2013 NCAA FB Season / 2014 NFL draft

[I_am_1z]

Roby is good but he is vastly overrated. He's not a great player at all. Simply a good player. 2nd round prospect to me who will eventually go higher than he deserves to go.

Roby is good at what? Not covering. I rather have my CB be an Asante Samuel than Nate Clements.

 

[BINGO]

Paul Richardson - WR - Buffaloes

Colorado senior WR Paul Richardson implied that he'd like to be used as Oregon State uses Brandin Cooks.

Cooks snagged nine balls for 168 yards and two TDs in the Beavers' blowout victory Saturday against the Buffaloes, while Richardson caught five passes for 70 yards. "We can take the page out of Oregon State's book," said Richardson. "I really like how they force-fed Brandin the ball. He's a good receiver, but when you're giving him that many touches, he was able to be productive." Richardson then said that he completely trusted his coaching staff and stated, "I can't say that we should have forced me the ball." The quotes read passive-aggressive and a tad insubordinate. Richardson was targeted just as many times (13) as Cooks in the contest. What he really seems to be saying is that Colorado's quarterback play and coaching aptitude is inferior to Oregon State's. While he'd be correct, Richardson is advised to limit his focus to the things he can control.
Source: Buffzone.com

Sep 30 - 1:52 PM

 

[BINGO]

Dri Archer - RB - Golden Flashes

Kent State senior OW Dri Archer caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown to go along with six carries for 73 rushing yards in a 32-14 win over Western Michigan.

Archer had been bothered by an injured ankle since the season opener, but we are happy to see him return to form. The long 31 yard touchdown saw Archer align in the slot and break on a wheel route outside then win at the catch point. He could draw third- or fourth-round consideration.

Sep 30 - 12:21 PM

 

[clyde_carbon]

Dri Archer - RB - Golden Flashes

Kent State senior OW Dri Archer caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown to go along with six carries for 73 rushing yards in a 32-14 win over Western Michigan.

Archer had been bothered by an injured ankle since the season opener, but we are happy to see him return to form. The long 31 yard touchdown saw Archer align in the slot and break on a wheel route outside then win at the catch point. He could draw third- or fourth-round consideration.

Sep 30 - 12:21 PM

Not a fan of this draft at all but this guy is one of the few intriguing options in the mid-rounds. It'll be interesting to see how his stock moves in the offseason.

 

[BINGO]

Not a fan of this draft at all but this guy is one of the few intriguing options in the mid-rounds. It'll be interesting to see how his stock moves in the offseason.

I like the 3-4 OLB prospects. ILB/MLB positions was loaded last year IMO. The 2014 class so far is looking to be awful. A pathetic class for corners and MLBs. But a pretty good class if you're looking for pass rushers IMO.

 

[BINGO]

Marqise Lee - WR - Trojans

USC junior WR Marqise Lee believes he could return following the school's bye week after suffering a severe knee sprain.

The Trojans are off this week following their significant loss to Arizona State, which led to the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin. Lee and Kiffin appeared to be on different pages the last few weeks, but hopefully the junior receiver is capable to suit up against Arizona on October 10. He's had a rough start to the season thanks to drops and poor quarterback play.
Source: Rahshaun Haylock on Twitter

Sep 30 - 9:10 AM

 

[BINGO]

Josh Norris
Josh Norris' Top 50 & QB Ranks
Saturday, September 28, 2013

Just like my pre-draft rankings, I have separated the quarterbacks from other positions (page two). Simply put, they are a different breed and if a team considers a quarterback prospect a quality player, he transcends rankings.

WHW = Where he wins. This is easily the most important part of every on-field evaluation.

The * indicates a non-senior prospect.



1. DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina*

WHW: Can launch out of his stance to get two or three steps in the backfield. Quick hands to shed immediately and has the length to create separation with strong grip to shed. Heavy latch with leverage and power to disengage. An extreme athlete who covers a lot of ground. Dips shoulders to evade or turn the corner. Also wins when asked to loop inside. Will appeal to every scheme. Mostly lines up as a right defensive end.




2. OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

WHW: The lightning quick pass rusher is able to gain an advantage on the edge and keep it thanks to his burst off the line, ability to cut off either foot towards the quarterback, and flexibility to bend around the corner. He closes distances quickly, which can be effective from a variety of alignments, and Barr is a punishing finisher.




3. T Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

WHW: Doesn’t sit back and wait, finds contact through his hands and is an aggressive blocker. Obtains inside hand positioning and adjusts if necessary. Athletic feet to keep proper shoulder alignment, which prevents bending from the waist. Displays ability to bend at the knee to absorb and redirect. Sets up cut blocks and drives through with force. Moving from right to left tackle.




4. DT Louis Nix, Notre Dame*

WHW: Lines up as a nose tackle or shade in a three man front. Can work over top of a block and create penetration at the same time. Stops momentum very quickly and changes direction well for a big man. Has the leg drive to penetrate face up and strength to shed it close spaces. Can disrupt the run upfield or hold his spot with anchor versus the run. Has some Vince Wilfork to him.




5. LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama

WHW: Very little wasted movement. Lines up as inside linebacker behind three and four man fronts. Has so much range, chases down athletic quarterbacks to the edge. Same range is visible in pass coverage. Contacts crossing routes and keeps footwork to sustain and trail. Works over top of blocks with quick steps. Keeps nice vision at the second level by strafing then attacks uphill. Will finish tackles.




6. WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson*

WHW: The combination of burst and smooth movements in and out of his breaks or after catch moves is great. Hands catcher away from his body. An explosive player with the ball in his hands, gets up to high gear very quickly. Will go across the middle and catch passes in tight windows. Cuts routes off very quickly. Has balance to stay up beyond first defender. Wins from slot or outside.




7. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama*
WHW: Has excellent length for the position. Controlled aggressiveness when closing towards the line of scrimmage. Not a watcher, he gets in the action. Reads run and reacts quickly, even from single high. Has seen time from free or strong safety. Capable in playing man and zone situations, either near or off the line of scrimmage. A really, really good safety.




8. CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State*

WHW: Attacks the jam or blocking receiver, frequently gets into the action. Will play off or press man coverage, attacks the catch point by cutting in front of the target. Even plays on special teams. Trails in close distances and prevents the sliver of separation at the catch point. Makes things difficult on the opposition.




9. DE Aaron Lynch, USF*

WHW: Very quick movements in tight spaces. Looked lean in 2011 and has lost weight since, which will make things interesting. Turns poor positioning into positive ones with length and foot speed. Plays high but lifts and shrugs to create leverage. If technique and pad level work out, watch out. Tough to designate left or right defensive end right now.




10. WR Marqise Lee, USC*

WHW: Long, lean strider. Best as a straight-line receiver. Doesn't mind chipping the edge when in motion or finishing off runs with low shoulder. Obvious burst of quickness in first or second step, then it builds after that. Lines up in the slot and outside, smooth runner in his breaks to avoid contact. Frequently sent in motion. Hands catcher. Can make people miss in the open field, but doesn't have outstanding lateral agility.




11. OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State*

WHW: Long and lean. Projects to weakside linebacker. His speed to the edge is excellent. There are some wasted movements when working the backside, but once the target and ally are located he gets there in a hurry. Zone drops are smooth. Asked to blitz from inside and on the edge. Takes tight angles into the backfield on edge runs.




12. DT Dominique Easley, Florida

WHW: Easley’s success inside compared to when on the edge is a no contest. His quickness to shoot face up gaps causes instant disruption, displaying quick hands to keep separation and a forward momentum. He impacts games when gaining promising positioning.




13. T Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama*

WHW: Left tackle. Does occasionally bend at the waist but is athletic enough to recover and regain balance. Best when keeping separation thanks to great length. Can get a bit short in his drops, but again, has the athletic lower half to react and keep positioning. Better in pass protection than run blocking.




14. CB Jason Verrett, TCU

WHW: Active player who doesn’t wait to react. Keeps close trailing distance and makes tackle for loss on crossing route by forcing receiver back. Quick in his movements once diagnosing and locating. Has great vision, baits quarterbacks from off man with success. Coverage versatile. Hides blitz very well.




15. DT Will Sutton, Arizona State

WHW: Sutton takes advantage of space. Whether it be shooting past reach blocks in the sliver of time afforded to him thanks to an animated first step and forward lean, or hand use and quick feet to generate that separation on his own, Sutton finishes with closing speed. His flexibility to bend and gain positive positioning is tough to find.



16. OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo



17. T Seantrel Henderson, Miami



18. TE Colt Lyerla, Oregon*

WHW: Used everywhere, including as an inline target, H-back, and as a receiver. Some will point to size/lean build, but he gets after it and attacks the second level. Goes up and gets it over the middle in traffic. Can really shoot out his stance and get down the seam in a hurry.



19. TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech



20. TE Eric Ebron, UNC*

 

[BINGO]

21. CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State



22. T Taylor Lewan, Michigan

WHW: Wide stance, wants to find contact through his hands. Has an aggressive mentality, but that can get him in trouble. Even if positioning is off balance, his strong base helps anchor and stop momentum. Better run blocker than pass protector, but wins when gaining a latch in either situation. Asked to pull inside and lead blocks well.




23. WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M*



24. T Antonio Richardson, Tennessee*

WHW: Attacks defender’s shoulder in the running game with strong first contact. A bit top heavy with forward lean in pass protection but feet stay in solid positioning. Initial pass set is quick, would like to see knee bend and strong plant to redirect momentum.




25. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin*



26. CB Marcus Roberson, Florida*



27. DL Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame*



28. DB Lamarcus Joyner, FSU



29. LB Kyle Van Noy, BYU



30. T Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M*



31. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington*

WHW: Inline target who has the movement skills to play detached in the slot. Willing to block and improving in that area, even at the second level. Absorbs contact at the catch point, strong in that area. Not a quick twitch athlete, short catches usually stay short, but very reliable in intermediate to downfield areas.




32. LB Ronald Powell, Florida



33. WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State*



34. CB Ifo Ekpre-Olumu, Oregon*

WHW: Field side corner. Won’t always engage blockers but will attack full speed when lining up ball carriers in the open field. Attempts to disrupt catch point when receiver high points target. Top end closing speed. Mirrors in tight man coverage but also displays press bail skills.



35. LB Telvin Smith, FSU



36. DT Daniel McCullers, Tennessee

WHW: Carries his weight so well. Moves north and south with athleticism and generates push despite lack of leverage. Typically lines up as a one technique and will keep double teams readjusting and shuffling back to anchor. This slotting is a projection, but expect his development to continue.




37. WR Brandon Coleman, Rutgers*

WHW: Just a massive target who has underrated straight-line speed when up to top gear. Long strider. Could improve with consistency in contested situations and high pointing. Wants to get upfield and fight for yards after the catch immediately. Seems to understand his movement limitations. Smooth mover.




38. WR Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma

WHW: Freakish in his quick twitch movements. Can excel from the slot. Will work in traffic and then will make the most after the catch. Adjust to poor placement quickly and immediately gets upfield. Sets up defenders by slowing down then using burst to create separation. Has long speed as well.




39. DL Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota

WHW: Frequently used as one technique and three technique in a four man front, but best bet might be three or five technique in a three man. Has an anchor despite loss of leverage. Isn’t able to work in space enough, but has good athleticism. Expect him to take another step in development.




40. G Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA*

WHW: Athletic blocker with a thick lower half. Quick and active hands. Needs to keep his feet more. Works easily from one blocker to another against twists and stunts. Finds contact at second level, through hands and presses immediately.




41. OLB Adrian Hubbard, Alabama*



42. OW De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon*



43. DE Scott Crichton, Oregon State*



44. CB Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida*



45. T Cameron Erving, FSU*



46. WR Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss*



47. LB Christian Jones, FSU



48. G Cyril Richardson, Baylor



49. DE Vic Beasley, Clemson*



50. CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech

 

[BINGO]

Jimmy Garoppolo - QB - Panthers

NFL.com's Gil Brandt believes Eastern Illinois senior QB Jimmy Garoppolo is a potential Top-100 pick.

Garoppolo has decent size (6-foot-2, 222 pounds) and athleticism; more importantly, he's absolutely shredding the FCS level once again in 2013. A four-year starter, Garoppolo passed former EIU All-American Tony Romo in career touchdown passes in last week's blowout win over Eastern Kentucky (Garoppolo's 88 TD connections rank 22nd in FCS history). Garoppolo is a confident player who processes information quickly and can pick defenses apart in the short-to-intermediate game. This is an under-the-radar prospect to keep an eye on.
Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter

Oct 1 - 1:23 PM

 

[BINGO]

Aaron Murray - QB - Bulldogs

SI's Andy Staples ranks Georgia senior QB Aaron Murray as the No. 8 overall draft prospect.

Murray apparently jumped from No. 15 to No. 8 this week. "Murray has shed the can’t-win-the-big-games tag," Staples writes. "If he keeps playing this way, he’ll be visiting New York in December." We have always been impressed with Murray as a rhythm thrower in a clean pocket, but he has improved his success in the face of pressure.
Source: MMQB

Oct 1 - 5:30 PM

 

[BINGO]

This is two weeks old, but still something to entertain ourselves with:

2014 NFL Draft Board: Johnny Manziel, A.J. McCarron, Mike Evans rise | The MMQB with Peter King

 

[BINGO]

Draft Prospect Notes: Week 5
Wednesday, October 02, 2013




Wisconsin senior WR Jared Abbrederis

I’d wager many who previewed this contest likely predicted Ohio State redshirt junior CB Bradley Roby would get the better of Abbrederis. They, including myself, could not have been more wrong. Abbrederis consistently lined up on the outside in single coverage against the highly touted corner. The senior used free releases to his advantage, running straight at Roby and breaking his route off once the corner abandoned his back pedal. Some might suggest Abbrederis was given too much cushion, but I believe he created it with fluid movements and precision. Separation is one skill that seems to transcend every level of football, but Abbrederis also made things happen with Roby draped over him, winning in contested situations. This surprised me. Roby is a physical corner, but Abbrederis showed proper timing and reliable hands in 50/50 situations.




Virginia Tech senior CB Kyle Fuller

Hokie senior corner Kyle Fuller has been featured here before thanks to his coverage ability. That facet of his game was overshadowed against Georgia Tech’s ground game, but Fuller rose to the occasion in his run defense. Playing the WHIP role, a glorified range linebacker, Fuller was forced to make a stand at the point of attack on multiple occasions while also displaying tight angles and closing speed from the backside. We doubt he moves off the edge in the NFL, but with the growing importance of versatile defensive backs in nickel packages, teams will appreciate his willingness and success in this situation.




Texas A&M junior T Cedric Ogbuehi

I’ll keep driving this train until someone notices. Senior left tackle Jake Matthews receives a lot of attention, deservedly so, but Ogbuehi is a legitimate first-round talent. Although lacking in buzz, Arkansas deployed two capable pass rushers in Chris Smith and Trey Flowers, but Ogbuehi and Matthews consistently kept the pocket clean. NFL evaluators covet length and lower body agility for offensive linemen, and Ogbuehi is outstanding in both categories. The future Combine star finds first contact through his hands, keeping opponents in his grasp and preventing separation. Ogbuehi does have the athleticism to mirror laterally and plant, bend, and redirect momentum after absorbing a bull rush to the chest. He’s the real deal and a possible left tackle, even if we haven’t seen him there in college.




Stanford senior LB Shayne Skov

The Cardinal inside linebacker made a name for himself in 2010 and the early parts of 2011, but a season ending injury that same season developed rust in the veteran’s game last season. Skov just doesn’t have the same range, quickness, and pop on first contact to impact games like he used to. Stanford ran a lot of zone against Mike Leach’s up tempo, quick hitting offense. As expected, Skov took a lot of wasted steps on the middle sections of the field. He was frequently asked to flow and chase from the backside, which showed mix results. I consider Skov at his best when moving forward, but a possible liability in other areas that will be exploited.




Oregon State junior WR Brandin Cooks

Obviously former teammate Markus Wheaton became a well known name during last year’s draft process thanks for his vertical ability and fairly mature route running. As good as Wheaton was and is, I wouldn’t bet against Cooks becoming the better player. The same speed to stretch defenses is there, but Cooks burst off the line with explosion and shows the same determination at the catch point in contested situations. His frame will be knocked, but Cooks is the real deal. He belongs in the tier below Clemson’s Sammy Watkins.

 

[BINGO]

Aaron Colvin - DB - Sooners

NFL.com's Charles Davis believes Oklahoma senior Aaron Colvin plays both CB and S very well.

"Corner is his more natural position, but he can play both spots very well," Davis writes. "He excels at diagnosing and can help set up a defense before the snap. His tackling is sound, too. He's a leader. His teammates gravitate to him and follow him." We tend not to focus on a program's history at certain positions, but it is difficult to not question the failing success of Oklahoma defensive backs in the NFL.
Source: NFL.com

Oct 2 - 10:50 AM

 

[NinerSickness]

Aaron Colvin - DB - Sooners

NFL.com's Charles Davis believes Oklahoma senior Aaron Colvin plays both CB and S very well.

"Corner is his more natural position, but he can play both spots very well," Davis writes. "He excels at diagnosing and can help set up a defense before the snap. His tackling is sound, too. He's a leader. His teammates gravitate to him and follow him." We tend not to focus on a program's history at certain positions, but it is difficult to not question the failing success of Oklahoma defensive backs in the NFL.
Source: NFL.com

Oct 2 - 10:50 AM

Funny. They exact same thing was said about Mike Rumph. I'm not saying Colvin will buts; just pointing that coincidence out.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Funny. They exact same thing was said about Mike Rumph. I'm not saying Colvin will buts; just pointing that coincidence out.

I don't think Mike Rumph was buts either.

 

[NinerSickness]

I don't think Mike Rumph was buts either.

D'oh!

 

[BINGO]

Ed Reynolds - DB - Cardinal

Stanford expects redshirt junior S Ed Reynolds to leave for the NFL following the season, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.

"Scouts love Reynolds," Pauline declared. "They love his ball skills. They love the physical nature of his game, the fact that he can play the pass and is very physical in the run game." Pauline notes Reynolds could be a top 75 selection. The safety missed the 2011 season due to an ACL injury.
Source: Draft Insider Podcast

Oct 3 - 11:04 AM

 

[BINGO]

Johnny Manziel - QB - Aggies

Texas A&M redshirt sophomore QB Johnny Manziel is now NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks No. 1 player at the position.

"Say what you want about Manziel's cocky demeanor, the kid balls out when his team needs him to play well," Brooks begins. "With few players capable of rivaling Manziel's big-game ability, it's time to return the Heisman Trophy winner to the top of the charts." Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater, Clemson's Tajh Boyd, and LSU's Zach Mettenberger round out the top five.
Source: NFL.com

Oct 3 - 9:17 AM

 

[BINGO]

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - DB - Crimson

Tide NFL.com's Chase Goodbread is hearing Alabama junior S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix's suspension is not drug related.
Source: Chase Goodbread on Twitter

Oct 3 - 12:28 PM

 

[NinerSickness]

So we're 4 weeks into the college season. Time to look at some of my favourites from the offseason.

Preseason Favourites:

Donte Moncrief. Having a slow start IMO. When the season started, Kiper didn't have him in his top 50. At one point Kipe had him 9th overall, and then he moved to 19th the next week. Hope his stock stays low 'cause the dude can ball.

Louis Nix: Looking like a top 10 pick. Wanted him last year, but he didn't enter.

Bradley Roby: Had a terrible day on Saturday; hope he continues to struggle so the Niners can get him. He could probably help the team more than anyone else in college football IMO.

Marqise Lee: USC is having a bad year, and Lane Kiffin may be fired. Good for the Niners if they want Lee, who would help the team tremendously IMO. Still like him a little better than Watkins despite the strong season Watkins & Clemson is having, but my opinion may be skewed by Watkins possibly having an injury last year.

Jason Verrett: Looking like a top 20 pick.

Antonio Richardson: Tennessee is struggling, but he's doing well.

Ronald Powell: Not sure.

James Stone: Still not sure if he's a figment of my imagination or not. Nobody else in the world knows who he is.

Preseason not-so-favourites:

David Yankee: Hasn't changed my mind.

Stephon Tuitt: He's had a rough start, but now that his stock is low he's become one of my favourites. In the preseason, people were talking about him like he was better than his teammate Nix (Irish Chocolate was always my favourite). Glad he's struggling.

Timmy Jernigan: Thought he was probably one of the most overrated players in college football. Hasn't changed my mind.

Wild Cards:

Dominique Easley. Could he be the next Tank?

Seantrel Henderson: A mountain of a man, but can he stay healthy & keep his weight under control? I vaguely remember Pozz telling me he's somewhat of a screw up too.