War Room Scouting Reports....

I'll post these as I see them....


NFL scouting report: Missouri DE Aldon Smith

Russ Lande
Sporting News


NFL position: DE
Height: 6-4 1/4
Weight: 263
40 time: 4.74
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

Against the run: Uses his hands aggressively to take on and defeat run blocks to make tackles in the backfield. Flashes the ability to be productive on running plays away from him. Accelerates quickly down the line and has an explosive closing burst to make the tackle in pursuit. Seems content at times to just stand and not fight to get into the play. Grade: 7.0

Pass rush: Has the speed to threaten the corner as a speed rusher. Can beat the offensive tackle inside with a quick pass-rush move and flashes an explosive closing burst to the quarterback. At times, will get upright and high when closing in on the quarterback, leading to missed sack opportunities. Grade: 8.0

Initial quickness: Can get to full speed in a flash. Shows the ability to chase down running backs in backside pursuit. Grade: 7.5

Run/pass recognition: Does a good job of reading and reacting to the play and isn't fooled by trick plays or misdirection. Does not get sucked down the line on fakes and is able to maintain backside containment. Reads the run quickly and is able to get inside the blocker and make the play in pursuit. Grade: 7.5

Pursuit/tackling: Shows consistent hustle. Can accelerate quickly down the line and has elite playing speed. At times will try to make a diving tackle at the waist or below, which leads to some missed tackles. Shows the ability to make violent hits on the quarterback. Grade: 7.0

Bottom line: Smith was a redshirt sophomore last season and came out early for the draft. He missed three games in 2010 because of a leg injury but came back and was still disruptive playing on one leg. Based on his rare athleticism and production, he will likely be drafted in the first round.

NFL scouting report: Fresno State G Andrew Jackson

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting report on Fresno State's Andrew Jackson

NFL position: G
Height: 6-5
Weight: 299
40 time: 5.27
Current projection: Third-round pick
NFL comparison: Robert Gallery, free agent

Strengths: Does a nice job getting set quickly in pass protection and shows great patience while blocking. Has great balance and quick feet to mirror interior defenders. Is able to direct defenders where he wants them to go and possesses a violent punch to jar defenders at the snap. Displays the quickness to get through to the second level easily and lead on outside runs. Adjusts and blocks well in space.

Weaknesses: Lacks bulk for a guard. Struggles with leverage at times because he bends at the waist while run blocking, which leads to him overextending and falling off blocks he should easily make. Needs to improve his lower body strength. Missed most of his senior season because of a high ankle sprain.

Bottom line: Jackson showed great potential and production as a sophomore and junior but was injured during the majority of his senior year. He is a solid prospect who shows the ability to be a consistent performer in both the run and pass games at the next level. The big concern is whether he can add the necessary weight to take on the huge defenders he’ll face in the NFL. Look for Jackson to find a home as a starting guard once he improves his base.

NFL scouting report: Texas DB Curtis Brown

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting report on Texas' Curtis Brown

NFL position: CB
Height: 5-11 5/8
Weight: 185
40 time: 4.51
Current projection: Third-round pick
NFL comparison: Tramon Williams, Packers

Strengths: Is a tall, athletic cornerback who was consistently productive during his college career. Shows a combination of quick feet, good agility and balance, which enables him to change directions quickly. Has the speed to stay on the wide receiver's hip deep down the field. Shows no hesitation getting his hands on the wide receiver at the line of scrimmage to slow his release and will keep his hands on him to throw him off his route. Is aggressive closing on the receiver and going for the pass. Flashes the willingness to come upfield and make good tackles in run support and on passes in front of him.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his footwork and backpedal. Will at times get caught with his eyes in the backfield a little too long, loses contact with the wide receiver and does not recover in time to make a play on the ball. Sometimes isn't as physical as he needs to be against receivers. Could stand to add bulk. Had only two career interceptions at Texas.

Bottom line: Brown graded out very well at the Combine, and his stock appears to be moving up. He looked great in pass coverage drills in Indianapolis, and NFL teams like his height, which gives him a chance to match up against taller receivers. With improvement in his footwork, Brown should develop into a solid starter.

NFL scouting report: Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting report on Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers.


NFL position: RB
Height: 5-5 7/8
Weight: 196
40 time: 4.64
Current projection: Second-round pick
NFL comparison: Ray Rice, Ravens

Inside running: Despite lack of height and bulk, is an exceptional inside runner. Has tremendous strength and power in his hips, thighs and calves, making him difficult to tackle. Has nice vision, patience and acceleration as a runner. Most devastating quality is his change-of-direction ability. Grade: 8.0

Outside running: Shows good speed and acceleration as an outside runner. Is capable of gaining the edge but lacks elite speed. Can make people miss and is able to run through the tackler. Grade: 8.0

Blocking: Is too small to become a consistently effective blocker in pass protection at the next level. Gives a strong effort, often attempting to cut down blitzers, but does not have the physical ability to be consistent. Grade: 4.0

Hands/routes: Shows outstanding hands with superior ability to track the ball in the air. Runs good routes from the backfield and shows the ability to separate from defenders in man coverage. Is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Shows the same rare vision and elusiveness in his run-after-catch ability as he does as a ballcarrier. Grade: 8.0

Instincts: Shows exceptional run instincts, vision and patience. Is a productive inside runner due to his speed, quickness, strength and elusiveness through small holes along the line. Shows outstanding peripheral vision with the ability to change pursuit angles on the outside. Grade: 8.5

Durability/toughness: Has outstanding functional strength and power for a man of his size. Shows superior toughness to attack larger defenders, often running through them. Has only missed a handful of games due to injury during his college career. Grade: 8.0

Bottom line: Rodgers was a three-year starter at Oregon State before leaving early for the NFL . He is a young player with excellent athletic ability, though his 40 time at the Combine (4.64) was a disappointment. He has the potential to contribute on kickoff returns, though he never handled the role in college. He'll work well in a tandem at the next level and is a solid prospect.

NFL scouting report: Illinois ILB Martez Wilson

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting report on Illinois' Martez Wilson


NFL position: ILB
Height: 6-3 3/4
Weight: 250
40 time: 4.49
Current projection: Third-round pick
NFL comparison: Channing Crowder, Miami Dolphins

Strengths: Has excellent size and arm length for the position at the NFL level. Is an explosive, straight-line athlete with excellent closing burst and acceleration on a straight-ahead track. Had the fastest 40 time among linebackers at the Combine. Has good overall instincts and awareness with outstanding production as a run defender and part-time pass rusher. Has strong hands, upper-body strength and big-hit ability as a tackler. Shows the ability to rush from inside or the edge.

Weaknesses: Does not consistently wrap up and ends up on the ground too often. Is a marginal tackler on the move in space. Has average power on contact, dropping to his knees at times. Is a liability in man-to-man coverage due to his poor transition skills. Has durability issues.

Bottom line: Wilson started two years at Illinois but missed the 2009 season because of a neck injury. As a rookie, look for him to compete for a starting spot and be a core special teams member. Wilson will fit best in a 3-4 defense, where he could also play on the outside.

NFL scouting report: LSU DT Drake Nevis

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting report on LSU's Drake Nevis.


NFL position: DT
Height: 6-0 5/8
Weight: 285
40 time: 5.04
Current projection: Late first-round pick
NFL comparison: Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs

Against the run: Is a constant disruptive force against the run. Does a good job of anchoring against double-team run blocks and is often able to split them and disrupt the run in the backfield. Is quick off the ball, keeps the blocker on his shoulder, accelerates to full speed fast and has the explosive closing burst to finish the play and make the tackle in pursuit. Grade: 8.0

Pass rush: Has consistently shown the ability to jolt and drive offensive linemen into the quarterback's lap when he bull-rushes aggressively with good leverage. Has a good variety of pass-rush moves. Rushes with good leverage and uses his hands well to defeat one-on-one blocks. Can be tied up and kept on the line too easily because of his short arms. Grade: 8.0

Initial quickness: Consistently gets backfield penetration because of his ability to explode off the ball. Has shown the ability to shoot into the gap and drive through contact to make plays. Is able to consistently get inside reach blocks. Grade: 8.5

Run/pass recognition: Is a naturally instinctive defender who is consistently able to read and react quickly to the play. Doesn’t get fooled by misdirection or trick plays. Shows good awareness, which helps him to make important plays in key situations. Grade: 8.5

Pursuit/tackling: Gets to full speed fast and has the explosive closing burst to finish consistently on running plays away from him. Has strong hands, enabling him to make the tackle even when he doesn’t have the best position. Shows the ability to make violent hits and tackles. Grade: 8.5

Bottom line: Nevis is the type of defensive tackle who will be highly productive in the NFL. His best fit to start immediately is in a 4-3, one-gap scheme. Nevis would also be successful as an end in a 3-4 scheme like San Diego’s or Pittsburgh’s.

NFL scouting report: Kentucky WR Randall Cobb

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of NFL scouts provides a scouting report on Kentucky's Randall Cobb.


NFL position: WR
Height: 5-11
Weight: 186
40 time: 4.52
Current projection: Second-round pick
NFL comparison: Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers

Hands: Has excellent hands with the consistent ability to extend his arms to catch the ball. Shows outstanding track and adjust ability to the ball in the air downfield. Has lapses in concentration as a receiver at times. Displays natural skills with the ball in the air as both a punt and kickoff return man. Grade: 7.0

Patterns: Is an outstanding overall route runner from either the slot or outside position. Has the strong build to take a good hit with the agility and balance to keep his feet after initial contact. Shows the route-running skills to work on the outside against off and zone coverage. Grade: 8.0

Run after catch: Has outstanding overall run-after-catch ability and big-play potential for the position at the next level. Displays the strength to break arm tackles in a crowd, as well as the lateral agility to make people miss in space. Has the vision and acceleration to outrun players with angles up the sideline for the big play. Defeats linebackers and safeties in man-to-man coverage quickly after the snap. Has a great combination of quickness and vertical speed to win at all levels as a route-runner. Grade: 8.0

Blocking: Does a great job of blocking back for plays behind him after he has run his route downfield. Is a tough and physical blocker on the perimeter in the run game. Has the quickness to gain position on his defender. Grade: 8.0

Bottom line: Cobb started three years for Kentucky at a variety of positions. He was a Wildcat quarterback, slot and outside receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner. He’ll be a regular wideout at the next level and deserves second-round consideration by a team looking for a slot receiver and return man.

NFL scouting report: Villanova OT/G Ben Ijalana

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News' team of scouts provides a scouting profile on Villanova's Ben Ijalana.


NFL position: OT/G
Height: 6-3 5/8
Weight: 320
40 time: 5.37
Current projection: Third-round pick
NFL comparison: Trai Essex

Strengths: Has a wide, thick frame to play either guard or tackle. Is an excellent athlete with solid flexibility, quickness and lateral agility within a short area. Has good hand placement, leverage and leg drive to finish as a run blocker. Displays good lateral recovery ability in pass protection. Is able to lock on to defenders with his hands. Was durable in college.

Weaknesses: Played against Division I-AA competition in college, rarely having to block an NFL prospect. Shows only average lateral range and quickness as a puller. Doesn’t punch often enough to jolt defenders. Has limited growth potential.

Bottom line: Ijalana, who had a sports hernia during pre-draft training, is an impressive small-school prospect because of his athletic upside, but he rarely played against any NFL-caliber defenders in college and is unproven. Still, consider him a third-rounder with the potential to develop into a starter at tackle or guard.

Thanks for posting these, SBK

Scouting report: TCU OT Marcus Cannon

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Marcus Cannon, TCU
NFL position: OT
Height: 6-5 1/2
Weight: 364
40 time: 5.37
Current projection: Fifth-round pick

Strengths: Has surprising quickness for being so big. Slides to the corner with good leverage to effectively block speed rushers. Has good natural strength; eliminates his man from a play when using good technique. When he's moving his feet well, he gets downfield quickly when uncovered to lock up and maintain blocks on linebackers.

Weaknesses: Is an inconsistent blocker who doesn't move fast at the snap, which hinders his ability to quickly protect the corners. Leaves his chest wide open, which lets pass rushers jolt and drive him into the pocket too easily. Lacks good instincts for the position. Tends to get into pass protection without the proper leverage. Fits better as an guard because of his size and struggles protecting the edge. Has a bad habit of stopping his feet after making contact in pass protection and ends up reaching to stay on the block.

Bottom line: Cannon has remarkable footwork for a 364-pound lineman, but he doesn't block to his talent level. He's inconsistent enough that whichever team drafts him will be frightened over whether Cannon can honestly protect the quarterback enough. He's worth a gamble, but he needs some time to develop.

— Russ Lande, War Room scouts

Scouting report: Florida Atlantic TE Rob Housler

Russ Lande
Sporting News


Rob Housler, Florida Atlantic
NFL position: TE
Height: 6-5 1/2
Weight: 239
40 time: 4.53
Current projection: Fourth-round pick


Strengths: With excellent size and above-average arm length, Housler has room to develop at the next level. He is a great athlete with terrific speed. When running souts, shows fine cutting ability. He has natural hands with the uncanny ability to adjust to airborne balls. Housler makes catches look easy, and is a matchup problem for both safeties (size) and linebackers (speed).

Weaknesses: Is a marginal run blocker on the line of scrimmage. Doesn't appear to be super-tough and doesn't work hard enough to sustain blocks. Works from a righthanded stance regardless of the side in which he is lining up.

Bottom line: Housler is a lightning quick prospect with a wide catching radius. He was a late-blooming player for the Owls, with 71 receptions and 8 touchdowns over his final two college seasons. If he adds some bulk and improves his explosiveness off the ball, his lack of ideal strength won't be much of an issue. He does need more motivation to play through the whistle, however. He deserves fourth-round consideration by a team that seeks a feature halfback or pass-catching tight end. Housler also is capable of contributing on special teams.

— Russ Lande, War Room scouts