Senior Bowl Stock Report

 

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 3rd 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 3rd 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 3rd back off the board after Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller.

RB Vick Ballard UP

The 2nd 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 3rd or 4th 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 5th 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 4th 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 4th or 5th 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 3rd 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 4th 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 2nd 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 16th 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 3rd or 4th 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd or 3rd rounder, Curry is now on the 1st 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 3rd 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 3rd or 4th 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 3rd or 4th 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 4th down. Johnson is undersized at less than 5-10, but he’s a physical player and a competitor who could go in the 3rd or 4th 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 3rd or 4th 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. 

 

Senior Bowl Preview

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 3rd 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 4th 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 6th or 7th 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 4th or 5th 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 5th 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 3rdround, otherwise, he’s looking at the 4th 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 1st 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 3rdround 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 3rd or 4thround 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 1st round pick last year, but his weaknesses were exposes this year so he’s looking at the 2nd round right now.

OT Charles Brown- USC

My favorite prospect nobody has heard of, Brown, a former tight end, has 1stround talent, but could fall into the 2nd 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 3rd round range.

G/OT Mike Johnson– Alabama

Would only be a 3rd round prospect as a guard, but he has experience at right tackle and for that he could be drafted in the 2nd 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 3rd or 4th 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd or 4thround.

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 5th round because I don’t see him trying out there at all, but his good 40 time will keep him in the 3rd or 4th 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 3rd or 4th 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 4th 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 2nd round.

CB Jerome Murphy- South Florida

He has really impressed me this season, as he has with other scouts, so the 3rdround 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 2nd 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 2nd round, though 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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.

Senior Bowl Monday

 

Weigh ins

RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati) DOWN

The 2nd 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 3rd or 4th 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 13th 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 2nd 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.

 

Senior Bowl Game Notes

 

OT Ciron Black– LSU DOWN

Looked very sluggish, just like most of the South’s offensive line, and could not keep up with the speed hustle rushers of the North’s defensive line. He really struggled at left tackle when put there which I think rule out an hope of him playing there in the NFL, and he wasn’t physically dominant at right tackle either. On several plays, his weight seemed to get in the way of the ball carrier.

DT Geno Atkins- Georgia UP 

He’s an undersized defensive tackle who hasn’t been good since his sophomore year, but he did make a few nice hustle plays to break up the play in the backfield and actually ran down a running back from behind at one point, something very few defensive tackles can do.

RB LeGarrette Blount- Oregon UP

He probably had the most to prove in Mobile this week, after the incident in which he punched an opposing player earlier this season, but he flashes a lot of what made him an NFL prospect in the first place. He ran with great pad level at 245 pounds and also made nice plays in the open field. He scored once on a very nice 14 yard run, on which he leaped through a defender from about the 4 yard line to get into the end zone, and he almost scored again on a play in which he dragged pretty much the entire South’s defense from about the 5 yard to almost the goal line, setting up a 1 yard quarterback sneak on the next play. The character concerns are clearly there, but he is a load to take down in the open field and he moves well and runs with great pad level for someone of his size. He is, at the very least, a goal line back at the next level if he can control himself on and off the field.

CB/FS Chris Cook- Virginia UP

I was confused about why he was invited to this game, but he proved me wrong making some nice plays and being a very tough physical cover guy. He’s still a tweener, not fluid enough to play cornerback, but not quite big enough at 6-1 210 to be a free safety, but I can see him getting drafted in the late rounds.

WR Marshawn Gilyard– Cincinnati UP 

He was the North’s leading receiver with 5 catches for 102 yards and a score and made some very impressive catches against tough coverage. These catches were ones where the defender didn’t give him a ton of room, but he either was able to create just enough separation to get the ball, or able to make an acrobatic catch away from his body. He also was one of the better kick returners in this game as well. I think he dispelled the concerns about his size from earlier this week (weighing in at 8-10 lighter and 2 inches shorter than he was listed), and actually got a comparison to DeSean Jackson by the commentators. I wouldn’t quite say that, but he certainly has the look of an NFL wide receiver and also a kick returner.

WR Danario Alexander- Missouri DOWN

For all he was targeted, and he was one of the most targeted wide receivers in the first half, he didn’t make a catch. He looked about two steps slower than everyone on the field and didn’t seem to have his head in the game. On one play he was wide open, but failed to catch the ball because he didn’t know it had been thrown to him until it was too late. He played very little in the 2nd half, not surprisingly.

WR Jeremy Williams- Tulane UP 

He was the South’s Marshawn Gilyard, leading all receivers with 6 catches, and also added a nice 27 yard run where he flashed a lot of speed I didn’t even know he had. He has a nasty injuries of injuries, two ACL repairs, but he has all the skills and could be looking at the 2nd round now.

QB Tony Pike– Cincinnati DOWN

He showed more of what the coaches were seeing from him in practice, a ball that kind of dies at about 10 yard downfield. He did look more mobile in the pocket than I remember him from last year, but his arm strength was not good and he struggled to make a lot of the throws he’ll have to make in the NFL. He started out 3 of 3, but was 2 of his next 9 to finish 5-12 for 44 yards. He has good decision making and good short accuracy, but I think he’s a 3rd round prospect at best.

QB Sean Canfield- Oregon State DOWN

I was expecting him to show himself as a legitimate quarterback prospect in this game, as he has experience in a pro style offense, and I think he has a stronger arm than most quarterbacks in this game, but he didn’t look great in limited action, throwing an end zone pick to Taylor Mays. He did have one nice 31 yard completion to in state rival Ed Dickson, the Oregon tight end, but overall, he was disappointing and I may be rethinking his late 3rd/early 4th round grade. 

QB Jarrett Brown- West Virginia UP 

He didn’t have the best game overall, but he showed a lot of potential and physical tools. He’s an excellent athlete and has a running back’s frame, as shown in his weigh in, but he also showed a very good strong arm in the game. He really struggled with his touch and his footwork is very poor, he missed a wide open guy downfield because his feet weren’t set when he threw it, but overall, I like his upside a lot more now that I did before this week, when I saw him as a wildcat only.

QB Dan LeFevour– Central Michigan UP

I really didn’t like him going into this game, but he proved to me that his arm is a lot stronger than I lot and a lot more accurate on deep balls than I thought. He had a lot of nice deep throws, which surprised me because he comes from an offense that focuses on short throws. His footwork was still bad and he messed up a few easy throws, but he has some potential in the 4th or 5th round.

FB Rashawn Jackson- Virginia DOWN 

First he measured up at 239 pounds at the weigh in, which is small for his position, and then he really struggled as a lead blocker in the actual game itself. All of this, coupled with an arrest last year, makes me think he’ll go undrafted.

S Myron Rolle– Florida State UP

He didn’t play a ton or have any signature moments, but he really did show that he is still in great shape on the plays when he did play and in his interview he really seemed committed to the sport. Both of these are good things for him. There was never an issue about his ability to play the game, just about how he would bounce back physically after a year off, and about his commitment.

QB/WR Joe Webb- UAB DOWN 

I know he’s a former quarterback, but he really didn’t show that he has what it takes to be a wide receiver at the next level, which is what he needed to do because he’s not, I don’t think, an NFL caliber quarterback. On one play when Tim Tebow was in trouble, Webb needed to come back to his quarterback and help him out and he did not. His route running was poor and he also had a fairly easy drop. I think he’ll still get drafted late, but I’m not sure about his upside.

G/C Jeff Byers- USC UP 

He’s undersized, but with great form he really held his own against much bigger defensive lineman. He played at center for most of the game, which is not his natural position, but he did a great overall job, which is very good because, due to his small frame, that’s likely the position he’ll have to play at the next level.

RLB/DE George Selvie– South Florida DOWN

He got destroyed by big blockers on run plays and made an ugly bite on a misdirection which went for a big gain. He also failed to make a fairly routine tackle. He’s not big enough to play in the trenches in the NFL and he didn’t show that he has the hustle or skills to be an elite pass rusher either. 

NT Dan Williams- Tennessee UP 

Williams was a big disruptive force all game and really pushed the defensive line back in a big way. However, what really impressed me is, at 325 pounds, how mobile he is. He moved around great and actually covered a running back and prevented him from catching the ball out of the backfield. He also had a pass deflection. He can play any scheme, unlike Terrence Cody. He’s big enough to play 3-4, but also fast and agile enough to play defensive tackle in a 4-3, and he actually has experience in a cover 2 scheme at Tennessee so, despite his size, he can play that scheme at the next level. I can’t see him falling past Tennessee at 16, who needs a big defensive tackle to play in their cover 2 defense. I currently have him ranked as the top nose tackle ahead of Terrence Cody because of his scheme versatility, even though Cody is a better natural run stopper. Cody also weighed in at 15 pounds higher than expected at his weigh in which is not good.

DE/RLB Brandon Lang- Troy UP 

He didn’t play a ton, but I counted 3 quarterback pressures for him, and, as the commentators pointed out, he had 37 of those this season. He doesn’t have a huge sacks total, but he can create pressure, which is almost as good. He is a bit of a tweener though as he’s undersized for a defensive end, but not fluid enough to play rush linebacker.

C Ted Larsen- NC State DOWN 

On one play, Larsen snapped the ball about 8 feet up in the air, above his quarterback’s head. The ball went about 5 yards behind him and was recovered by Murray State’s Austin Lane for a touchdown. I know its not good to base your judgements of a players on one play, but this was pretty bad.

DE/RLB Brandon Graham– Michigan UP 

Graham had a huge Senior Bowl week. It started out bad when he measured up at just over 6 feet and with the shortest arms of any defensive lineman, but he really impressed in practice and even more so in the game. He won Senior Bowl MVP with 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, a tackle for a loss, and 5 tackles. He was disruptive on almost every play and had more signature plays than any other player. He really hustled and earned a lot of praise from the commentators. He chased down Jarrett Brown, the fastest quarterback on either roster, from behind, something that will only show up on the stat sheet as a tackle. He’s a former linebacker, with an excellent motor and an excellent pass rushing repertoire, but he’s also extremely stout and disruptive against the run. He can play both 4-3 left end and 4-3 right end, in addition to rush linebacker. The commentators compared him to LaMarr Woodley of the Pittsburgh Steelers and I think that comparison is dead on. I think he cemented himself as a 1st round pick.  

OT Ed Wang- Virginia Tech DOWN 

The reason the South lost was they couldn’t keep the North out of their backfield and more often than not, when a defender caused havoc in the backfield, he was going from the left side of the offensive line and sure enough, on each one of those plays, the man standing over there confused was Ed Wang. He’s a big offensive tackle at 6-5 310, but I don’t think he projects as a longterm left tackle, as he played in college. He is more likely a tweener, left tackle/right tackle, backup guy. I wouldn’t use more than a 6th round pick on him, but I think he’ll be drafted because teams always need depth on the offensive line.

3-4 DE/DT Mike Neal- Purdue UP

Neal had a bunch of nice hustle plays that won’t really show up on the stat sheet and was a huge part of the front 7 domination by the north. He’s a big undersized to be a defensive tackle, but he fits perfectly as a Darnell Dockett type 3-4 defensive end and I think he goes in the 2nd round.

OLB/MLB Sean Weatherspoon– Missouri UP

If there were a co-MVP, it would be Weatherspoon. He played middle linebacker for most of the game and that was where he indicated in an interview that he has best fit, but he really can play any 4-3 linebacker position, in addition to 3-4 middle linebacker, because hustle and vocal leadership don’t necessarily have a position and those are his signature traits. His coaching staff was raving ability his leadership ability all week and his hustle showed through on the field. On one play, Weatherspoon, a 241 pound linebacker, ran step for step with Mississippi’s Dexter McCluster, a 5-8 165 running back/wide receiver who is projected to run a 40 in the 4.3s, and trapped him in the corner of the end zone and broke up and almost intercepted the pass. He also had a late interception. His efforts were a huge part of the North’s front 7 domination and I think he has solidified himself as a 1st round prospect.

S Larry Asante- Nebraska DOWN

He had a nice tackle that forced a fumble, but he really looked lost for most of the game in pass coverage, including on a play in which he allowed a Marshawn Gilyard touchdown. He was supposed to play deep, but played too deep, about 6 yards into the endzone, allowing Gilyard the easy catch. He seemed to just not know where on the field he was and he doesn’t have good recovery speed at all. I think he’s just a situational strong safety. 

S Taylor Mays– USC UP

He looked alright against the pass in this game and actually had a nice interception, which is good because one of the big knocks against him is he doesn’t make enough plays on the ball in the air. However, after a dismal week in practice, I can only categorize his entire Senior Bowl week as neutral. I still think he’ll go in the first round.

DT LaMarr Houston- Texas DOWN 

He had a nice hustle play on a 4th down stop, in which he snuck into the backfield and made the play and overall he just showed why he was one of the best players on Texas’ defense last year with 7 sacks. This game, along with favorable reports out of Senior Bowl practice week, could shoot him into the 2nd round.

OT Selvish Capers- West Virginia DOWN 

As bad as Ed Wang was, Capers might have actually been worse. He couldn’t block anything. Once the defender took out his hands, he couldn’t do anything. He let Koa Misi run straight past him, as if he didn’t even notice him, on one play that resulted in a Tim Tebow fumble. He has great athleticism at 6-5 304 with long arms and a 4.9 40, but he’s not a starting caliber offensive tackle at the next level. He seems destined to be a Raider.

TE Garrett Graham- Wisconsin DOWN 

He had a few nice catches, including a touchdown that got wiped away by a penalty, but overall it was a bad week for him. First he weighed in at 234 pounds and then showed himself to be small on the field by not being able to block anything. He is the worst run blocker of any tight end that played in this game and I’m not sure he has a position at the next level.

CB Patrick Robinson- Florida State UP 

You have to take Robinson good game with a grain of salt, because he only seems to play well when people who can give him money are watching, but it was a good game nonetheless. He showed his excellent footwork and size and was probably the best cover corner in the game. He almost had 2 interceptions as well, though both were just out of his reach.

NT Cam Thomas- North Carolina UP 

Thomas cemented himself as the 3rd best nose tackle in this class, by pushing the offensive line forward with great strength, controlling two blockers, and even having a sack of his own. He’s not a pass rushing defensive lineman, but he has a role for himself as a run stopping shield type nose tackle at the next level and with the high number of NFL teams that now use 3-4 systems that need big nose tackles like him, he could ultimately go in the 2nd round, which is why I’d say he made himself the most money this week. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock went as far to say as he guarantees that Thomas will be a 2nd round pick. I will conservatively give him a 3rd round grade for now, but I was impressed nonetheless.

OLB Dekoda Watson- Florida State UP 

He’s undersized, but he was a tough matchup for blockers because of his agility and quickness as a linebacker. He made a few nice stops on outside runs.

QB/WR Zac Robinson– Oklahoma State UP 

Though he still may ultimately end up at wide receiver, Robinson showed he can throw by throwing for 175 yards on 12-21, with one touchdown and one pick. He showed a much stronger arm than he did in Oklahoma State’s offense this year, which was centered around the short pass. He really looked like the 3rd round prospect he was last year before going into this season without his top two receivers from 2008 and struggling. He really showed what he can do with a good supporting cast.

QB Tim Tebow– Florida ?

Contrary to what the media is saying, Tebow did not struggle in the Senior Bowl, in fact, his Senior Bowl was painfully neutral. I say painfully because I wanted him to either show me he’s not a true quarterback or that he is, but he did neither. He didn’t make a ton of tough throws, although he threw one impressive curl, and he completed 8 (should have been 9 if it weren’t for an easy drop) out of his 12 throws, but he was operating with Miami’s playbook which is one of the most college esque playbooks in the NFL. Basically, he was playing with the same Florida playbook he was comfortable and we didn’t get to see him be challenged by a pro style offense. So, basically, I learned nothing about Tebow in his Senior Bowl.

 

Senior Bowl Draft Stock

 

DE/RLB Brandon Graham– Michigan UP

Measuring in at just over 6 feet at his weigh in isn’t good, but he’s making scouts forget about his lack of height, with his play at practice this week. He has a very solid base and looks like a legitimate defensive line player in the NFL. His form against the run needs to be improved, but he has shown great speed rushing moves in addition to being one of the best young bull rushers at the Senior Bowl. If he can impress in coverage, he could be a 1st round pick as either a defensive end or rush linebacker.

DE/RLB Austin Lane- Murray State UP

First he showed up looking great at his weigh in, weighing in at 265 pounds at 6-6, adding a necessary 8-10 pounds to his frame, and to back that up, he’s looked great ob the field in practice showing that this small school kid can hang with the big boys. He has the athleticism to play rush linebacker in addition to defensive end.

3-4 DE/DT Jared Odrick– Penn State UP

After Suh and McCoy go off the board early, Odrick makes a great case to be the next 3-4 defensive end chosen by displaying great agility, size, and hand use this week. He could also push Brian Price to be the 3rd defensive tackle chosen as well.

QB Tony Pike– Cincinnati DOWN

Looked like a stick figure at his weigh in and then went out and has easily looked like the worst quarterback at the Senior Bowl this week in practice. He went into the Senior Bowl with the potential to go in the 2nd round. Now, I think he’s looking at the 3rd round.

RLB/ DE Koa Misi- Utah UP

Believe it or not, Misi played defensive end at Utah. You wouldn’t know it from looking at him play linebacker this week in Mobile. He has shown great fluidity in pass coverage and looked like a natural linebacker. He’s also making a lot of nice hits. That definitely helps his stock as he doesn’t have the size to play in the trenches in the NFL.

G Vladimir Ducaase- Massachusetts DOWN

This small school kid with excellent size had a lot of hype surrounding him coming into the week and he has not lived up to it. He has looked like 5 steps slower than every defensive lineman has had been guarding. He’s really having trouble with tougher competition. He’s probably only a guard at the next level rather than a right tackle as some had envisioned him.

S Taylor Mays– USC DOWN

He has only backed up what we’ve seen from him this year. He can’t cover anyone. He doesn’t play the air in the ball and he doesn’t wrap up his tackles. Some have said he may have to move to linebacker at the next level.

NT Cam Thomas- North Carolina UP

With the 3rd nose tackle slot up for grabs, Thomas has really made his case to be that 3rd nose tackle. With excellent size at 6-3 325, Thomas has showed that he can also move as well and in his weigh in, he looked much more muscular than fat.

G Mike Iupati- Idaho UP

Unlike Ducasse, this much hyped offensive lineman has really lived up to the hype. He is destroying guys one on one and is making a huge case to be a first round pick lock, which is rare for a guard.

CB Trevard Lindley– Kentucky DOWN

Whether it be his injuries that are still plaguing him or whatever, this is not the same guy we saw at Kentucky in 2007 and 2008. He looked like a stick figure at his weigh in and was 2 inches shorter than what he was listed at in college and he really has looked out matched by almost every wide receiver he has faced this week and has had a really hard time breaking out of the jam at the line of scrimmage, which is not a surprise because of his extreme lack of bulk.

RLB O’Brien Schofield- Wisconsin DOWN

He’s easily had the worst week. First he measured up at 239 pounds at his weigh in, which, for a defensive end, is awful. We already knew he was small and would have to try to move to rush linebacker, which we were unsure of whether or not he would be able to play, and instead of proving he could play his new position this week, he measured up as small even for a rush linebacker. Then, on the first day of practice, he tore his ACL. He still could get drafted as a nickel rusher than Victor Butler did last year because he has talent, but there isn’t going to be a huge market for undersized rush linebackers that have never played the position before and are coming off of a major knee injury. It’s a shame because he has 12 sacks last year as a senior.

RB Charles Scott- LSU DOWN

He has almost had as bad of a week as Schofield, but at least Schofield’s issues, for the most part weren’t his fault. Scott had to skip the Senior Bowl because he failed his physical. That’s a major fail on his part. After a disappointing senior year, he may not get drafted.

CB Devin McCourty- Rutgers UP

Not very big, but he really is scrappy and hustles on the field in a big way. He covers very well and also can kick into a zone style scheme.

CB Brandon Ghee- Wake Forest UP

Looks like the secret’s out, Ghee, who didn’t have huge stats last year, has been extremely impressive as a strong man on man cover guy this week. He could sneak into the 1st round. 

3-4 DE Alex Carrington– Arkansas State UP 

He has carried his late season momentum into his Senior Bowl week and has stepped up as one of the most dominant defensive line prospects at the Senior Bowl, which is a bit of a surprise because he’s not used to top notch competition. He also has excellent size and athleticism.

OT Sam Young– Notre Dame DOWN 

After measuring in at 305 pounds, 25 less than he was listed, and a very low number for someone trying to make a name for himself as a mauling right tackle, Young has been really bad in practice. His coaches have been yelling at him all week and he’s just not getting the memo.

WR Andre Roberts- Citadel UP 

Another small school kid showing that he can play with the big boys, he may only be 5-11 180, but he’s showing excellent hustle and discipline (going to Citadel a military academy esque school will do that for yoy), but also amazing route running abilities. He doesn’t have elite NFL athleticism, but he’s looking like a mini Wes Welker this week.

WR Taylor Price- Ohio DOWN 

First he measured in at about 3 inches shorter than he was listed, then he has spent a week of practicing dropping seemingly every other pass. He’s shown great flashes and great athleticism, but I can’t see any NFL front office figure, other than Al Davis, draft him in the first 5 rounds.

CB Kyle Wilson– Boise State UP 

Another impressive cornerback, Wilson has shown once again why, before his disappointing senior year, he was a possible 1st round pick. He has probably brought himself back into 2nd round contention with his good Senior Bowl week.  

Seattle Seahawks Preview

 

By Phillip Crossland 

Seattle Seahawks: Who starts at running back?

With the quarterback situation settled for now — sorry, Charlie Whitehurst, but this is still Matt Hasselbeck’s show heading into the season — every practice and exhibition gamebecomes a tryout at running back.

 

Justin Forsett and Julius Jones are the favorites to start. Both are good all-around backs with a nose for pass protection. Jones lacks panache. Forsett became the more appealing runner last season and I suspect his talents and running style will continue to grow on coach Pete Carroll.

 

Leon Washington will push for playing time if his surgically repaired leg heals sufficiently. Even Quinton Ganther has a chance to get some carries. This position is pretty wide open.

 

HOTTEST SEAT

 

Seahawks: Deion Branch. On the surface, this was a tough call between Branch, who has had problems staying healthy, and linebacker Leroy Hill, who has had problems staying healthy and out of trouble. Both are scheduled to earn fat salaries this season, but only Hill’s deal features guaranteed money. Seattle needs Branch, so he’s safe as long as he’s healthy, but can he stay healthy enough to be a factor?

 

SECRET WEAPON

 

Seahawks RB Leon Washington. The 49ers’ Ginn might have been a candidate here as well, but Washington is more intriguing because he was a better player before suffering a ghastly leg injury while with the New York Jets last season. Washington is scheduled to make his Seahawks practice debut at training camp. If the leg heals correctly, Washingtoncould become a player defenses must worry about.

 

Washington is a rarity among running backs in that he realizes he isn’t an every-down back. He will not require 20 or 25 touches to get into a rhythm. He’ll be fine getting limited touches.

 

Carroll is known to covet gadget players. Washington is more than that when healthy, but he does fill a specific role. He’s definitely a secret weapon at this point because no one, including the Seahawks, can be sure what he’ll offer this season. He could become a home-run threat or he might not make it out of camp.

 

http://seahawksfans.wordpress.com/

 

 

Seattle Seahawks

 

Debate the Seahawks’ offseason and more in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

This could be a decent team if Matt Hasselbeck regains pre-2008 form. He has his best chance to do that this year, as the Seahawks, this year, have put together their best offensive front since Walter Jones last played a full season. Russell Okung is very talented, but he’s also a rookie. Rookie left tackles have been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years. Ryan Clady, Jake Long, and Joe Thomas all had great rookie years, but Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe did not. Okung is probably better than what they’ve had in the last two years, and there’s a good chance he’s a lot better than what they’ve had in recent years, but if I were a Seahawks fan, I’d still be a bit nervous about their offensive front until I saw them in action. For what it’s worth, I called Okung the most NFL ready left tackle in this draft class. Having an offensive line coach like Alex Gibbs helps, but their offensive line absolutely needs to play well for Hasselbeck to have a good year and for this offense as a whole to have a good year.

Hasselbeck is old and injury prone and threw a lot of picks down the stretch last year because of bad protection. He looked completely shell shocked behind that line. If Okung can lead this line to be at least average, Hasselbeck could put together a solid year and that could be enough to win them this weak division. His receiving corps aren’t great, but he’s done it without good receivers before. I won’t predict Hasselbeck to lead this team to an 8 or 9 win division title, but it could happen.

Hasselbeck’s supporting cast certainly won’t do him many favors. I’ve already outlined the offensive line and the receiving corps, but those two branches may actually be his most talented. Their running game is banking on 193 pound running back Justin Forsett to pick up where he left off last year, Julius Jones to have a bounce back year, and Leon Washington to come back strong from a bad leg injury. They could trade for Marshawn Lynch, but Lynch struggled some in Buffalo last year. I believe if he was running as well as he was in his first two years in the league, he wouldn’t be on the trade block, even with his off the field issues.

Their defensive line is absolutely horrible. They had 28 sacks last year, which is bad enough, but then they lost Patrick Kerney to retirement. He was their team leader with 5 last year. Unless 2008 1st round pick Lawrence Jackson can step up in his 3rd year, they’re going to have a tough time generating more sacks than they had last year.

That doesn’t bode well for a secondary that really struggled last year, mostly thanks to their bad pass rush. They gave up the 3rd most passing yards through the air last year. Their defensive tackles also don’t give them much hope either. In addition to not generating any interior pass rush, they also ranked pretty middle of the pack in terms of stopping the run, and, with their linebackers being this team’s strong point, I don’t even think we can give all the credit to the defensive tackles for doing that.

They could win this bad division, if Matt Hasselbeck turns back the clock, but his supporting cast, even with a revamped offensive front, is still mediocre and that’s not going to do him any favors. I won’t predict them to do that, but at the same time, this division is so bad that it wouldn’t surprise me. I certainly would be less surprised if they won the division than if St. Louis or Arizona won it.

Projection: 6-10 2nd in NFC West

Power Ranking: 24 

Last season: 5-11 

Grade:  

#6 OT Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)

Pete Carroll takes an absolutely no brainer with his first pick. I guess the Lions, Redskins, and Chiefs don’t have brains (though the Lions would redeem themselves). Okung is an NFL ready left tackle. He’s better than Jason Smith last year and reminds me a ton of Ryan Clady. Okung can step in and protect Matt Hasselbeck’s blindside from day 1 and that’s huge. Hasselback is old, injury prone, and shellshocked behind that line. If Okung can bring back the Hasselbeck of old, they could win this crappy division next year. I mean, someone has to, right?

Grade: A

#14 S Earl Thomas (Texas)

I don’t hate the pick because Thomas is a great player, but this is kind of the same deal with the Chiefs at 5. How much does a safety actually help you? I guess we’ll find out, but I personally would have gone with a need with more positional value and taken either Derrick Morgan or Jimmy Clausen. I guess Pete Carroll really likes Charlie Whitehurst because he passed on Clausen, who he heavily recruited while at USC.

Grade: B

#60 WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

I am actually shocked that Pete Carroll took a Notre Dame wide receiver over a USC one, Damian Williams, or even over a USC DE, Everson Griffen. There were better picks here, but it’s hard to argue with Tate, who has experience in the West Coast style offense that they want to run.

Grade: A-

#111 CB Walter Thurmond (Oregon)

The Seahawks traded down 7 spots from 104 to 111 in the LenDale White trade and still managed to get the better player. Huh? Thurmond is much better than Alterraun Verner who the Titans took at 104. Thurmond has first round talent, but his last two seasons have been plagued by injuries. If he can get his health right, he’s a steal and I think that was a smart risk by the Seahawks. Cornerback also was a huge need considering Marcus Trufant is often injured and led the league in pass interference penalties last year despite missing 6 games with injury.

Grade: A

#127 DE EJ Wilson (North Carolina)

They needed a defensive end, but EJ Wilson does not provide as much of a pass rush as they would like out of an end. He’s basically a poor man’s version of Darryl Tapp, who they traded for a 4th rounder. I would have liked to have seen them get someone who could get after the quarterback.

Grade: D

#133 S Kam Chancellor (Virginia Tech)

Chancellor is going to struggle against the pass and he’s pretty much an undersized linebacker at strong safety, but he’s a solid value here as they try to replace Deon Grant and he could actually start some in his first year which is something you don’t often hear about 5th rounders.

Grade: B

#185 TE Anthony McCoy (USC)

Pete Carroll takes his first Trojan, I don’t see what a tight end does for them considering they already have John Carlson and Chris Baker on the roster, but McCoy should have gone off the board about 2 rounds ago and he has huge upside so I can’t hate too much.

Grade: A-

#236 DE Dexter Davis (Arizona State)

They finally get a defensive end who can rush the pass rusher as Davis had 21.5 sacks from 2007-2008, but he’s very undersized at 244 pounds so I don’t see how he fits in a 4-3, plus, what was with his 3.5 sacks last year. Did he fall off the face of the earth? I’m not sure he’s much of an upgrade over Chris Clemons at nickel rusher.

Grade: B+

#245 FB Jameson Konz (Kent State)

I don’t see what the point of this pick was. Konz can play two positions, full back and tight end, even though he’s a bit undersized at both positions, but the Seahawks are already 3 deep at tight end with Carlson, Baker, and McCoy, and they already have a good young fullback in Owen Schmitt.

Grade: D

Overall:

The Seahawks drafted how they should have. They picked out their needs, found the best available at those positions at each pick, and picked between those guys. I didn’t completely agree with each of their picks, but I completely understand what they were trying to do, and they really did add talent at positions of need. They only had two picks I couldn’t understand, but those were late round picks, so it’s excuseable. The addition of Russell Okung is going to add a lot to the team right away, in addition for the future. I also like how they were able to manipulate their mid round picks to get veteran running backs on the cheap. The only possible issue I see with this draft is that they didn’t draft a quarterback. They did trade for Charlie Whitehurst this offseason, but he’s a 28 year old former 3rd round pick who has never thrown a pass in the NFL. If he doesn’t pan out as their quarterback of the future, they may look back at this draft and wish they had taken Clausen at 14. However, they probably will have a shot to take a quarterback of the future next year because Hasselbeck now has a left tackle to protect his blindside.

Grade: A-

Key undrafted free agents:

MLB Joe Pawelek (Baylor)

G Jeff Byers (USC)

DT DeMarcus Granger (Oklahoma)

OLB Reggie Carter (UCLA)

S Marcus Brown (Arkansas State)

Positions of needs:

Offensive Tackle:

Matt Hasselbeck has turned from borderline Pro Bowler to Marc Bulger in two years, thanks to many injuries and just an all around fear of getting hits. He’s become so skittish out there that he is just throwing the ball near his players to get the ball out of there and not take anymore hits and because of that he had his worst full season since his first year in town, 2001. Hasselbeck is not the longterm fix at quarterback and they’ll need to find one of those this offseason, but before they can do that, they have to find a true franchise left tackle to anchor their line because it appears that Walter Jones’ career is done. Otherwise, the same thing that has happened to Hasselbeck will happen to their young quarterback only instead of Marc Bulger syndrome he will get David Carr syndrome.

Drafted Russell Okung (#6) 

Quarterback:

As alluded to previously, Hasselbeck is not their longterm quarterback. Even if he had had a good season last season, he wouldn’t be because he will turn 35 in September. Left tackle is going to be their most pressing need, but quarterback is also going to be important. If either Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford fall to the Seahawks at 6, I would be very surprised if new coach Pete Carroll didn’t draft him. Both would be good fits for Carroll’s scheme; Clausen ran a similar one at Notre Dame and Bradford has the accuracy and decision making to project to be able to run the offense in the pros.

Traded for Charlie Whitehurst, Signed JP Losman

Running Back:

With Jim Mora gone, its safe to say that Julius Jones won’t get 177 carries next season. I’m pretty sure Mora is the only guy on the planet who thought Jones was doing a good job. Justin Forsett did a great job late in the season, but at a 194 pounds, he’s hardly an every down back. They need a running back, who fits their zone blocking scheme, to supplement or compliment him.

Signed Quinton Ganther, Traded for LenDale White, Traded for Leon Washington

Safety:

Safety was a huge hole for them last year. Then they filled it with Lawyer Milloy. That would have been a good move if it were 2003. Milloy did horribly at free safety this year and was benched early leaving them, again with very little at the position. If Eric Berry falls to them at 6, they can’t pass him up unless either Bradford or Clausen fall as well, but otherwise this isn’t a huge need because of the safety position’s low positional value. They should target a young athletic safety in the mid rounds though.

Drafted Earl Thomas (#14), Drafted Kam Chancellor (#133), Signed Kevin Ellison

Defensive End:

Patrick Kerney just turned 33 and is coming off of his 2nd lowest sack total since 2000 with just 5 last year. Meanwhile, Lawrence Jackson at right end, a 2008 1st round pick, managed only 4.5 sacks last year and as a team they only managed 28. They need some young blood at the position.

Drafted EJ Wilson (#127), Drafted Dexter Davis (#236) 

Cornerback:

Marcus Trufant led the league in cornerback penalties last year. That would be bad enough, but its worse when you consider he missed the first 6 games of the season with injury and still led the league in that category. Clearly his days as an elite corner are over and while their struggles against the pass weren’t all the fault of the cornerbacks, poor safety and D-Line play didn’t help either, upgrades at cornerback are needed.

Drafted Walter Thurmond (#111) 

Defensive Tackle:

The Seahawks were again in the bottom half of the league against the run last year. The defensive tackle rotation of Colin Cole, Red Bryant, Cory Redding, and Kevin Brown might have had something to do with that.

 

Free agents:

QB Mike Teel- signed with Patriots

RB LenDale White- signed with Broncos

WR Nate Burelson- signed with Lions 5 years 25 million  

WR Ben Obomanu (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

WR Reggie Williams 

OT Brandon Frye (restricted) 

G Rob Sims (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million, traded to Lions for a 5th rounder

G Trevor Canfield- claimed by Lions

C Chris Spencer (restricted)- resigned 1 year 2.4 million

DE Darryl Tapp (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million, traded to Eagles for Chris Clemons and a 4th rounder

DE Robert Henderson 

DT Cory Redding- signed with Ravens 2 years

DT DeMarcus Granger 

OLB Lance Laury (restricted) 

MLB David Hawthrone (exclusive rights)- resigned

CB Ken Lucas

S Deon Grant- signed with Giants 1 year 

S Lawyer Milloy- resigned 

S Quinton Teal  

K Olindo Mare- franchised

Offseason moves:

Seahawks sign G Chester Pitts

Seahawks waive DE Robert Henderson 

Seahawks sign S Kevin Ellison

Seahawks cut WR Reggie Williams 

Seahawks cut S Quinton Teal 

Seahawks claim WR Isaiah Stanback 

Seahawks waive DT DeMarcus Granger 

Seahawks cut RB LenDale White 

Seahawks waive QB Mike Teel 

Seahawks sign QB J.P. Losman 

Seahawks sign S Quinton Teal 

Seahawks announce retirement of OT Walter Jones 

Seahawks re-sign S Lawyer Milloy 

Seahawks acquire RB LenDale White and DT Kevin Vickerson from Titans for exchange of 4th- and 6th-round picks

Seahawks acquire RB Leon Washington from Jets for 5th- and 7th-round picks

Seahawks sign G Ben Hamilton

Seahawks sign WR Reggie Williams

Seahawks sign S Kennard Cox

Seahawks sign G Mitch Erickson

Seahawks waive G Trevor Canfield

Seahawks re-sign WR Ben Obomanu

Seahawks re-sign MLB David Hawthorne

Seahawks re-sign C Chris Spencer

Seahawks sign WR Mike Williams

Seahawks announce retirement of DE Patrick Kerney

Seahawks acquire DE Robert Henderson from Lions for 2010 7th-rounder

Seahawks trade G Rob Sims to Lions for a 2010 5th-rounder 

Seahawks re-sign G Rob Sims 

Seahawks sign RB Quinton Ganther

Seahawks acquire QB Charlie Whitehurst from Chargers for 2011 3rd-rounder and the swap of 2010 2nd-rounders

Seahawks sign OLB Matt McCoy

Seattle trade DE Darryl Tapp to Philadelphia for DE Chris Clemons and a 2010 4th-round pick

Seahawks re-sign DE Darryl Tapp

Seahawks cut S Deon Grant

Seahawks sign WR Ruvell Martin

Seahawks sign TE Chris Baker

Seahawks re-sign K Olindo Mare

Seahawks trade QB Seneca Wallace to Browns for conditional 2011 pick

Seahawks tender DE Darryl Tapp

Seahawks tender WR Ben Oboamanu

Seahawks tender C Chris Spencer

Seahawks tender G Rob Sims

Seahawks tender ILB David Hawthorne

Seahawks franchise K Olindo Mare

 

Sean Weatherspoon

 

Outside Linebacker/Middle Linebacker 

Missouri

6-1 239

40 time: 4.57

Draft board overall prospect rank: #11

Draft board outside linebacker rank: #1

Overall rating: 88*

 3/1/10: A very good day for him, shaving about .1 second off of his projected 40 time with a 4.57, and also recording a 40 inch vertical leap and 34 reps on the bench press.

1/30/10: If there were a co-MVP, it would be Weatherspoon. He played middle linebacker for most of the game and that was where he indicated in an interview that he has best fit, but he really can play any 4-3 linebacker position, in addition to 3-4 middle linebacker, because hustle and vocal leadership don’t necessarily have a position and those are his signature traits. His coaching staff was raving ability his leadership ability all week and his hustle showed through on the field. On one play, Weatherspoon, a 241 pound linebacker, ran step for step with Mississippi’s Dexter McCluster, a 5-8 165 running back/wide receiver who is projected to run a 40 in the 4.3s, and trapped him in the corner of the end zone and broke up and almost intercepted the pass. He also had a late interception. His efforts were a huge part of the North’s front 7 domination and I think he has solidified himself as a 1st round prospect. 

1/23/10: 3 very solid years during his time at Missouri with 376 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 picks in his last 3 years. His a very smart player on defense and a good leader on what was not supposed to be a good Missouri defense this year. He doesn’t play the most important position which will keep him out of the top 20, where he deserves to go, but he’s a solid athlete with good fundamentals and instincts, and can play both 4-3 outside linebacker spots, plus some 3-4 middle linebacker, so the versatility is there as well. He could be one of the best linebackers in the league in the near future.

            8/24/09: Sean Weatherspoon isn’t the biggest guy out there at 235 pounds and, while he has good speed, he’s not the fastest. He’s not the most athletic, but he’s one of the smartest guys in college football. He has great instincts and knack for the game. He has 3 years of starting experience on the Division I level in the Big 12, which is great experience. He is always around the football and really fills up the stat sheet all around. Last season, he had 126 tackles, 16 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 3 picks for an underrated Missouri defensive squad. He has rush the passer and drop back into coverage. His lack of size is really only a problem in man on man matchups with bigger tight ends, whether in blocking or in pass coverage. He hits like someone 15 pounds heavier and has great tackling fundamentals because of his tremendous amount of starting experience. He has a lot of scheme versatility and can play 3-4 middle linebacker, 4-3 outside linebacker, and 4-3 middle linebacker. He’s a great vocal leader on the football field. His low 4.5 40 at 235 pounds isn’t going to blow anyone away, but he has good chase speed, closes gaps quickly, and can be considered a sideline to sideline playmaker. He isn’t great at getting around blocks and relies mostly on his speed and IQ to get around blockers. His initial burst is not as strong as you would like it to be and is only an average run stopper because of that. He’s not a tremendous natural athlete so his upside is not that high, but can contribute to a football team right away at linebacker. He should be a rookie of the year candidate in his first season in the NFL. He should be a strong starter for very many years in the NFL though. Overall, there are very few flaws in his game and should be a 1stround pick in 2010.

NFL Comparison: Jon Beason

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

Sean Spence Scout

 

Outside linebacker/Middle Linebacker

Miami

5-11 231

Draft board overall prospect rank: #68

Draft board outside linebacker rank: #3

Overall rating: 71 (3rd round grade)

40 time: 4.56

Games watched: Ohio State/MiamiMiami/Virginia TechMiami/VirginiaMiami/Florida StateMiami/Duke, Miami/South Florida

Positives

·         4 year starter

·         Great motor

·         Very productive (312 tackles in 4 years)

·         2 years of great production (2010: 111 tackles, 17 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 6 deflections, 2011: 106 tackles, 14 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 deflection)

·         Nose for the football

·         Takes great routes to the ball

·         Fundamental tackler

·         Sideline to sideline speed

·         Good 40 time (4.56)

·         Comfortable in coverage

·         Smooth hips

·         Leader on and off the field

·         Instinctive

·         Intelligent

·         Great work ethic

·         All the intangibles

·         Great on special teams

·         Gets deep in his drops in coverage

·         Solid blitzer

Negatives

·         Undersized (5-11 231)

·         Minimal strength (only 12 reps of 225)

·         Only an average athlete

·         Doesn’t shed blocks well

·         Not physical

·         Has trouble with bigger ball carriers

·         Has trouble jamming tight ends at the line of scrimmage

·         Too small to stay at middle linebacker

·         Not a good fit for a 3-4

·         Suspended in Miami scandal

NFL Comparison: Colin McCarthy

Every year there are undervalued players who become starters out of the mid rounds. Sean Spence has a very good chance to be that type of player this year. He’s undersized. There’s no getting around that. He’s 5-11 231 and only benched 12 reps of 225 reps, fewer than any running back had. Those are the guys he’s going to have to tackle at the next level.

However, lack of size aside, he’s a very complete prospect who should be a solid linebacker at the next level. He’s got great instincts, motor, intelligence, leadership, all the intangibles. He’s been very productive over the past 2 years at Miami and he’s a 4 year starter. He’s one of those players who has a nose for the football and always makes plays. You can’t ignore him if you’re watching a Miami game.

At the very least, he can become a very good special teams player. However, I think he has the ability to develop into a good starting linebacker in the NFL. He doesn’t have a lot of positional versatility, as he can only play as a 4-3 outside linebacker (maybe 4-3 middle linebacker), but I think he can become a starter at that position and maybe even in year 1. He’d be best in a cover 2 based scheme because he is above average in coverage and, of course, undersized.

He compares to another former Miami linebacker. Colin McCarthy had many of the same things said about him last season when he was coming out. However, he emerged as a starting linebacker for Tennessee as a rookie out of the 4th round. He had 68 tackles as a rookie and has a bright future in Tennessee’s linebacker corps. Spence should go in the same range and have a similar impact.

 

Sean Lee Scouting Report

 

3-4 Defensive End/Defensive Tackle

Penn State

6-2 236

40 time: 4.72

Draft board overall prospect rank: #46

Draft board middle linebacker rank: #3

Overall rating: 78* 

            3/28/10: Sean Lee has first round talent, but he won’t go there because of his position and his nasty history of injuries. In addition to the fact that linebackers always seem to fall on draft day, Lee had a nasty ACL tear last year, in addition to other less major injuries that have kept him from his potential in the past. Injuries didn’t stop him from putting up 138 tackles in 2007, to go with 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception and they didn’t stop him from putting up 86 tackles, 2 sacks and a pick this year, though unfortunately he did have to miss three games with an injury. They did cost him all of 2008 though. Lee is the classic Big 10 linebacker and should probably get drafted earlier that he will. He reminds me a lot of James Laurinaitis, who I had a first round grade on last year, though Laurinaitis never has a history of injuries. He’s a very fundamental player who makes good routes to the ball, wraps up well, and hits very hard. He has good lateral mobility, but he’s not a true 4-3 outside linebacker guy with that necessary sideline-to-sideline range, and he’s not quite the thumper that is needed in the middle of a 3-4. He’s solid in coverage as well. He has looked healthy for most of last season and through the Pre-Draft process, but there are huge question as to whether or not that will be the case in the NFL. Even so, with his 1st round talent, I’d call him a 2nd round pick, that kind of unspectacular linebacker that holds down the fort doing everything you need him to for 10 year, though he’ll probably go in the 3rd or 4th.

NFL Comparison: James Laurinaitis

*For a breakdown of what this means, click here