Wide Receiver

Boise State

5-11 174

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #32

Draft Board Overall Wide Receiver Rank: #5

Rating: 81 (early 2nd)

40 time: 4.43

2/20/11: Titus Young was my favorite sleeper heading into the Senior Bowl and now, not only is the cat out of the bag, he might actually be overrated. People are calling him the next DeSean Jackson or the next Mike Wallace. He’s not that fast. He’s got good speed and certainly quicker than fast and dangerous in space, the type of player who can make nothing into something in the open field, but he’s not a blazing deep threat.

He’s probably best off as a high YAC slot receiver at the next level, though his lack of size will make it tough to him to go down the middle often. He might need to bulk up 5-10 pounds without losing quickness. He says he can run a 4.2 and obviously if he can, I might reconsider the type of fast he is, but considering most estimates before his claim of a 4.2 were in the low 4.4s, high 4.3s, I’m skeptical. We’ll see at The Combine.

He’s a good route runner, especially on shorter routes. He finds seams in defenses well and will turn a 5-7 yard completion into a 12+ yard gain. He’s a very smart kid with solid hands, though he did have a bad case of the dropsies at Senior Bowl practices. That’s not the type of player he was during the season. He’s a very accomplished college receiver, with 150 catches for 2256 yards and 19 touchdowns in his last 2 seasons.

He’s not an endzone threat or a vertical threat at only 5-11 with average hops, but he’s a very good underneath receiver who can stretch the field and do damage after the catch. He’s also a good special teams player who 2 years of experience as a kick returner, returning 2 to the house in 2009. He’s not the most physical dominant guy, but he’s smart and scrappy and a much better overall receiver that his teammate, the 6-3 Austin Pettis.

NFL Comparison: Lee Evans

 

 

 

Running Back

Mississippi State

5-10 219

Draft board overall prospect rank: #109

Draft board overall running back rank: #8

Overall rating: 65 (3rd/4th round)

40 time: 4.63

Games watched: LSU/Mississippi State, Mississippi State/Wake Forest

Positives

·         Powerful runner

·         Good size (5-10 219)

·         Great north/south runner

·         Runs well between the tackles

·         Explosive to the hole

·         Powerful lower body

·         Tough to tackle

·         Good pad level

·         2 year starter

·         Productive in tough conference (2010: 186 carries for 968 yards and 19 touchdowns, 2011: 193 carries for 1189 yards and 10 touchdowns)

·         Succeeded with little supporting cast

·         Improved pass catcher (20 catches as a senior)

·         Great work ethic (not highly recruited, went to JuCo, turned into Mississippi State’s leading rusher)

·         Good pass protector

Negatives

·         Poor 40 time (4.63)

·         Not a good outside runner

·         Doesn’t have breakaway speed

·         Not quick

·         Doesn’t break a lot of tackles in space

·         Never carried a big load

·         Not a good natural athlete

·         Pass catching still could improve (wouldn’t trust on 3^rd down right away)

·         Durability?

·         Ball security?

·         Struggled against Alabama and LSU (who didn’t?)

NFL Comparison: Daniel Thomas

Vick Ballard reminds me of Daniel Thomas. Thomas was a 2^nd round pick last year after 2 years as a starter at Kansas State. Like Ballard, he’s a former JuCo player. Both are powerful backs without a ton of speed or mobility. Thomas ran a 4.60 at 6-1 228. Ballard ran a 4.63 at 5-11 218. Both are also solid pass catchers with some fumble problems. They have very similar running styles.

I thought Thomas was a bit overdrafted in the 2^nd round last year. Ballard will probably be a 5^th round pick or so and I think he’ll be a little underdrafted. He can be a solid tandem back at the next level, which is what Thomas became as a rookie in Miami with Reggie Bush. That appears to be his best role going forward, rather than a 3 down back, which is what you’re typically looking for in the 2^nd round. I have a borderline 3^rd/4^th grade on him and I think he’ll make some team very happy in the mid to late rounds. He’s an underrated back who put up good numbers on a poor team against tough competition in the SEC.

 

 

11/3/11 8 PM ET

Florida State at Boston College

OLB Nigel Bradham (Florida State) #13

Out of the speedy linebacker factory that is Florida State, the 6-1 240 pound Nigel Bradham has 45 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and a pick in 8 games this season. He’s a 3 year starter and a very fundamental sound player who looks like a mid rounder.

CB Donnie Fletcher (Boston College) #4

Fletcher’s stock is slipping this season as he hasn’t played well as a senior. However, he was a potential day 2 prospect coming into the season and if he starts playing better, he could be an interesting mid rounder.

10/29/11 12 PM ET (ESPN 3 Replay)

Michigan State at Nebraska

CB Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska) #15

Dennard came into the year as a first round pick at cornerback, but injuries have hurt him and he’s been exposed without Prince Amukamara opposite him. He’s slipping right now and could end up in the 2nd round or later unless he can have a good game against a pair of potential day 2 picks, wide receiver BJ Cunningham and Quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing to him.

S Trenton Robinson (Michigan State) #39

Robinson had 76 tackles and 4 picks in 2010 and now has 31 tackles, 2 picks, a tackle for loss, a sack and a pass deflection in 7 games this season. In a weak safety class, he could end up in day 2.

 

11/5/11 12 PM ET

Michigan at Iowa

WR Marvin McNutt (Iowa) #7

No Ricky Stanzi, no problem. The 6-4 215 pound McNutt is putting it all together in his senior season with 48 catches for 878 yards and 9 touchdowns in just 8 games. He looks like a day 2 prospect at the moment, but if he keeps this up, he could go higher.

CB Shaun Prater (Iowa) #28

One of two potential day 2 prospects at cornerback for Iowa, Prater has a pick six this season and has done a good job in coverage overall. He had 4 picks with a pick six last season.

10/29/11 3:30 PM ET (ESPN 3 Replay)

West Virginia at Rutgers

WR Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) #6

The 6-3 215 pound Sanu took over where Kenny Britt left off after Britt went in the first round to the Titans in 2009. Sanu caught 51 passes for 639 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2009 as a freshman. Poor quarterback play in 2010 limited him to 44 catches for 418 yards and 2 scores, but he’s taken his game to a whole different level this year with 65 catches for 683 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 7 games even though his quarterback play still hasn’t been good. He could end up a first round pick like Britt before him. He’ll be matched up with Keith Tandy, a potential mid round pick, in this one.

DE Manny Abreu (Rutgers) #51

Abreu plays end and outside linebacker for Rutgers and at 6-3 260, he looks like a prototypical 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. In 7 games this season, he has 17 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

10/29/11 8 PM ET (ESPN 3 Replay)

Wisconsin at Ohio State

WR Nick Toon (Wisconsin) #1

Nick Toon (yes, that’s his real name) caught 54 passes for 805 yards and 4 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009, but struggled last year with just 36 catches for 459 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now healthy again, Toon has become Russell Wilson’s favorite target this year with 27 catches for 505 yards and 6 touchdowns in 6 games. The son of former Jet Al Toon, Toon has impressed me this season on tape and I’m looking forward to spotlighting him. Before tweaking his foot and not playing against Indiana and then struggling against Michigan State, Toon’s stock had moved all the way into the 2^nd or 3^rd round range. If he can turn things back around, he’ll stay in that range.

RB Dan Herron (Ohio State) #1

After an awesome season in 2010 where the 5-10 205 pound Herron rushed for 1155 yards and 16 touchdowns on 216 carries, Herron was suspended for 6 games to start this season. He played well in his season debut against Illinois, rushing for 114 yards and a score on 23 carries.

11/5/11 8 PM ET

LSU at Alabama

OLB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama) #41

A jack of all traits for Alabama, the 6-2 260 pound Upshaw plays inside and outside at linebacker in Alabama’s 3-4 and could theoretically play both 4-3 linebacker and defensive end (a la Von Miller) at the next level. His best fit is as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where he’ll have an advantage coming from a 3-4 scheme. In 8 games, he has 27 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick.

C William Vlachos (Alabama) #73

After Ohio State’s Michael Brewster and Wisconsin’s Peter Konz, this is the top center in this class. As the class’ #3 center, he’s probably a late day 2 pick. He’s not the most athletic player, but he’s fundamentally sound and an excellent run blocker, especially in the 2^nd level.

ESPN3 Replays

11/5/11 7 PM ET

Notre Dame at Wake Forest

WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) #3

He’ll have to answer for some off the field stuff, but there’s no denying his on the field abilities. In 8 games, he’s caught 63 passes for 788 yards and 5 touchdowns. Last year, he had 79 catches for 1028 yards and 12 touchdowns despite an inconsistent situation at quarterback. Someone is going to take a chance on this athletic 6-3 receiver in the first round.

S Harrison Smith (Notre Dame) #22

A big thumping strong safety, the 6-2 220 Smith has 58 tackles in 8 games this year after 91 tackles last year. He also picked off 7 passes last year, though he has yet to pick one off this year, and broke up 8 passes last year. In a weak safety class, Smith could be one of the first off the board. Mel Kiper loves him.

11/5/11 7:15 PM ET

South Carolina at Arkansas

DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) #6

He’s cooled off a bit after a hot start to the season that had many considering him a potential first rounder, but he still has 32 tackles, 9 for a loss, and 5.5 sacks in 8 games this season. He’s also scored 3 times, in weird ways, for what that’s worth. He had 9 sacks last year and he has an awesome motor and should still be a 2^nd or 3^rd rounder. His best position is left end at 6-2 278, but hypothetically he could play 3-4 end depending on his weigh ins pre-draft.

MLB Jerry Franklin (Arkansas) #34

A high character kid and a 4 year starter, Franklin has 337 tackles in his career. This year, he has 68 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, 3 pass deflections, and 0.5 sacks. He had 6.5 sacks last year and plays both inside and outside for Arkansas. He’s best as a middle linebacker at the next level in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 at 6-1 250.

 

 

WR Doug Baldwin- Seattle

Percent owned (ESPN): 19.9%

Sidney Rice is done for the since so you would figure Doug Baldwin, who already leads the team with 45 catches for 718 yards and 3 touchdowns, would get even more of the targets. You would be right as Baldwin once again led the way for the Seahawks on MNF with 7 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.

WR Demaryius Thomas- Denver

Percent owned (ESPN): 9.6%

He might not have the best hands, but Denver’s wide receivers are very thin, so he’s actually Denver’s best and most targeted receiver. In the last 2 weeks, he’s caught 11 passes for 222 yards and 3 scores. Look for that to continue.

QB TJ Yates- Houston

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.9%

This TJ Yates kid isn’t too bad. He threw for 300 yards and 2 picks against one interception against Cincinnati this week. He’s got plenty of weapons to work with and a good offensive line and defense supporting him. There’s some upside with him as a QB2. If you need a quarterback, you can do a lot worse than picking up Yates.

WR Kevin Walter- Houston

Percent owned (ESPN): 12.6%

Walter was Matt Schaub’s favorite weapon the last time Andre Johnson was out. Johnson is out again and even with TJ Yates at quarterback, Walter still has some value. Yates isn’t too bad and he seemed to like throwing to Walter against Cincinnati, when he caught 6 passes for 76 yards and a score.

 

WR Donald Driver- Green Bay

Percent owned (ESPN): 18.0%

Greg Jennings is done for at least 2-3 weeks with an MCL tear so it’s next man up in Green Bay’s explosive offense. The man to benefit most figures to be long time Packer Donald Driver, who caught 4 passes for 74 yards last week in the game in which Jennings got hurt.

RB Chris Ivory- New Orleans

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.5%

Mark Ingram isn’t healthy and Ivory was the lead back in his absence this week with 15 carries for 67 yards. This could be more than a one week thing given Ingram’s injury (turf toe).

WR Damian Williams- Tennessee

Percent owned (ESPN): 12.1%

Matt Hasselbeck got hurt and Jake Locker came in. Locker’s favorite target was Damian Williams, who saw 10 targets for 4 catches and 62 yards. The Titans haven’t had a legitimate #1 receiver since Kenny Britt went down and Williams has the most upside of any of their receivers. Locker could be the starter for the rest of the season, which would be a good thing for Williams’ fantasy value.

RB Keiland Williams- Detroit

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.5%

With Kevin Smith out, Keiland Williams got the bulk of the carries over Maurice Morris, rushing for 43 yards on 12 carries. There could be some upside going forward here.

 

Last week overall: 8-8

Last week ATS: 7-9 (-320/-7%)

Overall picks: 28-20

ATS Picks: 21-24-3 (-930/-7%)

Lock picks: 2-1

Upset picks: 3-2

Sports Betting FAQ 

San Francisco 20 Atlanta Falcons 23

Spread: -7 Falcons

Pick against spread: 49ers 2 units (+200)

The Falcons just won an emotional contest, against their rival Saints, in emotional fashion. They got so geared up for that game and had to go all out to win, that I doubt they’ll be 100% in it to play the 0-3 49ers this week. The 49ers, meanwhile, are desperate they need a win. All that being said, Atlanta is simply the superior team. Matt Ryan should pick apart this 49ers’ secondary, the way Matt Hasselbeck, Drew Brees, and Matt Cassel, yes even Matt Cassel, did before him. It’ll be closer than the public expects, but I’ve got the Falcons winning in a close one, but failing to cover.

New York Jets 24 Buffalo Bills 12

Spread: -6 Jets

Pick against spread: Jets 3 units (+300)

The Bills scored 30 points last week, 11 more than they did in the previous 2 weeks combined. However, they were playing the Patriots. Now they get the Jets. Good luck with that. The Bills aren’t going to score very much in this one. I’d say no more than 17 points. Mark Sanchez has led this offense to 59 points in the last two weeks combined against the Patriots and Dolphins. He should be able to lead his team to enough points to win this one and win it by more than that 6 point spread.

Cincinnati Bengals 19 Cleveland Browns 12 2 units

Spread: -3 Bengals

Pick against spread: Bengals 2 units (-220)

Carson Palmer isn’t a very good quarterback. He doesn’t have the arm strength to scare defenses and open up running lanes for Cedric Benson. That being said, he does have an amazing defense behind him. You saw what they did to Jimmy Clausen and Joe Flacco. Imagine what they’ll do to Seneca Wallace. It’s not going to take a lot of points for the Bengals to win this one, especially against an average at best Cleveland stop unit. I think Palmer will get it done and cover that mysterious tiny spread.

Detroit Lions 19 Green Bay Packers 31 1 unit

Spread: -14 ½ Packers

Pick against spread: Lions 1 unit (+100)

Taking a team against a spread of more than 2 touchdowns when it just lost last week and is coming off a shortened week thanks to a Monday Night game is really risky. The Packers lost the game for themselves last week, but are still a great offensive unit. However, Ndamukong Suh could possibly cause the same sort of trouble for Green Bay’s offensive line that Julius Peppers and the Bears did on Monday Night. This Detroit defensive line is great and completely revamped. That’ll take some of the pressure off of their miserable secondary as they try to stop the aerial attack of Aaron Rodgers and company. They’re not going to win this, but I’ll take the Lions given 14.5 points.

Denver Broncos 16 Tennessee Titans 30

Spread: -7 Titans

Pick against spread: Titans 3 units (-330)

The Broncos stink against the run. Now they have to stop Chris Johnson. Good luck with that. I think there’s a very reasonable chance CJ2K goes over 200 yards in this one and that’ll be huge for the Titans. This is clearly a run based offense. Vince Young struggles when relied on to create points in the absence of a strong running game. You saw what happened when Pittsburgh held Chris Johnson to 38 yards. They lost. With the exception of that loss, the Titans have two double digit wins so I think they’re still better than given credit for. I’ll take them to beat the overrated Broncos easily.

Seattle Seahawks 13 St. Louis 19 Upset pick

Spread: -1 ½ Seahawks

Pick against spread: Rams 3 units (+300)

The Seahawks are like Jekyll and Hyde home and away. This team is 3-14 since 2008 on the road. They won last week at home on the strength of their home crowd. And also on the strength of two kick return touchdowns. That won’t happen again. Those things are very inconsistent. The Rams won last week and looked good in the process. I expect them to protect their home turf and win in an upset fashion over the Seahawks.

 

Carolina Panthers 16 New Orleans 34

Spread: -14 Saints

Pick against spread: Saints 1 unit (-110)

I know I said it’s almost never a good idea to take a team coming off of a loss against a 2 touchdown spread, but I’m doing it here. This is not an even matchup at all. Drew Brees should finally break the 30 point mark this week against a weak Carolina defense. The only reason he didn’t weeks 2 and 3 is because the other team was able to win the time of possession battle. That won’t happen this week. John Fox no longer knows how to write a game plan and Jimmy Clausen isn’t capable of moving the chains consistently against a defense as complex as the Saints. Last year rookie quarterbacks, Freeman, Sanchez, and Stafford, all played New Orleans’ defense and all 3 stunk. With the Saints winning the time of possession battle, they’ll break 30 and Jimmy Clausen is going to have a hard time staying with 2 touchdowns of that, with that crappy supporting cast, against that defense.

Baltimore Ravens 12 Pittsburgh Steelers 17 2 units

Spread: -2 Steelers

Pick against spread: Steelers 2 units (-220)

The Steelers’ first 3 opponents’ quarterbacks are a combined 92 for 147 for 1085 yards 12 touchdowns and 1 pick in games not played against the Steelers and a combined 54 for 85 for 504 yards no touchdowns and 4 picks. Those three quarterbacks, young quarterbacks, Vince Young, Matt Ryan, and Josh Freeman. Joe Flacco is a young quarterback. Why won’t he struggle? He did it against the Bengals and I expect him to throw interceptions here. Forget having Ray Rice to help him. Even if Rice does play, the Steelers held Michael Turner and Chris Johnson under 50 yards this year. Rice isn’t doing anything this week even if he does play. That’ll make things so much easier for the Pittsburgh offense who will win this close one in a hard fought trench battle.

Houston Texans 28 Oakland Raiders 17

Spread: -3 ½ Texans

Pick against spread: Texans 3 units (+300)

The Texans shouldn’t have any problem running the football against the Raiders. Arian Foster is a great running back and the Raiders can’t stop the run. However, the passing game should be a concern. Andre Johnson either won’t play or will be limited and have Nnamdi Asomugha on him. That means Schaub will have to look to other options. Schaub is a good quarterback, but can he be Peyton Manning and have a strong game in spite of his receivers. Last time the Texans played the Raiders, the Raiders shut down Johnson and won. However, I think this is a more balanced Texans team and a more mature Matt Schaub so I’ll take them to easily outscore the lowly Raiders by more than 4.

Indianapolis Colts 31 Jacksonville Jaguars 20

Spread: -8 Colts

Pick against spread: Colts 2 units (-220)

The Jaguars always play the Colts tough. The Jaguars match up well with the Colts. The Jaguars have lost to the Colts by more than 8 twice in their last 16 meetings. That said, I’m taking the Colts to beat the Jaguars more than 8. The reason the Jaguars have had decent success in the past against the Colts is their running game. The Colts have never been able to stop the run. However, MJD is playing hurt right now. He’s not right. They’re running game shouldn’t strike fear in anyone’s hearts. They’ll run decent, but David Garrard is going to have to make some things happen himself. Peyton Manning might have a perfect passer rating in this game. The Jaguars defense hasn’t stopped anyone through the air since like 2007 (I wish I were exaggerating). Peyton Manning should have a field day and Garrard won’t be able to keep up.

Washington Redskins 24 Philadelphia Eagles 19 Upset Pick

Spread: -6 Eagles

Pick against spread: Redskins 4 units (+400)

The Eagles are vastly overrated right now. Michael Vick played two good quarterbacks in garbage time against a Packer team that wasn’t expecting him and then destroys two crappy defenses like Detroit and Jacksonville and all of a sudden he’s their savior, better than McNabb was, and a top 5 quarterback? I’m not buying it. McNabb is still the much better quarterback here and he has the better supporting cast. The Eagles defense isn’t very good. They never replaced Sheldon Brown opposite Asante Samuel. Even Shaun Hill led his team to 32 points against them. Plus McNabb knows them. He’s practiced against this defense and this scheme was 10 years and when that type of familiarity is there, it normally is in favor of the quarterback, especially if it’s a smart quarterback. Also, McNabb is hungry. He’s secretly pissed at the Eagles and their fans and everyone who has Vick is better than him. Expect him to have a monster game, with the Redskins actually decent defense limiting Vick’s effectiveness through the air, and the Redskins to win. That -6 spread for the Eagles is ridiculous. This should be easy money this week.

Arizona Cardinals 12 San Diego Chargers 31 Lock Pick

Spread: -9 Chargers

Pick against spread: Chargers 2 units (+200)

The Chargers seem to have a home/away Jekyll/Hyde type thing going on as well. They played great at home week 2 against Jacksonville, but lost in Kansas City and Seattle in pathetic fashion. However, they are still a good team. The Cardinals aren’t going to return 2 kickoffs for touchdowns like the Seahawks did. They don’t have anyone like Leon Washington on the roster. This game is in San Diego. They’ll have a more prepared Marcus McNeill this week, after he ended his holdout mid last week. I expect this one to be similar to the Jacksonville game. The Cardinals and Jaguars are similar in that they both suck. I am hesitant to make the Chargers my lock pick this early in the season, but I will anyway. I’m just not putting more than 2 units on this one. The Chargers have burned me before.

Chicago Bears 23 New York Giants 20 Upset pick

Spread: -3 ½ Giants

Pick against spread: Bears 2 units (-220)

I don’t really know what to make of this game, but the Bears have played better than the Giants this season so I see no reason why the Giants should be favored by 3 and a half points. For that reason, it’ll put a small amount on the Bears against the spread, but I think this should be a close one. I don’t have a solid read on the Giants at all. They’re really talented, but playing like crap. The Bears are getting really lucky every week, have a strong run defense and a strong passing game, the team of team the Giants struggle against, so I’ll take them to win.

New England Patriots 34 Miami Dolphins 26

Spread: – 1 ½ Patriots 

Pick against spread: Patriots 2 units (+200)

The Dolphins defense looked horrible last week allowing 31 to the Jets. Without Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, they are unable to mask their secondaries flaws and teams can rip right through them unless the other team doesn’t have a good quarterback or the Dolphins can win the time of possession battle. The Patriots offense is too good for either of those two things to happen. Chad Henne is still not someone I trust to when a game where he has to out throw the opposing team. They Dolphins best shot is if they can grind it out and take the time of possession battle that way. The Patriots aren’t good against the run and the Dolphins can definitely run, but I’ll go with Brady over Henne here.

 

 

10/15/11 12 PM ET (ESPN3 Replay)

Louisville at Cincinnati

RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati) #23

The senior running back rushed for 1029 yards and 6 touchdowns on 157 carries in 2010 and currently projects as a mid round pick in 2012. He’s a decent pass catcher with 26 catches in 2010, but he plays out of a weird scheme and doesn’t have great size at 5-10 200. He doesn’t have the breakaway speed to make up for it so he seems destined for day 3, but he is moving up with 473 yards and 7 scores on 72 carries, with 8 catches for 54 yards and another score.

DT Derek Wolfe (Cincinnati) #95

Wolfe started the season as a borderline day 2/day 3 prospect with 8 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in the past 2 years. He is moving up boards right now with 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss already this season through 5 games. The 6-5 295 defensive tackle would fit best as a 3-4 defensive end, but he could also stay in a 4-3 as an under tackle at the next level.

10/15/11 10 PM ET (ESPN3 Replay)

Utah State at Fresno State

OLB Bobby Wagner (Utah State) #9

The 2011 preseason WAC defensive player of the year, Wagner had 246 tackles from 2009-2010. He’s a bit undersized at 6-1 230, but projects as a nice depth linebacker and special teamer at the next level. He’ll have a chance to prove he can be more than that. He started the season well with 10 tackles and a sack against Auburn. Through 5 games, he has 61 tackles, 2.5 for loss, a sack and a pick. He’s moving up draft boards a bit, but still projects as a day 3 guy.

DT Logan Harrell (Fresno State) #77

Harrell is one of the leaders in tackles for loss in Division 1 with 10 this season, coming off of a strong game against Boise State, one of his few chances to prove himself against an elite team. He has 41 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the season, but at 6-2 275 he won’t be able to play defensive tackle at the next level. It’s unclear if he projects well to 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive end at that size either and he doesn’t possess a great 40 time. Combine that with his level of competition and he will probably get buried in day 3.

 

10/8/11 7 PM ET (ESPN3 replay)

Vanderbilt at Alabama

CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt) #19

When last I saw Casey Hayward, he was doing an admirable job on Alshon Jeffery against South Carolina. He limited Jeffery, a potential top 10 pick, to 2 catches, though poor quarterback play by South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia had a lot to do with that as well. He also had 2 picks in that game, though again, that has a lot to do with Garcia. Alabama’s passing attack is a little better so this should be a better test for Hayward, who has 12 career interceptions and is gaining some buzz as a potential late first round pick.

MLB Dont’a Hightower (Alabama) #30

Hightower is finally healthy and putting it all together. The big 6-4 260 pound linebacker has 29 tackles through 5 games in the middle of Alabama’s 3-4 defense and could end up a first round pick if he keeps this up and continues to prove his health. He was a popular name as a potential first rounder before his injuries, taking over for Rolando McClain inside for Alabama and now that he’s healthy again, he’s starting to get mocked in that range again.

ESPN3 Replays

9/24/11 3:30 PM ET

Clemson at Florida State

DE Brandon Jenkins (Florida State) #49

Jenkins burst onto the scene with 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss last season and has bulked up to 6-3 265 for the 2011 season, in an effort to remain a 4-3 player as he heads to the NFL after this season. Jenkins will need to pick up it if he wants to remain a first rounder. He hds just 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss in his first 3 this year heading into this game

OT Andrew Datko (Florida State) #67

After Matt Kalil, Jonathan Martin, and Riley Reiff, this is a very thin offensive tackle class. For this reason, the athletic 320 pound Datko has a good chance to move into the mid-to-late first round range and go to a tackle needy team. He plays on Florida State’s left side and is a question mark for the rest of the season after shoulder surgery so I’m watching him in this replay.

10/22 7:15 PM ET

Alabama at Tennessee

DT Josh Chapman (Alabama) #99

Josh Chapman doesn’t make a huge impact on the stat sheet with 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss on the season, but the 6-1 310 nose tackle is great at tying up blockers and making things happen for the linebacker behind him in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. He’s gaining some steam as a potential 2^nd or even late 1^st rounder.

WR Marquis Maze (Alabama) #4

Alabama’s #2 receiver last year after Julio Jones, Maze caught 38 passes for 557 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2010. As the #1 guy now as a senior, he has 34 catches for 376 yards and a score in 7 games. He’s also got value as a punt returner, averaging 10 yards per return this year. He’s also scored on special teams. The 5-10 180 receiver looks like a late rounder overall.

10/22 8 PM ET

Wisconsin at Michigan State

RB Montee Ball (Wisconsin) #28

Montee Ball has 18 touchdowns on the year, 16 rushing, 1 receiving, and 1 passing on a trick player. He’s also rushed for 653 yards on 107 carries, after rushing for 996 yards and 18 scores on 163 carries last year. He also has caught 7 passes for 166 yards and a score after 16 catches for 128 yards last year. After John Clay went down with an injury last year, Ball rushed for 777 yards and 16 scores on 114 carries in 5 games. He’s 5-11 215 and runs more powerful than his size and he’s got decent speed to boot. I’m really looking forward to him going against Michigan State’s awesome defensive line, which features the top defensive tackle prospect in this draft class, Jerel Worthy.

WR BJ Cunningham (Michigan State) #3

The senior receiver for Michigan State is having a huge year with 42 catches for 621 yards and 2 scores in 6 games, after being fairly non-productive in 2010 with 50 catches for 611 yards and 9 touchdowns. The 6-2 215 pound receiver is moving up boards fast and could end up in day 2 if he keeps this up.

10/22 3:30 PM ET

Texas A&M at Iowa State

OT Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State) #72

Moving from guard to left tackle, Osemele has played well, but probably belongs at right tackle or guard at the next level. The big 6-5 345 offensive lineman obviously is better against the run than the past and belongs in a power blocking scheme, but he has held his own as a left tackle against the opponent’s best pass rusher this season in the Big 12. He’ll be tested this week by Texas A&M’s Sean Porter, a speedy rusher with 7.5 sacks on the season, leading the nation.

RB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M) #32

Cyrus Gray was the 2^nd string running back to Christine Michael in 2009, rushing for 757 yards and 5 scores on 159 carries, with 28 catches for 221 yards and 2 scores. However, when Michael got hurt in 2010, Gray took over as the lead back and rushed for 1133 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries with 34 catches for 251 yards and 1 touchdown. However, Michael is back this year and running better than him so the senior Gray has not seen the field as much, rushing for 521 yards and 7 touchdowns on 113 carries with 13 catches for 112 yards and a score. Obviously, he’s slipping from the potential day 2 prospect he was going into this season.

10/22 12 PM ET

North Carolina at Clemson

DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson) #98

Not a big stat guy, but a stud against the run at 6-2 310 and frequently takes on multiple blockers, playing a 2 gap 4-3 nose tackle type position, freeing things up for Clemson’s Andre Branch, an elite pass rusher. He did the same thing for Da’Quan Bowers last year. This year, Thompson has 27 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and .5 sacks.

TE Dwayne Allen (Clemson) #83

Allen could be the first tight end off the board in this weak tight end class. He has 27 catches for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns in 6 games this season and has been on fire in his past 5, with 29 catches for 312 yards and 3 scores in his past 4, all against tough competition, Auburn, Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Boston College. His suspect blocking could hurt his stock, but the 6-4 255 tight end has the size to become a better blocker. He’s also got great speed and great hands and is 2^nd on the team behind stud freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins in receiving yards. 

 

 

This mock is what I think will happen. To see what I think should happen, check out my alternate “Should” Mock Draft. 

Be sure to check out The Football Fan Spot Thursday, Friday, and possibly Saturday during the draft for our official NFL Draft Live Blog

2nd 

St. Louis Rams- DE Everson Griffen (USC)

Minnesota Vikings- QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- WR Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

Kansas City Chiefs- NT Terrence Cody (Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles- S Taylor Mays (USC)

Cleveland Browns- QB Colt McCoy (Texas)

Oakland Raiders- OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland)

Miami Dolphins- RLB Sergio Kindle (Texas)

Buffalo Bills- OT Charles Brown (USC)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- S Nate Allen (South Florida)

Baltimore Ravens- DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida)

New England Patriots- 3-4 DE Alex Carrington (Arkansas State)

Denver Broncos- NT Linval Joseph (East Carolina)

New York Giants- DT Brian Price (UCLA)

New England Patriots- WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

Carolina Panthers- WR Damian Williams (USC)

San Francisco 49ers- CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest)

Kansas City Chiefs- TE Aaron Hernandez  (Florida)

Houston Texans- DT LaMarr Houston (Texas)

Pittsburgh Steelers- WR Brandon LaFell (LSU)

New England Patriots- RLB Jason Worilds (Virginia Tech)

Cincinnati Bengals- S Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech)

Philadelphia Eagles- CB Chris Cook (Virginia)

Green Bay Packers- RB Dexter McCluster (Mississippi)

Baltimore Ravens- TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

Arizona Cardinals- OT Roger Saffold (Indiana)

Dallas Cowboys- OT Jason Veldheer (Hillsdale)

Seattle Seahawks- RB Joe McKnight (USC)

New York Jets- 3-4 DE Corey Wootton (Northwestern)

Minnesota Vikings- DT Geno Atkins (Georgia)

Indianapolis Colts- OLB Daryl Washington (TCU)

New Orleans Saints- OLB Navarro Bowman (Penn State)

 

3rd  

St. Louis Rams- WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati)

Detroit Lions- CB Amari Spievey (Iowa)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Jermaine Gresham (Florida)

Kansas City Chiefs- OT Jason Fox (Miami)

Oakland Raiders- DT Jeff Owens (Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens- CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State)

Cleveland Browns- S Chad Jones (LSU)

Buffalo Bills- QB John Skelton (Fordham)

Miami Dolphins- NT Cam Thomas (North Carolina)

Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma)

Chicago Bears- CB Myron Lewis (Vanderbilt)

New York Giants- RB Montario Hardesty (Tennessee)

Tennessee Titans- CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (IUPUI)

Carolina Panthers- DT Mike Neal (Purdue)

San Francisco 49ers- MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Denver Broncos- RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Houston Texans- S Major Wright (Florida)

Pittsburgh Steelers- 3 -4 DE Arthur Jones (Syracuse)

Atlanta Falcons- WR Andre Roberts (Citadel)

Cincinnati Bengals- CB Javier Arenas (Alabama)

Cleveland Browns-  G Vlad Ducasse (Massachusetts)

Green Bay Packers- RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

Denver Broncos- MLB Pat Angerer (Iowa)

Arizona Cardinals- TE Jimmy Graham (Miami)

Arizona Cardinals- MLB Jamar Chaney (Mississippi State)

New England Patriots- RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

San Diego Chargers- NT Torrell Troup (Central Florida)

Cleveland Browns- WR Eric Decker (Minnesota)

Minnesota Vikings- G John Jerry (Mississippi)

Indianapolis Colts- OT Tony Washington (TCU)

New Orleans Saints- RB Ben Tate (Auburn)

Cincinnati Bengals- WR Jacoby Ford (Clemson)

Tennessee Titans- OLB AJ Edds (Iowa)

Atlanta Falcons- DE CJ Wilson (East Carolina)

 

 

 

 

So let me see if I got this straight. The Bears offered Kreutz 4 million. He refused, demanding 500K more. The Bears didn’t give him that. Their players, Kreutz’ former teammates, were not happy about this and it looked like it upset the team’s all important chemistry. The Bears then went out and signed Chris Spencer for 2 years 6 million. Today, with options running out, Kreutz accepts a deal for the Saints for 2 million dollars with incentives that max out at 4 million, what the Bears offered him. Sounds like a lose/lose, except for the Saints who are getting a solid veteran center at a cheap rate. He’ll give them an upgrade over projected starter Matt Tennant, an inexperienced 2^nd year player.

The Saints are quietly having a nice offseason, shoring up their defensive line (drafting Cameron Jordan and signing Aubrayo Franklin), shoring up their offensive line (resigning Jermon Bushrod and signing Olin Kreutz), fixing their running game (drafting Mark Ingram, resigning Pierre Thomas, signing Darren Sproles), getting rid of Reggie Bush’s contract, and all without breaking the bank.

Grade: A

 

By Packrphan 

The Green Bay Packers go into Sunday’s game with the Washington Redskins as a wounded team. A rash of injuries has led any number of pundits who were onboard the Packers Super Bowl train to now say…well, maybe not. Two starters, RB Ryan Grant and S Morgan Burnett, are done for the year. LB Nick Barnett is out for Sunday’s game and may be done for the season pending the decision on wrist surgery. Barnett Tweeted Saturday afternoon that, “Just finished another scan.. We are getting very close to putting together a plan… Meet with dr.. So.. Things are getting closer”. Hmm… 

Other injured starters and key backups on both sides of the ball mean the eight-cylinder engine is now firing on six (not exactly a football metaphor, but you get the point). LB Brandon Chillar, FB Quinn Johnson, CB Sam Shields are all listed as out for tomorrow, as well. T Mark Tauscher is listed as doubtful, but most reports are projecting rookie Bryan Bulaga will get the start. To fill the other spots, such players as Desmond Bishop, Charlie Peprah and others who usually get their playing time on special teams will be called upon to fill mighty big shoes. It’s their chance to show what they can do. And it will likely be that way for a while. 

As the Pack goes into a stretch of games starting with an improved Washington team, followed by Miami and Minnesota at Lambeau, then at the Jets, and finally back home to face the Cowboys before heading into their bye week, this game shapes up as a rather pivotal game. If the Packers can play even a semblance of a complete game on offense, they should win this game against the ‘skins. Because it’s likely going to take lots of points to do so given the state of the defense. 

With a depleted secondary and linebacking corps, the Packers are exposed against Washington’s underneath passing game using their tight ends, as well as the downfield passing game when QB Donovan McNabb wants to take his shots with their limited wide receiver corps. And, let’s not forget the problem that the Packers have trying to corral scrambling quarterbacks. McNabb has generally played well against the Packers in the past and there is no reason to suspect he won’t play well Sunday. The question is whether he’ll have an emotional letdown after the ‘skins big victory in Philly last weekend. 

Washington comes in much healthier than do the Packers. The only starter out for the ‘skins is RB Clinton Portis. DT Albert Haynesworth will also reportedly miss the game; his younger brother, Lance, was killed in a motorcycle accident late this last week. (Our sincere condolences to the Haynesworth family.) 

The current line on the game has the Packers favored by 2-1/2 points. This is a difficult game to predict given the Packers’ narrow victory at home over the Lions last weekend. Yes, the Lions are an improved team. But the Pack played very poorly in almost every phase of the game. Fortunately, the Packers were finally able to get a grind-it-out running game going to eat up the clock at the end to preserve the victory. According to all reports and comments from coaches and players alike, the feeling in the locker room afterward was one where they had to be reminded that they won the game. Perhaps that will be the motivation they need to start playing the type of football they are capable of playing, and which we have yet to see this season. Even with the injuries, players need to step up. Coaches have made it clear they are not going to change schemes because of who is and who isn’t available. Do we really buy that? 

The Pack will have to make to do. Whether that will be good enough to get them a win in Washington or not…? 

The complete Packers “Dope Sheet” on the match up can be found here: http://bit.ly/dAnW42

http://PackerFansUnited.com 

 

At this time last year, some were talking about the Patriots as a potential 9-7 or 8-8 team that would miss the playoffs. The Jets were the talk of the division and some were even speculating the Dolphins were better than the Patriots. Their defense was inexperienced and their key offensive players were on the wrong side of 30 (Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Randy Moss).

The Patriots did what they did whenever anyone doubts them; they dominated. After starting the season sluggish, losing to the Jets in 28-14 week 2, the Patriots traded Randy Moss after week 4 and only lost one more regular season game the rest of the way (to the Browns), dominating the Jets 45-3 in the process. Unfortunately, their season came to a crashing halt with a 28-21 home loss to the Jets in the first round of the playoffs.

Now, some are once again suggesting the Jets are the better team in the division, which should be more fuel for the Patriots heading into the season. Yes, the Jets have reached back to back AFC Championship games, but the Patriots went 14-2 last year, 3 games better than the Jets. That can’t be discounted. What also can’t be discounted is that their defense will be better this year.

Young players like Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes, Jerod Mayo, and Devin McCourty have more experience under their belt and all of those guys got better as the season went on, particularly McCourty who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The Patriots have also added veterans like Shaun Ellis, Albert Haynesworth, and Andre Carter to their defensive line, allowing them more defensive flexibility.

It appears that the always adapting Patriots will be moving either partially or completely to a 4-3 defense from a 3-4 this year. Andre Carter dominated in his last season in a 4-3, with 11 sacks as recently as 2009. Haynesworth, meanwhile, had 4 sacks as a defensive tackle in 2009 in a 4-3. Haynesworth didn’t even have the motivation in 2009 that he has now. Haynesworth will be motivated to prove Mike Shanahan wrong for letting him go. He also doesn’t have any guaranteed money on his contract. I’m not saying Haynesworth will have 8.5 sacks like he did in 2008 before he got his big deal or Carter will put up 11 sacks again, but both will be talented contributors for them when they go into a 4-3.

Rounding out their 4-3 defensive line are Vince Wilfork, one of the few mainstays on this defense and a perennial Pro Bowler, and Jermaine Cunningham, a 2010 2^nd round pick who showed some promise as a rookie last year. Shaun Ellis will also be in the mix as an end and could slide inside to tackle on passing downs. When (if?) they go to a 3-4, Wilfork will play the nose. Wilfork has experience in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 in his career so he’ll be a key to their team, whichever scheme they play. In a 3-4, their ends will be Shaun Ellis and Gerard Warren. Albert Haynesworth will also be in the mix.

No matter which defensive scheme they play, Jerod Mayo figures to be very big playmaker for them. Mayo, only 25, led the league in tackles last year. He dominated in college at Tennessee in a 4-3, so he’ll fit whatever scheme they play. Brandon Spikes and Gary Guyton are their other talented young linebackers. Spikes, a 2^nd year player, ran a 5.0+ 40 at The Combine in 2010 so I have some worries about how he fits a 4-3.

In a 3-4, Spikes and Mayo team up in the middle to wreak havoc. Jermaine Cunningham would play one rush linebacker spot, while Mark Anderson, Rob Ninkovich, and Andre Carter would see some time at the other rush linebacker spot. Basically, they have a lot of talented role players, which allows them to have a lot of versatility in the front 7, just what Belichick likes.

In the secondary, they should be better than they were last year. Devin McCourty, as you already know, was a Pro Bowler. However, they had nothing opposite him as both Darius Butler and Kyle Arrington were mediocre at best. Leigh Bodden is back from injury and 2^nd round pick Ras-I Dowling will also be in the mix. At safety, Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, and Patrick Chung will also be significant playmakers.

 

Offensively, it’ll be the same story. They’re going to be very, very good as long as Tom Brady is under center. The Patriots return 4 of 5 starters from an offensive line that was one of the best in the league last year and they will get a full season of Logan Mankins, an extremely talented guard who stepped in midseason after a holdout made a huge difference. He’ll be even better this season with no holdout distracting him. They also have 17^th overall pick Nate Solder waiting in the wings.

The only non-starter from last year on the line is Dan Connolly, though Connolly did see significant time when Mankins was holding out and he played alright. At the tackles, Matt Light has resigned to be their starting left tackle. He was a very talented player for the Patriots in his prime, but he’s declining and could even be moved to right tackle this season. That wouldn’t be a problem for the Patriots because right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is an extremely talented player who allowed just one sack all last season and deserves a shot on the left side in his 3^rd year in the league. Center Dan Koppen is also a declining player, but still above average.

At receiver, the Patriots will mix things up a lot. They will go to a lot of three wide receiver sets with Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, and Wes Welker. Ocho gives them the legitimate deep threat they lacked last year, a huge part of the reason why they lost against the Jets. Wes Welker will be better this year than last year as he’s another year removed from major knee surgery. Remember, this guy led the league in catches in 2009 despite missing 3 games with injury. Branch, meanwhile, had a career rebirth after being traded back to the Patriots from Seattle. They also can go to a two-tight end set with two talented 2^nd year tight ends in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

In the backfield, it’s anyone’s guess. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead did a capable job with the running game last year, with BJGE as the bruising back and Woodhead as the shifty speed back and pass catcher. They were rewarded by the Patriots drafting Shane Vereen (a shifty speed back and pass catcher) and Stevan Ridley (a bruising back).

All in all, I don’t think the Patriots will be worse on the ground than last year and the running game is hardly the reason this offense goes. This offense will certainly go and the defense, though it lacks stars, is heavy on quality role players and I trust Belichick to design a scheme that suits everyone’s strengths. I’m not sure they’ll go 14-2 again, but they’ll once again be among the league’s best teams, at least in the regular season. However, none of that will matter to them if they can’t get it done in the playoffs once again.

Quarterback: A

Running backs: C+

Receiving corps: B

Offensive line: A-

Run defense: B-

Pass rush: B

Pass coverage: B+

Coaching: A

Projection: 14-2 1^st in the AFC East