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By Russ Lande
Sporting News - War Room
Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts identify the players whose stock is rising and falling for the 2011 NFL draft:
On the rise
1. Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
After leading the nation in sacks in '09, Miller was hindered by injuries early in his senior season. Over the last few weeks, his play has improved and personnel men now again believe he could be a high first-round pick. Miller has been blowing up runs in the backfield and pressuring the quarterback constantly. Teams that use a 4-3 defense question his ability to play defensive end because of his lack of ideal bulk, but if he stays healthy the rest of the season a 3-4 team will jump on him in the top 15.
2. Orlando Franklin, T, Miami (Fla.)
Franklin, a former guard, now has played almost an entire season at left tackle, and scouts are convinced he has the elite athleticism to protect an NFL quarterback. He shows uncommon ability to move laterally and adjust to quick pass-rush moves. However, he sometimes lacks the strength to handle bull rushers and move the pile at the point of attack. Franklin likely will go high in the second round, and strong pre-draft workouts could vault him into the first.
3. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kerrigan used to stand out through effort and intelligence. This season, he has shown better quickness and athleticism vs. the pass and run. Though he never will be an elite edge rusher, his size, strength, long arms and hand usage make him an excellent prospect in a 3-4 scheme. Expect Kerrigan to go in the second round or late in the first.
On the decline
1. Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt
Injuries have taken a cruel toll on Romeus, who entered his senior season as an elite pass-rush prospect. In his first game since having back surgery early in the season, Romeus tore his ACL. Not only does the injury end his 2010 season, but it also likely will keep him from working out at 100 percent before the draft. Because of the injury concerns, a player who was once viewed as a sure first-round prospect will be lucky to be drafted before the fourth round.
2. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Ponders' 2010 season has been a mix of great flashes, inconsistency and injury issues. Ponder had been good in a few games but struggled to play at a high level for an entire game. He then ruptured the bursa sac in his throwing elbow and has tried to play through the injury, but his accuracy and production have been greatly hindered. To remain a first- or second-round prospect, he must get back to 100 percent so that he can throw well in pre-draft workouts.
3. Chris Hairston, T, Clemson
Despite possessing good size and strength, Hairston is not athletic enough for an offensive tackle. He cannot protect the corner against explosive edge rushers and cannot bend his knees to block with leverage, which limits his ability to adjust to quick pass-rush moves. He is not an aggressive run blocker but rather a positional/finesse blocker who cannot get movement on in-line run blocks. Hairston was regarded as a sleeper coming into the season, but he now is late-round prospect at best.
Sporting News - War Room
Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts identify the players whose stock is rising and falling for the 2011 NFL draft:
On the rise
1. Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
After leading the nation in sacks in '09, Miller was hindered by injuries early in his senior season. Over the last few weeks, his play has improved and personnel men now again believe he could be a high first-round pick. Miller has been blowing up runs in the backfield and pressuring the quarterback constantly. Teams that use a 4-3 defense question his ability to play defensive end because of his lack of ideal bulk, but if he stays healthy the rest of the season a 3-4 team will jump on him in the top 15.
2. Orlando Franklin, T, Miami (Fla.)
Franklin, a former guard, now has played almost an entire season at left tackle, and scouts are convinced he has the elite athleticism to protect an NFL quarterback. He shows uncommon ability to move laterally and adjust to quick pass-rush moves. However, he sometimes lacks the strength to handle bull rushers and move the pile at the point of attack. Franklin likely will go high in the second round, and strong pre-draft workouts could vault him into the first.
3. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kerrigan used to stand out through effort and intelligence. This season, he has shown better quickness and athleticism vs. the pass and run. Though he never will be an elite edge rusher, his size, strength, long arms and hand usage make him an excellent prospect in a 3-4 scheme. Expect Kerrigan to go in the second round or late in the first.
On the decline
1. Greg Romeus, DE, Pitt
Injuries have taken a cruel toll on Romeus, who entered his senior season as an elite pass-rush prospect. In his first game since having back surgery early in the season, Romeus tore his ACL. Not only does the injury end his 2010 season, but it also likely will keep him from working out at 100 percent before the draft. Because of the injury concerns, a player who was once viewed as a sure first-round prospect will be lucky to be drafted before the fourth round.
2. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
Ponders' 2010 season has been a mix of great flashes, inconsistency and injury issues. Ponder had been good in a few games but struggled to play at a high level for an entire game. He then ruptured the bursa sac in his throwing elbow and has tried to play through the injury, but his accuracy and production have been greatly hindered. To remain a first- or second-round prospect, he must get back to 100 percent so that he can throw well in pre-draft workouts.
3. Chris Hairston, T, Clemson
Despite possessing good size and strength, Hairston is not athletic enough for an offensive tackle. He cannot protect the corner against explosive edge rushers and cannot bend his knees to block with leverage, which limits his ability to adjust to quick pass-rush moves. He is not an aggressive run blocker but rather a positional/finesse blocker who cannot get movement on in-line run blocks. Hairston was regarded as a sleeper coming into the season, but he now is late-round prospect at best.