2012 NFL Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

CB Chris Greenwood Albion 6-1 195

 

[DKphin]

[video=youtube;cJ5GBkJCZXE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ5GBkJCZXE&feature=player_embedded[/video]

 

[DKphin]

NFL Draft: Stock Watch


QB Ryan Tannehill: Texas A&M (6-4, 222)
With such limited experience at the quarterback position it's not a case of where this guy is right now, but where he can be in 2/3 years. I love the talent and the overall production from a guy who doesn't have much experience playing from under center as he plays way beyond his years. A potential franchise quarterback in my mind.

Potential Stock: Top-10

ICONWill Weeden sneak into round one?
QB Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State (6-4, 218)
His age will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But there isn't a throw this guy can't make and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a potential starter with some time.

Potential Stock: Late First Round

RB Michael Smith: Utah State (5-9, 205)
An overlooked senior because of a talented runner in front of him, but has an NFL skill set and should make a roster.

Potential Draft Stock: Fifth Round

WR Stephen Hill: Georgia Tech (6-5, 206)
Has a unique skill set, can pluck off his frame, track the football and is the next big time talent from the Georgia Tech program. Is going to need some time to develop, but can come in and track football vertically early on. Has a lot of upside to his game and skill set says he's an NFL starter.

Potential Stock: Mid/Late First Round

WR Rueben Randle: Louisiana State (6-4, 208)
Possesses that sneaky strider speed down the field and has some savvy to his game. However, lacks great burst out of his breaks and isn't going to be effective running sharply breaking routes. Looks like a potential NFL starter only.

Potential Stock: Late First Round

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Stock-Watch-1152.html

 

[DKphin]

Sleeper search ... One of the unquestioned rites of the pre-draft processis the search for that special player in the rough. In the end, the vast majority of players with the 'sleeper' label never amount to much, however, every once in awhile one does blossom into a solid contibutor if not a bona fide star. So the search goes on. This morning's edition of the Scout's Notebook takes a looks at several such sleeper prospects who have yet to generate much national draft buzz, but who have been confirmed as drawing legitimate interest from more than one NFL team.

Perhaps no small-school player has created a bigger buzz this spring than WR Cody Pearcy from unheralded Huntingdon College, a Division III school in Alabama who turned in one of the best pro day type workouts of any prospects this spring; indeed, there were some scouts thta described it as one of the most impressive on-campus workouts ever. In fact, Pearcy reportedly was timed in 4.31 seconds in the 40, had a remarkable 44-inch in the vertical jump and 10-6 broad jump, while posting very quick times in the agility drills including the short shuttle (3.76 seconds) and 3-cone drill (6.67). Here’s the problem though. Pearcy isn’t all that big at barely 5-10 and 161 pounds - and the latter while reportedly soaking wet - plus he was never all that productive in his college career. Pearcy did catch 51 passes last fall for over 1,000 yards, but one normally expects a Division III player to really dominate at that level to figure as more than a passing draft fancy. Still, its hard for the NFL not to notice that pure speed and quickness.

Pearcy is one of several smaller school sleeper prospects who are starting to generate some interest. Old Dominion DT Ronnie Cameron, for example, has received an invitation from more than one team to a pre-draft visit. Cameron is a quick 6-2, 305-pound interior defender who racked up 6.5 sacks and 11 other tackles for loss this past season. Cameron actually originally played at Hofstra, but transferred when the latter program was disbanded. Cameron needs to get stronger, but has good quickness and lateral range; he also has a nice motor and has racked over 70 tackles in each of the past couple of seasons. In fact, he’s a smart, solid character player who is in the school’s MBA program.

Same story for Ryan Davis a 6-2, 260-pound edge rusher from Bethune-Cookman who had 12 sacks and 10 other tackles for loss last fall while forcing 8 fumbles. Davis lined up as a down DE in college, but projects to OLB in a 3-4 scheme at the next level. Davis is a solidly built guy with pretty good athleticism; indeed, he was recruited as a TE and ran under 4.8 seconds for the 40 at Miami pro day. Davis can be engulfed at the point of attack defending the run, but is a good pass rusher with a nice first step and decent strength to maintain leverage. Plus, he’s another high motor guy who never gives up a play.

Not many DIII players get serious looks from NFL teams, but Albion CB Chris Greenwood is bucking that trend. He’s a long (6-1, 195) cover corner with good straight-line speed; indeed, he was reportedly timed in under 4.45 seconds for the 40 at the Michigan pro day. He also has the size to physically match-up with bigger receivers, although his technique is very raw and he may be more fast that quick. Greenwood also wasn’t able to not post much in the way of numbers last fall as opposing teams tended to avoid his side of the field. However, corners with that combination of length and speed are sometimes hard to find and will usually get a second look or two no matter what the pedrigree.

Ever since New Orleans literally stole WR Marcus Colston with the 252nd pick in the 7th round of the 2006 draft, teams around the league have been looking for the next gem of a big receiver. One reason that Colston lasted as long as he did was that NFL teams really weren’t sure whether he was indeed a big WR or a smallish TE/H-back type. Maybe the closest thing this year to Colston is WR Devin Goda of Slippery Rock. Like Colston he‘s a thickly built 6-3, 225-pound receiver with better than average athleticism. Indeed, Goda ran in the sub-4.6 range at the team‘s pro day and had a 37-inch vertical leap. Goda was also a productive receiver in college with soft hands and the ability to get open. In 2011, for example, he caught 75 passes for over 1,000 yards on a team that really didn’t throw the ball all that well. What teams also like about Goda is that he increased his production in college by around 20 catches per season in each of his 4 years.

Read more:http://www.gbnreport.com/scoutsnotebook.htm

 

[DKphin]

Some potentially risky first-round picks

Quinton Coples – North Carolina
There is no questioning Coples' talent. He had a strong year in 2010 and also a dominant Senior Bowl. He followed that up with a strong performance at the Combine. His 2011 season is in question, however. He did not play to the level of 2010 and many felt he underachieved his final year. Granted there was a lot going on at North Carolina with the head coach being fired and the school under investigation, but that is no excuse for a player not to perform. The question teams will have to ask is if they are buying the Coples who showed up at the Senior Bowl or the one who played in the 2011 season.
Courtney Upshaw – Alabama

ICONWhat position will Courtney Upshaw play in the NFL?
Upshaw was a dominating player at Alabama the last two years as a defensive end. The question will be what position will he play in the NFL? At 6014 and 278 with 4.79 speed and only 31.5” arms he does not have the physical traits to dominate in the NFL at defensive end. He is a true “tweener.” Many of the 3-4 teams will look at him as an outside linebacker but are they comfortable he can drop into coverage? He lacks the height and arm length that 4-3 clubs want at end. The other thing that bothers me was his workout. He didn’t work out at the Combine and skipped Alabama’s first pro day. He finally worked out last week and showed up 6 pounds heavier than he was at Indy. He also looked fat and by no means was he explosive. His workout numbers were average at best. There is a lot of risk with this player if he is taken in the first round.
Janoris Jenkins – North Alabama
When Jenkins was at Florida he showed he had the tools to be a solid NFL corner. Because of numerous failed drug tests he was dropped from the program and transferred to Northern Alabama. While he flashed there he didn’t show the same skills he showed at Florida. The other concerns are he already has a number of children that he has to support and that could cause him to lose focus. Though he has tried to show remorse for his past indiscretions there are many clubs that feel he just doesn’t “get it” and will never change. The team that pulls the trigger better be careful!
Michael Floyd – Notre Dame
There is no question that Michael Floyd is one of the most talented receivers in this draft and without a doubt he is the most physical. Still he has made numerous poor decisions in regards to his use of alcohol. Clubs have to be sure that he has learned from his past mistakes and it won’t be a problem going forward. If he has an alcohol problem in the NFL it could lead to a suspension.
Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M
Tannehill has what scouts look for as far as size, athleticism, speed and arm strength to play quarterback in the NFL. What he doesn’t have is good play history. He is a questionable decision maker, has not played well in big games and has only played quarterback at the college level for two years with less than 20 starts. Remember he was a receiver his first few years at A&M. His instincts are average. While his physical traits may warrant a first-round selection his play doesn’t. Do I think he has a chance to be a good NFL quarterback? Yes, but he is a developmental player who needs years of seasoning. Eight to ten years ago this type of player would have been drafted in the third or fourth round not in the top half of the first.
*exactly what I have been saying every since the madness began.

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Some-potentially-risky-firstround-picks.html

 

[DKphin]

Draft prospects worth fighting for

QB Ryan Tannehill: Texas A&M (6-4, 222)
With such limited experience at the quarterback position it's not a case of where this guy is right now, but where he can be in 2/3 years. I love the talent and the overall production from a guy who doesn't have much experience playing from under center as he plays way beyond his
years. A potential franchise quarterback in my mind.

ICONKinne is an ideal later round sleeper.
QB G.J. Kinne: Tulsa (6-2, 234)
Kinne has a little Jeff Garcia/Bruce Gradkowski to his game. He will fall on draft day because of his size, but is your typical gritty QB prospect who is the son of a coach and in my view will find a way to make a roster and potentially fight for playing time down the line.

WR Devon Wylie: Fresno State (5-9, 185)
Is limited a bit by his size, but is the kind of cat-quick slot guy with great ball skills who can make a living in the NFL. The major positive with him is that he also has very good speed as well.

OG Brandon Brooks: Miami (Ohio) (6-5, 343)
Is a big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, has some upside and can win consistently in the run game and pass game and looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.

LB Shea McClellin: Boise State (6-3, 258)
McClellin is a productive pass rusher with a big motor, good skill set and can get after the QB in a number of ways. Looks like a potential starter at the next level.

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Draft-prospects-worth-fighting-for-8497.html

 

[DKphin]

A quick look at LaMichael James

Let’s talk about LaMichael James today. The RB was productive at Oregon in Chip Kelly’s offense, ran in the mid 4.4’s at the NFL combine and has good vision (plus cutback ability) when you watch his tape. There are some questions about his durability and size (5-9, 195), but we are still looking at a prospect that should carry a third round grade heading into the draft because of his talent and matchup ability.
In terms of an ideal fit at the pro level? I look at how Darren Sproles is utilized within the Saints offense. Think edge runs, the screen and draw game, plus as a receiver in the slot running the option and angle routes (matchup issue for LB/SS).

[video=youtube;qUd36Sc86MA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUd36Sc86MA&feature=player_embedded[/video]

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-a-quick-look-at-LaMichael-James.html

 

[DKphin]

NFL Draft: Top Upside Prospects

QB Robert Griffin III: Baylor (6-2, 220)
A "plus" athlete who can really throw the football, is a student of the game and is only starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Has as much upside as any prospect in the draft and looks like a future franchise signal caller.

ICONOsweiler possesses a good skill set.
QB Brock Osweiler: Arizona State (6-7, 240)
Osweiler would have been much better served to stay for his senior year and develop his overall feel for the game. Because of as now he struggles to decipher defenses and honestly didn't display a great feel for his own offense either. However, the guy has some talent and can really sling the football.

WR Stephen Hill: Georgia Tech (6-5, 206)
Has a unique skill set, can pluck off his frame, track the football and is the next big time talent from the Georgia Tech program. Is going to need some time to develop, but can come in and track football vertically early on. Has a lot of upside to his game and skill set says he's an NFL starter.

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Top-Upside-Prospects.html

 

[dlockz]

any list that has Weeden ranked ahead of Griffin is seriously flawed to me

 

[DKphin]

any list that has Weeden ranked ahead of Griffin is seriously flawed to me

When I started this thread, I put the prospects down in no particular order. Just because Weeden is listed ahead of Griffin does not mean that he is better, just that I got the info on him before I got the info on the rest.:up:

 

[DKphin]

[h=1]Before offensive tackles fly off draft boards, consider supply and demand[/h]

Stanford's Jonathan Martin figures to go in the first round. There will be plenty of demand. (Getty Images)

The reality of the draft is that supply and demand play into talent selection. In plain English, if 15 teams are looking to fill the same position and all 32 draft boards say only 10 players are projected as eventual starters at that spot, you will see these 10 guys all gone earlier than predicted.
A lot of names remain in free agency, and some teams will look to a veteran as a short-term answer to a long-term problem, but it's not the preferred way of building a roster for most personnel directors. Weighing a 32-year-old player with a medical history and/or an inflated sense of his market value vs. a 22-year-old that may need a year or two to develop always makes for an interesting discussion in the front office.
As draft boards take shape, head coaches are starting to get nervous. With the first wave of free agency over, it's becoming clear where teams might have trouble filling a few positions. Coaches know they don't have time to develop players -- or they'll surrender winning to get it done. Most head coaches I know will start to push their GM to think about moving up or trading future picks to get what they need.
In the next few weeks before the draft, I will look at most positions with an eye toward equating need with supply.
The first stop is offensive tackle, and it really doesn't look good for the teams that need a tackle given this draft's supply. More teams need an offensive tackle than there are tackles projected as impact players.

Read more:http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...y-off-draft-boards-consider-supply-and-demand

 

[DKphin]

[h=1]Draft positional series: Wide receivers[/h]

Blackmon's talent at WR is as obvious as the two Biletnikoff awards he won while at OK State. (US Presswire)

In the NFL aerial circus that lights up scoreboards and bloats statistics, the wide receivers are the showmen who perform the astonishing high-wire act that is so intricate it often needs instant replay to verify what really happened.
They must -- often all at once -- run with world-class speed, fend off some defensive bully, keep both tiptoes inside the sideline chalk, cleanly snatch a football traveling at the rate of 60 miles per hour and make sure it doesn't move ever so slightly in their hands or graze the turf. And if they are tumbling out of bounds after all that, they must maintain firm possession until they stop moving, even if they wind up in the third row of seats.
Still, among the myriad of unusual jobs involved in football, wide receivers are basically asked to do what comes most natural to an athlete -- run and catch.
And for those who can do that simple yet complex task the best, there is extraordinary riches and fame.
Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice did it the best and has been voted the greatest pro football player ever, at any position. Last month, wide receiver Calvin Johnson signed an NFL record $132 million contract with Detroit and Vincent Jackson went to Tampa Bay for $55.556 million.

So teams scrutinize college wide receivers closely, trying to determine who has the skills to survive and thrive in the pros. According to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com, this year's draft features a group of receivers who are average as a group, but measure taller and heavier than usual.
Clearly topping this list are Oklahoma State's talented Justin Blackmon and Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, each of whom comes complete with some off-field issues. Blackmon rates as the No. 5 overall prospect in the draft and as many as five wide receivers could be taken in the first round and nine by the end of the second.

Read more:http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/18398415/draft-positional-series-wide-receivers

 

[DKphin]

[h=1]Surprising disparity among WR grades from teams[/h]For example, one high-ranking source for a team thought likely to be considering using an early pick on a receiver indicated that his club had only one -- Blackmon -- graded as a first round prospect.

An official for another team, however, cited five receivers -- Blackmon, Floyd, Wright, LSU's Rueben Randle and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill -- as players his club had given preliminary top 32 grades.

Different teams giving prospects varying grades is no surprise. To see this much disparity at this late point in the evaluation process is rare, however. Frankly, the last time I recall there being this much disagreement at the receiver position was in 2008 -- when zero receivers ultimately went in the first round.

Blackmon certainly won't allow history to repeat itself four years later but at least some NFL teams believe the expected run on receivers won't happen until the draft's second round rather than halfway through the first.

Read more:www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/18231687/surprising-disparity-among-wr-grades-from-teams

 

[DKphin]

Ryan Tannehill and the 'read option'

In the NFP Sunday Blitz, Dan Pompei shared some notes on Ryan Tannehill. The QB out of Texas A&M has seen his value dramatically rise because of the demand for the position in this league. A projected Top 10 pick heading into the draft (after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III) with teams such as Cleveland and Miami looking to target a No.1 QB.
Today, I want to take a quick look at Tannehill. However, let’s move past the route tree, the deep out, the 9 or the 7 route vs. Cover 2 and focus on the former WR’s ability as an athlete in the “read option” scheme. TCheck out the clip below and then we can talk some Xs and Os.
Personnel: Jet (4 WR, 1 RB)
Scheme: Read Option
Defensive Coverage: Nickel Cover 2

[video=youtube;6AfAUxWP2VU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6AfAUxWP2VU[/video]

Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Ryan-Tannehill-and-the-read-option.html

 

[DKphin]

WR Matt Austin Utah State 6-2 198