Risers

Leonard Hankerson WR Miami Coming into the season, very few draft analysts had Hankerson rated highly; the folks at National Scouting gave the Miami wideout a 5th to 7th round grade. However, Hankerson’s quieted many of his critics with a strong start to the 2010 season, including a 147 yard, 3 touchdown performance against Clemson. Though he lacks elite speed, Hankerson has enough quicks to separate from defensive backs and out-muscle them to the ball. Both qualities showed up in the Clemson game, but it was his ability to make the tough grab in traffic that was the most important part of his day. On his last TD reception, Hankerson plucked the ball away from his body, then took a hit without coughing up the pigskin. Hankerson’s been drop-prone in the past, so it’s important that he prove to scouts that he’ll be a reliable receiver at the Keep Reading…

Risers

Nate Irving LB NC State On Saturday, Irving proved to any remaining doubters that he’s fully recovered from the car accident that took away his ‘09 season. The explosive linebacker delivered an epic performance, notching 16 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and two sacks. Irving made an impact even when he wasn’t polishing his stat line, quickly moving downhill to disrupt Georgia Tech’s option attack. On a few plays, Irving did overpursue and take poor angles, but those plays could soon disappear. At his point, Irving looks like a guy getting used to driving a faster car; once he gets used to going full speed, he should he able to play under control and be the consistent impact player he was back in ‘08. Cameron Jordan DE Cal Last year, Jordan had a very productive season (8 sacks, 9.5 TFL), but teammate Tyson Alualu received most of the glory, as Keep Reading…

Risers

Brooks Reed DE Arizona In a very good display of his pass rush ability, Reed had highly-touted sophomore tackle Riley Reiff back on his heels all night. The Arizona defensive end generated good push on contact while also showcasing his speed off the edge, beating Reiff around the corner for a very nice sack. A former fullback, Reed plays with a lot of ferocity and a tremendous motor, as was seen on Iowa’s final drive. When an Iowa back tried to meet him head-on in blitz pickup, Reed plowed his way through the poor RB and notched his second sack of the game. At a shade below 6’3” and 255 lbs., Reed doesn’t possess great size, nor is he a special athlete. However, his ever-churning motor and good speed off the edge should appeal to many teams, especially one that run a 3-4 defense. Because of his Keep Reading…

The college football and professional football seasons are in full swing. What a better way to celebrate than with a new mock draft? While there were certainly some surprising wins and losses during the week one games, the season is still young. Aaron Aloysius takes you through the second installment of our “Way too early” mock draft series.

1. Buffalo Bills Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford*

If the Bills are picking #1 overall, the Captain Checkdown project will have reached a calamitous end. The team may flirt with drafting an elite receiver (AJ Green) or pass rusher (Robert Quinn), but — like in the last two drafts — the first pick ultimately will be used on a franchise QB. The two most likely candidates are Jake Locker and Andrew Luck. While Locker more closely resembles the type of athletic QB Chan Gailey prefers, questions about Keep Reading…

Anthony Castonzo

Position: OT School: Boston College Height: 6’7" Weight: 308 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 5.20 All-Star Game: — Team Captain: — Overall Grade: -.– Draft Projection: —

Non-position specific categories

Category Max. Value Grade Height/Weight 6 – Speed 8 – Quickness/Agility 10 – Strength/Explosion 10 – Athletic Ability 8 – Durability 8 – Character 6 – Production/Experience 6 – Toughness 8 – Potential 10 –

Offensive Lineman Specific Categories Category Max. Value Grade Pass Blocking 10 – Run Blocking 10 – Awareness 8 – Hand Placement 6 – Pulling/Trapping/Second Level 6 – Footwork 8 – Leverage 8 –

Explanation of Player Grading System

The Breakdown

Anthony Castonzo is a three-year starter who began his college career as a 260-pound right tackle. Since then, the long-limbed offensive lineman has packed on close to forty pounds and has successfully made the Keep Reading…