Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

133. Omoregie Uzzi OG Georgia Tech 6'3" 302

Analysis
STRENGTHS: Explosive, quick athlete for his size. Comes off the ball fast, and displays athleticism to get to the second level quickly. Adjusts nicely on the run to pickup incoming defenders. Establishes low leverage effectively to anchor against the bull rush. Effective cut-blocker - something he did with great regularity in Georgia Tech's run-heavy system.
Impact pass-blocker when he's able to get his arms extended and hands inside his opponents' pads. Flashes a light, fluid kick-slide in protection, and exhibits suddenness to redirect with rusher. Quick, punchy hands to keep rushers out of his chest. Possesses good flexibility in his lower half. Strong initial pop on contact to knock his opponent back. Targets decisively and is able to engage and disengage consecutive opponents without losing momentum on the run.
WEAKNESSES: Only average size for the position. Much more of a "quick" athlete than a powerful one, and is susceptible to the bull rush if he plants his feet. Doesn't consistently absorb impact with his lower half, and will try to out-muscle his opponent too frequently. Will stop moving his feet in pass-protection and seemingly allow defenders to run right by him. Seems that the game is simply moving too fast for him in passing situations at times, and struggles to be decisive on blitz pickups. Overextends frequently off the line - sometimes by design when cut-blocking, other times he simply bends at the waist and loses his footing.
COMPARES TO: Jahri Evans, OG, New Orleans Saints - Though a bit smaller than Evans, Uzzi's instincts, strength and athleticism as a run-blocker remind me of the three-time All Pro, and the two even appear to share some of the same struggles as pass-blockers. Like Evans in 2006, I could see Uzzi flying under the radar for the first few rounds considering Georgia Tech's limited offense, but he too could prove to be a steal as an immediate-impact run blocker with Day One starting potential.

* No meaningful tape available

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1689471

 

[Billk78]

Im really hoping for Lane Johnson with the 12 now. He's so athletic and perfect to get out and block in the zone scheme. Not to mention the fact that he's a former tight end and could be eligible in goal line situations. I realize OL isnt the sexy pick at 12. But I think he's a special player.

 

[DKphin]

I do not know if we will resign Jake, but that maybe the plan.

 

[DKphin]

134. T.J. Johnson C South Carolina 6'4" 310

Analysis
POSITIVES: Always looking to block someone and continues to fight through the whistle. Effort isn't an issue and he gets the most out of his abilities. Quick hands off the snap and has a lot of experience pulling and getting to the second level. Versatile experience as a four-year starter in the SEC with playing time at guard and tackle.
NEGATIVES: Plays too tall at times and struggles with leverage, getting blown backward off the snap and overpowered at the point of attack. Often overextends and lowers his head, falling off blocks and ending up on the ground. Struggles to redirect and handle secondary moves by defenders. Slow feet and doesn't look comfortable in space. He has shorter arms and needs to improve his hand placement, attracting too many penalties in college.
COMPARES TO: Dallas Reynolds, OL, Philadelphia Eagles

[video=youtube;x3glCncJEis]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3glCncJEis[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1689509

 

[DKphin]

135. Margus Hunt DE SMU 6'8" 277

Analysis
STRENGTHS: Certainly looks the part. Possesses a long, tapered build with room for additional muscle mass. Boasts a surprisingly quick first step and gains ground efficiently due to his long strides. Closes quickly on the ballcarrier due and can provide a thump on arrival.
Naturally powerful defender who can simply bull-rush his opponent deep into the pocket. Big, strong and reasonably active hands to fight through blockers' attempts at grasping a hold of him. Good hand-eye coordination and times his leaps well to aid in his kick-blocking prowess. Has emerged as a player the offense must account for on virtually every snap and yet remains a better athlete than football player, which speaks to his exciting upside.
WEAKNESSES: Highly inconsistent. Has a tendency to make a splashy play and then disappear for long periods of the game. Struggles with pad level and can get blown off the ball against the run because he loses the leverage battle.
Like a lot of taller defensive ends, Hunt is stiff in his upper body and he struggles to re-direct when attempting to break down and tackle agile ball-carriers. Can be eluded and has a tendency to lunge at ball-carriers as a result, leading to some ugly whiffs.
Doesn't get his hands into passing windows as much as he should considering his height and kick-blocking prowess. Has only seven passes defended in 53 games. Inconsistent effort in downfield pursuit.
COMPARES TO: Corey Wootton, DE, Chicago Bears -- Wootton was a productive player at Northwestern who slid on draft day due to injury concerns. Optimistic talent evaluators preached patience as Wootton had shown the length, power and surprising speed to be successful once he acclimated to the NFL and healed sufficiently. While the concern with Hunt lies with his relative inexperience and inconsistency, the team that gambles on Hunt could be similarly rewarded with a future standout.

Hunt is currently considered to be a likely second day draft pick but could see his stock rise after his strong showing at the combine. Despite his lack of football experience, Hunt’s raw athletic ability and size should be incredibly intriguing to personnel directors in the NFL. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was also considered to be fairly raw when coming out of South Florida in 2010. Pierre-Paul has since become one of the more dynamic pass rushers in the league. If Hunt can continue to progress as a football player, Hunt has the ability to become a surprise star in the NFL.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/26/smus-margus-hunt-impresses-scouts-at-combine/

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

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1724952

 

[DKphin]

136. Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri 6'3" 294

Analysis
Strengths: Possesses a naturally large frame with proper weight distribution throughout his arms and legs. Has a thick trunk conducive to standing his ground in short-yardage situations. Is quick off the snap, demonstrating the burst to slip through gaps before trap blocks can be effective. Possesses a short area burst to close and surprising flexibility to adjust and make tackles in space. Shows good balance and recognition against cut blocks. Active hands to handcuff offensive linemen attempting to get into his pads and control, demonstrating a quick, fluid arm-over swim move and good strength to rip free from his opponent. Excellent vision and recognition to take advantage of his ability to disengage from blocks and put himself in position to make plays, showing the ability to sniff out screens, draws, etc. Athletic and instinctive enough that the Missouri defensive coaches would occasionally drop him back into coverage on zone blitzes... Showed a terrific motor throughout the 2012 season, often hustling down the line and yards downfield (at times 20 yards+) in pursuit of the ball. Closes quickly and with power, exploding into tackles and showing good hand-eye coordination to strip the ball away. Stepped up his level of play against top competition (Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona State). Has the size and athleticism of a future Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
Weaknesses: Has only had one dominant season at the FBS level (just 13 starts in 24 games) and there is some concern about how motivated he'll remain once he signs a big NFL contract. Has a tendency to stand up out of his stance and lose the leverage battle, occasionally struggling to break free until it's too late in short-yardage situations. More productive rushing the passer, recognizing the dump-off pass and pursuing from behind with passion than actually getting home for the QB sack (just three sacks in his "dominant" 2012 campaign)... Has struggled with academics in the past, resulting in his transferring to a junior college after signing with Missouri as a highly touted prep. Was also suspended for Missouri's final home game of the 2012 season (Syracuse) for violating team rules, reportedly for academics)... Teams will want to have their medical staffs check out Richardson at the Combine, as he underwent shoulder surgery following the 2011 season.
Compares To: Tyson Alualu, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars - If NFL scouts are convinced he'll maintain it once he cashes his first paycheck, the combination of size, athleticism and the high-revving motor Richardson demonstrated this season could lead to a shockingly high grade for Mizzou star, just as it did for Alualu, the surprise No. 10 overall pick of the 2010 draft.

[video=youtube;7x1EGquKKEs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x1EGquKKEs[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664149

 

[DKphin]

137. Sio Moore Connecticut 6'1" 245

Analysis
STRENGHTS: Reads the action quickly and has the speed to close, making him a classic 4-3 weak-side linebacker candidate. He was a versatile performer in college with good production as a hybrid linebacker for the Huskies, not looking out of place when asked to play in space against either the run or pass. Even in non-contact drills at the Shrine Game, Moore's competitive drive and explosive hitting ability were evident.
WEAKNESSES: At his size, Moore will need to continue to improve his strength in taking on and shedding blocks.

[video=youtube;K19b_8U5l-o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K19b_8U5l-o[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1695590

 

[DKphin]

138. Tom Wort ILB Oklahoma 6'0" 235*If anyone watched wrestling in the 80's, I think the Ultimate Warrior is his Dad

Analysis
Strengths:
Highly aggressive defender with the acceleration to close on the ball quickly. Flashes explosive hitting ability, forcing the first two fumbles on his career in 2012. Times his blitzes well, attacking the line of scrimmage and showing the ability to slip through gaps. Has a nice arm-over swim move to slip by blockers.
Weaknesses:Possesses a relatively lean upper body and currently lacks the bulk and strength to break free from blocks once engaged. Appears to have short arms and can be erased from the play from quality blocks, struggling to break free once engaged. Prone to over-aggression. Often takes false-steps towards the line of scrimmage in anticipation of the run, putting himself in the tough position of consistently trailing in coverage. Comes in a bit high and out of control as a tackler, often lunging at the ball-carrier. Ducks his head on contact and loses sight of the ball. Inconsistent effort in his downfield pursuit. Has struggled a bit with nagging injuries (shoulder, ankle) over his career.
Compares To: Greg Jones, ILB, Jacksonville Jaguars -- Like the former Michigan State standout, Wort is a highly celebrated collegiate player whose lack of ideal size and arm length could keep him from enjoying the same success in the NFL.

No meaningful tape available

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664207

 

[DKphin]

139. Jamar Taylor CB Boise St. 5'11" 192

Analysis
STRENGTHS: Instinctive, dependable cornerback with good overall size and athleticism. Versatile corner with extensive experience playing off-man and zone coverage. Possesses a quick, tight back pedal and has fluid hips to turn and run with receivers.
Good straight-line speed and possesses good burst out of his breaks. Reportedly was timed at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash by Boise State coaches.
Breaks quickly on underneath routes, showing the ability to close on the ball to make the interception. Good ball skills, including good leaping ability and timing. Good upper body strength and competitiveness for jump-ball situations.
Reliable run defender who doesn't back down from a challenge. Keeps his containment responsibilities, showing the ability to break free from blocks and is a reliable open field tackler who plays with toughness. Named a team captain in 2012 and is viewed by the coaching staff as one of the team's hardest workers.
WEAKNESSES: Only occasionally asked to play press and may lack the size and arm length to fit in this scheme. Aggressive and can be fooled by double-moves.
Was rarely challenged in 2012 and hasn't faced top-notch competition on a weekly basis throughout his career. Has struggled a bit with injuries and will need to be checked closely by team doctors at the Combine.
COMPARES TO: Ronde Barber, DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Needless to say, Taylor has a long ways to go before a comparison to long-time standout Barber is earned, but they share several similarities, not the least of which is good instincts, a burst to close, reliable open-field tackling ability and a strong work ethic.

[video=youtube;JOfxLoHd86Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOfxLoHd86Q[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1681960

 

[DKphin]

140. Duke Williams SS Nevada 5'11" 201

Analysis
Strengths
Sprinter background becomes obvious when watching him close to the sideline on running backs or track down the ball while it’s in the air. Physicality not typical of sprinter, relishes the chance to pound the shoulder or mid-section of ballcarriers after coming across the field. Fills a gap in the run games even if starting the play in a cover-two alignment due to his recognition and reaction abilities. His athleticism helps him break down in the open field and his length aids him drag them to the ground, making him a reliable open-field tackler. Another important component of Williams' game is that he shows great balance in coverage, showcasing a smooth back-pedal, and fluid hips. Shows the hands to make difficult interception, as well.
Weaknesses
Like many aggressive college safeties, gets sucked up by play action. Needs to prove his average size is enough to handle the strength and speed of larger pro receivers in coverage; often lines up against slot receivers, showing good agility but also manhandling them (which will draw a flag at the next level) down the field, especially if he gets tripped up on their first move. Has had multiple off-field issues while playing in his hometown, as well, including arrests for underage possession of alcohol (November 2009) and driving with a suspended license and without insurance after being in a car accident (December 2011).
NFL Comparison
Chris Crocker
Bottom Line
The Reno native has become a hometown favorite for the Wolf Pack, earning second-team All-WAC honors as a junior, and second-team All-Mountain West honors as a senior. Williams is able to use his sprinter’s speed and nice agility to negate receivers downfield. He also has experience in man assignments versus slot players. While Williams' doesn't possess a large build, he is more than willing to throw his body around with impunity. His average size, overaggressive nature, and off-field incidents might limit how high teams will be willing to take him, but there are many aspects to his game that should still have him selected relatively early.

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

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/duke-williams?id=2539269

 

[DKphin]

141. J.J. Wilcox FS Georgia Southern 6'0" 213

J.J. Wilcox has played strong safety for one season for Georgia Southern. But that didn't keep him from receiving an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Wilcox was one of 13 players who game officials confirmed on Wednesday has accepted invitations to the Mobile all-star game. "It's a great showcase to be able to show off Georgia Southern to the nation," Wilcox said. "It's a blessing. I was in the right spot at the right time. The coaches put me in a great position, and it's a blessing and a privilege just to be able to play."
Wilcox (6-foot-0, 215 pounds) spent his first three seasons with the Eagles on offense, mainly as a slot receiver. During that time, he rushed 137 times for 964 yards - a nifty 7 yards per carry average - and 13 touchdowns. He caught 45 passes for 898 yards and four scores. But this season, he was switched to the Georgia Southern secondary, where he's made 84 tackles and intercepted two passes. He's also returned kickoffs for an average of 25.5 yards on 30 attempts.

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

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=120756&draftyear=2013&genpos=SS

 

[DKphin]

142. Jeff Tuel QB Washington St. 6'3" 218

Analysis
STRENGTHS: When healthy, Tuel has demonstrated the combination of intelligence, mobility, and accuracy that every scout is looking for in a developmental quarterback. He possesses good size and enough athleticism to buy time in the pocket and scramble for yardage when the defense is caught napping. Tuel's best asset might be his touch, as he's consistently shown the ability to drop passes over the top of his receivers, leading them beautifully for long gainers.
WEAKNESSES: Tuel appears to have just average arm strength, overall. He wasn't often asked to make "stick" throws in Paul Wulff's spread scheme and likewise didn't do much of it in Mike Leach's offense. Perhaps the biggest concern scouts will have with Tuel, frankly, is his struggles with durability. He missed time with injury in three of his four seasons at WSU, though it's remarkable that he didn't miss more time than he did considering the lack of support he had in Pullman.

[video=youtube;PfGbUu5byP4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfGbUu5byP4[/video]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1708384

 

[DKphin]

143. Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina 5'11" 221

Analysis
Strengths
Taller north-south runner who plays with good lean to plow for yards between the tackles. Possesses vision and quick feet for his size to slide into a rushing lane and the speed to get upfield once finding the hole. Quite effective on zone runs when used in that capacity. Has the wiggle to freeze and elude tacklers to space. Spins off piles inside and keeps his legs churning to pick up the extra yard. Gets into his routes fluidly out of the backfield and flashes the hand to adjust to poor throws. Good build for pass protection, and is willing to hustle and make contact to keep his quarterback clean.
Weaknesses
With back to back seasons ending in traumatic knee injuries, durability is a major red flag. There are also the questions of how his medicals will check out, and how much he will be able to contribute his rookie season. Even before his injuries, struggled to get into a second or third gear in order to break off longer gains.
NFL Comparison
Arian Foster
Bottom Line
Lattimore offers an extremely intriguing blend of power, balance, vision and production. However, it's hard not to question his future durability and how much of the same player he will be going forward after major injuries to both knees in consecutive seasons. While his talent suggests a late first-round pick, it's much more likely that he is a Day 3 pick.

[video=youtube;n1DXi2epKrI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DXi2epKrI[/video]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/marcus-lattimore?id=2540174

 

[DKphin]

144. Tavon Austin West Virginia 5'8" 174

Analysis
Strengths
Slot receiver possessing elite acceleration with the ball in his hands, takes advantage of available lanes to explode for big gains. Shows excellent vision both as a runner out of the backfield, as a returner, and as a receiver with the ball in his hands. Almost unstoppable at continue on for additional yardage. Not a frail receiver; plays tough, has some upper-body thickness, and bounces up quickly from hits. Varies the speed of his route, lulls defenders to sleep and takes off to create space on out routes or over the middle. Tough to grab after the catch in zone coverage. Flashes the hands to adjust to wide or high passes, as well as tracking balls over his shoulder. Also goes down to grab low throws. Displays excellent balance to tightrope the sideline. Often used on fly sweeps, using his elite quickness and acceleration to cut inside or get the corner for big plays. Finds space as a kickoff returner to use his speed, will head straight upfield and can spin off tackles in the open field to maximize the return. Can make the first man miss on punt returns and has the vision to slalom between players to the sideline or up the middle. Very difficult to track down from behind. Wins at every level of the field despite his size, and has been somewhat underutilized deep. Improved as a blocker, and will body up on bigger players.
Weaknesses
Limited to the slot on most plays; lacks the size and strength most scouts prefer outside, or even as a kick returner. Hands are good, but not exceptional; will let some hot passes through his small hands and into his chest. Gets a lot of his yardage on shallow crosses, quick throws outside, and the fly sweep/"touch pass." Might not have the chance to get the sideline as often at the next level, forcing him to lower the shoulder and get what's available to him inside. Must prove he can hang onto the ball after taking big hits from NFL defenders. Will hesitate on punt and kick returns at times instead of immediately accelerating or trusting his blocking, and can get tripped up easily on contact. Incredible balance and stop/start ability, but he might not have elite straight line speed.
NFL Comparison
Randall Cobb
Bottom Line
Don't blink when Austin has the ball in his hands, as his elite acceleration helped him finish second in the country in all-purpose yards as a senior and lead the FBS as a junior. Don't be surprised if he turns out to be a first round pick or the first wide receiver off the board, as he is a huge playmaker on offense and special teams in the NFL despite the slight build that scared scouts away from other WVU offensive stars in the past.


[video=youtube;jH0FGpQZZnw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH0FGpQZZnw[/video]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/tavon-austin?id=2539336

 

[DKphin]

145. Philip Lutzenkirchen TE Auburn 6'3" 258

Analysis
Strengths
Possesses NFL size and bulk. Difficult red zone and short-yardage assignment for defenders, uses his build to shield defenders or simply pushes them away when trying to reach a spot. Strong hands to make one-handed spots and win 50/50 balls when covered. Flashes foot quickness in his routes and athleticism to spin off tackle attempts and leap into the end zone to beat a defender to the pylon. Adjusts to throws behind him when heading out to the flat. Adept move blocker from his H-back spot, makes contact as a lead blocker and fits on linebackers in the run game. Solid in pass protection, mirrors blitzers effectively. Can shown effectiveness as an in-line blocker, as well.
Weaknesses
Though a fair athlete for his size, is still not an elite vertical threat. Must improve his ability to sustain as a blocker in space, when will bend at the waist and lunge instead of moving his feet. Will need to prove himself a reliable receiver once in an offense where he is regularly targeted. Injuries have been an issue, played injured junior year, missed most of his senior season.
NFL Comparison
David Johnson
Bottom Line
Auburn’s career leader in touchdowns for tight ends, Lutzenkirchen has dealt with subpar passing attacks and injuries throughout his career. While he's never put up outstanding numbers, the talent is obvious. Lutzenkirchen has strong hands, runs routes well, and can block in space. Health is going to be a major question, but he should still garner a later round selection.

[video=youtube;tnxq1wweCCk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnxq1wweCCk[/video]
[video=youtube;iZtxKpA93LA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZtxKpA93LA[/video]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/philip-lutzenkirchen?id=2539204