2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

Geno Smith - QB - Mountaineers

West Virginia QB Geno Smith scored a 24 on the Wonderlic test, according to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post.

"Of course, it also should be pointed out that clients of Creative Artist Agency almost always score well on the Wonderlic," Pompei writes. Smith is actually represented by Select Sports Group, but that is besides the point. Some of questioned Smith's success on the whiteboard during the process, and although scoring high on the Wonderlic does not equate to football knowledge, this solid score certainly does not hurt. He was a tick late on a number of throws last season.
Source: National Football Post

Apr 14 - 11:04 AM

 

[michaelwarner]

From Peter King's MMQB this morning.

Now for the Super Bowl participants. San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh has been at a high number of receiver workouts, I'm told. "This isn't about 2013 for the Niners,'' one GM told me. "Harbaugh knows he'll be there for a while. They just lost Randy Moss, and Anquan Boldin is there for a year, and they don't know about [2012 first-round pick] A.J. Jenkins [out of Illinois]. Receiver's very logical for them there.'' Harbaugh is one who wouldn't be scared of Patterson. I like that match ...

 

[BINGO]

From Peter King's MMQB this morning.

Now for the Super Bowl participants. San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh has been at a high number of receiver workouts, I'm told. "This isn't about 2013 for the Niners,'' one GM told me. "Harbaugh knows he'll be there for a while. They just lost Randy Moss, and Anquan Boldin is there for a year, and they don't know about [2012 first-round pick] A.J. Jenkins [out of Illinois]. Receiver's very logical for them there.'' Harbaugh is one who wouldn't be scared of Patterson. I like that match ...

I just got a boner!

 

[BINGO]

Travis Kelce - TE - Bearcats

Detroit Lions writer Mike O'Hara noted that Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce missed the entire 2010 season "reportedly for failing a drug test."

O'Hara ranks Kelce as the fifth best player at the position. The report makes sense because there was no criminal report or other story attached to the suspension, so it was dealt with in-house. Kelce is an outstanding talent, but this will be something teams have done their homework on.
Source: Detroit Lions

Apr 14 - 11:26 AM

 

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Alec Ogletree - LB - Bulldogs

Bears beat writer Dan Pompei mocked Georgia LB Alec Ogletree to the Saints at No. 15.

"He has the talent to justify being picked here," Pompei writes, listing Ogletree as an inside linebacker. "The Saints also could be tempted by a defensive end or safety Kenny Vaccaro." With the way he currently plays the game, we think Ogletree only fits as a weakside linebacker, but with improved hand use and strength at the point of attack that could change.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Apr 14 - 12:47 PM

 

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Margus Hunt - DL - Mustangs

Bears beat writer Dan Pompei believes SMU DE Margus Hunt is the type of player Packers GM Ted Thompson likes.

Pompei slotted Hunt to the Packers with pick No. 26. If we are expected to believe the buzz from league insiders, Hunt is locked into the first-round. His athletic upside warrants the pick, but his tape as an end in a three man front does not. Teams will like his special teams ability, however.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Apr 14 - 1:51 PM

 

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Ezekiel Ansah - DL - Cougars

A "big part of" NFL Network's Albert Breer wonders if BYU pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah will intrigue the Eagles at pick No. 4.

"Seems like a Chip Kelly-type of player," Breer tweeted. Ansah could line up in a variety of ways in the Eagles' new 3-4 defense, namely as an end in a three man front opposite Fletcher Cox or as a pass rushing outside linebacker. As soon as Ansah is able to create separation on his own with good technique, watch out.
Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

Apr 15 - 8:43A

 

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Lane Johnson - T - Sooners

NFL Network's Albert Breer notes the Dolphins believe Jonathan Martin gives them flexibility to go LT or RT during the draft.

Martin moved to left tackle after Jake Long's injury, but we worry about his long term success at either position. However, if the Dolphins' decision makers are optimistic that he can hold up on the left side, it is unlikely they will trade up for one of the top three tackles.
Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

Apr 15 - 9:02 AM




Lane Johnson - T - Player

SI's Peter King believes Oklahoma LT Lane Johnson won't get past the Cardinals at No. 7.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 10:07 AM

 

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Star Lotulelei - DL - Player

According to SI's Peter King, the Eagles like Utah DT Star Lotulelei "a lot."

Per King, the Eagles believe Lotulelei can play "all along the line," including nose tackle. It's the first time Lotulelei has been officially linked to the Eagles, though he's been viewed as a potential top-five pick for months. Lotulelei shouldn't fall out of the top ten.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 9:45 AM

 

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Barkevious Mingo - DL - Tigers

SI's Peter King hears that Jets coach Rex Ryan is "awfully smitten" with LSU pass rusher Barkevious Mingo.

"Rex Ryan might want a corner (is the Pope an Argentinean?)," King added, a thought that makes perfect sense because of the likely trade of Darrelle Revis. The team has invested two first-round picks on their front seven in consecutive years, but they are still in need of a true edge pass rusher with speed. Mingo's athleticism in short spaces is great.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 9:46 AM

 

[BINGO]

My thing is, most of us who have been following the draft closely had come to that realization about a month ago (maybe perhaps as long as two months ago); yet I don't understand how this could be viewed as somewhat of a breaking news or up-to-date information to the media:

Luke Joeckel - T - Aggies

SI's Peter King does not see the Chiefs selecting anyone other than Texas A&M T Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan T Eric Fisher at pick No. 1.

"Regardless whether Albert's moved or not, I don't see them doing anything but taking tackles Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher first," King writes. Dion Jordan and Star Lotulelei have been mentioned in that slot in the last week or so, but the uncertainty around Branden Albert's future with the team only grows the speculation that the pick will be a tackle.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 9:55 AM

 

[BINGO]

Dion Jordan - LB - Ducks

Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley could look for a "special pass rusher" at pick No. 2, according to SI's Peter King.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 10:07 AM

 

[4lifer9er]

I think it's going to be Fisher personally. FIts imo what Reid wants from a LTOF. Joeckel seems to me to be a better version of Eric Winston coming out. As in, a pro bowl RT, but sufficient LT..

 

[4lifer9er]

To me, the top 3-4 are basically set. I would think it's going to go Fisher, Jordan, Shariff/Joeckel and then if Joeckel gets picked at 3, I wouldn't be surprised to see Iggles move out of 4.

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft 2013
Barkley's back on the board
The USC QB returns to the list; five new faces in latest update
Originally Published: March 20, 2013
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

The 2013 NFL draft is a little more than two weeks away, and the top 32 rankings have shuffled a bit. There are five new players on the list, which just shows the volatility of this draft.

One of the "new" players was previously highly rated on this list. USC QB Matt Barkley, after an up-and-down season, has returned to the rankings after showing well in the draft process. Along with West Virginia's Geno Smith, Barkley is one of two QBs here.

Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel remains at the top of the board, while Houston DB D.J. Hayden makes the biggest leap into the top 32, with a debut at No. 25.

Here's how the entire board looks at this stage. Check our top 150 later this week for an update.

All draft-eligible non-seniors are denoted with an asterisk.

 

[BINGO]

1. Luke Joeckel* OT
6-6 306
Analysis: Joeckel's balance, footwork and ability to recover in pass protection are outstanding. He takes good angles in the run game and gets to the second level well. Joeckel showed well against the likes of Alabama and LSU during the season, and he continues to solidify an elite grade.
Previously: 1

2. Eric Fisher OT
6-7¼ 306
Analysis: He shows good footwork and the ability to hit moving targets when pulling, and appears to have the power to create movement at the point of attack. He could anchor more effectively at times, but he has the skill set to thrive at left tackle in the NFL.
Previously: 3

3. Star Lotulelei DT
6-2½ 311
Analysis: Lotulelei was held out of the combine because of a heart irregularity, but participated in his pro day workout. None of the heart issues has changed his overall skill set. He could use some polish as a pass-rusher, but Lotulelei shows strong hands to shock blockers, nimble feet, good range and the ability to quickly discard blockers.
Previously: 5

4. Dion Jordan DE
6-6¼ 248
Analysis: Jordan posted a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, which helps his stock a bit, but it's his athleticism and versatility on tape that are his biggest assets. He has fluid feet and hips and good upper-body power and lower-body explosiveness, and he can play multiple roles along the front seven. It's easy to envision him coming off the board in the top 10 overall.
Previously: 7

5. Dee Milliner* CB
5-11⅞ 201
Analysis: Milliner confirmed his top-end speed at the combine, adding another element to the instincts, recognition skills and discipline he shows on film. He is also reliable in run support, and while Milliner is not elite in man coverage, he's excellent in zone. Clearly the top corner on the board.
Previously: 4

6. Ezekiel Ansah DE
6-5¼ 271
Analysis: Ansah is raw and lacks ideal experience, but his elite combination of size, speed, length and overall athleticism makes him a disruptive presence. After an impressive combine performance, the comparisons to Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul are warranted. Ansah is likely to be a top-10 pick.
Previously: 6

7. Sharrif Floyd* DT
6-2⅝ 297
Analysis: Floyd thrived when moved from end to tackle in 2012. He is effective in tight quarters, moves well for his size and improved his ability to use upper-body power to shock blockers. He is able to locate the ball, shed blocks and flow to the ball as quickly as any defensive tackle in this year's class.
Previously: 2

8. Chance Warmack G
6-2 317
Analysis: Warmack is a big, strong, nasty lineman with smarts and athleticism. He shows awareness, is an easy mover in pass protection and has power as a run-blocker. Positional value could hurt him on draft day, but Warmack is the best guard I've evaluated in the past decade and the rare interior lineman worthy of a top-10 overall pick.
Previously: 8

9. Jonathan Cooper G
6-2⅛ 311
Analysis: Cooper is the best blocker in space in this class and would be a perfect fit in a zone-blocking scheme. He has quickness, mobility, explosive power, good feet and balance that all jump out on film. He shows awareness in pass protection and plays with an edge. Cooper is making a solid case as an early first-round pick.
Previously: 9

10. Lane Johnson OT
6-6 303
Analysis: Johnson has nailed the pre-draft process, showing up big during Senior Bowl week and impressing teams with his skills and character during the combine. He could add some strength and improve his hand use, but Johnson's offensive-line experience is limited and those things will come in time. He has the athleticism and movement skills to be a good starting left tackle in the NFL.
Previously: 10

11. Sheldon Richardson DT
6-2½ 294
Analysis: Richardson was the best player on a bad Missouri defense, and he played hard despite additional attention from the offense and his team's overall struggles. He can penetrate with a quick first step and has excellent straight-line speed, good range and power as a bull rusher.
Previously: 15

12. Barkevious Mingo* DE
6-4¼ 241
Analysis: His production was not elite in 2012, but the more tape we watch on Mingo, the more his upside and ability to disrupt show through. He has good length, an elite first step, great range and a very good closing burst.
Previously: 11

13. Alec Ogletree* ILB
6-2½ 242
Analysis: Ogletree has some character flags and didn't put up elite numbers at the combine, but the tape shows him making plays from sideline to sideline and flashing potential as a pass-rusher. He needs to become a little stronger at the point of attack, but Ogletree is clearly the best inside linebacker in the class.
Previously: 12

14. Tyler Eifert TE
6-5½ 250
Analysis: Eifert backed up his solid game film with a strong showing at the combine. He has the body control and ball skills to make tough catches, the speed to work the seam and the competitiveness to make plays going over the middle of the field. Eifert can also flex out of the formation and create mismatches with his size.
Previously: 16

15. Tavon Austin WR
5-8½ 174
Analysis: Austin's blazing 4.34 in the 40-yard dash confirms the explosive long speed we see on film, and few prospects I've ever evaluated have his combination of elite speed and agility/quickness. Austin is versatile enough to play in the slot or the backfield, as well as return kicks, and he is a dynamic playmaker in space.
Previously: 17

16. Kenny Vaccaro S
6-0 214
Analysis: I like Vaccaro's all-around game, and his combine workout matched up with the explosive movement skills we see when studying his film. He has good size and the ability to come down and cover slot receivers, though there are slight concerns about his top-end speed. He didn't run well at the combine and a hip flexor injury prevented him from running at his pro day, but speed is not an issue on film.
Previously: 13

 

[BINGO]

17. Sylvester Williams DT
6-2⅝ 313
Analysis: Williams' standout showing at the Senior Bowl backed up a strong regular season, when he played faster than ever after shedding weight and getting fully healthy. He has the power to press blockers into the backfield, pop at the point of attack as a tackler, and instincts and quick hands to get off blocks.
Previously: 18

18. Desmond Trufant CB
5-11⅝ 190
Analysis: We always liked Trufant's game. He does just about everything well, though his ball skills could be a little more consistent. His combination of speed and arm length is impressive. Scouts have raved about his interviews. Trufant understands what it takes, has a pro's mentality and is well-liked by coaches and teammates.
Previously: 22

19. Jarvis Jones* OLB
6-2⅜ 245
Analysis: Jones has terrific instincts and straight-line burst and uses his hands well, but he's not an explosive athlete and his size will present some scheme-fit concerns. He has better than average instincts as a pass-rusher and shows natural instincts when it comes to keeping off of blocks and sifting through traffic. Jones seems to find the football a quarter-count quicker than most defenders.
Previously: 14

20. Geno Smith QB
6-2⅜ 218
Analysis: Smith has helped himself during the draft process. He was trending down near the end of the season, but he was the most athletic quarterback at the combine and looked better on deeper sideline throws during his pro day workout. He's a confident competitor who loves the film room, but he could be more consistently accurate. He is mentally tough and never stops fighting.
Previously: 20

21. Bjoern Werner* DE
6-3¼ 266
Analysis: Werner started fast in 2012, showing improved pass-rush skills to go with his ability to set the edge as a run defender. His production slowed later in the season, but Werner's quickness and strong hands are impressive and he can convert speed to power when rushing the passer.
Previously: 19

22. D.J. Fluker* OT
6-4⅝ 339
Analysis: Fluker is a massive, mauling right tackle prospect who plays with an edge and can engulf smaller defenders. His weight and conditioning will have to be monitored, but Fluker shows a good motor. He lacks ideal foot speed in pass protection, but when he's able to lock on to pass-rushers, he is hard to get around.
Previously: 21

23. Keenan Allen* WR
6-2 206
Analysis: Allen put up good numbers with his combination of size, speed, body control and hands. He doesn't have the elite speed to run past NFL corners, but his size and strength allow him to win one-on-one battles downfield. He's a strong competitor who is fearless working the middle of the field, appears very comfortable working in traffic and has the strength and focus to secure throws while absorbing a big hit.
Previously: 23

24. Manti Te'oILB
6-1¼ 241
Analysis: Te'o has been up and down during the draft process, but showed well at his pro day, where he improved upon his 40 from the combine. He had outstanding production in college and showed outstanding instincts. Te'o, who has adequate size and strength, diagnoses the run as quickly as any LB in this class and is not far off from the elite players in years past.
Previously: 28

25. D.J. Hayden* CB
5-11⅛ 191
Analysis: He nearly lost his life in early November as he suffered a torn inferior vena cava. The injury is common during high-speed car accidents and holds a 95 percent fatality rate. He missed the final three contests as a result. He is making excellent progress (including running a 4.38 40-yard dash at pro day) and is on schedule to be ready for training camp in 2013. He plays with very good awareness for the position and maintains strong position in man coverage and flashes the ability to anticipate and jump routes.
Previously: NR

26. John Jenkins DT
6-3⅝ 346
Analysis: A closer look shows quickness and range, and the massive Jenkins plays with a good motor. He has the size and strength to control blockers on the inside, and while he does get fatigued at times and will play a little high as a result, the effort is always there.
Previously: 25

27. Justin Pugh* G
6-4½ 307
Analysis: Pugh started at left tackle in college, but he projects as a guard at the next level. He has a good initial punch, the footwork to stay in front of pass-rushers and the ability to anchor against power. Pugh could get stronger overall, but he plays with an edge.
Previously: 26

28. Matt Barkley QB
6-2½ 227
Analysis: Had great production in college, but he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury versus UCLA. Barkley showed well at his pro day, where he answered any questions about his shoulder by delivering the ball with good velocity on intermediate routes and by not wearing down as the session progressed.
Previously: NR

29. Jamar Taylor CB
5-10⅝ 192
Analysis: Taylor shows good instincts and awareness, changes directions well and can turn and run with receivers. He's solid in both man and zone coverage, and is an active-run support corner who breaks down well against ball carriers in space.
Previously: 32

30. Menelik Watson* OT
6-5⅛ 310
Analysis: Watson, a native of England, is an exceptional athlete who is light on his feet for his size. He gets into sets quickly and with a lot of depth and he has long arms and can ride speed rushers past the pocket off the edge. Watson is a better fit for a zone-blocking scheme because he's light on his feet and displays a quick first step to establish position. He still needs work with initial angles, which will get him in trouble and off-balance at times.
Previously: NR

31. Kyle Long OT
6-6⅛ 331
Analysis: Long comes from a very good pedigree. His father Howie Long was a Hall of Fame DT for the Raiders and older brother Chris Long is currently a DE for the St. Louis Rams and was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2008 draft. Kyle did not play football until his sophomore year of high school. He is inexperienced but has the raw physical skill set that provides him with a very high ceiling in pass protection.
Previously: NR

32. Datone Jones DE
6-3⅞ 283
Analysis: He shows great passion for the game and gives great effort in the weight room and studying tape. Jones played 5-technique and shade NT in UCLA's three-man front in 2012. He needs to be used properly because he does have some tweener traits and is most effective rushing the QB from the inside, but can provide pressure from the edge as well.
Previously: NR

Out of the rankings: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee; Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue; Ed Lacy, RB, Alabama

Todd McShay is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.

 

[BINGO]

I was doing a lot of :decision: over the weekend. I decided that this is one of the guys I would be okay with in drafting at pick #31. The only reason why I never advocated for him earlier is due to the serious injury (torned vein in his heart) he sustained this past season. I'm no cardiologist but if a heart specialist can say for certain that the likelihood of this injury to happen again is zero to none, then I wouldn't blink twice in drafting him. The kid has instincts to play the position:

D.J. Hayden - DB - Player

According to SI's Peter King, Bengals DC Mike Zimmer has spent "loads of time" evaluating Houston CB D.J. Hayden, and he could be a possibility at No. 21.

Per King, the Bengals are also high on Georgia LB Alec Ogletree and Alabama RB Eddie Lacy. The Bengals just spent a first-round pick on CB Dre Kirkpatrick last year, but have an aging secondary otherwise. Kirkpatrick's health is also a question mark. Lacy would make a lot of sense for a team that wants a power-rushing attack, but lacked the horses in 2012.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Apr 15 - 10:39 AM

 

[BINGO]

Latest buzz on Tennessee at No. 10
April, 15, 2013 11:09AM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

In a draft with a lot of depth, there are a bunch of different directions in which many of the teams in the Top 10 can go, especially considering that none of them are completely stacked (ergo their 2012 finish that produced their high slot). At No. 10, the Tennessee Titans made a lot of free agent moves already this offseason, but still have substantial needs at significant positions.

Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean had a look around the pre-draft landscape at the mock drafts from various national media sources, and there's a particular favorite amongst the analysts: out of 15 mocks, five of them had OG Jonathan Cooper landing in Tennessee. Fellow OG Chance Warmack and DT Star Lotulelei were the pick of two mock drafters apiece, while DTs Sheldon Richardson and Sharrif Floyd, S Kenny Vaccaro, OLB/DEs Jarvis Jones and Ezekiel Ansah and CB Dee Milliner rounded out the mock selections with one appearance apiece. Judging by the prevalence of interior linemen selections in the mocks, this would appear to be the media consensus for Tennessee.

 

[BINGO]

Minnesota and Te'o
April, 15, 2013 10:32AM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

Given their situation at MLB, many have speculated that the Minnesota Vikings would use one of their two first-round draft picks on a player at that position, be it Manti Te'o, Alec Ogletree, Kevin Minter or someone else. As we enter the final stretch before the draft's opening night, the buzz has picked up that the Notre Dame product could be the one.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated reports this week that Vikings GM Rick Spielman ate dinner with Te'o the night before Notre Dame's recent pro day. This meeting occurred in addition to an interview at the NFL scouting combine, as well as a visit with the LB in Minnesota. So is there a fire beyond all of this smoke? ESPN NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert considers:

Kevin Seifert
The Vikings' due diligence on Te'o

"The Vikings have a deep history with Notre Dame players under Spielman, who has drafted four of them -- center John Sullivan, tight end Kyle Rudolph, safety Harrison Smith and safety Robert Blanton -- while also signing free agent tight end John Carlson last year. Te'o is considered by many media analysts to be a late-first round pick, and the Vikings have picks at No. 23 and No. 25. We must always be on the lookout for smokescreens this time of year, but it's hard to believe that even "Crazy Rick" Spielman would go to such lengths to feign interest in a player."