1 Andrew Luck* QB 6040 234 4.67 Stanford Improved in all phases of his game in 2011 including ball placement, touch, accuracy moving left, play action fakes, and his ability to process information quickly.
2 Robert Griffin III* QB 6023 223 4.41 Baylor Is a polished passer with good arm strength. He possesses good footwork and balance in the pocket with the ability to create and extend plays.
3 Trent Richardson* RB 5092 228 4.48 Alabama A powerful back who presses the hole with balance and a strong lower body. He regularly breaks the first tackle attempt. Total package of running skills, receiving ability, and blocking courage.
4 Matt Kalil* OT 6065 306 4.96 USC Was voted the Morris Award in the Pac-10. The Morris Award is unique in that it is earned by a vote of the league’s defensive linemen. Kalil is the younger brother of the Panthers’ Ryan Kalil. The rangy knee bending left tackle also blocked two field goals and two PATs this fall.
5 Morris Claiborne* DC 5111 188 4.52 LSU Physical in man to man coverage. Elevated his game during his junior year playing opposite sophomore sensation Tyrann Mathieu. Plays the ball in the air. Athletic with good ball skills.
6 Justin Blackmon* WR 6007 207 4.49 Oklahoma State A physical and athletic receiver who has big play DNA. Has the ability and desire to reach, extend, and lay out for the ball. A clutch receiver who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Has had problems in some games with drops and ball security. Speed will determine where he'll be drafted.
7 David DeCastro* OG 6047 316 5.32 Stanford The best guard coming out since Steve Hutchinson in 2001. DeCastro is intense, explosive, patient, and has excellent recoverability in pass protection.
8 Riley Reiff* OT 6056 313 5.16 Iowa A fundamentally sound technician who gives a consistent effort week after week. A physical player who uses his hands effectively and plays with a good base.
9 Fletcher Cox* DT/DE 6040 298 4.77 Mississippi State Junior entry. Explosive up field player that can play both DT and DE. He collected 56 tackles including 14.5 for losses,five sacks and 3 QB hurries
10 Quinton Coples DE/DT 6056 284 4.75 North Carolina Features a jackrabbit start as an edge pass rusher. Has the flexibility to play as an end in the 4-3 or five technique in a 3-4 scheme.
11 Luke Kuechly* IB 6032 242 4.59 Boston College Sometimes the term tackling machine can be overstated, but not in the case of Kuechly. He made 191 tackles in 2011 averaging 15.9 tackles per game. Intense, focused, and instinctive.
12 Michael Floyd WR 6025 220 4.42 Notre Dame A power player similar to Terrell Owens in his play but faster. Excellent ball skills, hand catching ability, and run after catch power.
13 Michael Brockers* DT 6045 322 5.31 LSU Red shirt soph.Started 14 games in his career. In 2011 had 9.5 tackles for loss.He had 6 tackles in the SEC Championship game vs Georgia
14 Stephon Gilmore DC 6004 190 4.38 South Carolina Good size, athletic ability, loose hips, good in transition, physical in run support..all the tools to start as a rookie
15 Andre Branch DE/OB 6042 259 4.67 Clemson Has a good use of hands to leverage and disengage blocker at the point of attack. Uses a variety of pass rush moves. Disruptive in his play.Branch was in on 85 tackles including 17 for losses of 86 yds. He had 10.5 sacks,17 QB pressures and 1 PBU
16 Jonathan Martin* OT 6053 312 5.1 Stanford Pops his hands up quickly and locks onto the breast plate of a defender. Plays square in pass protection and is physical on down blocks.
17 Whitney Mercilus* DE 6035 261 4.68 Illinois Has explosive first step quickness off the ball. Gains an advantage with his long arms and big hands. Always going for the strip. Can get turned on double teams at times.One year wonder just learning how to play.
18 Courtney Upshaw DE 6015 272 4.75 Alabama It looks more and more like Upshaw may be a 4-3 run stuffing left end.Physical player that gets cut alot. Has experience at rush 3-4 end but plays better going forward than going back.
19 Mark Barron SS 6010 213 4.55 Alabama A big time run enforcer. All opposing wide receivers know where he’s at when going across the middle. Sudden to get downhill when supporting the run. Good instincts to read and react quickly.
20 Dre Kirkpatrick* DC 6015 186 4.54 Alabama Alabama’s cover corner and has started 24 games. In 2011 he has 9 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. A linear corner with good ball skills.
21 Cordy Glenn OT 6056 345 5.08 Georgia Played left tackle in 2011 but has experience at right and left guard. An athlete with good initial quickness and body control. Plays with good base and balance.
22 Devon Still DT 6047 303 5.01 Penn State A big, defensive tackle who can penetrate a gap or shed and move down the line to make a play. Flashes good quickness and athletic ability. Can manhandle many offensive linemen he plays against, but lost the one on one battles inside versus Wisconsin.
23 Melvin Ingram OLB 6014 264 4.74 South Carolina Collected 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also intercepted two passes, was credited with six quarterback hurries and scored three touchdowns, including a 68-yard run on a fake punt in the Gamecocks' win at Georgia.A player without a position.Had a good week of practice beating blockers in one-on-one competition, but in the game he did not make one sack, tackle, batted pass, etc. His arm length of 30 ½” is major concern. He struggled to disengage from the best pass protectors. He is explosive, quick, and athletic. He looks like a 3-4 rush end, a spot that was unavailable in the Senior Bowl Game because of the rules.
24 Dontari Poe* NT 6034 346 4.93 Memphis In three years Poe made 101 tackles,21.5 TFL, 5 Sacks, 4 PBU and 4 FF against a finge level of competion. Has talent.
25 Nick Perry* DE 6026 271 4.59 USC A high motor, great effort edge player with excellent quickness. He gave Stanford’s Jonathan Martin a battle in the overtime game. Perry had 9 ½ sacks and 13 tackles for loss, totaling 54 tackles.
26 Mike Adams OT 6072 323 5.34 Ohio State Missed the first five games but when he returned, his footwork was smooth in pass protection and on combo blocks. Demonstrates good awareness and mobility on blitz pickup. Works to finish. Strong Senior Bowl
27 Zach Brown OB 6012 244 4.44 North Carolina He built on his strong junior year with 91 tackles, 11 ½ tackles for loss, 5 ½ sacks, 10 passes broken up, and 6 QB hurries.
28 Peter Konz* OC 6050 314 5.2 Wisconsin Dislocated his left ankle in the Minnesota game and missed the lastthree games of the season. Athletic and mobile, he is quick to gain position on a defender. Solid zone blocker in run game and aware in pass protection
29 Coby Fleener TE 6060 247 4.49 Stanford A very smart and aware TE that was Andrew Luck's favorite target. Played in a rotation with several TEs
30 Doug Martin RB 5092 223 4.55 Boise State Has the talent to be a feature back with running skills & bulldog determination
31 Jerel Worthy* DT 6023 308 5.03 Michigan State A wide bodied run stuffer who collected 8 ½ tackles for loss and 3 ½ sacks.
32 Dont`a Hightower* IB 6022 265 4.62 Alabama Upshaw’s teammate, is a physical run stuffer with strength and ability to shed quickly at the point of attack.
33 Kendall Reyes DT 6041 299 4.82 Connecticut Film & Senior Bowl Notes: Stuffs the inside running lanes with push and power. Presses the pocket rushing the passer.Versatile enough to play in the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. Has a quick first step to penetrate gaps. An extra effort player who will finish a play. Forces plays deep because of his penetration. Wins more one-on-one battles than he loses.
34 Stephen Hill* WR 6040 215 4.31 Georgia Tech A big and fast receiver that made 28 catches averaging 29 yards per catch in a run oriented option offense. Played vs Man to Man coverage most of the time.
35 Kendall Wright WR 5102 196 4.49 Baylor An explosive and electric wide receiver who will climb the ladder to go up and get the ball. Quick in and out of his breaks. Snatches the ball in his hands and quickly gets up the field. Plays both in the slot and at the “X” split end positions.
36 Janoris Jenkins DC 5100 193 4.41 North Alabama Dominated at Division II North Alabama after his suspension from Florida. Played more press man than he did for the Gators. Will contribute on all special teams returning and coverage. Will always be a high maintenance concern.
37 Alshon Jeffery* WR 6027 216 4.55 South Carolina A big, physical, and quick receiver who went through his junior year with inconsistent quarterbacks. Big frame, long arms, and catching radius. Matchup nightmare for defensive backs. Good downfield blocker.
38 Vinny Curry OLB/D 6031 266 4.88 Marshall Plays on his feet well enough to be a 3-4 edge pass rusher like Lamarr Woodley from the Steelers.
39 Alameda Ta'amu NT 6024 348 5.3 Washington Takes good angles and gives effort in short pursuit. Has the instincts and recognition to eat up space and do his job. Good functional strength at point of attack. Can control the blocker, separate, shed, and stuff the ball carrier from tackle to tackle. Agile enough to drop into coverage on zone blitz packages.
40 Jared Crick DT 6042 279 4.94 Nebraska Crick can be an inside 4-3 tackle or play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.Crick’s senior year was cut short because of a torn pectoral muscle injury. He played in only five games.
41 Alfonzo Dennard DC 5100 204 4.48 Nebraska Majors in press man or can play off man. Lines up nose to nose at times and reroutes receiver. Can track, trail, and play tight to receiver.
42 Ryan Tannehill QB 6037 221 4.65 Texas A&M An athletic quarterback that needs developmental time.
What if the Vikings take Richardson to team with Peterson and bring back the Wing T offense .........
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Quote: A 2009 study by professors from Fresno State University, the University of Georgia and Towson State found no connection between Wonderlic scores and performance during the first three years of a player's NFL career. The group studied 762 players from the 2002, 2003 and 2004 draft classes.
John W. Michel, an assistant professor at Towson University who co-authored the study, told the Washington Post: "We found in no cases was cognitive ability related to (football) performance. We did find a negative relationship for tight ends and defensive backs. For defensive backs, it was the most pronounced; basically, the lower you scored on the Wonderlic, the better you performed."
Being familar with the DB position,you don't have to have a high ability to read and considering he's got a learning disability,they can get him a tutor ,show him fil and tell him this is what happens when you see this set, or that ..basically he needs to be aware of his responsibilty..watch line fakes(faking a run into a pass option)..it's not something that will slow him down a lot. The thing that will slow him down is two fold: 1-Heard he doesn't love to hit/tackle 2-He's not fluid in turning his hips out of a backpedal and running with his man..thats the # 1 thing I look for in a corner.
Quote: 1-Heard he doesn't love to hit/tackle 2-He's not fluid in turning his hips out of a backpedal and running with his man..thats the # 1 thing I look for in a corner.
I agree with #1, it's my biggest knock on him -- but not sure at all where you are getting #2 - Claiborne has the most fluid turn of any CB i've ever seen - it's by far his #1 strength.
He's a little stiff..I've seen him going underneath on coverage and he looked..tight ,having to adjust on the run..I don't think it's a big knock..but I noticed it.
Quote: He's a little stiff..I've seen him going underneath on coverage and he looked..tight ,having to adjust on the run..I don't think it's a big knock..but I noticed it.
He's like the guy Philly picked up last year in FA ... In that he is/will be much better in man on man, then in a zone coverage.
Quote: He's a little stiff..I've seen him going underneath on coverage and he looked..tight ,having to adjust on the run..I don't think it's a big knock..but I noticed it.
Agent change another question mark for Janoris Jenkins Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2012, 9:47 AM EDT 2012 NFL Combine Getty Images
Janoris Jenkins is one of the biggest question marks in this year’s NFL draft. He’s undeniably talented — among the most talented cornerbacks in the draft — but off-field legal trouble, his dismissal from Florida and his four kids by three women are among the issues that have teams wondering if he’s more trouble than he’s worth.
And now there’s another issue with Jenkins: The curious case of his changing agents.
Tom Curran of CSNNE.com wrote early this week that the news of Jenkins leaving his agent, Ben Dogra at CAA, isn’t going to allay any concerns about him. Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal wrote that agent Malik Shareef is now representing Jenkins.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with a player changing agents — plenty of good players do it every year. But Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Jenkins was fired by his agent, adding, “You’ve got to be pretty shady for agent to fire player.”
Jenkins may turn out to be a great NFL player, but if he’s trying to alleviate any worries teams have about his stability off the field, his agent switch is not a great way to do that. web page
Pelini: Replacing David will be a team effort By Andrew Ward
Published: Sunday, April 1, 2012 Updated: Sunday, April 1, 2012 23:04
Lavonte David might as well wear size 20 shoes because the Nebraska defense will have a hard time filling them.
That’s why the NU players and coaches aren’t trying to fill those shoes, according to coach Bo Pelini.
“To sit there and say we will clone Lavonte David and say we will get the same kind of play and production out of that spot, it doesn’t work that way,” Pelini said.
The type of production Pelini was talking about was record-breaking. In just his first year as a Husker, David recorded a school-record 152 tackles in a single season. He finished with 285 tackles on his career, ranking him fourth all-time in tackles at Nebraska.
David swarmed to the ball on the field. He and Austin Cassidy led the team in interceptions last season with two apiece, while David also was in the backfield the most with a team-leading 5.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season.
How are the Huskers going to replace that kind of production? Pelini said it will need to be a combined effort.
“We have numbers at the linebacker spot and we will just see how it plays out and evaluate it and figure out the best combination as we go,” Pelini said. Will Compton returns to lead the Husker linebackers after a solid year a season ago. He ranked second to David in most defensive categories last year playing alongside him in the middle.
After Compton, though, the experience drops significantly for the backers.
Sean Fisher is a senior outside linebacker and has the most playing time in the group besides Compton. However, he has been injured the majority of his career, which has made it hard for him to develop any sort of consistency, Pelini said.
After Fisher and Compton, Alonzo Whaley and David Santos should share playing time for the other linebacker position in the middle, according to Pelini.
Whaley is a senior, but has received little playing time throughout his career at Nebraska, while this will be Santos’ first year playing in Memorial Stadium for the Huskers after redshirting his freshman year.
Sophomore Trevor Roach could receive some early playing time as well, according to Pelini. Pelini also said Whaley showed improvement in the offseason and developed to compete for the starting role.
Talks with David helped him with that development Pelini is talking about, according to Whaley.
“(David) might shoot words of encouragement a couple of days in the week to me,” Whaley said. “You know like, “Stay focused,” “Stay hungry” and “Keep up the grind,” stuff like that.”
Both Whaley and Compton frequently talk to David throughout the week, Whaley said, sometimes as much as every other day. The seniors also watch film of the former star to try and pick up on what he did well.
Compton said the linebackers may not be as talented as David, but they can be just as effective as a unit.
“So far I think the want and willingness to learn is really helping our group,” Compton said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a strong one-, two- or even three-deep at the position.”
David was one of the best linebackers to play at Nebraska, and his numbers back it up. Compton said he knows what David did and appreciates it, but this will be a completely different team in the fall.
“It’s not really a chip on our shoulders, but we just want to prove that we can do it without him,” Compton said. “All of the stats in his place spoke for itself. I mean you can’t really replace a Lavonte, but we’ll have guys in there doing the job.”
I think he has a legit chance to fall to the 3rd the way this thing is shaking out. Hell if Kuechly makes it past Seattle, his next best opportunity is with the Giants and I could see them taking RB from VT.
2nd round, I see a lot of OL, RB, corners, DL and 3-4 OLB tweeners filling out the round. 1st round talent but just the way this draft is shaping.
Watched a couple videos, wanted to get my thoughts down 1st then will try to post then.
Jonathan Martin vs Brooks Reed. Granted this was 2010 but Reed was constantly pushing Martin into Luck's face. Martin seemed to struggle with the spin move as well. He clearly benefitted from Luck's quick decision making. Martin lined up as RT on some plays. Every single one was a running play. He did a great job of sealing the end inside and driving him. Gave the Rb a nice path to the corner.
I looked for 2011 vs USC but all I could find was vs ND. I didn't watch it because ND really had little along the line of pass rushers.
Cordy Glenn vs LSU 2011. Whenever he got his hands on a guy he locked him down. There were 4 plays where his guy got close to Murray (Georgia's Qb). 1st was because Murray stepped up into where Glenn was pushing his guy. 2nd Murray held the ball longer than normal because he was trying to avoid an LSU player that quickly penetrated. He avoided the 1st guy then got sacked by Glenn's man. Glenn got beat on that play. 3rd he was pushed back more than I would like but still stayed farther away than Martin keep Brooks on most plays. 4th was a Honey Badger CB blitz that I thought he should have picked up. Looks like he just didn't see it coming. On running plays he looked reasonably powerful but not as popwerful as I would expect from a guy his size.
Camparing the two, in my mind no contest. Glenn. Perhaps Martin developed since the 2010 Arizona game. I could be convinced to value him higher. Can anyone find a Martin cutout from this years USC game?
I will look for Reiff videos next.
The difference between Jesus and religion Religion mocks you for having dirty feet Jesus gets down on his knees and washes them
Reiff vs Oklahoma. He looks powerful vs the run. I would like to see him lockdown his guy longer. Completely missed a Cb blitz around the 1:48 mark. Stopped watching before it was completed because Iam going to check out the Reiff vs Nebraska video too.
Of the 3. Reiff is clearly and by far the best run blacker of the group. I would say Reiff and Glenn are pretty close pass blocking. Maybe slight edge to Glenn. Hate to mention this because I only saw a hint to suggest this but I wonder if Reiff will struggle a little with speed rushers. Martin is clearly 3rd as a pass blocker. A distant 3rd in my opinion. Fairly even with Glenn as a run blocker.
The difference between Jesus and religion Religion mocks you for having dirty feet Jesus gets down on his knees and washes them
I like both glenn and Martin as well as Reiff (for RT) but I get the feeling all 3 will be gone before 22. I think the key will be Melvin ingram falling to the Cards. He might be good enough to make them seek OT help later.
Here is Reiff vs Nebraska. I didn't see much to change what I already said except that it looks like Reiff has better technique than Glenn. Glenn is a big man but it seems like he wants to rely on his size too much. This raises 2 questions in my mind.
Does that give Glenn an advantage because he will get even better if he improves his technique or does it give Reiff the preference because the technique is already there?
Glenn is a big man. Actually a very big man. Do we need to worry about him getting too big and out of shape?
The difference between Jesus and religion Religion mocks you for having dirty feet Jesus gets down on his knees and washes them
Quote: Jonathan Martin vs Brooks Reed. Granted this was 2010 but Reed was constantly pushing Martin into Luck's face. Martin seemed to struggle with the spin move as well. He clearly benefitted from Luck's quick decision making. Martin lined up as RT on some plays. Every single one was a running play. He did a great job of sealing the end inside and driving him. Gave the Rb a nice path to the corner.
Definitely agree that this is Martin's worse video - and also agree that it is the one that puts Glenn ahead in my opinion -- but also remember that Reed made a lot of pro-LTs look the same way this year.
Wasn't cherry picking. I went in to look at the videos with no preconceived notions. I watched the videos that I could find. This was about the 2nd/3rd time I have ever used you youtube and those were the only videos I could find. Actually I went in hoping to like Martin better than I did. I watched part of that ND game and he did better but still got pushed back into Luck's face way too much.
When I get the chance I will try to watch the videos Lyuokdea posted.
The difference between Jesus and religion Religion mocks you for having dirty feet Jesus gets down on his knees and washes them
Quote: J/C, sorta Cherry picking will never = a body of work.
Wasn't cherry picking. I went in to look at the videos with no preconceived notions. I watched the videos that I could find. This was about the 2nd/3rd time I have ever used you youtube and those were the only videos I could find. Actually I went in hoping to like Martin better than I did. I watched part of that ND game and he did better but still got pushed back into Luck's face way too much. When I get the chance I will try to watch the videos Lyuokdea posted.
I wasn't picking on you persay, but those video's are selective plays and it only gives one a sampling ... also keep in mind that we are talking about projecting prospects and not looking at seasoned pros.
Quote: I wasn't picking on you persay, but those video's are selective plays and it only gives one a sampling ... also keep in mind that we are talking about projecting prospects and not looking at seasoned pros.
Actually 3 of the 4 i posted are "every snap in a given game" - no real cherry picking there. Only different one was the "Positives" and "Negatives" which shows about 60 snaps over 3 different games and categorizes them for you
Sunday April 08, 2012 - 8:58 AM Draft positional series: Wide receivers
By Frank Cooney | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
In the NFL aerial circus that lights up scoreboards and bloats statistics, the wide receivers are the showmen who perform the astonishing high-wire act that is so intricate it often needs instant replay to verify what really happened.
They must -- often all at once -- run with world-class speed, fend off some defensive bully, keep both tiptoes inside the sideline chalk, cleanly snatch a football traveling at the rate of 60 miles per hour and make sure it doesn't move ever so slightly in their hands or graze the turf. And if they are tumbling out of bounds after all that, they must maintain firm possession until they stop moving, even if they wind up in the third row of seats.
Still, among the myriad of unusual jobs involved in football, wide receivers are basically asked to do what comes most natural to an athlete -- run and catch.
And for those who can do that simple yet complex task the best, there is extraordinary riches and fame.
Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice did it the best and has been voted the greatest pro football player ever, at any position. Last month, wide receiver Calvin Johnson signed an NFL record $132 million contract with Detroit and Vincent Jackson went to Tampa Bay for $55.556 million. More on NFL Draft Related links
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So teams scrutinize college wide receivers closely, trying to determine who has the skills to survive and thrive in the pros. According to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com, this year's draft features a group of receivers who are average as a group, but measure taller and heavier than usual.
Clearly topping this list are Oklahoma State's talented Justin Blackmon and Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, each of whom comes complete with some off-field issues. Blackmon rates as the No. 5 overall prospect in the draft and as many as five wide receivers could be taken in the first round and nine by the end of the second.
The top dozen wide receivers in this draft average 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds. And as these big pass catchers prepare to move into the NFL, they might be glad to note that their top dozen counterparts in this draft -- the cornerbacks -- average only 5-11, 192. That, and enhanced rules to protect the health of wide receivers, should insure the aerial circus will continue in the NFL.
Here is a closer look at the wide receivers in this year's draft. They are listed with school, height, weight, and projected round of selection (*denotes underclassman):
1. *Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State, 6-1, 207, 1 After scoring 38 touchdowns in his final 25 games, comparisons to the gifted Dez Bryant, who he replaced at Oklahoma State, are the good and bad news. His ability is as obvious as the two Fred Biletnikoff awards he won as the top college wide receiver. But he must dedicate himself to reach his ample potential in the NFL. Like Bryant (now with Dallas), Blackmon has astonishing instincts, body control and the ability to take charge of a game. Also like Bryant, Blackmon has had some issues off the field, in fact some of them with Bryant. This is a concern for teams considering spending millions of dollars on Blackmon. In college, Blackmon replaced Bryant with a flourish in 2010, catching 111 passes for 1,782 yards -- breaking Larry Fitzgerald's record for sophomores -- and 20 touchdowns. He set an NCAA record with at least 100 yards and one touchdown in all 12 games in a season. Blackmon then added 122 catches, 1,522 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He was devastating in the big games, grabbing five for 157, two touchdowns in the 2011 Alamo Bowl against Nebraska's Prince Amukamara (now with N.Y. Giants) and then finishing his college career with eight catches, 182 yards and touchdowns of 43, 67 and 17 yards in a 41-38 overtime win over Stanford in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl. Blackmon plays faster than his clock speed and bigger, tougher than his measurements and is especially dangerous after the catch. After not running at the Scouting Combine, Blackmon clocked a 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and soared 35 inches in the vertical jump at his pro day. Off-field concerns include a DUI arrest in October, 2010 in Arlington, Texas when, not coincidentally, he went to visit Bryant and see a Cowboys game.
2. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame, 6-3, 220, 1 Floyd's size and prolific on-field performances are tantalizing for NFL teams. He arrived at Notre Dame as one of the most celebrated prep recruits in the nation and validated that with 48 catches for 719 yards as a true freshman. He finished his career with seven school records, including most receptions (271), most yards receiving (3,686) and touchdown catches (37). He also reaffirmed his on-field feats with measureable athleticism at the combine, running 40 yards in 4.47 seconds and leaping 36½ inches in the vertical jump. But there were bad statistics off the field. He was cited for underage consumption of alcohol twice and driving under the influence once and finally was suspended from the team last spring. Although he was allowed back on the team, he lost his role as captain. Despite all that, and a broken clavicle in 2009, Floyd was undoubtedly one of the top receivers in college football the past four seasons. He is an intriguing combination of good quickness, better speed, great size and awesome hands that engulf the football. His size and strength should help him against NFL press coverage and his long arms (32⅞ inches) will be an asset going for the ball. Floyd certainly has the physical ability to star in the NFL if he works hard enough at it on and off the field.
3. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor, 5-10, 196, 1 As a four-year starter, Wright logged evidence in 50 games that he could scorch college defenses with blink-quick moves and appeared ready to fit into a slot position in the NFL and become a nightmarish matchup for defenses. But in the what-have-you-proven-lately fraternity of NFL scouts, Wright appeared to lose a little luster when his 40-yard time at the combine was announced as only 4.61 seconds. It seemed incongruous compared to game tapes. Some NFL sources told NFLDraftscout.com that Wright's best time at the combine was really 4.49 seconds so they had no concerns. But Wright was upset by the announced time and felt he had to prove something, so at his pro day in March he was timed between 4.41 and 4.46 seconds according to scouts in attendance. That sounds more like the player who holds a share of 10 Baylor career receiving records and set a single-season mark last year with 108 catches for 1,663 yards, 14 touchdown receptions and nine games with more than 100 yards. His career total of 4,004 yards receiving is 1,300 yards more than anyone who preceded him. Wright is a tireless athlete who also played on the Baylor basketball team, squatted more than 550 pounds and reportedly has a vertical jump of 42 inches. He has the natural ability to be a returner but was not showcased there in college. At Pittsburgh High in Texas, Wright was a three-sport sensation as he played quarterback in football, averaged almost 25 points a game in basketball and won the state championship with a meet record triple-jump of 50 feet, 8¾ inches in 2008.
4. *Rueben Randle, LSU, 6-3, 210, 1-2 After catching only 44 passes in his first two years, Randle grabbed attention last season with 53 catches for 917 yards and eight touchdowns. When he announced he was declaring for the NFL draft, scouts knew they needed more input to get a grasp on his abilities. He is obviously big and fast, but LSU had a less-than-stellar passing game, which some assume is a reason Randle wanted to move on. It created one of those situations where data from the combine would help NFL teams feel a little more comfortable, or not. His announced 40-yard time of 4.55 seconds at the combine was marginally comfortable, but he clocked 4.42 seconds at his pro day workout just in case. Randle's exceptional athletic ability has been known for a while back in Bastrop, La., where he played both quarterback and wide receiver as a high school senior -- although only one position at a time. He led Bastrop High to the state semifinals (11-2) in 2008, passing for 2,461 yards and 20 touchdowns, rushing for 683 yards and another dozen scores and catching a few passes too. As a prep junior he played wide receiver and caught 55 passes for 1,058 yards and 11 TDs to help Bastrop win a second consecutive Class 4A state championship.
5. *Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 206, 2 When Hill declared he was coming out early for the NFL Draft, teams were eager to see him perform at the combine. He dazzled them even more than the general public realized. His announced 40 time was 4.36 seconds, but he was told by NFL scouts his best time was actually 4.28 seconds. He also soared 39½ inches in the vertical jump and was impressive in every drill. This, in turn, sent curious scouts back to look at game tapes. What they saw at Indianapolis combine and in the games is an athlete who always has been special. Hill finished his three-year college career with 49 catches for 1,248 (16th in school history). That average of 25.47 yards per reception would have broken the school record, but he fell one reception short of qualifying. His nine career touchdown receptions rank 14th in Tech history. Last year his 28 catches went for 820 yards, a 29.3-yard average that led the nation. As a senior at Miller Grove High School, Hill was not only an MVP football player but set the Georgia State prep record with a long jump of 25-feet, 8¾ inches, which would have placed ninth at the last Olympics.
6. *Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, 6-3, 216, 2 At about 230 pounds or more, Jeffery had a decent college career and appeared to have everything necessary to be a good pro receiver except natural speed to separate from defenders. Since last season he tried to improve his speed by losing weight. However, when he showed up at the combine weighing 216 pounds he chose not to work out, although he said he was "better, lighter." He tried to prove it at his late March pro day where he showed some explosion with a 36½-inch vertical jump and a 10-2 broad jump and was timed between 4.4 and 4.5 seconds in 40 yards. But his performance in lateral agility drills was only average and not smooth. Before losing the weight Jeffery was reminiscent of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams, formerly of USC. But after being the 10th player taken in the 2005 draft (Detroit), Williams has been with four teams and is not an outstanding NFL receiver. It is difficult to determine whether Jeffery helped or hurt himself by losing the weight because his functional speed still seems to be average. Like Williams, Jeffery looked great collecting his statistics against out-sized college defenders, including 179 career receptions for 2,894 yards (16.2 per catch) and 22 touchdowns. Coach Steve Spurrier held him out of the opening play against Navy last season for what was described as a violation of team rules.
7. *Chris Givens, Wake Forest, 5-11, 198, 2 Givens came out of high school as an outstanding track star and running back, which was a precursor to the dazzling showmanship he displayed as a receiver, returner and running back at Wake Forest. He also came out of high school with a history of two separate ACL injuries, reflecting a durability concern he brings into the draft. But he still has impressive speed and is strong for his size, as he showed at the Scouting combine with a 40-yard time of 4.35 seconds and 19 bench-press reps at 225 pounds. In his three-year college career, Givens caught 163 passes for 2,473 yards and 21 touchdowns; rushed 45 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 1‚.3 yards on kickoff returns and 12.5 yards on punt returns. He seems to be a candidate for the slot position, where his speed should be a matchup issue for defenses. However, while his speed and ability to get open are not a concern, he is not consistent as a receiver. He sometimes makes difficult catches appear easy, but then drops passes he should catch, as he did in the Music City Bowl. Givens sat out the 2010 opener after violating team rules.
8. *Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 6-2, 211, 2-3 Sanu started 37 of his 38 games at Rutgers and finished with 210 catches, 2,263 yards and 12 touchdowns and collected 3,049 yards in total offense. Last season he caught 115 passes for 1,206 yards and seven scores. He was bigger and stronger than almost all defenders he faced in college. So it will be interesting to see if he maintains an advantage, and his strong self-confidence, at the next level where players are both bigger and faster. He verified his lack of elite speed at the combine when his best 40-yard dash was 4.62. His 19 reps with 225 pounds in the bench press is probably more of an indicator of how he plays the game. Sanu is a physically tough player who is unafraid to do anything necessary to catch the ball. After the catch he has moves to elude tacklers, strength to run through others and if that doesn't work he has a jolting stiff arm. Sanu spent his youth shuttling between his parents' native Sierra Leone and New Jersey, where he finally settled in to become high school star at South Brunswick High in Monmouth Junction, N.J.
9. Brian Quick, Appalachian State, 6-4, 220, 2-3 Quick played up to his significant measurements as a big man in a small-school conference. He is one of the most highly rated prospects in Appalachian history. He is the school's all-time leader in receptions (202), receiving yards (3,418) and touchdown catches (31). Last season was his best with 71 catches, 1,096 yards and 11 scores. Despite his last name, Brian is probably faster than quick but is a tremendous target short or deep. He has excellent downfield speed once after he gets into second gear or higher and ran a decent 40-yard dash at the combine (best of 4.50 seconds). Quick also plays even larger than his height thanks to 34¼-inch arms and an 80ₖ-inch wingspan. Add to that a 34-inch vertical jump and Quick has everything it takes to become a quarterback's favorite target, especially in the red zone. He impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl and in the game was a favorite target of Boise State QB Kellen Moore. And, lest we forget a historical moment, Quick was one of only two players on the team last year who were part of the 2007 victory over Michigan.
10. Greg Childs, Arkansas, 6-3, 219, 3 Childs probably has only now recovered from a 2010 right knee injury, but he pushed himself through the 2011 season anyway, catching 21 passes for 240 yards. By the time of the combine he was well enough to run the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and manage a 36½-inch vertical jump. But he considered his March 7 pro day a coming out when he ran 40 yards in 4.41 seconds and had a vertical jump of 41½ inches. "It was just mainly showing everybody that I was healthy again, showing I was 100 percent again," Childs said after the on-campus workout. The injury was to his right patella and required surgery in 2010, otherwise he probably would have been in the 2011 draft. Instead, he struggled through the 2011 season, missing only a little action. Childs is an extraordinary target because of his unusual combination of size, speed, jumping ability, long arms (34⅛-inch) and, finally, huge hands, (10⅛-inch).
11. Marvin Jones, California, 6-2, 199, 3 Jones had an impressive run at Cal, where his 156 catches for 2,270 yards and 13 touchdowns rank him among the top eight in each category for a career. But his stock rose fast after his final regular-season game. First he impressed scouts with eight catches for 88 yards against Texas in the Holiday Bowl. Then he took advantage of a late invitation to the Senior Bowl, where his quickness and route running against top competition was noteworthy. He also displayed surprising strength for his size when it came to fending off press coverage. Finally he put on a memorable show at the combine, where he registered a 40-yard time of 4.46 seconds and 22 reps with 225 pounds on the bench, which explains why he does well hand fighting off the line. During his career, Jones showed a natural ability to catch everything within reach -- short, long and over the middle. He seemed to improve with each of his final 16 games, leading Cal in receiving for 13 of those contests.
12. Nick Toon, Wisconsin, 6-2, 215, 3 As the son of Wisconsin Hall of Famer and New York Jets Pro Bowl wide receiver Al Toon, Nick has always endured the obvious comparison. In that regard, so far, so good. Nick surpassed his father's receiving yardage mark at Wisconsin (2,103 from 1982-85) with 171 catches for 2,447 yards, although his 18 touchdowns are one short of his father's 19. In the 1985 draft, Al Toon was selected tenth overall, ahead of Jerry Rice, but his career was shortened by nine concussions and he retired at 29. Nick is a physical player and excellent route runner, similar to his father. But Nick is expected to wait until the late second or third round to hear his name called. He has had his share of injuries the past two seasons. He missed three games in 2010 (turf toe) and sat out the Ohio State game (thigh). Toon underwent surgery on his left foot twice, including once in midseason last year. At his pro day in early March, Toon performed well with a 40-yard time of 4.43 seconds and a vertical jump of 39 inches.
Frank Cooney is the publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. web page _____________________________________
Several more talented receivers not even making their list makes this the deepest position in the draft.
I'm probably in the minority, but I feel as though there's a much larger gap between Richardson and the rest of his piers than there is between Blackmon and the rest of his.
Sure, it sounds self-serving but I believe the best value is getting Richardson at #4 and the best available WR at #22.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy. Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
I'm probably in the minority, but I feel as though there's a much larger gap between Richardson and the rest of his piers than there is between Blackmon and the rest of his.
I don't think that's a minority view at all. The question is just whether you think an RB can be worth #4 overall anymore
This board and the members passions about who they want and the arguments they present are a blast to witness. It reminds me of what Michael Douglas said in The American President.
"You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours."
We all have our favorite pick and our own reasons for wanting it our way, yet we ( most of us ) read and listen to the arguments of others, debating in our own mind if maybe someone else is right. The debate goes on here, and I promise they are having the same heated debates in the Browns front office and will continue to debate this right up to draft day. Theirs a plan.. theirs always a plan
I'm probably in the minority, but I feel as though there's a much larger gap between Richardson and the rest of his piers than there is between Blackmon and the rest of his.
I don't think that's a minority view at all. The question is just whether you think an RB can be worth #4 overall anymore
And a great question it is.
On more than one occasion I've reminded myself that I've taken the opposing stance in this very same situation, but in this case, with what I see in Richardson, he's made me change my mind.
Either he's really special, or I've got some serious Crimson blinders on.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy. Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
"You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours."
At this point, I'd rather see them draft INgram and Mercilus at #4 and #22 then see them draft Richardson at #4 because I see so many bad scenario's that start with Richardson at #4.
The Rb position is set, They have alot of guys who can carry the ball and catch passes out of the backfield, the drop off from Richardson to Chris Polk is only marginal, so there are about 6 different directions they could go in the draft alone to get a runningback.
The Wr position is the deepest in the draft, ( now Reuben Randall may be the worst) but there are others available, with as much upside as MoMass, and Greg Little probably available in this draft into the 4th round.
Right tackle is still a big need, and one that should be addressed in the middle rounds. If They start with Richardson, they go down a path that grabs little else of consequence because they didn't make the right move and go somewhere else than Rb with the first pick.
Even if they trade down to 6-15 overall range and grab Richardson There, it would be not as good as getting a Defensive end at that point.
The bottom line is Richardson is not a good pick because Rb's can be had later in the draft, where players at other positions cannot be had later in the draft that can help out as much. DE is not as deep , LB is not as deep, Cb is going to be taken to waste a pick on because its the Browns so count on one wasted pick there and then You have to Reach for your Right Tackle, reach for your Wide recevier, reach for a Qb, reach for a defensive end, and it all starts with taking Richardson with the 1st pick.
If they take Richardson with their 1st selection, he will be the only adequate selection they make all draft.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
Osweiler visits the Dolphins Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2012, 9:06 PM EDT Brock+Osweiler+Arizona+State+v+Oregon+tPoLOYlGaXol Getty Images
On Sunday, the team that landed Peyton Manning visited with quarterback Brock Osweiler. On Monday, Osweiler began a visit with one of the team’s that didn’t get Peyton Manning. Or Matt Flynn.
Or Jim Harbaugh. Or Jeff Fisher.
Anyway, the former Arizona State quarterback declared on his Twitter page that he has arrived in Miami (via NFL.com).
Osweiler’s status has sparked some recent NFL.com-on-NFL.com crime, with Gil Brandt putting Osweiler in round one and Charley Casserly and Michael Lombardi putting Osweiler much lower.
The Dolphins surely wouldn’t use the eighth overall pick on Osweiler. Given that the team has devoted five second-round picks in the past decade to quarterbacks, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Fins take a flier on the six-foot, eight-inch football-thrower in round two. PFT
Quote: Osweiler visits the Dolphins Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2012, 9:06 PM EDT Brock+Osweiler+Arizona+State+v+Oregon+tPoLOYlGaXol Getty Images
On Sunday, the team that landed Peyton Manning visited with quarterback Brock Osweiler. On Monday, Osweiler began a visit with one of the team’s that didn’t get Peyton Manning. Or Matt Flynn.
Or Jim Harbaugh. Or Jeff Fisher.
Anyway, the former Arizona State quarterback declared on his Twitter page that he has arrived in Miami (via NFL.com).
Osweiler’s status has sparked some recent NFL.com-on-NFL.com crime, with Gil Brandt putting Osweiler in round one and Charley Casserly and Michael Lombardi putting Osweiler much lower.
The Dolphins surely wouldn’t use the eighth overall pick on Osweiler. Given that the team has devoted five second-round picks in the past decade to quarterbacks, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Fins take a flier on the six-foot, eight-inch football-thrower in round two. PFT
I think Gil Brandt is getting Alzheimer's ... he's been out in left field pick'en daisies all season.
Well, if Weedon is worth a second round pick and a guy with 19 starts and a 56% completion percentage is worth a top 5 pick, then Osweiler is worth a second. He's more athletic than Weedon and has a stronger arm. He looks at multiple targets. He moves within the pocket. His receivers also had the dropsies. I'm not saying he's a great QB prospect but I'd prefer him in the second to either of the other scenarios I mentioned above.
Yes there is alot in that post I wrote that is hard to defend. About the only part of it that I was trying to make a point in was I see so many ways to start with Richardson and have a bad draft.
I guess if you look at it like, suppose they get a 4th round Rb, one of the 4th round Rb's , the Rb position is set. But they should get LaMichael James in the 2nd that's what I hope! Man He's gonna be good.
But I hold a higher opinion of Ogbonnaya's future upside than most probably.
x 9 : ? sure, but x 14? that's a stretch.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
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but I believe the best value is getting Richardson at #4 and the best available WR at #22. 
