I'm no guru (at least I don't have a badge), but I feel people on this site like to see a variety with how prospects are ranked. Interested to see how the gurus view my rankings. Top 5 at each position.
Quarterbacks
1.Teddy Bridgewater Jr, Louisville
2.Tajh Boyd Sr, Clemson
3.AJ McCarron Sr, Alabama
4.David Fales Sr, San Jose State
5.Johnny Manziel RS So, Texas A&M.
Worth Watching
Brett Hundley RS So, UCLA
Derek Carr Sr, Fresno State
Aaron Murray Sr, Georgia
This potentially is a very very deep QB class. Teddy Bridgewater is my runaway favorite in preseason to be the number one pick. Of course, in October many thought Geno Smith was the number 1 pick so a lot can change. I've been a huge fan of Tajh Boyd since he was being recruited and feel, depending on the team, is the number 2 pick right now. McCarron and Fales don't get much love as pro prospects right now. Johnny Football's lack of discipline right now drops him for me. Aaron Murray is a great college QB, but height will hold him back a bit. Keep an eye out for Brett Hundley of UCLA. He may be able to challenge for that top spot.
Runningbacks
1.D'Anthony Thomas Jr, Oregon
2.Lache Seastrunk Jr, Baylor
3.Ka'Deem Carey Jr, Arizona
4.Damien Williams Sr, Oklahoma
5.Bishop Sankey Jr, Washington
Worth Watching
George Atkinson III Jr Notre Dame
Charles Sims Sr, West Virginia
James Wilder Jr, Florida State
Some big play RBs that have excelled in the spread offense, but there are no Trent Richardsons or Adrian Petersons in this draft. Thomas, Seastrunk, and Carey all could sneak into the 2nd half of round 1 but no real elite prospects here. Though if Miller and/or Thomas don't produce at RB, I wouldn't mind getting any of the top 3 to add another dimension to the offense. Overall though, not an exciting class
Wide Receivers
1.Sammy Watkins Jr, Clemson
2.Marquis Lee Jr, USC
3.Donte Moncrief Jr, Ole Miss
4.Jordan Matthews Sr, Vanderbilt
5.Allen Robinson Jr, Penn State
Worth Watching
Paul Richardson Jr, Colorado
Mike Evans RS So, Texas A&M
Brandon Coleman Jr, Rutgers
Like most years, there are a lot of underclassmen to like, but they have to live up to the preseason hype. At this point last year Keenan Allen and Robert Woods were top 20 locks. While most have Lee as the number 1 WR, I have Watkins but it's more like 1 and 1a. Watkins' production too a step back from his sophomore year while Lee had a Heisman caliber season on a disappointing USC team. Personally talent wise I don't think you can go wrong either way. I also love Allen Robinson. I have him 5th, but the kid is the Penn State offense. Mike Evans had an awesome RS freshmen season overshadowed by his teammate, but the kid is a good prospect. Moncrief was one of the better WRs in the SEC, but it wouldn't shock me if his production goes down (both due to LeQuon Treadwell, and he's already hinted at wanting to leave so he may make more "business decisions). Jordan Matthews is the top senior WR, and will probably get drafted lower than he should. Paul Richardson is one to keep an eye on for sure. After missing last season with a torn ACL, he started off the season with 200 yards receiving and 2 TDs. Impressive physical speciman. Preseason I can honestly say that there are quite a few prospects I'm excited to watch, but again, they have to follow through.
Tightends
1.Austin Sefarian-Jenkins Jr, Washington
2.Eric Ebron Jr, North Carolina
3.CJ Fiedorowicz Sr, Iowa
4.Colt Lyerla Jr, Oregon
5.Xavier Grimble Jr, USC
Worth Watching
Jace Amaro Jr, Texas Tech
Arthur Lynch Sr, Georgia
Marcel Jensen Sr, Fresno State
The top 4 guys are head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft class. ASJ didn't start the fall off right getting a DUI in August, but talent wise he could be a top 15 pick. Ebron and and Lyerla are both athletic TE targets. Fiedorowicz is 6'7 and a decent athlete. After those 4? Meh. Amaro could be one to watch as he should get a lot of opportunities in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Grimble showed flashes.
Offensive Tackles
1.Taylor Lewan Sr, Michigan
2.Jake Matthews Sr, Texas A&M
3.Cyrus Kouandjio Jr, Alabama
4.Antonio Richardson Jr, Tennessee
5.James Hurst Sr, North Carolina
I'm not going to give worth watching for the cornfeds, sorry. I'm also not going to apologize for being a homer and putting Taylor Lewan as the top OT. In truth the top 3 are all fairly close and are interchangeable. Though Kouandjio did have a bit of a rough go to start the season. Probably all top 15 picks with Richardson also sneaking into the first.
Offensive Guards
1.Cyril Richardson Sr, Baylor
2. Xavier Su'a-Filo Jr, UCLA
3.Gabe Jackson Sr, Mississippi State
4.Zack Martin Sr, Notre Dame
5.David Yankley Sr, Stanford.
Yankley was an All-American LT last year but translates to guard. Um... Yeah I got nothing else with talking about guards.
Centers
1.Travis Swanson Sr, Arkansas
2.Bryan Stork Sr, Florida State
3.Weston Richburg Sr, Colorado State
4.Hroniss Grasu Jr, Oregon
5. Gabe Ikard Sr, Oklahoma
The Oregon center has an awesome name. That's pretty much all you are getting from me.
Defensive Ends/3-4 Outside Linebackers
1.Jadeveon Clowney Jr, South Carolina
2.Stephon Truitt Jr, Notre Dame
3.Trent Murphy Jr, Stanford
4.Aaron Lynch RS So, South Florida
5.Scott Crichton Jr, Oregon State
Worth Watching
Jackson Jeffcoat Sr, Texas
Kareem Martin Sr, North Carolina
Taylor Hart Sr, Oregon
The top 4 is pretty much locked in if they decide to come out. Clowney is more than likely a top 3 pick unless he implodes. Lynch has a chance to move up with a good season after transfering to South Florida. A lot of interesting players here. DE could end up being our deepest position, but you could always use more pass rushers.
Defensive Tackles
1.Louis Nix Sr, Notre Dame
2.Will Sutton Sr, Arizona State
3.Anthony Johnson Jr, LSU
4.Timmy Jernigan Jr, Florida State
5.Daniel McCullers Sr, Tennessee
Worth Watching
DeAndre Coleman Sr, California
Ra'Shede Hageman Sr, Minnesota
Calvin Barnett Sr, Oklahoma State
With Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, and Vaughn Martin all free agents (and AJ Francis a Pat) we shouldn't discount looking at a DT early. Nix is hands down the top NT, and would be a candidate if Big Paul is not resigned. Daniel McCullers is also more of a NT. If Kevin Coyle decides to go more towards the Bengals defense with pass rushers up the middle, Will Sutton, Anthony Johnson, and Timmy Jernigan are more who we'll look at. I'd put Sutton at the top of my wish list as he did a lot of damage for the Sun Devils all by himself. Again, this is a position we should pay close attention to.
Linebackers
1.Anthony Barr Sr, UCLA
2.Kyle Van Noy Sr, BYU
3.CJ Mosely Sr, Alabama
4.Adrian Hubbard Jr, Alabama
5.Khalil Mack Sr, Buffalo
Worth Watching
Ryan Shazier Jr, Ohio State
Christian Jones Sr, Florida State
Jake Ryan Jr, Michigan
The LB class is deep. REALLY deep. Barr is more than likely a top 5 pick while pretty much everybody else mentioned as first round potential. Jake Ryan is a bit of a homer mention for Michigan, but if he comes back from injury in October and plays like he has the last 2 years for the Wolverines there aren't many better LBs. Shazier is a little light and relies a bit too much on athleticism but he's a good one. Mack dominated against Ohio State and would be a candidate for the Nagurski award if he went to a big school. I didn't even mention guys like Shane Skov, Jeremiah Attaochu, Max Bullough, AJ Johnson, or Andrew Jackson. While LB in the first 2 rounds may not be needed, picking up a decent depth guy between rounds 3-5 wouldn't hurt... especially in this class.
Cornerbacks
1.Bradley Roby Jr, Ohio State
2.Louchiez Purifoy Jr, Florida
3.Aaron Colven Sr, Oklahoma
4.Jason Verrett Sr, TCU
5.Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Jr, Oregon
Worth Watching
Marcus Roberson Jr, Florida
Justin Gilbert Sr, Oklahoma State
Bene Benwikere Sr, San Jose State
Roby was suspended the opening game for Ohio State, but if he keeps his head on straight he's an elite corner. He almost entered the 2013 draft but backed out at the last minute. Purifoy is another guy with preseason hype. With drafting Jamar Taylor and Will Davis on Day 2 this past draft Corner isn't necessarily a need, but it isn't necessarily a strength either. The development of those 2 rookies, Nolan Carroll, the play of Dimitri Patterson, and whether or not we resign Brent Grimes will all play a factor in whether or not we draft a CB early. Though it is worth keeping an eye on.
Safeties
1.Haha Clinton-Dix Jr, Alabama
2.Ed Reynolds Sr, Stanford
3.Vinnie Sunseri Jr, Alabama
4.Kenny Ladler Sr, Vanderbilt
5.Trey Boston Sr, North Carolina
Worth Watching
Craig Lotson Sr, LSU
Ty Zimmerman Sr Kansas State
Antone Exum Sr, Virginia Tech
What a surprise, Alabama having more elite talent in the secondary. Clinton-Dix isn't as highly regarded as Mark Barron (yet), but he could, and should rise up draft boards to top 15 (maybe higher?). Teammate Vinny Sunseri played as a 3rd Safety/Rover last year with Robert Lester on the team, and steps into a somewhat different role. Sunseri has shown a knack for playmaking and should also rise up boards. Reynolds had 6 interceptions last season for the Cardinal on his way to an All-American season. With Reshad Jones resigned we have one young promising safety locked up long term, but Chris Clemmons is playing on a one year deal. With his future uncertain scouting safeties should be a high priority... unless you are happy with Jimmy Wilson, Kelcey McCray, or Don Jones starting at Free Safety.
So there you go boys. Just a small preview of guys to look at. I look forward to feedback
Quarterbacks
1.Teddy Bridgewater Jr, Louisville
2.Tajh Boyd Sr, Clemson
3.AJ McCarron Sr, Alabama
4.David Fales Sr, San Jose State
5.Johnny Manziel RS So, Texas A&M.
Worth Watching
Brett Hundley RS So, UCLA
Derek Carr Sr, Fresno State
Aaron Murray Sr, Georgia
This potentially is a very very deep QB class. Teddy Bridgewater is my runaway favorite in preseason to be the number one pick. Of course, in October many thought Geno Smith was the number 1 pick so a lot can change. I've been a huge fan of Tajh Boyd since he was being recruited and feel, depending on the team, is the number 2 pick right now. McCarron and Fales don't get much love as pro prospects right now. Johnny Football's lack of discipline right now drops him for me. Aaron Murray is a great college QB, but height will hold him back a bit. Keep an eye out for Brett Hundley of UCLA. He may be able to challenge for that top spot.
Runningbacks
1.D'Anthony Thomas Jr, Oregon
2.Lache Seastrunk Jr, Baylor
3.Ka'Deem Carey Jr, Arizona
4.Damien Williams Sr, Oklahoma
5.Bishop Sankey Jr, Washington
Worth Watching
George Atkinson III Jr Notre Dame
Charles Sims Sr, West Virginia
James Wilder Jr, Florida State
Some big play RBs that have excelled in the spread offense, but there are no Trent Richardsons or Adrian Petersons in this draft. Thomas, Seastrunk, and Carey all could sneak into the 2nd half of round 1 but no real elite prospects here. Though if Miller and/or Thomas don't produce at RB, I wouldn't mind getting any of the top 3 to add another dimension to the offense. Overall though, not an exciting class
Wide Receivers
1.Sammy Watkins Jr, Clemson
2.Marquis Lee Jr, USC
3.Donte Moncrief Jr, Ole Miss
4.Jordan Matthews Sr, Vanderbilt
5.Allen Robinson Jr, Penn State
Worth Watching
Paul Richardson Jr, Colorado
Mike Evans RS So, Texas A&M
Brandon Coleman Jr, Rutgers
Like most years, there are a lot of underclassmen to like, but they have to live up to the preseason hype. At this point last year Keenan Allen and Robert Woods were top 20 locks. While most have Lee as the number 1 WR, I have Watkins but it's more like 1 and 1a. Watkins' production too a step back from his sophomore year while Lee had a Heisman caliber season on a disappointing USC team. Personally talent wise I don't think you can go wrong either way. I also love Allen Robinson. I have him 5th, but the kid is the Penn State offense. Mike Evans had an awesome RS freshmen season overshadowed by his teammate, but the kid is a good prospect. Moncrief was one of the better WRs in the SEC, but it wouldn't shock me if his production goes down (both due to LeQuon Treadwell, and he's already hinted at wanting to leave so he may make more "business decisions). Jordan Matthews is the top senior WR, and will probably get drafted lower than he should. Paul Richardson is one to keep an eye on for sure. After missing last season with a torn ACL, he started off the season with 200 yards receiving and 2 TDs. Impressive physical speciman. Preseason I can honestly say that there are quite a few prospects I'm excited to watch, but again, they have to follow through.
Tightends
1.Austin Sefarian-Jenkins Jr, Washington
2.Eric Ebron Jr, North Carolina
3.CJ Fiedorowicz Sr, Iowa
4.Colt Lyerla Jr, Oregon
5.Xavier Grimble Jr, USC
Worth Watching
Jace Amaro Jr, Texas Tech
Arthur Lynch Sr, Georgia
Marcel Jensen Sr, Fresno State
The top 4 guys are head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft class. ASJ didn't start the fall off right getting a DUI in August, but talent wise he could be a top 15 pick. Ebron and and Lyerla are both athletic TE targets. Fiedorowicz is 6'7 and a decent athlete. After those 4? Meh. Amaro could be one to watch as he should get a lot of opportunities in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. Grimble showed flashes.
Offensive Tackles
1.Taylor Lewan Sr, Michigan
2.Jake Matthews Sr, Texas A&M
3.Cyrus Kouandjio Jr, Alabama
4.Antonio Richardson Jr, Tennessee
5.James Hurst Sr, North Carolina
I'm not going to give worth watching for the cornfeds, sorry. I'm also not going to apologize for being a homer and putting Taylor Lewan as the top OT. In truth the top 3 are all fairly close and are interchangeable. Though Kouandjio did have a bit of a rough go to start the season. Probably all top 15 picks with Richardson also sneaking into the first.
Offensive Guards
1.Cyril Richardson Sr, Baylor
2. Xavier Su'a-Filo Jr, UCLA
3.Gabe Jackson Sr, Mississippi State
4.Zack Martin Sr, Notre Dame
5.David Yankley Sr, Stanford.
Yankley was an All-American LT last year but translates to guard. Um... Yeah I got nothing else with talking about guards.
Centers
1.Travis Swanson Sr, Arkansas
2.Bryan Stork Sr, Florida State
3.Weston Richburg Sr, Colorado State
4.Hroniss Grasu Jr, Oregon
5. Gabe Ikard Sr, Oklahoma
The Oregon center has an awesome name. That's pretty much all you are getting from me.
Defensive Ends/3-4 Outside Linebackers
1.Jadeveon Clowney Jr, South Carolina
2.Stephon Truitt Jr, Notre Dame
3.Trent Murphy Jr, Stanford
4.Aaron Lynch RS So, South Florida
5.Scott Crichton Jr, Oregon State
Worth Watching
Jackson Jeffcoat Sr, Texas
Kareem Martin Sr, North Carolina
Taylor Hart Sr, Oregon
The top 4 is pretty much locked in if they decide to come out. Clowney is more than likely a top 3 pick unless he implodes. Lynch has a chance to move up with a good season after transfering to South Florida. A lot of interesting players here. DE could end up being our deepest position, but you could always use more pass rushers.
Defensive Tackles
1.Louis Nix Sr, Notre Dame
2.Will Sutton Sr, Arizona State
3.Anthony Johnson Jr, LSU
4.Timmy Jernigan Jr, Florida State
5.Daniel McCullers Sr, Tennessee
Worth Watching
DeAndre Coleman Sr, California
Ra'Shede Hageman Sr, Minnesota
Calvin Barnett Sr, Oklahoma State
With Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, and Vaughn Martin all free agents (and AJ Francis a Pat) we shouldn't discount looking at a DT early. Nix is hands down the top NT, and would be a candidate if Big Paul is not resigned. Daniel McCullers is also more of a NT. If Kevin Coyle decides to go more towards the Bengals defense with pass rushers up the middle, Will Sutton, Anthony Johnson, and Timmy Jernigan are more who we'll look at. I'd put Sutton at the top of my wish list as he did a lot of damage for the Sun Devils all by himself. Again, this is a position we should pay close attention to.
Linebackers
1.Anthony Barr Sr, UCLA
2.Kyle Van Noy Sr, BYU
3.CJ Mosely Sr, Alabama
4.Adrian Hubbard Jr, Alabama
5.Khalil Mack Sr, Buffalo
Worth Watching
Ryan Shazier Jr, Ohio State
Christian Jones Sr, Florida State
Jake Ryan Jr, Michigan
The LB class is deep. REALLY deep. Barr is more than likely a top 5 pick while pretty much everybody else mentioned as first round potential. Jake Ryan is a bit of a homer mention for Michigan, but if he comes back from injury in October and plays like he has the last 2 years for the Wolverines there aren't many better LBs. Shazier is a little light and relies a bit too much on athleticism but he's a good one. Mack dominated against Ohio State and would be a candidate for the Nagurski award if he went to a big school. I didn't even mention guys like Shane Skov, Jeremiah Attaochu, Max Bullough, AJ Johnson, or Andrew Jackson. While LB in the first 2 rounds may not be needed, picking up a decent depth guy between rounds 3-5 wouldn't hurt... especially in this class.
Cornerbacks
1.Bradley Roby Jr, Ohio State
2.Louchiez Purifoy Jr, Florida
3.Aaron Colven Sr, Oklahoma
4.Jason Verrett Sr, TCU
5.Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Jr, Oregon
Worth Watching
Marcus Roberson Jr, Florida
Justin Gilbert Sr, Oklahoma State
Bene Benwikere Sr, San Jose State
Roby was suspended the opening game for Ohio State, but if he keeps his head on straight he's an elite corner. He almost entered the 2013 draft but backed out at the last minute. Purifoy is another guy with preseason hype. With drafting Jamar Taylor and Will Davis on Day 2 this past draft Corner isn't necessarily a need, but it isn't necessarily a strength either. The development of those 2 rookies, Nolan Carroll, the play of Dimitri Patterson, and whether or not we resign Brent Grimes will all play a factor in whether or not we draft a CB early. Though it is worth keeping an eye on.
Safeties
1.Haha Clinton-Dix Jr, Alabama
2.Ed Reynolds Sr, Stanford
3.Vinnie Sunseri Jr, Alabama
4.Kenny Ladler Sr, Vanderbilt
5.Trey Boston Sr, North Carolina
Worth Watching
Craig Lotson Sr, LSU
Ty Zimmerman Sr Kansas State
Antone Exum Sr, Virginia Tech
What a surprise, Alabama having more elite talent in the secondary. Clinton-Dix isn't as highly regarded as Mark Barron (yet), but he could, and should rise up draft boards to top 15 (maybe higher?). Teammate Vinny Sunseri played as a 3rd Safety/Rover last year with Robert Lester on the team, and steps into a somewhat different role. Sunseri has shown a knack for playmaking and should also rise up boards. Reynolds had 6 interceptions last season for the Cardinal on his way to an All-American season. With Reshad Jones resigned we have one young promising safety locked up long term, but Chris Clemmons is playing on a one year deal. With his future uncertain scouting safeties should be a high priority... unless you are happy with Jimmy Wilson, Kelcey McCray, or Don Jones starting at Free Safety.
So there you go boys. Just a small preview of guys to look at. I look forward to feedback
