ESPN Draft Blog....

[sbk92]

A.J. Green's pro day goes as planned

By Steve Muench


I tuned in to ESPN3.com's coverage of Georgia's pro day workout to get a look at headliners WR A.J. Green, DE/OLB Justin Houston and OG Clint Boling, and while the event appeared well-organized there was an interesting twist at the end.

No Bulldogs quarterbacks were available to throw to receivers so Montana QB Justin Roper came in to throw, but because of a rule preventing NFL scouts from watching prospects at a pro day more than 40 miles from their campus scouts had to head inside and watch Green and the rest of the receivers on monitors while Roper was throwing.

Here's how the top three prospects at the workout fared as well as a look at some other notable prospects who took part. All 40-yard dash times below are unofficial times based on the ESPN3 telecast.

WR A.J. Green (Grade: 97)
Green didn't participate in any timed events or jumps but he fared better during position-specific drills than he did at the NFL combine and solidified himself as a top 10 pick. He missed one ball thrown at his shoe tops but overall showed excellent ball skills, attacking the ball with his hands rather than allowing it to get to his frame. Green also displayed impressive body control adjusting to passes outside his frame, confirming what we've seen on film. His burst and fluidity as a route-runner also stood out, and on the whole Green did just what was expected to lock down his elite standing.

DE/OLB Justin Houston (Grade: 90)
Houston had an opportunity to show he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker in a base 3-4 scheme and his 40 time was in the same low-4.6 second range he posted at the combine, more than fast enough to be a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Houston also looked agile during bag work, but he didn't look comfortable in space and stumbled coming out of a coverage drop into the flat. And while he made a nice adjustment to a pass thrown behind him Houston fights the ball and does not project as a playmaker in college. At 270 pounds he has the size to play end in a 4-3 scheme and that's where his best fit will be. Regardless, Houston showed in college the ability to get to the quarterback from both spots and that will be enough to keep him in the late-first round conversation.

OG/OT Clint Boling (Grade: 82)
Boling also stood on his combine numbers and participated only in position-specific drills, and the only weakness he showed came during the kick-step drill. He just didn't look quick enough to cut off the edge as an offensive tackle, which is one of the reasons he projects as a guard at the next level. Otherwise, Boling showed good balance and footwork when asked to re-direct quickly and looked smooth and under control mirroring pass rushers. His knee bend and ability to roll his hips when asked to get into a run fit were also strong. Boling looks like a good Day 2 value for teams looking for help at guard.

ILB Akeem Dent (Grade: 66)
Dent's unofficial 40 time in the 4.7 range is good for an inside linebacker but he did show some stiffness in his hips during position drills. Dent's burst was good, though, and he showed quick feet during drills. Add in the toughness he shows on film and Dent projects as a middle-round pick.

FB Shaun Chapas (Grade: 55)
We did not expect Chapas to wow us with his athletic ability so there were no surprises when he looked a stiff adjusting to the ball during position specific drills. However, his focus was good and he caught the ball well enough to show teams he can develop into a reliable safety valve out of the backfield. Far more importantly, his film shows an overall skill set and blocking ability that can help a team looking for a fullback in the middle rounds.

OT Josh Davis (Grade: 52)
Davis certainly looks the part and was quick off the ball but he doesn't sink his hips as well or show the same balance as Boling displayed. Davis' athletic limitations show up on film as well, and though his frame and long arms make him an interesting mid-to-late round prospect he didn't do enough to improve his stock.

CB Vance Cuff (Grade: 44)
Cuff broke into the 4.3s on one of his 40 attempts, a substantial improvement over the 4.53 he posted at the combine. He also looked fluid and smooth during position drills. However, the 40 time still must be confirmed and we expected a strong workout based on his film. Cuff's lack of instincts and inconsistent play on film are the main reasons he carries a late-round grade.

WR Kris Durham (Grade: 37)
Former Bulldog David Pollack was part of the broadcast team for the workout and started talking Durham up early, and Durham didn't disappoint. His 4.49 in the 40 and good ball skills he showed on passes thrown over his head are enough to send us back for another look at his film. His inability to stay on a straight path and change directions quickly during the long shuttle are a concern, though, and Durham remains a late-round prospect.

 

[dbair1967]

A.J. Green's pro day goes as planned

By Steve Muench


I tuned in to ESPN3.com's coverage of Georgia's pro day workout to get a look at headliners WR A.J. Green, DE/OLB Justin Houston and OG Clint Boling, and while the event appeared well-organized there was an interesting twist at the end.

No Bulldogs quarterbacks were available to throw to receivers so Montana QB Justin Roper came in to throw, but because of a rule preventing NFL scouts from watching prospects at a pro day more than 40 miles from their campus scouts had to head inside and watch Green and the rest of the receivers on monitors while Roper was throwing.

Here's how the top three prospects at the workout fared as well as a look at some other notable prospects who took part. All 40-yard dash times below are unofficial times based on the ESPN3 telecast.

WR A.J. Green (Grade: 97)
Green didn't participate in any timed events or jumps but he fared better during position-specific drills than he did at the NFL combine and solidified himself as a top 10 pick. He missed one ball thrown at his shoe tops but overall showed excellent ball skills, attacking the ball with his hands rather than allowing it to get to his frame. Green also displayed impressive body control adjusting to passes outside his frame, confirming what we've seen on film. His burst and fluidity as a route-runner also stood out, and on the whole Green did just what was expected to lock down his elite standing.

DE/OLB Justin Houston (Grade: 90)
Houston had an opportunity to show he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker in a base 3-4 scheme and his 40 time was in the same low-4.6 second range he posted at the combine, more than fast enough to be a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Houston also looked agile during bag work, but he didn't look comfortable in space and stumbled coming out of a coverage drop into the flat. And while he made a nice adjustment to a pass thrown behind him Houston fights the ball and does not project as a playmaker in college. At 270 pounds he has the size to play end in a 4-3 scheme and that's where his best fit will be. Regardless, Houston showed in college the ability to get to the quarterback from both spots and that will be enough to keep him in the late-first round conversation.

OG/OT Clint Boling (Grade: 82)
Boling also stood on his combine numbers and participated only in position-specific drills, and the only weakness he showed came during the kick-step drill. He just didn't look quick enough to cut off the edge as an offensive tackle, which is one of the reasons he projects as a guard at the next level. Otherwise, Boling showed good balance and footwork when asked to re-direct quickly and looked smooth and under control mirroring pass rushers. His knee bend and ability to roll his hips when asked to get into a run fit were also strong. Boling looks like a good Day 2 value for teams looking for help at guard.

ILB Akeem Dent (Grade: 66)
Dent's unofficial 40 time in the 4.7 range is good for an inside linebacker but he did show some stiffness in his hips during position drills. Dent's burst was good, though, and he showed quick feet during drills. Add in the toughness he shows on film and Dent projects as a middle-round pick.

FB Shaun Chapas (Grade: 55)
We did not expect Chapas to wow us with his athletic ability so there were no surprises when he looked a stiff adjusting to the ball during position specific drills. However, his focus was good and he caught the ball well enough to show teams he can develop into a reliable safety valve out of the backfield. Far more importantly, his film shows an overall skill set and blocking ability that can help a team looking for a fullback in the middle rounds.

OT Josh Davis (Grade: 52)
Davis certainly looks the part and was quick off the ball but he doesn't sink his hips as well or show the same balance as Boling displayed. Davis' athletic limitations show up on film as well, and though his frame and long arms make him an interesting mid-to-late round prospect he didn't do enough to improve his stock.

CB Vance Cuff (Grade: 44)
Cuff broke into the 4.3s on one of his 40 attempts, a substantial improvement over the 4.53 he posted at the combine. He also looked fluid and smooth during position drills. However, the 40 time still must be confirmed and we expected a strong workout based on his film. Cuff's lack of instincts and inconsistent play on film are the main reasons he carries a late-round grade.

WR Kris Durham (Grade: 37)
Former Bulldog David Pollack was part of the broadcast team for the workout and started talking Durham up early, and Durham didn't disappoint. His 4.49 in the 40 and good ball skills he showed on passes thrown over his head are enough to send us back for another look at his film. His inability to stay on a straight path and change directions quickly during the long shuttle are a concern, though, and Durham remains a late-round prospect.

Boling and Chapas are guys I wouldnt mind adding to our team.

 

[sbk92]

Three midround OTs have value potential

By Steve Muench


History shows it's hard for NFL teams to find quality starting offensive tackles outside the first round.

When evaluating the 2011 tackle class, we at Scouts Inc. identified our top 10 current NFL left and right tackles, and five of the left tackles (Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Jordan Gross, D'Brickashaw Ferguson) came off the board in the first half of the first round. Three more were second-rounders.

On the right side, six players on our list Jammal Brown, Jeff Otah, Vernon Carey, Jason Smith, Sebastian Vollmer, Jonathan Stinchcomb) were off the board in the first two rounds, and another (Eric Winston) was the second pick in the third round.

That doesn't mean prospects who grade out in the middle rounds or lower are worthless picks, though. In fact, three of the players on our lists (Donald Penn, Jason Peters, Tyson Clabo) were undrafted free agents. Some can develop into contributors at tackle and others can slide inside to guard to become starters or provide depth.

As for the 2011 class, here's a look at three offensive tackles with midround grades who could help an NFL team in some capacity.


James Carpenter, Alabama (Grade: 74)
Carpenter is a former junior college transfer who started 27 consecutive games at left tackle the past two years and who some project as a right tackle in the NFL. He could play on the right side in a run-heavy scheme like Pittsburgh's, but Carpenter has just average arm length and foot speed for a tackle prospect.

However, he has the toughness, frame and athletic ability to quickly develop into a starter at guard. Carpenter grades out in the later part of the third round, where the Green Bay Packers could be looking to address their interior offensive line, and he has the power to help improve their ground game and is agile enough to excel at guard in Green Bay's zone-heavy scheme.


Chris Hairston, Clemson (Grade: 69)
Hairston played on the left side in college but his footwork is inconsistent and his lateral mobility is just average, so he is expected to move to the right side in the NFL. He needs to improve his technique and learn to mask his athletic deficiencies, but he has the wide frame, long arms and power to develop into a starting right tackle.

Hairston's best fit is in a power ground game that sets up play-action passes. That makes him a good fit for a team like the Oakland Raiders, who could spend a fourth-round pick on a prospect who could eventually step in for current free agent Langston Walker or Walker's replacement.


Demarcus Love, Arkansas (Grade: 64)
Love started 37 games in the SEC but his technique is still lacking. His wind-up punch hinders his ability to lock on and sustain as a run-blocker while below-average body control and sloppy footwork make it hard for him to stay in front of pass-rushers. However, there is a lot to like about Love's upside.

He is quick, has long arms and flashes the ability to redirect in pass protection, so he could develop into an effective left tackle in time. In addition, Arkansas flip-flopped its offensive linemen based on the strength on the formation and Love's experience lining up on both sides of the formation means he could develop into an effective swing tackle who can provide depth on both sides.

Tackle isn't a pressing need for the Philadelphia Eagles, but OTs Jason Peters and Winston Justice have had problems staying healthy, so bolstering depth makes sense. Love's agility makes him a good fit for the Eagles' version of the West Coast offense and he would be learning from a fellow former Razorback in Peters.

 

[sdogo]

Hairston is going to be a hell of a tackle in the league by the time it's all said and done. I love that kids mean streak. Reminds me A LOT of Erik Williams.

 

[sbk92]

New kickoff rules could hurt return men

By Todd McShay and Kevin Weidl


Recent drafts have seen several teams spend later-round picks on wide receivers and running backs with speed and kickoff return ability, and that trend has shown up in the stats.

Of the 16 NFL players who gained more than 1,000 yards on kickoff returns in 2010, nine were wide receivers and seven were running backs, and it's a trend that makes sense for a couple of reasons.

First, speedy defensive backs are not as accustomed to handling the ball, so why put it in their hands, especially after they've just finished a defensive series and are likely fatigued?

Second, fewer standout position players on either side of the ball are returning kicks, so having a backup wide receiver or running back to handle those duties is helpful. Many teams were willing to use a roster spot on a return-game weapon even if his contribution on offense or defense was limited.

That could change, though, with the NFL's recent decision to move kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35. That change will likely result in many more touchbacks and fewer opportunities for impactful kickoff returns, meaning teams might be less likely to spend money on players whose greatest value is as a kickoff returner.

Veteran NFL returners such as Josh Cribbs and Devin Hester have voiced their displeasure, and the kickoff change could also affect some 2011 draft prospects whose return ability is at least part of their appeal.

Here are the prospects in our 2011 draft tracker who ranked in the top 60 nationally in kickoff return average. As mentioned above, the defensive prospects and those with higher draft grades (Peterson, Doss) likely won't return kickoffs in the NFL, but the rest of the players on the list could feel the effects.

Iowa WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (8th, 29.2 ypr)
LSU CB Patrick Peterson (9th, 29.1)
TCU WR Jeremy Kerley (19th, 27.8)
Troy WR Jerrel Jernigan (41st, 25.2, 1 TD)
Rutgers S Joe Lefeged (42nd, 25.0)
North Carolina S Da'Norris Searcy (43rd, 29.4)
Indiana WR Tandon Doss (46th, 24.8)
Louisiana Tech WR Phillip Livas (49th, 24.6, 1 TD)
Nebraska WR Niles Paul (52nd, 24.4, 1 TD)
Wisconsin WR David Gilreath (53rd, 24.4, 1 TD)

The following prospects with kickoff return potential might also feel the squeeze as teams consider whether players who are mainly kickoff return specialists are worthy of roster spots.

West Virginia RB Noel Devine
Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates
Maryland WR Torrey Smith

 

[sbk92]

Teams could maneuver for defense

Wealth of talent along defensive front seven could mean trades early in first round

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.


Teams around the NFL are getting ready for their pre-draft organizational meetings with college scouts coming off the road and pro scouts wrapping up their needs evaluations, and in talking to team personnel around the league I'm getting a feel for how things are starting to shake out around the league.

Here's some of what we're hearing:

Defense rules

The defensive front seven is perhaps the strongest area in this year's class and the closer we get to the draft the more talk there is about teams targeting players from that group.

The Denver Broncos pick at No. 2 overall, and as they transition to a 4-3 defense under new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen it seems their focus is on the front seven.

Alabama DT Marcell Dareus would be a perfect fit, which means the Broncos would be pulling for the Carolina Panthers to take a quarterback (Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Auburn's Cam Newton) with the No. 1 pick.

Texas A&M OLB Von Miller and Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers are also worth the pick but Miller fits better in a 3-4 scheme and Bowers has not yet answered questions about a surgically-repaired knee.

Browns, Bengals also looking defense

If the Cincinnati Bengals elect not to select a quarterback at No. 4 to replace the possibly-departing Carson Palmer then they will likely go after a pass-rusher, and we're hearing Miller could be that guy if he's available.

The Cleveland Browns pick sixth overall and are also transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3, and while the Browns could use a defensive tackle their bigger need is at end. That makes Bowers the perfect fit, and if he does not check out medically or is off the board when Cleveland picks then North Carolina DE Robert Quinn becomes a good fallback option.

Texans in transition, too

The Houston Texans' most obvious need at No. 11 overall would appear to be the defensive secondary, but new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is switching the Texans to a 3-4 scheme that doesn't rely on a lot of man coverage in the back end.

Houston's defensive backs will be playing a lot of quarters and halves in coverage so that will ease some concerns, and because Phillips does a lot of shading up front the Texans aren't as desperate as many seem to think for a massive two-gap nose tackle.

What they could really use is another pass-rusher. It is expected that LBs DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing will remain inside with Connor Barwin at left outside linebacker and Mario Williams playing the five-technique/defensive end role. That leaves a hole at right outside linebacker and if Quinn is available he's a slam dunk. I'm also hearing they are in love with Miller but it would take some maneuvering to get him.

There could be a scenario in which Gabbert or Newton goes to Carolina and Dareus, LSU CB Patrick Peterson and Georgia WR A.J. Green go 2-3-4 in some order, followed by a quarterback to Arizona. That would leave Miller on the board at No. 6, where he's not an ideal fit for Cleveland, and give the Texans an opportunity to trade up.

The same could hold true if Miller is gone but Quinn is on the board when the Dallas Cowboys pick at No. 9. Dallas has a huge need at offensive tackle and could still get help there by trading back to 11 and gaining an extra pick. In any event, Houston knows it could have to move ahead of Washington, which picks at No. 10 and also has a need for a 3-4 pass-rusher.


More news and notes

Second-round sleepers

Now is the time of year when likely first-round prospects have been talked up ad nauseam, and just behind that group there always seems to be a handful of players with first-round talent but one particular red flag (durability, size, scheme, age, college program) that drops them into the second round. St. Louis Rams OT Rodger Saffold and New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski are perfect examples from 2010.

Saffold came from an Indiana program that does not have a history of producing top offensive linemen and he just did not have the big-time body and presence of an elite prospect, but on tape he was one of the most consistent, fundamentally-sound tackles in the 2010 class.

Gronkowski missed the entire 2009 college season after undergoing back surgery but his '08 tape was impressive enough to keep him in the second round and his size and toughness made him an immediate contributor for the Patriots.

So who fits into that second-round sleeper category in 2011?

Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams -- Durability is an issue for Williams, who has the lateral quickness to make defenders miss in small areas and the hands and savvy to be an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield if he can stay healthy. The Patriots and Giants could have interest in the second round.

Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph -- Rudolph suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in October that required surgery to reattach two tendons to the bone. However, he has the size (6-foot-6⅛, 259) and blocking ability to contribute in the running game along with the instincts and hands to create mismatches in the passing game.

He's not as big or strong as Gronkowski but Rudolph could be a similar steal this year for a team like Denver or Arizona.

Kentucky WR Randall Cobb -- Lack of top-end speed will likely keep Cobb out of the first round, but he is an elusive, competitive runner in the open field who has a chance to use his route-running savvy to contribute right away as a sub-package receiver. He also has experience running Wildcat sets and can contribute in the return game, making Cobb attractive to teams like Cincinnati, Washington, St. Louis and Jacksonville.

TCU QB Andy Dalton -- Dalton is a bit like Colt McCoy last year, a proven leader and winner (34-3 the last three years, three bowl MVP awards) who is very accurate short-to-intermediate but comes from a system that doesn't translate well to the NFL and made a majority of his throws within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.

However, if Dalton can get with a team that runs a West Coast offense and doesn't have to play him right away he will be a great value given his positive attributes. If teams like San Francisco, Seattle, Washington or Minnesota don't get a quarterback in the first round all could be interested in Dalton in the second.

Florida State OL Rodney Hudson -- Measurables are the issue for Hudson, who checks in a 6-2⅜ and 299 pounds and is pretty much maxed out in terms of adding bulk. Look at the tape, though, and you see a technically-sound, efficient player who always seems to find a way to get into position, sustain his block and execute his assignment.

Hudson grades out behind some other talented interior linemen but the Indianapolis Colts, who emphasize technique and short-area quickness over size and overwhelming power, could look to add depth, versatility and an eventual replacement for stalwart C Jeff Saturday if Hudson is available late in the second round.


Wonderlic results not a big deal

Wonderlic test scores have become available for all players and it's always the quarterbacks whose results get the most attention. The top six quarterbacks on our board have scores ranging from 21 to 35, and from a big-picture standpoint there is nothing alarming enough to send us back to the tape to figure out whether a player has the mental capacity to absorb an NFL offense as quickly as needed.

Newton (21) and Washington's Jake Locker (22) are just below the 2010 QB average of 25, Ryan Mallett (26) and Andy Dalton (29) are above-average, and Gabbert (31) and Florida State's Christian Ponder (35) likely have teams feeling good about their ability to pick things up in a hurry. You'd like to see Newton and Locker have above-average scores but their numbers don't hurt their stock at this point.

 

[sbk92]

Sugar Bowl magnifies Ryan Mallett's issues

By Kevin Weidl


I recently had a chance to watch the coach's copy tape of Ohio State's 31-26 win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl and came away with some mixed impressions.

Buckeyes DE Cameron Heyward looked very good but teammate LB Ross Homan and Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett had their issues.

First, make no mistake that Mallett has the best arm in the 2011 class. When given time to throw and a clean pocket his release is smooth and his arm strength is impressive.

That showed up on the first play of the game when he threw a 45-yard frozen rope that hit his receiver in the chest (the pass was dropped) that only a handful of NFL quarterbacks can make. He also shows excellent touch and accuracy on several fade routes that he dropped in the bucket.

However, we saw in his second-half performance against Alabama that Mallett struggles to handle pressure and that weakness showed up again against Ohio State. Four second-half plays in particular illustrate how disrupting the pocket can lead to problems for Mallett.

The first is a first-and-10 from deep in Arkansas territory with 13:09 remaining in the third quarter. Mallett drops back and his slot receiver is coming open on a deep crossing route, but the pocket collapses up the middle and his guard ends up nearly in his lap. The 6-foot-6¾ Mallet does not have the room to step into the throw his long frame requires and he misses high and wide.

Mallett then panics a bit when pressured on the very next drive. On first-and-10 near midfield with 11:56 left in the third, Arkansas lines up in spread look with two receivers flanked out to left.

The outside receiver runs a fade and the inside man a quick out, and with the pass rush coming up the middle once again Mallett immediately looks to the quick out. He fails to see Ohio State CB Devon Torrence dropping off the fade and breaking on the out route, though, and the result is a pass breakup that is very nearly a pick-six.

A third-and-9 from inside the Ohio State 30-yard line is up next. Arkansas trails 31-23 with 9:35 remaining in the fourth quarter when Mallett is pressured from the right and flushed to his left. A receiver comes back to the ball and comes open at the first down marker but Mallett is tight in the lower body and can't open his body enough to put good touch on the ball.

He throws high and hot and the receiver gets only his fingertips on the ball, and the Razorbacks settle for a field goal rather than continuing the drive toward a possible touchdown.

Finally, trailing 31-26 with 1:04 left in the game Mallett and Arkansas face second-and-10 inside the Buckeyes' 20-yard line after gaining momentum from a blocked punt. This is the kind of critical situation that can make a name for a quarterback but Mallett fails the test.

Ohio State lines up in a sub package with three down linemen, and at the snap of the ball Heyward and fellow DE Solomon Thomas drop into a zone-blitz coverage while four rushers come from the second and third levels.

Buckeyes Homan comes free up the middle and rather than stepping up to deliver the ball Mallett drifts backward and throws off his back foot trying to hit a stick route to the right.

However, he failed to see that Thomas dropped into coverage and Thomas is able to undercut the route and make the interception. These plays are clear examples of how Mallett struggles with pass rushers in his face, when forced to reset his feet or throw on the run, and/or in pressure-cooker situations, and are part of the reason his stock has fallen to the middle of the second round on our board.

Heyward shines

Heyward stepped up in some of Ohio State's biggest games in 2010 (against Miami and future NFL OL Orlando Franklin, for instance) and his performance against Arkansas was one of his best. Heyward came up with six total tackles, 3.5 TFL (1 sack), two QB hurries and a pass breakup, and showed why I believe he is still worthy of a first-round grade.

Heyward showed more pass rush ability than expected against the Razorbacks, at one point using a nice inside swim move to beat Arkansas OT and future NFL draft pick Demarcus Love cleanly to the inside for a QB hurry. He also displayed good range making some plays outside the tackle box in pursuit.

Scouts I've talked to have varying opinions on Heyward (anywhere from the first round to the third) but at 6-45 and 294 pounds he is the prototypical NFL 5-technique.

Heyward is somewhat limited athletically but he brings it on every play, is very strong and is tough to move off the ball. Assuming his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow goes well Heyward has the skill set and potential to be a very effective starter in a 3-4 defense.

Homan has limitations

The Sugar Bowl was the second game I watched on Homan, along with the Wisconsin tape from earlier in the season. Homan is an instinctive player who finds the ball quickly and can be an asset on third down with his ability to sniff out screens and draws, and his solid instincts in underneath zone coverage.

However, Homan's lack of size and strength at the point of attack is a glaring weakness that showed up against Arkansas and really stood out against Wisconsin. Homan (6-06, 240) struggled to take on and shed blocks, especially against the Badgers, and was consistently swallowed up at the line.

That limits his fits in the NFL. Homan is best suited to play weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, where he can be covered up and allowed to use his instincts to run to the ball. Opinions obviously vary but that is one of the biggest reasons we have Homan out of the Day 2 mix and into the early part of Day 3.

 

[sbk92]

Jake Locker's pro day could help his cause

By Steve Muench


Washington held its pro day inside the Dempsey Indoor Athletic Facility in Seattle on Wednesday. I tuned in to ESPN3.com's coverage to see how the Huskies' top two prospects fared, and QB Jake Locker and OLB Mason Foster did not disappoint.

Locker passed up a chance to be a very high draft pick in 2010 to return to Washington for his senior season, and anyone who follows college football knows that last season was a huge disappointment for Locker.

He's trying to work his way back into the top half of the first round with a good showing during the pre-draft process, and if Locker is feeling the pressure he didn't show it Wednesday. He was loose and calm throughout the day but remained focused on the task at hand.

Locker threw 40-plus passes during the scripted session and only two hit the turf, and both were near misses on deep balls. His footwork was also crisp. Locker got set quickly, planted his back foot, aimed his front foot at his receivers and followed through well time after time.

His overall throwing motion looked fluid and Locker got the ball out quickly, and he also put good zip on his passes and reaffirmed his ability to drive the ball downfield.

On the downside, Locker wasn't quite as sharp as the numbers suggest. He missed within the strike more than scouts would prefer and his receivers bailed him out by making sound adjustments.

Locker did about as much as possible in a single workout to answer questions about his accuracy and consistency, but his strong performance isn't enough to make teams completely forget about the inconsistency he shows on film.

However, he has to convince only one team in the first half of the first round that he is on his way to reaching his awesome potential to get taken there.

Foster on the rise

Foster ran a disappointing 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds at the NFL combine but posted an unofficial 4.67 during his workout, a time that matches up better with the good range we've seen when studying Foster on film.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker coach and 13-year NFL veteran Ken Norton Jr. put Foster and Victor Aiyewa through the paces during linebacker-specific drills, and Foster showed quick feet and above-average burst during the bag drills. He also looked fluid and quick when asked to drop into coverage.

Foster did double-catch one pass but he extended his arms and snatched the ball out of the air more often than not, and Huskies linebacker coach Mike Cox raved about Foster's football intelligence, versatility and special-teams ability during an interview.

Foster is gaining momentum at the right time and has gotten himself into the Day 2 conversation thanks to his workout and solid game tape.

 

[sbk92]

Dowling begins quieting injury concerns

By Kevin Weidl


Monday was a big day for Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling, who set out to prove during his pro day workout that an injury-riddled senior season has not diminished the considerable overall skills that had him graded as a first-round prospect coming into the 2010 season.

Dowling's problems began when he suffered a hamstring injury during fall camp that cost him the first two games of the season. He then suffered torn cartilage in his knee -- an injury that required postseason surgery -- before a severe ankle sprain that some reported to be a fracture ended his season in mid-November.

Finally, after rehabbing and preparing himself for the NFL combine, Dowling pulled up early with another hamstring injury while running the 40-yard dash.

However, scouts who were in attendance at Dowling's workout told me his overall showing in front of scouts should give him a boost.

Dowling checked in at 6-foot-1⅝ and 199 pounds, looking in very good shape. He was expected to post a good 40-yard dash time after running it in 4.40 seconds at the combine despite the pulled hamstring, and he lived up to expectations by clocking in the high-4.3 range on some stopwatches.

He also showed good explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-8 broad jump, and his 19 reps on the bench press were very good for a cornerback.

Although Dowling shows some stiffness in his hips because of his longer frame, his overall movement skills were good, and he showed the ability to change directions well. He also tracked and caught the ball well.

Scouts also like that Dowling competed hard -- though he is still a notch below full strength after so much time on the shelf -- and are impressed with his character and personality.

Dowling remained positive during a trying season and showed his mental toughness during his workout, and several scouts I've spoken to say his personality and love for the game have continued to show during the pre-draft process.

Based on game film from his junior season, it's clear Dowling has first-round tools (size, top-end speed), and although teams still will check his medicals thoroughly, Dowling likely did enough during his pro day to quiet concerns and solidify himself as a second-round pick.

His best fit at the next level will be in a scheme that uses him as a press corner, where he can use his long arms to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. He has the athleticism and speed to stay on a receiver's hip in trail position.

 

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Game tape varies for S Joe Lefeged

By Steve Muench


The evaluation process is wrapping up and we at Scouts Inc. are making final tweaks to our player reports, and I had a chance to look at three intriguing defensive backs in recent days.


Rutgers S Joseph Lefeged

Lefeged is an excellent example of the importance of breaking down multiple game tapes. I recently watched his 2010 Syracuse tape with Todd McShay and Kevin Weidl and broke down his performance against Pittsburgh later that week, and Lefeged looked hesitant in both games.

He caught ball carriers instead of delivering the blow and his seemingly limited range didn't match up with his timed speed. Based on those two games Lefeged got a late-round grade, but as we gathered more information it became clear that might not be an accurate representation of his stock.

McShay called me over the weekend and asked me to take another look at Lefeged after hearing reports that Lefeged was affected substantially by the injury suffered by teammate Eric LeGrand against Army, an injury that left LeGrand paralyzed from the neck down.

The first two games I watched took place after the Army game, so I threw on the North Carolina film from earlier in the season and Lefeged was a different player. He played downhill against the run and flashed the ability to deliver the big hit. His aggressiveness showed above-average instincts and range that had been masked by hesitation in later games. The same goes for his Connecticut tape.

Teams will rightly be concerned about which player they'll be drafting and whether Lefeged is going remain hesitant for the rest of his career, but based on his pre-Army tape he has the skill set to possibly come off the board late on Day 2.


Michigan State DC Chris L. Rucker

Rucker is inconsistent and any team interested in him has to be convinced his off-field issues (involvement in an on-campus fight, DUI arrest) are behind him. And after watching Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd get behind him it's clear Rucker lacks ideal top-end speed.

However, Rucker could prove to be a steal in the fifth or sixth round. He is fluid for a 6-foot corner and has the long arms to get a hand on the ball without making contact with the receiver. There is also a lot to like about his toughness. Rucker is a sound tackler who can help out in run support and limit production after the catch, and he ended the Notre Dame game with a big hit on early-round prospect TE Kyle Rudolph.


FIU CB Anthony Gaitor

Gaitor is undersized (5-9⅞, 175 pounds) and lacks the ideal fluidity to develop into an every-down corner, but he does have all the tools to develop into an excellent nickelback and cover man on special teams.

He reads quarterbacks well, shows above-average closing speed when breaking on the ball and he is a playmaker. He also shares some similarities with Minnesota Vikings CB Antoine Winfield, who is an excellent run stopper despite his size (5-9, 180). Gaitor is slow getting off blocks at times but he fills hard against the run and wraps up on contact. He projects as a middle-to-late round pick because of that overall skill set.

 

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Versatile WRs lead best players in space

By Todd McShay


Each weekday from now through the draft, I'm looking forward to providing what we're calling the Scouts Inc. Nickel Package. The goal is to zoom in on certain areas of the 2011 draft class and some recent draft trends for NFL teams, highlighting five players who contribute in various ways.

Today we kick things off with a look at my All-Satellite team. These are the 2011 prospects who are most dangerous in space.


Kentucky WR Randall Cobb
His top-end speed (4.49 seconds in the 40-yard dash) doesn't strike fear, but Cobb is flat-out slippery in space. He shows tremendous peripheral vision and has the quick feet and loose hips to make multiple defenders miss. Cobb's versatility is also an attractive quality for teams in search of an offensive weapon in Round 2.

Cobb makes things happen after the catch as a wideout, contributes in the return game and is effective as a ball carrier out of the backfield. Cobb also has the experience and confidence to handle an occasional role as triggerman in Wildcat formations.

Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates
Gates has the kind of vertical speed (4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash) that takes the lid off a defense. He can pluck the ball on the run and shred a crease in the defense. There's more to Gates' game than just straight-line speed, though.

He has enough suddenness and stop-start ability to make multiple defenders miss in space. Gates averaged 17.9 yards per catch in 2010, and although he was an effective kickoff returner early in his career, he backed off the past two seasons to remain fresh and healthy as Abilene Christian's premier wide receiver.

Troy WR Jerrel Jernigan
Jernigan is undersized (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) but he is a versatile slot receiver who is dangerous after the catch. His ability to string together multiple moves in space without losing any momentum is what makes him so dangerous.

Jernigan is one of the most versatile athletes in this class -- he's the Sun Belt Conference career leader in all-purpose yards (5,971) -- and there's no questioning his toughness. But the team that drafts Jernigan must monitor his touches in the return game (and likely retire him as a Wildcat quarterback) in an effort to keep the slender wideout off the IR list.

Boise State WR Titus Young
Young's top-end speed (4.43 in the 40) and ability to track the ball over his shoulder make him a vertical threat, but it's his quick feet and wiggle in space that make him such a weapon in the open field. He's a proven big-play commodity after the catch and in the return game. Young averaged 26.9 yards per kickoff in 2009 and 23.2 yards in 2010. He also averaged 10.8 yards in limited duty as a punt returner last season.

Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones
Jones is a midround prospect with a history of durability issues and ball-security problems. But there's no questioning his home run-hitting ability. Jones has outstanding top-end speed on tape (a foot injury prevented him from running the 40-yard dash at combine), and few prospects in this class display his combination of burst out of cuts and vision as an open-field runner.

Yes, Jones did most of his damage versus small-school competition, but he did rack up 322 total yards versus Nevada. If he can kick the injury bug, Jones has the potential to develop into a dangerous change-of-pace back and return specialist in the mold of Leon Washington (Seahawks).

Honorable mention
Maryland WR Torrey Smith
Kentucky RB Derrick Locke
Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor

 

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Dowling begins quieting injury concerns

By Kevin Weidl


Monday was a big day for Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling, who set out to prove during his pro day workout that an injury-riddled senior season has not diminished the considerable overall skills that had him graded as a first-round prospect coming into the 2010 season.

Dowling's problems began when he suffered a hamstring injury during fall camp that cost him the first two games of the season. He then suffered torn cartilage in his knee -- an injury that required postseason surgery -- before a severe ankle sprain that some reported to be a fracture ended his season in mid-November.

Finally, after rehabbing and preparing himself for the NFL combine, Dowling pulled up early with another hamstring injury while running the 40-yard dash.

However, scouts who were in attendance at Dowling's workout told me his overall showing in front of scouts should give him a boost.

Dowling checked in at 6-foot-1⅝ and 199 pounds, looking in very good shape. He was expected to post a good 40-yard dash time after running it in 4.40 seconds at the combine despite the pulled hamstring, and he lived up to expectations by clocking in the high-4.3 range on some stopwatches.

He also showed good explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-8 broad jump, and his 19 reps on the bench press were very good for a cornerback.

Although Dowling shows some stiffness in his hips because of his longer frame, his overall movement skills were good, and he showed the ability to change directions well. He also tracked and caught the ball well.

Scouts also like that Dowling competed hard -- though he is still a notch below full strength after so much time on the shelf -- and are impressed with his character and personality.

Dowling remained positive during a trying season and showed his mental toughness during his workout, and several scouts I've spoken to say his personality and love for the game have continued to show during the pre-draft process.

Based on game film from his junior season, it's clear Dowling has first-round tools (size, top-end speed), and although teams still will check his medicals thoroughly, Dowling likely did enough during his pro day to quiet concerns and solidify himself as a second-round pick.

His best fit at the next level will be in a scheme that uses him as a press corner, where he can use his long arms to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. He has the athleticism and speed to stay on a receiver's hip in trail position.

I would like to get Dowling.

 

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Massive linemen can help linebackers

By Steve Muench


My colleague Todd McShay is breaking down the top five 3-4 outside linebacker prospects in today's Nickel Package blog, and ESPN.com's NFL experts have come up with their linebacker power rankings, so I'm taking a look at the players who can help make it possible for those linebackers to work.

Defensive tackles who force teams to commit multiple blockers to them have great value because they can create space on the interior and free up linebackers to run to the ball. Here are five 2011 prospects with the size and power to eat up space and occupy offensive linemen in the middle.

Marcell Dareus, Alabama (Grade: 97)
Dareus, the No 1 player on our board, was primarily a 3-4 end in college but he did move around the formation and he has the tools to fit anywhere along the defensive line. However, his best fit is arguably at 1-technique -- shaded on either shoulder of the center -- in a four-man front.

At 6-foot-3⅛ and 319 pounds, Dareus is quick enough to beat interior offensive linemen to the point of attack and difficult to move off the ball once he establishes position. He's not just a space-eater, either. His ability to stack and shed blocks makes trying to occupy him with one man a risky proposition for offensive coordinators.

Stephen Paea, Oregon State (89)
The 303-pound Paea makes up for his lack of elite bulk with above-average quickness, elite upper-body strength, a violent initial punch and a relatively low center of gravity. He can split or anchor against double teams and he can drive interior offensive linemen into the backfield in one-one-one matchups.

Though he can take too long to get off blocks when he doesn't prevent the blocker from getting to his frame, Paea has the power to improve in that area. More importantly, he rarely gives ground once locked on. Paea is capable of contributing early and quickly developing into a three-down nose tackle/1-technique in a base four-man front.

Phil Taylor, Baylor (86)
Taylor is a massive (6-3¼, 334) nose tackle prospect who has the skill set to anchor a base 3-4 scheme. While he plays too high at times, he's big enough to get away with it in most matchups and he's almost impossible to move off the ball when he keeps his pads downs. Taylor also has the long arms and upper-body strength to lock out centers and enough foot speed to make plays between the tackles.

Jurrell Casey, USC (84)
Casey isn't quite as strong or explosive as Paea but he has above-average initial quickness for a 300-pound prospect, and at 6-0⅝ Casey also has a relatively low center of gravity. He establishes position, plays with a wide base and fights hard to hold ground when teams commit two blockers to him. It's not always pretty, but it's effective. Add in the quick hands he flashes as a pass-rusher, and Casey has the tools to develop into an every-down nose tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

Ian Williams, Notre Dame (58)
Williams is the most one-dimensional player on this list. He lacks the closing speed and agility to develop into a productive interior pass-rusher at the NFL level, and missing the final four games of the 2010 season with a knee injury didn't help his stock.

However, Williams has the bulk (319 pounds) and determination to develop into an effective run-stuffer in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Williams (6-12) has a low center of gravity and is much quicker than he is fast, making it harder for offensive linemen to get under him.

 

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3-4 defenses will find help in first round

By Todd McShay


Each weekday from now through the draft, I'm looking forward to providing what we're calling the Scouts Inc. Nickel Package. The goal is to zoom in on recent draft trends and certain areas of the 2011 draft class in order to highlight five players who contribute in various ways.

Today's list takes a look at the top prospects who would fit as 3-4 outside linebackers. The ESPN.com NFL experts have unveiled their linebacker power rankings and the list is heavy on 3-4 OLBs, so what better time to look at the best at that position?

First, here's a look at the 13 NFL teams currently running some version of the 3-4 defense and where they are picking in the first round:

Arizona Cardinals (No. 5)
San Francisco 49ers (7)
Dallas Cowboys (9)
Washington Redskins (10)
Houston Texans (11)
Miami Dolphins (15)
New England Patriots (17, 28)
San Diego Chargers (18)
Kansas City Chiefs (21)
Baltimore Ravens (26)
New York Jets (30)
Pittsburgh Steelers (31)
Green Bay Packers (32)

And it should also be noted that while some teams are working out Missouri's Aldon Smith as an outside linebacker and his grade would put him third on this list, we think he is better suited to add some bulk to his frame and play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, so he does not appear on this list.


1. Von Miller, Texas A&M (Grade: 97)
Miller (6-foot-3, 237 pounds) still needs to add some bulk to his frame, but his explosive first-step quickness, body control, change-of-direction skills on double moves and closing burst to and through the quarterback are just a few of the things that jump out on tape. And Miller's production matches what we see on tape, with a nation's-best 17 sacks in 2009 and 10.5 sacks over the last nine games of 2010.

Miller is a great athlete who could eventually become a solid underneath cover linebacker, but there's no question his ability to get after the quarterback is what makes him special. If DT Marcell Dareus comes off the board at No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, it's possible the Denver Broncos could take Miller and try to fit him into their new 4-3 scheme, but he is best suited to play outside in a 3-4 and Buffalo and Arizona would be ideal marriages for one of the top five prospects on our board.

2. Robert Quinn, North Carolina (96)
Quinn has the typical frame (6-4, 265) for a right end in a 4-3 scheme, but he is such a smooth mover for his size that he can be effective dropping into coverage and his ability to rush the quarterback in tight spaces is critical for 3-4 outside linebackers.

He plays hard and is disciplined, but Quinn does need to improve his anchor against the run and overall recognition skills, and while he did start 25 games in his two seasons, he has not played for more than a year after being declared ineligible for the 2010 season. That means the team that drafts him (likely between No. 5 and No. 10 overall) will have to be patient with Quinn early on.

3. Brooks Reed, Arizona (88)
Reed lined up at defensive end in college and flew under the radar in 2010 after an ankle injury slowed him in '09, but studying tape of a healthy Reed reveals the quick first step, violent hands and nonstop motor to be a difference maker as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. How quick is his get-off?

Reed's 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash (1.54 seconds) was the fastest among all defensive linemen who worked out at the NFL combine. With his skills he would be a great fit for the Jets late in the first round.

4. Akeem Ayers, UCLA (88)
Ayers played a hybrid DE/OLB role for the Bruins and also played some on the inside, and he could ultimately end up on the strong side for a 4-3 team, but he has underrated pass-rushing skills and could be a difference-maker if the team that drafts him is committed to turning him loose after the quarterback.

Ayers was asked to drop into coverage more than the other players, had only 10 sacks the last two seasons and had a disappointing combine workout (1.68 split, 4.84 in the 40), but he flashes the ability to get to the quarterback and his potential could have him off the board in the late-first or early-second round.

5. Justin Houston, Georgia (87)
Houston's inconsistent recognition skills and hot-and-cold motor will drive you crazy when watching his tape, and when he gets lazy, he comes out of his stance high and allows offensive linemen to get into his frame and steer him away from the play. However, there are enough flash plays on tape to keep you coming back for more.

At 6-3 and a very solid 270 pounds, he is a strong, explosive natural athlete and Houston's production the last two seasons (33.5 TFL, 17.5 sacks) is well above average. It's also clear from his combine numbers (37-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-5 broad jump, 4.65 in the 40) that he has the physical tools to develop into a force at the next level.

The team that drafts Houston late in the first or early in the second will be taking a risk that it can get more consistent effort and develop his recognition skills to make him a very good every-down player, but his ability to rush the passer is not a question.

 

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WRs lead most reliable 2011 pass-catchers

By Todd McShay


Today's installment of the Nickel Package features my All-Hands Team, those players who are the most reliable pass-catchers regardless of position. These are the prospects with the ability to help their quarterbacks by making tough catches downfield and/or in traffic.


1. Indiana WR Tandon Doss
Doss has some durability issues and did not run well during his recent pro day workout, but of the nearly 450 players we did full evaluations on this year none was more reliable catching the ball than Doss.

He has strong hands and attacks the ball in the air, plucking it seamlessly on the run and consistently making the tough catch over his head, which is critical for a possession receiver in the NFL. Doss hauled in 140 passes over the last two season, and his big hands (10⅛ inches) are well above the average wideout (9⅜) at the last three NFL combines. He currently grades out in the late-second-to-early-third-round range.

2. Georgia WR A.J. Green
Green's body control, balance and hand-eye coordination are second to none in this draft class. He has rare ability to adjust to the ball in the air, and he is a competitive player with no regard for his body.

His catch versus Tennessee in which he got sandwiched by the cornerback and safety told you all you need to know about his toughness as a pass-catcher, and his ridiculous one-handed grab against Colorado in his first game last season was a perfect example of his elite ball skills. Green missed the first four games of last season but still had 57 total catches, and he had 109 in his first two seasons combined. He is the No. 1 receiver on my board and a lock to be taken in the top 10 overall.

3. Notre Dame TE Kyle Rudolph
Rudolph shows the great hand-eye coordination and excellent body control necessary to make tough catches in traffic. He's also ultra-competitive, and when the ball is in the air he attacks it with a can't-be-denied mentality.

Rudolph has the long arms (34 inches) to go up high for the ball and the huge hands (10¾) to reel it in. He had 90 receptions in less than three full seasons as Notre Dame's starting tight end and carries a fringe-first-round grade.

4. North Carolina WR Greg Little
Little's long arms give him a big catching radius, and he shows very good ability to track the ball over his shoulder. He also has strong hands in traffic and is as good as it gets making tough catches in crowds.

Little is confident and decisive with the ability to pluck on the run and get upfield with little wasted motion, and he had impressive production (140 catches) in 2008-09. He was suspended for all of 2010, and that helped drop his grade to the early-third round, where Little could prove to be a value pick.

5. Nevada TE Virgil Green
He has smaller hands (9¼ inches) than the average tight end but Green's hands are unusually strong, and he shows tremendous hand-eye coordination.

I saw him flash his strong hands in person at the East-West Shrine Game, both in individual drills and team sessions, and with his combine-best 42½-inch vertical jump Green can elevate to make tough catches. He tallied 58 catches the last two seasons in Nevada's run-heavy offense, and we give him a mid-third-round grade.

 

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Quickness, hands key for disruptive DTs

By Steve Muench


Earlier this week I listed my top five space-eaters at defensive tackle and now it's time to look at the top infiltrators, those one-gap tackles who have the tools to create penetration, disrupt running plays and get to the quarterback.

Here are five prospects with the potential to wreak havoc in opposing backfields at the NFL level.


Nick Fairley, Auburn (Grade: 94)
Fairley doesn't have great bulk (291 pounds) and he can get driven off the ball when he doesn't stay low, and questions about inconsistent effort are well-known. However, he likely won't slip out of the top 10 overall picks because Fairley is without question the most disruptive defensive tackle in this class when he's at his best.

He excels at reading the snap and beating interior offensive linemen with his first step, and he shows the body control and foot speed to wrap up backs behind the line of scrimmage. While Fairley has to work on being a bit overaggressive to avoid driving quarterbacks into the ground, he is a dynamic pass-rusher with active hands and excellent closing speed for his size.

Corey Liuget, Illinois (93)
Liuget is quick but his first step isn't as impressive as some of the other defensive tackles on this list. It's his hand speed, instincts and closing burst that make him so disruptive.

Liuget gets off blocks as fast as any other defensive tackle in this class. He is an effective tackler who locates and gets to the ball as soon as he disengages, and there's also a lot to like about his upside as a pass-rusher. Liuget can control blockers with his strong upper body and, like Fairley, he closes well for his size. It all adds up to Liuget coming off the board in the first round.

Marvin Austin, North Carolina (85)
At 309 pounds Austin is the heaviest defensive tackle on this list and he has the low center of gravity (6-foot-1⅝) to get under interior offensive linemen. While his frame suggests that he is at his best clogging up the middle, the film tells another story. Austin is more than quick enough to shoot gaps and has the lateral mobility to chase down the line once he clears the block.

His combine workout backed up what we saw on film with the top 10-yard split (1.64 seconds) among all defensive tackles who ran the 40-yard dash. If he can improve his gap discipline and put questions about his maturity to rest Austin could prove to be a steal in the second round, and if a team gets comfortable with his work ethic Austin could even work his way into the late first round.

Christian Ballard, Iowa (83)
The versatile Ballard could line up at tackle or end and he is the lightest player (283) on this list, but his best fit is arguably at 3-technique in a base four-man front. Even if a team plays him at end it will have the option to kick him inside on pass-heavy downs. Ballard isn't the most polished pass-rusher and needs to develop counter moves, but his 10-yard split (1.65) is essentially the same as Austin's and Ballard also has rare closing speed. Add in his above-average athletic ability and Ballard is a good value in the mid-to-late second round.

Terrell McClain, South Florida (74)
McClain is an active run defender whose initial burst makes it difficult for interior offensive linemen to reach or seal him on zone plays. He also has the lateral mobility and balance to work upfield when asked to slant, forcing the ball carrier to change course. The reason he doesn't rank higher is his hands. They are not as explosive or violent as the top defensive tackles in this class, but McClain still offers good value in the third round.

 

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Small-school prospects with big skills

By Todd McShay

Explosiveness, vision and open-field running skills make Taiwan Jones an intriguing prospect.


There really is no such thing as a "sleeper" prospect these days given the depth of NFL scouting. Small-school prospects can be tricky to evaluate due to the level of their competition, but each year there are a handful who come off the board in the first few rounds, and today's installment of the Nickel Package looks at the best small-school players in the 2011 draft class.

One prospect in particular is getting plenty of notice after an impressive workout April 14.

Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones ran a 40-yard dash in the mid-4.3-second range during his pro day, posted a 40-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump, and Jones has also bulked up to 197 pounds on his 6-foot frame to help ease durability concerns.

Jones' game tape shows a back with explosive burst, an ability to accelerate when weaving in and out of traffic, great vision in space and a natural feel as an open-field runner. It was easy to be skeptical of the level of competition he faced in most games, but his 322 total yards versus Nevada helped ease some of those concerns and his strong workout results slam the door.

Jones is an explosive athlete with a great deal of NFL potential, and backs like that don't last long in the draft.

He runs high and needs to learn to protect his body, and supect ball security (17 fumbles in two seasons) could keep him out of the first couple rounds, but Jones reminds me of a young Jamaal Charles at Texas.

Don't be surprised to hear Jones' name as early as Round 3 to a team in need of a versatile back, such as the St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, New England Patriots or Green Bay Packers.

Below is a look at four other small-school prospects to keep an eye on as the draft unfolds. As always, head to my Twitter page (@McShay13) to voice your opinions on the list or tell me who I missed. And I'm still taking suggestions for a topic to be used for the Nickel Package next week, so give me your best ideas and I'll credit the follower who sends the most intriguing topic when we post that list.

Lehigh G Will Rackley (6-5, 303; Grade: 81)
Rackley played tackle his last three years with the Mountain Hawks but projects as a guard in the NFL, where he has the feet to develop great range in pass pro. He shows good balance and the ability to sink his hips and re-set against pass rushers.

Rackley also has the upper-body strength to knock linebackers off-balance with a powerful punch, though he doesn't appear to have great lower-body strength and doesn't always generate enough push as a drive blocker.

He also lacks experience working in space on pulls and traps and will have to develop that area of his game in the NFL, but as it stands we grade Rackley on the fringe of the second round.

Villanova OT/G Ben Ijalana (6-3, 317; 80)
Ijalana lacks ideal height for a left tackle prospect but has long arms (35 inches), quick feet and great balance, and his effective kick step allows him to ride edge rushers past the pocket.

He also keeps his legs driving after contact but needs to improve his upper-body strength to steer defenders as a run blocker. Ijalana is not a mauler and is often content with executing his assignment rather than looking to bury the defender, leading some scouts to question his mental toughness.

Durability is also a concern after Ijalana underwent sports hernia surgery in December and was unable to work out for scouts until April 6. However, based on his skill set Ijalana still grades out late in the second round.

Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates (5-11, 192; 70)
Gates has the blazing speed (4.34 in the 40) to take a quick-hitter the distance, shows good initial burst and can accelerate out of breaks into a big-time second gear. He also uses his hands well and doesn't let the ball get to his pads often, which is surprising given his background.

Gates played only one year of high school football (as a freshman in 2001), and he needs to improve his overall strength. He also carries some off-field baggage from his community college days, but he still projects as a third-round pick to a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Oakland Raiders.

Hampton NT Kenrick Ellis (6-4, 346; 69)
Ellis has an explosive first step for his size and a thick, powerful upper body, and he is a powerful bull rusher who can drive interior offensive linemen back into the quarterback's lap. He dominated at the FCS level the last two years, piling up 30 tackles for loss.

He could do a better job staying low with his first step, but Ellis shows the ability to hold ground against double-teams when he plays with proper pad level, and he is one of the few legitimate 3-4 nose tackles in the 2011 class.

However, he comes with character concerns after beginning his career at South Carolina but being suspended during 2008 and ultimately dismissed from the team prior to the 2009 season. Ellis was also arrested for assault in early 2010 and suspended for the season-opener.

Still, he compares favorably to Green Bay Packers DT Ryan Pickett and, because so few two-gap nose tackles are available, Ellis could come off the board earlier than his late-third-to-early-fourth-round grade, possibly to a team like the New York Jets or Kansas City Chiefs.

 

[Cr122]

I like Taiwan Jones, he would give us another home run threat plus he can return kicks.

 

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Ball skills separate elite DBs from good

By Todd McShay


Some defensive backs are consistently able to get into position to break up passes and live to play another down, but the true ballhawks break games open by making the interception.

Ball skills are one of the five position-specific traits we use to evaluate defensive backs, and today's Nickel Package breaks down the 2011 prospects who grade out the highest in that department.


1. LSU CB DC Patrick Peterson (6-foot-0¼, 219 pounds; Grade: 97)
Peterson is a big, fast and athletic cover corner who is at his best in press-man coverage. He can turn, locate and play the ball, and he is aggressive without drawing pass interference calls. Peterson's bigger frame also allows him to consistently hold his own in jump-ball situations.

He notched six interceptions and 24 pass breakups the last two seasons (26 starts), and while it's rare to see a premier cover corner fielding kicks at the next level, Peterson's ball skills show up there as well and he has proved reliable (and explosive) in that role. Overall, he is one of the four elite prospects in the 2011 class and I can't imagine him falling past the San Francisco 49ers at No. 7.

2. UCLA S Rahim Moore (5-11¾, 202; 87)
Moore shows great instincts and takes excellent angles to the point. He is aggressive when the ball is in the air, will go up and contest, and he consistently attacks the ball at its highest point. He also has great hand-eye coordination and strong hands.

Although Moore's production dipped in 2010 while teams worked hard to make him a bystander in the passing game, he did finish his career with 14 interceptions (10 as a junior in 2009). He should be the first true safety prospect off the board somewhere in the second round, and teams with need at the position include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.

3. North Carolina CB Kendric Burney (5-9⅜, 186; 68)
Burney is undersized with below-average top-end speed (4.74-second 40-yard dash), which is why his name won't be called in the first two rounds. But he'’s quicker-than-fast and more physical than his size indicates, and Burney is an instinctive playmaker in coverage. Burney recorded five interceptions in 2009 and notched two more in just six starts during a suspension-shortened 2010 season, and he could really excel in a zone-heavy scheme.

4. West Virginia S Robert Sands (6-4⅜, 217; 53)
Sands is unusually tall for a safety and shows a lot of stiffness in his hips, which will lead to matchup limitations in coverage at the next level. But he is feared over the middle of the field, fills hard in run support and is a menace when the ball is in the air. He shows strong hands when in position to make a play on the ball and is tough to throw around because he's so long (33⅜-inch arms) and has above-average leaping ability.

Sands picked off six passes in the last two seasons, five of which came in 2009, and he grades out as a Day 3 pick with value right away on special teams. He eventually could push for a starting job if he can learn to mask his tightness and coverage limitations.

5. Virginia CB Ras-I Dowling (6-1⅜, 198; 82)
Dowling is a tall, fluid cornerback with good instincts and speed. He piled up eight interceptions and broke up 28 passes during his first three seasons (2007-09) before an injury-riddled senior campaign. Dowling played in only five games in 2010, battling hamstring and knee injuries before breaking his left ankle.

We gave Dowling a first-round grade coming into the 2010 season and he's a better all-around athlete and player than Chris Cook, who was drafted by the Vikings in the second round last year. Dowling has a chance to be a second-round steal if he can kick the injury bug, and the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens are among the teams that could target him in Round 2.

Honorable Mention
Appalachian State S Mark LeGree
Florida S Ahmad Black
North Carolina S Deunta Williams
Southern Illinois CB Korey Lindsey
Clemson S DeAndre McDaniel

 

[sbk92]

Plenty of corners boast solid cover skills

By Todd McShay


Patrick Peterson of LSU and Prince Amukamara of Nebraska are certainly the two best cover corners in the 2011 class, and both will be off the board in the top 13 picks, if not sooner.

So, where does that leave the other teams in need of an upgrade at cornerback? Free agency is an option whenever the NFL and its players put a new collective bargaining agreement in place, but the draft does offer help beyond the top two on the board. Here are the teams with cornerback as one of their top three needs and where they pick in the first three rounds.

Carolina Panthers: Nos. 1, 65, 97
Cincinnati Bengals: 4, 35, 66
San Francisco 49ers: 7, 45, 76
Houston Texans: 11, 42, 73
Detroit Lions: 13, 44, 75
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 20, 51, 84
Philadelphia Eagles: 23, 54, 85
Baltimore Ravens: 26, 58, 90
Pittsburgh Steelers: 31, 63, 95
Oakland Raiders: 48, 81

Below is a look at the five corners other than Peterson and Amukamara with the best natural cover skills. It should be noted that these prospects are not Nos. 3-7 on our corner board, but I do believe all have the potential to develop into quality NFL starters in the near future, possibly for one of the teams above.


1. Jimmy Smith, Colorado (6-foot-2¼, 211 pounds; Grade: 89)
Smith shows excellent fluidity and balance for his size. He can open his hips and run with faster receivers downfield but might be at his best in press coverage. He does a nice job using his long arms to jam receivers and disrupt their release.

Smith also displays the ability to stay in the receiver's back pocket in trail technique, and his closing burst is good when the ball is in the air. Finally, he possesses good overall range and flashes the ability to recover once caught in trail position. All that makes him a mid-to-late first-round prospect who could be a great fit for the Eagles at No. 23 if still available.

And it should be noted that teams are becoming more comfortable with his character issues after indications that Smith has matured in recent years and is willing to move to the city of the NFL team that drafts him to get a fresh start.

2. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (6-1⅜, 198; 82)
Dowling needs to be more physical in coverage and versus the run, and durability issues will cause him to slip to the second round. However, he has the length, fluid hips, balance and instincts to emerge as one of the top cover corners from the 2011 class when all is said and done.

Dowling battled knee and hamstring problems in 2010 before a broken ankle ended his season, but his 2009 tape shows all the traits mentioned above. His best tape from that season is from the Clemson game, in which Dowling ran step for step with future Raiders standout Jacoby Ford, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2010 combine.

3. Joshua Thomas, Buffalo (5-10¼, 191; 76)
He needs to be more disciplined and occasionally gets caught gambling and his ball skills need some work, but Thomas is one of the smoothest, most natural man-to-man cover corners in the class.

He has a good combination of size and top-end speed (4.46 in the 40), shows quick feet and stays low in his backpedal. He is also fluid in the hips and shows the ability to shadow receivers when locked up in man coverage.

Thomas has good strength and is physical in coverage, and he can turn and run with receivers when playing press man. He also does a nice job of using his hands to disrupt receivers' timing. He closes well and can cut down separation when the ball is the air; he displays an extra gear to recover; and his 38½-inch vertical jump allows him to compete in jump-ball situations.

4. Curtis Brown, Texas (5-11⅝, 185; 74)
Brown is undersized and needs to improve his strength -- bigger receivers sometimes dictate routes -- and he's borderline allergic to run support. However, few prospects in this class have quicker feet than Brown, who bends naturally at the knees, stays low in his pedal and explodes forward when transitioning.

He's also a smooth athlete who can flip his hips effortlessly when turning and running in coverage, and he is a very good gunner on kick and punt coverage who racked up 35 career special-teams tackles. He projects as a possible second-rounder.

5. Brandon Hogan, West Virginia (5-10¼, 192; 69)
Hogan comes with all kinds of off-field issues and character baggage, and he takes a few too many chances in coverage. And although he is aggressive and tries to be physical, he lacks strength and has trouble against bigger receivers.

He has elite quickness, balance and agility, though, and is a very confident player with the selective amnesia necessary to play corner in the NFL. Hogan can flip his hips and shows very good closing burst when the ball is in the air, and although he's likely to slip to Day 3 because of size and character questions, he has enough tools to develop into a starting cover corner if he gets his act together.