Roshan's NFL Draft Blog

2009 RB Rankings

2009-03-31T01:42:00.000-04:00

1. Chris Wells [Ohio State]
2. Knowshon Moreno [Georgia]
3. Donald Brown [Connecticut]
4. LeSean McCoy [Pittsburgh]
5. Shonn Greene [Iowa]
6. Andre Brown [N.C. State]
7. Cedric Peerman [Virginia]
8. James Davis [Clemson]
9. Arian Foster [Tennessee]
10. Bernard Scott [Abilene Christian]
11. Kory Sheets [Purdue]
12. Glen Coffee [Alabama]
13. Rashad Jennings [Liberty]
14. Mike Goodson [Texas A&M]
15. Jeremiah Johnson [Oregon]
16. Javon Ringer [Michigan State]
17. Ian Johnson [Boise State]
18. Tyrell Sutton [Northwestern]
19. Javarris Williams [Tennessee State
20. Devin Moore [Wyoming]
21. Marlon Lucky [Nebraska]
22. Antone Smith [Florida State]
23. Khalil Bell [UCLA]
24. Gartrell Johnson [Colorado State]
25. Branden Ore [Virginia Tech]
26. Marcus Thigpen [Indiana]
27. Chris Ogbonnaya [Texas]
28. Herb Donaldson [Western Illinois]
29. Javorskie Lane [Texas A&M]
30. Rodney Ferguson [New Mexico]
31. P.J. Hill [Wisconsin]
32. Anthony Kimble [Stanford]
33. Keegan Herring [Arizona State]
34. Shannon Woods [Texas Tech]
35. Luke Lippincott [Nevada]
36. Tony Dixon [Kentucky]
37. Mike Davis [South Carolina]
38. Brad Lester [Auburn]
39. Maurice Wells [Ohio State]
40. Darrell Mack [Utah]
41. LaRod Stephens-Howling [Pittsburgh]

2 Round Mock Draft (3-28)

2009-03-26T20:40:00.021-04:00

Well, it's time for my first 2 round mock draft of the season. If you wish to continue to follow my blog, please join as a follower. Also, if you'd like me to answer any questions you have pertaining to the draft, your favorite team, or team needs, please email me at the following address and I'll set aside a blog post to answer any questions. Be sure to include your name and hometown and I'll throw it up there. My email address is roshanb04@gmail.com

1. Detroit Lions: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. With the guaranteed money tied up to the number one pick, the Lions can't afford to take a risk on a junior QB. The odds of finding success are much slimmer, not to mention that a premiere left tackle can have nearly the same impact. With a change in GMs, the Lions finally decide to shy away from the flashy selection to build the franchise the right way, from the front.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Looking at the Rams depth chart, it's quite obvious that they don't have two starting caliber tackles on their roster. After losing Orlando Pace, they'll need to draft a replacement because Alex Barron is not capable of adequately playing the challenging position. Smith has an elite skill set and will help keep the offensive line stable as they transition to a new era in St. Louis.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs have spent several picks adding key offensive pieces over the last several offseasons. On the defensive side of the ball, GM Scott Pioli won't be hesitant to build up the front 7. Aaron Curry is a special linebacker with no kinks in his armor. He's a great athlete who has shown the ability to get off of blocks. Last year's first round draft selection, Glenn Dorsey will help contribute to an immediate turnaround up front.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. A surprising pick here could easily be Ohio State's Chris Wells who contributions could be felt immediately. Still, a long term solution at quarterback seems to be in the Seahawks' plans. Like most juniors, Stafford will need a year on the bench and the quarterback situation in Seattle might just be the best place to allow him to flourish. Stafford has a huge arm and while his accuracy isn't extremely consistent, his intermediate passing game is vastly underrated. He'll learn the finer points of football from one of the game's best technicians in Matt Hasselbeck, who ironically learned from a guy whose arm was quite legendary.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas. It comes as no surprise that the Browns are looking to solidify their defense with their top draft selection. New head coach Eric Mangini, is a defensive minded coach who adopts a team who finished 2nd from the bottom in defensive sacks and in the bottom ten in completion percentage. Even though Orakpo has been likened to Vernon Gholston, Mangini's top draft pick last year, expect quicker contributions with this selection. Rak is a more polished player with a better all-around game as a rookie. Another selection that has been heavily discussed is B.J. Raji. Moving Shaun Rogers outside doesn't seem feasible. It also doesn't make too much sense to take a run-stuffing defensive end in the top 5 either. Drafting Raji would essentially spell the end of Rogers in Cleveland.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Though this may come as a bit of a shocker, Beanie's recent performance at the OSU pro day may have been just enough to put him back inside the top ten. The hometown selection could be just enough to turn around a fluttering Bengals offense looking for some new tires to run on. Wells can alleviate pressure off of the quarterback situation and help the offensive line gain some much needed confidence.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. The myth of Al Davis and 40 times will be debunked once and for all this April. Even this senile GM isn't crazy enough to opt for the 4.3 40 over the most polished receiver to come out in years. He may not have the tools of a Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but he should be the frontrunner for OROY because of his exquisite route running and strong hands.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. If you watched Heyward-Bey close enough at college, you'll realize that he's more than just a 4.2 40 time. He's a receiver who wasn't utilized to the best of his abilities. Bey is far more a football player than your average track star. I firmly believe that the Jags are only a lightning quick wideout away from having one of the best all-around offenses in the league.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. There isn't a more solid pick for the Packers than Raji. He's a senior with all the God-given talent in the world. He carries his weight well and is one of the quickest players in the draft in comparison to his mass. Raji is a bull that can be the central cog of the Packers new 3-4 defense. Ryan Pickett has everything needed to be that nose tackle, expect the stamina. That's where Raji steps in.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. The sexy pick appears to be a quarterback here, but truth be told, there isn't a quarterback that's worthy of a top ten selection. Smith's stock may have dipped a bit, but he was never the "sexy in shorts" player. The only question I needed to see answered this offseason was his arm length. At 6'4 with 35 3/8" arms, Smith not only has the leverage, but also the length advantage on the outside. His character concerns have been blown out of proportion and if ever he needs a swift kick in the rear, San Francisco has a firm-minded Head Coach who isn't afraid to do just that.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Weighing in at over 250 pounds at his Pro Day and running a 40 time in the 4.5's, Maybin just may have solidified a spot in the first fifteen selections. Though the flashy 40 time may not have been there at the Combine, the rest of his numbers tested off the charts among defensive ends. His explosive first step and great length are assets that will allow him to be that dangerous pass rusher opposite Aaron Schobel, who was considered one of the game's elite not long ago.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. The Broncos defense is bad and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has some work to do to make it all work. There isn't a player more likely to do his job week in and week out than Tyson Jackson. Any 3-4 expert will tell you that the defense starts with the front three and while the Broncos missed out on Raji, Jackson should help to solve the linebacker problems directly behind him.

13. Washington Redskins: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State. Brown has the build, strength, and speed of a 4-3 defensive end. With the marquee acquisition of Albert Haynesworth, any defensive linemen at this selection should help Dan Snyder look like a genius. Brown has enormous upside that will start to look more and more like the right selection a year or two down the line. Alternate Pick: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State. The Saints couldn't come away with a bigger steal at this selection. Jenkins' 40 time might be just enough to push him down right into their laps. His talent, production, and instincts have destined for greatness, but the only question that's yet to be answered is whether he has the quickness and long speed to play cornerback. Luckily, the Saints have a pressing need at safety and lesser need at corner, so it won't take them long to place him at the right position.

15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. The Texans are primed for their breakout season and if good health plays into their fortunes, this could be the year they finally make the playoffs. Their young investments are starting to pay off as a result of the underrated coaching staff. While the Texans have a band of underrated linebackers, Cushing is the type of athlete that can step up as a Pro Bowler, something they lack alongside DeMeco Ryans. The Texans are a team that tends to forsake a little bit of production for a lot of measureables and upside. In every sense, this seems to be the logical selection.

16. San Diego Chargers: Ziggy Hood, DE, Missouri. While all signs point to an offensive tackle or Rey Maualuga, Hood might just be the best fit for the Chargers. After losing Olshanksy because of some minor motivational issues, the Charges quickly pursue his replacement. Hood is, bar none, the most underrated and unknown athletes of the draft. His KEI (Kirwan Explosion Index) that I mentioned in an earlier post beats even Jarron Gilbert, the freakish 5-tech. Surprisingly, he's also one of the players whose motor, work ethic, and production match his skill set.

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Don't expect the Jets to hesitate to take their quarterback if he's still available. The team's free agent spending of a year ago would have completely paid off had it not been for Favre's late season collapse. Right now, they're unsure of whether their next quarterback is on the roster, but they need to make sure they don't suffer a setback because of poor perpetual quarterback play. Freeman has armand frame to be this year's Joe Flacco. Like Flacco at Delaware, Freeman was also relegated to throwing to midget receivers for his final season, which hampered his production.

18. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. The Bears could go in a number of directions with this selection, including USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Maclin is in the process of riding a wave closer to the top of the draft. The speed, quickness, and production of Maclin is difficult to mask and far too difficult to pass up in the middle of the first round. Because of the weak QB crop, the Bears decide to give their guys one more shot and spend a pick on a more likely success story down the line.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With Jon Gruden out, a new quarterback is in. I still really love developmental prospect Josh Johnson, but it never hurts to have multiple capable quarterbacks on the roster. Sanchez is the perfect West Coast offense with all of the tools to succeed in the NFL. Experience is my striking concern, but if the Bucs think they can allow Sanchez a season on the bench, this is the intelligent decision.

20. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. Lions fans, don't fret because you didn't find a quarterback. With the low success rate of junior quarterbacks, the odds are that 2/3 won't turn out to be the studs they're expected to be. Linebackers in Detroit are going to have a different mantra this year: Stop the run!! Adding another fiery and ferocious downhill thumper alongside the emotional Ernie Sims will bring a new breed of defense to town.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. Rather than wait for the great Brian Westbrook to deteriorate, the Eagles can afford to spend one of their two first round draft picks to improve the shelf-life of their stud running back. After losing the reliable Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles are left with a bigger need than one might expect. Moreno also adds the downhill mentality, refusing to fall upon first contact.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. The Vikings were hot in pursuit of possible free agent Jordan Gross, so it comes as no surprise that they're looking to add to the offensive line. Oher has consistency issues, but his talent and level of play when on is remarkable. As long as he can keep his weight down, Oher has the potential to be a four position linemen in the league.

23. New England Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Davis slips far too long and the Patriots, year after year, manage to find that type of prospect. With the loss of Asante Samuel, they lost a playmaker on defense. In a year or two, Davis will turn into their top corner and the closer down the stretch. The Patriots do have some promising prospects at the position and while linebacker seems thin, the Patriots have always managed to make their adequate starters look better because of a dominant defensive line. Adding another mid-round talent or two will likely be the route they take.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Pettigrew reminds me a lot of Alge Crumpler in his prime. They both have the build and strength to play like the 6th linemen, but are good enough receivers to become that extra threat out wide. Pettigrew looks his best as a receiver when split out wide and with how well he uses his body, he'd be a difficult assignment to draw on defense. More importantly, he fits the Falcons run-first philosophy perfectly.

25. Miami Dolphins: Michael Johnson, OLB, Georgia Tech. The biggest myth in the draft is that Michael Johnson takes plays off. Ask any Yellow Jackets fan and they'll tell you that's far from the truth. Johnson plays too hard on too many plays and has been working with a nutritionist this offseason to improve his stamina. Johnson has the freakish athleticism and length to excel at outside linebacker for the Tuna.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. The Ravens have an offense in place, but they really lack the explosiveness on the outside to stretch the defense. After looking good running the route tree at Florida's Pro Day, Harvin seems like the logical selection if he's miraculously still around. Harvin is a gadget receiver who could be the home run threat at WR, RB, or Wildcat with as few as 10 touches a game.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. I've had Jerry in this slot for as long as I can't remember. It's one of those picks that just fits. Jerry is the ultimate Tampa 2 DT. He has the quickness and first step to be a great penetrator, but also the stoutness to play the run. He's not the largest DT by any means, but he fits Head Coach Jim Caldwell's pledge to get bigger in the interior.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR): William Beatty, OT, Connecticut. If the Eagles miraculously decide to stay in the first round for two shots, an offensive tackle could be the selection here. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles have shown a tendency to add depth and talent in the trenches year after year. Beatty is an intriguing prospect because he has the athleticism and talent to look like an All-Pro one play and bull-rushed into the backfield the next. With a year in the weight room, he should be the long-term solution at left tackle.

29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Through free agency, the Giants have done an outstanding job adding depth throughout the roster. They enter the draft with only one gaping hole from becoming the preseason Super Bowl favorites: the void (that may be) left by Plaxico Burress. Britt is the most complete receiver in this draft. He comes from a pro-style offense, has the large frame, route running, and downfield blocking. The only reason he falls this far is because no one knows whether or not he'll be able to separate from corners in the NFL. At this point, the Giants could find the biggest steal in the draft, or just another one of those busting tall receivers.

30. Tennessee Titans: Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose State. The Titans certainly have some depth along the defensive line even after losing Haynesworth, but there's something about Gilbert that reminds me of Big Al. Both are unique physical specimens that play an aggressive game. It may take a year or two, but the Titans should be able to forget the loss of Haynesworth due to their excellent depth.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati. Barwin is a physical specimen through and through. No matter what the Cardinals choose to do on defense, Barwin should have a position to play. He's a hard-working young man who will give it everything play after play. After showing the courage to select unpolished CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie last April, we know the Cards won't be afraid to do so again. This will be as much a selection in faith of the coaching staff as it will be in this young talent. Two other options here are LeSean McCoy and Donald Brown.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. Let's not try and complicate things more than we need to. After watching Big Ben take a constant pounding throughout last season, even some of the diehard Ravens fans must have found it in them to feel bad for him. The Steelers desperately need to find help up front. Britton isn't an elite athlete, but he's as solid and ready a RT prospect as you'll find at the bottom of the first round.

Round 2

33. Detroit Lions: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. The Lions jump all over a falling Ayers who adds a weapon to their porous defensive line. Ayers is a great natural defensive end that plays the run exceptionally well. He has the length, consistency, and strength to develop into one of the game's premier left ends with some work.

34. New England Patriots (f/KC): Lawrence Sidbury Jr., OLB, Richmond. The Patriots continue add incredible athletes to the defensive side of the ball. Sidbury has a lethal first step and elite measurables across the board. The Pats take a slight chance on a small school prospect that has lit up every offseason event.

35. St. Louis Rams: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina. The Rams continue to retool on offense with a replacement pick (of sorts) for Tory Holt. Nicks is a stronger receiver with remarkable hands and production in college. He creates the perfect complement for Donnie Avery on the other end.

36. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon. Chung is a reliable in-the-box safety. He does it all and does it well. The Browns need a replacement in the secondary to offset the loss of safety Sean Jones.

37. Seattle Seahawks: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. The Hawks are ready to rebound more than any team in the NFL. With free agency, they addressed all of their pressing needs, allowing them the luxury to draft best player available again. McCoy hasn't been talked about much in the offseason, but he's one of the players you expect to go in this vicinity because of collegiate production and vision alone.

38. Cincinnati Bengals: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma. There have been some concerns about Duke as of late, such as his consistency and footwork. Still, he's a great mauler with the physicality and mean streak to finish blocks. He's shown just enough quickness to go in this range.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State. Laurinaitis has the athletic ability to be a 3 position player for the Jaguars. In the second round, the Buckeye is a terrific value. He has outstanding range, incredible instincts, and a high football IQ. He could start next to Daryl Smith and Justin Durant.

40. Oakland Raiders: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut. Butler is an extremely quick and natural man-to-man corner. With great speed, ball skills, and leaping ability, he passes Al Davis' athlete test, but matches it on the field every bit. Teach him to become more physical and he'll terrorize receivers and steal from offenses with Scrabble as his partner in crime.

41. Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC. GM Ted Thompson will find it difficult to pass up a versatile lineman like Max Unger, but with the recent signing of Duke Preston, the Packers seem set up front. Thompson continues to beef up the defense, addressing his biggest need in the 2nd round. Matthews is a ridiculously athletic linebacker who fits the bill at OLB opposite Aaron Kampman.

42. Buffalo Bills: Alex Mack, C, California. Because of the depth across the board at other positions, Mack slips a little in the draft. The Bills find great value in the best center of the class. Mack is the ideal size and a heady player who finishes plays. A true technician.

43. San Francisco 49ers: Ron Brace, NT, Boston College. The Niners beef up the defensive line with a natural run plugger. Brace won't generate the push in the middle that Raji can, but he's the type that will take on two blockers and get slowly pushed back. Still, he's doing his job demanding two blockers, which will free up space for the underrated linebackers.

44. Miami Dolphins (f/WAS): Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah. With Terrell Owens and Randy Moss in the division, the Dolphins throw a counterpunch by selecting the unique 6'3 1/2 cornerback. Surprisingly, he has very good control, quickness, and ball skills. The kicker: he plays a physical game.

45. New York Giants (f/NO): Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan. The Giants are already stacked and primed for another Super Bowl run. There's no harm in adding an intimidator over the top that will lay the wood if you enter his territory.

46. Houston Texans: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest. Though short in stature, Smith has tenacity and attitude to play with anyone. More importantly, he has the instincts and ball skills to compete for every football.

47. New England Patriots: Max Unger, OL, Oregon. Unger is extremely versatile and can literally play tackle, guard, or center. He's very polished and very strong. It's a depth and future pick because several linemen are at or around the 30 year mark.

48. Denver Broncos: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut. Yes, the Broncos have a plethora of running backs on their roster right now. Still they've expressed interest in a number of backs. Look for McDaniels to find "his" back to get rid of the Shanahan stigma once and for all.

49. Chicago Bears: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin. Some consider Urbik to be the top guard because he's every bit a bull that Duke is. He keeps a great base and is a dominant run blocker which fits right into the Bears plan to work Forte.

50. Cleveland Browns (f/TB): Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi. It's not that the Browns are looking for a replacement for Nelson, but when he falls to them, there's no better value here. He can split out wide and contribute substantially in the passing game.

51. Dallas Cowboys: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina. Flozell Adams has been doing it for a while for the Cowboys, but sooner or later, he's going to have to call it quits. Meredith is somewhat of a project and fits into the Cowboys' plans.

52. New York Jets: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State. After parting ways with Coles, the Jets look to replenish the receiving corps in the draft. Robiskie, the son of a coach, is a student of the game and an efficient route runner. He finds a way to continually get open and make catches.

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina. Going offense with their first three selections may seem unlikely, but in every case, the pick makes sense. Cook is a tight end with game breaking speed that could truly open up their offense. He's a nice complement to Brent Celek.

54. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt. Moore is a fluid and athletic cornerback that slips because of his height.

55. Atlanta Falcons: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois. English falls significantly and the Falcons jump all over him with a pressing need to rush the passer. English has a great first step that led to some off-the-chart numbers at school.

56. Miami Dolphins: Louis Murphy, WR, Florida. Murphy's best football is ahead of him. He has great size and is a terrific athlete. With his ability to compete in the air, he brings another dimension to the receiving corps.

57. Baltimore Ravens: Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon. Byrd has long arms and pumps another athletic body into a somewhat depleted secondary.

58. New England Patriots: William Moore, S, Missouri. Moore has really been on a downward spiral, but his junior season was spectacular. If he can slim down and play like he did then, he could be a perennial Pro Bowler. With all of these draft selections, the Pats have the opportunity to take some gambles.

59. Carolina Panthers: Clint Sintim, DE/OLB, Virginia. Sintim is really an interesting tweener because he played the 3-4 OLB position in college, but he has the ability to play either DE or SAM in the 4-3. At this point, the Panthers should probably start looking for a player who can get after the passer as an insurance policy for Julius Peppers.

60. New York Giants: Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane. Kropog is an athletic tackle of the future. He's still a bit unpolished, but the Giants have a great system in place and should be able to step into the lineup a year or two down the road.

61. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Wood, C, Louisville. The Colts continue from last year's draft where they drafted a number of centers. This time, they won't look to convert him and he should be the immediate replacement for Jeff Saturday once he leaves. Wood's a savvy player that gives defenders fits. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he went early in round two.

62. Tennessee Titans: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati. A little thin in the secondary, the Titans turn to Mike Mickens, one of several standout Bearcat defenders. Mickens is a physical cornerback who was extremely productive in school.

63. Arizona Cardinals: Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State. Though his production won't warrant a second round selection, it's seems pretty obvious that Brown is going to be one of those players who will be a better pro than he was a collegiate player. Brown is a huge back with great speed and runs with good pad level.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas. Luigs has a great frame and plays with a Steelers-like mentality. He needs to get a little stronger, but he has the potential to be the commander of the Steelers line for the rest of the Big Ben era.

Robert Ayers Top 5? C'Mon Mayock

2009-03-25T20:35:00.007-04:00

According to Mike Mayock of the NFL Network, the most popular Draft Analyst among draftniks, Tennessee's DE Robert Ayers is the 5th Overall Prospect in the NFL Draft. I apologize, but did I just wake up from a coma? When did this happen? I respect the opinion of Mayock and he seems to be the most grounded and knowledgeable of the popular draft analysts, but it seems even Mayock is susceptible to hype and emotion.

Robert Ayers is an excellent defensive end prospect, but a top five prospect HAS to produce better than Ayers. I'm a big numbers guy (stats and measurables), but I understand the idea of grading a prospect based on game film. That's what Mayock does. Still, to be ranked in the top 5, a prospect better show me more than Ayers did in college. To get a better idea of what I'm talking about, here are his numbers over the last three years:

2006: 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 QBH, 1 BrUp
2007: 34 tackles, 12 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 QBH, 2 BrUp
2008: 49 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 QBH, INT

Mayock is willing to pay $23 million guaranteed to a prospect with 8 sacks in 3 years? A top 5 prospect must be able to control a game much better than that. I like Ayers as a prospect and he's probably one of the best base 4-3 defensive ends in this draft, but that's not a top 5 prospect.

Here's my brief scouting report from Ayers, a 1 year starter.

Pros: Ayers has the length, speed, and natural build to play the 4-3 base defensive end position. He plays with a good base and strength to hold up at the point of attack. Unlike many first round defensive ends, Ayers is a run defender and plays it really well. He does an incredible job using his length and hands to maneuver tackles. Ayers is a multidimensional defensive end that can compete at several positions and techniques.
Cons: He never really developed into a great pass rusher. His first step and suddenness is only average, so has been forced to rely on alternative methods to apply pressure. Ayers doesn't have a great variety of moves and that also made his game predictable. He still doesn't play with consistent leverage and pad level. Low production and one-year wonder stigmas come attached.

I'd have no problem taking Ayers at the bottom of round one or the beginning of round two, but in the top 15, the criteria changes. Top 5? You better have a better overall resume than Ayers with fewer holes throughout.

2009 QB Rankings

2009-03-24T13:54:00.005-04:00

1. Matthew Stafford [Georgia]
Pros: Stafford has the potential to be the next elite quarterback in the NFL. With an arm that rivals legends, Georgia's gunslinger can deliver balls anywhere down the field. He'll make throws that some quarterbacks dare only to dream about. He has the poise in the pocket and the willingness to sacrifice his body to increase the odds of reaching his target. He has outstanding mechanics within the pocket that have been developed and tested through his three years in college. His record at Georgia speaks for itself, especially that against ranked competition. With pro system experience and the freedom to call plays at the line of scrimmage, Stafford is the most NFL ready quarterback of the class.
Cons: Stafford's accuracy is a bit inconsistent and that's something that may be difficult to correct on a dime. He can deliver strikes in the perfect location, but hasn't been able to replicate the success time after time. Look for coaches to work on his ball placement and touch in his first couple years in the league because that's his true one weakness. He's known to make the wrong decision from time to time, but that's a part of any confident young quarterback's career.

2. Josh Freeman [Kansas State]
Pros: Freeman has the frame, build, and athleticism you look for in a franchise quarterback. He'll take the hits, shed the blocks, and the buy time with his feet within the pocket. Arm strength is no concern for him. Freeman's best attribute is his ability to create offense on his own in college. No quarterback has been asked to do more with less on his squad. He has the experience of running an offense from underneath center and with his back to the defense, which comes as a huge relief. His mechanics within the pocket are sound.
Cons: Freeman's struggles come when facing pressure and rolling out of the pocket. His mechanics break down outside the tackles and he tends to get a little careless with the football. The accuracy definitely fades as the play extends, but he never gives up. He doesn't have the natural feel for the game or confidence that Stafford seems to be born with, but the potential is all there if he can string it all together.

3. Mark Sanchez [USC]
Pros: Sanchez is nearly the opposite of a Stafford or Freeman and seems built to play in the West Coast system. Some people see this as a knock on arm strength, but I mean it as a huge asset in accuracy. Sanchez can deliver balls on target and on time, all the time. He has the quickest release of the top quarterbacks and puts nice touch on his passes. In his first year starting, this is a quarterback that looks like he's going to be a superstar some day. Sanchez has a high football I.Q. and knows what he's doing at all times.
Cons: My biggest concern is his sole year of starting experience in college. With his bowl game, Sanchez propelled himself from a Late 1st-Mid 2nd round prospect to a potential Top 10 Selection in some eyes. I still see him on the border of the 1st round. He doesn't have enough reps in him to warrant such a high selection. I've seen him make some bad decisions when faced with pressure and doesn't have a pro feel for the game yet. I would have loved for him to stay another year and face some adversity before coming out.

4. Stephen McGee [Texas A&M]
McGee has been faced with injuries and adversity throughout his college career, but has been given a new breath of life in the offseason. Scouts have finally turned around and begun to realize the potential in McGee. He has the arm strength, athleticism, and look of an NFL quarterback. The potential of a gifted passer has been shown and the mobility of an option quarterback has already been known. McGee has the competitive spirit and may be able to put it together in the NFL.

5. Nate Davis [Ball State]
Nate Davis has seen the ugly side of the NFL Draft. He ended his season with a sour taste in his mouth and the offseason has done nothing to help him replenish his stock. Davis doesn't have the ideal height of a quarterback and has been diagnosed with a learning disability. Still, he's a great athlete with an amazing arm. He's competitive, a leader, and has shown several glimpses as a passer, but asking him to put it altogether may be too much. Worth a day two selection.

6. Rhett Bomar [Sam Houston State]
After being booted from Oklahoma State, Bomar managed to revive himself at Sam Houston State. He has the mechanics and athleticism to warrant a mid-round selection. His arm strength is above average, but not excellent. His dismal completion percentage reflects his poor accuracy. Still, Bomar is a team leader and could be the type of quarterback that comes off the bench to win a couple games throughout his career.

7. Mike Teel [Rutgers]
Mike Teel is the classic case of a late round QB with franchise potential that will more than likely go unrealized. Teel has the arm, a beautiful deep ball, and the size to play in the NFL. He even comes from a pro style offense. Still, what worries me most is that Teel as a four year starter made minimal progress throughout his career. He still makes the same boneheaded decisions he did as a freshman and stares down his wide receivers. Teel could be an excellent steal late in the draft with a confident coaching staff by his side.

8. John Parker Wilson [Alabama]
Wilson made significant strides as a senior in leading Alabama to a superb season. With average arm strength, Wilson throws a very catchable ball. He has outstanding mechanics and a very quick release. Though he lacks the upside of franchise quarterbacks, Wilson has the build of a back-up in every sense. He's a good leader, high football IQ, high character player willing to help his team in any way possible.

9. Pat White [West Virginia]
The athleticism of Pat White doesn't show up very often in a quarterback. With the success of the Wildcat in the NFL, it almost seems perfect to label him as that. From a pure passing standpoint, he's no better than the dual-threat quarterbacks of the past few drafts. He comes from a gimmick offense that has hampered his ability to read defenses and throw difficult passes. Still, he has the arm strength and has proven in the offseason to be able to make most of the throws when facing a simplified defense. Grading White as a pure football player, he would rank 4th among quarterbacks, but as a pure quarterback, he doesn't possess the same value.

10. Brian Hoyer [Michigan State]

Hoyer made some significant strides in the offseason and flashed his potential. He has the tools to work with at the next level and some teams love that. His accuracy isn't spectacular nor is his overall production, but given the right opportunities, he could be molded into any player coaches want him to be. He's a tough competitor and will work hard to improve.

11. Mike Reilly [Central Washington]

12. Tom Brandstater [Fresno State]

13. Todd Boeckman [Ohio State]

14. Willie Tuitama [Arizona]

15. Hunter Cantwell [Louisville]

16. Chase Holbrook [New Mexico State]

17. Chase Daniel [Missouri]

18. Graham Harrell [Texas Tech]

19. Jason Boltus [Hartwick]

20. Drew Willy [Buffalo]

21. Brian Johnson [Utah]

22. Bobby Reid [Texas Southern]

23. Nathan Brown [Central Arkansas]

24. Cullen Harper [Clemson]

25. Rudy Carpenter [Arizona State]

26. Joe Ganz [Nebraska]

27. Chris Pizzoti [Harvard]

28. Chase Patton [Missouri]

29. Curtis Painter [Purdue]

30. Chase Clement [Rice]

31. David Johnson [Tulsa]

32. Chris Crane [Boston College]

33. Nate Longshore [California]

34. Sean Glennon [Virginia Tech]

35. Drew Weatherford [Florida State]

36. Tyler Lorenzen [Connecticut]

37. Jonathan Dally [Cal Poly]

My Favorite Mock Draft Links

2009-03-22T13:24:00.007-04:00

Here are some of my favorite Mock Draft Links. If you wish to exchange links with me, please Email me at the location listed below.

1. Football's Future
2. Walter Football
3. DC Pro Sports Report Mock Database
4. The Football Expert
5. Hail Redskins Mock Database
6. NFL Draft Experts

Email

Mock Draft (3-21)

2009-03-21T20:09:00.003-04:00

Combine Numbers

2009-03-19T23:28:00.013-04:00

Here are the full numbers from the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. Click pictures to enlarge.

Quarterbacks:

Running Backs:

Fullbacks:

Tight Ends:

Wide Receivers:

Offensive Tackles:

Offensive Guards:

Centers:

Defensive Tackles:

Defensive Ends:

Tweeners:

Outside Linebackers:

Inside Linebackers:

Cornerbacks:

Safeties:

Special Teams:

Combine: Finding the Right Numbers

2009-03-19T14:39:00.004-04:00

Each year, the Combine goes and passes as fans follow on NFL Network. They focus on the 40 yard dash and while that remains the most enjoyable event to watch, it's hardly the most crucial. Of all things at the Combine, I'd even go out on a limb and say that is actually the least important number to follow. Here's what I think are the most important numbers at the Combine:

1. Arm Length: Of all numbers, there's a reason I listed arm length with few numbers on the big board. It's a number you have to do a little number to find (NFL.com and NFLDraftScout do not carry these numbers), but they're worth the find. For several positions, they're virtually useless (QB, RB, etc.), but these numbers can carry a crucial weight. Along the offensive line, arm length can go a long way in determining position for "in between" prospects. A long reach can go a long way in predicting success among offensive tackles.
2. 10 Yard Split: Only for WRs and CBs should the 40 yard dash time even be analyzed. You hear all the time that they should be scrapped, but what should you use a replacement? The first 10 yards, known as the 10 yard split, is a far more important number. This shows how quickly a player can get off the line of scrimmage. It doesn't factor in top speed, but shows burst and acceleration, universally important measures.
3. Short Shuttle: The short shuttle asks players to redirect. While the 10 Yard and 40 Yard numbers measure straight-line speed, the short shuttle does a good job of testing how players will react on the field with a change in direction. Linebackers are consistently forced to read plays and change direction throughout just a single play.
4. KEI: Better known as the Kirwan Explosion Index. This is a formula developed by Pat Kirwan to filter out the weight room warriors and the guys with great explosion who can't deliver a blow once they get there. This is a raw number that you find by Bench Press Reps + Vertical Jump + Broad Jump. A score above 70 is a good number.
5. Speed & Quickness: This is another raw number developed by Pat Kirwan that measures change-of-direction. This number is the 40 Yard Dash - Short Shuttle. The better number is found by the higher positive discrepancy.
6. Cone Drill: The cone drill is a good measure of a player's fluidity. It also factors in some of the attributes measured by the Short Shuttle and S&Q.

I'll post these full 2009 Combine numbers over the next few days and provide a little more detailed analysis by the position.

Lions: Cutler or Stafford?

2009-03-18T18:39:00.008-04:00

After an 0-16 season, the Lions sit atop the draft order with the number one overall pick...and they need to make it count. The best way to do that? Find your franchise quarterback and use pick #20 and #33 elsewhere. With each new development in the Jay Cutler saga, there rift between Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jay Cutler seems to widen. Cutler has demanded a trade and if the Broncos cave in to his demands, a likely trading partner and destination for young, strong-armed quarterback could be Detroit. With the first pick in the draft, should the Lions be eager to give it up if it means landing Jay Cutler? Here's a breakdown of Georgia's gunslinger.

Height: 6'2 1/4 Weight: 225 Hand: 10" 10 Yard: 1.65 Shuttle: 4.47
2006 Stats: 135/256, 1749 yards, 52.7%, 6.83 YPA, 7 TD, 13 INT
2007 Stats: 194/348, 2523 yards, 55.7%, 7.35 YPA, 19 TD, 10 INT
2008 Stats: 235/383, 3459 yards, 61.4%, 9.03 YPA, 25 TD, 10 INT

Pros: There's no denying the cannon right arm of Matthew Stafford, which will immediately join a select few of elite arms that can make every imaginable throw on a weekly basis. What separates him from Josh Freeman in the rarity of his arm, is that Stafford has the confidence and willingness to fit the ball into tight windows on a regular basis. He's a true gunslinger, for better or worse. This will help him at the next level with tightening windows and when receivers are never college wide open. Time and time again, he showed the willingness to step up in the face of the blitz to complete the pass. With his muscle and thickness, durability has never been a concern. Combining his lively arm with a quick release and sound mechanics, could spell greatness at the NFL. He has a solid build and has deceptive athleticism for a pocket quarterback. Contrary to popular belief, Stafford is a winner with top-shelf intangibles. Going 27-7 as a starter (11-5 vs. ranked teams) and sweeping his team's 3 bowl games. Stafford's an intense competitor, a hard worker between games, with all of the characteristics of a Super Bowl quarterback. Stafford is the most NFL-ready of this year's class because of his film study and pre-snap reads of the defense. Equally as impressive was the higher number of passes he attempted wide receivers, which may have been partially responsible for a low competition percentage. While it would probably be asking too much of him to replicate the rookie season of Matt Ryan, a Joe Flacco-like season is within grasp. On the right team, Stafford could be an excellent quarterback from day one.

Cons: Consistent accuracy has never been the forte of Stafford. He has the ability to make every throw, but it peculiarly, he tends to miss a lot of simple throws. Like Favre in his very early NFL days, Stafford bullets every pass. He needs to learn to take a little off the ball on short passes, making it easier for receivers to run after the catch. Stafford also has below average ball placement. Receivers tend to have to adjust to the ball, which was partially responsible for a inexcusable number of drops from the Bulldogs receiving squad. Typically, these inadequacies in college don't tend to improve in the pros, which could spell disaster. As mentioned, he's a classic gunslinger, a double-edged sword. He tends to force throws even when they're not there and makes few too many careless decisions with the football.

Overview: Stafford grades out as an elite quarterback prospect this year, but will still be too big a risk to take early in the top 10. In a perfect world, you could burn the pick and not invest too much money in the early years. However, with Matt Ryan inking a 6 year, $72 million deal last year with $34.75 million guaranteed, that will surely be too much to invest in Stafford. The bust rate of junior quarterbacks is very high and those odds increase even more with a career completion rate below 60%. A very high risk, very high reward prospect, especially the higher the he is selected.

Back to the Lions dilemma between Stafford and Cutler, if it becomes a possible option. Jay Cutler, the same type of quarterback, has compiled 8000 yards and 45 TD's over the past two seasons. He has 3 years left on his contract with about $19.3 million owed over the span. That includes a $12 million dollar roster bonus to be owed in his final season in which his team has the option to re-sign him to a long term deal or release him with few cap ramifications. If I were the Lions GM, I'd be doing more than just paying my due diligence to put Jay Cutler into the Motor City. After being proven the laughing stock of the NFL for many years, the Lions don't have room to miss on this number one overall selection. The best way to do that is to not make the selection and trade it away from a proven franchise quarterback with no ceiling.

Big Board -- Top 32 Prospects

2009-03-16T22:13:00.015-04:00

With no weight attached to positions or team needs, here are my top 32 prospects in order. Enjoy!

Name (Position, College, Height, Weight, Arm Length, 40 Yard Dash)

1. Aaron Curry (OLB, Wake Forest, 6'2, 254, 32 5/8, 4.52) - Bluntly speaking, Curry is the best football player and the safest pick in the draft. There are virtually no question marks associated with him and he has the versatility to play a position(s) in any scheme. Safer and more polished than even AJ Hawk coming out of Ohio State.
2. B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College, 6'2, 337, 32, 5.12) - There are questions with B.J. Raji (i.e. being academically ineligible for a season, arm length, weight fluctuations). That said, I feel he's one of the soundest prospects this year. He carries his weight well and is quite nimble for his size. He could step in and be one of the premiere nose tackles in the game in either the 4-3 or the 3-4 defense.
3. Brian Orakpo (DE/OLB, Texas, 6'3, 263, 33 1/2, 4.63) - Rak is a freakish athlete with the strength and length to play the 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 rush outside linebacker. His ideal position would be with a hand on the ground because of some stiffness concerns, but that doesn't mean he can't play the latter. Orakpo has shown more polish than Vernon Gholston last year, but also comes with some durability concerns.
4. Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia, 6'5, 309, 33 7/8, 5.18) - Monroe heads a deep and talented offensive tackle class. Monroe has footwork and hand use that's rarely found in draft prospects. He doesn't display the explosiveness in the run game, but his frame and skill set translate well to the money position on the offensive line.
5. Michael Crabtree** (WR, Texas Tech, 6'1, 215, 34 1/4, 4.5est.) - Crabtree is more polished than Larry Fitzgerald coming out of college. That came straight from the mouth of the NFL's best wideout. At this point, Crabtree has to be the favorite to win OROY in the upcoming season. His hands are as good as any collegiate receiver and his route running is very efficient. The only knocks on him are his incomplete route tree at TT and his lack of elite physical tools.
6. Matthew Stafford* (QB, Georgia, 6'2, 225, 33 1/4, 4.81) - Stafford is not the safest franchise quarterback to come out and compares favorably to Jay Cutler as a prospect. His accuracy is far from perfect, but there are so few legit question marks with Stafford. He's easier to evaluate than any prospect. Coming from a pro style offense, throwing an abnormally high percentage of passes to wide receivers, and playing three years in a powerhouse SEC program, it's all on tape. It's hard not to fall in love with the potential of Stafford.
7. Andre Smith* (OT, Alabama, 6'4, 332, 35 3/8, 5.30) - Sure, the 40 yard dash may have kept you up at night, but that's Smith. Despite all the knocks on work ethic and intelligence, Andre Smith has been brutally honest throughout the entire process. To expect anything different from Andre than a big rack and lousy workout numbers, was setting the bar too high. Ten times out of ten, I'll take the player who dazzles me on the field over the one who simply dazzles me in shorts.
8. Jason Smith (OT, Baylor, 6'5, 309, 33 3/4, 5.09) - Smith is a legitimate left tackle prospect. His pass blocking is excellent and his athleticism...spectacular. Smith is a less polished version of Chris Williams last year. With the NFL transforming into a pass-happy league, there are numerous teams searching for the left tackle to keep their quarterback upright. Jason will do that for you for the next ten years.
9. Everette Brown* (OLB, Florida State, 6'2, 256, 33, 4.66) - Brown's workout numbers were generally disappointing, but his tape doesn't lie. His hand use is the best in the class and Brown really has the fluidity and athleticism to play the 3-4 glamour position.
10. Malcolm Jenkins (CB/FS, Ohio State, 6'0, 204, 32 1/2, 4.51) - Here's another kid that looks much better on the field than in shorts. He didn't run a blazing 40, as expected, but more disappointing was the little stiffness in his hips that showed at both the Combine and Pro Day. This makes me believe he may be a slightly better fit at free safety, but regardless of where he plays, he'll get the job done.
11. Vontae Davis* (CB, Illinois, 5'11, 203, 30, 4.40) - Davis is an extremely gifted defensive back. Though exposed a few times this season, his struggles have been vastly blown out of proportion. Davis can be molded into the prototype cornerback.
12. Michael Johnson (DE/OLB, Georgia Tech, 6'7, 266, 34 3/8, 4.68) - Johnson had an excellent Combine as expect, yet still has felt no boost in his stock. I'm firmly a Johnson supporter. He will need a year before he's NFL ready, but he should be able to provide some good rotational duty as a rookie. He has the fluidity, first step, and length to play the 3-4 rush linebacker. If you ask any GT fan, they'll tell you his work ethic, motor, and desire is as good as any. Wrap that together with his physical skill set and you have the potential for an All-Pro end.
13. Knowshon Moreno** (RB, Georgia, 5'11, 217, 30 3/4, 4.58) - One of the most complete backs to come out over the last few years. He can block, catch, and most importantly run. Moreno has elite lateral movement and always falls forward upon contact.
14. Aaron Maybin* (OLB, Penn State, 6'4, 249, 35 1/4, 4.78) - Though he's very lean right now, Maybin has the length and the first step to play in the league for a long time. His arms are longer than Michael Johnson's and his 10 yard split is better than nearly every other tweener. Because of his size, Maybin is a high risk, high reward prospect.
15. Chris Wells* (RB, Ohio State, 6'1, 235, 33 5/8, 4.53) - A big back with a nasty stiff arm. Wells may not have the lateral ability of Moreno, but when he gets headed North-South, there's virtually no stopping him.
16. Kenny Britt* (WR, Rutgers, 6'3, 218, 34, 4.50) - The only question mark with Britt is whether he'll be quick enough to separate in the pros. It is a huge question mark, but if he can do that, there's nothing stopping him. He has the imposing physical size, the long speed, and the swagger. He ran a complete college route tree through constant double coverage and usually came away victorious.
17. Michael Oher (OT, Mississippi, 6'5, 309, 33 1/2, 5.34) - An athletic talent that displayed some consistency problems throughout his senior year. Right now, he's more of a product of hype rather than on-field domination, but still has the upside to play left tackle. At the worst, he should be able to kick inside.
18. Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State, 6'5, 263, 34 7/8, 4.80) - Though his Combine was slightly worse than expected, Pettigrew's resume in college speaks for itself. Scouts are incredibly high on his overall ability, but he may not have quite the fluidity and athleticism of a Jason Witten down the seam. Still, he's one of the best complete blocking tight ends to come out in years.
19. Darrius Heyward-Bey* (WR, Maryland, 6'2, 210, 33 5/8, 4.25) - Though underutilized at Maryland, Heyward-Bey has the talent and feel of an NFL wide receiver. His electrifying speed and solid build should give him some immediate opportunities as a rookie, but his true value is in the long run.
20. Peria Jerry (DT, Mississippi, 6'2, 299, 32 1/2, 5.0est.) - Jerry is this year's top UT for the 4-3 defense. He lacks the length to be the prototype 5-technique (3-4 DE), but he plays with great leverage. Jerry is stouter that most guys with his quickness, but unfortunately, his body looks maxed out at 299 pounds.
21. Jeremy Maclin* (WR, Missouri, 6'0, 198, 32 1/4, 4.46) - Maclin's stock is on the rise and has even been rumored to be the first wideout selected. My only concern with Maclin is his experience with the route tree. Missouri's offense limited his ability to display a wide array of route running.
22. Josh Freeman* (QB, Kansas State, 6'6, 248, 32 3/4, 4.94) - Possessing the stature and arm of a prototypical quarterback, Freeman has nearly everything that Stafford does. The only thing he's missing is the confidence and natural feel for the game. If that comes to him, look for Josh to be the steal of the 2009 draft.
23. Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT, Missouri, 6'3, 300, 33 3/4, 4.88) - With workout numbers that went quietly unnoticed, Ziggy Hood is also shooting up draft boards. He has the frame and length for the position, but he may be too much of a penetrator (ala Corey Williams) to be elite at the position. Even though his value may be higher to 3-4 teams, he can also be an excellent, disruptive tackle in the 4-3 scheme and a perfect fit for the Tampa 2.
24. Jarron Gilbert (DT/DE, San Jose State, 6'6, 288, 36 3/4 4.81) - As a defensive tackle, Gilbert recorded 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. In Indy, his numbers across the board were equally impressive. He's still flirting around between the 1st and 2nd round, but he looks like he has the potential to be an elite 5-technique. My primary concern with Gilbert is that he may be a fit just in the 3-4. He plays too high to gain the leverage battle inside and doesn't have the brute strength to overcome that. However, if you kick him outside, the potential is endless.
25. William Beatty (OT, Connecticut, 6'6, 307, 34 3/4, 5.06) - Though still incredibly raw, there's far too much upside in Beatty to pass up 32 times. His footwork and athleticism is excellent, but still needs to continue to excel in the weight room before he can truly become a dominant left tackle.
26. Darius Butler (CB, Connecticut, 5'10, 183, 32 7/8, 4.41) - Forget Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis. Darius Butler is the smoothest, most natural cornerback in the class. Though he still has much to learn with technique and efficiency, Butler has elite athleticism, leaping ability, instincts, and quickness to excel in the NFL. He'll need to focus in the weight room and learn to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage and because of that, he may still be a year away from being NFL-ready.
27. Patrick Chung (S, Oregon, 5'11, 212, 32 1/2, 4.49) - I'm not sure if any safety is worth a first round pick this year, but the most qualified is Patrick Chung. Chung won't wow you in any department, but is an extremely solid football player in every aspect of the game. He's a superb in-the-box guy who has enough range to start at strong safety. Don't expect him to man up very often, but he has shown the ability to play some solid off-man coverage.
28. Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest, 5'9, 193, 31 1/2, 4.47) - Smith has the best instincts and ball skills in this draft, bar none. Still, his size limitations and lack of elite athleticism will force him to play perfect football, whereas players such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have the ability to rely a little on physical talent. We've also seen a number of gamblers make an early exit from the NFL and Smith could just as easily be one of them.
29. Percy Harvin (WR/RB, Florida, 5'11, 192, 31 5/8, 4.39) - An electrifying athlete who is wide receiver equivalent of Reggie Bush. He won't be a great runner, but should be one of the league's finest home run threats. Harvin already looks more willing to run in traffic than Bush does. Get him 10 touches a game and you'll have a true weapon on your hand. There is a higher bust rate with Harvin, who comes with the enigma of Florida receivers.
30. Tyson Jackson (DE/DT, LSU, 6'4, 296, 34 3/4, 4.94) - This draft is absolutely loaded with 5-technique candidates and with more teams making the switch, we should see more of them utilized in their correct positions. Jackson is another one of these players. He has the length and stoutness to play outside. He's as safe a pick at the position as you'll find.
31. Clay Matthews (OLB, USC, 6'3, 240, 32 1/4, 4.62) - If you ask scouts, which of the USC linebackers has impressed the most this offseason, you'll hear Matthews atop most lists. Rather than his 4.64 40, perhaps I should have posted his 1.49 10 yard split. To put that into reference here are some other times: Chris Wells (1.53), Jeremy Maclin (1.56), Aaron Curry (1.53), Alphonso Smith (1.50). Matthews will come with the risk of being just another Trojan aided by the immense talent playing alongside him. Still, I like him and his bloodlines enough to put him just inside the first round.
32. Brian Cushing (OLB, USC, 6'3, 243, 32 1/2, 4.68) - Cushing is another player with the big "P" word on his side (potential). His durability is a serious concern and his production never really equaled his workout numbers. This past season, he impressed me enough to place him on the cusp of the first round. For now, he makes the cut.

Just Missed (alphabetical order):
Connor Barwin (DE/OLB, Cincinnati, 6'4, 256, 33 3/4, 4.59)
James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State, 6'2, 244, 31 5/8, 4.78)
Alex Mack (C, California, 6'4, 311, 33, 5.1est.)
Rey Maualuga (ILB, USC, 6'2, 249, 31 3/4, 4.81)
D.J. Moore* (CB, Vanderbilt, 5'9, 192, 30 1/2, 4.56)
Mark Sanchez* (QB, USC, 6'2, 227, 33 1/2, 4.94)
Sean Smith* (CB/S, Utah, 6'4, 214, 34 5/8, 4.50)