also one of the best collegiate defensive ends against the run I’ve ever scouted.
QB Kirk Cousins (Michigan State)
A winner and an experienced 3 year starter with a good arm, Cousins has some upside, but is not going to be a high pick. He needs a lot of work and never posted elite numbers at Michigan State. His decision making is very questionable and he’s also very inconsistent. He had a horrible game against Nebraska this year, refusing to throw away from his top receiver BJ Cunningham, who was blanketed by Alfonzo Dennard. Cousins finished that game 11 for 27 for 86 yards, no touchdowns, 1 pick and like 4 or 5 dropped picks. On the season, he completed 63.7% of his passes for 7.9 YPA, 25 touchdowns, and 10 picks.
DE Jack Crawford (Penn State)
A popular prospect among draftniks after a 2009 season in which he had 5.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore, Crawford had an awful 2010 season where he was plagued by injuries and finished with just 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The athletic Crawford bounced back with 40 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks this season and had a great game against Ohio State and Mike Adams with 2 sacks and consistent pressure. Crawford has bulked up to 265 from 250 and at 6-5 265, he could see his stock rise if he runs in the 4.6s like some expect. A prospect for either a 3-4 or a 4-3, Crawford is currently a mid round prospect, but that could change.
WR Juron Criner (Arizona)
Top receiver for Nick Foles, Criner was an All-American 2nd teamed in 2010 with 82 catches for 1233 yards and 12 touchdowns. Criner wasn’t as good this year, missing a game and catching 75 passes for 956 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he still had a good season. A good possession receiver and an end zone threat at 6-4 220, Criner has a role in the league but with a lack of breakaway speed, it’s not as a featured #1 receiver. Criner figures to go in the 3rd or 4th round.
DE Vinny Curry (Marshall)
Maybe the top small school prospect, Curry has a knack for getting to the quarterback and making big plays. His stats are insane. In 2010, he had 94 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and in 2011, he had 77 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He hasn’t faced the toughest competition, but at the same time, he had 2 sacks against West Virginia last year and 2 against Ohio State. Undersized at 6-4 255, Curry is a candidate to be a 3-4 outside linebacker and at the worst he’s a pass rushing specialist in a 4-3. His ability to rush the passer will be a much sought after commodity on draft day and could push him into the 1st round. I doubt he falls must past the middle of the 2nd round.
DT Mike Daniels (Iowa)
A penetrating defensive tackle primarily, Daniels had 66 tackles, 13 for loss, and 7 sacks on the season, but at 6-1 280, he doesn’t do much against the run. Primarily a situational player at the next level, I was not impressed with him at all against Michigan State. He’ll have a lot of trouble going higher than the late rounds.
OLB Lavonte David (Nebraska)
Undersized at 6-1 225, but extremely productive and makes a much of impact plays. In 2010, he had 152 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 6 sacks, and 8 deflections, while in 2011 he had 133 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 deflections and 2 interceptions. He’ll need to run well at the combine, but he’s best fit in a cover 2 scheme and with his coverage ability he could be a safety at the next level. He looks like a day 2 pick at the moment.
CB Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
One of the top cornerback prospects in this draft class, Dennard held up very well for a very good Nebraska defense last year as teams threw at him and away from Prince Amukamara. As the #1 guy this year, he struggled for a few games with injuries, but he could end up going higher than Amukamara because he was dominant once he got healthy this year. His best game was against Michigan State where he held BJ Cunningam, one of the Big 10’s top receivers, catchless despite being thrown on a lot, and recorded 3 deflections. On the season, he had 31 tackles and 6 deflections in 10 games. Last year he had 30 tackles, 7 deflections, and 4 picks. The 5-11 195 pounder looks like a mid to late first rounder.
FB Chad Diehl (Clemson)
Mostly a blocker, the massive 6-2 265 pound Diehl had 6 carries for 8 yards in his career, but led the way for some talented ground attacks. He could get drafted late.
WR Patrick Edwards (Houston)
Extremely productive with 3 years of 1000+ yards, including 89 catches for 1752 yards and 20 touchdowns this year, but in an offense that inflates stats. He was only his team’s leader in yards by a few hundred and didn’t lead the team in catches. Houston had 3 receivers over 900+ yards this year. A system receiver and undersized at 5-9 175, Edwards has good speed, but is the product of the system and Case Keenum. He also had problems with drops. He could be a late rounder or not get drafted at all. He’s got a long road ahead of himself this week.
TE Michael Egnew (Missouri)
Egnew had a great junior season with Blaine Gabbert with 90 catches for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2010, but a low yards per catch is alarming. This year, he had a down year with 50 catches for 523 yards and 3 touchdowns. Undersized at 6-6 245 and not much of a blocker, Egnew is also not fast or athletic enough to make up for it. He looks like a mid or late rounder.
FB Bradie Ewing (Wisconsin)
A powerful run blocker for Montee Ball’s record setting season, Ewing also caught 20 passes out of the backfield and is not a bad athlete. Though he didn’t get a single carry this year, Ewing still remains one of the top fullback prospects in this draft class.
CB Jamell Fleming (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma’s top cornerback, Fleming held up fairly well in a pass heavy league like the Big 12. This year he had 60 tackles, 10 deflections, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions and figures to be a mid rounder.
CB Donnie Fletcher (Boston College)
A talented player on a pretty barren Boston College team, at least when it comes to senior talent, Fletcher has all the tools at 6-0 200, but played a bit inconsistently this year. There’s upside to be coached up and in a pass heavy league, expect him to be a 3rd rounder or so.
QB Nick Foles (Arizona)
Foles has all the tools, but was not a winner in college. He also takes too many sacks and tends to got worse as the season goes on. However, he’s a big (6-5 240) pro style quarterback with 3 years of starting experience, with his best being his last two. This year, he completed 69.1% of his passes for 7.7 YPA and 28 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. He needs work, but could be coached up into a starter over time and that should land him on day 2.
WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M)
A 4 year starter, Fuller made a mistake not declaring after last season in which the 6-4 receiver caught 72 passes for 1066 yards and 12 touchdowns. He could have been a 2nd round pick last year and came into this season as a potential first rounder. Plagued by injuries and drops, Fuller looked slow this year and got upstaged by teammate Ryan Swope, a junior slot receiver who showed much better chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Fuller finished this season with 70 catches for 828 yards and 6 scores on a great passing offense, but had his only 2 100+ yard games of the season in his final two so his stock is back on the rise. A good Senior Bowl could raise his stock, but right now he remains on the day 2, day 3 border. A good 40 time will also be necessary.
RB Terrance Ganaway (Baylor)
RG3 wasn’t the only breakout star on Baylor’s offense, in his first year as a starter, the 6-0 240 pound Ganaway rushed for 1547 yards and 21 touchdowns on 250 carries this season. He only caught 6 passes all year and some suggest he may have to move to fullback at the next level, but I would give him a shot as a running back, even if just as a short yardage back. He’s a load to take down in the open field and has surprising football speed.
C Garth Gerhart (Arizona State)
Arizona State’s center, Gerhart had trouble with snaps in their bowl games against Boise State, but all in all had a good game. Brother to Toby Gerhart, Garth figures to be a late rounder because he’s unatjletic and undersized at 6-2 292, but he’s a smart center and a good blocker.
G Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
In his first year at left tackle, the 6-5 335 pound Glenn struggled some this year, especially with speed rushers like Boise State’s Shea McClellin and LSU’s Sam Montgomery, but still showed his ability as a powerful run blocker and dominated pass rushers when he could get his hands on them. He should move back to guard at the next level, but could fit in as a right tackle in the right scheme.
WR TJ Graham (NC State)
A punt returner turned wide receiver, Graham is deadly in space and is just scratching the surface on his talent as a receiver. On a bad offense, Graham still managed 46 catches for 757 yards and 7 touchdowns last year. The 6-0 180 pounder should have a good 40 time and has returned 4 kickoffs/punts to the house in his career. He’s a nice late round upside pick who could end up being a steal.
RB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)
A backup in 2009, Gray rushed for 757 yards and 5 touchdowns on 159 carries behind talented back Christine Michael, but when Michael got hurt in 2010, Gray took the lead back job and ran with it, rushing for 1133 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries. In 2011, he split carries with Michael until Michael got hurt again. In his first game as a starter, he rushed for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns on 30 carries and then 94 yards and 3 touchdowns on 9 carries before he got hurt himself. He finished the 2011 season with 1045 yards and 12 touchdowns on 193 carries. A shifty back who has no problem being in a timeshare, Gray figures to be a mid rounder. The 5-10 200 back is fast, but also breaks a good amount of tackles. He also is a fantastic pass catcher with 28, 34, and 31 catches in the last 3 yards.
TE Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette)
Yeah he’s undersized at 6-6 230 and not much of a blocker, but I could see him in that Aaron Hernandez role in the NFL only taller. Green is like a big receiver out there in the seam, fast, smooth route runner, good hands and vertical ability, and an end zone threat. He was his team’s leading receiver with 51 catches for 606 yards and 8 touchdowns this year. He’s a 4 year contributor and a 3 year starter. He should go in the mid rounds.
LS Josh Harris (Auburn)
The top rated long snapper in this class, the 6-1 227 pound Harris has a shot to get drafted.
CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt)
One of my favorite draft sleepers, the 5-11 190 pound Hayward had a great year as a shutdown corner against receivers like Alshon Jeffery, Hayward also finished with 7 picks and a pick six, giving him 15 career picks. He also deflected 10 passes and filled the stat sheet with 46 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, including a fundamentally sound solo tackle for loss on Trent Richardson. A willing and capable run defender, Hayward is the whole package at cornerback. A likely day 2 pick, I believe Hayward has first round talent.
RB Dan Herron (Ohio State)
After a great junior year in which he rushed for 1155 yards and 16 touchdowns on 216 carries and caught 19 balls, Herron was poised for a strong senior season, but was suspended for the first 6 games. When he came back, he finished with 678 yards and 3 touchdowns on 135 carries. A boom or bust runner, the 5-10 200 pound Herron needs to become a more physical runner. That’s a pick part of the reason why Ohio State frequently took him out on the goal line and in short yardage situations for a running back who was actually smaller than him. He figures to be an early day 3 pick.
DT Jaye Howard (Florida)
Playing the nose tackle in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense at Florida, Howard finished the season 65 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks, but got washed against the run in the games I watched of him. He figures to be a mid day 3 prospect.
TE Emil Igwenagu (Massachusetts)
An overlap player from the East/West shrine game (rare), Igwenagu had a good weak there in practice and had one nice catch in traffic in the game. Undersized at 6-2 245, but a good pass catcher as both a fullback and a tight end at UMASS. 75 career catches and 12 career carries, Igwenagu could be a fullback or an h-back at the next level and could end up getting drafted late.
S George Iloka (Boise State)
A 6-3 215 safety who also plays some cornerback, Iloka finished the season with 58 tackles, 3 for loss, and 1 deflection. He was good in coverage against Arizona State, but isn’t as good against the run as his size would suggest. A good athlete, Iloka figures to be a day 3 pick.
DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
A high motor player, Ingram has two seasons of great production with 28 tackles, 11 for loss, and 9 sacks in 2010 and 48 tackles, 15 for loss, and 10 sacks this season in the SEC. At 6-2 276, Ingram projects best as a 4-3 left end at the next level, but he did move inside to defensive tackle on passing downs and get good pressure up the middle as one of 3 talented 3rd down pass rushers for South Carolina’s strong defense. This might suggest he could play 3-4 defensive end if he were to bulk up, as well as that he could be to 4-3 under tackle on passing downs. Some even suggest he could play 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s a versatile player.
CB Asa Jackson (Cal Poly)
A small school kid I know absolutely nothing about, let’s see what he’s got.
CB Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama)
Could have been a top 15 pick in 2011 and the first cornerback off the board after Patrick Peterson, Jenkins matched up with both AJ Green and Julio Jones one and one and shut them down. However, he returned to school, but ended up getting kicked off the Florida team after 2 drug arrests in 3 months, bringing his total to 3. Rather than joining the supplemental draft, Jenkins went to North Alabama to rebuild his stock and his image and had a good year against weaker competition. A team that’s comfortable with his character (Bengals?) will take him in the first.
DE Cam Johnson (Virginia)
Has all the tools and looks downright dominant at times as both a pass rusher and a run defender, but also inconsistent with generally less than stellar production. Against Miami and Duke, he was awesome, but on the year, he finished with 30 tackles, 11 for loss, and 4 sacks. The 6-5 270 pounder figures to be a mid round pick.
MLB James-Michael Johnson (Nevada)
A talented small school linebacker, JMJ has great range and had 100 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks on the season. The 6-2 240 pounder can line both inside and outside and should be a mid to late round pick as a depth linebacker.
CB Leonard Johnson (Iowa State)
Johnson held up pretty well in the pass heavy Big 12 and had a great game in Iowa State’s upset win over Oklahoma State. On the season, the 5-10 200 pounder had 71 tackles, 2 for loss, and 8 deflections and a pick. He should be a mid to late rounder.
C Ben Jones (Georgia)
A powerful run blocker at 6-3 315, Jones also had a great game in pass protection against LSU, who has a group of great pass rushing interior linemen. One of the better centers in this draft class, Jones could sneak into day 2, but is probably a high day 3 pick.
WR Dwight Jones (North Carolina)
A massive receiver at 6-4 230 with big and good hands, Jones has 2 years has great production on not the best passing offense with 62 catches for 946 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2010 and 85 catches for 1196 yards and 12 touchdowns this year, with at least 70 yards in every game but 1. He’s a fringe first rounder.
G Senio Kelemete (Washington)
A massive left tackle on a generally bad Washington offensive line, Kelemete is being looked at as a guard at the next level. As you can expect, the 6-3 315 struggles against pass rushes, but is a good run blocker.
MLB Mychal Kendricks (California)
Played inside in Cal’s 3-4 defense, Kendricks looks like a depth linebacker with good versatility at the next level. A mid to late rounder, Kendricks had 65 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. He showed good pass rushing ability as a 3-4 outside linebacker last year with 7 sacks before being moved inside. At 6-0 240, he’s too small for that position at the next level, but above average blitzing ability is a plus.
QB Ryan Lindley (San Diego State)
Has all the tools and many thought this would be the year the small school kid would put it all together and become a mid round sleeper, but he was even worse this year and now looks like a late rounder. He’s never completed more than 57.7% of his passes and this year he completed just 53.0% for an average of 7.1 YPA and 23 touchdowns to 8 picks. He struggled mightily against a good TCU defense with 15 completions for 201 yards on 42 attempts and 2 touchdowns to 3 picks. He’s got some late round developmental upside, but that’s about it.
TE Brian Linthicum (Michigan State)
One of three tight ends Michigan State used in different situations this year, the 6-5 245 tight end had 31 catches for 364 yards and no scores in a career best year this year. He could get drafted late.
CB D’Anton Lynn (Penn State)
A projected mid round prospect by some, I don’t see it. Lynn really struggled in coverage against both Patrick Edwards and DeVier Posey and only has 4 career picks. He’ll need a strong Senior Bowl to be anything other than a late round pick I believe.
RB Doug Martin (Boise State)
After a great junior season in which he rushed for 1260 yards and 12 touchdowns on 201 carries, Martin struggled to start the 2011 season with injuries, but once he got healthy, he finished with 4 straight 100+ yard game to finish the year with 1299 yards and 16 touchdowns on 263 carries, including 543 yards and 7 touchdowns on 115 carries in his last 4. He’s also caught 28 passes in each of the last 2 seasons. A bowling ball in the open field at 5-9 215, Martin might not have a good 40 time, but has solid football speed and is tough to tackle in the open field. He could be a sleeper on early day 3 of the draft.
S Markelle Martin (Oklahoma State)
One of the top safeties in a weak safety class, Martin is solid in coverage and a hard hitter. On the year, he had 75 tackles, 11 deflections, and 5 tackles for loss. He should come off the board on day 2.
DT Mike Martin (Michigan)
Not the most athletic, but a massive run stuffer with a phenomenal motor that doesn’t stop, Martin is an underrated player who won’t have a huge impact in the NFL, but has a role as a 4-3 nose tackle at 6-1 304. On the season, he had 64 tackles, 6 for loss, and 3.5 sacks, but had more impact that his stats would suggest and never took a play off. Outside of the first 3 rounds, he’s a steal because he’s a starter at the next level.
WR Marquis Maze (Alabama)
Maze was Alabama’s leading receiver this year without Julio Jones, but that’s not saying much. He had 56 catches for 627 yards and a score. At 5-9 180, he’s small and not much of a receiver to begin with, but he’s got his special teams ability to help his stock and could catch on as a depth receiver. He looks like a late rounder. He returned one punt to the house this year.
OT Matt McCants (UAB)
A 4 year starter at left tackle for UAB, McCants is one of the best offensive lineman in Conference USA. Strength of schedule will hurt him, as could his weight. If he doesn’t measure in at over 300 pounds (listed as 295 pounds), he could have a hard time getting drafted. He’ll need a good Senior Bowl because he’s an under the radar prospect from UAB.
WR Marvin McNutt (Iowa)
McNutt had a breakout senior season with 82 catches for 1315 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 6-4 215 pound receiver doesn’t have great speed and is not much of a deep threat, but looks like a nice, safe possession receiver at the next level. That puts him on day 2, possibly as high as the early 2nd round as a complimentary receiver and goal line threat at the next level.
CB DeQuan Menzie (Alabama)
The “other” Alabama cornerback, opponents threw away from Dre Kirkpatrick, but Menzie held up in coverage well, helping Alabama’s awesome defense win the “National Championship.” He’s got some mid round upside.
QB Kellen Moore (Boise State)
The NCAA’s all-time leader in wins with 50, Moore finished with a 50-3 career record that will be hard for any quarterback to break in the future. In fact, Moore’s 3 losses were by a compared 5 points and if Boise State had a better kicker, Moore could have easily finished 52-1 for his career. That’s insane. Of course, he also comes from a dink and dunk offense and a lesser conference. He’s also 6 foot tall at best and has a low release angle that will lead to a lot of deflections at the line at the next level and a weak arm, so he’ll have a lot to prove before the draft. The Senior Bowl will be his first chance to do that. As he stands, he looks like a day 3 pick right now, but this quarterback class has been weakened by Landry Jones and Matt Barkley returning to school so there is plenty of room for him to move up. At this point last year, people had Andy Dalton as a mid rounder and he went in the 2nd round and led the Bengals to the playoffs as a rookie.
OT Brandon Mosley (Auburn)
Auburn’s right tackle with a talented, but undersized AJ Greene at left tackle, Mosley is a powerful run blocker and a good pass protector, but on the right side, rather than the left side. Not the most athletic player, Mosley looks like a mid rounder at right tackle or even guard.
P Brad Nortman (Wisconsin)
A 4 year starter with averages of 41.8, 42.0, 42.7, and 42.2, Nortman has a chance to get drafted late.
RB Chris Polk (Washington)
Under the radar, but Chris Polk has 3 great years of production behind the same Washington offensive line that was an excuse for Jake Locker’s poor play in 2010. Big at 5-11 222, with solid speed to compliment, Polk can also catch passes (78 in 3 years) and almost never takes a tackle for loss. On the year, he had 1488 yards and 12 scores on 293 carries after 1415 yards and 9 touchdowns on 260 carries in 2010 and 1113 yards and 5 touchdowns on 226 carries in 2009. He’s the 2nd best back in this class after Trent Richardson in my opinion and could be a value pick in the 3rd round.
RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati)
Undersized at 5-10 200 (at most) and doesn’t break a lot of tackles, Pead doesn’t have the elite speed to make up for it. On the season, he had 1259 yards and 12 scores on 237 carries and he has 3 years of good production, but the most important thing was 39 catches this year (85 in 3 years). He’s got a role as a 3rd down back in the NFL.
TE DeAngelo Peterson (LSU)
Undersized at 6-4 230, Peterson was one of 3 tight ends used by LSU this year and had 18 catches for 179 yards and one score in what was his best season this year. He’s not much of a blocker either, especially at his size, so he’ll have trouble getting drafted unless a team likes him as a fullback.
G Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State)
Played out of position this year at left tackle and it was noticeable, the massive 6-5 345 pound Osemele belongs at guard and will likely play there at the next level.
WR DeVier Posey (Ohio State)
A big athletic deep threat, the 6-3 Posey is a big raw, but caught 60 passes for 828 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2009 and 53 passes for 848 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2010, but was suspended for the first 10 games of the season. When he returned, he caught 12 passes for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns in 3 games on a terrible pass offense. The talent is certainly there, but he needs to become a better route runner and has some issues with drops and going over the middle. He’ll also have to answer for some off the field stuff, but could be a mid round steal like Mike Williams was in 2010.
DT Tydreke Powell (North Carolina)
Athletic and came into the season with a lot of hype, but for all the good defensive linemen North Carolina has, Powell should have had better numbers as he saw a lot of single blocking. On the season, he disappointed with 46 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He should still be drafted late as a developmental player, however.
WR Brian Quick (Appalachian State)
One of the top small school prospects in the country, Quick has all the tools at 6-4 220 and had great numbers last year with 71 catches for 1096 yards and 11 touchdowns. He just needs to prove he can do it with the big boys. If he does that this week, he could find himself getting drafted on day 2.
RB Chris Rainey (Florida)
A ridiculously fast player who could run in the 4.3s, Rainey rushed for 861 yards and 2 touchdowns on 171 carries in his first year as a starter this year and also caught 31 passes. However, at 5-9 171, he could have a very tough time getting drafted. The NFL Draft was not kind to ridiculously fast, ridiculously small backs in 2011, guys like Noel Devine and Derrick Locke, who went undrafted.
DT Kheeston Randall (Texas)
A popular player to be highly slotted before the season, Randall never lived up to it with 34 tackles, 4 for loss, and a sack, though he played better than those numbers suggest. The 6-5 305 pounder is best fit as a 3-4 defensive end, but can play 4-3 defensive tackle and has enough upside to be a mid to late round pick.
DT Kendall Reyes (Connecticut)
Maybe the best penetrating defensive tackle in this draft class, Reyes wreaking havoc in the Big East last year and was consistently in the backfield. On the year, he had 46 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Size is an issue, as is his ability against the run, but he should be a day 2 prospect and is best fit in a 3-4 at 6-5 290.
WR Gerrell Robinson (Arizona State)
An athletic freak who saw the light turn on late this year, Robinson had 58 catches for 1195 yards and 4 touchdowns in his last 8 games this season. At 6-4 220, Robinson has all the tools and is not afraid to go over the middle. He’s also a phenomenal run blocker. He could be a steal after the first 3 rounds and has the potential to play himself into day 2 with a good week.
OLB Keenan Robinson (Texas)
Listed at 6-3 240, but looks and plays smaller, but he’s also great in space. It wouldn’t surprise me if he measured in lighter than 240. A 3 year starter, Robinson had 98 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 1 sack this year, in what was a down year statistically for him. He struggles to get off blocks, but has some tools and some upside as a mid round developmental prospect.
S Trenton Robinson (Michigan State)
A cornerback turned safety after some nasty leg injuries, Robinson is undersized at 5-11 195, but good in coverage and had a solid senior year with 80 tackles, 4 picks, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 deflections. He could get drafted late, but might be too much of a tweener to be anything other than a special teamer.
OT Zebrie Saunders (Florida State)
A career right tackle, Saunders’ stock shot up when he moved to left tackle this year for the injured Andrew Datko. Saunders is athletic, but was a bit inconsistent this year. Still, given the need for athletic left tackles, Saunders should be a 2nd rounder. Some have him in the first, but I think he has some work to do first.
OT Mitchell Schwartz (California)
Played left tackle for Cal this year and did well under the radar, but didn’t play a lot of good pass rushers. Schwartz moves well and might be best in a zone blocking scheme.
G Amini Silatolu (Midwestern State)
A small school kid I’ve never watched. Looking forward to it.
TE Brad Smelley (Alabama)
Lining up in all sorts of positions, Smelley showed good hands and open field ability this year, especially late as he finished with 34 catches for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns, including 6 for 86 yards and a score against Auburn. In his last 3, he had 17 catches for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns. Unfortunately, at his size (6-3 230), he’s only an h-back or a fullback at the next level, but he deserves to be drafted. He should be drafted late.
S Harrison Smith (Notre Dame)
A smart sound tackler, the 6-2 220 pound Smith is a strong safety at the next level. He plays the safety position the way it should be played. On the year, he had 90 tackles and 3 for loss and rarely missed one. He’s not the most athletic, but he’s got good ball skills. He had 7 picks and 7 deflections in 2010 and while he didn’t pick one off this year, he had 10 deflections. He’s not the most athletic, but he’s underrated in my book. Mike Mayock likes him as well and feels he could go on day 2.
OLB Sean Spence (Miami)
Look up scrappy in the dictionary and you’d find a picture of this kid, Spencer is tiny at 5-11 225 and not very athletic but his motor is always on 110% and he plays the game with great passion and fundamentals. He’s always around the football. On the year, he had 106 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 3 sacks. He should go in round 2, but probably will end up in the 3rd or 4th.
CB Ryan Steed (Furman)
A talented, athletic small school cornerback, Steed had his chance this year against Florida, but surrendered a long touchdown. He could redeem himself with a good week here.
DT Devon Still (Penn State)
A talented All-American tackle who is good against both the pass and the run. The 6-5 310 pounder had 55 tackles, 17 for loss, and 4.5 sacks this season for a highly ranked Penn State defense. He has a good chance to be the first defensive tackle off the board in this weak class. A fit for both a 3-4 and a 4-3, Still figures to be a first round pick and is one of the highest ranked players at the Senior Bowl.
DT Alameda Ta’amu (Washington)
Big (6-3 340), but that’s about it. He never had a huge impact on the game and was part of a Washington front 7 that surrendered almost 500 rushing yards to Stanford this year. He’s got the size and athleticism, but he’s a 3rd rounder in my book. I don’t see how he’s being talked about as a first rounder.
QB Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M)
He may only have 20 career starts, but the athletic former wide receiver has a 13-7 career record and has revitalized a once struggling Texas A&M program. In 2010, he completed 65.0% of his passes for an average of 7.0 YPA, 13 touchdowns, and 6 picks and was even better in 2011, his first full season as a starter. This year, he completed 61.6% of his passes for an average of 7.1 YPA and 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He’s got all the tools at 6-4 220 and is also a threat to run. He is likely the one most likely to benefit from Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning to school and seems like the early favorite to be the 3rd quarterback off the board after Luck and Griffin. Given that, he could go in the first round, but he needs a good Senior Bowl to do so and he has stiff competition.
S Brandon Taylor (LSU)
A former cornerback that LSU moved to free safety, Taylor was good in coverage and not too shabby against the run either for a great LSU defense (when they even let a ball carrier into the secondary). He’s underrated and has a chance to play himself in day 2 with a good week here.
DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)
WR Nick Toon (Wisconsin)
Not the best statistical player on a conservative offense, but son of Al Toon, Nick caught 54 passes for 805 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009, struggled in 2010 through injuries, and then caught 64 passes for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns this season as Russell Wilson’s favorite target. The 6-3 220 pound receiver is a great run blocker and route runner and figures to be a solid complimentary #2 receiver at the next level. He should go on day 2.
G Johnnie Troutman (Penn State)
The only non-special teams Senior Bowl participant (so far) that I haven’t heard of, I’ll be sure to spotlight him before the Senior Bowl. Most projections have him going undrafted.
OLB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama)
3-4 teams will love that the 6-2 265 pound Upshaw has experience in a 3-4 at Alabama and they’ll especially love that the “National Championship” defensive MVP had 52 tackles, 18 for loss, 9.5 sacks, and a pick six for Alabama. While generating consistent pressure, Upshaw also played the run well and dropped in coverage like a true linebacker. He’s so versatile and could even appeal to 4-3 teams if he can prove he can rush with his hand in the ground this week. He could also be used in a Brian Orakpo/Von Miller/Kamerion Wimbley role in 4-3, but either way, he probably won’t fall to the 2nd half of the 1st round
C William Vlachos (Alabama)
A solid, but unspectacular center for Alabama, Vlachos had some good moments this year, especially run blocking for Trent Richardson, but he’s not the most athletic and he struggled in both games against LSU’s awesome defensive tackles. He looks like a mid rounder.
OLB Bobby Wagner (Utah State)
A small school stud, the 6-1 230 pound Wagner had 147 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4 sacks on the year, but struggled to get off blocks in the open field. He’s undersized, but has a great motor and could be a great special teamer or depth linebacker in the mid rounds.
QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State)
Weeden has a great arm, but struggles with decision making, especially under pressure, and mechanics. He got a strong arm, but often overestimates his ability to put the ball in tight holes. On the season, he completed 72.7% of his passes for 8.4 YPA and 37 touchdowns to 13 picks, with similar numbers in his first year as a starter in 2010. He needs some work, which is normally fine, but he’s 28 (actually older than Aaron Rodgers) because he played minor league baseball for 5 years. Unless some team thinks he can start right away, I can’t see him going in the first 3 rounds. He could get drafted late as a backup as I think he’d be an above average one in the league, but I don’t think there’s much upside here.
K Carson Wiggs (Purdue)
In his career, Wiggs nailed 56 of 76 field goals and 125 of 128 extra points. He was 6 of 13 from 50+, 2-3 this year, with a career long of 59.
QB Russell Wilson (Wisconsin)
After a nondescript 3 year career at NC State, Wilson transferred to Wisconsin for his final season after playing a little minor league baseball. Wilson found himself in the perfect situation, game managing Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl, completing 72.8% of his passes for an average of 10.3 YPA and 31 touchdowns to 4 picks, leading college football in quarterback rating. Everyone raves about his character and integrity and the fact that he was named a captain 3 weeks into his time with Wisconsin speaks volume. He’s undersized at 5-11, but he’s got a good release point, like Drew Brees, and he’s mobile. He didn’t have to do a whole lot at Wisconsin and his nondescript career at NC State worries me a little, but I think he’s got mid round potential now that he’s decided to quit baseball and go forward with football.
DT Billy Winn (Boise State)
A member of Boise State’s fantastic penetrating defensive line, Winn has 3 years of good production and 4 years starting. In 2009, he had 44 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 6 sacks. In 2010, he had 29 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. In 2011, he had 33 tackles, 8 for loss, and 3 sacks. At 6-4 290, he is a fit for both a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense and figures to go on the 2nd day of the draft.
LS Kyle Wotja (Wisconsin)
Another long snapper who could get drafted, though the demand for long snappers is hardly huge.
WR Kendall Wright (Baylor)
After 3 years of solid production, ranging from 50 catches to 78 catches, 649 yards to 952 yards, and 4 touchdowns to 7 touchdowns, Wright broke out this season with Robert Griffin III. This year, he had 108 catches for 1663 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 5-10 190 pound receiver has game breaking speed and could go as high as the end of the 1st round.
G Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin)
A fantastic, powerful run blocking offensive line, the 6-4 315 pound Zeitler had a great season for Wisconsin at guard, helping pave the way for Montee Ball’s record setting season. Zeitler looks like a day 2 pick and could go as high as the early 2nd round. In my opinion, he is the best interior lineman in this class behind Stanford’s David DeCastro and teammate center Peter Konz.
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