The NFL office has received written notification from the following 68 players prior to the January 15th deadline that they have renounced their college football eligibility and are therefore eligible for the 2012 Draft.
Alexander, Alvester – RB – Wyoming
Allen, Dwayne – TE – Clemson
Baker, Edwin – RB – Michigan State
Ball, Mike – RB – Nevada
Berryhill, Jamison – RB – Texas
Justin Blackmon - Oklahoma State
Blackmon, Justin – WR – Oklahoma State
Brown, Bryce – RB – Kansas State
Burfict, Vontaze – LB – Arizona State
Charles, Orson – TE – Georgia
Claiborne, Morris – DB – LSU
Cox, Fletcher – DT – Mississippi State
David DeCastro - Stanford
DeCastro, David – G – Stanford
Forston, Marcus – DT – Miami
Gilmore, Stephon – DB – South Carolina
Givens, Chris – WR – Wake Forest
Graham, Dorian – WR – Syracuse
Griffin III, Robert – QB – Baylor
Hampton, Jewel – RB – Southern Illinois
Harris, Cliff – DB – Oregon
Hightower, Dont’a – LB – Alabama
Hill, Stephen – WR – Georgia Tech
Hillman, Ronnie – RB – San Diego State
Holloway, Max – DE – Boston College
Hosley, Jayron – DB – Virginia Tech
Jackson, Janzen – DB – McNeese State
James, LaMichael – RB – Oregon
Jeffery, Alshon – WR – South Carolina
Johnson, Aldarius – WR – Miami
Johnson, Damaris – WR – Tulsa
Jones, Chandler – DE – Syracuse
Kalil, Matt – T – Southern Cal
Kirkpatrick, Dre – DB – Alabama
Peter Konz - Wisconsin
Konz, Peter – C – Wisconsin
Kuechly, Luke – LB – Boston College
Lewis, Ronnell – DE – Oklahoma
Luck, Andrew – QB – Stanford
Manning, Terrell – LB – North Carolina State
Martin, Jonathan – T – Stanford
Massie, Bobby – T – Mississippi
Mercilus, Whitney – DE – Illinois
Miller, Lamar – RB – Miami
Osweiler, Brock – QB – Arizona State
Page, Eric – WR – Toledo
Paige-Moss, Donte – DE – North Carolina
Perry, Nick – DE – Southern Cal
Pierce, Bernard – RB – Temple
Plue, Ken – G – Purdue
Poe, Dontari – DT – Memphis
Polk, Chris – RB – Washington
Randle, Rueben – WR – LSU
Reiff, Riley – T – Iowa
Richardson, Trent – RB – Alabama
Robinson, Josh – DB – Central Florida
Sanu, Mohamed – WR – Rutgers
Scott, Darrell – RB – South Florida
Streeter, Tommy – WR – Miami
Thomas, Darron – QB – Oregon
Thomas, Johnny – DB – Oklahoma State
Thomas, Phillip – DB – Syracuse
Trotter, Barrett – QB – Auburn
Turbin, Robert – RB – Utah State
Turner, Kenny – WR – New Mexico State
Vernon, Olivier – DE – Miami
Washington, Brandon – T – Miami
Wilson, David – RB – Virginia Tech
Worthy, Jerel – DT – Michigan State
**The League office has received information from colleges regarding the following players:
Chris Polk – RB – Washington, has participated in four college football seasons and is eligible for selection in the 2012 draft. According to Washington, Polk has elected not to apply for a medical redshirt and has exhausted his eligibility through participation.
Robert Turbin – RB – Utah State, is eligible for selection in the 2012 draft since five football seasons have elapsed since he originally entered college in 2007. According to Utah State, Turbin has chosen not to accept his additional season of eligiblity.
Kenny Turner – WR – New Mexico State, is eligible for selection in the 2012 draft since five seasons have elapsed since he originally entered college in 2007. According to New Mexico State, Turner has chosen not to accept his additional season of eligibility.
OFFENSE
The Cardinals didn’t hesitate to turn in their draft card to Commissioner Goodell with Patrick Peterson’s name written on it. General Manager Rod Graves, Coach Ken Whisenhunt, and their respective staffs unanimously had Peterson as a top five value pick. Many organizations, including Ourlads, had the rangy corner as the top player in the draft. Whisenhunt said it was imperative that Arizona draft an impact player at number five. Ryan Williams was selected in the second round and was the highest running back on their board. The Cards’ board favored smart and highly motivated players who have the talent to contribute on special teams. The quarterback void will be filled during the free agency period. A trade is also another avenue the Cardinals may go down to fill a major team weakness. Patrick Peterson is a versatile athlete who has a rare skill set to lockdown a wide receiver and blitz from a variety of angles. He gives the Red Birds multiple defensive options. On top of his value as a corner, he brings confidence, courage, and production as a return specialist. Peterson will line up opposite former pro bowl corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Ryan Williams is a three down back who is powerful, strong, and can break arm tackles. Taking Williams in the second round surprised the Card’ faithful with needs at quarterback, linebacker, and the offensive line. Williams joins Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Tim Hightower’s contract has expired and may not be back. Rob Housler was drafted to give the Cards a speed mismatch in man to man or zone coverage. He is a very loose athlete with good body control and balance. He flashes a burst off the line of scrimmage and gets into his routes quickly. Not a point of attack blocker yet, but he has the frame to gain weight and strength. Defensive end Sam Acho was drafted as a projection to outside linebacker in the Cards’ 3-4 scheme. A selection as a pass rusher was a major need along with quarterback. The transition should be painless with Acho’s intelligence and work ethic. He made a big impression at the Senior Bowl with his sack around first round choice Nate Solder and his relentless play during the week. Anthony Sherman is a pure I-formation fullback who will help upgrade the lead blocking position in the running game. Sherman was the highest rated player on their board at pick 136 in the fifth round. He is a good athlete who is solid in pass protection. Linebacker Quan Sturdivant was a steal in the sixth round. A four year starter, he has experience at both inside and outside linebacker. He’s an instinctive sideline to sideline force with good quickness. David Carter is a developmental five technique defensive end who had a strong senior year. Kenny Iwebema, Alan Branch, and Gabe Watson are all free agents. Productive wide receiver DeMarco Sampson is injury prone and over-aged and is probably headed to the practice squad. GRADE: GOOD.
sixth selection in the 2011 draft. The target of their passion was the powerful Julio Jones. The Falcons received the 6th pick on Thursday night and gave up selections 27, 59, and 124 in the 2011 draft as well as the first and fourth round choices in the 2012 draft. The bold move strongly affected the 2011 and 2012 drafts, but the Falcons’ organization, led by owner Arthur Blank, was all for the trade. Wide receiver Julio Jones was drafted with the idea that he will bring explosiveness to the Falcon offense and take pressure off of Roddy White. The three-year starter from Alabama has rare speed for his size. Just as important as catching the ball on all levels of the field is the ability and pride Jones takes in his blocking for the running game. He is a clutch big play receiverwho has the mentality of a press corner. He will sacrifice his body for the ball. He has a track record of having produced against top level competition. A strong hand catcher, he will break a tackle and finish a play. Linebacker Akeem Dent was selected late in the third round. The productive and active three year starter made 126 tackles in 2010. Instinctive with physical toughness and intensity in his play, he is blessed with good lateral quickness and speed. He works his way through traffic and keeps leverage on the ball. Dent is experienced in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. Running back Jacquizz Rodgers was targeted in the fifth round by the Falcons. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff moved up 13 spots by trading a 7th round selection (229) to make the pick. The slippery and strong former Beaver has good contact balance and bounces around and off tacklers like a pinball. Quicker than a hiccup, he is a good complementary back to power backs Michael Turner and Jason Snelling. Punter Matt Bosher fills a need for Atlanta as 2010 was the final year of Michael Koenen’s contract. Bosher also kicks off and handles field goal chores. Offensive guard Andrew Jackson was a four-year starter. He suffered a high ankle sprain after four games in 2010. Although an average athlete, he is tough and physical in his play. He uses his hands effectively in both pass protection and in the run game. He works on his initial block, then hustles downfield to make another. Left guard Justin Blalock and right guard Harvey Dahl are both free agents. Cliff Matthews was taken late in the seventh round, but his credentials at South Carolina warranted a higher pick. He was a four-year starter and a two-year captain. He plays every play with maximum effort. Experienced at both right and left end in a four-man front, he plays with leverage and is quick to shed a block and locate the ball carrier. He is a developmental player with pro skills. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
The Ravens addressed several needs, but no one underwent the third degree more than corner Jimmy Smith. Smith is one of several players during General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s regime who was rated high on Baltimore’s board and fell to the twenties where Smith was selected. At the end of the investigation process, the Ravens had a comfort level with Smith as a player and a person. Several of the major needs heading into the draft were filled at offensive tackle, corner, and wide receiver. The linebacker position may be filled in free agency or with young players on the roster. Jimmy Smith is a big corner who is athletic and strong. He has all the measurables for the position. Experienced in both press and off coverage, Smith is a first round athlete who cleaned up red flags with the Ravens’ power structure. The Ravens see him as a good tackler with great coverage skills. He will be a big match-up with wide receivers in the AFC North. Receiver Torrey Smith was a first round value that fell to the Ravens at pick 58. An explosive playmaker, he helps the receiver corps get bigger and faster. Smith has big vertical speed that can take the top off a defense and clear the underneath areas for Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin. The Maryland product gives Joe Flacco another weapon and a deep target. He also has value in the kickoff return game. Jah Reid is an offensive tackle who was targeted and Newsome gave up a 6th round pick to Philadelphia to move up and select him in the third round. He projects at the right tackle position with Michael Oher moving back to the left side. Reid started 41 games at right tackle in college. He has long arms and big hands for the position. A good athlete, he has a passion for the game. Big, tough, and smart guys generally find their way onto the field. Tandon Doss is a possession receiver who catches the ball away from his body. A physical receiver, he is tough over the middle. He has a different skill set from Torrey Smith. Doss was a feature receiver in the Hoosier offense and possesses good awareness and instincts. Chykie Brown impressed the Ravens with his size, long arms (33 7/8”), and speed. He is solid in press coverage and explosive in his play. Late in the draft, traits are important to project a player within the scheme of a defense. Pernell McPhee is projected to play a 3-4 end. He has the frame to get bigger and pack on another 20 pounds. He is a player who gives good effort on every snap. He hustles to the ball and is a developmental project who will need to get bigger and stronger to play the run. In junior college he was turned loose and had over 30 career sacks. Tyrod Taylor has the skill set the Ravens liked at quarterback with the added dimension of mobility. He has rare movement skills to escape with suddenness to make a play and pressure the defense. A developmental project, Taylor will provide depth. Anthony Allen is a back who is tough and has the skills to track the ball on wheel routes. Most of Allen’s ability to catch the ball was observed at the Combine and in workouts. He was not used much as a receiver at Georgia Tech. A between the tackles power runner, he has good vision, is an athletic one-cut runner, and has good body lean. GRADE: GOOD
It’s been 26 years since the Bills have taken a defensive lineman this early in the draft. That player in 1985 was Hall of Famer, Bruce Smith who was the first overall pick. The Bills’ brass Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey recognized Marcell Dareus as a special talent and a player worthy of the third pick in the 2011 Draft. Dareus fills a need at defensive end after Marcus Stroud was a cap casualty. Seven of nine draft choices were used on the defensive side of the ball with an emphasis put on special teams coverage skills. Marcell Dareus is a versatile long-armed power player who is strong in the run game and disruptive as a pass rusher. The Bills’ run defense was ranked last in the league and the addition of a huge two gap 3-4 end is a welcomed addition. Aaron Williams is another draft choice who exemplifies the Bills’ theme of versatility. Corner Terrence McGee will be 30-years old and safety Donte Whitner may leave as a free agent. Williams is a safety/corner combination with corner skills and will contribute on all coverage teams. Kelvin Sheppard played for the Bills’-coached team in the Senior Bowl where he impressed the coaching staff with his physical and emotional intensity. A solid tackle to tackle player with good inside run instincts, he needs to improve his game in coverage and space. Da’Norris Searcy is a run enforcer and a ball hawk. The big safety also played corner at times. He should contribute immediately in nickel packages. He is particularly strong in the run game and is instinctive and smart in his play. Not a deep man to man coverage player, but he has sure hands as a punt returner. He will contribute on special teams coverage. Chris Hairston is one of the few offensive linemen who played in a three point stance which impressed Buffalo. He started at left tackle for three years, but projects to right tackle. He was a better run blocker than pass protector at Clemson. Johnny White is a versatile back who is smart, athletic, and physical in his play. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. In college he was in a three back rotation, a role he may also fill for the Bills. Chris White is instinctive, tough, and competitive in his play. Physical at the point of attack, he is a good effort player who will contribute on all special teams coverage. Justin Rogers has good ball skills but needs work as a run support player. He was an instinctive and productive playmaker on the FCS level. Smooth and fluid with good body control, he was the special teams player of the year in the Colonial Conference. Michael Jasper also was known as Leslie Jasper. He played offensive guard and nose tackle at small Bethel (TN) College. He started his career at 400 plus pounds and weighed in at 378 pounds before the draft. The big man is athletic with a 32-inch vertical jump and 9’5” broad jump. He will start out at nose tackle for the Bills. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Cam Newton was the first pick of the draft. He was chosen because the organization felt he would give the team an immediate impact presence. By drafting Newton, Carolina became the first team to select a quarterback as their first pick in two consecutive drafts. Jimmy Clausen was the first pick in 2010, but was a second round choice. New head coach Ron Rivera wants to build a physical attacking type defense for Carolina and in the Panthers’ two third round picks, he believes he found them. Terrell McClain and Sione Fua will help fill a gaping cavity up front, so the linebackers can make plays on or near the line of scrimmage. Cam Newton was a oneyear starter at Auburn and directed the team to a national championship. The previous year he led Blinn (TX) Junior College to a national title as well. He is confident and aggressive in his play as well as being big, strong, and athletic. He played in a run first spread, no huddle offensive scheme. He will need to learn all the nuances and fundamentals of the pro passing game – consistency, ability to anticipate windows in coverage, taking snaps from center, dropping back to the throwing point, decision making, accuracy, balance, and footwork in the pocket. He is a developmental quarterback with rare tools. Terrell McClain was a three-year starter who played inside tackle in a four man front. He’s a space eater who takes up blocks and pushes the pocket in the pass game. He draws double teams to free up linebackers to play downhill. McClain is a good athlete with good short area explosiveness. He plays with a good power base. He is competitive and works to the whistle. Sione Fua started 31 games at Stanford over the past three seasons. He is a blue collar competitor from snap to whistle. His long arms and big hands are an asset for the defensive tackle position. He plays with leverage, power, and quickness. Fua is explosive in his play and doesn’t stay blocked. He will battle to be a part of the front rotation. Brandon Hogan tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the last regular season game against Rutgers. In his three seasons as a starter he recorded 171 tackles and intercepted 7 passes. Physical in run support, he is sudden to break up on a ball in front of him. He is a good tackler with good short area quickness and has the speed to run with vertical stretch receivers. Kealoha Pilares is a former running back who is fearless to cross the middle. Three months after he sprained a posterior cruciate ligament, he ran in the low 4.40 range. Pilares is all about speed and toughness. In his career he caught 209 passes for 2491 yards and 22 touchdowns. His senior year he caught 88 passes for 1306 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has good run after catch ability. Lawrence Wilson was the first pick in the sixth round. The four-year starter concluded his career with 449 tackles, 35 ½ tackles for loss, 9 ½ sacks, and 5 interceptions. He is a better than average athlete who is instinctive and quick. He finishes long pursuit but needs more bulk and overall strength to hold up physically on Sunday. Zack Williams is a versatile center/guard combination player. He started two years at Washington State after transferring from Glendale Community College. Williams is a knee bender who plays with body control and balance. Intense and mentally tough, he plays with attitude and aggression. He has good lateral quickness. Lee Ziemba started 52 games over four years at Auburn. Tall and angular build with long arms, he played left tackle but projects to the right side. He is a developmental tackle who needs more upper and lower body strength. A mauler type that has been durable, he comes off the ball hard in the running game. GRADE: AVERAGE.
The Bears accomplished one goal and filled a logical need by drafting left tackle Gabe Carimi. Carimi was projected to be drafted earlier than pick 29, but with all the quarterbacks and defensive linemen being selected, the rangy tackle fell into Chicago’s lap. The Bears’ good fortune extended into the second round when they traded up nine spots (Chicago sent a fourth round pick – 127 – to the Redskins) to draft defensive tackle Stephen Paea at number 53. The Bears reportedly would have drafted Paea at 29 if Carimi was not available. The pair of linemen were need picks that will help shore up the lines on both sides of the ball. Gabe Carimi was a four-year starter at Wisconsin where he won the Outland Trophy last season as the nation’s best interior lineman. He has the coveted long arms and big hands for the left tackle position and will compete with Frank Omiyale. The rangy tackle played toe to toe against several of the top first round pass rushers over the past two years. Week after week he saw the likes of Brandon Graham, Adrian Clayborn, Cameron Heyward, and Ryan Kerrigan. In practice he got a workout from first rounder, JJ Watt. Stephen Paea will compete with Matt Toeaina at left defensive tackle. The Bears project the versatile and physical player as a three technique and nose tackle. Paea was a threeyear starter and was named the Pac-10 defensive MVP in 2010 after recording 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and six sacks. The Tonga native is thick and quick with extremely strong arms and legs. He’s a disruptive and explosive player who is a good fit in the Bears’ Tampa-2 package. His biggest claim to fame this spring was when he hoisted up 225 pounds, 49 times at the Combine in Indianapolis to set a strength record. Chris Conte was a reserve cornerback for three years and was moved to safety in 2010. He’s a developmental angular safety who will contribute on special teams. He recorded 72 tackles and one interception last fall. General Manager Jerry Angelo said that Conte is everything the Bears look for from a physical standpoint at safety. Conte is a good athlete who is an aggressive run support player and a solid wrap up tackler in space. Nathan Enderle was drafted as a developmental quarterback in the fifth round. Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie have nailed down the starting and backup roles. The Bears plan on keeping three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster and reportedly don’t plan on signing a veteran backup in free agency. JT Thomas started at weakside linebacker for three years at West Virginia. He had 73 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2 ½ sacks. The Bears project him to back up all three positions because of his ability to grasp multiple positions in college. Thomas is intense and athletic in his play. He has experience in a variety of stunt packages. He plays with a good use of hands, speed, and quickness and will contribute on special teams coverage units while adding depth to the linebacker corps. GRADE: AVERAGE.
The Bengals filled a feature receiver need with the selection of the dynamic playmaker, AJ Green, the most complete wideout in the 2011 Draft. Green has the rare ability to make the contested catch. With the Carson Palmer issue ongoing, Cincinnati selected quarterback Andy Dalton in the second round. Dalton brings a winning attitude and a breath of fresh air to the Orange and Black. He is a prototype West Coast offensive type talent. The common themes throughout the last six Bengal selections were competitiveness, versatility, and productivity. Several of the late choices will be counted on to upgrade the special teams units. AJ Green plays at a high level and has excellent run after catch skills. The Bengals liked Green’s combination of size, speed, ball skills, and natural ability to run pass routes. He also impressed new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden with his blocking ability and every play effort. He’s one of the few receivers coming out of college that you can throw to when covered and he will make the catch. He makes a tough catch look routine with his athletic ability. Green can catch crossing routes, underneath, or over the middle. He can go vertical and break tackles. Quarterback Andy Dalton impressed the Bengals with his leadership ability, anticipation of the throws, and accuracy. This developmental project may have to be a quick study if Carson Palmer does not return. Dalton must work at taking snaps from under center, develop his footwork to the throwing point, and work from a pocket among a myriad of NFL nuances of quarterback play. Dontay Moch is projected as a weakside linebacker, nickel pass rusher, and core special teams player. He was productive in college with 63 tackles for loss plus 30 sacks. He possesses rare first step quickness and demonstrates an intense desire to run down the ball carrier. He played with his hand in the dirt at Nevada. Moch is a raw but talented athlete. Clint Boling will be counted on to come into camp and compete for a starting job at either guard position. He has experience at both guard and tackle. Boling is a battler with above average athletic ability and is physical in his play. Smart and alert with good field awareness, he is quick to read and react to stunts. He is intense, durable, and consistent in his play. Robert Sands is a rarity at safety with his size and athletic ability. His height and long arms are a position asset in the seams and underneath coverage where the quarterback must throw over the top of him. Not shy on run support, he is an aggressive athlete who has a unique skill set. Ryan Whalen was Andrew Luck’s go-to receiver at Stanford. With the Bengals he will be playing in a scheme that is similar. He is a good athlete who is a reliable hand catcher. He caught 139 passes for 1884 yards in his career. Consistent in his overall play, he has good ball skills. Whalen can run the inside slant routes required in the West Coast offense. A tough competitor, he sacrifices his body for the ball. Korey Lindsey-Woods is a three year starter who is a developmental type corner. He has short arms and small hands for the position. He possesses good ball skills, but struggles to get off blocks in run support. Jay Finley played running back in Baylor’s spread offense. A third down type back, he lacks creative running skills and is a developmental practice squad type. GRADE: GOOD.
Jerry Jones surprised the Cowboy fans in a big way by making no trades and drafting from their designated picks. This is the first year since 2003 that Dallas has not made any trades. The Cowboys felt that without free agency coming into play prior to the draft, they could stay true to their board. By drafting Tyron Smith the Cowboys ended a 30-year string without a first round offensive lineman. As the 9th pick in the draft, he will be expected to be a starter either on the right side or swapping with Doug Free and moving to Tony Romo’s blind side. Tyron Smith was voted the Morris Trophy, given to the Pac-10’s most valuable lineman. The 20-year old tackle played on the right side at Southern Cal in a pro style offense. He is gifted with extra long arms and catcher mitt sized hands. A solid zone blocker, he seals the playside with technique and athletic ability. He played on the right side, but has left tackle feet. He is equally skilled and effective at pass or run blocking. A knee bender with leg drive and hip snap, he will upgrade the right or left side of the line. Bruce Carter started 44 of 49 career games for the Tar Heels. He recorded 215 career tackles, 9 ½ sacks, and 24 tackles for loss. He tore a left anterior cruciate ligament on November 20th against rival North Carolina State. Generally it takes a year to come back 100 percent from that type of knee injury, but Carter should be worth the wait. The sideline to sideline player is ultra athletic and closes quickly on the ball. He is as natural an athlete at linebacker as there was in the 2011 Draft. Fluid with good hip flexibility, he is a knee bender with quick hands and feet. He is a three down linebacker with pass rush quickness and the ability to redirect. His only negative is that his instincts appear to be off at times. When he sees the ball however, he drives hard to it. DeMarco Murray is similar to the Cowboys’ first two draft choices in his productivity over his college career. Marion Barber may be the odd man out with Murray in the mix with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Murray is a versatile athlete who has experience at wide receiver, in the slot, and takes the direct snap in the “Wildcat” offensive package. He also ranked second on Oklahoma’s all-time kickoff return list. He has been a clutch player at crunch time and is smart and productive. David Arkin brings some youth to the interior of the Dallas line. The durable offensive lineman played right guard his first three years at Missouri State. As a senior, he played left tackle. A high effort player, he is strong at the point of attack. Competitive, physical, and intense in his play, he is a natural guard for a zone blocking team. Right guard Leonard Davis is 33-years old while left guard Kyle Kosier is scheduled for free agency. Josh Thomas is a four-year starter who majors in zone coverage. He plays with quickness, balance, and good change of direction. Smooth in his turns with good hip flexibility, he plays best as a press corner in a cover-two scheme while struggling in off man coverage. He is competitive with good leaping ability. Dwayne Harris is a wide receiver who started 24 games and was the Conference USA’s MVP. He was very productive over his career with 268 catches. A slot type receiver, he was drafted to work the middle of the field. In 2010 he caught 101 passes, good for 1123 yards. During practices at the Senior Bowl he struggled catching the ball. He should contribute on special teams. Shaun Chapas was a three year starter at Georgia and is a willing and productive blocker who can seal the edge. He was drafted to compete with Chris Gronkowski and to play special teams. He also has experience at H-back where he can get a running start at his target. Bill Nagy is the only drafted center on the Cowboy roster besides starter Andre Gurode. The least recognized of the Wisconsin group of senior linemen must contribute as a guard/center combination to make the 53-man squad. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE
The Browns made eight picks in the 2011 Draft, but have stockpiled two more for 2012. The two bonus picks were a part of a trade with Atlanta to move from the Falcons’ spot at 27 up to Cleveland’s position at six. In exchange for the sixth pick, the Browns received the 27th (1st round), 59th (2nd round), and 124th (4th round) choices in the 2011 draft in addition to the Falcons’ 1st and 4th round choices in 2012. Cleveland later moved up to Kansas City’s spot at 21 with a 3rd round selection, number 70, to draft Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor. Taylor was the top nose tackle on most draft boards or one of the top five defensive tackles. A physical player with rare power, he is built to handle the run game with a thick build, long arms, and big hands. He can push the pocket with a strong and leveraged bull rush. He plays with good leverage and strong hand control as an inside run stuffer. With the Browns’ move to a 4-3 defensive scheme, he will team with Ahtyba Rubin to gum up the inside running lanes. Jabaal Sheard fills another need position at right defensive end. Tough and physical in his play, he fought through double and triple teams to gather 9 sacks and 14 ½ tackles for loss. Protections slid his way due to the loss of Greg Romeus for the year. Sheard is an impact hitter on slant moves to stop the run, but he also has explosive pass rush ability. He is intense, mobile, and quick in his play. Receiver Greg Little may be the best pass catcher in the draft when looking back five years from now. He did not play in 2010 due to a ruling by the NCAA in accepting extra benefits. Little is as talented and athletic as any receiver in this draft. He made spectacular catches in 2009 and has good run after catch ability. He has running back skills at 231 pounds. A total package of blocking, catching, and run after catch ability, Little has the talent to be a feature receiver. Jordan Cameron is a neophyte tight end candidate with good athletic ability. He started one game in his career at Southern Cal and caught 16 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in 2 years. He was a scholarship basketball player at BYU before transferring to a junior college. A developmental tight end, he is more athlete than football player at this point. Owen Marecic played fullback in a West Coast scheme at Stanford. He was a two-way starter at fullback and linebacker. He will be used in a utility type role on offense and special teams but will compete with Lawrence Vickers as the lead blocker for Peyton Hillis. His strong points are blocking and catching the ball. He will also be counted on as a core special teams contributor. Buster Skrine has good leaping ability for a corner to offset his lack of height (5093). He possesses outstanding athletic ability, quick feet, and good hip flexibility. The Browns see Skrine as an ascending player who had four different defensive back coaches at Tennessee- Chattanooga. He recorded six tackles in their game against Auburn and finished the season with 39 tackles, despite dislocating his elbow returning a kickoff in the season opener. He had five career interceptions and will get a look outside at corner and inside in nickel and dime packages. Jason Pinkston was selected after the Browns sent both of their sixth round picks (168 and 170) to the Vikings in exchange for the 150th selection. He was a three-year starter at left tackle, but is projected to play right tackle or inside at guard. One of the best things he does with his long arms and big hands is to lock out on the pass rusher while maintaining balance and position. Eric Hagg was a three-year starter at Nebraska who played in the hybrid strong safety/linebacker position. He is active in his play demonstrating good range on run support. Hagg is a better than average athlete who can man up against tight ends and slot receivers. He had a strong senior year where he made key plays and was always around the ball. He was productive and instinctive. GRADE: GOOD.
The Broncos completed the 2011 Draft with nine selections after starting out with seven picks. Two-thirds of the draft went to the defensive side of the ball. It was evident throughout the draft that Denver wanted to increase its team speed. Von Miller was the top selection and was viewed by the organization as a once-in-ten year’s type player. Denver then picked up San Francisco’s 4th and 5th round picks in this draft and exchanged their 36th pick for the 49ers’ 45th pick. The Broncos picked up two draft choices and still got their guy in safety Rahim Moore. Denver also had the 46th selection and drafted physical offensive tackle Orlando Franklin. Von Miller projects to be a Sam or strong side linebacker in John Fox’s 4-3 defensive scheme. Fox will find a way to utilize the consensus best pass rusher in the 2011 Draft to pressure and disrupt the offensive side of the ball for opponents. Miller was moved around in the Aggie defense to take advantage of match-ups and alignments to blitz and pressure the quarterback. He stunted from the inside standup position as well as playing up or down in a 3-point stance off the edge. Miller has a special burst after initial contact. He has outstanding first step quickness and timing to fly up the field. His run responsibilities were limited on pass downs at Texas A&M. He has a nose for the ball and can run down a back getting to the perimeter. The best thing he does is what the Broncos need – a pass rusher. Rahim Moore is the heir apparent to take over for veteran safety Brian Dawkins. Moore was a three-year starter and demonstrated good instincts and range at UCLA. He corralled 14 career interceptions and possesses a sixth sense to locate and recognize pass or run. He has good ball skills and quick reactions to what he sees and feels. He plays the ball in the air and has the speed and burst to overlap in deep coverage. Not a blowup type hitter, but he is a sure tackler. Orlando Franklin fills a need at right tackle, especially if the new free agency rules award unrestricted status to restricted free agent Ryan Harris. Franklin could also move inside to guard. He is a three-year starter with long arms and big strong hands. He has some violence in his game. He started at left tackle, but also has experience at right tackle and left guard. Explosive in his play, the big man is a knee bender with a solid lower body that is flexible and hard to knock off his feet. Nate Irving was a three year starter and team captain. His senior year he played middle linebacker, but has experience at the other two positions as well. He missed the 2009 season after he was severely injured in an automobile accident. This past fall he totaled 110 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception. He is aggressive, explosive, plays instinctively and with leverage. Quinton Carter is a two-year starter who is a physical face up hitter with sideline to sideline range. Strong safety Renaldo Hill’s best years are behind him and Carter has experience at both strong and free safety. He is an explosive hitter on run support and has good foot quickness and change of direction. A contact player, he has a nose for the football, is confident and poised. Julius Thomas is an athletic developmental tight end who played four years of basketball at Portland State and only played football as a senior. He has the size and measurables for the position. He needs work on his inline blocking. Thomas looks natural catching the ball and flashes some run after catch ability. To acquire Thomas, Denver traded their 5th (141) and 6th (186) round picks to the Packers. The Broncos then received a 7th round (204) pick in the same deal. Michael Mohamed is a durable and instinctive inside linebacker. He has experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defenses. A three-year starter, he is quick to read and react. A wrap up tackler, he is smart and plays with good field awareness. He plays well on all special teams’ coverage units. He will compete with Joe Mays at middle linebacker. Virgil Green may be the steal of the Broncos’ draft after falling down the draft board due to microfracture surgery a few years ago. Green was rated as high as the 3rd round on several teams’ draft boards. Athletically he rated 3rd out of 17 tight ends that worked out at the Combine. He is a natural hand catcher with speed, good ball skills, and production. Fluid in his movement, he can turn a short reception into a long gain. He is a position wall off blocker. Jeremy Beal was the Big-12’s 2010 defensive lineman of the year. He concluded his career with 223 tackles and 29 sacks. He also collected 59 ½ tackles for loss. He lasted this long due to a poor 40-yard dash time for his position. The Oklahoma three-year starter plays faster than his timed speed. He played up-back on the punt coverage teams. GRADE: GOOD.
After Nick Fairley dropped to the Lions at thirteen, there was no hesitation to draft him because of his talent level. Head Coach Jim Schwartz said “we stayed with our board. We can’t get overwhelmed by the immediacy of some specific needs.” General Manager Martin Mayhew said, “It helps our defensive line. We have a lot of good young defensive linemen too. I feel really good about this.” He continued, “We look for value in the draft and there was no pressure to do anything else.” Nick Fairley joins Ndamukong Suh as the only two back-to-back Lombardi Award winners drafted by the same team. He was a one year starter after transferring from junior college. He has long arms and measurables for the position. He pushes the pocket as an inside pass rusher and gets his long arms up in the throwing lane. A disruptive penetrator, he can beat a hesitant offensive lineman. He can be explosive and aggressive fighting to beat a block. He demonstrated the strength to overpower a center or guard with strength or beat them with quickness. He plays angry with a nasty disposition. Fairley could not have been drafted by a better team to reach his full potential playing next to Suh and other high motor defensive linemen. Titus Young was drafted in the second round to complement and take pressure off of Calvin Johnson. In his career he started 26 games, caught 204 passes for 3063 yards, and scored 25 touchdowns. Young is an explosive sure-handed receiver who can make the deep over shoulder catch and can pluck the ball away from his body. He is sudden in and out of his route cuts and has the speed to get behind the secondary and make a big play. He has quick feet to avoid press coverage and plays fast with a burst up the field after he snatches the ball in his hands. He will also help the Lions as a kickoff return specialist. In 2009 he returned 2 kickoffs for touchdowns. Mikel Leshoure was drafted on day two of the draft as a change up to last year’s first round choice, Jahvid Best. Similar to the move up in 2010 to secure Best, Martin Mayhew moved up in the second to draft the big back from Illinois. The trade details are as follows: Seattle traded its 2nd round (57), 5th round (157), and 7th round (209) picks for Detroit’s 3rd (75), 4th (107), 5th (154), and 7th (205) round picks. Leshoure was productive between the tackles and a downhill runner. A strong short yardage runner, he can move the pile with his lower body strength. He is not easy to tackle and is an impact north/south runner. He has good feet and body lean with his pad level down. An effective receiver on swing passes and wheel routes, he needs work on pass protection – he is willing, but just needs technique refinement. Doug Hogue was a two-year starter at linebacker after moving over from the offensive side of the ball where he played running back. Productive with 167 tackles over the past two years, he is a tackling machine that is always around the ball. He has sideline to sideline effort to get in on a play and will be an immediate asset on all special teams. Johnny Culbreath is a developmental offensive tackle from South Carolina State who was chosen with the 209th overall pick in the final round of the NFL Draft. A four-year starter with good size and athletic ability, he demonstrates flexibility and the ability to bend. The Lions were present at his workout where he gave as positive an impression as he did on tape. He has the frame to carry more weight. Information from his pro day on 3/31/11 is as follows: 6051, 322, 4.99/40, 1.86/10, 27/BP, 30.5/VJ, 9-0/BJ, 4.83/ SS, and 7.76/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
NEWS FLASH–Terrelle Pryor was drafted in the 3rd Round by the Oakland Raiders. No other players were selected. 
Ted Thompson addressed every position on the team except quarterback and kicker during the draft. The defensive line, linebackers, offensive line, running backs, wide receiver, tight end, and defensive back all were infused with young talent to add competition to a talented roster. A kicker was not selected, but special teams return and coverage units will both benefit from the draft class of 2011. Green Bay entered the draft with nine picks and through a series of trades they finished up with ten. First round pick Derek Sherrod was a value pick at 32 and Randall Cobb may have the opportunity to make the best rookie impression on the Packer fans. Derek Sherrod will have the opportunity to bookend last year’s first round tackle Bryan Bulaga. Either Sherrod or Bulaga will replace Chad Clifton in the future at left tackle. The rangy Mississippi State left tackle may get a shot at left guard while he is learning the tackle position. He has good agility and body control for a pro offensive lineman. He moves his feet with flexibility and balance. He plays with a good base and knee bend, has quick reactions, and the ability to recover. Randall Cobb will be given every chance to return kickoffs and punts – an area of concern for the defending Super Bowl Champions. Cobb fills an additional need as a slot receiver who can cause mismatches with his quickness and finish speed. Donald Driver is 36-years old and Cobb looks like his heir apparent. The former Kentucky Wildcat is a three-year starter who is a unique and diverse weapon. He scored four different ways in 2010 (receiving, running, passing, and he returned a punt for a touchdown.) He is dangerous in space and has good run after catch ability. In 2010 he caught 84 passes for 1017 yards and 7 touchdowns. Running back Alex Green provides some insurance as a third down back if free agent Brandon Jackson doesn’t return. Ryan Grant and James Starks are the frontrunners for the running back position, but Green has every down ability and provides serious competition. The other major transition for the Hawaii graduate besides the weather will be his ability to block stunts and blitzes from a pro scheme after playing a spread formation. Davon House will compete for the fourth cornerback position behind rising star Tramon Williams. A developmental corner with size and good speed, he plays the best up in press man to man coverage. He has good ball skills, picking off 11 interceptions and returning 3 of them for touchdowns. He will contribute on all special teams coverage units. Tight end DJ Williams is a new wave offensive utility specialist that catches the ball from a variety of alignments. He caught 54 passes as the John Mackey Award winner in 2010. Williams joins Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless as athletic, downfield receiving threats from the tight end position. He can turn a short reception into a long gain and also plays on punt coverage teams. Caleb Schlauderaff will be competing for an interior offensive line position depending on what happens with free agents Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz. The Utah guard started 49 games over four years. He is a reliable developmental zone blocking guard. DJ Smith was a four-year starter at one of the top FCS schools and is a sideline to sideline tackling machine. Outstanding instincts and productivity, he recorded 525 tackles over his career. He is versatile enough to compete at both inside and outside linebacker. He plays with quick hands, feet, and reactions. Ricky Elmore will compete with last year’s free agent find Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, and Brad Jones for the outside linebacker position opposite Clay Matthews. Elmore led the Pac-10 the past two years with 21 ½ total sacks. He played opposite Brooks Reed. He is a try hard guy, but a limited athlete. Ryan Taylor is an H-back, tight end, fullback, and special teams utility man with outstanding hands. He set a school record for tight end receptions with 36 in 2010. His pro day measurables were 6034, 254, 4.73/40, 1.69/10, 21/BP, 34/VJ, 9-10/BJ, 4.47/SS, and 7.09/3 cone. He had a big game catching the ball in the Music City Bowl win over Tennessee. Special teams will be his ticket. Lawrence Guy was a value pick in the seventh round. He has good size and athletic ability for the five technique defensive end position. He gives effort to the ball and has functional strength at the point of attack. He played a 3-technique in a four-man front so he’s a projection at defensive end. He works to the quarterback with a push and spin move. He doesn’t stay blocked in the run game. GRADE: GOOD.
Three-quarters of the Texans’ draft was dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. The pass-challenged secondary acquired corners Brandon Harris (2/60) and Rashad Carmichael (4/127) plus safety Shiloh Keo in the fifth round. The transition to the 3-4 defense was additionally helped by edge pass rusher Brooks Reed and the overall 11th pick in the draft, JJ Watt. Reed plays with his throttle wide open and would wear out the Energizer Bunny. Watt brings a combination of power and quickness to the defensive front. JJ Watt will be penciled in as a five technique defensive end. He may move down inside on some third down rush packages. The Wisconsin junior gives Wade Phillips flexibility up front moving Mario Williams, Antonio Smith, and Watt to favorable matchups. He plays the game with great passion and emotion. An exceptional athlete, he can bend, penetrate, or contain rush. A relentless competitor, he has the total package of quickness, agility, and strength. He is instinctive enough to get in the throwing lane and bat down passes. He broke up 13 passes in his career along with 106 tackles, 36 ½ tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Outside linebacker Brooks Reed is a three-year starter who possesses explosive first step quickness. He plays fast and hard and flies around the field to finish plays. In college he played in a three man rotation in a four man front scheme. He was projected to outside linebacker in a three-man front by most teams. Intense, competitive and athletic in his play, he can leverage a tackle and use a quick spin move to free himself up to rush the passer. He will contribute on all special teams coverage units. General Manager Rick Smith engineered a trade with New England giving up a 3rd (73) and 5th (138) round pick to move into the late second round to take corner Brandon Harris. He is a three-year starter who has good ball skills and is instinctive and competitive in his play. Athletic and smooth in his turns, he has very good hip flexibility. He plays faster than timed speed with a quick burst to close suddenly or can make up ground. He will contribute on special teams. Rashad Carmichael was a two-year starter with excellent movement skills. He is similar to several of the prototype Hokies that came into the league. He is well schooled in press and zone coverage. Over the past two years he has had 10 interceptions. He has good ball skills, is a mentally tough competitor, and can force and contain the action. He should be a strong special teams addition. Shiloh Keo is a four-year starter who was very productive as a safety and special teams performer. He is always around the ball. Keo had a productive career making 358 tackles, 20 passes broken up, and 11 interceptions. A good athlete, he is a fearless hitter with quick feet. An intense full contact player, he is a daring punt returner as well. TJ Yates is a four-year starter who overcame a rough junior year. He was one of the main reasons that the 2010 Tar Heels stayed together after losing several players to an NCAA suspension. He played in a pro style offense that was similar to the Houston offensive scheme. A ball control West Coast type quarterback, he is an above average athlete who has good short and medium area accuracy. He will be a good fit for the Texans’ offense. Derek Newton was a two-year starter who was a junior college transfer. A good athlete, he plays with good foot quickness and balance. A knee bender, he has first step quickness and good lower body flexibility. He is a developmental tackle that played on the right side. He has good arm length for a zone blocking guard or tackle. Cheta Ozougwu is a four-year starter that is athletic and fast twitch. A developmental linebacker, he needs more strength but brings some special teams ability to the table. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE
The Colts entered the NFL Draft in need of improving their offensive line and they didn’t waste any time selecting left tackle Anthony Castonzo in the first round and tackle/guard Ben Ijalana in the second round. Castonzo started the final 40 games in his career at left tackle. Ijalana started 53 games at left tackle in his career. Ijalana has left tackle skills and extremely long arms. He is also talented enough to move over on the right side or move inside to guard. Castonzo was the first offensive lineman taken in the first round by the Colts since Bill Polian took over in 1998. Anthony Castonzo started 54 straight games and was the first true freshman to start for Boston College in 10 years. Physical and mentally tough, he has the ability to quick set and redirect with natural body control in his pass pro. We projected Castonzo to start out on the right side then move to the left tackle after a few years of experience. In the Colts’ offense with Peyton Manning’s sudden release, the angular tackle may get by just fine. He is a smart and quick learner which is a definite requirement to start early in his NFL career. Ben Ijalana is a four-year starter that we projected to go inside because of his fringe height. However, in the Colts’ offense he may go inside until Ryan Diem’s contract is up at right tackle, then move back outside. He flashes an explosive punch in the run game and was a dominant player at the FCS level. Athletic in his play, he has quick feet to mirror and slide. He plays with a good base and knee bend and can dominate and control a defender with his hands. Still learning how to play the game, Ijalana needs work on all his basic techniques and pass protection fundamentals. He has good lateral quickness. Due to a double sports hernia surgery, he did not work out until late spring. Drake Nevis had a strong senior year that included 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He is a disruptive impact player with lateral quickness. Nevis is a perfect one-gap player drafted to play in the Colts’ one gap system. He has explosive first step quickness to force inside pressure and then sprints to the ball. A competitor, he is physically and mentally tough. He is a self-motivated defender who plays with great emotion and intensity. Delone Carter is a two-year starter who was productive over his career with back to back 1000-yard rushing seasons. He concluded his career third on the all-time Orangemen rushing list. He has a thick build with quick feet. An athletic and compact back, he has a strong lower body and is always going forward. Carter is also accomplished at pass protection and is not afraid to step up and take on blitzing linebackers. That is important when protecting Peyton Manning. He ended his career with 242 straight rushing attempts without fumbling. Chris Rucker was a four-year letterman and started 34 games at cornerback for the Spartans. He intercepted 6 passes, broke up 19 passes, and recorded 191 tackles in his career. He has good size and athletic ability for the corner position. The Colts are rolling the dice on his ability and talent to overcome his numerous off the field red flags. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
General Manager Gene Smith saw the opportunity to draft the top player on the Jaguars’ draft board after Blaine Gabbert started to slide past the quarterback-hungry top one-third of the draft. They didn’t hesitate to move from pick 16 up to the Redskins’ selection at 10. To move six spots it cost Jacksonville their second pick in the 2011 Draft, a small price to pay for a potential franchise quarterback. Smith liked Gabbert’s mobility and the pressure he puts on opposing defenses. Guard William Rackley was a 3rd round pick and will compete for playing time as will safety Chris Prosinski. Receiver Cecil Shorts and corner Rod Issac are developmental players. Blaine Gabbert is the heir apparent to David Garrard and will be given time to develop behind him. The big right-handed passer is consistent and accurate in his play. He has sudden read and react quickness and a snappy release. He can speed up his delivery under the pressure of a rush while keeping his accuracy. Athletic and mobile enough to extend the play, he is a rhythm and timing passer. He has good anticipation and ball placement to receivers on the run. William Rackley impressed the Jaguars with his strong work ethic and the raw skills to play on Sunday. He was a four-year starter at left tackle. He has a thick lower body, light feet, big hands, and decent arm length for the position. An effective knee bender, he can redirect and shift his weight quickly. He stays square with the ability to shadow the defender in pass protection. Cecil Shorts started his career at Mt. Union College as a quarterback then moved to wide receiver in 2008. His productive career at the Division III school was as dominant as his skill set. In 2008 he caught 77 passes for 1484 yards and 23 touchdowns. He followed up in 2009 with 100 receptions for 1776 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a senior he missed three games yet caught 70 passes for 1196 yards and 18 touchdowns. Shorts was a 3-time All-America selection and finished his career with 259 total receptions for 4705 yards and 63 touchdowns, with the receiving yardage total being the 3rd highest in NCAA Division III history. Mt. Union is the same school where the Colts’ Pierre Garcon played. Shorts, like Garcon, will need to learn all the nuances of the fast moving NFL game. He will need to learn how to change his speeds and run routes. A raw talent who has good body control and football intelligence, he is a possession receiver with outstanding hands. Chris Prosinski started 37 games for Wyoming and recorded 373 tackles, 5 interceptions, and broke up 21 passes. He is an ascending player who demonstrates good over the top range as a free safety in coverage, but can play sideline to sideline in the run game. The Jaguars liked his hitting ability, explosiveness, and athletic ability. He will be counted on to contribute immediately on special teams coverage. His pro day workout numbers on 3/3/11 were 6011, 201, 4.42/40, 1.56/10, 14/BP, 39.5/ VJ, 11-2/BJ, 4.28/SS, 6.85/3 cone. Rod Issac started 37 games at left corner for the Blue Raiders and recorded 189 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 18 passes broken up in his career. He won’t turn down contact. Physical as a run support player and a press corner, he looks to be an ascending player with good workout numbers – 5106, 196, 4.45/40, 1.56/10, 22/BP, 33.5/VJ, 9-7/BJ, 4.12/ SS, 6.90/3 cone. He will compete as a nickel corner and a core special teams player. GRADE: AVERAGE.
The Chiefs began the 2011 Draft with eight picks. They finished the three day player procurement bowl with four on offense and five on defense for a total of nine. Major needs were addressed at wide receiver, the defensive front seven, and the interior of the offensive line. Kansas City traded its original first round pick (21) to Cleveland for a first round (27) and a third round pick (70). Building a team is a process. Last year’s strong draft combined with this group is pouring a solid concrete foundation. Jon Baldwin is a productive big physical receiver who was drafted to level the playing field for Dwayne Bowe and the prolific Chiefs’ running game. He catches the ball and can make a play when he’s covered. He uses his body to screen off a defender. A playmaker with over 20 career receptions of 40 yards or more, including 11 for touchdowns, he has the ability to dominate. He has amazing tools and talent to succeed on Sundays. Rodney Hudson is an athletic four-year starter who projects to center. He was awarded the Jacobs’ Blocking Trophy in both 2009 and 2010 as the best offensive lineman in the ACC Conference. He plays with the speed and agility to pull and be effective on the second level where he seals linebackers by taking good angles. Justin Houston projects to an outside linebacker in the 3- 4. He stood up in 2010 and rushed off the edge. He has a strong upper body and can set the edge if he plays with leverage and technique. He can turn the corner and flatten out down the line. His lateral quickness and change of direction are unusually good for a big man. He fell in the draft due to a failed drug test. Allen Bailey has played linebacker, defensive tackle, and defensive end before settling in at defensive end. Naturally strong, he has long arms and big hands. He plays with intensity, strength, and quickness. A good effort player, he will finish backside pursuit. He played in a 4-3 front scheme. The Chiefs project him as a five technique end where he can two gap. Jalil Brown is a physical and willing tackler and may get a look at safety as well as competing at cornerback. He will be counted on to contribute on all special teams coverage units. He plays best as a press corner. Brown has the ability, but needs the development in his overall game. Ricky Stanzi is a big and strong developmental quarterback who played in a pro style offense. He has a chance to move into the backup role immediately with Brodie Croyle a free agent and Tyler Palko, a career third quarterback. He has a good feel and a sixth sense in the pocket along with good poise and field vision. Gabe Miller brings versatility to the Chiefs. He will get work as an outside 3-4 linebacker and possibly a third tight end and special teams player. He started his career as a tight end. Miller has a medical history where he tore his Achilles tendon twice. His pro day results on 3/11/11 were 6032, 250, 4.63/40, 1.58/10, 33/BP, 36/VJ, 9-6/BJ, 4.12/SS, 6.97/3 cone. Jerrell Powe is built for power with good first step quickness for a big man. He has good strength in his arms and shoulders and is physically tough enough to stack a double team. As a nose tackle he has very good agility and the ability to change directions. He has quick feet, explosiveness, and quick reactions. He presses the pocket with a power rush. Productive and active he will compete with Anthony Toribio at nose tackle. Shane Bannon is a smart height and weight player that the Chiefs came across shortly before the draft. He played in 28 games at Yale. In 2009 he played fullback and was an H-back in 2010. In his career he rushed two times with one touchdown and caught 16 passes for 147 yards with two touchdowns. His pro day results on 3/23/11 were 6014, 265, 4.81/40, 1.81/10, 14/BP, 29/VJ, 9-1/BJ, 4.77/SS, 7.43/3 cone. He is a practice squad candidate. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE
In 2010 Miami used seven of eight draft choices on defense. The first four of six picks this year went to the offensive side of the ball. The first two picks were used to fill a pair of major needs. Mike Pouncey will not have to leave the state as the Dolphins’ first pick. Pouncey was arguably the best center or guard in the 2011 Draft. He is a violent player who plays with a good base and balance. Running back Daniel Thomas fills a need at running back with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams as free agents who may not return. Thomas is a triple threat as a runner, pass receiver, and pass protector. Mike Pouncey is a difference maker according to the Miami brass. He has position flexibility where he can contribute at guard or center. Richie Incognito was re-signed and projected to play left guard or center. Pouncey is a big physical athlete who plays with attitude. He brings quality and stability to an interior line group that struggled in 2010. He can turn a down defender in the run game with strong leg action, body control, and sure hands. He plays with an ornery streak. Daniel Thomas has good size and competitive speed for the running back position. A natural downhill north/south runner he keeps his shoulders square. He is not easy to tackle. An offensive weapon with good running skills and patience, he possesses receiver type soft hands and has lined up at wide receiver in the slot as well as at tailback. He has the talent and skill set to start as a rookie if needed. The Dolphins traded up to the end of the 2nd round on Friday night, trading their 3rd (79), 5th (146), and 7th (216) round picks to the Redskins for their 62nd pick. Edmond Gates did not play high school football, but started 32 games over four years in college. He possesses rare vertical speed and can blow the top off coverage. He impressed Miami with his explosive speed and athletic ability despite turning 25 years of age in June of this year. A slippery athlete after catch, he needs pro route running development. He originally enrolled at Abilene Christian to play basketball. Charles Clay is a versatile four-year starter with outstanding hands and the unique ability to contribute at fullback, H-back, and tight end. Clay’s role in the Dolphin offense is projected to be multi-purpose including lead blocker. He’s a fluid route runner and is quick enough to create space and locate open areas. Frank Kearse is a wide bodied defensive lineman that projects to nose tackle. A three-year starter and a two-time captain, he has developmental talent. On his pro day 3/7/11 his measurables were 6040, 315, 5.31/40, 1.85/10, 22/BP, 30/VJ, 8-7/ BJ, 4.68/SS, 7.80/3 cone. Jimmy Wilson was named the Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week when he intercepted three passes and made 6 tackles in their win over Eastern Washington. It was a personal victory for an athlete who was out of football for three years and spending two years in jail on a murder charge. The charges have since been dropped. Wilson is the third Montana Grizzly to join the Dolphins along with Dan Carpenter and Lex Hilliard. Wilson is a development corner with an ascending skill set. His measurables on his 3/14/11 pro day were 5110, 193, 4.53/40, 1.65/10, 18/BP, 35/VJ, 9-11/BJ, 4.28/SS, 6.93/3 cone. GRADE: AVERAGE.
The Vikings selected ten players and addressed a variety of needs, most importantly the quarterback of the future in Christian Ponder. Minnesota also came away with the top tight end in the draft in Kyle Rudolph. On the third and final day of the draft, eight players with good value for the slots were chosen. The Vikings’ fans hope their newest native Texan first round quarterback will be as good as their last – Tommy Kramer. Ponder brings the Kramer type leadership and toughness along with his accurate throwing style. The Florida State alum is patient passing the ball, letting the play develop while going through his progressions, and is especially skilled at throwing vertical or horizontal routes. Rudolph was drafted in the same area (43) as 2010 rookie sensation Rob Gronkowski (42) of New England. Both have a very similar skill set. Christian Ponder will have no problem learning a complex offense as he already has two college degrees and is working on a third. He does a good job of anticipating windows in coverage. He consistently keeps his receivers on their routes with few adjustments. He throws a catchable ball with timing, touch, and rare ball placement to his receivers. In 2009 he completed 68.8 percent of his passes. He sets up quickly to the throwing point in a conventional or shotgun alignment. He has sound quarterback mechanics and fundamentals. A poised leader, he doesn’t get rattled and is accurate on the move. Kyle Rudolph is a unique tight end with a combination of size, speed, blocking ability, and hands. It’s rare to find a player who can cause problems for opposing defenses like Rudolph does. Most teams have the hybrid type move tight end and a blocking tight end. He was an exceptional value in the second round. The huge red zone target lined up in the slot, at split end as well as tight end to take advantage of matchups at Notre Dame. As a high school basketball player he had over 600 rebounds in his career. He gets the ball at the high point and possesses excellent concentration and ball reactions. A three layer tight end, he catches the ball short, medium, and deep. He has recovered from a severe hamstring injury. Christian Ballard will start off inside at tackle, but the Vikings project him to eventually play off the edge outside. He gives the defense some flexibility in the four man front. He has first step explosive quickness, and is sudden when penetrating a predetermined gap, running line stunts, and twists. He presses the pocket with inside pressure and push. A positive drug test at the Combine caused Ballard to drop in the draft. Brandon Burton was a value pick in the fifth round. He has good foot quickness with a closing burst on the ball. A big corner with good ball and coverage skills, he is a developmental project with stop and go quickness, plus sudden plant and drive on the ball. DeMarcus Love was a three-year starter at the open side tackle in Arkansas’ flip-flop offensive line scheme. In other words, he played both right and left tackle. He plays with a good base and athletic ability. He projects inside to guard where he can take advantage of his arm length and ability to play in a zone blocking scheme. A developmental project, he has positive tools. Mistral Raymond started 15 games at South Florida and has experience at both corner and safety. He recorded 52 tackles, four tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups in 2010. He went from walk-on to starter to team captain after transferring from Ellsworth Junior College in 2008 where he played for two years. The tall, rangy developmental corner had the following pro day results: 6012, 194, 4.59/40, 8/BP, 32.5/VJ, 10-2/BJ, 4.51/SS, and 7.14/3 cone. Brandon Fusco was a four-year starter who is a developmental size and athletic prospect. A smart and good effort player, he is mentally tough and intense in his play. He began his career as a linebacker and has all the raw skills to play on Sunday. Ross Homan was drafted to compete at the open side linebacker position that Ben Leber has played. But he will also get a look at the Will linebacker position within the defensive scheme. He has good athletic skills and instincts and should contribute on all special teams coverage. D’Aundre Reed was in a three end rotation at Arizona with Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore. He played in 39 games over his last three years. At the Combine he put up 225 pounds 30 times. He has long arms and big hands for the position. He will finish long pursuit. A developmental project, he flashes explosiveness. Stephen Burton was a two-year starter who was a junior college transfer. A big receiver, he has good run after catch ability. He is explosive off the ball and projects to be a possession type receiver with very good developmental potential and skills. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
New England drafted offensive players in six of their first seven selections. They had nine total picks. Offensive tackle Nate Solder was the pick at 17 and reportedly was their highest rated tackle. A good athlete, he can pull and adjust on the run and is effective at walling off the corner support. He will provide Nick Kaczur with competition for the left tackle spot. Second round choice Ras-I Dowling has the speed, size, and skill set to play in Bill Belichick’s aggressive defensive scheme. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley fill voids in the backfield with backs Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, and Sammy Morris all unrestricted free agents. Nate Solder moved from tight end to tackle in the spring of 2008. The rangy pass protector has easy light feet to slide laterally and adjust his block to a speed rusher. He dominated Von Miller in their 2009 matchup. Miller admitted before the draft that Solder was the best lineman he had faced at Texas A&M. Solder knows how to use his long arms. He possesses good body control and balance. He should be a future bookend tackle, playing opposite 2009 2nd round draft choice Sebastian Vollmer. Ras-I Dowling, prior to last season, was one of the top defensive corners in the country. Injuries limited his senior play to just five games, starting 2 of them. His injuries included a left ankle fracture, hamstring strain, and a right knee injury. A good athlete, he is smooth in his turns and is not afraid to support the run. Shane Vereen was drafted as a possible replacement for Kevin Faulk. Like Faulk, Vereen has good running and receiving skills. He must improve his ability as a pass protector before he gets on the field. A north/south runner, he is a natural pass receiver with 74 career catches. Stevan Ridley is a straight ahead north/ south runner who will replace Fred Taylor. A downhill runner with zone cutback vision, he drives his legs on contact. He is explosive through the hole and flashes a quick cut and burst up the field. He will feel comfortable in a rotation role for the Pats like he was at LSU. Ryan Mallett is a big man with a big arm. He will learn firsthand from Tom Brady the proper approach that successful NFL quarterbacks take. There is no question that the Arkansas cannon can make all the NFL throws. He played in a combination pro and spread complex offensive system under Bobby Petrino. He has the skills to manage the offense and handle adjustments. Marcus Cannon must first battle non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a treatable form of cancer that was discovered in pre-draft physicals. He has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments which will conclude on June 29th. The success rate of beating this form of cancer is 90 percent because of early detection, his health, and his age. Cannon was a projected 2nd round pick and could prove to be a steal for New England. He played left tackle at TCU. A big man with long arms and athletic feet, he flashes an explosive six-inch punch and makes good use of his hands as a pass protector. He is versatile enough to play tackle or either guard position. Lee Smith is the eleventh tight end drafted by Belichick since 2001. Smith’s role will be to replace Alge Crumpler sometime in the future as an inline blocker. He has the ability and size to drive block one on one with functional strength and balance. Markell Carter was a rush end in a 4-3 scheme in college, but projects to an outside linebacker. He played wide receiver in high school. He started getting bigger, stronger, and tougher his junior year at Central Arkansas. His workout numbers at his pro day on 3/9/11 were: 6043, 252, 4.73/40, 1.75/10, 17/BP, 35.3/VJ, 10-1/BJ, 4.45/SS, and 7.43/3 cone. Malcolm Williams is a developmental cornerback that was a reserve at TCU. His pro day numbers on 3/11/11 were: 5095, 204, 4.49/40, 1.98/10, 16/ BP, 40/VJ, 10-6/BJ, 4.39/SS, and 6.90/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
The Saints used five of their six picks on defensive personnel. The lone offensive selection was former Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram. To secure Ingram, New Orleans moved back into the first round giving up their 2011 second round pick and a 2012 first round selection to New England. Cameron Jordan immediately upgrades the pass rushing ends which only produced 10 ½ sacks in 2010. The University of California graduate has quick hands to stab, punch, and extend his arms to gain separation. Cameron Jordan is projected to shore up the left defensive end position. He has experience in both the 3-4 and the 4-3 defensive schemes. Jordan is a big-handed flexible athlete with long arms who can bend and turn the corner. He has explosive edge speed and power. Consistent in the run game and rushing the passer, he plays with good leverage and quickness. He is a bright-eyed, smart, and a high effort, fast-twitch player. Mark Ingram was the top running back in the draft and dropped to the Saints due to the devaluation of the position by numerous teams. Ingram joins Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Chris Ivory in the specialized and diverse backfield. A total of five backs were put on injured reserve in 2010. Ingram possesses top level running skills. A strong runner after first contact, he can step through tackles, press the hole, and slice between defenders. He has excellent stop and go quickness. A patient runner with good instincts and awareness, he is a competitive runner with a low pad level. Martez Wilson was a value pick in the third round. The Saints project him to play on the strong side. In 2010 Danny Clark (UFA) and Jo-Lonn Dunbar (RFA) split time at the Sam linebacker. Wilson is a downhill player with functional athletic ability, agility, size, and speed. He had an outstanding athletic workout at the Combine. Aggressive and competitive, he has good catch up speed. He had a slow start last fall after returning from a neck injury that caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. Johnny Patrick started for three and a half years. A zone cover corner with good ball skills and foot quickness, he is instinctive in his play. He came to Louisville as a receiver and moved to corner in 2007. He comes up quickly on run support and demonstrates good toughness. In the past he has played gunner on the punt team and should contribute on special teams coverage. Greg Romeus may be the sleeper of the Saints’ draft if he returns to 100 percent health. He did not play his senior year due to back (lumbar discectomy) and knee (right ACL surgery) injuries. He was the Big East co-defensive player of the year in 2009. He was productive in 2008 and 2009 collecting 94 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 15 ½ sacks. He has long arms and huge hands, possesses an enormous amount of physical ability, and is tough and aggressive. Nate Bussey will compete at the weakside linebacker position and special teams coverage units. A developmental prospect, he has experience as a nickel linebacker and was Illinois’ second leading tackler. His pro day numbers from 3/16/11 were: 6010, 228, 4.54/40, 1.51/10, 16/BP, 35.5/ VJ, 10-1/BJ, 4.29/SS, and 6.91/3 cone. GRADE: GOOD.
The Giants stayed with their board and selected Prince Amukamara at pick number 19. New York takes the highest graded available player instead of reaching to fill a thin position. Special teams coverage units were a major beneficiary of this draft where no less than six of eight selections could be on the field this fall. Team speed was also improved with players like first round pick Amukamara, return specialist Jerrel Jernigan, linebacker Jacquian Williams, and running back Da’Rel Scott. Prince Amukamara is a cover corner and upgrades the secondary immediately. Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster are solid starters but Aaron Ross has a hard time staying healthy. Amukamara has experience in both off and press man zone coverage plus man to man. Fluid in his movement and turns, he has good short area quickness. He is aggressive and confident in press coverage. He does not hesitate on run support but drives suddenly on the ball carrier on front of him. He is instinctive in his play. Marvin Austin appears to be a natural fit as a one gap disruptive penetrator. Austin fills a need position as Rocky Bernard and Barry Cofield may not be back. An underachiever at North Carolina, the Giants recognize that he is a good athlete who has the tools to perform on Sunday if he wants it badly enough. Jerrel Jernigan is an undersized but slippery wide receiver and kickoff return specialist. He can make the first tackler miss and fills a need slot as a return specialist as the Giants lacked consistency in the return game in 2010. Jernigan averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff return along with 13.3 yards per return on punts. He has good field vision and awareness. James Brewer fills another need for the Giants as injuries plus age and time are taking over the front five. Brewer may be the heir apparent to Kareem McKenzie at right tackle. He flashes NFL skills and uses his size to mirror and screen off edge pass rushers. He has a chance to play on Sunday because of measurables and natural physical assets. Greg Jones hopes to stop the revolving door at inside linebacker since Antonio Pierce retired. Jones will compete with Jonathan Goff and Philip Dillard as the starter. Jones was an instinctive tackling machine over his career. He played middle linebacker in the 4-3 scheme as a junior. He gets downhill in a hurry. A playmaker in the run game, he is always around the ball. He plays with intensity, is effective as a blitzer, and has the athletic ability to play in coverage. Tyler Sash is a traditional strong safety and strong run support player. He forces the point quickly. An aggressive and physical tackler he is instinctive and competitive. A developmental safety, he will contribute on all special teams. Jacquian Williams projects as a weakside linebacker. A developmental athlete, he has the speed to make a difference on special teams. At his pro day on 3/24/11 his numbers were: 6025, 231, 4.59/40, 1.59/10, 17/BP, 36.5/VJ, 9-8/BJ, 4.20/SS, and 6.93/3 cone. Da’Rel Scott is a big play back with rare speed, but has had a problem staying healthy. He runs with lower body power and strength. He gains yards after first contact and has an initial burst to hit the holes quickly. His strengths are speed, quickness, and the ability to catch the ball. Tough to tackle in space, he will also contribute as a kickoff return specialist. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
The Jets filled a major need with two young explosive defensive linemen in first round pick Muhammad Wilkerson and third round selection Kenrick Ellis. New York’s 2011 second round pick went to San Diego for corner Antonio Cromartie last year. Wilkerson brings competition and depth to the defensive end spot if Shaun Ellis does not return. Ellis is a wide bodied space eater that combines size and athletic ability to gum up the inside running lanes. He can also keep the linebackers free to get downhill. Free agency may be the avenue to address the edge pass rusher void that was not filled in the draft. Muhammad Wilkerson is a productive good effort player who dominated his level of competition. He has very good athletic ability with good lateral quickness. He has the size, arm length, and lower body power to hold his ground but does have a tendency to play high at times. With good awareness to get his hands up in the throwing lane, he was moved around to take advantage of matchups. He plays with power, disruption, and aggressiveness and will compete at the left defensive end spot. Kenrick Ellis was a threeyear starter at Hampton and stuffs the run from tackle to tackle. Big and athletic, he has explosive ability to push the pocket and pressure the quarterback. He has long arms and big hands for the nose tackle position. A dominant player in his league, he transferred from the University of South Carolina. He can stack and shed at the point of attack. He shows good effort for a big man (346 pounds) and was in on 94 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. The big man has the ability to rotate with Sione Pouha once he improves his overall playing technique. Bilal Powell is a three down back who was drafted as the best player value on the Jets’ draft board at that particular point. With three solid backs on the roster, adding Powell brings versatility and competition to the backfield mix. He started 15 games at Louisville and had a strong senior season. He has good inside vision and leg drive. He finishes his runs driving for extra yards. A north/south runner with good contact balance, he runs with some violence. He has soft receiver type hands and lined up outside at wide receiver in certain packages. He has the innate ability to find, hit a crease, and cut in the hole. The change in coaching staff helped him break out as a running back and receiver in 2010. Jeremy Kerley was a productive and versatile player for TCU. He has experience outside, in the slot, and as a return specialist. He has explosive stop and start quickness and is a playmaker in space. Quick in and out of his breaks, he has a burst upfield after catch. He has quick feet and sudden reactions. He catches the ball away from his body and makes plays in key situations. Kerley is quicker than fast. Greg McElroy was drafted as a developmental quarterback. A two year starter, he has a National Championship under his belt. An efficient ball control passer, he has good ball placement. A very smart, aware, and heady prospect, he is best on short and swing routes. He has good anticipation and decision making ability, showing excellent leadership qualities. Confident, consistent, and poised in the pocket, he will compete for the third quarterback spot. Scotty McKnight is Colorado’s all-time leading receiver and only one of ten players in NCAA history to catch a ball in every game he played throughout his career. He walked on for the Buffalos and ended up catching 215 passes for 22 touchdowns. Childhood friend Mark Sanchez threw to him at his pro day. He has dependable hands and is a route runner. On his pro day on 3/9/11 his numbers were: 5104, 182, 4.55/40, 1.59/10, 13/BP, 34/VJ, 10-8/BJ, 4.03/SS, and 6.65/3 cone. GRADE: AVERAGE.
The Raiders wanted to upgrade the offensive line and drafted Stefen Wisniewski, one of their targeted players. He was their first pick in the draft after trading away their first round pick to New England last year. Several speed players were added in the eight draft choices. Corners DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa, running back Taiwan Jones, and receiver Denarius Moore all have big speed. The Raiders added a third round pick (92) in offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale and a fourth round selection (125) in Taiwan Jones in a trade with New England for their second round pick in 2010 and a seventh round pick in 2011 (219). Stefen Wisniewski was rated as one of the top two center/guard combinations in the 2011 Draft. He started at center for Penn State in 2009 and at right guard in 2010. Consistent in his overall play, he is an explosive knee bender who can roll his hips, shock and control, and drive a defender with leverage and strength. Mentally and physically tough, he plays with attitude and aggression. He gains an advantage with his quickness on the snap. Wisniewski will be coached by former Raider and his uncle Steve Wisniewski, the assistant offensive line coach. DeMarcus Van Dyke fits the Raiders’ speed profile and was drafted in the third round. He can run and cover, two major requirements for Raider corners. The slender and angular corner needs more tackling strength. He can run with most receivers down the field. He has good foot quickness and the ability to drive and burst on a ball in front of him and should contribute on special teams coverage. Joseph Barksdale is a three-year starter with long arms. He moved from right tackle to the left side in 2010. He projects to play right guard or tackle. The former Tiger plays with knee bend and light feet which is a positive trait. He can block the pedestrian pass rushers by walling them off and running them up the field past the quarterback. He struggles with the elite pass rushers and has been inconsistent over his career. Chimdi Chekwa is another speed corner with good athletic ability. Smooth in his turns, he has good hip flexibility. He has good size and short area quickness for the position. He shows toughness and is a reliable tackler. He needs pro skill development, but has the tools to play on Sunday and should be a contributor on special teams coverage units. Taiwan Jones certainly could anchor the Raiders’ track team with his sub-4.40 speed. He was drafted as a running back, but we question his ability to hold up to the week in and week out NFL pounding that backs take. He has a sprinter’s slender lower body and an injury history as thick as an Oakland phone book. He played corner in 2009 before he was moved to running back. The Raiders will try to find a spot to get him on the field. Denarius Moore is a vertical speed receiver who runs good routes and catches the ball in his hands. A big play receiver, he averaged over 20 yards per catch last season. He can make the deep overhead catch over either shoulder. He possesses good vision and ball skills and is a very good athlete with positive receiving skills. Richard Gordon is a big tight end who can run. He only had 10 career catches at Miami in a rotation role, but he missed a majority of the 2009 season with a shoulder injury. A developmental prospect, his pro day numbers on 3/25/11 were: 6034, 265, 4.68/40, 1.71/10, 25/BP, 32.5/VJ, 9- 1/BJ, 4.49/SS, and 7.38/3 cone. David Ausberry projects as an H-back type contributor. He caught 64 passes in his career. A backup wide receiver for most of his career, he is a developmental prospect. His pro day numbers from 3/30/11: 6034, 243, 4.51/40, 1.65/10, 23/BP, 36/VJ, 10-1/BJ, 4.48/SS, 7.20/3 cone. GRADE: AVERAGE.
Defensive help looked like the point of emphasis for the Eagles with new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and defensive line coach Jim Washburn. Three of the first four selections addressed needs and competition in the secondary and at linebacker. Danny Watkins, the first round pick, is one of three interior offensive linemen that new offensive line coach Howard Mudd has a chance to mold and shape to protect Michael Vick. The draft is only one area of player acquisition the Eagles put to use. Look for General Manager Howie Roseman and Head Coach Andy Reid to become major players in free agency. Danny Watkins played left tackle at Baylor but will move inside and projects to start at right guard. He will be a 26-year old rookie. Physical in his play he goes to the whistle and plays square. He can lock out, sit down, and anchor a bull rush. He gets movement on double teams. A power player, he has good feet and follow though in the run game. He plays with maturity and violence in his game. Jaiquawn Jarrett started 37 games in his productive career. A box type strong safety, he flashes solid ability in all phases of his game. Not the most athletic safety, but he has short area quickness and good ball skills. Consistent, aggressive, and instinctive in run support, he is a high effort player who has some limitations. He is a full contact player and a good tackler, recording 299 tackles in his career. Curtis Marsh is a developmental corner with size and good athletic ability. He has good hip flexibility in transition and is smooth in his turns as well as having good speed for the position. Marsh has questionable instincts and awareness – if he sees it, he breaks on it. A former running back, he moved to corner in 2009, starting 16 games at corner in his career. Casey Matthews started for three years and is a relentless downhill player with good instincts and reactions. He has a quick change of direction and the ability to redirect off a block. He shows good technique as he uses his hands to get separation and shed the block. Strong at the point of attack, he is a physical playmaker for his size. He is solid in both zone and man to man coverage. Alex Henery’s selection essentially ended free agent David Akers’ career in Philadelphia. He is a dual threat as a right-footed soccer style placekicker and punter. Tall and slender, he has a strong leg with immediate rise, end over end. He gets the ball up quickly and performs in bad weather and under pressure. Over his career he has only missed two kicks under 50 yards. Dion Lewis has good running instincts with good balance and is quicker than fast. Undersized at 5065, he ran a pedestrian 4.57/40. He was productive as a freshman in 2009 surrounded by a veteran quarterback and offensive line. He can make a defender miss in the hole. Lewis has quick stop and start moves, catches check down and screen passes in his hands, and may find a job as a role player. Julian Vandervelde is a better than average athlete who plays with good zone technique and smarts. Crafty in his play, he gets his pads down and can block with leverage and knee bend. Intense, he has good use of hands and downfield effort. He takes good angles to the 2nd level to cut off backside pursuit. Jason Kelce started at offensive left guard for two years and was moved to center in 2010. Athletic but undersized, he lacks anchor strength versus a big nose tackle. A zone blocking center, he is a knee bender who plays with leverage. He plays with a good base and balance and works to finish his block. Scrappy and feisty, he may buck the trend, but there are no interior linemen that have made a team weighing just 280 pounds in the modern era. Brian Rolle has good athletic ability and speed but is shorter than ideal (5095). He is active and always around the ball. Rolle struggles in man to man match-ups. He has good range and explosive quickness. Physical and strong for his size, he is a three down linebacker with good instincts. He will contribute on all special teams coverage units. Greg Lloyd projects to the middle or Mike linebacker for the Eagles. He has good instincts and is always around the ball. Coming off a year where he was working through a knee injury in 2009, his 2010 season was basically getting his feet back under him. He played defensive end in college. A developmental player, he has pro skills. He is the son of former Steelers’ great; Greg Lloyd Sr. Stanley Havili is the total package of good blocking skills, hands to catch all the pass routes, and productivity as a runner. As a former running back, he brings good running skills to the table. He has good vision, feet, strength, and power between the tackles. He finishes his runs with effort and authority. Havili has an injury history and is coming off shoulder surgery. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE
The Steelers once again had a functional, but non-sexy, draft that brought in players who fit their system. Again the Steelers’ hierarchy – Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert and Coach Mike Tomlin – waited patiently for their pick and did not reach for any player. Traditionally, the Black and Gold stay true to their board and take the best player according to their grades. Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh’s first pick, could be considered sexy by some because of his talent level. He is powerful and explosive off the ball with his quick first step. His game is all about power and strength. Cameron Heyward is a perfect fit for the Steelers’ defensive end position. He is big, strong, and very athletic. Heyward was one of the few defensive linemen in this draft who could play any position on any defensive front. The Buckeyes moved him around to take advantage of match-up weaknesses. He has the talent to be a dominating player. He can explode and unlock his hips with force. He plays with a good power base and lower body strength, can bend his knees, and plays with leverage. He has innate strength to run over a blocker on his bull rush. He has been known to collapse the pocket with vertical push and effort. Marcus Gilbert started at right tackle in 2009 and left tackle in 2010. A big man with good athletic ability, he works to keep his hands inside on the breast plate. He plays balanced with a good base in pass protection. Athletic on pulls, he stays on his feet and plays with quick feet in pass protection. He will be an eventual starter if he plays with overall technique in the pass and run game. Curtis Brown is physical and sticky in coverage. He has the tools to help immediately as the nickel or dime corner, but with improvement could move outside if his coverage discipline improves. A former wide receiver, he is athletic with functional corner speed. He has a good closing burst on the ball and will contribute on special teams coverage. He has experience as a gunner on punt teams. Cortez Allen was the second cornerback chosen by the Steelers. He played only one year of high school football, then started 30 games at the Citadel. Allen is an athletic big corner with size and leaping ability. An ascending prospect, he has solid developmental ability. He has track type speed and is loosehipped for smooth turns with acceleration and catch-up speed. Chris Carter played a rush end in a four man front at Fresno State. As a high school senior he recorded 21 sacks. Last year he had 11 for the Bulldogs. A natural edge pass rusher, he has explosive first step quickness, is active and athletic, uses multiple moves, and gives a top level effort every time out. He was the WAC defensive player of the year. He is a projection as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Carter has good arm length and strength, has good use of his hands, speed, quickness, and strength in his pass rush skills. Keith Williams is a physical player who started 33 games at left guard. He uses his hands effectively to lock on and stay engaged. He gets a good fit in the zone blocking scheme. A natural knee bender, he can move his feet. He has good awareness on blitz pickups or on combination blocks to the second level. A developmental player, he has decent athletic ability. He is a better run blocker than pass protector at this point. Baron Batch was Texas Tech’s running back, but in their spread offense an every-down back is like a pro offense’s third down back. He rushed for 2501 yards and caught 140 passes, scoring a combined 32 touchdowns in his career. He possesses reliable soft hands, catching the ball out of the backfield. He is smart and can read and find weaknesses in coverage. Batch has been competitive and productive over his career. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Robert Quinn was the first of eight new St. Louis Rams to come off the board at selection fourteen. Quinn will compete with right defensive end James Hall for the starting position, but Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo may get all three, including Chris Long, on the field at one time. Quinn possesses natural hand, foot, and lateral quickness. He doesn’t stay blocked. The next three choices were to give new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback Sam Bradford some new weapons. Lance Kendricks can be used as a move tight end or in the slot, Austin Pettis is a physical receiver who will go over the middle, and Greg Salas has excellent hands and production. Robert Quinn played right defensive end in a four-man front. He was the best pass rusher in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2009. He has good flexibility to bend off the edge. He can slip and accelerate off a block. A fast twitch pass rusher, he can explode and jolt a pass protector. An instinctive athlete, he is disciplined in his contain rush. He has good change of direction but needs to improve his ability to shed and stack in the run game. He has all the tools, but just needs the technique. Lance Kendricks is a move tight end who can adjust and block on the run. A former wide receiver, he has good route savvy and receiving skills. A sticky and scrappy blocker, he is an H-back type who lines up in the slot or wing position. Athletic after catch, he can get open versus man to man or zone. He provides depth and competition. Austin Pettis is Boise State’s all-time reception leader. A big target with good body control, he is a slot type receiver who will catch the ball in the middle of the field. He has good concentration to catch slant passes in traffic. Instinctive and productive with the ball in his hands, he is a clutch receiver who can separate. Greg Salas caught 285 passes in his career, good for 4345 yards. A good sized possession receiver, he has run after catch ability. He runs good routes and can read coverages. Salas should make his living as a slot receiver who is quick and athletic after catch. He has the courage to catch the ball over the middle or in a crowd. Jermale Hines hits with an explosive force and loves contact. A physical player, he takes good angles in run support. He has good instincts and is a wrap tackler who plays with quickness and strength. He played the hybrid strong safety/linebacker in the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme. Hines is an enforcer type that receivers know where he lines up. Mikail Baker is a developmental corner with good speed. A former wide receiver, he played six years at Baylor due to an injury history. On his pro day on 3/3/11 his numbers were: 5113, 191, 4.45/40, 1.52/10, 12/ BP, 38/VJ, 10-10/BJ, 4.31/SS, and 7.20/3 cone. Jabara Williams was a four-year starter who can run sideline to sideline. He will be given the opportunity to compete as a weakside linebacker and could also be a core special teams contributor. On his pro day on 3/31/11 his numbers were: 6017, 228, 4.59/40, 1.49/10, 17/BP, 36.5/VJ, 9-10/BJ, 4.33/SS, and 7.09/3 cone. Jonathan Nelson must make an impression on special teams. A developmental player, his pro day numbers on 4/4/11 were: 5107, 198, 4.56/40, 1.51/10, 22/BP, 43/VJ, 11-4/BJ, 4.16/SS, and 6.91/ 3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
New San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke targeted Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the second round and found a willing partner in the Denver Broncos to trade their pick at 36 for the 49ers’ 45th, 108th, and 141st overall selections in the 2011 Draft. Kaepernick has all the raw tools for Head Coach Jim Harbaugh to develop him in the West Coast offense. In the first round, Baalke was looking for a pass rusher who could be disruptive from the outside linebacker position. The 49ers felt Aldon Smith had all the characteristics they were looking for to become a productive NFL pass rusher. He is a projection, but with most 3-4 NFL pass rushers, it is a learning process especially the ability to play in coverage. Aldon Smith has outstanding athletic ability and long arms for the outside linebacker position. He plays best when he is schemed free. He has played every position in a four-man front, looking for match-up weaknesses. Smith will need to develop more pass rush moves. He has experience dropping into coverage. An athletic and talented pass rusher, he flashes explosiveness but is just learning to play the game. Colin Kaepernick was a four-year starter who has been ultra productive with his arms and legs over his career. He has impressive mobility and deep ball accuracy. At the Combine he was clocked at 59 miles per hour, the best velocity of any of the quarterbacks. A good athlete, he can make all the throws. He has good pocket presence to move and slide away from pressure. Kaepernick is a hard working, self-motivated athlete who will work in and off season to develop into an NFL quarterback. He has good accuracy short, medium, and long. A safety with corner skills, Chris Culliver is athletic and speedy. He has good leaping ability and quick hands but has some hip tightness in transition. He will compete at the nickel corner spot for the 49ers. He has good size and frame but has an injury history. Kendall Hunter’s role may be as a third down back, replacing free agent Brian Westbrook. A compact productive runner, he played in a Pistol spread offense. A change up type runner, he explodes through the seams and gets to the second level quickly. He has good running skills that feature quick cutting ability and a third gear burst. Daniel Kilgore played left tackle at Appalachian State but projects as an offensive guard or center. He plays square with good awareness and looks up someone to hit on kickoff returns. He has good quickness off on the snap. A competitor, he has good body control, agility, and balance to sustain his blocks. Physical in his play, he is intense and focused. Ronald Johnson is a slot type hand catcher with good run after catch ability. He is slippery and will catch the ball in a crowd. Quick in and out of his breaks, he is a competitive receiver who will lay out for the ball. He has quick reactions and returns both punts and kickoffs. He averaged 14.2 yards per punt return. Colin Jones had a coming out senior season with 80 tackles and 11 ½ tackles for loss. An ascending player, he played strong safety in TCU’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme. A good athlete, he has rare speed. Jones will contribute on all special teams coverage units. He has had chronic hamstring problems. Bruce Miller was a two-time Conference USA defensive player of the year. The 49ers are going to give him a shot as a lead blocking fullback. He is another draft choice who will go 100 miles per hour on special teams. Mike Person was a four-year starter at Montana State. He projects to move from tackle inside to guard where he will compete with Chilo Rachal and Adam Snyder. Person plays square with good knee bend, good base, and smooth feet in pass protection. He is efficient as a run blocker. He works to finish his blocks. A good athlete, he has innate tools to play on Sunday. Curtis Holcomb was a four-year starter at Florida A&M. He will get a shot at corner and special teams. At his pro day on 3/16/11 his workout numbers were: 5103, 192, 4.51/40, 1.55/10, 18/BP, 33.5VJ, 10-0/BJ, 4.29/SS, and 7.01/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
The Bucs drafted more young talent to add to the pool collected in 2010. Last year Tampa Bay drafted two promising interior defensive linemen, Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. This year the edge guys, Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers, were drafted to complete the defensive front. The Bucs traded up 12 spots with Philadelphia to draft Luke Stocker, the second best complete tight end in the draft. General Manager Mark Dominik took an aggressive approach by trading their 2012 fourth round pick to move up and get Stocker. In 2010 the Bucs just missed the playoffs with 10 wins and fielded the youngest team in the league. Adrian Clayborn is a natural right end who is explosive, disciplined, and relentless in his play. He doesn’t stay blocked. Over the past few years he’s as good as any defensive lineman to disengage a block and make a play. He stays on his feet and plays with power and activity in his legs. He plays with leverage, is sudden to read and react after controlling the blocker, and has the lateral speed and quickness to string out and pursue to the sideline. He plays with urgency and intensity. Da’Quan Bowers is a left end candidate who led the country with 15 ½ sacks in 2010. A top ten talent, he dropped in the draft due to a knee injury. A three-year starter he has long arms, big hands, and is light on his feet. He demonstrates an explosive burst to the ball carrier after he sheds the block. A disruptive athlete, he can accelerate off of a block. He keeps his balance, has good agility, and body control. If his knee holds up he will be a productive ascending player. Mason Foster was productive as the country’s second leading tackler in 2010 with 163 stops. He also had 6 ½ sacks. Quincy Black and Barrett Ruud are free agents. Foster may get on the field sooner than later. Athletic with a very good motor and hustle, he is explosive on contact. He is a good downhill player who tracks well getting to the ball. Instinctive with good coverage ability, he also has the ability to play in space. He has solid tackling skills and is relentless in his play. In college he played in a 4-3 scheme. He will be a contributor on special teams coverage. Luke Stocker was a great value in the fourth round and should contribute early in two tight end formations. He has inline ability and can make blocks at the point of attack. At Tennessee he played in the classic tight end position and slot, but he also aligned as an H-back and fullback where he motions and blocks on the run. Athletic and competitive in his play, he is a big target in the passing game. He has good body control and cutting ability. Ahmad Black is a productive safety who will be hard to keep off the field. He will provide great competition in the back end of the defense and be an immediate contributor on special teams. Black is a hybrid athlete who can do several things because of his awareness and instincts. Competitive and poised, he plays with confidence and has high reaction football IQ. He makes plays by stripping the ball, playing through blockers on run support to make a tackle, and times his runs through on a blitz to be disruptive. Allen Bradford is a big back who will fit into the rotation with LeGarrette Blount. Bradford could be the combined steal and sleeper of the Bucs’ draft. A powerful back with good lower body strength, he is a downhill runner who is strong, fast, and explosive when he gets his hands on the ball. He can jump cut and burst through the hole. He has good contact balance. Patient on the outside zone, he lets the blocks set up. He runs with his chin over his toes and is a good blocker. Corner Anthony Gaitor was productive over his four-year college career. He has the speed and ball skills to be a solid developmental project. He has good instincts and quick feet and is physical for his size. Daniel Hardy caught 71 passes over the past two years. He’s been productive as a receiver and will provide competition with Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay for the third tight end position. He needs work on strength and bulk to block the edge. A developmental project, he has fringe measurables. GRADE: EXCELLENT
Player Team Years Accrued
General Manager Mike Reinfeldt, Head Coach Mike Munchak, and Vice President of Player Personnel Ruston Webster filled several needs, the first was quarterback. Jake Locker was the pick and with new offensive coordinator Chris Palmer on board, it looks like the Titans will play to his strengths. Palmer coached Mark Brunell at Jacksonville and had him throwing on the run with bootlegs and waggles. Akeem Ayers fits a Sam linebacker need with his size to set the edge in new defensive coordinator Jerry Gray’s defensive package. Jake Locker was a three-year starter who possesses all the tools and athletic ability to succeed on the next level. The former Washington Huskie is an ascending player who can throw from the pocket or on the move from a variety of deliveries. He has a classic compact release with experience in a pro style offense as well as the spread. His arm is strong enough to throw deep and all the sideline passes. He is particularly dangerous on play action, bootlegs, and waggle plays because of his movement skills. Locker has rare foot quickness to make plays on the move. He has good quarterback skills, poise, and leadership qualities. Akeem Ayers brings some needed size to the Titan linebacker corps. He can play up in a two point stance or down in a three point stance. He has the flexibility to turn the corner. He breaks up quickly on check downs and ball carriers in front of him. He has the functional speed and athletic ability to carry a tight end down the field. He needs more upper and lower body strength to take on the run at him. Jurrell Casey helps the Titans get more beef on the defensive line to stop the run. He plays the three technique position in the four man front. Productive, quick, and a high effort competitor, he doesn’t stay blocked. He gets his hands up in the rush lanes, has a quick first step, and is quick to shed to locate the ball. He comes off on the snap with a low pad level. An explosive hitter, he throws his body at the ball carrier. Colin McCarthy is a good athlete who averaged 10 tackles per game as a senior playing inside linebacker. Competitive and intense in his play, he is a top effort player with a high motor. He has quick initial read and react and does a nice job getting downhill to the ball. A smart player, he takes good angles to the ball and quality drops in coverage with good zone awareness. Jamie Harper has good hands and receiving skills for a big man. A zone stretch downhill runner, he is very versatile and a good fit for the Titans’ offense. He has good vision and cutting ability. Harper breaks tackles with his size and balance. He has good lateral and foot quickness for a man his size. He is a developing size and speed prospect who will back up a feature back. Karl Klug played defensive tackle at Iowa, but projects to go outside at defensive end. He fights to hold his ground in the run game. He plays with leverage and a low pad level. A relentless, hell bent for leather player, he is quick and has strong hands. When he gets on the field his intent is to be disruptive. He hustles to the perimeter to make a play and gets his hands up in the throwing lane. Byron Stingily is a developmental tackle who is athletic and a solid pass protector. He bends his knees and moves his feet. He keeps a good base and stance, has adequate use of hands at this level, but will need to upgrade to play on Sunday. A possible four-for-one player, he could play either tackle or either guard. A junior college transfer, he needs work on his total game. Zach Clayton will play the nose tackle position for defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, his coach at Auburn who is now with the Titans. Clayton played in 40 games in college. He is a high motor, extra effort, overachiever who has an explosive first step when slanting and angling. Tough, smart, and aggressive in his play, he was an outstanding discus thrower in high school and college. Tommy Campbell transferred to California (PA) from Edinboro (PA) where he played in 2007. He had previously played at Pittsburgh in 2005-06. He ran his 40 at the Valero Cactus Bowl, the Division II all-star game in Texas. A raw, over-aged corner/safety, he is a developmental player. On his pro day on 3/16/11 his numbers were: 6027, 203, 4.38/40, 34/VJ, 10-3/BJ, 4.25/SS, and 7.09/3 cone. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
The Redskins went from eight original picks in the 2011 Draft to thirteen with a variety of trades. Washington traded back with Jacksonville and picked up a 2nd round selection. With the 16th pick in the first round, the Skins added elite pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan whose urgent and intense play will help Brian Orakpo at the right outside linebacker position. Washington turned their 1st round pick at ten into a 1st, 3rd, 4th, two 5th, and a 7th round pick. In short, Mike Shanahan picked up five additional picks by moving down six positions in the first round. The 13 picks are one more than they had in the past two drafts combined. Ryan Kerrigan played a right defensive end in a four man front. He projects to the left side as a stand up outside linebacker for the Redskins. He can’t be blocked with a tight end. He is instinctive, quick to read and react to pressure then get to the ball, and is in the right place at the right time. He can bend his course to the depth of the quarterback. He shows good use of arms, hands, and leverage at the point of attack. Kerrigan has sudden first step quickness and uses a variety of pass rush moves including rip, spin, and slap and grab. Even if he doesn’t get the sack he is still disruptive. In the past two years, Kerrigan racked up 25 ½ sacks, 44 ½ tackles for loss, and 12 forced fumbles. Jarvis Jenkins projects to the right five technique defensive end spot. Kedric Golston started at right end in 2010 and is a free agent. A three-year starter, Jenkins is active and a try hard player who will finish pursuit. He has quick first step, gets his hands up and in the throwing lane, and is physical against the run if he keeps his pad level down. He works his hands and feet to press the pocket and rush the quarterback. Quick to disengage and separate from the blocker, he still needs more upper body strength. Leonard Hankerson was a two-year starter with big hands and long arms. He will compete for a starting wide receiver spot. A good sized target with deep speed, he is a competitor who will catch the ball in a crowd. He can make the vertical over the shoulder catch, tracking the ball in his hands. He can beat press coverage with quickness and speed. Roy Helu is a downhill one cut speedster that Shanahan is famous for developing. He has the finish speed to break long runs and has outstanding athletic ability. He gets downhill in a hurry and can follow his blockers on the inside zone or zone stretch play. He drives his legs on contact for extra yards. DeJon Gomes will compete as a cover two corner and safety. Experienced at the nickel and dime positions, he was productive with 99 tackles and seven pass breakups. He played a gunner on the punt team. Niles Paul averaged 19.9 yards on 40 catches in 2009. The big play receiver snatched nine catches for 35 yards or longer. On special teams he averaged 27.9 yards per kickoff return and 10.7 on punt returns. He performs like a running back after catch and has good running instincts. He is tough and willing to go over the middle to catch the square-in pattern in traffic. Evan Royster is a downhill one cut back. Not flashy, but he has been productive rushing for 3932 yards in his career. A ball control runner with good vision and cutting ability, he follows and cuts off his blockers. A tackle to tackle runner, he will lower his shoulder to get extra yards. Aldrick Robinson is a developmental wide receiver who is undersized but fast. He knows how to get open and read defenses on the run. He has reliable hands, but ball security may be a problem due to his small hands and short arms. He will catch the ball in traffic. Over his career he caught 181 passes for 3314 yards, 18.3 yards per catch, and 30 touchdowns. Corner Brandyn Thompson is a reactive football player who takes good angles on run support. He has good instincts and play awareness. A consistent hard wrap up tackler, he will contribute on special teams which will be his ticket to get on the field because of his fringe size. He was the 2009 defensive MVP in the Fiesta Bowl. Maurice Hurt has experience at both guard and tackle. In 2010 he started six games at right guard, four at right tackle, and one at left guard. He has an injury history with knee and neck problems. He is a developmental long armed and wide bodied project. Markus White played defensive end and projects to outside linebacker. A high effort player with long arms and big hands for the position, the two year starter has good initial quickness. He plays the best in a predetermined stunt scheme. His instincts are off. White plays high and struggles versus the run. He is a former junior college transfer. Chris Neild is a blue collar nose tackle who sheds quickly and hustles to the ball. He stacks the block in the hole. He can read blocks and has the footwork and feet to get leverage. Explosive with quick reactions, he has good instincts and awareness for draws and screens and is always around the ball. GRADE: AVERAGE
Outside linebackers
SAFETIES 
Quarterbacks 
Running backs 
Fullbacks 
Wide receivers 
Tight ends
Centers 
Defensive Tackles
Inside linebackers 
Cornerbacks 
Notable Undrafted Free Agent:
Notable Undrafted Free Agent:
ning, Ohio State 6040 319 5.20
Notable Undrafted Free Agents:
Andrew Rich, BYU 6026 220 4.64
Notable Undrafted Free Agents:
Jeron Johnson, Boise State 5102 210 4.53
Ricardo Lockette, Fort Valley State 6021 211 4.37 
Ugo Chinasa, Oklahoma State 6047 264 4.71
Darvin Adams, Auburn 6021 190 4.56 