2012 NFL Draft Prospects | Page 12 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2012 NFL Draft Prospects

Who needs a strong NFL Combine performance?

Who are the main offensive prospects that need a big Combine performance to really help push their draft stock…
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ICONOsweiler is impressive throwing the football.
QB Brock Osweiler: Arizona State (6-8, 240)
The guy has some talent and can sling the football. However, much like Ryan Mallett last season, he's going to need to play in an offense where he can throw the football down the field and isn't going to be forced to make many quick throws underneath, where he struggles with timing, footwork and ball placement. If everything falls into place for Osweiler, meaning he develops as a quarterback mentally, has time to work at his trade and falls into a perfect fit for him physically (Steelers, Patriots, Raiders) he does have the talent to eventually fight for a starting job in the NFL. However, this is a guy who is going to look great throwing against air at the NFL Combine and with a strong performance could rise up into the mid/late first round range.
RB Chris Polk: Washington (5-11, 222)
He’s a big kid with a good feel inside, runs hard and will break some tackles. However, pad level, initial burst and lack of great change of direction skills make me think he's more of a potential NFL starter only. Didn’t have a great Senior Bowl in Mobile and it will be interesting to see just how explosive he is both as a short area athlete and straight-line guy at the NFL Combine. Needs a big week to get some positive momentum going his way.
WR Alshon Jeffery: South Carolina (6-4, 229)
A big wide out who lacks ideal top end speed and isn't a real explosive self-starter. He does display a little short area quickness for his size, however, not enough to consistently create legit separation off the line. Does a great job extending his long arms and adjusting to the football and the further down the field he can stride the tougher he is to cover. Nevertheless, Jeffery needs to prove he can run and in my mind anything in the 4.6 range is only going to add to the questions about his potential in the NFL.
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Read entire article:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Who-needs-a-strong-NFL-Combine-performance.html
 
Georgia TE Orson Charles: Aaron Hernandez part II?

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ICONCharles is a dynamic athlete who can create after the catch.
TE Orson Charles: Georgia (6-3, 241)
Looks like a yoked up, physically put together wide out with a strong set of arms. Is a natural bender who can sit into his stance when playing from a three-point stance. Fires off the ball well and does a great job with his short area quickness and has the length to side step the bump and cleanly getting into his route. Consistently is able to side step linebackers, get up to speed and get down the field. Showcases a great first step into his route, gets up to speed quickly and has the type of straight-line speed to consistently threaten the seem vertically. Plays like a high 4.5/low 4.6 guy and has the type of second gear to simply run away from defenders down the field or on crossers. Will line up in the slot as well at times, improved his footwork off the line as a junior, not wasting as much motion and getting into his route quickly at speed.
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read entire article:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Georgia-TE-Orson-Charles-Aaron-Hernandez-part-II.html
 
Expert vs. expert: Tannehill's talent, inexperience spark debate

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Ryan Tannehill has too many passes knocked down at the line for a QB of his size and technique. (US Presswire)



Come April 26, Ryan Tannehill might be forever indebted to Matt Barkley and Landry Jones. Then again, it could be an NFL team down the line that feels fortunate it was lured into a gamble that paid big dividends.
When Barkley announced he was returning to Southern California and Jones opted to remain at Oklahoma for another season, Tannehill became the consensus third-best quarterback in the 2012 draft behind headliners Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.
The size of the gap between No. 2 and No. 3 is fueling one of the best pre-draft debates.
No one questions Tannehill's leadership ability, selflessness or raw talent.
A decorated high school signal-caller, Tannehill moved to receiver when he lost the battle for the starting quarterback job at Texas A&M in 2008. Sulk? That's not in Tannehill's competitive DNA. He dedicated himself to his new craft, leading the team in receptions for two seasons.
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Read entire article:http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...t-tannehills-talent-inexperience-spark-debate
 
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2012 NFL Mock Draft: Stephen Hill

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Pros
Stephen Hill is a big, athletic receiver who uses his size well to box out defenders and is strong enough to out-muscle DBs for the ball. He runs well for his size and has great extension.
He aggressively catches the ball and has unbelievable leaping ability, which has provided several highlight reel catches throughout the season. He has very good body control and balance for his size and has above-average awareness of where his body is in relation to the side lines and is not afraid to go over the middle.
After the catch he is very difficult to bring down due to his size and strength. He keeps his feet moving often dragging defenders with him for a few yards. Hill is a very physical receiver who was asked to block throughout his career both off the line and downfield; he executed them successfully on a consistent basis and I would consider his blocking skills elite.
Cons
Hill’s biggest weakness is his route running. He breaks off and rounds his routes and is very sloppy at times. Has a tendency to lose concentration and drops some catchable passes.
Facts

  • WR, Georgia Tech, JR
  • Ht: 6’4”
  • Wt: 206
  • 40: 4.4-4.5
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  • [video=youtube;rcs-iqymQrk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rcs-iqymQrk[/video]
 
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Teams will look to replicate the Giants' depth and talent along the defensive front, thus providing their defensive coordinators with an effective counter to the sophisticated passing games dominating the NFL. In looking at this year's class of pass rushers, there are several potential difference-makers, but they all have weaknesses and none are deemed "can't miss" prospects.

[h=3]Defensive Ends[/h] 1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina: Based on his impressive showing as a junior, Coples was expected to be the most dominant defender in college football in 2011. However, he didn't play up to expectations and scouts downgraded his potential. But that perception changed again after Coples dominated the competition at the Senior Bowl. He can build on that momentum with a spectacular workout at the NFL Scouting Combine. If he can convince evaluators that his senior performance was an aberration and not an indication of how he will play as a pro, Coples has a strong chance of coming off the board within the first 10 selections.
Good fits: Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills.


Sleeper to watch: Cam Johnson, Virginia. Johnson is one of the most talented defenders in the draft, but he has seemingly gone unnoticed on the national scene. However, scouts are aware of his unique combination of speed, quickness and athleticism, and some view him as a potential sack artist as a pro. Although he is coming off a nondescript performance at the Senior Bowl, Johnson can certainly generate some buzz with an impressive (athletic) showing in Indy.
Good fits: Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.
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Read entire article and video:http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09...nsive-linemen-entering-combine?module=HP11_cp
 
NFL Combine Sleepers

A look at five “under the radar” type prospects who could be capable of making a move up draft boards this coming week at the NFL Combine…

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ICONJohnson is versatile enough to drop into coverage.
DE Cam Johnson: Virginia (6-4, 270)
A solid college defensive end who has never been much of a sack artist but there are definitely some tools there. Showcases natural fluidity in his drop and in coverage and has the ability to mature into a more sudden pass rusher. Will get looks in both a 34 and 43 front and could be the Jabaal Sheard of the 2012 class.
SS Winston Guy Jr.: Kentucky (6-1, 216)
Still has some upside at the position, as he can tackle, displays solid range in space and above-average instincts in all areas of the game. Should be a heck of a special teams player early on and looks like a guy who can fight for playing time after a year or two of development.
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Read entire article:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Combine-Sleepers.html
 
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Let the smoke and mirrors begin … With the start of the NFL calendar years just a couple of weeks away and the draft now less than ten weeks away, expect the air at this week’s combine to be filled with the usual smoke as teams go through the annual kabookie dance trying to mak their plans. Minnesota G.M. Rick Spielman, whose Vikings have third pick at the upcoming draft, was quoted last week as saying that while the team selected QB Christian Ponder in last year’s opening round, they haven’t ruled out taking another top QB this year. If nothing else, Spielman said the Vikings will be thoroughly checking out Andrew Luck of Stanford and Baylor’s Robert Griffin over the next couple of months. Indeed, the Vikings will interview both at this week’s combine in Indianapolis and haven’t ruled out bringing them in for pre-draft visits. While Luck is expected to be taken first overall by the Colts, the Vikings could take Griffin with the third pick, assuming of course that he isn’t selected second overall by a team trading up with St. Louis, as Ponder had something of an up-and-down rookie season. More likely, though, Spielman wants to create enough buzz that if Griffin did get by the Rams at #2 the Vikings could take him with the third pick in the process increasing the trade value of the selection. In particular, the fear that Minnesota might pick Griffin could further force a team like Cleveland, which picks 4th and is believed to be very interested in the Baylor star, to trade up with either St. Louis or the Vikings. That could really come into play if either or both Washington or Miami, the only other teams with top 10 picks that would likely be inclined to move up to take Griffin were to address their QB issues in free agency. Ironically, the Vikings could also even be just trying to push teams like the Browns, Redskins or Dolphins to trade up with St. Louis. The Rams and Vikings are believed to both be very interested in Southern California OT Matt Kalil with their top pick if they keep it such that Minnesota might be very happy to see another team move up to the #2 pick to take Griffin which would allow Kalil to drop to them. And the intrigue is just beginning! Stay tuned.
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http://www.gbnreport.com/
 
Scout Talk: Questions At The Combine

Much will be learned when the NFL convenes in Indianapolis for the combine this week. I asked several front office men what particular issues they are hoping to sort out. Here are the issues that are foremost on their minds.
*Who is the top defensive tackle? There is no consensus on this yet. One personnel director said any one of the five top DTs could be the first off the board, depending in part on what happens at the combine. Devon Still of Penn State has been in the poll position all year, but underclassman Michael Brockers of Louisiana State now is running neck and neck. Others within a nose are Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy, Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox and Connecticut’s Kendall Reyes. The combine should help teams separate the DTs, but all are potential first round picks.
*How fast is Justin Blackmon? It has been widely accepted that the Oklahoma State receiver will be a top five pick. But he’s not a burner. If Blackmon runs a 4.6 40, it’s unlikely a team will be able to justify using a top five pick on him. There are a few other receivers who may be speed deficient who need to run well as well. Among them are Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd, Wisconsin’s Nick Toon, South Carolina’s Ashlon Jeffery and Rutgers’ Mohamed Sanu.
*Should Matt Kalil be the top offensive tackle? He is No. 1 on most boards, but not every talent evaluator is crazy about the Southern Cal blocker. One told me he wants to see how Jonathan Martin of Stanford, Riley Reiff of Iowa, Mike Adams of Ohio State and Cordy Glenn of Georgia stack up athletically. It is possible one or more of them could pass Kalil.
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ICONCould Brock Osweiler be the third quarterback off the board?
*Who is the third quarterback? After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, nothing is set in stone. If either Ryan Tannenhill of Texas A&M, Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State or Brock Osweiler of Arizona State can make a great impression in Indy, they can lay claim to that third QB spot. That’s significant because the third quarterback chosen very well could be the last quarterback taken in the first round.
*Who is the second running back? This could end up being a beauty is in the eye of the beholder thing. And it’s possible there will be a very long wait between when Trent Richardson is chosen and when the second running back is chosen. But the combine will present an opportunity for Virginia Tech’s David Wilson, Boise State’s Doug Martin, Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead, Oregon’s LeMichael James and Miami’s Lamar Miller.
*How will the two cornerback transfers stack up to the competition? Specifically, should NFL teams view Janoris Jenkins and Janzen Jackson like the All-SEC players they were two years ago, or should they view them as flawed prospects who were forced to transfer from Florida and Tennessee, respectively? Interviews will be key for both players. This is a chance for Jenkins and Jackson to show they are willing, compliant and respectful—all of which are questions going in.
*Which of the smaller pass rushers can play outside linebacker in a three man front? Teams that operate a 3-4 are hopeful a number of college defensive ends will be willing to partake in outside linebacker drills. Among the players who will be watched closely include Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw, Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus, South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, West Virginia’s Bruce Irving, Marshall’s Vinny Curry and Boise State’s Shea McClellin.
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Read entire article: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-7019.html
 
NFL Combine: All eyes on Justin Blackmon
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It isn’t easy, and as I wrote yesterday in the Chicago Tribune, the Combine is a grind on all of these prospects. Tough to produce your best times with the amount of stress and adversity the NFL puts you through during your stay in Indianapolis.

Another reason to respect the WR's decision to come to Indy to workout in front of the entire league.
With Blackmon, we know he can play. You could see that this past season with his production at Oklahoma State. The WR is excellent after the catch, can win inside of the numbers (consistently) and beat a defender’s initial leverage at the line of scrimmage.
A natural playmaker when he has the football in his hands.
I have no doubts that his game will translate to the NFL when we discuss the short to intermediate route tree. Plus, with the amount of empty looks and spread sets we are seeing on Sundays, Blackmon could align in multiple pre-snap positions to gain a matchup advantage.
However, what about the vertical passing game?
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Read entire article:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Combine-All-eyes-on-Justin-Blackmon-2884.html
 
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Preparation, vision and instincts are the keys to Luke Kuechly's game. (US Presswire)
Teams travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this week for the scouting combine. There, they'll record massive amounts of data to help confirm the players they've identified as the best available in the 2012 draft.
The numbers and statistical analysis generated from the weeklong combine border on information overload, especially in the case of a player like Boston College's Luke Kuechly.
For Kuechly (pronounced KEEK-ly), only one number should matter to scouts: 532.
The 532 career tackles Kuechly recorded at Boston College is the second-highest career total -- collected in only three seasons -- registered since the NCAA began keeping track of the statistic in 2000. Former Northwestern standout Tim McGarigle recorded two more over his career but did it starting four years.
Kuechly left Boston College after his junior season, leading the country in total and solo tackles in each of his final two seasons after finishing second in both categories as an 18-year old true freshman in 2009.
NFL scouts gush about his production and intangibles.

"He might be the safest player in the draft, to be honest with you," one high-level scout said. "You look at his stats and you think there is no way that he can be in on that many tackles but when you watch the tape, he is. Just an incredibly instinctive player who is always around the action. I'm not so sure he's going to test well or fits in every scheme, but he's a hell of a player who can be the quarterback of your defense for the next 10 years because of his leadership and preparation."
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Read entire article: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ly-eager-to-show-numbers-can-translate-to-nfl
 
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The only question with Jerel Worthy is consistency. He's as quick and explosive off the ball as any DT I've seen in years. If he wants to, he can literally wreck every single play in the backfield and there's nothing anybody can do about it. Fantastic talent and upside.

Alameda Ta'amu isn't quite the talent Worthy is, but Ta'amu is more of a potential 2-gapping nose tackle. Not many guys his size move as quickly as he does and have that type of agility. I think he's a better player than people think.

Michael Brockers is probably the guy that I'm least impressed with on film, although I see the potential. High risk/high reward kid at defensive tackle.... as are most LSU defensive lineman.

Dontari Poe is a 350 pound freak of an athlete. He could legitimately test out as well or better than Haloti Ngata. He's also a pretty good football player.

Devon Still is much like Worthy in his inconsistency, but can flat out play the position. He fits the mold of several big time Penn St. defensive tackles from the past that were drafted high in the 1st round and fizzled out in the NFL (Jimmy Kennedy, etc.) Defensive tackle has always been an extremely risky position with a high bust percentage. I think it's almost as risky as the quarterback position.

Fletcher Cox is the best combination of everything you look for at the position, but without the inconsistency issues that a lot of these other defensive tackles come with. He's the safest, with the added bonus of also probably being the best athlete. His film is consistent and very good, especially against opposition where the Bulldogs were overmatched up front.



1. Fletcher Cox

2. Jerel Worthy

3. Dontari Poe/Alameda Ta'amu

4. Michael Brockers

5. Devon Still



This is the order that I like the top 5 DT's, and every single one of them earn legitimate 1st round grades. A few of them could also be looked at as 5-techs in odd fronts.


Dominique Hamilton and Brandon Thompson are the two the just miss out on my top 5, but should make great value picks in the 2nd round or so for teams that missed out on a DT in the 1st round. They might even end up with a better player in the long run.
 
Kuechly would seem to me to be a waste at that pick given that we already have two coverage specialists at linebacker in Dansby and Burnett. Keuchly (or whoever is the third linebacker) would be a two down player (or even less against a team like Buffalo or New England), and those are relatively easy to find.

I know, I know. You go with the talent and sort it all out later (taking Patrick Willis when you already have Thomas and Crowder, for example). But DeCastro is an even better talent and he's at a position of need.
 
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