32(32). Seattle Seahawks 1-2

Seattle stays in the cellar despite a win. The magic of Qwest field was going to win them a few games this year, especially since they play in a division where the teams are 7-30 straight up on the road in the past 2 years. However, I still can’t see them winning a non-divisional game or a road game within the division so I can’t see any more than 2 or 3 wins for them. They still lead the Andrew Luck sweepstakes in my book.

31(31). Kansas City Chiefs 0-3

In the official book, the Chiefs seem to lead the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. They are one of 5 0-3 teams and are probably the worst of the bunch. They gave the early season Chargers a scare last week after Philip Rivers nearly handed them the game, but they held on for the loss, unlike Seattle. Their next test in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes is a pair of 0-3 teams who also almost won last week, Minnesota and Indianapolis.

30(30). Jacksonville Jaguars 1-2

The Jaguars do have a win, but they’re also averaging 9.7 points per game and have had 3 different starting quarterbacks this month, if you include Garrard, who everyone thought was the starter heading into the season. Their defense has kept them in some games, but there’s still not a lot of talent there. Remember, they’ve played Matt Hasselbeck, Mark Sanchez, and Cam Newton in a monsoon. Drew Brees will be a bit of a different test for them this week.

29(28). Cincinnati Bengals 1-2

And here I thought the Bengals could actually win a surprising amount of games this season with their defense, their running game, their weak schedule, and Andy Dalton game managing things. Their defense looked great last week, but that might have just been San Francisco. However, their offense scored a mere 8 points last week, 2 off a safety and 3 off a field goal after a Frank Gore fumble.

28(26). Miami Dolphins 0-3

The only thing Miami has to look forward to is that Tony Sparano could be fired soon. I think Sparano is one of the early contenders to get fired first this season along with Todd Haley and Jack Del Rio. There was no way this season was going to go well for the Dolphins. Anytime you try and fail to replace both your starting quarterback and your head coach in the offseason, you have a team full of guys questioning the leadership. Sparano’s replacement will find a new starting quarterback this offseason and the team will start over, trying to find a suitable replacement for Dan Marino, who retired all those years ago.

27(27). Denver Broncos 1-2

What was John Fox thinking going for it on 4^th and goal with the lead? This is normally one of the most conservative men in the league, to a fault at times. He refuses to play rookies and he loves running the ball more than anything, but he goes for it on 4^th down with the lead when they’ve struggled to convert short yardage plays all season? That could be the difference between this team being 1-2 and 2-1. Not like it matters. This team is going 5-11 either way. Might as well play Tebow. I say it every week. Why not play him?

26(25). Carolina Panthers 1-2

After throwing for 422 yards and 432 yards in two straight losses to open his career, Cam Newton decided that if this team was going to win, he was going to have to play worse. That’s exactly what he did, throwing for 158 yards in a monsoon win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Newton becomes the 6^th quarterback drafted in the first round to win week 3 in the last 6 instances. Maybe there’s something to this whole, 3^rd time’s the charm thing.

25(23). Minnesota Vikings 0-3

Someone should tell Donovan McNabb games are 2 halves long. It’s unclear if he understands that part of the rulebook. I mean he doesn’t know games can end in ties. Maybe he doesn’t know how many quarters a game is. The Vikings have blown leads to teams with winning records in each of their first 3 games, though I guess we can’t entirely blame McNabb. Head Coach Leslie Frazier seems to subscribe to the Todd Haley philosophy that you shouldn’t use your best players. Percy Harvin has been moved out of the starting lineup and into the slot permanently, playing only about 50-60% of the team’s offensive snaps, while 100 million dollar man Adrian Peterson got just 8 2^nd half carries in a game the Vikings were leading at halftime last week. The Vikings better hope a trip to Kansas City is just what the doctor ordered this week.

24(20). St. Louis Rams 0-3

Bill Simmons thinks St. Louis can start 0-7 and win this division anyway. I prefer to subscribe to the notion that Arizona or San Francisco wins it with 6, but I’m not in complete disagreement with Simmons. St. Louis faces Washington, Green Bay, Dallas, and New Orleans in their next 4 before the schedule gets easier. In the end, I think this miserable bunch gets a small win this week against Washington and finishes in 3^rd at 5-11.

23(21). Tennessee Titans 2-1

I made a prop bet that Kenny Britt would have more than 5 touchdowns this year (5!!!). Britt had 3 through 2 games and I felt I was in the clear here until Britt tore both his ACL and his MCL last week, ending his season. Considering Chris Johnson decided to stink it up this season, this team might be now completely lacking any offensive playmakers. Speaking of Johnson he has 98 yards on 46 carries this year and was outgained by the punter last week, who had one carry for 21 yards. In other news, Titans punter Brett Kern is now holding out, demanding top playmaker type money.

22(24). Indianapolis Colts 0-3

Curtis Painter entered the game for the Colts with a career quarterback rating of 9.8 (I don’t know what that is on ESPN’s fancy schmancy QBR, but I’m guessing it’s about a -5) last week when Kerry Collins went down. The commentators said he was prepared because, even though he didn’t take any reps in practice, he had been taking mental reps. This makes sense because he came out and threw an inaccurate pass to a wide open wide receiver who would have had a touchdown that would have won them the game. But that’s okay because that’s a mental completion and in Curtis Painter’s head they won that game.

21(29). San Francisco 49ers 2-1

Why do I get the feeling the 49ers could win this division with 6 wins? Arizona, St. Louis, and Seattle all seem pretty terrible and the 49ers might have the right combination of an opportunistic defense and an easy schedule to win the 6 or 7 games it looks like it’s going to take to win this division. I have Arizona ahead of them for now because Arizona has a very easily schedule as well, but that could change soon.

20(22). Oakland Raiders 2-1

The Raiders aren’t as good as their 2-1 record, with one loss to a 3-0 team, would suggest. They won an ugly game against the lowly Broncos. They blew a big lead in Buffalo. Last week, they caught the Jets napping and looking forward to Baltimore next week. The Patriots should put the Raiders in their place this week after a loss to Buffalo last week. New England is deadly off of a loss. Once they get blown out, maybe people will stop talking about how much this team has improved after losing 3 of their best players. San Diego is still better than them in the division.

19(16). Arizona Cardinals 1-2

Arizona had 4 backs heading out of the lockout. Tim Hightower is gone, traded to Washington. Ryan Williams is done for the season. Chris Wells and Laron Stephens-Howling missed last week so they went with Alfonso Smith as their starting running back. I had no idea who that was so I googled him. My computer laughed at me. Even more embarrassing, Smith started over Chester Taylor, who had a mere 6 carries last week. That’s a good sign you should hang ‘em up Chester.

18(14). Chicago Bears 1-2

Jay Cutler wasn’t sacked as many times as he could have been against Green Bay, but the Bears didn’t look very good in a home loss to the Packers, rushing for 13 yards on 12 carries (2 yards on 9 carries by Forte). The Packers didn’t focus on getting to Cutler, instead focusing on neutralizing Forte’s impact on the game and it worked. Forte is their only offensive playmaker and their offensive line can’t block a plastic bag. That’s not a good recipe for success in the NFL.

17(17). Cleveland Browns 2-1

The Browns have proven they can beat bad teams. With Tennessee, Oakland, Seattle, and San Francisco in their next 4, this team could somehow be sitting up 5-2 heading into Houston week 9. The schedule gets tougher from there. However, if they lose to those bad teams like they did week 1 to Cincinnati, well that’s just embarrassing.

16(19). New York Giants 2-1

Continuing their history of first half success, the Giants put together an injury plagued win over the Eagles week 3. Their 2^nd half (San Francisco, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Green Bay, Dallas, Washington, the Jets, and Dallas) still has to be scary, but I’m very impressed with their ability to bounce back after week 1 and after all of their injuries and personnel losses in the offseason.

15(18). Washington Redskins 2-1

I was sure how to rank the 3 2-1 teams in the NFC East (I still like Philadelphia to win it). However, Dallas beat Washington who beat New York so they line up in order here. The Redskins have to be hoping that Grossman isn’t regressing. They have the Rams this week and if he is regressing, they could easily be caught off guard by a Rams team playing for their dignity after getting blown out at home last week.

14(13). Dallas Cowboys 2-1

Can we lay off Tony Romo? He throws for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Jets in a game that his special teams blew. He leads a comeback with a cracked rib against San Francisco and then he beats Washington despite 4 botched snaps by Phil Costa and Kevin Ogletree consistently running the wrong route. The Cowboys better get their act together during the week because the 3-0 Lions are coming to town with all of their pass rushers aiming for Romo’s ribs and 4-0.

13(11). Pittsburgh Steelers 2-1

With 3 turnovers against Indianapolis, the Steelers now have 10 turnovers on the season despite playing Seattle and Indianapolis in 2 of their 3 games. They had to put injured players back into the game on the offensive line against Indy and would have lost had Curtis Painter not missed a wide open man for a touchdown. Now they have to go into Houston. I’m feeling pretty confident about leaving Pittsburgh out of the playoffs in my preseason picks.

12(10). Atlanta Falcons 1-2

This team could easily be 0-3 if Michael Vick doesn’t get hurt week 3. A trip to Seattle should be just what the doctor ordered, but remember Seattle is good at home and Atlanta has had its struggles on the road. A trip to Seattle should bring them back to 2-2, but they have to be worried. Tampa Bay looks better than them and it looks like Detroit and Green Bay are both making the playoffs out of the North. That doesn’t leave a spot for them.

11(12). Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-1

The Buccaneers got a huge win last week and have lost just 1 game, to Detroit, by 7. Last week’s win could easily be the difference between playoffs and no playoffs in a few months. 6 quarters ago, they looked like a classic sophomore slump team, now they look like a team that is just getting better as they mature. Now they get a huge Monday Night Game against Indianapolis. Hopefully their fans actually show up.

10(9). New York Jets 2-1

The Jets got embarrassed in Oakland in a game that just meant more to Oakland than it did to them. Now is the real test, a trip to Baltimore followed by a trip to New England. They lost to both Baltimore and New England last year so you know Rex Ryan is trying to sell those games to his players as revenge games. If he can do that like he did before their playoff games against the Colts and against the Pats last year, the Jets could end up at 4-1 with 2 impressive wins. This is clearly a huge stretch for a team that hasn’t beaten anyone of note yet.

9(15). Buffalo Bills 3-0

The Bills are for real. Anyone we doesn’t think so just needs to ask Tom Brady. Can they stay in first in the AFC East? I don’t think so. Do I have them making the playoffs now? You bet. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the perfect fit for Chan Gailey’s scheme and Fred Jackson just keeps getting better. I’m interested to see how they handle the post huge win situation this week against Cincinnati. Do they still have enough of a chip on their schedule to get to 4-0 convincingly against the lowly Bengals? The last question this team has to answer is how do they handle success?

8(4). Philadelphia Eagles 1-2

The Eagles are a mess right now, but they can get things together. Michael Vick’s hand isn’t broken and he should play this week against San Francisco and they’re still the most talented team in the division. However, there’s not a lot of room for error now at 1-2, a game back of 3 solid teams in New York, Dallas, and Washington.

7(6). San Diego Chargers 2-1

The Chargers are rumored to be pressing so much to win in the early part of the season that they’re playing badly. Chargers fans have to be concerned after barely beating Kansas City and Minnesota in San Diego. What if this team can’t get it together in the 2^nd half again? The good news, the schedule doesn’t get any tougher for them in the coming weeks. They have Miami this week (0-3), and then Denver (1-2) and following a tough game against the Jets, they get the Chiefs (0-3) again.

6(8). Detroit Lions 3-0

The Lions are one of three teams still undefeated, a surprise 3-0 team along with Buffalo. The bad news, division rival Green Bay is the 3^rd 3-0 team. They’re not getting this division unless they can beat Green Bay head to head twice and I don’t think they can do that. However, they could definitely end up a 11 or 12 team wild card and not a team you want to face in the playoffs.

5(5). Houston Texans 2-1

Houston did what they do best last week, they blew a big lead. However, New Orleans is a quality opponent and they still played well. They have the ability to get things together heading forward. However, they have to make sure that blowing leads doesn’t become a trend for them again this year. Their 2-0 start before the New Orleans game should mean nothing to them. They started 2-0 last year and ended 6-10. Besides, they haven’t beaten anyone of note yet. Needless to say, their home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this week is going to be huge.

4(7). Baltimore Ravens 2-1

You think the Ravens didn’t like losing to the Titans? Sam Bradford and company didn’t know what hit them last week and the Ravens appear to have found their #2 receiver, rookie Torrey Smith, who now has more touchdown catches (3) already than former Maryland teammate and 7^th overall pick Darrius Heyward Bey has in his whole career (2). Smith did that in 1 quarter against St. Louis.

3(3). New Orleans Saints 2-1

The Saints stay right where they were last week after a hard fought home win against a quality Houston team. This team is an offensive machine, scoring 30+ in 9 of their last 12, including the playoffs. Now they face a Jacksonville team this week that is averaging less than 10 per game this season. Can we just make them 3-1 already?

2(2). Green Bay Packers 3-0

The Packers have yet to play a truly dominating game yet. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t want to be Denver heading in Green Bay next week. Aaron Rodgers is still playing out of his mind and the defense is going to get it together, even with a nasty neck injury to Nick Collins. Rodgers also has all the weapons in the world, led by Greg Jennings and the always amazing (when healthy) Jermichael Finley.

1(1). New England Patriots 2-1

This may be controversial, but I picked them at the beginning of the season and I’m leaving them here. No one’s perfect. They were going to lose a game at some point. The Packers were my preseason pick last year. They lost week 3. I didn’t move them. Look how that turned out. The Patriots still have the talent to get it done and they might not lose for a while if you look at their schedule and how they normally respond after a loss.

MLB Emmanuel Acho (Texas)

Brother to former Longhorn and 2011 4^th round pick of the Arizona Cardinals Sam Acho, Emmanuel has been a 3 year starter at linebacker for Texas and looks like a mid round pick. The 6-2 240 pounder had 117 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 3 sacks this season.

WR Joe Adams (Arkansas)

One of Arkansas’ all time leading receivers, Adams has 3 seasons of good production for Arkansas, including 54 catches for 612 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. He’s also scored 5 times on punt returns, 4 times this season, including one of the greatest plays of the year. Extremely quick in space, the 5-11 190 Adams figures to be an early pick on day 3 as a punt return and possibly as a depth receiver.

OT Mike Adams (Ohio State)

Suspended for the first 5 games of the season in the Terrelle Pyror scandal, the 6-8 320 pound is a physically imposing offensive tackle who still made the All-Big 12 2nd team despite missing 5 games and could have been an All-American had he not been suspended. The former #1 overall offensive tackle prospect coming out of High School, Adams struggled with speed rushers such as Whitney Mercilus and Jack Crawford this season and figures to go in the 2nd round as a right tackle.

OT Levy Adcock (Oklahoma State)

A big physical 6-6 320 pounder, Adcock has played both left and right tackle for Oklahoma State and looks like a right tackle going forward. Not the most athletic, but a powerful blocker as a pass protector and a run blocker, Adcock had an up and down senior season and struggle at times with speed rushers, but dominated Oklahoma’s Frank Alexander in the Big 12 Championship game this year. Adcock can also play guard and looks like a 2^nd or 3^rd rounder in April.

S Antonio Allen (South Carolina)

Primarily a box safety, Allen had 89 tackles this season and also has looked good in coverage for a South Carolina team that really didn’t surrender a lot of big plays this season except for the one game Allen missed against Arkansas. The 6-2 205 pound Allen also had 4 career picks, including 2 pick sixes and 3 picks this season. In a weak safety class, Allen figures to be an early day 3 pick as a strong safety, but could move up into day 2 with a good pre-draft season, starting with the Senior Bowl.

RB Vick Ballard (Mississippi State)

A powerful back at 5-11 220, Ballard managed 1189 yards and 10 touchdowns on 193 carries despite poor blocking and a generally weak supporting cast this season. This year, the powerful back had 968 yards and 19 touchdowns on 186 carries. An improved pass catcher with 20 catches this season and also a good blocker, Ballard could be a real sleeper on day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft.

S Mark Barron (Alabama)

A projected day 2 pick had he declared last season, Barron made the decision to return to Alabama and it seems to have been the right one. Barron had a fantastic senior season for “National Champion” Alabama and looks like the top safety in a weak safety class. On the season, the 6-2 220 pound Barron had 66 tackles, 5 for loss, 1 sack, 5 deflections, and 2 picks. He’s a fringe first round pick at the moment.

CB Dwight Bentley (Louisiana Lafayette)

One of the better small school cornerbacks, Bentley is undersized at 5-11 180, but plays with a good motor and explosion. Bentley was frequently thrown away from this year, but didn’t face a lot of good quarterbacks. The best one he faced this year was San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley, who throw on him with some ease in their bowl game so I question how he’ll do against the best of the best this week, but he could surprise. At the moment, he’s probably a late rounder or undrafted player.

DE Jake Bequette (Arkansas)

A talented 3 year starter at defensive end for Arkansas, Bequette had 5.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss in 2009 and 7 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in 2010. After struggling with injuries and missing 3 games this season, Bequette had a huge senior season with 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss on the season, including 8 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his last 5. Bequette’s stock is obviously soaring and could land him on the 2nd day of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 6-5 275 pound end is probably a left end at the next level and is above average against the run, in addition to being a great and accomplished pass rusher.

OT Tony Bergstrom (Utah)

Playing both left and right tackle for a good Utah team this year, Bergstrom isn’t the most athletic and may have to move to guard long term. Right now, he’s a late rounder.

G Will Blackwell (LSU)

An All-American 2^nd teamer, Blackwell is not a highly rated prospect because he is undersized at 6-4 290. However, Blackwell had a great senior season and career in general at LSU. A talented run blocker, Blackwell has some mid to late round upside as a developmental pick for a zone blocking scheme.

C Philip Blake (Baylor)

A member of the All-Big 12 first team, Blake is a physical presence at 6-3 320 who had a great game in their bowl game against Washington and potential 1st rounder Alameda Ta’amu. A powerful run blocker, Blake also displayed good chemistry with Heisman winner Robert Griffin III for Baylor’s high powered offense. His stock is on the rise right now and he could end up pretty high on the 3rd day of the draft and as one of the first 5 or so centers taken.

CB Brandon Boykin (Georgia)

A bit undersized, the 5-10 180 Boykin was a shut down corner for Georgia this season, but his size could land him on the day 3, though he could also go in the 3rd round or so. Boykin played great physical coverage on the 6-4 Rueben Randle in the SEC Championship against LSU, limiting him to 2 catches for 13 yards, in a game where he had 2 deflections, giving him 9 on the season. He’s a great athlete and returned 4 kickoffs to the house in his career, as well as a punt return this season. He also scored this season on an 80 yard rushing touchdown. If he runs in the 4.3s, he’s got a chance to go higher than the 3rd round, but otherwise teams might just see him as a nickel back, which will hurt his stock.

OLB Nigel Bradham (Florida State)

The first Seminole to lead the team in tackles in 3 straight years since Marvin Jones, Bradham has totals of 93, 97, and 86 in the last 3 years. A bit undersized at 6-3 240, but Bradham makes up for it with good speed and coverage ability. Bradham looks like a 4-3 outside linebacker, especially in a cover 2 system, which he played in at Florida State.

DE Andre Branch (Clemson)

Great numbers, 77 tackles, 16 for loss, and 9.5 sacks, as well as great measurables with 4.6 speed at 6-5 260, but an inconsistent motor. When he’s on, he’s on and he’s a fierce pass rusher, but has a tendency to be invisible in some games. He also gets washed against the run at times and needs to add more functional strength.

C Mike Brewster (Ohio State)

An accomplished center and a 4 year starter, Brewster came in this year as a potential first round, but trouble with snaps late in the season dropped his stock to the 2nd day or possibly even the 3rdday. A good run blocker, Brewster’s future may be at guard. He’ll need a good Senior Bowl to help his stock.

OT James Brown (Troy)

One of the better small school offensive linemen, Brown will need a good week here to prove he belongs and get himself drafted.

OLB Zach Brown (North Carolina)

One of the top linebacker prospects in this class, Brown is 6-1 230 and could run a 40 in the 4.4s, though he’s been rumored to run at 4.28. Brown makes a large number of splash plays and is excellent both as a blitzer and in coverage. On the season, Brown had 103 tackles, 13.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 4 deflections and 3 picks. A better fit in the 4-3, but he could also play 3-4 middle linebacker and be an emergency 3-4 outside linebacker because of his blitzing ability and his athleticism.

K Randy Bullock (Texas A&M)

One of several kickers who could get drafted this season, Bullock finished this year 29 of 33 on field goals and 55 of 57 on extra points, but only hit once from longer than 50.

P Randy Butler (Georgia)

An accomplished punter who could be the first punter off the board, Butler has averaged at least 44 yards per punt in each of the last 3 seasons, including 48.1 yards per punt in 2009.

MLB Audie Cole (NC State)

A big physical linebacker at 6-5 245, Cole could play inside in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. A 3 year starter at NC State, Cole had 108 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks last season and figures to go late on day 2 or early day 3.

DE Quinton Coples (North Carolina)

Arguably the top prospect at this game, Coples looks like a top 10 lock and could go as high as 6 to Washington. Normally high rated players attending this game is rare, but perhaps after watching Von Miller raise his stock even more last year (from the 8-12 range to 2^nd), Coples decided to attend this year. That shows he’s a competitor. A physical freak with 4.7 speed at 6-5 285, Coples would be a good fit for either the 4-3 as an end or a 3-4 as a 5-technique defensive end. Coples burst onto the scene with 59 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 10 sacks as a junior in 2010. He didn’t quite match those numbers this year with 55 tackles, 15 for loss, and 7 sacks, but he frequently drew double and triple teams, which opened things up for his teammates. He’s also one of the best collegiate defensive ends against the run I’ve ever scouted.

QB Kirk Cousins (Michigan State)

A winner and an experienced 3 year starter with a good arm, Cousins has some upside, but is not going to be a high pick. He needs a lot of work and never posted elite numbers at Michigan State. His decision making is very questionable and he’s also very inconsistent. He had a horrible game against Nebraska this year, refusing to throw away from his top receiver BJ Cunningham, who was blanketed by Alfonzo Dennard. Cousins finished that game 11 for 27 for 86 yards, no touchdowns, 1 pick and like 4 or 5 dropped picks. On the season, he completed 63.7% of his passes for 7.9 YPA, 25 touchdowns, and 10 picks.

DE Jack Crawford (Penn State)

A popular prospect among draftniks after a 2009 season in which he had 5.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore, Crawford had an awful 2010 season where he was plagued by injuries and finished with just 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The athletic Crawford bounced back with 40 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks this season and had a great game against Ohio State and Mike Adams with 2 sacks and consistent pressure. Crawford has bulked up to 265 from 250 and at 6-5 265, he could see his stock rise if he runs in the 4.6s like some expect. A prospect for either a 3-4 or a 4-3, Crawford is currently a mid round prospect, but that could change.

WR Juron Criner (Arizona)

Top receiver for Nick Foles, Criner was an All-American 2^nd teamed in 2010 with 82 catches for 1233 yards and 12 touchdowns. Criner wasn’t as good this year, missing a game and catching 75 passes for 956 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he still had a good season. A good possession receiver and an end zone threat at 6-4 220, Criner has a role in the league but with a lack of breakaway speed, it’s not as a featured #1 receiver. Criner figures to go in the 3^rd or 4^th round.

DE Vinny Curry (Marshall)

Maybe the top small school prospect, Curry has a knack for getting to the quarterback and making big plays. His stats are insane. In 2010, he had 94 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and in 2011, he had 77 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He hasn’t faced the toughest competition, but at the same time, he had 2 sacks against West Virginia last year and 2 against Ohio State. Undersized at 6-4 255, Curry is a candidate to be a 3-4 outside linebacker and at the worst he’s a pass rushing specialist in a 4-3. His ability to rush the passer will be a much sought after commodity on draft day and could push him into the 1^st round. I doubt he falls must past the middle of the 2^nd round.

DT Mike Daniels (Iowa)

A penetrating defensive tackle primarily, Daniels had 66 tackles, 13 for loss, and 7 sacks on the season, but at 6-1 280, he doesn’t do much against the run. Primarily a situational player at the next level, I was not impressed with him at all against Michigan State. He’ll have a lot of trouble going higher than the late rounds.

OLB Lavonte David (Nebraska)

Undersized at 6-1 225, but extremely productive and makes a much of impact plays. In 2010, he had 152 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 6 sacks, and 8 deflections, while in 2011 he had 133 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 deflections and 2 interceptions. He’ll need to run well at the combine, but he’s best fit in a cover 2 scheme and with his coverage ability he could be a safety at the next level. He looks like a day 2 pick at the moment.

CB Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)

One of the top cornerback prospects in this draft class, Dennard held up very well for a very good Nebraska defense last year as teams threw at him and away from Prince Amukamara. As the #1 guy this year, he struggled for a few games with injuries, but he could end up going higher than Amukamara because he was dominant once he got healthy this year. His best game was against Michigan State where he held BJ Cunningam, one of the Big 10’s top receivers, catchless despite being thrown on a lot, and recorded 3 deflections. On the season, he had 31 tackles and 6 deflections in 10 games. Last year he had 30 tackles, 7 deflections, and 4 picks. The 5-11 195 pounder looks like a mid to late first rounder.

FB Chad Diehl (Clemson)

Mostly a blocker, the massive 6-2 265 pound Diehl had 6 carries for 8 yards in his career, but led the way for some talented ground attacks. He could get drafted late.

WR Patrick Edwards (Houston)

Extremely productive with 3 years of 1000+ yards, including 89 catches for 1752 yards and 20 touchdowns this year, but in an offense that inflates stats. He was only his team’s leader in yards by a few hundred and didn’t lead the team in catches. Houston had 3 receivers over 900+ yards this year. A system receiver and undersized at 5-9 175, Edwards has good speed, but is the product of the system and Case Keenum. He also had problems with drops. He could be a late rounder or not get drafted at all. He’s got a long road ahead of himself this week.

TE Michael Egnew (Missouri)

Egnew had a great junior season with Blaine Gabbert with 90 catches for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2010, but a low yards per catch is alarming. This year, he had a down year with 50 catches for 523 yards and 3 touchdowns. Undersized at 6-6 245 and not much of a blocker, Egnew is also not fast or athletic enough to make up for it. He looks like a mid or late rounder.

FB Bradie Ewing (Wisconsin)

A powerful run blocker for Montee Ball’s record setting season, Ewing also caught 20 passes out of the backfield and is not a bad athlete. Though he didn’t get a single carry this year, Ewing still remains one of the top fullback prospects in this draft class.

CB Jamell Fleming (Oklahoma)

Oklahoma’s top cornerback, Fleming held up fairly well in a pass heavy league like the Big 12. This year he had 60 tackles, 10 deflections, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions and figures to be a mid rounder.

CB Donnie Fletcher (Boston College)

A talented player on a pretty barren Boston College team, at least when it comes to senior talent, Fletcher has all the tools at 6-0 200, but played a bit inconsistently this year. There’s upside to be coached up and in a pass heavy league, expect him to be a 3^rd rounder or so.

QB Nick Foles (Arizona)

Foles has all the tools, but was not a winner in college. He also takes too many sacks and tends to got worse as the season goes on. However, he’s a big (6-5 240) pro style quarterback with 3 years of starting experience, with his best being his last two. This year, he completed 69.1% of his passes for 7.7 YPA and 28 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. He needs work, but could be coached up into a starter over time and that should land him on day 2.

WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M)

A 4 year starter, Fuller made a mistake not declaring after last season in which the 6-4 receiver caught 72 passes for 1066 yards and 12 touchdowns. He could have been a 2nd round pick last year and came into this season as a potential first rounder. Plagued by injuries and drops, Fuller looked slow this year and got upstaged by teammate Ryan Swope, a junior slot receiver who showed much better chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Fuller finished this season with 70 catches for 828 yards and 6 scores on a great passing offense, but had his only 2 100+ yard games of the season in his final two so his stock is back on the rise. A good Senior Bowl could raise his stock, but right now he remains on the day 2, day 3 border. A good 40 time will also be necessary.

RB Terrance Ganaway (Baylor)

RG3 wasn’t the only breakout star on Baylor’s offense, in his first year as a starter, the 6-0 240 pound Ganaway rushed for 1547 yards and 21 touchdowns on 250 carries this season. He only caught 6 passes all year and some suggest he may have to move to fullback at the next level, but I would give him a shot as a running back, even if just as a short yardage back. He’s a load to take down in the open field and has surprising football speed.

C Garth Gerhart (Arizona State)

Arizona State’s center, Gerhart had trouble with snaps in their bowl games against Boise State, but all in all had a good game. Brother to Toby Gerhart, Garth figures to be a late rounder because he’s unatjletic and undersized at 6-2 292, but he’s a smart center and a good blocker.

G Cordy Glenn (Georgia)

In his first year at left tackle, the 6-5 335 pound Glenn struggled some this year, especially with speed rushers like Boise State’s Shea McClellin and LSU’s Sam Montgomery, but still showed his ability as a powerful run blocker and dominated pass rushers when he could get his hands on them. He should move back to guard at the next level, but could fit in as a right tackle in the right scheme.

WR TJ Graham (NC State)

A punt returner turned wide receiver, Graham is deadly in space and is just scratching the surface on his talent as a receiver. On a bad offense, Graham still managed 46 catches for 757 yards and 7 touchdowns last year. The 6-0 180 pounder should have a good 40 time and has returned 4 kickoffs/punts to the house in his career. He’s a nice late round upside pick who could end up being a steal.

RB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)

A backup in 2009, Gray rushed for 757 yards and 5 touchdowns on 159 carries behind talented back Christine Michael, but when Michael got hurt in 2010, Gray took the lead back job and ran with it, rushing for 1133 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries. In 2011, he split carries with Michael until Michael got hurt again. In his first game as a starter, he rushed for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns on 30 carries and then 94 yards and 3 touchdowns on 9 carries before he got hurt himself. He finished the 2011 season with 1045 yards and 12 touchdowns on 193 carries. A shifty back who has no problem being in a timeshare, Gray figures to be a mid rounder. The 5-10 200 back is fast, but also breaks a good amount of tackles. He also is a fantastic pass catcher with 28, 34, and 31 catches in the last 3 yards.

TE Ladarius Green (Louisiana-Lafayette)

Yeah he’s undersized at 6-6 230 and not much of a blocker, but I could see him in that Aaron Hernandez role in the NFL only taller. Green is like a big receiver out there in the seam, fast, smooth route runner, good hands and vertical ability, and an end zone threat. He was his team’s leading receiver with 51 catches for 606 yards and 8 touchdowns this year. He’s a 4 year contributor and a 3 year starter. He should go in the mid rounds.

LS Josh Harris (Auburn)

The top rated long snapper in this class, the 6-1 227 pound Harris has a shot to get drafted.

CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt)

One of my favorite draft sleepers, the 5-11 190 pound Hayward had a great year as a shutdown corner against receivers like Alshon Jeffery, Hayward also finished with 7 picks and a pick six, giving him 15 career picks. He also deflected 10 passes and filled the stat sheet with 46 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, including a fundamentally sound solo tackle for loss on Trent Richardson. A willing and capable run defender, Hayward is the whole package at cornerback. A likely day 2 pick, I believe Hayward has first round talent.

RB Dan Herron (Ohio State)

After a great junior year in which he rushed for 1155 yards and 16 touchdowns on 216 carries and caught 19 balls, Herron was poised for a strong senior season, but was suspended for the first 6 games. When he came back, he finished with 678 yards and 3 touchdowns on 135 carries. A boom or bust runner, the 5-10 200 pound Herron needs to become a more physical runner. That’s a pick part of the reason why Ohio State frequently took him out on the goal line and in short yardage situations for a running back who was actually smaller than him. He figures to be an early day 3 pick.

DT Jaye Howard (Florida)

Playing the nose tackle in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense at Florida, Howard finished the season 65 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks, but got washed against the run in the games I watched of him. He figures to be a mid day 3 prospect.

TE Emil Igwenagu (Massachusetts)

An overlap player from the East/West shrine game (rare), Igwenagu had a good weak there in practice and had one nice catch in traffic in the game. Undersized at 6-2 245, but a good pass catcher as both a fullback and a tight end at UMASS. 75 career catches and 12 career carries, Igwenagu could be a fullback or an h-back at the next level and could end up getting drafted late.

S George Iloka (Boise State)

A 6-3 215 safety who also plays some cornerback, Iloka finished the season with 58 tackles, 3 for loss, and 1 deflection. He was good in coverage against Arizona State, but isn’t as good against the run as his size would suggest. A good athlete, Iloka figures to be a day 3 pick.

DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)

A high motor player, Ingram has two seasons of great production with 28 tackles, 11 for loss, and 9 sacks in 2010 and 48 tackles, 15 for loss, and 10 sacks this season in the SEC. At 6-2 276, Ingram projects best as a 4-3 left end at the next level, but he did move inside to defensive tackle on passing downs and get good pressure up the middle as one of 3 talented 3rd down pass rushers for South Carolina’s strong defense. This might suggest he could play 3-4 defensive end if he were to bulk up, as well as that he could be to 4-3 under tackle on passing downs. Some even suggest he could play 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s a versatile player.

CB Asa Jackson (Cal Poly)

A small school kid I know absolutely nothing about, let’s see what he’s got.

CB Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama)

Could have been a top 15 pick in 2011 and the first cornerback off the board after Patrick Peterson, Jenkins matched up with both AJ Green and Julio Jones one and one and shut them down. However, he returned to school, but ended up getting kicked off the Florida team after 2 drug arrests in 3 months, bringing his total to 3. Rather than joining the supplemental draft, Jenkins went to North Alabama to rebuild his stock and his image and had a good year against weaker competition. A team that’s comfortable with his character (Bengals?) will take him in the first.

DE Cam Johnson (Virginia)

Has all the tools and looks downright dominant at times as both a pass rusher and a run defender, but also inconsistent with generally less than stellar production. Against Miami and Duke, he was awesome, but on the year, he finished with 30 tackles, 11 for loss, and 4 sacks. The 6-5 270 pounder figures to be a mid round pick.

MLB James-Michael Johnson (Nevada)

A talented small school linebacker, JMJ has great range and had 100 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks on the season. The 6-2 240 pounder can line both inside and outside and should be a mid to late round pick as a depth linebacker.

CB Leonard Johnson (Iowa State)

Johnson held up pretty well in the pass heavy Big 12 and had a great game in Iowa State’s upset win over Oklahoma State. On the season, the 5-10 200 pounder had 71 tackles, 2 for loss, and 8 deflections and a pick. He should be a mid to late rounder.

C Ben Jones (Georgia)

A powerful run blocker at 6-3 315, Jones also had a great game in pass protection against LSU, who has a group of great pass rushing interior linemen. One of the better centers in this draft class, Jones could sneak into day 2, but is probably a high day 3 pick.

WR Dwight Jones (North Carolina)

A massive receiver at 6-4 230 with big and good hands, Jones has 2 years has great production on not the best passing offense with 62 catches for 946 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2010 and 85 catches for 1196 yards and 12 touchdowns this year, with at least 70 yards in every game but 1. He’s a fringe first rounder.

G Senio Kelemete (Washington)

A massive left tackle on a generally bad Washington offensive line, Kelemete is being looked at as a guard at the next level. As you can expect, the 6-3 315 struggles against pass rushes, but is a good run blocker.

MLB Mychal Kendricks (California)

Played inside in Cal’s 3-4 defense, Kendricks looks like a depth linebacker with good versatility at the next level. A mid to late rounder, Kendricks had 65 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. He showed good pass rushing ability as a 3-4 outside linebacker last year with 7 sacks before being moved inside. At 6-0 240, he’s too small for that position at the next level, but above average blitzing ability is a plus.

QB Ryan Lindley (San Diego State)

Has all the tools and many thought this would be the year the small school kid would put it all together and become a mid round sleeper, but he was even worse this year and now looks like a late rounder. He’s never completed more than 57.7% of his passes and this year he completed just 53.0% for an average of 7.1 YPA and 23 touchdowns to 8 picks. He struggled mightily against a good TCU defense with 15 completions for 201 yards on 42 attempts and 2 touchdowns to 3 picks. He’s got some late round developmental upside, but that’s about it.

TE Brian Linthicum (Michigan State)

One of three tight ends Michigan State used in different situations this year, the 6-5 245 tight end had 31 catches for 364 yards and no scores in a career best year this year. He could get drafted late.

CB D’Anton Lynn (Penn State)

A projected mid round prospect by some, I don’t see it. Lynn really struggled in coverage against both Patrick Edwards and DeVier Posey and only has 4 career picks. He’ll need a strong Senior Bowl to be anything other than a late round pick I believe.

RB Doug Martin (Boise State)

After a great junior season in which he rushed for 1260 yards and 12 touchdowns on 201 carries, Martin struggled to start the 2011 season with injuries, but once he got healthy, he finished with 4 straight 100+ yard game to finish the year with 1299 yards and 16 touchdowns on 263 carries, including 543 yards and 7 touchdowns on 115 carries in his last 4. He’s also caught 28 passes in each of the last 2 seasons. A bowling ball in the open field at 5-9 215, Martin might not have a good 40 time, but has solid football speed and is tough to tackle in the open field. He could be a sleeper on early day 3 of the draft.

S Markelle Martin (Oklahoma State)

One of the top safeties in a weak safety class, Martin is solid in coverage and a hard hitter. On the year, he had 75 tackles, 11 deflections, and 5 tackles for loss. He should come off the board on day 2.

DT Mike Martin (Michigan)

Not the most athletic, but a massive run stuffer with a phenomenal motor that doesn’t stop, Martin is an underrated player who won’t have a huge impact in the NFL, but has a role as a 4-3 nose tackle at 6-1 304. On the season, he had 64 tackles, 6 for loss, and 3.5 sacks, but had more impact that his stats would suggest and never took a play off. Outside of the first 3 rounds, he’s a steal because he’s a starter at the next level.

WR Marquis Maze (Alabama)

Maze was Alabama’s leading receiver this year without Julio Jones, but that’s not saying much. He had 56 catches for 627 yards and a score. At 5-9 180, he’s small and not much of a receiver to begin with, but he’s got his special teams ability to help his stock and could catch on as a depth receiver. He looks like a late rounder. He returned one punt to the house this year.

OT Matt McCants (UAB)

A 4 year starter at left tackle for UAB, McCants is one of the best offensive lineman in Conference USA. Strength of schedule will hurt him, as could his weight. If he doesn’t measure in at over 300 pounds (listed as 295 pounds), he could have a hard time getting drafted. He’ll need a good Senior Bowl because he’s an under the radar prospect from UAB.

WR Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

McNutt had a breakout senior season with 82 catches for 1315 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 6-4 215 pound receiver doesn’t have great speed and is not much of a deep threat, but looks like a nice, safe possession receiver at the next level. That puts him on day 2, possibly as high as the early 2nd round as a complimentary receiver and goal line threat at the next level.

CB DeQuan Menzie (Alabama)

The “other” Alabama cornerback, opponents threw away from Dre Kirkpatrick, but Menzie held up in coverage well, helping Alabama’s awesome defense win the “National Championship.” He’s got some mid round upside.

QB Kellen Moore (Boise State)

The NCAA’s all-time leader in wins with 50, Moore finished with a 50-3 career record that will be hard for any quarterback to break in the future. In fact, Moore’s 3 losses were by a compared 5 points and if Boise State had a better kicker, Moore could have easily finished 52-1 for his career. That’s insane. Of course, he also comes from a dink and dunk offense and a lesser conference. He’s also 6 foot tall at best and has a low release angle that will lead to a lot of deflections at the line at the next level and a weak arm, so he’ll have a lot to prove before the draft. The Senior Bowl will be his first chance to do that. As he stands, he looks like a day 3 pick right now, but this quarterback class has been weakened by Landry Jones and Matt Barkley returning to school so there is plenty of room for him to move up. At this point last year, people had Andy Dalton as a mid rounder and he went in the 2nd round and led the Bengals to the playoffs as a rookie.

OT Brandon Mosley (Auburn)

Auburn’s right tackle with a talented, but undersized AJ Greene at left tackle, Mosley is a powerful run blocker and a good pass protector, but on the right side, rather than the left side. Not the most athletic player, Mosley looks like a mid rounder at right tackle or even guard.

P Brad Nortman (Wisconsin)

A 4 year starter with averages of 41.8, 42.0, 42.7, and 42.2, Nortman has a chance to get drafted late.

RB Chris Polk (Washington)

Under the radar, but Chris Polk has 3 great years of production behind the same Washington offensive line that was an excuse for Jake Locker’s poor play in 2010. Big at 5-11 222, with solid speed to compliment, Polk can also catch passes (78 in 3 years) and almost never takes a tackle for loss. On the year, he had 1488 yards and 12 scores on 293 carries after 1415 yards and 9 touchdowns on 260 carries in 2010 and 1113 yards and 5 touchdowns on 226 carries in 2009. He’s the 2^nd best back in this class after Trent Richardson in my opinion and could be a value pick in the 3^rd round.

RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati)

Undersized at 5-10 200 (at most) and doesn’t break a lot of tackles, Pead doesn’t have the elite speed to make up for it. On the season, he had 1259 yards and 12 scores on 237 carries and he has 3 years of good production, but the most important thing was 39 catches this year (85 in 3 years). He’s got a role as a 3^rd down back in the NFL.

TE DeAngelo Peterson (LSU)

Undersized at 6-4 230, Peterson was one of 3 tight ends used by LSU this year and had 18 catches for 179 yards and one score in what was his best season this year. He’s not much of a blocker either, especially at his size, so he’ll have trouble getting drafted unless a team likes him as a fullback.

G Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State)

Played out of position this year at left tackle and it was noticeable, the massive 6-5 345 pound Osemele belongs at guard and will likely play there at the next level.

WR DeVier Posey (Ohio State)

A big athletic deep threat, the 6-3 Posey is a big raw, but caught 60 passes for 828 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2009 and 53 passes for 848 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2010, but was suspended for the first 10 games of the season. When he returned, he caught 12 passes for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns in 3 games on a terrible pass offense. The talent is certainly there, but he needs to become a better route runner and has some issues with drops and going over the middle. He’ll also have to answer for some off the field stuff, but could be a mid round steal like Mike Williams was in 2010.

DT Tydreke Powell (North Carolina)

Athletic and came into the season with a lot of hype, but for all the good defensive linemen North Carolina has, Powell should have had better numbers as he saw a lot of single blocking. On the season, he disappointed with 46 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. He should still be drafted late as a developmental player, however.

WR Brian Quick (Appalachian State)

One of the top small school prospects in the country, Quick has all the tools at 6-4 220 and had great numbers last year with 71 catches for 1096 yards and 11 touchdowns. He just needs to prove he can do it with the big boys. If he does that this week, he could find himself getting drafted on day 2.

RB Chris Rainey (Florida)

A ridiculously fast player who could run in the 4.3s, Rainey rushed for 861 yards and 2 touchdowns on 171 carries in his first year as a starter this year and also caught 31 passes. However, at 5-9 171, he could have a very tough time getting drafted. The NFL Draft was not kind to ridiculously fast, ridiculously small backs in 2011, guys like Noel Devine and Derrick Locke, who went undrafted.

DT Kheeston Randall (Texas)

A popular player to be highly slotted before the season, Randall never lived up to it with 34 tackles, 4 for loss, and a sack, though he played better than those numbers suggest. The 6-5 305 pounder is best fit as a 3-4 defensive end, but can play 4-3 defensive tackle and has enough upside to be a mid to late round pick.

DT Kendall Reyes (Connecticut)

Maybe the best penetrating defensive tackle in this draft class, Reyes wreaking havoc in the Big East last year and was consistently in the backfield. On the year, he had 46 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Size is an issue, as is his ability against the run, but he should be a day 2 prospect and is best fit in a 3-4 at 6-5 290.

WR Gerrell Robinson (Arizona State)

An athletic freak who saw the light turn on late this year, Robinson had 58 catches for 1195 yards and 4 touchdowns in his last 8 games this season. At 6-4 220, Robinson has all the tools and is not afraid to go over the middle. He’s also a phenomenal run blocker. He could be a steal after the first 3 rounds and has the potential to play himself into day 2 with a good week.

OLB Keenan Robinson (Texas)

Listed at 6-3 240, but looks and plays smaller, but he’s also great in space. It wouldn’t surprise me if he measured in lighter than 240. A 3 year starter, Robinson had 98 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 1 sack this year, in what was a down year statistically for him. He struggles to get off blocks, but has some tools and some upside as a mid round developmental prospect.

S Trenton Robinson (Michigan State)

A cornerback turned safety after some nasty leg injuries, Robinson is undersized at 5-11 195, but good in coverage and had a solid senior year with 80 tackles, 4 picks, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 deflections. He could get drafted late, but might be too much of a tweener to be anything other than a special teamer.

OT Zebrie Saunders (Florida State)

A career right tackle, Saunders’ stock shot up when he moved to left tackle this year for the injured Andrew Datko. Saunders is athletic, but was a bit inconsistent this year. Still, given the need for athletic left tackles, Saunders should be a 2^nd rounder. Some have him in the first, but I think he has some work to do first.

OT Mitchell Schwartz (California)

Played left tackle for Cal this year and did well under the radar, but didn’t play a lot of good pass rushers. Schwartz moves well and might be best in a zone blocking scheme.

G Amini Silatolu (Midwestern State)

A small school kid I’ve never watched. Looking forward to it.

TE Brad Smelley (Alabama)

Lining up in all sorts of positions, Smelley showed good hands and open field ability this year, especially late as he finished with 34 catches for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns, including 6 for 86 yards and a score against Auburn. In his last 3, he had 17 catches for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns. Unfortunately, at his size (6-3 230), he’s only an h-back or a fullback at the next level, but he deserves to be drafted. He should be drafted late.

S Harrison Smith (Notre Dame)

A smart sound tackler, the 6-2 220 pound Smith is a strong safety at the next level. He plays the safety position the way it should be played. On the year, he had 90 tackles and 3 for loss and rarely missed one. He’s not the most athletic, but he’s got good ball skills. He had 7 picks and 7 deflections in 2010 and while he didn’t pick one off this year, he had 10 deflections. He’s not the most athletic, but he’s underrated in my book. Mike Mayock likes him as well and feels he could go on day 2.

OLB Sean Spence (Miami)

Look up scrappy in the dictionary and you’d find a picture of this kid, Spencer is tiny at 5-11 225 and not very athletic but his motor is always on 110% and he plays the game with great passion and fundamentals. He’s always around the football. On the year, he had 106 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 3 sacks. He should go in round 2, but probably will end up in the 3^rd or 4^th.

CB Ryan Steed (Furman)

A talented, athletic small school cornerback, Steed had his chance this year against Florida, but surrendered a long touchdown. He could redeem himself with a good week here.

DT Devon Still (Penn State)

A talented All-American tackle who is good against both the pass and the run. The 6-5 310 pounder had 55 tackles, 17 for loss, and 4.5 sacks this season for a highly ranked Penn State defense. He has a good chance to be the first defensive tackle off the board in this weak class. A fit for both a 3-4 and a 4-3, Still figures to be a first round pick and is one of the highest ranked players at the Senior Bowl.

DT Alameda Ta’amu (Washington)

Big (6-3 340), but that’s about it. He never had a huge impact on the game and was part of a Washington front 7 that surrendered almost 500 rushing yards to Stanford this year. He’s got the size and athleticism, but he’s a 3^rd rounder in my book. I don’t see how he’s being talked about as a first rounder.

QB Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M)

He may only have 20 career starts, but the athletic former wide receiver has a 13-7 career record and has revitalized a once struggling Texas A&M program. In 2010, he completed 65.0% of his passes for an average of 7.0 YPA, 13 touchdowns, and 6 picks and was even better in 2011, his first full season as a starter. This year, he completed 61.6% of his passes for an average of 7.1 YPA and 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He’s got all the tools at 6-4 220 and is also a threat to run. He is likely the one most likely to benefit from Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning to school and seems like the early favorite to be the 3rd quarterback off the board after Luck and Griffin. Given that, he could go in the first round, but he needs a good Senior Bowl to do so and he has stiff competition.

S Brandon Taylor (LSU)

A former cornerback that LSU moved to free safety, Taylor was good in coverage and not too shabby against the run either for a great LSU defense (when they even let a ball carrier into the secondary). He’s underrated and has a chance to play himself in day 2 with a good week here.

DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)

WR Nick Toon (Wisconsin)

Not the best statistical player on a conservative offense, but son of Al Toon, Nick caught 54 passes for 805 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009, struggled in 2010 through injuries, and then caught 64 passes for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns this season as Russell Wilson’s favorite target. The 6-3 220 pound receiver is a great run blocker and route runner and figures to be a solid complimentary #2 receiver at the next level. He should go on day 2.

G Johnnie Troutman (Penn State)

The only non-special teams Senior Bowl participant (so far) that I haven’t heard of, I’ll be sure to spotlight him before the Senior Bowl. Most projections have him going undrafted.

OLB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama)

3-4 teams will love that the 6-2 265 pound Upshaw has experience in a 3-4 at Alabama and they’ll especially love that the “National Championship” defensive MVP had 52 tackles, 18 for loss, 9.5 sacks, and a pick six for Alabama. While generating consistent pressure, Upshaw also played the run well and dropped in coverage like a true linebacker. He’s so versatile and could even appeal to 4-3 teams if he can prove he can rush with his hand in the ground this week. He could also be used in a Brian Orakpo/Von Miller/Kamerion Wimbley role in 4-3, but either way, he probably won’t fall to the 2^nd half of the 1^st round

C William Vlachos (Alabama)

A solid, but unspectacular center for Alabama, Vlachos had some good moments this year, especially run blocking for Trent Richardson, but he’s not the most athletic and he struggled in both games against LSU’s awesome defensive tackles. He looks like a mid rounder.

OLB Bobby Wagner (Utah State)

A small school stud, the 6-1 230 pound Wagner had 147 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4 sacks on the year, but struggled to get off blocks in the open field. He’s undersized, but has a great motor and could be a great special teamer or depth linebacker in the mid rounds.

QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State)

Weeden has a great arm, but struggles with decision making, especially under pressure, and mechanics. He got a strong arm, but often overestimates his ability to put the ball in tight holes. On the season, he completed 72.7% of his passes for 8.4 YPA and 37 touchdowns to 13 picks, with similar numbers in his first year as a starter in 2010. He needs some work, which is normally fine, but he’s 28 (actually older than Aaron Rodgers) because he played minor league baseball for 5 years. Unless some team thinks he can start right away, I can’t see him going in the first 3 rounds. He could get drafted late as a backup as I think he’d be an above average one in the league, but I don’t think there’s much upside here.

K Carson Wiggs (Purdue)

In his career, Wiggs nailed 56 of 76 field goals and 125 of 128 extra points. He was 6 of 13 from 50+, 2-3 this year, with a career long of 59.

QB Russell Wilson (Wisconsin)

After a nondescript 3 year career at NC State, Wilson transferred to Wisconsin for his final season after playing a little minor league baseball. Wilson found himself in the perfect situation, game managing Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl, completing 72.8% of his passes for an average of 10.3 YPA and 31 touchdowns to 4 picks, leading college football in quarterback rating. Everyone raves about his character and integrity and the fact that he was named a captain 3 weeks into his time with Wisconsin speaks volume. He’s undersized at 5-11, but he’s got a good release point, like Drew Brees, and he’s mobile. He didn’t have to do a whole lot at Wisconsin and his nondescript career at NC State worries me a little, but I think he’s got mid round potential now that he’s decided to quit baseball and go forward with football.

DT Billy Winn (Boise State)

A member of Boise State’s fantastic penetrating defensive line, Winn has 3 years of good production and 4 years starting. In 2009, he had 44 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 6 sacks. In 2010, he had 29 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. In 2011, he had 33 tackles, 8 for loss, and 3 sacks. At 6-4 290, he is a fit for both a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense and figures to go on the 2nd day of the draft.

LS Kyle Wotja (Wisconsin)

Another long snapper who could get drafted, though the demand for long snappers is hardly huge.

WR Kendall Wright (Baylor)

After 3 years of solid production, ranging from 50 catches to 78 catches, 649 yards to 952 yards, and 4 touchdowns to 7 touchdowns, Wright broke out this season with Robert Griffin III. This year, he had 108 catches for 1663 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 5-10 190 pound receiver has game breaking speed and could go as high as the end of the 1st round.

G Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin)

A fantastic, powerful run blocking offensive line, the 6-4 315 pound Zeitler had a great season for Wisconsin at guard, helping pave the way for Montee Ball’s record setting season. Zeitler looks like a day 2 pick and could go as high as the early 2nd round. In my opinion, he is the best interior lineman in this class behind Stanford’s David DeCastro and teammate center Peter Konz.

Deal for Rams: Pretty sad to see. Carriker was the 13^th pick in the 2007 draft and one of the most dominant defensive tackles in NCAA history from Nebraska with 16.5 sacks in his last 2 years (why does this sound eerily familiar). However, injuries and inconsistencies destroyed him as he only has had 2 sacks in his career. Now he’s gone for the right to move up 29 picks in the 5^th round, pretty much nothing. I would have liked to have seem them try to restore his career, but I can’t really blame them for getting rid of him here.

Grade: B

Deal for Redskins: I like this. I know they’re already short on picks, but they don’t lose a pick in this process, only move down 29 picks and they get a guy in Carriker who still has some upside and is a great fit in Washington’s 3-4 defense.

Grade: A

Wide Receiver

Citadel

5-11 192

40 time (projected): 4.44

Draft board overall prospect rank: #13

Draft board wide receiver rank: #114

Overall rating: 66*

            Andre Roberts was one of the few small school players who burst onto the big scene in the Senior Bowl. He had a down season as a senior, getting less than 1000 receiving yards for the first time in two years, which, at a small school, against weak competition, wasn’t impressive. I thought, if he got drafted, it would be as a kick returner. However, he showed his amazing route running and knowledge of the game of football and looked like a man among boys at Senior Bowl practice, instead of the other way around. However, he lacks elite athletic ability. He doesn’t have great size and that will hurt him against more physical NFL cornerback and he doesn’t have the speed to blow past anyone. I think he’s best suited as a gritty slot guy who is capable of getting yards after the catch and not afraid to go over the middle and catch a ball. He has very soft and secure hands which will help him back the tough catches he will almost have to make in the NFL and a result of his mediocre natural athleticism. He could become a quarterback’s best friend very quickly, and he’ll also impress as a punt returner. I don’t think he’ll be anything special in the NFL, but you could do a lot worse than a smart, gritty, and disciplined wide receiver with excellent route running and good ability as a punt returner, in the 3^rd-4^th round range.

NFL Comparison: Austin Collie

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

RB Chris Johnson DOWN

It’s looking like Johnson’s hold out could go into the season. Once a top 4 back, I don’t see how you can use a 1^st round pick on him. He wants 13 million a year (he’s nuts) and the Titans aren’t going to give that to him anytime soon. Even if he does play, he’ll be hurt by the holdout and lack of playing time like Darrelle Revis was last season. He won’t be nearly as effective as he could be if he didn’t hold out. If you do draft him, make sure it’s in the 2^nd round and that you draft Javon Ringer, the lead back in his absence, as a handcuff.

TE Chris Cooley DOWN

Cooley could miss at least the first week of the season. For a tight end that was a borderline TE1 already given Washington’s quarterback problem, I think this makes him undraftable. Don’t think about drafting Fred Davis either in his absence. Davis won’t play the whole season and drafting two tight ends doesn’t make any sense, especially when both have absolutely terrible quarterbacks.

WR Jeremy Maclin DOWN

Maclin should be getting back to practice soon and he’s not dying, which is obviously a good thing. However, he could still miss the first week of the season. He’s been really sick this offseason and predictably is not in great shape. It could take him a few weeks to be his old self.

WR Riley Cooper UP

Cooper is an interesting handcuff for Maclin owners. The 2^nd year receiver would likely step into the lineup if Maclin misses any starts. At 6-3, he easily be their best goal line threat and the Eagles offense is so explosive that ever starter is fantasy draftable.

WR DeSean Jackson UP

Jackson also would benefit from Maclin being out of the lineup. He still wouldn’t be a goal line threat or anything, but Cooper opposite him is significantly inferior so Vick would be looking his way much more often.

RB Ray Rice UP

Even with the addition of Ricky Williams, Ray Rice could still see most of the goal line looks, at least early in the season. With Chris Johnson holding out, Rice was already my #3 fantasy back, but he gets so many yards receiving and rushing and he has a new fullback in Vonta Leach. If he can get double digit touchdowns, he could finish the season as the #2 fantasy back behind Arian Foster.

RB Jonathan Stewart DOWN

When John Fox was in town, Williams and Stewart split carries fairly evenly. It doesn’t appear that’s how it’ll be under Ron Rivera. Williams got all the 1^st team carries in the Panthers’ first preseason game. Expect more like a 65-35 split this season than a 55-45 split, at least until Williams gets hurt.

RB DeAngelo Williams UP

He has health problems and quarterback problems, but he’ll run behind a great offensive line and should reach 250 carries if he stays healthy as he appears to be the clear lead back. He got all of the carries with the 1^st team in the Panthers’ first preseason game and he got a giant contract in the offseason.

QB Jay Cutler DOWN

Just in case you thought the Bears offensive line couldn’t be worse than last season, they give up 9 sacks to the Bills in a preseason game. I know it’s just the preseason, but it’s still a very disconcerting sign given how bad their offensive line was last year. I’m downgrading all of the Bears offense a little in fantasy.

WR Johnny Knox DOWN

Knox doesn’t just get downgraded because of their struggles on the offensive line. Knox gets downgraded because the Bears reigning leading receiver was recently benched for both Roy Williams and Devin Hester. They figure to use a lot of 3 receiver sets so Knox should still see the field, but not enough to be a consistent fantasy producer.

WR Roy Williams DOWN

Williams will be their #1 receiver next season, but I have to downgrade him a little because of how bad their offensive line is.

WR Devin Hester UP

Hester, for some reason, will be a starter for the Bears this season. I don’t know if I’d draft him, but it’s something to think about.

TE Zach Miller DOWN

Tarvaris Jackson is worse than I thought. I’m downgrading both Miller and Rice, who figure to be Jackson’s leading receivers. Miller has been fantasy startable with JaMarcus Russell as his quarterback before, but he at least looked his way. Jackson didn’t target Miller once in his brief time as a starter in their first preseason game. He has a history of doing this, largely underutilizing Visanthe Shiancoe as a Viking in the past.

WR Sidney Rice DOWN

Rice is a talented player, but he’s coming off an injury, learning a new offense, and his quarterback is absolutely terrible. He’s not a consistent fantasy starter this year.

RB Tim Hightower UP

Hightower got all the Redskins first team carries in their first preseason game. Roy Helu is a rookie and Ryan Torain can’t stay healthy. The Redskins have problems on the offensive line and at quarterback, but so did the Cardinals last year and Hightower still averaged 4.8 yards per carry as the lead back last year.

QB Matt Stafford UP

I didn’t have Stafford ranked in my top 15 because there are questions about his healthy and there are still questions about his ability. He’s still never proven himself in the NFL. He could be very good, but there was a point when we though David Carr, and Alex Smith, and JaMarcus Russell could have been very good. However, Stafford did look very good in his first preseason game, for what it’s worth.

WR Calvin Johnson UP

Obviously, the better Stafford is, the better Calvin Johnson is. Johnson has had 2 amazing seasons in the past 3 years with crappy to mediocre quarterbacks. Imagine what he can do if Stafford turns out to be a legitimate franchise quarterback and plays a 16 game season.

RB LeGarrette Blount UP

Blount is not much of a pass catcher, but with Cadillac Williams gone, he’s staying in on 3^rd downs, for lack of a better option. The Bucs have absolutely nothing behind him on the depth chart (a running back with two career carries, a 6^th round rookie, and an undrafted rookie). He won’t catch a lot of passes, but he should exceed 300 carries unless the Buccaneers sign a legitimate backup for him in free agency.

RB Shonn Greene UP

Greene got all the first and second down carries with the first team in their first preseason game. It appears that LT, who was almost cut in the offseason, will be nothing more than a 3^rd down back and that the 3^rd year Greene will finally get his chance to be their lead back.

RB Montario Hardesty DOWN

Hardesty seems to be the logical choice as the back who keeps Peyton Hillis, who wore down late last season, fresh. However, Hardesty still isn’t 100% off of knee surgery which means Brandon Jackson will be seeing a good amount of the backup carries in Cleveland. Until Hardesty is 100%, he and Jackson should cancel each other out. Don’t draft either of them.

RB Jamaal Charles DOWN

Thomas Jones is listed as first on the depth chart. Todd Haley is nuts. Charles still has some value as a 2nd rounder because he’s so talented, but, with a tougher schedule, expect fewer carries and fewer yards per carry for Charles this season. The only way he would have been worth a first round pick is if he was the lead back, which it appears he’s still not. 

WR Mario Manningham UP

Steve Smith and Kevin Boss are gone. That means more targets will go to Manningham and Nicks.

WR Hakeem Nicks UP

Steve Smith and Kevin Boss are gone. That means more targets will go to Manningham and Nicks.

QB Eli Manning DOWN

Eli Manning will feel the loss of Steve Smith and Kevin Boss this season.

WR Marques Colston DOWN

Colston’s surgically repaired knee is not 100%. It’s still not a huge concern, but it’s a little bit more concerning that it was a couple weeks ago.

WR Lance Moore UP

All 3 of New Orleans’ top receivers have injury problems. Colston’s knee is still not 100%. Robert Meachem battled leg injuries all last season and recently hurt his back in a preseason game. Moore missed most of 2009 with injuries, but is as close to 100% as you can be right now. In 2008, when healthy, he caught 79 passes for 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2010, when he also was healthy, he caught 66 passes for 763 yards and 8 touchdowns. Expect production similar to those numbers this year, especially with injury questions surrounding Colston and Meachem.

WR Robert Meachem DOWN

Meachem, who dealt with leg injuries last season, hurt his back in the Saints’ first preseason game. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s a sign that this is just an injury prone player. Besides, Lance Moore has reportedly looked much better than him in camp.

Wide Receiver

This is how bad the Bears wide receiving corps is. No receiver caught more than 37 balls, while Roy Williams led all Bears’ wide receivers in snaps played. Jerry Angelo was known for not valuing the wide receiver position, but he’s been fired so it appears this is the year they’ll finally find Jay Cutler someone to throw to. Receivers like Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, and Alshon Jeffery will be in play at 19.

Guard

At right guard, Chris Spencer was pretty awful. At left guard, Chris Williams was pretty awful until he got hurt. He was replaced with Edwin Williams, who was arguably their best offensive lineman this season, but he seems to be moving to center long term. Meanwhile, Chris Williams is expected to move back to left tackle to compete with J’Marcus Webb. With Edwin Williams moving to center, Roberto Garza is expected to move back to guard, but the soon to be 33 year old is hardly a savior. They need either one or two new guards this offseason.

Offensive Tackle

J’Marcus Webb was awful at left tackle last season, allowing 12 sacks and 30 pressures, while committing 14 penalties. Chris Williams is expected to compete with him for the job in 2012, but I don’t know how much better he’ll be. At right tackle, Gabe Carimi was promising in limited action, but went on IR early in the season. In his absence, Lance Louis and Frank Omiyale were awful. They can’t be allowed to play the position again next season.

Outside Linebacker

Linebacker has been a strength of the Bears for years, but Brian Urlacher will be 34 and coming off a major knee injury next season, while Lance Briggs is 31 year old and still wants a new contract or to be traded to a team that will give him a new contract. They also don’t have a great 3^rd linebacker so I expect them to add a linebacker or two to groom through the draft.

Tight End

The Bears had a talented tight end in Greg Olsen, but traded him away because Mike Martz has no idea how to use a tight end. Martz is no longer the offensive coordinator, so they should add a pass catching tight end to the mix. Kellen Davis is a good blocker, but nothing else.

Cornerback

They have 3 cornerbacks who are free agents this offseason, including starter Tim Jennings. Depending on what happens, they could need to add a cornerback or two through the draft or free agency.

Safety

Safety is another position where they have a couple free agents, but they also didn’t have particularly good play there during the season. They have other needs, however, so they may go into next season with Chris Conte and Major Wright as the starters.

Defensive End

Israel Idonije is a decent player, but he can be upgraded. He’s also a 31 year old free agent so it wouldn’t surprise me, if the value fits, to see the Bears take a defensive end and groom him opposite Julius Peppers.

Running Back

Matt Forte is a free agent. Other than Jay Cutler, he’s literally their only good offensive player so he’ll need to be resigned. Even if he is resigned, they need depth after him. Neither Chester Taylor nor Marion Barber have provided that over the last couple years, while Kahlil Bell, who showed good ability down the stretch when Forte was hurt, is a free agent. He could be resigned as a backup or leave for more carries elsewhere. If that happens, a backup for Forte will be needed because Barber won’t cut it (pardon the pun) in 2012.

100 Once in a decade prospect 
95-99 Elite talent 
90-95 Solid top 10 pick 
85-90 Solid first round pick 
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 
65-70 3rd-4th round pick 
60-65 4th-5th round pick 
55-60 5th round pick 
50-55 6th round pick 
45-50 7th round pick 
40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 
30-40 Career practice squader 
20-30 No NFL future 
0-20 No football future 

Trade for the Broncos: In Josh McDaniels time with the Broncos, he has traded Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, a 1^st round pick, and a 3^rd round pick for a Robert Ayers (who doesn’t fit the scheme), Richard Quinn (a blocking tight end who caught 12 passes in college), Alphonso Smith (currently 4^th on the depth chart), Kyle Orton, a 1^st round pick, and 2 2^nd round picks. This may be just me, but I thought the idea was to make your team better. This severely restricts an offense that was already severely restricted when they swapped the cannon armed Jay Cutler for the girly armed Kyle Orton. Marshall was their only deep threat and YAC guy and without him, their offense becomes a bunch of short passes, extremely one dimensional. They tried playing without Brandon Marshall in week 17 last year and they got destroyed by the lowly Chiefs. He had about 3 times more catches last year than any other receiver on their team. They’ll probably target a wide receiver in the first 2 rounds this year, seeing as they now have 3 picks in that area, but he’ll still be a rookie. He won’t be Brandon Marshall.

Grade: C

Trade for the Dolphins: Bill Parcells has experience working with and dealing with so called diva receivers like Brandon Marshall (Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens). I know he’s not in a coaching position, but I think he is somewhat involved with the players personally, in addition to his duties as team president. Plus, the only reason Marshall was acting out in Denver is because he wanted to be paid what he deserved. The Dolphins did what the Broncos should have done a year ago and signed Marshall to a 4 year 48 million dollar extension hours after receiving him. The price is 2 2^nd rounders is extremely cheap for a guyHe  who is one of the best wideouts in the league. He’ll be extremely important to the development of young Chad Henne.

Grade: A

The Ravens were obviously very worried about their situation at both tackle positions. Left tackle Michael Oher struggled on the left side after an amazing rookie season on the right side in 2009. Meanwhile, 3^rd round rookie right tackle Jah Reid has failed to impress in camp. However, I don’t know how much McKinnie helps. He showed up to Vikings camp a few weeks ago at near 400 pounds with dangerously high cholesterol levels. I don’t know how he could have gotten into game shape since. He wasn’t even that great last season and at his age, he’s a declining player. I don’t understand this being a 2 year 7.5 million dollar deal with 1 million guaranteed.

Grade: C

QB RB WR TE OT G C NT DT 3-4 DE DE RLB OLB MLB CB S K P

Updated 4/17/10 

100 Once in a decade prospect 

95-99 Elite talent 

90-95 Solid top 10 pick 

85-90 Solid first round pick 

80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 

75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 

70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 

65-70 3rd-4th round pick 

60-65 4th-5th round pick 

55-60 5th round pick 

50-55 6th round pick 

45-50 7th round pick 

40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 

30-40 Career practice squader 

20-30 No NFL future 

0-20 No football future 

1. JD Walton (Baylor) 75

With the more athletic Kris O’Dowd and Stefan Wisniewski returning to school, Walton, a savvy 3 year starter at Baylor, becomes the top center prospect. He’s not an elite athlete, but he is very intelligent and has good technique. He made the All-American first team this year.

2. Eric Olsen (Notre Dame) 70

Notre Dame’s offensive line was horrible this year, but its not Olsen’s fault. He only gave up one sack all year. He’s a versatile interior lineman with the intelligence and technique to play center in the NFL and displayed good chemistry with Jimmy Clausen this year.

3. Maurkice Pouncey (Florida) 69

By far the most versatile guard on here, he has the ability to play both guard positions, and center, which he played last year. He could also play right tackle and he has great athletic upside, though he didn’t quite tap into all of that in his time at Florida.

4. Matt Tennant (Boston College) 63

Undersized at 285 pounds, but that’s actually okay for the center position. His technique and durability are great and his snaps are flawless. He could get drafted in the early 4^th round because of need for the position. He’s the best pure zone blocking center in the draft class because of his agility and technique.

5. Jeff Byers (USC) 59 

1/30/10: 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. 

A former elite guard prospect who would be a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme. He only weighs 290 pounds so he won’t fit all schemes and he has a nasty history of injuries, but if he fulfills his potential, he could be the best pure left guard in this draft class. He needs to bulk up though, even to play a zone scheme.

6. John Estes (Hawaii) 58

A mean athletic center built in the mold of former Hawaii center Samson Satele, now with the Oakland Raiders. He has the ability to play guard and is a very physical run blocker in addition to being a smart leader on the offensive line.

7. Chris Hall (Texas) 52

He’s started at every position on the line before in his career, but found his niche as a center over the past two years, making the All-American 3^rd team this year. His versatility and athleticism could get him drafted late.

8. Kevin Matthews (Texas A&M) 50

3/15/10: Football is in his blood (his dad is Hall of Fame center Bruce Matthews) and he looked the part of Bruce Matthews’s son at his Pro Day looking really good in positional drills. In a weak center class, Matthews could get himself drafted.

He’s Hall of Fame Center Bruce Matthews’s son, but he also held his own last year and made a name for himself as a talented, yet undersized, center for Texas A&M. The Big 12 had arguably some of the best defensive tackles in college football last year, but he did a very good job against more talented and bigger defensive tackles. 

9. Kenny Alfred (Washington State) 49

A physical center that can also play right guard if needed. He also showed good durability making 29 straight starts for Washington State and snaps the ball flawlessly. His technique needs a bit of work, but his strength and work ethic give him a good upside.

10. Ted Larsen (NC State) 48

An athletic former defensive tackle who has flawlessly moved to center for the past two years. He should have the versatility to kick over to either guard position and was a smart, vocal leader of a surprisingly good offensive line this year.

11. Eric Cook (New Mexico) 47

12. Chris Fisher (Louisiana-Lafayette) 44

13. Andrew Lewis (Oklahoma State) 41