Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

Added Robert Woods 2012 Season Highlights

 

[DKphin]

107. Jordan Hill DT Penn State 6'2" 294

Strengths:Good lateral agility with quick feet to sidestep blockers and knife through the offensive line. Flexible body type to make smooth movements and a quick first step when he correctly times up his get-off. Plays low with natural leverage. Ordinary upper body strength but active and strong hands and wrists.
Keeps eyes elevated at the line of scrimmage to get his hands on passes (even snatched an interception against Virginia in 2012). Good raw power for his smaller frame and plays with a feisty temperament. Goes hard on every play and can be a pesky player to block with his nonstop motor and effort. Was spark plug of Penn State defensive line and rarely left the field. Plays smart. Rangy to make plays outside the numbers.
Weaknesses: Light in the pants and can be driven wherever the blockers want at times. Shorter stature with limited length and short arms, lacking ideal NFL measurables. Lacks elite upper-body strength to overwhelm offensive linemen. Needs to improve snap anticipation. Dangerous in space and in 1-on-1 situations but not as effective in a crowd, where he can get lost or pushed around. Missed some time in 2012 with a left knee sprain, playing rest of the season with a clunky brace.
Compares To: Trevor Laws, DT, St. Louis Rams - Quick, undersized interior players who project best as rotational and depth players than long-term starters.

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

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1703048/jordan-hill

 

[DKphin]

108. Jamie Collins OLB Southern Mississippi 6'4" 239

STRENGTHS: Muscular, athletic-looking frame with powerful hands and long arms. Accelerates well in a straight line, and exhibits good flexibility, both coming off the edge as a rusher, as well as when changing direction in space. Displays a knack for getting to the quarterback off the edge, with impressive natural power on contact, and ability to disengage when he uses his hands effectively. Flashes a strong, sudden closing burst in space. Appears natural and comfortable in his lower half when asked to drop into zone coverage. When he gets his arms extended at the point of attack, can really manhandle his blocker. Doesn't possess a ton of short-area burst when breaking down to make tackles in space, but uses length nicely to compensate. WEAKNESSES: Motor appears to waffle at times. Explosiveness and fluidity appear to be there for brief moments, but other times he looks heavy-footed and sloppy in space. First step isn't elite. Is much more athletic than instinctive at this point. Isn't a high-intensity, fly-to-the-football defender, despite possessing some dynamic physical tools that indicate he's capable of covering more ground. Tends to tackle with his shoulder too frequently rather than wrapping up, and will take on blockers with his chest or shoulders far too often. Will reduce speed and exhibits loose legs when flipping his hips from a backpedal in man-coverage. Awareness in zone coverage waivers, as he tends to freeze in space and lose track of what's going on behind him.

COMPARES TO: K.J. Wright, OLB, Seattle Seahawks - Like Wright, Collins possesses a unique combination of speed, fluidity and flexibility for his size. However, when Wright came out of Mississippi State, he displayed better all-around instincts and motor than what we've seen out of Collins, who is probably the more gifted athlete. Right now, Collins looks like a developmental project with starting-caliber potential if the fundamentals and instincts can improve.

[video=youtube;_HTntm8OTRg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_HTntm8OTRg[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1723146/jamie-collins

 

[Fin Thirteen]

Jamie Collins will be a stud. Book it.

 

[uk_dolfan]

Apparently Zach Ertz has unusually short arms ... if anyone cares about such things.

 

[spiketex]

Apparently Zach Ertz has unusually short arms ... if anyone cares about such things.

That could be a problem. "Gator arms" are generally avoided by the GMs. Watch his draft stock fall if they are seriously short.

 

[DKphin]

109. Nico Johnson ILB Alabama 6'2" 249

Strengths: Physically imposing defender with good overall musculature and weight distribution. Has a thick lower body which aids in his anchoring against blockers. Seems to enjoy the physical nature of the game, aggressively taking on and shedding blockers at the point of attack. Appears most comfortable inside, showing the ability to make subtle side-steps to slip into gaps and meet backs at the line. Forceful hitter whose core strength is obvious as he grabs, twists and pulls ball-carriers to the ground. Gives a strong jolt to potential pass-catchers to knock them off of their routes and shows some initial flexibility and quickness to run with them. Hasn't missed a game over his career due to injury.
Weaknesses: Isn't the intimidating striker that his physicality might lead you to believe. Doesn't often leave his feet and explode through his hips as a hitter to knock ball-carriers to the ground. Instead, he latches on and 'rassles them in a manner that may not appear as aesthetically pleasing but gets the job done, nonetheless... Doesn't play as fast as might appear in workouts. Limited awareness as a pass defender. Does not possess ideal speed or fluidity to handle coverage responsibilities for long... Relies on watching the quarterback's eyes to gain an edge. Wasn't asked to rush the passer often while at Alabama and shows limited technique in this role. Relies mostly on a simple bull-rush, which is marginally effective.
Compares To: Bart Scott, ILB, New York Jets

[video=youtube;cqS61wYQDAk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqS61wYQDAk[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1691419/nico-johnson

 

[DKphin]

110. Logan Ryan CB Rutgers 6'0" 190

Strengths: Enough size and strength for the position with good length. Strong man cover skills and works hard to gain body position and make a play on the ball. Athletic feet and flexible ankles to stick with receivers' hip pocket. Smooth hip movements with the footwork needed for the position. Strikes through the ballcarrier and closes in a flash with good make-up quickness to recover. Gets physical at the line of scrimmage, doing a nice job peeking into the backfield to make plays in run support. Good timing and leaping ability to highpoint and get his hands on the ball. Strong competitor to bait throws and plays the position with supreme confidence. Smart with experience in zone and man coverage. Makes impact plays on special teams coverage. Productive with 38 passes defended the past two seasons, including seven interceptions.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite top-end speed for the position and can be beat vertically. Will play overaggressive in the open field tackle and needs to be more consistent breaking down on the move. Needs to use better eye discipline and can be susceptible on fakes and double-moves. Will allow bigger receivers to push him around. His hands-on approach and physical nature in coverage will get him in trouble at the next level.


[video=youtube;3at_iDFNNHE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3at_iDFNNHE[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664604/logan-ryan

 

[DKphin]

111. Malliciah Goodman DE Clemson 6'4" 272

Analysis
Strengths: Broad shoulders and passes the eye test with uncanny arm length (36") and large hands (11"). Good first step and attacks with a fiery attitude, sometimes appearing to be the meanest guy in the stadium. Assignment sound and holds contain, setting the edge and using his eyes to quickly react. Nice job using his limbs to extend and make initial contact, working off blocks. Strong hands and length to strip and rip with a knack for forcing fumbles (eight career FFs). Physical run stopper and lined up mostly at 5-technique end spot at Clemson. Works hard to get underneath blockers and work around the arc to the pocket.
Weaknesses: Streaky snap anticipation and is late off the ball, routinely the last lineman to move. Needs to stay balanced through contact, spending too much time on the ground. Needs to develop more versatility with his pass rush moves, appearing to use the same motion on each snap. Tends to out-run the pocket and struggles to turn the corner.
Needs to use his arms and hands more aggressively when locked up. Looks tight when quickly changing directions. Spent too much time on the sidelines and had a "wow" bowl game, which prompts the question where was this intensity the rest of the season?

[video=youtube;OiW6p0n4vdc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiW6p0n4vdc[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...liciah-goodman​

 

[DKphin]

112. J.J. Wilcox SS Georgia Southern 5'11" 214

Analysis

Strengths: Athletic frame with a thick lower half. Stands out at this level due to his athleticism and proved he deserved to be on the same field with the top prospects in Mobile. Good lateral agility. Surprisingly adept as an open field tackler. Attacks the line of scrimmage when he reads run but while fast to the action, breaks down pretty well, showing enough balance, patience and strength for the effective stop... Showed some instincts and range operating as a single-high safety during Senior Bowl drills. Good leaping ability and body control. Timed his leaps well and has good hand-eye coordination, perhaps due to time on offense. Obvious upside.
Weaknesses: Questionable straight-line speed. Looks like a one-speed player who glides with normal acceleration rather than showing the suddenness to run with NFL wideouts. A work in progress regarding his technique, though in all fairness, this is to be expected... Tends to bend at the waist rather than the knees. Attacks the line of scrimmage as a run defender, slipping by most blocks but too often is tied up when he they do get to him. Tools worthy of developing but isn't ready for prime time yet.

Compares To: Atari Bigby, SS, San Diego Chargers

[video=youtube;zAr-d9lBcw0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAr-d9lBcw0[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1705885/jj-wilcox

 

[DKphin]

113. Zeke Motta FS Notre Dame 6'2" 213

Analysis

STRENGTHS: Possesses an impressive build with long, well-developed arms and good overall musculature. Reads run aggressively, showing the speed and confidence to race towards the line of scrimmage, avoid blockers and tackle the back for a loss on the stretch play. Has a surprisingly short, quick back-pedal and has some quick-twitch to him to close on underneath routes.
WEAKNESSES: Better when facing the quarterback than with his back turned. Was rarely challenged over the top due to Notre Dame's terrific pass rush, hiding a lack of ideal hip fluidity and straight-line speed. Consistently tackles high and though he generally wraps both arms, can see his efforts slip away as stronger backs continue to churn their feet.
Compares to: Craig Dahl, SS, St. Louis Rams

*Sorry, I could not find a good tape on this kid

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664237/zeke-motta

 

[DKphin]

114. E.J. Manuel QB Florida State 6'5" 237

Analysis

The Virginia native passes the eye test with a tall, strong frame and the arm strength to spin the ball downfield. He has the legs to extend and make plays.Manuel is an intriuging NFL prospect because of his raw physical and athletic tools, but will need to prove to NFL scouts that he is just as talented with the mental part of the game before he is labeled as a top 50 prospect.
Manuel made poor decisions throwing into coverage and failed to see the entire field on several downfield passes if FSU's Nov. 24 loss to Florida, something that has plagued him throughout his career. He routinely held the ball too long in the pocket and seemed rattled by pressure, creating much concern among NFL teams about his ability to quickly read the defense, process and anticipate open windows.
On a good note, Manuel showed off his outstanding arm strength and athleticism, flashing the footwork and agility to avoid the rush and pick up big chunks of yards with his legs. But he will need a strong showing during Senior Bowl week to help his draft stock.

I think this is the best video to show the good and bad of E.J.Manuel
[video=youtube;frvskjX5R5A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frvskjX5R5A[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1630280/ej-manuel

 

[DKphin]

115. Johnathan Franklin RB UCLA 5'10" 205

Analysis

Franklin boasts NFL-caliber speed and the ability to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can squirt through in a blink, consistently giving the Bruins a big-play option from the running game. He's affectionately been nicknamed "Jetski" by some on the team due to his ability to leave defenders in his wake. The catchy nickname is fun, but I have concerns about how well he'll transition to the NFL. Franklin lacks the bulk of an NFL lead back so he'd likely have to make a roster as a third-down specialist.
The problem is he hasn't demonstrated the reliable hands out of the backfield (25 career catches for just 194 yards and one score) nor is he a stout blocker in pass protection -- two traits normally associated with the speedy change-of-pace options NFL teams are increasingly employing in this era of specialization.
Perhaps most alarming is that Franklin has struggled with ball security. He fumbled three times in a five game stretch last year and it has been a sporadic problem going back earlier in his career.

[video=youtube;Nd5GNiEpbFM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd5GNiEpbFM[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1631945

 

[DKphin]

116. Ryan Swope WR TAMU 6'0" 205

Analysis
STRENGTHS: Sturdy frame with long arms and good muscular definition. Exhibits strong initial burst off the snap. Flexible hips to sink, burst and separate across the field. Displays strong awareness and anticipation of zone windows, and exhibits suddenness to flip, sit and locate the ball. Plucks the ball routinely, then looks it in and secures it before turning upfield. Fearless over the middle, and looks to extend plays after the catch. Possesses quick, agile feet and has a knack for shaking coverage with jukes and stabs.
Shows strong awareness of mismatches with linebackers and safeties, and possesses the 2nd level acceleration to beat either one. Tracks the ball well vertically, and adjusts his body nicely to throws off his frame. Effective 2nd-level cut-blocker when asked to support the run or quick WR screens. Consistently gives good effort to the whistle. Does not shy away from contact after the catch and flashes some power on contact to drag a defender.
WEAKNESSES: Struggles to break down and redirect rapidly, particularly when asked to plant and burst out of a pivot on underneath routes. Could be more physical against press, as he doesn't always utilize his solid frame to create space like he could. Isn't a real "burner", and relies more on quickness and fakes to create separation vertically. Will sit down and wait for the throw at times rather than drive back to the ball. Doesn't possess a huge "catch radius" and isn't a guy you can necessarily just throw it up to and rely on to go get it.
COMPARES TO: Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos - I look at Swope as a bigger, more athletic version of the veteran Stokely, but similar in terms of route-running efficiency, smarts, and craftiness in creating vertical separation. Although there are more athletic, explosive receivers in this year's group, few are more refined and ready to contribute than Swope, who probably falls somewhere between rounds 2 and 4, but is capable of putting up first-round numbers in the right offense. Has been designated by many as a pure "slot" target at the next level, but I see some tools that suggest he could be effective on the outside as well.

[video=youtube;vna4XQXtVEk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vna4XQXtVEk[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1700943/ryan-swope

 

[DKphin]

117. Jordan Reed TE Florida 6'3" 236

Analysis

STRENGTHS: Reed is a fluid and flexible athlete with smooth body control and controlled balance. He flashes WR moves after the catch with quick, elusive feet and deceiving speed to run away from defenders. Reed shows smooth athleticism in his routes, creating separation with sharp footwork and quick body movements. He has reliable hands and does a nice job holding onto the ball after a big hit, proving his ability and toughness over the middle of the field.
Reed shows a very good feel for his surroundings with a savvy ability to find open spots in coverage. He flashes some power with the ability to lower his pads through contact and pick up yards after contact.
He also has versatile experience as a former QB with 14 total touchdowns (6 receiving, 5 rushing and 3 passing) the past three seasons. He blossomed as a junior in 2012, leading all SEC TEs in catches (45).
WEAKNESSES: Lacks an ideal frame with only average height and build for the position and needs to continue to add bulk to his body. He has room to improve his route-running and needs to continue to develop his receiving skills at the position.
He needs to be more consistent as a blocker and is too much of a grabber in the run game, attracting holding calls.
Reed needs to stay focused with too many false-start penalties on his resume. He has progressed immensely as a pass catcher, but will have a few drops here and there. Reed had a costly fumble near the end zone against Georgia that cost Florida the game and he needs to consistently hold the ball tighter.
He has battled numerous injuries over his career and there are some questions about how his body will hold up in the NFL.
COMPARES TO: Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots - Yes, both grew up and prepped in Connecticut before arriving in Gainesville, but the similarities don't end there. Reed shows the unique ability to create receiving mismatches as a "joker" TE against linebackers and defensive backs, similar to what Hernandez has done in New England.

[video=youtube;fPzEqCu9gf8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPzEqCu9gf8[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1691412/jordan-reed