2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

No, I don't at all! In fact, one of our favourite players in years (Griffin from USC) was a high-ceiling, kind of raw player (not super raw). As far as high-vceiling players go, the Niners have done great recently drafting those kinds of guys. However, I want to make sure they don't draft another Taylor Mays.

That's not even a fair comment to make though. Many people called the Taylor Mays pick a "reach". Meaning, some folks didn't want to draft him at all until maybe the 4th round. No one was really talking about Mays with regard to him having "potential". It's unfair to Patterson for you to use that against him - raw players who are freaks athletically and have tons of room to develop their craft at the next level.

PS- you always confuse me when you refer to Griffen/Griffin.
Griffen - plays for the Vikings
Griffin - Plays for the Redskins

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
LB Moore flashes all-around ability
January, 15, 2013 9:25PM ET
By Steve Muench


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tuesday at the Shrine Game practices was spent focusing on running backs, tight ends and linebackers, and one linebacker stood out during what was a physical practice for the East team.

Connecticut's Sio Moore was the most impressive player on the field, particularly his cover skills. Moore showed the ability to turn and run with Temple RB Montel Harris and Boston College TE Chris Pantale, staying right on their hips during routes.

Moore also got in excellent position as a tackler, even getting a little aggressive at one point and putting an excellent form tackle on Vanderbilt RB Zac Stacy. He could have gotten off a block slightly quicker at one point during the goal-line period, but he did do a good job shooting his hands inside and setting the edge against the tight end on the play.

Overall, it was a very good day for Moore, who carries a late-round grade at this point but is looking to build momentum as the draft process gets under way in earnest.

Ups and downs for other LBs​

South Florida LB Sam Barrington was a vocal leader on Day 2, lining up his teammates and making sure everyone was on the same page. Barrington also did a good job locating the ball, and he did a nice job getting his hands up to affect a throw in one pass-rush situation.

Barrington was not as good as Moore in coverage and ran himself out of position once on the goal line, but it was a solid overall day for the fringe/rookie free-agent prospect.

New Hampshire's Matt Evans, on the other hand, is clearly adjusting to a higher level of competition. Evans was run over and put on his back at one point by Rutgers TE D.C. Jefferson, and he had issues holding up in coverage because of a lack of quick-twitch explosiveness. Evans also ranks as a fringe prospect.

Good day for TEs​

After seeing Jefferson's lean frame, I wondered what kind of blocker he would be, but that was not an issue on Day 2. He's not a mauler, but Jefferson did a good job getting in position and sealing off defenders. He also appears to have the toughness to develop into an effective positional blocker.

New Mexico TE Lucas Reed doesn't have soft hands -- there is an audible thump when the ball arrives -- but he caught everything thrown his way on Day 2. Reed isn't overly explosive in his routes, but he's athletic enough to adjust to balls slightly outside his frame, and with his size and length, he could develop into a good short-to-intermediate target at the next level.

Finally, I liked how physical Pantale was as a blocker and getting off the line as a receiver, although he did miss out on a chance to high-point and come down with a 50-50 ball.



Running backs stand out

Harris was covered by Moore on the previously mentioned play, but he did a good job separating from defenders for the most part and looked good as a runner. He is not the biggest back, but he is quick and shifty.

Pittsburgh's Ray Graham also ran hard and did a nice job snatching a kickoff over his head with the sun directly in his eyes. That kind of focus and ability to adjust is something scouts like to see.

It was not as good a day for Stacy, though. He's a physical runner who looks to lower his shoulder on contact, and the all-star format is not set up for runners like him to shine. He does show some savvy in his routes, but he's not going to make a lot of defenders miss.

Strong perimeter matchups​

Florida State WR Rodney Smith showed no shortage of confidence and did plenty of barking on Day 2. Smith told Miami CB Brandon McGee things were too easy against him, and what Smith said to Clemson's Xavier Brewer is not fit for print.

However, despite his talking, Smith failed to come down with some of the jump balls that should be his bread and butter given his size, and overall he took a step back after a strong start to the week.

McGee went in the opposite direction, stepping up with two interceptions and generally looking good in coverage.

Klein, Sturgis continue trends​

While I wasn't focusing on quarterbacks on Day 2, it was still easy to see the inconsistency exhibited by Kansas State QB Collin Klein. Based on what I've seen, Klein has not shown enough to make teams believe he can play quarterback at the next level.

Florida K Caleb Sturgis, on the other hand, continued to look good after a strong start. Sturgis has strengthened his case for the late rounds by easily clearing the bar on 55- and 52-yard field goals, and booming kickoffs into the end zone.

West notebook​

Prospects were a little tougher to evaluate during the West practice -- which was not conducted in full pads -- but it was a linebacker who stood out most for the West, too.

Ohio State's Nathan Williams moved better than expected for a player who has dealt with knee problems during his career, quickly getting to depth in his zone drops and showing good range in underneath coverage. Williams also was physical in coverage, at one point putting Mount Union WR Jasper Collins on the ground off the line.

And while Williams could have gotten off blocks more quickly at times, he did a good job setting the edge for the most part. Teams will be cautious because of his injury history, but Williams' moving so well here this week is a good sign.

Tough read on running backs​

It was hard to get a good read on the West running backs because their offensive line did not look good as a group, but SMU's Zach Line looked to be the best of the bunch.

I thought Line had some limitations on film, but he showed better lateral mobility than anticipated for his size. He doesn't have a lot of wiggle in space, but he did a good job on Day 2 of finding cutback lanes and shifting to find holes.

Line's vision was also solid, and he's looking to solidify a spot in the later rounds.

Fellow running back Christine Michael of Texas A&M had some good and bad moments. Michael caught the ball well at times, but he also dropped a pass he should have caught. He didn't show a lot of burst as a runner, but he did look much more competitive during the team period than during drills, making a couple of nice cuts and attacking the line more while overcoming an early fumble with a strong finish.

Finally, Utah State's Kerwynn Williams has the look of a smaller, more explosive back, but he had a hard time making sharp cuts and getting open in the passing game.

More scouting points​

• Howard LB Keith Pough has shown plenty of confidence and emotion this week. Pough clearly is not intimidated by the higher level of competition, and he has played downhill and held up well at the point of attack. There are concerns among scouts about how well he runs, and his timed speed in workouts will be key for Pough.

• Arizona QB Mat Scott continued to put too much zip on underneath throws, making receivers work too hard on what should have been routine catches. He has to learn to take something off his underneath throws, and his accuracy was all over the place. I expected Scott to be one of the standouts this week, but not because of his struggles.

• I was not impressed with Eastern Kentucky WR Tyrone Goard on Day 1, but Goard flashed enough to get noticed on Day 2. He looks the part in terms of frame and athleticism, and he made a great one-handed grab along the sideline at one point. Goard is showing enough to make me believe he might have some value and deserves a more thorough film evaluation.

• Nevada TE Zach Sudfeld had a good day as a receiver, making some plays down the seam and finding holes in zone coverage, and he showed strong hands. However, there are concerns about his ability to hold up as a blocker. Sudfeld has a lot of work to do in terms of bulking up and adding strength, and he has a hard time locking out defenders.

• Michigan DT William Campbell was drawn offside by Western Michigan QB Alex Carder -- which is inexcusable for an interior lineman near the ball -- but Campbell did show good power throughout the day and even put a blocker on his back during one-on-one drills.


Steve Muench
Scouts Inc.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Can you hook it up with Kiper's mock please?
I have seen the top 10.

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft 2013
2013 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
The 2013 NFL draft class is now set, and Mel Kiper delivers a first projection
Originally Published: January 16, 2013
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider


Radio City is still in the distance, but the prospects are starting to come into focus.

A few things are going to happen between now and the end of April, shifting what you see here:

• A quarterback will rise -- maybe more than one. Based on my current evaluations, and in talking to teams, it's fair to say there's a really lukewarm feeling on this QB class. But the draft process is huge for QBs, and by April, need and draft economics will push some QB (or two) up the board.

• A few skill-position players will leap up. This class is top-heavy with defensive talent, but a good 40 time really could mean something this year. Who breaks through at WR? At RB? At TE? It'll happen.

• A trade will happen. Maybe several. Mock drafts in the age of cost certainty and easier dealing of draft picks? Yeah, it's gotten tougher.


So, while this should give you a very good idea not just of how I view prospects a day after the 2013 NFL draft class is officially set, but where many teams have them lined up -- it's early, folks. But as I do every year once final declarations are made, here's a first mock, and a chance to start the debate. Your big winner right now ? The SEC, with a whopping 14 first-rounders.

As always, underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.

 

[BINGO]

1 Luke Joeckel
Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 21 HT: 6-6 WT: 310 POS: OT
Analysis: He has started every game at left tackle since he arrived on campus, protects the passer with what could almost be perceived as ease and has zero durability questions after three years against very good competition. Joeckel has been so good, a big question about him at this stage might be whether he's truly nasty enough, a point of pride among elite O-linemen. The kid is a gifted technician at left tackle, and the Chiefs could go with the strategy of drafting their left tackle for the next 10 years here, then taking a shot on the best QB available with the first pick in Round 2. Two needs, two picks. We'll see, but QB value at this draft slot isn't in play right now.


2 Damontre Moore *
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 20 HT: 6-4 WT: 250 POS: DE
Analysis: The Jaguars sacked opposing QBs on a league-low 3.6 percent of drop backs this season. I hear people question where Jacksonville will go at the QB position, but if they really want to make a change at QB in 2013 (and that's absolutely no guarantee), free agency is a better option than this spot in the draft. Meanwhile, I've had a pass-rusher as a top need for this franchise going on four years. Moore is an exceptionally productive defensive end prospect with very good quickness, long arms and elite closing burst as a rusher. The Jags should be a better team in 2013, but it's not just based on whether they get better at quarterback.


3 Star Lotulelei
Oakland Raiders (4-12)
COLLEGE: UtahAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 320POS: DT
Analysis: Oakland needs immediate impact from this draft after a season in which they had to shed talent and suffered after the new front office inherited a disastrous salary-cap situation. In Lotulelei, you have a player who can do anything on the defensive line, and all of it well. He can utilize great burst to beat interior blockers and destroy plays, and when a target of double- or even triple-teams, he holds his own and makes everybody else's job easier. Given the positional value and consistency, a very high floor.


4 Dee Milliner *
Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)
COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-1 WT: 199 POS: CB
Analysis: People need to forget the idea that Philly is deep at corner. You watch the tape and it simply wasn't true in 2012. I expect changes in a secondary where it's possible that on a per-play basis, the best corner for Philly this season was rookie Brandon Boykin. The top cornerback in the draft is always going to be a huge draw, and Milliner could come out of the draft process worthy of going this high. He will improve as a technical corner, but has elite grades in terms of awareness, and particularly as a physical corner who can push wideouts off routes. He can defend the run and tackle at a very high level.


5 Jarvis Jones *
Detroit Lions (4-12)
COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 241 POS: LB
Analysis: He may not be a perfect fit in a 4-3 on the edge, but Jones is an exceptional pass-rusher, can line up on either side of Detroit's young and talented interior linemen and will flat-out make plays. He led the nation in sacks even as every team brought help to block him, and Jones not only uses great leverage to hold up as a run defender, but is vastly underrated in his ability to drop and cover. He brings a workmanlike effort and will sack quarterbacks, and skip the dance as he helps them up. A mature player and a good fit on any team, and within any system.


6 Bjoern Werner *
Cleveland Browns (5-11)
COLLEGE: Florida St. AGE: 22 HT: 6-4 WT: 255 POS: DE
Analysis: I've heard Werner compared to J.J. Watt, and while he's better suited to play defensive end in a 4-3 alignment because he doesn't yet have the size to work primarily inside at this point, in terms of raw impact against the pass, the comparisons hold up. Not only does Werner provide immediate impact as a pass-rusher, like Watt, he defends the pass with his eyes and gets his hands up, disrupts passing lanes and swats away throws. A late arrival to football, he has a high ceiling. He's an ideal fit in Cleveland, a team that saw the defense regress in 2012.


7 Chance Warmack
Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 320 POS: G
Analysis: We haven't seen a true guard land in the top 10 since 1997, but roll the tape on Warmack and it's hard to see how he doesn't end the streak. As a run-blocker, this guy improves what you can do in that area the second he steps on the field. In a word, he's dominant. Arizona's pass protection was a disaster early in the season, but very quietly they may have found answers at tackle in Bobby Massie and Nate Potter, who both played much better late in the year. Add Warmack, and you have a young offensive line that could make huge strides in 2013. Obviously, Arizona could be in the market for a QB here, but free agency (or a trade) could fill that void before April.


8 Manti Te'o
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame AGE: 21 HT: 6-2 WT: 255 POS: LB
Analysis: The Bills really need help at interior linebacker, where Kelvin Sheppard is a good player, but won't become a great one. Te'o doesn't have elite athleticism, but he has elite instincts, elite intangibles and will become the leader of a defense by the end of training camp. He makes the Buffalo run defense better immediately, and very quietly was second in the nation in INTs, showing great awareness in his drops (and good hands) against the pass. He may not end up this high, but I'm sold on him as a high-level NFL middle linebacker.

 

[BINGO]

9 Barkevious Mingo *
New York Jets (6-10)
COLLEGE: LSU AGE: 22 HT: 6-5 WT: 242 POS: DE
Analysis: Skill position questions are significant for the Jets, who need help at wide receiver, tight end and probably at running back. But the value might not be there at this spot, and for several years the Jets also have lacked a pass-rusher who scares opposing offenses. Mingo could be that player on the edge in Rex Ryan's scheme, strengthening a defensive line that is going to be very good on the interior as Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples develop into a couple of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league. Mingo must add polish and play with better leverage, but his ceiling is extremely high and Ryan could do a lot with him.


10 Dion Jordan
Tennessee Titans (6-10)
COLLEGE: Oregon AGE: 22 HT: 6-7 WT: 243 POS: DE
Analysis: He's a little light for a 4-3 defensive end, but Jordan has a long frame and can add some weight. The Titans saw an improved pass rush in 2012, but Jordan could take that unit to another level as he develops. This is a very good athlete, a player who probably could have developed into a draft-worthy tight end, but Oregon made the right call in putting him on defense. There is development left in his game, but his quick first step, long arms and overall athleticism are all high level and he could become a very good NFL pass-rusher.


11 Eric Fisher
San Diego Chargers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Central Michigan AGE: 22 HT: 6-8 WT: 305 POS: OT
Analysis: The play of Philip Rivers over the past two seasons has raised a lot of questions about whether he really can be one of the best QBs in the league, but part of that is because he's simply not a QB who can thrive if he doesn't get adequate protection, and the San Diego offensive line simply hasn't done the job. Fisher is a tall player, but one that displays very good balance and isn't easily rattled by quickness or pass-rushers who can counter. He reminds you a little bit of Nate Solder, a left tackle who uses athleticism to handle the rush, and can drive effectively as a run-blocker.


12 Cordarrelle Patterson *
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
COLLEGE: Tennessee AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 205 POS: WR
Analysis: The Dolphins nailed their quarterback pick in taking Ryan Tannehill in 2012, but when they dealt Brandon Marshall to the Bears, they also left Tannehill without a wide receiver who opposing defenses truly fear as a matchup problem. Patterson had just one year against top competition after spending two years at the junior college level, but he has very good hands, can beat cornerbacks with his height and strength, and will go up and beat defenders for 50-50 balls. He also has big-time ability to run after the catch, and this slot matches up with his current value.


13 Alec Ogletree *
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 232 POS: LB
Analysis: He missed the first four games of 2012, but once Ogletree stepped onto the field for the Bulldogs, the defense was immediately better. If you saw Georgia and Alabama in the SEC championship game, perhaps no player made a bigger statement than Ogletree, who looked like the best player on the field that day (which says plenty). He covers the field from sideline to sideline, and I think could play anywhere at linebacker effectively. Line him up behind an emerging defensive line and next to Lavonte David and Mason Foster at linebacker, and this is an extremely formidable front seven for Greg Schiano.


14 Sheldon Richardson *
Carolina Panthers (7-9)
COLLEGE: Missouri AGE: 21 HT: 6-4 WT: 295 POS: DT
Analysis: The Panthers hit a home run with their first pick in 2012 when they landed Luke Kuechly, and Richardson brings a little bit of what Kuechly does at linebacker, but on the defensive line. Richardson made an unusually high number of tackles from the defensive tackle position because he has a quick burst off the snap, shows great strength in short-yardage situations and knows how to use his hands to get off blocks and make plays. The guy can even drop into coverage and will destroy screen plays. Carolina may need help at wide receiver, but the Panthers really need to strengthen the D-line as well.


15 Johnathan Hankins *
New Orleans Saints (7-9)
COLLEGE: Ohio St. AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 335 POS: DT
Analysis: The Saints had a disappointing season, but the problem was mainly on defense. No team was easier to run against consistently than New Orleans, and they need a clogger up the middle, a player who can free up linebackers to make plays. Hankins ran a little hot and cold, and the tape doesn't show a player who will penetrate and use quickness to beat interior blockers, but he can eat up double-teams, move down the line well and make the players around him better. The Saints need help in several spots on defense, but they really need a player who can help deliver more third-and-long situations, and Hankins could be that guy.


16 Kenny Vaccaro
St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: Texas AGE: 21 HT: 6-1 WT: 218 POS: S
Analysis: The Rams have used the draft and free agency to strengthen the defense almost everywhere over the past couple of years. They made big strides at corner last offseason with the additions of Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins, and the pass rush is in place with the emerging Robert Quinn and steady Chris Long. Getting the best safety in the draft, a player who can both cover and step up against the run, will be one of those finishing touches.

 

[BINGO]

17 Ezekiel Ansah
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
COLLEGE: BYU AGE: 22 HT: 6-6 WT: 272 POS: LB
Analysis: If you could hand an exceptional physical talent with an extraordinarily high ceiling but plenty of development required to one defensive coordinator, whom would you choose ahead of Dick LeBeau? Ansah is a big-time athletic talent, a guy who at 270-plus pounds has the burst and top-end speed of a track star. He'll get comparisons to a player such as Jason Pierre-Paul between now and April, because his potential to be a star is there, but he needs coaching. The Steelers must get younger on defense, and Ansah makes sense given their track record of development.


18 Jonathan Cooper
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
COLLEGE: North CarolinaAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 295POS: G
Analysis: The Cowboys had an uneven season on the offensive line, and Cooper will provide an upgrade immediately. This is a complete guard, a player who is exceptional at delivering blocks and moving in tight quarters, and he moves extremely well for the position. He can deliver an initial blow to eliminate an interior defender and then move easily to the second level where he can line up linebackers and safeties and block in space.


19 Sam Montgomery *
New York Giants (9-7)
COLLEGE: LSUAGE: 22HT: 6-5WT: 260POS: DE
Analysis: It was just a year ago at this time when we considered the pass rush a major strength of the Giants, with an emerging Pierre-Paul and veterans Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. But while JPP is now among the best 4-3 defensive ends in the league, the latter two will both be north of 30 by the time the draft arrives -- Umenyiora may not be around next season, and it could be the final year for Tuck in New York. If the Giants want to keep the defensive line a strength, a proven, high-motor defender with pass-rushing skills such as Montgomery would make a lot of sense.


20 Tyler Eifert *
Chicago Bears (10-6)
COLLEGE: Notre Dame AGE: 22 HT: 6-6 WT: 251 POS: TE
Analysis: When the Bears traded Greg Olsen to the Panthers, they dealt away one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets. Brandon Marshall made a huge impact in 2012, but the Bears lack that second option Cutler can really depend on, particularly at tight end. Eifert is a new-breed tight end, a guy you can split out as an impossible physical matchup for most corners, and is a hands-catcher who doesn't have to create much separation to be open because he can win physical battles and use his strong hands to take the ball out of the air with players hanging on him. He's an ideal target for Cutler.


21 Montee Ball
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
COLLEGE: Wisconsin AGE: 22 HT: 5-11 WT: 212 POS: RB
Analysis: In terms of pure draft value, Ball might be a bit of a reach on my board at this spot, but in terms of fit, it's hard to find a better one among teams drafting in this range. Once fully healthy, Ball showed off a quick burst into and through the hole, and the ability to do major damage on the second level, both making defenders miss and simply running through tackles. If Cincinnati is healthy at guard to start the season (the Bengals weren't in 2012), Ball is a player who could take some pressure off Andy Dalton in 2013 by improving its ground game. A "nose for the end zone" is a bit of a throw-away phrase, but Ball truly has it.


22 D.J. Fluker *
St. Louis Rams (from WAS) (7-8-1)
COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-6 WT: 335 POS: OT
Analysis: You can't be below average at tackle in the NFC West, dealing with San Francisco, Arizona and Seattle six times a season, and while the Rams stabilized a little bit in 2012 with Barry Richardson and Rodger Saffold bookending the offensive line, they should use one of their first-round picks to look for an upgrade. Fluker profiles as a right tackle, but he should be a very good one at the NFL level. He can simply overwhelm with size and power as a run-blocker, and could be very good if his ability to deal with speed rushers improves.


23 Terrance Williams
Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
COLLEGE: Baylor AGE: 23 HT: 6-2 WT: 205 POS: WR
Analysis: Last year, we saw both Josh Gordon and Kendall Wright taken out of Baylor, and Williams has the skill set to join them as a player drafted with the potential to make an early impact. Williams is first a player who can use his size and speed to stretch the field and take the top off a defense, but he also can make big plays on the sidelines, where he'll tiptoe and make the catches as well as any pass-catching target in the draft. Williams also will beat you with the ball in his hands as a nifty runner with good size. Minnesota needs a dependable pass-catcher next to Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph.


24 Menelik Watson *
Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
COLLEGE: Florida St. AGE: 24 HT: 6-6 WT: 320 POS: OT
Analysis: Who? Well, suffice to say, after just one year at Florida State, scouts know all about Watson, and people in NFL front offices are starting to catch up. This is a kid who has played basketball at the D-I level, can really use his hands to swat away rushers given a track record as an emerging boxing talent, and will go to the combine and run in the 4.8 range at around 320 pounds. The Colts have their QB, but while some might assume it's time to address defense, Andrew Luck was hit more than any QB in the NFL this season, and Indy must protect the future of the franchise. Watson's ceiling is deserving of this draft range.

 

[BINGO]

25 John Jenkins
Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 23 HT: 6-3 WT: 358 POS: DT
Analysis: John Schneider and Pete Carroll showed great instincts in the 2012 draft, adding players they felt could help them immediately, even as analysts (myself included) questioned slot value. The defense was very good this past season, but I think an interior defender who can occupy blockers, occasionally penetrate and even wreck the pocket from the inside is a need. Jenkins was a little uneven at times in 2012, but has the upside of an impact interior lineman.


26 Zach Ertz *
Green Bay Packers (11-5)
COLLEGE: Stanford AGE: 22 HT: 6-6 WT: 252 POS: TE
Analysis: The Packers have had a tight end in Jermichael Finley who can cause matchup problems in the secondary, but with his long-term future in Green Bay in doubt, they might be ready to target another high-level pass-catching tight end in Ertz. In Stanford's system Ertz has shown an ability to make tough catches all over the field, both down the seam and on the edges, and would be an ideal target for Aaron Rodgers to utilize, further diversifying an offense that can be unstoppable.


27 Keenan Allen *
Houston Texans (12-4)
COLLEGE: California AGE: 20 HT: 6-3 WT: 210 POS: WR
Analysis: If he hadn't become a wide receiver, it's entirely possible that Allen could be a coveted safety in this draft. His experience on defense shows up on offense, where he has a great knack for finding space in coverage, working back to the ball to help his quarterback and using great hands as a dependable pass-catcher. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands. Allen has dealt with nagging injuries during his time at Cal, but is the kind of wideout who can come in and make his mark early, and Houston needs to find another weapon for Matt Schaub, with Andre Johnson on the backside of his career.


28 Xavier Rhodes *
Denver Broncos (13-3)
COLLEGE: Florida St. AGE: 22 HT: 6-6 WT: 310 POS: CB
Analysis: We've been talking about how old Champ Bailey is for about three years as the draft approaches, and each year Bailey comes back and plays corner at a high level. But the Broncos have to take a look at the depth chart at corner and realize it's time to bring in a young one capable of starting immediately. Rhodes is a good one, a player who uses his strength to jam at the line and disrupt timing, and he can close hard when the play is in front of him, tackling well and taking smart risks in coming off his route to make plays.


29 Kevin Minter *
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
COLLEGE: LSU AGE: 22 HT: 6-2 WT: 242 POS: LB
Analysis: LSU saw a flood of defenders enter the draft, but Minter is the one who should be taken first. With Ray Lewis on his way to the broadcast booth when the season ends, the Ravens need a strong presence in the middle of that linebacking corps. He's not Lewis, but Minter similarly does a great job of anticipating where the play is going and making offensive linemen whiff as he beats them to the ball. A natural fit in the Baltimore scheme, he's a player ready to start.


30 Sharrif Floyd *
San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)
COLLEGE: Florida AGE: 20 HT: 6-3 WT: 303 POS: DT
Analysis: At some point, San Francisco has to assume that the ageless Justin Smith might finally need a breather, and Floyd is the type of versatile defensive lineman who profiles well as a 3-4 defensive end. Florida moved Floyd to the inside during his sophomore season, but he was back at defensive end this season, and just kept getting better. Like Smith, he's a powerful player who can push the pocket with power and will free up other pass-rushers, while making tackles for loss on his own.


31 DeAndre Hopkins *
New England Patriots (12-4)
COLLEGE: Clemson AGE: 20 HT: 6-1 WT: 200 POS: WR
Analysis: Overshadowed to start the year by fellow Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, it was Hopkins who often stole the spotlight. Hopkins is a great natural catcher of the football, and can both set up his defender to create space and simply beat cornerbacks for the ball when he's well covered. I'm not sure if Hopkins is going to blow people away with his straight-line speed at the combine, but he has a knack for the big play and could be a reliable target for Tom Brady. The Patriots aren't slipping on offense, but wide receiver will be a big priority for them this offseason.


32 Margus Hunt
Atlanta Falcons (13-3)
COLLEGE: SMU AGE: 25 HT: 6-8 WT: 280 POS: DE
Analysis: If you're looking for a player to marvel at when it comes to the Under Armour portion of the draft process, keep an eye out for Hunt's workouts. I'm certainly not the first analyst to point out his remarkable athletic skills, but the former decathlete has extreme power, speed and leaping ability, all in a massive frame. The Falcons need help at defensive end, with the pass rush and age at that position major question marks headed into the offseason, and Hunt's physical prowess and upside will be really tempting in this range.



Mel Kiper Jr.
Football analyst

 

[ChrisPozz]

Shrine Game: West Practice - Day 2 | RookieDraft.com

 

[ChrisPozz]

Joe Everett:

I spoke w the agent for RB Le'Veon Bell, #MichiganState + he is reportedly down to 225, after bulking up to 240 during the season.

 

[ChrisPozz]

The Senior Bowl has taken Montee Ball off the roster and added Fresno State RB Robbie Rouse. There's just certain favorites of mine every year that I don't care alot if they aren't in the Senior Bowl. He's one of them. I'm not all that disappointed in that. I just wish they'd have replaced him with somebody else that I haven't seen as much.


Alabama TE Michael Williams
Alabama LB Nico Johnson
Alabama S Robert Lester
Alabama LS Carson Tinker
Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson
Arkansas WR Cobi Hamilton
Auburn TE Philip Lutzenkirchen
Baylor WR Terrance Williams
Boise State CB Jamar Taylor
Brigham Young DE Ezekiah Ansah
California C Brian Schwenke
California CB Marc Anthony
Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher
Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce
Clemson RB Andre Ellington
Clemson DE Malliciah Goodman
Colorado TE Nick Kasa
Connecticut LB Trevardo Williams
Connecticut CB Dwayne Gratz
Connecticut CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Cornell OG J.C. Tretter
Elon WR Aaron Mellette
Florida RB Mike Gillislee
Florida OT Xavier Nixon
Florida LB Jonathan Bostic
Florida International SS Johnathan Cyprien
Florida State QB EJ Manuel
Florida State DT Everett Dawkins
Florida State K Dustin Hopkins
Fresno State RB Robbie Rouse.
Fresno State SS Phillip Thomas
Georgia WR Tavarres King
Georgia DT John Jenkins
Georgia CB Sanders Commings
Georgia S Bacarri Rambo
Georgia S Shawn Williams
Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox
Harvard FB Kyle Juszczyk
Hawaii LS Luke Ingram
Illinois OG Hugh Thornton
Illinois DE Michael Buchanan
Kansas State WR Chris Harper
Kansas State LB Arthur Brown Jr.
Kent State OT Brian Winters
Kentucky OG Larry Warford
Louisiana State DE Lavar Edwards
Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton
Louisiana Tech P Ryan Allen
Marshall WR Aaron Dobson
Miami (OH) QB Zac Dysert
Michigan QB Denard Robinson (invited as WR; expected to see time at RB as well)
Michigan State CB Johnny Adams
Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks
Missouri OLB Zaviar Gooden
Missouri Southern State DT Brandon Williams
North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams
North Carolina LB Kevin Reddick
North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon
Notre Dame C Braxston Cave
Ohio State OT Reid Fragel
Ohio State DE/LB John Simon
Oklahoma QB Landry Jones
Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson
Oklahoma State K Quinn Sharp
Oregon RB Kenjon Barner
Oregon OG Kyle Long
Oregon LB Kiko Alonso
Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton
Oregon State CB Jordan Poyer
Penn State DT Jordan Hill
Purdue DT Kawann Short
Rice WR Vance McDonald
Rutgers LB Khaseem Greene
San Diego State CB Leon McFadden
San Jose State TE Ryan Otten
San Jose State OG Dave Quessenberry
SMU (Southern Methodist) DE Margus Hunt
South Carolina S DJ Swearinger
Southeastern Louisiana CB Robert Alford
Southern California C Khaled Holmes
Southern California S TJ McDonald
Southern Mississippi LB Jamie Collins
South Florida DT Corey Grissom
Stanford RB Stepfan Taylor
Stanford OLB Chase Thomas
Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib
Tennessee TE Mychal Rivera
Tennessee OT Dallas Thomas
Texas WR Marquise Goodwin
Texas DE Alex Okafor
Texas S Kenny Vaccaro
Texas A&M WR Ryan Swope
Texas A&M LB Sean Porter
UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin
UCLA DE Datone Jones
UCLA P Jeff Locke
Utah State CB Will Davis
Virginia LT Oday Aboushi
Wake Forest FB Tommy Bohanon
Washington CB Desmond Trufant
West Virginia WR Tavon Austin
West Virginia C Joe Madsen
William & Mary CB B.W. Webb
Wisconsin OT Rick Wagner

 

[I_am_1z]

How many games did you watch him play? What games were they?
Patterson is so dynamic and explosive not only at WR but as a kick returner, punt returner, and out of the backfield. As a WR he's a deep threat, possession receiver, and YAC all in one.
Williams runs like he has size 18 feet and falls down all the time.

As Sickness has already mentioned, no one watches every game, and the God honest truth I haven't seen one Tennessee game this year. I'm not impressed with Patterson's ball skills, which leads me to believe that at best he'll put up Torrey Smith kind of numbers w/ the addition of kick returning duties. Terrance Williams isn't a YAC player, but he's at least going to catch the ball for you; even if the pass isn't perfect Williams allows you to have a chance.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Shrine Game's official twitter:

Joe Fauria is going home today and won't be in the game

 

[Yadahell]

2013 NFL Mock Drafts - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[ChrisPozz]

Michael Schottey:

Devin Taylor (DL S Car) has made a bunch of plays in the backfield. Guys talking on the sideline that he's earning a senior bowl call up

There are alot of individual notes on the all-star games on twitter right now but I'm holding off on those until we get some links to actual write-ups at the conclusion of practice. There's just too many to keep up with.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Eric Galko:

I know I've talked a lot about him thus far, but my pick for the best player here when it's all said it done: ArkPB OT Terron Armstead

 

[ChrisPozz]

They've also removed Tavon Austin from their roster, too.



Alabama TE Michael Williams
Alabama LB Nico Johnson
Alabama S Robert Lester
Alabama LS Carson Tinker
Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson
Arkansas WR Cobi Hamilton
Auburn TE Philip Lutzenkirchen
Baylor WR Terrance Williams
Boise State CB Jamar Taylor
Brigham Young DE Ezekiah Ansah
California C Brian Schwenke
California CB Marc Anthony
Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher
Cincinnati TE Travis Kelce
Clemson RB Andre Ellington
Clemson DE Malliciah Goodman
Colorado TE Nick Kasa
Connecticut LB Trevardo Williams
Connecticut CB Dwayne Gratz
Connecticut CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Cornell OG J.C. Tretter
Elon WR Aaron Mellette
Florida RB Mike Gillislee
Florida OT Xavier Nixon
Florida LB Jonathan Bostic
Florida International SS Johnathan Cyprien
Florida State QB EJ Manuel
Florida State DT Everett Dawkins
Florida State K Dustin Hopkins
Fresno State RB Robbie Rouse.
Fresno State SS Phillip Thomas
Georgia WR Tavarres King
Georgia DT John Jenkins
Georgia CB Sanders Commings
Georgia S Bacarri Rambo
Georgia S Shawn Williams
Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox
Harvard FB Kyle Juszczyk
Hawaii LS Luke Ingram
Illinois OG Hugh Thornton
Illinois DE Michael Buchanan
Kansas State WR Chris Harper
Kansas State LB Arthur Brown Jr.
Kent State OT Brian Winters
Kentucky OG Larry Warford
Louisiana State DE Lavar Edwards
Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton
Louisiana Tech P Ryan Allen
Marshall WR Aaron Dobson
Miami (OH) QB Zac Dysert
Michigan QB Denard Robinson (invited as WR; expected to see time at RB as well)
Michigan State CB Johnny Adams
Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks
Missouri OLB Zaviar Gooden
Missouri Southern State DT Brandon Williams
North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams
North Carolina LB Kevin Reddick
North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon
Notre Dame C Braxston Cave
Ohio State OT Reid Fragel
Ohio State DE/LB John Simon
Oklahoma QB Landry Jones
Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson
Oklahoma State K Quinn Sharp
Oregon RB Kenjon Barner
Oregon OG Kyle Long
Oregon LB Kiko Alonso
Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton
Oregon State CB Jordan Poyer
Penn State DT Jordan Hill
Purdue DT Kawann Short
Rice WR Vance McDonald
Rutgers LB Khaseem Greene
San Diego State CB Leon McFadden
San Jose State TE Ryan Otten
San Jose State OG Dave Quessenberry
SMU (Southern Methodist) DE Margus Hunt
South Carolina S DJ Swearinger
Southeastern Louisiana CB Robert Alford
Southern California C Khaled Holmes
Southern California S TJ McDonald
Southern Mississippi LB Jamie Collins
South Florida DT Corey Grissom
Stanford RB Stepfan Taylor
Stanford OLB Chase Thomas
Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib
Tennessee TE Mychal Rivera
Tennessee OT Dallas Thomas
Texas WR Marquise Goodwin
Texas DE Alex Okafor
Texas S Kenny Vaccaro
Texas A&M WR Ryan Swope
Texas A&M LB Sean Porter
UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin
UCLA DE Datone Jones
UCLA P Jeff Locke
Utah State CB Will Davis
Virginia LT Oday Aboushi
Wake Forest FB Tommy Bohanon
Washington CB Desmond Trufant
West Virginia C Joe Madsen
William & Mary CB B.W. Webb
Wisconsin OT Rick Wagner

 

[I_am_1z]

I just want to say I'm proud of all of us here in the College Football thread. Once again our boldness has been proven to be the right course of action for the 49ers. We've been calling for Kaep since the beginning of the season and now our guy has a firm stranglehold on the starting position. We stood up to an opposition that had every right to believe Alex Smith was the man. Smith lead the league in completion percentage and in his last 28 attempts he's completed 26 of them, but at the end of the day WE came out the victors and that's what forum boards are all about.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Scott Smith:

Iowa St LB AJKlein47 rec'd late Senior Bowl invite, while honored he has declined & will keep commitment to EW Shrine

 

[ChrisPozz]

Daniel Jeremiah:

Small school guys can help their stock at all-star games. Ark Pine Bluff OT Terron Armstead has been outstanding...could get Sr Bowl invite.