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2012 NFL Draft Prospects

[h=1]Several prospects hoping for good news at medical recheck in Indy[/h]Some of the big names in the 2012 NFL Draft returning to Indianapolis this week for a medical recheck include Alabama running back Trent Richardson, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

However, little drama is expected to be attached to the combine follow-up visit to Indianapolis by those players, all of whom are expected to be selected early in the first round:


Here is a closer look at players scheduled for recheck:
Offense
QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M (6-4, 221): After breaking a bone in his right foot, Tannehill couldn't participate in the Senior Bowl or combine and missed the Aggies' pro day in early March. He had surgery and was even forced to limp down the aisle with crutches during his wedding in January. Tannehill was finally able to get on the field on March 29 for a workout in College Station and looked good throwing off that foot and running a 4.58 40-yard dash. He is expected to be selected in the top 12.
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama (5-9, 228): Even though he played healthy throughout the entire 2011 season, Richardson had a meniscus scope on his knee and was held out of workouts in Indianapolis. He was back at full health for his workout on March 29 on Alabama's campus and didn't show any signs of being hampered by the injury. Richardson ran his 40 in the high-4.4, low-4.5-second area and looked good in positional drills, cementing his status as an early first round pick.
WR T.Y. Hilton, Florida International (5-10, 183): There might not be a more explosive athlete in this draft class, but strong durability concerns hurts his NFL future, including a hamstring issue that kept him out of any all-star games and the combine. Hilton was healthy enough to run at his pro day on March 9 and ran consistent times in the 4.3s, showing off his natural speed to pro scouts. He battled injuries over his career and his frail-looking frame creates concern with NFL teams, pushing his draft value into the middle rounds.
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma (5-10, 192): The NCAA's all-time leading receiver suffered a devastating knee injury late in the 2011 season, which has kept him sidelined during the pre-draft process. Broyles couldn't participate at the combine or Oklahoma's on-campus pro day and has yet to set a date as to when he'll be able to run for NFL teams before draft weekend. He feels confident he will be able to show "something" before the draft but the injury will make it tough for a team to invest an early round draft pick in him.
TE Coby Fleener, Stanford (6-6, 247): After spraining his ankle in the Fiesta Bowl, Fleener only lifted at the combine (27 reps). He rehabbed his injury to get ready for Stanford's pro day on March 22 and blew away scouts with his 40 times in the mid-4.4s. Fleener has been beaten up over his football career and carries some durability issues, but is still expected to be the top player off the board at his position because of his athleticism for his size.
OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford (6-5, 312): Martin joined fellow Stanford prospects Andrew Luck and David DeCastro in declaring early for the NFL Draft, but his draft stock hasn't been moving in the same direction as his former teammates. After pulling out of the combine workouts because of an "illness," Martin looked very average at Stanford's pro day with poor workout numbers in the 40-yard dash (5.33), bench press (20), vertical (30") and broad jump (8'8"). He is still expected to go in the first round, but that thought is far from a certainty.
G Joe Looney, Wake Forest (6-3, 309): A solid senior season earned him an invite to Tampa to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, where he had a good week of practice. However, an ankle injury kept Looney from working out in Indianapolis or at Wake Forest's pro day, and there are some concerns he might not be able to reach full health before draft weekend. A possible mid-round pick, he will fall down draft boards if he's not able to show scouts his ankle is at full-go.
C Peter Konz, Wisconsin (6-5, 314): Injuries have been an issue for the talented Wisconsin center, who suffered a blood clot in both lungs in 2009, a sprained ankle in 2010 and a dislocated ankle that forced him to miss the final few games of 2011. Konz was also forced to sit out at the combine and has yet to work out for pro teams, continuing his rehab on that ankle. He still expects to work out sometime in April, but durability is a bright red flag for Konz.
Defense
DE Donte Moss, North Carolina (6-3, 268): Paige-Moss tore the ACL in his right knee during North Carolina's Independence Bowl loss to Missouri but the junior defensive end still elected to enter the draft after his junior season. The injury and expected recovery time could keep him sidelined for the entire 2012 season, making it unlikely that an NFL team will invest anything more than a late-round pick to acquire his services. To assure even that, doctors will want to make sure that Paige-Moss is healing on schedule.
DT Josh Chapman, Alabama (6-1, 316): In a remarkable testament to Chapman's toughness and dedication, the Alabama senior nose guard played through much of the 2011 season on a left knee with a torn ACL and meniscus. Chapman underwent surgery to repair the torn ligaments Jan. 17 and will not be able to work out before the draft. Like with Paige-Moss, doctors will want to see how the rehabilitation is proceeding.
LB Bobby Wagner, Utah State (6-0, 241): Unlike most of the others on this list, Wagner hasn't undergone recent surgery and performed well the past two times scouts have seen him -- earning Most Outstanding Player on the North Team for his effort during the Senior Bowl and blowing up his March 29 pro day workout. He wasn't able to attend the combine due to a bout with pneumonia that required hospitalization, however, and thus is heading to Indianapolis as a precautionary measure.
CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia (5-10, 182): Boykin suffered a slight fracture to his right fibula at the Senior Bowl, which caused him to miss the combine workouts. He's scheduled to work out for scouts on campus April 9, which will ease some concerns about his recovery and also is likely to be asked to travel back to Indianapolis so doctors can take a closer look, as well.
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU (5-11, 188): Claiborne underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left wrist March 23, a day after working out for scouts at LSU's pro day. The rehabilitation isn't likely to knock Claiborne off his perch atop the cornerback rankings and as a likely top-six pick in the draft, but doctors will want to make sure the wrist is healing as expected.
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia (5-10, 183): Minnifield did not run at the combine due to a medical exclusion that noted "bilateral ankles." That term apparently refers to edema or the swelling has resulted in his slower-than-expected recovery from a Jan. 3 arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. It was a simple clean-out to remove loose cartilage. Minnifield didn't participate in the combine workouts and said he was functioning at only 80 percent when he had a disappointing pro day workout March 15 on campus.
SS Mark Barron, Alabama (6-1, 213): Barron underwent a double-hernia operation following the season and missed the Senior Bowl and combine. While he proved athletic enough during the Crimson Tide's second pro day March 29 to assure scouts the first-round talent is well on his way to recovery, Barron characterized himself as still only 80-90 percent himself following the workout.
FS Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State (6-1, 207): Martin announced via his personal Twitter account before the combine he wouldn't be participating due to suffering an injury to his right knee while preparing for the audition. He then underwent surgery and was unable to work out for scouts March 9 at OSU's pro day.
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Read more:http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ping-for-good-news-at-medical-recheck-in-indy
 
TIM BENFORD/WR/TENNESSEE TECH/5’11/205 I don’t think I can remember a year in my 30+ years of following the Draft that there have been so many decent/good receiving prospects in one draft class. It obviously has much to do with the college game evolving to so many teams with spread-out offensive schemes. It also doesn’t automatically translate into all of these guys making the grade in the NFL. But I would suggest that there may be a record number of WO’s taken this year. BENFORD has elevated his draft status greatly since showing up for the SHRINE Game in January. He was very consistent in getting separation and in catching the ball when it came his way. He then proceeded to post solid numbers at the COMBINE. I am here to tell you that he plays faster in pads than the 4.59 40-time he posted in Indy. Because of that time I think he may slide with some team getting a nice value drafting him as late as Round 5. He’ s got enough going for him to be nice No.3 NFL option in a WR group. I don’t care what conference you play in you don’t catch 65 balls for almost 1,000 yards, by being a slug who can’t get open.

RON BROOKS/CB/LSU/5’10/190 There’s nothing like running a 4.37/40 at the COMBNE to get the attention of NFL personnel people. BROOKS faces the uphill battle of not being a starter on his college team. But then again the guys playing ahead of him may both be first round Draft picks by the time they all finish their LSU careers. You can be pretty good and still sit the bench most of the time behind guys like PETERSON, CLAIBORNE & the Honey Badger. After watching him perform drills at the COMBINE and the LSU Pro Day more than a few scouts feel he is a legit late round prospect who could have a pro future with some patience. It’s happened before that very talented/gifted athletes get trapped in a stacked position and don’t want to transfer to another school just to play ball. BROOKS could easily be a player who makes his mark in the NFL in a year or two. Watch for his name on Saturday of DRAFT week.

TOM COMPTON/OT/G//SOUTH DAKOTA/6’5/314 COMPTON fits the pattern for small college stars being viewed as good long term projects for an NFL team on the final day of the NFL DRAFT. He has nice size, although he might look better with another 10-15 lbs. of muscle mass added to his long frame. That fact is born out in his poor performance of only 20 bench press reps at the COMBINE. But he is a solid athlete, as demonstrated by his nice 5.11/40-time at said COMBINE. I think the general consensus right now is that his best position might be sliding inside to G, in a zone blocking scheme. He put in some nice work at SHRINE Week and most importantly got better at everything he did as the week went on. He was an apt pupil for MARK MANGINO and looked like a good student with a willing attitude to work to get better.
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Read more:http://www.pigskinpaul.com/Pigskin_Pauls_Place/Home/Entries/2012/4/6_2012_DRAFT_TALK.html
 
Stock Watch: Part II

DL Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He's raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he's a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role.

DT Kendall Reyes: Connecticut (6-4, 295)
Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level. If he can continue to play lower should be able to fight for a starting role in both a 34 or 43 scheme as a three or five technique.

SheaMcClellin-1.jpg
McClellin is a fringe first round option.
OLB 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.

ILB Mychal Kendricks: California (6-0, 240)
Is a thick, shorter compact backer who explodes through contact and is a real violent striker. Finds the ball quickly vs. the run and has the range to make plays in pursuit. Lacks ideal size however to stack and shed and lacks a great feel in zone. However, as a thumper inside with the potential to get into the backfield as a blitzer who should get plenty of looks from 34 teams in need of a versatile, high motor backer.
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Stock-Watch-Part-II-3928.html
 
NFL Draft Playbook: Coby Fleener vs. Notre Dame
Using video to breakdown the 'Spot' route vs. the Irish

Stanford’s Coby Fleener is projected as the top TE prospect heading into the draft and could come off the board in the first round after his Pro Day on campus. Today, I want to go back to the Stanford-Notre Dame game, talk some Xs and Os and breakdown the “Spot” route (7-curl-flat) out of Tank personnel.
Before we take a look at the video, here are two examples of the “Spot” route that I broke down from this past NFL season:
- Bears vs. Eagles (Tank bunch)
- Raiders vs. Packers (Empty bunch-4 TE personnel)
A route concept you will see in every NFL playbook (run out of multiple personnel groupings) that shows up in crucial game situations (red zone, 3rd downs).
Scheme: Spot route
Personnel: Tank (1 WR, 2 TE, 2 RB)
Coverage: Cover 0 (blitz-man)

[video=youtube;vqae9jTGjjA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqae9jTGjjA&feature=player_embedded[/video]
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-Draft-Playbook-Coby-Fleener-vs-Notre-Dame.html
 
2012 Draft: Eight Possibilities at Number Eight

Good Chance

  • The Dolphins draft Ryan Tannehill: I say this is a good chance and every. single. mock draft out there seems to have the Fins going this direction, but at the end of the day, we have no idea how Jeff Ireland and Joe Philbin (and Mike Sherman) really feel about Tannehill. If they really like him, there’s a definite chance they draft him; if not, they won’t. Guess we won’t know for a couple of weeks.
  • The Dolphins draft Quinton Coples: There’s been a lot of talk about finding a pass rusher to complement Cam Wake and Coples is the pass rusher that is at the top of most peoples’ lists. At 6’6 and 284 lbs, he fits the bill physically and could help get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Possible Chance

  • The Dolphins draft Melvin Ingram: Continuing with the pass rusher theme, Ingram is another option to help make the likes of Brady and Fitzpatrick less comfortable in the pocket. One of the big differences between he and Coples (besides the Carolina), is the size. At just 6’1, 264 lbs (and with 31.5″ arms), Ingram doesn’t quite size-up as a prototypical pass-rusher in the Jeff Ireland mold.
  • The Dolphins draft Riley Reiff: I know nobody wants to hear it, but you have to figure there’s a decent chance the Fins look for their right tackle of the future in the first round. Reiff is familiar to some on the Dolphins’ staff because of his time at Iowa and could certainly fill the hole opposite Jake Long. Miami has drafted five offensive linemen in four drafts under Jeff Ireland (less than you thought?) and the two first-rounders, Long and Mike Pouncey, are studs.
  • The Dolphins trade back in the first round: If the Fins don’t like any of their options at number eight, they could try and collect another pick or two by trading back into the teens or twenties.
Slim Chance

  • The Dolphins trade up: It’s an exciting option to think about…the Fins moving up and making a big and bold move with a player not expected to be there at #8. That said, with both Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III not particularly attainable, I would be very surprised if the team loved one of the “other” top seven guys enough to make the big trade.
  • The Dolphins draft Michael Floyd: The Notre Dame wide receiver is receiving a lot of well-deserved attention as of late and will certainly be a first round pick. He doesn’t, though, seem to fit the “Green Bay” mold of wide receivers, though many fans would certainly feel better about the Brandon Marshall trade if he was selected.
  • The Dolphins “Get Lucky:” The NFL Draft is as tough to predict as anything and there’s always a chance that a player we thought would be a sure-thing top-five guy falls to Miami at #8. Whether it’s LSU CB Mo Claiborne or Oklahoma St. WR Justin Blackmon, there’s always that chance that an unexpectedly available player forces you to change your entire philosophy in the first round.
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Read more:http://thefinsiders.com/blog/2012/2012-draft-eight-possibilities-at-number-eight-2
 
Weeden to Blackmon: a look at the fade route

The slant and fade. The top two route concepts you have to play for inside of the 10-yard line on Sundays in the pro game. Today, let’s take a quick look back at Oklahoma State-Arizona and breakdown Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon on the 1-step fade vs. press-coverage.

[video=youtube;90LtJlx8--I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90LtJlx8--I&feature=player_embedded[/video]
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Weeden-to-Blackmon-a-look-at-the-fade-route.html
 
Are Quarterbacks being overrated and drafted too high?

Until the last few years, quarterbacks have pretty much been drafted in the rounds they were supposed to be drafted when you looked at their overall talent and career production. With the exception of Vince Young in 2006, who was productive but a very unconventional passer, and JaMarcus Russell in 2007, who had a big arm but no football character, none were really reaches.

For example, Kevin Kolb, who was very productive at Houston, went in the second round. Brian Brohm and Chad Henne, who were also very productive at Louisville and Michigan respectively, were also second round picks. Kyle Orton, who threw for nearly 9,000 yards and 61 touchdowns, didn’t get drafted until the fourth round in 2005.
Things started to change in 2010 when Denver traded up to select Tim Tebow with the 25th pick of the first round. This argument has gone on for a while but many feel Tebow was a first round competitor but not a first round quarterback. If Denver felt that Tebow would lead them to the promise land they never would have spent $95 million to sign Peyton Manning and then deal Tebow to the Jets for two low round picks.
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Are-QBs-being-overrated-and-drafted-too-high.html
 
Breaking down Rueben Randle and the vertical game

WR Rueben Randle is seeing his stock rise as we get closer to the NFL Draft. After posting a 4.55 40 at the combine in Indianapolis, the LSU product produced a mid 4.4 on the stopwatch at his pro day on campus. Size (6-3, 210) and speed at the WR position that multiple clubs are looking for at the end of the first round and early in the second.
Today, let’s go back to the LSU-UNC game and take a look at Randle running the 8 (post) route vs. Cover 4. Some positives here with the vertical speed (and separation), as well as some coaching points on Randle’s route running ability.
LSU vs. UNC
Personnel: Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB)
Scheme: Skinny Post (Wheel)
Coverage: Cover 4 (quarters)

[video=youtube;s0A9GOjKKC0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s0A9GOjKKC0[/video]
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read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Breaking-down-Rueben-Randle-and-the-vertical-game.html
 
Mr. Safe Pick

A look at which prospects seem like the safest bets to come in, contribute and mature into sound long-term starters for whatever NFL team drafts them after round one.

RB Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)
Martin isn't a dynamic size/speed back, but there aren't many negatives to his game as a back. He plays fast, runs low, is natural through the line of scrimmage and has a skill set somewhat similar to former Alabama RB Mark Ingram last year. He might fall a bit because he doesn't run overly well, but he has the skill set to start in the league.

MohamedSanu-1.jpg
Sanu looks like a safe player either inside or out.
WR Mohamed Sanu: Rutgers (6-2, 215)
Physically reminds me some of Hakeem Nicks. Isn't as NFL ready, but can go get the football, breakdown and separate on all levels of the field. Looks like a future NFL starter who might need some time, but the talent is most definitely there.

TE Dwayne Allen: Clemson (6-4, 255)
Is a solid, strong athlete with good hands and body control when asked to go get the football. Lacks ideal balance/leverage into contact as a blocker and would like to see him be more sudden in tighter areas with defenders who want to be physical. However, he's an NFL talent who can be used in a number of ways on an NFL offense.
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Mr-Safe-Pick-6774.html
 
The Wide Receivers

As noted, there is also trremendous in this year's WR class. Indeed, it is possible that teams will still find quality receivers with the ability to contribute early in their pro careers as late as the 4th and 5th rounds. Like the guys at the top of the WR board, there is still considerable fluidity among second tier receivers. Second-tier Receivers who appear to be on the rise include:

1. Brian Quick, Appalachian State: Rangy guy who is a great route runner, with great ball skills and exceptional speed, although there are consistency issues.
2. AJ Jenkins, Illinois: Rising receiver has explosive straight line speed and great after the catch.
3. Tommy Streeter, Miami: Big junior with an exceptional size/ speed ratio wowed at combine, but is a sloppy route runner with attitude questions.

... while fallers include:

1. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers: Great possession guy, but lacks much in the way of speed and isn‘t likely going to stretch the field; also has some injury concerns.
2. Jarius Wright, Arkansas: Fast, but small at just 5-10, 180; Not blinding productivity. Hard worker that uses good speed to get good separation, but productivity never seemed to measure up to physical skills.
3. Marvin McNutt, Iowa: Another receiver with good size and decent speed , but production never matched. Also has a number of injury concerns.

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Read more:http://www.gbnreport.com/donnellyreport.html
 
Late Round Sleepers that can stick

Breaking down some of the top late round options…

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.
GJKinne-1.jpg
Kinne is a guy I would go to bat for.


QB B.J Coleman: Tennessee-Chattanooga (6-4, 220)
He needs to improve his footwork from the gun and from center before he's ready for the NFL game. However, Coleman has a good skill set, can make all the throws and is an intriguing developmental kid with a "plus" upside.

RB Bryce Brown: Kansas State (6-0, 220)
Watching him run in Lane Kiffin's zone scheme as a freshman, the guy was an impressive back with a lot of natural talent. He was the number one ranked recruit out of high school, ahead of Trent Richardson in 2009 and no doubt has the skill set to play in the league. The biggest question mark for him going forward is his overall character.

WR Jarrett Boykin: Virginia Tech (6-2, 218)
Isn't real explosive off the line but plays quick down the field, can get off press, separate and go get the football. Also, he will be able to make plays both inside and out at the next level and should be able to earn playing time at both spots in the NFL early in his NFL career.
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Read more:http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-DRAFT-Late-Round-Sleepers-that-can-stick.html
 
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