A lot of stuff discussed elsewhere ..... but kind of nice to have it al together in 1 place.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2010/04/tony.htmlTony Grossi's NFL Draft scouting report: A position-by-position guide
By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer
April 17, 2010, 12:13AM
The NFL Draft takes place April 22-24. The Plain Dealer's pro football writer scans the boards and rates the top players at each position.
NOTE TO READERS: Heights, weights and 40 times are the official figures posted at the NFL Combine or, in some cases, at the player's pro day workout. Information for these analyses was gathered from interviews with players, coaches and NFL executives at the NFL Combine and NFL owners meetings, or with other league sources, or with interviews with ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, and NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. Invaluable research was provided by NFLdraftscout.com, Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview and Lindy's Pro Football Draft.
QUARTERBACK
Injuries in the 2009 season to Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy helped to make Tim Tebow the most talked-about passer during the scouting season. Tebow worked hard to improve his poor throwing mechanics and establish himself as a first-round talent. There's no shortage of developmental prospects after the top four.
Ranking the top five:
1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Ht: 6-41/4. Wt: 236. 40 time: 4.79.
Comment: Extremely accurate thrower who proved repaired right shoulder was sound.
2. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Ht: 6-25/8. Wt: 222. 40 time: 4.76.
Comment: Didn't eclipse Brady Quinn's
records in three years of Charlie Weis offense.
3. Colt McCoy, Texas
Ht: 6-11/8. Wt: 216. 40 time: 4.79.
Comment: Ultraproductive and spunky, invoking comparisons to Drew Brees.
4. Tim Tebow, Florida
Ht: 6-23/8. Wt: 236. 40 time: 4.71.
Comment: Trying to overcome mechanical flaws and history of failed Gators QBs.
5. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
Ht: 6-53/4. Wt: 223. 40 time: 4.90.
Comment: Late bloomer had a great two-season run. He's a skinny one.
Best of the rest
There could be another dozen quarterbacks drafted. The next wave probably starts in the third round with Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour (shotgun thrower), Fordham's John Skelton (great size), West Virginia's Jarrett Brown (great arm) and Tennessee's Jonathan Crompton (pro-style experience). Tim Hiller (super smart) of Western Michigan and Parma could be a late-round pick.
Best fit for Browns
Mike Holmgren knows he may not find his franchise quarterback in the second round, but he'll take a stab at one. With Bradford likely out of reach, the hunch is that McCoy fits his offensive style best. If he likes him a lot, he uses his second pick on him. If there's some hesitation, maybe he moves up and catches him with his third pick.
RUNNING BACK
Running back-by-committee is entrenched in the NFL mindset these days. The idea of having complementary backs (a big downhill runner, a scatback who can catch, etc.) is prevalent because so many NFL workhorse backs hit the wall at the age of 30. Spreading the workload is now the norm. This trend elevates the draft status of all college backs. There's plenty to choose from this year.
Ranking the top five:
1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
Ht: 5-105/8. Wt: 196. 40 time: 4.27.
Comment: One of the fastest players in the draft, his all-purpose skills make him the top back.
2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Ht: 5-115/8. Wt: 218. 40 time: 4.37.
Comment: Best of the traditional workhorses, he led nation with 150.6 yards per game and a 6.55-yard rush average.
3. Jahvid Best, California
Ht: 5-101/8. Wt: 199. 40 time: 4.34.
Comment: Injury history puts him behind Spiller in "mighty mite" class.
4. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Ht: 5-111/4. Wt: 229. 40 time: 4.64.
Comment: A tackle-busting inside runner with the "one-cut" style to get him to the open field.
5. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Ht: 6-03/4. Wt: 233. 40 time: 4.67.
Comment: Not a home run hitter, but he can be a 1,200-yard back in the NFL.
Best of the rest
Montario Hardesty of Tennessee would be one of the first backs taken if not for a speckled injury history. Dexter McCluster of Mississippi is an Eric Metcalf, all-purpose threat, but is one of the smallest players in the draft (5-83/4, 172 pounds). Stanford's Toby Gerhart is the best fullback and can double as a tailback.
Best fit for Browns
The acquisition of Peyton Hillis in the Brady Quinn trade relieved the pressure of adding a big back to complement 2009 late-season sensation Jerome Harrison. With the expected return of James Davis and a full off-season in the program for Chris Jennings, the Browns appear comfortable going into the season with what they've got. They have worked out LSU's Charles Scott, however.
DEFENSIVE SECONDARY
The demand for defensive backs -- corners and safeties -- has never been greater. One change, though, is that safeties with coverage skills have taken on greater importance than the big, hard-hitting, in-the-box safeties. This draft has more quality at safety, but there is no shortage of cornerbacks capable of playing in the NFL. Typically, this position sends more players to the NFL than any other.
Ranking the top five
1. Eric Berry, Tennessee
Ht: 5-115/8. Wt: 211. 40 time: 4.40.
Comment: Gifted safety who can affect games with turnovers. Invokes Ed Reed comparisons.
2. Earl Thomas, Texas
Ht: 5-101/4. Wt: 202. 40 time: 4.43.
Comment: Smaller than Berry, but faster. Some have him rated slightly ahead as best safety.
3. Joe Haden, Florida
Ht: 5-103/4. Wt: 193. 40 time: 4.52.
Comment: Held on to top spot among cornerbacks with improved 40 times on pro day.
4. Devin McCourty, Rutgers
Ht: 5-103/4. Wt: 193. 40 time: 4.38.
Comment: High character, speed and athleticism, and dynamic special teams play thrust him up the board among corners.
5. Kyle Wilson, Boise State
Ht: 5-10. Wt: 194. 40 time: 4.43.
Comment: A playmaking corner who led nation with three punt returns for TDs.
Best of the rest
There's a bunch of safeties who could go in the second and third rounds, including Taylor Mays of Southern Cal, Nate Allen of South Florida, T.J. Ward of Oregon, Chad Jones of LSU, Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech, Larry Asante of Nebraska and Major Wright of Florida. The next wave of cornerbacks starts in the bottom of the first round and consists of Patrick Robinson of Florida State, Jerome Murphy of South Florida, Kareem Jackson of Alabama and Chris Cook of Virginia.
Best fit for Browns
Berry would be a smart pick at No. 7. The Browns haven't had a playmaking safety since Eric Turner was drafted No. 2 overall in 1991. The need back there is great. If Berry's not available, they could turn to Thomas. In any case, addressing safety and cornerback is imperative among the first three picks. McCourty fits Eric Mangini's core values model to a tee, but he might not last until the second round.
LINEBACKER
Only four middle linebackers have been taken in the first round since 2000. Even Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis fell into the second round last year. But it appears the best linebacker in this draft could be Alabama's Rolando McClain, who is destined to play inside. There are plenty of hybrid rushers that project to outside linebacker in the NFL's 3-4, headed by Brandon Graham of Michigan and Sergio Kindle of Texas.
Ranking the top five
1. Rolando McClain, Alabama
Ht: 6-33/8. Wt: 249. 40 time: 4.68.
Comment: Has the size, athletic ability and football intellect to play immediately.
2. Brandon Graham, Michigan
Ht: 6-13/8. Wt: 268. 40 time: 4.71.
Comment: Production and work ethic trump his lack of height. A college end who should convert to outside linebacker in a 3-4.
3. Sergio Kindle, Texas
Ht: 6-27/8. Wt: 250. 40 time: 4.65.
Comment: Prototypical hybrid pass rusher. He's got some off-field issues that may concern teams.
4. Sean Witherspoon, Missouri
Ht: 6-11/4. Wt: 239. 40 time: 4.62.
Comment: A "chaser" on the outside with an upbeat, infectious demeanor. Some say he talks too much.
5. Jerry Hughes, Texas Christian
Ht: 6-13/4. Wt: 255. 40 time: 4.65.
Comment: His size may direct him to the hybrid rusher role. He could be an instant force in sub defenses as an edge rusher.
Best of the rest
Other hybrid rushers (college ends projecting to 3-4 linebackers) include Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Thaddeus Gibson of Ohio State, Koa Misi of Utah and Ricky Sapp of Clemson. Other inside linebackers to note are Sean Lee of Penn State and Brandon Spikes of Florida. Daryl Washington of Texas Christian, Donald Butler of Washington and Navorro Bowman of Penn State are 4-3 outside linebackers.
Best fit for Browns
The Browns' 40 sacks last year were greater than the totals posted by 2009 playoff participants Cincinnati (34), the Jets (32), Green Bay (37), New Orleans (35), New England (31), Baltimore (32), Indianapolis (34) and San Diego (35). So landing a so-called pass rush specialist may not be the urgent need some believe. The addition of Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, plus the expected return to health of D'Qwell Jackson, makes this a crowded field already.
DEFENSIVE LINE
This is the deepest class in recent memory, loaded with blue-chippers like Ndamakung Suh and Gerald McCoy at the top and immediate contributors well into the middle rounds. The beauty of this class -- coaches will say -- is that more quality exists at the interior positions, which is good news for 3-4 defensive teams anxious to groom young nose tackles.
Ranking the top five:
1. Ndamakung Suh, Nebraska
Ht: 6-37/8. Wt: 307. 40 time: 5.03.
Comment: Dominated the college game and seems capable of adjusting to any defensive system.
2. Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Ht: 6-41/8. Wt: 295. 40 time: 5.04.
Comment: Not quite as stout as Suh, but a better inside penetrator.
3. Jared Odrick, Penn State
Ht: 6-5. Wt: 304. 40 time: 5.03.
Comment: A Richard Seymour-type who is not flashy but fundamentally sound and versatile. He can play end in a 3-4 or either tackle in a 4-3.
4. Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
Ht: 6-3. Wt: 266. 40 time: 4.77.
Comment: The best pure 4-3 defensive end. He's too big to convert to outside linebacker.
5. Dan Williams, Tennessee
Ht: 6-2. Wt: 327. 40 time: 5.19.
Comment: Space-eating nose tackle who developed swiftly in one season under former NFL assistant Monte Kiffin.
Best of the rest
There are capable interior linemen in later rounds, including Brian Price of UCLA, massive Terrence Cody of Alabama, Al Woods of LSU, Linval Joseph of East Carolina, Torell Troup of Central Florida and Lamarr Houston of Texas. The list of traditional 4-3 ends picks up with Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida, Tyson Alualu of California, Everson Griffen of Southern Cal, Carlos Dunlap of Florida and Corey Wootten of Northwestern. All these players may be gone by the fourth round.
Best fit for the Browns
Three prominent players on the defensive front are over 30 -- Shaun Rogers (31), Kenyon Coleman (31 in April) and Robaire Smith (32). Corey Williams was traded to Detroit. So there's a real need for a 3-4 end. Odrick, whose character is impeccable, fits the bill. Later-round possibilities are Woods, Joseph and, at nose, Troup.
RECEIVER/TIGHT END
Everyone's looking for the dominant receiver -- physical and fast -- who stretches defenses and puts 10 to 14 touchdowns on the board every season. The fact is, even the elite college receivers struggle adjusting to the NFL. The prevailing attitude is to resist the temptation to pick a receiver high. This is a good year to abide by that strategy and avoid adding a diva to the locker room.
Ranking the top five
1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Ht: 6-2. Wt: 224. 40 time: 4.52.
Comment: Tremendously talented. Troubling background screams "buyer beware."
2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Ht: 6-1. Wt: 219. 40 time: 4.57.
Comment: Combine testing improved his stock; looks like a solid West Coast-style receiver.
3. Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Ht: 5-101/4. Wt: 199. 40 time: 4.42.
Comment: Competitive, tough, physical, and reminiscent of Hines Ward.
4. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Ht: 6-31/4. Wt: 224. 40 time: 4.40.
Comment: Broken foot in February, and inconsistent hands, are obvious demerits.
5. Damian Williams, Southern Cal
Ht: 6-05/8. Wt: 197. 40 time: 4.52.
Comment: Thin frame is a concern, but was a consistent playmaker in an elite program.
Best of the rest
The next wave has good receivers who lack elite speed, including Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati, Eric Decker of Minnesota and Brandon LaFell of LSU. A deep tight end class is headed by Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma, Rob Gronkowski of Arizona, Dennis Pitta of Brigham Young and Aaron Hernandez of Florida.
Best fit for the Browns
Mike Holmgren said the team wants to add a receiver with elite speed. They have visited with and worked out Clemson's Jacoby Ford, whose 4.22 40 time at the Combine was the second-fastest this decade. He's 5-87/8 and 186 pounds and is not the most polished route-runner. Another possibility is Taylor Price of Ohio University, who has 4.40 speed and opened eyes at the Senior Bowl.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The proliferation of the passing game in college breeds a class of offensive left tackles more prepared for the edge pass rushers of the NFL. The top of this year's class rivals that of 2008 when a record eight were taken in the first round and started as rookies. There are also solid first-round choices at guard and center.
Ranking the top five
1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
Ht: 6-51/4. Wt: 307. 40 time: 5.18.
Comment: Prototypical size, strength and agility, highly competitive and flawless character.
2. Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Ht: 6-53/8. Wt: 315. 40 time: 5.20.
Comment: Very polished and versatile under coach Kirk Ferentz; could settle in at any position but center.
3. Trent Williams, Oklahoma
Ht: 6-45/8. Wt: 315. 40 time: 4.81.
Comment: The most athletically gifted, but not the most passionate player.
4. Mike Iupati, Idaho
Ht: 6-51/8. Wt: 331. 40 time: 5.24.
Comment: Raw talent who could start at guard and eventually right tackle.
5. Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Ht: 6-41/2. Wt: 304. 40 time: 5.25.
Comment: The center is a powerful mauler who could start immediately at guard or center.
Best of the rest
Other tackles projected as possible first-round picks include Anthony Davis of Rutgers, Bruce Campbell of Maryland, Charles Brown of Southern California, Bedford's Roger Saffold of Indiana and Vladimir Ducasse of Massachusetts.
Best fit for the Browns
Like most teams, the Browns want their linemen to be versatile, able to play two positions. Their weak spot obviously is on the right side, so a combination tackle-guard who can be a road-grader, run-blocking force is preferable. Iupati fits the bill. Although he played left guard, he is seen as a future right tackle.
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