Are You Ready For Some NFL Mock Drafts?
- Thread starter Da_Eggman
- Start date
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
This draft is 
Dee Milliner, CJ Mosley, Chance Warmack, Barret Jones, DJ Fluker, Eddy Lacy and Jesse Williams all have a chance to go first round imo
Dee Milliner, CJ Mosley, Chance Warmack, Barret Jones, DJ Fluker, Eddy Lacy and Jesse Williams all have a chance to go first round imo
AlbertPullhoez
The Takeover
I just want Minnesota to draft Marquise Lee
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
I think they should stockpile and trade down. I really don't feel like watching the Jets draft another defensive player again in round 1.
Other than QB the 2 biggest needs they have are RB and G and neither of them go very high.
This is a very deep draft for Gs but I could still see them taking that bama kid in the top ten..also this new draft cap thing makes trades less likely depending how high the jets pick
King P
Legends Never Die
Hoping the Jets take Barkevious Mingo or Damontre Moore in Round 1.
We've ignored the glaring need at OLB for too long now. Time to finally address it.
We've ignored the glaring need at OLB for too long now. Time to finally address it.
King P
Legends Never Die
I could see them drafting Tyler Bray in the 2nd or 3rd and grooming him or even having him compete for the starting job
tremonthustler1
aka bx_representer
maybe, but even then, they could use those early round picks on potential starters at other positions. I think the draft is the only way they can fix some holes they have this year, so might as well draft a RB/G/OLB. That's three starters, and then wait a year and then go with a first round QB.
King P
Legends Never Die
True, unless they trade down and grab some extra picks.
1) Barkevious Mingo/Damontre Moore
2) Jonathan Cooper
3) Mike Gillislee
4) Brandon Jenkins
That's my ideal draft for the first 4 rounds, assuming the Jets don't trade up/down. I can think of a couple ways I would like the Jets to go in the draft, but I would be extremely happy with this.
Padron1926
Pro
D-linemen poised to ascend the board
As the college season winds down, the pre-draft process is kicking into gear. That means intense film study has begun and players are starting to stand out.
A few prospects in particular have impressed me recently. The five players below -- listed in order of their current Scouts Inc. grade -- show the potential to rise up the board as the process unfolds, culminating with draft weekend in late April.
Oregon DE Dion Jordan (Grade: 93)
Scouts will clearly be enamored with Jordan's long frame (6-foot-6⅛, 239), and he has the athleticism to show well in pre-draft workouts. In addition, his tape shows a player who can line up across the front seven, rush from a two- or three-point stance, and hold up well in space.
He could add some bulk to his frame, but Jordan still has explosive upper-body power. He dealt with a nagging shoulder injury late in the season, but he's an impact player when healthy and should have time to heal before Oregon's Fiesta Bowl date with Kansas State and a trip to the Senior Bowl.
Jordan is already in the first-round mix and could work his way into the top half of the first before all is said and done.
Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson (Grade: 90)
Richardson is the only non-senior on this list and has already announced his intention to enter the draft, and after scouts dig into his film he should start making a move.
I saw Richardson in person when the Tigers played at South Carolina and it was one of the better performances I saw all season. He has impressive quickness and agility for a 6-2⅞, 290-pounder, along with quick hands and a nonstop motor.
Richardson continued to play hard all season even as his team struggled, continuing to produce and disrupt along the interior. His closing burst, lateral movements and overall athleticism are solid, and he should test well during workouts. Richardson will likely challenge other highly rated defensive tackles for first-round positioning.
NC State QB Mike Glennon (Grade: 87)
With the top two quarterbacks on the board -- West Virginia's Geno Smith and USC's Matt Barkley -- struggling late in the season, Glennon has had a chance to create some intrigue.
He has some limitations in terms of athleticism but knows how to buy time in the pocket, and his size (6-7¼, 225) and arm strength are already turning heads. The Senior Bowl sets up as the perfect stage for showing off his arm, and Glennon can also use that forum and the interview process at the NFL combine to emphasize his intangibles.
He looks like a Day 2 prospect to me, but given the overall weakness of the quarterback class and his combination of tools, it won't surprise me if Glennon works his way into the back end of the first round when the draft rolls around.
Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton (Grade: 80)
Wheaton doesn't have ideal size (5-11½, 182), but he does have track-star speed that should stand out during workouts and all-star showcases. His top gear is elite, allowing Wheaton to stretch the field vertically on the outside and ruin pursuit angles after the catch.
He struggled some in the season finale against Oregon, but Wheaton's overall body of work in 2012 is impressive. He caught 13 touchdown passes and is very smooth when tracking the ball vertically.
Wheaton reminds me of Pittsburgh Steelers WR Mike Wallace, who put himself on the map at the Senior Bowl with his elite speed. The same could happen for Wheaton, who has a chance to get himself into the latter part of the second round.
Kent Sate OT/OG Brian Winters (Grade: 79)
Winters flew under the radar playing in the MAC, but he had a very solid season. He is not a great athlete and is likely better suited to playing guard at the next level, but I like his strength, balance and footwork. Winters (6-3⅞, 302) is a major reason the Golden Flashes averaged 223-plus yards rushing per game.
He will have a chance at the Senior Bowl to show what he can to against other top-flight prospects, and a strong week there could help Winters work his way into the second round before all is said and done.
A few prospects in particular have impressed me recently. The five players below -- listed in order of their current Scouts Inc. grade -- show the potential to rise up the board as the process unfolds, culminating with draft weekend in late April.
Oregon DE Dion Jordan (Grade: 93)
Scouts will clearly be enamored with Jordan's long frame (6-foot-6⅛, 239), and he has the athleticism to show well in pre-draft workouts. In addition, his tape shows a player who can line up across the front seven, rush from a two- or three-point stance, and hold up well in space.
He could add some bulk to his frame, but Jordan still has explosive upper-body power. He dealt with a nagging shoulder injury late in the season, but he's an impact player when healthy and should have time to heal before Oregon's Fiesta Bowl date with Kansas State and a trip to the Senior Bowl.
Jordan is already in the first-round mix and could work his way into the top half of the first before all is said and done.
Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson (Grade: 90)
Richardson is the only non-senior on this list and has already announced his intention to enter the draft, and after scouts dig into his film he should start making a move.
I saw Richardson in person when the Tigers played at South Carolina and it was one of the better performances I saw all season. He has impressive quickness and agility for a 6-2⅞, 290-pounder, along with quick hands and a nonstop motor.
Richardson continued to play hard all season even as his team struggled, continuing to produce and disrupt along the interior. His closing burst, lateral movements and overall athleticism are solid, and he should test well during workouts. Richardson will likely challenge other highly rated defensive tackles for first-round positioning.
NC State QB Mike Glennon (Grade: 87)
With the top two quarterbacks on the board -- West Virginia's Geno Smith and USC's Matt Barkley -- struggling late in the season, Glennon has had a chance to create some intrigue.
He has some limitations in terms of athleticism but knows how to buy time in the pocket, and his size (6-7¼, 225) and arm strength are already turning heads. The Senior Bowl sets up as the perfect stage for showing off his arm, and Glennon can also use that forum and the interview process at the NFL combine to emphasize his intangibles.
He looks like a Day 2 prospect to me, but given the overall weakness of the quarterback class and his combination of tools, it won't surprise me if Glennon works his way into the back end of the first round when the draft rolls around.
Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton (Grade: 80)
Wheaton doesn't have ideal size (5-11½, 182), but he does have track-star speed that should stand out during workouts and all-star showcases. His top gear is elite, allowing Wheaton to stretch the field vertically on the outside and ruin pursuit angles after the catch.
He struggled some in the season finale against Oregon, but Wheaton's overall body of work in 2012 is impressive. He caught 13 touchdown passes and is very smooth when tracking the ball vertically.
Wheaton reminds me of Pittsburgh Steelers WR Mike Wallace, who put himself on the map at the Senior Bowl with his elite speed. The same could happen for Wheaton, who has a chance to get himself into the latter part of the second round.
Kent Sate OT/OG Brian Winters (Grade: 79)
Winters flew under the radar playing in the MAC, but he had a very solid season. He is not a great athlete and is likely better suited to playing guard at the next level, but I like his strength, balance and footwork. Winters (6-3⅞, 302) is a major reason the Golden Flashes averaged 223-plus yards rushing per game.
He will have a chance at the Senior Bowl to show what he can to against other top-flight prospects, and a strong week there could help Winters work his way into the second round before all is said and done.
Padron1926
Pro
Is there a first-rounder in the RB class?
The 2013 NFL draft could be a historic one for running backs, and not in a good way.
At least one running back has been taken in the first round every year since the AFL and NFL drafts merged in 1967, but that streak appears to be in serious jeopardy.
It's still possible that a back could shoot up the board during the pre-draft evaluation process or a team could reach for a back in the draft, but it's not looking good based on the current situation.
South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore was squarely in the first-round mix before suffering a gruesome, season-ending knee injury, and the next two backs on the board are underclassmen who carry late-second-round grades. They could decide to stay in school with the hope of boosting their stock next season.
What exactly is keeping this year's top prospects out of the first-round discussion? Let's take a look, but let's remember that a back doesn't have to be a first-rounder to make an impact at the next level. Just ask Washington Redskins rookie Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick who is tied for third in the league with 1,106 rushing yards through Week 13.
North Carolina's Giovani Bernard (Grade: 82)
The biggest concern with Bernard is his ability to handle a heavy workload and stay healthy over the course of a grueling NFL season. He has just average size (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) and tore an ACL in the fall of 2009. Bernard has some wear on his tires, averaging more than 18 carries per game the past two seasons and taking more hits as a receiver and punt returner.
However, he is atop our running back board because of his versatility. Bernard is quick, shifty and instinctive as a runner, making the most of his blocks and flashing the ability to create even when he doesn't get a defined seam. His size will hinder his ability to anchor in pass protection, but Bernard is an effective receiver who catches the ball well and produces after the catch. Finally, he has the burst and vision to make an impact on punt returns.
Michigan State's Le'veon Bell (Grade: 80)
Bell checks in at 6-2 and 242 pounds, and he has to prove to scouts he is quick enough to be productive at the NFL level. Backs his size can succeed in the NFL -- just look at Atlanta's 244-pound Michael Turner -- but Bell's burst will be closely monitored during pre-draft workouts.
Still, Bell's size means he is tough to bring down. He can bounce off or power through would-be tacklers, and there's a lot to like about Bell's ability to exploit cutback lanes and bounce runs outside when necessary. It's his third-down ability that makes him an intriguing Day 2 prospect, though.
His size allows him to hold up well in pass protection, and he is an above average route-runner for his size with 76 career catches and the ability to line up in the slot at times.
Wisconsin's Montee Ball (Grade: 77)
Experience is a valued asset in most job interviews, but not for running backs, who have short NFL shelf lives.
Ball has 900 career carries at Wisconsin, and his decision not to enter the 2012 draft will likely end up hurting his stock in 2013. He has stayed healthy for the most part, but that is a lot of pounding. Teams will also closely evaluate the concussion Ball sustained in an off-field incident.
Still, he is one of the most efficient runners in the country, with above average instincts, the discipline to follow blocks and the ability to get vertical as soon as he locates a seam. At 5-11 and 210 pounds, Ball doesn't have elite power, but he runs hard and picks up yards after contact. He is quicker than fast but has enough burst to rip off chunks of yardage when he gets a seam.
Clemson's Andre Ellington (Grade: 75)
Ellington is an undersized back (5-9⅜, 195) who has had problems staying healthy and doesn't have the power to push the pile in short-yardage situations. There are also concerns about his vision and anticipation.
However, after watching several tapes and seeing him play in person at Boston College this season, one word comes to mind: effort. Ellington may be small, but he has above average balance and is always fighting for yards after contact. He is fast enough to make defenses pay when he hits a seam out of the backfield, after the catch or returning kickoffs.
Oregon's Kenjon Barner (Grade: 74)
He is also on the smaller side (5-9⅛, 186) for a running back prospect, doesn't show great power between the tackles and has been nicked up at times. The reason Ellington grades slightly higher is that Barner is slightly smaller and has had ball-security issues.
Barner is at his best in space, and it's not just about his shiftiness or above average top-end speed. He shows above average instincts in terms of recognizing where pursuit is coming from and makes the most of his open-field blocks. He is never going to be a great pass-blocker who can anchor against blitzing linebackers, but Barner is an above average receiver for the position.
At least one running back has been taken in the first round every year since the AFL and NFL drafts merged in 1967, but that streak appears to be in serious jeopardy.
It's still possible that a back could shoot up the board during the pre-draft evaluation process or a team could reach for a back in the draft, but it's not looking good based on the current situation.
South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore was squarely in the first-round mix before suffering a gruesome, season-ending knee injury, and the next two backs on the board are underclassmen who carry late-second-round grades. They could decide to stay in school with the hope of boosting their stock next season.
What exactly is keeping this year's top prospects out of the first-round discussion? Let's take a look, but let's remember that a back doesn't have to be a first-rounder to make an impact at the next level. Just ask Washington Redskins rookie Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick who is tied for third in the league with 1,106 rushing yards through Week 13.
North Carolina's Giovani Bernard (Grade: 82)
The biggest concern with Bernard is his ability to handle a heavy workload and stay healthy over the course of a grueling NFL season. He has just average size (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) and tore an ACL in the fall of 2009. Bernard has some wear on his tires, averaging more than 18 carries per game the past two seasons and taking more hits as a receiver and punt returner.
However, he is atop our running back board because of his versatility. Bernard is quick, shifty and instinctive as a runner, making the most of his blocks and flashing the ability to create even when he doesn't get a defined seam. His size will hinder his ability to anchor in pass protection, but Bernard is an effective receiver who catches the ball well and produces after the catch. Finally, he has the burst and vision to make an impact on punt returns.
Michigan State's Le'veon Bell (Grade: 80)
Bell checks in at 6-2 and 242 pounds, and he has to prove to scouts he is quick enough to be productive at the NFL level. Backs his size can succeed in the NFL -- just look at Atlanta's 244-pound Michael Turner -- but Bell's burst will be closely monitored during pre-draft workouts.
Still, Bell's size means he is tough to bring down. He can bounce off or power through would-be tacklers, and there's a lot to like about Bell's ability to exploit cutback lanes and bounce runs outside when necessary. It's his third-down ability that makes him an intriguing Day 2 prospect, though.
His size allows him to hold up well in pass protection, and he is an above average route-runner for his size with 76 career catches and the ability to line up in the slot at times.
Wisconsin's Montee Ball (Grade: 77)
Experience is a valued asset in most job interviews, but not for running backs, who have short NFL shelf lives.
Ball has 900 career carries at Wisconsin, and his decision not to enter the 2012 draft will likely end up hurting his stock in 2013. He has stayed healthy for the most part, but that is a lot of pounding. Teams will also closely evaluate the concussion Ball sustained in an off-field incident.
Still, he is one of the most efficient runners in the country, with above average instincts, the discipline to follow blocks and the ability to get vertical as soon as he locates a seam. At 5-11 and 210 pounds, Ball doesn't have elite power, but he runs hard and picks up yards after contact. He is quicker than fast but has enough burst to rip off chunks of yardage when he gets a seam.
Clemson's Andre Ellington (Grade: 75)
Ellington is an undersized back (5-9⅜, 195) who has had problems staying healthy and doesn't have the power to push the pile in short-yardage situations. There are also concerns about his vision and anticipation.
However, after watching several tapes and seeing him play in person at Boston College this season, one word comes to mind: effort. Ellington may be small, but he has above average balance and is always fighting for yards after contact. He is fast enough to make defenses pay when he hits a seam out of the backfield, after the catch or returning kickoffs.
Oregon's Kenjon Barner (Grade: 74)
He is also on the smaller side (5-9⅛, 186) for a running back prospect, doesn't show great power between the tackles and has been nicked up at times. The reason Ellington grades slightly higher is that Barner is slightly smaller and has had ball-security issues.
Barner is at his best in space, and it's not just about his shiftiness or above average top-end speed. He shows above average instincts in terms of recognizing where pursuit is coming from and makes the most of his open-field blocks. He is never going to be a great pass-blocker who can anchor against blitzing linebackers, but Barner is an above average receiver for the position.
King P
Legends Never Die
Lattimore woulda been a 1st rounder before the injury.
Now I think Giovani Bernard will be the only back taken in the 1st round. Maybe Joseph Randle.
No star backs, but alot of quality backs that should be available in the 2nd/3rd round
Now I think Giovani Bernard will be the only back taken in the 1st round. Maybe Joseph Randle.
No star backs, but alot of quality backs that should be available in the 2nd/3rd round
Padron1926
Pro
Which player has jumped the most in your eyes as a prospect in 2012?
Kiper: Well, I have two guys.
The first is Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher. At the beginning of the season, I had Fisher with a mid-round grade. He was a good player in a class with a number of good offensive tackles, and a guy that always looked good against MAC competition. But Fisher has not only been exceptional against what really has been a league full of good players, but he has proved he can hang with players in any conference. At 6-8, he's got that long frame and the ability to move and keep pass-rushers at bay, and he shows really good power and movement in the run game. At this point, he's a first-round pick on my board, and shouldn't be a head-scratcher for fans of any team that takes him in Round 1.
The other player is Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson. I knew about Patterson because of the way he dominated at the junior college level, but he has proved he has the size, speed, body control, hands and go-get-it ability that NFL teams look for in a No. 1 at the position. The guy can beat you over the top with his ability to hit another gear and separate, but he also can do damage after the catch near the line of scrimmage. He could measure at just over 6-3, and can physically overpower smaller corners. If he decides to enter the draft, he has the potential to be the first wide receiver taken.
McShay: For me, it's Damontre Moore the defensive end from Texas A&M. Moore is still an underclassman, and in the preseason he was not on our short list of players to do full evaluations on. He was such a difference-maker in the first half of the season, however, that I couldn't leave him off our list any longer. After watching one game from last season (Texas) and three from this season (Florida, Arkansas, Ole Miss), I gave him a first-round grade, and he's only continued to trend upward. He is currently our No. 3 overall player, and the No. 1 defensive end in a loaded class of DEs.
Moore has a great frame with room to add more bulk, and a flexible torso that allows him to bend the edge. He is solid versus the run, shows very good versatility potential at the next level, and has top-line pass-rushing ability. He keeps offensive linemen guessing because he can win with quickness or power, and he has the closing burst and long arms to take down opposing QBs.
The first is Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher. At the beginning of the season, I had Fisher with a mid-round grade. He was a good player in a class with a number of good offensive tackles, and a guy that always looked good against MAC competition. But Fisher has not only been exceptional against what really has been a league full of good players, but he has proved he can hang with players in any conference. At 6-8, he's got that long frame and the ability to move and keep pass-rushers at bay, and he shows really good power and movement in the run game. At this point, he's a first-round pick on my board, and shouldn't be a head-scratcher for fans of any team that takes him in Round 1.
The other player is Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson. I knew about Patterson because of the way he dominated at the junior college level, but he has proved he has the size, speed, body control, hands and go-get-it ability that NFL teams look for in a No. 1 at the position. The guy can beat you over the top with his ability to hit another gear and separate, but he also can do damage after the catch near the line of scrimmage. He could measure at just over 6-3, and can physically overpower smaller corners. If he decides to enter the draft, he has the potential to be the first wide receiver taken.
McShay: For me, it's Damontre Moore the defensive end from Texas A&M. Moore is still an underclassman, and in the preseason he was not on our short list of players to do full evaluations on. He was such a difference-maker in the first half of the season, however, that I couldn't leave him off our list any longer. After watching one game from last season (Texas) and three from this season (Florida, Arkansas, Ole Miss), I gave him a first-round grade, and he's only continued to trend upward. He is currently our No. 3 overall player, and the No. 1 defensive end in a loaded class of DEs.
Moore has a great frame with room to add more bulk, and a flexible torso that allows him to bend the edge. He is solid versus the run, shows very good versatility potential at the next level, and has top-line pass-rushing ability. He keeps offensive linemen guessing because he can win with quickness or power, and he has the closing burst and long arms to take down opposing QBs.
Padron1926
Pro
Elite prospects shine on scouting trips
The 2012 season was the fourth in a row during which I spent most weeks on the road getting live looks at some of the top NFL prospects in the country.
I saw 17 games featuring 22 schools, and because I'm based in Charlotte, the schedule was heavy on ACC and SEC schools within driving distance. No problem, though, because anyone who follows the draft knows just how many quality prospects come out of those two conferences.
Seeing how players react to live game action in real time is helpful, and it's just as helpful to get on the field during warm-ups and apply the eyeball test to players.
Seeing how prospects look on the hoof in terms of body type, judging their demeanor and observing how they interact with teammates are all important parts of their evaluations.
So as the regular season wraps up, here's a look at the games I attended and what stood out during my college road trips this fall. This includes the best prospects I saw in person, those who fell short of expectations, the best individual performances and a handful of 2014 prospects to keep an eye on.
Top five prospects
Plenty of Live Looks
A complete rundown of the games Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl scouted in person in 2012.
8/31: Tennessee 35, N.C. State 21
9/1: Clemson 26, Auburn 19
9/15: Pittsburgh 35, Virginia Tech 17
9/22: South Carolina 31, Missouri 10
9/29: Georgia 51, Tennessee 44
10/6: N. Carolina 48, Virginia Tech 34
10/6: Virginia 42, Duke 17
10/6: N.C. State 17, Florida State 16
10/20: Alabama 44, Tennessee 13
10/25: Clemson 42, Wake Forest 13
10/27: S. Carolina 38, Tennessee 35
11/8: Florida St. 28, Virginia Tech 22
11/10: S. Carolina 38, Arkansas 20
11/17: Oklahoma 50, W. Virginia 49
11/24: Pittsburgh 27, Rutgers 6
12/1: Winston-Salem 21, IUP 17
12/1: Florida St. 21, Georgia Tech 15
Alabama OG Chance Warmack (Grade: 96)
A home run and easy evaluation. Warmack possesses the size (6-foot-2\, 325 pounds), power and athleticism to develop into an All-Pro-caliber guard at the next level. A road grader in the run game, he is light on his feet with an elite anchor to keep rushers at bay in pass protection. If you take position value out of the equation, he is arguably the top prospect in this year's draft.
Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones (Grade: 96)
Explosive, versatile and instinctive. Jones (6-2, 242) may not have an elite frame, but he makes up for it with quickness, explosive hands and ability to bend the edge as a pass-rusher. His motor never stops running, he has natural playmaking instincts when given the opportunity to cash in, and he has the versatility to play in multiple spots along the front seven.
Florida State DE Bjoern Werner (Grade: 94)
A versatile, instinctive and high-motor edge defender, Werner (6-4, 255) has an explosive initial step and shows natural ability to bend and flatten once he gains the edge as a pass-rusher. He is consistent as a run-defender and plays with good leverage, has excellent hands and does a nice job of finding the ball with his eyes.
North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams (Grade: 94)
When healthy, Williams has the size (6-2, 320), quickness and violent hands to be a disruptive force on the inside. He plays with leverage, and his lateral agility provides him with good range as a run-defender. Williams also can dial it up as an interior pass-rusher with an explosive first step and quick hands. He notched six sacks on the year despite battling a left ankle injury throughout the majority of the season.
Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree (Grade: 92)
Ogletree has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this class thanks to his raw athleticism, and he has the long frame (6-3, 237) to give him room to add bulk. He has excellent range both as a run-defender and dropping into coverage, along with big-time playmaking ability. Ogletree has the physical tools to become a better pro than Jones, but he does come with concerns in terms of instincts, tackling and point-of-attack skills.
Other notables: West Virginia QB Geno Smith; Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson; Florida State DE Cornellius Carradine, Alabama CB Dee Milliner, North Carolina OG Jonathan Cooper; Tennessee OG/OT Dallas Thomas; Georgia DT Johnathan Jenkins; West Virginia WR Tavon Austin; Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson; Rutgers OLB Khaseem Greene; Georgia S Shawn Williams; Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson; Tennessee WR Justin Hunter; Alabama LB C.J. Mosley; Auburn DE Corey Lemonier
Top three disappointments
NC State CB David Amerson (Grade: 84)
There is a lot to like about Amerson's size (6-2, 193), ball skills and toughness in run support, but his monotone movement skills and lack of burst and top-end speed out of breaks are glaring. It appears he will be best suited to play in a Cover 2-heavy scheme or move to safety at the next level.
Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas (No grade)
A lack of consistency in terms of footwork, mechanics and particularly accuracy were evident all three times I saw Thomas in person. He didn't get much help from his supporting cast, but Thomas had been taken off the Scouts Inc. board and would still be wise to hone his skills for another year in Blacksburg.
He has an elite combination of size (6-6, 260), athleticism and arm strength that is very enticing, and given that he's in just his third season playing quarterback I'm not ready to close the book on Thomas just yet.
South Carolina DE Devin Taylor (Grade: 50)
At 6-6 and 265 pounds, Taylor is impressive on the hoof. However, he is a pedestrian athlete who fails to play with consistent pad level and lacks aggression on the field.
Top individual performances
Tavon Austin
Tavon Austin's complete showing against Oklahoma is creating first-round buzz.
West Virginia WR Tavon Austin
(Grade: 87) vs. Oklahoma
Austin piling up 572 total yards against the Sooners was the most impressive, most complete single-game performance I have ever seen in person. His versatility was on display with 344 yards rushing (2 touchdowns), 82 yards receiving and 146 return yards. There are rumblings in scouting circles that Austin (5-8\, 173) could sneak into the late first round with his speed, agility and open-field prowess, and if he does, look no further than this game tape for the signature moment that put him over the top.
North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard
(Grade: 82) vs. Virginia Tech
Bernard gained 291 total yards (262 rushing, 2 TDs) in a big win over the Hokies. His natural instincts as a runner were particularly impressive, and Bernard (5-10, 205) also flashed very good balance and lateral agility throughout the day.
Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson
(No grade) vs. NC State
The juco transfer had his coming-out party against the Wolfpack. Patterson (6-3, 205) caught a 41-yard touchdown pass in the first half and ripped of a 67-yard touchdown on a reverse that showed his ability to cut against the grain and impressive second gear. Patterson, who doesn't yet have a full draft evaluation, quietly broke the Tennessee record for all-purpose yards in a single season (1,858) and outplayed his teammate Hunter over the course of the season.
Three under-the-radar prospects
Georgia CB/S Sanders Commings (Grade: 57)
Commings plays in the shadow of other big names in Athens, but he is very much underrated. He possesses excellent size (6-0\, 218) and balance, and flashes playmaking instincts in coverage. Throw in the versatility to line up at both safety and cornerback and Commings has a chance to bring great value in the midround range.
Tennessee ILB Herman Lathers (Grade: 56)
Lathers showed up all four times I saw the Vols play. The qualities that stood out the most were quick diagnostic skills, quality angles in pursuit and excellent leverage as a tackler. Lathers (5-11^, 225) has a chance to be a Day 3 sleeper who could contribute immediately on special teams and potentially develop into a starter down the road.
Virginia Tech WR Corey Fuller (Grade: 60)
Fuller was the most consistent receiver for the Hokies this fall. He has a nice combination of size (6-2, 187) and ball skills, and flashes the savvy and toughness to work the middle of the field from the slot. Fuller appears to be an early-to-mid Day 3 selection who could potentially develop into a third or fourth receiver in the NFL.
The Steady-Eddie Team (guys who show up every week)
Virginia OT Oday Aboushi (Grade: 84)
Aboushi is the poster boy for this category. There is nothing flashy about his frame (6-5[, 315) or athleticism, but he takes quality angles, plays with leverage and has the aggressive mentality to consistently get the job done. Aboushi has the tools and mental makeup to be a starting right tackle or guard for long time at the next level.
Rutgers OLB Khaseem Greene (Grade: 75)
This inclusion reflects Greene's production week in and week out. His instincts, range and closing burst allow him to be around the ball more often than not. Greene (6-0½, 239) is also an underrated pass-rusher, and he brings passion and physical presence that are second-to-none on the field.
Virginia Tech DE/OLB James Gayle (Grade: 67)
Gayle's demeanor during warm-ups and his ability to transition that focus to the field are evident. He consistently sets the edge as a run-defender and flashes quick hands and ability to bend the edge as a pass-rusher. At 6-3 and 256 pounds, he has the frame and athleticism to become a great fit as a 3-4 OLB at the next level.
2014 Prospect Watch
Here are a handful of prospects who will be eligible for the 2014 draft and have already started catching the eye of NFL scouts.
South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney
Tennessee OT Antonio Richardson
Clemson WR Sammy Watkins
Florida State DT Timmy Jernigan
Florida State WR Rashad Greene
Rutgers WR Brandon Coleman
Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell
I saw 17 games featuring 22 schools, and because I'm based in Charlotte, the schedule was heavy on ACC and SEC schools within driving distance. No problem, though, because anyone who follows the draft knows just how many quality prospects come out of those two conferences.
Seeing how players react to live game action in real time is helpful, and it's just as helpful to get on the field during warm-ups and apply the eyeball test to players.
Seeing how prospects look on the hoof in terms of body type, judging their demeanor and observing how they interact with teammates are all important parts of their evaluations.
So as the regular season wraps up, here's a look at the games I attended and what stood out during my college road trips this fall. This includes the best prospects I saw in person, those who fell short of expectations, the best individual performances and a handful of 2014 prospects to keep an eye on.
Top five prospects
Plenty of Live Looks
A complete rundown of the games Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl scouted in person in 2012.
8/31: Tennessee 35, N.C. State 21
9/1: Clemson 26, Auburn 19
9/15: Pittsburgh 35, Virginia Tech 17
9/22: South Carolina 31, Missouri 10
9/29: Georgia 51, Tennessee 44
10/6: N. Carolina 48, Virginia Tech 34
10/6: Virginia 42, Duke 17
10/6: N.C. State 17, Florida State 16
10/20: Alabama 44, Tennessee 13
10/25: Clemson 42, Wake Forest 13
10/27: S. Carolina 38, Tennessee 35
11/8: Florida St. 28, Virginia Tech 22
11/10: S. Carolina 38, Arkansas 20
11/17: Oklahoma 50, W. Virginia 49
11/24: Pittsburgh 27, Rutgers 6
12/1: Winston-Salem 21, IUP 17
12/1: Florida St. 21, Georgia Tech 15
Alabama OG Chance Warmack (Grade: 96)
A home run and easy evaluation. Warmack possesses the size (6-foot-2\, 325 pounds), power and athleticism to develop into an All-Pro-caliber guard at the next level. A road grader in the run game, he is light on his feet with an elite anchor to keep rushers at bay in pass protection. If you take position value out of the equation, he is arguably the top prospect in this year's draft.
Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones (Grade: 96)
Explosive, versatile and instinctive. Jones (6-2, 242) may not have an elite frame, but he makes up for it with quickness, explosive hands and ability to bend the edge as a pass-rusher. His motor never stops running, he has natural playmaking instincts when given the opportunity to cash in, and he has the versatility to play in multiple spots along the front seven.
Florida State DE Bjoern Werner (Grade: 94)
A versatile, instinctive and high-motor edge defender, Werner (6-4, 255) has an explosive initial step and shows natural ability to bend and flatten once he gains the edge as a pass-rusher. He is consistent as a run-defender and plays with good leverage, has excellent hands and does a nice job of finding the ball with his eyes.
North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams (Grade: 94)
When healthy, Williams has the size (6-2, 320), quickness and violent hands to be a disruptive force on the inside. He plays with leverage, and his lateral agility provides him with good range as a run-defender. Williams also can dial it up as an interior pass-rusher with an explosive first step and quick hands. He notched six sacks on the year despite battling a left ankle injury throughout the majority of the season.
Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree (Grade: 92)
Ogletree has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this class thanks to his raw athleticism, and he has the long frame (6-3, 237) to give him room to add bulk. He has excellent range both as a run-defender and dropping into coverage, along with big-time playmaking ability. Ogletree has the physical tools to become a better pro than Jones, but he does come with concerns in terms of instincts, tackling and point-of-attack skills.
Other notables: West Virginia QB Geno Smith; Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson; Florida State DE Cornellius Carradine, Alabama CB Dee Milliner, North Carolina OG Jonathan Cooper; Tennessee OG/OT Dallas Thomas; Georgia DT Johnathan Jenkins; West Virginia WR Tavon Austin; Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson; Rutgers OLB Khaseem Greene; Georgia S Shawn Williams; Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson; Tennessee WR Justin Hunter; Alabama LB C.J. Mosley; Auburn DE Corey Lemonier
Top three disappointments
NC State CB David Amerson (Grade: 84)
There is a lot to like about Amerson's size (6-2, 193), ball skills and toughness in run support, but his monotone movement skills and lack of burst and top-end speed out of breaks are glaring. It appears he will be best suited to play in a Cover 2-heavy scheme or move to safety at the next level.
Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas (No grade)
A lack of consistency in terms of footwork, mechanics and particularly accuracy were evident all three times I saw Thomas in person. He didn't get much help from his supporting cast, but Thomas had been taken off the Scouts Inc. board and would still be wise to hone his skills for another year in Blacksburg.
He has an elite combination of size (6-6, 260), athleticism and arm strength that is very enticing, and given that he's in just his third season playing quarterback I'm not ready to close the book on Thomas just yet.
South Carolina DE Devin Taylor (Grade: 50)
At 6-6 and 265 pounds, Taylor is impressive on the hoof. However, he is a pedestrian athlete who fails to play with consistent pad level and lacks aggression on the field.
Top individual performances
Tavon Austin
Tavon Austin's complete showing against Oklahoma is creating first-round buzz.
West Virginia WR Tavon Austin
(Grade: 87) vs. Oklahoma
Austin piling up 572 total yards against the Sooners was the most impressive, most complete single-game performance I have ever seen in person. His versatility was on display with 344 yards rushing (2 touchdowns), 82 yards receiving and 146 return yards. There are rumblings in scouting circles that Austin (5-8\, 173) could sneak into the late first round with his speed, agility and open-field prowess, and if he does, look no further than this game tape for the signature moment that put him over the top.
North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard
(Grade: 82) vs. Virginia Tech
Bernard gained 291 total yards (262 rushing, 2 TDs) in a big win over the Hokies. His natural instincts as a runner were particularly impressive, and Bernard (5-10, 205) also flashed very good balance and lateral agility throughout the day.
Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson
(No grade) vs. NC State
The juco transfer had his coming-out party against the Wolfpack. Patterson (6-3, 205) caught a 41-yard touchdown pass in the first half and ripped of a 67-yard touchdown on a reverse that showed his ability to cut against the grain and impressive second gear. Patterson, who doesn't yet have a full draft evaluation, quietly broke the Tennessee record for all-purpose yards in a single season (1,858) and outplayed his teammate Hunter over the course of the season.
Three under-the-radar prospects
Georgia CB/S Sanders Commings (Grade: 57)
Commings plays in the shadow of other big names in Athens, but he is very much underrated. He possesses excellent size (6-0\, 218) and balance, and flashes playmaking instincts in coverage. Throw in the versatility to line up at both safety and cornerback and Commings has a chance to bring great value in the midround range.
Tennessee ILB Herman Lathers (Grade: 56)
Lathers showed up all four times I saw the Vols play. The qualities that stood out the most were quick diagnostic skills, quality angles in pursuit and excellent leverage as a tackler. Lathers (5-11^, 225) has a chance to be a Day 3 sleeper who could contribute immediately on special teams and potentially develop into a starter down the road.
Virginia Tech WR Corey Fuller (Grade: 60)
Fuller was the most consistent receiver for the Hokies this fall. He has a nice combination of size (6-2, 187) and ball skills, and flashes the savvy and toughness to work the middle of the field from the slot. Fuller appears to be an early-to-mid Day 3 selection who could potentially develop into a third or fourth receiver in the NFL.
The Steady-Eddie Team (guys who show up every week)
Virginia OT Oday Aboushi (Grade: 84)
Aboushi is the poster boy for this category. There is nothing flashy about his frame (6-5[, 315) or athleticism, but he takes quality angles, plays with leverage and has the aggressive mentality to consistently get the job done. Aboushi has the tools and mental makeup to be a starting right tackle or guard for long time at the next level.
Rutgers OLB Khaseem Greene (Grade: 75)
This inclusion reflects Greene's production week in and week out. His instincts, range and closing burst allow him to be around the ball more often than not. Greene (6-0½, 239) is also an underrated pass-rusher, and he brings passion and physical presence that are second-to-none on the field.
Virginia Tech DE/OLB James Gayle (Grade: 67)
Gayle's demeanor during warm-ups and his ability to transition that focus to the field are evident. He consistently sets the edge as a run-defender and flashes quick hands and ability to bend the edge as a pass-rusher. At 6-3 and 256 pounds, he has the frame and athleticism to become a great fit as a 3-4 OLB at the next level.
2014 Prospect Watch
Here are a handful of prospects who will be eligible for the 2014 draft and have already started catching the eye of NFL scouts.
South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney
Tennessee OT Antonio Richardson
Clemson WR Sammy Watkins
Florida State DT Timmy Jernigan
Florida State WR Rashad Greene
Rutgers WR Brandon Coleman
Georgia WR Malcolm Mitchell
Padron1926
Pro
Film study revealing strengths, flaws
With the college football season coming to a close, NFL scouts are catching their breath before the predraft process begins in earnest following the college bowl games.
Film study is under way, though, and plenty of prospects are turning heads for reasons good and bad. Here are a few who have caught our eye at Scouts Inc. recently and where they currently stand, as well as a look at some non-eligible prospects to keep an eye on down the road.
Stock up
Johnathan Franklin
Productivity is one of the things Johnathan Franklin has working in his favor.
UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin (Grade: 62)
Franklin rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the Bruins' three-point loss to Stanford in the Pac-12 title game, marking his sixth game this season with at least 150 yards.
He showed above-average patience and made the most of his blocks late in the season against the Cardinal and USC, and while he doesn't have elite top-end speed, Franklin has shown enough juice to rip off yards when he gets a seam.
Franklin has average power and he's not a bruiser inside, but he's tough for his size and has shown above-average balance when breaking tackles in space. Add in the strides he's made as a receiver, and Franklin's fourth-round stock should begin to rise. -- Steve Muench
Utah State CB Will Davis (Grade: 71)
I recently watched coach-copy tape of Davis against Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton (Grade: 66), and I liked what I saw. Davis has a few things to learn in terms of technique and he'll have to temper his use of his hands downfield in the NFL, but he displays quick feet and has the fluid hips to turn and run with receivers.
His movements are clean and his short-area burst is good, and Davis flashed anticipation skills when running with the receiver on a post route and breaking on the ball. He also has solid ball skills and has shown playmaking ability with an interception in each of the last five games of the regular season. Davis figures to get into the Day 2 mix and add some depth to a somewhat thin corner class. -- Kevin Weidl
Stock down
LSU Barkevious Mingo (Grade: 95)
Mingo has the burst, bend and length NFL teams covet in edge rushers, and he will be a first-round pick if he enters the draft as a non-senior. However, "potential" is often a four-letter word in the NFL, and the fact that Mingo hasn't made more of an impact with his considerable physical tools is reason for concern.
He has only four sacks on the season, and none of the four is particularly impressive. The speed he showed getting to the quarterback against South Carolina and Mississippi State is excellent, but scouts already knew about that part of his game. -- SM
And while Mingo did a nice job getting off blocks to record sacks in the Towson and Texas A&M games, fellow DE Sam Montgomery flushed the quarterback right to Mingo in the Towson game, and Mingo beat a tight end against the Aggies.
Also take into account that in the Towson game, Mingo faced an FCS tackle who lined up at guard last season, a redshirt freshman making his fourth career start in the South Carolina game, and a junior college transfer in the Mississippi State game.
On the flip side, NFL prospects D.J. Fluker of Alabama and Jake Matthews of Texas A&M both got the better of Mingo when matched up against him. Mingo clearly has first-round talent, but his lack of production against top competition could cause him to slide down the board a bit. -- SM
Alabama S Robert Lester (Grade: 63)
There's no question Lester is one of the veteran leaders on the Crimson Tide defense, and his 14 career interceptions speak to Lester's instincts to break on balls and body control to make plays once he gets there.
However, he was exposed in coverage on the Texas A&M and Georgia tapes I watch recently. Lester shows some tightness in his movements and labors when forced to turn his hips and make a 180-degree change of direction.
That showed up when he dropped down over slot receivers against the Aggies, and when Georgia WR Tavarres King turned Lester inside-out on a double move in the fourth quarter of the SEC title game.
Lester was unable to recover against King after opening his hips on the initial move, and the lack of recovery speed he showed raises concerns about his ability to effectively patrol the deep middle or deep half at the next level. All of that makes Lester a Day 3 prospect in my mind. -- KW
Pac-12 tight ends standing out
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Austin Seferian-Jenkins has the look of a future NFL tight end.
Three of the top seven tight ends on our board play in the Pac-12, and all here grade out in the third round or better, including No. 1 TE Zach Ertz of Stanford. Throw in Ertz's teammate Levine Toilolo and UCLA's Joseph Fauria, and you have a solid trio.
This shouldn't be a surprise, though, given that current NFL tight ends like Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez (California), New England's Rob Gronkowski (Arizona), Jacksonville's Mercedes Lewis (UCLA), Seattle's Zach Miller (Arizona State), Baltimore's Ed dikkson (Oregon) and Indianapolis's Coby Fleener (Stanford) all played in the conference.
The tradition should continue in the next couple of seasons as well. Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Oregon's Colt Lyerla both have the tools to develop into top-tier tight end prospects over the course of the next year.
Given the way tight ends are valued in today's NFL because of their ability to diversify passing attacks and create mismatches, you can be sure scouts will keep a close eye on tight ends out West this year and in the years to come. -- SM
Bridgewater shows impressive skills
Now that the college season is over, we've begun watching film on some non-senior prospects, and it appears Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater has all the tools to make noise as a future prospect.
I was particularly impressed with Bridgewater's tape against North Carolina, which showed him seeing the entire field and getting deep into his progressions. He throws with balance, and while his ball placement isn't always ideal, Bridgewater has above-average accuracy and displays good touch on his passes.
His pocket presence and poise are also very good. Bridgewater doesn't panic and has a natural feel for climbing the pocket when pressured off the edges, and shows the toughness to hang in and deliver throws while taking hits.
I like the limited looks I've seen of Bridgewater and fellow non-seniors Kevin Hogan (Stanford) and Jeff Driskel (Florida), and while all still need some development, they clearly have the potential to become solid NFL prospects. -- KW
Film study is under way, though, and plenty of prospects are turning heads for reasons good and bad. Here are a few who have caught our eye at Scouts Inc. recently and where they currently stand, as well as a look at some non-eligible prospects to keep an eye on down the road.
Stock up
Johnathan Franklin
Productivity is one of the things Johnathan Franklin has working in his favor.
UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin (Grade: 62)
Franklin rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the Bruins' three-point loss to Stanford in the Pac-12 title game, marking his sixth game this season with at least 150 yards.
He showed above-average patience and made the most of his blocks late in the season against the Cardinal and USC, and while he doesn't have elite top-end speed, Franklin has shown enough juice to rip off yards when he gets a seam.
Franklin has average power and he's not a bruiser inside, but he's tough for his size and has shown above-average balance when breaking tackles in space. Add in the strides he's made as a receiver, and Franklin's fourth-round stock should begin to rise. -- Steve Muench
Utah State CB Will Davis (Grade: 71)
I recently watched coach-copy tape of Davis against Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton (Grade: 66), and I liked what I saw. Davis has a few things to learn in terms of technique and he'll have to temper his use of his hands downfield in the NFL, but he displays quick feet and has the fluid hips to turn and run with receivers.
His movements are clean and his short-area burst is good, and Davis flashed anticipation skills when running with the receiver on a post route and breaking on the ball. He also has solid ball skills and has shown playmaking ability with an interception in each of the last five games of the regular season. Davis figures to get into the Day 2 mix and add some depth to a somewhat thin corner class. -- Kevin Weidl
Stock down
LSU Barkevious Mingo (Grade: 95)
Mingo has the burst, bend and length NFL teams covet in edge rushers, and he will be a first-round pick if he enters the draft as a non-senior. However, "potential" is often a four-letter word in the NFL, and the fact that Mingo hasn't made more of an impact with his considerable physical tools is reason for concern.
He has only four sacks on the season, and none of the four is particularly impressive. The speed he showed getting to the quarterback against South Carolina and Mississippi State is excellent, but scouts already knew about that part of his game. -- SM
And while Mingo did a nice job getting off blocks to record sacks in the Towson and Texas A&M games, fellow DE Sam Montgomery flushed the quarterback right to Mingo in the Towson game, and Mingo beat a tight end against the Aggies.
Also take into account that in the Towson game, Mingo faced an FCS tackle who lined up at guard last season, a redshirt freshman making his fourth career start in the South Carolina game, and a junior college transfer in the Mississippi State game.
On the flip side, NFL prospects D.J. Fluker of Alabama and Jake Matthews of Texas A&M both got the better of Mingo when matched up against him. Mingo clearly has first-round talent, but his lack of production against top competition could cause him to slide down the board a bit. -- SM
Alabama S Robert Lester (Grade: 63)
There's no question Lester is one of the veteran leaders on the Crimson Tide defense, and his 14 career interceptions speak to Lester's instincts to break on balls and body control to make plays once he gets there.
However, he was exposed in coverage on the Texas A&M and Georgia tapes I watch recently. Lester shows some tightness in his movements and labors when forced to turn his hips and make a 180-degree change of direction.
That showed up when he dropped down over slot receivers against the Aggies, and when Georgia WR Tavarres King turned Lester inside-out on a double move in the fourth quarter of the SEC title game.
Lester was unable to recover against King after opening his hips on the initial move, and the lack of recovery speed he showed raises concerns about his ability to effectively patrol the deep middle or deep half at the next level. All of that makes Lester a Day 3 prospect in my mind. -- KW
Pac-12 tight ends standing out
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Austin Seferian-Jenkins has the look of a future NFL tight end.
Three of the top seven tight ends on our board play in the Pac-12, and all here grade out in the third round or better, including No. 1 TE Zach Ertz of Stanford. Throw in Ertz's teammate Levine Toilolo and UCLA's Joseph Fauria, and you have a solid trio.
This shouldn't be a surprise, though, given that current NFL tight ends like Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez (California), New England's Rob Gronkowski (Arizona), Jacksonville's Mercedes Lewis (UCLA), Seattle's Zach Miller (Arizona State), Baltimore's Ed dikkson (Oregon) and Indianapolis's Coby Fleener (Stanford) all played in the conference.
The tradition should continue in the next couple of seasons as well. Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Oregon's Colt Lyerla both have the tools to develop into top-tier tight end prospects over the course of the next year.
Given the way tight ends are valued in today's NFL because of their ability to diversify passing attacks and create mismatches, you can be sure scouts will keep a close eye on tight ends out West this year and in the years to come. -- SM
Bridgewater shows impressive skills
Now that the college season is over, we've begun watching film on some non-senior prospects, and it appears Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater has all the tools to make noise as a future prospect.
I was particularly impressed with Bridgewater's tape against North Carolina, which showed him seeing the entire field and getting deep into his progressions. He throws with balance, and while his ball placement isn't always ideal, Bridgewater has above-average accuracy and displays good touch on his passes.
His pocket presence and poise are also very good. Bridgewater doesn't panic and has a natural feel for climbing the pocket when pressured off the edges, and shows the toughness to hang in and deliver throws while taking hits.
I like the limited looks I've seen of Bridgewater and fellow non-seniors Kevin Hogan (Stanford) and Jeff Driskel (Florida), and while all still need some development, they clearly have the potential to become solid NFL prospects. -- KW