Here is a brief look at some of the underclassmen that may be thinking of coming out of the teams I've been evaluating.
#02 CB Castille, Simeon Alabama
Has the ability to be a Chris McAlister type player if he helps more in the run game.
#85 WR Monk, Marcus Arkansas
Big target that lacks quickness I/O routes and drops too many passes.
#22 FB Hillis, Peyton Arkansas
Good athlete at the FB position but doesn't have the aggressive blocking style.
#94 DE Groves, Quentin Auburn
#79 OT Richardson, Barry Clemson
#05 WR Caldwell, Andre Florida
#94 DE Moss, Jarvis Florida
Very athletic player is likely to declare early and could be a big riser at the combine.
#01 FS Nelson, Reggie Florida
#40 LB Siler, Brandon Florida
#21 RB Wynn, DeShawn Florida
#45 FB Felton, Jerome Furman
A big, battering runner in the Jerome Bettis mold.
#99 DE Johnson, Charles Georgia
Has had some good weekends this season but is the type of guy that you can always find cheaper in later rounds.
#19 WR Burton, Keenan Kentucky
Leggy WR that struggles to separate but has good hands and high points jump balls well.
#22 RB Little, Rafeal Kentucky
#3 QB Woodson, Andre' Kentucky
Big kid with a good arm and can move a little. Has the ability to be a 1st day player if he stays.
#16 LB Woodyard, Wesley Kentucky
Stiff athlete with a lot of coverage experience.
#73 OG Arnold, Will LSU
Good looking interior lineman but hasn't played the second half of the season with injuries.
#22 RB Broussard, Alley LSU
Seen limited PT but runs hard when he gets a chance.
#72 DT Dorsey, Glenn LSU
Lacks explosivness to penetrate and isn't great at the POA(point of attack)
#07 LB Highsmith, Ali LSU
Looks the part but doesn't play with any sense of urgency.
#02 QB Russell, JaMarcus LSU
Big, strong armed passer that will be a first round pick when he decides to come out.
#98 DT Laws, Trevor Notre Dame
#78 OC Sullivan, John Notre Dame
#09 FS Zbikowski, Tom Notre Dame
Good athlete with a lot of ability but coverage skills.
#25 CB Revis, Darrelle Pittsburgh
Impressive, fluid athlete with good man to man coverage skills.
#03 RB Boyd, Cory South Carolina
Hard runner that lacks cutback ability.
#52 LB Brinkley, Jasper South Carolina
Great player, potential 1st rounder.
#55 DT Doughty, Stanley South Carolina
Wide, but short NT that lacks a good work ethic.
#04 WR Rice, Sidney South Carolina
Great player, potential 1st rounder.
#79 OT Baker, Sam Southern California
Outstanding prospect, I haven't watched Wisconsin's Joe Thomas, but he must be good to be projected of Sam Baker.
#49 DT Ellis, Sedrick Southern California
Prototype one-gap defender that is quick off the ball yet undersized.
#95 DE Jackson, Lawrence Southern California
Over hyped player that doesn't match his pub.
#08 WR Jarrett, Dwayne Southern California
Certainly has all the tools and is improving, needs to be more physical though.
#55 LB Rivers, Keith Southern California
Excellent backer that could be special.
#10 QB Ainge, Erik Tennessee
Some discontent in the UT locker room about Ainge. Another Ryan Leaf deal?
#33 CB Heffney, Jonahan Tennessee
#03 WR Meachem, Robert Tennessee
Excellent year may force him out early and he has all the tools. Size, speed and hands should vault him into the early rounds, a real good player.
#47 LB Goff, Jonathan Vanderbilt
Could be an inside run stuffer, but will only be a two-down backer.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Kentucky
While Kentucky is bowl eligible this season, they have few seniors which potentially speaks volumes for their future. However they have no draftable prospects and two possible free agents on the OL in Center Matthew McCutchan and Guard Trai Williams. However, Both have been playing through ankle injuries and haven't been able to play much. Expect them both to sign free agent contracts but more of a training camp body then a prospect.
Draft Order
With week 12 in the books it is time to start looking ahead to the draft order
It should be interesting with Brady Quinn, Joe Thomas, Gaines Adams and potentially Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Ted Ginn Jr. and Sam Baker at the top of the draft.
Here is the first round, as reported by gbnreport.com:
It should be interesting with Brady Quinn, Joe Thomas, Gaines Adams and potentially Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Ted Ginn Jr. and Sam Baker at the top of the draft.
Here is the first round, as reported by gbnreport.com:
| # | Team |
| 1 | Detroit Lions |
| 2 | Arizona Cardinals |
| 3 | Oakland Raiders |
| 4 | Houston Texans |
| 5 | Cleveland Browns |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 7 | Green Bay Packers |
| 8 | Washington Redskins |
| 9 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 10 | Tennessee Titans |
| 11 | Atlanta Falcons |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 13 | St. Louis Rams |
| 14 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 15 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 16 | Miami Dolphins |
| 17 | Buffalo Bills |
| 18 | New York Jets |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers |
| 20 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 21 | New York Giants |
| 22 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| 23 | New England Patriots (from Seattle) |
| 24 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 25 | New Orleans Saints |
| 26 | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 27 | Denver Broncos |
| 28 | New England Patriots |
| 29 | Baltimore Ravens |
| 30 | San Diego Chargers |
| 31 | Chicago Bears |
| 32 | Indianapolis Colts |
Louisiana State
LSU is loaded with talent and has a few junior prospects as well. Let's check them out starting with the WR's.
#80 Dwayne Bowe 6017 220 4.52
Bowe, after having off-season corrective eye surgery is catching the ball much better. He uses his size well to shield defenders from his body and is running solid routes. He is a very similar to Michael Clayton a few years ago as they both were also solid blockers and very tough players. Bowe doesn't have thte speed like Clayton but he knows how to get open. Bowe has a 2nd round grade right now.
#3 Craig Davis 6011 205 4.42
Davis doesn't play to his forty time which is really going to hurt him, he has struggled in games I've seen catching the ball after showing solid hands in 2005. He has been a big threat returning punts with his quickness but only carries a 6th round grade. Davis seems like he has the ability but will require some more work on his hands and routes.
Brian Johnson, RG #75, has the ability to be a good player in the NFL but he needs to get stronger. He is a nice athlete that could play RT in the NFL as well. He doesn't show a mean streak and is more of a finesse player. Johnson blocks well on the move and can play in space. Currently carrying a 7th round grade, Johnson could move up in the post-season.
#94 Chase Pittman 6042 272 4.84 Defensive End
The former Texas transfer catches your eye in spurts on the field which isn't enough with a player with his size and ability. Pittman has long arms and good strength and has a short area burst to finish. However he struggles at the POA as he plays with poor leverage. Pittman has a chance to be a player but is struggling this season and is carrying a 6th round grade.
#30 LaRon Landry 6020 205 4.48
Landry is a real good player that will go in the first round. He has size, speed and loves contact. He was a little soft in my opinion last season but has really been an aggressor and become more of a play maker since last season. He looks to separate the receiver from the ball. Landry is an excellent open field tackler too. He is responsible in zone and I'm waiting to see him make some more plays on the ball though.
#2 JaMarcus Russell 6050 252
Only a junior, Russell is a solid Quarterback that some feel could be a first rounder if he declares, including myself. Russell is a monster in the pocket and has the best arm I've seen. LSU runs the deepest routes I've seen and Russell throws 25 yard outs like they are 5 yards. He needs to improve his short and intermediate accuracy before he is a star, but he the touch and arm. Russell is calm and poised in the face of a rush and knows how to avoid the rush well.
RB's Alley Broussard, a junior and senior Justin Vincent haven't been getting much work.
SS Jesse Daniels was injured in a game I viewed so more work will be required.
OG Will Arnold is a junior that has been hurt this season is a very good player.
#80 Dwayne Bowe 6017 220 4.52
Bowe, after having off-season corrective eye surgery is catching the ball much better. He uses his size well to shield defenders from his body and is running solid routes. He is a very similar to Michael Clayton a few years ago as they both were also solid blockers and very tough players. Bowe doesn't have thte speed like Clayton but he knows how to get open. Bowe has a 2nd round grade right now.
#3 Craig Davis 6011 205 4.42
Davis doesn't play to his forty time which is really going to hurt him, he has struggled in games I've seen catching the ball after showing solid hands in 2005. He has been a big threat returning punts with his quickness but only carries a 6th round grade. Davis seems like he has the ability but will require some more work on his hands and routes.
Brian Johnson, RG #75, has the ability to be a good player in the NFL but he needs to get stronger. He is a nice athlete that could play RT in the NFL as well. He doesn't show a mean streak and is more of a finesse player. Johnson blocks well on the move and can play in space. Currently carrying a 7th round grade, Johnson could move up in the post-season.
#94 Chase Pittman 6042 272 4.84 Defensive End
The former Texas transfer catches your eye in spurts on the field which isn't enough with a player with his size and ability. Pittman has long arms and good strength and has a short area burst to finish. However he struggles at the POA as he plays with poor leverage. Pittman has a chance to be a player but is struggling this season and is carrying a 6th round grade.
#30 LaRon Landry 6020 205 4.48
Landry is a real good player that will go in the first round. He has size, speed and loves contact. He was a little soft in my opinion last season but has really been an aggressor and become more of a play maker since last season. He looks to separate the receiver from the ball. Landry is an excellent open field tackler too. He is responsible in zone and I'm waiting to see him make some more plays on the ball though.
#2 JaMarcus Russell 6050 252
Only a junior, Russell is a solid Quarterback that some feel could be a first rounder if he declares, including myself. Russell is a monster in the pocket and has the best arm I've seen. LSU runs the deepest routes I've seen and Russell throws 25 yard outs like they are 5 yards. He needs to improve his short and intermediate accuracy before he is a star, but he the touch and arm. Russell is calm and poised in the face of a rush and knows how to avoid the rush well.
RB's Alley Broussard, a junior and senior Justin Vincent haven't been getting much work.
SS Jesse Daniels was injured in a game I viewed so more work will be required.
OG Will Arnold is a junior that has been hurt this season is a very good player.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
WAC Players
In the beginning of the season I pick a few players that are interesting prospects and two of them this season are Hawaii Running Back Nate Ilaoa and Fresno States Corner Marcus McCauley.
RB Nate Ilaoa Hawaii 5087 245 4.65
A different type of player. A former WR that has become a pretty nice RB. Doesn'thave experience in an NFL style offense and is known to not be a good worker. However, he has good quickness, speed, hands as a former WR, and running instincts. Has the potential to be a good change of pace or 3rd down back with his quickness and hands. Also has a myriad of injuries that will need to be checked.
CB Marcus McCauley Fresno State 6006 198 4.43
A very talented athlete with size and speed that make it hard not to like him. He is a smooth athlete that can tackle, it seems when he wants to. McCauley, especially this season, has been lazy and not focused on the field and given up big plays that veteran players with his ability shshouldn't However, the talent is there, but you have to check with this young man’s head to make sure he is in the game and wants to be a player. If it is, he is a 1st round pick. He is a special athletewith smooth hips and very quick feet. When he keeps the play in front of him he always makes a play on the ball. He is confident and can play on an island but is also very good in zone coverage showing good recognition skills.
RB Nate Ilaoa Hawaii 5087 245 4.65
A different type of player. A former WR that has become a pretty nice RB. Doesn'thave experience in an NFL style offense and is known to not be a good worker. However, he has good quickness, speed, hands as a former WR, and running instincts. Has the potential to be a good change of pace or 3rd down back with his quickness and hands. Also has a myriad of injuries that will need to be checked.
CB Marcus McCauley Fresno State 6006 198 4.43
A very talented athlete with size and speed that make it hard not to like him. He is a smooth athlete that can tackle, it seems when he wants to. McCauley, especially this season, has been lazy and not focused on the field and given up big plays that veteran players with his ability shshouldn't However, the talent is there, but you have to check with this young man’s head to make sure he is in the game and wants to be a player. If it is, he is a 1st round pick. He is a special athletewith smooth hips and very quick feet. When he keeps the play in front of him he always makes a play on the ball. He is confident and can play on an island but is also very good in zone coverage showing good recognition skills.
Division II Prospects
Here are some of the Division II and one Division III prospect that are still flying under the radar.
RB Justise Hairston Central Connecticut State
A Rutgers transfer has average close to 200 yards per game and has dominated Divison II competition this season.
WR Edward Williams Lane
A big WR that transferred from Alabama State that is still very raw as far as his routes and overall technique go. However he is very smooth for his size(around 6'4'') and has good hands.
WR Jacoby Jones Lane
A speedy player that ,like Williams, is very raw still.
WR Tymere Zimmerman Newberry (SC)
Regarded by some as the best receiver in the state of South Carolina(a big statement with Sidney Rice and Chansi Stuckey at South Carolina and Clemson respectively.)
TE Michael Allan Whitworth (Division III)
A rare Division III prospect that is getting a lot of looks.
OT Jason Capizzi IUP (PA)
A monster of a player at 6'9'' and 310 pounds, also a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh.
RB Justise Hairston Central Connecticut State
A Rutgers transfer has average close to 200 yards per game and has dominated Divison II competition this season.
WR Edward Williams Lane
A big WR that transferred from Alabama State that is still very raw as far as his routes and overall technique go. However he is very smooth for his size(around 6'4'') and has good hands.
WR Jacoby Jones Lane
A speedy player that ,like Williams, is very raw still.
WR Tymere Zimmerman Newberry (SC)
Regarded by some as the best receiver in the state of South Carolina(a big statement with Sidney Rice and Chansi Stuckey at South Carolina and Clemson respectively.)
TE Michael Allan Whitworth (Division III)
A rare Division III prospect that is getting a lot of looks.
OT Jason Capizzi IUP (PA)
A monster of a player at 6'9'' and 310 pounds, also a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Notre Dame III
Finishing off Notre Dame for awhile here we have two on the DL and three in the secondary.
First, DE Victor Abiamiri is coming in at 6037-260-4.72 right now and is very high cut with long arms as well. For entire games all he does is rush but he lacks strength to bull rush and has a limited array of moves. He needs to use his hands better and play with better leverage on the corner. Abiamiri doesn't hold up well against the run and when you are a pass rush and aren't effective rushing the passer you have some problems. Abiamiri is a good athlete that has some big games at times and currently carries a 3rd round grade as he does show quick hands and knows how to finish.
DT Derek Landri is likely better suited to play Defensive End in a 34 defense as he is way undersized at tackle. Landri is only 278, coupled with shorter arms isn't a good match for a tackle. He does have a very good motor and will make a lot of plays in pursuit. He can penetrate the gaps but doesn't hold the POA at all. Landri currently has a 6th round grade.
One player that has really improved this year is S Chinedum Ndukwe, brother of the OG at Northwestern two years ago, Ike Ndukwe - now with the Baltimore Ravens. Ndukwe is just around 6'2'' and is very leggy in his breaks and doesn't possess smooth hips. He lacks acceleration but has deceptive speed and shows adequate range. Ndukwe is a timid tackler but had 22 tackles just two weeks ago. Ndukwe lost some weight and gained speed this past off-season and it really shows in his quickness but he seems to have lost some of his will to tackle. He currently carries a FA grade but should move into the 6th or 7th round when all the film work is done.
CB Mike Richardson came into the season as a 3rd round prospect and hasn't done much to hurt himself although he looks a little stiffer in his hips. Richardson is a smart CB that could move to FS as he isn't the best of athletes but is very smart/instinctive and isn't shy about helping the run. He currently has a late 4th round grade.
Finally, every ones favorite Fighting Irish, Tom Zbikowski. While he has the option to return for another season, it appears to be a done deal that he will declare for the NFL Draft. A hard-nosed, tough guy that likes to throw his body and looks to separate the ball from the defender. Has good speed and goes hard all the time. He is a little stiff in his lower body and needs to become more responsible in zone coverage. Also a Punt Return prospect, he carries an early 3rd round grade.
Happy Thanksgiving!
First, DE Victor Abiamiri is coming in at 6037-260-4.72 right now and is very high cut with long arms as well. For entire games all he does is rush but he lacks strength to bull rush and has a limited array of moves. He needs to use his hands better and play with better leverage on the corner. Abiamiri doesn't hold up well against the run and when you are a pass rush and aren't effective rushing the passer you have some problems. Abiamiri is a good athlete that has some big games at times and currently carries a 3rd round grade as he does show quick hands and knows how to finish.
DT Derek Landri is likely better suited to play Defensive End in a 34 defense as he is way undersized at tackle. Landri is only 278, coupled with shorter arms isn't a good match for a tackle. He does have a very good motor and will make a lot of plays in pursuit. He can penetrate the gaps but doesn't hold the POA at all. Landri currently has a 6th round grade.
One player that has really improved this year is S Chinedum Ndukwe, brother of the OG at Northwestern two years ago, Ike Ndukwe - now with the Baltimore Ravens. Ndukwe is just around 6'2'' and is very leggy in his breaks and doesn't possess smooth hips. He lacks acceleration but has deceptive speed and shows adequate range. Ndukwe is a timid tackler but had 22 tackles just two weeks ago. Ndukwe lost some weight and gained speed this past off-season and it really shows in his quickness but he seems to have lost some of his will to tackle. He currently carries a FA grade but should move into the 6th or 7th round when all the film work is done.
CB Mike Richardson came into the season as a 3rd round prospect and hasn't done much to hurt himself although he looks a little stiffer in his hips. Richardson is a smart CB that could move to FS as he isn't the best of athletes but is very smart/instinctive and isn't shy about helping the run. He currently has a late 4th round grade.
Finally, every ones favorite Fighting Irish, Tom Zbikowski. While he has the option to return for another season, it appears to be a done deal that he will declare for the NFL Draft. A hard-nosed, tough guy that likes to throw his body and looks to separate the ball from the defender. Has good speed and goes hard all the time. He is a little stiff in his lower body and needs to become more responsible in zone coverage. Also a Punt Return prospect, he carries an early 3rd round grade.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Notre Dame II
Tight End John Carlson is a decent prospect but has the option to return for another season and it looks like he will do so after his recent injury. He is a sound player in all aspects but lacks speed to be more than a #2 TE.
LT Ryan Harris should be a first round pick as he has really elevated his game. He has become bigger and stronger each of his four seasons. He uses his hands well and has excellent athletic ability to go with his technique.
OG Dan Santucci and OG Bob Morton are also solid players that possess good hand use and overall technique. However, Santucci, the LG, is more of an athlete that shows more strength than Morton. Santucci is very good pulling and should be a first day player. Morton will be an excellent backup with a chance to start somewhere down the road. However his lack of athletic ability and only adequate strength will always hold him back.
The Defense to come tomorrow...
LT Ryan Harris should be a first round pick as he has really elevated his game. He has become bigger and stronger each of his four seasons. He uses his hands well and has excellent athletic ability to go with his technique.
OG Dan Santucci and OG Bob Morton are also solid players that possess good hand use and overall technique. However, Santucci, the LG, is more of an athlete that shows more strength than Morton. Santucci is very good pulling and should be a first day player. Morton will be an excellent backup with a chance to start somewhere down the road. However his lack of athletic ability and only adequate strength will always hold him back.
The Defense to come tomorrow...
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Notre Dame
Currently in the process of reviewing Notre Dame film and three things stand out when looking ath their passing game: Brady Quinn is very good, Rhema McKnight is underrated and Jeff Samardzija is overrated.
Quinn is an outstanding prospect and is pro ready today. He has good mechanics releasing the ball high and squaring to his target. He shows a good arm and has great touch on his throws. He is calm under pressure and has good toughness standing in the pocket. Quinn is also surprisingly elusive as he is tough to bring down and can buy himself a 2nd life in the pocket and also move the chains. Quinn will easily be the #1 QB prospect but will battle Calvin Johnson should he declare.
Coming off an injury was Rhema McKnight who shows good quickness that allows him to separate McKnight catches the ball well and can do some things in the open field.
While Samardzija has solid hands, he does have some drops from time to time. He rounds off routes too frequently and doesn't have the quickness to separate. It is a mystery to me where Samardzija will get drafted at this time, but as I see it he is a 4th round player.
Look for more on the OL and TE John Carlson tomorrow.
Quinn is an outstanding prospect and is pro ready today. He has good mechanics releasing the ball high and squaring to his target. He shows a good arm and has great touch on his throws. He is calm under pressure and has good toughness standing in the pocket. Quinn is also surprisingly elusive as he is tough to bring down and can buy himself a 2nd life in the pocket and also move the chains. Quinn will easily be the #1 QB prospect but will battle Calvin Johnson should he declare.
Coming off an injury was Rhema McKnight who shows good quickness that allows him to separate McKnight catches the ball well and can do some things in the open field.
While Samardzija has solid hands, he does have some drops from time to time. He rounds off routes too frequently and doesn't have the quickness to separate. It is a mystery to me where Samardzija will get drafted at this time, but as I see it he is a 4th round player.
Look for more on the OL and TE John Carlson tomorrow.
1-AA Football Playoffs
Looking for some football to watch during the bowl season lull? Check out these players that will be in the 1AA playoffs:
WR Laruent Robinson Illinois State
RB Jefome Felton Furman
RB Steve Baylark Massachusetts
WR David Ball New Hampshire
CB Tarvarous Bain Hampton
RB Alonzo Coleman Hampton
LB Justin Durant Hampton
LB Kevin Winston James Madison
WR Laruent Robinson Illinois State
RB Jefome Felton Furman
RB Steve Baylark Massachusetts
WR David Ball New Hampshire
CB Tarvarous Bain Hampton
RB Alonzo Coleman Hampton
LB Justin Durant Hampton
LB Kevin Winston James Madison
Vanderbilt
With Vanderbilt's season coming to a close yesterday after suffering a defeat to Tennessee, lets take a look at their 2007 NFL Draft Prospects, it shouldn't take long.
#17 FB Steven Bright is a former HS Quarterback that broken his right leg against the University of South Carolina in October. Bright is a nice receiver out of the back field but isn't a polished run blocker. Bright would fit well as an H-Back with a team like the Redskins. However, he is a low priority FA at this time. Bright is 6022-240-4.76/40.
#72 OG Brian Stamper is another prospect on the Vanderbilt offense that was injured during the year. Stamper plays OT at Vanderbilt, but will need to move to OG at the next level. He should get a call as a camper after the draft as he looks like a good competitor just lacking athletic ability.
On defense, LB #40 Kevin Joyce is the one and only prospect at Vanderbilt. Joyce however is just a camp body.
#17 FB Steven Bright is a former HS Quarterback that broken his right leg against the University of South Carolina in October. Bright is a nice receiver out of the back field but isn't a polished run blocker. Bright would fit well as an H-Back with a team like the Redskins. However, he is a low priority FA at this time. Bright is 6022-240-4.76/40.
#72 OG Brian Stamper is another prospect on the Vanderbilt offense that was injured during the year. Stamper plays OT at Vanderbilt, but will need to move to OG at the next level. He should get a call as a camper after the draft as he looks like a good competitor just lacking athletic ability.
On defense, LB #40 Kevin Joyce is the one and only prospect at Vanderbilt. Joyce however is just a camp body.
Southern California
Looking for a 2007 Heisman candidate? Following in the footsteps of Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer, QB John David Booty is good enough to win a National Championship next season and take the Heisman with him. Although beating out Darren McFadden will be tough.
WR Dwayne Jarrett is a phenomenal player and is a clear 1st round lock should he declare early. Another underclassmen that will be checking his status is LT Sam Baker
IB Oscar Lua is a backup but has good pro prospects. However, he is playing on two bad knees and may have a hard team passing the physicals at the NFL Combine. OB Dallas Startz is overrated and should be a Free Agent.
On Offense, WR Steve Smith is very similar to Keary Colbert with solid hands and toughness. Like Colbert, Smith doesn't have top end deep speed, but is deceptive and runs very good routes. Smith currently carries a 4th/5th round grade.
OC Ryan Kalil is a hell of a player that does it all well. He is quick off the line and works quick to the second level. He plays with good leverage and rolls his hips into defenders. Kalil is a leader on the USC line and finishes his blocks and knows how to use his hands. As OC's normally fall in the draft, Kalil will be a solid 2nd rounder.
WR Dwayne Jarrett is a phenomenal player and is a clear 1st round lock should he declare early. Another underclassmen that will be checking his status is LT Sam Baker
IB Oscar Lua is a backup but has good pro prospects. However, he is playing on two bad knees and may have a hard team passing the physicals at the NFL Combine. OB Dallas Startz is overrated and should be a Free Agent.
On Offense, WR Steve Smith is very similar to Keary Colbert with solid hands and toughness. Like Colbert, Smith doesn't have top end deep speed, but is deceptive and runs very good routes. Smith currently carries a 4th/5th round grade.
OC Ryan Kalil is a hell of a player that does it all well. He is quick off the line and works quick to the second level. He plays with good leverage and rolls his hips into defenders. Kalil is a leader on the USC line and finishes his blocks and knows how to use his hands. As OC's normally fall in the draft, Kalil will be a solid 2nd rounder.
Hula Bowl
The following players that Rob is following will be participating in the Hula Bowl:
| WR | Baker, Dallas Florida |
| WR | Ball, David NewHampshire |
| QB | Leak, Chris Florida |
| DE | McDonald, Ray Florida |
| RB | Merriweather, Reggie Clemson |
| OG | Morton, Bob Notre Dame |
| WR | Robinson, Laurent Illiniois State |
| SS | Stone, Darren Maine |
| OC | White, Chris South Carolina |
Arkansas
An up and coming prospect is big Tony Ugoh, the LT at Arkansas. The 6051-316 Tackle who was called 'soft' last-season by many, including myself, has turned it around and is playing very physical and aggressive this season. While Ugoh has solid size already, with some bulk in his lower body he has the athletic ability to be a special player in the NFL. Ugoh currently carries a 3rd round grade.
RT Zac Tubbs and LG Stephen Parker are both 7th round prospects. FS Randy Kelly is a nice looking athlete that has some flaws in his game but that could be due to inexperience. Kelly is a nice 2nd day player.
While RB Darren McFadden is a top player in the country he is ineligible to enter the draft in 2007. However, there are several other candidates on Arkansas that could declare early. WR Marcus Monk, FB Peyton Hillis, DT Marcus Harrison, and CB Matterral Richardson.
RT Zac Tubbs and LG Stephen Parker are both 7th round prospects. FS Randy Kelly is a nice looking athlete that has some flaws in his game but that could be due to inexperience. Kelly is a nice 2nd day player.
While RB Darren McFadden is a top player in the country he is ineligible to enter the draft in 2007. However, there are several other candidates on Arkansas that could declare early. WR Marcus Monk, FB Peyton Hillis, DT Marcus Harrison, and CB Matterral Richardson.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
BLOG
Welcome to the Rob's Scouting Blog!
Rather than adding updates to scouting reports after each breakdown, Rob will add the updates to the blog on this page. It will make everything easier to read and allow for more frequent updates. Scouting Reports will be posted after the bowl games and all the film review is final.
Rather than adding updates to scouting reports after each breakdown, Rob will add the updates to the blog on this page. It will make everything easier to read and allow for more frequent updates. Scouting Reports will be posted after the bowl games and all the film review is final.
Josh Johnson
Who? Looking for a prospect for 2008, try Josh Johnson the QB at the University of San Diego. Despite playing at a 1AA non-scholarship school, Johnson is dominating all 1AA competition and is a candidate for the Walter Payton award.
David Ball
While David Ball has received a lot of national attention which is well-deserved for his accomplishments, Ball lacks the ability as a pro prospect. Outside of hands and leaping ability, Ball lacks quickness and speed to separate. There are much better small school WR's that I will update you on later, but Laurent Robinson of Illinois State has been hurt much of the 2006 season but carries a 5th round grade. Robinson has just as good as hands as Ball but is much more pro-ready WR.
Furman
Furman University has nothing to offer in the 2007 NFL Draft, but QB Renaldo Gray and RB/FB Jerome Felton will be two to watch in 2008. Felton is a player in the same mold as namesake, Jerome Bettis.
Georgia
While Georgia Defensive End Quentin Moses is touted by some as the best prospect in the country, Moses is a 3rd rounder on my board. While he will move himself up in the combine on my board with his great athletic ability, Moses is more of a basketball player, the sport he says he enjoys the most. Bookend junior DE Charles Johnson has the ability to be a solid player as well.
An overlooked player on Georgia is OC #70 Nick Jones. While he undersized, he is very quick and could be an excellent player in a zone blocking scheme. Jones has great hand use and explodes into defenders. With some more weight/strength, Jones could be a first day pick.
Martrez Milner the UGA Tight End is another overrated Bulldog that was benched for poor play two weeks ago. Milner is a 5th rounder.
An overlooked player on Georgia is OC #70 Nick Jones. While he undersized, he is very quick and could be an excellent player in a zone blocking scheme. Jones has great hand use and explodes into defenders. With some more weight/strength, Jones could be a first day pick.
Martrez Milner the UGA Tight End is another overrated Bulldog that was benched for poor play two weeks ago. Milner is a 5th rounder.
South Carolina
Producing such Defensive Back products as Dunta Robinson, Sheldon Brown, Jonathan Joseph and Ko Simpson of late, the University of South Carolina has another top NFL prospect in the secondary. #8 Fred Bennett is 6011, 190, with 4.45 speed and is currently carrying a mid second round grade. With Bennett's speed and size he is sure to move up the charts in the post season. Bennett is a good leader and a 3 year starter that started the season hot but has been beaten the past few weeks. However, Bennett is a long, fluid athlete with smooth hips and quick feet.
While big-time WR prospect, #4 Sidney Rice has said he is coming back, don't be so sure just yet. Rice is the second best receiver in the country behind Georiga Tech's Calvin Johnson. While many are unfarmiliar with Rice he has terrific size - 6032, 200, with 4.45 speed. Rice has a great vertical and exceptional hands.
QB/RB/WR/S/KOR #13 Syvelle Newton is a jack of all trades, master of none. However, with the triangle numbers of 6016, 215, 4.54 speed, it is worth a chance at him as a 3rd down RB with proven hands and the ability to be a #3 QB.
Two underclassmen at South Carolina are possible players that may declare early in RB Cory Boyd and IB Jasper Brinkley. Boyd is a big back that has had off the field issues but is back and running well. However, outside of Boyd's size he lacks many RB attributes. Brinkley is one of the best players nobody has ever heard of. He is an outstanding player and has 1st round ability.
While big-time WR prospect, #4 Sidney Rice has said he is coming back, don't be so sure just yet. Rice is the second best receiver in the country behind Georiga Tech's Calvin Johnson. While many are unfarmiliar with Rice he has terrific size - 6032, 200, with 4.45 speed. Rice has a great vertical and exceptional hands.
QB/RB/WR/S/KOR #13 Syvelle Newton is a jack of all trades, master of none. However, with the triangle numbers of 6016, 215, 4.54 speed, it is worth a chance at him as a 3rd down RB with proven hands and the ability to be a #3 QB.
Two underclassmen at South Carolina are possible players that may declare early in RB Cory Boyd and IB Jasper Brinkley. Boyd is a big back that has had off the field issues but is back and running well. However, outside of Boyd's size he lacks many RB attributes. Brinkley is one of the best players nobody has ever heard of. He is an outstanding player and has 1st round ability.
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