Summary

Griffin is a redshirt junior quarterback. He has started for Baylor since his true freshman season (winning the Big-12 Conference Freshman of the Year Award), and accrued his redshirt after tearing an ACL early in his sophomore campaign. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner is accredited with bringing the Baylor program into the national spotlight, culminating in a 10-3 record this season. Griffin is a dangerous quarterback – capable of blowing the top of the defense with uncanny deep ball accuracy. He’s a fantastic athlete with a slight frame that has not been completely filled out. Has taken huge steps forward each year in his development, even when recovering from injury. He projects to be a top 5 pick.

Mechanics/Release

Fast, ¾ release that doesn’t quite come completely over-the-top. Combined with his height, batted balls could be a concern in the NFL – although it hasn’t been a notable problem thus far in his career. Plays in a read option offense out of the shotgun, which calls for unconventional footwork. However, Baylor calls a handful of plays per game with Griffin under center – they especially love throwing play action passes out of these sets. Griffin displays good fundamentals on these plays – turning his back to the defense and showing them the ball to sell the run action. He has a fluid crossover on his dropback and gains proper depth on the first step. His plant and gather is robotic, however – he doesn’t drive off his back foot at the top of his drop – he’ll simply extend it and pull it back up. The positioning of his feet is correct, but there is no weight transfer, affecting arm strength.

Mobility

Very good speed and is a dangerous thrower when rolling out to his right. Capable of throwing with velocity and accuracy when rolling right even when he doesn’t have his feet set or his hips turned to the target. Has more straight line speed than elusiveness – not particularly slippery as a runner. Faced a ton of zone coverage in college with 22 eyes focused on him and, thus, didn’t have a ton of huge open-field runs escaping vertically against the defense. Can be prone to fumbling when he scrambles.

Arm Strength

Very good arm strength, but not elite. Showed the ability to make throws to the wide side from the far hash in college. Potential for his arm to get stronger in the NFL as he gets bigger and stronger, develops more core strength, and learns to properly drive and transfer his weight on throws.

Accuracy

Deep ball accuracy is superb. As stated, he doesn’t have the strongest arm, but has Philip Rivers-type ball placement on deep routes. Despite not having elite arm strength, receivers rarely have to slow up and wait on his deep ball – he consistently hits the WR in stride. Trusts his WRs and throws the 50/50 ball often and accurately – giving his WRs a chance to climb the ladder and make plays over DBs. Has a tendency to throw behind his target on timing routes to the outside and throws over the middle. Wasn’t challenged by a ton of man coverage – however Oklahoma ran predominantly man against Baylor this season and he responded with some stick throws into tight windows – both deep and over the middle.

Decision Making and Intangibles

Can play very hurried and frenetic at times, and his pocket presence is average at best. Doesn’t feel blindside pressure well, and takes a lot of hits and sacks and is prone to giving up fumbles because of backside pressure. Can be indecisive in deciding whether to scramble or find someone downfield.

However, he’s a very tough player who will make an attempt to keep his eye level downfield and stare down the gun-barrel even after getting hit a lot early in the game (see Oklahoma). Still inconsistent as an anticipation thrower, but he displays the willingness and ability to make stick throws over the middle of the field. Willingness and ability to attack deep forces defenses to cover 100 x 53.

Additional Information

Excels at track – broke many state HS track records and is the holder of the NCAA Midwest Regional 400-meter hurdles record. Participated and advanced to the semi-finals for Olympic tryouts.

Production/Experience

2008: 12 games, 160-267, 60%, 2091 yards, 7.8 YPA, 15 TDs, 3 INTs; 173 rushes, 843 yards, 13 TDs, 4.9 YPC
2009: 3 games, 45-69, 65.2%, 481 yards, 7.0 YPA, 4 TDs, 0 INTs; 27 rushes, 77 yards, 2 TDs, 2.9 YPC
2010: 13 games, 305-454, 67%, 3501 yards, 7.7 YPA, 22 TDs, 8 INTs; 139 rushes, 635 yards, 8 TDs, 4.3 YPC
2011: 13 games, 291-402, 72%, 4293 yards, 10.7 YPA, 37 TDs, 6 INTs; 179 rushes, 699 yards, 3.9 YPC, 10 TDs

Academics

Graduated with a 3.67 GPA in political science. Has considered entering law school.

Awards and Honors

2011: Heisman Trophy winner, 2011 Davey O’Brien Award winner
2010: Semifinalist for Maxwell Award, Semifinalist for Walter Campbell Player of the Year, 2010 Baylor’s Kyle Woods Inspirational Leader
2008: Sporting News and Rivals.com freshman first team All-American, Big 12 gold medalist (400m hurdles), Track & Field All-American (400m hurdles), Baylor Offensive MVP

Prospect Video Clips

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Summary

Jonathan Martin is an excellent, experienced all-around left tackle who has been tasked with protecting Andrew Luck’s blindside, as well as the hopes of many moribund NFL franchises, for the past three seasons. While perhaps not quite the athlete of top-10 pick Matt Kalil, Martin is above-average physically and looks completely natural and comfortable playing left tackle. While I hate to use the term “finesse” for any offensive lineman, Martin’s game is more about agility, technique, and quickness than power. If he decides to declare, Martin should hear his name called in the top-20 picks of the NFL Draft.

Pass Blocking

Martin is solid in pass pro, using excellent anticipation and quickness off the snap to gain advantages on
the defender. He does a great job keeping his feet moving and maintains balance while engaged with a
defender. There are times when his initial drop-step is too shallow, and therefore he doesn’t get enough
depth when trying to ride an edge rusher around the pocket. Martin has a solid but not overpowering punch.
He possesses adequate anchor strength but has to fight to keep stronger bull rushers at bay.

Run Blocking

Martin is a good run blocker who uses excellent agility to beat defenders to the point of attack and wall off
their attempts at getting to the ball carrier. He is a natural bender who, for the most part, keeps his pad
level low and maintains leverage advantages. He plays with a bit of a nasty streak and sustains his blocks
throughout the action. Martin does a good job chipping an initial defender, then locating his second read and attacking. He seals the edge very well, even moving outside the right tackle on occasion when plays are called
to that side.

Awareness

Martin is an intelligent player who recognizes blitzes early and seems to understand his assignments in both pass protection and in the run game. He locates critical defenders well, and understands when to shed his current block and attack someone else.

Hand Placement

Martin does a good job of fighting for hand position, but needs to improve strength in this area. When engaged with a stronger defender, he can struggle to both shed the defender when needed and keep his hands in an advantageous position. He has an adequate initial punch and does a good job keeping his arms extended and engaged in pass protection. Martin uses his hand rather than catching defenders with his body.

Mobility

Martin is an above-average athlete with nice agility but only average foot speed to get down the field. While
not asked to pull a ton, when he does he is nimble and can get around the edge with ease. He does not
necessarily excel as a second level blocker, although the effort is always there. Martin has quick feet and is
lightning quick off the snap, one of his best qualities.

Footwork

Overall, Martin has good footwork, but at times his steps can get too choppy in pass protection and his
drop-step too shallow. When engaged in run blocking, he keeps his legs churning and can effectively ride his
defender out of the play. He is light on his feet and keeps a nice wide base with good balance.

Additional Information

Martin graduated from Harvard-Westlake School in North Hollywood, Calif., and was only ranked as the No. 44 offensive tackle nationally by Rivals.com as well as the No. 52 overall player in California. SuperPrep ranked him No. 95 among California/Hawaii/Nevada prospects.

Production/Experience

2011: Has played and started in all 12 games.
2010: Played and started in all 13 games.
2009: Played in all 13 games with 11 starts at LT.

Academics

Majoring in classics.

Awards & Honors

2011: Playboy Preseason All-American First Team; named to the Rotary Lombardi Award preseason watch list.
2010: All-Pac-10 First Team
2009: All-Pac-10 honorable mention; Second Team Freshman All-American by College Football News.

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Summary

Luck is a redshirt junior and has been the starting quarterback for Stanford since his redshirt freshman season. One of the highest touted quarterback prospects in recent years, he would likely have gone #1 overall had he declared after last season and is a virtual lock to be the first off the board this year. A true field general, he has full command of his offense and has been praised by his head coach as essentially being an offensive coordinator on the field. A big, rugged, powerful player with nimble feet and elite instincts for the position. Has the potential to be the foundation of a team’s offense in the NFL.

Mechanics/Release

Luck has a compact, over-the-top release. Does a good job of “crushing pebbles” with his feet while he stands in the pocket scanning the field. Mechanically, he’s very sound, although he does get inconsistent from time to time with his footwork. Will occasionally get in the habit of kickstepping instead of crossing over on his straight dropbacks, and has a strange gather step out of shotgun. Major tendency to raise his back foot upon release – this has more of an effect on his velocity and ball placement than anything.

Mobility

Strong, rugged, and tough runner. Excellent footwork in the play-action game, and can run bootleg effectively to the left and right. Has the awareness to scramble vertically when he recognizes man coverage and horizontally to stretch the defense when they’re in zone. Stanford uses his mobility as the foundation of their play-action passing game.

Arm Strength

Doesn’t have a howitzer but can make all the throws. Shows the ability to crease the ball into tight windows against man coverage, as well as the ability to throw receivers open. Throws with above-average velocity on the run. Poor weight transfer at times results in too many all-arm throws where he loses RPMs on the ball. Displays a good overall understanding of when to crease a throw or when to put touch on the ball.

Decision Making and Intangibles

Two things really stick out with Luck, and they’re what make him such an elite and unique prospect. The first is that he displays an innate feel for pressure in the pocket. He can feel where it’s coming from and make subtle moves in a muddied pocket to buy himself the time for a receiver to get open – all while keeping his eye level downfield.

The second thing is that he’s one of the rare college quarterbacks that’s been taught to make decisions based off of reading coverages, as opposed to going through a pre-determined receiver progression. He also understands how to manipulate the second and third level defenders with his eyes and feet to open up throwing lanes downfield. Will stare down the gun-barrel to make throws under pressure, although he showed some flinching in the pocket and anticipation of pressure against Oregon this year.

The only real complaint I have with him is that he needs to learn that it’s okay to live to see another down. He’ll take a sack or throw blind into coverage on occasion, instead of just throwing it away.

Additional Information

Co-valedictorian of his high school class. Owns virtually every Stanford career passing record, as well as Pac-10 record for highest single-season completion percentage (70.7%, 2010).

Production/Experience

2009: 12 games, 162-288, 56.3%, 2575 yards, 8.9 YPA, 13 TDs, 4 INTs; 61 rushes, 354 yards, 5.4 YPC, 2 TDs
2010: 13 games, 263-372, 70.7%, 3338 yards, 9.0 YPA, 32 TDs, 8 INTs; 55 rushes, 453 yards, 8.2 YPC, 3 TDs
2011 (1 game remaining): 12 games, 70.0%, 3170 yards, 35 TDs, 9 INTs; 43 rushes, 153 yards, 3.6 YPC, 2 TDs

Academics

Majoring in architectural design and engineering.

Awards and Honors

2011: Maxwell Award, 2011 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, 2011 First Team All America (AFCA, Walter Camp), Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All Pac 12, First Team Pac-12 All-Academic Team, Academic All-American of the Year(CoSIDA)
2010: Heisman Trophy Runner-up, Second Team All America, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All Pac-10, Second Team Pac-10 All-Academic Team, Orange Bowl MVP
2009: Freshman All-America, Honorable Mention All Pac-10, First Team Pac-10 All-Academic Team

Prospect Video Clips

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Summary

DeCastro is a smart, technically sound guard who has been an integral part of Stanford’s dominant power rushing attack for three years. While not overly impressive physically, DeCastro beats his opponents consistently by being fundamentally sound, consistent with effort, and taking advantage of his natural flexibility to gain leverage advantages. He is a master at pulling and trapping, and opens holes in the running game with a seek-and-destroy attitude. One of the top guards I have watched on tape, DeCastro is worthy of top-15 consideration in the 2012 draft.
 

Pass Blocking

DeCastro is solid in pass protection, helping keep all-world QB Andrew Luck safe for the past three years. While possessing only average anchor strength, DeCastro fights for leverage with his hands and stay under the pads of his opponent consistently well. He keeps his arms extended in pass protection and does a good job keeping his feet moving and maintaining balance. Larger defenders may give him trouble on the inside at the next level. DeCastro is listed at 310 lbs. but is very lean looking and has the frame to add some weight in the NFL.

Run Blocking

DeCastro’s main area of excellence is run blocking. He easily walls off defenders in the run game, and never seems to get beat at the point of attack. He uses quick feet to pull and is as good at locating defenders at the second level as I’ve seen. DeCastro may not be a dominant drive blocker (which may come with some added bulk) but he keeps his legs churning with good effort and has the ability to move defenders off the ball. He plays RG at Stanford mainly because of the power rushing attack they use, which has him pulling on seemingly every run play. DeCastro can easily transition to LG in the NFL.

Awareness

DeCastro is an intelligent player and understand his assignments very well. He never seems to be fooled by blitzes in the pass game, and does an excellent job leaving a double-team to pick up an incoming defender. In the run game, he locates defenders extremely well and is seemingly always in the correct position.

Hand Placement

DeCastro does a good job keeping his arms extended and his hands engaged in pass protection, but he does not possess an elite initial punch and he does not usually win battles with his hands. While it may be nitpicking a bit on a player of DeCastro’s caliber, this is an area where he can improve and should be coached up on in the NFL where defenders can be violent with their hands.

Mobility

DeCastro does not possess elite athleticism or foot speed but has enough mobility to easily get to the second level, often even using a quick swim move to get around the tackle on screen plays. His ability to be a pulling guard is one of his best assets and he looks comfortable working in space. He does have nice natural flexibility that allows his to stay low and win leverage battles time after time.

Footwork

DeCastro is very light on his feet and does a beautiful job of using short, choppy steps when pulling/trapping to maintain good balance and leverage. He never stops moving his feet when engaged with a defender and maintain a proper shoulder-width base in pass protection. DeCastro is technically very sound.

Additional Information

Threw shot put in high school and was the Washington State 3A champion in 2008 with a throw of 59’3”.

Production/Experience

2011: Has played and started in all 12 games
2010: Played and started in all 13 games
2009: Played and started in all 13 games

Academics

Majoring in management, science, and engineering

Awards & Honors

2011: Phil Steele preseason All-American, Outland Trophy finalist
2010: All-Pac-10 First Team
2009: All-Pac-10 honorable mention

Prospect Video Clips

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Summary

Despite starting four years at left tackle, Ijalana is viewed as a project along the offensive line. Ijalana will likely be drafted to play either right tackle or guard, and will find his success as a road grading lineman regardless of which position he plays. His strength and run blocking abilities make him one of the draft’s best power linemen. Despite not projecting to left tackle, Ijalana could be drafted as early as the 2nd round. The former Wildcat would was unable to participate, and possibly raise his stock, in both the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine due to a hernia. If he is able to improve on a few technical flaws, Ijalana could become a dominant player along the interior line, or a very good right tackle.

Pass Blocking

Ijalana is fast in getting out of his stance and shuffling into protection. With 36” arms, he is able to keep defenders at a distance. Despite being relatively quick, Ijalana has a tendency to move backwards and collapse the pocket instead of forcing the rusher around the edge. He also tends to play too high, limiting his leverage and ability to fend the power rush. While he isn’t slow, Ijalana displays poor footwork and quick defensive ends are often able to take advantage of him off the edge.

Run Blocking

Ijalana uses his superb strength to physical dominate defensive players. He explodes off the line of scrimmage and packs a powerful punch into the chest of the defender. His long arms are helpful as he pushes the defender away. His mean streak is evident as he pushes through blocks until the play is over. He does a good job of getting to the second level and finding a defender to eliminate. While he isn’t terrible in space, he isn’t overly quick and occasionally misses his man. His pad level is a minor issue as he sometimes fails to play as low as he should, but he is strong enough to make up for the loss of leverage and power through his blocks.

Awareness

Despite his experience, Ijalana doesn’t appear to have mastered blocking schemes and may struggle with more complicated blitzes in the NFL. His difficulty in recognizing stunts and other complex defenses occasionally causes him get taken advantage of in pass protection. Ijalana does, however, do a good job in sticking with his assignment in the run game. He also seems to recognize the correct man to block when moving in the open field.

Hand Placement

Technique is the main area where Ijalana really struggles and needs to improve. He tends to let his hands run too far outside and, in the process, lose leverage. Though he does possess an extremely powerful and quick punch, his hand placement is not up to par with most offensive tackles. If Ijalana can improve his technique, he could be come a truly dominant force, especially in the run game.

Mobility

Ijalana possesses the athleticism and quickness to be decent in the second level, but his footwork is holding him back. His change of direction ability is good for a player of his size, and he does a good job adjusting to defenders. He probably isn’t the best fit for a zone blocking scheme that requires him to pull and consistently play in space, but in a power scheme he could be above average.

Footwork

IJalana’s biggest problem is his sidestep in pass protection. Instead of shuffling to the side in order to drive the rusher to the outside, Ijalana takes a step back, allowing the rusher to collapse the pocket. In the run game, he needs to take shorter steps that would help him remain balanced and finish the play in the second level. He does, however, do a great job of shuffling his feet and powering through a block when engaged in the run game.

Additional Information

Ijalana is a very tough player who ignored injuries and started in 53 games during his career. Due to his inability to perform at the Senior Bowl, Ijalana faces questions about the competition he faced and his ability to fend off speed rushers. In the NFL, he may need to get in better shape as he carries some extra bulk around his midsection. During his time at Villanova, he helped the team to 40 wins and three consecutive playoff appearances during that time. A two time FCS All-American, Ijalana was the only FCS player to be on the Outland Trophy Watch List.

Production/Experience

2010: Started in 14 games.
2009: Started in 15 games.
2008: Started in 13 games.
2007: Started in 11 games.

Academics

Ijalana is a Criminal Justice major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Consensus First Team FCS All-American, Fist Team All-CAA
2009: Consensus Fist Team FCS All-American, First Team All-CAA
2008: First Team All-CAA

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Summary

Leonard Hankerson finally lived up to his potential as a senior after being a highly touted recruit out of high school. With an excellent size/speed ratio, Hankerson began his ascent on draft boards after a fairly dominating Senior Bowl week, culminating with 5 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in the game. He possesses great leaping ability and the ability to make the amazing catch. A hard worker, Hankerson has worked diligently to improve his game and has gotten better every single year. NFL teams will love his make-up as he is a high character and mature player who was voted a team captain in 2010. He should be drafted somewhere in the second round and may prove to be one of the more consistent wide receivers in this class.

Route Running/Separation

Hankerson has nice long arms that he uses to create separation against press coverage. He is an inconsistent route runner, but definitely has improved over time. He struggles to get his hips low and explode out of cuts. Hankerson takes time to build up to top speed and is not overly explosive off the snap. He creates separation by being a smart football player and setting up his breaks well. He also has great top-end speed and defenders have to respect his ability to get deep. Hankerson has good lateral agility but just marginal strength. He plays with a great motor and doesn’t cut routes off early. He is a bit of a long-strider. Hankerson creates his best separation on seam routes and drag routes.

Hands

Hankerson has huge hands (10 5/8”) but has struggled with inconsistency catching the ball his whole career. He improved greatly as a senior, so the feeling is he should continue to improve at the next level. When he is struggling, he has the tendency to let the ball get into his body instead of catching it with his hands, and sometimes looks to make a move before the ball has arrived. He has a nice big wingspan which gives him a large catching radius. Hankerson makes a ton of one-handed catches.

After the Catch

Hankerson has good top-end speed and has the ability to run away from defenders. He is not overly evasive or sudden after making a catch, and won’t make defenders miss with sheer quickness. He improved his toughness over time and is willing to try and run through arm tackles. He displays good vision and finds opening in the defense to run to.

Athleticism/Body Control

Hankerson displays great athleticism and body control, especially when leaping high in the air to make a tough catch. He displays good balance and has the ability to shield defenders from the ball. He adjusts well to poorly thrown balls and also improvises well when a play breaks down.

Blocking

Hankerson is a finesse blocker and only displays marginal strength. He is willing to block however, which teams will like, he just needs to get stronger and improve on his technique. He lets the defender get into his body instead of attacking and doesn’t display the type of aggressiveness teams ultimately like to see.

Additional Information

In high school, Hankerson also played basketball and ran track. His high school wide receivers coach happened to be former NFL wide receiver, and 8-time Pro Bowler, Cris Carter, and Hankerson also enlisted the help of former Miami Dolphins star Mark Duper to help him improve his route running.

Production/Experience

2010: Played in 13 games with 11 starts.
2009: Played in 13 games with 12 starts.
2008: Played in 8 games with 2 starts.
2007: Played in 7 games with 2 starts.

Academics

Hankerson is a sports administration major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Named SI.com All-American honorable mention, All-ACC First-Team, won the Jack Harding Award as the Miami team MVP, won the College Football Performance Awards Elite Wide Receiver Trophy.

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Summary

A high-upside prospect with impressive physical tools, Christian Ballard appears to have only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Because he was given the task at Iowa of oscillating between defensive end and tackle, he was never able to master either position. However, he showed plenty of explosiveness lining up at both spots. As a result, the team that drafts Ballard will have to decide how they want to mold the still-developing defensive lineman: he could continue to drop weight and become an effective three down 4-3 base end, bulk up and turn into a super-quick three technique, or improve his strength in order to becomes a solid 3-4 defensive end. Alternatively, a team could decide to play him at multiple spots, but he may be better off being allowed to refine his play at one position. If he does so, Ballard’s near elite athleticism will make him a very good pro.

Run Stopping

Ballard’s explosiveness helps make him an effective (but not elite) run defender. He shows a tremendous burst crashing down the line and makes plenty of plays in pursuit. At times, he’ll struggle to disengage from blocks, but his athleticism and lateral quickness help compensate for only average hands; even if he can’t rag-doll an offensive lineman on his way to blowing up a running back, he can get clean in time to lunge and drag down the ball-carrier.
To become a better run defender, Ballard need to learn to keep his pad level lower. Too often the Iowa defensive lineman stands straight up off the snap, thereby losing the leverage battle. The issue shows up noticeably in his inconsistency taking on double teams; when he plays too high, he’s easily washed out of the play and sometimes put on the turf.
Additionally, Ballard tends to tackle high, which has had some particularly negative consequences. On a crucial third down late in the Northwestern game, Ballard was in position to bring down quarterback Dan Persa short of the sticks, but he went in too high, allowing Persa to slip the tackle and make it past the first down marker. His position coach will have to correct what appears to be more of a poor habit than an athletic limitation.

Pass Rushing

With his explosion off the ball, Ballard can deliver a good initial jolt, but he lacks the strength to bull-rush guards or tackles into the backfield. Instead, he’s most effective when he uses his quickness to beat interior linemen. He possesses a good swim move, which he uses rather well to get upfield. On tape, Ballard doesn’t display the ability to consistently threaten the edge as a defensive end. Only occasionally does he flash the ability to dip his shoulder and beat offensive tackles around the corner. Ironically, Ballard injured himself in the Ohio State game when he fired off the ball and got to Terrelle Pryor with an impressive outside speed rush.
While Ballard doesn’t look like a credible outside speed guy on tape, he surprisingly showcased the ability to win around the edge at the Senior Bowl practices. The bizarre contradiction could be related of Ballard’s playing weight: at his Junior pro day, Ballard weighed 298 lbs., but he was down to 288 when he arrived in Mobile. He dropped another five pounds before his impressive Combine and could slim down even more if he’s drafted to play base end in a 4-3. With that, a team may bet on Ballard turning into a better outside rusher, though his senior tape militates against that possibility. Whether at end or tackle, Ballard needs to do a better job of using his decent length (33 1/2” arms) to disrupt passing lanes. In part because of his struggles to disengage, he doesn’t get his hands up in time to get his mitts on the ball. For that reason, Ballard only batted down three passes during his time at Iowa.

Awareness

Ballard generally plays with good awareness. He quickly spots the ball and doesn’t take himself out of plays by exploding upfield when the action’s headed elsewhere. However, he sometimes struggles when forced to adjust to unanticipated barriers between him and the ball-carrier, most notably double teams against the run and cut blocks in the passing game. When executing stunts, he doesn’t always prepare himself to absorb an offensive lineman’s punch, leading to him getting knocked backward, sometimes even put on his backside.

Hand Placement

Ballard needs to do a better job of quickly shooting his hands and getting inside placement. He’ll struggle to disengage because he’s failed to do so. He relies upon a very effective swim move but will need to expand his pass rush repertoire. Too often he ends up wrestling with offensive linemen instead of getting clean and taking down the quarterback. He clearly needs some work, but a team actually could see that as a positive: he’s only begun to tap into his potential as a pass rusher.

Additional Information

A very durable player, Ballard hasn’t missed a game since 2007. Though he’s never had the opportunity to truly master one position, he’s managed to be effective lining up at both end and tackle. NFL teams long have been aware of his athletic potential: the big man ran a 4.85 40 at his Junior Pro Day while weighing 298 lbs. He shows more hustle than the typical defensive lineman and should work hard to hone his craft at the next level. It was also recently reported that Ballard flunked a drug test at the NFL Combine, which could potentially lower his stock on draft day.

Production/Experience

2010: 42 tackles, 23 solo, 19 assisted, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF, 0 INT, 0 TD
2009: 54 tackles, 18 solo, 36 assisted, 5.5 sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT, 0 TD
2008: 41 tackles, 14 solo, 27 assisted, 1.0 sacks, 1 FF, 0 INT, 0 TD
2007: 15 tackles, 5 solo, 10 assisted, 2.5 sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT, 0 TD

Academics

An Art major, expected to graduate this spring.

Awards & Honors

2010: Honorable mention All-Big Ten (coaches); Iowa Coaches Appreciation Award, Defense
2009: Honorable mention All-Big Ten (coaches); Third team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)

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Summary

Clint Boling is an experienced 4year starter who has the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line. He has made 49 career starts at Georgia, including 20 at left tackle, 11 at right tackle, and 18 at right guard. In the NFL he will most likely be a full-time guard, but that type of versatility makes him an attractive commodity. Boling has an outstanding work ethic, and is well respected by teammates who named him an offensive captain for the 2010 season. He also won the team’s Leon Farmer Award for dedication to the strength and conditioning program. He is a well-rounded player who has great technique and good functional strength. Boling should be drafted somewhere in round two, and don’t be shocked if it’s towards the beginning of the round.

Pass Blocking

Boling is a solid pass protector who displays good technique and strong hands. He extends his arms well and uses his strength to control and steer defenders. He has a strong anchor and doesn’t give of ground when faced with power rushers. He displays great instincts in knowing when to pass off blocks and anticipating stunts and blitzes. Boling has an extremely high football IQ. He struggles with top-end speed when he is playing tackle, and even had a tough time with the ultra-quick Nick Fairley on the inside. He tends to play a bit too high and is a poor knee bender. Boling is just an average athlete and has a relatively high center of gravity.

Run Blocking

Overall, Boling is a better run blocker than a pass blocker. He is light on his feet and he can pull and trap with great effectiveness. He really gets to the second level well, and can locate defenders in space. He also plays with a bit of a mean streak, which NFL teams will love. He has a strong lower body and is an effective drive blocker. He is not overpowering, however, and he has the tendency to catch defenders instead of being the aggressor. Boling does a great job of sealing off rushing lanes, and once he locks on a defender he does not let go.

Awareness

Boling is a smart, heady player with a really high football IQ. He is not easily fooled and does a great job anticipating stunts and blitzes. What he lacks as an athlete, he makes up for in work ethic and intangibles. He is a leader both on and off the field. Boling understand multiple positions on the line, and has been an effective player wherever he has been needed.

Hand Placement

Boling displays good hand placement, and is technically very sound. He needs to get stronger with his initial punch as he tends to catch players instead of knocking them off balance. He has strong hands, but could stand to be more violent and aggressive with his hand use. Boling only has average arm length (33 ½”) so he needs to negate this by not allowing defenders to get into his body with strength at the point of attack.

Mobility

Boling has good mobility as is surprisingly light on his feet. Despite an average initial burst, he gets to the second level well and looks good running in space. He is really effective when asked to pull or trap and has enough straight line speed to keep up with a play on the edge.

Footwork

Boling has nice quick feet for a player of his size, and generally displays good footwork. He is a good drive blocker and keeps his legs churning when locked up against a defender. As a tackle against edge speed, he can tend to be too shallow on his drop step allowing defender to get the edge and in turn causes him to lunge and get off balance.

Additional Information

Boling is about as well respected amongst players and fans as a person can be. He was named to UGA’s Team of the Decade, and ranks second in school history with his 49 career starts, including the last 38 in a row. He is extremely durable and self-motivated and is a leader on the field, in the weight room and in the community. He played high school basketball, and also started as a tight end and defensive lineman on his high school team.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 13 games, 7 at left tackle, 2 at right tackle and 4 at right guard.
2009: Played and started in all 13 games, 6 at left tackle, 6 at right tackle and 1 at right guard.
2008: Played and started in all 12 games, 7 at left tackle, 2 at right tackle and 3 at right guard.
2007: Played in 13 games with 11 starts, 1 at right tackle and 10 at right guard.

Academics

Boling is a risk management and insurance major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Named All-SEC First Team by SEC Coaches and Second Team by Associated Press and Phil Steele, selected as team’s offensive captain, earned team’s Leon Farmer Award for dedication to the strength and conditioning program.
2009: Named All-SEC by Sporting News and All-SEC Second Team by Associated Press and Phil Steele.
2008: Named to CollegeFootballNews.com’s All-Sophomore Second Team, First Team All-SEC by Associated Press, also Phil Steele’s All-SEC Second Team.
2007: Named to the Freshman All-America First Team by Scout.com and Freshman All-America Second Team by Rivals.com.

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Summary

Brooks Reed is a name that has generated a lot of buzz around the draft community. Seemingly coming from out of nowhere, Reed has been mentioned as a late 1st round pick and has drawn comparisons to Clay Matthews. Frankly, I disagree in both cases. From everything I can see, Reed is someone that you’d love to have on your team but I don’t see anything elite in his play that would make me give him a first round grade. He’s a high motor guy but doesn’t have a tremendous amount of production or consistency in his time at Arizona. However, his ability to play 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL will bump his grade up slightly and he does have a fairly high ceiling. I feel he’s an early 2nd round value, but could potentially slip into the bottom end of round 1 if a team is desperate to get a rush linebacker.

Run Stopping

This is probably the weakest area of Reed’s game. He just doesn’t appear strong when matched up against run blockers. Reed has trouble anchoring and setting the edge and can get washed out of the play by stronger linemen. However, he does keep his head up and locates the ball well, flying to it once he can. He does have some trouble shedding blocks vs. the run and without a doubt, needs to learn to use his hands more efficiently.

Coverage

Few were the times that Reed dropped into zone coverage at Arizona, so this area is extremely hard to evaluate. Reed did do a very nice job in linebacker drills at the Senior Bowl and certainly has the athleticism and awareness to further develop in this area.

Pass Rushing

Getting after the quarterback is certainly Reed’s specialty, but he’s far from elite. From what I see, he’s practically a one-trick pony when rushing the passer. He doesn’t have active hands and is down right predictable at times. Reed starts most games with strong outside rushes and then throws in an inside spin move to try to catch the blocker sleeping. He is very effective running the arc but against athletic lineman, he can get run right out of the play. Aside form a dip/rip move to the outside and an inside spin, Reed has a decent bull rush but not much else in his pass rush toolbox. Doesn’t appear violent or sudden and doesn’t have a counter move when his initial rush move doesn’t work. He does possess a very solid first step and has great quickness in short areas. Relentless and has a super-high motor. When he gets to the quarterback, he does a nice job going for the strip.

Tackling

Reed is a fundamentally sound tackler and can deliver a solid pop when given the opportunity. However, I wouldn’t consider him a violent hitter.

Hand Placement & Usage

Needs drastic improvement in this area and for me, this is what kept him from having a first round grade. His hands aren’t active and don’t appear strong on tape. Reed can have a hard time getting off blocks and will allow blockers into his pads in the run game.

Instincts & Awareness

Reed appears to have a high football IQ and clearly understands his roles and responsibilities while on the field. He keeps his head up and locates the ball, effectively sniffing out screen plays and draws. Reed understands the rules of backside pursuit.

Hips/Lateral Movement

Against the rush, Reed flows down the line fluidly. In space, Reed’s athleticism shines. Appears to have fluid hips and moves well in space and when in pursuit, has shown solid change of direction ability.

Additional Information

Reed missed two games in 2009 with a high ankle sprain.

Production/Experience

2010: Played in 13 games with 13 starts.
2009: Played in 10 games with 8 starts.
2008: Played in 13 games with 13 starts.
2007: Played in 7 games with no starts.
2006: Redshirted.

Academics

Geography major at Arizona.

Awards & Honors

2010: 1st team All-Pac 10.
2008: Honorable mention All-Pac 10.

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Summary

When Martez Wilson arrived at the scouting combine in February, people knew he was an athletic freak, but few people predicted the numbers he would put up. Wilson measured in at 6036 and 250 pounds – basically the perfect size for a linebacker. He also has freakishly long arms (34 5/8 inches) and ran a 4.46 40 yard dash, recorded a 36″ vertical jump and a 10″04″ broad jump. Finally, Wilsons’ 10-yard split was clocked in at 1.59 seconds. Sounds like a top 5 pick, right? Well, unfortunately, Wilson played out of position (MLB) in Illinois’ 4-3 defense – which didn’t showcase his athletic ability. I attribute Wilson’s biggest flaw (inconsistent playing speed) possibly to lack of experience and knowledge of the game. If Wilson’s coaches say he is a hard worker, then I see this improving in time. Wilson has been projected as by many people to be a 3-4 OLB as well as a 3-4 ILB and I think he could do both very well, but he projects better as an OLB.

Run Stopping

Very underrated run defender. One of the things Martez does best is weed through traffic to find a ball-carrier. He fills his gap quickly, sticks to his assignment and uses his tremendous short area quickness to close and make a tackle. He’s strong enough to take on blockers without being over-powered and he disengages from blocks very well. He does go into his blocks high at times, but that can be fixed with coaching. He’s also very good in pursuit from sideline to sideline.

Coverage

As stated, Wilson is a much better player when he’s moving forward and side-to-side than when he’s moving backwards. Wilson was rarely asked to drop very deep into coverage, and also rarely covered anyone man-to-man so these concepts may be harder for him at the pro level. However, Wilson is still good at making a tackle in space and should excel in a system that gives him mostly zone drop backs.

Pass Rushing

Lined up at the line of scrimmage to blitz fairly often for a MLB and was very effective when doing so. Wilson is extremely explosive with good hip flexion and elite short area quickness. He’s also got very strong hands and a burst to close on the QB. Overall, I think Wilson projects as one of the best pass rushing LB’s from this class.

Tackling

An aggressive tackler who rarely tackles high or whiffs. His long arms help him wrap up well and he packs a punch and drives through a player to make a tackle. He does take bad angles more often than he should which is a cause for concern – but when he is able to make a play while moving forward he rarely misses a tackle.

Instincts

Good overall instincts and seems like a smart player who knows where the play is going to be, but as mentioned he does take poor angles sometimes which put him out of position to make a play. The reason for his poor angles is the inconsistency of his speed. Sometimes he just takes too long to decide where to run.

Hips/Lateral Movement

For being such a good athlete, Wilson runs as if he is stiff in the hips. I think this is almost an illusion or just his running style. When Wilson wants to get somewhere – he gets there fast. He doesn’t always play his fastest, but he’s capable of dominating at all times.

Additional Information

Started 25 games in his career and had a large role in the defense starting his freshman year. In 2009, suffered a herniated disk in his back which forced him to miss the rest of the year. It shouldn’t have long-term affects. He played DE for most of his HS career.

Production/Experience

Played in 13 games as a true freshman, 11 games as a sophomore, 1 game in the 2009 season before suffering the herniated disk, and started the full season as a RS-Junior in 2010.

Academics

Sport Management major.

Awards & Honors

2007: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American.

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Summary

If you want a proven winner who’s had his fair share of success at the college level, look no further than Andy Dalton. With a great head on his shoulders and an outstanding arm attached to them as well, he’s a more than capable NFL quarterback who could be one of the most NFL-ready to come out of this year’s draft. He spent his college years throwing out of the shotgun, so he will need some work with his reads, but he has the arm to make all of the NFL throws and has proven that he’s able to step into an offense right away due to his maturity and ability to learn on the fly. Although there are plenty of areas that will need improvement, his track record should give teams reason to believe that improving won’t be an issue for him at the next level. I project him as an early-to-mid second round selection.

Decision Making

Dalton is a smart, savvy passer who has terrific game management skills and is a proven winner and leader. The fact that he played in a spread offense, much like several of the quarterbacks in this class, doesn’t help his case as an NFL quarterback. He will need to learn to drop back in the pocket while making reads and not hone in on his first option, as he did numerous times at TCU. His biggest challenge at the next level will be whether or not he can adjust to making reads and decisions while dropping back from under center. When he’s under pressure, he has shown the awareness to get rid of the ball instead of forcing an errant pass or taking a sack. His decision making is bolstered by the fact that he did a good job of avoiding interceptions throughout his career as a Horned Frog.

Arm Strength

Although I wouldn’t exactly classify his arm as a cannon, he definitely has the arm strength to make just about every NFL throw. Whether he’s throwing short passes or deep routes down the sideline, he typical does a good job of gauging the strength he needs and adjusting according to the route. He possesses the arm strength to dart the ball to the sideline, squeeze it into a tight window, or heave it 40 yards downfield. Much like his accuracy, he has a tendency to misjudge the amount of strength needed behind his throws when the play breaks down or he starts to feel pressure. He will miss crossing routes on occasion, due in large part to unnecessarily trying to bullet the ball into the receiver. He also can miss on deep routes from time to time, not putting enough strength behind the pass and allowing the defender to make a play on the sailing ball.

Accuracy

When he has time to set his feet and throw, his accuracy is above average. He displays a good mix of arm strength and accuracy that allows him to usually hit his receivers in stride and can squeeze the ball into tight windows. When throwing down the field, displays enough touch and finesse to put the ball on the mark. On out routes, he again uses that outstanding mix of strength and accuracy to put the ball on target by driving off of his back foot and does a good job of putting where only his receiver can catch it. When he’s outside the pocket and on the run, he does a good job of squaring his shoulders and making accurate passes. His accuracy breaks down, however, when his mechanics do. When the play breaks down and he’s forced to make hasty throws, his mechanics break down which often leads to poor throws. If he can learn to keep his calm and not get rushed into his throws, his accuracy should only continue to improve.

Mechanics/Footwork

When he has the time to stand in the pocket and make throws, his mechanics are up to par. He has good footwork, moves in the pocket well in order to buy himself more time, and steps into throws with efficiency. When he’s under pressure or is starting to panic because his number one target is covered, his mechanics break down. Considering that he came out of a spread offense and never had to drop back from center, he will need to work on getting used to dropping back in order to make it a natural thing.

Mobility

Dalton isn’t a phenomenal athlete, but he does have enough athleticism and speed to make plays with his feet. Whether it’s buying time in the pocket or escaping pressure and moving the chains on the ground, he does a good job of reading the defense and running to the open spot. Despite some decent mobility, he is a bit undersized and will need to avoid taking hits when he does escape the pocket. On the random occasion that he does decide to tuck the ball and run, he needs to do a better job of sliding to avoid big hits and making better decisions, especially at the NFL level. Due to his whatever-it-takes-to-win attitude, he will sell out when he scrambles and does a good job of fighting for extra yardage.

Release Quickness

Although his release is quick, he doesn’t have the over-the-top release that many teams look for in a young quarterback. He holds the ball at the proper height which allows for the quick release, but needs to work on having the ball come out of his hands at a higher point to avoid balls being batted down. Especially considering he’s only 6’2’’, his three-quarters release could become an issue in the NFL if there isn’t some sort of improvement on the height of his release.

Additional Information

Dalton is a leader on and off the field, has made improvements in his technique and statistics every season, and has no character concerns. Is a proven winner, considering that he only lost three games during his time as the starting quarterback for the Horned Frogs. The turning point in his career as an NFL prospect came against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2011 Rose Bowl, when he displayed tremendous composure and play-making ability to help lead his team to a victory against one of the toughest teams they played during his team as their quarterback. Despite an elbow injury against New Mexico in 2010, he still battled back to play in the Rose Bowl.

Production/Experience

2010: Started in 13 of 13 games.
2009: Started in 13 of 13 games.
2008: Started in 11 of 13 games. Missed the other two games due to injury.
2007: Started in 13 of 13 games.
2006: Redshirted

Academics

Majored in Marketing at TCU.

Awards & Honors

2010: First-Team All-Mountain West; Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year; Manning Award Finalist; Johnny Unitas Award Finalist; Purple Wimple Player of the Year; Rose Bowl MVP
2009: First-Team All-Mountain West; Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year; Manning Award Finalist; All-American Honors (Sports Illustrated, CollegeFootballNews.com); Award of Distinction from the Touchdown Club of Columbus; Received votes in Heisman Trophy balloting
2008: Honorable Mention All-Mountain West; Poinsettia Bowl MVP
2007: Honorable Mention Freshman All-American (Sporting News); Texas Bowl

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Summary

Sam Acho is an undersized defensive end that makes plays with effort and hustle. After dominating Senior Bowl practices against some well-respected offensive linemen in this class, Acho continued his performance during the game with a sack, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble. His performance earned him the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award for the South team and opened the eyes of scouts who question his ability to be a full-time defensive end in the NFL. A ‘tweener’ by every definition of the word, Acho will ideally need to add bulk if he is to play the 5-technique position in the NFL that he played in college. He may get some looks as a rush backer in a 3-4, but he doesn’t display the agility and fluidity to be able to cover in space, especially at the next level. And he may even be looked at as a right defensive end in a standard 4-3. Teams will either love this versatility or be frustrated by the question of where to play him. Acho’s work ethic, character and intangibles will attract teams enough that he will likely be draft in the early to middle part of the second round.

Run Stopping

Acho is an effective run defender who uses his relatively good length to gain leverage and quick hands to shed blockers and make plays. He contains the edge well and is not overaggressive when responsible for the back side of a play. He maintains his assignments well and plays smart. Acho always displays great hustle and has good lateral movement. He is not a particularly good change of direction player, and struggles to adjust and turn his hips when a play suddenly turns direction. He has the speed to run plays down from the backside as well as nice initial quickness to get in the backfield and be disruptive. He is a good tackler who is always active and in on plays. Acho is relatively strong at the point of attack with his upper body, but lacks strength in the lower end to consistently anchor.

Pass Rushing

Acho is not a classic edge rusher, but instead makes plays in the passing game with his effort and quickness. He has a fairly nice bull rush, and uses his upper body strength to his advantage. He is not fast enough to turn the corner against better offensive tackles and doesn’t show the flexibility to dip his hips and get around the edge. Acho does not project to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, but should be someone who gets 6-7 sacks per year based on hustle alone. He gives excellent secondary effort even when his initial move is ineffective and again uses great leverage to gain the advantage against blockers. He has the speed to chase quarterbacks down from behind. Acho will need to add some bulk to play DE in the NFL. He has the tendency to get swallowed up by larger defenders and will get pushed around until he improves his base strength.

Awareness

Acho is an extremely smart player who, despite only being a two year starter, plays with great instincts and awareness of what he sees in front of him. He is not fooled by misdirection much, maintains his edge, and plays assignment sound. He understands multiple positions, having played defensive end and defensive tackle in college. If he is to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, he will be learning a completely new position from anything he played in college. If anyone can learn a new position and playbook though, it’s Acho.

Hand Placement

Acho consistently plays with good hand placement and uses this skill to gain leverage, mainly as a pass rusher. While his hand placement is usually good, Acho could improve the use of his hands when they are in place. He doesn’t consistently slap or chop at blockers, and doesn’t use his hands to control the blocker at the point of attack. With more experience he should be able to refine this skill.

Additional Information

Acho is probably one of the highest character and smartest players in this entire draft class. He has won multiple awards for academics and community service, including the William V. Campbell Trophy awarded to the nation’s top football student athlete, the Wuerffel Trophy awarded to a player who displays all-around excellence in athletic, academic and community achievement, and has also been named a two-time academic All-American (for the rest of this impressive list see his 2010 awards below). A bit of an overachiever on the field, his smarts combined with his work ethic and hustle, are what make him an attractive player. NFL teams will have to figure out what position will fit him best (i.e. RDE, 5-tech, OLB), but rest assured he will work hard to be a successful player.

Academics

Acho graduated in December 2010 from the business honors program in the McCombs School of Business.

Awards & Honors

2010: William V. Campbell Trophy winner (nation’s top football student-athlete). Wuerffel Trophy winner (all-around excellence in athletic, academic and community achievement) and ARA Sportsmanship Award. Academic All-American. 2nd team All-America (Walter Camp). 3rd team All-America (AP). Lombardi Award semifinalist. Unanimous 1st team All-Big 12.
2009: Lott Trophy semifinalist. Honorable mention All-Big 12 (AP, coaches). 1st team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American.
2008: Tabbed first-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 6. 1st team Academic All-Big 12.
2007: Named one of UT’s Outstanding Defensive Newcomers.

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Summary

Cameron Heyward is one of the rare players in this draft that I would refer to as a “safe bet.” Sure, it’s easy to look at Heyward and say he possesses a solid combination of size, speed and strength, or point out his bloodlines, character and work ethic. At the end of the day, Cameron Heyward will be drafted due to the versatility he’ll be able to provide an NFL team. Ohio State did a terrific job of moving Heyward across the defensive line. In fact, Heyward lined up at both defensive tackle and both defensive end spots in a 4-3 alignment as well as lining up at both 5-technique defensive end spots in a 3 man front. Players with this kind of background are rare enough and when you match that with an extremely savvy football mind and great work ethic, any NFL team would love to have Heyward on their roster. Expectations were quite high for Heyward’s senior season and many feel that it was a bit of a disappointment. However, Heyward played through an injured elbow and was still able to embarrass DeMarcus Love and the Arkansas offensive line in the Sugar Bowl this January. If it wasn’t for the injury and a few issues that Heyward needs to work on, I’d have him graded higher. However, I still believe Heyward will be a solid pick in the 25-32 range that will make any of those teams very happy and should be an instant contributor. He probably projects best as a 5 technique in a 3-4 defense, but has the ability to play in various NFL schemes.

Run Stopping

Heyward is relatively solid against the run. His lower body strength is evident on tape as he anchors well in the run game, remaining stout against most run blockers. Rarely has Heyward been driven off the ball when playing straight up and often requires a double team, but he often relies more on his quickness and hand usage than his strength. Heyward can get over powered by stronger, “mauler” type linemen. The best example of this was against Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin this year, a game that Heyward would love to forget about. He can guess at times when playing inside, attacking the wrong gap and leaving the runner open for an easy cut back. When playing end, Heyward can set the edge, keeping his outside shoulder/arm free against the blocker during outside rushes and shows the ability to stretch the line of scrimmage and make the tackle. Does a solid job of working through trash along the line and fighting into the flow of the blockers.

Pass Rushing

Possesses a solid first step and does a nice job of anticipating snap count. However, Heyward can be a half-beat late off the ball later in games, especially when he’s been engaged in matchups with strong, physical blockers all day. Heyward has a fairly wide array of pass rush moves for a college player and at times, looks to have the hands of a 3 year NFL veteran. Has an excellent bull rush and swim move and will often break out an outside dip/rip, spin and a club/rip. The best thing about Heyward’s pass rushing game is his ability to use counter moves. It’s rare to find a defensive lineman in college that can go to a second and third move when their first doesn’t work against the blocker. Rarely does Heyward end in a stalemate due to his savvy play and high motor. Flashes the ability to be a disruptive defensive lineman in passing situations but doesn’t possess the “sudden violence” I like to see from defensive linemen. Knows how to get skinny and shoot the gap and then come back with a straight on bullrush, keeping the blocker guessing every time. Displays excellent short area quickness and when he gets a line of the quarterback, he shows a great burst.

Awareness

Heyward keeps his head up and eyes open and appears to locate the ball well. Knows when to get his hands up and times the QB’s throw well. Reads screen passes and draws well, though got caught guessing against option teams a few times. Heyward looks like a vet when he’s being held and knows how to do just enough acting to get the ref’s attention. He clearly understands the rules of backside pursuit when flow is away from him and this was very evident against Illinois during his senior season. In the 1st quarter, Illinois ran a bubble screen to the far-side, trips receiver. Cameron came free around the left tackle and immediately saw the bubble screen. Any defensive line coach will tell you that the number one rule for defenders in backside pursuit, especially against teams with athletic “jail-break” style players, is “slow to go.” This means that the defender isn’t supposed to blast around the corner at full speed and chase the ball like a wild man. Their job is to pursue slower and under control, keeping their eyes open for cutbacks and reverses. In this case, Heyward saw the receiver catch the ball and immediately look back towards the QB, at which point he knew what was coming. Heyward stopped in his tracks and turned to get to the QB, but fell when changing directions. The receiver threw the ball back to the QB, who ran for a 20+ yard gain. However, Heyward didn’t give up. He quickly got up after falling down and chased down the runner. Over 20 yards of pursuit for a guy that is almost 300 pounds is pretty impressive, which goes to Heyward’s motor and conditioning. The point is, it’s rare to find a defensive lineman that has the awareness to recognize that type of play, let alone the discipline to actually perform his responsibility.

Hand Placement

Excellent use of hands for a college defensive lineman. Rarely lets blockers into his pads. Displays active hands but doesn’t appear to have the strong hands you’d like from an interior lineman. Needs to be more violent with his hand usage and when engaged with blockers. Heyward’s hands and overall athleticism show up when lineman try to cut block him. If you’ve ever watched NFL defensive lineman in training camp, you’ll see them going through drills where the line coach rolls giant rubber balls at them after they’ve come out of their stance. This is designed to get the player to use their hands to deflect the ball and keep it away from their legs, which simulates defeating a cut block. When linemen try to cut block Heyward, he doesn’t flinch, uses his hands and stays on his feet.

Tackling

I usually don’t use the tackling category when scouting defensive linemen, but after watching Heyward tackle on tape, I felt it was necessary to point it out. Heyward is a thumper. He’s not one of those defensive linemen that “belly tackle” or try to throw runners to the ground. Heyward tackles with violence and is fundamentally sound when doing so. He’ll lower his shoulder when taking on a runner in the hole and deliver a violent blow. More than that, he consistently wraps up when tackling, which is becoming a rare trait in today’s game.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

As I’ve stated above, Heyward has great quickness in short areas and displays an excellent burst when he gets a line of the ball carrier. His motor runs hot and he shows great persistence while pass rushing. These were all easy things to see when watching the tape. However, one thing that really stuck out to me while watching Heyward was how well he does when stunting. Heyward doesn’t round off his angles during stunts and shows an excellent burst through the hole after the blocker commits to one side or the other. Ohio State frequently used stunts to allow Heyward to create havoc in the backfield, keep offensive linemen guessing and keep quarterbacks worried. When a man Heyward’s size is coming unblocked and with a full head of steam after executing a perfect line stunt, quarterbacks should be worried.

Bloodlines

It’s hard to ignore the bloodlines for Heyward. Cameron is the son of Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who had a tremendous career in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. Cameron’s step father, Cory Blackwell, played at Wisconsin.

Additional Information

Heyward is known as a high character player with a tremendous work ethic. He did suffer an elbow injury which required surgery to repair tendons this offseason. However, Heyward bounced back and by all accounts, had a solid pro day on March 30th. He didn’t perform the bench press for scouts but his upper body strength will return in time. Heyward also had a slight ankle injury before the 2009 season.

Production/Experience

2010: Played in 13 games with 13 starts
2009: Played in 13 games with 12 starts
2008: Played in 13 games with 13 starts
2007: Played in 13 games with 8 starts

Academics

Human development major at Ohio State.

Awards & Honors

2010: 1st team All-Big 10.
2009: 2nd team All-Big 10. Lombardi Award nominee.
2007: Freshman All-American (Sporting News, Rivals, Scout). Freshman All-Big 10 (Sporting News).

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Summary

Danny Watkins is a tough, physical, aggressive offensive lineman and former firefighter who has only played football for 4 years. He played left tackle in college, but projects as a guard in the NFL mainly due to lack of length, height and the necessary quickness needed to play outside at the next level. Watkins displays amazing technique for a player with as little experience as he has, which points to his amazing work ethic and passion for the game. He has never missed a game, is mature, and gives great effort on the field. A big concern with Watkins will be his age, as he will be 26 years old when the NFL season starts, and he will be switching positions. NFL teams will have to weigh the risk factors of developing an older player at a new position. Watching Watkins on tape has quickly made him one of my favorites in this draft and he should be off the board early in the 2nd round.

Pass Blocking

Watkins is good in pass protection, particularly against players coming at him with power. He has good anchor strength and keeps a wide base so as to stay on balance. He plays with extremely strong hands and extends his arms to be able to control the defender with relative ease. He is a natural knee bender who sits in his stance as good as anyone. Against speed rushers he does an ok job extending his arms and trying to run the defender out of the play. He will probably not be able to handle edge speed at the next level. He doesn’t have the experience to hold up to more savvy NFL rushers. He has the tendency to relax his feet too quickly, allowing defender to beat him with an aggressive second move. Watkins shows good lateral movement and enough athleticism to mirror defenders exceptionally well.

Run Blocking

Watkins is a solid run blocker, who plays with the kind of mean streak and attitude that NFL teams salivate over. He has great strength and is extremely tough to shed once locked on. He gets under the pad level of the defender well and displays strong, aggressive leg churn to finish blocks. He uses his natural flexibility to keep his hips low and he plays with a good amount of fluidity. He is good in space, locates defenders well and has good balance when on the move. Watkins is not overly quick or explosive off the snap and his combine number were very average. His aggressiveness gets the better of him at times as he can be seen lunging at defenders. Watkins is just an average athlete but makes up for it with good technique and great effort.

Awareness

While he has learned an amazing amount in 4 years playing football, Watkins is still an inexperienced player who can be beat with stunts and double moves at times. He will be learning a new position in the NFL which may slow down his learning curve a bit. But what Watkins has going for him is he is a mature person with great character and work ethic. He has a passion for the game of football and a drive to be the best. It is amazing he has become such a good technician in such a short period of time, and better awareness is surely to be achieved with more experience.

Hand Placement

Watkins general has nice hand placement and even better he plays with strong hands. He locks onto defender with his grip and is tough to shed. He extends his arms really well and controls defenders away from his body. He keeps his hands moving and has a decent initial punch at the point of attack. Watkins needs to work on his second counter attack as his hands can tend to relax a bit after initial contact.

Mobility

Watkins has good mobility at the line of scrimmage but may struggle with his slow foot speed to get out on the edge and pull as a guard. He did not have to be out in space all that much in college, so this will be a minor concern. He moves well laterally along the line. Watkins is just an average athlete so don’t expect amazing things with this aspect of his game, but he is mobile enough to be effective. As a cut blocker he is quick to the ground and takes out his defender which will be a plus in any scheme with zone blocking concepts.

Footwork

Generally Watkins has good footwork, perhaps better than expected for a player with such little experience. His kick step on the outside is a bit inconsistent at times, but that won’t be a problem in the NFL when he moves to the interior of the offensive line. He has great leg churn and finishes blocks with his lower half. He keeps his feet moving most of the time, but can have the tendency to stop and anchor his whole body and rely solely on his strength. He moves well in space and doesn’t look awkward or unathletic. Watkins does a good job of getting his feet wide and maintaining a good strong base. This is perhaps what he does best of all.

Additional Information

Some interesting notes on Watkins: He will be 26 years old as a rookie, which is a bit unusual and will be taken into consideration when being evaluated. He has only played football for 4 years. He played hockey and rugby in high school and also spent time as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Kelowna, British Columbia. He went to Butte College more interested in their fire academy, and ended up trying out for the football team. He transferred to Baylor after 2 highly successful seasons at Butte College. Although he projects to guard in the NFL, Watkins exclusively played left tackle at Baylor, filling in after Jason Smith was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Watkins was drafted 4th overall in the CFL Draft by the B.C. Lions.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 13 games at left tackle.
2009: Played and started in all 12 games at left tackle.
2008: Played and started in all 12 games at Butte Junior College.
2007: Played and started in all 11 games at Butte Junior College.

Academics

Watkins is a general studies major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Named first-team All-Big-12.
2008: Named a junior college All-American at Butte College.

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Summary

Muhammad Wilkerson is a long, athletic defensive lineman who has the versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive front. He has produced equally well as a 3-technique in a standard 4-3, and as a 5-technique when Temple switched to a 3-4 in 2010. Wilkerson’s ability to rush the passer (16.5 sacks the past two seasons) as well as make plays against the run (131 tackles in two years) has him rising up draft boards in recent months. His versatility will be key in the NFL, but his best fit seems to be at the 5-technique position due to his length, ability to penetrate and cause disruption, as well as consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Look for Wilkerson to be taken somewhere in the middle to late first round.

Run Stopping

Wilkerson has great lateral movement and makes a ton of plays sliding down the line and bringing the runner down. He is quick to locate the ball and doesn’t waste time reacting to the play. He shows a nice ability to ride a block and then disengage when the time comes to make the play. He plays very light on his feet and shows great agility for his size. The biggest problem for Wilkerson comes when he tries to anchor and stand his ground. He plays too upright and loses leverage to the offensive player too easily. He doesn’t have elite speed to run plays down from behind. Wilkerson shows a great motor on the field and doesn’t give up on plays. He has above average athleticism.

Pass Rushing

Wilkerson lays claim as one of the better pass rushers at defensive tackle in this class. He has fluid hips which he uses to turn and slip through gaps with ease. He displays a nice swim move and has the quickness to beat defenders on the edge. He is crafty when working on the inside and uses a nice array of moves and a tireless effort to work his way to the quarterback. To be effective and make the jump in competition from the MAC to the NFL however, Wilkerson will need to improve on a few key factors. He tends not to play as strong as his size would indicate he is. Instead of being aggressive and attacking the lineman, he tends to feel his way around and dance a little bit before making his move. He is not particularly explosive off the snap or dominant at the point of attack. Lastly, it would be nice to see Wilkerson become more physical with his hands and use his power to gain leverage.

Awareness

Wilkerson doesn’t have a ton of experience (just 2 years as a starter), so there is definitely room for improvement in this area. He can be late to recognize misdirection plays, but is quick to react once he realizes where a play is going. Wilkerson is not an overly instinctual player, so he will need to work hard in the film room to be able to recognize offenses better. But he has such great character and a top-notch work ethic that leads me to believe this will not be a problem.

Hand Placement

Wilkerson can be inconsistent with his use of hands, which will improve over time. He displays an extremely effective swim move with great technique. He stacks block well and shows a good ability to shed defender with his hands. When engaged with a blocker at the point of attack, he needs to be more violent with his hands, chopping or ripping, using his strength and size to his advantage. He does an ok job extending his arms and not allowing defenders to get into his body.

Additional Information

What Wilkerson will mainly have to prove at the next level is that his numbers are not inflated due to the relatively low level of competition he faced in the MAC. I don’t think this will be a problem. He has the type of size, versatility and ability to be successful at any level, as long as he continues to learn and grow as a player and by all indications he will. Once he learns to use his length to his advantage, he could become a dominant pro player. He was also a highly recruited basketball player and played tight end in high school, proving his overall athleticism. I wouldn’t be shocked if Wilkerson makes a big leap on draft day.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 12 games.
2009: Played and started in all 13 games.
2008: Played in 11 games.

Academics

Wilkerson is interested in business administration.

Awards & Honors

2010: 1st team All-MAC. Temple’s Defensive MVP. 2010 Outland Trophy Watch List.
2009: 1st team All-MAC.

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Summary

Few backs in this highly touted draft class were as productive as Kendall Hunter was through his career at Oklahoma State. During his two years as a full-time starter, he ran for well over 3,000 yards and racked up 32 touchdowns on the ground. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with excellent balance, quickness, and running instincts. Durability was a problem in college, so the common feeling is that he would operate most effectively paired with a bigger running back in a two back system. His feel for the game, agility, and work ethic should make him a very solid pro. On draft day, expect Hunter to fit in somewhere between the mid second and mid third round.

Inside Runner

Despite lacking ideal size, Hunter runs hard and was effective between the tackles in college. He uses his terrific running instincts to pick up tough yards. His compact build can be an advantage, as he runs low to the ground and shows good balance. As with many small backs today in the NFL, Hunter’s ability to get lost in a crowd can be a real weapon behind a big offensive line. There is reason to believe that his role as an inside runner could decrease at the next level as he does not appear built to withstand punishment up the middle.

Outside Runner

Kendall Hunter may lack breakaway speed, but his burst and ability to change speeds effortlessly made him an effective outside runner in college. His exceptional vision and instincts allow him to find cutback lanes. He shows the ability to pick and slide, breaking runs to the outside when the middle of the line is congested. Though he may not have that home-run speed, he accelerates quickly and appears plenty fast enough to run away from most front seven defenders. In the open field, he can be quite elusive with loose hips and a low center of gravity.

Receiving

At Oklahoma State, Kendall Hunter was not featured much in the passing game. His hands are fairly small, but should not hold him back. He does not appear to be particularly gifted or natural as a receiver. His production in college was limited and as the years passed, his average yards per catch dropped substantially (to just over 5.0 in 2010.) I should note that the Ravens’ Ray Rice was similarly inexperienced as a receiver coming out of Rutgers, so it’s hard to dismiss the upside there.

Ball Security

This will need to be an emphasis for Hunter at the next level. To be used as a primary back in the NFL, he will have to really improve his ball security and cut down on fumbles. During his college career, he fumbled 10 times out of 771 touches. His hands may a tad small, but he should be able to make necessary adjustments before it becomes a big problem.

Vision, Instincts & Awareness

Kendall Hunter possesses terrific running instincts. He is very football-smart and has great vision to pick holes. Due to his small size and that vision, he navigates traffic very well, fitting through small creases. He does a very nice job finding cutback lanes in the open field. Unlike many small backs, he has already developed the ability to avoid most direct shots, which will save his body in the long run.

Elusiveness/Tackle Breaking

Despite being undersized, Hunter has strong legs and hips which allow him to break tackles. He runs very hard for his diminutive stature and cannot be arm-tackled. In the hole, he is quick and shows good elusiveness. His low center of gravity makes him a tough guy to knock over and allows him to change speed and direction well. When he gets into the open field, he makes good cuts and can be hard to stop in 1-on-1 situations.

Pass Blocking

As if his lack of receiving ability weren’t enough, Hunter also struggles with his pass-protection. He lacks size, functional strength at the point of attack, and the willingness to put his body on the line. If he cannot make strides as a blocker or receiver, I don’t that he will be seeing the field much on third downs in the NFL.

Leg Drive

Kendall Hunter’s compact build gives him a very strong base. His balance and leg drive are two of his greatest assets as a player. He does a nice job powering through arm tackles and keeps his feet moving on contact. Although he often fights for extra yards, he does a nice job playing smart and avoids taking direct hits to his body.

Schematic Fit

When projecting Hunter to the NFL, size and durability must be considered. Since he is not likely to be featured as an every down back, it makes sense to pair him with a bigger back. Right now, he is still raw as a receiver and relatively ineffective as a pass-blocker, so he doesn’t project as a sure-fire third down back. I mentioned Ray Rice’s development in that role earlier, which means I think it would be foolish to count him out there. Ultimately, he fits best in a balanced NFL offense, running behind a big, physical offensive line.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

Though he stands only 5’7 ¼, size could be considered a strength for Hunter as he possesses a muscular and compact build. He is very strong, with impressive lower body power and a low center of gravity. Though his playing speed is very good, he does not appear to be a home run hitter with that extra gear to break 40+ yard runs. On the field, he is agile with good hips and decent feet. His ability to change speed and direction easily makes him tough to track.

Additional Information

Staying healthy will be a hurdle Kendall Hunter must overcome at the next level. He has an injury history and currently has a plate in his ankle. In 2009, he was hobbled by a right ankle injury for most of the season, ultimately forcing him to sit out of six games. Intelligence may be a concern be some if they are looking at just the surface and his score of nine on the Wonderlic. It is true that he struggled with academics in high school, but he exceled at Oklahoma State in the classroom. He possesses excellent football character, bringing leadership, toughness, and a strong work ethic to any team that drafts him. As a prospect, Kendall Hunter is not so different from former Rutgers star, Ray Rice. Now, I don’t mean to imply that he could amass over 2,000 yards in his second NFL season; but I think he could be an early impact player and a big addition to any running game. I doubt he is counted on to hold a bell-cow role in his career, as size limitations and durability concerns may always hold him back from that. Right now, he must prove he deserves to be on the field on third down. I believe, if healthy, Hunter could be one of the most successful and productive backs to come out of this class. He will be most effective if paired with a bigger back behind a big, physical offensive line.

Academics

Hunter is an Education major and has been described as a good student. Was a Second-team Academic All-Big 12 in 2009, earned a spot on the President’s Honor Roll for a 4.0 GPA, and was honorable-mention Scholar-Baller in 2009 and 2008. He is also a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and a two-time recipient of the Oklahoma State Academic Achievement award.

Production/Experience

2010: 13 games/13 starts – 271 car 1,548 yds 5.7 avg 16 Td; 20 rec 101 yds
2009: 8 games/0 starts – 89 car 382 yds 4.3 avg 1 Td; 11 rec 83 yds
2008: 13 games/13 starts – 241 car 1,555 yds 6.5 avg 16 Td; 22 rec 198 yds 1 Td
2007: 12 games/2 starts – 107 car 696 yds 6.5 avg 4 Td; 10 rec 137 yds 1 Td

Awards & Honors

2010: First Team All-Big 12
2008: First-Team All-Big 12. FWAA 1st Team All-American.

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Summary

Many consider Mikel Leshoure to be the back with the least amount of question marks coming into the draft and maybe the only back capable of carrying the entire rushing load for a team. Mikel had a breakout season in 2010 rushing for 1697 yards and 20 touchdowns seeming to only get stronger as the year went on. He had his best rushing performances in November when he went for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns against Northwestern and in the Texas Bowl taking home MVP honors and rushing for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns. At 5’115/8, 227 pounds Leshoure possesses terrific size, is wide hipped and thick throughout his frame. He shows superior strength in his lower half possessing both the ability to run defenders over and the ability to avoid defenders exhibiting very good elusiveness for his size. In addition, Mikel showcases the ability to press the line of scrimmage quickly demonstrating a very good burst through the hole and good stopping and starting ability. Leshoure displays quick feet and good agility for his size but does lack some lateral cutback ability when going sideline to side line. As well, Leshoure is not considered much of a home run threat lacking elite straight line speed and elite instincts as he at times fails to recognize the proper hole or cutback lane. While Leshoure has 1st round skills and talent he will likely not go until the first part of the second round due to the continuing devaluation of the running back position over the last several years.

Inside Runner

Leshoure is a strong inside runner who is at his best as a one cut runner. At times Leshoure will run a little upright but he shows the ability to bend well, lower his pads and limit the areas defenders have to hit. He can run through arm tackles and is wide hipped making it difficult for defenders to wrap him up enabling him to gain a large portion of his yards after contact. He displays good short area quickness and some elusiveness in tight spaces allowing him to make the first guy miss most of the time. He also shows good patience allowing the time for his blocks to be setup.

Outside Runner

Mikel is also a very good runner in space displaying a good amount of wiggle for his size, possessing the ability making a defender miss or the ability to power through opponents. He is a load to bring down in the open field and while not a burner he has enough speed and acceleration to reach the edge where he can punish smaller defenders.

Receiving

While not a gifted receiver Leshoure shows enough potential that he will be able to get the job done at the next level. Consistency and at times letting the ball hit his body at times rather than plucking the ball out of the air are his biggest issues. On screen plays he shows discipline in allowing the play to develop and runs well behind his blocks. As a route runner he still rounds off his routes too often and is not tight enough in and out of his breaks but he does set up his routes nicely possessing a second gear once he catches the ball.

Ball Security

Demonstrating excellent ball security Leshoure did not fumble once during his college career and does an excellent job of holding the ball tight against his frame.

Vision, Instincts & Awareness

While not elite in any one of these areas, Leshoure sees the field well and shows a good feel of where defenders are coming from. At times though Leshoure still lacks the ability to recognize cutback lanes and may chose the wrong hole to run through. He is also indecisive at times stopping his feet, taking too long for a play to develop and getting caught in the backfield losing yards.

Elusiveness/Tackle Breaking

In tight areas he demonstrates a powerful lower body displaying the ability to beak arm tackles and possessing enough short area quickness to make defenders miss in the hole. In the open field he does provide some shiftiness but he is more of a guy that will try and run through defenders and is a load to bring down. He showcases a good stiff arm as well.

Pass Blocking

Pass blocking is the area of Leshoure’s game that likely needs the most refining as he displays the desire to be a good pass blocker but still lacks the technique to be consistent at it. He exhibits the ability to provide a good pop on contact and is not afraid to take on a blitzer but he will whiff at times, get off balanced and not anchor his base. He also lacks the awareness and instincts to recognize where the rush is always coming from.

Leg Drive

Leshoure exhibits a strong and powerful leg drive, demonstrating the ability to move the pile and consistently get those tough yards in short down and distance situations. He also has a nose for the end zone scoring many of his touchdowns on goal line short yardage situations.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

Mikel has an elite combination of size speed and strength, reminding me of a poor man’s Steven Jackson. At 6’0 he is slightly taller than a prototypical back but shows the ability to bend and good agility for his size. He ran a 4.56 at the combine which is about how fast he appears on film, and is a guy that will break 30-40 yard runs on a consistent basis. Leshoure also benched 21 reps at the combine showing that his upper body strength is definitely not a weakness either.

Durability

Durability is not an issue with Leshoure as he had 281 rushes his junior year and seemed to only get stronger as the year went on. In addition he is a very young running back in terms of college carries with only 424 total rushes his entire college career, so he comes into the NFL very fresh without any injury concerns.

Additional Information

In 2008 Leshoure had a run-in with a teammate which left him with a broken jaw and in 2009 he was suspending for 1 game for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He has not had any incidents since 2009 and from all accounts appears to have matured. Of any RB Leshoure projects the most as a 3 down workhorse back capable of carrying the entire load at running back for a team that has become so uncommon in today’s NFL. He has the skills and the talent to be a pro bowl caliber player but like most running backs it will depend on the team philosophy and scheme that he is drafted into that will determine a good portion of his success.

Academics

Majored in Communications.

Production/Experience

2010: 11 games played, 11 starts
2009: 11 games played, 3 starts
2008: 9 games played, 1 starts

Awards & Honors

2010: 1st Team All-Big Ten

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Summary

Ponder may be one of the hardest quarterbacks in the 2011 draft class to figure out. He has tons of potential, a great blend of physical tools, and strong production throughout his career. However, there are a handful of question marks that soil his candidacy as one of the elite quarterbacks of the class. His decision making is questionable at times, his lack of arm strength gets him in trouble from time to time, he’s thrown more interceptions than some GMs would like to see, and he’s got durability concerns to top it all off. Overall, he’s a terrific prospect with a lot of upside. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of room for him to develop into a bust. It will come down to what team drafts him and how much time he’s given to adjust to the speed and talent of the NFL. I project him as an early second round selection.

Decision Making

This could be the area of concern that keeps him from unlocking his potential and becoming a great NFL quarterback. Throughout his career, he struggled to read defenses properly, which ended up in poor pass selection and throws into coverage. He often stares down his primary wide receiver and starts to panic if that receiver doesn’t open up. Although some of career interceptions came due to his lack of elite arm strength, the majority of them were due to bad decisions and forcing passes into receivers that he had locked on to before the snap. Especially when he’s under pressure, he doesn’t make smart throws that too often end in turnovers. There will need to be a noticeable amount of improvement in this area if Ponder hopes to be anything more than a career backup in the NFL.

Arm Strength

Well he definitely isn’t going to blow you away with his arm strength, but that isn’t to say that he doesn’t have enough arm strength to get the job done. He fits throws in between defenders on crossing routes with fairly reasonable consistency. Has the arm to throw the ball deep, but sometimes allows his passes to sail when throwing the “go” route far down the field. When he has the space and time to step into his throws, his arm strength is impressive. However, when he is on the run or is forced to throw in a tight space, you can see a significant decline in the velocity of the ball when it comes off of his hand. This lack of arm strength in certain is the reason for quite a few of the interceptions he threw for the Seminoles.

Accuracy

This is another area that Ponder is strong in, but not elite. He has good accuracy when he has time to stand in the pocket and make technically-sound throws. On short routes, both crossing and out routes, he makes up for his lack of strength with accuracy and throws catchable balls that are almost always on target. He does a good job of putting shorter throws in spots that only his receivers can catch them. His accuracy also shows on deep routes, although they sometimes hang too long in the air due to the lack of strength. When he’s under pressure, his accuracy undergoes a steep decline.

Mechanics/Footwork

Although he possesses sound footwork, it is very inconsistent at times. When he has the time and space to step into his throws, he is among the most accurate quarterbacks in this class because he plants his back foot effectively and throws with power and accuracy. However, when he feels pressure or has to step up in the pocket, he loses his mechanics which causes him to make poor throws that often end in interceptions.

Mobility

Inside of the pocket, Ponder has good quickness and vision to make around in the pocket to avoid sacks. Unfortunately for him, this movement in the pocket usually throws off his accuracy when throwing the football. Outside of the pocket, he has enough speed and vision to pose a threat to run against defenses. When he’s on the run, he has vision and elusiveness, along with toughness, that allows him to pick up first downs. He isn’t afraid to put his shoulder down and fight for extra yards, but that might not necessarily be a positive considering his injury history. When he rolls out of the pocket, he delivers good throws due to good squaring of his shoulders along with some finesse.

Release Quickness

Due to his tight, compact delivery, Ponder is able to throw passes with quickness and effectiveness. He holds the ball around his shoulder and releases the ball over the top for a quick deliver that comes out in a tight spiral. He gets the ball out with great quickness when he tracks down the target that he’s looking for.

Additional Information

Throughout his career, Ponder has been hampered by numerous injuries. The 2009 season ended early for him after having to have season-ending shoulder surgery. He also missed time during the 2010 season due to a number of injuries. Despite possessing elite quarterback talent, his inconsistency and constant health issues have hindered his ability to prove it and could be the difference between a lucrative NFL career and a short-lived one. He will fit best as a quarterback in a West Coast Offense, relying more on short timing routes which compensates for his lack of elite accuracy and arm strength.

Production/Experience

2010: Started 12 of 14, missing the other two games due to injury.
2009: Started first nine games before missing the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
2008: Started 13 of 13 games.
2007: Played in one of 13 games.
2006: Redshirted

Academics

Majored in Sports Management at Florida State; 2009 ACC All-Academic Team.

Awards & Honors

2010: Senior Bowl Offensive MVP; Team Leadership Award and Academic Award
2009: All-ACC Honorable Mention; Wuerffel Trophy finalist; Maxwell Award semifinalist; Manning Award semifinalist; ACC All-Academic Team
2008: Team offensive MVP; Seminole Warrior

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Summary

Jabaal Sheard is an explosive college end that will appeal to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams as a right end or rush linebacker. At Pittsburgh, he proved himself to be a productive pass rusher with variety and a strong motor. As purely a pass rusher, he ranks among this class’ best prospects. He may lack base strength to be an effective run stopper as a down lineman. Though many project him later, he may be drafted as high as the late first and should not get out of the second round.

Run Stopping

Playing the run is not a strong point in Jabaal Sheard’s game. He lacks anchor strength in the lower body and is too often washed out of the play. If he is to stay at defensive end at the next level, he will need to add bulk and muscle to his frame. He really struggles to hold his position or make an impact against bigger linemen. His discipline on the edge could be improved, but generally he does a nice job at keeping contain using his arms to fend off blocks. Though his run-stopping ability leaves a lot to be desired as a down lineman, he may be able to effectively seal the edge from a linebacker spot in the 3-4.

Pass Rushing

Sheard is one of the best natural pass rushers in this draft class. He is explosive off the edge with a very good first step. His game is very energetic as he shows quick hands and speed. Rushing the passer comes very naturally to him and there is some variety in his technique. He excels getting into the backfield due to his ability to leverage the end. Upon firing off the snap, Sheard dips his shoulder and controls blockers either with his inside move or his bull rush. He displays the capability to bend at the waist and snap around the edge. Though raw and partially overshadowed earlier in his career, his pass rushing production spiked this year. He shows the ability to track the ball due to athleticism and effort, but he does have a tendency to over-pursue and miss easy tackles in the backfield. His talent should translate well to a stand-up role at the next level if he is to be drafted by a 3-4 team.

Hand Placement & Usage

Jabaal Sheard possesses long arms and uses his hands effectively. He shows the ability to keep blockers away from his body and free himself to make plays. Often, he will use his hands to set up blockers and has several pass rushing moves. When countering, he typically uses his hands for an effective swim move. He could stand to improve his leverage in the running game as he seems to struggle with driving blockers.

Instincts & Awareness

It appears Sheard has average to above average awareness on the field. Against the run, his issues had more to do with a lack of anchor strength than it did a lack of instincts. He possesses an excellent motor and is constantly flying around the field. Additionally, he is very competitive and works very hard using his hands & feet to gain position. Coverage instincts will be a big question in projecting a move to outside linebacker.

Schematic Fit

A big question that many have about Sheard is what position he will play at the next level. Personally, I believe he fits best at right end in a Tampa 2 scheme, which often calls for smaller, quicker down linemen. In a 3-4 system, he may project well as a rush linebacker. His pass rushing ability and motor should allow him to be successful in virtually any scheme. Many believe he will be a draft day riser due to perceived versatility.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

When analyzing Jabaal Sheard’s athletic ability and size, it is important to identify the position that he is being projected to play. His size is very good for a 3-4 outside backer, but only average for a right end in most 4-3 schemes. If he is to stay a down lineman, he will need to add bulk and more muscle to his frame, especially in the lower body. He does appear agile enough to play in space in the NFL. His hips are fluid; he can bend and snap at the waist. Additionally, he is very explosive for his size, with good speed.

Additional Information

Sheard is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to character and durability. His work ethic, intensity, and competiveness helped make him a team captain as a senior. In the summer of 2010, he was arrested for assault. In that case, Sheard threw a man through a store window and repeatedly hit him despite being told by police to stop. He wound up beating felony charges, but plead guilty to disorderly conduct. It is hard to really question his character, though, as he once received a bravery award for helping a woman escape from her burning home. He also showed incredible toughness to play through nagging injuries during his college career. In 2009, he played every game through a knee injury that he had suffered that summer. After starting 38 straight games, he missed his final collegiate game to have a minor elbow surgery. Though he has been dinged up, there is no major injury to note on his medical record and he should check out fine. Sheard has the potential to be an impact pass rusher at the next level as a down lineman for a 4-3 team or standing up at linebacker in a 3-4. The type of explosiveness and motor he possesses is a good combination for any front seven player making the transition to the NFL. Though there has not been a tremendous amount of hype surrounding him, there is a chance he could be drafted as early as the late first or early second round. To reach his potential, he must stay focused and will have to stay healthy.

Production/Experience

2010: 12 games/12 starts – 52 Tackles 14.5 TFL 9.0 Sacks 4 BB 4 FF
2009: 13 games/13 starts – 42 Tackles 10.5 TFL 5.0 Sacks 3 BB
2008: 13 games/13 starts – 45 Tackles 10.5 TFL 5.5 Sacks 7 BB 1 FF
2007: 9 games/0 starts – 3 Tackles 2 BB

Academics

Administration of Justice major and often described as a good student.

Awards & Honors

2010: First Team All-Big East.

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Summary

Ryan Williams is among this class’ most gifted ball carriers, but the difference between his 2009 and 2010 campaigns is night & day. As a redshirt freshman, he was one of the nation’s premier backs, showing a rare combination of instincts, burst, agility, and power. His sophomore campaign was derailed by a nagging hamstring injury and the last tape we’ve seen from him looks very different from the player that many grew to love. The talent and innate feel for the game that he possesses still ranks him among the best backs in the class. Expect Williams to come off the board as early as the middle of the second and I don’t imagine he would last long in the third were he to make it there.

Inside Runner

Williams is an aggressive inside runner that lowers his shoulder and picks up yards between the tackles. In college he was an effective north-south runner with the ability to pick and slide. He shows patience at the line and has a lot of wiggle in the hole. In 2009, he proved himself to be an excellent cutback runner. He possesses tremendous vision, with the ability to find and fit through small creases. His burst and explosiveness allows him to turn ordinarily short gains into first downs. The competitiveness and confidence he has a runner is exemplified by an often violent, slashing running style.

Outside Runner

Though he had most of his success as an inside runner in college, Williams also exceled running outside the tackle box. When the middle of the field is congested, he shows the ability to slide, shift, and find room on the outside. He possesses the burst to turn the corner and changes gears effortlessly. In the open field, he can be a terror to bring down due to toughness and the ability to make defenders miss. He was much more successful running outside in 2009 when he was not hampered by a hamstring injury. Though he has enough explosiveness to break big runs, he is liable to be caught from behind due to a lack of breakaway speed.

Receiving

Despite being utilized as a receiver relatively infrequently at Virginia Tech, Williams looks to be a natural catcher with soft hands out of the backfield. He was unproductive as a receiver in college, with only 26 career receptions. When he did get the ball in his hands, however, he showed a lot of ability after the catch. It is likely that he will be featured more as a receiver out of the backfield at the next level.

Ball Security

In college, ball security was not a glaring issue for Williams, but he certainly was not perfect. He touched the ball over 400 times in 2009 & 2010 and wound up with five career fumbles. There is reason to believe this should be an emphasis in transitioning to the NFL game. Like Adrian Peterson, relentlessly fighting for extra yards has led to fumbles for him in the past.

Vision, Instincts & Awareness

This is the category in which Ryan Williams is an elite talent. He possesses terrific vision and does an excellent job finding holes & cutback lanes. At Virginia Tech, he showed tremendous running instincts and a rare ability to read what is happening in front of him. It appears he has an innate feel for the position and is among the best players in this class with the ball in his hands. A combination of vision and burst is very dangerous; in time, he could be among the most successful backs in the NFL.

Elusiveness/Tackle Breaking

Perhaps no back in this class is tougher to track in the open field than Williams is. He is very powerful, runs with a lot of confidence, and breaks a lot of tackles. In 2009, he bounced off of weak tackles and often ran straight through arm tackles. He shows the ability to string moves together at the second level and impresses with his agility & elusiveness. If there is a complaint, it is that he may run too aggressively at times and will have to do a better job in the NFL reducing direct hits.

Pass Blocking

If there is one glaring weakness in Williams’ game, it would be his pass blocking. I don’t mean to imply he is worthless as a blocker, but there is a lot of room for improvement. A big part of why he was redshirted as a freshman was to further develop as a pass blocker. In order to see the field on third downs in the NFL, he must prove the ability to block as well as catch.

Leg Drive

As a freshman, Williams displayed the ability to finish runs aggressively, often leaving defenders on their backs. He shows a great second effort and will never go down easily. In traffic, he keeps his feet moving and his legs churning, allowing him to pick up extra yardage or break free at times. He is a player that obviously enjoys contact and his violent running style is often fun to watch.

Schematic Fit

There are several schemes in which Williams could fit at the next level. His vision and burst make him a very intriguing option in a zone-blocking or stretch-zone system. Despite having the ability to hold up as a feature back, he could really excel if paired with a bigger back in a platoon. Though most teams should be satisfied with his ability as a receiver, some that emphasize the running back as part of the passing game may be turned off by his lack of experience out of the backfield in college.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

Though on paper, Williams may lack elite physical specs, he is an explosive athlete with physical tools that should allow him to succeed at the next level. He possesses a compact frame that appears perfect for the NFL. His speed is just average and he can be caught from behind in the open field. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in burst and explosiveness. His acceleration ranks among the best in this running back class and his 40 inch vertical at the NFL Combine turned some heads. He is very agile, with quick feet and fluid hips. Strength and power is very evident in watching him play, but he may not be big enough to take pounding as a feature back.

Additional Information

A lack of durability may push Williams down the board on draft weekend. A nagging hamstring injury plagued his 2010 season as he wound up missing four games. In the games he did play, he appeared to lack the same burst, quickness, and power that we had seen the year before. Injuries will need to be considered when drafting him, as you don’t want to invest in the next Kenny Irons. He has excellent football character. Williams is very confident and competitive, always playing with a chip on his shoulder. He is mature and tested by hardship, as he has taken care of his brother (who has an intellectual disability) for most of his life. His intelligence is a question, but on the field he appears as smart as any back around. The potential is there for Ryan Williams to develop into an extremely successful, every-down back at the next level. If he is healthy, it is tough to say any back in this class has more upside. He could contribute early on at the next level, with the skill-set to rank among the league’s elite if he stays on the field. Expect him to make strides as a pass-catcher, as he seems to have a lot of untapped potential there. Teams will have to be careful, however, as he has an unusually violent running style for his size and a history of injury through his career. I fully expect Williams to be one of the best players to come out of this class if handled properly.

Production/Experience

2010: 10 games/5 starts – 110 car 477 yds 4.3 avg 9 Td; 10 rec 109 yds 1 Td
2009: 13 games/13 starts – 293 car 1,655 yds 5.6 avg 21 Td; 16 rec 180 yds 1 Td
2008: Redshirted

Academics

A Business major at Virginia Tech.

Awards & Honors

2009: ACC Rookie of the Year. First team All-ACC.

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Summary

With a prototypical tight end frame, great intelligence and work ethic, and an outstanding mix of skills, there’s no reason that Stocker can’t become a difference maker in the NFL. Although he never produced eye-popping numbers at Tennessee, an offense that relies heavily on the tight end in the passing game would be finding a real gem by drafting this guy. He has tremendous hands but hinders himself with poor route running. If he can work on his route running and blocking, he has what it takes to be a productive starter in the NFL. I project him to be a late second/early third round pick.

Blocking

Stocker’s blocking still needs lots of work, although the potential to be a good blocker is there. He has decent strength and a good frame for blocking, but his technique is spotty at best. He doesn’t use his hands or strength to his advantage. At the point of attack, he doesn’t use his strength properly, attacks with a narrow base, and doesn’t get his hands inside. When blocking down field, he does a good job of using his athleticism to get in the way of defenders, but doesn’t do a good job of taking them completely out of the play. When in pass blocking, he noticeably struggled against speed pass rushers who beat him on the edge due in large part to his lack of strong footwork and hand placement.

Hands

Stocker is a terrific athlete who can go out and make a huge difference in the passing game from the tight end position. He uses his outstanding hands and big frame to pull down high passes and can contort his body to pull in inaccurate passes. When going up for the pass, he has an impressive disregard for his body, willing to lay out or open his body up to hits in order to haul in the ball. He does a good job of catching the ball its highest point and not allowing smaller defenders to be a part of the equation. His speed isn’t overly impressive, but his athleticism makes up for it. When going down the seam, he does a good job of going up and picking the ball out of the air without hesitation.

Route Running/Separation

Many of the routes that Stocker runs lack discipline. When running routes, he has a tendency to round his routes off and doesn’t have the speed to create separation, even against linebackers. He comes off of the line high and doesn’t have the explosiveness to easily get off of the press. When working his way down field, he runs upright and allows defenders to stay on his hip. He makes up for his lack of route running with his hands and size, but that may not be as easy to do in the NFL against elite defenders.

Red Zone Threat

His outstanding frame and height allows him to be a valuable threat down on the goal line. He has the size to box out for jump balls just a basketball player, also complimented by his impressive jumping abilities. When running shorts routes inside the end zone, he does a good job of finding holes in the defense and sitting down, giving the quarterback a big target to throw that. Mix all of that with terrific hands, and you have a prospect that can provide defenses with a headache down in the red zone.

Additional Information

Stocker is a character player. He played through numerous injuries and never missed a game during his four years on the field for the Volunteers. Whether he’s blocking or running with the ball, he plays with tenacity and is very tough no matter what player he’s lined up against. Even if he loses battles in the trenches, it isn’t due to a lack of effort. His numbers weren’t overly impressive during his time at Tennessee, but he wasn’t thrown to very much either. He can also fit onto a roster as an H-back.

Production/Experience

2010: Started 13 of 13 games.
2009: Started 13 of 13 games.
2008: Started 12 of 12 games.
2007: Played in 14 of 14 games.
2006: Redshirted

Academics

Unknown major at Tennessee.

Awards & Honors

2010: John Mackey Award semi-finalist.

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Summary

Jonathan Baldwin is a physically gifted receiver with a rare combination of height, weight, and speed. Despite elite physical tools, he is very raw and unpolished. He figures to be a project at split-end that could take two to three years to really grasp the finer points of the game. His college career was plagued by inconsistency at the Quarterback position and immaturity on Baldwin’s part. There is reason to believe that he may never figure it out. He may possess this class’ best triangle numbers at the position, but it is likely he falls somewhere between the middle of the second round and the late third.

Route Running/Separation

The number one area in which Baldwin must improve at the next level is his route-running. Right now, he appears very raw and lacks variety as a route runner. He, too often, rounds off routes and is not very sudden when he has to make a move toward the middle of the field or the sideline. It appears he plays too tall and is tight at the hips, lacking the quickness and fluidity to separate underneath. Due to this, he was used primarily as a vertical threat in college. He is a long-strider, fast enough to create separation deep and is strong enough to come down with contested balls. Additionally, he has the strength to beat the jam with his hands.

Hands

Baldwin possesses big (10 1/8”) hands which often show a great deal of strength, but he must improve his reliability. He shows good concentration in jump-ball situations, flashing the ability to shield defenders and high-point the ball. His catching radius is extremely wide and he can make plays on the ball that not many can. Still, he must improve his consistency. Too often on short to intermediate routes, he lets the ball get into his body.

After the Catch

Due to immense size and very good strength, Baldwin can be a load to bring down after the catch. He may be a bit straight-linish and not overly elusive, but he is able to pick up yards due to his impressive running power. His speed for his size is terrific, but he rarely gets the chance to flash it in the open field due to average explosiveness and burst. However, he is a size mismatch for most defensive backs and is very tough to take to the ground.

Athleticism/Body Control

No quality is as evident as Jonathan Baldwin’s rare athleticism for his size. As a former basketball player, he displays excellent leaping ability and vertical explosiveness. For the amount of mass he is carrying, he seems to have very good body control. He is a complete and utter mismatch in jump-ball situations on any level. A lack of suddenness and agility could prevent him from making his mark in the NFL in anything but the red-zone.

Blocking

On paper, Baldwin appears to have elite potential as a blocking receiver. He has excellent functional strength, long arms, and is very competitive. Despite upside, he must improve effort and attention to detail as a blocker. He does not appear to be overly enthusiastic in this area of the game, but run-heavy teams could still take a chance on him developing at the next level.

Schematic Fit

Jonathan Baldwin is quite clearly an NFL split-end, or “X”, fitting best in a vertical offense. His lack of polish as a route-runner really limits his scheme versatility. Additionally, he didn’t show the work ethic or innate feel for the game to project him at any spot other than his collegiate comfort zone. He appears to fit the Vincent Jackson mold and would be a perfect fit in an offense such as San Diego or Minnesota’s.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

You would be hard pressed to find a receiver in this draft class with better triangle numbers than Baldwin (6’4 224 4.50.) He is very big and strong, while also possessing great speed for his size. His basketball background has helped him to develop elite leaping ability and good coordination. At Pittsburgh, he made big plays with a career average of 18.3 yards per catch. Despite a lack of agility and fluidity, he still has the physical tools that NFL teams covet.

Potential

The sky is the limit for Jonathan Baldwin provided he can figure it out at the next level. He has the potential to be a legitimate #1 target as an explosive downfield threat and red-zone target. Don’t expect an instantaneous return on investment, however, as he has a lot to learn and may be a couple years away. If he does not take the game more seriously or buy into the NFL coaching he receives, his bust potential is undeniable. He was obviously held back at Pitt by the Quarterback play he received this year and if he went to another school there is a chance he could have been a much more highly-sought-after prospect. He fits the definition of a boom-or-bust player.

Bloodlines/Athletic Experience

Father, Jeffery Baldwin, was a fromer Pitt defensive lineman from 1981-1984. His cousin, Charles Fisher, was a defensive back at West Virginia in the 1990s and had a stint in the NFL. Coming out of high school, Baldwin was a heralded recruit in both football and basketball. In addition to those two sports, he also ran track at Aliquippa (Pa.)

Additional Information

If Jon Baldwin were a model character, he would likely be a first round lock. Many, however, have described him as immature. His inability to improve in certain areas over his college career may either point to a questionable work ethic or a steep learning curve. The fear is that he may never get it at the next level. He appears egotistical and overly confident in his abilities. Upon leaving the program after his junior season, he bashed Quarterback Tino Sunseri and the Panthers’ coaching staff for his lack of growth as a player. In implying his teammates and coaches sabotaged his draft stock, it is obvious that he needs to learn to watch what he says to the media. In 2009, Baldwin was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment; but those charges did not hold up. Perhaps he was justifiably unhappy with his situation at Pitt, but he has shown diva tendencies and attitude problems far too early in his career. Durability does not seem to be much of a concern for him as he has not suffered a serious injury to this day.

Production/Experience

2010: 13 games/13 starts -53 rec 822 yds 15.5 ypc 5 Td
2009: 13 games/12 starts -57 rec 1,111 yds 19.5 ypc 8 Td
2008: 13 games/3 starts – 18 rec 404 yds 22.4 ypc 3 Td

Academics

Was enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences. On the Big East All-Academic football team in 2009.

Awards & Honors

2010: First team All-Big East.
2009: First Team All-Big East, Rivals All-American (third team)

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Summary

Marcus Cannon is a supremely athletic and strong offensive lineman, especially for a player of his size. A redshirt senior, Cannon has started 37 games in his career at TCU, 13 at left tackle and 24 at right. He has the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line, which will attract NFL teams. The key for Cannon will be finding his best fit at the next level. I believe he will get a shot to play right tackle, and best case scenario he becomes a solid prospect at that position. What’s great about Cannon, however, is I believe that if it doesn’t work out at right tackle he can become an elite guard in the NFL. He has the type of size, strength and athleticism that could make him a dominant interior lineman for years to come. He is an intriguing prospect whose size/strength/athleticism combo warrants early consideration. Look for Cannon to be drafted somewhere in the second round.

Pass Blocking

Cannon is an experienced tackle with surprisingly light feet on the outside. He possesses a strong initial punch and good footwork for a big man. He is not quick of the snap however, and will struggle with speed rushers at the next level. He takes nice angles to cut off edge rushers, making up for his lack of quickness off the snap. Cannon played out of a two-point stance in pass protection in college, and may have to learn to put his hand in the ground and still get his head up fast enough to locate and lock on his defender. He has lazy hand placement at times and allows defender to get into his body. He possesses an extremely strong lower half, allowing him to anchor very well against power rushers. He is tough to move around and holds his ground well. Cannon did not allow a sack while playing at right tackle in 2009.

Run Blocking

Cannon is a dominant run blocker, especially at the point of attack. He is extremely strong and fierce when locked on a defender. He has nimble feet and gets to the second level with ease, but struggles to locate and can look lost in space. Cannon has really nice straight line speed for such a big guy (5.26 40 at the combine) and he is almost impossible to shed when locked up. He doesn’t fire out of his stance like you would want to see, and is slow to get up to top speed. Because of that he may struggle to be effective when pulling or trapping at the next level. Effectively walls of defenders and holds his ground well allowing the back to hit the hole. Cannon was a vital member of an offense that racked up over 260 yards rushing per game, good for ninth in the nation.

Awareness

Cannon is very experienced and understands multiple positions in the offensive line. There are times when he seems to freestyle too much, and he will need to learn to be more sound at the next level. He doesn’t possess great instincts and struggles to locate in space. He has great character and work ethic and will be very coachable about these issues.

Hand Placement

Like a lot of college tackles, Cannon is a little inconsistent with hand placement. When his technique is good he can be dominant, controlling defenders with ease. When he tires, his hand placement can get lazy. He drops his hands too low and allows defender to get into his body and gain leverage. He has an extremely strong initial punch, but his secondary attack is inconsistent. His arms are only average length.

Mobility

Cannon is very light on his feet and has better mobility than you would assume. He can look stiff at times, and is more of a waist bender than a knee bender, which is easy to see in how high he plays out of the two-point stance. He is not particularly explosive out of his stance and is slow to pull and trap. His three-cone time at the combine of 8.07 was seventh worst among offensive lineman, but his 40 time was in the middle of the pack.

Footwork

Like his hand placement, Cannon can be both good and bad with his footwork. He has nimble feet and uses his mobility to get in proper position to block defenders. However, he has the bad habit of not keeping his feet moving and just anchoring his whole body, which allows the defender to gain leverage. In the run game when he locks onto a defender he typically shows good leg churn and an amount of relentlessness. Cannon gets nice depth on his kick step and shuffles his feet pretty well when blocking on the edge. I thought he showed better footwork as a right tackle then on the left side.

Additional Information

For more proof of Cannon’s athletic ability, it’s worth noting that he was also a member of TCU’s track and field team competing in the shot put. He earned All-Mountain West Conference in track. In high school he lettered in basketball, track and field, and power lifting. His uncle, Allen Cannon, played football at Vanderbilt. Weight management will definitely be a concern for teams looking to draft Cannon. He gained nearly 60 pounds since his freshman year at TCU, and while some weight gain is a part of development, he will need to prove it is not an issue. **EDIT – April 26th ** It has been reported that Cannon was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a treatable form of cancer. Cannon will begin treatments immediately but this could have a significant impact on his draft stock.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 13 games at left tackle.
2009: Played and started in all 13 games at right tackle.
2008: Played and started in 11 of 13 games at right tackle, missing two games due to an ankle injury.
2007: Played in all 13 games.

Academics

Cannon is a communications major.

Awards & Honors

2010: Named first-team All-Mountain West Conference and third-team All-American.
2009: Named first-team All-Mountain West Conference … named a Top 10 Workout Warrior by ESPN.com.
2008: Named Honorable-mention All-Mountain West Conference.

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Summary

Arguably one of the top nose tackle prospects in this year’s draft, Taylor has seen a huge rise in his stock since tearing up opposing offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl. Despite some character issues, this 334 pound monster in the middle is a rare physical specimen who should be able to make an immediate impact in the NFL if he can learn to play with more consistency. He is a fridge on the defensive line who gobbles up double-teams as well as runners who come within his reach. There are some questions as to his effort off of the field, which showed in numerous 2010 games in which he seemed gassed as the game went on. Overall, he has the potential to be a brute force as a nose tackle if he can refine his game and prove that he has the mental strength to play in the NFL. I project that he will be a late first round selection.

Run Stopping

Taylor is a handful in the middle of a defense. Throughout his time at Baylor, he was constantly double-teamed, which still wasn’t always as effective as the offensive hoped for. He clogs up the middle and often forces runners to bounce to the outside, where he continues to track them down with his deceptive quickness for his size. He does a good job of coming off low on the snap and anchors down well against the double-team, but struggles to maintain low pad level and can allow linemen to get under his pads. He has a tendency to take plays off and, if he isn’t putting in the effort, will just stand his ground against blockers instead of trying to beat them. There were several occasions where he was washed down the line and completely gave up on the play. However, if he feels that he’s still in the play, he can do a good job of pursuing and making hustle plays down the field.

Pass Rushing

Despite his lack of impressive speed, Taylor’s pass rushing ability is above par for the defensive tackle position. He moves very well for his size and is able to work as a battering ram to break through offensive lines while working his way towards the quarterback. He moves well with his size and has great power at the point of attack that allows him to bull over smaller offensive linemen. When he decides to not take the play off and actually uses his strength, he can violently knock linemen out of the way and wreak havoc in the backfield.

Awareness

In general, Taylor possesses good awareness. However, due to his inconsistency and lack of constant effort, he doesn’t always keep his head up and can lose the runner in traffic. Especially when he takes on a double-team, he puts his head down and tries to bull his way through the blockers, not allowing himself to track down the ball. When in pass rush, he has shown the ability to read when a quarterback is releasing the ball and has the size to clog passing lanes. He does a good job of reading screens and was almost always the first Baylor defensive lineman to read and react to them.

Hand Placement

His hand placement depends largely on what the offense is doing. During passing plays, Taylor uses his hands well to gain separation between blockers and uses violent club and swim moves to clear his path to the quarterback. On run plays, he often depends too heavily on his size and leans into blocks and doesn’t do a good job of keeping blockers at bay. He needs to do a better job of keeping run blockers at a distance and using his hands to shed them the way that he does on passing plays.

Additional Information

Taylor will most likely be drafted primarily as a nose tackle. There are some lingering character questions after he was dismissed from the Penn State football team in 2007 due to poor academics and being involved in an off-campus fight. He wasn’t very productive during the 2009 season with Baylor, but that may be attributed to playing most of the season with turf toe. Too often, Taylor has a tendency to take plays off and has shown some issues with conditioning and working hard off of the field, evidenced by his lack of stamina during games. However, the lack of stamina is to be expected with a 334 pound player, although poor conditioning is still a factor. He has the skills to be an every down player, but will need to see some considerable improvement in stamina to do so.

Production/Experience

2010: Started in thirteen of thirteen games.
2009: Played in twelve of twelve games, including nine starts.
2008: Redshirted after transferring to Baylor in accordance with NCAA D1

Academics

Majored in General Studies at Baylor; Spring 2009 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Awards & Honors

2010: All-Big 12 Honoree; Second-Team All-Big 12 (Big 12 coaches, AP, Phil Steele, Rivals.com); ESPN.com All-Big 12 bowl team; Second-Team “All-Texas” (Dave Campbell’s Texas Football)
2009: Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year

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Summary

Greg Little is among this draft class’ most physically gifted receiver. Despite below average college production at the position, he appeared to be a player poised for a big breakout before a suspension took his Senior season away. It remains to be seen whether he will learn from his past mistakes and mature as a person. Regardless, Little has the talent to make an impact early at the next level, likely in the short to intermediate passing game. He has the ability to develop into an upper-echelon receiver in the NFL but so much depends on his decision making and his standing with his coaches.

Route Running/Separation

As a converted tailback, Little is still a bit wet behind the ears as a route runner. Still, in times at receiver he has proven he is athletic enough to run a full route tree effectively. His physical abilities make him a tough customer when faced with man coverage. He is fluid enough to separate underneath and over the middle. His size allows him to successfully shield defenders with his body and he shows the ability to beat the jam with his functional strength. However, he does lack the top end speed to separate vertically.

Hands

Little may have some of the draft class’ best hands. When the ball is in the air, he shows very good concentration and coordination. His hands are average size relative to his height and length, but he is a very reliable catcher. On the field, he shows the confidence and physicality to win contested balls. He will not shy away from making plays in traffic, often displaying rare toughness for a receiver.

After the Catch

The attribute that stands out most in Greg Little’s game is his strength. He is very strong, physical, and uses a stiff-arm effectively. There may be no receiver in the draft this hard to bring to the ground, as he seems to run angry. Little fights for yards but also possesses enough speed to occasionally break off big gains. Despite extraordinary toughness and physicality, he also shows a bit of wiggle with the ball in his hands. He accelerates and changes speeds well for a bigger receiver. In the open field he even flashes a spin move.

Athleticism/Body Control

Entering the NFL Combine, there was some uncertainty over Little’s sheer athletic ability. His performances in Indianapolis and Chapel Hill were able to put a lot of doubts to rest. He is an impressive athlete for his size and fairly fluid. Body control is one of his greater assets as a player and he shows the ability to make plays away from his body. His leaping ability is remarkable for a player in excess of 220 pounds and his vertical is a very impressive 38” inches.

Blocking

Greg Little is very big and extremely strong for a receiver. As a former running back, he may not have a ton of experience as a run-blocker, but he shows plenty of ability. Often times, his blocking will reflect the grit and competitiveness he displays in his complete game. Expect him to receive plenty of attention from run-heavy teams.

Schematic Fit

The best fit for Little is as a flanker (or “Z”) in a west coast offensive scheme. He is likely to be utilized most in the short to intermediate passing game. In the NFL he profiles as more of a possession receiver with ability after the catch, rather than a game-breaking vertical option. He was an extremely versatile college football player and could be toyed around with provided he lands with a creative coaching staff. His Tarheels career started as a running back and he also did some kick returning.

Size, Speed, Strength & Agility

When it comes to physical tools, Little has them in abundance. He’s very big, thick, extremely strong, and his body is rocked up with muscle. His nickname is “freak.” In addition to strength, he is also fairly agile and fast for his size. He showed some big-time explosiveness at his Pro Day, where he recorded a broad jump of 10 feet 10 inches. Despite a bit of tightness in the hips, he still changes speed and directions at an above average level for his weight.

Potential

Outside of the top two, A.J. Green and Julio Jones, it is tough to find any receiver in this class with Little’s upside. His excellent physical tools and ability with the ball in his hands should make him a candidate to receive touches immediately, no matter where he is to fall. To reach his vast potential, there will need to be major changes in the way he approaches the game. Still, if I’m a betting man, it would be hard to go against a player with Greg Little’s sheer talent. He will make a tremendous flanker in a run-heavy offense provided he has coaches that can keep him in line.

Additional Information

Sketchy character offers a reason to believe Greg Little will fall down the board on draft day. He is obviously very competitive and confident, but maturity is a big concern. On the field, he too often lets emotions get the best of him. North Carolina suspended him for the duration of the 2010 season after it had come out that he had received $4,952 in improper benefits, which included jewelry and multiple travel accommodations. Additionally, some sources have reported that he may not have been completely honest with teams at the NFL Combine. Now, I actually find Little to be quite well spoken and articulate in interviews. If he can improve his work habits and attitude as a whole, the sky could be the limit. There are no durability concerns to speak of and he never missed a college game due to injury.

Production/Experience

2009: 13 games, 13 starts – 62 rec 724 yds 11.7 avg 5 Td; 166 yds rushing 5.7 avg 1 Td
2008: 11 rec 146 yds 13.3 avg 0 td; 339 yds rushing 4.3 avg 3 Td
2007: 13 games, 2 starts (at RB) – 13 rec 99 yds 1 Td; 300 yds rushing 1 Td

Academics

Communications major

Awards & Honors

Nothing of note.

Disagree with our scouting report? Think we’ve left something out? Maybe you’ve seen something we just haven’t. Thanks okay! Leave your own scouting report using the comments feature at the bottom of the page. We at Draft Breakdown value your opinion and we’d love to hear it. This feature is available on all of our scouting reports, articles and blogs. Help keep Draft Breakdown a one stop shop for all your NFL Draft needs!