2012 Draft Hub

[Chidi29]

Pulled three straight all nighters to get this done before I have to go back to school later today. Like last year, here are my "scouting reports" for the 2011 NFL Draft. This year, I watched 87 prospects a total of 144 times.

Couple of things to make clear

1. These notes rankings are solely my thoughts. This information is not rehashed from any other site.
2. For each position, I will do a list of the rankings. Just because a good player is not on the list, does not mean he is not ranked (for example, Trent Richardson is not on my RB list) lower than the guys that are on there. It just means that I did not get the chance to watch the player. The only players that are listed are the ones that I personally watched. This is different from last year where I tacked on guys I did not watch.
3. Also in my rankings list will sometimes be something that looks like (x3). That simply means I watched that player three times. A player without that was watched just once.
4. There are some guys I admit I wish I could have seen more of. I was only able to watch a lot of guys just once and sometimes, I feel less conviction about those thoughts as opposed to a guy I watched three times (obviously, from a logical perspective).
5.In the reports, you'll see that a lot of players are listed something to the effect of, 6'2/7. That means a player is 6'2 and 7/8 inches tall.

I'm going to start it off with something new this year. A big board of all the players I watched this year, #1-#87. Then we'll get into the individual position and scouting reports.

Enjoy! Feel free to comment and share your own thoughts!

[Chidi29]

1.Andrew Luck/QB Stanford
2.Robert Griffin/QB Baylor
3.Matt Kalil/OT USC
4.Quinton Coples/DE North Carolina
5.David DeCastro/OG Stanford
6.Ryan Tannehill/QB Texas A&M
7. Andre Branch/DE Clemson
8.Cordy Glenn/OT Georgia
9.Josh Chapman/NT Alabama
10.Jonathan Martin/OT Stanford
11.Michael Brockers/DT LSU
12.Kevin Zeitler/OG Wisconsin
13.Michael Floyd/WR Notre Dame
14.Devon Still/DT Penn St
15.Dont’a Hightower/ILB Alabama
16.Jeff Allen/OT Illinois
17.Peter Konz/C Wisconsin
18.Brandon Thompson/DT Clemson
19.Ryan Lindley/QB San Diego St
20.Dwayne Allen/TE Clemson
21.Alamedu Ta’amu/NT Washington
22.Donald Stephenson/OT Oklahoma
23.Mike Adams/OT Ohio St
24.Bruce Irvin/DE West Virginia
25.Jerel Worthy/DT Michigan St
26.Orson Charles/TE Georgia
27.Adam Gettis/OG Iowa
28.Kelechi Osemele/OG Iowa St
29.Janoris Jenkins/CB North Alabama
30.Nick Perry/DE USC
31.Tank Carder/WILL TCU
32.Marvin Jones/WR California
33.Brandon Mosley/OT Auburn
34.Cam Johnson/DE Virginia
35.James Brown/OT Troy
36.Nick Foles/QB Arizona
37.David Molk/C Michigan
38.Trevor Robinson/OG Notre Dame
39.Riley Reiff/OT Iowa
40.Kirk Cousins/QB Michigan St
41.Dontari Poe/DT Memphis
42.Cyrus Gray/RB Texas A&M
43.Will Blackwell/OG LSU
44.Noah Keller/LB Ohio
45.Don Barclay/OT West Virginia
46.Leonard Johnson/CB Iowa St
47.Brock Osweiler/QB Arizona St
48.DeAngelo Tyson/DE Georgia
49.Justin Bethel/S Presbyterian
50.Brandon Weeden/QB Oklahoma St
51.Mitchell Schwartz/OT California
52.Jared Crick/DE Nebraska
53.Rishaw Johnson/OG Cal (PA)
54.Matt Reynolds/OT BYU
55.Whitney Mercilus/DE Illinois
56.Melvin Ingram/DE South Carolina
57.Trumaine Johnson/CB Montana
58.Andrew Datko/OT Florida St
59.Derek Dennis/OG Temple
60.Vontaze Burfict/MLB Arizona St
61.Senio Kalmete/OT Washington
62.Edwin Baker/RB Michigan St
63.Billy Winn/DE Boise St
64.Malik Jackson/DT Tennessee
65.Brandon Taylor/SS LSU
66.Kellen Moore/QB Boise St
67.Blake DeChristopher/OT Virgina Tech
68.Ryan Steed/CB Furman
69.Kevin Koger/TE Michigan
70.Chris Polk/RB Washington
71.Ishmaa’ily Kitchen/NT Kent St
72.Jordan White/WR Western Michigan
73.Matt Broha/DE La Tech
74.Markus Zusevics/OT Iowa
75.Ben Jones/C Georgia
76.Chris Lum/QB Lehigh
77.Philip Gapelu/OG Utah St
78.Marcel Jones/OT Nebraska
79.Brett Roy/DT Nevada
80.JJ McDemott/QB SMU
81.Mychal Kendricks/LB California
82.David Pickard/OT Southern Ilinois
83.Michael Cosgrove/DT Idaho
84.Kyle Thornton/OG North Alabama
85.John Hutchins/OT Wyoming
86.Brian Reader/QB Idaho
87.Jon Davis/S Air Force

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Quarterback

1.Andrew Luck/Stanford (x5)
2.Robert Griffin/Baylor (x5)
3.Ryan Tannehill/Texas A&M (x3)
4.Ryan Lindley/San Diego St (x2)
5.Nick Foles/Arizona (x2)
6.Kirk Cousins/Michigan St (x3)
7.Brock Osweiler/Arizona St(x2)
8.Brandon Weeden/Oklahoma St (x4)
9.Kellen Moore/Boise St(x2)
10.Chris Lum/Lehigh
11.JJ McDermott/SMU
12.Brian Reader/Idaho (x2)

1. Andrew Luck/Stanford: 6’4 234
The Good
- Prototypical size
- Elite accuracy on the entire route tree, can make every throw
- Extremely smart kid with good college pedigree
- Scans the entire field, routinely working to his 3rd/4th/5th read
- Gets proper touch on his throws
- Able to put mustard on it when he needs to
- Excellent ball placement, throws receivers open
- Near flawless mechanically speaking, throws from a sound base
- Quick, compact release with ball always in “ready” position in pocket or rolling out
- Feels the rush well, isn’t fazed by it
- Willing to take a shot, stands tall in the pocket
- Sells the playfake really well, sucks up the defense
- Capable of running the two minute offense
- Pro-style offense
- Makes a lot of pre-snap audibles/slide protections/play calls
- More mobile than given credit for
- Makes very few mistakes, rarely careless with the ball
- Leader
- Good bloodlines
- Very successful Stanford career, improved each year
The Bad
- Doesn’t have an elite arm or elite velocity on his throws
Other
- 38 career starts
- Also had 937 career rushing yards
- 26 TD/0 INT in red zone senior year
- First team Pac 10 All-Academic in 2009
- Said to be given three plays at line, two passes and a run a la Peyton Manning
- Father, Oliver, played QB for the Oilers and currently WVU’s AD
- High school valedictorian in 2008
- Two career catches, including a one-handed grab senior year
Final Word
An elite prospect with a remarkably short list of flaws. My favorite prospect in the two years I’ve watched players.
Games Watched
Vs Arizona (Half-2010), vs Virginia Tech (Bowl-2010), vs Oregon, vs Notre Dame, vs Oklahoma St (bowl)

2.Robert Griffin III/Baylor: 6’2/3 223
The Good
- Built well, muscular and fills out his frame
- Throws the best deep ball of anyone in his class, very accurate too
- Excellent velocity on his passes, ball comes out hot
- Above average pocket presence, nice job of stepping up/sliding
- Keeps eyes downfield while on the move
- Stands tall in the pocket
- Tough kid, able to take hit after hit from defenses
- Intangibles off the charts, never seems to panic (makes something out of nothing)
- Uses the pump fake well
- Fairly accurate on the move
- Did show proper touch on passes
- Dual-threat, dynamic runner
- Extends play with his feet, outside pocket or scrambling downfield
- Tough to bring down
- High character, charismatic
- Clutch, leader
- Superb junior and senior season, especially senior campaign
- Excellent starting experience
The Bad
- Below average height though not short, leads to passes being batted down
- Arm mechanics need work
- Ball tends to drop to his hip and away from body, especially outside the pocket
- Flashes of inaccuracy
- Sometimes breaks down in the pocket, instinct to run
- Sometimes ducks in the pocket, takes eyes off the field
- Will force some throws, especially when on the move
- Simpler offense albeit not completely simple
- Mostly spread but did have some passes from under center
- Didn’t always see NFL caliber routes (out, comebacks)
- Doesn’t always go through his progressions
- Some concerns about fumbling
- Past injury concerns
Other
- 40 career starts
- Starter since he was an 18 year old true freshman for Bears
- 2011 Heisman winner
- Big 12 player of Year
- Three passes batted down in five games I watched
- 4300 yards, 37 TDs, 72% completion, 700 yards rushing senior year
- 10,366 passing yards, 78 TDs in career in addition to 2200+ rushing yards
- Just 17 INTs in 1100+ pass attempts
- Played just three games sophomore year before tearing ACL in right knee
- Granted medical hardship waiver from Big 12
- Track and Field All-American in 2008
- Eight-Time Big 12 Honor Roll
- Parents both retired Army Sergeants
Final Word
Absolutely thrilling player to watch who isn’t your average mobile QB nor a one year wonder. Has some aspects that need to be refined but has excellent chance to be a Superstar at the next level.
Games Watched
At Oklahoma St, vs Missouri, vs Oklahoma, vs Texas, vs Washington (bowl)

3.Ryan Tannehill/Texas A&M: 6’3/7 221
The Good
- Solid statue for a QB
- Above average accuracy with correct ball placement
- Goes through his progressions well, not afraid to check it down, fight another day
- Reads defenses well, not fazed by zone blitzes
- Quick, compact release
- Ball stays up on the numbers during his drop
- Took quite a few snaps under center, good mix of 3 and 5 step drops with hitches
- Will flash accuracy while rolling out
- More athletic than you’d think though is no RGIII
The Bad
- Small hands (9 inches), odd for a nearly 6’4 frame
- Possesses just an average arm, velocity isn’t anything to write home about
- Deep balls have a tendency to float on him
- Occasionally locks onto his target
- Footwork issues, back foot tends to leave ground before his release (reason for lack of velocity?)
- Footwork in general looks off, choppy
- Base becomes narrow when he attempts to reset his feet
- May be slow in getting away from center
Other
- Began career with Aggies as a WR
- 55 catches, 844 yards, 5 touchdowns freshman year
- 46 catches sophomore year while serving as backup QB
- Became permanent QB in 2010
- All-Academic, 3.6 GPA in Biology, wants to be an orthopedic surgeon
Final Word
Prospect that has been gaining a lot of steam as of late. Arm strength may be called into question but could be greatly helped out with some mechanical fixes of his footwork. Will be a strong QB with some coaching given his mental aptitude.
Games Watched
Vs Oklahoma St, at Arkansas, vs Northwestern (bowl)

4.Ryan Lindley/San Diego St: 6’3/6 229
The Good
- Good size with big hands (10 inches)
- Solid velocity on his passes, come off with a tight spiral
- On the money with intermediate routes and closer, anticipates well
- Showed flashes to throw stick routes (corner, comeback)
- Quick, compact release
- Does a nice job reading and manipulating defenses
- Throws with a wide base
- Pro offense with a variety of drops (3 step, 5 step, 5 step with hitch, etc)
- As much starting experience as you could hope for
- Clutch
- Excellent senior season
The Bad
- Struggles with deep middle, deep balls
- Passes tend to float, wobble
- Issues with footwork
- Incorrect initial half step on his drop, doesn’t get gain proper depth on first steps
- Footwork in general looked awkward
- Ball placement is inconsistent
- Sometimes forces throws
- A little too eager to check the ball down
- Not that athletic
Other
- 49 career starts
- Number of INTs fell from sophomore to senior year (16,14,10)
- Missed one game in 2008 due to shoulder injury
Final Word
Like a lot that he brings to the table but will need quite a bit of coaching to break bad footwork habits and is best suited in an offense that won’t go vertical a lot.
Games Watched
At Michigan, vs UL-Lafayette

5.Nick Foles/Arizona: 6’5 243
The Good
- Prototypical size with big hands (10 5/8)
- Good arm with good velocity on his throws
- Progression QB, goes through his reads
- Ball comes out quick, good release
- Able to reset his feet on the move
- Good pocket presence, keeps eyes downfield
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Accuracy is hit and miss, will miss some “gimmie” throws
- Footwork is inconsistent, base can get narrow
- Will force some throws
- Not mobile outside the pocket
- Offense was predominately spread, pistol
- Minor injury concerns
Other
- Started 32 games in career
- Began career with Michigan St, transferred after 2007 season
- Missed two games junior year with knee sprain
- 4300 yards, 69% completion senior year
Final Word
Good size with some tools but is going to need coaching to become more consistent and improve mechanical issues.
Games Watched
Vs Oregon, at Arizona St

6.Kirk Cousins/ Michigan St: 6’2/5 214
The Good
- Strong internal clock, ball comes out quick
- Ball stays up on drop
- Quick release
- Fairly accurate, especially on intermediate and closer
- Throws a tight spiral
- Nice job feeling, avoiding the rush
- Keeps eyes downfield while on the move
- Some clutchness
- Lots of starting experience
- Successful college career
- High character
- Pro style offense, good amount of work under center
The Bad
- Just average size
- Arm is serviceable but not special
- Will break down vs the blitz, decision-making/accuracy wans
- Will stare down his target
- Accuracy severely dips when asked to stretch the field
- Not very athletic outside the pocket
- Struggled overall in bowl games
- Slight regression senior year
Other
- Three year starter
- MSU record holder in many passing categories including yards, completions, and touchdowns
- 54%, 2:6 TD/INT ratio in four career bowl games
- Did lead team back to beat Georgia in bowl game senior year in 3OT
- Does a lot of work for the community
Final Word
Looks like a solid QB when given time in the pocket but concerns about ability vs pressure and overall ceiling keeps him from being a top QB in this year’s class.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan, vs Wisconsin, vs Georgia (bowl)

7.Brock Osweiler/Arizona St: 6’6/7 242
The Good
- Freakish size, as tall as you’ll ever see (tallest in nation in 2011)
- Huge arm that can flick the ball without much effort
- Plays with a natural, wide base
- Above average accuracy
- Capable of going through his progressions
- Stands tall vs the rush, willing to take a shot
The Bad
- Long arms (33 7/8) and smaller hands than you’d expect (9 7/8)
- Long arms create a windup on his release
- Ball drops on his body when under duress, compacting the problem
- Passes have more wobble than you’d expect
- Accuracy can be off at times, ball placement needs some work
- Not always anticipatory
- Will force throws, even in red zone
- Doesn’t always keep his eyes downfield when he’s on the move
- Awkward athlete
- Spread system that had some difficult throws but also a bunch of screens/flares
- Limited starting experience
Other
- Just 15 career starts
- Surprisingly to some, declared early
- Re-wrote ASU record books, first 4000 yard passer in school history
- Records for completions and attempts as well
- Was first freshman to start a game since Jake Plummer in 1993 in 2009
- 2007-2008 Montana Gatorade Player of the Year
- Originally accepted basketball scholarship to Gonzaga
- Averaged 25 and 14.5 on the hardwood in 2007-2008
Final Word
Really interesting physical specimen with an arm you’d expect from him. The windup concerns me and that’s something that will likely never be corrected because of his naturally long arms. Mid-round prospect.
Games Watched
Vs Missouri, vs USC

8.Brandon Weeden/Oklahoma St: 6’3/4 221
The Good
- Size isn’t an issue
- Very accurate when given a sound base to throw from
- Excellent job on throws inside the numbers
- Quick, compact release
- Passes have serviceable enough zip on them
- Throws the whole route tree
- Goes through his progressions, spreads the ball around
The Bad
- Age, much much older than your typical prospect
- Folds and is skiddish versus pressure, Blaine Gabbert-esque (though not as severe)
- Struggles with accurate when throwing from an unsound base
- Starts to force passes, make poor decisions
- Will struggle with getting enough velocity on throws outside the numbers
- May not read defenses all that well
- Needs to improve on consistently driving off front foot
- Will make occasional severe mental lapse (stepped out of EZ for safety vs Texas)
- Only offers a little mobility
Other
- 28 years old
- Two year starter
- Drafted out of high school by Yankees in 2nd round of 2002 draft as a reliever
- 5-1 with a 1.39 ERA and nine saves senior year, striking out 68 in 40 innings
- 4700 yards, 72.5% completion percentage senior year with Cowboys
Final Word
Can’t get past his issues against pressure. Something that is very tough to overcome as a QB and something you have to be able to handle in order to succeed in the NFL.
Games Watched
Vs Texas A&M, at Texas, at Iowa St (Half), vs Stanford (bowl)

9.Kellen Moore/Boise St: 6’0 197
The Good
- Very accurate
- Anticipates well, leads his receivers
- Good internal clock, gets the ball out quick
- Keeps the ball up on his drop
- Plays well situationally (red zone, 3rd down)
- One of the winningest QBs in college football history
- Won against top competition
- Loads of starting experience
The Bad
- Short, small build without much muscle
- Weak arm, looks to have to “push” even shorter passes
- Won’t always step into his throws, making his arm even weaker
- Passes have considerable wobble to them
- Didn’t throw downfield very often
- Deep passes floated badly, lose a lot of accuracy
- Pistol offense
Other
- Whopping 53 career starts (50-3 career record)
- 35+ TD passes in three of four seasons
- 74.3% completion percentage senior year
- Left-handed QB
- Three year WAC All-Academic
Final Word
Kid that you root for but simply lacks the physical tools to have a good shot to stick in the NFL. More similar to Greg McElroy than Drew Brees.
Games Watched
At Georgia, vs Arizona St (bowl)

[Chidi29]

10.Chris Lum/Lehigh: 6’2 205
The Good
- Strong arm, passes come out with a lot of zip
- Good decision-maker
- Gets the ball out quickly
- Threw variety of difficult throws (seam, outside the numbers)
- Offers some mobility
- Highly productive career
The Bad
- A little undersized and underweight
- Tebow-esque windup, defenses may be keying in on that
- Ball placement on his drop is poor, holds it away from his body
- FCS competition
- Poor school track record at the position
Other
- 2011 Patriot League POY (4090 yards, 32 TDs)
- Two-time first team QB
- One of three finalists for Walter Payton Award (FCS Heisman) in 2011
- 28 career starts
- Led team to second round of playoffs in junior and senior years
- Bob Mauer, Rob Curley successful Lehigh quarterbacks that didn’t translate to NFL
Final Word
Decent combination of physical and mental tools but is likely going to be a guy whose best days were at the college level, not the NFL. 7th rounder/PFA. Wish I would have gotten a better look at him though.
Games Watched
Vs Lafayette

11.JJ McDermott/Southern Methodist: 6’4 227
The Good
- Prototypical size, definitely no issues
- Solid arm strength
- Good use of the pump fake
- Can look off safeties
The Bad
- Footwork is choppy
- Doesn’t throw with a wide base
- Just average accuracy, hit or miss
- Not very mobile
- June Jones offense
- QBs slide on their drop instead of reacting to defensive pressure
- Lacks starting experience
- Didn’t have a successful senior season
Other
- Started just one year, 10 games
- Spent two years with New Mexico St, making one start
- Just a 60% completion percentage, 18:17 TD/INT ratio senior year
- 2009 C-USA Honor Roll
Final Word
Limited experience and didn’t show much in the start I saw. Free agent.
Games Watched
At Houston

12.Brian Reader/Idaho: 6’3 219
The Good
- Good size
- Quick release
- Keeps eyes downfield while on the move
- Makes a lot of pre-snap calls
The Bad
- Not accurate, misses a lot of “gimmie” throws
- Passes exhibit a lot of wobble to them
- Gets tunnel vision, stares targets down
- Struggles to throw the ball remotely downfield (10+)
- Lost job senior year
- Not mobile, a statue
- Mainly a pistol offense
Other
- Was backup to Nathan Enderle until 2011 when Enderle graduated
- Redshirted at Arkansas in 2007, transferred to JUCO, then to Idaho
- Lost job to sophomore Taylor Davis during the season, got it back later in the year
- 27/25 career TD:INT ratio
Final Word
Had hopes he could be another Nathan Enderle but the two are polar opposites. Will struggle to even get into a team’s camp.
Games Watched
Vs Bowling Green, vs North Dakota

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Running Back

1.Cyrus Gray/Texas A&M: 5’10 206
The Good
- Good frame
- Fantastic change of direction, doesn’t lose speed either
- Patient runner
- Shows good balance
- Split out at WR at times
- Lots of catches in career
- Productive final two seasons
- Return value
The Bad
- Doesn’t have top end speed
- Goes down too easily at times
- Lacks elite quality
- Didn’t see much in pass protection
- Relatively minor injury concerns
Other
- Nearly 2200 rushing yards, 24 TDs junior and senior year
- 103 receptions, 6 TDs in career with Aggies
- Had 1169 kickoff return yards freshman year, including a 98 yard TD
- Had 99 yard TD on return in 2009, sophomore year
- Was first Aggie to have 1000 rushing in a season in 2010 since 2003
- Suffered stress fracture in shoulder late in senior season
- Missed Senior Bowl but participated in Combine, including bench press
Final Word
Even if he doesn’t pan out as a starting running back, offers versatility as a return man. Should find a home somewhere.
Games Watched
Vs Oklahoma St


2.Edwin Baker/Michigan St: 5’8 204
The Good
- Looks a little bit bigger than he is, muscular and fills out his frame
- Excellent acceleration, reaches top speed quickly
- Decisive, one-cut runner
- Doesn’t lose speed when he changes direction
- Can plant off of either foot (though preference is right)
- Above average straight-line speed, plays faster than he times
- Nice job of keeping his legs churning
The Bad
- Undersized
- Very small hands (8 1/8)
- Not very powerful, certainly won’t run you over
- Two down back
- Limited in pass protection
- Very few catches in his career
- Fumble-prone
- Poor junior season after great sophomore campaign
Other
- 35 games with 21 starts
- Had just 665/3.8/5TD junior year after 1201/5.8/13 sophomore season
- Fumbles led to reduced role
- Reduced role likely reason he declared early
- 15 career catches, no more than 7 in a season
- Missed four games senior year of high school with hyper-extended knee
Final Word
Has the potential to recapture junior year magic. Best fit would come in a zone blocking scheme where his one cut, hit the hole with burst attitude would mesh best. Needs to take care of football at next level.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan


3.Chris Polk/Washington: 5’10 212
The Good
- Good size, fills out his frame well
- Good body lean, doesn’t run high and expose his ribs
- Hard runner, always looking and able to fall forward on contact
- Doesn’t shy away from contact
- Competent in pass protection, not intimdated
- Looks like a smooth catcher, fair share of catches in his career
- Productive career
The Bad
- Doesn’t have a lot of wiggle, has trouble making defenders miss
- Lacks a second gear, not a lot of speed and plays at one speed
- May waste a little too much time in his cuts
- Had some questions about his weight
Other
- 779 carries, 4016 yards, 26 TDs in three years as workhorse
- 79 receptions in career
- Originally accepted to USC
- Started as freshman in 2008, played two games before dislocated shoulder caused him to miss rest of the season
- Had 62 catches as RB/WR junior year in high school
- Did do a nice job and dropped weight from end of year to Pro Day
- First team All Pac-10 in 2011
Final Word
Hard-nosed runner but if you can’t make guys miss and you can’t outrun them, you’ll have a hard time making a career in the NFL. Not as high on him as some may be.
Games Watched
At Nebraska

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Wide Receivers

1.Michael Floyd/Notre Dame: 6’2/5 225
The Good
- Good size with some muscle
- Quick to the tuck
- Quickly reaches top speed, good acceleration
- Gets off press man with ease/deceptive jab step
- Big catch radius
- Nice job finding/settling down in soft spot when working against zone
- Will break some tackles, doesn’t go down easily
- Willing run blocker
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- Top speed is just a little above average
- Plagued by injuries throughout career
- Sometimes catches too much with his body
Other
- 41 career starts
- Transformed to more possession receiver stats over career
- 100 catches, 11.5 YPC senior year
- Usually played “X” receiver, always played on the outside
- Missed two games freshman year due to injury
- Missed five games sophomore year due to shoulder injury
- Missed one game junior year with hamstring injury
- 23.5 PPG senior year in high school
Final Word
Prospect I like a lot. May not have elite speed but does a really nice job getting off the line and dangerous after the catch and that’s more important than any 40 time. Must stay healthy though.
Games Watched
Vs South Florida

2.Marvin Jones/California: 6’1/7 199
The Good
- Long arms (33+) and big hands (10+)
- Soft hands, natural plucker away from his body
- Nice catch radius
- Able to sink hips, gets in and out of breaks quickly
- Can make DBs miss in space, YAC guy
- Solid blocker, can stalk block
- Runs the whole route tree
- Offers versatility in return game
The Bad
- Bit lanky, don’t see a ton of muscle
- Didn’t get a chance to see him vs a lot of press
- Some ball security issues
- Just an average career statistically
Other
- 38 career starts
- 14 punt returns for 102 yards senior year
- Just 2270 yards in Cal career
- 846 yards senior year were most in career
- Suffered knee injury freshman year that caused him to miss some time
Final Word
Underrated prospect that may not pass the eye test but could be a very reliable possession receiver at the next level. Keep an ear out for him.
Games Watched
Vs Texas (bowl)

3.Jordan White/Western Michigan: 5’11/6 208
The Good
- Soft hands, does a nice job catching the ball away from his body
- Tough, willing to go across the middle
- Able to find the soft spot vs zone coverage
- Insanely productive senior year, video game numbers
- Special teams versatility
- Good starting experience
The Bad
- Short-ish
- Not very explosive off the line
- Is not a vertical threat
- Won’t make many guys miss in the open field
- Some technical issues (elongated stance, arms flail when running)
- Fairly serious injury history
Other
- 32 career starts
- 2011 stat line: 140 catches, 1911 receiving yards, 17 TDs
- Record for yards in a game (265)
- Torn ACL in right knee true freshman year
- Injured left knee two years later, missed entire 2008 season with torn ACL
- Two-time first team All-MAC
Final Word
Classic example of a player having a better college career than NFL. Likely will be drafted but not until 6th/7th round.
Games Watched
at Michigan

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Tight Ends

1.Dwayne Allen/Clemson: 6’3/1 255
The Good
- Good straight line speed, plays faster than he times
- Nice job getting out of his breaks, creates separation
- Overall, very athletic
- Strong blocker, sticks on contact
- Versatile, lined up everywhere
- Strong senior year
The Bad
- Bit slender, not a lot of muscle
- Can get upright as a blocker
- Tends to catch with his body a little more than you’d like
Other
- 27 career starts
- 50 catches, 598 yards, 8 TDs senior year
- Lined up in backfield, used on pulls at times
- Dealt with turf toe senior year
Final Word
Stock may have dipped due to poor 40 times but those are deceiving. Excellent combination of being a good athlete and a willing, competent blocker.
Games Watched
At Virginia Tech

2.Orson Charles/Georgia: 6’4/2 251
The Good
- Fluid athlete
- Gets out of his breaks quickly
- Good hands, can adjust to poorly thrown passes
- Vertical threat
- Attempts to use leverage as a blocker
- Nice job getting off the line with ease
- Productive career against top competition
- Leader
The Bad
- Slender, Aaron Hernandez build
- Struggles to hold point of attack
- Doesn’t have a killer instinct as a run blocker
- Recent character lapse
Other
- 574 yards, 5 TDs senior year
- Avergaed 16.2 YPC freshman and sophomore years (49 combined catches)
- 2011 First team All-SEC
- Move TE, lined up in slot at times
- Offensive captain
- Named to Honor Roll each year
- Recently charged with a DUI
- Blocked a punt in 2011
Final Word
As mentioned, an Aaron Hernandez clone. Versatility of tight ends these days will make Charles a valuable commodity.
Games Watched
Vs Boise St

3.Kevin Koger/Michigan: 6’3/2 262
The Good
- Big frame with broad shoulders
- Oustanding blocker
- Works well in a phone booth
- Sticks on contact
- Excellent upper body strength, holds point of attack well
- Smart, shows good awareness in blitz pickup and to run away from man coverage
- High-effort player
- Gets head around and locates the ball
- Good starting experience
- Leader
The Bad
- Not an athlete
- Very tight-hipped, gets very little separation
- Doesn’t make square cuts, rounds them off
- Little variety in his routes (mostly flats, drags)
- Next to zero explosion off the line
- Needs to bring lower half in the run game
- Needs to keep his head up when run blocking
- Doesn’t use his body to shield defenders
- Not productive
Other
- Just 23 catches, 244 yards senior year
- 31 career starts
- 2011 captain
- Played on special teams in all four years
Final Word
Dime a dozen blocker but still a good one. 6th/7th round pick at best. Special team experience is a big help for his chance to stick on an NFL roster.
Games Watched
At Michigan St

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Offensive Tackle

1.Matt Kalil/USC (x2)
2.Cordy Glenn/Georgia (x3)
3.Jonathan Martin/Stanford
4.Jeff Allen/Illinois
5.Donald Stephenson/Oklahoma (x2)
6.Mike Adams/Ohio St (x2)
7.Kelechi Osemele/Iowa St (x3)
8.Brandon Mosley/Auburn
9.James Brown/Troy
10.Riley Reiff/Iowa (x3)
11.Don Barclay/West Virginia (x2)
12.Mitchell Schwartz/California
13.Matt Reynolds/BYU (x4)
14.Andrew Datko/Florida St (x2)
15.Senio Kalmete/Washington (x2)
16.Blake DeChristopher/Virginia Tech (x2)
17.Markus Zusevics/Iowa
18.Marcel Jones/Nebraska
19.David Pickard/Southern Illinois
20.John Hutchins/Wyoming


1.Matt Kalil/USC: 6’6/5 308
The Good
- Big frame with long, 34 ½ inch arms
- Quick kickslide
- Explodes off snap
- Plays with good bend
- Slides/mirrors with ease
- Does a really nice job in space, pulled on toss plays, got out in front on screens
- Above average run blocker
- Exhibits good leg drive
- Great bloodlines
The Bad
- Probably should add weight to his frame
- Average first punch
- Hand placement is sometimes too high
- Some concerns about blitz recognition/pickup
Other
- Two year starter at left tackle
- Dad played at Arkansas and Arizona, drafted by Bills in 1982
- Brother, Ryan, is starting center for Panthers
- Played on both FG units
- Blocked a PAT in 2010
Final Word
Isn’t as built as Tyron Smith but the two are otherwise similar. The top offensive tackle prospect in the draft.
Games Watched
Vs Stanford (Half), at Colorado

2.Cordy Glenn/Georgia: 6’5/6 345
The Good
- Massive frame with really long arms and big arms (35 ¾, 10 1/8)
- Moves really well laterally, even more surprising considering his size
- Very light on his feet
- Gets his arms extended, keeps DEs at bay
- Ability to mirror
- Able to get to 2nd level, does an alright job in space
- Solid run blocker, over when he locks on
- Mean streak
- Some experience pulling
- Played against top competition
- Insane amount of starting experience
- Versatile
The Bad
- Hand placement needs some work, a little grabby
- Occasionally doubles over
- Could have a tad bit better leg drive
- Poor cut blocker
Other
- 50 career starts, tied most in Bulldogs history
- Began career at RG, started first three games there
- Finished season at LG
- Started first game of 2009 at RG, next four at LT, remaining at LG
- Started all 13 games of 2010 at LG
- Started all games of 2011 at LT
- 2011 captain
- 2009 Freshman All-SEC
- 2011 First Team All-SEC, All-American 3rd team
Final Word
Rare combination of size and movement. Doesn’t have to move away from LT either, has enough lateral movement to stay at blindside.
Games Watched
Vs Boise St, vs South Carolina (Half), at LSU

3.Jonathan Martin/Stanford: 6’5/3 312
The Good
- Big frame with room to add on
- 34 inch arms
- Wide base
- Moves well laterally
- Does a nice job moving in space
- Shows a mean streak, looks to finish
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Slender build, should add weight
- Can get grabby in pass protection, hands too far to the outside
- Penalized too much (2 in the game I saw)
- Slight waistbender
Other
- Three year starter for Cardinal
- Two-time All-Pac 12
Final Word
Likeable prospect who doesn’t have a lot of negatives against him. Getting in an NFL weight room will do him a lot of good. First rounder.
Games Watched
At Arizona

4.Jeff Allen/Illinois: 6’4 307
The Good
- Above average arm length (33 ½) to go along with big, 10 inch hands
- Athletic looking build
- Fires out of his kickslide
- Gets his arms extended
- Moves well laterally, handles speed rushes well
- Proper hand placement
- Gets good leverage, typically the low man
- Good at the 2nd level, can hit a moving target
- Nasty streak, plays to the whistle
- Lots of starting experience
- Leader
- Durable
The Bad
- Shorter, lighter than most tackles
- Will have some trouble mirroring
- Occasionally will overextend himself
- Sometimes pops up on contact though doesn’t happen very often
- Initial punch could be stronger
Other
- Four year starter
- Amassed 46 starts
- Started nine games freshman year
- Began career at RT, moved to LT start of sophomore season
- Two year captain
Final Word
Prospect that isn’t being given a ton of publicity but is one of the better tackles I’ve seen, albeit in a fairly limited scope.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan

5.Donald Stephenson/Oklahoma: 6’5/4 312
The Good
- Supreme athlete (4.94 at Combine)
- Long arms (nearly 35 inches)
- Shows natural pop out of his stance
- Can get to and stick at the second level
- Moves well in space, used out in front on screens
- Absorbs contact well, can anchor
- Looks to finish each play
- Solid cut blocker
The Bad
- Can be beat around the edge
- Will lunge in run game, doesn’t always carry lower half
- Lacks upper body strength
- Average run blocker, not a mauler
- Shows flatback in run blocking
- Some injury concerns
Other
- Two year starter with Sooners at left tackle
- Had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in 2007
- Missed entire 2009 season with academic issues
- Suffered a broken toe in high school, missed time
- Looks like Oklahoma used some zone blocking concepts
Final Word
Was a little less excited the second time I watched him but great triangle numbers with a lot of athletic ability waiting to be molded.
Games Watched
At Florida St, at Texas


6.Mike Adams/Ohio St: 6’7/2 323
The Good
- Big body with room to add on
- Long arms (34 inches) and big hands (10 7/8)
- Gets proper leverage in run game
- Capable of throwing his weight around
- Solid in blitz/stunt pickup
- Plays to the whistle
- Serviceable lateral movement
- Pretty good starting experience
The Bad
- A little slow off the snap
- Foundation is shaky, will double over and play too high in other instances
- Lacks a strong first punch
- Can get bull rushed in pass protection, doesn’t anchor that well
- Has some trouble sticking on contact, will fall off
- Flatback, head will come down in run blocking
- Isn’t very good in space
- Not always as strong as you’d expect
- Slight character issues
Other
- 25 career starts for Buckeyes
- 2010 First Team Big Ten, second team in 2011
- Suspended for first five games after being involved in Ohio St tattoo scandal
Final Word
Needs some refinement in technique and other scouts have questioned his consistency. But if he finds the right coach and the right team, he has a shot to become a mauling run blocker at right tackle.
Games Watched
Vs Wisconsin, at Michigan (Half)

7.Kelechie Osemele/Iowa St: 6’5/4 333
The Good
- Towering frame with over 35 inch arms and 10 inch hands
- Gets really good bend
- Showed ability to mirror
- Can be a dominant run blocker
- Battle is over when he sticks
- Capable of getting to the 2nd level
- Uses long arms to keep DEs at bay
- Tons of starting experience
The Bad
- Kickslide looked sloppy at times
- Will let DEs get into his pads too often, gets upright
- Can get beat around the edge
- Has trouble anchoring in pass protection
Other
- 44 career starts
- 2011 co-captain for Cyclones
- 2007 Scout Team POY
- Name pronounced: kah-LETCH-ee oh-sem-AH-lee
Final Word
Liked him a lot early when I watched him but soured the more I saw, especially the Texas game. Still a strong run blocker who moves better than most guys at his size but have reservations about him being able to stay at left tackle. Right tackle or guard.
Games Watched
Vs Texas, vs Oklahoma St (Half), vs Rutgers (bowl)

8.Brandon Mosley/Auburn: 6’5/5 314
The Good
- Big size with 34 inch arms and whopping 11 inch hands
- Moves well for his size
- Good upper body strength
- Solid first punch
- Able to mirror
The Bad
- Waistbender
- Lacks a mean streak in run blocking
- Not much experience along the offensive line
Other
- JUCO kid who transferred to Auburn in 2010
- Was a TE/LB in high school, DE at JUCO
- Surprisingly started for Tigers just three games into 2010 season
- Left tackle
Final Word
Wish I would have watched a little more on him. Played well considering how raw he is to the position.
Games Watched
Vs Utah St

9.James Brown/Troy: 6’3/4 306
The Good
- Long arms (34 ½) and big hands (10 ¼) for a guy who isn’t that big
- Athletic
- Fires out of his kickslide
- Moves well laterally, able to seal the edge
- Gets his arms extended
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Short for a tackle
- Feet will go dead at times in pass pro
- Causes him to double over
- Hand placement needs work, too far outside
- Lacks upper body strength
Other
- Three year starter
- Disappointing 9 penalties, 3.5 sacks allowed in 2009
Final Word
Athletic kid but is rare for a player of his short statue to stay at tackle. Could find a home at RG in a ZBS where he’s often asked to chip and get to the second level.
Games Watched
At Clemson (Half)

[Chidi29]

10.Riley Reiff/Iowa: 6’5/6 313
The Good
- Smooth kickslide
- Showed flashes of good lateral movement and ability to seal the edge
- Coordinated guy in the run game, brings his lower half
- Decent cut blocker
- Looks to finish plays
- Good starting experience
- Excellent pedigree
The Bad
- Pass protection can look awful at times
- Will lunge at times
- Short-arms in pass pro, lets DEs get into his pads
- Feet will go dead at times
- Severely lacks functional strength (once pancaked by LB)
- Tends to pop up on contact
- Struggles to consistently get proper leverage
Other
- Three year starter
- Began career at LG, received 7 starts before making switch to LT
- 2011 First Team All-Big Ten
- 2007 South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year
- Was a TE and DE in high school
- Coached by one of the best OL guys in college, Kirk Ferentz
Final Word
Not nearly as high on him as most. Really lacks strength, needs to hit a weight room immediately. Isn’t nearly as good as he is being billed.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan, vs Michigan St (half), vs Oklahoma (half – bowl)

11.Don Barclay/West Virginia: 6’4 310
The Good
- Above average lateral movement
- Can mirror
- Legs always moving in pass protection
- Good upper body strength
- Ability to stick and drive
- High effort player, finishes his blockers
- Good amount of starting experience
The Bad
- Shorter than most tackles
- Build isn’t anything to write home about
- Grabby, hand placement too far outside
- Doesn’t shoot his arms, DEs get into his pads and run him into the pocket
- Struggles against inside rushes
- May be because he opens up gate too early off his kickslide
- Doesn’t always bring his lower half when run blocking
Other
- Two year starter, 27 career starts
- 3x Big East All Academic
Final Word
Has some parts to his game you like but is far from a finished product. Not sure how high his ceiling is either.
Games Watched
At Maryland, vs Bowling Green (Half)

12.Mitchell Schwartz/California: 6’5/3 318
The Good
- Shows good leg drive
- Above average upper body strength
- Plays with good bend most of the time
- Some ability to move laterally/mirror
- Lots of starting experience
- Versatile
- Durable
The Bad
- Fails to get his arms extended
- Can’t anchor in pass protection, gets driven into the pocket
- Has trouble sticking on defenders, falls off blocks
- Didn’t always seem to play to the whistle
- Doesn’t play well in space
Other
- Started all of Cal’s game, 51 total
- Started first three games of freshman year at RT, finished it at LT
- Played all of sophomore season at RT
- Finished career at LT
- Totals: 16 starts at RT, 35 on the blindside
- Brother, Geoff, played for Panthers
- 2011 First-Team All Pac-12
Final Word
Couple of interesting parts to his game with size and leg drive but technique leaves a bit to be desired. Probably a 4th or 5th rounder.
Games Watched
Vs Texas (bowl)

13.Matt Reynolds/BYU: 6’5 302
The Good
- Understands leverage, stays low
- Pretty good upper body strength
- Above average run blocker
- Good first punch
- Hard-nosed, throwback kid
- Plays to the whistle
- Smart, solid in stunt recognition and pickup
- Tons of starting experience
- Durable
- Leader
The Bad
- Light
- Struggles to move laterally, can be beaten around edge
- Opens gate too early off kickslide, can be beaten inside
- Has trouble mirroring
- On the ground a lot more than you’d like
- Chronic waistbender
- Little older than typical prospect
- Played just one position
Other
- 52 career starts, all at LT
- Father, Lance, played for BYU and in the NFL
- All-American as a freshman
- Team captain as a senior
- Two-time All-MWC selection
- Threw crackback block without helmet in bowl game, led to TD pass
- Probably 25 years old
Final Word
Old school prospect you root for but a lot of negatives. Not the prospect he was once considered.
Games Watched
Vs UTEP (bowl – 2010), at Texas, vs Utah St, vs Tulsa (bowl)

14.Andrew Datko/Florida St: 6’6 315
The Good
- Long arms and big hands
- Smooth kickslide
- Moves well laterally, can seal the edge
- Showed ability to mirror
- Can get to the second level easily
- Plays with good bend
- Keeps legs churning
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- On ground more than you’d like
- Could stand to fill out his frame
- Struggles with getting proper leverage, likely due to height
- Serious injury concerns
Other
- 40 career starts
- Serious shoulder concerns
- Missed three games in 2010, dislocated one shoulder, tore a labrum in the other
- Missed all but four games in 2011 with shoulder injury
- First surgery did not “take” according to Jimbo Fisher
Final Word
Athletic kid who moves really well laterally but shoulder issues are deeply troubling. Late round, low risk/high reward pick is really his only option.
Games Watched
Vs Oklahoma, at Clemson

15.Senio Kelemete/Washington: 6’3/5 306
The Good
- An athlete
- Can get to the second level
- Above average lateral movement
- Capable of mirroring
- Legs always moving
- Good awareness, picks up stunts
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Undersized
- Inconsistent
- Won’t always get his arms extended, gets run into the pocket
- Has trouble sticking in a phone booth, engaging in space
- Can get beat around the edge
- Gets too upright as a run blocker
- Cut blocking is hit or miss
Other
- Began career with Huskies as a DT, recorded 4 tackles in 2008
- Three year starter along the offensive line, 37 career starts
- Spent all of 2009 at RG
- Second Team All-Pac 12 in 2011
- Wrestler in high school
Final Word
An athlete but didn’t show his skillset often enough. A Day three pick.
Games Watched
At Nebraska, vs Baylor (bowl)

16.Blake DeChristopher/Virginia Tech: 6’5 311
The Good
- Gets proper hand placement
- Coordinated, drives his lower half
- Finishes plays
- Great starting experience, about as much as you’ll ever see
The Bad
- Just average laterally, can be beat around the edge
- Limited athlete
- Inconsistent at the second level
- Has trouble sticking on contact
- On the ground way too much
- Lacks a strong first punch
- Minor injury concerns
Other
- Four year starter, 51 career starts
- 2011 First Team All-ACC
- Missed two games in 2008 due to bruised kidney
- Missed one game in 2009 due to ankle injury
- Has an awesome beard
Final Word
Was considered a top prospect two years ago but play fell off. Accolades don’t seem to match up with play on the field. Mid rounder at best.
Games Watched
Vs Clemson, vs Michigan

17.Markus Zusevics/Iowa: 6’5 303
The Good
- Gets his arms extended
- Good hand placement
- Does absorb contact well
The Bad
- Has trouble with edge rushers, can be beaten
- Overextends himself, doesn’t always carry lower half
- Lunges in pass protection
- Injury concerns
Other
- Two year starter at RT
- Tore pectoral muscle on bench press at Combine
- Left halfway through in only game I watched
- Agent is Jack Bechta
- Four year letterman in volleyball in high school
Final Word
Didn’t get a strong look at him but don’t see a special, defining quality.
Games Watched
Vs Oklahoma (Half)

18.Marcel Jones/Nebraska: 6’6 330
The Good
- Huge body with 34 ½ inch arms and 83 inch wingspan
- Could add weight to frame if need be
- High character
The Bad
- Waist bender
- Unathletic, lumbering body
- Lacks a mean streak
- Poor cut blocker
- Checkered injury history
Other
- Missed last three games of sophomore season due to ankle injury
- Did not play in first ten games junior year, in part to back soreness
- Two time Academic All-Big 12
- Three time All-Citizenship Team
Final Word
Didn’t get a very good look but don’t feel I have to. Big body who doesn’t do a whole lot with it.
Games Watched
At Wisconsin

19.David Pickard/Southern Illinois: 6’5 306
The Good
- Frame he can grow into
- Does a good job getting to and engaging at the second level
- Can handle speed rushes
- Plays with good bend
- Lots of starting experience
- Intelligent
The Bad
- Light
- Hand placement needs work
- Didn’t seem to play fast (hard to explain)
- Lower level of competition, FCS
- Minor injury concerns
Other
- Four year starter
- Second-team MVFC in 2010 and 2011
- First team in 2009
- Multiple Academic accolades, including First Team All-Academic in 2010
Final Word
Scouting report makes him sound better than what I consider him to be. Speed of the NFL is likely to give him a lot of problems.
Games Watched
vs North Dakota St

20.John Hutchins/Wyoming: 6’5 295
The Good
- Plays with decent bend
- Nice job of staying square to defender
- Versatile
The Bad
- Lanky, thin build
- Poor run blocker, doesn’t get much of a push
- On the ground more than you’d like
- Lateral movement isn’t very special
- Poor cut blocker
Other
- Started 13 games prior to locking up starting job in 2011
- Started at right tackle, right guard, and left tackle throughout career
Final Word
Nothing special prospect. Versatility is only thing he has going for him. Will be an undrafted free agent.
Games Watched
Vs Temple (bowl)

[Chidi29]

Scouting Report – Defensive End

1.Quinton Coples/North Carolina (x3)
2.Andre Branch/Clemson (x3)
3.Bruce Irvin/West Virginia
4.Nick Perry/USC
5.Cam Johnson/Virginia
6.DeAngelo Tyson/Georgia
7.Jared Crick/Nebraska
8.Whitney Mercilus/Illinois (x2)
9.Melvin Ingram/South Carolina (x2)
10.Billy Winn/Boise St
11.Matt Broha/La Tech

1.Quinton Coples/North Carolina: 6’5/6 284
The Good
- Big body and fills out his frame really well
- Good to great first step
- Heck of an athlete, guys his size shouldn’t move as fluidly as he does
- Agile, changes directions quickly
- Good balance, tough to cut
- Top-notch motor
- Plays with proper pad level
- Nice job shedding blocks
The Bad
- Repertoire is limited
- Needs to do a better job dipping shoulder around edge (height makes it tough)
- Occasionally will find himself on the ground
Other
- Two year starter
- 24 sacks in career
- Some say regressed senior year, still had 15 TFL, 7.5 sacks
- 2010, 2011 first team All-ACC
- Gained 30 pounds from freshman to sophomore season
Final Word
A legitimate top five prospect. Definitely won’t make it out of the top ten.
Games Watched
Vs Miami (FL) (Half), at Virginia Tech, vs Missouri (bowl)


2.Andre Branch/Clemson: 6’4/2 259
The Good
- Nice frame with long arms (34 inches)
- Very explosive get off, fantastic first step
- Quick, active hands to stay disengaged for the OT
- Sheds blocks with ease
- Excellent change of direction ability
- Above average closing speed
- Good balance, fights off cut blocks
- Reliable tackler
- Good motor, hungry, doesn’t quit on the play
- Solid awareness, disciplined player who can keep backside contain
- Versatile, moved around, rushed with hand up and dropped into coverage
- Can be absolutely unstoppable at times
- Fantastic senior year
- Good starting experience
The Bad
- Little more slender than height/weight indicates
- Inconsistent at times
- Doesn’t always show a repertoire
- Needs to consistently dip his shoulder coming around the edge
- Average upper body strength
Other
- 27 starts for Tigers
- 85 tackles, 17 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 17 pressures in 2011
- Had 11 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, and a FF in a game against Virginia Tech in 2011
Final Word
Really exciting prospect who could become a premier pass rusher in the NFL. Potential fit in either defense, too.
Games Watched
At Virginia Tech, at South Carolina (Half), vs West Virginia

3.Bruce Irvin/West Virginia: 6’3 245
The Good
- Very athletic kid with long arms
- Elite change of direction, very loose hips
- Quick hands, gets self disengaged from OT
- Good repertoire
- Solid tackler
- Good closing speed
The Bad
- Lanky
- Gets swallowed up against the run
- Will pop up too high off snap
- Only plays roughly half the snaps
- Little experience dropping into coverage
- Limited starting experience
Other
- 22 sacks past two years, including a whopping 14 junior year (#2 in nation)
- Appears to have started just one year
- Began career in JUCO with Mt. San Antonio
- Didn’t play very often in red zone, possibly due to run weakness
Final Word
Top notch pass rusher but will need a ton of coaching.
Games Watched
At Maryland

4.Nick Perry/USC: 6’2/6 271
The Good
- Has some natural athleticism
- Closes to the ball carrier well
- One of the best motors of anyone I’ve watched
- Reliable, wrap up tackler
- Above average albeit not elite first step
- Can dip shoulder coming off the edge
- Decent production
The Bad
- Repertoire is limited, doesn’t show a variety of pass rushing moves
- Needs to use his hands better in run game to get off blocks
- Will have trouble staying square against run, tends to lead with shoulder
- Little experience dropping into coverage
- Didn’t see versatility
Other
- Two year starter for Trojans
- 13 TFL, 9.5 sacks senior season
- Freshman All-American in 2009
Final Word
Good athlete who will probably work hard. Not a finished product but has the tools that could be molded into something strong. Probably a 3rd/4th round prospect.
Games Watched
At Arizona St

5.Cam Johnson/Virginia: 6’3/4 268
The Good
- Good size
- Great get off
- Quick reaction
- Very agile, good change of direction
- Decent variety of moves
- Good hustle
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- Has trouble finishing plays, getting the QB down
- Gets swallowed up against the run
- Has trouble staying square to the LOS
- Sack production was just average
Other
- Three year starter, 34 career starts
- Just 12.5 sacks in career
Final Word
Interesting triangle player. Will have to play weakside though because of problems against the run.
Games Watched
Vs Auburn (bowl)

6.DeAngelo Tyson/Georgia: 6’2 315
The Good
- Fills out his frame well and possesses long, 33 7/8 inch arms and 10 ¼ inch hands
- Quality upper body strength, holds POA well
- High effort kid
- Used at tackle and end on stunts (looping in/out)
- Showed some versatility, played in odd and even fronts
The Bad
- Looks to have maxed his frame out, not much room to grow
- Needs to show better leg drive, feet will quit
- Won’t offer much as a pass rusher
- Average production
- Upside?
- Minor injury concerns
Other
- Two year starter for Bulldogs
- Never more than 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks in a season
- 2008 Freshman All-SEC
Final Word
Solid prospect who doesn’t have a ton of flaws but not a lot of room to grow either. Too short to play five tech, likely will be a 4-3 NT who can be a run plugger.
Games Watched
Vs South Carolina

7.Jared Crick/Nebraska: 6’4/2 279
The Good
- Moves pretty well for a man of his size
- Gets his arms extended
- Able to shed blocks vs the run
- Can deliver a knockout blow
- Good awareness, gets his hands up
- Quality starting experience
- Very productive career
- High character, active in community
The Bad
- Severe issue with popping up on contact
- Can get washed out vs the run
- Fails to stay square to the line
- Legs, feet will go dead at times
- Lacks a repertoire as a pass rusher
- Recent injury concerns
Other
- 33 starts
- Combined 32 TFL, 19 sacks sophomore and junior years
- Limited to just five games senior after tearing pectoral muscle
- Moved inside to DT beginning of 2008
- First team All-Big 12 in 2009 and 2010
- Been a part of team hospital and elementary visits
Final Word
Being pegged as a 5 tech but isn’t as strong against the run as advertised. Overrated.
Games Watched
Vs Washington

8.Whitney Mercilus/Illinois: 6’3/5 261
The Good
- Built well with long arms (33 7/8)
- Pretty good repertoire (swim, spin, rip)
- Strong change of direction ability
- Good motor
- Shows awareness and discipline
- Hard hitter
- Showed ability to dip shoulder around the edge
- Very productive senior year
The Bad
- Struggles to get off blocks
- Washed out against the run
- Pops up too high on contact
- Trouble staying square to the line
- First step is just average
- Lacks defining quality?
- Doesn’t possess a lot of upper body strength
- Will have trouble finishing some tackles
- Just one year of production
- Limited starting experience
Other
- Finished 2011 with 22.5 TFL, 16 sacks, and an amazing 9 FFs
- Only 15 career starts
- Combined stats prior to 2011: 24 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks
Final Word
Really don’t see much of a prospect here. Lacks an elite quality and is awful against the run.
Games Watched
Vs Northwestern, vs Michigan

9.Melvin Ingram/South Carolina: 6’1/4 264
The Good
- Moves very well for his size
- Shows a variety of moves (swim, spin,speed,bull)
- Pretty quick hands
- Experience with stunts
- Versatile
- Very productive junior and senior years
- Limited starting experience
The Bad
- Awkward looking body
- VERY short arms (31 ½)
- Tweener, true position?
- Gets manhandled against the run
- Will have trouble dipping around the edge
- Motor seems hot and cold
- Fades as the game goes on
- Some injury concerns
Other
- Just two starts prior to 2011 though logged a lot of playing time in 2010
- 28 TFL, 19 sacks final two years
- Recruited to play LB, did so in 2007 before position switch to DE
- Broke foot in 2008, missed entire season
- Returned a fake punt 60 yards for a TD in 2011
- On punt coverage and hands team
Final Word
Don’t see a fit for him. Best chance to stick is weakside rush backer but an overrated prospect who will take time to try and groom.
Games Watched
At Georgia, vs Clemson (Half)

10.Billy Winn/Boise St: 6’3/6 294
The Good
- Gets his arms extended in run game
- Active hands
- Shows a good swim move
- More athletic than you’d expect
- Versatile
- Looks like a complicated defense, lots of pre-snap movement
- Decent production overall in career
The Bad
- Rotated out a lot, didn’t play a lot of snaps
- Just average, maybe a tick below, arm length
- Average first step
- Slight regression senior year
Other
- Two year starter for Broncos
- Just 8 TFL, 3 sacks senior year, his lowest totals since freshman year
- Wrestler in high school, finished junior year with 32-4 record
Final Word
Looks like typical five tech. Isn’t going to wow you but doesn’t have any glaring flaws either.
Games Watched
Vs Arizona St (bowl)

11.Matt Broha/La Tech: 6’4 255
The Good
- Above average pass rusher
- Good first step
- Does a nice job dipping his shoulder around the edge
- Productive
- Defensive leader
- Tons of starting experience
The Bad
- Gets swallowed up vs OTs in the run game
- Doesn’t have a lot of muscle to his frame
- Didn’t drop back into coverage when I looked at him
- Will probably need to convert to rush LB in the NFL
Other
- Four year starter
- 9.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks senior year
- Two catches, one rush in career
Final Word
Good first step and while he won’t be an every down starter, could come off the bench to be a 3rd down rush specialist.
Games Watched
Vs TCU (bowl)

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Offensive Guards

1.David DeCastro/Stanford (x2)
2.Kevin Zeitler/Wisconsin (x3)
3.Adam Gettis/Iowa
4.Trevor Robinson/Notre Dame (x3)
5.Will Blackwell/LSU (x2)
6.Rishaw Johnson/Cal (PA) (x2)
7.Derek Dennis/Temple
8.Philip Gapelu/Utah St (x2)
9.Kyle Thornton/North Alabama

1.David DeCastro/Stanford: 6’4/7 316
The Good
- Near perfect , consistent leverage in the run game
- Above average upper body strength
- Great first step off the line
- Does well in space, can hit a moving target
- Able to chip/get to/stick at 2nd level
- Asset on trap blocks
- Correct hand placement
- Good foundation in pass protection
- Shows ability to slide and mirror
- Good awareness, smart in blitz pickup
- Durable
The Bad
- Slender build, not as much muscle as I anticipated
- Average arm length (just under 33 inches)
- On the ground a little more than I’d like
- Will get too high in pass protection from time to time
- Won’t always be able to stick on contact though not major issue
Other
- Three year starter at right guard
- Didn’t appear to miss a start in his career
Final Word
Very impressive prospect though perhaps not the top ten pick some are making him out to be. Will need to hit an NFL weight room but a sure fire quality starter who will go in the top half of the first round.
Games Watched
At Arizona, vs Notre Dame

2.Kevin Zeitler/Wisconsin: 6’3/7 314
The Good
- Good size with big hands
- Punishing run blocker
- Coordinated, gets legs under him in run game
- Locks on and able to stick through contact
- Nice job of staying square to the defender
- Gets arms extended
- Asset on trap blocks
- Nasty streak, looks to finish
- Excellent school track record for OL
- Good amount of starting experience
- Durable
The Bad
- Bit limited in pass protection, can be beaten
- Only average arm length (32 7/8)
- Played just one position
Other
- 36 starts
- Time all came at right guard
- Academic All-Big Ten in 2010 and 2011
- Last name pronounced “ZITE-ler”
- Wrestler in high school
Final Word
Blue-collared Badger who should continue the great track record the school has.
Games Watched
Vs Nebraska, at Michigan St

3.Adam Gettis/Iowa: 6’2/3 293
The Good
- Very athletic, moves fluidly
- Sticks and drives in the run game
- Gets arms extended in both phases
- Does a nice job sealing/scoop blocking
- Heady kid, smart in blitz/stunt pickup
- Shows good bend in pass protection
- Absorbs contact well
The Bad
- Undersized
- Could show a better first step
- Would like to see a better first punch
- Limited starting experience
- Injury concerns
Other
- Just one year of full starting experience at RG
- 16 starts in total
- Missed six games in 2010 with ankle injury, plagued by it throughout season
- Second-team Big Ten in 2011
Final Word
Was very impressive in one game I watched. Natural athlete that didn’t show a lot of negatives. Flying under the radar, could flourish in a ZBS.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan

4.Trevor Robinson/Notre Dame: 6’5 311
The Good
- Good size with a frame he can grow into
- Nice job getting to and engaging at second level
- Moves well laterally, can mirror
- Sticks on contact, won’t fall off his blocks
- Lots of experience pulling
- Good awareness, picks up stunts with ease
- Ton of starting experience
The Bad
- Lacks upper body strength
- Will play too high in pass protection
- Doesn’t always keep his feet moving
- Can be slow off the snap at times
- Didn’t show a lot of versatility
Other
- 40 career starts
- All starts came at RG
- One of just 5 Irish OL to start at some point as a freshman since 1972
- Missed one game sophomore season due to injury
Final Word
Solid albeit not spectacular play who could carve out a niche as a quality backup at the next level.
Games Watched
At Michigan, at Purude (Half), at Stanford

5.Will Blackwell/LSU: 6’4 290
The Good
- Stays low on contact
- Understands leverage
- Good leg drive, don’t stop moving
- Smart in blitz pickup
- Pretty good first step, shows some pop
- Some experience on trap blocks
- Played against top competition
The Bad
- Undersized, doesn’t look to have long arms either
- Trouble sticking in space be it at 2nd level or pulling
- Issues mirroring in pass protection, liability
- Some past injury concerns
- Not a ton of starting experience
Other
- Started at both guard spots throughout career (10 LG, 6 RG)
- Was originally a defensive lineman before converting
- Broke leg first play of 2010 season, missed 9 games but returned for bowl game
- First team All-SEC in 2011
- Returned 3 kickoffs for 20 yards in career
- Got work on kickoff unit early in career
Final Word
Has some skillsets you like but doesn’t seem to fit in either a power or zone scheme.
Games Watched
Vs Oregon, at Alabama

6.Rishaw Johnson/Cal (PA): 6’3/3 313
The Good
- Quality size, fills out his frame
- Very long arms (35 1/4 ) and big hands (over 10 inches)
- Dominant run blocker
- Great upper body strength, bullied his competition
- Excellent first punch in run game
- Light on his feet, keeps his legs churning
- Some experience pulling
The Bad
- Doubles over in pass protection
- Doesn’t always get arms extended in pass protection
- Struggles vs inside rushes
- Viewed vs D-II level of competition
- Major character red flags
Other
- First name is pronounced “Ree-shaw”
- Transferred from Ole Miss
- Four starts at RG in 2009
- Suspended three times by Rebels before being kicked off team for breaking team rules in Sept 2010
- Played RG for Vulcans
Final Word
Did look dominant at times but level of competition have to be considered. Character will eliminate some teams as well.
Games Watched
Vs IUP (Half), vs Edinboro

7.Derek Dennis/Temple: 6’3 315
The Good
- Good size
- Strong run blocker
- Sticks on contact, game over when he locks on
- Proper hand placement
- Good leg drive
- Versatile
The Bad
- Only average explosion off the snap
- Not that much of an asset on pulls despite experience
- Isn’t very coordinated
- Doesn’t do well in space
- Lacks a mean streak
Other
- 37 career starts for the Owls
- 20 starts at LG, 12 starts at RG, 4 at LT, and 1 at RT
- Played on team’s FG unit, too
- Missed all but three games in 2009 with knee injury
- 3rd cousin is former Pro Bowler LB Dexter Coakley
Final Word
Didn’t get a real strong look at him but like him as a phone booth blocker if a coach can create a fire in his belly. Late round guy.
Games Watched
Vs Wyoming (bowl)

8.Philip Gapelu/Utah St: 6’2 299
The Good
- Surprisingly capable when asked to work in a phone booth
- Coordinated, does a nice job of carrying lower half
- Proper hand placement when run blocking
- Moves well laterally
- Lots of experience pulling
- Excellent starting experience
The Bad
- Severely undersized
- Hit or miss in space
- Can get grabby in pass protection
- Poor first step
- Sometimes slips off blocks
- Will have trouble against DTs with quick hands
Other
- 44 career starts at RG
- Last name pronounced “Nap-uh-loo”
Final Word
Not going to get by on size at the next level and isn’t that athletic. Doesn’t have a defining trait. Likely to go undrafted.
Games Watched
Vs Auburn, at BYU (Half)

9.Kyle Thornton/North Alabama: 6’4 345
The Good
- Huge body
- Relatively explosive
- Some ability to mirror
- Decent leg drive
- Good bloodlines
The Bad
- Shorter arms
- D-II competition
- Much older than typical prospect
- Commitment to football?
Other
- 27 years old
- Right guard for UNA
- Originally attended Texas, playing 12 games in 2004
- Left Texas to attend Texas Culinary Academy and earned a degree in Culinary Arts
- 2010 D-II All-American
- Brother, Kalen, played LB for the Cowboys in 2004-2005 seasons
Final Word
Very limited time watching him. Interesting frame but highly unlikely he gets drafted. May not even decide to play in the NFL considering he turned away the chance to play football once before.
Games Watched
Vs Delta St (Half)

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Center

1.Peter Konz/Wisconsin: 6’5 314
The Good
- Big frame with weight to add on if asked to
- Dominant when he locks on
- Does a nice job engaging at the second level
- Stays low through contact
- Gets arms extended
- Excellent college pedigree
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Just average arm length for a 6’5 guy (33 inches)
- Will get overextended, double over
- Ends up on the ground more often as a result
- Plagued by minor injuries throughout career
Other
- 31 starts
- Missed two games in 2009 due after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs
- Missed two games in 2010 due to an ankle sprain
- Missed three games in 2011 after an ankle injury
- 2011 All-Big Ten
- Academic All-Big Ten in all three years
Final Word
Superb run blocker coming out of a great school. Constant ankle injuries are troubluing but definitely the best center in a weak class.
Games Watched
Vs Oregon (bowl)

2.David Molk/Michigan: 6’1 298
The Good
- Great first step
- An athlete, does well in space
- Can chip and get to the second level
- Gets his arms extended
- Looks to finish, plays to the whistle
- Tough
- Leader
- Loads of starting experience
The Bad
- Very undersized
- Short arms (32 inches) with small hands (8 7/8)
- Struggles with bigger, strong DTs
- Doesn’t handle the bull rush well
- On the ground more than you’d like
- Will get himself overextended
Other
- 41 starts in career
- Played every snap as a redshirt freshman at center
- 2011 All-American
- Two-time All-Big Ten (2010, 2011)
Final Word
An overachiever but very hungry and wants to be the best. Isn’t going to be drafted very high based on measurable but wouldn’t be surprised if he made a name for himself at the NFL.
Games Watched
Vs Notre Dame, at Illinois, vs Virginia Tech (bowl)

3.Ben Jones/Georgia: 6’2/5 303
The Good
- Good upper body strength
- Holds the POA well
- Does a better job getting to and engaging at the second level than you’d expect
- Played against quality competition
- Crazy amount of starting experience
- Leader
The Bad
- Not much to look at, isn’t physically imposing
- Plays too high, struggles to maintain leverage
- Average first step
- Trouble mirroring in pass pro
- On ground more than you’d like
Other
- 49 career starts, third for any Georgia lineman in history
- 2011 overall captain
- 2011 second team All-SEC
- Named team’s MVP for 2011
- SEC Academic Honor Roll all four years
- Freshman All-SEC in 2008
Final Word
Very decorated college career but has limited upside and potential at the next level.
Games Watched
Vs Boise St

[Galax Steeler]

Nice work Chidi looks like alot of time has been put into this. Thanks for sharing.

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Defensive Tackles

1.Josh Chapman/Alabama (x4)
2.Michael Brockers/LSU (x2)
3.Devon Still/Penn St (x2)
4.Brandon Thompson/Clemson
5.Alamedu Ta’amu/Washington
6.Jerel Worthy/Michigan St (x2)
7.Dontari Poe/Memphis
8.Malik Jackson/Tennessee
9.Ishmaa’ily Kitchen/ Kent St
10.Brett Roy/Nevada
11.Michael Cosgrove/Idaho

1.Josh Chapman/Alabama: 6’1 316
The Good
- An ox, no shortage of upper body strength
- Handles double teams really well, doesn’t get washed out and will collapse if need be
- Gets proper leverage
- Absolutely huge hands, as big as I’ve ever seen listed – 11 7/8 inches
- Holds point of attack well
- Better first step than you’d expect
- Good hustle, motor
- Played against top competition
- Extremely tough, high pain tolerance
- Experience as a zero technique
- Good experience in general
The Bad
- On the ground more than you’d like
- Offers just about nothing as a pass rusher
- Will pop up too high on contact every now and then
- Only played roughly half of Bama’s snaps
- Checkered injury history
Other
- Two year starter, 25 in his career
- Was Terrance Cody’s backup prior to that
- Got two starts as a freshman after a Cody injury
- Played in just 3 games freshman year before season-ending shoulder injury
- Tore his ACL October 1st but only missed one game
- Game he missed: Georgia Southern ran for over 300 yards
- Had surgery January 17th
Final Word
Stock would be even higher had it not been for the injury. Everything you’re looking for in a zero technique and offers really good value in the 2nd/3rd where he’s slated to go.
Games Watched
At Penn St, vs Tennessee, vs LSU, vs Mississippi


2.Michael Brockers/LSU: 6’5 322
The Good
- Great size with top notch length (35 inch arms)
- Gets arms extended in both phases
- Consistently able to shed blocks
- Good burst off snap, quality short-area quickness
- Hard to move, lots of upper body strength
- Holds up well vs double-teams
- Shows balance, stays off the ground
- Plays with proper leverage
- Gets penetration and is disruptive versus the run
- Good motor, doesn’t quit on the play
The Bad
- Offers little as a pass rusher
- Limited repertoire
- Limited starting experience
- Not very statistically productive
Other
- Declared as a RS sophomore
- 14 career starts
- Had one of his better games in SEC championship game
- Just two career sacks
- Blocked a FG in the 2011 championship game
Final Word
Is a terror against the run and a has a lot of room for improvement. But isn’t going to be a pass rusher, one-gap type and may be projected too high. Likely ticketed as a 4-3 NT.
Games Watched
Vs Oregon, vs Alabama (bowl)

3.Devon Still/Penn St: 6’4/7 303
The Good
- Strong first step
- Very athletic
- Uses his hands well
- Shows a repertoire, swim and spin
- Solid tackler, doesn’t miss many
- Plays with correct leverage, stays low
- Used on a few stunts
- Productive, came on really strong senior year
- Leader
- Really good bloodlines
The Bad
- Needs to stay consistently square to the line, will get turned
- Occasionally gets washed out
- Sometimes gets locked on, can’t shed when rushing the passer
- Needs to learn to collapse when double-teamed
- Fairly serious medical red flags early in Penn St career
Other
- Two year starter
- Had 55 tackles, 17 TFL senior year
- Tore ACL on left knee in 2007
- Suffered a broken left ankle in 2008, missed all but ten snaps in the last game
- Named captain senior year
- Cousin Art Still played for Chiefs , 4 time Pro Bowler
- Other cousin Levon Kirkland was ILB for Steelers, a two-time Pro Bowler
Final Word
Crazy athletic kid who is very disruptive vs the run and pass. Likely to go in the second round and could really make his mark as a one gap UT.
Games Watched
Vs Alabama, at Temple

4.Brandon Thompson/Clemson: 6’2 314
The Good
- Good size with solid arm length
- Strong upper body
- Good leg drive
- Coordinated and carries his lower half
- Exhibits explosion off the snap
- Gets his arms extended
- Able to collapse the pocket
- Does a really nice job getting off blockers
- Productive career
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- Lacks much of a pass rushing repertoire, mainly just a bull rush
- Questionable motor, won’t always run down every play
Other
- 38 starts
- Over 200 tackles, 22.5 TFL in career
- Just 5 sacks with Tigers
- Can bench press 450, squat lift 615, and power clean 370 pounds
- Nickname is “Yams” because of huge thighs
Final Word
Solid run stuffer who will do that job well. Just don’t expect a menace as a pass rusher. Likely ticketed as a 4-3 NT.
Games Watched
Vs Virginia Tech


5.Alamedu Ta’amu/Washington: 6’3 348
The Good
- Huge frame that carries his weight well
- Exceptional strength
- Coordinated player, brings his lower half for the ride to help derive power
- Good hustle
- Disruptive in the run game, gets penetration and will force the play wide
- Heady player, will get hands up to bat down passes
- Conditioning seems spectacular, rarely off the field
- Will attract some double teams
- Used on the occasional stunt
- Big-hitter
- Lots of starting experience
- Good production for position
- Durable
The Bad
- Doesn’t do a good job of extending his arms, lets OL into his pads too easily
- Will get washed out of some plays
- Has trouble getting off some blocks
- Certainly not a dynamic pass rusher
Other
- 42 starts in career
- 14 TFL, 6 sacks final two seasons
- Typically played in either “A” gap and kicked over to DE in odd packages
- Two time Huskie Defensive Lineman of the Year
- Name is pronounced: “Al-a-me-da Ta-MOO”
Final Word
A quality zero tech prospect who will be even better with just a little bit of coaching.
Games Watched
At Nebraska


6.Jerel Worthy/Michigan St: 6’2/3 308
The Good
- Huge lower half, looks bigger than listed
- Above average first step
- Proper hand placement
- Gets his arms extended
- Successful in one-on-one battles
- Gets proper pad level in run game
- Good motor
- Loads of starting experience
The Bad
- Technique is inconsistent
- Doesn’t always stay square to the line
- Can get washed out (though other times where he holds POA well)
- Isn’t going to offer a ton as a pass rusher
- Pops up too high when rushing the QB
Other
- 38 career starts
- 2011 1st team All-American, first MSU defensive lineman since 1966
- 107 career tackles to go along with 27.5 TFL and 12 sacks
- Blocked three kicks in career
- 2009 Freshman All-American
Final Word
Highly decorated college career who when on his game, has shown a lot of potential. Technique does need refined but in time, can become a solid run stuffer. Could get looks in both fronts.
Games Watched
Vs Michigan, at Iowa (Half)

7.Dontari Poe/Memphis: 6’3/4 346
The Good
- Extremely intriguing triangle numbers
- Carries his weight well
- Rare athletic ability for his size (4.98 40 at Combine)
- Routinely attracted double-teams, help from the back
- Handles double-teams well
- Will flash a quick first step
- Can be disruptive in the run game
- Versatile
- Good amount of starting experience
- Productive
The Bad
- Doesn’t do a good job staying square to the line
- Isn’t as dominate in one-on-one matchups as you’d think
- Doesn’t always bring his lower half when pass rushing, lunges, lacks coordination
- Pops up on contact, struggles with leverage at times
- On the ground a lot more than what’s acceptable
- Motor seems hot and cold
- Doesn’t use his hands well
Other
- 30 career starts
- 2011 team MVP
- 2011 second team All C-USA
- Made six starts as a true freshman
- Normally a DT and moved to DE in odd subpackages
Final Word
Some have compared him to Haloti Ngata and while the triangle numbers are tough to ignore, the tape doesn’t always match up. May turn out to be a workout warrior.
Games Watched
At Arkansas St

8.Malik Jackson/Tennessee: 6’4/6 284
The Good
- Big frame with above average arm length
- Above average athletic ability
- Solid against the run
- Good hustle
- Lined up with hand up a little
- Productive career
The Bad
- Small hands for his frame (9 inches)
- Doesn’t offer a ton as a pass rusher
Other
- Played first two seasons at USC
- Transferred without having to sit out because of USC sanctions
- 2011 AP first team SEC
- 103 tackles senior year of high school
Final Word
Limited look at him but could carve out a niche as a solid five technique in an odd defense.
Games Watched
Vs Montana

9.Ishmaa’ily Kitchen/ Kent St: 6’3 334
The Good
- Big frame but carries his weight well
- Slightly better first step, explosion than you’d expect from a man of that size
- Attracts double-teams and holds up against them well
- Will at least collapse the pocket as a pass rusher
- Good motor
- Hard-hitter
- Versatile
- Experience stunting/slanting
The Bad
- Didn’t play a lot of snaps, backup rotational lineman
- Slowed by injuries
- Not very productive
- Very limited starting experience
Other
- Just six career starts
- Missed three games senior year with shoulder injury, limited in others
- Never had more than 22 tackles, 4.5 TFL in any season
- Played everything from 1 to 5 tech
- First name pronounced: ish-MAIL-ee
Final Word
Interesting size guy and would like to see him healthy. Worth a late round flier, definitely a PFA.
Games Watched
Vs Central Michigan (Half), at Akron

10.Brett Roy/Nevada: 6’2/7 275
The Good
- Athletic, moves really well
- Fires off the snap
- Gets his arms extended
- Excellent motor, no quit in his game
- Does a nice job staying low through contact
- Uses his hands well when rushing the passer
- Experience with stunts
- Extremely productive career
The Bad
- Tiny, looks even smaller than listed
- Just average arm length (32 ¾)
- Predictably gets swallowed up vs the run
- Has trouble shedding blocks, gets engulfed by bigger lineman
- Tweener, true fit?
Other
- Two year starter for Wolfpack
- Combined 116 tackles, 37 TFL, and 18 sacks junior and senior seasons
- Named team’s Outstanding Special Teams Player for 2009
Final Word
Very athletic kid but doesn’t have a fit in the NFL. Simply too small. Will have to try to stick in a one gap scheme.
Games Watched
Vs Southern Miss (bowl)

11.Michael Cosgrove/Idaho: 6’4 300
The Good
- Attracts double-teams
- Tough, gritty player
- Quality starting experience
The Bad
- Doesn’t use his hands well
- Plays too tall, loses leverage battle
- Feet go dead at times
- Has trouble getting off blocks
- Just average athleticism
- Poor senior year, unproductive career
Other
- 38 career starts with Vandals
- Just 9 solo tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, and two hurries senior year
- 11.5/7.5 career TFLs and sacks respectively
- Had 7 MRIs his junior season
- Three-time wrestling captain in high school
Final Word
Hard-nosed throwback guy but simply does not have the skillset to warrant more than a look in camp and that’s a best case scenario.
Games Watched
Vs Bowling Green

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Linebackers

1.Dont’a Hightower/Alabama (x2)
2.Tank Carder/TCU
3.Noah Keller/Ohio
4.Vontaze Burfict/Arizona St
5.Mychal Kendricks/California

1.Don’t’a Hightower/Alabama: 6’2/2 265
The Good
- Broad shoulders with pretty good length
- Gets off blocks well
- Solid tackler who breaks down well and wraps up
- Can flash a big hit too
- Lots of upper body strength
- Understands angles when attacking the ball carrier
- Uses his hands well when pass rushing
- Main signal caller
- Loads of starting experience
- Excellent pedigree
The Bad
- Average athletic ability
- Tight-hipped in coverage
- Lacks some closing speed
- Average pass rusher
- Lacks a mean streak
- Some injury concerns
Other
- 42 career starts
- Primarily played MIKE though saw time at Jack and Weak early in career
- Often played with his hand down in passing situations
- Tore ACL in left knee in 2009, played in just four games
- Starter on one of the best defenses in college football in 2011
Final Word
A definite thumper who plays the run as well as anyone but do have some concerns about his ability to stay on the field all three downs. Late first round player.
Games Watched
At Penn St, at Mississippi St

2.Tank Carder/TCU: 6’2/3 236
The Good
- Really good instincts
- Solid tackler
- Hard hitter
- Fairly fluid hips
- Gets his head around in coverage
- Above average ball skills
- Excellent starting experience
The Bad
- Average, at best, sideline-to-sideline range
- Has trouble getting off some blocks
- Marginal pass rusher
- Medical red flags
Other
- 39 career starts
- Weakside linebacker
- 2010 All-American and MWC Defensive Player of the Year
- 2011 MWC Defensive Player of the Year
- Broke back in car accident in 7th grade, ejected from car and hit a tree
- Broke back in two places, broke 7 ribs, and a punctured lung
- Was not allowed contact until junior year of high school
- Won a BMX World Championship when he was 9
Final Word
Certainly not a flashy, “wow” player but a well put together team that will be a solid, consistent starter in the NFL.
Games Watched
Vs La Tech

3.Noah Keller/Ohio: 6’1 245
The Good
- Quick read and react
- Plays faster than what he’ll time
- Solid tackler, drives with the hips and nice job of wrapping up
- Takes good angles
- Experience blitzing and dropping into coverage
- Defensive signal caller
- Hates coming off the field, always wants to be around the action
- Productive career
The Bad
- Short, doesn’t really look the part
- Always banged up
- Certainly not an elite athlete
- Can be over-aggressive at times
Other
- Slated as a starter four years
- Limited to just three starts junior year due torn ligament in right foot
- Dealt with hamstring, shoulder injuries senior year, missed some time
- 100+ tackles in three seasons, including 155 in 2009
Final Word
Throwback linebacker who seems like an incredibly hard worker. Upside is limited but tough not to think he won’t grab and hold a roster spot. Late round guy but is good value.
Games Watched
Vs Utah St


4.Vontaze Burfict/Arizona St: 6’1/3 248
The Good
- Big frame, lot of muscle and looks the part
- Plays fast, good first step
- Monster hitter
- Anticipates well
- Lots of experience dropping into coverage
- Team’s signal caller
- Good amount of starting experience
The Bad
- Reckless at times, personal foul waiting to happen
- May be tough to coach
- Doesn’t always finish, will miss some tackles
- Will get swallowed up, has trouble shedding blocks
Other
- 32 starts even though he left school a year early
- NFL scout reported he had 17 personal fouls in 35 games
- MIKE backer
- Earned starting role just four games into freshman season
- Reportedly did not interview well at the Combine
Final Word
An athletic kid that is probably smarter on the field than given credit for given MIKE spot but whose stock is falling like a rock because of the character concerns. Will have to go to a strong-armed coach who can control him.
Games Watched
Vs Missouri


5.Mychal Kendricks/California: 5’11/1 237
The Good
- Extremely athletic (4.47, 39.5 vertical at Combine)
- Great range
- Quality closing speed
- Fluid in coverage, nice job of flipping his hips
- Good awareness, doesn’t bite on playaction
- Attempts to drive through on his tackles
- Pretty good starting experience
- Very productive
- Good bloodlines
The Bad
- Severely undersized, looks more like a cornerback
- Gets engulfed by lineman in the run game
- Doesn’t use his hands well when trying to get off blocks
- Tries to run around, spin off lineman
- Will miss his fair share of tackles
Other
- 29 starts
- Mainly played at MIKE
- 2011 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year
- 35 TFL final two years
- Father played for UCLA in 70s, led team in rushing ’70 and ‘71
Final Word
Highly athletic kid who had a fantastic college career. However, best days are probably behind him. Just too small, too porous against the run. Will have to find a Tampa 2 team in order to stick.
Games Watched
Vs Texas (bowl)

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Cornerback

1.Janoris Jenkins/North Alabama: 5’10 193
The Good
- Athletic
- Looks smooth in coverage
- Played against top competition when with Florida
The Bad
- Inconsistent vs the run
- Not always willing to wrap up
- Myriad of off the field issues
- Some injury issues
Other
- Originally played at Florida
- Four year starter
- One of two true freshman to ever start first game with Gators
- Missed Outback Bowl in 2010 after shoulder surgery
- Multiple run-ins with the law
- Arrested for involvement in fight May 2009
- Caught with marijuana Feb 2010
- Kicked off team after that incident
- Has four kids with four different women
- UNA reportedly did not know about his children
- Claims to have turned the page at Combine, no longer involved with drugs
Final Word
Didn’t get a really strong look at him. Has the talent and skillset but character concerns are really tough to overlook.
Games Watched
Vs Delta St

2.Leonard Johnson/Iowa St: 5’9/7 196
The Good
- Has some bulk to his frame
- Fluid, quick backpedal
- Turns his hips with ease
- Closes quickly
- Looks to be a solid tackler
- Tons of special teams value
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- Shorter than what you’d like to see
- Wasn’t asked to press very often
- Usually just played off man
- Short arms (Just under 29 inches)
- Not a big ballhawk
Other
- Four year starter with Cyclones
- Just 2 total INTs last two years, 6 in career
- 2010, 2011 Second Team Big-12
- Freshman All-American
- 1000 kick return yards freshman year, 350 his sophomore season
Final Word
Isn’t getting a lot of noise in a deep cornerback class but a good mid-round prospect.
Games Watched
Vs Texas

3.Trumaine Johnson/Montana: 6’1/7 204
The Good
- Big guy, long legs
- Long arms (33+)
- Versatile
- Played variety of assignments, zone, press/off man
- As much starting experience as you can ask for
- Productive
- Ballhawk
- A little special team ability
The Bad
- Average reaction ability
- Slow
- Is passive vs the run
- Tight hips
- Probably will need to make a position switch
- Faced lower level of competition
- Injury history
Other
- Four year starter with Grizzles
- 15 career INTs to go along with 35 breakups
- 2010 All-American
- Had 8 kickoff returns in 2010 in addition to two rushes
- Played both CB spots at Montana
- Missed a combined nine games first two years due to injury
- Played QB in high school in addition to DB
Final Word
Had a ton of success at the FCS level but didn’t really see the skillset to translate. Will have to move to safety in the pros.
Games Watched
At Tennessee

4.Ryan Steed/Furman: 5’10/4 209
The Good
- Good amount of bulk
- Solid tackler
- Special teams value
- Strong senior year
- Ballhawk
The Bad
- Has trouble getting off blocks
- Lacks speed
- Passive versus the run
- Lower level of competition
Other
- 2011 FCS All-American
- 2010 All Southern Conference
- Returned two INTs for TDs junior year
- 4 INTS senior year for Paladins, 14 in career
- SoCon All-Freshman team in 2008
- Blocked two punts freshman year
Final Word
Didn’t get a really good look at him. Another guy that may have to switch to safety but ball skills could lead him to be a competent FS.
Games Watched
At The Citadel

[Chidi29]

Scouting Reports – Safety

1.Justin Bethel/Presbyterian: 5’11/5 200
The Good
- Reliable tackler
- Willing to play the run
- Takes good angles to the ballcarrier
- Shows good sideline to sideline range
- Stays low in backpedal
- Soft hands
- Productive career
- Good starting experience
The Bad
- Average frame
- Average speed
- Minor injury concerns
Other
- Three year starter
- 87 tackles, 4 INTs senior year
- Usually was coverage safety
- Has a whopping nine blocked kicks in career, including three in 2009 and 2011
- 2011 2nd team FCS All-American
- 2011 Big South DPOY
- Missed one game because of injury n 2010
Final Word
Didn’t get the best look at him but an interesting small school guy who at the least will be an asset on special teams. Probably profiles as a FS at the next level but SS isn’t out of question either.
Games Watched
At Liberty, vs Charleston Southern

2.Brandon Taylor/LSU: 5’11/2 209
The Good
- Fills out his frame well
- Moves well in coverage
- Good closing speed
- Started on the best defense in college football
- Strong amount of starting experience
The Bad
- Misses too many tackles
- Average production
- Some injury concerns
Other
- 33 starts at strong safety for Tigers
- Just 4 INTs in career
- Foot injury caused him to miss four games junior year
- Brother, Curtis, drafted by 49ers in 2008
Final Word
Didn’t get a strong look at him but he must be a more consistent tackler to play SS in the NFL. Likely a day three selection.
Games Watched
At Alabama


3.Jon Davis/Air Force: 6’1 210
The Good
- Good size, solid build
- Does nice job wrapping up and driving through the ballcarrier
- Played on special teams
- Productive senior year
- Lots of starting experience
The Bad
- Not very aggressive in playing the run, looked hesitant
- Slow in coverage
- Commitment to football, military obligations?
Other
- Three year starter
- 94 tackles, 4 INTs senior season
Final Word
Little-valued prospect who is probably going to go to military after school.
Games Watched
Vs Toledo (bowl)

[Chidi29]

Nice work Chidi looks like alot of time has been put into this. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Galax!

[ShutDown24]

Awesome man, very good information and much of it accurate within my own views. I'm very appreciative of your opinions on players that I haven't been able to watch myself. I will try and keep my thoughts as brief as possible.

1. I'm glad you pointed out Andrew Luck's good not great arm strength. I feel like this is missed by nearly everyone.

2. I'm very surprised you are so high on Lindley. From what I saw, there are throws he can make that no other quarterback in this draft can. But they are too few and far between with inconsistent to poor throws making up most of the 'between'. I like him, but he's a risky project to me. I believe Foles, Weeden and Cousins all have better starting potential - both immediately and long term.

3. I'm shocked you are that low on Weeden. How many spots would you say his age caused him to drop in your rankings, if any? While I see some truth to most of your negative points on him, I disagree with your assessment of his becoming "skiddish" in the pocket. I did not notice any of that. I actually thought behind Luck he may have been the most poised of the quarterbacks in this class.

4. I was not as impressed with Brock Osweiler's accuracy as you seem to have been. Would have been a weakness from my evaluation.

5. Your report on Dwayne Allen is the most accurate I've seen - perfect.

6. I think Orson Charles can develop that "killer instinct" to run block pretty easily. When I watched him, it looks like he wants to hit someone - and when he does make contact I was pretty impressed. But the weakness in his blocking game, from what I saw, is that he can't make up his mind on who he wants to block. He runs around like a chicken with its head cut off looking for someone to blow up but too frequently never finds anyone.

7. I maintain that I don't understand your relative dislike of Reiff. I don't see the same technique failures you do, although I do consent that he desperately needs to hit the weight room.

8. I was really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Bobby Massie. Not that I'm disparaging you for not seeing him, god knows you've watched more prospects than I have - but I wanted to mention that.

9. I don't agree that Quinton Coples' motor is a major strength. I thought he played lazy on more than a number of occasions.

10. Pretty surprised to see Melvin Ingram so low amongst the ends. If being evaluated strictly as a defensive end, I can understand it to a point - but I really think he's one of the more complete pass rushers. If you knew for certain he was to play 34OLB, would your stance on him be more forgiving of the largely defensive line oriented weaknesses you have listed? I think standing him up takes away about half of your concerns. It seems that you sort of eluded to that.

11. Glad to see you got a look at Rishaw Johnson.

12. How would Cordy Glenn stack up at guard for you? I'd find that interesting to hear considering your favorable stance on him at tackle (rightly-so).

13. Very pleased with your defensive tackle assessments. Couldn't agree more on most of your points (didn't get a chance to watch Kitchen, Cosgrove). I'm borderline ecstatic that you like Chapman so much.

14. You already know how I feel about Poe; while we largely agree, I feel like you gave him a little too much credit for handling double teams well. He seemed to be stifled by them, to me.

13. I couldn't disagree more that Dont'a Hightower is an average pass rusher. I thought that was an area where he excelled.

14. What is the earliest you would use a selection on Carder? I've heard everything from the second round to the seventh. I think anything past the beginning of the third is acceptable value.

Thanks again Chidi. I'd been looking forward to this. Read every word. I'm glad I was online now, it was enjoyable to read through it while you were in the process of posting it. I plan on watching several players again with your thoughts open for reference.

Feel free to respond to my comments/questions whenever, it's no hurry. I love talking football but I'd be pretty burnt out after three nights straight of player specific evaluation.

[Chidi29]

Awesome man, very good information and much of it accurate within my own views. I'm very appreciative of your opinions on players that I haven't been able to watch myself. I will try and keep my thoughts as brief as possible.

1. I'm glad you pointed out Andrew Luck's good not great arm strength. I feel like this is missed by nearly everyone.

2. I'm very surprised you are so high on Lindley. From what I saw, there are throws he can make that no other quarterback in this draft can. But they are too few and far between with inconsistent to poor throws making up most of the 'between'. I like him, but he's a risky project to me. I believe Foles, Weeden and Cousins all have better starting potential - both immediately and long term.

3. I'm shocked you are that low on Weeden. How many spots would you say his age caused him to drop in your rankings, if any? While I see some truth to most of your negative points on him, I disagree with your assessment of his becoming "skiddish" in the pocket. I did not notice any of that. I actually thought behind Luck he may have been the most poised of the quarterbacks in this class.

4. I was not as impressed with Brock Osweiler's accuracy as you seem to have been. Would have been a weakness from my evaluation.

5. Your report on Dwayne Allen is the most accurate I've seen - perfect.

6. I think Orson Charles can develop that "killer instinct" to run block pretty easily. When I watched him, it looks like he wants to hit someone - and when he does make contact I was pretty impressed. But the weakness in his blocking game, from what I saw, is that he can't make up his mind on who he wants to block. He runs around like a chicken with its head cut off looking for someone to blow up but too frequently never finds anyone.

7. I maintain that I don't understand your relative dislike of Reiff. I don't see the same technique failures you do, although I do consent that he desperately needs to hit the weight room.

8. I was really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Bobby Massie. Not that I'm disparaging you for not seeing him, god knows you've watched more prospects than I have - but I wanted to mention that.

9. I don't agree that Quinton Coples' motor is a major strength. I thought he played lazy on more than a number of occasions.

10. Pretty surprised to see Melvin Ingram so low amongst the ends. If being evaluated strictly as a defensive end, I can understand it to a point - but I really think he's one of the more complete pass rushers. If you knew for certain he was to play 34OLB, would your stance on him be more forgiving of the largely defensive line oriented weaknesses you have listed? I think standing him up takes away about half of your concerns. It seems that you sort of eluded to that.

11. Glad to see you got a look at Rishaw Johnson.

12. How would Cordy Glenn stack up at guard for you? I'd find that interesting to hear considering your favorable stance on him at tackle (rightly-so).

13. Very pleased with your defensive tackle assessments. Couldn't agree more on most of your points (didn't get a chance to watch Kitchen, Cosgrove). I'm borderline ecstatic that you like Chapman so much.

14. You already know how I feel about Poe; while we largely agree, I feel like you gave him a little too much credit for handling double teams well. He seemed to be stifled by them, to me.

13. I couldn't disagree more that Dont'a Hightower is an average pass rusher. I thought that was an area where he excelled.

14. What is the earliest you would use a selection on Carder? I've heard everything from the second round to the seventh. I think anything past the beginning of the third is acceptable value.

Thanks again Chidi. I'd been looking forward to this. Read every word. I'm glad I was online now, it was enjoyable to read through it while you were in the process of posting it. I plan on watching several players again with your thoughts open for reference.

Feel free to respond to my comments/questions whenever, it's no hurry. I love talking football but I'd be pretty burnt out after three nights straight of player specific evaluation.

Thnaks shutdown!

I think Lindley and Tannehilll are actually pretty similar with the main difference being Lindley's really poor footwork. But if you get that corrected and you have two similar players...and Tannehilll is being touted as a top ten pick.

I just can't put a QB high on a list who I think struggles vs pressure. I felt the same way about Gabbert last year and had him ranked 6th in what I thought to be a pretty weak QB class. I guess we disagree on if we think that is an issue for Weeden but whenever I saw him asked to move and not be able to throw from a sound base at the end of his drop, he really struggled. I realize you're never going to look great but he was worse than any other QB. Maybe I can go back to the videos and see if I can point out examples.

I don't know if I'm that high on Osweiler's accuracy. I like it but I did note that it can wan and ball placement is an issue at times.

I only watched one game of Charles so you could be right about him being a more aggressive run blocker.

There was one game of Reiff's where his pass protection looked good but it looked poor in the others. And like you said, he is really weak. That's something that can be fixed and I know he is still relatively new to playing on the line, didn't start playing until college, but he isn't worth a top 15-20 pick or higher he's been made out to be.

I was watching Gapelu when I watched Utah St. Probably wish I wouldn't have since Massie is the better prospect. Hoping to watch more LBs next year, continue to expand and hit 100 total prospects.

Maybe it just depends on the games we're watching regarding Coples. I think there's a lot of misconceptions about Coples. People think he had a poor senior year, I don't see it.

First, I don't know where you're going to play Ingram. Weakside rush backer is the only place I see. And even then, he has short arms and lacks the explosion/upper body strength you see in a guy like James Harrison. Ingram is terrible against the run. Even in today's world of hybrid defenses and multiple subpackages, I still can't find a place for Ingram. That says a lot.

Glenn should do just fine at guard. But I think he can stay at LT or move to RT. There are no position limitations for him.

Don't worry much about not watching Cosgrove. You're not missing much. I only did because I'm a Vandals fan and watch their games. Same reason why I saw Reader. Yeah, I love Chapman. Perfect zero technique. Still amazed to watch tape and seeing him playing well knowing he has a torn ACL. Unreal.

I think 3rd round is fair assessment. The medical is scary but I don't believe he's missed any time at TCU with injury. That happened a while ago and though yes, it has to be checked out, I can get past it. He's a solid, throwback LB who isn't flashy but a smart kid who wraps up.

Even if you think I gave Poe too much credit, we're stilll in overall agreement. Overrated.

I saw one game where Hightower was a good pass rusher. One where he didn't really show up. But yes, he has shown flashes.

[ShutDown24]

Thanks for the Answers


I just can't put a QB high on a list who I think struggles vs pressure. I felt the same way about Gabbert last year and had him ranked 6th in what I thought to be a pretty weak QB class. I guess we disagree on if we think that is an issue for Weeden but whenever I saw him asked to move and not be able to throw from a sound base at the end of his drop, he really struggled. I realize you're never going to look great but he was worse than any other QB. Maybe I can go back to the videos and see if I can point out examples.

Yeah, I actually wouldn't mind that sometime, if it's not asking too much. I might just be missing something. My eyes tend to get drawn to foot work when I'm watching a quarterback in duress so it's more than possible I just wasn't paying close enough attention to ball placement when he faced pressure.


I was watching Gapelu when I watched Utah St. Probably wish I wouldn't have since Massie is the better prospect. Hoping to watch more LBs next year, continue to expand and hit 100 total prospects.

Sounds great! But how about you watch every player in the draft? Haha just kidding, it's awesome that you're able to find time to watch as many as you do now.


Maybe it just depends on the games we're watching regarding Coples. I think there's a lot of misconceptions about Coples. People think he had a poor senior year, I don't see it.

Yeah I've heard that a lot too. I've really only seen him during his senior season, other than in highlights - and if he had a poor season then I really should get around to watching the rest of his games, they must be amazing. But I still don't think the motor is all that fantastic on the field. Just a difference of opinion I guess, with something like effort it's hard to tell - body language can be interpreted differently real easily in my opinion.


Even if you think I gave Poe too much credit, we're stilll in overall agreement. Overrated.

Definitely. You should have seen an argument I got into on another board about him. I think people just blindly fall in love with his athleticism, the media sure has. I asked if anyone had even seen him play and the thread hasn't moved since. I understand that sometimes all you have to go on is what you hear, but I don't get it when posters try and defend a guy till death that they have no particular attachment to when they haven't even watched him.


I saw one game where Hightower was a good pass rusher. One where he didn't really show up. But yes, he has shown flashes.

Do you recall which games those were by any chance?

[Godfather]

Did you see Mo Claiborne play? I'm curious because you don't have him listed but you did rate some other LSU players.

[oneforthetoe]

Thanks for your work Chidi. Wow, that must be a lot of work. It's nice to know there are other people on here with no life. :) ;)

I really like Hightower if he is there for us - and Alamedu Ta’amu for later in the draft. I know we need o'lineman as well, but we need Farrior's and big snack's replacements.

[Chidi29]

Did you see Mo Claiborne play? I'm curious because you don't have him listed but you did rate some other LSU players.

Nope no Claiborne though I know he's no worse than a top ten pick. Could go to Tampa.

Cornerbacks are tough for me to watch. The reports I have for DBs are pretty subpar. They're always falling out of screen, it's hard to get a clear picture. Especially when you're trying to guess assignments/coverages at times. Makes it even tough.

[Chidi29]

Thanks for the Answers



Yeah, I actually wouldn't mind that sometime, if it's not asking too much. I might just be missing something. My eyes tend to get drawn to foot work when I'm watching a quarterback in duress so it's more than possible I just wasn't paying close enough attention to ball placement when he faced pressure.


Sounds great! But how about you watch every player in the draft? Haha just kidding, it's awesome that you're able to find time to watch as many as you do now.



Yeah I've heard that a lot too. I've really only seen him during his senior season, other than in highlights - and if he had a poor season then I really should get around to watching the rest of his games, they must be amazing. But I still don't think the motor is all that fantastic on the field. Just a difference of opinion I guess, with something like effort it's hard to tell - body language can be interpreted differently real easily in my opinion.



Definitely. You should have seen an argument I got into on another board about him. I think people just blindly fall in love with his athleticism, the media sure has. I asked if anyone had even seen him play and the thread hasn't moved since. I understand that sometimes all you have to go on is what you hear, but I don't get it when posters try and defend a guy till death that they have no particular attachment to when they haven't even watched him.



Do you recall which games those were by any chance?

Yeah, I'll try to get some Weeden stuff up in the next couple days. I love him when he's afforded a sound base but we know that isn't always the case in the NFL.

Ha, no kidding. A guy looks great in shorts and the world falls in love with him. The Combine is there to verify what you see on the tape....not to replace the tape altogether.

I'll give you my game reports of the two Hightower games I watched. I create these game reports first that are then used to create my scouting reports. It was the Penn St game that he didn't look like a strong pass rusher. Much better vs Mississippi St.

# 30 – Dont’a Hightower/ILB Alabama: 6’4 260

9-10 at Penn St: Big kid with broad shoulders. Tons of upper body strength. Plays with excellent leverage, gets arms extended. Pretty solid tackler, looks to wrap up. Smooth in coverage, can flip hips with ease. Does an overall nice job getting off guards, uses his strength to hold the point of attack. Main signal caller in Bama’s 3-4 at ILB. Also played both end spots. Not much of a pass rusher though uses his hands well, doesn’t get locked on against the OT. Would like to see him be a bit more aggressive, get his nose dirtier. Sometimes too passive around piles. Not the fleetest of foot.

11-12 at Mississippi St: Solid tackler who can break down and wrap up. Does a nice job of getting off guards. Understands angles when rallying to the ball carrier. Surprisingly rangy sideline to sideline. Did a nice job when playing DE, strong swim move. Packs a punch when he hits the QB. Does look to be pretty tight-hipped, not all that fluid in coverage (though not awful). Often put his hand on the ground on 3rd and obvious passing situations. May lack closing speed. Would like him attack backs a little more often.

[Chidi29]

Thanks for your work Chidi. Wow, that must be a lot of work. It's nice to know there are other people on here with no life. :) ;)

I really like Hightower if he is there for us - and Alamedu Ta’amu for later in the draft. I know we need o'lineman as well, but we need Farrior's and big snack's replacements.

I wouldn't have a problem with Hightower. Especially since Timmons can be our subpackage LB since Hightower is more of a two down thumper than coverage guy.

[Shoes]

Great job and a lot of work Chidi! We should take up a donation for you :chuckle: Hopefully you'll be able to redeem the play calling from the NFL broadcast booth in the future.

[Chidi29]

Great job and a lot of work Chidi! We should take up a donation for you :chuckle: Hopefully you'll be able to redeem the play calling from the NFL broadcast booth in the future.

Thanks Shoes!

[86WARD]

Good stuff Chidi!!

[Count Steeler]

Thanks Chidi for putting forth the time and effort and sharing it here with us in the Universe. You sure make this a special place.

[Chidi29]

Thanks guys. Enjoy sharing it with you and being able to have good draft discussion. Don't get that anywhere else.

[Chidi29]

Wow, shutdown, I feel really stupid.

When you said Bobbie Massey, I was thinking of Bobby Wagner, the LB out of Utah St. That's why I went off talking about watching Gapelu. You probably had no idea what I was talking about. :chuckle:

[suitanim]

Impressive!

I can only comment on a very few players, guys I have watched a lot.

1) Whitney Mercilus/Illinois- He's a pass rushing freak, who causes fumbles and wreaks havoc on QB's. Even though you have him listed as "Not much of a prospect", there is reportedly interest from both San Diego and Cleveland in taking this kid in the first round. You have him listed as the eighth best DE prospect, and he may not last past #22 in the first. He could also end up as a 3-4 OLB.

Jordan White/Western Michigan- While I was never super impressed with anything in particular, he always seemed to destroy my Zips. He's not fast, he's not flashy, and I don't see him ever being a #1, BUT I also never saw him drop a pass...if it was anywhere even near him, he caught it. This kid could be a late round sleeper as a #3 possession-type guy in the vein of a Wayne Chrebet, although he has much better size.

Ishmaa’ily Kitchen/ Kent St: 6’3 334- Interesting that you have him on here. I've seen him play in person, but I still can't tell you much about him other than he COULD be a very, very good NT in a 3-4. But he seemed to play very inconsistently. He'd be in the backfield 3 plays in a row, disrupting things, then you'd never see or hear from him again all game (even though he was definitely on the field). Not sure what to attribute that to, maybe conditioning? I can't imagine he'll be drafted, but I'm pretty sure the Steelers have been to watch him workout, so maybe an FA signing?

[Chidi29]

Impressive!

I can only comment on a very few players, guys I have watched a lot.

1) Whitney Mercilus/Illinois- He's a pass rushing freak, who causes fumbles and wreaks havoc on QB's. Even though you have him listed as "Not much of a prospect", there is reportedly interest from both San Diego and Cleveland in taking this kid in the first round. You have him listed as the eighth best DE prospect, and he may not last past #22 in the first. He could also end up as a 3-4 OLB.

Jordan White/Western Michigan- While I was never super impressed with anything in particular, he always seemed to destroy my Zips. He's not fast, he's not flashy, and I don't see him ever being a #1, BUT I also never saw him drop a pass...if it was anywhere even near him, he caught it. This kid could be a late round sleeper as a #3 possession-type guy in the vein of a Wayne Chrebet, although he has much better size.

Ishmaa’ily Kitchen/ Kent St: 6’3 334- Interesting that you have him on here. I've seen him play in person, but I still can't tell you much about him other than he COULD be a very, very good NT in a 3-4. But he seemed to play very inconsistently. He'd be in the backfield 3 plays in a row, disrupting things, then you'd never see or hear from him again all game (even though he was definitely on the field). Not sure what to attribute that to, maybe conditioning? I can't imagine he'll be drafted, but I'm pretty sure the Steelers have been to watch him workout, so maybe an FA signing?

The numbers are impressive for Mercilus, I'll grant you that, and the fact he forced 9 fumbles in mind-boggling. But a lot of the pressure I saw in the two games I watched came from him being virtually unblocked. Rarely did I see him get a beat off the edge, dip the shoulder and get to the QB. Or some variation where he went through/around the tackle and finished the play. He will be drafted high but I base these rankings on my own personal thoughts of how good the prospect will be, not how high he'll go. He won't be the 8th DE taken in my mock, I can tell you that much though he willl probably be lower because my mock is more about what I think "should" happen as opposed to what "will" happen.

I see a lot more Freddie Barnes in White than I do Chrebet. He's not going to be able to separate from man coverage and while he does an ok job against zone, he isn't a dyanmic slot threat. He isn't going to get vertical and isn't going to get you mmuch YAC.

I looked at Kitchen after LLT was talking about him. One reason why he may have been hot and cold was the fact he dealt with a nagging shoulder injury his senior year. I don't have a "I'm sold/I'm not sold" solid conviction on him because he always got limited snaps when I saw him play but from a mesurables standpoint alone, he's interesting. There are always too few zero techs for the number of teams that need one. There are probably only six or seven guys that fit the 6'2 330 mold and a lot of them are late round projects (Jean-Baptise out of Baylor, Asa Chapman from Liberty, a kid from William Penn).

[suitanim]

Whites YPC was a respectable 14 as a true #1 (The last two years). That compares pretty favorably to Antonio Browns 10 playing against similar competition. I've found that to be about the most accurate gauge as to the ability to separate at the next level.

Kitchen is definitely on the Steelers radar (I looked it up...he has worked out in front of them). With Hampton back, and McClendon plus another higher NT draft pick, there's nothing wrong with signing him to a FA contract and seeing what he can do. Apparently, he's in the best shape of his life right now, too...

[Chidi29]

Whites YPC was a respectable 14 as a true #1 (The last two years). That compares pretty favorably to Antonio Browns 10 playing against similar competition. I've found that to be about the most accurate gauge as to the ability to separate at the next level.

Kitchen is definitely on the Steelers radar (I looked it up...he has worked out in front of them). With Hampton back, and McClendon plus another higher NT draft pick, there's nothing wrong with signing him to a FA contract and seeing what he can do. Apparently, he's in the best shape of his life right now, too...

I'm just looking at what I saw on the tape (which admitedly is just one game so that has to be factored in). And it isn't just YPC. It's yards after catch, YAC. I didn't see that from him. To me, he's a guy that is reliable with soft hands but is more a product of the spread system. He certainly doesn't play nearly as fast as Antonio Brown. Not the vertical threat nor does he have the explosiveness Brown has in his game.

[Chidi29]

Whites YPC was a respectable 14 as a true #1 (The last two years). That compares pretty favorably to Antonio Browns 10 playing against similar competition. I've found that to be about the most accurate gauge as to the ability to separate at the next level.

Kitchen is definitely on the Steelers radar (I looked it up...he has worked out in front of them). With Hampton back, and McClendon plus another higher NT draft pick, there's nothing wrong with signing him to a FA contract and seeing what he can do. Apparently, he's in the best shape of his life right now, too...

Kitchen would be a good risk/reward pick. I mean, the team is going to have to draft a NT eventually, right? Seems like every year I say they finally will but they never do.

[suitanim]

Over the years I've noticed that the Steelers don't drift far from the list of players they've looked at/brought in to the list of players they draft and sign. This seems like a smart FA pick-up to me...I wonder if he's sneaking onto any teams draft radar?

[Chidi29]

Over the years I've noticed that the Steelers don't drift far from the list of players they've looked at/brought in to the list of players they draft and sign. This seems like a smart FA pick-up to me...I wonder if he's sneaking onto any teams draft radar?

These teams went to Kent State's Pro Day.

With scouts from the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins in attendance at Kent State football’s Pro Day, senior defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and senior center Chris Anzevino garnered the most attention.

http://www.ohioverticals.com/blogs/kent_state/2012/03/07/kitchen-and-anzevino-stand-out-at-ksu-pro-day/

[suitanim]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but there's a kid out of Kent named Roosevelt Nix who is going to be a stud at the next level, too...he's playing DL right now at Harrison's height and weight, but I could easily see him converting to NFL OLB. We have....um....had a little bit of luck over the years with Kent State linebackers!

OK, back to the 87 other listed picks!!!!

[ShutDown24]

Wow, shutdown, I feel really stupid.

When you said Bobbie Massey, I was thinking of Bobby Wagner, the LB out of Utah St. That's why I went off talking about watching Gapelu. You probably had no idea what I was talking about. :chuckle:

I was a little confused by the linebacker statement, but I honestly just assumed there was a player by the name of Gapelu somewhere on the Ole Miss roster haha.

[Chidi29]

I was a little confused by the linebacker statement, but I honestly just assumed there was a player by the name of Gapelu somewhere on the Ole Miss roster haha.

:chuckle:

[Chidi29]

Haven't forgotten about Weeden shutdown.

[ShutDown24]

Haven't forgotten about Weeden shutdown.

Haha okay, no hurry. Still have months to debate this class before we see any action of them as pros.

[EVANS49]

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE PLAYERS YOU WATCHED???

[EVANS49]

http://youtu.be/VwGt2Int9WU ...check out philip gapelu's highlights!!!!! what do you think??

[Chidi29]

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE PLAYERS YOU WATCHED???

Just by whoever is on TV and whatever is available on the Internet.

[EVANS49]

After the season,how do u feel Gapelu measures up?Undersized,true.But what are the chances teams will bring him in?

[Chidi29]

After the season,how do u feel Gapelu measures up?Undersized,true.But what are the chances teams will bring him in?

At best, he'll get taken as a flier in the 7th. But he'll land in a camp somewhere, probably in a zone blocking scheme that can use his athletic and pulling abiliity.

[Chidi29]

Like last year, my list of small school prospects. Guys I never watched but ones who put up some pretty crazy stats. That doesn't have the most weight, obviously, but they're at least fun to look at. One guy I had on my list last year, Tyler Beiler, is now a Steeler.

Andrew Huck/QB Butler – 6’2 198
2011: 204/312 2241 yds 20 TD 7 INT
Three year starter
http://www.butlersports.com/sports/m-footbl/2011-12/bios/huck_andrew00.html

Adam Neugebauer/QB West Virginia Wesleyan – 6’2 210
2011: 353/521 4111 yds 40 TDs 14 INT
http://wesleyanbobcats.com/sports/fball/2011-12/bios/neugebauer%20adam%20id65

Dane Simoneau/QB Washburn – 6’3 227
2011: 280/482 4089 yds 38 TDs 12 INT
2010: 223/374 3549 yds 33 TDs 12 INT
http://www.wusports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2225

Hewitt Tomlin/QB John Hopkins – 6’2 190
2011: 225/334 2683 yds 24 TD 10 INT (9 games)
2010: 234/376 3309 yds 24 TD 10 INT
http://www.hopkinssports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tomlin_hewitt00.html

Brock Jackolski/RB Stony Brook – 5’10 198
2011: 215 1418 yds 16 TDs, 854 kick ret yds, 1 ret TD
2010: 149 1029 yds 9 TD, 788 kick ret, 1 ret TD
http://www.goseawolves.org/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jackolski_brock00.html

Rashaad Slowley/RB Southern Connecticut St – 6’0 205
2011: 274 1584 yds 27 TDs
http://www.southernctowls.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1999

Travis Daniels/RB UNC Pembroke – 5’10 205
2011: 292 1631 yds 15 TDs
2009: 147 1042 yds 11 TDs
http://uncpbraves.com/sports/fball/2011-12/bios/daniels%20travis%2045oh

Anthony Carter/RB Bridgewater (VA) – 5’11 205
2011: 167 1044 yds 10 TDs
http://bridgewatereagles.com/sports/fball/2011-12/bios/carter_anthony_qld1

Justin Spaulding/RB Dubuque – 5’10 198
2011: 216 1340 yds 16 TDs

Rashaad Carter/WR Tusculum – 6’3 205
2011: 70 1056 yds 8 TDs
2010: 81 1004 yds 8 TDs
http://www.tusculumpioneers.com/profile.asp?playerID=473

Jamar Howard/WR Central Missouri St – 6’4 220
2011: 71 1199 yds 13 TDs
http://www.ucmo.edu/athletics/football/roster/2011/Howard_Jamar.cfm

Michael Zweifel/WR Dubuque – 6’1 190
2011: 140 1915 yds 25 TDs
2010: 36 512 yds 2 TDs (4 games)
2009: 111 1522 yds 15 TDs

Wes Schmidgall/WR Eureka – 6’1 190
2011: 73 1274 yds 16 TDs
2009: 63 1247 yds 16 TDs
http://www.eureka.edu/athletics/football/WesSchmidgallbio11.shtml

Jordan Wilkins/WR Hartwick – 6’1 200
2011: 63 1119 yds 8 TDs
2010: 52 1061 yds 12 TDs
http://www.hartwickhawks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1445&path=football

Donavan Robinson/DE Jackson St – 6’3 250
2011: 58 tkls 23.5 TFL 16 sks
2010: 52 tkls 18.5 TFL 8 sks
http://jsutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/robinson_donavan00.html

Jerome Raymond/DE Morehead St – 6’4 245
2011: 68 tkl 15.5 TFL 11.5 sks
2010: 59 tkls, 11.5 sks
http://www.msueagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1650&path=football

Ryan Davis/DE Bethune Cookman – 6’4 240
2011: 65 tkls, 21.5 TFL 12 sks, 17 hurries 8 FF
2010: 57 tkls 18 TFL, 6.5 sks
http://www.b-cuathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/davis_ryan00.html



Louis Baltazar/LB Lewis & Clark – 6’1 245
2011: 73 tkls, 21 TFL, 8.5 sks
http://www.lcpioneers.com/sports/fball/2011-12/bios/baltazar%20louis

Bryce Robertson/CB Bucknell – 5’9 180
2011: 13 INTs, 6 PBU
Four Year Starter
http://www.bucknellbison.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/robertson_bryce00.html

Elijah Davis/CB Shepard – 5’8 182
2011: 35 tkls, 6 INT, 4 TD
http://www.shepherdrams.com/profile.cfm?id=108104&sport=330

Clarence Laster/S Southwestern Oklahoma St – 6’0 190
2011: 97 tkls, 8 INT 2 TD
http://www.swosusports.com/profile.asp?playerID=315

Laron Scott/RS Georgia Southern – 5’9 179
2011: 34 ret* 1040 yds 30.6 avg 2 TD, 3 INTs 21 PDs
2010: 44 ret* 1161 yds 26.4 avg,, 6 INTS 16 PDs
* Kick Returns
http://www.georgiasoutherneagles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=18700&ATCLID=204766009

Dontae Smith/RS East Central – 6’1 176
2011: 18 ret 631 35.1 avg 2 TDs, 18 PBU
2010: 6 INTs
http://www.ecutigers.com/profile.asp?playerID=357

[EVANS49]

I APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE!!!

[EVANS49]

WHAT ARE SOME TEAMS THAT USE THE ZONE BLOCKING SCHEME THAT YOU REFER TO? OR IS THAT MOST OF THE NFL??

[Chidi29]

Haha okay, no hurry. Still have months to debate this class before we see any action of them as pros.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZa0ZNdRBSY&list=PL242B127261AB2379&index=20&feature=plpp_video

10:42. Feels pressured and does a nice job stepping up to avoid it but can't/doesn't set his feet and the throw ends up high (still catchable but that should be pitch and catch)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XooClErAx4&feature=related
:57. Heavy pressure, throws up a lame duck
1:17. LB stunt and one comes in free. Weeden doesn't see the safety waiting and throws it into his arms/

Just a couple examples, I didn't comb through as closely as I did before.

I usually don't like to make comments about someone's suppoerting cast being too good because I think that's often times a poor argument but I'll say this. I think pressure if foreign to Weeden. Most of the time, he had all day to throw in the pocket. He isn't used to it breaking down around him.

His presence isn't as bad as say Blaine Gabbert, no one will be worse than him, but it concerns me. Which is a shame because when Weeden has time and a clean pocket, he's probably the second best pure passer in this year's draft.

[ShutDown24]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZa0ZNdRBSY&list=PL242B127261AB2379&index=20&feature=plpp_video

10:42. Feels pressured and does a nice job stepping up to avoid it but can't/doesn't set his feet and the throw ends up high (still catchable but that should be pitch and catch)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XooClErAx4&feature=related
:57. Heavy pressure, throws up a lame duck
1:17. LB stunt and one comes in free. Weeden doesn't see the safety waiting and throws it into his arms/

Just a couple examples, I didn't comb through as closely as I did before.

I usually don't like to make comments about someone's suppoerting cast being too good because I think that's often times a poor argument but I'll say this. I think pressure if foreign to Weeden. Most of the time, he had all day to throw in the pocket. He isn't used to it breaking down around him.

His presence isn't as bad as say Blaine Gabbert, no one will be worse than him, but it concerns me. Which is a shame because when Weeden has time and a clean pocket, he's probably the second best pure passer in this year's draft.

Thanks for the examples.

I still maintain that he will be okay. I feel like those are aberrations when I run them against my notes from original study, but who knows. I really like Weeden so perhaps there is an unintended bias on my part. If he was 22 and I was the Colts, Luck wouldn't be a lock for me. I think Weeden's arm is significantly better in all phases.

I'll be interested to see how he plays out once he gets into the league. If he looks like a deer in the headlights, I'll take my share of crow :lol: