2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

Could this affect the outlook of the draft?:


Branden Albert - T - Chiefs

Branden Albert said he would not be willing to play right tackle.

This is one of the reasons Albert is on the trading block. The Chiefs are expected to select a left tackle (either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher) with the No. 1 overall pick, thus leaving Albert without a home. He also appears to have no intention to report to the Chiefs until his role and contract is settled. "[I want to know] if I'm going to be there long term," Albert said. "Right now, everything is uncertain."
Source: ESPN.com

Apr 2 - 12:41 PM

 

[BINGO]

Joseph Randle - RB - Cowboys

Oklahoma State RB Joseph Randle is visiting the Cowboys on Tuesday.

Randle made the most of gaping holes while in college, showing nice speed on route to big gains. He added a power element to his game to finish off runs, but we worry about Randle's extra steps when making cuts upfield. He could be selected in the third-round, but the early third day is a safe bet.
Source: Joseph Randle on Twitter

Apr 2 - 12:43 PM

 

[BINGO]

Khaled Holmes - C - Trojans

USA Today's Tony Pauline reports that NFL evaluators are questioning USC C Khaled Holmes' commitment to football.

Pauline says teams are "going as far as saying he doesn't even like to play the game." Holmes anchored the Trojans' offensive line for some time but dealt with injuries this season. "I spoke with several people in the Holmes camp who acknowledged that this is a concern amongst NFL teams. They feel this has more to do with the fact that Holmes, who is close to finishing his Masters Degree, has a lot of off the field interests, which at times makes him seem aloof to football." Pauline believes Holmes has starting potential.
Source: TFY Draft Insider

Apr 2 - 1:25 PM

 

[Tubbs1518]

Khaled Holmes - C - Trojans

USA Today's Tony Pauline reports that NFL evaluators are questioning USC C Khaled Holmes' commitment to football.

Pauline says teams are "going as far as saying he doesn't even like to play the game." Holmes anchored the Trojans' offensive line for some time but dealt with injuries this season. "I spoke with several people in the Holmes camp who acknowledged that this is a concern amongst NFL teams. They feel this has more to do with the fact that Holmes, who is close to finishing his Masters Degree, has a lot of off the field interests, which at times makes him seem aloof to football." Pauline believes Holmes has starting potential.
Source: TFY Draft Insider

Apr 2 - 1:25 PM

SO because a guy is smart and has other interests he doesn't like football? Are you shitting me?

 

[NinerSickness]

Matt Furstenburg - TE - Terrapins

Maryland move TE Matt Furstenburg is working out for the 49ers.

Furstenburg projects into Delanie Walker's move tight end/H-back role. The senior suffered from very poor quarterback play in 2012, but he put forth a solid Combine workout and could be drafted based on that upside.
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

Apr 2 - 12:28 PM

Ehh... I like Chris Gragg better.

 

[deep9er]

SO because a guy is smart and has other interests he doesn't like football? Are you shitting me?

i get the gist but when you're talking about the professional level, it requires a huge commitment.

i'm sure many NFL players have an off-season interest too, but how can you manage MULTIPLE and still be GOOD in the NFL?

 

[Tubbs1518]

i get the gist but when you're talking about the professional level, it requires a huge commitment.

i'm sure many NFL players have an off-season interest too, but how can you manage MULTIPLE and still be GOOD in the NFL?

Why can't you? They go through multiple months in the offseason where all they do is lift weights and what not.

 

[deep9er]

Why can't you? They go through multiple months in the offseason where all they do is lift weights and what not.

ok, it depends on what those interest are? but if NFL teams are already shying away, tend to think those interest are seriously distracting or aren't related to football (like lifting weights or cardiovascular stuff)?

nowadays, the NFL requires almost year round commitment.

 

[NinerSickness]

Mock from the bleacherreport:

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Breaking Down Picks 1 Through 32 | Bleacher Report

Werner the first DE taken??? Doubtful.

Carradine not in the first. That'd be nice. Glad everyone's still overlooking Hankins.

 

[BINGO]

Nassib drawing wide interest
April, 2, 2013 3:08PM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib is considered to be amongst the top prospects at the position in this year's draft class, with special ties to the new coaching staff in Buffalo, who recently migrated across I-90 to join the Bills from Nassib's alma mater. It's no surprise that they're using one of their 30 pre-draft visits on Nassib, but there are some others who will be having a closer look this week as well.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Nassib will visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday with HC Rob Chudzinski and OC Norv Turner present. Friday will be the Jacksonville Jaguars, with GM Dave Caldwell, HC Gus Bradley and OC Jedd Fisch taking part. Then it'll be the Bills on Sunday, with GM Buddy Nix, assistant GM Doug Whaley, OC Nathaniel Hackett and possibly HC Doug Marrone. The Arizona Cardinals have also scheduled a visit, with details forthcoming on the exact date and the attendee list.

Nassib may not land with any of those teams in the Top 10, but he'll certainly be in play for clubs looking to trade back in to the tail end of Round 1, or as their initial pick in Round 2. For what it's worth, Nassib lasted all the way to Buffalo's second-rounder (No. 41) in Todd McShay's recent two-round mock draft.

 

[BINGO]

Jarvis Jones as Harrison's replacement?
April, 2, 2013 2:13PM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

After releasing OLB James Harrison earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't yet brought in a replacement via free agency, opting instead to hope for improvement from Jason Worilds and perhaps adding another option via the draft. Speaking of those draftable options, one of them paid a visit to Pittsburgh this week.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, UGA's Jarvis Jones visited with Mike Tomlin's team on Tuesday.

It's rare that a prospect can come right out of college and play a significant role in Dick LeBeau's complex defensive system, but the Steelers may not ask too much out of a rookie OLB given the presence of Worilds on the roster. In Todd McShay's most recent mock draft, Jones was the choice for Pittsburgh in Round 1. Here's more from Todd:

Todd McShay
McShay's two-round mock

"Jones is pretty much the anti-Mike Mamula, in that Jones is a player who brings exceptional college production to the table but put up only marginal workout results. There are also durability concerns stemming from a spinal stenosis diagnosis that ended Jones' career at USC. However, his best fit is as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme like Pittsburgh's, one that has excelled with smaller, more explosive linebackers on the edge. He has some stiffness and doesn't turn and run well in coverage, but Jones would find a nice home here in a system that would let him get after the passer and not stretch his limitations in other areas."

 

[ChrisPozz]

Mike Mayock defends analyst on Geno Smith report - NFL.com

 

[BINGO]

Corey Lemonier - DL - Tigers

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah is "not a big fan" of Auburn pass rusher Corey Lemonier.

"Flashes shake/bull pass rush move and plays hard but I'm not a big fan," Jeremiah tweeted. Lemonier is "stuck on blocks in every tape." When asked to compare the Auburn product to Bruce Irvin, Jeremiah added "Irvin had rare get-off and don't see that same burst from Lemonier." He views the pass rusher as a third-round talent.
Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

Apr 3 - 10:29 AM

 

[BINGO]

Tavon Austin - WR - Mountaineers

West Virginia WR Tavon Austin will visit the Rams next week.

Even though Austin is commonly mocked to the Rams at No. 16, we doubt he lasts that long. Due to his electric open field ability, a team will likely have to trade up for Austin's services. The Rams are in need of a slot receiver after losing Danny Amendola to free agency.
Source: Jim Thomas on Twitter

Apr 3 - 12:19 PM

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
Deep RB class yields Day 2 values
April, 2, 2013 1:37PM ET
By Steve Muench

In order to succeed on the field, NFL organizations must hit on more than just first-round picks come draft weekend. Day 2 of the draft can be a gold mine for talent, and you need to look no further than the defending Super Bowl champions for proof.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and his staff have found plenty of key contributors in the second and third rounds in recent years, including CB Lardarius Webb, RB Ray Rice, OG Marshal Yanda, WR Torrey Smith, RB Bernard Pierce, OG Kelechi Osemele, OLB Courtney Upshaw and OLB Paul Kruger (who departed for Cleveland via free agency).

So who might be similar finds on Day 2 this year? Here's a look at five players with enough questions about their games to keep them out of the first round, but who have the potential to develop into valuable contributors for the right organizations.



Clemson RB Andre Ellington (Scouts Inc. grade: 78)

Ellington's injury history and smaller frame (5-foot-9¼, 199 pounds) are reason enough to wait until the third round before taking a chance on him. His 4.61 in the 40-yard dash at the combine isn't great, either, but Ellington injured his hamstring on his first attempt there and reportedly ran in the low 4.5s while working out for teams last week.

Besides, he's quicker than he is fast on film. He doesn't project as a team's primary ball carrier, but Ellington can help a club in a number of ways if he can stay healthy. He's a relentless runner who picks up yard after contact despite his lack of size, a reliable receiver who can produce after the catch, and can contribute as a kickoff returner.

The Arizona Cardinals signed Rashard Mendenhall in free agency and still hope talented 2011 second-round pick Ryan Williams can stay healthy. However, Mendenhall and Williams are coming off season-ending injuries and neither has shown the ability to make a substantial impact in the passing game.

In addition to improving their overall depth, landing Ellington early in the third would give Arizona a potential upgrade over William Powell and unsigned free agent LaRod Stephens-Howling as its third-down back and kickoff returner.


Le'Veon Bell doesn't have elite speed, but his versatility is impressive.


Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell* (77)

Bell is a big (6-1⅜, 230), productive back from the Big Ten, and so is haunted somewhat by the ghost of first-round bust and former Wisconsin RB Ron Dayne. Teams will have to decide whether Bell, who shed weight between the end of the season and the combine, can keep his size in check.

He ran well for his size (4.60 in the 40) at the combine, but the concern is he won't be as quick or live up to that timed speed if he puts the weight back on. Still, Bell's film shows enough to justify taking him in the second round, and he would be a steal in the third.

Bell makes up for his lack of big-play ability with versatility. He's powerful between the tackles, can make defenders miss or run them over, and doesn't have to come off the field on third down, because he's an above-average receiver and pass-blocker.

The New York Jets would do well to land Bell in the third round. Shonn Greene left town for Tennessee, and free-agent acquisition Mike Goodson has carried the ball just 35 times over the past two seasons. Current Jet Bilal Powell has flashed at times, but has appeared in just 16 games (two starts) over the past two seasons.

Overall, Bell's lateral mobility, vision and patience make him a good fit for new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's zone-blocking scheme. In addition, Mornhinweg does a nice job of creating favorable matchups in the passing game and can make the most of Bell's ability to line up wide, in the slot and in the backfield.



Rice TE Vance McDonald (76)

Three concerns stand out for McDonald, beginning with durability. He has been nicked up throughout his career, and did not start every game in any of his four college seasons.

Secondly, he is a straight-line route-runner who is going to have a harder time separating on short-to-intermediate routes at the next level. Finally, McDonald's hands are inconsistent. He sometimes drops passes he should catch and doesn't always bring the ball in cleanly. There's little McDonald can do about durability issues at this point, but there is reason to believe he can improve the other areas.

McDonald (6-4⅛, 267) has the wide frame to shield defenders from the ball when he doesn't separate, and the arm length (34⅜ inches) and big hands (10⅛) to develop into a reliable target. In addition, his straight-line burst working the seam and after the catch stand out. Forget about his 4.69 in the 40. McDonald goes from zero to 60 quickly on film.

Delanie Walker's decision to sign with Tennessee means the San Francisco 49ers should be in the market for a tight end, and the 49ers picked up Carolina's third-round pick in a draft-day trade last year. There's a chance McDonald will still be on the board at that point, and he has the potential to develop into an excellent complement to Niners standout Vernon Davis. McDonald is similar to Walker in that he is versatile enough to line up wide, in-line or in the backfield, and he's an effective positional blocker with a good frame.



Georgia WR Tavarres King (71)

King's small frame (6-0¼, 189) is a problem when defenders get physical with him, and until he adds strength/bulk NFL corners will be able to muscle him out of short-to-intermediate routes and off 50-50 balls downfield.

On the other hand, he has room to add the necessary weight and is not a soft player. King shows toughness when working the middle of the field and flashes the ability to hold onto the ball after taking a big hit.

The New England Patriots added slot receiver Danny Amendola to replace the departed Wes Welker, and recently signed Michael Jenkins, but the Patriots still need a receiver who can take the top off of the coverage. Getting King in the third would give them a vertical presence to stretch the field and create space for Amendola and talented tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.



Washington State WR Marquess Wilson* (68)

Wilson projects as a fringe third-round pick thanks to character concerns stemming from a suspension that caused him to quit the team in 2012, after which he aired his grievances in the media and accused the coaching staff of abuse.

In terms of his film, Wilson (6-2⅝, 194) doesn't appear to run every route with urgency, which raises another red flag when it comes to his mental makeup. Still, the potential reward is well worth the risk late in the third based on what we know.

Simply put, Wilson can flat-out play. He has above-average separation skills, catches the ball well and is a big-play threat both on vertical routes and after the catch.

The Houston Texans have two picks at the end of the third round and should be in the market for a receiver on the first two days of the draft. They released Kevin Walter and DeVier Posey is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, so the idea of Wilson lining up opposite Andre Johnson next season is intriguing.

Wilson is capable of getting open against most NFL corners in one-on-one situations, which will make it tougher to double Johnson. In addition, the Texans have the leadership on offense to take a chance on Wilson.


Steve Muench
Scouts Inc.

 

[Yadahell]

Latest Walter Football Mock (5 rounds):

San Francisco 49ers:
31. Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
34. Margus Hunt, DE/DT, SMU
61. Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama
74. D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
93. Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
128. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
131. A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State
157. Walter Stewart, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

2013 NFL Mock Draft - WalterFootball.com

I'd be quite happy with this draft!

 

[NinerSickness]

Corey Lemonier - DL - Tigers

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah is "not a big fan" of Auburn pass rusher Corey Lemonier.

"Flashes shake/bull pass rush move and plays hard but I'm not a big fan," Jeremiah tweeted. Lemonier is "stuck on blocks in every tape." When asked to compare the Auburn product to Bruce Irvin, Jeremiah added "Irvin had rare get-off and don't see that same burst from Lemonier." He views the pass rusher as a third-round talent.
Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

Apr 3 - 10:29 AM

He'd be a steal in rthe 3rd.

However, I'm not so sure how much I'd want him on the Niners if they could sign a guy like Abraham to come off the bench at OLB & DE simply because you can only have so many OLBs on the roster (Haralson is back). And Lemonier would strictly be an OLB, not a guy who could rush from OLB or DE IMO. Plus, I REALLY like Trevardo Williams, who is ranked even lower.

 

[BINGO]

Key draft risers and fallers
Which 2013 NFL draft prospects' stocks have risen or fallen since January?
Originally Published: April 3, 2013
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider


Tavon Austin has cemented himself as a first-round pick after the workout process.

You'll hear over and over that nothing is more important than the tape. Well, that's true, but the evaluation process that begins when the college football season ends can help players jump two-plus rounds, and see others tumble. If the player NFL teams see in Under Armour doesn't match the guy on tape, put on a parachute.

You think the combine doesn't matter? Ask Damontre Moore of Texas A&M, who went from a first-round lock to a second-round question mark almost overnight.

You think the Senior Bowl is just a meet and greet with scouts? Ask Desmond Trufant of Washington, who saw his stock spike.

IMPORTANT: What you see below does not simply reflect recent shifts. This reflects trends borne of the entire evaluation process. This is about guys who have seen their grades shift the most since January. I'm not looking at players who went from a possible No. 15 overall to a possible No. 5 -- that move can happen on draft day based on board position and need alone. These are guys who have seen dramatic shifts in their perceived value.

Let's take a quick look at 10 players who have seen their stocks rise and 10 who have seen them fall.



Risers on offense

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
He's not in the first-round discussion, but Jones has recovered some in the eyes of a number of teams who once might have seen him as a talented lost cause. When he's fundamentally sound, he shows off a ton of arm talent. Once a likely mid-to-late rounder, I wouldn't be shocked if someone took him in the late second round.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
At one time I know some teams saw him as third-rounder, but he could sneak his way into the late first. He's got a big frame, great feet and is the most explosive running back who can come close to an "every-down" label.


Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
You loved the tape, but was the speed real? Well, his 4.34 40 time in Indy combined with good straight-line speed, very good hands and route-running chops have solidified him as a mid-first rounder.

Lane Johnson, T, Oklahoma
The junior college quarterback clearly made the right call when he moved to offensive tackle. Teams that once saw him as a talented natural at the position but with plenty of development, now see him as a potential top-10 pick. He has made a huge jump in a few months.


Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
It's a tight-end crazy league, and outside of Tyler Eifert, nobody in the draft class has a better set of hands than Escobar. He'll look like a power forward splitting the seam, and where I once saw a mid-round sleeper, I now see a safe bet for Round 2.



Risers on defense


Florida DT Shariff Floyd could be a top-five pick.

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
Once teams got comfortable with his future position to go with the freakish athleticism, his stock really took off. He came into January as a late-first, early-second developmental talent; now he could go as high as No. 5.



Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
A late-season surge helped his stock, and Floyd has aced the draft process. I had a mid-first grade on him most of the season, but he's now comfortably in the top-five mix. That may not seem like a huge leap, but it counts for more in a deep D-tackle class.

Sio Moore, OLB, UConn
I highlighted him during the season as a prospect to watch, and Moore has moved from the mid-round mix to a good bet for Round 2. He offers some versatility at outside linebacker.

Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
He crushed the Senior Bowl, then backed it up with a great run in Indy. Trufant is versatile and able to mirror receivers outside, but adept in zone. You can draft him without scheme concerns -- he'll produce. Once a likely third, he's now in the first-round mix.

Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International
He's now right there with Kenny Vaccaro (Texas) and Matt Elam (Florida) on my board. Cyprien turned heads at the Senior Bowl once he got a chance to play with so many good players. It wouldn't surprise me if he's taken in Round 1.



Fallers on offense

Mike Glennon, QB, North Carolina State
The arm strength is there, but everything else has been up and down for Glennon, who is simply too inconsistent in his reads, and doesn't pick up things quickly enough for some evaluators. He may simply need the reps, but he's no longer a first-round pick, which is something I thought we could see if you asked me in December.

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
His versatility is there, but given his small stature, the speed needs to be a little better for teams to consider him in the late-first or early-second. He at one time challenged to be the top RB on my board, but is now likely a third-rounder.



Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
This fall actually started before January. He quit the team in Pullman, and there are questions about his work rate, as well as strength and speed. He's probably going to be a steal, but I once saw him as a likely second-rounder, and now that won't be the case.

Jordan Reed, TE, Florida
He needed to show off elite speed for the position, because he checked in at just 236 pounds in Indy. A 4.72 in the 40 hurt, and several tight ends passed him. A good player, but we're not sure he's quite the matchup threat we once thought he could be.

Ricky Wagner, T, Wisconsin
Your market dips as an offensive lineman when your biggest question mark is pass-blocking. Once a good bet for the second round, he could be off the board in the fourth.



Fallers on defense

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
He took a tumble at the combine, where he looked pretty stiff in workouts and didn't show off any elite athletic traits. What Werner has is a year of really high productivity, but teams aren't convinced he can scare defenses. He could go in the late first or early second, but I once viewed him as top-10 pick.


Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Moore arrived in Indy as a good pass-rushing prospect in either a 3-4 or 4-3, and left with questions about how well he fits in either. He's not as fast or with the cover skills you want in a 3-4, nor is he strong enough to play three downs in a 4-3. He could be a steal, because he sure produced in college. But he could be out of Round 1 entirely on most boards.


Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
He didn't interview well, and needed to be more productive to ease the concerns of some teams. No longer near the first round.


Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.
Hasn't been bad during this process, but just was surpassed by some other corners. He could be a good value in Round 2, but no longer in the late-first picture on my board.


Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
Another player who could be a good NFL safety, but has dipped because of how much so many others have shown during the evaluation process. More likely a mid-round pick now.


Mel Kiper Jr.
Football analyst

 

[NinerSickness]

Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
Moore arrived in Indy as a good pass-rushing prospect in either a 3-4 or 4-3, and left with questions about how well he fits in either. He's not as fast or with the cover skills you want in a 3-4, nor is he strong enough to play three downs in a 4-3. He could be a steal, because he sure produced in college. But he could be out of Round 1 entirely on most boards.

Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi St.
Hasn't been bad during this process, but just was surpassed by some other corners. He could be a good value in Round 2, but no longer in the late-first picture on my board.


Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
Another player who could be a good NFL safety, but has dipped because of how much so many others have shown during the evaluation process. More likely a mid-round pick now.


Mel Kiper Jr.
Football analyst

I'm calling BS. These 3 dropped because THEY HAD TERRIBLE COMBINES!!! Why are people so embarrassed to admit that they strongly rely on the combine to analyze college players? Is it because a bunch of tools who don't know what they're talking about call it "meaningless" and "the underwear bowl?" Nobody who really knows what they're doing ignores the combine; but for some reason, they don't admit it in order to appease the ignorant.

 

[I_am_1z]

I'm calling BS. These 3 dropped because THEY HAD TERRIBLE COMBINES!!! Why are people so embarrassed to admit that they strongly rely on the combine to analyze college players? Is it because a bunch of tools who don't know what they're talking about call it "meaningless" and "the underwear bowl?" Nobody who really knows what they're doing ignores the combine; but for some reason, they don't admit it in order to appease the ignorant.

Arm length/Height/Weight/Hand size
The only important numbers that can sway me on a player at the combine.