2014 NFL Draft Prospects | Page 3 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2014 NFL Draft Prospects

Since it appears we still have the same idiots running the franchise, I guess it is time to start talking about the draft. So without further ado:

QB
4.A.J. McCarron, Alabama 6'4" 214(Pg.1)
15.QB Derek Carr, Fresno St. 6'3" 218(Pg.2)
RB
7.Andre Williams, Boston College 6'0" 227(Pg.2)
16.Carlos Hyde Ohio St. 6'0" 235(pg.3)
WR
6.Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt 6'3" 205(Pg.2)
18.Cody Hoffman, Brigham Young 6'4" 205(pg.3)
TE
8.C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa 6'7" 265(Pg.2)
19.Eric Ebron, North Carolina 6'4" 245(pg.3)
OG
9.Gabe Jackson, Mississippi St. 6'3" 340(Pg.2)
20.Ryan Groy, Wisconsin 6'5" 320(pg.3)
OT
1.Jake Matthews, TX A&M 6'5" 305(Pg.1)
21.Taylor Lewan, Michigan 6'8" 308(pg.3)
C
10.Travis Swanson, Arkansas 6'5" 318(Pg.2)
17.Bryan Stork, Florida St. 6'4" 300(pg.3)
DT
11.Daniel McCullers, Tennessee 6'6" 351(Pg.2)
22.Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota 6'6" 311(pg.3)
DE
12.Trent Murphy, Stanford 6'6" 261(Pg.2)
23.Ed Stinson, Alabama 6'4" 292(pg.3)
ILB
3.CJ Mosely, Alabama 6'2"232(Pg.1)
24.Chris Borland, Wisconsin 5'11" 246(pg.3)
OLB
2.
Anthony Barr, UCLA 6'4" 248(Pg.1)
CB
5.Darqueze Dennard, Michigan St. 5'11" 188(Pg.1)
SS
13.Craig Loston, LSU 6'1" 209(Pg.2)
FS
14.Terence Brooks FSU 5'11" 200(Pg.2)

I would be happy with anyone on this list.
 
[video=youtube;6Ju3wFsGPNw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ju3wFsGPNw[/video]

25.OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo 6'3" 248

12/26/13 - CBSSPORTS.COM ALL-AMERICANS: FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE AS NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS: LB - Khalil Mack, Sr., Buffalo: Scouts don't mind investing high picks in relatively small school prospects as long they dominate at the lower level. With an FBS record 75 tackles for loss and 16 forced fumbles over his career, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Jack Lambert Linebacker of the Year recipient certainly established himself as a dominant presence. Athletic, instinctive and an explosive hitter, Mack may only need a strong showing against top competition at the Senior Bowl to assure a spot in the top half of the first round. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=94839&draftyear=2014&genpos=OLB

Most of the country still has not heard about Mack's ascension to the top of the MAC, but they will soon learn about him when he is drafted very early in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Mack is a highly intelligent, athletic and instinctive player with almost no flaws in his game, whether he is defending the run or pass. Elite speed. Reads and reacts very quickly and can get up to speed rapidly to make plays. Seems to be one step ahead and one beat faster than every other defender. Experience all over the front seven and could feasibly play any LB spot in 4-3 or 3-4. Can take on blockers very well and dislodge himself through use of great use of hands. Rips and slides into open space well in traffic.

Versatile coverage abilities. Can man up or face up TEs with ease. Could go up against Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski with equaled athleticism and strength. Still working on man coverage skills, which is one area he'll need improvement. Rushes the passer well and stays relentless when battling blockers one-on-one.

Works really hard in pursuit. Relentless on the backside of a play. Looks to get in the mix every play. Unreal range against the run. Quick and relatively agile. Foot speed is very good.

Mack projects as an early first round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=5205
 
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We would have no shot at Mack, but I have seen that dude play and practice being from the area and wow. What an animal. He will be good in the pros. Also I would not mind drafting Tre Mason if he is available later on.
 
Oklahoma State CB #4

[video=youtube;CZAcf8A5Sv8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZAcf8A5Sv8[/video]

26.CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma St. 6'0" 199

Gilbert has above-average height for a corner and displays nice fluidity in his lower half. Acknowledged his focus took a step back after a lackluster junior season and admitted he had something to prove as a senior.

Long arms. Above-average ability to turn and quickly locate the ball. Good instincts. Vulnerable to double moves given his aggressive, ball-hawking style of play. Quick to read and react. Not much wasted motion/steps when changing directions. Seems to prefer to play press and doesn't mind arm fighting downfield. Pretty straight line speed (4.5 40). Physical tackler. Sheds blocks with ease. Must improve discipline when setting the edge.
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=3445
 
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Baylor S #6

[video=youtube;EKFGt2c95ss]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKFGt2c95ss[/video]

27.SS Ahmad Dixon, Baylor 6'0" 205

01/01/14 - PLAYERS TO WATCH: Baylor S Ahmad Dixon is a lightning rod for controversy and a catalyst for the Bears. He was suspended for the first half of the Texas game after being ejected in the second half against TCU for targeting. Once he returned to the Texas game, the Bears went on a 17-0 surge that helped put away the Longhorns. But Dixon drew a celebration penalty that negated K.J. Morton's touchdown on an interception return. - The Sports Xchange
12/12/13 - 2013 ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-BIG 12 SECOND TEAM: Defensive back Ahmad Dixon, Baylor, 6-0, 205, Sr., Waco, Texas,...Dixon ranked 24th in the league in tackles per game (5.8). - Baylor football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=106862&draftyear=2014&genpos=SS

Overview
Born and raised in Waco, Dixon had a roller coaster recruitment that included commitments to Texas and Tennessee before he finally decided to stay home and attend Baylor. He started two seasons at the team's nickel "Bear" position, which is a hybrid LB/S role, but moved to safety for his senior year in 2013.

Baylor is known for its explosive offensive attack, but the Bears have some playmakers on defense as well, most notably Dixon, who patrols the entire field.

Dixon might be the top SS prospect for the 2014 Draft. (11/14/13)
Analysis
Strengths: Extremely fast downhill and loves to get his hands dirty in the run game, striking through his target with strong hands to finish. Dixon has an accurate first step with the quickness and range to play both sidelines with an alert, active mentality. Displays the feet and overall body coordination to hold up on an island if needed. Excellent size/speed athlete with the fluidity and natural speed to cover the entire field, making plays behind the line of scrimmage and in the deep half of the fieldWorks hard to shed blocks to make open-field stops and is a physical tackler. He is confident in coverage to jump routes and aggressively go after the ball.

Weaknesses: He still needs some technique and recognition work when it comes to coverage. Needs to consistently wrap up and not just hit his target with body shots.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737155/ahmad-dixon
 
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[video=youtube;cZEfMMtceGY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZEfMMtceGY[/video]

28.FS Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State 6'0" 205

12/11/13 - 2013 ALL-SEC SECOND TEAM (COACHES): DB - Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State...Whitley made two of the biggest defensive plays for the Bulldogs all season with a pair of forced fumbles. He halted a potential game-winning drive by Arkansas and ended the Egg Bowl by jarring the ball away from Bo Wallace. He was tabbed the Dec. 2 Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week following his Egg Bowl heroics. A native of Jackson, Miss., Whitley is the FBS active leader in career interceptions with 15 and owns 229 career tackles. - Mississippi State football
12/10/13 - 2013 ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-SEC HONORABLE MENTION: Nickoe Whitley, S, Mississippi St., 6-1, 205, Sr.,...Whitley made two of the biggest defensive plays for the Bulldogs all season with a pair of forced fumbles. He halted a potential game-winning drive by Arkansas and ended the Egg Bowl by jarring the ball away from Bo Wallace. He was tabbed the Dec. 2 Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week following his Egg Bowl heroics. A native of Jackson, Miss., Whitley is the FBS active leader in career interceptions with 15 and owns 229 career tackles.

He also excelled against then No. 1 Alabama with two touchdowns-saving tackles, chasing down T.J. Yeldon at the MSU 28-yard line during the Crimson Tide’s final drive of the opening half and breaking up a pass in the end zone on the Crimson Tide’s first play of the fourth quarter. - Mississippi State football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=91145&draftyear=2014&genpos=FS

POSITIVES:

• Despite injuries, managed to accumulate nearly four years of SEC starting experience.
• Very tough; tore his ACL in the third week of 2013 and somehow finished the year.
• Possesses a prototypical combination of height and bulk for an NFL free safety.
• Overall style of play may make him better suited to working in-the-box at the next level.
• Has lined up as a deep safety, in the slot, and as essentially a linebacker in college.
• Plays with a physical, aggressive, nasty on-field demeanor coaches may appreciate.
• Capable of lining up ballcarriers and making some big hits, has forced a few fumbles.
• Showcases soft hands; has recorded three or more interceptions in every season.
• Temperament and physicality appear well-suited to a special teams role in the pros.

NEGATIVES:

• Torn ACL will likely prevent him from working out, create a medical question mark.
• Also ruptured his Achilles’ in 2011, another cause for concern requiring investigation.
• Adequate range in deep coverage but doesn’t have particularly impressive athleticism.
• Aggressiveness can frequently be exploited via play fakes and misdirection plays.
• Not exactly the type of patient free safety teams want as their last line of defense.
• For every big play he makes for his own team, he enables one or two from opponents.
• Also commits a few too many penalties, seemingly has trouble maintaining composure.

SUMMARY:

Whitley’s size, physicality, and soft hands are characteristic of a quality safety, but despite having four years of starting experience under his belt, his aggressiveness and impatience can be exploited too easily to feel comfortable letting him see the field on defense without making some major strides. To compound matters, he tore his Achilles’ in 2011 and ACL in 2013, with the latter injury potentially slowing a safety whose speed was already underwhelming to begin with. At this point, he is a defensive liability with serious health concerns.
http://draftexaminer.com/2013/12/24/fs-nickoe-whitley-mississippi-st/
 
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[video=youtube;WYd29xlmc04]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYd29xlmc04[/video]

29.QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida 6'4" 230

Bortles is a fourth-year junior and a two-year starter at UCF. Coming out of high school he was a three-star recruit who had offers from schools such as Purdue, Western Kentucky, and Colorado State. He has excellent size at about 6’4 – 230 to go along with good athleticism and play speed. At the Combine, he should run in the 4.7 area. He plays in a multi-offense and plays from both under center and in the spread. The Central Florida scheme is closer to a pro-style offense than many other college offenses. Bortles had good production this year, completing 259 of 382 passes for 3581 yards, 25 TDs, and nine interceptions. His completion percentage was just under 68%, but I don’t put a lot of stock into that stat at the college level. I feel ball placement is a far better indicator of a college quarterback's accuracy because of how wide open many college receivers are.

When playing from under center, Bortles can set up fairly quickly. He has a good feel for pass rushers, but he will often run out of the pocket when he is pressured instead of stepping up into the pocket. He shows he can go through a progression and find the open receiver, but there are also times when he will stare down his primary receiver. While he can go through a progression, you seldom see him look off a receiver and come back to another. He flashes making some really good throws, showing good timing, and getting good zip on the ball. He also has a lot of throws where his timing is off and he doesn’t set his feet. You see a lot of throws where he is not in proper balance. I feel his decision making is inconsistent. He is at his best against weaker opponents and when he isn’t pressured, but in games like South Carolina, when the competition is very good, he can struggle and make poor decisions. His throwing motion and release quickness are adequate. When you watch enough tape, you can see that he will change his throwing motion at times. He doesn’t have a really quick release. There are guys who make a decision, and the ball is out of their hand instantly. That isn’t the case with Bortles, and it allows DBs to get a jump on the ball (see So. Carolina)

Bortles' best throws are on the shorter passes (15 yards and less). The further downfield he throws, the less accurate he becomes. His ability to throw the deep ball is average at best. Many of his longer plays, that I saw, were actually shorter passes with long runs after the catch. He has good arm strength, but he does not have a cannon. While he can throw a tight ball, he also throws a lot of balls that “flutter”.

Bortles has good running skills. He is not going to remind anyone of “Johnny Football” with his run skills but they are good enough. While he is not elusive, he is strong and can find an open lane.

I am not going to deny that this player has talent, but I do feel that he would have been better served staying in college and developing his game. He is far from being ready to come into the NFL and play. There is too much inconsistency in his overall game. I question if he can become an eventual starter and win in the NFL. That doesn’t mean he won’t start for whoever drafts him, but as we all have seen the last five to six years, there have been MANY quarterbacks drafted with high hopes who haven’t lived up to expectations. Right now, I would take Bridgewater, Manziel, McCarron, Derek Carr, David Fales and Brett Smith before I would take Bortles. I feel all of them are better passers and better prepared to play in the NFL.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Prospect-Focus-Blake-Bortles.html
 
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[video=youtube;UjwYycQEMY4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjwYycQEMY4[/video]

30.RB Marion Grice, Arizona St. 6'0" 205

Strengths: Vision, Patience, Hands, Ath Ability
Weaknesses: Pad level, long speed

Marion Grice possesses average overall size for the running back position…His build is on the slender side, but he carries his weight well and runs bigger than his measureables suggest…Grice is equally effective as an inside and outside runner, displaying the necessary patience to let his blocks develop in front of him…Possesses a natural feel as a runner, identifying the hole and cutback lanes quickly…Has good feet for the position. He takes efficient and effective steps and is quick enough to make a man miss for extra yardage…Grice has enough flexibility in his hips to change direction on an adequate level and presents with deceptive wiggle…Excels in the passing game, displaying good route running skills and natural, soft hands…He is a willing and adequate blocker in pass protection…Added value in the return game on kickoff, as he fields kicks cleanly and gets upfield in a hurry.

Grice needs to become more consistent running behind his pads/lowering his pads…At times he can be too patient and fails to take the yardage that is in front of him…Doesn’t possess the long speed needed to be a consistent big play threat…Ended the season with a mysterious lower leg injury that has sidelined him for more than one game.

On the next level, Marion Grice projects as a 3-down back that will offer offenses versatility as a dual threat out of the backfield. His running style suggests success in the NFL, as he is a natural with the ball in his hands. He’s not going to wow you with highlight reel runs, but much like Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears, Grice does the little things well at the running back position. His ability to allow his linemen to reach their assignment and react off of the block is a predictor for success in the pros. And while he’s not flashy, he does have the necessary athleticism that will allow him to compete against NFL defenders. Grice is going to be one of the first running backs selected in May as a result of his running, receiving and return ability and will challenge for a big role as a rookie. It wouldn’t surprise me if Grice is a starting running back in the NFL before his rookie season is completed.
http://firstroundgrade.com/2013/12/02/scouting-the-rbs-marion-grice-asu/
 
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[video=youtube;zpKbEkVOv2s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpKbEkVOv2s[/video]

31.WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M 6'5" 225

01/02/14 - Texas A&M WR Evans declares for 2014 NFL Draft...“After talking things over with Coach Sumlin and my family I have decided to enter the NFL draft,” Evans said. “Thanks go to Texas A&M for giving me an opportunity to play college football. Thanks also to my coaches and teammates for helping me develop as a player and as a man. I made this decision based on what I thought was best for myself and my family.”
He took down one of the oldest records in school annals when he exploded for 279 yards against then-top-ranked Alabama, which eclipsed the old mark of 250 yards set by Ken “Dude” McLean against Texas in 1965. A few weeks later, Evans broke the record again with 287 yards against Auburn. He also had four receiving touchdowns against the Tigers, which matched the school record originally set by Ryan Swope against Baylor in 2011.
For the 2013 season, Evans gained a school record 1,394 receiving yards on 69 catches with an impressive 20.2 per catch average. The consummate big-play threat, Evans was the only receiver in FBS with more than 45 catches to average more than 20 yards per catch, and he led the nation with 17 catches of 30+ yards and ranked No. 2 nationally with 28 catches of 20+ yards. He also reeled in 12 touchdown catches, which matched the school record originally set by Jeff Fuller in 2010. - Texas A&M football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=92908&draftyear=2016&genpos=WR

Physical Tools: The first thing that jumps out at you is the Wide Receiver’s size. He’s a huge target that will tower over most corners. The issue is that he is still learning how to use this size. At times he shows dominance with it, at other times, he plays like he’s significantly smaller. His jumping ability is good. When it comes to running, his speed is not ideal, but for his size, he’s fairly agile and has excellent acceleration. Grade: A-
Intangibles/Work Ethic/Miscellaneous: He plays in a spread offense, where concepts, plays, and terminology are very basic compared to the NFL. He knows how to play with a mobile quarterback and can very quickly adjust what he is doing to help that quarterback if he has to go outside the pocket or try to run it. His desire to learn and compete at the next level will be critical. He’s a guy that’s more focused on the team outcome and seems soft-spoken. Part of his success could be attributed to having a good relationship with Johnny Manziel. Having a good relationship with his quarterback at the next level could also have a similar, but to a smaller extent, a positive impact on his success. Grade: B
Route Running: Evans’ Route tree is underwhelming to say the least; all he runs is slants, gos, and comebacks/curls. He is physical in trying to create separation, but sometimes too much so. There were a number of plays where he should have been penalized. His fluidity, going in and out of breaks, is somewhere in the average to above-average range. The tall wideout is still learning how to read defenses and understand what they’re doing to him. Grade: C+
Catching: The Aggies wide receiver does a pretty good job of adjusting to less than precise throws as far as getting into position, but can’t seem to bring them down. Contested catches are something he will struggle to come down with much of the time. His sideline catches are a work in progress, but have a lot of promise. He knows how to catch a pass in-stride and keep going. Grade: B
Release: Evans does a good job of beating jams at the line then taking off, but can have trouble getting open if he doesn’t win here. Grade: A-
Kick Returns/Etc: Doesn’t return kicks in college, so he probably won’t in the NFL. Evans is a good blocker for a wide receiver, he just needs to learn a little more about who to block in certain situations. He could learn some moves to get more after the catch. As of now, he uses his size and strength to run through tackles. Grade: B+
Durability: Evans has missed no games so far and his size should help him hold up well. Grade: A+
Overall: As of now, Mike Evans is a guy with incredible size and an equal amount of potential. That being said, he’s very raw and will need either very good coaching, or a lot of patience. He will probably see a decent amount of time on the field as a rookie, but unless the team needs him to perform right away, he probably won’t be a full-time starter for at least a year or two. Grade: 2nd Rounder
http://standingosports.com/main/2014/01/09/scouting-report-texas-wr-mike-evans/
 
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[video=youtube;jgx1M4BJw4c]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgx1M4BJw4c[/video]

32.TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech 6'5" 260

Jace Amaro Scouting Report

Blocking ~ Ferocious. Really stepped up this Year as an In Line Blocker, having already proven effective In Space. Incredible Core Power & Fluidity, a terrific WingSpan, and impressive Paw Power. Delivers a sharp Punch.

Routing ~ Sufficient, though not especially complex. Tremendous Instincts & Spatial Diagnostics.

Separation ~ Phenomenal. Blessed with extraordinary Core Power & Magnificent Core Agility, and he also displays excellent Paw Power in Combat to get off the Line, as well as tremendous Acceleration getting DownField. Applies his extraordinary Core Power and that magnificent Fluidity to great advantage, and his Ricochet ~ Burst out'f'is Breaks, to you Earthlings ~ has real Snap to it. Great Instincts in finding the Soft Spot in Coverage.

Catching ~ Terrific. Enormous, soft Hands, and tremendous Focus & Concentration. Good Leaper.

Navigation ~ Impressive. A smooth Navigator who can throw in a sharp Cut or two or just Beast'is way through!!

Jace Amaro Prospectus
Jace Amaro is pretty damned close to being The Complete Package 21st Century Flex End.

He's already a solid In Line Blocker and an impressive Open Field Blocker.

He's incredibly adept at getting off The Line, exceptionally instinctive, and preposterously Smooth.

His Velocity getting DownField ~ his Acceleration ~ combined with his Size and Core Power make him far too fast for MidFielders & Flankers and far too huge and strong for Safeties & CornerBacks. He's got great Mitts, too.

And his Navigational Skills, both before and after the Catch, are extraordinary.

I believe that the combination will be devastating at The Next Level.

Thanks, as always, to the extraordinary Work by the men of Draft BreakDown!!
http://www.fanaticalyankee.com/6/post/2013/11/jace-amaro-scouting-report-2014-nfl-draft.html
 
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[video=youtube;VUtzj6Lmpwk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUtzj6Lmpwk[/video]

33.OG Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA 6'3" 305

12/03/13 - 2013 ALL-PAC-12 FIRST TEAM (COACHES): OL Xavier Su’a-Filo, Jr., UCLA (2)...Has been selected All-Pac 12 First Team for the 2013 college football season as voted on by the Pac-12 Head football coaches. - UCLA football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89799&draftyear=2015&genpos=OG

Positives

Extremely strong and has not fully tapped into his strength yet
Great on-field awareness, can slide off to secondary blocks with no trouble or hesitation
Generally effective as a run blocker, though his technique is subpar at times
Very good at making solid contact on blocks at the second level
Provides a great lift to the center on double-team angle blocks
Pretty fluid on pulls
Extensive experience playing both left guard and left tackle, though he is undersized to be a tackle in the NFL
High-character guy off the field; participated in a two-year Mormon mission and is an Eagle Scout

Negatives

Tends to come up too high on pass blocks, doesn’t get good knee bend
Arm extension not good on pass blocks, keeps his arms close to him rather than extending them out
Lets pass rushers beat him to the inside too easily
Doesn’t always use his leverage to his full advantage; gets away with knocking defenders to the ground while standing straight up in college, but will need to develop more technique as a pro
Somewhat undersized in terms of both height and weight
23-years-old with only three years of college experience

2013 Performance

While Su’a-Filo’s technique seemed to regress during the 2013 season, he showed a team-first attitude and a high level of versatility by switching from left guard back to left tackle halfway through the season. After losing several of their primary contributors from last year and suffering more injuries throughout the year, UCLA had a pretty successful season offensively, finishing 35th in the nation in total offense behind the blocking of Su’a-Filo.

2014 Draft Projection: Third round
http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2014/01/05/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-report-ucla-gt-xavier-sua-filo/
 
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Martin is #70

[video=youtube;FIOLT5BxzMg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIOLT5BxzMg#t=39[/video]

34.OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame 6'4" 308

01/01/14 - Risers-Fallers from early bowl games...Notre Dame senior left tackle Zack Martin heads off the list of players who clearly entered the bowl season feeling as if they had something still left to prove. Considering that Martin started his school record 52nd career game in Notre Dame's Pinstripe Bowl win over Rutgers, he didn't have to prove anything to scouts. Demonstrating impressive upper body strength and underrated athleticism to lock down the edge against the Scarlet Knights, he may have helped reassured scouts that he'll be able to remain outside at left tackle in the NFL, despite a body type that suggests his pro future lies inside at guard. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
12/24/13 - 2013 FBS ALL-INDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM (MEDIA): OL Zack Martin (Sr.) Notre Dame,...Martin, the 18th two-time captain in school history, has started a school-record 51 games for Notre Dame over the last four seasons. He can also claim to have sung the fabled "Notre Dame Victory March" in celebration just about as much as any starter to ever play for the Irish. He has been in the starting lineup for 36 victories during his time at Notre Dame, the third most in school history. - Notre Dame football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89682&draftyear=2014&genpos=OG

Overview
The senior captain entered Saturday's tilt against Arizona State with 45 career starts, 37 of which have come at left tackle.
Analysis
Strengths: He does play with good quickness (but not explosiveness) off the snap, showing knee bend and core strength to anchor, as well as the lateral agility to mirror more athletic defenders. He also shows better athleticism than you might think when blocking on the move, demonstrating above average straight-line speed to get to the second level, as well as the nastiness to bury his target into the ground.

Weaknesses: With less than ideal length, Martin's NFL future may lie inside at guard, where he has never played. The move to guard is necessary because Martin does not possess great height, arm length or foot speed. He chucks his way back (rather than sliding) for an effective if not aesthetically-pleasing form of pass protection.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664509/zach-martin
 
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35.C Tyler Larsen, Utah St. 6'4" 312

12/26/13 - PLAYERS TO WATCH: C Tyler Larsen is one of the senior leaders in Utah State's experienced offensive line. One of six finalists for the 2013 Rimington Trophy, which is given annually to the most outstanding center in college football, Larsen has played in 51 straight games for Utah State. The 6-foot-4, 312-pound senior center anchors an offensive line that ranked fourth in the Mountain West and tied for 37th in the nation with an average of 32.6 points per game. - The Sports Xchange
12/19/13 - 2013 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FIRST TEAM (COACHES/MEDIA): OL Tyler Larsen, Sr., Utah State,...Larsen becomes just the ninth Aggie in school history to be a three-time first-team all-conference selection joining Kent Ryan (1934-35-36), Murray Maughan (1938-39-40), Ralph Maughan (1942, 46-47), Guy McClure (1979-80-81), Dave Kuresa (1982-83-84), Brent Passey (1998-99-2000), Emmett White (1999-2000-01) and Bobby Wagner (2009-10-11). Larsen, a 6-4, 312-pound senior center from Salt Lake City, Utah (Jordan HS) graded out above 86 percent in every game this year and above 90 percent five times, while recording 46 knockdowns. - Utah State football
12/09/13 - 2013 REMINGTON TROPHY FINALIST: Tyler Larsen, Utah State...Larsen, a 6-4, 312-pound senior offensive center from Salt Lake City, Utah (Jordan HS), has earned first-team all-conference honors as both a sophomore and junior. As a senior, he has graded out above 86 percent in every game and above 90 percent six times, while recording 49 knockdowns. Overall, Larsen has played in 51 straight games at Utah State.

This season, Larsen has anchored an offensive line that has helped Utah State rank fourth in the Mountain West and tied for 37th in the nation with an average of 32.6 points per game despite losing five players to season-ending injuries, including staring quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Chuckie Keeton. USU's offense also ranks fourth in the MW and 37th in the nation in passing efficiency (138.1), fifth in the MW and 33rd in the nation in completion percentage (.619), sixth in the MW and 41st in the nation in rushing offense (178.8 ypg), sixth in the MW and 49th in the nation in total offense (420.9 ypg), and 10th in the MW and 55th in the nation in passing offense (242.1 ypg). - Utah State football
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=114348&draftyear=2014&genpos=C

System Fit

Larsen may be best suited to play in a zone blocking scheme or something that would take advantage of his athletic ability. With added strength, Larsen could be an effective pivot in a power scheme, but he is more ready to contribute in a more athletic scheme. In a zone blocking scheme, Larsen has the potential to come in and start, but might be best served to sit and learn for a year. It might also benefit him to have to fight to earn a job. He has not really had to worry about his job his entire collegiate career while at Utah State and having to compete and earn a starting job could drive him to give more effort and make him a better competitor.

NFL Comparison

In so many ways, Larsen resembles Rodney Hudson of the Kansas City Chiefs. Hudson was an extremely athletic center at Florida State and did everything so well in terms of his technique. Hudson was really undersized and came into the NFL needing to add more power. As a result, Hudson played his heart out on every single snap he had. He had to in order to survive both in college and in the NFL. This is the key difference between he and Larsen. Hudson plays every snap like it’s his last which is why he has been successful for the Chiefs. Larsen could be everything that Hudson is and potentially be better, but he has to find the fire that Hudson brings to the game to achieve that level of success.

Draft Projection

Larsen brings so much to the table that NFL teams will like. He has a significant amount of experience playing the position. Little will surprise him when it comes to the center position. Larsen also has great athletic ability and range to play the position in addition to understanding the technical aspects of his position. Larsen needs to get more powerful as he goes to the NFL, but the bigger question with Larsen comes down to how badly he wants to be good and how much effort he puts into being a great player. He has rarely showed the willingness to finish opponents or even plays to the whistle and appears to look to stop playing and move onto the next one the second he has done what he envisions is his job for a given play. Perhaps Larsen just needs to be challenged or maybe he just does not love the game of football the way a lot of players do. This is something that NFL teams will have to get answered when it comes to interviews. Larsen has the ability to be a top 100 pick and potentially start depending on the team that selects him, but depending on how he answers questions about his effort and passion for the game, Larsen appears more likely to go on day three with the possibility of going undrafted if he really bombs in interviews.
http://withthefirstpick.com/2013/10/31/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-report-tyler-larsen-c-utah-state/
 
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