2011 NFL Draft - Ryan Mallett To Pats Is Talk Of Internet

As The 2011 NFL Draft comes to a close, (we're in Round Five as this blog post is written) the talk of the event is not Cam Newton to the Carolina Panthers, but former Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallett, as he was drafted by the New England Patriots.

Dr. Bill Chachkes, Zennie62.com and Football Reporters Online Editor says that Mallett "Still (has) a great deal of potential, but he's got to learn to be humble behind Tom Brady. The Patriots will have to deal with his character issues."

It's those "character issues" that have caused Ryan Mallett, called "Big Tex" and the holder of the Arkansas school record for completions in a game (87 percent), to fall to the Pats late in the 3rd Round, when many projections had him picked as high at the 1st Round.

Specifically, some have called him "arrogant" and was said to have tested positive for drugs. Moreover the whispers around the NFL Draft floor are that Mallett admitted to the problem. That information was as much confirmed in the Kansas City Star.

But, with all that, Ryan Mallett is confirmed as the Pats new quarterback.

What Mallett brings to the table that makes him a steal for the Pats is perhaps the best pocket-presence and pro-style experience of any  of the 2011 NFL Draft QB Prospects.  Plus, there are throws Mallett made in college that aren't typical at that level of play.   For example, Mallett routinely throws without a hitch-step off play action from the I Formation. And Mallett, who's father is a coach and comes from a football family, is adept at reading defensive coverages, perhaps the best at this in the 2011 NFL Draft.

What happens to Mallett from here is in the hands of the Pats. Indeed, Ryan looks like he's in the best place for his future.

2011 NFL Draft –A closer look at 3 small school prospects

A close up of 3 Small School Prospects-By Matt Elder-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online

Matt takes a closer look at three prospects for this draft from smaller schools.

Every year scouts from all over the country fly into places like Columbus, South Bend, and Athens. They come looking for the next big thing, the next sure fire prospect, and the guy who’s going to take their team to that next level. However every year players emerge that are not from places like Madison, Tuscaloosa, or Eugene instead these players come from places like Hampton, Charleston, and Hillsdale. Every year players come from the lower levels of college football and leave draft fans asking “Who?” on draft weekend. This article is going to over three players who are looking to be the next small school prospect to leave their mark on the NFL. We’ll look at one prospect who will get drafted, one who should get drafted, and one who deserves to get drafted.

Who Will Get His Shot...

DT Kendrick Ellis-

A dancing bear out on the field, Ellis's combination of size and athleticism is frankly frightening to opposing offenses. Coming from a very tradition rich Hampton program, Ellis has seen his stock sky rocket since his year ended in November. Ellis has a terrific first step as he explodes across the line of scrimmage and often catches the opposing offensive lineman off guard and gets the immediate advantage. He plays with very good leverage, and knows how to get low and explode out of his stance. He is incredibly strong coming out of his stance often being able to overpower players at the point of attack. I would like to see Ellis work hard on the fundamentals. He needs to stay low throughout the play, Ellis has a tendency to get high after initial contact and this can cause him to lose leverage battles. It has gone unnoticed by many due to his level of competition, because of how strong Ellis is he has been able to blow through most of the interior lineman he faced regardless of his technique, so he has never had a need to perfect that. There are questions about Ellis's character and work ethic after his dismissal from South Carolina. Ellis was initially suspended for part of 2008 for an undisclosed violation of team rules over the summer, and right before SEC media day Ellis was dismissed from the team for yet another violation. What caused the violation has never been disclosed but one has to assume that this has to be more than simply missing a curfew or being late to a team meeting. That being said seeing how far Ellis has risen on most boards is a sign that he must be answering questions surrounding his dismissal the right way and convincing people that he is worth the risk that comes along with taking players with character concerns.

Combine Results:

6'4, 346 lbs., 35” Arms, 10.5” Hands, 5.28 40, 26 Bench Press Reps (225 lbs.)

Stats:

2010-94 Tackles, 15 TFL's, 2 Sacks, 2 FF, and 5 QB Hurries

2009-51 Tackles, 15 TFL's, 1.5 Sacks, 1 FF, and 2 QB Hurries

Who Should Get His Shot...

CB Cortez Allen

The Citadel is known as a military college with a renowned Corps of Cadets program. Not much is made of or even thought of about their football team...until this year. This year everybody is buzzing about the tall and athletic CB in Cortez Allen. He is the type of prospect that scouts drool over and that can drive a coach to pull their hair out. The issue with Allen has always been his inconsistent technique and playmaking ability. He seems to lack the instincts you want in a lock down CB despite his measurables. His 5 career INT's over 41 games played give people plenty to wonder about. However keep in mind that Allen was unquestionably the top player at Citadel and was purposely avoided by some teams in an effort to minimize his impact on the game. However when he was thrown at he didn’t always show the skills needed to go after the ball and make a play on it. This is concerning because when watching him on tape you fall in love with everything he does prior to the pass getting there. He has the speed to stay with almost all of the WR's he will be matched up against, he showed the hip fluidity to transition from his backpedal to his sprint with little loss of momentum, and he did a great job of understanding his zone coverage responsibilities. The questions surrounding Allen are all about can you get him to take that next step in his development and go from good cover corner to a true lock down man to man cover corner? If he can do that, somebody is going to have a late round steal on their hands in a relatively weak DB class.

Combine Results:

6'1, 197 lbs, 32” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.51 40, 4.01 Shuttle, 6.76 3 Cone, 35” Vertical, 10'09” Broad

Stats:

2010-22 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT's, 5 PBU's, 1 TD

2009-57 Tackles, 3 INT's, 5 PBU's, 1 TD

Who Deserves His Shot...

WR Andre Holmes-Hillsdale

Never heard of him? Doesn’t worry neither have many other people who are just now reading his name for the first time. Let me tell you why you'll want to know his name as we draw closer to the 2011 NFL Draft. Holmes hails from DII Hillsdale College which plays in the powerful GLIAC conference which is one of the stronger football conferences in DII. He has put up back to back 1,000 yard receiving seasons and really became a more consistent big play receiver in 2010. The 6'4 WR has made a habit of towering over most CB's and that was also the case at this year's NFLPA Texas v. The Nation game where he showed off good body control, and a willingness to fight through tackles and pick up extra YAC yards. The athleticism that Holmes showed off during the NFLPA game is reinforced by the fact that he was the 2010 Triple Jump Champion from the GLIAC conference. Holmes had questions remaining about his overall speed and ability to possibly separate at the next level as he headed to Indianapolis for this year’s combine. At the combine he proceeded to answer those questions laying down an impressive 4.53 40 yard dash to go along with an even more impressive 6.69 3 cone drill which shows off his quickness and ability to change directions. Moving up a level Holmes needs to show more explosiveness off the line. He's going to face more consistent and effective jams in the NFL in an effort to neutralize his down the field size advantage. He needs to show more urgency in trying to get into his routes and must learn to fire off the line to try and beat the jam. Should be an effective red zone weapon early on in his career but I think he has Marques Colston type potential as a big WR who if he learns to be just a little more physical could become dominant in time.

Combine Results:

6'4, 210lbs., 34” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.53 40, 4.31 Shuttle, 6.69 3 Cone 35” Vertical, 10'10” Broad

Stats:

2010-104 Receptions, 1,368 Yards, 11 TD's

2009-77 Receptions, 1,076 Yards, 6 TD's

*this piece is even more timely now thta Mr. Ellis is a member of the NY Jets-The Eds*

Randall Cobb Green Bay Packers 2011 NFL Draft Pick

A man this blogger interviewed at NFL Play 60, Kentucky Wide Receiver Randall Cobb, was selected as the 64th pick overall and the 34th pick in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Cobb was the last NFL Draft Prospect in the Green Room at Radio City Music Hall. A record 25 players were invited, and most were interviewed by the media. (Except for Akeem Ayers, who was so disappointed that he wasn't picked in the 1st round on Thursday, he reportedly left New York City.)

Randall Cobb's an interesting combination of size, speed, and versatility, who played as a hybrid wide receiver-slash-running back at Kentucky in an offense some called "WildCobb." (Like the "Wildcat" offense.)

Now we're in the Third Round of the 2011 NFL Draft with a total of seven rounds, stretching into Saturday. 

2011 NFL Draft - In Colin Kaepernick San Francisco 49ers Get Best QBNFL Draft - In Colin Kaepernick San Francisco 49ers Get Best QB

Radio City Music Hall, NY - The San Francisco 49ers just drafted the best quarterback in the 2011 NFL Draft in Nevada's Colin Kaepernick. Other than Florida State and now Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Christian Ponder, Kaepernick was the best overall performer in the 2011 Senior Bowl, and showed a great ability to do what some observers said he could not do: run a pro-style offense.

And at Nevada, Kaepernick (who did not make the trip to New York City for the NFL's production), lit up the field with passes. In 2010, Colin threw 359 times, completing 233 for 64 percent and 3,022 yards, ringing up a passer rating of 150.46.

Here's Colin talking about his time at Nevada:

But with all of this, why Kaepernick fell to the second round is as much a story of how some NFL scouts dislike the offense he played in, more than any question about his talent. The "Pistol Offense," which is best described as a combination of shotgun and cock-eyed I Formation, has only caught on as the offense of choice for big name schools - it's not used at all in the NFL.

Moreover, Kaepernick's fall also says a lot about how some NFL scouts may not like the new, more "street" kind of white player (correction, he's a mix of white and black, which buttresses my point). Colin's not the visually polished, fair-haired quarterback like Blaine Gabbert, and there seems to be a tendency to downgrade quarterbacks who has that image.

But all of that masks the fact that Kaepernick can play. Thankfully, Kaepernick's talent didn't escape the watchful eye of the San Francisco 49ers personnel execs, who traded up to get him.

Will Challenge Alex Smith

Interestingly Kaepernick's a lot like current 49er Alex Smith in his collegiate playing style, so it's ironic that he's in a place where he will push Smith for the starting job. Some say Kaepernick's a project; don't be surprised to see him take some snaps this NFL season.

If we have one.

Cameron Newton Interview - 2011 NFL Draft New York City

After finding the right chair to sit in, Cameron Newton, the 1st pick in the First Round of The 2011 NFL Draft, seemed relieved, but then weighted by the new burden of being the first pick and all the expectations that go with it. But, finally, he sat down with the media, after days of ducking and escaping writers and bloggers.

But with all that out of the way, Newton, the Heisman Trophy winner and Auburn National Champion, and College Park, Georgia native, did have that giant weight he was carrying off his shoulders, saying "I feel terrific."

Newton says he's "ready to get the show on the road," and understands what the process is about. After all kinds of character assassinations by the media, and constant mentions of his past, including the famous "hot laptop" incident, and the matter of his dad allegedly taking payments for him to attend Auburn, not proven, Newton's ready for this new chapter of his life, but is ready to prove that he's the one for the Panthers.

He says all the right words, "I'm ready to go to an excellent city in Charlotte." More on Newton in another post later today.

Aldon Smith Interview - San Francisco 49ers 2011 NFL Draft Pick

Aldon Smith, LB / DE SF 49ers , a photo by zennie62 on Flickr.

Aldon Smith is the San Francisco 49ers 2011 NFL Draft Pick, and this blogger interviewed the Missouri standout defensive end and linebacker last night from Radio City Music Hall. This is the first of several posts on Mr. Smith, and 10 other NFL Draft selections, from Cam Newton, who went to the Carolina Panthers to Mark Ingram, who went to The New Orleans Saints.

(Sorry for the delay, but the wifi at Radio City Music Hall was jammed this year, whereas last year, the 2010 NFL Draft, it worked well. One problem was that more players on hand equals more demand for content, and the wifi system wasn't up to the task. But that's a digression.)

The 6-5, 260 lbs of Aldon Smith, is a smiling big kid who's easy-going demeanor belies his aggressive play on the field. Last year, he recorded 48 tackles and six sacks. Smith skipped his remaining two years of NCAA eligibility to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Smith is a physical freak, who compares himself to another physical freak, NFL Defensive End Jevon Kearse. The Niners are getting a sure play-maker. But when did Smith know he was a Niner?

"They called me five minutes before anyone else knew," he said. But Smith also said he "kinda ignored" the call in the Green Room at Radio City because he wasn't sure if it was for him. But then he said "that's my phone. And now I'm here."

Smith said he's excited to start "with everything" and be a part of the NFL and the 49ers, especially new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who he had a great visit with before being drafted.

He's says the Niners will play him "all around" and even drop back into coverage at times. Aldon says his game is like Kearse, as well as Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews.

He's never been to San Francisco, other than the one time he visited Palo Alto. Smith needs a proper introduction to the City, so he knows that it's a far cry from Palo Alto. I told him to visit The Balboa Cafe in The Marina District for a proper baptism.

Stay tuned.

2011 NFL Draft | Cam Newton Runs By...To Carolina?

2011 NFL Draft | Cam Newton Runs By...To Carolina?, a photo by zennie62 on Flickr.

Just returned from the NFL Red Carpet, and am down stairs at my self-designed "man cave" in the Media Interview Room.

The place, Radio City Music Hall, is electric, and if you're watching on ESPN or The NFL Network, the crowd jumped all over NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with "We want football" and an assortment of cheers and jeers and boos.

Of course, that's all regarding the NFL's court battle against the NFL Players Association, and the judges ruling that the NFL Lockout should be lifted.

But the real action is down here in the Media Room, and because Cam's not been accessible to much of the media except ESPN, and the NFL Network.

A lot of people have a lot of questions to ask him and the media crowd is already massing.

Thankfully, I saved my seat.

Stay tuned.

2011 NFL Draft | Cam Newton Meets Alec Baldwin?

2011 NFL Draft | Cam Newton Meets Alec Baldwin?, a photo by zennie62 on Flickr.

As this blog post is written, this blogger is in what's come his customary his position in what's called The Grand Lounge, or the "Media Interview Room" at Radio City Music Hall and for the 2011 NFL Draft.

In less than 15 minutes, the NFL Red Carpet will start, and set up a scenario where former Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton, the apparent first pick of the Carolina Panthers, who hold the selection that will kick off this amazing sports event, meets 30 Rock's "Jack Donaghy" better known as Alec Baldwin.

That's right, the 30 Rock star and last year's host of the Academy Awards will be on the NFL Red Carpet. So, it could be that Cam Newton meets Alec Baldwin.

And this blogger will be using the Twitter hashtag #2011NFLDraft for his tweets this evening.

And now for the bad news: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the judges decision to lift the lockout placed the sport of football in a terrible position. Just what he meant when he said that on NFL Network as this was being typed is not known.

Follow Zennie62 on Twitter.

Donald Trump Please Shut Up About Obama And Birth Certificate

Suburban New York - Baratunde Thurston, The Onion's Director of Digital, made a vlog which called Donald Grump, er, Donald Trump, a "heinous, low-class individual" and a "Klansman", after President Obama issued the long-form version of his birth certificate on Wednesday; something that took this blogger by surprise as well.

This is Thurston's vlog:



Baratunde Thurston is right about Donald Trump's class-less move. But I can't agree that Trump's point of view is so important and that his actions of saying that he's "proud" or more specifically:

Today I'm very proud of myself, because I've accomplished something that no one else has been able to accomplish

Trump's statement of pride over the birth certificate release moved Baratunde to tears of disgust, but for this blogger, born in 1962 and having to contend with the idea of the "Back To Africa" movement of the mid-60s, and having to deal with the idea that I wasn't an American, only to have my dear mother remind me that I was "born here in Chicago" at the time, I'm over that painful childhood fear of being sent to a place I never knew. I'm not crying about Trump.

You read that correctly.

When you're a little kid, you don't know what's really possible or impossible because you're still taking in even the basics of what it means to be alive. So for someone to want to go "back to Africa," and for those person who said that to have the same color as me, was scary. For a time, I wondered if we were going to have to move. If someone was going to come to the door and say "you all have to go."

But then Mom reminded me that I was "born here in Chicago." And that was enough for me.

That's why, as much as I respected Donald Trump, I don't anymore. He's a joke. Trump may be good at getting other people to give money to him, but I'm now convinced there's nothing different between him and a beggar on the street asking for spare change.

I just asked my friend and NFL Draft colleague Bill Chachkes what he thought about Donald Trump, and he said "I'm too busy. I've got more important things to think about." No, Bill's not black, he's Jewish, but I also know my Mom would say the same thing. For both, Donald Trump's nothing more than a clown.

That's why I said Donald Trump needs to shut up on this issue. He does. But Baratunde Thurston also must not give Trump so much power that the real estate developer moves him to tears.

If people feel as Baratunde does, then Trump wins. Don't let him win.

2011 NFL Draft –Inside Linbacker Prospects

Top Inside Linebackers 2011 NFL Draft By Rafael Garcia Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region
Football Reporters Online

1. Martez Wilson ILB Illinois 6'4" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.49 Bench@225: 23x Jr. Wilson is a sound all around ILB and finished up as one of the leading tacklers in the country. He has the ability and speed to slice through the defense and make the tackle in the backfield. Shows good moves when forced to the outside to make the tackle. Has the speed to get to the quarterback or to the sideline. Uses his long arms to keep opponent at bay and then uses those arms to get around his man for the tackle. Is able to follow play once he reads it and will hustle all the time. In pass defense he can keep up with receivers and uses his hands to knock them off their routes. Will affect the passing game with his length and effective in zone coverage. Has to work on reading the play faster to more of an impact. Will need to add bulk to his frame for the NFL. Has the habit of over pursuing the play because he is so aggressive trying to get to the quarterback. Finds himself lost in coverage due to lack of anticipation and gets cut blocked too often. His lack of flexibility will make it hard for him to fit into a 3-4 or 4-3. Showed poor footwork during Pro Day. Projected Round: 2

2. Quan Sturdivant ILB North Carolina 6'1" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.65 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Sturdivant is an excellent gap tackler and a big hit linebacker. He is very consistent, instinctive and aggressive. Has excellent straight-line speed and gets a lot of tackles. Has very good work ethic and loves to work hard. Good lateral movement and pursuit. Good athleticism and awareness that keeps him around the ball a lot. Very quick off the line of scrimmage to beat opponent to spot of the ball. Needs to back off some on his aggressiveness as it leads him to find himself out of the play. Will make tackle but he lacks execution and technique. Needs to work upper body strength and the use of his hands on his man. Struggles a bit with change of direction that results in blown pass coverage. He depends on his speed too much when it comes to making the play. Must get better at breaking free from initial block. Does not have the best agility and base so he will have to work on that too. Projected Round: 2

3. Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU 6'2" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.70 Bench@225: 22x Sr. Sheppard is very good at ball location and athleticism. Possess the agility and speed to get to the ball carrier. Very good at reading the blitz and coming off the edge. Has excellent pursuit and lateral movement that allows him to get downfield. Consistently gets past his blocker to make the tackle. Has very good hand and footwork to go with his awareness. He will make the open field tackle more often than not. Weak on play action and reaction to the play. Does not have the pop to beat more physical opponents. Must stop getting cut blocked as much as he does. Must add upper body bulk to disengage from his block quicker. His aggressive play tends to allow ball carrier or receiver to use cut back on him and get away. Projected Round: 3

4. Greg Jones ILB Michigan St. 6'0" 242 lbs.40 Time: 4.69 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Jones plays with good instincts and awareness. Good reaction as play develops with good acceleration. Strong enough to command more than just an initial hit from opponent. Has the ability to become a playmaker at the next level. Good against the run as he reads when reading the play. Very quick off the snap and gets penetration. Has good leverage for a player his size. Avoids cut blocks by keeping low to the ground and uses his hands well. Can play sideline to sideline and gives maximum effort. Good enough to read the blitz and make the play because of his anticipation. Great work ethic on and off the field. Smaller than most teams would want at his position. Can get overpowered by bigger man and lost in traffic due to over pursuit. Tends to overrun routes in pass coverage. Bigger and taller tight ends will give him problems too. Can be beaten in the run game by faster back. Must get to thee hole faster to avoid being stood up by bigger lineman. Projected Round: 3

5. Colin McCarthy ILB Miami 6'1" 238 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Bench@225: 23x Sr. McCarthy is a player that you will find all over the field though he isn't the fastest player. Did great in the drills at combine workout. Fantastic against the run the way he attacks the line of scrimmage. This allows him to beast his blocker which resulted in a lot of tackles. Has good pop and knows how to shed a block as well. Has great pursuit and shows a love for the game. Can be to over active against the run at times allowing the ball carrier to get away from him. Needs to work on his footwork while in pass coverage to keep up with receiver. Needs to work on blitz rush technique. Another player that must do better to avoid cut block. Could be more athletic for better coverage too. Will help on special teams right away. Projected Round: 4

6. Casey Matthews ILB Oregon 6'1" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.79 Bench@225: 13x Sr. Matthews is the brother of Green Bay Packer Clay and we know his family roots in the NFL. Had a weak combine but that did not matter much since he is a game day player. He is a great competitor and works on his game at all times. Has above-average instincts and plays with great passion. Will make the tackle most of the time and gets into great position. Can anchor, shed and make plays off the block as well. Has knack of getting into the backfield to make a tackle for a loss. Has good football smarts and will be a durable dependable player for years to come. He does not have that top speed and was used a lot in the blitz packages. Will need to work on change of direction and man coverage. Needs to work on his field vision as well and will not overwhelm you with speed. Jack of all trades but master of none. Projected Round: 5

7.Jeremy Beal ILB Oklahoma 6'2" 267 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Bench@225: 22x Sr. Beal is one of those dominating players that should be just as good in the NFL. He has a motor that will not stop and is good at getting to the quarterback. Has been consistent throughout his college career. Knows his assignment and will stick to him. Reads the play well enough and with patience. Uses his hands to tip or bat the pass away. Good lateral movement and knows how to cover in space. A player that will give it his all and likes to knock the ball out of the runners hands or strip receiver. Likes to watch film and study his craft. Will find himself with matchup problems with quicker runner or receiver. Needs to come up with other ways to get penetration. Needs to improve decision making to make up for lack of speed. Projected Round: 5

8. Nate Irving ILB North Carolina St. 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Irving is a very productive football player when healthy and on the field. Very versatile player that will help on special teams and later at linebacker. Can be a tackling machine and works hard at getting better. Finds himself in the right place at the right time to pick off pass. Had great Pro Day workouts that will help his stock. Overcame life-threatening injury that shows he can can be depended on and is tough. Can get to the quarterback often and makes the play. Needs to improve footwork and is lack of speed will hold him back a bit. Must improve on field vision and pass coverage downfield. Has a lot of work to do to succeed at the NFL level, but has the heart and desire to get it done. Projected Round: 5

9. Mario Harvey ILB Marshall 6'0" 257 lbs. 40 Time: 4.43 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Harvey has been making a name for himself lately. He is very good and getting better in the run game. He gets a hold of the ball carrier a brings him down more times than not. Has the ability to shed his blocker to make the play. He has that nose for getting to the quarterback, producing a sack or two, as well as hurries. He can be a tackling machine as his sats will show. The team leader in tackles most of his career. Impact player that can make a game changing play. Strong enough to play at the next level. He lacks the speed to move up in the draft and he needs to work on his pass rushing skills more. Needs to get better at reading the play and not get lost in the pack so much. Must remain healthy since his opposition will be much bigger than what he has faced. Can make an impact on special team until he gets a spot. Projected Round: 6

10. Chris White ILB Mississippi St. 6'3" 237 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Bench@225: 17x Sr. White is a very durable and dependable player. He has the size technique needed to play at the next level. Good at getting his feet under him to make the tackle. When making the tackle he uses his hands to wrap up carrier and drop him. Plays smart between the tackles and always plays hard till the end of the play. Can become a very productive player so long as he puts in the work at all times. His lack of speed and agility are a negative. Does not have that knee bend needed so he tends to play too high. Needs work on mobility and lateral movement. Will not make an impact off the edge. Weak in pass rushing that will be exploited in the pros. Projected Round: 7

11. Josh Bynes ILB Auburn 6'2" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.81 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Bynes is very active and likes to play physical. Has good versatility and very reliable. Ran a slower 40 than he needed at Pro Day. Needs to work on breaking initial contact and getting to the corner faster. Projected Round: 7

12. Mike Mohamed ILB California 6'3" 239 lbs. 40 Time: 4.73 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Mohamed has a good football IQ and is a productive type player. He is very durable and has lots of experience at his position. Good in pass coverage. Plays too high at times and does not play with the consistent aggressiveness he will need. Projected Round: 7

13. Greg Lloyd ILB Connecticut 6'1" 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.82 Bench@ 225: 22x Sr. Lloyd had great reaction and recognition to a play. Strong player that can get into the backfield. Needs to have better leverage and balance. Does not cover well in angles. Projected Round: FA

14. Orie Lemon ILB Oklahoma St. 6'1" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Lemon is a huge, solidly built linebacker. Has the power to hold his own at the line. Good leverage and hand work on his man. Could be taller needs to learn how to read a ply effectively. Play action seems to fool him too much. Projected Round: FA.

15. Akeem Dent ILB Georgia 6'1" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Bench@225: 24x Sr. Dent is athletic with an ability to get to the corner and make play. He is not too bad in pass coverage. Too small for the his position and lacks the speed in coverage to be a difference maker. Projected Round: FA

16. Nick Bellore ILB Central Michigan 6'1" 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.84 Bench@225: 23x Sr. Bellore plays at a high level and gives all out effort. Excels at reading and breaking down the play. Has good leverage and balance. Is not too good at wrapping up the ball carrier. He will get beat in coverage and cannot make up ground resulting in bug pass plays. Projected Round: FA

17. Brian Duncan ILB Texas Tech 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.89 Bench@225: 17x Duncan is a tackling machine that will fit good in a 3-4 defense. Overall he will need lots of work to make a roster and stick in the league.

18. Alex Wujciak, ILB, Maryland 6'3" 255 lbs. 40 Time: 4.84.
Bench@225: 21x Sr. A good tackler with playmaking ability. Needs to work on pass coverage especially sideline to sideline. Projected Round: FA.

19. Elijah Joseph ILB Temple 6'1" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Bench@225: 31x Sr. Joseph is a good tackler that likes to hit. Good power and has the knack of knocking football loose from ball carrier. Lacks the football instincts and vision needed at the next level. Projected Round: FA

20. Obi Ezeh ILB Michigan 6'2" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Bench@225: N/A Ezeh is good in pursuit and strong versus the run. Works good between the tackles but needs to work on pass coverage. Must get more physical to sustain every day rigors of the pros. Projected Round: FA

21. Derrell Smith ILB 6'0" 244 lbs 40 Time: 4.76. Bench@225: 17x Sr.

22. Kendall Smith ILB Florida State 6'1" 224 lbs. 40 Time: 4.83 Bench@225: 22x Sr.

23. Cobrani Mixon ILB Kent St. 6'1" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Bench@225: 33x Sr.

24. Stephen Franklin ILB Southern Illinois 5'11" 244 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Bench@225: 17x Sr.

25. Brian Smith ILB Notre Dame 6'3" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

26. JoJo Dickson ILB Idaho 6'2" 247 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Bench@225: 36x Sr.

27. Brad Jefferson ILB Georgia Tech 6'2" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.75 Bench@225: 28x Sr.

28. Michael Lockley ILB Florida Atlantic 6'1" 237 lbs. 40 Time; 4.67 Bench@225: 22x Sr

29. Tressor Baptiste ILB Texas A&M-Kingsville 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.82 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

30. Chris Colasanti ILB Penn St. 6'2" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.67 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

2011 NFL Draft - Cam Newton To Panthers? Auburn QB Will Do Well

The latest rumors have Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton going to The Carolina Panthers with the 2011 NFL Draft 1st Round Pick on Thursday, and even ESPN's Todd McShay, who's no fan of Newton, has that scenario to start his NFL Mock Draft.

Even the Twitter-verse is starting to heat-up with the rumor. And all of this, while some others, most notably former Washington Redskins Quarterback Joe Theisman, are quoted as "dissing" Newton.

This blogger can't remember a QB prospect who has endured as much character assassination as Cam Newton. And while this short blog post is not to reconstruct all of the things said about Newton, there is one observation that was gained from watching Newton with former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden, and that's there seems to be some discomfort with Newton's style. Cam Newton reminds me of my good friend Keith Johnson, an engineering major at UTA, who would slowly consider what was said to him before reacting. But when pushed, Keith would and could aggressively show he was smart.

But it wasn't his style to do so.

Meanwhile Gruden's tossing complex play-calling terms at Newton was wrong-headed. He didn't do that to the other quarterbacks he talked to, like TCU's Andy Dalton, but he did it to Newton. It was as if Gruden was testing Newton's intelligence by using that age-old-stupid test: nomenclature. It didn't go over well with observers over at the blog SmartFootball. Coaches know all of that wordiness doesn't translate to a great football play.

This corner thinks Newton has the desire and skill to succeed at the NFL level, and he's a quick study. Newton's just not one to show what he knows.

Stay tuned.

2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Outside Linebackers

2011 NFL Draft – Outside Linebacker Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Von Miller – OLB – 6-3 / 246 / Texas A&M (4.42, 21 BR)
Miller is not only the top outside linebacker prospect in the 2011 NFL draft, he’s very close to being the overall top pick. Getting drafted is the easy part for a talent like Miller. Actually playing, at least initially, might be another, as it could be for every player and draftee for which Miller is helping to represent, as the only prospect in this year’s draft who is involved in the players’ lawsuit against NFL owners in the current offseason NFL labor dispute. As for playing, Miller’s ability was evident early. He was named to The Sporting News’ Freshman All-Big 12 team before posting 44 tackles the following year. Miller was first-team All-America selection after leading the nation with 17 sacks. Adding another Big-12-leading 10.5 sacks, he was a consensus All-American and Butkus Award winner last year. If a team needs an accomplished pass rusher in this year’s draft, Miller would be at the top of the list with extreme quickness around the edge and great closing speed to the quarterback. Miller is also solid against the run though, with a strong upper body and tackling ability that make him tough for opposing backs to elude. If there’s one area of weakness, it’s that Miller is still a little raw with dropping back in coverage, but he gets by in that area because of his athleticism and quickness.

2. Akeem Ayers – OLB – 6-3 / 254 / UCLA (4.81, 18 BR)
After redshirting in 2007, Ayers earned Pac-10 All-Freshman awards before receiving a host of All-Pac-10 and All-America honors over his next two seasons. He was also a Butkus award finalist as a junior last season, when he had 68 tackles, 4 sacks, and two tackles. Ayers is a good pass rusher good explosiveness and flexibility, and although he’s a playmaker, he relies on reading a quarterback’s eyes too much in coverage. Against the run, Ayers is a physical linebacker who possesses the size, strength, and good hands needed to shed blocks and corral ballcarriers.

3. Bruce Carter – OLB – 6-2 / 241 / North Carolina (4.57, 25 BR)
Carter was having a great career at North Carolina until a couple of major roadblocks derailed him. First, there was the agent scandal that left the Butkus Award finalist without some of his fellow talented defensive teammates, and then something that could raise a much bigger red flag with Carter during his senior season – a season-ending knee injury that required reconstructive knee surgery in December. If there’s faith that he’ll be healthy enough to be what he was before the injury, Carter will remain a top prospect. Highly touted out of high school, Carter had 18 of his 25 tackles as a freshman in the final five games of his first year in college. He then exploded for 68 tackles, five sacks, and a pick the following year. As a junior, Carter had 65 tackles, two sack, and an interception return for a touchdown. Before the injury, Carter had 57 tackles as a senior. He’s also a star on special teams, having blocked six punts and a field goal in his college career. Carter is a supreme athlete, having been clocked as fast as 4.39 in the 40-yard dash (though he’s often been around 4.57), with a 40.5-inch vertical leap, and a max bench press of 440 pounds. He’s an aggressive run defender, an explosive hitter, and shows good route recognition in coverage. Carter is an effective pass rusher but he could use more of a variety of pass rush moves.

4. Justin Houston – OLB – 6-3 / 270 / Georgia (4.62, 30 BR)
A former defensive end, became a pass-rushing linebacker in Georgia’s new 3-4 scheme last season. Houston redshirted in 2007 before totaling 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks as freshman. He raised those totals to 39 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a sophomore, and earned multiple All-America awards as well as being named as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski and Butkus Awards after having a stellar senior season in which Houston posted 67 tackles and ten sacks. Houston’s greatest asset is an explosive upfield burst, with a quick closing burst to whoever has the ball, but he needs to learn how to use his hands better to beat blockers. A 2009 suspension for reportedly violating Georgia’s substance abuse policy could scare teams away and drop Houston’s stock.

5. Mason Foster – OLB – 6-1 / 245 / Washington (4.75, 22 BR)
While quarterback Jake Locker received most of the attention, the key to Washington’s last-season run to a Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska last year was the Huskies’ defensive turnaround which was spearheaded by Foster. As a sophomore, Foster led the Pac-10 in tackles per game (in 12 games), averaging 8.75 per contest. A year later, he had 85 tackles, three interceptions, and had six forced fumbles, which set a school record and led the Pac-10 for the season. Foster was a first-team All-American. Foster reads and reacts quickly with good instincts. He’s at his best in pass coverage when playing zone and reading the quarterback’s eyes. Foster had a ridiculous 163 tackles (the most by a Pac-10 player since 1989) as a senior and 378 career tackles, but many of those came downfield without many other playmakers to compliment Foster on the Washington defense. Foster became a pass rushing threat as a senior, when he has 6.5 of his 10.5 career sacks.

6. Brooks Reed – OLB – 6-3 / 263 / Arizona (4.65, 30 BR)
Reed was an active part of one of the nation’s top pass rushers over the past two years but he could be a tweener being slightly undersized to be a 4-3 end while struggling a bit with coverage and open-field tackling in a 3-4 scheme. But, one thing Reed will always provide is great effort and hustle, with quickness off the snap. Reed redshirted in 2006 and lettered as a reserve and special teams player the next year before receiving an honorable mention as a sophomore. He had an injury-plagued junior season, but recorded a career-high 47 tackles and 6.5 sacks as a senior.

7. Dontay Moch – OLB – 6-1 / 248 / Nevada (4.40, 21 BR)
Moch is small for his position and doesn’t hail from a big-time school, but as a former track star, he’s super fast, durable, and enjoyed an ultra-productive career at Nevada, holding many school pass-rushing records. Moch was an all-WAC selection in his final three years, including his selection as Nevada’s first-ever WAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, and being named to the coaches’ All-WAC first team as a senior, after he had 64 tackles (43 solo and 22 for loss) and 8.5 sacks. Moch is quick off the snap and good at shedding blocks with his hands. He’s a defensive team leader who can drop effectively into zone pass coverage. Moch is not stout against the run and could have difficulty in man coverage, but overall. he projects well to the outside linebacker position.

8. Chris Carter – OLB – 6-1 / 248 / Fresno State (4.58, 27 BR)
The same size, and hailing from the same conference as Moch, Carter is slightly slower but also a little stronger than his former WAC counterpart. Consistently improving over his college career, Carter earned second-team All-WAC honors as a sophomore, made the All-WAC first team the next year, and was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Carter is explosive with long arms and a strong, muscular frame. Against the run, he shows good burst and acceleration to chase down ball carriers from behind and he uses a nice spin move to get to the quarterback, but the book no Carter is that he mainly possesses the instincts of defensive end while having the physical makeup of a linebacker.

9. Lawrence Wilson – OLB – 6-1 / 229 / Connecticut (4.71, 24 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Wilson made an immediate impact UConn, where he was named a second-team Freshman All-American starting in place of UConn’s injured starting linebacker, ranking second on the team with 113 tackles (the most by a UConn freshman in a the FBS era). He again finished second on the team with 78 tackles the following year and was a first-team All-Big East selection as a junior with 140 tackles and five sacks. As a senior, Wilson led the Big East with 123 tackles to again be named to the All-Big East first team while concluding his college career with the second-most tackles in UConn history. Wilson is small for a linebacker but he uses his speed and tackling ability to catch ballcarriers before they break off big gains. He has good awareness in zone coverage and he’s capable of beating tackles off the edge as a blitzer.

10. K.J. Wright – OLB – 6-3 / 246 / Mississippi State (4.75, 20 BR)
Wright finished second in team tackles over each of his last three years at Mississippi State, racking up 72 tackles as a sophomore, 82 as a junior, and 98 last year. He’s an athletic playmaker whether making tackles, forcing fumbles, breaking up passes, or as he did during his freshman year, as a key special teams contributor. Wright is adept at helping stop the run and plays well in coverage, reading and recognizing routes well. Wright had a food pro day on 3/15/11, which included assistant coaches from the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.

11. Ross Homan – OLB – 6-1 / 240 / Ohio State (4.66, 32 BR)
After a productive freshman season, Homan took a medical redshirt with turf toe in 2007, before bouncing back to be a first-year starter at linebacker with 67 tackles. A year later, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win with 108 tackles while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. He became a first-team All-Big Ten selection last year after being voted the team captain. Homan is an instinctual run defender with a nose for the ball, a very active pass defender, and a sold tackler.

12. Mark Herzlich – OLB – 6-4 / 244 / Boston College (4.91, 29 BR)
Herzlich was once the top-rated senior prospect at his position until he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2009. He wasn’t supposed to play football again, but he overcame the odds to win the Rudy Award and the ACC Brian Piccolo Award with 65 tackles (50 solo), two forced fumbles, and four interceptions last year. Herzlich, who received All-America awards in 2006 and 2008, when healthy, is an experienced pass rusher with good closing speed and a constant hustler, using a strong upper body to wrap up tacklers.

13. Brian Rolle – OLB – 5-10 / 229 / Ohio State (4.53, 28 BR)
The cousin of New York Giants’ safety Antrel Rolle, the former Ohio State star Brian Rolle projects as a good NFL outside linebacker with an ability to contribute well on special teams. He played an integral role (no pun intended with Rolle playing a significant role) on a talented Ohio State defense. Rolle was a team captain and first-team All-Big Ten selection last year. Though undersized, Rolle is very athletic, with good speed, and an ability to make big hits. In the right NFL system (most likely a Tampa Two), he can be successful.

14. Adrian Moten – OLB – 6-2 / 228 / Maryland (4.53, 18 BR)
Another Tampa-Two prospect, Moten overcame a 2008 wrist injury to finish a strong career at Maryland. Athletic and versatile, Moten makes plays all over the field. He can beat blocks wit ha quick first step.

15. Doug Hogue – OLB – 6-3 / 235 / Syracuse (4.62, 18 BR)
A former running back who was second at Syracuse with 251 rushing yards (on 77 carries) as a freshman, Hogue moved to outside linebacker two years later, receiving second-team All-Big East honors before making the All-Big East first-team as a senior. Hogue has great speed an athleticism with good recovery speed and coverage skills.

16. Scott Lutrus – OLB – 6-2 / 241 / Connecticut (4.68)
Lutrus was Freshman All-American and All-Big East second-team selection and two-time team captain, but he was hampered by neck stingers over the final two years of his career. Lutrus shows a good ability to disengage blocks with strong hands, and he’s a good blitzer who spots his lanes well, while always playing hard to the whistle.

17. Jonas Mouton – OLB – 6-1 / 239 / Michigan (4.84)
Nicknamed “The Assassin,” Mouton is dependable, productive, and was one of the Big Ten’s best defenders last season. He’s a sure tackler with a strong upper body who plays with a lot of intensity. Mouton was a highly recruited safety before redshirting and switching to linebacker at Michigan.

18. Thomas Keiser – OLB – 6-5 / 244 / Stanford (4.84)
Keiser is a formidable pass rushing threat with 15 sacks in 25 career games, but the junior prospect could have used the extra year to hone his skills before making the jump to the next level. Still, Keiser is talented enough to make help an NFL team in a 3-4 scheme.

19. J.T. Thomas – OLB – 6-1 / 241 / West Virginia (4.65)
Thomas, who redshirted in 2006 due to an ankle injury, suffered a neck injury prior to his senior season. He came back however, to be productive last year, as he was after his redshirt freshman season. Thomas flies around the field with a lot of energy, moving with good straight-line speed to close with sure tackles. He also has a lot of experience, having played in 48 games (mostly starts) despite the injuries.

20. Jabara Williams – OLB – 6-2 / 223 / Stephen F. Austin (4.64)
Don’t let the small school name and the light weight fool you. The 2010 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year has long arms and is a good hitter, who plays best on the edge, while being a solid special teams contributor as well.

21. Quentin Davie – OLB – 6-3 / 232 / Northwestern (4.72)

22. Bruce Miller – OLB – 6-1 / 254 / Central Florida (4.81)

23. Jeremiha Hunter – OLB – 6-1 / 239 / Iowa (4.77, 20 BR)

24. D.J. Smith – OLB – 5-11 / 239 / Appalachian State (4.75, 20 BR)

25. Eric Gordon – OLB – 6-0 / 224 / Michigan State 6-0 (4.55)

26. Ricky Brewer – OLB – 6-1 / 222 / Colorado State (4.70)

27. Craig Stevens – OLB – 6-2 / 230 / Auburn (4.67)

28. Victor Aiyewa – OLB 29 – 6-1 / 219 / Washington (4.67)

29. Wayne Daniels – OLB 30 – 6-0 / 260 / TCU (5.03)

30. Kenny Rowe – OLB 31 – 6-2 / 244 / Oregon (4.90)

31. Michael Morgan – OLB – 6-3 / 220 / USC (4.64)

32. Chris Walker – OLB – 6-2 / 236 / Tennessee (4.72)

33. Anthony Leon – OLB –6-4 / 226 / Arkansas (4.68)

34. Jamari Lattimore – OLB –6-2 / 218 / Middle Tennessee (4.74)

35. Spencer Paysinger – OLB – 6-3 / 234 / Oregon (4.75)

36. Nate Bussey – OLB 37 – 6-1 / 219 / Illinois (4.64)

37. Malcolm Smith – OLB – 6-1 / 225 / USC (4.68)

38. Winston Venable – OLB – 5-11 / 219 / Boise State (4.68)

39. Jacquain Williams – OLB – 6-3 / 231 / South Florida (4.63)

40. A.J. Jones – OLB – 6-1 / 226 / Florida (4.66)

41. Keith Browner – OLB 42 – 6-5 / 266 / California (4.98)

42. Josh McNary – OLB 43 – 6-0 / 230 / Army (4.75)

43. Anthony Egbuniwe – OLB – 6-4 / 256 / Georgia Tech (4.98)

44. Jeffrey Williams – OLB – 6-0 / 229 / Gardner-Webb (4.64)

45. Eric McBride – OLB – 6-1 / 232 / Richmond (4.76)

46. Brian Smith – OLB – 6-3 / 235 / Notre Dame (4.72)

47. Antonio Johnson – OLB – 6-0 / 218 / Baylor (4.80)

48. Matt Berning – OLB – 6-0 / 242 / Central Michigan (4.80)

49. Bani Gbadyu – OLB – 6-1 / 247 / Penn State (4.67)

50. Darryl Gamble – OLB – 6-1 / 250 / Georgia (4.73)