I have a strong feeling that Miami would love to trade down in order to acquire more picks. We all hear about the big names like Brown, Benson, Williams, Edwards and Smith, but here are a few guys that I think Saban may eyeball in the mid to late first and beyond.
Quarterback:
1. Charlie Frye Akron 6'3 222 4.79 / 4.09 / 6.95 Wonderlic - 38
If we have a pick near the end of round 1 or the top of round 2 don't be surprised if Frye recieves strong consideration from the Dolphins brass. He is a great athlete who put up good numbers despite playing along side horrible wide reciever, offensive linemen and running backs.
2. Adrian McPherson F.S.U 6'3 1/2 218 4.55 / 4.12 / 6.94 Wonderlic 26
I know there are some concerns about his supposed character issues. The man was 19 years of age when he made a poor decision. Personally, I am not concerned. Unlike Maurice Clarett, McPherson has continued to stay clean, he has worked hard in the weight room and even paid his dues in the arena league. This kids wants to play. Another little tid bit to keep in mind, in his time at Florida State he threw 14 td's and 1 int. Pretty impressive huh. He will most likely come off the board anywhere from mid second to mid third.
Sleeper - Josh Haldi N. Ill 6'2 215 4.64 / 4.07 / 6.89 Wonderlic - 30
Josh showed one of the three strongest arms at the combine to go with exceptional athletic ability. That makes him a prized developmental prospect at the quarterback position.
Running Back:
1. Ciatrick Fason Florida 6' 1/2 209 4.6 / 4.24 36' 9' 8
I have started watching Fason over the last few weeks and I am impressed. He is running full speed almost immediately. He also runs with great body lean and shows exceptional power and vision near the goal line. He is also a very good reciever. He will come off the board early to mid round 2.
2. J.J. Arrington Cal 5'9 214 4.4 / 4.1 / 6.81 35' 10' 1
I taped many of Aaron Rodgers games this year for obvious reasons, but, the same guy kept impressing me every time I tried to focus on Rodgers. Arrington has very good speed and the ability to hit the hole quickly. He is not the all around talent that Fason is, but he would provide a great change of pace for a player like Lamar Gordon who, although he is not well liked on this site, possesses some pretty good skills himself.
Sleeper - T.A. McClendon N.C.St. 5'10 235 4.67 / 4.27 / 7.35 35' 9' 9
T.A. is going to drop because of his injuries. He is also going to drop because of his forty times. However, this kid can toat the rock when he is healthy. He has excellent upside in the 4th to 5th round.
- Incidentally, I agree with Mel Kiper about Maurice Clarett. He will go pretty late if at all.
Wide Reciever
1. Matt Jones Arkansas 6'5 1/2 242 4.38 / 4.11 / 6.8 39 1/2 10' 9
Can you believe the hype? Well, Iwould have to agree that what has been said is pretty accurate. He is an amazing athlete. He is very, very lackadasical. He will need alot of work learning how to run routes properly. This kid will be as good as he wants to be. Its as simple as that. I got all excited and watched his Auburn and Florida game last night and he is all the athlete they say he is. If any coach or Gm is sure that he loves the game and will be willing to work hard at improving, then that person should make him a high pick (Late 1st / Early Second) It is all about his work ethic, and Nick should know about that.
2. Vincent Jackson No. Colorado 6'4 1/2 241 4.46 / 4.08 / 39' 10 '6
Vincent may be called a poor man's Matt Jones but he may not be all that far behind. His numbers are very much comparable and he has more polish. His senior year he had 80 receptins for 1382 yards and 11 td's. This kids may really intrigue some people especially since he dropped a 33 on his wonderlic, which is impressive. He may sneak his way into Round 2 with Miami.
Sleeper - Paris Warren Utah 6'3 213 4.7 / 4.22 / 7.02 31 1/2 9' 4
I saw alot of Paris Warren while watching Alex Smith and I must say that he plays faster than his workout times dictate. He is a better player than Steve Savoy, and will be drafted as such. May not be a bad pickup in the 5th to 6th round.
Outside Linebacker
1. David Pollack Georgia 6'2 265 4.79 / 3.94 / 6.87 37' 10'
I know Pollack has been getting a lack of love around the media because of his short arm and average forty but make no mistake, this kid can play football and Saban would take him in and instant and make him a star. He would dominate as a rush linebacker and wreak havok at defensive end on passing downs. He is one of my favorite players in this draft and I would love for Miami to acquire him after trading down. He may go off the board to a team who uses the 3-4 on occasion anywhere from 9 - 18. He may eve nbe a steal at 9.
2. DeMarcus Ware Troy 6'4 251 4.59 / 4.07 / 6.85 38 1/2 10'2
This kid may be the most interesting defender in the draft. He had amazing workout numbers and he dominated the Senior Bowl practices. Actually, he may be a better prospect than both Pollack and Derrick Johnson but he will drop because he played at Troy. So please, don't have a fit if Miami moves down between 13 and 18 and you hear "Miami selects DeMarcus Ware, Troy". He is a perfect fit for the rush linebacker position in the 3-4. He would dominate.
- A little note about Derrick Johnson. He has plenty of chinks in the armor to worry about. He has a serious knee injury in his past and he has never been shown to be a great guy to shed blocks and make a play. He tends to float around while on the field and let his athletic ability take over. That will not be enough at the next level for him to be dominating. However, if he stays healthy and becomes more disciplined, he will be a special player.
Sleeper - Derek Wake P.S.U. 6'2 1/2 236 4.6 / 4.13 / 7.12 45 1/2 10' 10
I will admit that I am a bit biased on this one because I am from Pennsylvania and I happen to be a big Nittany Lions fan but let me tell you, this kid is an amazing athlete who can make some amazing plays. He would be an exceptional role player at the very least. By the way, he made plays on more than one occasion that were very much reminiscent of LaVar Arrington. He will go off the board quicker than one might think. Round 4 to 5.
Safety
1. Oshiomogho Otogwe Stanford 5'11 219 4.65 Wonderlic - 30
You have to be smart to go to Stanford and this kid is no exception. However, he has good speed, ball skills and field presence to go along with it. He is the type of player Saban would want playing in our secondary. He will get a long look in the middler of round 2.
2. Sean Considine iowa 6' 212 4.5 / 3.93 / 7.11 Wonderlic - 33
Sean was a walk on at Iowa and worked his way into the starting line-up. He is smart, athletic and was a playmaker for the Hawkeyes. He will get a long look in round 3.
Sleeper - Gerald Sensabaugh 6' 1 214 4.44 / 3.96 / 6.81 46' 11'1
I will admit, I have never seen this kid play but his workout numbers are staggering. I have no idea if he is any kind of football player, but, I thought everyone should be aware of his numbers. As a senior he had 78 tackles, 1 int, 5 deflection.
Here are some other lesser known guys that I would not mind Miami Considering:
Gino Guidugli QB Cinncy 5th Round
Ryan Moats RB La. Tech 2nd - 3rd Round
Noah Herron RB Northwestern 6th Round
Chad Owens KR/WR Hawaii 5th Round
Jonathan Babineax DE/DT Iowa 2nd Round
Michael Boley OLB S. Miss 2nd Round
Domanique Foxworth CB Maryland 3rd Round
Ellis Hobbs CB Iowa State 3rd Round
Thomas Davis FS Georgia 1st Round
Junior Rosegreen SS Auburn 3rd - 4th Round
Quarterback:
1. Charlie Frye Akron 6'3 222 4.79 / 4.09 / 6.95 Wonderlic - 38
If we have a pick near the end of round 1 or the top of round 2 don't be surprised if Frye recieves strong consideration from the Dolphins brass. He is a great athlete who put up good numbers despite playing along side horrible wide reciever, offensive linemen and running backs.
2. Adrian McPherson F.S.U 6'3 1/2 218 4.55 / 4.12 / 6.94 Wonderlic 26
I know there are some concerns about his supposed character issues. The man was 19 years of age when he made a poor decision. Personally, I am not concerned. Unlike Maurice Clarett, McPherson has continued to stay clean, he has worked hard in the weight room and even paid his dues in the arena league. This kids wants to play. Another little tid bit to keep in mind, in his time at Florida State he threw 14 td's and 1 int. Pretty impressive huh. He will most likely come off the board anywhere from mid second to mid third.
Sleeper - Josh Haldi N. Ill 6'2 215 4.64 / 4.07 / 6.89 Wonderlic - 30
Josh showed one of the three strongest arms at the combine to go with exceptional athletic ability. That makes him a prized developmental prospect at the quarterback position.
Running Back:
1. Ciatrick Fason Florida 6' 1/2 209 4.6 / 4.24 36' 9' 8
I have started watching Fason over the last few weeks and I am impressed. He is running full speed almost immediately. He also runs with great body lean and shows exceptional power and vision near the goal line. He is also a very good reciever. He will come off the board early to mid round 2.
2. J.J. Arrington Cal 5'9 214 4.4 / 4.1 / 6.81 35' 10' 1
I taped many of Aaron Rodgers games this year for obvious reasons, but, the same guy kept impressing me every time I tried to focus on Rodgers. Arrington has very good speed and the ability to hit the hole quickly. He is not the all around talent that Fason is, but he would provide a great change of pace for a player like Lamar Gordon who, although he is not well liked on this site, possesses some pretty good skills himself.
Sleeper - T.A. McClendon N.C.St. 5'10 235 4.67 / 4.27 / 7.35 35' 9' 9
T.A. is going to drop because of his injuries. He is also going to drop because of his forty times. However, this kid can toat the rock when he is healthy. He has excellent upside in the 4th to 5th round.
- Incidentally, I agree with Mel Kiper about Maurice Clarett. He will go pretty late if at all.
Wide Reciever
1. Matt Jones Arkansas 6'5 1/2 242 4.38 / 4.11 / 6.8 39 1/2 10' 9
Can you believe the hype? Well, Iwould have to agree that what has been said is pretty accurate. He is an amazing athlete. He is very, very lackadasical. He will need alot of work learning how to run routes properly. This kid will be as good as he wants to be. Its as simple as that. I got all excited and watched his Auburn and Florida game last night and he is all the athlete they say he is. If any coach or Gm is sure that he loves the game and will be willing to work hard at improving, then that person should make him a high pick (Late 1st / Early Second) It is all about his work ethic, and Nick should know about that.
2. Vincent Jackson No. Colorado 6'4 1/2 241 4.46 / 4.08 / 39' 10 '6
Vincent may be called a poor man's Matt Jones but he may not be all that far behind. His numbers are very much comparable and he has more polish. His senior year he had 80 receptins for 1382 yards and 11 td's. This kids may really intrigue some people especially since he dropped a 33 on his wonderlic, which is impressive. He may sneak his way into Round 2 with Miami.
Sleeper - Paris Warren Utah 6'3 213 4.7 / 4.22 / 7.02 31 1/2 9' 4
I saw alot of Paris Warren while watching Alex Smith and I must say that he plays faster than his workout times dictate. He is a better player than Steve Savoy, and will be drafted as such. May not be a bad pickup in the 5th to 6th round.
Outside Linebacker
1. David Pollack Georgia 6'2 265 4.79 / 3.94 / 6.87 37' 10'
I know Pollack has been getting a lack of love around the media because of his short arm and average forty but make no mistake, this kid can play football and Saban would take him in and instant and make him a star. He would dominate as a rush linebacker and wreak havok at defensive end on passing downs. He is one of my favorite players in this draft and I would love for Miami to acquire him after trading down. He may go off the board to a team who uses the 3-4 on occasion anywhere from 9 - 18. He may eve nbe a steal at 9.
2. DeMarcus Ware Troy 6'4 251 4.59 / 4.07 / 6.85 38 1/2 10'2
This kid may be the most interesting defender in the draft. He had amazing workout numbers and he dominated the Senior Bowl practices. Actually, he may be a better prospect than both Pollack and Derrick Johnson but he will drop because he played at Troy. So please, don't have a fit if Miami moves down between 13 and 18 and you hear "Miami selects DeMarcus Ware, Troy". He is a perfect fit for the rush linebacker position in the 3-4. He would dominate.
- A little note about Derrick Johnson. He has plenty of chinks in the armor to worry about. He has a serious knee injury in his past and he has never been shown to be a great guy to shed blocks and make a play. He tends to float around while on the field and let his athletic ability take over. That will not be enough at the next level for him to be dominating. However, if he stays healthy and becomes more disciplined, he will be a special player.
Sleeper - Derek Wake P.S.U. 6'2 1/2 236 4.6 / 4.13 / 7.12 45 1/2 10' 10
I will admit that I am a bit biased on this one because I am from Pennsylvania and I happen to be a big Nittany Lions fan but let me tell you, this kid is an amazing athlete who can make some amazing plays. He would be an exceptional role player at the very least. By the way, he made plays on more than one occasion that were very much reminiscent of LaVar Arrington. He will go off the board quicker than one might think. Round 4 to 5.
Safety
1. Oshiomogho Otogwe Stanford 5'11 219 4.65 Wonderlic - 30
You have to be smart to go to Stanford and this kid is no exception. However, he has good speed, ball skills and field presence to go along with it. He is the type of player Saban would want playing in our secondary. He will get a long look in the middler of round 2.
2. Sean Considine iowa 6' 212 4.5 / 3.93 / 7.11 Wonderlic - 33
Sean was a walk on at Iowa and worked his way into the starting line-up. He is smart, athletic and was a playmaker for the Hawkeyes. He will get a long look in round 3.
Sleeper - Gerald Sensabaugh 6' 1 214 4.44 / 3.96 / 6.81 46' 11'1
I will admit, I have never seen this kid play but his workout numbers are staggering. I have no idea if he is any kind of football player, but, I thought everyone should be aware of his numbers. As a senior he had 78 tackles, 1 int, 5 deflection.
Here are some other lesser known guys that I would not mind Miami Considering:
Gino Guidugli QB Cinncy 5th Round
Ryan Moats RB La. Tech 2nd - 3rd Round
Noah Herron RB Northwestern 6th Round
Chad Owens KR/WR Hawaii 5th Round
Jonathan Babineax DE/DT Iowa 2nd Round
Michael Boley OLB S. Miss 2nd Round
Domanique Foxworth CB Maryland 3rd Round
Ellis Hobbs CB Iowa State 3rd Round
Thomas Davis FS Georgia 1st Round
Junior Rosegreen SS Auburn 3rd - 4th Round
