2014 NFL Draft Prospects

[jim1]

Good news on Cyrus Kouandjio's knee:

Noted surgeon weighs in on Tide OT knee issue … Famed sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews has reportedly sent a memo to all NFL teams stating that the condition of Alabama OT Cyrus Kouandjio's isn't as bad as some published reports. It was reported over the weekend that several teams had taken Kouandjio off their boards after he was diagnosed with an arthritic condition in his knee at last month’s scouting combine. Andrews noted that there is some wear on the knee, but there as been no change in his condition since he had surgery to repair a torn ACL back in 2011.

http://www.gbnreport.com/

 

[DKphin]

He still did not look good last month at the combine. He is not untalented, but there is no way that I would spend a 1st rd pick on him. JMHO.

 

[jim1]

He still did not look good last month at the combine. He is not untalented, but there is no way that I would spend a 1st rd pick on him. JMHO.

If his knee checked out I'd consider it, he's be a quality road grader RT imo.

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;0TRkGSNkERc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TRkGSNkERc[/video]

88.ILB Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut 6'4" 236

2013 ALL-AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM (COACHES): LB Yawin Smallwood, UConn, Jr., 6-4 236, Worcester, Mass./Doherty,...Smallwood’s honor comes after he we was named UConn’s Defensive Player of the Year earlier this week. The linebacker started all 12 games for UConn and led the team with 118 tackles, currently placing him at 22nd in the nation and third in the conference with 9.8 stops per contest.
Smallwood also picked up 9.5 TFL and a team-high four sacks, adding an interception, nine pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles to an all-around dominant season. Smallwood notched double-digit tackles in six games, including a career-high 16 vs. Towson on Aug. 29, and at least seven in four others. He is a repeat member of the All-Conference First Team after being named to the All-BIG EAST First Team in 2012. - UConn football

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=112371&draftyear=2015&genpos=ILB

One of Smallwood's most impressive characteristics is his ability to rush the quarterback. He "only" registered two sacks against the Tigers - with each of them coming in the fourth quarter as the Huskies held a double-digit lead - but his awareness and acceleration resulted in big plays for teammates on several other, earlier snaps.
Connecticut defensive tackle Shamar Stephen was credited with the first quarter sack that forced a Memphis field goal attempt for example, but it was Smallwood who forced Tigers' quarterback Paxton Lynch to step up into the arms of the 6-foot-5, 313 pound defender.
Possessing an athletic frame and ease of motion typically found in outside linebackers, Smallwood burst upfield on a delayed blitz, nearly taking down Lynch, himself. The speed with which Smallwood entered the quarterback's vision seemed to startle him and Lynch dropped his eyes to scramble rather than keeping his head up to find receivers breaking open.
Smallwood's athleticism is just as helpful when dropping into coverage.
A more fluid athlete than Stanford's Shayne Skov or Wisconsin's Chris Borland, NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated senior inside linebackers, Smallwood was asked to cover wide receivers as well as running backs against Memphis, showing good balance, agility and speed for the position.
Complementing Smallwood's athleticism are his long arms and strong hands, other physical characteristics scouts prefer at the position because they help defenders disengage from blocks and latch on to the shifty ball-carriers in the NFL.
With the NFL increasingly turning towards the pass, inside linebackers generally drop on draft day. Smallwood's intriguing traits, however, could make him an exception to the rule.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ect-of-week-15-connecticut-lb-yawin-smallwood

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;-XtN0RGOl6s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XtN0RGOl6s[/video]

89.OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech 6'3" 252

2014 Senior Bowl Wednesday: OLBs Attaochu, Van Noy step up to pressure...A handful of under-the-radar defenders helped their cause during this morning's practice. It was a pair of well-known linebackers -- Georgia Tech's Jeremiah Attaochu and BYU's Kyle Van Noy -- who stood out this afternoon. Attaochu starred as a pass rusher with the Yellow Jackets, lining up as a stand-up outside linebacker and occasionally attacking the edge as a defensive end. In Mobile, however, the Jaguars' coaches have asked him to play virtually all over the field, including at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and rush from a three-point stance. Not surprisingly, Attaochu showed his greatest comfort when rushing the quarterback, demonstrating burst, agility and a powerful slap-and-sidestep to get past would-be blockers.
Asked to play off the line of scrimmage as a traditional strongside linebacker in the Jaguars' 4-3 alignment, however, Attaochu also has shown improved recognition and gap integrity against the run, as well as patience when dropping back into coverage. On Monday, Attaochu looked like a fish out of water dropping back. Today, when running backs came into his zone, Attaochu ran with them, closing as the ball arrived and showing quick hands to rip at the ball as it arrived. Scouts knew the 6-foot-3, 253-pound Attoachu was athletic; this week he's also shown football intelligence and work ethic.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=104968&draftyear=2014&genpos=OLB

STRENGTHS: Looks the part with an athletic build and long arms, using his range to make plays all over the field. Good get-off quickness with the chase skills to track down the ballcarrier from behind and finish. Impressive blend of athleticism and strength to work off blocks and battle through the whistle.
Active with stunts and creative rushes to find ways to get to the pocket. Uses natural dip and bend to get around blockers.
Has shown improved recognition and gap integrity against the run, as well as patience when dropping back into coverage. Quick hands to rip at the ball as it arrives in coverage, and shows good overall football intelligence and work ethic.
WEAKNESSES: Will struggled to keep himself clean at contact. Looked like a fish out of water at the Senior Bowl when asked to played off the line of scrimmage as a traditional strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 alignment. Fiery player with a violent temperament, but needs to keep his wits on the field and control his intensity. Doesn?t always appear to have a plan and will bite hard on play-fakes and get grabby in coverage.
Attaochu is an intriguing prospect who saw time at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and rushed from a three-point stance at the Senior Bowl. Not surprisingly, Attaochu showed his greatest comfort when rushing the quarterback, demonstrating burst, agility and a powerful slap-and-sidestep to get past would-be blockers, and will be appealing to defenses utilizing 3-4 schemes.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1759310/jeremiah-attaochu

 

[DKphin]

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

90.CB Jaylen Watkins, Florida 5'11" 194

2014 Senior Bowl: Defenders Ford, Watkins shine on Tuesday...The Southeastern Conference breeds future NFL stars and the South squad at the Senior Bowl has 22 players on the roster from college football's superior conference. And two former SEC players specifically stood out during Tuesday's practice: Auburn DE Dee Ford and Florida CB Jaylen Watkins. On the other side of the field, Watkins, who is the older brother of Clemson WR Sammy Watkins, put together a string of positive plays during drills, getting his hands on the ball on a few reps. He showed smooth feet and hip action to quickly redirect and get his body under control to mirror the movements of the receiver. Watkins also did a nice job getting his head turned around to find the ball, elevate and break up the play. He is noticeably lean and his lack of muscle showed up on tape, but he weighed in at 194 pounds and his scrappy style of play serves him well.
To say the least, Ford and Watkins are prospects who have made the most of this opportunity in Mobile thus far and are helping themselves in the eyes of NFL scouts and the Jacksonville Jaguars' coaching staff. Purely hypothetical at this point, but Ford would be a viable candidate for the Jaguars in the second round for their "LEO" pass rush position and Watkins could be a target a round or two later to help the secondary. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/20/14 - 2014 SENIOR BOWL, DEFENSIVE BACK: Arrow pointing up: Jaylen Watkins, Florida...Although he was often overshadowed the past few seasons by the Gators deep, talented secondary, Watkins is a quick-footed and fluid athlete himself. He lacks ideal muscle, but Watkins, who is the older brother of Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, is a tough, scrappy tackler. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=113502&draftyear=2014&genpos=CB

Watkins possesses a lean, athletic build more suited to cornerback. He's a willing hitter, however, with good vision and closing ability, making it likely that he'll be able to successfully handle the transition to safety. The willingness to change positions during his senior season is a good indication of Watkins' selflessness and maturity.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737108/jaylen-watkins

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;HFRA7GWwSCQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFRA7GWwSCQ[/video]

91.S Ha Ha Clinton Dix, Alabama 6'1" 208

2014 NFL Draft Scout Pre-Combine Top 64 Prospects: 19. *Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama, 6-1, 208, 4.54, 1...Rated as one of the top two safeties coming out of high school, Dix lived up to his prep rep in coverage but comes up short in the physicality department. His instincts and ability to diagnose seem better than his athletic ability, which still is good enough to get him involved in more than his share of plays. Given name is Ha'Sean, but his grandmother gave him the unusual name he goes by. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=119331&draftyear=2015&genpos=FS

STRENGTHS: Possesses a lanky, athletic build with light feet, excellent fluidity and straight-line speed to handle deep and nickel coverage responsibilities. Good awareness. Tracks the action well, showing impressive key and diagnosis skills to get a jump on the ball or when attacking the line of scrimmage in run support. Decisive. When he sees the play developing Clinton-Dix doesn't waste time debating, instead exploding towards the ball, showing explosive closing ability. Very good ball-skills. Can climb the ladder and extend outside of his frame to pluck the ball. Physical defender, who looks to deliver the intimidating shot.
WEAKNESSES: Highly aggressive and therefore will occasionally be fooled by misdirection and play-action. Barrels towards the line of scrimmage and leaving cut-back lanes for nifty athletes to exploit. Lowers his shoulder to lay the intimidating hit on ball-carriers and fails to wrap up, at times, relying the collision to knock the opponent to the ground.
COMPARES TO: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks - Few free safeties possess Thomas' blend of agility, closing speed and ball-skills. Should Clinton-Dix continue to improve, he could soon join Thomas as a Pro Bowler.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2028292/hasean-clinton-dix

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;AnpFHmHy66I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnpFHmHy66I[/video]

92.QB Jeff Matthews, Cornell 6'3" 223

PROSPECTS WHO HELPED THEMSELVES AT THE SHRINE GAME: 8. QB Jeff Mathews, Cornell (6-4, 225, 4.93, #9)...If it weren't for Garoppolo, the quarterback talk would be all about Mathews and the week he had in St. Petersburg. He showed off his arm strength, passing vision and touch to all levels of the field and with his size, he fits what the NFL wants at the position. Mathews will hold the ball too long at times and needs to be more assertive, but he's a quality developmental quarterback who projects as a day three pick. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
01/13/14 - 2014 Shrine Game: Monday Practice Report...Although the first day of practice is usually sloppy with a lot of walk-through as players become acclimated to a new setting, coaches and teammates, there were several prospects who stood out on day one, starting with the quarterbacks on the East Squad. Cornell QB Jeff Mathews had a middling senior season and entered this week as a prospect under-the-microscope. In Monday's east practice, he started slow, but picked up steam and got into rhythm with as the drills progressed, showing off his big arm and downfield vision. Mathews displayed good placement, accuracy and anticipation, something that he flashed in college, and he gained confidence throughout the practice. His set-up, release and overall process is average at-best, but he has the superior arm strength compared to the other passers in St. Petersburg this week. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=120600&draftyear=2014&genpos=QB

STRENGTHS: Good height, big hands and a well-built frame to shake off defenders. Very good arm strength and velocity and can make deep throws with ease. Knows how to change arm angles and still deliver lasers. Improved ball placement and overall accuracy despite shaky mechanics.
Not much of a rush threat, but a better athlete than expected with mobility to pick up tough yards and throw on the run. Smart and processes information quickly. Confident and won't play hesitant. Obvious by his play that he puts in the time during the week. Hard worker with strong preparation skills and a team-first attitude. Improved pocked mobility to step up with his eyes downfield.
Four-year starter with top production and holds 45 school and 17 Ivy League passing records.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal athleticism and will struggle to elude defenders. Set-up, release and entire process are average at best. Footwork and overall mechanics are inconsistent. Inconsistent throwing base with too many unnecessary throws off-balance.
Doesn't consistently step into his passes or drive his body through his motion, relying on his arm talent. Struggles to feel pressure and will take too many hits in the pocket. Likes to "hop" in the pocket. Surveys well, but will lock onto primary targets and has a bad habit of staring down defenders and forecasting throws. Lower than ideal release point for his height. Needs to better protect the ball when scrambling.
Missed a game in 2013 due to a concussion. Lackluster career winning percentage of .324 (12-25) as a starter against FCS competition.
COMPARES TO: John Skelton, ex-Cardinals - Mathews is following a similar path as Skelton to the NFL. Like Skelton, Mathews has the size, arm strength and smarts to earn a shot at the next level.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1760436/jeff-mathews

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;9EZfE-fQr9g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EZfE-fQr9g[/video]

93.RB Bishop Sankey, Washington 5'9" 209

2014 NFL Draft Scout Pre-Combine Top 64 Prospects: 63. *Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington, 5-10, 203, 4.49, 2-3...Despite inconsistent offensive line and quarterback play in 2013, Sankey broke Corey Dillon's single-season school rushing record with 1,870 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in 13 games. The total seems better than the sum of his parts, but shows an impressive jump-cut and rarely takes flush hits. Durable player who never missed a game and was voted team captain as a junior. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange
12/30/13 - Washington quarterback Keith Price and Huskies running back Bishop Sankey both sat out the fourth quarter with apparent injuries, but Washington still held on for a 31-16 victory over Brigham Young in the Fight Hunger Bowl at AT&T Park on Friday night. Washington's defense shut out BYU (8-5) in the second half, helping the Huskies to finish the season with a 9-4 record. A 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Washington's John Ross III in the first half also aided the Huskies' cause.
Sankey, who ranked third nationally in rushing entering the game, ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns. The reason for his absence in the fourth quarter was unknown, although he was seen taping his hand. Price completed 17-of-22 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He left the field early in the fourth quarter to be X-rayed for a rib injury, according to a Washington radio sideline reporter. Cyler Miles replaced Price, who returned to the sideline but did not get back into the game. BYU quarterback Taysom Hill rushed for 133 yards on 31 carries and passed for 293 yards on 25-of-48 attempts. BYU outgained Washington 473-319, but BYU failed to score a point in the second half. - The Sports Xchange

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=119740&draftyear=2015&genpos=RB

STRENGTHS: Natural football player who is better than the sum of his parts. Possesses excellent vision. Quickly identifies the hole and shows good burst to and through the line of scrimmage. Good lateral agility, including an impressive jump-cut to elude defenders in tight spaces.
Much more effective interior runner than he looks due to impressive core strength and forward lean. Possesses subtle quickness as would-be tacklers arrive to slip and slide through contact and is too strong for arm tackles. Rarely takes flush hits. Lowers his shoulder when preparing to do so, covering the ball with both hands.
Pass blocks the same way in which he runs, showing subtle power and quickness to quietly get the job despite less than ideal size. Quick to step up in pass protection, showing good technique to deflect, slide and anchor, as necessary, rather than slamming into bigger pass rushers. Soft, natural hands out of the backfield.
Durable. Never missed a game and emerged as workhorse. Recognized by the UW coaching staff as a hard worker and team leader. Voted team captain as a junior.
WEAKNESSES: Slim shoulders and possesses a relatively slight frame for the position, overall. Good but not great balance, occasionally swinging his arms to maintain control and in doing so will leave the ball exposed. Saw an awful lot of touches (653) over his final two seasons, leading to some concerns about how tread is left on his tires.
COMPARES TO: Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals - Like Bernard, Sankey does not possess the ideal frame for a bell-cow running back, but his vision, agility, burst and underrated power make him every effective as an "air" back. Capable of handling third down duties, as well, Sankey ranks as one of 2014's best all-purpose backs and, like Bernard (the first back selected in the 2013 draft), he could earn the highest grade among all runners of his class for some teams.

 

[j-off-her-doll]

Dunno who wrote that Bryant piece on NFL.com (Nawrocki maybe?) but I disagree with the criticism of his hands and of his toughness. Martavis has terrific hands and is maybe the best blocking WR in the draft with a great aggressive attitude for his lean frame.

I do agree he's very raw as a route runner. But this kid is a stud in the making.

Nawrocki is one of the worst "draft guys" in the business.

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;vYjgSGvNKJ8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYjgSGvNKJ8[/video]

94.WR Cody Latimer, Indiana 6'2" 215

12/04/13 - 2013 ALL-BIG TEN SECOND TEAM (MEDIA): Cody Latimer, Indiana, Receiver...Latimer finished third in the Big Ten in yards (23rd nationally), tied for third in TDs (T-25th) and fourth in receptions (T-32nd). - Indiana football
12/04/13 - 2013 ALL-BIG TEN HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES): Cody Latimer,...Latimer became the fifth Hoosier to surpass 1,000 yards in a season and his total of 1,096 ranks third all-time at IU. His 72 receptions are fourth and his nine scores are ninth. On the Hoosiers career lists, Latimer's 135 catches and 2,152 yards are seventh, and his 17 touchdowns are tied for fifth. The Dayton, Ohio, native recorded five 100-yard games in 2013, which is tied for third in a single season, and owns seven in his career, which is tied for fourth. - Indiana football

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=120127&draftyear=2015&genpos=WR

STRENGTHS: Possesses thick, athletic-looking frame and an impressive speed/agility combination that enable him to separate consistently as a route-runner, and extend plays after the catch both in space and on contact. Flashes soft hands and good coordination when asked to extend and pluck the ball off his frame, and positions his body nicely when adjusting to balls thrown off stride.
Flashes the physicality and initial quickness to develop into a receiver who could beat press coverage at the next level, and is a willing blocker in the running game with room to improve his technique there.
WEAKNESSES: Occasional concentration issues leading to drops. Though Latimer exhibits burst and hip-sink to separate out of cuts, he seems to lack a second gear when asked to pull away vertically and may struggle to consistently threaten the top of the defense. As a route-runner, lacks precision at times as he'll round off his cuts, and he needs to get better at working his way back to the ball on hitches and comeback routes.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1889883/cody-latimer

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;JInh3H9c2ko]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JInh3H9c2ko[/video]

95.TE Marcel Jensen, Fresno St. 6'5.5" 259

01/20/14 - 2014 SENIOR BOWL, TIGHT END/FULLBACK: Arrow pointing down: Marcel Jensen, Fresno State...Despite Fresno State's pass-happy offense led by Derek Carr, Jensen wasn't a substantial part of the Bulldogs' offense. He wasn't asked to be a consistent blocker and has an average skill-set as a receiver, similar to former South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
12/18/13 - 2013 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST SECOND TEAM (COACHES/MEDIA): TE Marcel Jensen, Sr., Fresno State,...Has been selected Second Team All-Mountain West Conference for the 2013 college football season by the 12 Mountain West head coaches and select media panel. - Mountain West football/Fresno State football

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=83176&draftyear=2014&genpos=TE

STRENGTHS: While he doesn't get as many snaps as most NFL prospects, Jensen's ability to control defenders at the line of scrimmage in the running game, as well as his size, athleticism and big mitts in the passing game are very intriguing.
He possesses just average initial quickness off the line but accelerates smoothly for a big man. Presents a large catch radius, showing the ability to contort to adjust to passes outside of his frame. Catches the ball with his hands and quickly secures the ball.
Jensen's size and leaping ability also make him a standout on special teams. He had four career blocked kicks.
WEAKNESSES: While an imposing figure as a run-blocker, he is too inconsistent with his initial punch and in keeping his legs churning to sustain. Shows just average balance, coming off the line too high and negating his own power when run-blocking and too easily being knocked off course as a route-runner.
Shows little agility to avoid defenders in the open field, making him just a short-yardage target in the passing game. Groin injury suffered at the Senior Bowl requires medical clearance during pre-draft exams.
COMPARES TO: John Phillips, San Diego Chargers - Like the 6-5, 251-pound Phillips, Jensen possesses the frame scouts are looking for but he's not a dominating factor in the running game and offers limited playmaking ability.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1673492/marcel-jensen

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;1O_8AeyKEWE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_8AeyKEWE[/video]

96.OG Chris Watt, Notre Dame 6'3" 310

12/24/13 - 2013 FBS ALL-INDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM (MEDIA): OL Chris Watt (Sr.) Notre Dame,...Watt played in 47 straight games to open his Notre Dame career and started 34 consecutive games at left guard prior to missing the Navy game on Nov. 2 with a knee injury. He returned to lineup the following week at Pittsburgh and started the final three games of the regular season. Unfortunately, Watt suffered another knee injury at Stanford and will miss the Pinstripe Bowl. - Notre Dame football

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89840&draftyear=2014&genpos=OG

Strengths
Engages quickly and runs his feet on contact. Effective with an angle and can swing his hips in the hole. Generates movement in the run game and works to finish blocks. Good bend and balance -- plays on his feet. Sound fundamentals in pass protection. Strong, active hands to punch and control defenders. Can shuffle and slide. Good mobility. Works well in tandem. Smart and alert. Praised for his toughness and blue-collar work ethic. Three-year starter.
Weaknesses
Lacks ideal arm length and does not have large hands. Needs more sand in his pants. Susceptible to bull rush when powerful tackles get into his frame. Average athlete. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets in space. Missed his final bowl game after suffering a knee injury.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
Bottom Line
Good-sized, physical, competitive, bump-and-steer technician with starter-caliber ability in multiple schemes. Has a desirable temperament for the position and is a projectable, low-risk prospect.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/chris-watt?id=2543629

 

[Fin Thirteen]

Nawrocki is one of the worst "draft guys" in the business.

Agree totally. I tell you who I listen to the most out of all of 'em - Gil Brandt. He forgot more between breakfast and lunch than a lot of these "gurus" ever knew about player evaluation. For an old dude, he still has it, imo.

Mayock, Casserly next. Then there's a whole bunch of guys like Pauline, Jeremiah et al. Bucky Brooks, Kiper and anyone writing for Bleacher Report are in the white noise section.

 

[DKphin]

Agree totally. I tell you who I listen to the most out of all of 'em - Gil Brandt. He forgot more between breakfast and lunch than a lot of these "gurus" ever knew about player evaluation. For an old dude, he still has it, imo.

We are in total agreement on this point.:up: