2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[ChrisPozz]

Draft Bible:

Senior Bowl, Shrine Game, NFLPA Game, Texas vs Nation Game, Raycom Game, Casino Del Sol Game should translate into over 500 AS roster spots.

 

[NinerSickness]

So I've made a 1st round bust pick every season since 1998 when the flat-footed Curtis Enis stook out to me like a sore thumb, but it's been getting harder & harder to pick predict a 1st round bust lately because I think GMs are getting better at avoiding them.

This year is going to be one of the hardest years to predict one unless Matt Barkley makes it into the 1st round. I might have to go w/ Mingo, but he could end up being JPP with his up-side. This draft is weak overall IMO, but there aren't a lot of players I think are pure hype like in years past--- cough! Reggie Bush! cough-) ...excuse me.

I like John Jenkins, but he might be living off of his teammates (like Mingo might be). Plus guys his size are pretty hit-or-miss. Tavon Austin isn't a good one 'cause he'll be expected to be a special teams guy like Percy Harvin (whiffed on that one). If Zach Ertz makes it into the 1st, I might go with him. However, 1st round TEs are usually pretty safe picks. Alex Okafor doesn't have world-beater written all over him, but he looks like a good prospect.

So basically I need Matt Barkley to be a 1st rounder to bring some life to my bust-pick list.

...by the way, (off topic) has anyone watched Michael Brockers rather closely? He was my bust pick this year, and he had a great game against the Niners.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Minnesota DE Ra'Shede Hageman has announced he will return to school.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Shawn Zobel:

Hearing that there are strong indications that Notre Dame DT Louis Nix will declare for the 2013 NFL Draft

 

[NinerSickness]

Shawn Zobel:

Hearing that there are strong indications that Notre Dame DT Louis Nix will declare for the 2013 NFL Draft

WOOHOO!!!

Ok, I'm now re-thinking the trade-up scenario.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Zobel also stated WVU WR Stedman Bailey is in the process of hiring an agent.

 

[clyde_carbon]

The options just got a lot thinner for me as far as the 49ers are concerned in the first round. Anthony Barr is returning to UCLA. Pretty shocking considering he's a first round lock.

Scout.com: Barr to Announce His Return

 

[clyde_carbon]

EXPECTED TO ENTER/ENTERING THE DRAFT:
QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

RB Le'Veon Bell, Michigan St.
RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
RB Trabis Ward, Tennessee St.
RB Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

WR Keenan Allen, California
WR Stedman Bailey, WVU
WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
WR Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

OL D.J. Fluker

DL Sharrif Floyd, Florida
DL Jonathan Hankins, Ohio St.
DL Brandon Jenkins, Florida St.

CB David Amerson, North Carolina St.
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

RETURNING TO SCHOOL:
QB A.J. McCarron, Alabama
QB Logan Thomas, Virginia

WR Devin Street, Pittsburgh

DL Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
DL Dominique Easley, Florida
DL Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

LB Anthony Barr, UCLA

 

[ChrisPozz]

Mike Sando:

Cardinals no longer top 10 in draft order after winning Sunday.

1-KC
2-JAC
3-OAK
4-PHI
5-DET
6-TEN
7-SD
8-CLE
9-BUF
10-CAR

 

[bigninerfan56]

The options just got a lot thinner for me as far as the 49ers are concerned in the first round. Anthony Barr is returning to UCLA. Pretty shocking considering he's a first round lock.

Scout.com: Barr to Announce His Return

As a UCLA fan i'm estatic and shocked...I thought for sure he was gone. Athletically, he's a freak. I would love to see him in a 49ers uniform.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Bad news for Sick.

@ChiTribHamilton: Louis Nix will return to #NotreDame for 2013, Brian Kelly announces.

Also Rutgers OG Antwan Lowery and Tennessee OT Ju'Wuan James will return to school.

EXPECTED TO ENTER/ENTERING THE DRAFT:
QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

RB Le'Veon Bell, Michigan St.
RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
RB Trabis Ward, Tennessee St.
RB Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

WR Keenan Allen, California
WR Stedman Bailey, WVU
WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
WR Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

OL D.J. Fluker

DL Sharrif Floyd, Florida
DL Jonathan Hankins, Ohio St.
DL Brandon Jenkins, Florida St.

CB David Amerson, North Carolina St.
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

RETURNING TO SCHOOL:
QB A.J. McCarron, Alabama
QB Logan Thomas, Virginia

WR Devin Street, Pittsburgh

OL Ju'Wuan James, Tennessee
OL Antwan Lowery, Rutgers

DL Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
DL Dominique Easley, Florida
DL Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
DL Louis Nix, Notre Dame

LB Anthony Barr, UCLA

 

[NinerSickness]

Bad news for Sick.

@ChiTribHamilton: Louis Nix will return to #NotreDame for 2013, Brian Kelly announces.

SON OF A BITCH!!!



...Just kidding. Kind of. Good for him.

Ok, now the Niners can focus on filling a bunch of different minor needs in the draft and maybe fill a big one in free agency.

 

[NinerSickness]

By the way, the Niners have a pretty good history of getting good value with Notre Dame defensive tackles. Nix will be on my radar for 2014. If the Niners can somehow get another 1st in 2014, maybe they can trade up for him or Anthony Johnson.

I think Nix could've gone higher THIS season, so maybe this could work out long-term.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Justin Hunter and Stedman Bailey have officially declared.

Also Notre Dame OT Zach Martin will return to school.

EXPECTED TO ENTER/ENTERING THE DRAFT:
QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

RB Le'Veon Bell, Michigan St.
RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
RB Trabis Ward, Tennessee St.
RB Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

WR Keenan Allen, California
WR Stedman Bailey, WVU
WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
WR Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

OL D.J. Fluker

DL Sharrif Floyd, Florida
DL Jonathan Hankins, Ohio St.
DL Brandon Jenkins, Florida St.

CB David Amerson, North Carolina St.
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

RETURNING TO SCHOOL:
QB A.J. McCarron, Alabama
QB Logan Thomas, Virginia

WR Devin Street, Pittsburgh

OL Zach Martin, Notre Dame

DL Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
DL Dominique Easley, Florida
DL Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota

LB Anthony Barr, UCLA

 

[clyde_carbon]

SON OF A BITCH!!!



...Just kidding. Kind of. Good for him.

Ok, now the Niners can focus on filling a bunch of different minor needs in the draft and maybe fill a big one in free agency.

This is a strong DT class, so maybe that played a part in him coming back.

A bigger shocker (and bummer) to me was Anthony Barr.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Shawn Zobel:

Updated 2013 NFL Draft order

1. KC
2. JAX
3. OAK
4. PHI
5. DET
6. SD
7. BUF
8. CLE
9. CAR
10. TEN
11. ARI
12. TB
13. MIA
14. NYJ
15. NO
16. STL
17. PIT
18. DAL
19. CHI
20. NYG
21. CIN
22. STL (f WAS)
23. MN
24. IND
25. BAL
26. SEA
27. GB
28. NE
29. SF
30. DEN
31. ATL
32. HOU

 

[clyde_carbon]

If the first pick is anyone other than Tyler Wilson or Geno Smith KC is making a huge, huge mistake.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Tennessee OG Zach Fulton and Kansas RB James Sims are returning to school.

Also word is Ohio St. CB Bradley Roby is considering declaring for the draft. He's a RS Soph. I would be very, very intrigued if he declared. Would make up for Anthony Barr for me.

 

[clyde_carbon]

EXPECTED TO ENTER/ENTERING THE DRAFT:
QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

RB Le'Veon Bell, Michigan St.
RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
RB Knile Davis, Arkansas
RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
RB Trabis Ward, Tennessee St.
RB Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

WR Keenan Allen, California
WR Stedman Bailey, WVU
WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
WR Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
WR Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

OL D.J. Fluker

DL Sharrif Floyd, Florida
DL Jonathan Hankins, Ohio St.
DL Brandon Jenkins, Florida St.
DL Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

CB David Amerson, North Carolina St.
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

RETURNING TO SCHOOL:
QB A.J. McCarron, Alabama
QB Logan Thomas, Virginia

RB James Sims, Kansas

WR Devin Street, Pittsburgh

OL Zach Fulton, Tennessee
OL Ju'Wuan James, Tennessee
OL Antwan Lowery, Rutgers

DL Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
DL Dominique Easley, Florida
DL Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
DL Louis Nix, Notre Dame

LB Anthony Barr, UCLA

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
Oregon OL Long an intriguing prospect
December, 17, 2012 4:37PM ET
By Kevin Weidl


As bowl preparations continue here at Scouts Inc., we're getting plenty of looks at players who don't necessarily have national profiles.

For me, that includes Oregon OT/G Kyle Long, whom I've heard rumblings about and was very excited to see on tape. Long comes from an impressive bloodline -- he is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long and brother of St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long -- and his back story is intriguing.

Kyle (6-foot-7, 311 pounds) didn't play football until his sophomore year of high school, yet was still offered scholarships by the likes of USC and Ohio State. He was also a standout baseball player who was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2008 and whose fastball was clocked in the high 90s.

He ultimately accepted a baseball scholarship to Florida State, but things did not work out academically and Long was arrested for DUI before leaving school, returning home and taking time off from athletics.

Kyle Long lacks experience but has top-shelf physical tools.

Long eventually returned to the football field, enrolling at Saddleback Community College in southern California in 2010, where he played defensive end initially and was only marginally productive. However, he switched to the offensive line in 2011 and was a good fit, which led to more attention from major college programs following the season.

He found a comfort level with the Oregon program and enrolled there for the 2012 spring semester, and his first season with the Ducks has been a good one. Long played some tackle initially but has moved inside to guard, where his height is not necessarily a concern because of the flexibility he shows in his lower body.

Long is a natural athlete with good feet, and he shows a powerful punch to stop a defender's initial momentum. From there, he has the strength and long arms to lock out and the lateral agility to shuffle and mirror against pass rushers.

He's also quick out of his stance as a run blocker, shows the ability to execute reach blocks, has good inline power when he keeps his pads low and is a natural athlete in space. However, his limited football experience means his instincts and awareness need developing.

Long doesn't always pick up blitzes, stunts and twists as quickly as he should, and because he's still learning how to attack in space as a run blocker he appears hesitant at times. He's shown the ability to play tackle but needs to catch up mentally before he can line up there in the NFL.

He's a raw prospect who needs some polish, but Long has first-round physical tools given his size and athleticism. There are character questions to answer as well, whether he is committed to being a great player and has a passion for the game, but there is a feeling among scouts that Long's father has helped him grow up.

Long does not yet have a full draft evaluation and is petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility based on the chemical dependency that led to his DUI arrest, but many believe it will be denied. If that happens, expect Long's tools and bloodlines to help boost his stock and possibly turn him into an early-round pick.



LB Brown turning heads, too

I liked what I saw from Kansas State LB Arthur Brown -- brother of current Philadelphia Eagles RB Bryce Brown -- during preseason film study in the spring. A swing pass on which he took a good angle, closed quickly but under control and wrapped former Miami RB Lamarr Miller is a perfect example of what Brown does well.

I gave Brown a third-round grade coming into the season, and as I dig into his 2012 tape there is plenty more to like.

He doesn't have ideal size (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) and won't be an elite take-on linebacker at the point of attack, but Brown shows good ability to work through traffic in tight quarters. He knows how to absorb blocks, use his hands to disengage and fall back into plays. I also like the way he slips blocks without losing gap integrity, and Brown's ability to play in space reminds me of 2012 second-round pick Lavonte David (Tampa Bay).

Brown will get engulfed at times against the run, but his range in underneath coverage is more than adequate, and he has enough speed. He tackles with leverage and breaks down well, though Brown does occasionally overreact when filling from the backside, allowing cutback lanes as a result.

Still, I like his overall game and he's worked his way solidly into the second-round mix at this point.



WR Williams has matured

There's a lot to like about Baylor WR Terrance Williams from a size (6-foot-2, 201) and speed standpoint, but concerns about consistency as a route-runner and in terms of his hands put his preseason grade in the third-round area. Scouts were watching closely this season after the Bears lost QB Robert Griffin III and WR Kendall Wright to the NFL, and Williams seems to have answered many of those questions.

Williams' effort has been much better in 2012, both in his routes and as a run blocker. He has the ability to cover up defenders in the running game and threw some key blocks on big plays against Kansas State. Williams also gets out of breaks well and shows an extra gear to get downfield and stretch defenses.

He will make some tough catches, but he also misses on others and body-catches a lot of passes, so I do wonder how natural his hands are. Still, he is strong and determined after the catch, and his big-play ability shows up in his production (95 catches, 1,764 yards, 12 TD). His explosiveness is intriguing, and given the fact that he has matured as a leader and teammate, Williams is squarely in the second round right now.