ESPN Draft Blog....

[sbk92]

Bowls could help underclassmen

By Todd McShay


There's a lot of talk about whether Stanford junior QB Andrew Luck will enter the 2011 NFL draft, but how he plays against Virginia Tech in the Discover Orange Bowl will likely have little to do with his decision. Luck has an impressive body of work to fall back on and he has a chance to be the No. 1 overall pick regardless of what scouts see of him against the Hokies.

The buzz surrounding Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers, Georgia WR A.J. Green, Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett and Auburn DT Nick Fairley and QB Cam Newton suggests they are all headed to the NFL after their respective bowl games, but beyond that group there are several other top underclassmen whose decisions are still up in the air.

Here's a look at five highly rated underclassmen who could cash in on big performances during bowl season.

Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon -- In the Valero Alamo Bowl, the Cowboys face an Arizona defense that has failed to live up to expectations. The game should be a shootout and the Wildcats don't have a defensive back capable of staying with Blackmon, who leads the nation with 151.4 receiving yards per game and could put up big numbers in this game. Blackmon is currently our third-ranked wide receiver behind Green and Alabama's Julio Jones, and is on the fringe of the first round.

Florida CB Janoris Jenkins -- Whether it's Matt McGloin or Robert Bolden under center, the Penn State passing attack won't strike much fear in Florida's defense in the Outback Bowl. Jenkins, a mid-first-round prospect, should be able to read the quarterback and get jumps on balls in zone coverage.

He can also help his cause by shutting down Nittany Lions WR Derek Moye in man coverage. Moye is 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds and will have a size advantage, so the smaller Jenkins must hold up physically.

Alabama DE Marcell Dareus -- The Crimson Tide will take on Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl and the Spartans' offensive line has been very good in the running game, so the first thing Dareus needs to do is show he can anchor at the point of attack.

However, Michigan State's interior pass protection struggled against good defensive linemen (Iowa's deep group, Illinois DT Corey Liuget), and Dareus will be back to 100 percent after some nagging injuries.

Dareus has a chance to eat up the Spartans' interior offensive linemen and get pressure and/or sacks on QB Kirk Cousins. And while Dareus is currently in the top half of the first round there is a lot of competition in the defensive line class and every game matters.

Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt -- Watt has terrorized opposing offensive lines this season with his size, athleticism and nonstop motor. In the Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio he'll be matched up at times against TCU OT Marcus Cannon, a massive road-grader, and in the running game scouts will be watching to see if Watt can use his hands to keep Cannon off his body without sacrificing leverage.

Watt will also slide inside at times in passing situations and has the quickness to disrupt the Horned Frogs' passing game. He's gone from off the radar to a fringe first-rounder and Watt could move up even further with a big game against a very capable TCU offense.

Ohio State WR DeVier Posey -- He had an uncharacteristic drop late in the Iowa game, but Posey bounced back strong against Michigan. He's been a reliable target for Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor and shows enough deep speed and big-play ability to develop into a starter in the NFL.

Ohio State will take on Arkansas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Razorbacks' pass defense has been better than anticipated this season. The fast track in the New Orleans Superdome could be the stage for a shootout if Mallett gets hot, and that would provide an opportunity for Posey to showcase his speed.

There are rumblings that Posey has his eyes on the draft but he projects as a Day 2 pick and the competition in a deep receiver class will be stiff. A good showing in a BCS game would help him lock down his standing.

 

[sbk92]

2010 full of impressive performances

By Kevin Weidl


A college football season spent on the road gave me a chance to see some of the top talent and best campuses and stadiums across the country.

The atmosphere and hospitality in Alabama were impressive and Iowa far exceeded expectations, and words cannot do justice to the pregame scene at the Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville, Fla. As far as passion goes, though, LSU takes the cake.

Overall, I took in 14 games and saw 26 teams in action, which gave me an up-close look at many of the top 2011 draft prospects on Scouts Inc.'s board. Here are the best and most disappointing players I saw live, the top performances I witnessed and a look at some 2012 prospects to keep an eye on (draft-eligible underclassmen denoted with asterisks):


Top Three Prospects

1. LSU CB Patrick Peterson* -- Has size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), strength, speed and ball skills to develop into a shutdown corner at the next level. Peterson also possesses an infectious energy on the field and brings added value as a dangerous return man on special teams.

2. Georgia WR A.J. Green* -- The 6-4 Green is loose in the hips and is light years ahead of most prospects in terms of route savvy. He has the best ball skills I've ever seen in person and makes the extraordinary catch look ordinary.

3. Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers* -- Isn't as athletic as Julius Peppers was coming out of North Carolina, but Bowers does have the versatility, power and quickness to become an impact pass rusher at the next level.


Top Three Disappointments

1. Clemson S DeAndre McDaniel -- An aggressive in-the-box safety who possesses natural ball skills (15 career INTs), but it was hard to ignore the tightness in his hips that makes him a major liability in space.

2. Cincinnati WR Armon Binns -- Lacks burst out of his breaks ,which bring up concerns about his ability to consistently separate at the next level. Ball skills are inconsistent as well.

3. Nebraska DT Jared Crick* -- Shows strong use of hands in combat but possesses a linear build in the lower half which leads to problems anchoring against the run.


Top Three Under the Radar

1. Nebraska S Eric Hagg -- Brings excellent versatility in coverage and in run support. Can match up with most slot receivers, will bring added value on special teams and showed improved ball skills this season (5 INTs).

2. Arkansas DE Jake Bequette* -- Quick first step and excellent use of hands. Excellent job of converting speed to power with pass rush and possesses a non-stop motor.

3. Iowa TE Allen Reisner -- Reliable target that can exploit underneath zone coverage. Takes pride as a blocker but needs to development strength in this area.


Top Three Individual Performances

1. Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor vs. Florida State -- Dominated the ACC title game with his arm and legs, accumulating 287 total yards while throwing three touchdown passes and running for another. Dynamic athlete who will contribute in multiple facets at the next level.

2. Washington QB Jake Locker vs. USC -- Locker turned in his best performance of the year by far against the Trojans, putting the Huskies on his back to pull off the upset. Threw for 310 yards and a touchdown, added another 117 yards rushing and conducted a 61-yard drive to set up the game-winning field goal.

3a. Alabama RB Trent Richardson vs. Penn State -- Rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Most impressive was the physical punishment the 220-pounder dished out to the Nittany Lions throughout the night.

3b. LSU CB Patrick Peterson vs. North Carolina -- Introduced his return skills to the nation, piling up 287 total return yards and bringing back a punt for a touchdown. He gained 244 of those yards before UNC decided to start kicking the ball out of bounds.


Future Prospect Watch (draft-eligible for 2012)

1. USC QB Matt Barkley -- Has the physical tools, mental capacity and maturity to develop into an efficient starting QB at the next level.

2. South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery -- Physical receiver (6-5, 233) who displays outstanding body control and reliable hands that swallow the ball. Lacks elite top-end speed but is a strong runner who can produce after the catch.

3. Alabama RB Trent Richardson -- Determined downhill runner who is strapped together at 220 pounds and has a thick lower half that provides excellent power. Above-average top-end speed for his size but lacking elite lateral mobility.

4. Miami S Ray-Ray Armstrong -- At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Armstrong brings a physical presence down the middle of the field to go along with wide range and strong ball skills. Needs to clean up angles as a tackler.

5. Georgia TE Orson Charles -- Has enough size (6-3, 240), athleticism and top-end speed to be a factor as a downfield target. Needs polish as a run blocker.

 

[sbk92]

Villanova prospects impressive in person

By Kevin Weidl


I continued my 2010 scouting tour this past weekend, making the drive from Charlotte up to Boone, N.C., to take in the FCS quarterfinal game between Villanova and Appalachian State. I came away impressed with a pair of Villanova prospects.

The first player on my watch list for the game was Wildcats OT Ben Ijalana, one of the highest-ranked small-school prospects in the nation, and he made a great first impression in the Wildcats' 42-24 win. Ijalana passes the eyeball test with his impressive frame, including long arms and a thick anchor in the lower body.

He's not the tallest prospect, but his long arms give him an advantage and should allow him to line up at tackle in the NFL. Ijalana used those arms to his advantage against Mountaineers DE Jabari Fletcher, a first-team FCS All-American and one of the toughest challenges Ijalana will face at the FCS level.

Ijalana is an easy mover who has natural feet -- not surprising for a guy who played soccer until he was in the 10th grade -- and once he got his hands on Fletcher, it was all over. Ijalana was able to get his hands inside and consistently stone Fletcher in pass protection, and he was able to slide and redirect very well in his pass sets.

Ijalana also got good movement in the running game and moved well in space, transitioning easily to the second level to cut off linebackers. He did overset at times -- once allowing a sack and once letting Fletcher get inside to make the tackle on a running play -- and could clean up his initial angles a bit, but overall, it was a very good showing.

Ijalana has been coached up well by Villanova offensive line coach Mark Ferrante, and at this point he looks like a prospect who will come off the board before the second round of the NFL draft is over.

Villanova WR Matt Szczur
Ijalana is higher on the board, but Szczur absolutely stole the show against Appalachian State. He accounted for five total touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving, one passing) and flashed even more versatility than I had expected.

Szczur is a quick, elusive athlete who ran the Wildcat formation and lined up at wide receiver, showing good feel for routes and the ability to find soft spots against zone coverage and decent arm strength on his first-half touchdown pass.

However, he appears more quick than fast, and I'm interested to see what his 40-yard dash times will be in workouts should Szczur continue his football career. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the MLB first-year player draft and faces an early-February deadline to decide whether to join the Cubs organization and accept a $36;500,000 bonus or enter the NFL draft.

Some think his desire to play in the NFL will trump the baseball money, and if Szczur does continue with football, he looks like a solid fourth-round pick who could move into the late third if he shows enough speed. His versatility and ability to contribute on special teams will make him a good value.

Appalachian State S Mark LeGree
I liked LeGree's smarts and instincts, and he took good angles in run support. However, he's a limited athlete and shows tightness in coverage. That showed up on Szczur's first-half touchdown pass when LeGree was beating inside on a post route and couldn't recover. He also compounded the error by missing a tackle that allowed the receiver to walk into the end zone. LeGree's instincts will take him only so far, and at this point he looks like a late-round developmental prospect.

Appalachian State DE Jabari Fletcher
Fletcher looks the part and has a thick lower half, but his first-step quickness is just decent, and he didn't show the ability to counter as a pass-rusher once Ijalana locked on. He was able to to redirect when Ijalana overset and showed a wide variety of moves, but Fletcher's lack of quickness made it easy for Ijalana to get into position and keep him off the quarterback.

Fletcher is not athletic enough to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and doesn't seem to have the strength or quickness to consistently hold up at end in a 4-3. With one-sided footage emphasizing those shortcomings, he looks like a late-rounder or priority free agent.

 

[sbk92]

Stephen Paea a sure first-rounder

By Steve Muench


Bowl season kicks off this weekend and plenty of NFL prospects will have a final chance to showcase their talents in game action, but there are some big names out there whose seasons have come to an end. Let's take advantage of the calm before the storm and look at the first-round talents not taking part in bowl games this year and where they stand heading into the pre-draft process.

Draft-eligible underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.


Oregon State DT Stephen Paea (Scouts Inc. Grade: 95)
Paea is a former junior-college transfer who joined Oregon State last year and has been playing football for only five years, but he's made great strides and should continue to get better with experience. At 6-foot-1 and 304 pounds, he has the natural leverage and bulk to hold his ground when teams run at him; Paea also has the initial quickness, upper-body strength and high motor to get to the quarterback. His best fit is at nose tackle in a base four-man front.


Purdue DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan (Grade: 94)
Kerrigan flew under the radar playing for a Purdue team that lost its last six games, so it may come as a surprise that he finished third in the FBS in sacks (12.5) and first in tackles for loss (26).

There's a lot to like about his versatility as a pass-rusher because he is quick enough to turn the corner and strong enough to put offensive tackles on roller skates. Kerrigan also has the range and motor to chase down running backs in pursuit. While he is capable of lining up at end in a base four-man front, his best fit is likely at outside linebacker for a base three-man front.


Colorado OT Nate Solder (Grade: 93)
Solder has moved up and down our board this year, and inconsistent footwork played a role when he slipped. However, he finished the regular season as the top-ranked tackle on our board, and for good reason. He has the frame, quickness and agility to develop into a franchise left tackle when he gets more consistent with his technique.


UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers* (Grade: 92)
Ayers can help a base 4-3 team looking for help at strongside linebacker in the second half of the first round. As a run defender, he has the upper-body strength to set the edge and funnel ball carriers back to the inside.

While teams shouldn't feel comfortable asking him to match up with quicker backs, he can stay with most tight ends in man coverage and shows above-average instincts in zone looks. He's also a playmaker in coverage. Finally, even though his best fit is in a base four-man front, he rushes the passer well enough to line up at outside linebacker in a base 3-4 scheme.


Southern Cal OT Tyron Smith* (Grade: 93)
The Trojans had enough wins to be bowl-eligible, but Smith and his teammates are victims of the Reggie Bush scandal. However, Smith could be the beneficiary of an average offensive tackle class. The lack of premier talent at the top has created a window for Smith to rocket up draft boards, and he's taken advantage despite dealing with knee and ankle injuries. Smith needs to get stronger and add some bulk, but his upside is intriguing. Like Solder, he has the quick first step and lateral mobility to develop into a franchise left tackle.


California DE Cameron Jordan (Grade: 90)
Jordan isn't an explosive edge rusher, and he's not agile enough to move to outside linebacker for a base 3-4 team. On the other hand, he lined up as a 5-technique (defensive end) in the Bears' three-man fronts, and he's a perfect fit there in the NFL.

Jordan plays with a wide base, and at 280 pounds he can hold his ground in a two-gap scheme. Once he establishes position he uses his long arms to lock out blockers, and he has the instincts to locate the ball. He also makes up for his lack of ideal closing speed with active hands and effort when rushing the passer.

 

[sbk92]

Gabe Carimi is NFL-ready right now

By Todd McShay


I sat down to watch some fresh coaches' copy tape earlier this week and spent some time scouting Wisconsin in preparation for the Rose Bowl, and here are the impressions I came away with about the Badgers' top prospects.


LT Gabe Carimi
He's a better overall player now than the one I saw during preseason film evaluation. Carimi continues to improve his technique, especially his hand use, and he playing more under control and with better balance. In terms of athleticism in pass protection he's a notch below Jake Long when Long came out of Michigan, but Carimi is a very strong run blocker and at the very least will be a starting right tackle as an NFL rookie.

Carimi's run-blocking prowess is about more than power. He has impressive awareness, takes good angles to the point of attack and has the ability to help both the tight end and left guard. One play that stood out in particular was a 14-yard touchdown run by Badgers RB John Clay in the first quarter of Wisconsin's win over Ohio State. The play began with the defensive end head-up over Carimi, who passed the end off to LG John Moffitt at the snap and got to the second level and locked on to Buckeys MLB Ross Homan, himself an NFL prospect.

Carimi drove Homan so far back and to the outside that they took an Ohio State safety with them, and Clay cut off the block and walked into the end zone essentially untouched. It was one of the most impressive plays I've seen from an offensive linemen all season with Carimi essentially taking out three defenders by himself.

The overall offensive tackle class is not great and some think Colorado's Nate Solder and Boston College's Anthony Castonzo have more upside than Carimi, but you know what you're getting from Carimi. He projects in the mid-to-late first round and is ready to become a very good starting right tackle from Day 1, and he could possibly move to the left side in time.


DE J.J. Watt
He's not an elite athlete and does not have an great first step, but Watt's awareness is as good as any defensive lineman I've seen this year. He diagnoses plays quickly and does a great job using his hands to keep bigger blockers off his frame, and he continues to add wrinkles to his arsenal of pass rush moves.

That allows him to work the edge and use his impressive closing burst to get to the quarterback. He has the kind of closing burst that most great NFL pass rushers possess, and when Watt is in position to make plays he finishes them.

His matchup against massive TCU OT Marcus Cannon (6-foot-5, 361 pounds) is one of the more intriguing individual battles in any bowl game this year in my mind. Cannon moves well for his size, has decent balance, and he has long arms and is very strong up top, but he is limited in terms of mirroring and sliding with pass rushers. It will be interesting to see if Watt can use his quickness and violent hands to stay off Cannon in space. If not it will be all over because Cannon has more than 100 pounds on Watt and if he is able to lock on it will be lights-out.

Watt moves from one side of the defense to the other and we'll know early on who's getting the better of the matchup. If Watt is exploiting Cannon's limitations the Wisconsin coaching staff will keep him on that side, but if Cannon is able to get to Watt and control him look for Watt to flip-flop because the Badgers need him to get after Horned Frogs QB Andy Dalton in order to slow down the TCU offense. Watt grades out in the second round at this point because he is not quite an elite athlete, while Cannon gets a third-round grade and will likely move to guard in the NFL.


TE Lance Kendricks
He's undersized and won't fit every NFL scheme but Kendricks fights hard as a blocker and plays bigger than his measureables. He's not a great athlete with seam-stretching speed, either, but he runs good routes and shows good instincts.

Perhaps most importantly, Kendricks makes tough catches in traffic and can snatch the ball out of the air away from his frame. The 2011 tight end class is one of the weakest in recent history and that gives Kendricks a chance to come off the board late on Day 2 despite his physical limitations.


RB John Clay
He's a big back (6-1, 248) and there's a lot to like about his physical, no-nonsense approach. Clay is a hard one-cut-and-go runner who lowers his shoulder, looks for contact and churns out extra yards on nearly every carry. However, I don't know what he does for a team in today's NFL.

The biggest question about him as runner is whether he has the lateral quickness to get in and out of holes and avoid NFL defenders. He doesn't appear to be anything more than a change-of-pace back who can spell the starter, and in that case scouts look for two other things: what can he do on third down and what does he offer on special teams. Unfortunately for Clay, he doesn't have much potential in either area.

He's only a junior but with two good backs -- James White and Montee Ball -- behind him and nagging injuries piling up it wouldn't surprise me if Clay enters the 2011 draft. No matter when he comes out, though, he'll likely have to make an NFL roster as a Day 3 pick.


G John Moffitt
He clearly benefits form playing next to Carimi, but Moffitt is a solid player. He's limited athletically but shows decent awareness, and while he'll never be an elite guard in the NFL it won't surprise me if he comes off the board in the middle rounds and becomes a very good backup or adequate starter.


WR Nick Toon
Toon is also a junior and would do well to return to school, but he is an intriguing prospect who runs good routes and knows how to do the little things it takes to succeed at the next level. His production will never be great because of Wisconsin's run-heavy offense and the fact that the Badgers run mostly two-receiver sets and rotate their wideouts, but Toon did have 16 receptions over the last four games of the regular season.

He's not a vertical threat but he runs well after the catch, and if he enters the 2011 draft he's likely a mid-round prospect. However, if Toon returns to school and continues to develop I could see him locking down a spot on Day 2 of the 2012 draft.

 

[sbk92]

I would love to have Carimi as our new RT.

Finally a guy over there who can move the pile.

But you don't draft a RT in the top 10.

If we trade down, he'd be on my short list.

 

[sbk92]

Look at that beast. Ready to take somebody's f'n head off in the run game.

Oh hells yes.

 

[sbk92]

Character issues important in today's NFL

By Steve Muench


Every NFL draft pick involves some kind of risk in some area, and the argument can be made assessing character risk is more important now than ever. Money and reputations are at stake and the league is cracking down hard on off-field transgressions, so teams have to thoroughly investigate all areas of a player's life.

Denver selected Oklahoma State CB Perrish Cox in the fifth round this year despite concerns about his character and maturity, and while Cox has started eight games and flashed great promise his arrest for sexual assault clouds his future.

Cox hasn't been convicted but could receive a life sentence if he is found guilty, and the league could also hand down a four-game suspension for violating the personal conduct code even if he isn't convicted. He has been a huge distraction for an organization already facing plenty of upheaval.

On the flip side, Tampa Bay has found a pair of diamonds in the rough by taking chances on players with character issues. Former Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount was suspended for most of 2009 after punching a Boise State player and was waived by Tennessee after Week 2 of the 2010 season. He was claimed by Tampa Bay, though, and is now the team's leading rusher after joining the Buccaneers in Week 3.

Bucs WR Mike Williams was suspended for the 2008 season at Syracuse because of academic issues and quit the team in November of 2009 when facing a second suspension, and while Williams was arrested earlier this season for DUI he does lead the team in receiving yards.

So who in the 2010 draft class is facing similar questions and scrutiny? Here are three prospects with red flags in their evaluations and where they stand right now.


Clemson SS DeAndre McDaniel (Scouts Inc. Grade: 69)
McDaniel has the frame, toughness and closing speed to develop into an excellent run stopper at the next level. And while he isn't an elite athlete he has the instincts and ball skills to overcome some of his deficiencies in coverage.

However, he still projects as a late-third or early-fourth round pick, and one of the biggest reasons he doesn't rank higher on our board is a 2008 arrest for assault and battery that involved a 19-year old woman.


Hampton DT Kenrick Ellis (Scouts Inc. Grade: 69)
Ellis started his college career at South Carolina, where he appeared in 13 games and started one as a redshirt freshman in 2007. However, he was suspended early in the 2008 calendar year for violations of team and university policy, and later in the spring was dismissed from the team. Ellis then transferred to Hampton.

He checks in at 336 pounds and stamina and weight will always be issues for Ellis, but he has quick feet and above-average range for a prospect his size. There are not many nose tackle prospects in the 2010 class, either, which makes Ellis that much more intriguing.


South Carolina TE Weslye Saunders (Scouts Inc. Grade: 65)
Saunders could have been a late-first round pick and possibly surpassed Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph as the No. 1 tight end on our board with a strong senior season. At 6-foot-5 and 268 pounds he has the athletic ability, burst and hands teams covet at tight end.

Instead of wowing scouts with his rare natural ability, though, Saunders never stepped foot on the field. South Carolina suspended him during fall camp for violating team rules and then dismissed him early in September. He was also suspended back in January for missing a team meeting, and taken together the incidents raise questions about his maturity and drop him to somewhere in the fourth round.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I would be interested in DeAndre McDaniel, but we already struck out with a Clemson safety with an average physical skill-set.

 

[sbk92]

I would be interested in DeAndre McDaniel, but we already struck out with a Clemson safety with an average physical skill-set.

I'm not interested in any safety who struggles in coverage.

We've had too many in the box safeties here over the years. We need someone who excels in coverage.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I'm not interested in any safety who struggles in coverage.

We've had too many in the box safeties here over the years. We need someone who excels in coverage.

Like Gerald Sensabaugh? Oh wait...

 

[Cr122]

Yeah, if we go safety, I definitely want someone who is solid in coverage.

This guy comes to mind....Rahim Moore, UCLA S 6-1 196

 

[sbk92]

Don't let Terrell McClain's production fool you

By Kevin Weidl


The down time before bowl season has allowed us to take a closer look at some prospects and I've been impressed with three prospects who began the 2010 college season off the NFL radar but have developed into solid mid-round picks who could become valuable NFL contributors.

South Florida DT Terrell McClain -- His production is not eye-popping (23 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3 sacks) but McClain's film is impressive. He checks in at 6-foot-1¼ and 298 pounds, has good initial quickness and plays with good pad level. McClain's hand use is outstanding and he is very good at shocking and shedding blockers before redirecting to the ball carrier. He also shows good balance and knows how to stay on his feet.

McClain flashes the range to make stops outside the tackle box but will be more of a 4-3, one-gap penetrator in the NFL who gets into the backfield and disrupts plays. He needs to develop a wider array of pass rush moves, but his overall package has taken him from a free-agent grade to somewhere in the third round, perhaps even higher with a good showing during the pre-draft process and any possible all-star game appearances.

Syracuse RB Delone Carter -- At 5-8 and 220 pounds Carter has a chiseled build, thick lower half and low center of gravity. He runs with excellent power, attacking the line of scrimmage and getting downhill in a hurry. Carter gets in and out of cuts quickly, shows good balance and can bounce off contact.

He lacks the top-end speed to be a first- or second-round pick, but he will probably run the 40-yard dash in the 4.5-second range and looks like a good option in the mid-rounds as a change-of-pace runner who also brings something to the table as a receiver. Overall, Carter is dependable, reliable and shows impressive determination.

Washington LB Mason Foster -- I had a chance to see Foster live at USC and came away with a very good impression. He shows natural instincts and a knack for finding the ball, diagnosing plays quickly and wrapping ball carries up well. He also has adequate range to make plays outside the tackle box, and at 242 pounds Foster shows good strength taking on blocks and the hand use to disengage at the point of attack.

While he's limited in man-to-man pass coverage Foster does have the ability to hold up in underneath zone, and he times blitzes well and comes under control when getting after the quarterback. He piled up 151 tackles during the regular season and was the clear standout on a defense that gave him little help, and when you throw in multiple duties on special teams Foster has the look of an adequate backup and immediate special-teams contributor who could offer good value as high as the fourth round.

 

[sbk92]

Pat Devlin has an intriguing skill set

By Kevin Weidl


Delaware QB Pat Devlin has led his team to the FCS championship game on January 7 against Eastern Washington, capping a solid season and becoming an even more intriguing draft prospect than he was coming into the year.

At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds Devlin isn't as big as former Delaware and current Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco, and Devlin's arm is not as strong as Flacco's, either. However, the two are similar in terms of poise and pocket presence when going through progressions. Devlin is able to feel and sidestep the pass rush and consistently get to his second and third options, and he has a great grasp of the offense and makes solid decisions (22 TD passes, 2 INT in 2010).

Devlin isn't the most mobile quarterback and will take his fair share of sacks, but he's functional in the pocket and shows intelligence. His accuracy could improve a bit but Devlin's overall skill set has positioned him in the late-third or early-fourth round area at this point and he could move up the board with a strong showing in all-star games and other pre-draft workouts.


Bowl prospects to watch

After breaking down film for some of this week's bowl game I came away with four prospects in particular I'll be keeping an eye on.

The first is Louisville TE Cameron Graham in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl against Southern Miss. Graham (6-35, 250) is somewhat limited athletically but is a reliable underneath target against zone coverage. His biggest strength, though, is his run blocking. Graham shows good technique and has a solid inline power base, and he has been a big contributor for a Cardinals running game that led the Big East with 180.5 yards per game this season.

I'll be watching to see if Graham can get in the seams and make some plays through the air against a Southern Miss pass defense that has struggled all season. If he can do that on a bigger stage he could begin building some momentum and perhaps move up from his current late-round position.

Cardinals RB Bilal Powell grades out in the late fourth round right now after starting the season with a free-agent grade. Powell isn't the fastest back but 5-116 and 216 pounds he runs behind his pads and shows the power and determination to get through arm tackles and pick up yards after contact.

He also has the lateral agility to probe for holes at the line of scrimmage and get into creases when they open. A good showing against the Golden Eagles could help him begin to solidify his place in the middle rounds.


SDSU wideouts on the radar

San Diego State could get big contributions from a pair of wide receiver prospects against Navy in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

Vincent Brown has adequate size (5-114, 197), and while he's not a blazer he runs polished routes and has good quickness in and out of his breaks. Brown displays good body control, and while he will drop an easy pass on occasion he is a shifty runner who can create after the catch. He has the potential to become an adequate slot receiver in the NFL and carries a mid-round grade.

Demarco Sampson (6-2, 209) is bigger than Brown and uses his size to play the ball well downfield. Sampson has good body control and hands and knows how to shield defenders from the ball, and that ability to win one-on-one matchups on the outside will allow the Aztecs to take some shots to Sampson even if he is covered.

He is a bit tight making lateral cuts in his routes, but overall Sampson has worked his way into the late-round conversation.

 

[sbk92]

Jay Finley has some NFL qualities

By Steve Muench


Several prospects have jumped out during my pre-bowl film study, and some of the most intriguing are seniors who entered the season as long shots to hear their names called but have played well enough to give themselves a chance to be late-round picks.

Here's a look at three seniors who came on strong in 2010 and the reasons they have emerged:


Baylor RB Jay Finley

Finley bounced back from an ankle injury that slowed him in 2009 to turn in an impressive 2010 campaign. While he's not a powerful short-yardage runner and he gets caught dancing in the backfield at times, he has the vision and burst to take advantage of any seams he gets between the tackles.

Finley's greatest strength is his lateral mobility, which allows him to shake defenders in the hole and cut back against the grain. He isn't a great pass blocker at this point but he can catch the ball in stride and produce after the catch, though he doesn't appear to have breakaway speed.


Arizona DE Rick Elmore

Elmore enjoyed a breakout senior year, finishing the regular season with 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. While he isn't as explosive as teammate Brooks Reed, a projected third-round pick, Elmore has the upper-body strength and enough quickness to develop into an effective pass rusher at the next level.

He also gets his hands up into passing windows when he sees the quarterback start his throwing motion and appears to be an above-average leaper. He plays high as a run defender and will turn his shoulders at times, but Elmore has the frame to get stronger at the point of attack if he improves his technique.


North Carolina RB Anthony Elzy

Elzy doesn't have elite speed, power or elusiveness but he makes the most of his natural ability, and the more I watch him the more I think he can help a team as a back-end roster player. He is a downhill runner who flashes a strong stiff arm and almost always falls forward. Defenders rarely get a clean hit on him because he is deceptively shifty and he can break arm tackles.

His versatility is perhaps his greatest strength. Elzy's a willing pass blocker, emerged this year as a reliable receiver, and North Carolina coach Butch Davis called Ezry one of his best cover men on special teams. There's also a lot to like about the way he seized the opportunity to carry the load for a North Carolina backfield that has been depleted by injuries.

 

[Cr122]

Syracuse RB Delone Carter -- At 5-8 and 220 pounds Carter has a chiseled build, thick lower half and low center of gravity. He runs with excellent power, attacking the line of scrimmage and getting downhill in a hurry. Carter gets in and out of cuts quickly, shows good balance and can bounce off contact.

He lacks the top-end speed to be a first- or second-round pick, but he will probably run the 40-yard dash in the 4.5-second range and looks like a good option in the mid-rounds as a change-of-pace runner who also brings something to the table as a receiver. Overall, Carter is dependable, reliable and shows impressive determination.

This is one of my pets. He'll make a decent back in the NFL.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

This is one of my pets. He'll make a decent back in the NFL.

I seen him. He reminds me of Ray Rice. Would love to have him.

 

[sbk92]

Robert Sands could be second-rounder

By Steve Muench


Here's a look at the NFL prospects playing in the Champs Sports and Insight bowls who get draftable grades from Scouts Inc. (draft-eligible underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk):


Champs Sports Bowl

West Virginia S Robert Sands (Scouts Inc. grade: 80)
Sands is a big hitter with rare size for a safety prospect. He doesn't have ideal hip fluidity but he can cover a lot of ground in zone coverage.

NC State ILB Nate Irving (Scouts Inc. Grade: 71)
Irving is an instinctive run defender with the burst to disrupt plays in the backfield and range to make plays in pursuit. While he lacks ideal man-to-man cover skills, he flashes the ability to make plays in coverage and get to the quarterback when asked to blitz.

West Virginia RB Noel Devine (Grade: 70)
Though he's not a powerful between-the-tackles runner, Devine projects as an excellent complementary back. He can turn the corner in a flash and he is an effective receiver who can produce after the catch.

NC State TE George Bryan* (Grade: 66)
Bryan doesn't have elite top-end speed but runs well enough for his size and has the skill set to develop into a productive red zone target. He also has the frame and toughness to hold his own as an in-line blocker in the NFL.

West Virginia CB Brandon Hogan (Grade: 57)
Hogan tore the ACL in his left knee against Rutgers in the regular-season finale and will not play in this game. He can allow too much separation coming out of breaks but showed above-average recovery burst and played the ball better this year.

West Virginia WR Jock Sanders (Grade: 47)
Sanders doesn't have the frame to hold up on the outside in the NFL but he can contribute as a slot receiver and return man. He is a shifty open-field runner with good quickness and balance.



Insight Bowl

Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn (Grade: 95)
Clayborn's production has dipped substantially this year and there are concerns about his stamina, but he's still one of the top defensive ends on our board. His greatest strength is his ability to get off blocks. He has above-average upperbody strength and violent hands.

Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert* (Grade: 83)
There are concerns about Gabbert's ability to transition to a pro style offense. Missouri's spread scheme simplifies his reads and he will hold the ball too long when his first option isn't there. However, he has the arm strength, frame and pocket mobility to develop into a quality starter in the NFL.

Iowa DT Christian Ballard (Grade: 64)
Ballard's production hasn't matched his ability but he has loads of upside. He has the frame to develop into an effective run stopper and the burst to develop into an effective pass rusher. There is also a lot to like about his versatility because he can line up at end or defensive tackle.

Iowa DE Karl Klug (Grade: 58)
Klug lines up at defensive tackle for Iowa but he isn't big enough to hold up there in the NFL, so he will have to move to defensive end. He is a blue-collar player with active hands.

Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi (Grade: 55)
Stanzi is inconsistent but could prove to be a steal. He has the natural ability to play in the NFL and he's made great strides as a decision maker over the course of the last year.

Missouri G Tim Barnes (Grade: 48)
Barnes isn't a dominant drive blocker and can give too much ground to bull rushers in pass pro, but he has the tools to develop into a reliable backup center. He is a three-year starter who rarely makes mistakes and fights to sustain once locked on.

Iowa WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (Grade: 41)
Iowa suspended Johnson-Koulianos after he was arrested on drug charges and he will not play in this game. Though he lacks elite top-end speed, he tracks the ball well, can adjust to downfield passes and is fast enough to stretch the field on occasion. He can also return kickoffs.

Iowa PT Ryan Donahue (Grade: 37)
Donahue's above-average blend of touch and power could make him a late-round pick.

Iowa ILB Jeff Tarpinian (Grade: 33)
Tarpinian missed the final two games of the regular season with a stinger and battled injuries throughout the year. He has the toughness and motor to develop into an adequate backup and valuable cover man on special teams.

 

[sbk92]

Mikel Leshoure's burst impressive

By Steve Muench


Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter (Scouts Inc. Grade: 76) and Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure* (71) project as third-round picks. While both of their schools won in convincing fashion Wednesday night, Hunter struggled and Leshoure took home the Texas Bowl Most Valuable Player award.

Hunter carried the ball 10 times for a total of 32 yards and lost 5 yards on the only catch he made against Arizona. In fairness to him, Arizona has been tough against the run and Hunter didn't appear to get enough touches to get into any kind of a rhythm.

The Wildcats clearly focused in on him, and his offensive line did not do a great job of opening seams. However, Hunter did an adequate job of getting into position as a pass-blocker and he threw a vicious cut block to spring RB Jeremy Smith for a 6-yard touchdown run to open the scoring.

Leshoure rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries against Baylor. At 227 pounds, he has impressive lateral mobility and good burst. For proof, check out his 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He's also a willing pass-blocker and can catch the ball out of the backfield, but he is a bit unpolished.

Leshoure lacks ideal instincts and gets caught dancing in the hole on occasion, so he leaves some yards on the field. He also needs to work on his pass-blocking technique and snatching the ball out of the air instead of trapping it against his frame.


Nebraska's star-studded defense

Washington QB Jake Locker's (92) 4-for-20 performance against Nebraska in September is one of the lowlights of a disappointing season for Locker, but he has a chance to redeem himself in a rematch with the Cornhuskers in the Holiday Bowl.

It won't be easy, though, because Nebraska's defense features four players who could hear their names called in the NFL draft, including CB Prince Amukamara (96), a projected early first-round pick.

Amukamara (6-foot, 203 pounds) has an excellent blend of size, quickness and speed. The Huskies don't have a receiver capable of separating from him with any consistency so Locker would be wise not to test him too often.

Safety/nickelback Eric Hagg (52) doesn't have as much upside as Amukamara. There is some stiffness in Hagg's hips, and he has some problems staying with quicker receivers in man coverage, but he rarely gets caught out of position and is a playmaker.

Hagg came up with one of the two picks that Locker threw in the first meeting between these two teams. Locker failed to see Hagg bracketing his receiver downfield and threw the ball right to him.

The other two Nebraska defenders on our board are DT Jared Crick* (71) and DE Pierre Allen (64). Crick had some success generating pressure up the middle in the first meeting but couldn't corral the slippery Locker. Crick can help himself by showing better body control and closing burst on Thursday night.

Allen got caught too far inside and lost containment at times in September, and if he does so again Locker has to make him pay by getting to the edges. Doing that will help Locker suck the coverage back toward the line of scrimmage and create seams for his receivers downfield.

 

[sbk92]

Jan. 1 could be defensive showcase

By Kevin Weidl


New Year's Day is traditionally the biggest day on the college football calendar, with big-name teams playing in big-time bowl games across the nation. Of course, that also means many of the top NFL prospects in the country will be taking the field, as well.

Below are 10 prospects to keep an eye on as you flip around the ESPN family of networks on Jan. 1. And keep in mind that this list doesn't include Florida CB Janoris Jenkins (Scouts Inc. grade: 95), who will miss the Outback Bowl with a shoulder injury. As always, draft-eligible underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.


Alabama DT Marcell Dareus* (96)
Dareus hasn't matched the production he had during the 2009 season but possesses an excellent combination of strength and power. He can be a factor outside the tackle box defending the run and displays an outstanding bull rush as a pass-rusher. Dareus will play a big role in trying to slow down Michigan State's offense in the Capital One Bowl (ESPN, 1 p.m. ET).


Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi (93)
Carimi has an excellent frame (6-foot-6, 318 pounds) but appears to lack the elite athleticism to line up at left tackle in the NFL. However, his vast improvement as a pass-blocker combined with sound technique and awareness as a run-blocker makes him NFL-ready and he should have a long and productive career at right tackle. Carimi will face a challenge against TCU's speedy defense in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET).


Alabama WR Julio Jones* (93)
Yes, Jones has mental lapses which result in some inconsistencies with his hands, but his prototypical frame (6-4, 211) and freakish athleticism provides him with an extremely high ceiling. He improved as a route-runner this season and should be off the board by the end of the first round.


Florida C Mike Pouncey (93)
A spitting image of his twin brother Maurkice, a 2010 first-round pick by the Steelers, Mike shows excellent technique and inline power base and has the versatility to play guard or center at the next level. Mike is NFL-ready right now and will have one final college showcase against Penn State in the Outback Bowl (ABC, 1 p.m. ET).


Alabama RB Mark Ingram* (92)
Ingram is the most instinctive runner in this year's running back crop in terms of vision and patience. He has good lateral mobility and excellent balance to consistently bounce off of initial contact and pick up extra yardage. He should be the first running back off the board if he elects to come out early.


Mississippi St. OT Derek Sherrod (89)
Sherrod has made a huge jump on our board since the beginning of the season. He possesses natural left-tackle feet and can slide and mirror when setting the edge in pass protection. However, he needs to learn to play with a more consistent pad level. Sherrod and the Bulldogs will look to exploit a Michigan defense that has struggled to stop anyone when they take the field in the Progressive Gator Bowl (ESPN2, 1:30 p.m. ET).


Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt* (88)
Watt has come on strong this season notching 21 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He maximizes his ability with excellent technique and quick get-off to go along with a relentless motor. Watt faces perhaps his toughest test of the season in the Rose Bowl against massive TCU OT Marcus Cannon.


Oklahoma DE Jeremy Beal (85)
Beal hasn't received much national recognition but has been as consistent as any player in the country this season. He displays excellent technique and use of hands both as a run-defender and a pass-rusher. His lack of ideal size (6-3, 263) will more than likely force him to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, but he should still cause plenty of problems for Connecticut in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET).


Oklahoma OLB Travis Lewis* (84)
Lewis is naturally instinctive and has a nose for finding the football (352 career tackles). He possesses a wide range but lacks elite point-of-attack skills and can get swallowed up by bigger blockers.


Oklahoma DS Quinton Carter* (81)
Plays with a reckless abandon and brings a physical presence down the middle of the field. Carter is effective in run support and has enough fluidity to hold up in man coverage working against most tight ends and slot receivers. He needs to tone down his aggression at times, though, to avoid being caught out of position.