2nd round 3rd round 

 

64. Indianapolis Colts- NT Alameda Ta’amu (Washington)

Chuck Pagano is trying to rebuild the Colts in the model of the Ravens, meaning big and physical, especially on defense. However, they don’t have a defensive player over 310 pounds. They desperately need a big, run stuffing nose tackle. Ta’amu fits the bill at 340 pounds.

65. St. Louis Rams- WR Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers)

The Rams receiving corps is so barren that they could use two picks on wide receivers, especially since Stephen Hill is so raw.

66. Minnesota Vikings- CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt)

This is why the Vikings passed on Morris Claiborne in the first round. This is a deep cornerback class and, besides, they run a cover 2 system which doesn’t put as much value on the cornerback position. Casey Hayward is an ideal fit for their system.

67. Cleveland Browns- WR Chris Givens (Wake Forest)

The Browns will have to take a wide receiver at some point. They wanted Kendall Wright at 22, but he didn’t make it there. Chris Givens is a similar player, albeit inferior. However, he’d be a nice compliment to Greg Little.

68. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)

This is a pure value pick as Thompson should have gone in the 2^nd round, but I couldn’t fit him. They could use more depth at defensive tackle even after signing Amobi Okoye, who is only on a one year deal.

69. Washington Redskins- OT Jeff Allen (Georgia)

I’ve said it 3 times before, but of the last 19 teams to take a quarterback in the first round, 15 took an offensive player with their next pick. They have some questions on the offensive line.  Left tackle Trent Williams is one failed drug test away from a season long suspension. Right tackle Jammal Brown hasn’t been the same since a major hip injury. Meanwhile, left guard Kory Lichtensteiger will be coming off a major knee injury next season. Jeff Allen is a versatile offensive lineman who can provide depth at 4 spots on their offensive line. Most likely, he’ll have to step into the starting lineup at some point.

70. Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Josh Norman (Coastal Carolina)

The Jaguars will take a cornerback at some point fairly early in the draft. Their top 3 cornerbacks will all be coming off of injuries in 2012 and all 3 of those players will all be in contract years. The Jaguars love small school kids and they’ve shown interest in Josh Norman.

71. Buffalo Bills- WR Greg Childs (Arkansas)

The Bills were seemingly in on every free agent wide receiver, but came up empty handed. Buddy Nix, who is really open with these types of things, mentioned added a big bodied receiver as a need of his. At 6-3, Childs would fit the ball.

 

72. Miami Dolphins- TE Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette)

Joe Philbin had Jermichael Finley in Green Bay. Ladarius Green could remind him of him. Anthony Fasano is a solid blocker at tight end, but nothing more. Green and Orson Charles are options here, but they worked out Green so they could take him over Charles, whose off the field issues might scare them away.

73. Miami Dolphins- DE Ronnell Lewis (Oklahoma)

The Dolphins are planning to, in some form, play a 4-3 defense next year, at least a hybrid. Koa Misi was the other rush linebacker opposite Cameron Wake in their 3-4, but he’s too small to be a down lineman in a 4-3. Lewis could be a bookend opposite Wake and would also upgrade Misi in a 3-4 at rush linebacker. Misi’s not too small for that position. He just offers no pass rush.

74. Kansas City Chiefs- QB Brock Osweiler (Arizona State)

I like the fit with the Chiefs and Brock Osweiler at some point. Matt Cassel is the type of guy who can get you into the playoffs, but he’s probably not a guy you can win the Super Bowl with. Brock Osweiler has huge upside, but he’s so raw. He declared a year early and could have been a first rounder in 2013. However, he’ll have all the time he needs in Kansas City behind Cassel and maybe he’ll emerge as a long term, franchise quarterback.

75. Seattle Seahawks- CB Ron Brooks (LSU)

Again, I have no idea what the Seahawks are going to do. However, I wanted to put Ron Brooks, a rising prospect, in the first 3 rounds somewhere and the Seahawks have worked him out. You can never have enough cornerbacks, especially since Walter Thurmond and Marcus Trufant can’t stay healthy.

76. Houston Texans- TE Orson Charles (Georgia)

The Texans love tight ends, but they’ll be moving James Casey full time to fullback and Joel Dreesen, who played more than almost any backup tight end in the league last year, signed in Denver. They could use another tight end behind Owen Daniels to at least compete with Garrett Graham, a 2010 4^th round pick who hasn’t done much yet.

77. New York Jets- S Brandon Taylor (LSU)

As a Patriots fan, I love watching Eric Smith try to cover Rob Gronkowski twice a year. Both LaRon Landry and Jim Leonhard are injury prone so it’s possible Smith could have to start for them again next year if they don’t address the position through the draft. That’s what they do here.

78. San Diego Chargers- RB LaMichael James (Oregon)

They need a backup for Ryan Matthews with Mike Tolbert signing in Carolina. Besides, you know Philip Rivers would like getting another player like Darren Sproles, who he really missed after he signed in New Orleans last offseason.

79. Chicago Bears- DT Billy Winn (Boise State)

More help up front for the Bears on defense. Yes, their offensive line is a need, but don’t try to tell them that. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice is a former offensive line coach and he’ll think he can coach up the guys they already have. Why else would they pass on both Riley Reiff and David DeCastro in the first? Winn adds depth at defensive tackle to replace the departed Anthony Adams and Amobi Okoye.

 

80. Arizona Cardinals- OT Mitchell Schwartz (California)

The Cardinals didn’t address their offensive line in the first round, but they’ll almost have to in the 3^rd round. Adam Snyder and Levi Brown are not very good at right and left tackle respectively and Snyder can also play guard. Schwartz will probably start the season as a 3^rd tackle, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up in the starting lineup before the season is over.

81. Dallas Cowboys- WR TY Hilton (Florida International)

Dez Bryant and Miles Austin both have their share of recurring injury problems and they need a 3^rd receiver anyway with Laurent Robinson signing in Jacksonville. TY Hilton is someone they’ve had a private workout with.

82. Tennessee Titans- DT Mike Martin (Michigan)

I mentioned the 5 positions the Titans would probably be focusing on in the first few rounds earlier. They’ve already added a wide receiver and a linebacker. Here they grab a defensive tackle to go with Jurell Casey and Karl Klug. Martin is someone they worked out privately.

83. Cincinnati Bengals- RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati)

Both BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry last season. They need another back in the mix.

84. Atlanta Falcons- C Ben Jones (Georgia)

Jones is a local product the Falcons have shown a lot of interest in. They need one more interior lineman, at least. Harvey Dahl is gone and they never adequately replaced him. Meanwhile, Todd McClure is getting up in age and just on a one year deal. Ben Jones can play center or guard, depending on what they decide to do with Joe Hawley.

85. Detroit Lions- RB Chris Polk (Washington)

They’ve used high picks on running backs 3 of the last 4 years. Kevin Smith went in the 3^rd round in 2008. Jahvid Best went in the 1^st in 2010. Mikel Leshoure was a 2^nd rounder last year. However, none of those guys can stay healthy. They love drafting best available and take Polk here to hopefully ensure they don’t have to use Maurice Morris down the stretch again.

86. Pittsburgh Steelers- NT Akiem Hicks (Regina)

Another young defensive player for the Steelers’ front 7. Casey Hampton will be a 35 year old free agent next offseason and right now he has a torn ACL that could sideline him for the start of the season. Mel Kiper mentioned Akiem Hicks as a potential small school 3^rd round pick (with Josh Norman and Justin Bethel).

 

87. Denver Broncos- RB Robert Turbin (Utah State)

John Fox loves being able to turn to multiple backs. However, with Willis McGahee getting up in age and Knowshon Moreno being unreliable health wise, he doesn’t have the capability to do that right now. He’ll probably find another back sometime in the draft.

88. Philadelphia Eagles- OT Donald Stephenson (Oklahoma)

The Eagles signed Demetress Bell to replace Jason Peters, who tore his Achilles. However, what happens if Bell, who has missed at least half the season with injuries in 3 of his 4 years as a pro, gets hurt? The Eagles will probably spend a pick on an insurance option in the mid rounds.

89. New Orleans Saints- WR Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

After losing Robert Meachem this offseason, there is a need for depth at wide receiver. Devery Henderson will be a first time full time starter next season. McNutt is a 4^th receiver and insurance in case Henderson struggles. That will allow them to keep the injury prone Lance Moore in the slot.

90. Green Bay Packers- CB Dwight Bentley (Louisiana-Lafayette)

Charles Woodson is still a good player, but he’s 36 in October. Someday he’ll either see his abilities decline or he’ll retire. The Packers need to be prepared for that day. Besides, another cornerback certainly couldn’t hurt the 2^nd worst yardage defense of all time.

91. Baltimore Ravens- WR Juron Criner (Arizona)

Anquan Boldin turns 32 in October and could be a cap casualty next offseason. Torrey Smith is a promising young receiver, but they need a Boldin type possession receiver to compliment him. Tandon Doss, their 2011 4^th round pick, is an option, but they’ll probably add another receiver at some point if they value fits.

92. San Francisco 49ers- CB Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech)

Carlos Rogers will be 31 by the start of the season. It’s always possible his strong 2011 season was a fluke. He hadn’t done anything nearly as good before that. They’ll probably add another cornerback through the draft with so few needs. Hosley will fall because of a failed drug test at The Combine, but the 49ers have taken chances on Randy Moss and Perrish Cox this offseason so he could end up with them.

93. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Marvin Jones (California)

The Bengals will be looking for a compliment to AJ Green through the draft after losing both Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson this offseason.

94. New York Giants- G James Brown (Troy)

I’m very surprised the Giants didn’t take an offensive lineman at 32 with so many available. Maybe they’ll take a versatile one like James Brown here at 94.

95. Oakland Raiders- DE Cam Johnson (Virginia)

The Raiders lost Kamerion Wimbley this offseason. Cam Johnson is a different type of player, but he can probably play some of Wimbley’s old snaps as a nickel rusher on 3^rd downs.

 

 

Guard

Florida State

6-2 299

Draft board overall prospect rank: #78

Draft board overall guard rank: #7

Overall rating: 72 (3^rd round)

40 time: 5.22

4/20/11: There’s never been any question about Rodney Hudson’s technique. Ever since he stepped on Florida State’s campus as a freshman, he’s been a starter and, in my opinion, Florida State’s best technician. 4 years later, he might be the best technician of any interior lineman in this class. Danny Watkins might have something to say about that.

His problem is his size and his athleticism. He has short arms and played in the 280s last year, which is very small, even for an interior lineman. Because of that lack of size, there’s been a lot of talk that he might have to move to center, which is a projection as he didn’t play much there in college, which hurts his stock.

He has bulked up to 299 for The Combine, but the point is he played in the 280 and considering his small frame and short arms, he might be maxed out. He hasn’t looked terrible in drills at 299, but it’s clear that’s not his true playing weight. He’s best suited for a zone blocking scheme, where power and strength isn’t a necessity.

As for his technique, he gets low and uses his hands well for someone of his age. He plays with a solid base and great leverage so he can matchup with guys who are a little bigger than him, but some much bigger guys, guys like Phil Taylor in Senior Bowl practices, he’s going to have a really tough time keeping them out of the backfield and double teams probably will be needed.

NFL Comparison: Eric Steinbach

 

RB Pierre Thomas- resigned 4 years

RB Julius Jones

RB Lynell Hamilton

RB Ladell Betts 

FB Heath Evans 

WR Lance Moore

WR Courtney Roby 

WR Adrian Arrington (exclusive rights)

TE Jeremy Shockey- signed with Carolina 1 year

TE David Martin

TE Troy Humphrey

OT Jermon Bushrod

OT Zach Strief

G Carl Nicks

C Jonathan Goodwin

DT Remi Ayodele

DT Anthony Hargrove

DE Jeff Charleston

DE Jimmy Wilkerson

OLB Danny Clark

OLB JoLonn Dunbar

OLB Scott Shanle

MLB Marvin Mitchell

MLB Anthony Waters

S Roman Harper

S Darren Sharper

S Usama Young

S Matt Giordano

S Chris Reis

S Pierson Prioleau 

K Garrett Hartley- resigned 5 years 

 

Offseason moves:

Resigned Pierre Thomas

Signed Shaun Rogers

Resigned Garrett Hartley

Cut Jeremy Shockey 

Draft 

 

 

Hello Football Fans,

A few things on me that need to be known. I am a football fan first, and a Steelers fan second. I absolutely love the Black and Gold, but I love the game itself more. You may see this come through in my writing.

I am 24 years old, and live in upstate New York. I have been a Steelers fan for about 15 of those years. Before I say this, I beg forgiveness… as a child I was a Cowboys fan. Please let me explain. I was young, dumb, and they were good. It’s not unlike your far too hair sprayed hair in the 80’s, your bell bottoms in the 70’s and tie-dyed t-shirts in the 60’s. We all make mistakes in youth. I had family who were die hard Steelers fans, so I guess I was a bit rebellious to boot. But during Superbowl XXX, I took notice of a team I had previously dismissed. I liked the way they played, I liked their coach, and I was interested. So at age 10, I took my first step into adulthood. When Jerome Bettis was traded to the Steelers, I threw away all things Cowboys, and began to quietly root for the Steelers (I couldn’t let my family get the satisfaction… again, rebellion, with no cause). I may be the only person to switch allegiances during a Superbowl, switching to the losing team.

Since that day, I have followed the Stillers faithfully. I have an unbelievable level of respect for the Rooney family, and everything they’ve done for football through the years. This franchise is really special, and it starts from the top. There is a way most teams do things, and then there is the Steelers way. I’ll take the latter 100% of the time. I love Pittsburgh on a Sunday. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like an entire city going black and gold. Terrible towels twirling in the crowd and Renegade, blaring from the speakers. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. There is also nothing like a sea of black and gold pouring through the turnstiles of opposing stadiums on Sundays, outlasting the home fans to cheer on their team in victory at the others house. It’s a testament to the fanatical nature of Steelers Nation… a group of fans like no other in sports.

Back to me for a moment. Most of the time you can catch me at Behind the Steel Curtain, or several other SBN Blogs. I am not on Twitter, or Facebook, or Myspace… I’m sorry, those aren’t my thing. You can reach me via email if you choose, NYSteelersFan4@gmail.com. I am always interested in some football related chat, so feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions, or if you just want to say what’s up. I’m happy to talk about any team really, as I tend to watch about 10 games a week so I see them all, thanks to NFL Sunday Ticket and a DVR.

I didn’t go to school for writing or journalism; in fact, I actually failed English in High School at one point. Nothing I’m proud of, as an education is a terrible thing to waste (or forgo for that matter. As I still plan to go back to school at some point). But let that be a lesson to anyone who wants to write. If you really are passionate about something, and are willing to research it, and willing to be as accurate with what you say as possible, follow that passion and always try and get better. I am passionate about football, and specifically the Steelers. I hope my passion shows through. I am a regular fan, writing for regular fans.

Hopefully you enjoy what I write, and I look forward to hearing from you all and thank you for reading.

Sean

 

Click Here for printer friendly

QB Sam Bradford (St. Louis)

ADP: 91st

RB Mike Tolbert (San Diego)

ADP: 93rd

 

WR Mike Sims Walker (St. Louis)

ADP: 134th

TE Jimmy Graham (New Orleans) 

ADP: 104th 

TE Rob Gronkowski (New England)

ADP: 123rd

WR Lance Moore (New Orleans)

ADP: 107th

WR Nate Burleson (Detroit) 

ADP: 154th

WR Braylon Edwards (San Francisco)

ADP: 118th

WR Jacoby Ford (Oakland)

ADP: 136th

RB Michael Bush (Oakland)

ADP: 108th

WR Greg Little (Cleveland)

ADP: 200th

RB Jason Snelling (Atlanta)

ADP: Undrafted

RB Willis McGahee (Denver)

ADP: 115th

TE Benjamin Watson (Cleveland)

ADP: Undrafted

WR Danny Amendola (St. Louis)

ADP: 147th

TE Lance Kendricks (St. Louis)

ADP: 162nd

WR Earl Bennett (Chicago)

ADP: Undrafted 

WR Andre Roberts (Arizona)

ADP: Undrafted

WR Brandon Gibson (St. Louis)

ADP: Undrafted 

RB Montario Hardesty (Cleveland) 

ADP: 174th

RB Kendall Hunter (San Francisco)

ADP: Undrafted

WR Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh) 

ADP: 142nd 

 

 

Steve Janis bringing you the insight, intelligence and fan’s perspective of everything Buffalo Bills. I can be reached at wnywatercooler@gmail.com.  My website is www.wnywatercooler.com. I have been running this all Buffalo blog since 2007.  Obviously I’m a season ticket holder and an avid fan of all sports.  The Bills are my main focus and my favorite team.  

By Jim Keller 

 

Should they run more?  Should they throw the ball down the field more?  How about blitzing? Yes? No?  How about a new coach, offensive coordinator or both?

Those are the questions being asked in Cowboys Nation this week after the Dallas Cowboys started the season 0-2.  And the Dallas braintrust – owner Jerry Jones & Co. – better find the answers soon because only three teams since who lost their first three games of the season since 1990 have advanced to the playoffs.

It won’t be easy this week against the rejuvenated Houston Texans, who have won six straight games dating to last season and have the No.1 scoring and yardage offense in the NFL.  

But let’s get back to the Cowboys’ offense for now because that seems to be the overwhelming topic these first few weeks. … Let me throw out some numbers.

Forty two runs (22 in Week 1 and 20 in Week 2) and 98 passes in two games! No run longer than 12 yards, no pass completion longer than 30 yards. Twelve of the 42 runs have been for two yards or less.  Since 2007, teams that ran the ball more than 22 times have won 92 percent of the games.

Therefore, the percentages seem to favor more running, and even though the offensive line is banged up, Dallas did average 4.8 yards per carry last season, second highest in the NFL, and was seventh in yards rushing.

Five of the 22 runs last week in the 27-20 loss to Chicago went for negative yards, eight for two yards or less.  And that was after Marion Barber rushed for 22 yards on the first three plays for Dallas.  Interesting note from ESPNDallas.com: On first downs, Dallas is running 31 percent of the time, 31^st in the NFL.

Because of the No. 2 passing rank in the NFL after two weeks, the Cowboys rank fourth in total offense, yet Romo & Co. have engineered just two touchdowns despite 27 first downs and 16 minutes more time of possession

Of Romo’s 98 passes, only 13 have been thrown 15 yards down the field – just over 13 percent.. Houston QB Matt Schaub has thrown 25 percent of his passes at least 15 yards down the field, and despite 29 fewer throws than Romo, he has just 52 fewer yards.

Romo is second in passing yards (656) and has been sacked just once but his adjusted yards per attempt is 5.7 which ranks 10^th and his win probability of -.44 is 30^th.  Now I’m not sure how all that is calculated, but it doesn’t bode well for the Dallas offense. He ranked sixth and ninth, respectively, in these categories a season ago.

Romo is the eighth player since 1920 to throw 98 passes in the first two games and first since Tom Brady.  These QBs combined to go 5-11.  And Romo had the highest completion percentage and second-highest passer rating (83.5) but still lost twice.

All of these numbers indicate that Dallas needs to run a little more, pass a little less, and challenge vertically if for nothing else other than to open up a little room for the running game and underneath stuff.

Despite all the big-play targets, this Cowboys’ offense reminds me most of the early-80s when Danny White took over for Roger Staubach.

White had some weapons around him and put up some pretty good numbers, but Dallas always fell short because they couldn’t convert enough with its ball-control offense.  White or somebody else always seemed to make a negative play at the worst time. This is sort of reminiscent of Romo and this cast of characters.  They have committed 18 penalties, trail 4-0 in the turnover battle and make costly mistakes or bad throws on key downs.

Dallas should get something done on offense if it can neutralize NFL sack leader Mario Williams (4) on Sunday.  Houston has surrendered 422 yards per game – most in the NFL – and Donovan McNabb threw for over 400 yards last week for Washington, more than double what McNabb threw for against the Cowboys in Week 1.

While the Dallas defense held Washington to two field goals in a 13-7 loss on Week 1, Chicago’s Jay Cutler dissected the Dallas blitz for 277 yards and three TDs. After Cutler was sacked once and repeatedly dropped to the turf in the Bears’ first three possessions, Cutler started dumping passes into the vacated blitzing linebackers territories and Chicago engineered three scoring drives and 157 yards on its last three possessions of the half.  Dallas, which has relied on pressuring QBs with linebacker and safety blitzes, curiously dialed down the pressure but to no avail.

Cutler, who is known for going down the field, was 18 of 21 with three touchdowns for a 143 passer rating on throws of 10 yards or less.

While holding both Washington and Chicago under 100 yards rushing, Dallas will need to improve upon its totals of two sacks and zero turnovers forced to keep the Texans at bay.

Last week Schaub rallied Houston from a 27-10 deficit with 332 yards passing after intermission, and his 497 total was a franchise record.  He threw a TD pass to Kevin Walter on the last play of the third quarter and hooked up with Andre Johnson on a 34-yard TD on a fourth down Hail Mary with 2:03 remaining to force overtime.  Neil Rackers’ 35-yard field goal with 3:04 left in the extra session gave Houston its first win in seven OT contests.

Schaub completed 38 of 52 balls for three touchdowns.   He was intercepted once and sacked five times.   Johnson and Walter combined for 23 catches and 302 yards, creating a big challenge Sunday for Dallas corners Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins who was carted off the field in the fourth quarter last week with a bruised knee but is expected to play.

Houston is also dangerous on the ground with Arian Foster, who rushed for a franchise-record 231 yards in a Week 1 win over Indianapolis and added 69 rushing and passing last week.

The Houston offense will be without left tackle Duane Brown, a 2008 first-round draft pick suspended this week for four games for violating the league’s performing enhancing drug policy.

The clubs have split two previous games.  Houston won 19-10 here in 2002 for a franchise-first victory and Dallas picked up a 34-6 win four years later, but the Texans thoroughly handled the Cowboys 23-7 in a preseason contest when both teams played their regulars for most of the contest.

http://respectthestar.com/

 

 

 

Heap is not an amazing tight end or anything anymore and at 31 with his history of injury problems, he’s also no guarantee, but when he’s healthy, he’s an adequate starting tight end. They got him relatively cheap, about 3 million per year over 2 years, and if he’s healthy, they won’t have to force 3^rd round pick Rob Housler into action too early and they can do some more two-tight end sets.

Grade: B

 

Spotlight #1: North Carolina DE Quinton Coples

Spotlight #2: North Carolina WR Dwight Jones 

1^st quarter

14:14: Coples with a nice swim move to the inside, the run play goes outside, however.

13:45: Coples gets around his man, but the quarterback rolls out to the opposite side.

13:40: Coples into backfield unblocked, but gives a weak effort in chase of the ball carrier.

13:01: Coples disengages nicely from a double team, gives quarterback chase on a rollout.

11:04: Donte Paige-Moss (DPM) in on a few plays, clear passing downs, two nice plays against the run actually, disengages and wraps up twice when run at. North Carolina has so many good defensive ends, that DPM, once a projected 2012 1^st round pick, has been relegated to nickel work in favor of Kareem Martin, a potential 2013 top 10 pick, opposite Quinton Coples. This has obviously hurt his stock, but he has another year of eligibility and he is really talented. He could be a top 15 pick in 2013 should he return and play well as a senior. Run play is his weakness at 255 pounds, but it’s good to see him do well against the run here. He’s also a hell of a pass rusher.

9:30: Jones is covered with bracket coverage, but he still catches a ball in stride for a 31 yard gain. He could have scored, but just stepped out. Smooth hands, good size, good catch in stride. Nice play.

7:21: Coples run at, but he gets a tackle for a short gain.

5:46: Coples doubled, but he’s still able to disengage and get in on a short tackle. Coples has been doubled a lot tonight, even with all the talent North Carolina has on their line. Louisville has also run several roll outs opposite him. They’re afraid of him.

5:17: Another roll out away from Coples. Exactly my point, they’re afraid of him.

2^nd quarter

14:55: Coples ties up a blocker on a linebacker blitz by zach Brown, another first round prospect on North Carolina’s excellent defense. Brown hits the quarterback as he throws for an incompletion.

13:16: Coples disengages from another block with a spin, gets in on a tackle for a short gain.

11:39: Coples off the edge fast and helps stuff a guy running up the middle from behind on 4^th and 1, failed 4^th down conversion by Louisville.

10:54: Coples disengages from a block and gets in on a tackle for a loss of 3. I know it’s just Louisville, but they haven’t been able to block him at all today, even with doubles.

7:27: Coples run at again, short gain. He’s a stud, completely dominating against the run.

6:50: Coples gets around his man on a speed rush, but again, it’s a rollout away from him.

6:16: Coples draws a hold, gets free anyway, puts a big hit on the ball carrier in the backfield, but the tackle is somehow broken. The hit is big enough to slow him for someone else to come in and stop him for a 4 yard loss.

5:06: Zach Brown drops in coverage like a defensive back and gets a huge pick in field goal range.

2:16: Jones targeted, way inaccurate high. North Carolina’s offense has barely been on the field tonight and when they have, they haven’t moved the ball well with the exception of that one play to Jones for 31.

1:29: Same old, same old. They run at Coples again and again he’s stuffed for a short gain. He’s not going to show up on the stat sheet as having a lot of tackles for a loss, but stuffing guys for 1 or 2 yards is almost as good and he has does that on seemingly every other play tonight.

0:53: Coples has a run go to a gap to his left, disengages quickly and dives, but can’t quite get the tackle. Still a very nice effort.

0:29: Coples well blocked in pass protection, one of the few times today.

0:17: Coples jumps early, false start penalty.

3^rd quarter

13:34: Jones over the middle on 3^rd and 6, can’t quite yet the first because of a nice tackle from behind.

11:32: Coples with a strong rush to the quarterback, but falls near the end of the play.

10:06: Jones converts this first down with a nice inside move within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage off of the defensive back, could have turned into a big play if not for a nice open field tackle.

8:50: Sophomore Marcus Smith with his 2^nd sack of the game for Louisville.

5:41: Coples lines up inside here, takes on blocks and allows the defensive end to get free for a quarterback pressure.

4:12: Marcus Smith with his 3^rd sack of the night. He was unblocked and the quarterback rolled right into it. Smith is only a sophomore, but he now has 3 sacks on the season. Louisville is a young team with a lot of guys who could be future draft picks. Smith could be one of them. He looks good.

1:42: DPM gets into the backfield, misses a tackle.

0:13: Coples blows off the snap, cannot be blocked, excellent in chase, helps force the quarterback out of bounds for a loss on 3^rd and 8.

4^th quarter

12:21: Jones on a deep route, blows past a defensive back, comes back for an underthrown deep ball , plucks it out of the air with a man covering, breaks a tackle with pure power, with two guys trying to break him down. A very impressive play. First he dragged the two guys a few yards, then he broke free and run towards the end zone.

12:10: DPM draws a hold, gets into the backfield for a quarterback pressure anyway.

11:19: DPM disengages from a block with great quickness, gets a tackle for a short gain. He’s held up better against the run in limited action today than he has in the past.

10:26: DPM forces another hold, this time against a double team. He hasn’t played a lot today, but he’s definitely flashed when he’s played. I really hope he doesn’t do something stupid like declare this year and returns so we can have a full year of tape on him as a starter in 2012. He could be a top 15 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft,

6:35: Coples gets into the backfield on a running play again. No tackle here, but the North Carolina defensive line is able to get a tackle for loss.

5:40: Coples beats double again and gets in the quarterback’s face during a pass.

2:29: Coples around the edge, gets to the quarterback on a 3 man rush, but the quarterback does a good job of stepping up, moving away, and getting the ball off before Coples can catch up in pursuit.

2:15: Coples pancaked on a double team.

1:47: DPM in for Coples, again looking good pushing his man back with his hands, strong.

1:28: DPM with a quarterback pressure.

1:16: DPM with another quarterback pressure.

1:02: Coples back, gets back into the back field, combines to flush the quarterback from the pocket.

0:42: Coples blows past his man, hits the quarterback, who breaks the tackle with a spin.

0:00: I know it was just Louisville, but Coples looked awesome. At the very least, he didn’t do anything to hurt his standing as a top 5 pick. He’s not a Robert Quinn type, but he’s more of a Mario Williams type (6-6 285 4.7) excellent against the run, above average as a pass rusher. He didn’t fill the stat sheet, without a sack, and with only a half tackle for loss, but there’s are reasons for this.

For one, Coples was frequently double teamed. Louisville also frequently rolled out away from him, not allowing him to get any sacks. He was, however, frequently in the backfield and got consistent pressure on the quarterback. While he didn’t have a ton of tackles for loss, he did have a lot of tackles for a short gain. Louisville averaged less than 3 yards per carry in this game and Coples is a big part of the reason for that. He couldn’t be blocked and frequently disengaged in a timely manner when run at. I don’t know why they ran at him so much. I would like to see him against tougher competition, but I will be watching North Carolina/Miami next week so that should be a tougher test.

Also, though I wasn’t spotlighting Donte Paige-Moss, he had a great game. I was able to watch him a lot because he came in for Coples often on clear passing downs. That’s not a knock against Coples. That just says he’s the 3^rd best pass rusher on his team and on North Carolina, that’s not a bad thing. DPM and Kareem Martin could be top 15 picks in 2013, specializing in rushing the passer. Besides, Coples is an elite run stuffer for his position. He also can’t move inside on passing downs that much because North Carolina has a pair of future NFL players at defensive tackle as well.

Anyway, Moss looked great in both pass rush and, surprisingly, run stuffing. At 6-4 255, he’s not a great run stuffer and that’s why he’s become a situational player for North Carolina. However, he’s still a very talented player and if he returns for next season, he will start opposite Martin and both could become top 15 picks. I can’t wait to spotlight him next season. Martin too, though I wasn’t able to see much of him tonight, focusing more on Coples and, when he came in the game for him, Donte Paige-Moss.

Going to the offensive side of the ball, Dwight Jones had 4 catches for 91 yards and a score. That’s pretty impressive considering North Carolina completed just 12 passes for 178 yards and that score. I have no idea why he’s not getting first round consideration. He’s a beast at 6-5 230 and he has everything you like in a receiver, good hands, good speed, excellent size, instincts, route running, etc.

In 6 games this season, he has 37 catches for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns. North Carolina has 100 completions for 1341 yards and 12 scores this year. He’s 15^th in the FBS in yards, 3^rd in touchdowns. I know he hasn’t played the toughest schedule this year, but he had a great game against Virginia and Chase Minnifield (5/85/1), a potential first round pick. Also, he’s consistent, no fewer than 85 yards in a game this year. He had 62 catches for 946 yards and 4 scores last year. I can’t understand why he isn’t a first round prospect, but he’ll be one here, provided he keeps this up.

Spotlight #1: Washington RB Chris Polk

Spotlight #2: Washington DT Alameda Ta’amu 

1^st quarter

13:43: Polk with a 7 yard run through a big hole.

13:15: Polk with a short run, not a great push after contact.

11:04: The first time Ta’amu hasn’t been doubled, he just muscles the center backwards. He definitely won that one. Such strong hands.

10:07: Quarterback in trouble, Polk bails him out with a nice pass reception for 8 yards. He has 48 catches in the last 2 plus years coming into tonight.

8:41: Ta’amu pushed back one on one on a big run play.

8:19: Ta’amu breaks free on a pass play.

7:44: Ta’amu almost able to get around his man before the quarterback runs the other way.

6:52: Very nice run by Polk, almost stopped for a loss, but breaks the tackle, avoids another and then runs up field for a 12 yard run. Very elusive for a 225 pound back.

5:48: Polk with an explosive up the middle run. Great burst.

5:16: Nebraska’s Lavonte David, a projected day 2 pick, is one of the fastest and best coverage linebackers in the NCAAs. He’s only 225 pounds, but he’ll make a hell of a cover 2 linebacker at the next level. He picks off a pass here in one on one coverage against a tight end. He looked like a defensive back.

4:04: Ta’amu run at. The ball carrier doesn’t get very far.

3:27: Ta’amu knocks over his man. Pure muscle.

2:42: Ta’amu chases the ball carrier to the outside. He’s not very fast, but that’s not very surprising. I like the effort and the motor. He doesn’t take a lot of plays off and he’s almost always in the game working hard.

1:45: Polk on an outside run, only gets two yards. Play called back after holding.

1:15: Polk runs on 1^st and 20, decent sized run, 6 yards, drags a man with him pretty far. He doesn’t often go down on first contact.

2^nd quarter

14:21: Polk runs over one guy, but he’s immediately tackled by two more.

10:48: Polk catches the dump off on a play action, breaks one tackle, but immediately brought down by a 2^nd.

8:17: Ta’amu draws yet another double, allowing two linebackers to be freed up to tackle the ball carrier for a short gain. They haven’t run inside a lot tonight, but when they have, there hasn’t been a lot of positive results. The play was called back on a holding call anyway.

7:27: A linebacker wraps up the ball carrier on a QB run, Ta’amu finished him off with a brutal big hit.

6:34: Polk with a very weak run here. This is the first time tonight he’s gone down easily.

5:55: Better run this time by Polk, fighting for the extra yard.

5:18: Just an observation, Polk hasn’t been asked to pass block a lot.

4:14: Polk almost able to push himself to the first down. Nice effort, but just short.

3:40: Polk handed to again on 3^rd down and 1, picks up the first time this time. Good vision and a nose for the first down.

2:31: Polk cramping. He should be back soon. He’s at 57 yards on 12 carries against a great Nebraska front that is outplaying Washington’s offensive line.

1:53: One thing I want to mention about that great Nebraska front line. They almost get to the quarterback here, but they’ve been in the back field all night. Jared Crick, the defensive tackle, has been the most impressive of the bunch. Crick, a projected first round pick, could be solidifying himself as a top 20 pick tonight. Not the most naturally athletic kid, but he’s a hard worker and in great shape. He moves very well for a 6-6 290 pounder and has been everywhere tonight. He had 18.5 sacks in the last 2 seasons combined as an under tackle and had his first of this season tonight. He would fit both a 3-4 and a 4-3 at the next level.

 

3^rd quarter

14:41: Polk finds a nice hole, but doesn’t get very far thanks to a great tackle by Lavonte David.

13:43: Ta’amu double teamed, gets free and puts a huge hit on the running back for a short loss. I don’t know how if you can call this a tackle. The running back ran into Ta’amu and fell over. Ta’amu didn’t even have to do anything.

9:54: Polk nearly fumbles on a 3 yard gain.

7:56: Ta’amu in on the tackle on the outside. He moves pretty well for a 330 pounder.

6:18: Polk with another short run. He hasn’t been stopped for a loss tonight, but he has yet to break one yet.

5:29: Polk with a first down run on 3^rd and 1. This is the situation he’s great in. He’s 225 pounds and breaks a lot of tackles.

4:55: Polk with a first down run on 1^st and 10. About 6 or 7 of the yards were on a huge hole opened up, but the final few yards were all him, pushing and refusing to go down.

2:09: A huge 4^th down sack by Jared Crick. Crick is having an amazing game today. I’ve more impressed with him than anyone on the field tonight. Big question with him is where does he plays in a 4-3 at 6-5 285 at the next level. Can he stay at DT or does he have to move to left end.

4^th quarter

10:15: Chris Polk with his first touchdown of the night with a 2 yard run.

8:53: Ta’amu draws the blocks away and allows a linebacker to get in for a sack on a blitz.

8:05: Polk almost breaks a big one, but tripped up at the last second. Still an 8 yard gain.

7:34: Polk breaks several tackles on his way to a 26 yard gain. This was all him. Great explosive, great power, and a nice spin move to boot. Excellent run.

5:19: Ta’amu gets pushed back on 3 straight plays. This is the first time tonight that Nebraska has had consistent success running up the middle.

2:56: Ta’amu goes out with some sort of injury.

2:12: Polk with an explosive run for the 1^st down and then some on 3^rd and 1.

0:00: Alameda Ta’amu left with some sort of injury, but as long as that’s not serious, he should still be a day 2 pick in the NFL Draft. He’s 330 pounds and carries it well. He doesn’t sit out a lot of plays and he’s got a very strong motor. He’s a boulder on the line and very tough to move and he’s uses his hands very well. He’s also a huge tackler. He got moved around on some cases and didn’t have an amazing game, but a very solid game for him. Nebraska didn’t run up the middle very well until late.

Chris Polk was also very impressive. He rushed for 130 yards and a score on 22 carries and more importantly he didn’t get stopped for a loss at all, very impressed because he had a lot of 3^rd and 1 type carries. He’s not the type of back who is a threat to score the ball every time, but if you need someone to grind things out for you, he’s your guy. He moves well for a 225 pounder and he doesn’t go down easily at all. He’s also got solid hands out of the backfield. After Trent Richardson, this is the best running back in this draft class.

However, Polk wasn’t even the most impressive player on the field. That was Jared Crick. I wasn’t spotlighting him, but he had a huge game. He was all over the field as a 6-5 285 pound defensive tackle. He’s not a great athlete, but he’s a high motor, high energy, high production type player. His best position at the next level is 3-4 defensive end and there are questions about how he fits into a 4-3, but he could be a JJ Watt type player as a 3-4 end at the next level. Remember, Watt went 11^th in 2011. How good Nebraska’s front is makes Polk’s game even more impressive.