By Dean Holden 

First, take that red flag popping up in the back of your mind, and burn it, along with the words “quarterback controversy.” 

I’ll tell you what this isn’t, and that’s me saying that Matthew Stafford won’t be missed, or that Shaun Hill isn’t a step down in talent level.

No, regardless of wins or losses, Stafford needs to play. His progression as a quarterback this season is far more important than the Detroit Lions’ win-loss record, which is why I could really care less if Hill goes 2-0, 3-0, or whatever-and-oh, depending on how long Stafford is out.

I’m not suggesting that Shaun Hill never loses a game as the Lions’ starter, I’m only saying that even if he does, Stafford still needs to get back ASAP. The Lions are his team, and nobody else’s. The more he plays, the better off the team will be.

That being said, let’s look at the facts, here. The move to bring Hill in as a backup quarterback was highly lauded when it was made, and for good reason.

Hill had reasonable success in a lackluster San Francisco 49ers offense last year, and was really only traded away (for a seventh-round pick) so that Mike Singletary could clear the path (and the competition) for former No. 1 overall draft selection, Alex Smith.

How’s that working out for you, San Francisco?

Don’t believe me about Hill’s success? Let’s consult the stat book. In 2008, when Hill started half the season (which was the most games he’s played in one season), he completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 2,046 total yards.

Extrapolate that over the course of an entire season, and you have a stat line featuring 26 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and 4,092 total yards.

Oh, and by the way, he has a 10-6 record as a starter on a team that, like the Lions, typically lost more games than it won.

I’ll leave out his solid preseason performance because, bah, preseason. But he wasn’t bad there, either.

I’m not saying the guy gets a Pro Bowl nod, or even that he provides a lift for the Lions in Stafford’s absence.

What I am saying is that he’s not as bad as he looked against the Bears. The Bears’ defense was simply swarming all day.

For starters, Hill had two turnovers, and neither one was his fault. The interception was on a deep route to Calvin Johnson, but Johnson tripped over the turf and fell down, making it look like Hill was throwing a fly route to Charles Tillman

Then there was the fumble. It’s always a bad thing to fumble inside your own five-yard line, but can we go ahead and admit that when the quarterback gets hit before handing the ball off on a dive play, somebody really, really missed an assignment?

Sure, Hill wasn’t a model of efficiency on Sunday, but then, who was?

Even Stafford was only able to score off of turnovers and great field position. Hill started most of his drives inside his own five-yard line, and it didn’t help that the running game had done approximately zero all day.

Yet, something that people tend to forget, amidst the anger about Calvin Johnson’s no-catch and the anxiety about Stafford’s injury, is that Shaun Hill, when given the ball and told to pass the team down the field, ran a masterful two-minute drill.

With under 90 seconds left in the game, one timeout, and starting from his own 17-yard line, Hill drove the Lions down the field and threw what was effectively a game-winning touchdown pass.

With all the emphasis on the catch, it’s easy to forget the pass. If you can stomach it, watch that play again. The pass is released with a high arc and lots of touch, giving Johnson enough time to run under it, gather himself, and out-leap Zachary Bowman by about a foot in the end zone. Perfect pass, perfect timing, near-perfect catch.

It’s wrong to think Hill will bring anything more than solid, steady backup play to the Lions. He won’t push Stafford for the starting job, and he won’t open anybody’s eyes to his vast, untapped potential. He’s a 30-year-old journeyman from Parsons, Kansas who played quarterback at Maryland, and went undrafted eight years ago.

He is what he is, and he’s not what he’s not.

He is a solid backup quarterback with a record of moderate success, who will likely play much better with a week of preparation and against a defense without Brian Urlacher.

What he’s not is any kind of long-term solution to anything except backup quarterback.

But then, he’s also not Daunte Culpepper.

http://bleacherreport.com/users/64307-dean-holden 

 

Shaun Ellis has spent 11 seasons in New York, piling up 72.5 sacks, and while being stout against the run. He’s had at least 5 sacks in 8 of the 11 seasons and at least 4 sacks in 10 of the 11 seasons. Earlier this week, the Jets offered him the veteran’s minimum to return for one year. Ellis must have been offended by that because now he will be lining up against the Jets twice a year (and possibly a 3^rd time) as a member of the hated rival New England Patriots.

Ellis had 4.5 sacks last year, plus 2 in the Jets’ playoff win over the Patriots. He’s well worth the 4 million over a year the Patriots are paying him. Not only do they weaken the Jets pass rush, they bolster their own and replace the production they lost when they cut Ty Warren, who failed a physical earlier this offseason.

Grade: A

 

Rush Linebacker/outside linebacker 

Texas

6-3 250

40 time: 4.65

Draft board overall prospect rank: #71

Draft board outside linebacker rank: #7

Overall rating: 74* 

1/21/10: He’s former top 10 pick prospect, but he only managed 6 sacks this year without Brian Orakpo drawing double teams across from him, after having 10 sacks last year. He’s still a highly rated defensive prospect and would make a great rush linebacker with his athleticism and the fact that he already played some outside linebacker in college so he has experience with his hands off the ground and dropping back into coverage. He’s a solid tackler and big hitter as well so he can play some strong outside linebacker in a 4-3.

Update (11/2/09): Without Brian Orakpo drawing double teams, Kindle only has 2 sacks this season.

            9/6/09: Kindle played both outside linebacker and defensive end for the Longhorns last season and had 10 sacks. He needs to put on about 10 pounds to play the line in the NFL and at this point he projects as a 3-4 rush linebacker. He could also play some 4-3 outside linebacker, but he has not shown that he has the ability to drop back into pass coverage well enough to be a true 4-3 linebacker. However, with the changes that are happening at the linebacker in the NFL, with more pass rushers moving to linebacker, Kindle could potential play 4-3 linebacker at the next level. Still, he is best as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. He has excellent straight line speed and has a great pass rushing repertoire. He’s a solid tackler and closing space in a hurry because of his great speed. He has his share of concerns as well. He recently crashed his car into an apartment building because he was texting while driving. However, NFL players have done a lot worse and this is probably just a stupid kid being a stupid kid and not something that will affect his draft status. No charges were pressed and Kindle only suffered a minor concussion. What is more of a concern is his inconsistencies on the field. He needs to prove that he can bring the pressure every play. He also needs to prove he can bring the pressure as the main pass rusher as he was helped out by playing in Brian Orakpo’s shadow last season. He’ll have a chance this year to prove he can do both of those things. With a strong season, he should shoot up into the top 10 of the NFL draft because of how many teams are switching to 3-4 defenses and how many of those teams need good rush linebackers. His athletic talent indicates an extremely high upside for him.

NFL Comparison: Kamerion Wimbley

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here

This is the final fantasy update of the season, unless any unexpected cuts/trades are made.

QB Ben Roethlisberger UP

Ben had his suspension cut by 6 games to 4 on Friday. Ben has looked great this preseason and seems determined to do everything possible to not miss a beat with this suspension. He’s a solid QB1 for 12 games this year, rather than 10 and in the 12^th round of a 10 team league, where he is going on average, he’s a great backup if you’re not too sure about your starter.

RB Rashard Mendenhall UP

Just bumping all up the Steelers with Ben playing 2 more games. More Ben means less 8 man boxes and more red zone trips. He’s one of the few true feature backs in the NFL today.

WR Mike Wallace UP

An amazing player this preseason, Wallace gets his starting quarterback back 2 weeks earlier and thus is a great sleeper. He’s a WR2 when Ben’s in the lineup.

WR Hines Ward UP

Ward has long been Big Ben’s favorite receiver so he of course gets a stock boost with Ben’s suspension getting cut.

TE Heath Miller UP

Moving Ben’s TE up as well. Miller had a breakout year last year and is vastly underrated this year.

RB Leon Washington UP

Washington has been Seattle’s best runner this preseason and sat for rest purposes in the Seahawks 4^th preseason game. They have big plans for him and I expect him to be their lead back, though they will use 3 different backs frequently this year. He’s also a great pass catcher.

RB Justin Forsett DOWN

With Washington taking over as the lead back in Seattle, Forsett gets knocked down a bit. He’s still a decent option though.

WR Legedu Naanee DOWN

The Chargers have traded for Patrick Crayton who will likely cut into Naanee’s targets. 

 

RB Montario Hardesty DOWN

Injury prone Hardesty got hurt as soon as he was back, tearing his ACL. He will miss the season.

RB Jerome Harrison UP

Harrison will be the feature back in Cleveland this year. We all saw what he can do late last season. He looks poised for a huge year.

RB Peyton Hillis UP

Harrison is still undersized so they’ll want to use Hillis to spell him, and in goal line and short yardage situations. He should be drafted in almost every league.

Jets Defense DOWN

It is looking very possible that Revis holds out into the season and possibly for the entire season. Reports say Revis told the Jets we won’t show up ever again unless the Jets meet his contract demands., something they don’t, at least for the time being, appear willing to do.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw UP

Bradshaw will be the Giants starting running back this season and Brandon Jacobs will be his backup and likely get the goal line and short yardage carries.

RB Brandon Jacobs DOWN

Jacobs is officially Ahmad Bradshaw’s backup. He’ll probably still get a decent chunk of carries and the goal line carries, but Bradshaw is the guy you want in non-touchdown leagues.

WR TJ Houshmandzadeh DOWN

Housh will either be cut or traded in the next few days. Either way he’s going to a new team a week before the season starts so he’s not worth a fantasy pick. Offenses take too long to learn.

WR Mike Williams UP

Housh is out. Deion Branch is injury prone. That leaves Mike Williams and Deon Butler as the only two potentially fantasy worthy receiver on the team. Williams is more athletic than the 2nd year Butler, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Butler ended up the team leader in receiving yards.

WR Deon Butler UP

Not even a starter to start the year, but could end up being their leader in receiving yards when it’s all said and done. That’s how fluid the Seahawks’ receiver situation is. Don’t draft yet, but keep your eye on him. 

 

 

TE Owen Daniels UP

Daniels has been activiated from the PUP list and looks likely to start the season opener. There are definitely no guarantees that he will play all 16 games, but he’s very talented when healthy so he could be worth the risk as a TE1.

RB Maurice Jones Drew DOWN

MJD has knee soreness, but insists that he’ll be ready for the season opener. I also expect him to be ready for the opener, but I won’t have him in my top 3 as long as there’s a chance his missing a game or is slowed down by a knee injury.

WR Vincent Jackson DOWN

Many sources are reporting that Jackson has played his last game with the Chargers. He’ll have value if he’s traded, but until he is, let him be someone else’s problem.

WR Malcom Floyd UP

If Jackson has truly played his last game as a Charger, Floyd’s value goes up even more. He has certainly looked like a #1 receiver this preseason and could match Jackson’s 2009 numbers, 1167 yards and 9 scores.

 

WR Legedu Naanee UP

With Jackson out, Naanee would become a starter in the Chargers offense. He has looked decent in the preseason and has some late round upside.

TE Antonio Gates UP

Gates will become even more involved in the Chargers offense with Jackson out, especially near the goal line. That’s enough to push him over the top and make him my #1 tight end.

QB Philip Rivers DOWN

Floyd is a solid #1 receiver for him, but replacing Floyd with Naanee does hurt this offense. His receiving corps simply don’t look as strong without V-Jax. He’s already missing his left tackle Marcus McNeil, who is also holding out, so he is already due for a statistical decrease. 

 

 

DE Cam Johnson UP

Johnson is frustrating because he’s so inconsistent, but he’s been consistently awesome all week, winning most of his battles on the edge with a combination of power and speed.

OT Mitchell Schwartz UP

Schwartz was under the radar at California, but he’s been having a good week, especially today. Mike Mayock was intrigued by him and I’ve always been a fan of his. He could get some buzz on early day 3 given how valuable left tackles are. He’s athletic enough to play there potentially long term.

G Cordy Glenn UP

Cordy Glenn has stayed at tackle this week, rather than moving to guard, but he’s been impressive. He was inconsistent at left tackle last year for Georgia and struggled with some speed rushers, but I don’t see why he couldn’t be a right tackle in the right scheme at the next level. Teams will like his versatility early on day 2.

OT Zebrie Sanders DOWN

I’ve never understood the hype with him. He has his moments, but he’s not the fringe first round prospect he’s being talked about as. Sanders was inconsistent again today, losing more one on ones than a fringe first rounder should. He needs a lot of work.

C William Vlachos DOWN

Vlachos hasn’t looked good in one in ones. He also had a sloppy body on Monday in weigh ins. The Alabama center is slipping.

DT Tony Jerod-Eddie UP

TJE has really stood out in one on ones as someone who is better than where he’s projected. The 6-5 300 pounder has all the tools and is having a strong week. He looks like a natural fit as a 3-4 defensive end and could be a good value in the mid rounds.

MLB James-Michael Johnson DOWN

Mike Singletary was noticeable frustrated with Johnson in linebacker drills because his technique was awful. I’m surprised Singletary didn’t go on a rant about how he couldn’t win him, couldn’t play with him, or couldn’t coach with him, though if he did that he’d probably end up being a hero for a team in a playoff game.

 

RB Chris Polk DOWN

Polk has really struggled with blocking and pass catching these last two days. He’s a great runner and was an underrated prospect in my book coming into this week, but he’s not helping his stock by showing he’ll have trouble on 3^rd downs in the NFL.

TE Emil Igwenagu UP

Igwenagu got on everyone’s radar at the East/West Shrine Game, with good practices and a great catch in the game. A late add to the Senior Bowl, Igwenagu had some great catches today and the 6-1 242 pound tight end looked like a receiver. Someone will take him as an h-back or a fullback.

WR Marvin McNutt UP

McNutt has been one of the better receivers all week, but really stood out to me today as a run blocker. He was the best of the bunch in that regard.

CB Donnie Fletcher UP

Fletcher has been pretty neutral all week, but really stood out today. He’s a physical cornerback at 6-0 205 and would be best in a bump and run scheme. He could play safety, but made the case to stay at cornerback today. Mike Mayock was very impressed.

DT Kendall Reyes UP

Reyes has been very good all week and had his best day today. He’s great as a penetrator one on one, but struggles in games when double teamed and run at. Still, as a 3-4 defensive end, he’s a good pick in the 2^nd round. He’s not quite as valuable to a 4-3 team.

G Johnnie Troutman DOWN

Troutman was a head scratching selection to this game for me and he has really shown it this week. He looks overmatched out there in one on ones.

OT Mike Adams DOWN

There’s a lot of buzz around Adams moving into the first round, but I don’t see a first rounder. He’s a freak athlete at 6-7 320 and has dominant when he can get his hands on a defensive lineman, but his technique doesn’t hold up well against speed rushers.

 

 

MLB Audie Cole UP

I haven’t said a lot about the linebackers this week, but Cole is having a great weak. He looked very impressive in his weigh in and has shown that physicality on the field as well.

OLB Lavonte David UP

Another linebacker deserving some recognition, David was unstoppable in blitzing drills. He’s undersized at 225, but doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him and is a fantastic athlete.

CB Alfonzo Dennard DOWN

Dennard continued to not look like a first round pick at cornerback. He’s looked bad all week and struggled to turn and run with quarterbacks.

DT Mike Martin UP

Martin doesn’t quit on a play and that tenacity paid off big time today as he was one of the stars of the practice in one on ones. Martin beat almost everyone he faced, including one of the top center prospects, Mike Brewster.

C Mike Brewster DOWN

Brewster has looked awful thus far this week, continuing how he looked towards the end of the season. I don’t know what’s happened. He’s obviously frustrated because after a loss against Mike Martin, he started a fight with Martin. A temper is not something NFL scouts will like to see from him.

RB Chris Polk DOWN

It’s tough to turn much from a running back during practices because of the nature of their activities, but Polk looked overmatched in pass protection drills today. He’s one of the better running backs in the class, but he’ll slip some if he proves he can’t play immediately on 3^rd down.

WR Joe Adams UP

Adams got lost a bit at Arkansas with receivers like Jarius Wright and Greg Childs in the mix, but Adams was the only one of the 3 to get invited to this game. A dynamic punt returner, Adams is having a great week as a receiver as well, showed excellent moves in the open field and surprisingly savvy route running ability.

OT James Brown UP

I don’t know much about this kid, but he had a good practice. Mike Mayock is really a fan of him and mentioned that he was very good against Andre Branch and Clemson this season. He could be moving up into the mid rounds if he continues to play well.

WR Juron Criner UP

Aside from one amazing catch (the catch of the week so far), Criner has been average this week, but the catch does deserve some recognition. Criner is a big, powerful receiver with great hands who made some great catches at Arizona. Poor speed is his downfall.

 

QB Nick Foles DOWN 

Tough to evaluate the quarterbacks during the week because their just learning the offense, but Foles struggled with his deep accuracy all practice and even fumbled a snap, which doesn’t make sense because he played under center a lot at Arizona. He didn’t look like the 2^nd/3^rd rounder he might be, but he’s got time to make it up.

WR Jeff Fuller DOWN

This is the frustrating thing about Fuller. He looked excellent in weigh ins and in practice yesterday, but was one of the worst receivers out there today. Scouts won’t like his inconsistency and after a down senior year, Fuller could be looking at the 3^rd round or lower.

DE Melvin Ingram UP

His measurements aren’t pretty, but he was the one of the most dominant defensive linemen in one on ones today, which I guess is to be expected because he’s projected to go in the first round. Still, I moved him down yesterday so I’m moving him back up a little.

DE Courtney Upshaw UP

Upshaw was the other of the most dominant defensive linemen, which makes sense because he too is a projected first rounder. However, he didn’t play with his hand in the dirt much in Alabama’s 3-4 and he’s showing this week that he can play 4-3 down defensive end as well as 3-4 rush linebacker.

CB Dwight Bentley UP

Love when small school kids step up, Bentley shut down Jeff Fuller completely and Dwight Jones for the most part, two higher rated and bigger receivers. Size is still an issue, but he had a good day.

G Will Blackwell DOWN

Blackwell did not fare well in one on ones. He’s too undersized to take on defensive linemen one on one. If he has any shot in the NFL, it’s in a zone blocking scheme for the 290 pound 2^nd team All-American.

G Kevin Zeitler UP

Zeitler dominated in one on ones, but that’s nothing new. He’s a fantastic offensive lineman. What is new is that he’s been taking snaps at center. Position versatility is always a good thing and he’s showing he’s got it.

RB Doug Martin UP

Martin and Isaiah Pead were the best of the running backs in pass protection. Martin had a great finish to the season after he got healthy. He had a great junior year as well and is a load to take down in the open field because he’s in great shape and runs with great pad level. He’s a steal if he slips outside of the first 3 rounds.

RB Isaiah Pead UP

Pead disappointed me by measuring in at 193, but, as I said above, Pead was fantastic as a pass protector. He also caught 39 passes this season. He’s got a role as a 3^rd down back in the NFL, possibly even immediately.

DE Shea McClellin UP

McClellin might be too small for the 4-3, but he’s too fast and explosive to slip much with all of the 3-4 teams in the league. Someone is going to give this kid a shot as a 3-4 rush linebacker, especially considering he played some linebacker at Boise State and is comfortable rushing from a 2 point stance and dropping into coverage.

WR Marvin Jones UP

For the 2^nd straight day, Jones outperformed the late round label that was on him coming into this week. It’s possible he was just overshadowed by Keenan Allen at Cal this year.

 

 

QB Kellen Moore DOWN

Moore had been proving all week what many suspected, he just doesn’t have an NFL arm. He continued to do that in this one going 6 of 12 for 50 yards. He took a couple sacks as well and there wasn’t a lot of zip on any of his balls, even his short ones, some of which were actually incomplete and one almost picked by Dwight Bentley. He didn’t throw anything more than 5 yards downfield for most of his time. One of his deeper balls was dropped by Marvin McNutt. McNutt should have made the catch, but Moore’s lack of zip on the ball made it possible for the defensive back to recover on the route and knock the ball out.

Another one to DeVier Posey was deflected by Casey Hayward, who was able to recover because the ball was slow. It was called PI on Hayward, but it looked clean. His best ball of the night was to DeVier Posey. It should have been a touchdown, but Posey just dropped it. However, all in all he didn’t look good. There was not a lot of zip of any of his balls and most of his completions were to the middle of the field. He won’t have the arm strength to complete consistently on the outside. He also had a couple deflected at the line, as a result of his short stature. He doesn’t look like anything more than a solid backup at the next level.

QB Russell Wilson DOWN

It was really a tale of two Russell Wilsons tonight. There was pocket Russell Wilson and outside the pocket Russell Wilson and they were complete opposites. In the pocket, Wilson struggles to complete passes, overshooting an open Marvin McNutt in the end zone and throwing a lazy pick into coverage, jumped by Brandon Taylor. However, outside the pocket he was great, contributing to a 4 of 7 for 45 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 pick performance. He survived a couple bad snaps by converted guard Rishaw Johnson at center and when able to freestyle and get out of the pocket, he was great, completing a broken play into 23 yards to Gerell Robinson, throwing an 8 yard touchdown to Marvin Jones on a roll out, and picking up a few chunks of yards on the ground. I am moving him down, however, because of how awful he was in the pocket. He’ll need to be a better pocket quarterback to start in the NFL.

QB Brandon Weeden DOWN

At times, Weeden looked like the best quarterback out there. He started out very good, completing 5 of his first 6, leading a field goal drive and another drive that could have gone for points had it not been for a Joe Adams fumble. He made great NFL caliber throws. However, after that, he was awful, finishing 5 of 9 for 56 yards, no touchdowns, and 2 picks. Both picks were awful decisions and one was placed in the worst spot possible after Dwight Jones ran a pretty good route. Weeden has a great arm, but needs work. That’d be fine if he was 22, but he’s 28. You don’t have a year or two to wait on him. He looks like a career backup.

RB Isaiah Pead UP

Isaiah Pead started out the week weighing in at 193, bad for a running back, but the best of the week was great for him and he ended up winning the MVP for this game. He was the best back all week in pass catching and blocking drills, showing his ability to stay in on 3^rd down right away in the NFL. 37 catches as a senior at Cincinnati also help. Then, in the game, he had punt returns of 60 and 38 and easily could have scored on the first one. Both set the North, who had significantly fewer total yards than the South, with good field position as they were able to win despite not having as many yards. He wasn’t extremely impressive as a runner, going for 31 yards on 8 carries, but he continued to show good ability in space. There’s a role for this kid in the NFL right away and it’s as a 3^rd down back and a return man. He’ll probably never be a feature back, but someone will draft him in rounds 3-4 in that Darren Sproles role.

RB Doug Martin UP

Other than Pead, Martin was the best back in practice all week, showing his ability to be a 3 down back. For some reason, he didn’t get a lot of carries, but on his 4 carries, he was the most impressive back there, rushing for 19 yards, including an impressive 11 yarder. He caught fire down the stretch once he got healthy. He doesn’t have great speed, but he’s shifty and breaks a lot of tackles. He runs with great pad level and reminds me of a young Maurice Jones Drew. He can play all 3 downs in the NFL and could be the 3^rd back off the board after Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller.

RB Vick Ballard UP

The 2^nd most impressive back in the game was Vick Ballard. Ballard rushed for 29 yards on 7 carries and showed great fight on every single one. He didn’t have a lot of room to work with, but still managed to get a good gain on every carry, including one outside one, which is not his strong suit. The 5-11 220 pounder made a good case to be picked in the 3^rd or 4^th round.

FB Bradie Ewing UP

Bradie Ewing made a beautiful 23 yard catch. When I saw it, I instantly checked the number and tried to find out which wide receiver it was and sure enough it was Bradie Ewing, the fullback. Ewing caught 20 passes as a senior at Wisconsin and I remember being impressed by his ability in space for a 240 pound fullback after the catch. He went to Wisconsin so you know he can block and he also converted a short yardage situation on the ground in this one. He was my top fullback going into this game, but he reaffirmed it with his performance here. He should go off the board in the 5^th round or so, which is when fullback typically start coming off the board.

WR DeVier Posey DOWN

I don’t know where DeVier Posey’s head was, but it wasn’t in this game. He dropped a touchdown in the end zone and gave up on a route that led to a pick in the end zone. That play was awful. Posey cut off his route almost as soon as the ball was thrown. He made no effort to play the ball on a throw that wasn’t that great to begin with and the defensive back caught in it in the end zone as if he were the receiver. It almost seemed like Posey, an Ohio State Buckeye, was trying to sabotage Kirk Cousins, a Michigan State Spartan at quarterback.

Posey has freakish ability and he showed some of that in this game with a nice 33 yard catch in stride and a good run after catch. He could easily run in the 4.4s at The Combine at 6-3 210, but couple his off the field problems with his absentmindedness in games and you’ve got a day 3 prospect. He’s got a chance this be this year’s Mike Williams if he gets everything together, but I wanted chance anything higher than a 4^th rounder on him.

WR Joe Adams UP

Adams fumbled on the South’s first drive of the game, but that was a bit of a fluky play and he more than made up for it. Adams caught 8 passes for 133 yards and probably would have been the game MVP if his team had one. He broke countless tackles. Several of his catches were bubble screens that he took for big gains, but he also showed a much more mature route tree than he did at Arkansas, where he mostly ran bubble screens and straight go routes. Adams was overshadowed by Jarius Wright and Greg Childs at Arkansas, but he’s also a phenomenal return man who returned 5 punts to the house in his career, 4 this season. Deadly in space, someone will take a chance on him in rounds 2-4 as a punt returner and try to develop him into a receiver. I think he’s got great potential at the receiver position once he becomes a better route runner because of his ability in space.

WR TJ Graham UP

Graham is like a poor man’s Joe Adams. A great return man who has 4 career special teams touchdowns, Graham dedicated himself to becoming  a better receiver last offseason and it paid off as he was by far his team’s leading receiver on a conservative offense with 46 catches for 757 yards and 7 touchdowns. He’s deadly in space and continued to show that today, breaking tackles on his 2 catches for 27 yards and his one kickoff return for 27. Graham is still an unrefined player, but seeing how good of a receiver he’s become after just one year playing the position full time, and his work ethic, I would take a chance on him early on day 3, try to groom him into a receiver and if that doesn’t work out, he’s still an above average return man.

WR Marvin Jones UP

Marvin Jones impressed all week, exceeding expectations once he was out of Keenan Allen’s shadow at Cal, and continued in this game with a great route run in the end zone for a 8 yard touchdown. The 6-2 Jones has turned some heads this week and could be drafted in the 4^th or 5^th round.

WR Juron Criner UP

Joe Adams led the South team in receiving, but Criner wasn’t too shabby himself with 6 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown and he may have been targeted even more as both Nick Foles and Ryan Lindley were seemingly forcing the ball to him and throwing to him on every play. Criner had a bunch of inaccurate balls thrown his way, but still managed to have a great game. He’s got a good catch radius and bailed Nick Foles out on countless occasions at Arizona. Criner is not a #1 receiver or a deep threat at the next level, but as far as #2 possession guys go, Criner should be at the top of that list.

WR Jeff Fuller DOWN

Fuller looked awesome at his weigh in, but he was a mess in practice all week, dropping balls left and right. He dropped a deep ball that easily could have been taken for a touchdown today. He had 3 catches for 19 yards, but two of those were short on 3^rd and long that the defense gave to him. Fuller is a physical freak, but he doesn’t have the fundamentals of the receiver position down and there are rumors his 40 could be in the 4.7s or 4.8s. If that happens, he’s not going any earlier than the 4^th round.

WR Dwight Jones DOWN

He wasn’t particularly bad in this game, but the big physical receiver didn’t impress as much as he should have all week. A potential 2^nd rounder, Jones kind of faded into the background all week and scouts were reportedly disappointed. Jones is still very talented, but I’m moving him down some.

OT Mike Adams UP

Mike Adams is frustrating. At times he looks like an elite left tackle and today was one of those times. I argued he should have been MVP for the North in this one because he shot Courtney Upshaw down almost completely and Melvin Ingram down completely. He did allow a sack to Upshaw, but that was a coverage sack that Upshaw wouldn’t have gotten had Russell Wilson just stepped up in the pocket. Upshaw didn’t have an awful day, but most of his impact was when Adams was not blocking him. Adams was awesome in this one and looked like the top 15 pick he’s being rumored as. However, he had a lot of inconsistent tape this season and I don’t think that can be forgotten. He still struggled with speed rushers like Whitney Mercilus and Jack Crawford this year and may be a right tackle long term ala Michael Oher, but I have a feeling someone takes a chance on him very early after this game. In my next mock, I’ll him 16^th to the Jets, who desperately need a right tackle.

OT Kelechi Osemele DOWN

Osemele proved, once again, that he belongs inside at the next level. Osemele didn’t stand a chance against Quinton Coples in this one. Coples was unblockable again him. I wish the coaches had put him at guard in this one like the South did with Cordy Glenn so I could see him at his long term position. Someone will still take a chance on him in the 2^nd round, but not as a tackle.

OT Senio Kelemete DOWN

Kelemete played left tackle at Washington, but he just confirmed the suspicion that he’s a guard at the next level in this one. Quinton Coples turned him into a ragdoll.

OT Mitchell Schwartz UP

Schwartz made himself a lot of money this week. He caught scouts’ eyes in practice this week in one on one, holding his own against higher rated prospects and in this one, he, for the most part, won his snaps against Quinton Coples at right tackle. He could sneak into the 3^rd round as a right tackle or swing tackle.

OT Zebrie Sanders DOWN

I don’t get why this guy is supposed to be good. He wasn’t in this one. Mike Mayock blamed it on his lack of comfort with the right side and that he’s a left tackle long term (somehow), but Sanders spent most of his college career at right tackle and only moved to the left side when Andrew Datko got hurt. I saw him at left tackle this year and I was not impressed with him there either. He might be a swing tackle at the next level, but I don’t see him as much higher than a 3^rd or 4^th rounder.

G Tony Bergstrom DOWN

Bergstrom continued to be the worst offensive lineman out there. He was overmatched all week and couldn’t block anything tonight. He’ll find it tough getting drafted now. A right tackle in college, Bergstrom looked lost at guard this week. He’s not athletic enough for the outside either.

C Ben Jones DOWN

Alameda Ta’amu just overpowered Ben Jones in this one and Jones is supposed to be known for his size and power. He also helped allow a sack as Ta’amu pushed him back into the quarterback, who fled right into Vinny Curry’s sack.

 

DT Kendall Reyes UP

DT Mike Martin UP

DT Derek Wolfe UP

DT Kheeston Randall UP

DT Brandon Thompson UP

I’m putting this group together. None of the running backs really had a great day and that wasn’t necessarily their fault. With a few exceptions, the defensive tackle play in this one was spectacular. I know this includes sacks, but the North rushed for 2.1 yards per carry and the South for 1.8. Reyes, Martin, and Wolfe were great for the North, while Kheeston Randall and Brandon Thompson were dominant for the South. The North were especially impressive in practice as well, while Randall and Thompson made a few nice plays against the run in the game. This group should go anywhere from rounds 2-4 and is in that 2^nd group after Michael Brockers, Devon Still, Fletcher Cox, Dontari Poe and Jerel Worthy, all of whom did not attend this game. You can also mix in Billy Winn, a talented player, who did not stand out in this one, Josh Chapman, who did not attend, and Alameda Ta’amu, who I’ll get to.

DT Alameda Ta’amu UP

Ta’amu was the most dominant of the defensive tackles in this game, for about a quarter and a half. After that, he was pretty invisible. He had this problem all year and even in practice this week. His motor runs hot and cold and he’s extremely frustrating and inconsistent. He’s so big at 340 pounds that someone will take him as a 3-4 nose in the 2^nd round, but I’m not convinced he’s worth that yet. I hate defensive linemen with inconsistent motors, but he gets a slight up for some of his plays in this one.

DE Quinton Coples DOWN

Quinton Coples made a ton of plays in this one and was downright unblockable at times, key word, at times. Coples dominated both Senio Kelemete and Kelechi Osemele, who belong at guard long term, but mid rounder Mitchell Schwartz kept him in check for most of his reps. Coples had a couple sacks, some pressures, and a couple tackles for loss, including one where he half disengaged from Kelechi Osemele, stuck one arm out and threw Isaiah Pead backwards for a loss. It was extremely physically impressive. A real WOW play.

However, he’s got some issues about his motor and consistency. When he’s on, he’s absolutely unblockable in all facets and can take over a game by himself. However, that’s not always the case. If this were the pre-rookie cap era, I’d be afraid of using a top 10 pick on him because he’s the type that you give 60 million to and then he spends his whole career counting it. However, with a rookie salary cap, he needs to give you 4 or 5 good years to get paid big money. I wouldn’t want to be the one to give him that big money, but I’d still use a top 10 pick on him because of his upside and hope that someone could light a fire under him. Motor issues do knock him down some in my book.

DE Vinny Curry UP

The South had all the big name defensive ends, Coples, Upshaw, and Melvin Ingram, but Vinny Curry might have had the best game with 2 sacks and unlike Coples, his motor was on all game. Curry impressed in practice, which was important for him coming from Marshall, a smaller school, and he also weighed in at 264, rather than under 260. Once a 2^nd or 3^rd rounder, Curry is now on the 1^st round borderline and could be picked by someone like Green Bay or New England late in the first.

DE Melvin Ingram DOWN

Ingram and Upshaw were both dominated by Mike Adams. Ingram gets the stock down and Upshaw doesn’t because Upshaw had success against other linemen, as well as some plays were he was unblocked or blocked by a back. Melvin Ingram was just invisible. This was really disappointing for someone who could go in the top 15.

OLB Bobby Wagner UP

Wagner stood out in the linebacking corps in this one with a good amount of impact plays. He had a pick, a deflection on 3^rd down which could have saved 4 points, breaking up a potential touchdown and forcing a field goal. He also had a tackle for loss on a check down. Wagner has played himself into that 3^rd or 4^th round range from small school Utah State.

OLB Nigel Bradham UP

Bradham was a very active tackler in this one and also had a sack, chasing down a scrambling Russell Wilson. Bradham has been flying under the radar in a great linebacker class, but is worth a 3^rd or 4^th rounder. He’ll probably be drafted early on day 3.

CB Leonard Johnson UP

Leonard Johnson had a bad missed tackle on Joe Adams, but who didn’t. Johnson impressed as a one on one shutdown cornerback in this game, earning praise from Mike Mayock, as he has throughout the week. He also had a great deflection and near pick on 4^th down. Johnson is undersized at less than 5-10, but he’s a physical player and a competitor who could go in the 3^rd or 4^th round as a nickel back.

CB Ryan Steed UP

Steed didn’t impress in one of his only chances against a big school, coming from Furman, against Florida, however, he had a great week this week. He and Dwight Bentley really helped their stocks coming from small schools and dominating with the big boys. Both are in that 3^rd or 4^th round range now.

CB Dwight Bentley UP

See above.

S Brandon Taylor UP

Brandon Taylor had a great pick of Russell Wilson to cap off a good week. Mike Mayock said that Taylor was under the radar at LSU with guys like Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu, and Eric Reid in the defensive backfield, but that he’s a legitimate starting free safety in the league. I would agree.

S Trenton Robinson DOWN

Robinson, a former cornerback, is way too small to be a safety in the league at 5-9 195 he didn’t play well, either giving up a couple big plays in coverage and making a horrible read on the South’s longest run of the game, Terrance Ganaway for 16. 

 

When: January 24th-30th

Where: Mobile, Alabama

What: A sort of combination of an All-Star game and a mini combine that scouts use to grade senior draft prospects. 

Who: (List not finalized and will be updated as more prospects accept)  

QB Tim Tebow– Florida

Showed in the Sugar Bowl his abilities as a thrower and though he has some mechanical issues, I think he can be coached into a big time NFL player at quarterback. There is also no doubt that he’ll be a first round selection with as many people in high positions in the NFL that love him as there are. 

QB Joe Webb- AUB

Extremely versatile, has played quarterback, wildcat, wide receiver, and even punted twice in his 4 year career. This last season he showed his skills as a passer, 21 touchdowns to 8 picks, 8.5 YPA, in addition to his abilities on the ground, 1427 yards and 11 touchdowns on a 6.2 clip and could get drafted in the late rounds as either a wildcat, a wide receiver, or maybe even quarterback project.

QB Dan LeFevour– Central Michigan

Called an elite quarterback prospect, by Mel Kiper, but I just don’t see it because of his lack of the fundamentals of the quarterback position, namely his reads. Some team could draft him in the 5th round or later as a project because he did average 7.5 YPA this year, albeit out of a shotgun offense. 

QB Sean Canfield- Oregon State

Burst onto the scene this year after being a little known backup who struggled as a sophomore in his only long stint as a starter, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 7 picks with a YPA of 7.3. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he has the frame to grow more and build up his strength and if Trent Edwards could get drafted in the 3rd round in 2007 as a relatively untested quarterback based on tools alone, so can Canfield.

QB Tony Pike– Cincinnati

Has two straight good years for a very surprising Cincinnati program, especially this year when he threw 29 touchdowns to 6 picks despite being injured for 3+ games. There are concerns that he may just be a system quarterback, but he certainly has all of the physical tools and that elite decision making you rarely see out of a college quarterback, so he should be the first quarterback off the board in the 2nd round, after Clausen, Bradford, and Tebow go first round. 

QB Jarrett Brown- West Virginia

A run first quarterback could be drafted out of West Virginia for the 2nd straight year, Pat White last year, 2nd round to the Miami Dolphins, and Jarrett Brown this year. Brown has a bigger frame than White and could hold up as a running back long term, in addition to being a wildcat, but White was a ton more productive at West Virginia than Brown, who was decent at best throwing the ball this year with a 130.2 QB rating. 

QB Zac Robinson– Oklahoma State

Didn’t have a great year this year compared to last year, but thats understandable because he was without his tight end and his top receiver from 2008. He’s a good mobile quarterback that has NFL potential as either a quarterback or a wide receiver and could be drafted in the mid rounds.

RB Anthony Dixon– Mississippi State

A big power back who has led his team in rushing yards in each of the last 4 years. Projects as a 3^rd round prospect.

RB Montario Hardesty- Tennessee

Finally put everything together and had 1345 yards on 286 carries and 13 scores this season. He’s also a good pass catcher with 25 receptions, one for a score. Projects as a 4^th round prospect.

RB Stafon Johnson- USC

Suffered a tragic weight lifting accident earlier this season, but has been medically cleared for football related activities. He has never really had a dominant season in his four years at USC, but he has shown the talent in flashes and could be drafted in the 6^th or 7^th round.

RB Ben Tate- Auburn

Good size and speed, but incredibly inconsistent. He bounced back from a disappointing junior year in which he averaged 4.2 YPC with a very good senior season on the whole and projects as a 4^th or 5^th round prospect.

RB Charles Scott- LSU

He got buried on the depth chart this season for LSU, but averaged 5.4 YPC and scored 18 times last season as a junior. He runs a good 40 for his size and has good explosiveness at 235 pounds. He projects as a 5^th round prospect.

RB Chris Brown- Oklahoma

Had a huge junior year with 1220 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2008, but really struggled with Sam Bradford out of the lineup in 2009, averaging just 4.1 YPC and scoring just 7 times. He could still get drafted as a late round prospect but he’s not the 3rd round pick he would have been if he had come out last year.

RB Joique Bell- Wayne State

I have no idea where Wayne State is, but they boast one of the most productive runners in the nation this year and I’m excited to get to see him square off with tougher competition. The 6-1 223 pound Bell rushed for 2084 yards this season against small school competition and if he can have a good Senior Bowl, along with a good showing at the combine, he could be looking at the 4th round range. 

RB Rashawn Jackson- Virginia

He should be one of the top fullback prospects in this draft class if scouts can look past his arrest for burglary in 2008. He’s a strong blocker and runner at 6-1 245, and also caught 25 passes for 222 passes last season, but if scouts can’t look past the arrest he could go undrafted. 

WR Danario Alexander- Missouri

A big college football player with good production, but he has horrible timed speed and is a poor route runner. He’ll either get drafted by a team who runs a spread offense or by a team who needs a big end zone threat but either way I think he’s looking at the 3rd round range. 

WR Shay Hodge- Ole Miss

Good size at 6-2 215 and saved his best for last with 1135 yards and 8 touchdowns this season. If he runs a sub 4.5 40, he could be drafted in the 3^rdround, otherwise, he’s looking at the 4^th round or later.

WR Brandon LaFell– LSU

Excellent size, excellent hands, and excellent run blocking make this senior wide receiver stand out above all the rest. He’s close to being a 1^st round lock at this point.

RB/WR Dexter McCluster– Ole Miss

Not very big, but plenty fast and has experience taking direct snaps. His role in the NFL will be unconventional, but I think he has one. He’s looking at the 3^rdround range right now unless his 40 is much lower than the projected 4.35.

WR Jeremy Williams- Tulane

Injuries have plagued his career at Tulane, but he had a very good senior campaign with 1113 yards and 7 touchdowns. He’s still only seen as a 3^rd or 4^thround prospect because of his past.

WR Riley Cooper- Florida

Florida’s leading receiver in terms of yards with 961 and 2nd on the team with 51 reception, plus, of course since he’s a gator, he’s got amazing measurables, 6-3 215, 4.44. He’s only got one year of good production, but if Louis Murphy can go in the 4th round in 2009 with similar production and measurables, so can Cooper, especially if Al Davis is looking for more wide receivers on draft day.

WR Andre Roberts- Citadel

He’s small and doesn’t have the 40 time to make up for at and after two straight amazing seasons of 1000+ yards and 10+ touchdowns in 2007 and 2008, Roberts only managed 77 catches for 792 yards and 7 touchdowns this year against small school competition. I doubt he gets drafted. 

WR Marshawn Gilyard– Cincinnati

A long lanky athlete who may be a bit of a system player, but showed great agility as a wide receiver and kick returner. He projects as a slot guy and could be drafted in the 3rd round.

TE Anthony McCoy- USC

All of the athletic tools, but never put them together. He has never had more than 22 receptions in a season and for all of his size, he only has three career touchdowns. He may get drafted late, but I doubt it.

TE Colin Peek- Alabama

Good size, but below par production with his career high in yards being 313. He may get drafted late as a blocking tight end.

TE Jimmy Graham- Miami

Basketball big at 6-8, but never really productive as a tight end for the Miami Hurricanes football team. I was surprised he got invited and I’d be surprised if he got drafted. 

OT Ciron Black– LSU

Strictly a right tackle at the next level, but that being said, he’s probably the best pure right tackle in the draft class. He could have been a 1^st round pick last year, but his weaknesses were exposes this year so he’s looking at the 2^nd round right now.

OT Charles Brown- USC

My favorite prospect nobody has heard of, Brown, a former tight end, has 1^stround talent, but could fall into the 2^nd round if he measures up at less than 300 pounds. 

G John Jerry- Ole Miss

A massive overpowering blocker who has weaknesses against the pass, but could still be one of the first guards taken and that puts him in the 3^rd round range.

G/OT Mike Johnson– Alabama

Would only be a 3^rd round prospect as a guard, but he has experience at right tackle and for that he could be drafted in the 2^nd round. He’s a very good run blocker, but not a great pass blocker and does not have elite size.

C Eric Olsen- Notre Dame

One of the top center prospects in the 2010 draft class, unfortunately, that only is going to put him in about the 3^rd or 4^th round.

OT Sam Young– Notre Dame

Never put all of the tools together at Notre Dame and was embarrassed by USC earlier this year, but his size and hustle could get him drafted in the 2^nd round as a right tackle.

G Mike Iupati- Idaho

He’s a massive run blocking guard with huge upside who I am looking forward to watching at the Senior Bowl. He should be the first guard off the board.

G Mitch Petrus- Arkansas

A massive run blocking guard who was amazing in 2007 blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, but he hasn’t looked as dominant since and was suspended for a year for academic reasons. If he gets drafted, it won’t be before the 4th round and it will be on upside.

OT Trent Williams– Oklahoma 

Another Sooner whose stock fell by returning to school, Williams’ pass blocking abilities and footwork were greatly challenged this year leading some scouts to believe he may just be a right tackle longterm. He’s not right tackle big either, so he’s got a bit of an issue going forward, but should be drafted in the 2nd round on upside. 

G/OT Vladimir Ducaase- Massachusetts

A big offensive lineman from a small school background, who has the versatility to play 4 spots on the offensive line. He is getting heavily hyped in the draftnik community because of his 340 pound frame and could go in the 3rd round so I’m looking forward to getting a shot to watch him play.

NT Terrence Cody– Alabama

A massive nose tackle that is only a two down nose tackle at the next level, but that won’t matter as he is going to be able to stabilize any 3-4 defense that drafts him against the run and could go top 15.

DE Brandon Graham– Michigan

Not very tall, but makes up for it with good pass rushing moves. His longterm future could be at rush linebacker because of his height, but NFL drafters might not see him there if he runs a 4.7 40. He’ll probably go in the 2^nd round, but could fall. 

DE Jerry Hughes– TCU

The best pure rush linebacker prospect in the draft class and he can also play 4-3 end in a cover 2 system. Deserves to go in the first round with 26 sacks in the last 2 years, but with the rate that rush linebackers have been busting in recent years, he could fall into the 2^nd round.

DE Brandon Lang- Troy

In many ways a tweener, doesn’t have the size to play on the line full time in the NFL, but I don’t think he really is a rush linebacker. However, with 16 sacks in the last 2 years, some team will draft him as a pass rushing specialist in the 3^rd or 4^thround.

DE George Selvie– South Florida

Probably only getting invited to the Senior Bowl on the basis of the 14 sacks he had in 2007. He only has 8 since and probably should not be drafted before the 5^th round because I don’t see him trying out there at all, but his good 40 time will keep him in the 3^rd or 4^th round range as a pass rushing specialist.

DE Cameron Sheffield- Troy

Lost in Lang’s shadow a bit as a defensive end for Troy, but he has 11 sacks in the last two years. I don’t see much more than a late round prospect in him, but he could prove me wrong.

NT Dan Williams- Tennessee

Another talented nose tackle that could go in the first round, Williams has good size, gets a good push, and has decent agility.

DE/DT Tyson Alualu– California

Has a great motor and experience playing in a 3-4 defense at Cal which puts him ahead of a lot of 3-4 defensive end prospects. However, his natural athleticism isn’t great and despite his strong motor and intelligence, he’s still likely a 3rd round pick.

DT Geno Atkins- Georgia

Never was able to live up to the 7 sacks he had as a sophomore, getting only 3 in the two years since, but he runs a good 40 for his size and could be a solid one gap penetrator as a 4-3 defensive tackle at the next level. He’s looking at the 4th round range.

DT Jeff Owens- Georgia

Doesn’t have Atkins’ claim to fame with any major statistical production in school, so I’m actually kind of puzzled to why he was invited. He is a combine wonder who is capable of benching 525 pounds and running a 4.9 40 and that alone could get him drafted as a 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end, but he doesn’t have great production and has been hobbled by injuries throughout his career. 

OLB/DE Antonio Coleman- Auburn

Played standing up at Auburn and translates as a rush linebacker prospect. With 24 sacks in his last 3 years, he should be a 3^rd or 4^th round prospect unless he’s really slow at the combine.

OLB/DE Eric Norwood– South Carolina

Experience at outside linebacker and defensive end, he looks comfortable in pass coverage and for that reason projects as both a 4-3 and 3-4 outside linebacker and a 2^nd round prospect.

MLB Daryl Washington- TCU

Fits 4-3 systems and cover 2 systems well as a middle linebacker, but he won’t fit in a 3-4, 99 tackles this season, but more impressive are his three interceptions. He projects as a 3^rd round prospect.

OLB Dekoda Watson- Florida State

Very fast, but not very big so he’s only a 4-3 outside linebacker. He has 7 sacks this season, but I can’t see him as a pass rusher in the NFL with his small frame, so I think he is going to be a 4^th round prospect or worse.

MLB Darryl Sharpton- Miami

Fairly productive career at Miami with 244 career tackles and a career high 99 this year to go with an amazing 76 yard pick six. He will be drafted as a reserve linebacker because of his versatility, but he shouldn’t be much more than a 5th round pick. 

OLB Sean Weatherspoon– Missouri

A three year starter for the Missouri Tigers who has really shown great leadership and fundamentals as an outside linebacker. He can play 4-3 outside linebacker and 3-4 inside linebacker and is likely going to be drafted in the 1st round, possibly as the 2nd linebacker off the board after Rolando McClain. 

MLB Jamar Chaney- Mississippi State

He has three good years as a starter for Mississippi State, though not all in order due to a nasty injury last season. He doesn’t have a ton of upside, but he’s going to get drafted late as a depth guy and if he doesn’t, I think he’ll be signed to someone’s 80 man roster and given a shot to make a team week 1, assuming he doesn’t get hurt again. 

CB Javier Arenas– Alabama

He’d be a solid nickel back in the NFL, but his value is as a kick returner where he is one of the best in the nation. He could also play wide receiver and I think he goes in the 2^nd round.

CB Jerome Murphy- South Florida

He has really impressed me this season, as he has with other scouts, so the 3^rdround seems likely for him.

CB Patrick Robinson- Florida State

Really just looks like he isn’t trying out there, but someone is going to draft his athleticism in the 2^nd round.

CB Kyle Wilson– Boise State

Projects as a nickel back and could be a solid #2 corner at the next level, but I’m not fully sold on him as a starter. He returns kicks and punts as well and could be drafted in the 2^nd round, though 3^rd round is more likely.

CB Syd’Quan Thompson– California

An NFL ready nickelback who is strong against the run and has good hands, but he lacks elite cover skills so his upside is limited. I can’t see him going in the first round, but he could go second round because of his readyness as Alphonso Smith did last year. 

CB Chris Cook- Virginia

He had 4 picks this year, but never impressed me as a cover cornerback, though I haven’t seen a ton of him. He could prove me wrong in the Senior Bowl, but I don’t think he’ll get drafted. 

S Nate Allen- South Florida

Good hands and instincts in the open field, had 5 picks this season, and should be drafted in the 2^nd round range.

SS Harry Coleman- LSU

Not even the best safety on his own team, but he has experience playing linebacker and he is good against the run, but I don’t see him working out at safety longterm in the NFL and he’s too small to play linebacker in the NFL. He’ll be a late round pick, but I don’t see him being much.

S Taylor Mays– USC

Has had his weaknesses exposed this season, but his triangle numbers will get him drafted in the first round as a strong safety.

S Kyle McCarthy- Notre Dame

A natural leader in the defensive backfield for Notre Dame and has risen up my draft board into the 3^rd round range, though he’s not a lock to go that high.

S Myron Rolle – Florida State

Easily the player I’m most looking forward to seeing in the Senior Bowl, Rolle could have been a top 15 pick last year had he declared, but he decided to take the Rhodes Scholarship and study neurosciences at Oxford for a year. How he fares in the Senior Bowl after a year away from the sport could get him drafted anywhere from the 3rd round to not drafted at all.

P Zoltan Mesko- Michigan

44.5 yards per punt should be enough to get him drafted, but you never know with punters.

K Leigh Tiffin- Alabama

Made 88% of his field goals, but somehow missed 3 extra points this season, and when you look at the breakdown, he didn’t make a lot of long field goals. He only has one season of 75% accuracy on field goals and is a long shot to get drafted.

 

Weigh ins

RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati) DOWN

The 2^nd smallest of the backs and doesn’t have Chris Rainey’s speed, measuring in at 193 (5-9 7/8) rather than the 200 he was listed will hurt him. Pead was good in bursts last season, but didn’t break a lot of tackles. He looks like nothing more than a backup at the next level. 8 5/8 inch hands don’t help either. Those were the smallest of the running back group and small hands normally are a sign that a player will be a poor pass catcher, pass blocker, and have fumbles troubles at the next level.

WR Patrick Edwards (Houston) DOWN

We knew he was small but 5-8 7/8 168 is tiny. Edwards is fast and was productive in college, but that’s about it. He comes from a gimmicky offense that inflates stats (3 receivers over 900+ yards) and didn’t even lead his team in catches. He also had several drops and his 8 ½ inch hands explain that. I wouldn’t draft him.

WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M) UP

Most receivers tend to measure in a little shorter than they were listed, especially taller receivers, up to 1 to 2 inches at times. However, Fuller measured in a bit taller than he was listed. Listed at 6-4, Fuller came in a tick over 6-4 1/8. He’s a physical freak at 217 pounds and in great shape. He also had the longest arms of any receiver with 34 1/8 inch arms. He’s got all the tools and showed first round talent as a junior, before an injury riddled senior season. There’s upside to be had here on day 2.

WR Marquis Maze (Alabama) DOWN

In the same boat as Edwards, Maze was tiny at 5-7 6/8 184 pounds. 29 3/8 inch arms and 9 inch hands won’t help anything either. He looks like he’ll have to stick to special teams in the NFL, so it’s good he’s an above average punt return. He could still get drafted late.

TE Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette) UP

Still has some work to do, but Green took the first step to proving he was more than just a pass catcher measuring in at 237 rather than 230, his listed weight. If he can get up into the 240s by combine time, that will really help his stock. He also lived up to his 6-6 height at 6-5 6/8 and had the biggest hands (10 inches) of any tight end. I’ll be looking closely to see how he fares as a blocker this week because he was a phenomenal pass catcher in college. Even if he’s not the best blocker, some team could draft him in the 3^rd or 4^th round as an Aaron Hernandez type.

TE DeAngelo Peterson (LSU) DOWN

Peterson really doesn’t look the part of an NFL tight end. A situational player for LSU last year, Peterson was the lightest of the 6 tight ends (230), had the shortest arms (32 inches), and the only ones shorter (6-2 7/8) and with smaller hands (9 ½) are being looked at primarily as fullbacks.

G Tony Bergstrom (Utah) DOWN

A tackle in college, 31 3/8 inch arms and 9 inch hands likely mean Bergstrom will have to make the move to guard at the next level.

OT Matt McCants (UAB) UP

McCants did a good job of bulking up from 295 to 309. If he carries it well, the small school prospect should see his stock increase. 35 inch arms also help as he tries to stay at offensive tackle.

C William Vlachos (Alabama) DOWN

He may be a center, but 30 inch arms on an offensive lineman is never a good thing. Neither are 9 1/8 inch hands. He also had a sloppy body.

DE Vinny Curry (Marshall) UP

Curry answered some questions about his ability to play with his hand in the ground by weighing in at 265 pounds. Let’s see how he carries it throughout the week.

DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) DOWN

It’s a shame because he’s got such a great motor, but being 6-1 7/8 and having 30 ½ inch arms won’t help Ingram at defensive end. He may be a rush linebacker, but that’s also a bit of a stretch at 276 pounds and having played half his snaps at defensive tackle last year. Brandon Graham overcame the same dilemma to be Senior Bowl MVP a couple years ago and get drafted 13^th overall, but he hasn’t done anything in his career.

DE Shea McClellin (Boise State) DOWN

At 248 pounds with 31 ¾ inch arms, McClellin is going to be passed up by a lot of 4-3 teams. He’s still a great pass rusher who played some linebacker last year so 3-4 teams will be interested in him, but he really should have done what Von Miller did last year and played 4-3 outside linebacker in the Senior Bowl. Miller was once “undraftable” by 4-3 teams but a good Senior Bowl week propelled him to the 2^nd overall pick.

DE Courtney Upshaw (Alabama) UP

Upshaw played 3-4 outside linebacker in college, but is going to appeal to more 4-3 teams now that he weighed in at 273. Upshaw will play with his hand in the ground this week and that could really help his stock if he plays well. 31 ½ inch arms aren’t the best, but that aren’t a deal breaker for a 4-3 team.

CB Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama) DOWN

Jenkins is built at 191 pounds, but not a lot of good cornerbacks in the league are 5-10 or shorter so I’m moving Jenkins down just a hair for measuring in at 5-9 6/8.

S Brandon Taylor (LSU) UP

A former cornerback, Taylor had a great year at safety for LSU this year but needed to move into 200s to be taken more seriously as a starting safety prospect. Going from 195 to 202 will help him.

 

Practice

WR Brian Quick (Appalachian State) UP

A small school prospect from Appalachian State, Quick definitely proved he belonged as he was one of the better receivers out there. He was had a great day in the weigh ins at 6-3 4/8 222 with 33 ½ inch arms and 9 7/8 inch hands.

WR Gerell Robinson (Arizona State) UP

The other best receiver out there was Robinson, who really came on late in the season. Like Quick, he had a good weigh in as well at 6-3 1/8 223 with 30 7/8 inch arms and 10 inch hands.

WR Marvin Jones (California) UP

He might not have been the best receiver out there, but he looked better than I remember him last season at California. That might have had something to do with him playing in Keenan Allen’s shadow. 10 inch hands are also a plus.

QB Kellen Moore (Boise State) DOWN

Moore clearly has the weakest arm of any quarterback there. He struggled with deep balls and throwing outside the numbers. Once he has to do more of that, as he will in the NFL, he’ll be exposed.

CB Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska) DOWN

Measuring in at 5-10 flat is not ideal, but it’s not the worst thing in the world even for a first round prospect. He just didn’t look like a first round prospect out there and got burnt on several occasions. Mike Mayock was not impressed.

CB Asa Jacskon (Cal Poly) DOWN

He sucks. He was the worst cornerback out there. He didn’t look like he belonged from Cal Poly and his measurables weren’t very good either. 28 5/8 inch arms are cartoonish.

DT Alameda Ta’amu (Washington) DOWN

Ta’amu continued to be one of the most overrated players in the country. He looks the part of a nose tackle at 341 and he’s not flabby, but he didn’t look the part of a dominant prospect out there and he hasn’t all year. I have no idea why he’s being considered a potential first rounder.

G Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State) DOWN

Osemele should not be playing right tackle. Cam Johnson had a field day, consistently beating him with his speed rush. Osemele is a much better guard so hopefully the coaches move him there for the rest of the week.

DE Cam Johnson (Virginia) UP

Johnson either looks dominant or invisible on tape, but today he was dominant. Osemele had no chance against him.