2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[Smalls]

I posted this in the Senior Bowl thread, but I'll add it here as well.

Matt Miller:

Word on the street in Mobile is that the #49ers are in love with Zach Ertz. Not surprising with Stanford connection.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

Skip Bayless continues to make me laugh. He doesn't have Te'o as HIS #1 player in the draft anymore because he's "too gullible, too naive", and has "no street smarts." Really? THAT'S why? Ha!

Only Skip would have him #1 overall to begin with. Sad.

 

[NinerSickness]

Oops, wrong thread.

 

[BINGO]

EJ Manuel of Florida State Seminoles leads South to Senior Bowl win - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

2013 NFL Draft -- Aaron Mellette's big weekend - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Status of QB draft class
January, 27, 2013 10:31AM ET
By Tom Carpenter | ESPN.com

The 2013 NFL draft class is underwhelming when it comes to quarterbacks. There are no obvious franchise QBs like Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, and none of the draft prospects did anything extraordinary in the Senior Bowl. We didn't see any of them really step up or make enough noise in the game or practices to create the requisite hype to jump up into the first round.

It's not that there is a complete lack of talent at QB in this draft class, though. There just aren't any clear-cut studs who are ready to come in and make an immediate impact. ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. listed no quarterbacks in his initial mock draft, but he granted that could change:

Mel Kiper Jr.
2013 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
"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."

 

[BINGO]

I like this pick by us:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round Analysis, Super Bowl Week Edition | Bleacher Report

 

[dreday]

We need a WR wit the injures & pending free agents. I'll b cool wit Austin as our #1 pick.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

I like this pick by us:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round Analysis, Super Bowl Week Edition | Bleacher Report

Ugh, Datone Jones is in the 20's. My cupboard continues to dry up.

 

[dredinis21]

I really believe that if we don't go DE/S/NT with our first 3-4 picks, we are really gambling on our roster staying healthy. We need an heir apparent to Justin Smith BADLY!!! RJF and Sop are pending FA, and we got extremely lucky health-wise considering that our depth at DL is minimal. Also, regardless of what we do with Goldson and Whitner's contracts, we have nobody on the roster that is an adequate backup/starter in waiting at S.

 

[CalamityX11]

I like this pick by us:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round Analysis, Super Bowl Week Edition | Bleacher Report

You like it because its #32... i see through you!!!

IDK, if he's BPA maybe but rather not, unless its a Patterrson type WR... back to back WRs in the late first wouldn't be my flavor...

I'd look hard at DL & OL.... or even FS....

 

[BINGO]

You like it because its #32... i see through you!!!

IDK, if he's BPA maybe but rather not, unless its a Patterrson type WR... back to back WRs in the late first wouldn't be my flavor...

I'd look hard at DL & OL.... or even FS....

LOL. Yup, the reason for me being so happy had to do with our draft spot more so than the player we selected at that spot.

In all honesty though, I really think at pick #32 we would get a very good player in Austin. He would be an instant upgrade as a return specialist. He is like Cobb but more explosive. We can create a lot of favorable matchups with him Crabs, Davis, Gore/Hunter/LMJ in the game.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Cecil Lammey:

Scout chat- Cordarrelle Patterson in terms of physical skill =top 10 prospect but some feel he could have trouble digesting complex playbook

 

[clyde_carbon]

Scott Pioli's top 10 underclassmen:

1. Luke Joeckel
2. Dee Milliner
3. Sharrif Floyd
4. Bjoern Werner
5. Jonathan Hankins
6. Eddie Lacy
7. Jarvis Jones
8. Keenan Allen
9. Alec Ogletree
10. Gavin Escobar

Ex-Chiefs G.M. ranks the top-ten draft-eligible underclassmen | ProFootballTalk

 

[dreday]

JJ only 7th???????

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
Concerns remain for Mike Glennon
January, 28, 2013 3:52PM ET
By Kevin Weidl

From a scouting perspective, Senior Bowl week is pretty much all about what happens in practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Those are the days prospects are in full pads and taking part in one-on-one and team drills designed to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses.

The game itself is less important for scouts, with a controlled environment -- restricted offensive formations and defensive coverages, etc. -- limiting the in-depth scouting information that can be gleaned from the action.

However, useful tidbits do come out of the game that serve to reinforce what scouts see during practice, and looking back on this year's game that list begins with the quarterbacks.

The performances of the 2013 Senior Bowl quarterbacks were average at best, and while NC State's Mike Glennon clearly had the most arm talent of the group he didn't separate himself much from his peers. Early in the second half Glennon flashed the ability to drive the ball downfield into tight windows, but he was as inconsistent in the game as he was during the practice week.

Mike Glennon has a big arm, but his lack of mobility is a concern.

Glennon's accuracy was not as good as expected, and while his arm and tall frame have invited comparisons to Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco there is a clear difference between the two. Flacco is clearly a better athlete, and Glennon's lack of mobility and below-average foot speed showed up in a big way on a bootleg early in the second half.

He carried an early second-round grade into Senior Bowl week, but Glennon's overall inconsistency could raise concerns.

The game was not kind to Oklahoma's Landry Jones, either. Jones showed off his physical tools and accuracy when throwing well during practice drills, but when the bright lights turned on he seemed to wilt.

Jones was easily rattled in the pocket, which led to rushed decisions and clearly affected his accuracy. He can pick defenses apart when given time, but Jones' lack of poise in the pocket has been an issue all season and was not good in the Senior Bowl game. He did little to help his late second-round grade.

Florida State's EJ Manuel also failed to help his stock despite winning MVP honors after completing seven of 10 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Manuel made some nice throws, including the touchdown to Alabama TE Michael Williams, but his accuracy and downfield passing remain question marks.

Manuel was inaccurate and forced his receivers to adjust on several underneath throws, and with no blitzing and vanilla coverages in the game there was no chance for Manuel to show he can read coverage effectively and anticipate passing windows downfield. Those were issues for him during the season, and he's done little to make me think he's more than a developmental prospect who might turn into an NFL backup.

Finally, Ryan Nassib of Syracuse came into Senior Bowl week with some buzz, but his lack of arm strength clearly stood out. Nassib struggled to push the ball downfield, something that showed up in the game when he hung an intermediate post throw up in the air and had it intercepted.

And while Nassib did show the ability to move some inside the pocket, his athleticism appears to be a bit overrated and he reinforced the feeling that he is a backup type at the next level.



Left tackles lead O-linemen
The offensive tackle class appears to be getting stronger at the top, with Central Michigan's Eric Fisher and Oklahoma's Lane Johnson both showing up big. Both have the quick feet to easily shuffle and mirror at left tackle against pass-rushers.

There are questions about their ability to sink and anchor against power moves, but on the left side they will see far more speed rushers and can use their length to ride rushers past the pocket. Fisher's big week has cemented him in the top half of the first round, and Johnson isn't far behind.

Things didn't go so well for Syracuse OT Justin Pugh, who was exposed a bit in the game and had problems protecting the edge against Ezekiel Ansah. Short arms and a lack of overall length will likely force Pugh inside to guard. He could be good on the interior, though, where his quick feet and balance could make him a good fit in a zone blocking scheme.

Plenty of other interior offensive linemen also stood out, beginning with Kentucky's Larry Warford, a big mauler who can swallow up defenders and move his feet to create power. Warford currently grades out early in the third round.

Oregon's Kyle Long sat out the early part of the practice week with an illness but returned to show off his high ceiling. Long has elite physical tools and on film has shown the ability to play guard or right tackle. He also lined up at left tackle some during the Senior Bowl game, and that versatility could help his mid-second-round stock.

Finally, California's Brian Schwenke certainly helped his mid-round cause with his performance during the week. Schwenke can play center or guard, displayed the ability to sink and anchor in the middle and flashed good toughness and a mean streak.

No 2013 draft prospect has helped himself more during the all-star process than Connecticut LB Sio Moore, who had a good week at the East-West Shrine Game and then did not miss a beat after stepping into Senior Bowl week on Wednesday as an injury replacement.

Moore showed the ability to run and hit, blitzed well and held up in coverage. He recorded a sack and a pass breakup during the game, and Moore clearly looked like he belonged. His stock could be rising out of the later rounds.

Florida State LB Vince Williams was the tone-setter among the linebackers all week, though. Williams is a rock in the middle when taking on blocks with his compact, heavy punch, and his range is also impressive. He is a bit tight at times, but Williams made plays outside the tackle box and has impressive closing burst for his size.

That backed up what I saw from Williams during four live games this season, and I won't be surprised if he works his way into the back end of Day 2. And even if he doesn't, Williams will offer great value in the fourth round.

Elsewhere, Missouri's Zaviar Gooden and Rutgers' Khaseem Greene showed off their athleticism.

You'd like to see better instincts from Gooden to go with his good physical tools, but he showed off his speed in coverage with an interception during the game. Greene was around the ball all week, and I like his closing burst and ability to hold up in coverage. He's somewhat undersized, though, and will have to be covered up at the next level to allow him to use his instincts to run to the ball.

 

[BINGO]

Impressive skill players
Wide receivers Markus Wheaton (Oregon State) and Marquise Goodwin (Texas) are burners who stood out throughout the week. Wheaton is a little more polished in terms of hands and route-running, but both are explosive and Goodwin also brings something in the return game.

Baylor WR Terrance Williams also showed big-play ability down the field. Williams needs to improve the consistency of his hands underneath, but he had a good week overall. The same can be said for Louisiana Tech's Quinton Patton, whose savvy routes, quickness, body control and strength in traffic stood out.

Among the running backs, Florida's Mike Gillislee helped himself most. Gillislee showed a little more power than expected, and while there are questions about his long speed, his quick feet and ability to accelerate out of lateral cuts was good. He's solidly in the third- to fourth-round area.



Jones leads defensive linemen
No defensive lineman helped himself more at the Senior Bowl than UCLA DE Datone Jones, who capped a strong week of practice with a standout performance in the game. His quickness, strength and motor were all impressive, and Jones continually dialed up pass-rush pressure and got into the backfield. Jones came into the week with a fourth-round grade and his stock could rise after his showing in Mobile.

Defensive tackles Sylvester Williams (North Carolina) and Kawann Short reside higher up the board, and both did everything they could do to solidify their standing.

Short had an excellent game, showing the strength and quickness to generate interior pressure, and the power to anchor in the middle. He is definitely in the first-round mix at this point.

Williams is not as nimble as Short, but he has quick and violent hands and an impressive motor. He also has a solid anchor, and Williams is squarely in the first-round conversation, as well.

The practice week was not kind to BYU DE Ezekiel Ansah, who is very raw and did not flash the way we expected from a prospect with his rare physical tools. Ansah looked much better during the game, though, showing off a closing burst that is elite for a player his size. He needs polish in terms of hand use and instincts, but Ansah stood out when it counted after a subpar showing during practices and will also be in the mix later in the first round.


Two standouts lead DB group
Plenty of defensive backs -- including Washington's Desmond Trufant, California's Marc Anthony, Southeast Louisiana's Robert Alford, William & Mary's B.W. Webb and Connecticut's Dwayne Gratz -- helped themselves during the week, but two stood above the rest.

Connecticut CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson flew under the radar this season playing for a mediocre Big East team, but he made plenty of noise at the Senior Bowl.

Wreh-Wilson shows good balance and fluidity for his size, uses his length well in press coverage, has great range and displays solid instincts. He could clean up his angles and wrap up better as a tackler, but he blanketed receivers and played the ball well all week. Wreh-Wilson looks like a solid second-rounder at this point, and he could very well work his way into the late first round if he nails the rest of the draft process.

Finally, FIU's Jonathan Cyprien hasn't gotten much attention to this point, but scouts will be going back to the tape after his performance in Mobile. Cyprien is an aggressive safety who shows good burst and will fly downhill to deliver blows in run support.

 

[BINGO]

Atlanta's first-rounder
January, 29, 2013 10:33AM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

After going 13-3 and earning the NFC's No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons nearly qualified for the Super Bowl, but endured a collapse in the second half of the NFC championship game, and will be watching this weekend from home like many of the rest of us. As they look to reload for 2013, on whom will they invest their first-round pick?

Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com had a look at a variety of mock drafts, and found that most of them had Atlanta going with a defensive lineman or tight end with the No. 30 overall selection. A lot can happen between now and the Falcons' first pick -- Atlanta themselves made a big jump up in the first round two drafts ago to snap Julio Jones -- but these are logical positions for the club to target, based upon the advanced age of some key contributors:

Pat Yasinskas
TE, DE, CB and OT should all be considered
"[Taking a DE or TE] makes plenty of sense because tight end Tony Gonzalez has given indications he's leaning heavily toward retirement and the Falcons need an eventual successor to defensive end John Abraham. But, if the Falcons don't re-sign Brent Grimes and/or Sam Baker, I could see them turning their attention toward cornerback or left tackle."

 

[BINGO]

Te'o to Denver?
January, 29, 2013 8:40AM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

In a post on Monday, we wondered whether the Denver Broncos would hand their starting middle linebacker job to Nate Irving, while possibly saying goodbye to Keith Brooking and D.J. Williams this offseason. However, there have been some mock drafts making the rounds where a prospect with considerably more hype has been linked to Denver at No. 28 overall: Notre Dame's Manti Te'o.

Te'o slipping all the way to Denver at that spot seems like wishful thinking on the part of some Elway jersey-clad superfans, but anything is possible. Nevertheless, if it does turn out that Te'o is available to the Broncos at that spot, ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson doesn't foresee them having any reservations in making him their pick, despite all the recent attention regarding the girlfriend hoax:

Bill Williamson
Te'o a Bronco? They should hope
"I think once the smoke settles, Te'o is still going to be a sought-after player. If he does fall to the Broncos and they feel comfortable with his side of the story involving the hoax, I can't see the Broncos doing any better than Te'o with the pick. In the short John Elway era, Denver has taken the approach of taking the best available player. If Te'o falls, I can't see him falling past Denver. The Broncos don't have many holes, but middle linebacker is one of the need areas. Keith Brooking took over as the starter last season, but he is 37 years old. Te'o would become an immediate contributor for Denver."

 

[BINGO]

Buffalo's QB quandary
January, 29, 2013 7:29AM ET
By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN.com

We know that the Buffalo Bills will be adding some QB talent to the roster this offseason -- Ryan Fitzpatrick is the only current Bills QB signed into 2013 -- whether it's the draft or a veteran in free agency (or a trade) remains to be seen, and their actions regarding those veterans could give us a clue as to what they'll do in late April.

Buffalo is in possession of the No. 8 overall selection in the first round, which would seem to be high enough for them to take just about any QB they so desire. However, there are some who feel that this year's crop of QBs are not worth that high of a selection, and that the Bills would be better off going with another prospect before grabbing a QB in Round 2 or later.

Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com published a mock draft recently (via CBSSports.com) that saw the Bills take a QB at No. 8 -- USC's Matt Barkley -- and he was actually the third passer off the board, behind WVU's Geno Smith at No. 1 to Kansas City and NC State's Mike Glennon at No. 7 to Arizona.

Maybe things work out this way at the top of the draft -- and the Tennessee Titans set a new record for getting their pick in to the Commissioner if Chance Warmack is on the board for them at No. 10 -- but some believe that the Bills are more interested in hitching their wagon to Ryan Nassib. The Bills' new HC Doug Marrone, as well as OC Nathaniel Hackett both worked with Nassib at Syracuse, and he'd have an accelerated learning curve in their offense, as was the case for Ryan Tannehill reuniting with Mike Sherman in Miami. The remaining events in the draft process (including the scouting combine) will provide some additional clues.