The NFL Draft came and went this year without a lot of the usual post draft fanfare. The reason for this is obviously because the NFL lockout has prevented rookies from signing contracts or participating in team activities.With no rookies on the field, and the end of the lockout becoming a hazy destination to locate, little attention has been paid to the draft hauls from each individual team. One day these rookies will suit up and see the field. Some teams should be anxiously awaiting the opportunity to debut their prized prospects, other clubs should be hoping that the lockout ends just in time for the 2012 NFL Draft so they can atone for this year's mistakes without anyone noticing. We don't do letter grades at AmStat, it's only "Thumbs UP or Thumbs DOWN" with a list of the players I believe to be good picks from that particular teams draft. If your team's list of impact players is long, you will probably get a THUMBS UP, but if your team's best pick was a fullback in the seventh round, expect criticism.
Carolina Panthers...THUMBS UP!
Cameron Newton (QB) - Auburn
Brandon Hogan (CB) - West Virginia
Terrell McClain (DT) - South Florida
Sione Fua (DT) - Stanford
Kealoha Pilares (WR) - Hawaii
Lawrence Wilson (LB) - Connecticut
The Panther's get a thumbs up for drafting a franchise quarterback, a sure handed receiver, and making major upgrades to their defense with four rookies that should make an instant impact. The Cats leave this draft as a much better football team, but are still far away from being competitive.
Denver Broncos...TWO THUMBS UP!
Von Miller (DE) - Texas A&M
Rahim Moore (FS) - UCLA
Orlando Franklin (OT) - Miami FL
Nate Irving (LB) - North Carolina State
Quinton Carter (SS) - Oklahoma
Julius Thomas (TE) - Portland State
Mike Mohamed (LB) - California
Virgil Green (TE) - Nevada
Jeremy Beal (DE) - Oklahoma
So if I end up listing every one of your selections as an impact player it means two things. First, your team was really bad last year. Second, your team is now much better. The Broncos may not have hit home runs with every pick but they put a man on base with every at bat in this year's draft. Expect four, maybe even five of these rookies to start for the Ponies in week one.
Buffalo Bills...THUMBS UP!
Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama
Aaron Williams (CB) - Texas
Kelvin Sheppard (LB) - LSU
Da'Norris Searcy (SS) - North Carolina
Johnny White (RB) - North Carolina
The Bills get a very unenthusiastic thumbs up for not screwing anything up, but not really making a drastic improvement to the team. Dareus and Williams were home run picks, but there isn't much star potential outside of those two. The Tar Heel duo of White and Searcy could prove me wrong by becoming difference makers in the running game (White) and the return game (Searcy).
Cincinnati Bengals...THUMBS UP!
AJ Green (WR) - Georgia
Andy Dalton (QB) - TCU
Dontay Moch (LB) - Nevada
Clint Boling (OT) - Georgia
Robert Sands (FS) - West Virginia
The Bengals hit home runs with their first five picks, and that's more than enough to get a thumbs up from me. I even like their sixth (Stanford WR Ryan Whalen) and seventh (Baylor RB Jay Finley) round picks. Green and Dalton are big name prospects, but players like Boling and Moch could be week one starters as well. Robert Sands is also much more talented than the average fifth round pick.
Arizona Cardinals...THUMBS DOWN!
Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU
Robert Housler (TE) - Florida Atlantic
Sam Acho (LB) - Texas
Quan Sturdivant (LB) - North Carolina
It seems like it would be hard to get a thumbs down from me if you drafted the player that I thought was the best prospect in the draft with the fifth pick, but the Cardinals pulled it off. Despite having Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, the Cards spent a second round pick on Ryan Williams, which makes their backfield way too crowded. Williams will likely struggle to see the field. The Cards also took Anthony Sherman, a backup running back from UConn. Where does he fit in? Robert Housler could be a stud tight end, but the Cards may have had more pressing issues to address in the third round. Acho and Sturdivant are good choices to rebuild the linebacker corps, but they can't offset a series of questionable picks.
Atlanta Falcons...THUMBS DOWN!
Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama
Akeem Dent (LB) - Georgia
Jacquizz Rogers (RB) - Oregon State
The Falcons get a thumbs down for essentially trading away their draft. They are a team with very few weaknesses, so they decided to give up the farm for the one player they wanted. Dent will be an impact player and Rogers is an dynamic playmaker, but the draft lacks overall substance. The Dirty Birds are banking on the fact that they probably didn't need a big draft as much as they needed a big play wide receiver. This draft will always be judged based on the career of Julio Jones.
San Francisco 49ers...THUMBS UP!
Aldon Smith (DE) - Missouri
Colin Kaepernick (QB) - Nevada
Chris Culliver (FS) - South Carolina
Kendall Hunter (RB) - Oklahoma State
Ronald Johnson (WR) - USC
Bruce Miller (DE) - UCF
The Niners had a great haul but actually missed a few opportunities during this draft. Aldon Smith was a reach pick, but is still a solid prospect. Kaepernick will have an opportunity to start by mid-season and Hunter will be a great addition to the backfield with Frank Gore. Chris Culliver has the potential to be a starter in time at either safety or cornerback. Ron Johnson will help stretch the field on offense, and is a potential difference-maker as a return man. Bruce Miller won't start for the Niners but he will be a valuable asset on the defensive line rotation. It's amazing that a draft this good had the chance to be so much better.
Tennessee Titans...THUMBS UP!
Jake Locker (QB) - Washington
Akeem Ayers (LB) - UCLA
Jurrell Casey (DT) - USC
Colin McCarthy (LB) - Miami FL
Jamie Harper (RB) - Clemson
Karl Klug (DT) - Iowa
The Titans drafted their quarterback of the future in the first round and then focused on upgrading their defense with a quartet of quality defensive selections. Jamie Harper adds another speed back to the Titans stable that already includes Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer. Harper gives the Titans the opportunity to have a home run threat on the field even when Johnson is on the sidelines.
Dallas Cowboys...THUMBS DOWN!
Tyron Smith (OT) - USC
Bruce Carter (DT) - North Carolina
DeMarco Murray (RB) - Oklahoma
The Cowboys started the draft on fire with their first three picks. Smith and Carter will be week one starters, and Murray is much better than his third round selection indicates. He very well could be the number one back in Big D before the season ends. After that, America's Team started choking away picks left and right. East Carolina WR Dwayne Harris (sixth round pick) is the only player drafted after the third round who even has a chance of helping this team.
Jacksonville Jaguars...THUMBS DOWN!
Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Missouri
I commend the Jags for getting their man in the first round, but the rest of their draft class leaves plenty to be desired. I was temped to pencil in Mount Union WR Cecil Shorts as an impact player, but remember that receivers tend to breakout during their sophomore NFL seasons.
Houston Texans...THUMBS UP!
JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin
Brooks Reed (DE) - Arizona
Brandon Harris (CB) - Miami FL
Rashad Carmichael (CB) - Virginia Tech
Shiloh Keo (SS) - Idaho
Taylor Yates (QB) - North Carolina
The Texans had the worst pass defense in football last season and it was the sole reason for them missing the playoffs. The Texans responded by drafting three highly regarded defensive backs and two pass rushing demons to put more pressure on opposing QBs. Keo is a personal favorite of mine because he loves to hit and could be a future pro bowler on special teams. Yates has all the intangibles necessary to be a successful backup quarterback. He became the Tar Heels unquestioned leader last year during an especially trying season. His maturity from that experience will help him stick in the league.
Minnesota Vikings...THUMBS UP!
Christian Ponder (QB) - Florida State
Kyle Rudolph (TE) - Notre Dame
Christian Ballard (DT) - Iowa
Brandon Burton (CB) - Utah
DeMarcus Love (G) - Arkansas
Mistral Raymond (CB) - USF
The Vikes definitely reached for Christian Ponder but I really like him as a prospect. They got him a quality safety net in TE Rudolph soon after and got too quality corner prospects later in the draft (Burton will be a STEAL). Love will enter the rotation right away on the line, as will Ballard on the defensive side.
Detroit Lions...THUMBS UP!
Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn
Titus Young (WR) - Boise State
Mike Leshoure (RB) - Illinois
I'm not as in love with the Lions' draft as other people. Cornerback and linebacker were much larger needs than wide receiver and running back. Personally, I'm just not that enamored with Titus Young as an NFL wide receiver. Leshoure has the potential to be a monster though, and he is the perfect compliment to Jahvid Best. Still, this draft is being carried by the fact that drafting Nick Fairley gives the Lions the best defensive line in the league.
St. Louis Rams...THUMBS UP!
Robert Quinn (DE) - North Carolina
Lance Kendricks (TE) - Nebraska
Austin Pettis (WR) - Boise State
Greg Salas (WR) - Hawaii
Jermale Hines (SS) - Ohio State
After looking at the Rams draft results, you would think that Sam Bradford was the only person in the St. Louis war room. The truth is, the Rams know they have their franchise quarterback, and this draft was dedicated to giving Bradford all the weapons he needs. The Rams are starting to take the shape of a dynamic offensive team. In other news, the Rams took a defensive end in the first round which is essentially cheating since all of them were studs. Hines has a lot of potential as a safety and I think the Rams can get it out of him.
Miami Dolphins...THUMBS DOWN
Mike Pouncey (G) - Florida
Daniel Thomas (RB) - Kansas State
Charles Clay (FB) - Tulsa
The Dolphins needed to do a better job on the third day of the draft to get a thumbs up from me. Daniel Thomas is a great pickup for the sea mammals and so is Pouncey, but Edmond Gates is not an immediate answer at wide receiver as he will go through major growing pains after coming from Abilene Christian. The biggest impact player for the 'Phins could be big Charles Clay. Clay can catch it and run it with the best of them and he is huge. Clay is the most versatile big man in this draft and the Dolphins are the perfect team to use him at his best.
Washington Redskins...TWO THUMBS UP!
Ryan Kerrigan (DE) - Purdue
Jarvis Jenkins (DT) - Clemson
Leonard Hankerson (WR) - Miami FL
Roy Helu Jr. (RB) - Nebraska
Dejon Gomes (CB) - Nebraska
Niles Paul (WR) - Nebraska
Evan Royster (RB) - Penn State
The Skins had a lot of picks and they put every single one of them to good use. These seven prospects are expected to be impact players next year, but I believe that ALL 12 of the Redskins drafted rookies will suit up at one point next year. This was a difference making draft class that could really help turn this franchise around if they find consistent quarterback play from someone. Hankerson and Paul will have an opportunity to develop into a dynamite receiving tandem if they are handled properly.
New England Patriots...THUMBS UP!
Nate Solder (OT) - Colorado
Ras-I Dowling (CB) - Virginia
Shane Vereen (RB) - California
Stevan Ridley (RB) - LSU
Ryan Mallett (QB) - Arkansas
Marcus Cannon (OT) - TCU
The Pats have never been closer to receiving a negative response from me concerning their draft exploits. Belicheck comes away with two very solid immediate starters in Solder and Dowling, even though Solder is regarded as a raw talent (albeit a mesmerizing one). After those selections, the Pats made three straight surprising selections. Vereen and Ridley were surprising choices for two reasons. Running back wasn't considered a pressing need, and most people thought that there were better backs on the board. Still the Pats have now established a formidable stable of backs that ensures that Tom Brady will always get something from the running game. Vereen is also one of the best pass catching backs in the draft (the next Kevin Faulk maybe?). The Patriots also drafted Tom Brady's apparent heir by selecting Mallett. This move shocked everybody, but it makes all the sense in the world to select a first round talent (I believe he is the best quarterback in the draft) in the third round to eventually replace your aging stud QB. Drafting Cannon is just another example of what makes this organization so great. Cannon was diagnosed with cancer right before the draft but he is expected to recover, and when he does, the once first-round prospect will be an anchor for the Pats' offensive line. Decisions like drafting Cannon are what make Patriots such a solid organization.
San Diego Chargers...THUMBS DOWN!
Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois
Marcus Gilchrist (CB) - Clemson
Jonas Mouton (LB) - Michigan
Shareece Wright (CB) - USC
Jordan Todman (RB) - Connecticut
Steve Schilling (G) - Michigan
This thumbs down isn't a slight towards the players. It refers to the positions where they were drafted. The Bolts spent the first two days of the three day draft reaching for prospects. Granted, they got some pretty good ones (especially Shareece Wright in the third round), but the Chargers could have been more creative and came away with a better draft. Todman and Schilling could also be sixth round steals but the selections of Liuget, Gilchrist, and Mouton (He had to be shocked that he was a second round pick, I doubt he was even watching the draft that early) lacked the shrewdness that I expect from an NFL team on draft day.
New York Giants...THUMBS UP!
Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska
Marvin Austin (DT) - North Carolina
Jernel Jernigan (WR) - Troy
Greg Jones (LB) - Michigan State
Tyler Sash (SS) - Iowa
Da'Rel Scott (RB) - Maryland
I really like what the G-men did on draft day. They add three week one starters to their defense (Prince, Austin, and Jones) while adding a dynamic returner and slot receiver (Jernigan) who will be everything Sinorice Moss wasn't able to be during his time in New York. Sash hits like an anvil and will be a fan favorite on special teams. Scott is simply the fastest running back in the draft. Surely, Tom Coughlin will find a way to get him the ball in space.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers...THUMBS UP!
Adrian Clayborn (DE) - Iowa
Da'Quan Bowers (DE) - Clemson
Mason Foster (LB) - Washington
Luke Stocker (TE) - Tennessee
Ahmad Black (SS) - Florida
Allen Bradford (RB) - USC
The Bucs leave this draft with two defensive lineman that were at one time considered as top five picks. Clayborn and Bowers have the potential to be the outside equivalent to what everyone expects Suh and Fairley to be on the inside for the Detroit Lions. Foster and Black are also quality additions to the defense as they are highly productive players that aren't being drafted based off of measurables. Luke Stocker is considered to be one of this year's impact tight ends, and Allen Bradford could be a menacing goal line back now that LeGarrette Blount is the featured guy in the Tampa backfield.
Cleveland Browns...THUMBS UP!
Phil Taylor (NT) - Baylor
Jabaal Sheard (DE) - Pittsburgh
Greg Little (WR) - North Carolina
Jordan Cameron (TE) - USC
Owen Marecic (FB) - Stanford
Buster Skrine (CB) - Chattanooga
The Browns didn't look like they would be extremely busy on draft day until they decided to pass on Julio Jones and trade down into slot #21. Instead of Jones, the Browns walked away with a replacement for Shaun Rogers (Taylor, the unquestioned best nose tackle in the draft), a talented receiver who doesn't compare to Julio but is still an upgrade (Greg Little), and a football playing bulldog that could feasibly be an impact player on offense, defense, and special teams (Marecic). Cleveland also came away with a superbly athletic pass-catching TE and the cornerback Skrine who can absolutely FLY when the ball is in the air. Sheard was a sackmaster at Pitt and should perform well along side the space-eating Taylor. The Browns didn't have much to work with going into the draft but they left with a more than adequate haul of prospects.
Indianapolis Colts...THUMBS UP!
Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Boston College
Drake Nevis (DT) - LSU
Delone Carter (RB) - Syracuse
Chris Rucker (CB) - Michigan State
The Colts didn't have a lot of selections in this year's draft, but they picked their spots wisely. Castonzo can start for Indy today, and the rest of the selections are all high potential players. Second round pick OT Ben Ijalana from Nova may not be an immediate impact guy, but he will eventually be a starter. The Colts are one of only a few teams that could have a draft like this and still get a thumbs up.
Philadelphia Eagles...THUMBS DOWN!
Danny Watkins (G) - Baylor
Curtis Marsh (CB) - Utah St.
Casey Mathews (LB) - Oregon
Dion Lewis (RB) - Pittsburgh
The Eagles may have had the most disappointing draft. The team arrived in New York loaded with picks and left without making much of an impact. The Eagles drafted the best guard in the draft, but probably have more pressing issues. The Iggles spent a second round pick on a safety (Temple's Jaiquawn Jarrett) who is currently a liability in coverage. Curtis Marsh will likely pan out better but he is still just learning to not rely soley on his athletic ability. He won't be able to claim a starting spot by year's end. Andy Reid and friends also blew a fourth round pick on a kicker (Florida's Alex Henery) that probably won't make the team. I'd be shocked if a rookie where able to come into training camp and beat out a former Pro Bowler such as David Akers. Casey Mathews, younger brother of Clay, seems to be the Eagles best most talented selection. That's more of an indictment of how the team handled the first three rounds. Dion Lewis is a talented back who would have went higher in next year's draft had he have stayed in school, but he will contribute as a rotation back next year. The Eagles rounded out the draft by selecting four more players that seemingly have no shot of actually making the team.
New Orleans Saints...THUMBS UP!
Cameron Jordan (DE) - California
Mark Ingram (RB) - Alabama
Martez Wilson (LB) - Illinois
Greg Romeus (DE) - Pittsburgh
The Saints don't have too many holes to fill, but they made three quality upgrades to their defense and selected Ingram. Ingram gives the Saints the type of back that they've been missing since Deuce McAllister left the team. It does not signify the end of the Reggie Bush era though. With Ingram, Chris Ivory, and Pierre Thomas all in the fold Bush will likely be used more in the slot where he has always thrived during his NFL career.
Seattle Seahawks...THUMBS DOWN!
John Moffitt (G) - Wisconsin
I stand corrected...my deepest apologies to the Eagles, because the Seahawks clearly went home with the worst draft class. The Eagles reached on their first round pick (Bama G James Carpenter), and were a round (or maybe even two) ahead of time with their selections of Georgia WR Kris Dunham and Miss State LB KJ Wright. The rest of the draft is a cluster of players that I don't expect to make the team.
Kansas City Chiefs...THUMBS UP!
Jonathan Baldwin (WR) - Pittsburgh
Rodney Hudson (G) - Florida State
Justin Houston (LB) - Houston
Allen Bailey (DE) - Miami FL
Jalil Brown (CB) - Colorado
Ricky Stanzi (QB) - Iowa
Jerrell Powe (DT) - Ole Miss
The Chiefs continue to model their organization after the Patriots by stockpiling draft picks and bringing in a large, talented class of rookies. The Chiefs made big improvements to their defense, and added a game breaking receiver to play opposite of Dwayne Bowe. Ricky Stanzi is an ideal selection as a backup quarterback, since he will feel no pressure to play and will be able to develop behind the scenes while Matt Cassell continues to lead the team.
Baltimore Ravens...THUMBS UP!
Jimmy Smith (CB) - Colorado
Torrey Smith (WR) - Maryland
Tandon Doss (WR) - Indiana
Chykie Brown (CB) - Texas
Pernell McPhee (DE) - Mississippi State
Tyrod Taylor (QB) - Virginia Tech
Anthony Allen (RB) - Georgia Tech
The Ravens made some interesting selections, but I think they all work for the franchise. Jimmy Smith was saddled by character issues, but that won't be a problem on the watch of Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. The team also paired Joe Flacco's rocket arm with the draft's fastest receiver (Torrey Smith), tack on Doss and the Ravens have completely revamped their receiving corps. The addition of Chykie Brown along with Jimmy Smith gives the secondary a similar makeover. Pernell McPhee is a pass rushing specialist that the Ravens could utilize better than most teams. Taylor is more than a runner at QB, despite his size he has great arm strength and is a valuable weapon. Allen was a product of the option at Georgia Tech, but his size and strength could land him a role similar to Le'Ron McClain's.
Chicago Bears...THUMBS UP!
Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin
Stephen Paea (DT) - Oregon State
Da' Bears didn't have much work to do during the draft. They grabbed two sure-fire starters in the first two rounds, and then made three smart, yet underwhelming choices to round out the draft. Personally, I'm a big fan of Idaho QB Nathan Enderle as a big strong-armed backup to Jay Cutler.
New York Jets...THUMBS DOWN!
Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple
The Jets left a lot on the table with this draft class. To pick the massive Hampton DT Kenrick Ellis one round after taking Wilkerson was redundant. Bilal Powell was a questionable selection with so many other quality backs on the board at that time. Jeremy Kerley is a return specialist that will take a long time before he can help as a receiver, and Greg McElroy is generally regarded as one of the most overrated players in college football. I don't see his value as a pro.
Pittsburgh Steelers...THUMBS UP!
Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State
Marcus Gilbert (OT) - Florida
Curtis Brown (CB) - Texas
The Steelers don't have bad drafts, plain and simple. They grabbed three top flight players that can play immediately. The draft was put over the top by the selections of high potential projects like CB Cortez Allen from The Citadel, Fresno State LB Chris Carter, and O-lineman Keith Williams out of Nebraska.
Green Bay Packers...THUMBS UP!
Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi State
Randall Cobb (WR) - Kentucky
Alex Green (RB) - Hawaii
DJ Williams (HB) - Arkansas
Caleb Schlauderhaff (OG) - Utah
Ricky Elmore (DE) - Arizona
It isn't often that the Super Bowl champ makes a major improvement in the draft, but the Pack really improved through the draft. Sherrod and Schlauderhaff provide invaluable depth to the offensive line. Green and Williams are two unique backs that provide size and exceptional pass catching ability. Randall Cobb is a big play receiver that will be a more than adequate replacement for James Jones who is expected to leave during free agency. Ricky Elmore is a sackmaster who will have a chance to thrive on third down.
Showing posts with label Draft Coverage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Draft Coverage. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Undrafted
After three days of NFL Draft coverage, 254 college football players realized their dream of becoming professional football players. However, the NFL rookie class of 2011 is not set in stone as of yet. Normally, the upcoming days after the draft's conclusion see teams sign anywhere from 10 to 20 undrafted rookie free agents. Many of these "URFAs" were stars at the college level but didn't have the measurements to catch the attention of NFL scouts, others may have been coveted by a particular team that simply didn't have the chance to draft them due to a variety of circumstances. This year, the NFL lockout has prevented teams from signing undrafted rookies during the aftermath of the draft. Many of the rookies that we will see suit up next season are not yet the property of an NFL team. Here is a list of some notable players that will surely find themselves in an NFL training camp once the lockout has ended. If you don't think it's worth your time to take a look, just remember that 23 players in this year's Pro Bowl were once undrafted rookie free agents.
Notable Rookie Free Agents (no particular order)
Brandon Bair, DT - Oregon
Deunta Williams, S - North Carolina
Terrence Toliver, WR - LSU [pictured]
Darvin Adams, WR - Auburn
Kendric Burney, CB - North Carolina
Jeron Johnson, S - Boise State
Joe Lefeged, S - Rutgers
Ian Williams, DT - Notre Dame
Deandre McDaniel, S - Clemson
Derrick Locke, RB - Kentucky
Mario Harvey, OLB - Marshall
Armon Binns, WR - Cincinnati
Mark Herzlich, MLB -Boston College
Jake Kirkpatrick, C - TCU
Pat Devlin, QB - Delaware
Kris O'Dowd, C - USC
Darren Evans, RB - Virginia Tech
Scott Lustrus, MLB - UConn
Josh Portis, QB - California PA [pictured]
Brian Lainhart, S - Kent State
DeAndre Brown, WR - Southern Miss
Graig Cooper, RB - Miami FL
Devon Torrence, CB - Ohio State
Orie Lemon, OLB - Oklahoma State
Mike Hartline, QB - Kentucky
Jeff Maehl, WR - Oregon
Jerrard Terrant, S - Georgia Tech
Ben Chappell, QB - Indiana
Charlie Gantt, TE - Michigan State [pictured]
Eric Gordon, OLB - Michigan State
Brian Duncan, MLB - Texas Tech
Will Hill, S - Florida
Bryant Browning, G - Ohio State
Mike Morgan OLB - USC
Dane Sanzenbacher, WR - Ohio State
Damien Berry, RB - Miami FL
Justin Boren, G - Ohio State
Ryan Winterswyk, DE - Boise State
Scott Tolzein, QB - Wisconsin
Mark Dell, WR - Michigan State
Adrien Moten, OLB - Maryland
Jay Valai, S - Wisconsin
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, WR - Iowa
Tori Gurley, WR - South Carolina [pictured]
Jerrod Johnson, QB - Texas A&M
Noel Divine, RB - West Virginia
Zac Etheridge, S - Auburn
Weslye Saunders, TE - West Virginia
Jai Eugene, CB/S - LSU
Taylor Potts, QB - Texas Tech
Matt Asiata, RB - Utah
Notable Rookie Free Agents (no particular order)
Brandon Bair, DT - OregonDeunta Williams, S - North Carolina
Terrence Toliver, WR - LSU [pictured]
Darvin Adams, WR - Auburn
Kendric Burney, CB - North Carolina
Jeron Johnson, S - Boise State
Joe Lefeged, S - Rutgers
Ian Williams, DT - Notre Dame
Deandre McDaniel, S - Clemson
Derrick Locke, RB - Kentucky
Mario Harvey, OLB - Marshall
Armon Binns, WR - Cincinnati
Mark Herzlich, MLB -Boston College
Jake Kirkpatrick, C - TCUPat Devlin, QB - Delaware
Kris O'Dowd, C - USC
Darren Evans, RB - Virginia Tech
Scott Lustrus, MLB - UConn
Josh Portis, QB - California PA [pictured]
Brian Lainhart, S - Kent State
DeAndre Brown, WR - Southern Miss
Graig Cooper, RB - Miami FL
Devon Torrence, CB - Ohio State
Orie Lemon, OLB - Oklahoma StateMike Hartline, QB - Kentucky
Jeff Maehl, WR - Oregon
Jerrard Terrant, S - Georgia Tech
Ben Chappell, QB - Indiana
Charlie Gantt, TE - Michigan State [pictured]
Eric Gordon, OLB - Michigan State
Brian Duncan, MLB - Texas Tech
Will Hill, S - Florida
Bryant Browning, G - Ohio State
Mike Morgan OLB - USC
Dane Sanzenbacher, WR - Ohio State
Damien Berry, RB - Miami FLJustin Boren, G - Ohio State
Ryan Winterswyk, DE - Boise State
Scott Tolzein, QB - Wisconsin
Mark Dell, WR - Michigan State
Adrien Moten, OLB - Maryland
Jay Valai, S - Wisconsin
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, WR - Iowa
Tori Gurley, WR - South Carolina [pictured]
Jerrod Johnson, QB - Texas A&M
Noel Divine, RB - West Virginia
Zac Etheridge, S - Auburn
Weslye Saunders, TE - West Virginia
Jai Eugene, CB/S - LSU
Taylor Potts, QB - Texas Tech
Matt Asiata, RB - Utah
Friday, April 29, 2011
AmStat Audio: NFL Draft Round One
The next edition of AmStat Audio is finally here. Find out my opinion on every pick in the first round, and which impact players are still left on the board. Tune in, and let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll be back for another segment tomorrow. Once again, this is AmStat Audio.
AmStat Audio by AmStatCSB
AmStat Audio by AmStatCSB
NFL Draft Round One
This is how the first round of the NFL Draft shaped up. The second and third round is later tonight at 6pm on ESPN. The coverage shifts to ESPN2 at 7pm. Be sure to check back a little later to listen to AmStat Audio for a complete recap of the first round and a preview of tonight's rounds.
| 1. Carolina Panthers - Cameron Newton, QB (Auburn) |
| 2. Denver Broncos - Von Miller, OLB (Texas A&M) |
| 3. Buffalo Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT (Alabama) |
| 4. Cincinnati Bengals - AJ Green, WR (Georgia) |
| 5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Patterson, CB (LSU) |
| 6. Atlanta Falcons - Julio Jones, WR (Alabama) |
| 7. San Francisco 49ers - Aldon Smith, DE (Missouri) |
| 8. Tennessee Titans - Jake Locker, QB (Washington) |
| 9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT (USC) |
| 10. Jacksonville Jaguars [via WAS] - Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) |
| 11. Houston Texans - JJ Watt, DE (Wisconsin) |
| 12. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Ponder, QB (Florida State) |
| 13. Detroit Lions - Nick Fairley, DT (Auburn) |
| 14. St. Louis Rams - Robert Quinn, DE (North Carolina) |
| 15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey, OG (Florida) |
| 16. Washington Redskins [via JAX] - Ryan Kerrigan, DE (Purdue) |
| 17. New England Patriots [via OAK] - Nate Solder, OT (Colorado) |
| 18. San Diego Chargers - Corey Liuget, DT (Illinois) |
| 19. New York Giants - Prince Amukamara, CB (Nebraska) |
| 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Adrian Clayborn, DE (Iowa) |
| 21. Cleveland Browns [via KC] - Phil Taylor, DT (Baylor) |
| 22. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Castonzo, OT (Boston College) |
| 23. Philadelphia Eagles - Danny Watkins, OG (Baylor) |
| 24. New Orleans Saints - Jordan Cameron, DE (California) |
| 25. Seattle Seahawks - James Carpenter, OT (Alabama) |
| 26. Kansas City Chiefs [via ATL from CLE] - Jonathan Baldwin, WR (Pittsburgh) |
| 27. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB (Colorado) |
| 28. New Orleans Saints [via NE] - Mark Ingram, RB (Alabama) |
| 29. Chicago Bears - Gabe Carimi, OT (Wisconsin) |
| 30. New York Jets - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT (Temple) |
| 31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cam Heyward, DE (Ohio State) |
| 32. Green Bay Packers - Derek Sherrod, OT (Mississippi State) |
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Official List of 2011 NBA Draft Early Entry Candidates
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft was Sunday. There is now a complete list of those who have applied for early entry. Many of the players on this list are entering the draft without representation by an agent. This means that many names will disappear from this list between now and June 13th. As it stands now, these are the players that will test the tides of the NBA Draft process, hoping to hear their name called on June 23rd at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
Olu Ashaolu - Louisiana Tech
(Junior)Keion Bell - Pepperdine (Junior)
Jacob Blankenship - Southeastern FL (Junior)
Laurence Bowers - Missouri (Junior)
Alec Burks - Colorado (Sophomore)
DeAngelo Casto - Washington State (Junior)
Roscoe Davis - Midland Junior College TX (Freshman)
Mamadou Diarra - Chaminade HI (Junior)
TyShwan Edmondson - Austin Peay (Junior)
Kim English - Missouri (Junior)
Ashton Gibbs - Pittsburgh (Junior)
Troy Gillenwater - New Mexico State (Junior) [pictured]
Jeremy Green - Stanford (Junior)
Jordan Hamilton - Texas (Sophomore)
Tobias Harris - Tennessee (Freshman)
Desmond Holloway - Coastal Carolina (Junior)
Terrell Holloway - Xavier (Junior)
Tyler Honeycutt - UCLA (Sophomore)
Scotty Hopson - Tennessee (Junior)
Kyrie Irving - Duke (Freshman)
Reggie Jackson - Boston College (Junior)
Terrence Jennings - Louisville (Junior)
Orlando Johnson - UC-Santa Barbara (Junior)
Reggie Johnson - Miami FL (Sophomore)
Tiondre Johnson - Coastal Bend Junior College TX (Sophomore)
Kevin Jones - West Virginia (Junior)
Terrence Jones - Kentucky (Freshman)
Cory Joseph - Texas (Freshman)
Enes Kanter - Kentucky (Freshman)
Ryan Kelley - Colorado (Sophomore)
Dan Kelm - Viterbo WI (Sophomore)
Brandon Knight - Kentucky (Freshman)
Malcolm Lee - UCLA (Junior)
Kawhi Leonard - San Diego State (Sophomore)
Travis Leslie - Georgia (Junior)
DeAndre Liggins - Kentucky (Junior)
David Loubeau - Texas A&M (Junior)
Shelvin Mack - Butler (Junior)
Greg Mangano - Yale (Junior)
Keishawn Mayes - Campbell (Junior)
Cameron Moore - UAB (Junior)
Darius Morris - Michigan (Sophomore)
Marcus Morris - Kansas (Junior)
Markieff Morris - Kansas (Junior)
Darrion Pellum - Hampton (Junior)
J.P. Primm - UNC-Asheville (Junior) [pictured]
Willie
Reed - St. Louis (Sophomore)Jereme Richmond - Illinois (Freshman)
Ralph Sampson III Minnesota (Junior)
Carleton Scott - Notre Dame (Junior)
Josh Selby - Kansas (Freshman)
Iman Shumpert - Georgia Tech (Junior)
John Shurna - Northwestern (Junior)
Chris Singleton - Florida State (Junior)
Greg Smith - Fresno State (Sophomore)
Tony Taylor - George Washington (Junior)
Isaiah Thomas - Washington (Junior)
Trey Thompkins - Georgia (Junior)
Hollis Thompson - Georgetown (Sophomore)
Klay Thompson - Washington State (Junior) [pictured]
Tristan Thompson - Texas (Freshman)
Thomas Tibbs Jr. - College of Staten Island (Junior)
Nikola Vucevic - Southern California (Junior)
Kemba Walker - Connecticut (Junior)
Antoine Watson - Florida International (Junior)
Charlie Westbrook - South Dakota (Junior)
Derrick Williams - Arizona (Sophomore)
Jordan Williams - Maryland (Sophomore)
Brandon Wood - Valparaiso (Junior)
List and name links courtesy of www.DraftExchange.com
Friday, April 22, 2011
AmStat's 2011 NFL Mock Draft
Less than a week from today, the NFL will convene at Radio City Music Hall for its annual entry draft. With the lockout dominating the football off-season, the draft has never been more important. Unlike most years, the draft is taking place before Free Agency due to the work stoppage. Therefore, teams have more positional needs than usual, and more rookies will be drafted with the expectation of contributing immediately. Teams won't be picking players for depth this year, the rookies who hear their names called next weekend will be expected to compete from day one in the NFL. Today, AmStat will take a mock look at the first round of the NFL Draft. We'll tell you who goes where and when, and most importantly why. Just settle in and get comfortable. This is the NFL Draft according to Amateur Status College Sports.
#1 The Carolina Panthers select Cameron Newton (QB) - Auburn
Cameron Newton may not be the best player in the draft. He may not even be the best Quarterback in the draft (that's probably Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett). However, NO SINGLE PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT HAS THE POTENTIAL THAT CAM NEWTON POSESSES. If you have a chance to draft a player that can potentially change the way the position is played, you have to take him. The Falcons had to take Michael Vick for the same reason (even though Drew Brees was the better actual QB). The Panthers will take Newton, and look to trade Jimmy Clausen while he still has value as a potential starting Quarterback. Mel Kiper Jr. still believes that Clausen is a franchise quarterback. Once the Panthers get their hands on Cam, they need to find a team that shares Kiper's feelings about Clausen.
#2 The Denver Broncos select Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama
The Broncos had a comically bad defense last year, and will without a doubt be looking to overhaul their defense during this draft. Dareus is considered by some to be the best player in this draft, and the Broncos need a presence on the defensive line more than anything else. The idea of pairing up Champ Bailey with stud corner Patrick Peterson will be tempting, but the Broncos other corners are not bad enough to warrant passing on Dareus. Peter King from Sports Illustrated also suggests that the Houston Texans could trade into this spot to take Peterson at two, but if the Broncos make this pick...their taking Dareus.
#3 The Buffalo Bills select Von Miller (OLB/DE) - Texas A&M
The Bills struck out when they selected Aaron Maybin of Penn State in the first round of the 2009 Draft, but Miller looks like a can't miss prospect. Many prognosticators are even calling for a double-digit sack total from him as a rookie. Miller is a hybrid prospect that can help the Bills inside, outside, or on the end. His size and speed will make an immediate impact in Buffalo. Some people say that the Bills could be looking at a quarterback here, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the problem in Buffalo, and I believe management realizes that.
#4 The Cincinnati Bengals select AJ Green (WR) - Georgia
The Bengals were expected to have a dynamite receiving corps last year. I even said it would be the best in the league, but their best receiver might have been Jordan Shipley. Terrell Owens had stretches of brilliance that didn't translate into team success, and Chad OchoCinco failed to live up to expectations for the first time in his storied career. With neither Owens nor Ocho expected to return, AJ Green is expected to join Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and tight end Jermaine Gresham to form the best young receiving corps in the league. Shipley has proven to be a good NFL receiver, but he would be better suited to play the slot. Green has the size, speed, and talent to play inside and out. If the Bengals pass on Green, Owens and/or OchoCinco could be returning. If Cameron Newton somehow slips to this spot, all bets are off because the Bengals will take him. Otherwise, the Bengals look to be in the running for a QB in the second round.
#5 The Arizona Cardinals select Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Missouri
The Cards have already experienced a season with no quarterback, and with the amount of talent that they have on their team, they can't afford to take a risk on an aging veteran like Marc Bulger or Donovan McNabb. Gabbert gives the team some long term direction at the position, and he is the most NFL ready signal-caller outside of the embattled Ryan Mallett. If Gabbert can duplicate the rookie success of Sam Bradford, the Cardinals immediately become the favorite in the NFC West. If he struggles, his raw ability will still put the Cards in a better position than they were in last year with Max Hall and John Skelton. The one scenario that would prevent Gabbert from going to the Cardinals is if Von Miller is still on the board, but I wouldn't bank on that happening.
#6 The Cleveland Browns select Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama
The Browns have an opportunity to fill a need with a better overall prospect if they take Robert Quinn, but Cleveland has absolutely nothing at the wide out position, and Julio Jones is an elite prospect at the position. Quinn is just as good at defensive end, but the position depth at D-end is amazing in this draft. There will be an impact pass rusher available in the second round, but there won't be a receiver close to Julio's level in round two. Colt McCoy will have his first legitimate weapon on offense, and that will allow the Browns to determine whether or not he's the long term answer under center.
#7 The San Francisco 49ers select Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU
On my personal draft board, Peterson is the second-best player in this draft. For the niners to get Peterson here is a steal. He immediately becomes a shutdown corner, and will possibly make an even bigger impact on special teams by shifting field position with his skills as a return man. Peterson's numbers as a returner at LSU surpass Devin Hester's at Miami. The 49ers are anemic on offense, and will rely on Peterson to return kicks and punts from day one as a big part of their offense gameplan.
#8 The Tennessee Titans select Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn
Albert Haynesworth may have proven to not be worth the money, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans have not been the same on defense since he left. Nick Fairley comes to the NFL draft with a few character questions of his own, but nothing that should stop the Titans from drafting him. The Titans would gladly take Blaine Gabbert if he is on the board, and will consider trading down to take Jake Locker. Quarterback is definitely their number one need, but their draft choice falls in a bad place within the draft order. Most likely, the Titans will take Fairley here and hope to draft Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton in the second round.
#9 The Dallas Cowboys select Tyron Smith (OT) - USC
Tyron Smith to the Cowboys is one of the worst kept secrets coming into the draft. The Boys need a replacement for aging tackle Marc Columbo, and Smith is reportedly the man that has Jerry Jones' attention. Smith is a better fit than a more polished tackle like Anthony Castonzo because his athletic ability fits the Cowboys' blocking scheme. Romo likes to use his mobility and Smith is the best blocker in the draft on the move.
#10 The Washington Redskins select Robert Quinn (DE/OLB) - North Carolina
The Redskins have holes all over their depth chart, and with Santana Moss possibly on the way out, the Skins probably want Julio Jones to fall to this spot. I don't see that happening, which means that Washington will simply take the best player still on the board. If Quinn is still available, he can't fall any further than this. His abilities on the edge will open things up for the suddenly re-emergent Adam Carriker on the inside.
#11 The Houston Texans select Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska
The Texans spent their first round pick on a corner last year (Kareem Jackson), but their pass defense was still comically bad last season. The team has the total package on offense, but they must continue to build the defense. Amukamara is only a notch below Patrick Peterson, and there is no shame in that. Prospects like Peterson come around at the cornerback position once every few years, but Amukamara is still an elite level talent in his own right. His size and speed make him an immediate impact player that will start from day one. If Amukamara becomes a lock-down corner from day one, the Texans will be an AFC contender.
#12 The Minnesota Vikings select Jake Locker (QB) - Washington
I would have never believed that the Vikings had the backbone to make this selection, but it's the pick that many people believe the Vikings will make. Last year, Locker graded out ahead of Sam Bradford, and many expected him to be a top five pick. However, Locker went back to school and struggled to standout with a mediocre team around him at Washington. Now he's slowly creeping up draft boards once again, especially after Jon Gruden tabbed him as one of the toughest players in the draft regardless of position. Locker has all the physical talents to be a top quarterback in the NFL, and has never played with players that enhance his talents, which means the sky is still the limit for him. I like Locker a lot, and think he can be a franchise quarterback. His ceiling is higher than any other rookie quarterback besides Cam Newton.
#13 The Detroit Lions select Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Boston College
The Lions will have their fingers crossed until they make their pick. If Prince Amukamara is on the board here, the Lions will take him in a matter of seconds. The Lions have glaring needs at cornerback and linebacker, but they can't address either of those needs at this point in the first round. The Lions will settle for Castonzo, likely the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. Castonzo will be a starter for day one and will be another cornerstone for the Lions' blossoming rebuilding project.
#14 The St. Louis Rams select Aldon Smith (DE/OLB) - Missouri
The St. Louis Rams will be looking to trade up and get Julio Jones, but trading into the top ten will be difficult because of the lockout. Teams will only be allowed to trade draft picks, but not players. Under these circumstances, it would possibly take trading picks from the 2012 and maybe even the 2013 draft to get a blockbuster deal done. The Rams will likely settle for Smith, an intimidating rush end who can play multiple positions on the outside. Smith isn't a very polished prospect but is big, fast, and athletic. He will definitely have a chance to be an impact player in St. Louis.
#15 The Miami Dolphins select Mike Pouncey (G/C) - Florida
The Dolphins will only take Pouncey if they can't trade down or maybe even out of the first round. The Dolphins want either Ryan Mallett or Andy Dalton, but they can't draft either of them here. Miami doesn't have a second round pick, so they have to parlay this first round pick into multiple picks. If they take Pouncey as a last resort, they will have to focus on trading into the second round with a package built around their third round pick. If they can acquire that second round pick, it will be used on a QB such as Christian Ponder or Colin Kaepernick. The Dolphins will be ecstatic if Ryan Mallett's character issues cause him to drop out of the second round and into their laps. Mallett is the type of talent that can start in week one.
#16 The Jacksonville Jaguars select Da'Quan Bowers (DE/OLB) - Clemson
The Jaguars are very much prepared to take Ryan Kerrigan with this pick, but if Bowers falls to this slot, he would be hard to pass on. The Jags like Kerrigan, but they can't justify taking him with Bowers still on the board. Bowers has some injury concerns, but most of them have been dismissed at this point. Bowers was a top five prospect before questions about his knee caused his stock to slip, but after missing on Derrick Harvey in the 2008 Draft, the Jags need to take a home run swing. Kerrigan looks to be a lock to be a good NFL player, but Bowers could possibly be a perennial All-Pro.
#17 The New England Patriots select Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB) - Purdue
Defensive lineman continue to fly off the board as the Patriots add to their defense with the selection of Kerrigan. Kerrigan is the type of high energy motor guy that the Pats love. Kerrigan is far from the most talented player in this loaded class of defensive ends, but he may be the hardest worker. If the Jaguars choose to take Bowers based on his potential, the Patriots will gladly take Kerrigan.
#18 The San Diego Chargers select JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin
The Chargers do not expect Watt to be available, but if the draft plays out the way I've laid it out so far, he will be nice and available at this part of the draft. This draft is filled to the brim with top notch defensive prospects. Watt will be able to fill a position that has been unstable since the departure of Richard Seymour.
#19 The New York Giants select Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin
The Giants have had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL for quite sometime, that consistency is starting to be tested by age and health concerns. Drafting Carimi at this spot gives the G-men a young stud to help rebuild this unit on the fly. The Giants were probably one healthy lineman away from being a playoff team last year, Carimi will be the cornerstone of the Giants O-line over the next decade.
#20 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Cameron Jordan (DE) - California
The Buccaneers are looking hard for a defensive end and they will be more than satisfied with Jordan. There are so many top notch ends in this draft that it looks like everyone will be content with what falls to them. Jordan possesses the same triple crown of size, strength, and athleticism that so many others have in this class. That doesn't change the fact that Jordan is a top prospect that could be a top 12 pick in other years. Jordan will be a mainstay on the end to compliment Gerald McCoy inside as the Bucs continue to build another menacing defense through the draft.
#21 The Kansas City Chiefs select Nate Solder (OT) - Colorado
The Chiefs really want Phil Taylor's foot to magically heal, making him a viable selection for them at this spot. In reality, the team looks to be sold on selecting Solder as a replacement for Barry Richardson, who is better suited as a rotational lineman and not a starter. There are many opinions circulating about Solder. Some say that he is the best tackle in the draft, while others think he is more of an early second round type of prospect. Solder's size and strength can't be questioned, but his technique has been said to need improvement. Regardless, he should be an improvement over any of the guys that KC used last year. Solder's career path will be drastically shaped by the coaching he recieves once he enters the league.
#22 The Indianapolis Colts select Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi State
Colts GM Bill Polian has already acknowledged that he made a mistake by not taking an offensive lineman in last year's draft. He won't make that mistake again. Unfortunately, both of the tackles that Indy covets are already off the board in this mock draft. Still, the Colts will not be deterred this time around. Sherrod may be a reach in the first round, but Indy likes him and he does have talent. The Colts don't have many needs, so they can afford to reach on a second round prospect with this pick.
#23 The Philadelphia Eagles select Jimmy Smith (CB) - Colorado
The Eagles are picking late enough in the first round that they can afford to take a risk on this type of boom or bust prospect. Smith has the measurables of a top 15 pick, but his play at Colorado was inconsistent, and his character has been called into question. However, the Eagles have two pressing needs, cornerback and the offensive line. Philly will be forced to take Smith because of the run on lineman that occurs just before their pick. If the Eagles fall in love with a tackle prospect, they could trade up in the draft to get him. They have a reputation of being aggressive with trades on draft day. If Smith lives up to his potential, he could receive a lot of playing time as a situational corner or even a starter with the departure of Ellis Hobbs due to a neck injury.
#24 The New Orleans Saints select Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple
The Saints have one very menacing side on their defensive line. Newly acquired Shuan Rogers and Will Smith are beyond intimidating, but the other side of that line is in need of an overhaul. Wilkerson is a great place to start. The big man from Temple has crept into the top ten on Mel Kiper's board and has been very impressive throughout the pre-draft process. Wilkerson and Rogers could be one of the league's best duos on the inside. The Saints are hoping that Da'Quan Bowers slips to them, but that doesn't seem likely. If he does, the Saints will abandon the Wilkerson plan and go with Bowers. If the Saints decide to build from the outside in, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward are two more options from the deepest class of defensive ends ever.
#25 The Seattle Seahawks select Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois
The Seahawks want Jake Locker. He has been the golden boy of the Pacific Northwest for four years and the Seahawks would love to turn their favorite Husky into a franchise quarterback, but the Vikings have seemingly fell in love with Locker and won't let him slip out of their grasps. If the fascination with Locker in Minnesota is real, the Seahawks will have to try to fill one of their other needs. Corey Liuget is somewhat of an unknown to many, but he is a top 15 prospect according to Scouts Inc. and is highly regarded among most GMs. Liuget isn't the athlete that Muhammad Wilkerson is, but he was productive in the Big Ten against more than a few future NFL lineman.
#26 The Baltimore Ravens select Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has insisted that the Ravens will take Cameron Heyward if he is on the board, but I don't know if that still applies if Adrian Clayborn is still on the board. Still, I'll trust that Baldinger knows what he's talking about. Either way, the Ravens will be getting a solid defensive end from out of the Big Ten. Heyward is a nice kid who plays with a mean streak that the Ravens will appreciate. I prefer Clayborn to Heyward, but I think the Ravens are more impressed by the speed and physicality that Heyward brings to the table.
#27 The Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn (DE) - Iowa
The Ravens may like Heyward, but the Falcons prefer the mammoth Clayborn on the edge. Clayborn will be the heir apparent to John Abraham who will be 33 this season. He has decent speed to go with obscene size and strength, and was dominant at times in college. Before the college football season, Clayborn was considered to be the top defensive end in this class. However, an up and down year at Iowa and the emergence of over a dozen highly touted edge rushers has left Clayborn in the laps of Atlanta late in the first round. Clayborn is still an impressive physical prospect that would be going in the top 15 in a different year with less options for teams looking for help with their pass rush.
#28 The New England Patriots select Justin Houston (OLB/DE) - Georgia
There is a 99.9% chance that the Pats will trade this pick. If they do make a selection, they will pair up Houston with their young stud linebacker Jerod Mayo. This pick will actually be spent on a quarterback. Depending on the team that deals into this spot, either Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder will hear their name called here. Ryan Mallett would have been a candidate to be selected here as well, but his recent issues involving a skipped meeting with the Carolina Panthers have made him a solid second round pick. Teams looking to draft Mallett won't be looking to trade into this spot.
#29 The Chicago Bears select Marvin Austin (DT) - North Carolina
The Bears are desperate to draft an offensive tackle. They dont seem to be interested in a guard like Dan Watkins and Mike Pouncey will be long gone by this time. All of the offensive tackles that received first round grades are off the board. There is a possibility that the Bears could reach for a second round prospect like TCU's Marcus Cannon, but I think they will turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where the talent pool is still deep even in this late stage of the first round. Austin was considered to be a top ten prospect before the season, but having to sit out the entire season at UNC due to NCAA violations has caused him to drop to this position. Austin is still every bit of the dominant player that we all remember, but we haven't seen it in awhile.
#30 The New York Jets select Phil Taylor (NT) - Baylor
The Chiefs really like Phil Taylor, but murmurs of him having foot issues will be enough to scare them away from drafting him in the first round. The Jets are showing no such concerns. The Jets will try to trade down into the second round to accumulate picks, but if the Jets do make a selection, they will likely take Taylor as a replacement for the often injured Kris Jenkins. If the Jets dump the pick, this would be an ideal spot to see another quarterback snatched by an aggressive team looking to make a move.
#31 The Pittsburgh Steelers select Aaron Williams (CB) - Texas
The Steelers need major help at the cornerback position, so much so that this may not be the only corner that the Steelers take in this draft. It's a no-brainer to pick either Williams or Miami's Brandon Harris with this pick. Most experts agree that Williams is the preferred choice among the two. Especially since he has the ability to possibly slide over to the safety position if necessary.
#32 The Green Bay Packers select Brooks Reid (DE/OLB) - Arizona
Reid has a lot of attributes in common with the player that Clay Mathews was when the Packers drafted him in the first round. Their comparative high energy styles of play are probably why the Pack prefer him instead of Akeem Ayers, another top prospect at the position. This pick is also a candidate to be included in a trade if a team thirsty for a quarterback gets anxious.
#1 The Carolina Panthers select Cameron Newton (QB) - Auburn
Cameron Newton may not be the best player in the draft. He may not even be the best Quarterback in the draft (that's probably Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett). However, NO SINGLE PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT HAS THE POTENTIAL THAT CAM NEWTON POSESSES. If you have a chance to draft a player that can potentially change the way the position is played, you have to take him. The Falcons had to take Michael Vick for the same reason (even though Drew Brees was the better actual QB). The Panthers will take Newton, and look to trade Jimmy Clausen while he still has value as a potential starting Quarterback. Mel Kiper Jr. still believes that Clausen is a franchise quarterback. Once the Panthers get their hands on Cam, they need to find a team that shares Kiper's feelings about Clausen.
#2 The Denver Broncos select Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama
The Broncos had a comically bad defense last year, and will without a doubt be looking to overhaul their defense during this draft. Dareus is considered by some to be the best player in this draft, and the Broncos need a presence on the defensive line more than anything else. The idea of pairing up Champ Bailey with stud corner Patrick Peterson will be tempting, but the Broncos other corners are not bad enough to warrant passing on Dareus. Peter King from Sports Illustrated also suggests that the Houston Texans could trade into this spot to take Peterson at two, but if the Broncos make this pick...their taking Dareus.
#3 The Buffalo Bills select Von Miller (OLB/DE) - Texas A&M
The Bills struck out when they selected Aaron Maybin of Penn State in the first round of the 2009 Draft, but Miller looks like a can't miss prospect. Many prognosticators are even calling for a double-digit sack total from him as a rookie. Miller is a hybrid prospect that can help the Bills inside, outside, or on the end. His size and speed will make an immediate impact in Buffalo. Some people say that the Bills could be looking at a quarterback here, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the problem in Buffalo, and I believe management realizes that.
#4 The Cincinnati Bengals select AJ Green (WR) - Georgia
The Bengals were expected to have a dynamite receiving corps last year. I even said it would be the best in the league, but their best receiver might have been Jordan Shipley. Terrell Owens had stretches of brilliance that didn't translate into team success, and Chad OchoCinco failed to live up to expectations for the first time in his storied career. With neither Owens nor Ocho expected to return, AJ Green is expected to join Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and tight end Jermaine Gresham to form the best young receiving corps in the league. Shipley has proven to be a good NFL receiver, but he would be better suited to play the slot. Green has the size, speed, and talent to play inside and out. If the Bengals pass on Green, Owens and/or OchoCinco could be returning. If Cameron Newton somehow slips to this spot, all bets are off because the Bengals will take him. Otherwise, the Bengals look to be in the running for a QB in the second round.
#5 The Arizona Cardinals select Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Missouri
The Cards have already experienced a season with no quarterback, and with the amount of talent that they have on their team, they can't afford to take a risk on an aging veteran like Marc Bulger or Donovan McNabb. Gabbert gives the team some long term direction at the position, and he is the most NFL ready signal-caller outside of the embattled Ryan Mallett. If Gabbert can duplicate the rookie success of Sam Bradford, the Cardinals immediately become the favorite in the NFC West. If he struggles, his raw ability will still put the Cards in a better position than they were in last year with Max Hall and John Skelton. The one scenario that would prevent Gabbert from going to the Cardinals is if Von Miller is still on the board, but I wouldn't bank on that happening.
#6 The Cleveland Browns select Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama
The Browns have an opportunity to fill a need with a better overall prospect if they take Robert Quinn, but Cleveland has absolutely nothing at the wide out position, and Julio Jones is an elite prospect at the position. Quinn is just as good at defensive end, but the position depth at D-end is amazing in this draft. There will be an impact pass rusher available in the second round, but there won't be a receiver close to Julio's level in round two. Colt McCoy will have his first legitimate weapon on offense, and that will allow the Browns to determine whether or not he's the long term answer under center.
#7 The San Francisco 49ers select Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU
On my personal draft board, Peterson is the second-best player in this draft. For the niners to get Peterson here is a steal. He immediately becomes a shutdown corner, and will possibly make an even bigger impact on special teams by shifting field position with his skills as a return man. Peterson's numbers as a returner at LSU surpass Devin Hester's at Miami. The 49ers are anemic on offense, and will rely on Peterson to return kicks and punts from day one as a big part of their offense gameplan.
#8 The Tennessee Titans select Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn
Albert Haynesworth may have proven to not be worth the money, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans have not been the same on defense since he left. Nick Fairley comes to the NFL draft with a few character questions of his own, but nothing that should stop the Titans from drafting him. The Titans would gladly take Blaine Gabbert if he is on the board, and will consider trading down to take Jake Locker. Quarterback is definitely their number one need, but their draft choice falls in a bad place within the draft order. Most likely, the Titans will take Fairley here and hope to draft Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton in the second round.
#9 The Dallas Cowboys select Tyron Smith (OT) - USC
Tyron Smith to the Cowboys is one of the worst kept secrets coming into the draft. The Boys need a replacement for aging tackle Marc Columbo, and Smith is reportedly the man that has Jerry Jones' attention. Smith is a better fit than a more polished tackle like Anthony Castonzo because his athletic ability fits the Cowboys' blocking scheme. Romo likes to use his mobility and Smith is the best blocker in the draft on the move.
#10 The Washington Redskins select Robert Quinn (DE/OLB) - North Carolina
The Redskins have holes all over their depth chart, and with Santana Moss possibly on the way out, the Skins probably want Julio Jones to fall to this spot. I don't see that happening, which means that Washington will simply take the best player still on the board. If Quinn is still available, he can't fall any further than this. His abilities on the edge will open things up for the suddenly re-emergent Adam Carriker on the inside.
#11 The Houston Texans select Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska
The Texans spent their first round pick on a corner last year (Kareem Jackson), but their pass defense was still comically bad last season. The team has the total package on offense, but they must continue to build the defense. Amukamara is only a notch below Patrick Peterson, and there is no shame in that. Prospects like Peterson come around at the cornerback position once every few years, but Amukamara is still an elite level talent in his own right. His size and speed make him an immediate impact player that will start from day one. If Amukamara becomes a lock-down corner from day one, the Texans will be an AFC contender.
#12 The Minnesota Vikings select Jake Locker (QB) - Washington
I would have never believed that the Vikings had the backbone to make this selection, but it's the pick that many people believe the Vikings will make. Last year, Locker graded out ahead of Sam Bradford, and many expected him to be a top five pick. However, Locker went back to school and struggled to standout with a mediocre team around him at Washington. Now he's slowly creeping up draft boards once again, especially after Jon Gruden tabbed him as one of the toughest players in the draft regardless of position. Locker has all the physical talents to be a top quarterback in the NFL, and has never played with players that enhance his talents, which means the sky is still the limit for him. I like Locker a lot, and think he can be a franchise quarterback. His ceiling is higher than any other rookie quarterback besides Cam Newton.
#13 The Detroit Lions select Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Boston College
The Lions will have their fingers crossed until they make their pick. If Prince Amukamara is on the board here, the Lions will take him in a matter of seconds. The Lions have glaring needs at cornerback and linebacker, but they can't address either of those needs at this point in the first round. The Lions will settle for Castonzo, likely the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. Castonzo will be a starter for day one and will be another cornerstone for the Lions' blossoming rebuilding project.
#14 The St. Louis Rams select Aldon Smith (DE/OLB) - Missouri
The St. Louis Rams will be looking to trade up and get Julio Jones, but trading into the top ten will be difficult because of the lockout. Teams will only be allowed to trade draft picks, but not players. Under these circumstances, it would possibly take trading picks from the 2012 and maybe even the 2013 draft to get a blockbuster deal done. The Rams will likely settle for Smith, an intimidating rush end who can play multiple positions on the outside. Smith isn't a very polished prospect but is big, fast, and athletic. He will definitely have a chance to be an impact player in St. Louis.
#15 The Miami Dolphins select Mike Pouncey (G/C) - Florida
The Dolphins will only take Pouncey if they can't trade down or maybe even out of the first round. The Dolphins want either Ryan Mallett or Andy Dalton, but they can't draft either of them here. Miami doesn't have a second round pick, so they have to parlay this first round pick into multiple picks. If they take Pouncey as a last resort, they will have to focus on trading into the second round with a package built around their third round pick. If they can acquire that second round pick, it will be used on a QB such as Christian Ponder or Colin Kaepernick. The Dolphins will be ecstatic if Ryan Mallett's character issues cause him to drop out of the second round and into their laps. Mallett is the type of talent that can start in week one.
#16 The Jacksonville Jaguars select Da'Quan Bowers (DE/OLB) - Clemson
The Jaguars are very much prepared to take Ryan Kerrigan with this pick, but if Bowers falls to this slot, he would be hard to pass on. The Jags like Kerrigan, but they can't justify taking him with Bowers still on the board. Bowers has some injury concerns, but most of them have been dismissed at this point. Bowers was a top five prospect before questions about his knee caused his stock to slip, but after missing on Derrick Harvey in the 2008 Draft, the Jags need to take a home run swing. Kerrigan looks to be a lock to be a good NFL player, but Bowers could possibly be a perennial All-Pro.
#17 The New England Patriots select Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB) - Purdue
Defensive lineman continue to fly off the board as the Patriots add to their defense with the selection of Kerrigan. Kerrigan is the type of high energy motor guy that the Pats love. Kerrigan is far from the most talented player in this loaded class of defensive ends, but he may be the hardest worker. If the Jaguars choose to take Bowers based on his potential, the Patriots will gladly take Kerrigan.
#18 The San Diego Chargers select JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin
The Chargers do not expect Watt to be available, but if the draft plays out the way I've laid it out so far, he will be nice and available at this part of the draft. This draft is filled to the brim with top notch defensive prospects. Watt will be able to fill a position that has been unstable since the departure of Richard Seymour.
#19 The New York Giants select Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin
The Giants have had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL for quite sometime, that consistency is starting to be tested by age and health concerns. Drafting Carimi at this spot gives the G-men a young stud to help rebuild this unit on the fly. The Giants were probably one healthy lineman away from being a playoff team last year, Carimi will be the cornerstone of the Giants O-line over the next decade.
#20 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Cameron Jordan (DE) - California
The Buccaneers are looking hard for a defensive end and they will be more than satisfied with Jordan. There are so many top notch ends in this draft that it looks like everyone will be content with what falls to them. Jordan possesses the same triple crown of size, strength, and athleticism that so many others have in this class. That doesn't change the fact that Jordan is a top prospect that could be a top 12 pick in other years. Jordan will be a mainstay on the end to compliment Gerald McCoy inside as the Bucs continue to build another menacing defense through the draft.
#21 The Kansas City Chiefs select Nate Solder (OT) - Colorado
The Chiefs really want Phil Taylor's foot to magically heal, making him a viable selection for them at this spot. In reality, the team looks to be sold on selecting Solder as a replacement for Barry Richardson, who is better suited as a rotational lineman and not a starter. There are many opinions circulating about Solder. Some say that he is the best tackle in the draft, while others think he is more of an early second round type of prospect. Solder's size and strength can't be questioned, but his technique has been said to need improvement. Regardless, he should be an improvement over any of the guys that KC used last year. Solder's career path will be drastically shaped by the coaching he recieves once he enters the league.
#22 The Indianapolis Colts select Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi State
Colts GM Bill Polian has already acknowledged that he made a mistake by not taking an offensive lineman in last year's draft. He won't make that mistake again. Unfortunately, both of the tackles that Indy covets are already off the board in this mock draft. Still, the Colts will not be deterred this time around. Sherrod may be a reach in the first round, but Indy likes him and he does have talent. The Colts don't have many needs, so they can afford to reach on a second round prospect with this pick.
#23 The Philadelphia Eagles select Jimmy Smith (CB) - Colorado
The Eagles are picking late enough in the first round that they can afford to take a risk on this type of boom or bust prospect. Smith has the measurables of a top 15 pick, but his play at Colorado was inconsistent, and his character has been called into question. However, the Eagles have two pressing needs, cornerback and the offensive line. Philly will be forced to take Smith because of the run on lineman that occurs just before their pick. If the Eagles fall in love with a tackle prospect, they could trade up in the draft to get him. They have a reputation of being aggressive with trades on draft day. If Smith lives up to his potential, he could receive a lot of playing time as a situational corner or even a starter with the departure of Ellis Hobbs due to a neck injury.
#24 The New Orleans Saints select Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple
The Saints have one very menacing side on their defensive line. Newly acquired Shuan Rogers and Will Smith are beyond intimidating, but the other side of that line is in need of an overhaul. Wilkerson is a great place to start. The big man from Temple has crept into the top ten on Mel Kiper's board and has been very impressive throughout the pre-draft process. Wilkerson and Rogers could be one of the league's best duos on the inside. The Saints are hoping that Da'Quan Bowers slips to them, but that doesn't seem likely. If he does, the Saints will abandon the Wilkerson plan and go with Bowers. If the Saints decide to build from the outside in, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward are two more options from the deepest class of defensive ends ever.
#25 The Seattle Seahawks select Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois
The Seahawks want Jake Locker. He has been the golden boy of the Pacific Northwest for four years and the Seahawks would love to turn their favorite Husky into a franchise quarterback, but the Vikings have seemingly fell in love with Locker and won't let him slip out of their grasps. If the fascination with Locker in Minnesota is real, the Seahawks will have to try to fill one of their other needs. Corey Liuget is somewhat of an unknown to many, but he is a top 15 prospect according to Scouts Inc. and is highly regarded among most GMs. Liuget isn't the athlete that Muhammad Wilkerson is, but he was productive in the Big Ten against more than a few future NFL lineman.
#26 The Baltimore Ravens select Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has insisted that the Ravens will take Cameron Heyward if he is on the board, but I don't know if that still applies if Adrian Clayborn is still on the board. Still, I'll trust that Baldinger knows what he's talking about. Either way, the Ravens will be getting a solid defensive end from out of the Big Ten. Heyward is a nice kid who plays with a mean streak that the Ravens will appreciate. I prefer Clayborn to Heyward, but I think the Ravens are more impressed by the speed and physicality that Heyward brings to the table.
#27 The Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn (DE) - Iowa
The Ravens may like Heyward, but the Falcons prefer the mammoth Clayborn on the edge. Clayborn will be the heir apparent to John Abraham who will be 33 this season. He has decent speed to go with obscene size and strength, and was dominant at times in college. Before the college football season, Clayborn was considered to be the top defensive end in this class. However, an up and down year at Iowa and the emergence of over a dozen highly touted edge rushers has left Clayborn in the laps of Atlanta late in the first round. Clayborn is still an impressive physical prospect that would be going in the top 15 in a different year with less options for teams looking for help with their pass rush.
#28 The New England Patriots select Justin Houston (OLB/DE) - Georgia
There is a 99.9% chance that the Pats will trade this pick. If they do make a selection, they will pair up Houston with their young stud linebacker Jerod Mayo. This pick will actually be spent on a quarterback. Depending on the team that deals into this spot, either Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder will hear their name called here. Ryan Mallett would have been a candidate to be selected here as well, but his recent issues involving a skipped meeting with the Carolina Panthers have made him a solid second round pick. Teams looking to draft Mallett won't be looking to trade into this spot.
#29 The Chicago Bears select Marvin Austin (DT) - North Carolina
The Bears are desperate to draft an offensive tackle. They dont seem to be interested in a guard like Dan Watkins and Mike Pouncey will be long gone by this time. All of the offensive tackles that received first round grades are off the board. There is a possibility that the Bears could reach for a second round prospect like TCU's Marcus Cannon, but I think they will turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where the talent pool is still deep even in this late stage of the first round. Austin was considered to be a top ten prospect before the season, but having to sit out the entire season at UNC due to NCAA violations has caused him to drop to this position. Austin is still every bit of the dominant player that we all remember, but we haven't seen it in awhile.
#30 The New York Jets select Phil Taylor (NT) - Baylor
The Chiefs really like Phil Taylor, but murmurs of him having foot issues will be enough to scare them away from drafting him in the first round. The Jets are showing no such concerns. The Jets will try to trade down into the second round to accumulate picks, but if the Jets do make a selection, they will likely take Taylor as a replacement for the often injured Kris Jenkins. If the Jets dump the pick, this would be an ideal spot to see another quarterback snatched by an aggressive team looking to make a move.
#31 The Pittsburgh Steelers select Aaron Williams (CB) - Texas
The Steelers need major help at the cornerback position, so much so that this may not be the only corner that the Steelers take in this draft. It's a no-brainer to pick either Williams or Miami's Brandon Harris with this pick. Most experts agree that Williams is the preferred choice among the two. Especially since he has the ability to possibly slide over to the safety position if necessary.
#32 The Green Bay Packers select Brooks Reid (DE/OLB) - Arizona
Reid has a lot of attributes in common with the player that Clay Mathews was when the Packers drafted him in the first round. Their comparative high energy styles of play are probably why the Pack prefer him instead of Akeem Ayers, another top prospect at the position. This pick is also a candidate to be included in a trade if a team thirsty for a quarterback gets anxious.
Friday, April 15, 2011
NFL Draft Coverage: Defensive Position Rankings (DEs, DTs, LBs, DBs)
1. Robert Quinn - North Carolina
2. DaQuan Bowers - Clemson
3. JJ Watt - Wisconsin
4. Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue
5. Adrian Clayborn - Iowa
6. Cameron Heyward - Ohio State
7. Aldon Smith - Missouri [pictured]8. Cameron Jordan - California
9. Allen Bailey - Miami FL
10. Greg Romeus - Pittsburgh
11. Christian Ballard - Iowa
12. Jeremy Beal - Oklahoma
13. Sam Acho - Texas
14. Jabaal Sheard - Pittsburgh
15. Cliff Matthews - South Carolina
16. Brandon Bair - Oregon
17. Ugo Chinasa - Oklahoma State
18. Pierre Allen - Nebraska
19. Pernell Mcphee - Mississippi State
20. Ryan Winterswyk - Boise State
21. Rick Elmore - Arizona [pictured]
22. Eddie Jones - Texas
23. Karl Klug - Iowa24. Markus White - Florida State
25. Lazarius Levingston - LSU
Defensive Tackles
1. Marcell Dareus - Alabama
2. Nick Fairley - Auburn
3. Marvin Austin - North Carolina [pictured]
4. Muhammad Wilkerson - Temple
5. Stephen Paea - Oregon State
6. Corey Liuget - Illinois
7. Drake Nevis - LSU
8. Jarvis Jenkins - Clemson
9. Phil Taylor - Baylor
10. Jurrell Casey - USC
11. Jerrell Powe - Ole Miss
12. Ian Williams - Notre Dame
13. Terrell McClain - USF
14. Kenrick Ellis - Hampton15. Lawrence Guy - Arizona State
16. Sione Fua - Stanford
17. Chris Neild - West Virginia
18. David Carter - UCLA
19. Sealver Siliga - Utah
20. Ladi Ajiboye - South Carolina
21. Cedric Thornton - Southern Arkansas
22. Martin Parker - Richmond
23. Zach Clayton - Auburn
24. Mike Blanc - Auburn
25. Ollie Ogbu - Penn State
Outside Linebackers
1. Von Miller - Texas A&M2. Akeem Ayers - UCLA
3. Bruce Carter - North Carolina
4. Dontay Moch - Nevada [pictured]
5. Justin Houston - Georgia
6. Brooks Reed - Arizona
7. Mark Herzlich - Boston College
8. Lawrence Wilson - Connecticut
9. Ross Homan - Ohio State
10. Doug Hogue - Syracuse
11. Brian Rolle - Ohio State
12. Eric Gordon - Michigan State
13. Jonas Mouton - Michigan
14. Mason Foster - Washington
15. Michael Morgan - USC
16. Adrian Moten - Maryland [pictured]
17. Brian Smith - Notre Dame18. Malcolm Smith - USC
19. KJ Wright - Mississippi State
20. Chris Carter - Fresno State
Inside Linebackers
1. Martez Wilson - Illinois
2. Quan Sturdivant - North Carolina
3. Greg Jones - Michigan State
4. Casey Mathews - Oregon
5. Nate Irving - North Carolina State
6. Kelvin Sheppard - LSU
7. Colin McCarthy - Miami FL8. Mike Mohamed - California
9. Nick Bellore - Central Michigan
10. Mario Harvey - Marshall [pictured]
11. Bruce Miller - UCF
12. Akeem Dent - Georgia
13. Scott Lutrus - Connecticut
14. Obi Ezeh - Michigan
15. Brian Duncan - Texas Tech
16. Josh Bynes - Auburn
17. Chris White - Mississippi State
18. Alex Wujciak - Maryland
19. Orie Lemon - Oklahoma State
20. Greg Lloyd - Connecticut
Cornerbacks
1. Patrick Peterson - LSU2. Prince Amukamara - Nebraska
3. Brandon Harris - Miami FL
4. Jimmy Smith - Colorado [pictured]
5. Aaron Williams - Texas
6. Ras-I Dowling - Virginia
7. Curtis Brown - Texas
8. Brandon Burton - Utah
9. Chimdi Chekwa - Ohio State
10. Shareece Wright - USC
11. Kendric Burney - North Carolina
12. Davon House - New Mexico State
13. Brandon Hogan - West Virginia
14. Johnny Patrick - Louisville
15. Marcus Gilchrist - Clemson
16. Curtis Marsh - Utah State
17. Jalil Brown - Colorado
18. Rashad Carmichael - Virginia Tech19. Chris L Rucker - Michigan State
20. DeMarcus Van Dyke - Miami FL
21. Chykie Brown - Texas
22. Buster Skrine - Chattanooga
23. Devon Torrence - Ohio State
24. Richard Sherman - Stanford
25. Cortez Allen - The Citadel [pictured]
Safeties
1. Rahim Moore - UCLA
2. Quinton Carter - Oklahoma
3. Tyler Sash - Iowa
4. Deunta Williams - North Carolina
5. DeAndre McDaniel - Clemson
6. Ahmad Black - Florida
7. Joe Lefeged - Rutgers
8. Da'Norris Searcy - North Carolina
9. Shiloh Keo - Idaho [pictured]
10. Jeron Johnson - Boise State
11. Robert Sands - West Virginia
12. Jerrard Tarrant - Georgia Tech
13. Jermale Hines - Ohio State
14. Chris Culliver - South Carolina
15. Chris Conte - California
16. Will Hill - Florida
17. Mark Legree - Appalachian State
18. Jaiquawn Jarrett - Temple
19. Tejay Johnson - TCU
20. Jay Valai - Wisconsin
21. Zac Etheridge - Auburn
22. Brian Lainhart - Kent State
23. Jai Eugene - LSU
24. Eric Hagg - Nebraska
25. Keanemana Silva - Hawaii
26. Colin Jones - TCU
27. Chris Prosinsky - Wyoming
28. Dejon Gomes - Nebraska
29. David Sims - Iowa State
30. Troy Woolfork - Michigan
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
2011 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament started today in Portsmouth, Virginia. The "PIT" is one of the most important evaluation tournaments in the months leading up to the NBA Draft. Some of the country's best players are attending this year, including a few players that received All-America mentions from the Associated Press. These are the rosters for this year's tournament. A few of the teams look to be pretty stacked, but this tournament has a tendency to produce some unlikely stars. Landry Fields was the breakthrough star in Virginia last year, and he has continued his success in the NBA this season. One of these players may be able to put themselves on track for similar success with an impressive performance this week. This year's participants...
Coaches: Dennis Koutoufas & Ben Moore
| # | Last Name | College | Pos | Ht | Wt | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Brown, Gilbert | Pittsburgh | F | 6' 6" | 215 | 10.9 | 4.4 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 44.7 | 39.4 | 78.8 |
| 11 | Johnson, Ravern | Mississippi State | F | 6' 7" | 175 | 17.6 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 43 | 40.3 | 78 |
| 22 | Lauderdale, Dallas | Ohio State | F | 6' 8" | 255 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 73.3 | 0 | 30.8 |
| 42 | Sikma, Luke | Portland | F | 6' 8" | 235 | 12.9 | 10.5 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 52.6 | 33.3 | 78.9 |
| 23 | Thomas, Malcolm | San Diego State | F | 6' 9" | 215 | 11.1 | 8.1 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 2 | 53.3 | 0 | 64.3 |
| 13 | Hardy, Dwight | Saint John | G | 6' 2" | 196 | 18.3 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 44.8 | 35.4 | 84.5 |
| 45 | Payne, Mark | Cal-Davis | G | 6' 8" | 215 | 15.5 | 4.9 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 52.2 | 32.7 | 81.4 |
| 5 | Stokes, Corey | Villanova | G | 6' 5" | 220 | 14.9 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 43.3 | 43.2 | 89.4 |
Coaches: Leo Anthony & Mac Carroll
| # | Last Name | College | Pos | Ht | Wt | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Tisdale, Mike | Illinois | C | 7' 1" | 250 | 10 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 50.6 | 40.4 | 80 |
| 5 | Bose, Anatoly | Nicholls State | F | 6' 6" | 200 | 22.1 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 34.9 | 32.5 | 79.3 |
| 15 | Bryan-Amaning, Matthew | Washington | F | 6' 9" | 240 | 15.3 | 8 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 44.5 | 34.9 | 71.9 |
| 20 | Kelly, Curtis | Kansas State | F | 6' 8" | 239 | 10.5 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 53.2 | 100 | 53.5 |
| 1 | Anderson, Kevin | Richmond | G | 6' 0" | 175 | 15.7 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 44.5 | 45.4 | 68.3 |
| 2 | Long, Cam | George Mason | G | 6' 4" | 187 | 15.1 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 47.9 | 43.2 | 75.2 |
| 3 | Stitt, Demontez | Clemson | G | 6' 2" | 180 | 14.5 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 43.3 | 34.6 | 73.2 |
| 12 | Wanamaker, Brad | Pittsburgh | G | 6' 4" | 210 | 11.8 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 45.5 | 33.3 | 75.3 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)