2014 Draft Prospects

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2014 NFL Draft thoughts and discussion

NFL Draft Scout rankings - top 5 Sr quarterbacks

Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 6'1, 225lbs
Stephen Morris, Miami, 6'2, 215lbs
AJ McCarron, Alabama, 6'3, 214lbs
David Fales, SJSU, 6'2, 220lbs
Aaron Murray, Georgia, 6'1, 212lbs

Time permitting i'll work my way through the Sr class over the next few weeks and post some initial notes on a few of the prospects. I intend to write some regular stuff for the V2 Journal as well.

*Could one of the moderators please sticky this thread and un-sticky the 2013 thread, cheers.

Lowlandbrit wrote:
What do you make of Brett Smith out of Wyoming? Smaller school guy, but I've seen some good reviews.

Still working on the underclassmen - I don't evaluate them in detail until they declare. I've watched a few Wyoming games for Robert Herron and Smith did OK, accurate on throws you would expect, he's got mobility but I'm still evaluating these guys.

mikeygnfl wrote:
Just reading this article... Just reminded me...

Not too bothered about Johnny Manziel's height but do you think he will need to 'beef' up a little?

I think Manziel is what he is and you draft him on the back of that. He's listed at 200lbs and 6'1, which likely means he's 6'1 or under and he is never going to be in the 230-235lbs range. I don't think it means he cant have success, Russell Wilson is the obvious example at 5'11, 206lbs (203lbs at combine). Drew Brees is 210lbs at 6'0. Need accurate measurements for Manziel.

Scott Wright Draft Countdown North and South Wednesday practice reports:
South:http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/SeniorBowl/reports/Practices/South-Wednesday.php
North:http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/SeniorBowl/reports/Practices/North-Wednesday.php

Adam Hoge 10 takeaways from the Senior Bowl:http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/01/22/hoge-10-takeaways-from-the-senior-bowl/

Matt Bowen 2014 Senior Bowl: Reviewing This Week's Standout Players:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1932855-2014-senior-bowl-reviewing-this-weeks-standout-players

Dan Kadar Four days in Mobile: Wrapping up Senior Bowl practices:http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2014/1/24/5340386/senior-bowl-2014

This caught my attention:http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/01/former_troy_wr_gets_late_senio.html
Looked like a man against boys in the games I watched.

What are people's impression of Blake Bortles? He has come from almost nowhere a few months ago to a top draft prospect. He is going to the Jaguars at #3 on plenty of mock drafts and Dane Brugler on CBS Sport has him as number one pick.

I have watch a bit of him on video and looked through his stats and just wonder what others think?

Senior Bowl review from Peter Smith
North:http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/01/27/reeses-senior-bowl-review-north-team/
South:http://withthefirstpick.com/2014/01/27/reeses-senior-bowl-review-south-team/

Rob Rang Risers and Fallers from the Senior Bowl:http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24420410/senior-bowl-auburns-dee-ford-headlines-list-of-risers-fallers

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt: Matthews' production in the SEC speaks for itself, but he dropped a handful of passes throughout the week of practice. Even more alarming, he showed little in terms of burst or straight-line speed, struggling to gain separation from opposing cornerbacks.

I'm just going to highlight this for reference.

Stephen Morris, QB, Miami: Morris earned the nickname "Tin Cup" from some scouts at the Senior Bowl due to his ability to make the amazing throw but struggles with the routine passes commonplace in every NFL offense. Morris boasts a strong arm and throws the deep ball with touch, but like the other two quarterbacks on the North squad (Boyd and Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas), he struggled with accuracy throughout the week.

Morris has disappointed evaluators (professional and amateur) all over the world this season, including me.

Daniel Jeremiah ranks the performance of the Senior Bowl quarterbacks:http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000317898/article/derek-carr-shined-as-top-draft-prospect-among-senior-bowl-qbs

Bucky Brooks Final thoughts from Mobile:http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000318919/article/scouts-take-dee-ford-most-dominant-player-at-senior-bowl

When I discussed Smith's game and potential with an AFC scout, he told me that he doesn't know if the standout can be a starter in the NFL at his current size. Additionally, he told me that he didn't know if Smith's athleticism was explosive enough to merit overlooking his size concerns as a linebacker in the NFL.

I like to read the comments from scouts as it shows me if I'm seeing the same or not when I evaluate a prospect. I've read suggestions that Smith's size doesn't matter but I just don't see how you can be a full time LB in the NFL at 218lbs, as far as I'm aware there are no 218lbs linebackers starting in the NFL. Dude is going to have to blow up the combine to convince me.

Watching Matthews throughout the week, he struggled separating from tight coverage at the top of routes. Although he would attempt to push, bang and box out defenders with his imposing frame (6-3, 206), Matthews hasn't mastered the art of using his body to create space. Additionally, Matthews needs to develop a better release against press-coverage to become a viable option on the perimeter against aggressive defenders.

I disagree with the part about Matthews not using his body, I think he does that well on certain routes, but the rest I agree with. Like his work ethic as he requested tape on all the corners he faced in Mobile.

Combine time, offensive players have been measured. So:

twelve283 wrote:NFL Draft Scout rankings - top 5 Sr quarterbacks

Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 6'1, 225lbs
Stephen Morris, Miami, 6'2, 215lbs
AJ McCarron, Alabama, 6'3, 214lbs
David Fales, SJSU, 6'2, 220lbs
Aaron Murray, Georgia, 6'1, 212lbs

Tajh Boyd: 6'1, 222lbs, 9" 5/8 hands
Stephen Morris: 6'2, 213lbs, 10" 1/4 hands
AJ McCarron: 6'3 1/4, 220lbs, 10" hands
David Fales: 6'2, 212lbs, 9" 1/4 hands
Aaron Murray: 6'0, 207lbs, 9" 1/8 hands
Full results:
QB
RB
WR
TE
OL
DL
LB
DB

What do you folks think of Odell Beckham JR? From the limited amount of times I've seen him he looks like he's gonna be very very good

Small receiver though. He'd better be as fast as advertised...

Big Board
Top 32 Seniors

I wasn't going to post this because as soon as I finish work on the underclassmen it will completely change but here are my top 32 senior prospects (listed alphabetically):

Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Tre Boston, SA, UNC
Terrence Brooks, SA, Florida State
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh
Dominique Easley, DL, Florida
Dee Ford, LB, Auburn
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
RaShede Hageman, DL, Minnesota
Taylor Hart, DL, Oregon
Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
Gabe Jackson, OL, Mississippi State
Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
Kareem Martin, DE, UNC
Zach Martin, OL, Notre Dame
Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Daniel McCullers, DL, Tennessee
Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama
Roosevelt Nix, LB, Kent State
Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia
Will Sutton, DL, Arizona State
Eric Thomas, WR, Troy
Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Jimmie Ward, SA, Northern Illinois

Many are saying that CJ Mosely has been overrated throughout this draft process.

Watching Ha Ha Clinton Dix was just a flurry of CJ Mosley tipped passes. I think he's the clear number 1 LB in this class.

I'm very surprised Jared Abbrederis isn't in your top 32, twelve. What's your take on him?

Who goes no 1? Teddy Bridgewater and Jadeveon Clowney have been the top picks in most mock drafts/ big boards while Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles have been mentioned. Mike Maycock has put up Khalil Mack as his top pick in the last few days and Sammy Watkins has been mentioned as an outside bet if the Texans want to strengthen at WR.

At present I would have the Texans taking Jadeveon Clowney at no 1 to play opposite JJ Watt. I am not convinced they are that taken with Bridgewater or will go for a QB that early in the draft.

Right, so being super lazy as I am, someone with way more superior knowledge than I could ever hope to muster about the college game ( I'm completely ignorant until this time of year)  please tell me the following......:-

1. Are there any QBs worth taking in the top 10 picks? I've read about guys like Bridgewater and Manziel but are they really the top guys??

2. Who are the top WRs, ILBs, Safeties, Guards and Right Tackles? I ask cos these are the big positions of need for the Redskins.

Thank you!!

A few prospects that have caught my eye over the past few weeks include Calvin Pryor, Brandin Cooks, Stephon Tuitt (not as good last year as in 2012 but suffered a bit with his weight after surgery last closed season. It will be interesting to see what he weighs at the Combine?), Pierre Desir and Connor Shaw.

Number-25 wrote:Are there any QBs worth taking in the top 10 picks? I've read about guys like Bridgewater and Manziel but are they really the top guys??

For me Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel are the only two worth taking that high but both still have question marks. Blake Bortles has been touted as a top pick but I feel he is still very raw and would be a huge risk that high. Derek Carr could be a possible 1st round pick, especially if their is an early run on QBs.

I don't think there is a great difference between Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and the likes of Carr, Mettenberger, McCarron though. The good offices will take the better talent at other positions in the 1st round and wait for a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Thanks Mikey!

So, there is no Andrew Luck or even Cam Newton this year? Could we forgive the QB needy Texans for looking elsewhere and seeing if anyone at the top of the 2nd was worth taking this year?

And Derek Carr..... any relation to the unfortunate David Carr??

AJ McCarron is not an NFL QB. I may be wrong about my dislike for Manziel but I won't be wrong about McCarron.

Number-25 wrote:
And Derek Carr..... any relation to the unfortunate David Carr??

Very much so. Same University, same parents and maybe even the same NFL team!

NYJ wrote:AJ McCarron is not an NFL QB. I may be wrong about my dislike for Manziel but I won't be wrong about McCarron.

McCarron looks like Christian Ponder to me. Manziel's a smaller, less humble RGIII.

Number-25 wrote:Who are the top WRs, ILBs, Safeties, Guards and Right Tackles? I ask cos these are the big positions of need for the Redskins.

The Redskins will probably find it easier to get a decent OL or WR player at the top of the second. David Yankey, Zack Martin could be possibles at OG/OT while Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks, Allen Robinson, Kelvin Benjamin should be available there or thereabouts.

Haha Clinton-Dex and Calvin Pryor should be gone in the 1st round and then there is a drop off at safety.

That's an insult to Christian Ponder.

I want the Pats to take Mettenburger in the mid rounds, like him a lot

NYJ wrote:I'm very surprised Jared Abbrederis isn't in your top 32, twelve. What's your take on him?

It's not that I dislike him but I'm thinking about the weapons he has and what kind of role a prospect could fill at the next level. Robert Herron has deep playmaking ability and Jordan Matthews has size. Abbrederis is undersized at 6'0, 198lbs and lacks that dominant trait like speed or size. I like his savvy route running and ability to separate with fake moves. 40 time and agility drills will be worth noting. If you are undersized you usually need speed so that might be a problem.

The tail end on my top 32 is made up of Terrence Brooks, Jackson Jeffcoat (pro scouts don't like Texas prospects apparently), Roosevelt Nix (football player with undefined position), Derek Carr, Daniel McCullers (included partly due to "planet theory"). They're in a group with guys I left out, such as Weston Richburg, and there's not much between them in all honesty.  

mikeygnfl wrote:

Number-25 wrote:Who are the top WRs, ILBs, Safeties, Guards and Right Tackles? I ask cos these are the big positions of need for the Redskins.

The Redskins will probably find it easier to get a decent OL or WR player at the top of the second. David Yankey, Zack Martin could be possibles at OG/OT

At OL I like Gabe Jackson and on initial viewing Trai Turner out of LSU is super underrated.

Roddy White is 6ft and not blazing fast but can still perform to a high level. Abbrederis is a technician that can get open through his crisp routes and use his soft hands to high point the ball. He ran pretty well today and showed good enough quickness and long speed on tape. He absolutely destroyed Bradley Roby who is one of the the most physical corners in this draft class so his size isn't an issue there either.

I love him, as you can probably tell!

RB Dri Archer ran a 4.26 today, speed freak

NYJ wrote:Roddy White is 6ft and not blazing fast but can still perform to a high level. Abbrederis is a technician that can get open through his crisp routes and use his soft hands to high point the ball. He ran pretty well today and showed good enough quickness and long speed on tape. He absolutely destroyed Bradley Roby who is one of the the most physical corners in this draft class so his size isn't an issue there either.

I love him, as you can probably tell!

No doubt he can create separation, his use of body fakes to set up the defensive back is something that stands out when you watch him run a route, like I said he's a savvy player in that respect. I liked Stedman Bailey, physically similar (undersized at 5'11, 193lbs) and ran crisp routes but I don't see these types of players as focal points of an offense. I do think he can potentially fill a role. Roddy White has about 20lbs on Abbrederis, ran faster and, I dare say, is stronger but I agree that being undersized doesn't automatically mean you cant be successful.

Oh yeah I don't see him as a true number 1 receiver. He'll be a very good number 2 in the pro's IMO.

Jadeveon Clowney wasn't quite as impressive at the Combine as his pre-draft hype has suggested so far. Not sure how that will affect his draft stock?

AJ McCarron did throw and got good reviews. Blake Bortles had more of a mixed bag of a day. Johnny Manziel was pretty quick and drew comparisons with Russell Wilson and Connor Shaw had a good day too.

Of the WR Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans Odell Beckham and Brandin Cooks all did well in the sprints and drills.

mikeygnfl wrote:Jadeveon Clowney wasn't quite as impressive at the Combine as his pre-draft hype has suggested so far. Not sure how that will affect his draft stock?

Not what he needed, considering the questions that were already being asked about his work ethic during the season.

He did 21 reps and now people are saying he won't be an NFL star. Lol

Robert Quinn did 22 and yes done alright for himself

Hate the combine sometimes

21s about par. Remember he has a massive wingspan

Clowney will be fine. It's all being overblown IMO. I would compare his season to JJ Watt this year. Didn't get the monster sack total like he did the year before but was still very disruptive and destructive.

The biggest test for him was always going to be team interviews. Needs to hit those out the park

Very much so.

Jadeveon Clowney has bounced back pretty quick with a blistering 4.47s in the 40m dash. Dee Ford who was proclaiming he was better than Clowney yesterday has not been medically cleared for the drills.

Warren Sapp watching Clowney's 40.

I can't stand Warren Sapp.

I'm all aboard the Calvin Pryor bandwagon

GSC wrote:I can't stand Warren Sapp.

I'm all aboard the Calvin Pryor bandwagon

Watch him against Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky. Missed more tackles than he made. Showed up for the big games and certainly has a high ceiling but I have him ranked 3rd behind Clinton-Dix and Jimmie Ward.

If our coaches can make Nate Allen a reliable tackler then anythings possible

Didn't me measure up as a tiny safety? Maybe I'm getting him confused with someone else.

It's the turn of the defensive backs at the Combine on Tuesday. Interested to see how Pierre Desir gets on.

Justin Gilbert and Haha Clinton-Dix have confirmed themselves as the best CB and S at the combine.

Jason Verrett, Kyle Fuller and Darqueze Dennard are better than Gilbert IMO.

Verrett has the speed (0.01 slower than Gilbert) but also the quickness, explosiveness and ball skills to consistently make plays in the NFL. If he was 2 inches taller, he'd be the consensus number 1.

Dennards time was more than adequate given his style.

Tbh its all a bit for the media. You can lie in shorts, you can't lie on tape

NYJ wrote:Jason Verrett, Kyle Fuller and Darqueze Dennard are better than Gilbert IMO.

There isn't too much between the top few CBs for me. Not too taken with Dennard. I think Gilbert's combine performance was stronger than the rest and increased his draft stock more than the others.

Tom Savage. From what I've seen this guy freakin sucks

Why the heck is being ranked ahead of Bridgewater in some drafts

Bigger arm I guess. I don't rate him at all.

I know i've got a bit lapse with my pre draft and college football stuff... but I literally had never heard of him until you quoted his name!