2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Safeties
B y William Carroll-Special Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Rahim Moore UCLA, 5’11 ¾” 201 4.62 Moore Missed no time during his 3 years at UCLA, with 14 career interceptions at it’s clear he has a nose for the ball. He is very sudden in his change of direction and shows a real understanding of the game. However he is no thumper and not impressive in run support. He is at his best when playing center field, [Cover-1 or single high safety] He is also experience in Cover-2 he was a respected, accountable leader on the Bruin’s defense. Moore is able to be so effective at least in part because he is a student of the game and instinctive however though Moore is willing enough as a defender of the run his ‘grab on and hope you trip over me’ tackling style is not the stuff that makes up instructional videos. Moore diagnoses quickly and consistently, he is rarely fooled or out of position. Moore does struggle to disengage from blocks, he is not terribly strong in the upper-body, comparisons to Ed Reed are inaccurate and unfair, Reed was much more explosive and violent in hitting, closing on the ball, running with the ball, leaping for the ball in every possible way he was a better and more complete safety. Moore will need to get stronger and gain experience playing in man coverage to be better than a solid starter. Career- 2010: 77 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 4 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 48 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 7 PBU, 10 INTs
2008 : 60 tackles, 4 PBU, 3 INTs
Rahim Moore 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Rahim Moore FS UCLA JR 5116 202 30 ¼ " 9.1 4.62 11 35.0 6.98 9'7"
Summary
There is a fairly strong probability that Moore could be over drafted due to the perception that he’s the best at his position but perhaps the only day 1 starter at FS in the whole draft. To some extent his amazing sophomore year is being overvalued. Moore will be a valuable addition to most teams, but anyone expecting a dominant or elite player is likely to be disappointed. Earl Thomas was more complete, if he progresses you might have a less powerful but more ball centered version of Madieu Williams or a more instinctive and reliable version of Gus Scott. Moore did pick the right year to declare as he’s go almost a round later most years, this year he could be in the top 5-10 picks in the 2nd and is a near lock to go in the top 50 selections, the Cowboys, Chargers and Bengals have shown strong interest, overall grade 8.6
2. Deunta Williams North Carolina 6'1¾" 205 4.56 [estimated] Williams is a 2007 graduate of White Oak High School in Jacksonville, N.C. where he was named a Super Prep All-America, and the No. 4 skill athlete in the country by Super Prep. He was also tabbed the defensive MVP for the North Carolina team in the Shrine Bowl. He was ranked the #8 player in North Carolina by The Charlotte Observer. As a senior, Deunta caught 29 passes for 299 yards on offense and averaged eight tackles per game and intercepted seven passes on defense. As a junior, he had 400 yards receiving, 250 yards rushing and 200 yards passing, Caught 16 passes for 11 TDs. As a true freshman at UNC in 2007, he switched from WR to SS, and started all 12 games and ranked fifth on the team with 59 tackles. He also led the team with three interceptions for 84 yards and broke up two passes.
In 2008, he started all 13 games and ranked fifth on the team with 65 tackles, including 55 solo stops. He also had three interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.
In 2009, he earned first-team All-ACC honors after finishing the season with 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, six interceptions for 114 yards, and eight pass breakups. He also had a 6-yard fumble recovery and ranked second in the ACC and 11th in the country with six interceptions. He ranked fourth in the ACC with 14 passes defended (6 INTs, 8 PBUs.)
In 2010, he played in only 9 games but still managed 49 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 PBUs, and a FF. There are two primary concerns regarding Williams. Williams was suspended for only four games (lightest of the penalized) in the now infamous UNC agent-related scandal of 2010. Williams reported received $1426 in improper benefits from an agent and was ordered to make restitution.
Deunta Williams 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Deunta Williams FS/SS UCLA JR 6016 205 33 1/4" 10 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP
Summary
This is a strong safety that hits well, and is fairly fluid and agile. Can cover the requisite amount of ground to be a 4-down player, and has been very productive at a high level for one of America's best collegiate defenses. Williams has the ability to make receivers hear footsteps, and will have a shot at being one of the coveted true secondary enforcers in this draft. As an NFL comparison former Giants’ safety Greg Jackson comes to mind as well as Morgan Burnett, Williams is versatile, tough and athletic, he could play in either safety spot but he’ll need to show he’s recovering from having had his right fibula surgically repaired after he was injured making a tackle in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl. The injury will push him down if he had not had missed time due to the leg and suspension he’d be contending with Rahim Moore for the top spot in the position group, now he may fall to the 3rd/4th range, overall grade 8.5.
3. DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, 6’0 1/8” 217 4.63
The No. 1 defensive back coming out of high school, according to some recruiting services, McDaniel had offers from Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn and Louisville. He chose to leave the state of Florida and became a highly productive and durable three-year starter for the Tigers, where he matured into captain material after a difficult childhood. He originally signed with Clemson in 2006 but played in the fall instead for Hargrave (VA) Military Academy for Head Coach Robert Prunty where he compiled 48 tackles, four interceptions, and four sacks. As a senior in H.S. he had 53 tackles and eight interceptions, returning three for scores. As a junior he tallied 27 catches for 656 yards and six scores when he started on both sides of the ball and had three interceptions as a senior. He was a member of Prep Star’s Dream Team Top 100 as a senior. Despite 14 career interceptions, McDaniel enters the NFL with doubts about his coverage skills. He has the biggest hands among safeties in this class at 10”.
2010- Came into next season as one of, if not, the best safeties in the country, he finished with 73 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 picks, 6 PBUs and a couple QBHs.
2009- Received 1st team All-ACC honors. Had a breakout year; accumulated 98 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and eight interceptions. His eight interceptions tied for second in the nation in interceptions (tied with 1st round pick Earl Thomas).
2008- Started all year long and had 77 tackles and one interception. Was one of the key players on the Clemson defense, he also had 10 special teams tackles (included in tackle total), which was the most on the team.
2007- Received first team All-ACC freshman team recognition. Played 438 snaps and racked up 33 tackles.
DeAndre McDaniel 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
DeAndre McDaniel
SS Clemson SR 6011 217 321/2" 101/8" 4.63 DNP 35” 7.07 9'8"
Summary
The 2 largest concerns for teams are his lack of an aggravated assault charge in 2008, wherein he was alleged to have covered her head with a comforter and choking her, hitting her and later throwing her down a flight of stairs. However, witnesses refuted the victim’s story, saying she looked normal and smiling as though nothing had happened upon leaving the apartment complex where the argument occurred, following this he became an honor roll student, he spent lots of time in the film room, learning from coaches and was a model teammate. The other issue is his lack of timed speed, he is most comfortable playing in the box but at times he will load up for the ‘kill-shot’ and occasionally he misses. His film study pays off as he reads the eyes of QBs as well as any safety in this draft. He’ll need to continue to show he’s overcome his difficult upbringing, prove he’s not a selective tackler, and use his instincts to overcome his average speed to make plays like the play he made against Nebraska, where he tipped a pitch in the backfield and took it in for a TD overall score 8.3.
4. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma, 6'0 5/8" 208
A good high school quarterback, Carter was a two-year starter; Thorpe award candidate, in 2009 he was the team’s second leading tackler, he is a natural free safety and one of the best players at his position in the nation. Smooth athlete with range and anticipation. Jumps patterns and has the hands for the interception. Carter primarily plays deep, but reads screens and can come up to force the run and lay the big hit; he has displayed solid tackling fundamentals and doesn't give up the deep ball.
Quinton Carter 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Quinton Carter SS Oklahoma SR 6005 208 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"
Summary
Carter will occasionally will duck his head and miss tackles, and sometimes will hit a player late on the sidelines; he has not used much in man coverage. He is a very athletic safety with range, with valuable versatility, enough so that he can be used at either safety position and perhaps he can even to slide inside and cover slot receivers in big nickel packages. Carter is likely a second or third-round choice and a future starter at the FS position. In a passing league such as the NFL, Carter has a chance to shine, and his best play could be in front of him. Carter is similar to former fine HS QB turned NFL safety Sean Jones overall score 8.25.
5. Jaiquawn Jarrett 2010- 1st Team All-MAC - led team with 74 tackles and 2 INTs
2009 - 1st Team All-MAC - 76 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass break-ups, and 2 fumble recoveries.
2008 - Led team with 88 tackles and an INT with 4 pass break-ups and 3 recovered fumbles.
2007 - Started in every game as a freshman and was the Special Teams Player of the Year for Owls. Jarrett is an excellent student who demonstrated a strong work ethic on and off the field. He was a respected team leader who won Captain's Award as a senior and Team Spirit Award as junior. He was a recipient of the 2010 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Academic Achievement Award. Recipient of the Temple athletic department's 2010 Enterprise Spirit and Sportsmanship Award, named to the 2010 Athletic Director's Honor Roll and a Senior Bowl invitee.
Jarrett is quick enough to cover slot receivers and just big enough to help in run support, blitz, and cover tight ends. On film, Jarrett shows the eagerness to attack ball-carriers. Although he’s at times inconsistent in the angles he takes, Jarrett is a consistent tackler once he gets in position. He wraps up well, keeps his feet moving and finishes with his many looking up at the sky.
Jaiquawn Jarrett 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jaiquawn Jarrett FS Temple SR 5117 198 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"
Summary
Jarrett is very intelligent and durable he started for 4 years collegiate game (49 games) he’ tough and fills well against the run. Jarrett’s a big hitter who’s excellent breaking down, wrapping up and finishing as a tackler. Though he’s polished in coverage Jarrett sits in his backpedal too long at times, giving up too much ground in an attempt to avoid getting beaten deep. There are times, even when no receivers are threatening him deep, Jarrett gives far too much space in the deep middle Opponents have a hard time getting a block on him. He plays bigger than size, with good flexibility, he’s aggressive and able to find his way to the ball carrier, but his frame is less than ideal for an NFL safety and he lacks elite top-end speed but usually able to recover, he works hard to get in position to make a play but may not finish; he occasionally mistimes his jump for the ball and does not appear to have exceptional hands or ball skills and he’s not a workout wonder. Former Green Bay FS Marques Anderson is similar to Jarrett in style of play and build overall grade 8.2.
6. Ahmad Black, Florida, 5’9 ½” 187 4.74 So many of the things that could be said of Burney at the CB position also apply here in fact Some Cover-2 teams even were projecting the ball-hawking playmaker as a zone cornerback. Black is too small, too slow, yet somehow in the SEC the ‘Mini-NFL’ Black was a Consensus First-Team All-SEC pick and this past season was often the best player on the Gator’s defense. He has exceptional instincts; does a nice job reading the quarterback and getting into position to make plays. He displays ball skills (11 career interceptions). Team captain in 2010. He is dependable against screen plays and the run; he can handle the slot against receivers who aren't burners. He had 13 career interceptions to go with 244 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns. He didn’t miss a game during his three years as a starter for the Gators. However, his size will suggest future concern injury to many evaluating him for the next level.
Ahmad Black 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Ahmad Black SS Florida SR 5117 198 31" 9 7/8 " 4.74 18 35 ½ ” 6.85 9'11"
Summary
Unlike the Darrell Green’s and Bob Sanders of previous years there is not special physical talent to give evaluators cover if they wish to advocate for Black. All he has is 3 seasons of mostly, very good tape. There is no disputing that big WRs and TEs wills imply box him out of a certain number of plays. Black will have to cheat and use grit and guile to defend the slot and big backs may take a toll on him as well. Black is likely to come off the board on the second day of the draft. A slide into the fifth round is very doubtful, but it wouldn't be a shock if he lasted until the early-mid fourth round. Giving him a chance is his previous success against the highest level of competition, the fact that he can play SS/FS and Nickel and that the recommendation of Urban Meyer means something in the NFL. Though he is a bit smaller and slower he reminds of former Chargers and Raiders CB/S/Nickel Terrance Shaw, overall grade 8.1.
7. Robert Sands, WVU, 6’4 3/8” 217 Sands in 2010 was a first-team all-Big East selection had 53 tackles in 2010, including 1.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble and made an interception. Sands closed his Mountaineers career with 151 tackles, including 88 unassisted, 1½ sacks and 10 tackles for loss. It’s impossible to ignore Sands’ large frame, long arms and big hands despite that he’s athletic enough to have some time spent at CB. To put is context Sands is being evaluated as everything from a Cover-2 corner to Nickel LB and all the positions in between. Sands is very aggressive he was named “Hardest Hitter” in the Big East by The Sporting News, he excels in run support; acts like an extra linebacker at times. He has adequate ball skills (six career interceptions) Sands has special teams experience and shows the kick coverage ace mentality.
Robert Sands 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Robert Sands FS WVU JR 6’4 3/8” 217 33 3/8" 9 3/4 " 4.57 12 35 ½ ” 7.03 9'11"
Summary
Sands is huge for the position, he ran a solid 4.57 in the 40 and he’s a hitter, so why isn’t he higher? In many mocks shortly after the season Sands was projected to go in the 1st half of the 2nd round, but as teams got a more in-depth look at his short area change of direction and though he’s a hard tackler he can miss more than teams like from the final line of their defense. He has drawn comparisons to Tank Williams of Stanford who played for the Titans, Vikings and Patriots, he’ll need to get a bit stronger, could he put on 10-15 pounds and play ‘Will’ LB, Sands raw talent means he won’t make it out of the 4th round, overall grade 8.0.
8. Tyler Sash Iowa In a safety class that seems to break down into athletes and football players Sash is one of a few that has a good amount of each characteristic. He started 37 games in three seasons and made enough big plays in the passing game: 13 interceptions, a total of 392 return yards, so that he came to be known as Sash-and-Dash. His best performances came in Iowa's biggest games, he had two interceptions, including a 48-yard return in the 2009 Outback Bowl win against South Carolina; three picks in 2009 against Iowa State, he's a natural leader with excellent strength for the position. The Hawkeyes' scheme, heavily based in two-deep coverage, often put him in good position. It also required him to read and react quickly, cover quality tight ends and running backs and make plays downfield. As a strong safety, his short arms, 30 inches, shorter than all other safeties at the combine this does cause him to run around blocks near the line, which can place him out of position in terms of run fits. In the Norm Parker scheme at Iowa there’s no attempt to trick the offense, the emphasis is placed on sound technique and pattern matching. In the Hawkeyes' pro-style defense, Sash recorded 79 tackles (three and a half for loss) and two interceptions during his final (Junior) year at Iowa. He was voted first-team All-Big-Ten by coaches and media, and he was also one of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Tyler Sash 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Tyler Sash SS Iowa JR 6’0” 211 30” 9 3/8 " 4.62 11 33” 6.90 10'7”
Summary
Sash likely declared because this season he could go as early as the late 2nd and is almost assured of being selected by the mid-3rd in this thin safety class. Sash will best fit a Cover-2 team and is very like the Bears’ Craig Steltz in style of play and athletic profile. Sash will never be mistaken for fellow, former Hawkeye SS Bob Sanders, but he can help on special teams and his is a natural sense for where the ball is going, overall grade 7.9.
9. Chris Conte spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve corner. Conte found his comfort zone as a senior, putting his instincts and aggression good use. He closed his career with 157 tackles (four of them for losses), two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and a blocked kick for a touchdown. Twelve of his 17 career starts came at safety, he finished the season as a 1st team All-Pac-10 selection. In 2010 he was third on the team with 72 tackles with an average of 6.0 stops per game. He had team's only blocked kick of the season on an Arizona State punt attempt, which he returned six yards for his first career touchdown. Conte played in 50 of 51 possible games at Cal but spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve cornerback. He finished his Cal career with 157 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and the blocked kick for a touchdown. Conte’s athletic ability shows up quickly and consistently – he can trail receivers very well for a safety, and he closes in on downhill plays with authority. He’s aggressive when getting to the ball carrier, and he takes good angles to facilitate the stop. He is raw and his long, lean rangy build is a detriment when it’s time to rapidly change direction and he struggles at times with compact, powerful players when he fails to get his hips low enough.
Chris Conte 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Chris Conte FS Cal SR 6’2 3/8” 197 30 ½” 9 7/8 " 4.53 18 35 ½ ” 7.01 10'7”
Summary
Conte’s size, speed, ability to play over the slot receiver as a nickel back at the next level will push him up the board, he may well go an entire round prior to Black, however though he’s bigger and a better athlete he’s not the better safety. His Long arms, balance, agility and speed are ideal and he might be slightly over-drafted as a result. He is more of a project than any of the top prospects at the position. To become a starter Conte will need to really apply himself in film study, play-action draws and double-moves were the bane of his existence at Cal. There are several lanky, athletic CB/S tweeners that come to mind Antuan Edwards, Gerald Alexander and Jason Sehorn are physically similar but all were far more developed in their skills than Conte, overall grade 7.6
10. Jeron Johnson, Boise State, 5'10 1/4" 212 4.52
Johnson is a very well-schooled run defender, with quickness, balance and agility . Johnson led the Broncos in tackles in each of his final three seasons, earning him all-conference honors three consecutive years. Johnson was named first team All-WAC in 2010, and second team All-WAC in 2008 and 2009. He finished his career ranked 12th all-time in career tackles (318) at Boise State
2010: 82 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 6 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 91 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 6 PBU, 4 INT’s
2008: 101 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 3 INT’s
2007 – 54 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 6 PBU
Johnson is smart, tough and an above average athlete, he’s in the top 3-5 in this class in delivering big hits. He has fluid hips and changes direction very well. Johnson is a very versatile player who can step up and lay out the big hit or drop back effectively in coverage. He plays bigger than he measures and anticipates plays well.
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jeron Johnson SS Boise St. SR 5'10 1/4" 212 30 ½” 9" 4.52 23 31 ” 6.95 9’5”
Summary
Johnson is one of the players that is just solid in all areas and better than most evaluators think, he will be a starter in a few years instincts and knows how to play the game, while he’s not an elite level playmaker: Polamalu, Reed, Sanders, those are rare players, he will be better than many reserves the day he’s drafted and would soon represent an upgrade for teams like Dallas, most teams have him targeted in the 4th, NFL comparison: Brock Marion was the 196th player chosen in the 7th round in 1993 and played 12 season, made 3 Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 200. Johnson may go in the mid-4th or fall to the 7th but he is a player overall grade 7.55.
11. Da'Norris Searcy, UNC, 5'10 5/8" 223 4.56 Searcy is a prototype strong safety; he is strong and physically imposing. 2010: Searcy returned to the team after sitting out the first three games due to the NCAA investigation. Searcy made an immediate impact with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown in his first game vs. East Carolina on Oct. 2. He had a team-best four interceptions this season, including three in his first four games back on the field. He also posted 37 tackles and broke up four passes. Searcy served as the team's top punt and kickoff return man over the last two seasons. He scored on a 77-yard punt return vs. The Citadel in 2009 and had a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown this season vs. ECU. He has some experience at linebacker; he could be viewed as a weak-side linebacker by some 4-3 teams, he will be evaluated at both safety spots as well. He is in the top 5 in this class in all the ‘in the box’ characteristics; he is a tackler, a solid open field defender with a high understanding of run fits. Searcy at times over pursues and can be too nosy, at times he’ll get caught peaking in the backfield and double-moves of play action will catch him flat-footed. Searcy at the least should be a valuable player as a reserve or on special teams, he as a good chance to become a starting SS if he maxes out he could become a Donovin Darius type player, overall grade 7.4.
12. Jerrard Tarrant, GA Tech, 6’0 3/8” 204, 4.57 Tarrant led the Yellow Jackets with three interceptions for 93 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown return, with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his junior season. He also recorded 58 tackles, with 2.5 for a loss. Tarrant also served as a specialist in the Yellow Jackets’ kick return game, running back a pair of punts for touchdowns in 2009. He also scored on an interception return and fumble recovery in 2009. Tarrant has an above average football IQ, hands and skills to make plays on the ball in the air. Tarrant is a former CB and it shows in his tackling as well, he is not ever going to intimidate receivers. He identifies routes very well but is not as fluid or quick-footed as teams would like. Bhawoh Jue is a player who is similar to Tarrant a CB turned FS with many of the same strengths and weaknesses overall grade 7.3.
13. Shiloh Keo, Idaho, 5’11 3/8” 216, 4.7 Keo's passionate play and versatility leaves an indelible impression on scouts, he is the kind of prospect that an area scout will ‘bang the table’ to make his case as to why Keo should join their team. It’s quite possible that Keo will never be a starter, he has athletic limitations, NFL slots would likely be able to abuse him in coverage, and even the athletic tight ends would likely be able get away from him. He did a little bit of everything with the Vandals, as Keo's ability to impact the game as a big-hitter and ball-hawk on defense as well as a special team’s defender and returner made him a WAC standout from the beginning. Keo is the kind of player that like Hank Bauer can have a successful career as a special teams' captain. He is very much like former Cowboy Bill Bates, overall grade 7.2.
14. Jermale Hines, Ohio St. 6’1 1/8” 219 4.61 Hines was selected All-Big Ten Second Team in 2010 he had 61 Tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sacks, INT, Fumble Recovered, 4 PBU. He is a very hard hitter and also a reliable tackler, who excels in the box, however like so many of the safeties in this class he is quite limited in what he can do when not blitzing or playing the run. Hines an example of a player who worked hard to move himself up the depth chart from special teams’ player as a freshman to an all-conference performer by his senior year. Hines could get his overall solid athletic ability from a strong pedigree. His uncle, Joseph Hines, was a member of Penn State's 1983 national championship team. Though Jermale Hines is strong, he still needs to work on his technique when it comes to shedding bigger blockers and wrapping up a ball carrier instead of simply lowering his shoulder into the runner. Hines lack of downfield coverage abilities has meant that some teams wonder if he could be a Nickel LB, overall grade 7.1.
15. Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, 4.56., LeGree ended his college career at Appalachian State defensive back Mark LeGree finished as the active leader in NCAA D1 football with 22 interceptions, four more than any other FCS or FBS player active in 2010. The 22 interceptions are good for second in Southern Conference history and third in ASU’s all-time annals. Despite opposing offenses steering away from the ball-hawking safety for much of the year, LeGree picked off five passes a senior, good for a tie for 20th nationally. He also broke up eight passes and made 49 tackles in his final collegiate campaign. He has innate ball skills, and learned from Corey Lynch about route recognition and toughness. He plays center field very well, he is nearly the equal of Moore in that area, consistency in his tackling and his pedestrian size/speed numbers are what’s keeping him on the board until well into the 6th/7th round range, LeGree has similar strengths and weaknesses to Elbert Shelley, formerly of the Falcons, overall grade 7.0.
16. M.D. Jennings 5’11 ¾-“ 187, 4.58 In 2010 Jennings was All-Sun Belt First Team he posted 84 tackles and 3 Interceptions, he’s has a nose for the big play and causes turnovers, in 2009he recovered a team-high three fumbles and had 6 PBUs and 1 pick and had 3 in 2008. He is instinctive and a willing tackler but he lacks bulk and strength, [10 bench reps @225] like most of the safeties in this class he’ll make any early impact on special teams and as he gets stronger he has a chance to be a 3rd safety or Nickel. NFL comparison, a much, much more slender Dexter Reid, overall grade 6.9.
17. Antwine Perez Maryland [USC], 6’1 1/8” 219 4.79 is a 2006 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Westville Grove, N.J. where he was a 2006 Parade All-Americana and was also tabbed first-team All-USA Today. He was also named an EA Sports first-team All-American and a member of Super Prep Elite 50. he earned a spot on the Prep Star Dream Team and the ESPN 150 and was a Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Super Prep All-Northeast Defensive MVP, Prep Star All-Eastern and Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year. He earned first-team all-state honors and was selected The Philadelphia Inquirer South Jersey Defensive MVP. In 2005 he had 82 tackles, 10 PBUs, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also threw for 1,700 yards with 14 TDs and ran for 195 yards with two TDs. As a junior in 2004, he recorded 58 tackles, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles, and also passed for 1,763 yards with 15 scores and ran for another 10 TDs.
Antwine spent the 2006 season with the USC Trojans and played in seven games while serving as a backup free safety. He recorded three tackles on the season.
2007: Sat out due to the transfer rule.
2008: He played in all 13 games at free safety as a backup. Perez also played on special teams and outside linebacker due to injuries at that position.
In 2009, he played in all 12 games as a reserve safety and on special teams and recorder 45 tackles, a PBU and a FF.
In 2010 (pre-bowl) He really put it altogether and tallied 66 tackles, 5 TFLs, a sack, 3 INTs., 5 PBUs, 3 FRs and 2 FFs. Perez is an under the radar athlete who is better than many know. Though somewhat athletically limited, Perez is strong tackler with a nose for the ball, but won’t stand out in any way in workouts, but has size and knowledge/knack of the game could lead to him making it, he will hit and cover with equal efficiency. Better in short-area, short-field coverage situations, and is not CB-good in terms of COD, turn-and-go, or pure coverage ability, but is better in that area than a lot of NFL safeties. Solid tackler, who’s not a liability in the run game, a big play guy, strong (20 reps.) Perez is not a true enforcer as a hitter in the deep half and has been susceptible to the double move and to elite speed in coverage and hasn’t been able to get it done on a consistent basis in college, so is a bit of an untested commodity still. He can disappear for stretches and is not a great blitzer to this point in his career. Perez would almost certainly be under-drafted; he’s a late 4th round talent who could go as late as the 7th-PUDFA due to bouncing around some and not really getting a full-time chance with Maryland until this past season Perez is like a less athletic Jarrad Page overall grade 6.8.
18. Josh Thomas, Buffalo, 5’10 5/8“192 4.46 Thomas has played CB he has an aggressive nature and he could be a third or fourth, but with the way more teams are taking tough, tackling CBs to FS, I actually think he’ll be asked to move to FS by a team like Dallas or the Bills that has lacked coverage skills at the position and despite his size he’s a willing run defender and in the late 6th on he has value, if Thomas gets a bit thicker and moves to FS he could be like former Bear and Seahawk Mike Green, overall grade 6.75.
19. Will Hill, Florida, 6’0 ¾” 202, 4.64 Former Florida safety Will Hill denied posting some vulgar tweets that have been gaining attention online after being posted on a college football blog. Every Day Should Be Saturday published the tweets from Hill's twitter account, @Trill_SG, last week. Most of the offensive posts were made before his junior season. True or not there have been concerns about Hill’s desire to be great and focus as he has given up too many big plays. After a fantastic high school career as a dynamic playmaker at Saint Peter's Prep, he was the 2007 Star-Ledger Offensive Player of the Year and arguably one of the best New Jersey high school football prospects of the past two decades as Hill played several positions including QB he is in condition he has less than four percent body fat, but even without the Twitter affair there is the fathering of three children by age 20, his suspension at the University of Florida, if he were 100% clean he might have been a late 3rd round selection, as is he may go undrafted and is unlikely to be taken prior to the 7th, as an NFL comparison if he maxes out he could be as good or better than Denver’s Darcel McBath, overall grade 6.7.
20. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers, 5’11 5/8” 210, 4.43 The Rutgers safety was named All-BIG EAST Second Team for 2010 by a vote of the league’s football coaches. One of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, Lefeged finished his career with 238 career tackles. Lefeged was a three-year starting strong safety and a two-year starting kick returner. The senior played the most games of any Scarlet Knight on the roster with 50 appearances, and had the most consecutive appearance of any RU player with 49 straight games. A special team’s standout as well, he broke the school record with 948 yards on 38 kickoff returns for a 24.9 yards per return average in 2010. He’ll need to improve his tackling but he is quick-twitch, he can cover especially well on underneath routes he will be a real contributor on special teams Lefeged has returned both kicks and punts, and blocked two punts in one game in 2010, he is comparable to Damien Russell formerly of the 49ers, overall grade 6.6.
21. I am going to cheat a bit there are a few more players that I feel are worthy of noting but missed the top 20, I will summarize them briefly: A. Eric Hagg of Nebraska is a well-built 6’1 3/8” 209 FS that some teams see as a SS, his 4.62 speed is average he can cover and tackle but lacks any one great quality.
22. B. Dom DeCicco of Pitt might be shifted to Nickel LB he’s 6’2 ¾” 231, ran 4.63 at his pro day and could make any team that want a hard-nosed ‘old-school’ SS the same could be said of Kent State’s Brian Lainhart 6 ¼” 211 4.64 had 17 interceptions and 344 tackles as a four-year starter they 2 of them are in many ways ‘poor men’s John Lynches.
23. C/D. David Sims and Jay Valai are nearly the same player, both have been compared to Bob Sanders, [neither is the explosive quick-twitch athlete that Sanders was] Sims is 5’9 ¼ 200 and ran a 4.51, he’s tough, quick and a tackling machine which also describes Valai, 5’8 ¼” 200, 4.73 his ball skills are lacking but he packs a wallop. E/F/G/H There are 4 workout warriors that bear mentioning:
24. Frantz Placide of Wagner holds the NCAA (all levels) career record for blocked kicks in a career (12), in 2010, had an excellent season on defense and special teams, starting in 8 of the 11 games he played. He added 2 more blocked kicks and ended his career with 12. Had one punt return on the year, a 46-yard TD, and finished his career with 3 PR TDs on 5 tries, and also had 2 KR TDs on 64 tries (23 yard avg.). He also had another 40-tackle season, including 5 for loss. He defended 4 passes and forced a couple fumbles. Was named to the FCS Senior Scout Bowl Team.
25. Ron Parker of Newberry At his pro day he weighed in at 6'0" 200 pounds and he ran the 40 yard dash 4.36s, 4.40s and 4.41s. He is the fastest safety in this draft, but he also has tremendous change of direction abilities running a 6.71s 3 cone and 4.18s short shuttle. He's a fantastic athlete that has picked off 11 passes in the last two seasons.
26. The last 2 freak athletes are Wyoming’s Chris Prosinski, insert Raider joke again, he had an outstanding pro day workout: 4.39 forty and 39.5 inch vertical put him back into late 7th round conversations. Prosinski finished his career at Wyoming with an impressive 373 tackles.
27. Finally and perhaps the most intriguing prospect of all Keanemana Silva of Hawaii by way of OR State, was ranked second nationally in interceptions with eight and set a new UH record with 14 during his career and he lit up his pro day, Silva (6’0 ¾” 206) averaged a 40 time of 4.44 on two runs, had a 40” vertical leap, 10’3” broad jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 7.01 three-cone drill, and 23 bench reps, he at the least will be a PUDFA and now has an outside chance of being drafted.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
2011 NFL Draft - ESPN's Erin Andrews Chats-Up Top Draft Prospects On Twitter
That's exactly what happened to Alabama's Marcell Dareus (in photo with Andrews), Auburn's Nick Fairley, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, LSU's Patrick Peterson, and Prince Amukamara, who later Twitter tweeted to Andrews "I can't believe I forgot your name haha."
Or...
PrinceAmukamara Prince Amukamara
I can't believe I forgot your name haha @erinandrews http://yfrog.com/gyllrawnj
3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
What's wrong with the Cornhusker standout Prince Amukamara that he would actually admit to forgetting Erin Andrews's name? That's something a man never tells a woman, especially on Twitter, where the result is all over the Internet.
Andrews was not amused:
I'm not laughing..good luck on Thurs :) RT @PrinceAmukamara: I can't believe I forgot your name haha @erinandrews http://yfrog.com/gyllrawnj
But Florida State's Christian Ponder just may still be awake. He missed the EA event, as well as flying to New York City for the NFL Draft, and got teased for it by his buddy Mr. Gabbert, or "Sunshine," who took a photo with Andrews and later tweeted about it.
BlaineGabbert Blaine Gabbert
@ErinAndrews haha wow! @cponder7 is jealous he wimped out on NYC
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
And this was Andrews' tweet:
ErinAndrews Erin Andrews
Nicknamed "sunshine" by @cponder7..everyone was convincing Blaine to keep the hair http://plixi.com/p/96319050
Well, those were perhaps the most interesting Twitter tweet to come from Andrews' meetup with the top NFL Draft Prospects at the EA Sports party held Wednesday night. There, Alabama's 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner and sure-fire 2011 NFL Draft 1st Round Pick Mark Ingram was introduced as the cover-boy for the game NCAA Football 12.
And as a note, this blogger wasn't there. Thanks to Ms. Andrews' Twitter activity, attendance wasn't necessary and it made for a quick blog post!
Follow Zennie62 on Twitter.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Top 30 Cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft
The Top 30 Cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft
By William Carroll-Special Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Patrick Peterson, LSU At 6’0 ¼” 219 with 4.34 speed the sheer, pure, intoxicating nature of Peterson’s athletic potential would generate great interest even if he were a raw prospect from a NAIA school, however when it’s considered that he appeared in all 39 games LSU played during his three seasons at Baton Rouge, in addition he was productive with 135 tackles, 22 passes broken up and 7 career picks. While he is the most comprehensively impressive prospect in the draft class based on his combination of talent, production and level of competition. It’s true that he returned four of his 2010 interceptions for 134 yards, he had six pass breakups, a blocked kick, and 1.5 sacks, averaged 29.1 yards on 32 kick returns and averaged 16.1 yards on 26 punt returns, two of which he returned for scores. He won the Jim Thorpe Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year by the conference's coaches. Despite the litany of honors and Peterson’s outsized body and athletic abilities, he is not quite a combination of Champ Bailey, Rod Woodson and ‘Night Train’ Lane yet.
Peterson is excellent in press and squat man coverage, even a receiver as long and powerful as Julio Jones he was able to nearly neutralize him while in press, but when in zone or off man he was not nearly as effective. He has the strength, length and size to redirect receivers at the line and disrupt routes. He is quick, violent and accurate in his hand usage which allows him to close the natural window on a receiver's outside shoulder. It is when he is playing off or in zone against smaller, quicker receivers and double moves that the small but exploitable flaws in his technique are revealed. His aggressive, man CB persona carries over even in zone and he’ll break a bit too early on the ball, seeking the big play. As mentioned before he is susceptible to stutter-go, slant and go or wheel routes, he may have a slight tightness in his hips. He can be overzealous, will at times, move out of proper position or initiate too much contact downfield and may incur more penalties at the next level. His zone and off-man technique is still a work in progress; clearly he knows how talented he is and didn’t always work to win leverage, he was roughly 70/30 in terms of (man/zone coverage ratio) and will have to become a bit more polished and diverse.
Patrick Peterson 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Patrick Peterson CB LSU JR 6002 219 32.0 9.3 4.34 15 38.0 6.58 10'6"
Summary
9.2 out of 10, Peterson is so talented and has such a high ceiling and high floor that it seems likely that he’ll be a top 5 pick, top 10 at the very latest. He could start day one for some teams, however teams that use a variety of coverages, or do a great deal of stemming and disguising will need to give him more time and coaching but for any team he could bolster their return game and he is a natural play-maker. He is like a faster version of Raiders hall of fame CB Willie Brown but he will need good coaching to reach that stature.
2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska 6’0 5/8” 206 4.43
Of royal lineage Amukamara has very fluid hips and has great change of direction speed, he has exceptional body control and tremendous agility, he comes aggressively in run support; is very ‘nosy’ for a corner. As a former running back, Amukamara also has really impressive run-after-catch skills; he is tough and makes solid run support tackles for a corner. He's strong in zone coverage, but doesn't have elite anticipation, and at times results in giving up a big play. He shows good awareness and football IQ. He is consistently able to recognize receiver’s routes; he is a dedicated film student. His attitude, work ethic and character are all at a blue-chip level.
It’s when he’s stacked against Peterson and each is examined against the best WR competition each faced that Peterson edges the Prince. When OK State faced Nebraska Justin Blackmon was clearly the better player, he abused Amukamara in that game, revealing what could be Amukamara’s largest weakness: not coming up with an effective plan B. In this particular game, once he was unable to effectively press Blackmon and even got burned on a couple occasions, allowing a touchdown and getting flagged for pass interference. He was a bit timid the rest of the day, while Peterson went toe-to-toe with Jones all day and in 2009 he faired reasonably well against A.J Green holding him to 4 catches, none of them game changers. In terms of technique like Peterson he was a really did get a few interference calls, and he has some trouble with placement of his lead hand coming through to break some passes up, which at times leads to him missing some tackles on wide receivers that catch the ball. He has good cover ability, but he needs to work on being able to stay in the contingent spot to the possibility of missing the break up but still can make the tackle. He has loose hips, he can change direction very well, and he keeps his hips low to the ground when breaking he makes strong, steady breaks on the ball.
As was stated run-support and tackling are strengths of his game as he’s competitive and does not shy away from contact in run support. An outstanding running back at Glendale Apollo High, Amukamara was dominant. He rushed for 2,106 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior and was The Republic's Player of the Year. He was on three state-championship basketball teams and won state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
At Nebraska, he wasn't a reluctant cornerback for long. He started every game his last two seasons, finishing his junior year with five interceptions. Amukamara didn't have an interception as a senior, partly because opponents tried to avoid throwing his way.
Amukamara graduated from Nebraska in December with a degree in sociology. He is bright and engaging, he is somewhat similar to Peterson but Peterson’s elite change of direction, and straight-line speed and big play ability give him the edge in the minds of most evaluators. While Amukamara is a notch below Revis and Peterson in suddenness and ball-skills, he is a top10-15 talent and could be compared to a larger, smarter version of Johnathan Joseph.
Prince Amukamara 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Prince Amukamara CB NEB SR 6005 206 30.4 8.399 4.34 15 38.0 6.97 10'8"
Summary
9.0 Amukamara was a 3 year team captain whose instincts and anticipation as much as his athletic ability will make him a success at the next level. It’s possible that 2-3 CB prospects may have a higher ‘ceiling’ than the Prince, none have a higher floor.
3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado 6’2 ¼" 211 He was highly respected so; few opposing quarterbacks threw his way. Even with no picks, he made the all-Big 12 Conference first team, however there are some examples of bad tape, the Georgia game for example and he has two minor-in-possession charges, one when he first arrived on CU's campus as a freshman [As a true freshman, Smith got caught with alcohol during training camp.
"I walked outside with a red cup that had nothing in it and you can't have a red cup in Boulder," Smith said. "So, I got caught for that. It was a lack of judgment.'']and one as a junior when cops raided a campus bar and asked for ID. A self-proclaimed shutdown corner, Smith said he likes comparisons to Raiders All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, except for one thing: "I think I have better ball skills than he does." Well the comparison holds up with regards to size, he and allowed just 11 completions in man-to-man coverage over the past two years. He is elite in his route recognition, breaks on the ball while it’s in the air and he is Peterson’s equal in ball skills. Smith’s off-man technique might be the best in the draft; he is in the top 3 in press-man, top 5 in zone. However his: at times shoddy tackling, sticking to blocks, failed drug test, seeming not to always give 100% in chasing plays that go away from him, cockiness and recent dismissal of his original agent Peter Schafer in favor of the higher-profile Drew Rosenhaus, have combined to resemble a semaphore display of red flags.
He finished his Colorado career with 183 career tackles, which ranked him 77th all-time at Colorado, with his 16 pass deflections the 21st most. He allowed just 11 completions in man coverage over his junior and senior seasons (just one of those for a first down) and was invited to play in the Senior Bowl. While both he and Jalil Brown are impressive prospects. Some have asked: If Jimmy Smith is so great, why wasn't he matched up all game on A.J Green when Georgia came to town? The simple answer is the defensive scheme that Colorado ran. Jimmy smith was the "right corner back" in Colorado's defense and Brown was the "left corner back." During the game, Georgia lined AJ Green up on the left side of the field 80% of the passing plays during the game in order to avoid Jimmy Smith on the right side. Of the two pass attempts to A.J Green when he was matched up on Jimmy Smith-
1. Aaron Murray pass incomplete to A.J. Green, broken up by Jimmy Smith.
2. The pass completion for 1 yard - Jimmy Smith in coverage.
Smith showed athletic skills of his own in closing on the deep pass to the end zone to leap and knocking it away. He also made other plays that showed that he can spend some time on the island and perform. He also showed a willingness to handle his responsibilities in the run game (even on the one where he missed the RB in the backfield he was there and trying,) and he contributed on specials and clearly more than held his own against elite WR.
However of greater importance than the good talent is the possible bad character. In fairness there have been no arrests since 2007; He does show some physical toughness making tackles (I haven't seen him shy away), but he could be a much better tackler, like Vladimir Guerrero his strike zone seems to have no middle he seems to only go at shoulders and ankles, also he shows very unimpressive technique and urgency in disengaging from blocks. Some coach will believe he can coach him up on and off-field, minimize his flaws, and then if he takes Smith in the 1st 40 picks he’d better be right. The Aquib Talib comparison does cut both ways.
Jimmy Smith 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jimmy Smith CB CU SR 6022 211 32.2 9 3/4 4.42 24 36 6.93 10'3"
Summary
8.8 Like the other top CBs he’s not as comfortable in zone as in press-man; is footwork, ability to turn and run makes him an attractive prospect. Impressive with how tight he can play to the receiver and give them no room. An important combine number to look at for defensive backs that tells about their quickness is the 20-yard shuttle. Of the three top corners, Smith is slightly ahead of Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara in that area (4.06 to 4.07 and 4.08); all three of those numbers are impressive. Smith Plays well with his hands and when he gets his hands on you, he redirects most receivers easily. In off-man coverage, he pedals with ease. He is hard to run by, he turns very quickly for a player with such long legs; with no false steps, wasted movement or motion. He flips his hips and explodes on the ball, he keeps hip-pocket position in the route and does not labor at all. Scouts are impressed with his ability to cover A.J. Green of Georgia. When the Bulldogs tried to send Green on a vertical route, inside down the middle of the field, Smith was lined up in outside technique, read the break and drove to the middle of the field with Green initially in the clear. The ball was well thrown but Smith knocked the pass away. Later in the game, Green lined up wide in the red zone setting up the fade. Green tries to beat Smith inside but Smith cuts the route off with his feet, jams Green with his hands. When Green tried to separate, Smith allowed no space for the ball, as the game wore on, the Georgia coaches moved Green to the opposite side of the field away from Smith and he was able to make play after play. He is wildly inconsistent as a tackler, but he does his body around as a tackler. In the Oklahoma game, he was able to make two solid open-field tackles, one against DeMarco Murray on a swing pass. There are some questions about failed drug tests in his history. That will surely hurt his stock with teams even taking him off some draft boards, but there is no doubting his ability on tape. Smith is likely one of the 1st 10 players selected in round two with an outside chance at late round one with a team with a strong locker-room and infrastructure.
4.Ras-I Dowling, Virginia 6’1 3/8” 198 Dowling has size, speed and is among the more technically sound cornerbacks in this draft. He doesn’t make many mistakes in coverage in either man-to-man or zone. He understands how to read (on the run) a receiver in coverage and in zone. He also has solid football intelligence and understands situational football. Durability and injuries are a concern, he’s battled different injuries his entire senior season, and even pulled up when running at the combine, but with his mind, size, speed, feet and balance should he fall past pick #40 and stays healthy he could be a real bargain. He ran 4.4 at the combine and was timed from 4.37-4.42 at his make-up pro day.
Ras-I-Dowling 2011 Combine Results
Ras-I Dowling Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UVA SR 6013 198 32 ½ 9.5 4.40 DNP DNP DNP DNP
Dowling is best in press man but has the instincts and intellect to play most any coverage adequately. He is just behind Smith, Amukamara and Peterson in hip fluidity with good coaching he could play at a very high level soon. Dowling played in just 5 games his senior season, missing time with knee and hamstring injuries, as well as a fractured ankle; still his recent pro day in addition to his fast 40 featured, 38” in the vertical and a 10’8” broad jump.
Career college statistics:
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2007 43 29 14 0 0 0 1 0 2 17 8.5 17 0 0
2008 43 33 10 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 58 40 18 1 0 0 2 0 3 70 23.3 49 0 0
2010 15 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Dowling’s leadership qualities, solid jamming at the line, strong tackling and football intellect will allow him to overcome his slightly less than elite recovery and redirect on double moves and coverage of smaller quicker WRs. He will also want to sink his hips a bit on his backpedal and be mindful of maintaining proper technique even when in high stress situations.
Summary
8.7 There is a real possibility that Dowling is as pro ready as any CB in this draft. Health is the only major stumbling block, but if he is in a system that fits his skills he could be a starter on opening day. As an NFL comparison, most mention, his former UVA teammate Chris Cook, I see some Will Allen and Aaron Ross. Dowling could go in the 1st 5-10 picks of round to or fall into the early 3rd, but I don’t think he’ll get past Dallas in round 2 if they don’t take a corner in the 1st or Detroit if they don’t take a corner in the 1st .
5. Aaron Williams, Texas 5’11 7/8” 204 Williams is fairly dependable man-to-man defender, but he does not play bump-and-run as often as many other top corners, will need to improve his press technique to be highly effective at the next level.
2010: He played in 11 games on defense and special teams with nine starts, including time at both nickel back and cornerback and was named to Nagurski Trophy and Thorpe Award watch lists, as well as second-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches, the Associated Press and the San Antonio Express-News. Williams led the team with 13 PBU, to go along with 46 tackles (30 solo), one sack, five TFL, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt, his three forced fumbles were also second on the team and tied for third in the Big 12, he returned 11 punts for 86 yards (7.8 ypr) on special teams.
While some project Williams to FS he is nearly a made to order Cover 2 corner. Even as a freshman in 2008, Williams managed to crack the starting lineup. He made some big plays that year, including blocking an incredible four punts and returning an interception for an 81-yard score. Williams started 13 games in 2009 and tallied 44 tackles, three interceptions and started to show his big hitting ability by forcing two fumbles.
Year School Tackles Solo Ast TFL SK FF INT BLK TD
2007 94 63 31 10½ 3 6 4 3 1
2008 Texas 15 9 6 1 0 1 1 2 1
2009 Texas 34 24 10 4½ 2 2 3 0 0
2010 Texas 45 30 15 5 1 3 0 1 0
Williams like all the Texas defenders played and practiced against Big 12 talent, the conference has had a high level of QB and WR play for the last several years. When compared to other Texas CBs he is more like Jammer than Vasher, however he does not have burner-type speed, and he can be beaten when facing sprinting wide receivers. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with awareness and anticipation. The downside of anticipation is that when he’s wrong and since he lacks elite recovery speed he can give up some big plays.
Aaron Williams 2011 Combine Results
Aaron Williams Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB TX SR 5117 204 32 ¼ 9.5 4.55 18 35.5 6.72 10'7"
Summary
8.6 Williams might be best served as a 3rd corner initially, his best scheme fit is either cover 2 or a very aggressive form of ‘Quarters’ man where he’ll have help over the top. As stated he is like Jammer and also a bit like Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Tillman went #35 in 2003, Williams could go that early, he’s likely to go from 40-55. As some teams have noted, should he struggle at CB, he could like Malcolm Jenkins move inside to free safety.
6. Brandon Harris, Miami (FL) 5’9 ½” 191 4.53 Harris was coached by his father in high school and has a passion for the game, which is something NFL teams look for. Harris is a 2008 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida where he led his team to the No. 6 national ranking by USA Today. As a senior in 2007, he caught 26 passes for 501 yards and eight touchdowns, and racked up 1,069 all-purpose yards. On defense, he tallied 49 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions (two returned for scores). He was also asked to play quarterback in some key situations and completed eight of 17 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown. As a junior in 2006, he completed 10 of 10 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 576 yards and 10 TDs. That year, on defense, he collected 41 tackles, four sacks and five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). Harris also played in the inaugural Under Armor All-Star game. He was tabbed the Florida Class 6A-4A "Male Athlete of the Year," Dade County's 6A-4A "Defensive Player of the Year" and Florida's "Gatorade Player of the Year" coming out of high school. He was listed as the 6th-best football player in Florida and 38th best in the nation by Rivals.com. He was also selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
His effort in run support will be valued; he has a solid football IQ and high football character. If he can make his tackling technique more consistent, improve his jam at the LOS, he will be a very good nickel/slot CB. As a freshman at Miami, Brandon Harris was thrown into the fire. He was often beat for big plays, but Harris showed his attitude and stuck with it game after game. While that would crush the confidence of many players, for Harris it was a learning experience. He has gotten better and it did not take long. Just a year later he led the ACC in passes defended per contest and tied for second nationally with 15 pass break-ups, He was named All-ACC First Team by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Phil Steele, and named one of 12 national semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. On the season he broke up a total of 17 passes, and tallied 52 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and a sack and a forced fumble.
As a junior in 2010, Harris tallied 44 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 10 PBUs and a FF.
Brandon Harris 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Brandon Harris CB LSU JR 5094 191 31 9 4.53 14 35.5 6.77 9'5"
Summary
8.4 Harris should be selected from the 40th-50th pick in the draft, the early 3rd round would seem to be the latest he’s likely to be selected. He is somewhat like Darius Butler of UConn and New England with slightly better tackling and instincts but not nearly as sudden of fast. There is some concern that in a good secondary he’ll never be more than a 3rd corner, however the increasingly value of the 3rd corner should relieve some of those concerns. With his mind and quick hips he has upside, but despite his average size he’s able and willing in pursuit, but this is one area where his lack of elite speed does hurt, he will not catch elite speed receivers or backs from behind. Harris is also being seen as a FS projection by some, in any case he can be a useful reserve at one or two spots sooner rather than later.
7. Davon House, New Mexico State 6’0 ½" 200
House finished his career with the Aggies with 11 interceptions, 319 pick return yards, and three touchdowns. He also contributed 202 tackles (122 solo), 37 passes defenses, a forced fumble, and four kick returns for 94 yards. The size and natural athletic ability would seem to make House comparable to Amukamara; however there are some clear areas of demarcation between the two. House stepped right into a starting role as a true freshman in 2007 and has not looked back since. He started his career out with a bang by recording four interceptions as a freshman and breaking a school record with 171 return yards on those interceptions. House led his team with two interceptions last season, recording 57 tackles and 10 pass deflections. For his career, he intercepted 11 passes for 319 return yards with three returned for touchdowns and his career totals are: 198 career tackles, 46 pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.
It could even be argued that at the ½ way points of their careers that House was ahead of Amukamara. He has elite hand-eye coordination and ball skills. He maintains legal contact with receivers and uses his quickness to stay with receivers in man coverage. Similar to most of the other corners in the draft, he will need to continue to improve his zone technique to be starting corner in the NFL. House has few holes in his game but on film in the box against two tight end formations he seems tentative, it seems he is a bit uncomfortable around big bodies and too often he is not a big factor against screens and sweeps. Still House is a clean prospect he has no character, work ethic or injury issues. He did fight a nagging ankle last year, but never missed a single game at the collegiate level and even started 12 games as a true freshman.
Davon House 2011 Combine Results
Davon House Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB NMSU SR 6004 200 31 ¾ 9.25 4.43 18 33.5 6.65 9'1"
Summary
8.2 Davon House is the type of pick that can make a GM look nearly brilliant or as if the team was being too clever. House is a hitter, he has size and speed. In four years with the Aggies he totaled 202 tackles, 10 interceptions, forced fumble, and he was often the bright spot on some pretty porous defenses. Despite his at questionable consistency in both zone and off-man and tendency to miss tackles by going for the knockout shot House has the attention of NFL talent evaluators. To keep that attention he’ll need to really apply himself in the film room to improve his instincts and awareness, coaching may shore up his habit of dropping his head when tackling, improper angles and technique when transitioning. Without those improvements he’ll likely be a reserve to fringe starter in a Cover 2 shell. Great coaching in Tampa or a similar system and the tutelage of a veteran like Ronde Barber he could become a starter or standout and even in man he has tantalizing potential, NFL comparison Chad Scott.
8. Brandon Burton, Utah 5’11 5/8” 190 Burton elected to forego his final season of eligibility to enter the 2011 NFL Draft. In 2010 He was an all-conference cornerback was a two-year starter and his 18 career pass breakups is tied for the ninth-best mark at Utah. Burton can be trusted as a tackler in the run and pass game. He is not as explosive as Brice McCain not as long and fluid as Sean Smith, however he has a strong competitive streak, and he’s a bit slender but is nearly ideal in terms of hips and feet.
Stats Overview Tackles Misc. Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BLK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2008 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 43 31 12 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
2010 51 34 17 0 0 0 1 0 2 69 34.5 57 0 0
In his best games you can see that he has a great deal in common with Terrence Newman, he’s able to get into proper position and he tracks the ball well, in terms of technique his transitions could be smoother and quicker but otherwise he’s an above average technician. In high school, Burton returned 10 of his 11 career interceptions for touchdowns and also lettered in track. He qualified for the junior Olympics in the 200-meters.
He struggles against some strong, aggressive receivers; he is very ‘nosy’ and has given up some big plays on stutter-pump-and go plays. He is very close to elite in several areas; however his instincts are not one of those areas.
Brandon Burton 2011 Combine Results
Brandon Burton Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UT JR 5115 190 31 ½ 9.25 4.51 18 32 6.93 9'10"
Summary
8.1 A fairly close NFL comparison is Jerome Murphy; Burton defended 20 passes in his two seasons as a starter and also excelled on special teams. He blocked a field goal on the game’s final play to preserve a one-point win over BYU on Nov. 29, 2010. Burton has the physical tools necessary to be a starter at the next level, but despite his leaping ability, above average ball awareness, ball location skills, smooth backpedal and fluid hips he simply fails to make a play when he should and at other times tries too hard to make a play that simply is not there. If scouts had only seen 1 tape and if it was of Burton vs. Baldwin when Utah faced Pitt doing what he does best, Bump-and-Run and play the ball aggressively in the air, then they’d go away thinking they’d seen a 1st round CB. This why 1 tape, even against a very good WR can highlight strengths and mask weakness. Baldwin is big and athletic, but not deceptive or very abrupt in his cuts. There were receivers that had these qualities but lacked Baldwin’s pedigree who gave Burton more trouble.
9. Curtis Brown, Texas Brown looks like a cover corner, physically he’s a bit reminiscent of Dale Carter; he missed time with a neck injury in 2010. By the end of his sophomore campaign, Brown was a regular starter in the secondary. That year the Longhorns ranked second in the nation in pass efficiency defense and Brown played a big part in that. In 2009 Brown started all 14 games and he’s been productive on special teams’ coverage units, often leading the team in tackles, and returned 14 punts for a 13.9 average. Brown is said to be of solid character and good in the locker-room.
Not a very powerful player; as many saw on the very highly publicized last-second Michael Crabtree game-winning TD vs. Texas back in 2008. Additionally he is, at times, hesitant in run support. His ability in run support is not impressive, due in large part to a lack of aggression. So far he’s better in man than zone coverage; due mostly to lack of experience in zone. Brown is average to below average as an open field tackler.
Curtis Brown 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Curtis Brown CB TX SR 5115 185 31 9 4.51 10 39.5 6.77 10'8"
Summary
8.0 Brown certainly has faced a large number of very fine receivers in games as well as in practices; for the most part he has acquitted himself well. Like any CB he has had his good days and his bad days but with his nearly elite balance, quickness and agility it’s likely that at the very least he should thrive as a 3rd or ‘Nickel’ corner. NFL Comparison Kevin Barnes, Brown will also likely add value on kickoff and punt coverage and has return ability, when that’s married with his potential to play Nickel immediately with the possibility of starting on the outside eventually it’s clear he’s unlikely to last past the #19-31 range in round 2 or the Bengals’ selection in the 3rd round.
10. Shareece Wright, USC 5’10 7/8” Wright has an opportunity to be one of this draft’s real bargains at his position he’s not huge by any means and he has struggled with nagging nicks and the books at time at Southern Cal, however he has received top-flight coaching, he has practiced and played against very good competition and has showed a real nose for the ball and solid football IQ. Wright started all 13 games for the Trojans in 2010 at cornerback. He finished the year with 73 tackles, including seven for a loss and a team-high 10 pass deflections and two fumble recoveries. For his career, Wright totaled 127 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 15 pass deflections and four fumble recoveries. He made 17 career starts.
Some are concerned that he was charged with resisting arrest in 2009 when he refused to leave the house where he was partying when the police broke up the festivities because he had been drinking and wanted to stay the night before going home. Also he didn’t show up for two traffic violation court dates, even more teams are looking hard at his durability. Wright was out for his entire junior season due to academic problems and was sidelined as a sophomore because of a hairline neck fracture. Still he was a favorite of his coaches at USC and at the Senior Bowl. He was a gifted two-way player at Colton (CA) High School Shareece Wright could have played running back or cornerback in college, but preferred the defensive side of the ball. As a junior he had 1,221 yards on the ground on 139 carries and 14 TDs (offensive MVP) while also garnering 97 tackles and a pair of sacks, four batted down passes and two fumble recoveries.
Wright is an above-average athlete, at his Pro Day workout, Wright had a 35 ½ “vertical leap and a 10’00” broad jump as well as a 7.00 three-cone drill and a 4.32 in the short shuttle. He is very aggressive in breaking on the ball and has a smooth transition and sudden acceleration out his breaks. Wright is very good in route recognition; double moves and press man are the things that reveal his primary weaknesses: he is not terribly violent or accurate with his hands and his aggressiveness to the ball makes him vulnerable to play-action passes and double moves.
Shareece Wright 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Shareece Wright CB USC SR 5107 185 30.75 8.75 4.41 16 34.5 7.09 9'5"
Summary
7.9 Wright is entering the NFL at the proper time, the Nickel corner is virtually a starter and Wright can become a solid option there. It’s not impossible that if he can improve his jam, though he’ll often lose out on jump balls against taller targets, also if he refines his technique since he’ll need to do a better job of reading the receiver instead of the quarterback and too often bites on a quarterback’s fake, so that’s many ifs; but if he can do all those things and carry a bit more muscle he has a chance of becoming a dependable starter at CB. Most likely he’ll be a very good 3rd CB, NFL comparison Asher Allen. Wright could go late in the second but more likely he’ll be selected in the early to mid-3rd.
11. Kendric Burney, North Carolina 5’9 3/8 “ 186 4.71 This is where many a team will have the film vs. measurable physical debate after five pick-off campaign a as a junior earning Burney, based on tape went into this season with All-ACC honors and widely considered a top 5-10 corner. With 44 career starts he’s experienced with a very high football IQ. Despite his lack of size and speed, which will hurt him at times, he has been a top CB in high school and college, after a 6 game suspension Burney made 30 tackles and picked off two passes in six games in 2010. Teams that value triangle numbers, will consider him undraftable, however he was one of the most impressive players during Senior Bowl practices. He is in the top 5 in this class in terms of instincts and tackling, he plays with a low, smooth backpedal and fluid hips. For a heavy Cover 2 team like Chicago Burney would be at least considered for the Nickel or Dime corner. His size and speed mean he is unlikely to be selected prior to the late 5th-early 7th round range, but in the right defense he could become a starter and while he’s unlikely to have 47 career INTs like Ray Buchanan or make 4 Pro Bowls like Frank Minnifield he much like both who were top-flight CBs despite similar limitations. 7.825
12. Johnny Patrick, Louisville 5’10 5/8” 191 4.59/4.48 As a former WR Patrick plays bigger than his frame suggests, his ball skills carried over and he is, not surprisingly a work-in-progress as a tackler. 2010 stats: 49 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions One of Patrick’s strengths is his help in run support, it seems like he actually enjoys coming up and helping in the running game. Patrick is a reliable tackler who possesses solid technique. At Louisville, Patrick started for four seasons where he improved each year. Last season Patrick posted a career high with five interceptions, two of which came in the final regular season game against Rutgers. Patrick was a first-team All-Big East selection as a senior, when teams generally avoided throwing to his side of the field. Patrick has a burst to closing sustains his speed trailing downfield and displays excellent ball skills. As might be expected with just a few years of defensive experience, he's a not an elite tackling corner, his technique is a bit raw and off the field Patrick does carry some baggage. This past summer he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor following an argument with his girlfriend, where he allegedly threw her on the ground after she attempted to take his phone to see his text messages. Again a Nickel type best suited to Cover-2, he’s similar to Mike Mickens. 7.8
12. Curtis Marsh, Utah State 6’0 ½ “ 197 4.42 Physically he’s very like Amukamara Marsh has the same long arms and sturdy frame he too is a former running back, however he does not quite have the same body of work. The best tape of Marsh is likely the Boise game, he took on at times Young and other times Pettis he had 3 PBUs and handled Young’s quickness and Pettis’ length about equally well. Marsh can play man and has a chance to fit in with a team like the Panthers or Packers as a Nickel with starter potential, NFL comparison Sherrod Martin 7.75
13. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson 5’10” 195 4.45 Gilchrist could be a FS or even a SS but he’s likely to be tried at Nickel CB 1st and he might stick there. He is a bit like R.W McQaurters, Gilchrist was ranked in the top three in the ACC in kickoff returns and punt returns while his man coverage technique is not ideal because he reacts ½ a step too slowly to quick receivers, he has the physical ability to cover well enough in man and zone fits him best. Unless he learns to improve his hip/foot quickness he’ll struggle to cover top slot receivers in the NFL. As a safety he is an aggressive, but not forceful tackler, though he’s fast, versatile, smart and he was a team captain at Clemson He not be considered an intimating hitter by any means Gilchrist can’t shock and drive a ball-carrier backwards. He is a solid tackler, though, who doesn’t whiff on ball-carriers. He uses excellent form and position to bring the guy to the ground. Your free safety is generally your last line of defense, and Gilchrist is about as efficient as an open-field tackler as one might hope. His angles to the football are superb, which is crucial when in the back of the secondary. He reminds some of Will Allen 7.7
14. Chris Culliver, South Carolina 6’0 3/8” 199 4.36 Culliver has a strong chance of being over-drafted due to his elite size/speed ratio and versatility, he was originally a WR, and he was moved to FS and then shifted to CB. A torn pectoral muscle and seeming difficulties with picking up the CB position depressed his production in 2010, but those who really prize fast rangy safeties, [normally you’d insert Al Davis joke her after the Antonio Gibson/Michael Huff selections] may still take Culliver in the top 40-50 selections. Culliver has physical skills that would seem to scream man corner with his loose hips and long speed, however he has not shown the necessary situational awareness, route recognition when combined with his choppy high backpedal means he would be a project at CB. At FS he is more comfortable and consistent however his tackling is not what most teams will want at the position. He also adds value as a return man with impressive agility. There were also concerns that an agent may have been paying the premiums on his insurance policy, his play is worth a mid-3rd selection, if he goes much earlier it can be considered an upside based reach. 7.6
15. Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech 5’10” 192 4.53/4.43 Carmichael is hard worker, a film room junkie, a student of the game he was a 2 year starter he has a real knack for blitzing, he tracks the ball well, however he seems too often come up a bit short in getting his hands on the ball. However too often and for too long he’ll get his hands on receivers and unlike most VPI corners he is a not an exceptional tackler as exacerbated by the fact that he struggled to disengage from blacks and was below average against the running game. His raw ability and tendency to jump routes at times turns out to be a double-edged sword as that has resulted in him biting on a lot of double moves or stutter or slant and go patterns. Still as a Nickel he can offer some immediate value. He is physically similar to former Denver CB Alphonso Smith 7.5.
16. Josh Gatlin, NDSU 6’0 ½ “ 196 4.39 Some may only notice Gatlin due to his gaudy triangle numbers, but he played at a high level of FCS competition and led the Bison in interceptions this past season with five. A Jacksonville, FL. native Josh Gatlin has burst onto the scene in the last few months. What makes hos five picks more surprising is that he only started in one game. He was invited to play in the NFL Players Association Texas vs. the Nation game on Feb. 9. In that game, Gatlin recorded three tackles and an interception. Gatlin played in all 13 games in 2010, but started in only one. That did not stop him from leading the team in interceptions, the year before, he actually started more games with two, but only played in five. At TX vs. Nation practices he was noticed for strong play and an INT in practice and playing speed. Gatlin is a cousin of sprinter Justin Gatlin and it shows.
Gatlin is a developmental project but he could be one that develops quickly. Teams that don't need an immediate need in the secondary, and have a knack for finding value late in the draft are going to be targeting Gatlin. I see Gatlin being a late round pick, from the late fifth through the seventh round. Teams like Tampa Bay, the Vikings and the Bears, these teams play the Tampa 2 defense, which is what NDSU plays, so the learning curve could be drastically cut. Gatlin is physically like Willie Middlebrooks formerly of Denver 7.4.
17. Cortez Allen, The Citadel Cortez Allen is classified as a DB by the team because he plays in multiple secondary positions. They tended to move him around because teams tried to avoid him, but his natural position is CB. Allen acquitted himself well during East-West Shrine practices, which were well-attended by NFL scouts. He's a long, lean corner who is aggressive, Allen is able to make hard-hitting tackles on receivers and break up plays. Allen displays a nice understanding and feel for the game but should spend refining his route recognition and eliminating false steps. For three years, Citadel corner Cortez Allen spent much of his practice time trying to cover Andre Roberts; while Allen probably won’t be selected as early as his former teammate Andre Roberts, who was a third round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2010 NFL Draft, the odds are some team will call his name at some point in the middle rounds, perhaps as early as the mid-late 4th. 2010: Allen started all 11 games with 22 tackles 5 PBUs 2 INTs. Allen is similar to Lee Bodden Overall grade of 7.3.
18. Jalil Brown, Colorado 6’0 5/8” 204 4.52 Brown is good in run support he displays above average ball skills, he can locate the ball and make plays on it effectively (5 INT’s, 17 pass break-ups the past two years). He can match up and run downfield in man coverage and make the tough interception, but he rarely takes chances at making the big play, more often than not he make the safe play. Brown uses his quick feet and loose hips to get in position to break up the pass; he can plant, turn, and drive on the receiver or to make a play on the ball. He can be a bit too nosey and loses contact at times with his man while locating the ball or eyeing up the QB. Brown is not the quickest defensive back in this class, but he is amongst the strongest. In some ways Brown is a ‘poor man’s Malcolm Jenkins who might end up at FS, 7.2.
19. Buster Skrine, Chattanooga 5’9 ½" 186 4.37 [4.48] (pronounced "screen") I won’t delve too deeply into the controversy surrounding Skrine’s 40 time, suffice to say he was an All-SoCon selection as a member of the UTC 4x100 meter relay team, he is blazing fast on film and 3 scouts, with whom I have spoken had him between 4.39 and 4.35. Despite his size and speed Skrine is not 100% finesse he is solid when supporting against the run. Senior season stats: 10 games (8 starts); 39 total tackles (29 solo), 8 pass break-ups, 1 interception. Career stats: 42 games (30 starts); 155 total tackles (113 solo), 21 pass break-ups, and 5 interceptions. It’s likely he’ll begin his career over the slot and certainly has value as a kick returner (he averaged 20.6 yards per return as a junior but had only three returns last fall, all in the season opener, and suffered a dislocated elbow during one of them) and special-teams contributor. Skrine's Combine numbers were consistently among the best for corners, and he posted the best time in the three-cone drill. The pro CB he might be the most like if he maxes out is Aaron Glenn, 7.1.
20. Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State 5’11” 197 4.47 Jones is a work in progress but the MIAA is an elite level DII conference and Jones was among the class of defensive prospects in that conference this season. The areas that will require the greatest improvement are his jam in press-man and tackling. He has started 56 of 58 games in the past four years for his team, and finishing off his career at NWMSU with six interceptions as a senior. It’s clear he has the ability to turn and run and displays good balance and footwork when asked to redirect out of his breaks on throws in front of him and on sharply breaking routes he stays in proper position in relation to the ball and his man. Jones has played in both man and zone, his range, ball skills, size and quick feet, strong build and loose hips give him a chance to be drafted a stick in the league. Jones could go as early as the late 4th and should not last past the middle of the 6th round. 7.0.
21. Justin Rogers 5’10 3/8” 183 4.43 Rodgers is an excellent returner and CB with good closing speed and he makes plays on the ball and has been highly productive in the ‘SEC of the FCS’ the CAA. Rogers is the second player in CAA history to be named All-CAA 1st Team for four consecutive years. Last season he had 48 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as the league's premier shutdown corner. A versatile threat, Rogers became the CAA Football career leader in kickoff return yards during the 2010 season and also saw action on offense as he rushed five times, caught three passes and was two-for-two passing. He is a natural playmaker in coverage, run support and the return game. He is a fluid athlete who moves well and has shown the ability to play especially well in zone coverage. He is a quick defender who is reliable when supporting the run well with 162 tackles over his career. At the East-West week, he showed the short area quickness to break on the ball and match up in coverage that earned him CAA honors. The concerns are that he’s small and light and he could be overpowered by big receivers and as a defender, he might not be more than a nickel/slot defender. Will tackle too high and miss tackles, he might be targeted in red zone and jump ball situations. Rodgers is a player that reminds some of Jason McCourty, 6.95.
22. Richard Sherman, Stanford 6’2 3/8” 194 4.53 A former WR, Sherman was a 2-year track letter winner at Stanford in Track, he jumped a personal best of 50’0” in the triple jump in 2007, good for ninth place on the all-time Stanford career list and jumped a season-best 21-3 ½ in the long jump at the 2008 Stanford Invitational. Despite his athletic ability, hands and ball skills there are many that wonder of Sherman’s lack of aggression and instincts at his new position. As a Stanford wide receiver Sherman was their top receiver as a freshman and sophomore. He combined for 73 catches for 1232 yards (16.9 YPC.) and 7 touchdowns during those years. He missed most of the following year after suffering a partial tear in his patellar tendon. He caught 8 passes in 4 games before he went down with an injury. He came back the following year and moved to cornerback. The past two seasons he has started there and combined for 112 tackles, 6 picks and 17 breakups. He also average 9.3 yards on 23 career punt returns with 2 scores. 2 players that Sherman is somewhat like are Idrees Bashir and Gary Baxter 6.9.
23. Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State 5’11 ¾" 191 4.38 Chekwa is still recovering from surgery that followed his severely dislocated right wrist suffered in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl. The screws were removed from his wrist on March 15th; he will be 100% long before the season however. Career stats: 39 career starts, 145 tackles, 28 PBU, 6 interceptions he has exceptional speed (he also ran track for Ohio State) Chekwa is one of the top 3-5 pure athletes in this position group. Beyond the medical concerns, there were already questions about his toughness, tackling, instincts, and susceptibility to double moves and pump fakes. Chekwa will likely go earlier than his actual play as a CB demands, but he is something of a project, Ashton Youboty went #70 in 2006, Chekwa could go that early, but like Youboty he’s currently a better athlete than he is a CB, 6.8.
24. Prathon Wilkerson 5’9 ½ “ 185 4.55 Legitimate DII cornerback who made a name for himself when he did a very fine job staying with world-class sprinter WR Ricardo Lockette head-to-head in the 2010 ASU v. FVSU game, and also at the HBCU Senior Bowl. He really put it all together as a senior this past season (2010) at Albany State, compiling 38 tackles, 3 TFLs, 16 total PBUs, and a pick 6 among his 7 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He intercepted one pass as a junior with seven pass deflections and was named Special Teams Player of the Year by Albany. He has impressive anticipation. He can lay off the receiver and jumps the route. Has ability to play all coverages, he has consistent technique, tackling, understands the game also he has shown the necessary hands, ball skills for the interception and is a solid wrap tackler. He can jam well but has average recovery speed and he is pretty similar to D.J Moore and could be a Cover-2 Nickel 6.75.
25. Demarcus Van Dyke 6’0 ¾” 176, Miami 4.27 The angular CB from the ‘U’ has all the tools, but is downright wispy and lacks exceptional instincts, but Van Dyke’s combine 40 times of 4.25 and 4.28 have elevated him in the eyes of many, however he was not a full-time starter and at times Ryan Hill outplayed him. He only had 5 repetitions at 225; he will have to get much stronger to ever be more than a reserve. On screens he has trouble shedding blocks and gets overpowered by receivers and running backs. Demarcus Van Dyke has never been a full-time starter at Miami, but during his four years there he did manage to total 21starts and though many of the ‘sprinter playing football’ caveats apply to the track/football letter winner he showed a knack for timely big plays but lacked consistency. If his raw speed entices a team into taking him prior to the mid-6th that will likely be a bit of a reach. A player to whom he has drawn some comparisons is a much thinner version of Tremain Mack or Fabian Washington, he not even as polished as former Hurricane WR turned CB Sam Shields 6.6.
26. Dionte Dinkins 6’0 7/8" 195, 4.54 Ft. Valley State Dinkins is fairly athletic he ran the 40 yard dash at 4.52 and 4.57 seconds at his Pro Day workout, with a 33” vertical leap and a 9’10” broad jump, he’s durable, a very solid tackler who forced a fumble this year and he’ll contribute on special teams he has blocked a punt and 2 place kicks a P.A.T and a FG. Of his 5 picks this year 3 were easy but 2 showed body control and above average ball skills. Dinkins has never faced a sophisticated passing offense and his teammate Ricardo Lockette is one of very few NFL level talents he’s covered. Dinkins like most of the CBs in this draft class is best suited to Cover-2, he will take a while to adjust to the NFL talent and complexity but he can contribute on special teams until he’s ready to be a reserve and perhaps eventually a starter, 6.5 he is rather like Antoine Cason, but more raw he may go in the late 6th or later.
27. Chykie Brown 5’11 ¼" 191, 4.49 Texas Has NFL speed, athleticism and frame for a CB, but his inconsistency is the most consistent thing about his play. He can press, flip his hips and run. He has quick feet and can plant and close, Brown is athletic and plays the ball well. He misses too many tackles. Brown has had difficulty staying healthy as he missed time in 2008 with a sprained ankle and a broken right forearm sidelined him for the last 3 games of his senior season. In 2010, he had 9 starts in his senior season Brown totaled 19 tackles and seven pass breakups. He’ll need to improve his off-man and zone coverage skills as well as his ball skills to be more than a reserve. He tests as an elite level athlete but plays like a slightly above average one. Brown should be drafted late in the 6th or the 7th as the Texas CB mystique may help him he is like a less polished and consistent version of Leodis McKelvin, 6.45.
28. Brandon Hogan 5’10 ¼ 192 [4.44 estimated], West Virginia Hogan is willing hitter who plays with toughness; he has a little Courtland Finnegan in his game. Hogan has to show he’s recovering from his torn ACL, his 19 repetitions at 225 are they only official testing numbers he has In 46 career games, Hogan has recorded 171 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Hogan showed talent in his ability to get his hands on the ball, accelerating from trail position to get a PBU or interception, his ball skills have remained from his days as a WR those and his fluid movement skills were evident, he ran track at Osbourn HS, in addition to quarterbacking a VA state championship team, Hogan was recruited as a slot receiver to play in then-head coach Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense. However Hogan’s knee is not all that needs mending Hogan was arrested and charged with DUI in September and served a one-game suspension, when the Mountaineers hosted Maryland. That DUI charge came less than six months after Hogan was cited by police for disorderly conduct and public urination; his third arrest (driving on license suspended or revoked for DUI) will remind scouts of ‘Pac-Man’ Jones, but not in the good way. Hogan was a high as the late 3rd on some boards going into this year, now he’ll be lucky to be drafted.
29. Vance Cuff 5’10” 178, 4.53 Georgia He has missed time due to injuries and a 1game suspension following an arrest on misdemeanor charges, including driving with a suspended license. Cuff was riding a scooter on a closed road after his license had been suspended; he has had knee and shoulder injuries the past few seasons. In 2010 he appeared in 13 games, made five starts, recorded 22 tackles, a team-leading five pass break ups and an interception. Cuff plays fast and in spring testing he was hand-timed at 4.24 a UGA record. Still Cuff was only able to earn 6 starts in 2 years, partially due to injuries and disciplinary actions and partially due being out-performed by Brandon Boykin. Cuff’s raw talent might still get him drafted, his quickness, change of direction and ball skills may make him an ideal Nickel, he is like a smaller, less finished Travis Fisher, 6.35.
30. Anthony Gaitor 5’9 7/8” 177, 4.48 Florida International He has good coverage instincts and is quick; he has played CB, nickel and FS which shows football IQ. He was a four-year starter he compiled 197 tackles, 19 for loss, 4 sacks, 11 INTs, 25 PBUs, and 3 defensive TDs during his career. He shows reliable instincts in zone, is willing in run support and does a nice job breaking down and wrapping up the ball carrier or receiver. He is smallish, uncomfortable playing in man to man coverage and needs to stay lower and be smoother in his transition and backpedal. His frame and playing style is reminiscent of Brent Grimes, Gaitor is likely an early to mid-7th round selection he is a bit like Dre Bly, 6.3.
By William Carroll-Special Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Patrick Peterson, LSU At 6’0 ¼” 219 with 4.34 speed the sheer, pure, intoxicating nature of Peterson’s athletic potential would generate great interest even if he were a raw prospect from a NAIA school, however when it’s considered that he appeared in all 39 games LSU played during his three seasons at Baton Rouge, in addition he was productive with 135 tackles, 22 passes broken up and 7 career picks. While he is the most comprehensively impressive prospect in the draft class based on his combination of talent, production and level of competition. It’s true that he returned four of his 2010 interceptions for 134 yards, he had six pass breakups, a blocked kick, and 1.5 sacks, averaged 29.1 yards on 32 kick returns and averaged 16.1 yards on 26 punt returns, two of which he returned for scores. He won the Jim Thorpe Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year by the conference's coaches. Despite the litany of honors and Peterson’s outsized body and athletic abilities, he is not quite a combination of Champ Bailey, Rod Woodson and ‘Night Train’ Lane yet.
Peterson is excellent in press and squat man coverage, even a receiver as long and powerful as Julio Jones he was able to nearly neutralize him while in press, but when in zone or off man he was not nearly as effective. He has the strength, length and size to redirect receivers at the line and disrupt routes. He is quick, violent and accurate in his hand usage which allows him to close the natural window on a receiver's outside shoulder. It is when he is playing off or in zone against smaller, quicker receivers and double moves that the small but exploitable flaws in his technique are revealed. His aggressive, man CB persona carries over even in zone and he’ll break a bit too early on the ball, seeking the big play. As mentioned before he is susceptible to stutter-go, slant and go or wheel routes, he may have a slight tightness in his hips. He can be overzealous, will at times, move out of proper position or initiate too much contact downfield and may incur more penalties at the next level. His zone and off-man technique is still a work in progress; clearly he knows how talented he is and didn’t always work to win leverage, he was roughly 70/30 in terms of (man/zone coverage ratio) and will have to become a bit more polished and diverse.
Patrick Peterson 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Patrick Peterson CB LSU JR 6002 219 32.0 9.3 4.34 15 38.0 6.58 10'6"
Summary
9.2 out of 10, Peterson is so talented and has such a high ceiling and high floor that it seems likely that he’ll be a top 5 pick, top 10 at the very latest. He could start day one for some teams, however teams that use a variety of coverages, or do a great deal of stemming and disguising will need to give him more time and coaching but for any team he could bolster their return game and he is a natural play-maker. He is like a faster version of Raiders hall of fame CB Willie Brown but he will need good coaching to reach that stature.
2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska 6’0 5/8” 206 4.43
Of royal lineage Amukamara has very fluid hips and has great change of direction speed, he has exceptional body control and tremendous agility, he comes aggressively in run support; is very ‘nosy’ for a corner. As a former running back, Amukamara also has really impressive run-after-catch skills; he is tough and makes solid run support tackles for a corner. He's strong in zone coverage, but doesn't have elite anticipation, and at times results in giving up a big play. He shows good awareness and football IQ. He is consistently able to recognize receiver’s routes; he is a dedicated film student. His attitude, work ethic and character are all at a blue-chip level.
It’s when he’s stacked against Peterson and each is examined against the best WR competition each faced that Peterson edges the Prince. When OK State faced Nebraska Justin Blackmon was clearly the better player, he abused Amukamara in that game, revealing what could be Amukamara’s largest weakness: not coming up with an effective plan B. In this particular game, once he was unable to effectively press Blackmon and even got burned on a couple occasions, allowing a touchdown and getting flagged for pass interference. He was a bit timid the rest of the day, while Peterson went toe-to-toe with Jones all day and in 2009 he faired reasonably well against A.J Green holding him to 4 catches, none of them game changers. In terms of technique like Peterson he was a really did get a few interference calls, and he has some trouble with placement of his lead hand coming through to break some passes up, which at times leads to him missing some tackles on wide receivers that catch the ball. He has good cover ability, but he needs to work on being able to stay in the contingent spot to the possibility of missing the break up but still can make the tackle. He has loose hips, he can change direction very well, and he keeps his hips low to the ground when breaking he makes strong, steady breaks on the ball.
As was stated run-support and tackling are strengths of his game as he’s competitive and does not shy away from contact in run support. An outstanding running back at Glendale Apollo High, Amukamara was dominant. He rushed for 2,106 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior and was The Republic's Player of the Year. He was on three state-championship basketball teams and won state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
At Nebraska, he wasn't a reluctant cornerback for long. He started every game his last two seasons, finishing his junior year with five interceptions. Amukamara didn't have an interception as a senior, partly because opponents tried to avoid throwing his way.
Amukamara graduated from Nebraska in December with a degree in sociology. He is bright and engaging, he is somewhat similar to Peterson but Peterson’s elite change of direction, and straight-line speed and big play ability give him the edge in the minds of most evaluators. While Amukamara is a notch below Revis and Peterson in suddenness and ball-skills, he is a top10-15 talent and could be compared to a larger, smarter version of Johnathan Joseph.
Prince Amukamara 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Prince Amukamara CB NEB SR 6005 206 30.4 8.399 4.34 15 38.0 6.97 10'8"
Summary
9.0 Amukamara was a 3 year team captain whose instincts and anticipation as much as his athletic ability will make him a success at the next level. It’s possible that 2-3 CB prospects may have a higher ‘ceiling’ than the Prince, none have a higher floor.
3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado 6’2 ¼" 211 He was highly respected so; few opposing quarterbacks threw his way. Even with no picks, he made the all-Big 12 Conference first team, however there are some examples of bad tape, the Georgia game for example and he has two minor-in-possession charges, one when he first arrived on CU's campus as a freshman [As a true freshman, Smith got caught with alcohol during training camp.
"I walked outside with a red cup that had nothing in it and you can't have a red cup in Boulder," Smith said. "So, I got caught for that. It was a lack of judgment.'']and one as a junior when cops raided a campus bar and asked for ID. A self-proclaimed shutdown corner, Smith said he likes comparisons to Raiders All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, except for one thing: "I think I have better ball skills than he does." Well the comparison holds up with regards to size, he and allowed just 11 completions in man-to-man coverage over the past two years. He is elite in his route recognition, breaks on the ball while it’s in the air and he is Peterson’s equal in ball skills. Smith’s off-man technique might be the best in the draft; he is in the top 3 in press-man, top 5 in zone. However his: at times shoddy tackling, sticking to blocks, failed drug test, seeming not to always give 100% in chasing plays that go away from him, cockiness and recent dismissal of his original agent Peter Schafer in favor of the higher-profile Drew Rosenhaus, have combined to resemble a semaphore display of red flags.
He finished his Colorado career with 183 career tackles, which ranked him 77th all-time at Colorado, with his 16 pass deflections the 21st most. He allowed just 11 completions in man coverage over his junior and senior seasons (just one of those for a first down) and was invited to play in the Senior Bowl. While both he and Jalil Brown are impressive prospects. Some have asked: If Jimmy Smith is so great, why wasn't he matched up all game on A.J Green when Georgia came to town? The simple answer is the defensive scheme that Colorado ran. Jimmy smith was the "right corner back" in Colorado's defense and Brown was the "left corner back." During the game, Georgia lined AJ Green up on the left side of the field 80% of the passing plays during the game in order to avoid Jimmy Smith on the right side. Of the two pass attempts to A.J Green when he was matched up on Jimmy Smith-
1. Aaron Murray pass incomplete to A.J. Green, broken up by Jimmy Smith.
2. The pass completion for 1 yard - Jimmy Smith in coverage.
Smith showed athletic skills of his own in closing on the deep pass to the end zone to leap and knocking it away. He also made other plays that showed that he can spend some time on the island and perform. He also showed a willingness to handle his responsibilities in the run game (even on the one where he missed the RB in the backfield he was there and trying,) and he contributed on specials and clearly more than held his own against elite WR.
However of greater importance than the good talent is the possible bad character. In fairness there have been no arrests since 2007; He does show some physical toughness making tackles (I haven't seen him shy away), but he could be a much better tackler, like Vladimir Guerrero his strike zone seems to have no middle he seems to only go at shoulders and ankles, also he shows very unimpressive technique and urgency in disengaging from blocks. Some coach will believe he can coach him up on and off-field, minimize his flaws, and then if he takes Smith in the 1st 40 picks he’d better be right. The Aquib Talib comparison does cut both ways.
Jimmy Smith 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jimmy Smith CB CU SR 6022 211 32.2 9 3/4 4.42 24 36 6.93 10'3"
Summary
8.8 Like the other top CBs he’s not as comfortable in zone as in press-man; is footwork, ability to turn and run makes him an attractive prospect. Impressive with how tight he can play to the receiver and give them no room. An important combine number to look at for defensive backs that tells about their quickness is the 20-yard shuttle. Of the three top corners, Smith is slightly ahead of Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara in that area (4.06 to 4.07 and 4.08); all three of those numbers are impressive. Smith Plays well with his hands and when he gets his hands on you, he redirects most receivers easily. In off-man coverage, he pedals with ease. He is hard to run by, he turns very quickly for a player with such long legs; with no false steps, wasted movement or motion. He flips his hips and explodes on the ball, he keeps hip-pocket position in the route and does not labor at all. Scouts are impressed with his ability to cover A.J. Green of Georgia. When the Bulldogs tried to send Green on a vertical route, inside down the middle of the field, Smith was lined up in outside technique, read the break and drove to the middle of the field with Green initially in the clear. The ball was well thrown but Smith knocked the pass away. Later in the game, Green lined up wide in the red zone setting up the fade. Green tries to beat Smith inside but Smith cuts the route off with his feet, jams Green with his hands. When Green tried to separate, Smith allowed no space for the ball, as the game wore on, the Georgia coaches moved Green to the opposite side of the field away from Smith and he was able to make play after play. He is wildly inconsistent as a tackler, but he does his body around as a tackler. In the Oklahoma game, he was able to make two solid open-field tackles, one against DeMarco Murray on a swing pass. There are some questions about failed drug tests in his history. That will surely hurt his stock with teams even taking him off some draft boards, but there is no doubting his ability on tape. Smith is likely one of the 1st 10 players selected in round two with an outside chance at late round one with a team with a strong locker-room and infrastructure.
4.Ras-I Dowling, Virginia 6’1 3/8” 198 Dowling has size, speed and is among the more technically sound cornerbacks in this draft. He doesn’t make many mistakes in coverage in either man-to-man or zone. He understands how to read (on the run) a receiver in coverage and in zone. He also has solid football intelligence and understands situational football. Durability and injuries are a concern, he’s battled different injuries his entire senior season, and even pulled up when running at the combine, but with his mind, size, speed, feet and balance should he fall past pick #40 and stays healthy he could be a real bargain. He ran 4.4 at the combine and was timed from 4.37-4.42 at his make-up pro day.
Ras-I-Dowling 2011 Combine Results
Ras-I Dowling Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UVA SR 6013 198 32 ½ 9.5 4.40 DNP DNP DNP DNP
Dowling is best in press man but has the instincts and intellect to play most any coverage adequately. He is just behind Smith, Amukamara and Peterson in hip fluidity with good coaching he could play at a very high level soon. Dowling played in just 5 games his senior season, missing time with knee and hamstring injuries, as well as a fractured ankle; still his recent pro day in addition to his fast 40 featured, 38” in the vertical and a 10’8” broad jump.
Career college statistics:
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2007 43 29 14 0 0 0 1 0 2 17 8.5 17 0 0
2008 43 33 10 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 58 40 18 1 0 0 2 0 3 70 23.3 49 0 0
2010 15 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Dowling’s leadership qualities, solid jamming at the line, strong tackling and football intellect will allow him to overcome his slightly less than elite recovery and redirect on double moves and coverage of smaller quicker WRs. He will also want to sink his hips a bit on his backpedal and be mindful of maintaining proper technique even when in high stress situations.
Summary
8.7 There is a real possibility that Dowling is as pro ready as any CB in this draft. Health is the only major stumbling block, but if he is in a system that fits his skills he could be a starter on opening day. As an NFL comparison, most mention, his former UVA teammate Chris Cook, I see some Will Allen and Aaron Ross. Dowling could go in the 1st 5-10 picks of round to or fall into the early 3rd, but I don’t think he’ll get past Dallas in round 2 if they don’t take a corner in the 1st or Detroit if they don’t take a corner in the 1st .
5. Aaron Williams, Texas 5’11 7/8” 204 Williams is fairly dependable man-to-man defender, but he does not play bump-and-run as often as many other top corners, will need to improve his press technique to be highly effective at the next level.
2010: He played in 11 games on defense and special teams with nine starts, including time at both nickel back and cornerback and was named to Nagurski Trophy and Thorpe Award watch lists, as well as second-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches, the Associated Press and the San Antonio Express-News. Williams led the team with 13 PBU, to go along with 46 tackles (30 solo), one sack, five TFL, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt, his three forced fumbles were also second on the team and tied for third in the Big 12, he returned 11 punts for 86 yards (7.8 ypr) on special teams.
While some project Williams to FS he is nearly a made to order Cover 2 corner. Even as a freshman in 2008, Williams managed to crack the starting lineup. He made some big plays that year, including blocking an incredible four punts and returning an interception for an 81-yard score. Williams started 13 games in 2009 and tallied 44 tackles, three interceptions and started to show his big hitting ability by forcing two fumbles.
Year School Tackles Solo Ast TFL SK FF INT BLK TD
2007 94 63 31 10½ 3 6 4 3 1
2008 Texas 15 9 6 1 0 1 1 2 1
2009 Texas 34 24 10 4½ 2 2 3 0 0
2010 Texas 45 30 15 5 1 3 0 1 0
Williams like all the Texas defenders played and practiced against Big 12 talent, the conference has had a high level of QB and WR play for the last several years. When compared to other Texas CBs he is more like Jammer than Vasher, however he does not have burner-type speed, and he can be beaten when facing sprinting wide receivers. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with awareness and anticipation. The downside of anticipation is that when he’s wrong and since he lacks elite recovery speed he can give up some big plays.
Aaron Williams 2011 Combine Results
Aaron Williams Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB TX SR 5117 204 32 ¼ 9.5 4.55 18 35.5 6.72 10'7"
Summary
8.6 Williams might be best served as a 3rd corner initially, his best scheme fit is either cover 2 or a very aggressive form of ‘Quarters’ man where he’ll have help over the top. As stated he is like Jammer and also a bit like Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Tillman went #35 in 2003, Williams could go that early, he’s likely to go from 40-55. As some teams have noted, should he struggle at CB, he could like Malcolm Jenkins move inside to free safety.
6. Brandon Harris, Miami (FL) 5’9 ½” 191 4.53 Harris was coached by his father in high school and has a passion for the game, which is something NFL teams look for. Harris is a 2008 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida where he led his team to the No. 6 national ranking by USA Today. As a senior in 2007, he caught 26 passes for 501 yards and eight touchdowns, and racked up 1,069 all-purpose yards. On defense, he tallied 49 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions (two returned for scores). He was also asked to play quarterback in some key situations and completed eight of 17 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown. As a junior in 2006, he completed 10 of 10 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 576 yards and 10 TDs. That year, on defense, he collected 41 tackles, four sacks and five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). Harris also played in the inaugural Under Armor All-Star game. He was tabbed the Florida Class 6A-4A "Male Athlete of the Year," Dade County's 6A-4A "Defensive Player of the Year" and Florida's "Gatorade Player of the Year" coming out of high school. He was listed as the 6th-best football player in Florida and 38th best in the nation by Rivals.com. He was also selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
His effort in run support will be valued; he has a solid football IQ and high football character. If he can make his tackling technique more consistent, improve his jam at the LOS, he will be a very good nickel/slot CB. As a freshman at Miami, Brandon Harris was thrown into the fire. He was often beat for big plays, but Harris showed his attitude and stuck with it game after game. While that would crush the confidence of many players, for Harris it was a learning experience. He has gotten better and it did not take long. Just a year later he led the ACC in passes defended per contest and tied for second nationally with 15 pass break-ups, He was named All-ACC First Team by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Phil Steele, and named one of 12 national semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. On the season he broke up a total of 17 passes, and tallied 52 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and a sack and a forced fumble.
As a junior in 2010, Harris tallied 44 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 10 PBUs and a FF.
Brandon Harris 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Brandon Harris CB LSU JR 5094 191 31 9 4.53 14 35.5 6.77 9'5"
Summary
8.4 Harris should be selected from the 40th-50th pick in the draft, the early 3rd round would seem to be the latest he’s likely to be selected. He is somewhat like Darius Butler of UConn and New England with slightly better tackling and instincts but not nearly as sudden of fast. There is some concern that in a good secondary he’ll never be more than a 3rd corner, however the increasingly value of the 3rd corner should relieve some of those concerns. With his mind and quick hips he has upside, but despite his average size he’s able and willing in pursuit, but this is one area where his lack of elite speed does hurt, he will not catch elite speed receivers or backs from behind. Harris is also being seen as a FS projection by some, in any case he can be a useful reserve at one or two spots sooner rather than later.
7. Davon House, New Mexico State 6’0 ½" 200
House finished his career with the Aggies with 11 interceptions, 319 pick return yards, and three touchdowns. He also contributed 202 tackles (122 solo), 37 passes defenses, a forced fumble, and four kick returns for 94 yards. The size and natural athletic ability would seem to make House comparable to Amukamara; however there are some clear areas of demarcation between the two. House stepped right into a starting role as a true freshman in 2007 and has not looked back since. He started his career out with a bang by recording four interceptions as a freshman and breaking a school record with 171 return yards on those interceptions. House led his team with two interceptions last season, recording 57 tackles and 10 pass deflections. For his career, he intercepted 11 passes for 319 return yards with three returned for touchdowns and his career totals are: 198 career tackles, 46 pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.
It could even be argued that at the ½ way points of their careers that House was ahead of Amukamara. He has elite hand-eye coordination and ball skills. He maintains legal contact with receivers and uses his quickness to stay with receivers in man coverage. Similar to most of the other corners in the draft, he will need to continue to improve his zone technique to be starting corner in the NFL. House has few holes in his game but on film in the box against two tight end formations he seems tentative, it seems he is a bit uncomfortable around big bodies and too often he is not a big factor against screens and sweeps. Still House is a clean prospect he has no character, work ethic or injury issues. He did fight a nagging ankle last year, but never missed a single game at the collegiate level and even started 12 games as a true freshman.
Davon House 2011 Combine Results
Davon House Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB NMSU SR 6004 200 31 ¾ 9.25 4.43 18 33.5 6.65 9'1"
Summary
8.2 Davon House is the type of pick that can make a GM look nearly brilliant or as if the team was being too clever. House is a hitter, he has size and speed. In four years with the Aggies he totaled 202 tackles, 10 interceptions, forced fumble, and he was often the bright spot on some pretty porous defenses. Despite his at questionable consistency in both zone and off-man and tendency to miss tackles by going for the knockout shot House has the attention of NFL talent evaluators. To keep that attention he’ll need to really apply himself in the film room to improve his instincts and awareness, coaching may shore up his habit of dropping his head when tackling, improper angles and technique when transitioning. Without those improvements he’ll likely be a reserve to fringe starter in a Cover 2 shell. Great coaching in Tampa or a similar system and the tutelage of a veteran like Ronde Barber he could become a starter or standout and even in man he has tantalizing potential, NFL comparison Chad Scott.
8. Brandon Burton, Utah 5’11 5/8” 190 Burton elected to forego his final season of eligibility to enter the 2011 NFL Draft. In 2010 He was an all-conference cornerback was a two-year starter and his 18 career pass breakups is tied for the ninth-best mark at Utah. Burton can be trusted as a tackler in the run and pass game. He is not as explosive as Brice McCain not as long and fluid as Sean Smith, however he has a strong competitive streak, and he’s a bit slender but is nearly ideal in terms of hips and feet.
Stats Overview Tackles Misc. Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BLK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2008 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 43 31 12 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
2010 51 34 17 0 0 0 1 0 2 69 34.5 57 0 0
In his best games you can see that he has a great deal in common with Terrence Newman, he’s able to get into proper position and he tracks the ball well, in terms of technique his transitions could be smoother and quicker but otherwise he’s an above average technician. In high school, Burton returned 10 of his 11 career interceptions for touchdowns and also lettered in track. He qualified for the junior Olympics in the 200-meters.
He struggles against some strong, aggressive receivers; he is very ‘nosy’ and has given up some big plays on stutter-pump-and go plays. He is very close to elite in several areas; however his instincts are not one of those areas.
Brandon Burton 2011 Combine Results
Brandon Burton Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UT JR 5115 190 31 ½ 9.25 4.51 18 32 6.93 9'10"
Summary
8.1 A fairly close NFL comparison is Jerome Murphy; Burton defended 20 passes in his two seasons as a starter and also excelled on special teams. He blocked a field goal on the game’s final play to preserve a one-point win over BYU on Nov. 29, 2010. Burton has the physical tools necessary to be a starter at the next level, but despite his leaping ability, above average ball awareness, ball location skills, smooth backpedal and fluid hips he simply fails to make a play when he should and at other times tries too hard to make a play that simply is not there. If scouts had only seen 1 tape and if it was of Burton vs. Baldwin when Utah faced Pitt doing what he does best, Bump-and-Run and play the ball aggressively in the air, then they’d go away thinking they’d seen a 1st round CB. This why 1 tape, even against a very good WR can highlight strengths and mask weakness. Baldwin is big and athletic, but not deceptive or very abrupt in his cuts. There were receivers that had these qualities but lacked Baldwin’s pedigree who gave Burton more trouble.
9. Curtis Brown, Texas Brown looks like a cover corner, physically he’s a bit reminiscent of Dale Carter; he missed time with a neck injury in 2010. By the end of his sophomore campaign, Brown was a regular starter in the secondary. That year the Longhorns ranked second in the nation in pass efficiency defense and Brown played a big part in that. In 2009 Brown started all 14 games and he’s been productive on special teams’ coverage units, often leading the team in tackles, and returned 14 punts for a 13.9 average. Brown is said to be of solid character and good in the locker-room.
Not a very powerful player; as many saw on the very highly publicized last-second Michael Crabtree game-winning TD vs. Texas back in 2008. Additionally he is, at times, hesitant in run support. His ability in run support is not impressive, due in large part to a lack of aggression. So far he’s better in man than zone coverage; due mostly to lack of experience in zone. Brown is average to below average as an open field tackler.
Curtis Brown 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Curtis Brown CB TX SR 5115 185 31 9 4.51 10 39.5 6.77 10'8"
Summary
8.0 Brown certainly has faced a large number of very fine receivers in games as well as in practices; for the most part he has acquitted himself well. Like any CB he has had his good days and his bad days but with his nearly elite balance, quickness and agility it’s likely that at the very least he should thrive as a 3rd or ‘Nickel’ corner. NFL Comparison Kevin Barnes, Brown will also likely add value on kickoff and punt coverage and has return ability, when that’s married with his potential to play Nickel immediately with the possibility of starting on the outside eventually it’s clear he’s unlikely to last past the #19-31 range in round 2 or the Bengals’ selection in the 3rd round.
10. Shareece Wright, USC 5’10 7/8” Wright has an opportunity to be one of this draft’s real bargains at his position he’s not huge by any means and he has struggled with nagging nicks and the books at time at Southern Cal, however he has received top-flight coaching, he has practiced and played against very good competition and has showed a real nose for the ball and solid football IQ. Wright started all 13 games for the Trojans in 2010 at cornerback. He finished the year with 73 tackles, including seven for a loss and a team-high 10 pass deflections and two fumble recoveries. For his career, Wright totaled 127 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 15 pass deflections and four fumble recoveries. He made 17 career starts.
Some are concerned that he was charged with resisting arrest in 2009 when he refused to leave the house where he was partying when the police broke up the festivities because he had been drinking and wanted to stay the night before going home. Also he didn’t show up for two traffic violation court dates, even more teams are looking hard at his durability. Wright was out for his entire junior season due to academic problems and was sidelined as a sophomore because of a hairline neck fracture. Still he was a favorite of his coaches at USC and at the Senior Bowl. He was a gifted two-way player at Colton (CA) High School Shareece Wright could have played running back or cornerback in college, but preferred the defensive side of the ball. As a junior he had 1,221 yards on the ground on 139 carries and 14 TDs (offensive MVP) while also garnering 97 tackles and a pair of sacks, four batted down passes and two fumble recoveries.
Wright is an above-average athlete, at his Pro Day workout, Wright had a 35 ½ “vertical leap and a 10’00” broad jump as well as a 7.00 three-cone drill and a 4.32 in the short shuttle. He is very aggressive in breaking on the ball and has a smooth transition and sudden acceleration out his breaks. Wright is very good in route recognition; double moves and press man are the things that reveal his primary weaknesses: he is not terribly violent or accurate with his hands and his aggressiveness to the ball makes him vulnerable to play-action passes and double moves.
Shareece Wright 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Shareece Wright CB USC SR 5107 185 30.75 8.75 4.41 16 34.5 7.09 9'5"
Summary
7.9 Wright is entering the NFL at the proper time, the Nickel corner is virtually a starter and Wright can become a solid option there. It’s not impossible that if he can improve his jam, though he’ll often lose out on jump balls against taller targets, also if he refines his technique since he’ll need to do a better job of reading the receiver instead of the quarterback and too often bites on a quarterback’s fake, so that’s many ifs; but if he can do all those things and carry a bit more muscle he has a chance of becoming a dependable starter at CB. Most likely he’ll be a very good 3rd CB, NFL comparison Asher Allen. Wright could go late in the second but more likely he’ll be selected in the early to mid-3rd.
11. Kendric Burney, North Carolina 5’9 3/8 “ 186 4.71 This is where many a team will have the film vs. measurable physical debate after five pick-off campaign a as a junior earning Burney, based on tape went into this season with All-ACC honors and widely considered a top 5-10 corner. With 44 career starts he’s experienced with a very high football IQ. Despite his lack of size and speed, which will hurt him at times, he has been a top CB in high school and college, after a 6 game suspension Burney made 30 tackles and picked off two passes in six games in 2010. Teams that value triangle numbers, will consider him undraftable, however he was one of the most impressive players during Senior Bowl practices. He is in the top 5 in this class in terms of instincts and tackling, he plays with a low, smooth backpedal and fluid hips. For a heavy Cover 2 team like Chicago Burney would be at least considered for the Nickel or Dime corner. His size and speed mean he is unlikely to be selected prior to the late 5th-early 7th round range, but in the right defense he could become a starter and while he’s unlikely to have 47 career INTs like Ray Buchanan or make 4 Pro Bowls like Frank Minnifield he much like both who were top-flight CBs despite similar limitations. 7.825
12. Johnny Patrick, Louisville 5’10 5/8” 191 4.59/4.48 As a former WR Patrick plays bigger than his frame suggests, his ball skills carried over and he is, not surprisingly a work-in-progress as a tackler. 2010 stats: 49 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions One of Patrick’s strengths is his help in run support, it seems like he actually enjoys coming up and helping in the running game. Patrick is a reliable tackler who possesses solid technique. At Louisville, Patrick started for four seasons where he improved each year. Last season Patrick posted a career high with five interceptions, two of which came in the final regular season game against Rutgers. Patrick was a first-team All-Big East selection as a senior, when teams generally avoided throwing to his side of the field. Patrick has a burst to closing sustains his speed trailing downfield and displays excellent ball skills. As might be expected with just a few years of defensive experience, he's a not an elite tackling corner, his technique is a bit raw and off the field Patrick does carry some baggage. This past summer he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor following an argument with his girlfriend, where he allegedly threw her on the ground after she attempted to take his phone to see his text messages. Again a Nickel type best suited to Cover-2, he’s similar to Mike Mickens. 7.8
12. Curtis Marsh, Utah State 6’0 ½ “ 197 4.42 Physically he’s very like Amukamara Marsh has the same long arms and sturdy frame he too is a former running back, however he does not quite have the same body of work. The best tape of Marsh is likely the Boise game, he took on at times Young and other times Pettis he had 3 PBUs and handled Young’s quickness and Pettis’ length about equally well. Marsh can play man and has a chance to fit in with a team like the Panthers or Packers as a Nickel with starter potential, NFL comparison Sherrod Martin 7.75
13. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson 5’10” 195 4.45 Gilchrist could be a FS or even a SS but he’s likely to be tried at Nickel CB 1st and he might stick there. He is a bit like R.W McQaurters, Gilchrist was ranked in the top three in the ACC in kickoff returns and punt returns while his man coverage technique is not ideal because he reacts ½ a step too slowly to quick receivers, he has the physical ability to cover well enough in man and zone fits him best. Unless he learns to improve his hip/foot quickness he’ll struggle to cover top slot receivers in the NFL. As a safety he is an aggressive, but not forceful tackler, though he’s fast, versatile, smart and he was a team captain at Clemson He not be considered an intimating hitter by any means Gilchrist can’t shock and drive a ball-carrier backwards. He is a solid tackler, though, who doesn’t whiff on ball-carriers. He uses excellent form and position to bring the guy to the ground. Your free safety is generally your last line of defense, and Gilchrist is about as efficient as an open-field tackler as one might hope. His angles to the football are superb, which is crucial when in the back of the secondary. He reminds some of Will Allen 7.7
14. Chris Culliver, South Carolina 6’0 3/8” 199 4.36 Culliver has a strong chance of being over-drafted due to his elite size/speed ratio and versatility, he was originally a WR, and he was moved to FS and then shifted to CB. A torn pectoral muscle and seeming difficulties with picking up the CB position depressed his production in 2010, but those who really prize fast rangy safeties, [normally you’d insert Al Davis joke her after the Antonio Gibson/Michael Huff selections] may still take Culliver in the top 40-50 selections. Culliver has physical skills that would seem to scream man corner with his loose hips and long speed, however he has not shown the necessary situational awareness, route recognition when combined with his choppy high backpedal means he would be a project at CB. At FS he is more comfortable and consistent however his tackling is not what most teams will want at the position. He also adds value as a return man with impressive agility. There were also concerns that an agent may have been paying the premiums on his insurance policy, his play is worth a mid-3rd selection, if he goes much earlier it can be considered an upside based reach. 7.6
15. Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech 5’10” 192 4.53/4.43 Carmichael is hard worker, a film room junkie, a student of the game he was a 2 year starter he has a real knack for blitzing, he tracks the ball well, however he seems too often come up a bit short in getting his hands on the ball. However too often and for too long he’ll get his hands on receivers and unlike most VPI corners he is a not an exceptional tackler as exacerbated by the fact that he struggled to disengage from blacks and was below average against the running game. His raw ability and tendency to jump routes at times turns out to be a double-edged sword as that has resulted in him biting on a lot of double moves or stutter or slant and go patterns. Still as a Nickel he can offer some immediate value. He is physically similar to former Denver CB Alphonso Smith 7.5.
16. Josh Gatlin, NDSU 6’0 ½ “ 196 4.39 Some may only notice Gatlin due to his gaudy triangle numbers, but he played at a high level of FCS competition and led the Bison in interceptions this past season with five. A Jacksonville, FL. native Josh Gatlin has burst onto the scene in the last few months. What makes hos five picks more surprising is that he only started in one game. He was invited to play in the NFL Players Association Texas vs. the Nation game on Feb. 9. In that game, Gatlin recorded three tackles and an interception. Gatlin played in all 13 games in 2010, but started in only one. That did not stop him from leading the team in interceptions, the year before, he actually started more games with two, but only played in five. At TX vs. Nation practices he was noticed for strong play and an INT in practice and playing speed. Gatlin is a cousin of sprinter Justin Gatlin and it shows.
Gatlin is a developmental project but he could be one that develops quickly. Teams that don't need an immediate need in the secondary, and have a knack for finding value late in the draft are going to be targeting Gatlin. I see Gatlin being a late round pick, from the late fifth through the seventh round. Teams like Tampa Bay, the Vikings and the Bears, these teams play the Tampa 2 defense, which is what NDSU plays, so the learning curve could be drastically cut. Gatlin is physically like Willie Middlebrooks formerly of Denver 7.4.
17. Cortez Allen, The Citadel Cortez Allen is classified as a DB by the team because he plays in multiple secondary positions. They tended to move him around because teams tried to avoid him, but his natural position is CB. Allen acquitted himself well during East-West Shrine practices, which were well-attended by NFL scouts. He's a long, lean corner who is aggressive, Allen is able to make hard-hitting tackles on receivers and break up plays. Allen displays a nice understanding and feel for the game but should spend refining his route recognition and eliminating false steps. For three years, Citadel corner Cortez Allen spent much of his practice time trying to cover Andre Roberts; while Allen probably won’t be selected as early as his former teammate Andre Roberts, who was a third round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2010 NFL Draft, the odds are some team will call his name at some point in the middle rounds, perhaps as early as the mid-late 4th. 2010: Allen started all 11 games with 22 tackles 5 PBUs 2 INTs. Allen is similar to Lee Bodden Overall grade of 7.3.
18. Jalil Brown, Colorado 6’0 5/8” 204 4.52 Brown is good in run support he displays above average ball skills, he can locate the ball and make plays on it effectively (5 INT’s, 17 pass break-ups the past two years). He can match up and run downfield in man coverage and make the tough interception, but he rarely takes chances at making the big play, more often than not he make the safe play. Brown uses his quick feet and loose hips to get in position to break up the pass; he can plant, turn, and drive on the receiver or to make a play on the ball. He can be a bit too nosey and loses contact at times with his man while locating the ball or eyeing up the QB. Brown is not the quickest defensive back in this class, but he is amongst the strongest. In some ways Brown is a ‘poor man’s Malcolm Jenkins who might end up at FS, 7.2.
19. Buster Skrine, Chattanooga 5’9 ½" 186 4.37 [4.48] (pronounced "screen") I won’t delve too deeply into the controversy surrounding Skrine’s 40 time, suffice to say he was an All-SoCon selection as a member of the UTC 4x100 meter relay team, he is blazing fast on film and 3 scouts, with whom I have spoken had him between 4.39 and 4.35. Despite his size and speed Skrine is not 100% finesse he is solid when supporting against the run. Senior season stats: 10 games (8 starts); 39 total tackles (29 solo), 8 pass break-ups, 1 interception. Career stats: 42 games (30 starts); 155 total tackles (113 solo), 21 pass break-ups, and 5 interceptions. It’s likely he’ll begin his career over the slot and certainly has value as a kick returner (he averaged 20.6 yards per return as a junior but had only three returns last fall, all in the season opener, and suffered a dislocated elbow during one of them) and special-teams contributor. Skrine's Combine numbers were consistently among the best for corners, and he posted the best time in the three-cone drill. The pro CB he might be the most like if he maxes out is Aaron Glenn, 7.1.
20. Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State 5’11” 197 4.47 Jones is a work in progress but the MIAA is an elite level DII conference and Jones was among the class of defensive prospects in that conference this season. The areas that will require the greatest improvement are his jam in press-man and tackling. He has started 56 of 58 games in the past four years for his team, and finishing off his career at NWMSU with six interceptions as a senior. It’s clear he has the ability to turn and run and displays good balance and footwork when asked to redirect out of his breaks on throws in front of him and on sharply breaking routes he stays in proper position in relation to the ball and his man. Jones has played in both man and zone, his range, ball skills, size and quick feet, strong build and loose hips give him a chance to be drafted a stick in the league. Jones could go as early as the late 4th and should not last past the middle of the 6th round. 7.0.
21. Justin Rogers 5’10 3/8” 183 4.43 Rodgers is an excellent returner and CB with good closing speed and he makes plays on the ball and has been highly productive in the ‘SEC of the FCS’ the CAA. Rogers is the second player in CAA history to be named All-CAA 1st Team for four consecutive years. Last season he had 48 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as the league's premier shutdown corner. A versatile threat, Rogers became the CAA Football career leader in kickoff return yards during the 2010 season and also saw action on offense as he rushed five times, caught three passes and was two-for-two passing. He is a natural playmaker in coverage, run support and the return game. He is a fluid athlete who moves well and has shown the ability to play especially well in zone coverage. He is a quick defender who is reliable when supporting the run well with 162 tackles over his career. At the East-West week, he showed the short area quickness to break on the ball and match up in coverage that earned him CAA honors. The concerns are that he’s small and light and he could be overpowered by big receivers and as a defender, he might not be more than a nickel/slot defender. Will tackle too high and miss tackles, he might be targeted in red zone and jump ball situations. Rodgers is a player that reminds some of Jason McCourty, 6.95.
22. Richard Sherman, Stanford 6’2 3/8” 194 4.53 A former WR, Sherman was a 2-year track letter winner at Stanford in Track, he jumped a personal best of 50’0” in the triple jump in 2007, good for ninth place on the all-time Stanford career list and jumped a season-best 21-3 ½ in the long jump at the 2008 Stanford Invitational. Despite his athletic ability, hands and ball skills there are many that wonder of Sherman’s lack of aggression and instincts at his new position. As a Stanford wide receiver Sherman was their top receiver as a freshman and sophomore. He combined for 73 catches for 1232 yards (16.9 YPC.) and 7 touchdowns during those years. He missed most of the following year after suffering a partial tear in his patellar tendon. He caught 8 passes in 4 games before he went down with an injury. He came back the following year and moved to cornerback. The past two seasons he has started there and combined for 112 tackles, 6 picks and 17 breakups. He also average 9.3 yards on 23 career punt returns with 2 scores. 2 players that Sherman is somewhat like are Idrees Bashir and Gary Baxter 6.9.
23. Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State 5’11 ¾" 191 4.38 Chekwa is still recovering from surgery that followed his severely dislocated right wrist suffered in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl. The screws were removed from his wrist on March 15th; he will be 100% long before the season however. Career stats: 39 career starts, 145 tackles, 28 PBU, 6 interceptions he has exceptional speed (he also ran track for Ohio State) Chekwa is one of the top 3-5 pure athletes in this position group. Beyond the medical concerns, there were already questions about his toughness, tackling, instincts, and susceptibility to double moves and pump fakes. Chekwa will likely go earlier than his actual play as a CB demands, but he is something of a project, Ashton Youboty went #70 in 2006, Chekwa could go that early, but like Youboty he’s currently a better athlete than he is a CB, 6.8.
24. Prathon Wilkerson 5’9 ½ “ 185 4.55 Legitimate DII cornerback who made a name for himself when he did a very fine job staying with world-class sprinter WR Ricardo Lockette head-to-head in the 2010 ASU v. FVSU game, and also at the HBCU Senior Bowl. He really put it all together as a senior this past season (2010) at Albany State, compiling 38 tackles, 3 TFLs, 16 total PBUs, and a pick 6 among his 7 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He intercepted one pass as a junior with seven pass deflections and was named Special Teams Player of the Year by Albany. He has impressive anticipation. He can lay off the receiver and jumps the route. Has ability to play all coverages, he has consistent technique, tackling, understands the game also he has shown the necessary hands, ball skills for the interception and is a solid wrap tackler. He can jam well but has average recovery speed and he is pretty similar to D.J Moore and could be a Cover-2 Nickel 6.75.
25. Demarcus Van Dyke 6’0 ¾” 176, Miami 4.27 The angular CB from the ‘U’ has all the tools, but is downright wispy and lacks exceptional instincts, but Van Dyke’s combine 40 times of 4.25 and 4.28 have elevated him in the eyes of many, however he was not a full-time starter and at times Ryan Hill outplayed him. He only had 5 repetitions at 225; he will have to get much stronger to ever be more than a reserve. On screens he has trouble shedding blocks and gets overpowered by receivers and running backs. Demarcus Van Dyke has never been a full-time starter at Miami, but during his four years there he did manage to total 21starts and though many of the ‘sprinter playing football’ caveats apply to the track/football letter winner he showed a knack for timely big plays but lacked consistency. If his raw speed entices a team into taking him prior to the mid-6th that will likely be a bit of a reach. A player to whom he has drawn some comparisons is a much thinner version of Tremain Mack or Fabian Washington, he not even as polished as former Hurricane WR turned CB Sam Shields 6.6.
26. Dionte Dinkins 6’0 7/8" 195, 4.54 Ft. Valley State Dinkins is fairly athletic he ran the 40 yard dash at 4.52 and 4.57 seconds at his Pro Day workout, with a 33” vertical leap and a 9’10” broad jump, he’s durable, a very solid tackler who forced a fumble this year and he’ll contribute on special teams he has blocked a punt and 2 place kicks a P.A.T and a FG. Of his 5 picks this year 3 were easy but 2 showed body control and above average ball skills. Dinkins has never faced a sophisticated passing offense and his teammate Ricardo Lockette is one of very few NFL level talents he’s covered. Dinkins like most of the CBs in this draft class is best suited to Cover-2, he will take a while to adjust to the NFL talent and complexity but he can contribute on special teams until he’s ready to be a reserve and perhaps eventually a starter, 6.5 he is rather like Antoine Cason, but more raw he may go in the late 6th or later.
27. Chykie Brown 5’11 ¼" 191, 4.49 Texas Has NFL speed, athleticism and frame for a CB, but his inconsistency is the most consistent thing about his play. He can press, flip his hips and run. He has quick feet and can plant and close, Brown is athletic and plays the ball well. He misses too many tackles. Brown has had difficulty staying healthy as he missed time in 2008 with a sprained ankle and a broken right forearm sidelined him for the last 3 games of his senior season. In 2010, he had 9 starts in his senior season Brown totaled 19 tackles and seven pass breakups. He’ll need to improve his off-man and zone coverage skills as well as his ball skills to be more than a reserve. He tests as an elite level athlete but plays like a slightly above average one. Brown should be drafted late in the 6th or the 7th as the Texas CB mystique may help him he is like a less polished and consistent version of Leodis McKelvin, 6.45.
28. Brandon Hogan 5’10 ¼ 192 [4.44 estimated], West Virginia Hogan is willing hitter who plays with toughness; he has a little Courtland Finnegan in his game. Hogan has to show he’s recovering from his torn ACL, his 19 repetitions at 225 are they only official testing numbers he has In 46 career games, Hogan has recorded 171 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Hogan showed talent in his ability to get his hands on the ball, accelerating from trail position to get a PBU or interception, his ball skills have remained from his days as a WR those and his fluid movement skills were evident, he ran track at Osbourn HS, in addition to quarterbacking a VA state championship team, Hogan was recruited as a slot receiver to play in then-head coach Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense. However Hogan’s knee is not all that needs mending Hogan was arrested and charged with DUI in September and served a one-game suspension, when the Mountaineers hosted Maryland. That DUI charge came less than six months after Hogan was cited by police for disorderly conduct and public urination; his third arrest (driving on license suspended or revoked for DUI) will remind scouts of ‘Pac-Man’ Jones, but not in the good way. Hogan was a high as the late 3rd on some boards going into this year, now he’ll be lucky to be drafted.
29. Vance Cuff 5’10” 178, 4.53 Georgia He has missed time due to injuries and a 1game suspension following an arrest on misdemeanor charges, including driving with a suspended license. Cuff was riding a scooter on a closed road after his license had been suspended; he has had knee and shoulder injuries the past few seasons. In 2010 he appeared in 13 games, made five starts, recorded 22 tackles, a team-leading five pass break ups and an interception. Cuff plays fast and in spring testing he was hand-timed at 4.24 a UGA record. Still Cuff was only able to earn 6 starts in 2 years, partially due to injuries and disciplinary actions and partially due being out-performed by Brandon Boykin. Cuff’s raw talent might still get him drafted, his quickness, change of direction and ball skills may make him an ideal Nickel, he is like a smaller, less finished Travis Fisher, 6.35.
30. Anthony Gaitor 5’9 7/8” 177, 4.48 Florida International He has good coverage instincts and is quick; he has played CB, nickel and FS which shows football IQ. He was a four-year starter he compiled 197 tackles, 19 for loss, 4 sacks, 11 INTs, 25 PBUs, and 3 defensive TDs during his career. He shows reliable instincts in zone, is willing in run support and does a nice job breaking down and wrapping up the ball carrier or receiver. He is smallish, uncomfortable playing in man to man coverage and needs to stay lower and be smoother in his transition and backpedal. His frame and playing style is reminiscent of Brent Grimes, Gaitor is likely an early to mid-7th round selection he is a bit like Dre Bly, 6.3.
2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects
2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – 6-3 / 280 / Clemson (4.64, 22 BR)
A former ESPN.com No. 1 high school prospect (Clemson’s first ever), Bowers is a legitimate NFL strong-side run stopper who regularly takes on and sheds multiple blockers. Bowers is also a dangerous pass rusher, possessing a strong upper body and good explosion out of the stance. He stepped in as a true freshman and led all Clemson defensive linemen with 47 tackles, averaging a tackle once every 10.21 snaps. Bowers proved he can be a big-game player when he had 11 tackles as a sophomore against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game. As a junior, last season, Bowers was second on Clemson with 63, while leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (24 – for 150 total yards), sacks (15.5), and quarterback pressures (17). Bowers comes with the red flag of a previous knee injury which might still affect him. If so, he could fall to the middle of the first round. But, if Bowers quells those doubts with strong workouts, he should be selected as Top 10 overall pick.
2. Robert Quinn – DE – 6-4 / 265 / North Carolina (4.62, 22 BR)
Following Bowers, we stay in the ACC with Robert Quinn, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an infamous agent scandal that sent shockwaves through the North Carolina program. Quinn also draws concerns from scouts because of a tumor located in the base of his brain. Fortunately, Quinn’s (in general, first and foremost, and secondly, as a football player) health appears okay, as he’s had no issues since he had surgery on the tumor after he left high school. As far as Quinn’s agent-related suspension for accepting benefits, the consensus is that Quinn was simply naïve and made bad decisions, but the fact that he was involved should still have scouts taking some initial precautions before selecting Quinn, who has been compared to New York Giants’ 2010 first-round pick, former South Florida star Jason Pierre-Paul. Another reason for being cautious with the 20-year-old Quinn is his inexperience after the admitted Dallas Cowboy fan played just two seasons as a Tar Heel, thanks to last year’s suspension. Still, as a freshman, Quinn finished third in the voting for the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (starting 12 games while posting 34 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, and two sacks). The next year, he finished with 52 tackles and was a first-team All-ACC selection while finishing second in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. Quinn can explode off of the snap with a good burst off the edge and an ability to force fumbles. He also has good agility, balance, closing speed, and good strength to drag down ball carriers. If the suspension and lack of experience are overlooked, Quinn could be a very selection.
3. Cameron Jordan – DE – 6-4 / 287 / California (4.74, 25 BR)
Jordan has the experience (he played in 50 of 51 games in four years at California) and genes (his father, Steve Jordan, played at Brown University before spending 13 years, including six pro-bowl seasons, with the Minnesota Vikings) to have a good NFL career. After playing 13 games as a true freshman reserve, Jordan was a starter and All-Pac-10 honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 and All-American honorable mention honors as a senior. Jordan is a strong, stout run stopper with long arms and good pursuit. He locates the ball well and very rarely takes a snap off, with a good bull rush, helped by a powerful upper and lower body, to force his opponent backwards and into the pocket.
4. J.J. Watt – DE – 6-5 / 290 / Wisconsin (4.81, 34 BR)
Watt is a good athlete who in high school, lettered twice each in basketball and baseball, and once more, in track and field. In 2007, Watt played 14 games as a tight end at Central Michigan (which he chose over Cincinnati, Minnesota, Colorado, and Northern Illinois), catching eight passes for 77 yards. He redshirted the following year before switching to defensive end in his native Wisconsin, starting 13 games for the Badgers. By 2010, Watt learned his new position quickly, blossoming into a consensus first-team All-Big Ten end and team MVP, along with being named to Academic All-Big Ten team. Watt comes with great character and an outstanding work ethic, and although he lacks ideal speed for the position, he’s a versatile, experienced end whose size and hustle could have him picked earlier.
5. Adrian Clayborn – DE – 6-3 / 281 / Iowa (4.78, 17 BR)
Clayborn knows all about overcoming the long odds it takes to become a first-round NFL prospect. In fact, he had to get by a condition since birth just so he could play contact sports. Clayborn suffered nerve damage in his neck and right arm during birth which had doctors advising against Clayborn playing a contact sport in high school. So, what did he do? He ended up being the 2005 Missouri Player of the Year as a senior tight end/linebacker in St. Louis. From there, Clayborn redshirted in 2006 at Iowa before having a standout career for four years as a Hawkeye. After limited action as a freshman, Clayborn posted 50 tackles and ranked second on his team with eight tackles for loss. Clayborn started 13 games at defensive end the following year, recording 70 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks, while forcing four fumbles. He was also the MVP in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. As a senior, Clayborn was a consensus All-American, again starting 13 games, notching 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Clayborn doesn’t have a typical explosive first step, but he’s a strong pass rusher with a good rip move and good closing speed to the quarterback. He’s also a stout run defender with good leverage and an ability to change direction well.
6. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – 6-4 / 267 / Purdue (4.67, 31 BR)
Kerrigan’s nickname is “Superman” because of his great strength and constant, all-out hustle. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman with 18 sacks, Kerrigan was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. A year later, he posted 66 tackles, including 18.5 for loss. As a senior, Kerrigan was a team co-captain and he received his team’s defensive MVP award, along with becoming Purdue’s first unanimous All-American since 1980. Kerrigan’s height and length make it tough to see over him, and if opposing quarterbacks hang on to the ball for too long, there’s a good chance that Kerrigan will chase them down. Against the run, Kerrigan is a smart defender who keeps to his assignments, yet he’ll get down the line to get to a ball carrier on plays that are run away from him. What Kerrigan might lack in ideal speed for an end, he makes up for in sheer hustle and a willingness to take on the role as the leader of a defense.
7. Aldon Smith – DE – 6-4 / 263 / Missouri (4.74, 20 BR)
Smith lacks experience having played just two years in college, but that was enough to be named to the Big 12 coaches’ all-conference first team. After redshirting in 2008, Smith immediately impressed a year later, winning the Big 12 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as being named as a first-team Freshman All-American thanks to 64-tackle season that included 19 stops for loss. Smith missed three games early last season due to a leg injury, but he still posted 48 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Smith has terrific length and great quickness to the quarterback. Some believe he can eventually become a top-notch NFL pass rusher. He’s also a proven tackler and a versatile, strong edge run defender in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Despite the relative inexperience, Smith seems to have natural raw ability and a good upside.
8. Cameron Heyward – DE – 6-5 / 294 / Ohio State (4.92)
One of the bigger ends in the draft, Heyward is also one of the slower ones. But, the son of the late NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had a breakout junior season two years ago (when he was named a second-team All-Big Ten player in helping lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win) and he hasn’t looked back since. Last season, Heyward had a strong performance in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl and earned a first-team All-Big Ten award. He was also voted a team captain before finishing his career with 157 tackles, 34 for loss, and 14.5 sacks as a four-year starter with 45 starts. Heyward isn’t a true outside pass rushing threat, but he finds ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks regardless of where he lines up, with excellent quickness of the snap, especially for his size. Heyward is a solid tackler who will often follow plays downfield. Overall, Heyward brings a great attitude, an even better work ethic, and a lot of talent in a slower but bigger package. He could be a first-round steal if he slips too far, but don’t expect him to stay on the board for too long.
9. Jabaal Sheard – DE – 6-3 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.68)
Sheard was a top high school prospect out of Florida and he produced right away for Pittsburgh, lettering as a true freshman as a reserve end in 2007. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He just about duplicated that the following year, with 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss (again), and five sacks. As a senior, Sheard posted 52 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks. Sheard attacks the line with a forceful bull rush, although he lacks ideal explosiveness. Against the run, Shears hold the line of scrimmage well, with good leverage, and he stays active until he makes the play. All 32 teams were in attendance for Sheard pro day on 3/25/11, including Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin.
10. Christian Ballard – DE – 6-4 / 283 / Iowa (4.75)
After not doing much as a freshman, Ballard broke through in his sophomore season with 40 tackles before posting 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks while starting all 13 games as a junior. Last year, the big defensive end was a Big Ten honorable mention. Ballard possesses good speed for his big size, while using an effective swim move and an ability to fight through double-team blocks. He’s also a solid run defender capable of penetrating the backfield while using good length and strong hands to disengage blockers and wrap up ball carriers.
11. Allen Bailey – DE – 6-3 / 285 / Miami (4.71, 27 BR)
Out of “The U,” Bailey will continue Miami’s tradition of bringing talented big guys to the NFL, after being a highly-touted national prospect. Bailey played mostly on special teams as a true freshman and made just four starts at defensive end while playing in 12 games as a sophomore. But, as a junior he led Miami with seven sacks while leading all Hurricane linemen with 34 tackles, playing both end and tackle. Bailey had 45 sacks and once again, a team-leading seven sacks as a senior, starting all 13 of Miami’s games, mostly at end, but moving inside on occasional third-down situations. That versatility is an obvious strength, but so is Bailey’s good upper and lower body strength, which Bailey uses to disengage from blocks. He has decent, but not overwhelming, quickness off the snap, relying on a bull rush to get to the quarterback.
12. Pernell McPhee – DE – 6-3 / 278 / Mississippi State (4.91, 20 BR)
McPhee didn’t take a usual route to FBS college football or to the NFL draft. He only played one year of high school football. After that, he initially signed with Southern Mississippi but was forced to go to junior college because of academic issues. When he finally arrived at Mississippi State in 2009, McPhee totaled 56 tackles and five sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a first-team All-SEC selection even though he didn’t produce quite as much as the year before. McPhee is best against the run, holding his ground well with lots of strength. As a pass rusher, McPhee has a good swim move along with an effective rip and spin move, but he’s best as a bull rusher.
13. Pierre Allen – DE – 6-4 / 273 / Nebraska (4.78)
Allen played on the same line as Ndamukong Suh, but first, he redshirted in 2006 and added 40 pounds of muscle before playing for Nebraska the following year. As a sophomore, he had 52 tackles and five sacks before posting a nearly identical season (51 tackles and five sacks) as a junior. Allen was named as a first-team All-Big 12 end as a senior, after posting 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Allen is a capable run stopper with a nice blend of quickness and strength. He hustles to chase down ball carriers, but he he’s not the most effective pass rusher, failing to disengage from blocks enough, with some inconsistency in anticipating the snap.
14. Ricky Elmore – DE – 6-5 / 255 / Arizona (4.88, 26 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Elmore became the leader of Arizona’s defense, but he’d have to fit into a 4-3 scheme, since although he’s tall, he’s a little light to play in a 3-4 scheme. Elmore didn’t break out until his junior season, when he had 44 tackles and led the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks, receiving an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He again led the Pac-10 with 11 sacks as a senior while earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Elmore plays with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He has a fast rush off the edge, good inside moves. Elmore recognizes plays well and is a good tackler. There is a question on what Elmore will be at the next level however, as he wasn’t nearly as productive against top competition as he was against mediocre and bad teams.
15. Greg Romeus – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.79)
A former high school basketball star in Florida, Romeus will have a very good NFL career if he continues on the path he was on in college. He was named a Freshman All-American after redshirting in 2006. He then became a second-team All-Big East selection the following year, recording 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And, he stepped up to being Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year as junior and senior. Romeus has great size for an NFL pass-rushing end, with good closing speed and an effective bull rush, possessing a long reach and big hands. Romeus uses his strong upper body strength to rip the ball from running backs and receivers. He does however, need to learn how to hustle more, through the entire play, especially after his teammates make initial contact.
16. Ugo Chinasa – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Oklahoma State (4.63, 22 BR)
Chinasa became a leader on the Oklahoma State defense after redshirting in 2006 and contributing on a limited basis the following two years. In 2009, he set a new career high with 30 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks. Chinasa finished his senior season with 32 tackles, including 25 solo stops, to lead the Cowboys’ down linemen in each of those categories. With a strong upper body and a good reach, Chinasa sheds blocks well, closes to the quarterback quickly, and shows great awareness in man coverage, especially running stride for stride with tight ends. Against the run, Chinasa is a strong, wrap-up tackler. However, he is inconsistent with the energy he brings and e can get stood up at the line.
17. Cliff Mathews – DE – 6-4 / 257 / South Carolina (4.81, 17 BR)
A two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) in high school, Matthews stepped in as an outside linebacker as a freshman and was named to the coaches’ All-SEC team. He moved to defensive end the following season where he posted 32 tackles and 3 sacks. As a junior, the fairly under-sized end was known for his all-out hustle on nearly every play, as he was named as one of four team captains. He recorded 47 tackles (35 solo) and seven sacks that year. Matthews was again a team captain and named to the coaches’ All-SEC second team as a senior. He started all 13 games that year, posting 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Overall, Matthews is considered an extremely hard-working, high-effort player, with a great quickness and athleticism, and considerable raw talent for his size. He could be a nice steal later on in the draft.
18. Brandon Blair – DE – 6-6 / 276 / Oregon (4.92, 26 BR)
The 2010 Oregon Ducks were known for their prolific offense, but Blair didn’t let himself get too overshadowed by his teammates on the other side of the ball. After redshirting in 2006, the space-eating Blair became a proficient run stopper as a freshman reserve. By his junior year, Blair was the top tackler (with 45) among Oregon’s defensive linemen, and as a senior, he had 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, to earn All-Pac-10 second team honors. Even with his big size, Blair has good quickness off the snap to compliment long arms, a strong upper body, and good leg drive to bull rush blockers back into the pocket. Blair lacks agility to keep up with quicker players is space however, and he’s already 26 years of age after spending two years on a church mission between high school and playing football at Oregon.
19. Markus White – DE – 6-4 / 266 / Florida State (4.86, 14 BR)
After beginning his college career at junior college, White played three years at Florida State, initially learning as the understudy to former All-American Seminole Everette Brown in 2008. He learned well, starting 12 games and making 38 tackles the following year before having a big senior season, starting all 13 games while recording 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. White accomplished that mostly by virtue of a high motor and an explosive pass rush but he had a low output for his bench press which raises questions about his strength, and needs to be a better run stopper as well.
20. Ryan Winterswyk – DE – 6-4 / 268 / Texas (4.96, 18 BR)
With a surname that begins with “Winter,” couldn’t you just see Winterswyk ultimately playing in a place like Chicago or Green Bay? Well, if he gets to the NFL at all, it certainly won’t be for a lack of drive or effort, and even talent. Winterswyk went from a walk-on redshirt in 2006 to an honorable freshman All-American the following year, and a first-team All-WAC end in each of his final three seasons at Boise State. Due to injuries, he was also used as a tight end as a senior. He finished his career at Boise State with 168 career tackles while ranking fourth in school history with 21.5 career sacks. Not bad for a former walk-on at a school known for offense.
21. Eddie Jones – DE – 6-2 / 258 / Texas (4.79)
Easily the smallest end listed thus far, Jones ironically starred in college in the biggest state in the nation, and he came up big with a final-minute tackle at the 1-yard line to secure Team Texas’ 13-7 victory over Team Nation in the NFLPA All-Star game in February. Another fifth-year end who redshirted in 2006, Jones was integral as a sophomore in helping Texas (the University, not Team Texas, that is) lead the Big 12 in scoring defense. Jones didn’t do any one thing great, but he did a little of everything, including some solid special teams play as a junior.
22. Lazarius Levingston – DE – 6-4 / 292 / LSU (4.93, 20 BR)
Levingston was a four-year letter winner, recording 70 tackles in 48 games at LSU, playing three years at defensive end before moving to tackle as a senior.
23. Karl Klug – DE – 6-3 / 275 / Iowa (4.81, 22 BR)
Klung was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two years at Iowa. He a hustling hard worker who had 65 tackles as a junior (his first year as a starter). Klung has good quickness off the snap but he can be moved off blocks, especially against double teams.
24. Cheta Ozougwu – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Rice (4.84, 26 BR)
A former high school basketball star, Ozougwu was a defensive leader for Rice, where he started in 43 games. He broke in as a true freshman with 43 tackles and was an All-Conference USA first-team selection as a senior. He’s a good bull rusher despite being undersized and a wrap-up tackler. Ozougwu also has good awareness in coverage but because of his size, he might be seen as a tweener without a true position at the next level.
25. D’Aundre Reed – DE – 6-4 / 261 / Arizona (4.81, 30 BR)
Reed has a quick first step and long arms to help disengage from blocks, but he’s not a great run stopper and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves.
26. Steven Friday – DE – 6-3 / 228 / Virginia Tech (4.66)
Possibly the best player with day of the week for a surname to ultimately play in the NFL since Jeff Saturday, Friday was a playmaker for Virginia Tech whether sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or forcing fumbles.
27. Clay Nurse – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Illinois (4.87)
Speaking of surnames (after mentioning Steven Friday), this defensive end from Illinois could fittingly make opposing quarterbacks have the need for a nurse, as when DE Nurse had four sacks in a win over Minnesota in his senior season, during which Nurse earned honorable mention All-Big ten honors.
28. Kentrell Lockett – DE – 6-5 / 241 / Mississippi (4.78)
Lockett was named to the ALL-SEC third team with 39 tackles and five sacks as a junior and was a team captain as a senior, but he played in just three games that year after he suffered an ACL injury.
29. Demarcus Dobbs – DE – 6-2 / 281 / Georgia (4.87)
Dobbs lacks height for an end but a powerful lower body gives him good leverage at the point of attack. He projects as a possible reserve strong-side reserve in a 4-3 scheme. Like the Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Oher on the other side of the ball, Dobbs is an inspirational player who spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes before earning a scholarship to Georgia.
30. Jonathan Freeny – DE – 6-3 / 242 / Team (4.78)
Freeny was a second team All-Big East selection as a junior and was a major contributor on Rutgers’ defensive line.
31. Justin Trattou – DE – 6-4 / 255 / Florida (4.70)
32. Markell Carter – DE – 6-4 / 252 / Central Arkansas (4.76)
33. Gabe Miller – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Oregon State (4.63)
34. Zane Parr – DE – 6-6 / 275 / Virginia (4.95)
35. Craig Marshall – DE – 6-5 / 276 / South Florida (4.76)
36. Junior Tui’one – DE – 6-4 / 265 / Utah (4.74)
37. Roberto Davis – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Northwest Missouri State
38. Damario Ambrose – DE – 6-3 / 260 / Arkansas (4.80)
39. Jake Laptad – DE – 6-4 / 260 / Kansas (4.89)
40. Robert Eddins – DE – 6-2 / 242 / Ball State (4.79)
41. DeQuinn Evans – DE – 6-2 / 257 / Kentucky (5.06)
42. David Bedford – DE – 6-4 / 248 / South Florida (4.73)
43. Kiante Tripp – DE – 6-5 / 293 / Georgia (4.89)
44. Michael Lemon – DE – 6-3 / 274 / North Carolina State (4.85)
45. Alex Albright – DE – 6-5 / 250 / Boston College (4.82)
46. Ronnell Brown – DE – 6-2/ 270 / James Madison (4.84)
47. Rodney Gnat – DE – 6-2 / 249 / Louisville (4.80)
48. Lucas Patterson – DE – 6-4 / 293 / Texas A&M (5.12)
49. Duke Lemmens – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Florida (4.76)
50. Antoine Carter – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Auburn (4.76)
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
1. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – 6-3 / 280 / Clemson (4.64, 22 BR)
A former ESPN.com No. 1 high school prospect (Clemson’s first ever), Bowers is a legitimate NFL strong-side run stopper who regularly takes on and sheds multiple blockers. Bowers is also a dangerous pass rusher, possessing a strong upper body and good explosion out of the stance. He stepped in as a true freshman and led all Clemson defensive linemen with 47 tackles, averaging a tackle once every 10.21 snaps. Bowers proved he can be a big-game player when he had 11 tackles as a sophomore against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game. As a junior, last season, Bowers was second on Clemson with 63, while leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (24 – for 150 total yards), sacks (15.5), and quarterback pressures (17). Bowers comes with the red flag of a previous knee injury which might still affect him. If so, he could fall to the middle of the first round. But, if Bowers quells those doubts with strong workouts, he should be selected as Top 10 overall pick.
2. Robert Quinn – DE – 6-4 / 265 / North Carolina (4.62, 22 BR)
Following Bowers, we stay in the ACC with Robert Quinn, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an infamous agent scandal that sent shockwaves through the North Carolina program. Quinn also draws concerns from scouts because of a tumor located in the base of his brain. Fortunately, Quinn’s (in general, first and foremost, and secondly, as a football player) health appears okay, as he’s had no issues since he had surgery on the tumor after he left high school. As far as Quinn’s agent-related suspension for accepting benefits, the consensus is that Quinn was simply naïve and made bad decisions, but the fact that he was involved should still have scouts taking some initial precautions before selecting Quinn, who has been compared to New York Giants’ 2010 first-round pick, former South Florida star Jason Pierre-Paul. Another reason for being cautious with the 20-year-old Quinn is his inexperience after the admitted Dallas Cowboy fan played just two seasons as a Tar Heel, thanks to last year’s suspension. Still, as a freshman, Quinn finished third in the voting for the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (starting 12 games while posting 34 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, and two sacks). The next year, he finished with 52 tackles and was a first-team All-ACC selection while finishing second in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. Quinn can explode off of the snap with a good burst off the edge and an ability to force fumbles. He also has good agility, balance, closing speed, and good strength to drag down ball carriers. If the suspension and lack of experience are overlooked, Quinn could be a very selection.
3. Cameron Jordan – DE – 6-4 / 287 / California (4.74, 25 BR)
Jordan has the experience (he played in 50 of 51 games in four years at California) and genes (his father, Steve Jordan, played at Brown University before spending 13 years, including six pro-bowl seasons, with the Minnesota Vikings) to have a good NFL career. After playing 13 games as a true freshman reserve, Jordan was a starter and All-Pac-10 honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 and All-American honorable mention honors as a senior. Jordan is a strong, stout run stopper with long arms and good pursuit. He locates the ball well and very rarely takes a snap off, with a good bull rush, helped by a powerful upper and lower body, to force his opponent backwards and into the pocket.
4. J.J. Watt – DE – 6-5 / 290 / Wisconsin (4.81, 34 BR)
Watt is a good athlete who in high school, lettered twice each in basketball and baseball, and once more, in track and field. In 2007, Watt played 14 games as a tight end at Central Michigan (which he chose over Cincinnati, Minnesota, Colorado, and Northern Illinois), catching eight passes for 77 yards. He redshirted the following year before switching to defensive end in his native Wisconsin, starting 13 games for the Badgers. By 2010, Watt learned his new position quickly, blossoming into a consensus first-team All-Big Ten end and team MVP, along with being named to Academic All-Big Ten team. Watt comes with great character and an outstanding work ethic, and although he lacks ideal speed for the position, he’s a versatile, experienced end whose size and hustle could have him picked earlier.
5. Adrian Clayborn – DE – 6-3 / 281 / Iowa (4.78, 17 BR)
Clayborn knows all about overcoming the long odds it takes to become a first-round NFL prospect. In fact, he had to get by a condition since birth just so he could play contact sports. Clayborn suffered nerve damage in his neck and right arm during birth which had doctors advising against Clayborn playing a contact sport in high school. So, what did he do? He ended up being the 2005 Missouri Player of the Year as a senior tight end/linebacker in St. Louis. From there, Clayborn redshirted in 2006 at Iowa before having a standout career for four years as a Hawkeye. After limited action as a freshman, Clayborn posted 50 tackles and ranked second on his team with eight tackles for loss. Clayborn started 13 games at defensive end the following year, recording 70 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks, while forcing four fumbles. He was also the MVP in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. As a senior, Clayborn was a consensus All-American, again starting 13 games, notching 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Clayborn doesn’t have a typical explosive first step, but he’s a strong pass rusher with a good rip move and good closing speed to the quarterback. He’s also a stout run defender with good leverage and an ability to change direction well.
6. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – 6-4 / 267 / Purdue (4.67, 31 BR)
Kerrigan’s nickname is “Superman” because of his great strength and constant, all-out hustle. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman with 18 sacks, Kerrigan was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. A year later, he posted 66 tackles, including 18.5 for loss. As a senior, Kerrigan was a team co-captain and he received his team’s defensive MVP award, along with becoming Purdue’s first unanimous All-American since 1980. Kerrigan’s height and length make it tough to see over him, and if opposing quarterbacks hang on to the ball for too long, there’s a good chance that Kerrigan will chase them down. Against the run, Kerrigan is a smart defender who keeps to his assignments, yet he’ll get down the line to get to a ball carrier on plays that are run away from him. What Kerrigan might lack in ideal speed for an end, he makes up for in sheer hustle and a willingness to take on the role as the leader of a defense.
7. Aldon Smith – DE – 6-4 / 263 / Missouri (4.74, 20 BR)
Smith lacks experience having played just two years in college, but that was enough to be named to the Big 12 coaches’ all-conference first team. After redshirting in 2008, Smith immediately impressed a year later, winning the Big 12 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as being named as a first-team Freshman All-American thanks to 64-tackle season that included 19 stops for loss. Smith missed three games early last season due to a leg injury, but he still posted 48 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Smith has terrific length and great quickness to the quarterback. Some believe he can eventually become a top-notch NFL pass rusher. He’s also a proven tackler and a versatile, strong edge run defender in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Despite the relative inexperience, Smith seems to have natural raw ability and a good upside.
8. Cameron Heyward – DE – 6-5 / 294 / Ohio State (4.92)
One of the bigger ends in the draft, Heyward is also one of the slower ones. But, the son of the late NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had a breakout junior season two years ago (when he was named a second-team All-Big Ten player in helping lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win) and he hasn’t looked back since. Last season, Heyward had a strong performance in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl and earned a first-team All-Big Ten award. He was also voted a team captain before finishing his career with 157 tackles, 34 for loss, and 14.5 sacks as a four-year starter with 45 starts. Heyward isn’t a true outside pass rushing threat, but he finds ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks regardless of where he lines up, with excellent quickness of the snap, especially for his size. Heyward is a solid tackler who will often follow plays downfield. Overall, Heyward brings a great attitude, an even better work ethic, and a lot of talent in a slower but bigger package. He could be a first-round steal if he slips too far, but don’t expect him to stay on the board for too long.
9. Jabaal Sheard – DE – 6-3 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.68)
Sheard was a top high school prospect out of Florida and he produced right away for Pittsburgh, lettering as a true freshman as a reserve end in 2007. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He just about duplicated that the following year, with 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss (again), and five sacks. As a senior, Sheard posted 52 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks. Sheard attacks the line with a forceful bull rush, although he lacks ideal explosiveness. Against the run, Shears hold the line of scrimmage well, with good leverage, and he stays active until he makes the play. All 32 teams were in attendance for Sheard pro day on 3/25/11, including Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin.
10. Christian Ballard – DE – 6-4 / 283 / Iowa (4.75)
After not doing much as a freshman, Ballard broke through in his sophomore season with 40 tackles before posting 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks while starting all 13 games as a junior. Last year, the big defensive end was a Big Ten honorable mention. Ballard possesses good speed for his big size, while using an effective swim move and an ability to fight through double-team blocks. He’s also a solid run defender capable of penetrating the backfield while using good length and strong hands to disengage blockers and wrap up ball carriers.
11. Allen Bailey – DE – 6-3 / 285 / Miami (4.71, 27 BR)
Out of “The U,” Bailey will continue Miami’s tradition of bringing talented big guys to the NFL, after being a highly-touted national prospect. Bailey played mostly on special teams as a true freshman and made just four starts at defensive end while playing in 12 games as a sophomore. But, as a junior he led Miami with seven sacks while leading all Hurricane linemen with 34 tackles, playing both end and tackle. Bailey had 45 sacks and once again, a team-leading seven sacks as a senior, starting all 13 of Miami’s games, mostly at end, but moving inside on occasional third-down situations. That versatility is an obvious strength, but so is Bailey’s good upper and lower body strength, which Bailey uses to disengage from blocks. He has decent, but not overwhelming, quickness off the snap, relying on a bull rush to get to the quarterback.
12. Pernell McPhee – DE – 6-3 / 278 / Mississippi State (4.91, 20 BR)
McPhee didn’t take a usual route to FBS college football or to the NFL draft. He only played one year of high school football. After that, he initially signed with Southern Mississippi but was forced to go to junior college because of academic issues. When he finally arrived at Mississippi State in 2009, McPhee totaled 56 tackles and five sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a first-team All-SEC selection even though he didn’t produce quite as much as the year before. McPhee is best against the run, holding his ground well with lots of strength. As a pass rusher, McPhee has a good swim move along with an effective rip and spin move, but he’s best as a bull rusher.
13. Pierre Allen – DE – 6-4 / 273 / Nebraska (4.78)
Allen played on the same line as Ndamukong Suh, but first, he redshirted in 2006 and added 40 pounds of muscle before playing for Nebraska the following year. As a sophomore, he had 52 tackles and five sacks before posting a nearly identical season (51 tackles and five sacks) as a junior. Allen was named as a first-team All-Big 12 end as a senior, after posting 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Allen is a capable run stopper with a nice blend of quickness and strength. He hustles to chase down ball carriers, but he he’s not the most effective pass rusher, failing to disengage from blocks enough, with some inconsistency in anticipating the snap.
14. Ricky Elmore – DE – 6-5 / 255 / Arizona (4.88, 26 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Elmore became the leader of Arizona’s defense, but he’d have to fit into a 4-3 scheme, since although he’s tall, he’s a little light to play in a 3-4 scheme. Elmore didn’t break out until his junior season, when he had 44 tackles and led the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks, receiving an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He again led the Pac-10 with 11 sacks as a senior while earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Elmore plays with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He has a fast rush off the edge, good inside moves. Elmore recognizes plays well and is a good tackler. There is a question on what Elmore will be at the next level however, as he wasn’t nearly as productive against top competition as he was against mediocre and bad teams.
15. Greg Romeus – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.79)
A former high school basketball star in Florida, Romeus will have a very good NFL career if he continues on the path he was on in college. He was named a Freshman All-American after redshirting in 2006. He then became a second-team All-Big East selection the following year, recording 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And, he stepped up to being Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year as junior and senior. Romeus has great size for an NFL pass-rushing end, with good closing speed and an effective bull rush, possessing a long reach and big hands. Romeus uses his strong upper body strength to rip the ball from running backs and receivers. He does however, need to learn how to hustle more, through the entire play, especially after his teammates make initial contact.
16. Ugo Chinasa – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Oklahoma State (4.63, 22 BR)
Chinasa became a leader on the Oklahoma State defense after redshirting in 2006 and contributing on a limited basis the following two years. In 2009, he set a new career high with 30 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks. Chinasa finished his senior season with 32 tackles, including 25 solo stops, to lead the Cowboys’ down linemen in each of those categories. With a strong upper body and a good reach, Chinasa sheds blocks well, closes to the quarterback quickly, and shows great awareness in man coverage, especially running stride for stride with tight ends. Against the run, Chinasa is a strong, wrap-up tackler. However, he is inconsistent with the energy he brings and e can get stood up at the line.
17. Cliff Mathews – DE – 6-4 / 257 / South Carolina (4.81, 17 BR)
A two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) in high school, Matthews stepped in as an outside linebacker as a freshman and was named to the coaches’ All-SEC team. He moved to defensive end the following season where he posted 32 tackles and 3 sacks. As a junior, the fairly under-sized end was known for his all-out hustle on nearly every play, as he was named as one of four team captains. He recorded 47 tackles (35 solo) and seven sacks that year. Matthews was again a team captain and named to the coaches’ All-SEC second team as a senior. He started all 13 games that year, posting 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Overall, Matthews is considered an extremely hard-working, high-effort player, with a great quickness and athleticism, and considerable raw talent for his size. He could be a nice steal later on in the draft.
18. Brandon Blair – DE – 6-6 / 276 / Oregon (4.92, 26 BR)
The 2010 Oregon Ducks were known for their prolific offense, but Blair didn’t let himself get too overshadowed by his teammates on the other side of the ball. After redshirting in 2006, the space-eating Blair became a proficient run stopper as a freshman reserve. By his junior year, Blair was the top tackler (with 45) among Oregon’s defensive linemen, and as a senior, he had 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, to earn All-Pac-10 second team honors. Even with his big size, Blair has good quickness off the snap to compliment long arms, a strong upper body, and good leg drive to bull rush blockers back into the pocket. Blair lacks agility to keep up with quicker players is space however, and he’s already 26 years of age after spending two years on a church mission between high school and playing football at Oregon.
19. Markus White – DE – 6-4 / 266 / Florida State (4.86, 14 BR)
After beginning his college career at junior college, White played three years at Florida State, initially learning as the understudy to former All-American Seminole Everette Brown in 2008. He learned well, starting 12 games and making 38 tackles the following year before having a big senior season, starting all 13 games while recording 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. White accomplished that mostly by virtue of a high motor and an explosive pass rush but he had a low output for his bench press which raises questions about his strength, and needs to be a better run stopper as well.
20. Ryan Winterswyk – DE – 6-4 / 268 / Texas (4.96, 18 BR)
With a surname that begins with “Winter,” couldn’t you just see Winterswyk ultimately playing in a place like Chicago or Green Bay? Well, if he gets to the NFL at all, it certainly won’t be for a lack of drive or effort, and even talent. Winterswyk went from a walk-on redshirt in 2006 to an honorable freshman All-American the following year, and a first-team All-WAC end in each of his final three seasons at Boise State. Due to injuries, he was also used as a tight end as a senior. He finished his career at Boise State with 168 career tackles while ranking fourth in school history with 21.5 career sacks. Not bad for a former walk-on at a school known for offense.
21. Eddie Jones – DE – 6-2 / 258 / Texas (4.79)
Easily the smallest end listed thus far, Jones ironically starred in college in the biggest state in the nation, and he came up big with a final-minute tackle at the 1-yard line to secure Team Texas’ 13-7 victory over Team Nation in the NFLPA All-Star game in February. Another fifth-year end who redshirted in 2006, Jones was integral as a sophomore in helping Texas (the University, not Team Texas, that is) lead the Big 12 in scoring defense. Jones didn’t do any one thing great, but he did a little of everything, including some solid special teams play as a junior.
22. Lazarius Levingston – DE – 6-4 / 292 / LSU (4.93, 20 BR)
Levingston was a four-year letter winner, recording 70 tackles in 48 games at LSU, playing three years at defensive end before moving to tackle as a senior.
23. Karl Klug – DE – 6-3 / 275 / Iowa (4.81, 22 BR)
Klung was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two years at Iowa. He a hustling hard worker who had 65 tackles as a junior (his first year as a starter). Klung has good quickness off the snap but he can be moved off blocks, especially against double teams.
24. Cheta Ozougwu – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Rice (4.84, 26 BR)
A former high school basketball star, Ozougwu was a defensive leader for Rice, where he started in 43 games. He broke in as a true freshman with 43 tackles and was an All-Conference USA first-team selection as a senior. He’s a good bull rusher despite being undersized and a wrap-up tackler. Ozougwu also has good awareness in coverage but because of his size, he might be seen as a tweener without a true position at the next level.
25. D’Aundre Reed – DE – 6-4 / 261 / Arizona (4.81, 30 BR)
Reed has a quick first step and long arms to help disengage from blocks, but he’s not a great run stopper and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves.
26. Steven Friday – DE – 6-3 / 228 / Virginia Tech (4.66)
Possibly the best player with day of the week for a surname to ultimately play in the NFL since Jeff Saturday, Friday was a playmaker for Virginia Tech whether sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or forcing fumbles.
27. Clay Nurse – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Illinois (4.87)
Speaking of surnames (after mentioning Steven Friday), this defensive end from Illinois could fittingly make opposing quarterbacks have the need for a nurse, as when DE Nurse had four sacks in a win over Minnesota in his senior season, during which Nurse earned honorable mention All-Big ten honors.
28. Kentrell Lockett – DE – 6-5 / 241 / Mississippi (4.78)
Lockett was named to the ALL-SEC third team with 39 tackles and five sacks as a junior and was a team captain as a senior, but he played in just three games that year after he suffered an ACL injury.
29. Demarcus Dobbs – DE – 6-2 / 281 / Georgia (4.87)
Dobbs lacks height for an end but a powerful lower body gives him good leverage at the point of attack. He projects as a possible reserve strong-side reserve in a 4-3 scheme. Like the Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Oher on the other side of the ball, Dobbs is an inspirational player who spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes before earning a scholarship to Georgia.
30. Jonathan Freeny – DE – 6-3 / 242 / Team (4.78)
Freeny was a second team All-Big East selection as a junior and was a major contributor on Rutgers’ defensive line.
31. Justin Trattou – DE – 6-4 / 255 / Florida (4.70)
32. Markell Carter – DE – 6-4 / 252 / Central Arkansas (4.76)
33. Gabe Miller – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Oregon State (4.63)
34. Zane Parr – DE – 6-6 / 275 / Virginia (4.95)
35. Craig Marshall – DE – 6-5 / 276 / South Florida (4.76)
36. Junior Tui’one – DE – 6-4 / 265 / Utah (4.74)
37. Roberto Davis – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Northwest Missouri State
38. Damario Ambrose – DE – 6-3 / 260 / Arkansas (4.80)
39. Jake Laptad – DE – 6-4 / 260 / Kansas (4.89)
40. Robert Eddins – DE – 6-2 / 242 / Ball State (4.79)
41. DeQuinn Evans – DE – 6-2 / 257 / Kentucky (5.06)
42. David Bedford – DE – 6-4 / 248 / South Florida (4.73)
43. Kiante Tripp – DE – 6-5 / 293 / Georgia (4.89)
44. Michael Lemon – DE – 6-3 / 274 / North Carolina State (4.85)
45. Alex Albright – DE – 6-5 / 250 / Boston College (4.82)
46. Ronnell Brown – DE – 6-2/ 270 / James Madison (4.84)
47. Rodney Gnat – DE – 6-2 / 249 / Louisville (4.80)
48. Lucas Patterson – DE – 6-4 / 293 / Texas A&M (5.12)
49. Duke Lemmens – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Florida (4.76)
50. Antoine Carter – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Auburn (4.76)
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