-UPDATE- To paraphrase Dennis Green , "He is what we thought he was", but we might be wrong about the earlier top 20 picks prediction. We watched 2 more films of him in addition to the 3 we saw before from last season and he really needs coaching. Wowed in workouts , but still raw, and while we haven't heard anything bad about him off the field, we have heard questions about his toughness and football IQ now. Unless teams think he can't handle his business off the field he is too amazing a prospect to make it out of the 1rst round. Coach him up and he's a superstar. Upside is so great( think Walter Jones) and we think he will be able to pass block at a high NFL level as soon as said coaching up takes hold, so we think someone still jumps his upside in the 1rst round. -down from # 15
27. Nate Allen - FS- S. FLA.- A smart player who always seems to be around the ball ,and a student of the game who has earned a leadership role. Rarely gets beat, but if he does he recovers quickly. Physical in coverage and run support, but could wrap up better at times, although he can be a punishing hitter. Can be a bit overaggressive at times, but makes a lot of big plays with that aggression. Could play either safety position, but he's the kind of guy you want being your last line of defense. Can cover RB's and TE's but lacks the long speed to run with burner receivers down field. Great read and recognition skills and is a ballhawk who can jump routes. Generally takes good angles and breaks on the ball with a will.-NFL comparison - Tanard Jackson- TB
-UPDATE- This former Qb has benefited from the deeper looks teams have given to Taylor Mays. The more you watch Allen and Mays on film the bigger the contrast becomes. A good athlete and great foot player like Allen ,trumps a great athlete like Mays who didn't produce the way he was expected too. He probably won't go till the top half of the second round but he is worthy of a low first round pick. Won't knock as many WR's unconscious as other guys but he won't make many mistakes either. - up from # 49
28. Ryan Mathews- RB- Fresno ST.- A physical down hill runner that runs through contact. Hits the hole quick,almost too quick at times, as he needs to let his blockers get into position. Arm tackles have no effect and he can push the pile. Has decent speed, but isn't going to bust a lot of runs to the outside in the NFL, although he shows good speed straight ahead. When his pads are low he punishes defenders. His blocking and receiving skills improved dramatically this season, but could still use some work on both.The kind of guy who looks for contact. Can probably be productive for a power runnign team early on his career , but backs with his running style tend to flame out sooner than most. NFl comparison-Frank Gore-SF
-UPDATE- He has emerged as the safest bet for any team needing a every down back in this draft. Others may pass him in time, but he is solid all around and tough enough to be your workhorse from day 1. - up from # 54
29. John Asomoah- G- Ill.- A smart player with his head on a swivel in pass pro, but he could use his hand punch better. Sinks his hips then delivers a blow in the run game.Kicks and slides well enough to maybe play RT at the next level, although I am not sure how long his arms are. A tough run blocker who stays under control and rarely makes mistakes. Gets off the ball quick and into his man in line, and excels at the 2nd level. Gets set quickly in pass pro and is hard to drive back or get past. A good guy off the field with the work ethic and motor to be a long term starter .His upside isn't as great as some, but is already more polished than many NFL lineman. Looks smart and quick enough to maybe play center. - NFL comparison- Davin Joseph- TB
-UPDATE- Lack of ideal measurables and could knock him down the boards of some power running teams, but that would be a mistake in our opinion. This guy is the guard version Bryan Bulaga and his floor is too low for him to last long. It's unlikely he's drafted this high, but in most years he would easily be the 1rst guard drafted.- up from # 33
30. Charles Brown-OT- Southern Cal- A rangy athletic LT prospect that needs to put on more muscle. Good feet and balance but lacks the strength to consistently enforce his will on stronger defenders. More of a steer and wall off technician in the run game, but he appears aggressive enough. Slides well and can beat the rusher to the edge but is relegated to just trying to push them past the pocket. Good hand placement but needs a stronger hand punch. Basically he needs more strength and size or he will get run over by some of the stronger defenders in the NFL. Comes from a big time program and played well there. Former TE with great upside that just needs more time at OT and more sand in his pants to be a starter in the pros. Might be a good fit in a zone blocking scheme or in certain ( not a power running team right now) offenses while he gets bigger.Works hard to get to the 2nd level in the run game.-NFL comparison- DeBrickshaw Ferguson- NYJ
-UPDATE- Put on some size since the season ended and looked very fluid in drills at the combine and on his pro day. With teams now questioning Bruce Campbell's readiness to start right away even more teams will be looking to him as a first rounder ,and consolation prize once the top 4 OT's are already off the board. In a zone scheme he could start from day one at LT, and he can probably pass block in any scheme at a decent NFL level right now.- up from # 38
31.Demaryius Thomas-WR- Ga. Tech.- A big strong fierce competitor who knows how to use his size in all phases of the game. Runs good routes in his limited offense, but needs to show more of the route tree in the pre-draft process. Was in a triple option offense and mostly caught short passes, although his explosion after the catch is one of his best features.Runs by or through tacklers and can go the distance.Good top speed and quick out of his breaks.If he runs a sub 4.5 forty expect him to go in the 1rst round.Has concentration lapses catching the ball, and that more than anything else will hurt him some.A physical willing blocker and is the best blocking WR in this draft class.Still a tad raw but his upside is the best of all the WR's. Could end up the 2nd WR taken with strong workouts.-NFL comparison- Terrell Owens- Buffalo Bills
-UPDATE - Still not healthy enough to work out but I can't see someone with his upside escaping the top 40 picks. Will need time to learn how to be a complete receiver but at least by his second season he could be a # 1 receiver.- steady at # 31
32. Patrick Robinson- CB- Fla. St. - A decent sized fast corner with no short term memory and super quick feet. Has a good burst to the ball when its in front of him, but could use some work transitioning out of his pedal. Willing in run support but not a great tackler yet, although he is aggressive and usually gets the job done. Team leader on the field but has had some problems off off it. If if he picks it he can take it to the house, and looks like he could play some receiver if given the chance. Has a burst to the ball and makeup speed. Has some return experience and should contribute on many special team right away. Depending on the pre-draft process he could end up the 2nd corner taken or the the 5th.- NFL comparison- ( on defense, not as a returner) Leodis McKelvin -BUFF
-UPDATE- His inconsistency on film has allowed other corners to possibly pass him. Still so gifted I can't see him making it out of the top 40.
33. Jerry Hughes-TEX TECH-DE/OLB- Can definitely rush the passer. Great hands and can turn the corner. Excellent first step with the ability to blow right by blockers before they are set. Wide variety of pass rush moves and at the very least he will be a good situational pass rusher early on. Needs to go to a 3-4 team or possibly Tampa 2 team to be able to start right away. Needs work holding the point against the run but he can penetrate and will chase down plays from the backside. Good motor and led the nation in sacks last season.The pre-draft process has helped him a lot, but he still has a lot learn if he transitions to a 3-4 . Since he can rush the passer at the least he could go a lot higher.
34. Taylor Mays - FS- USC- Linebacker size and cornerback speed playing safety. A huge hitter who needs some work diagnosing plays. Might be better fit at SS or WLB in a 4-3. The kind of physical freak, intimidator, and attitude the raiders love. A team moving him might retard his growth, but he could still have similar career path to that of Thomas Davis of Carolina. If he stays at FS , he is going to need to get much better at reading the play. If he went for the ball instead of the highlight hit he would get a lot more picks. - NFL comparison- Thomas Davis- CAR
-Was as big and fast as advertised at the combine , Senior bowl, and his pro day. However, he still looks a bit stiff changing directions and makes some bad reads. No matter how you slice it he will need time and a fair amount of coaching to make a big impact in the NFL. He either needs to be coached up at FS, or move to SS or WLB. We are thinking more and more that he is going to end up like a Thomas Davis instead of Sean Taylor. Thats not a bad thing ,and if he harnesses his abilty he will be a beast at OLB or SS. The less he has to diagnose the better right now. -down from # 17
35. Sean Weatherspoon-LB-Miss.- A highly athletic sideline to sideline playmaker. Read and recognition skills are not on par for a QB of the defense. Big and physical enough to play MLB , but his technique taking on blockers needs work. If he is protected and allowed to flow to the ball he could make plays all day. A good blitzer when turned loose and this highlights his main weakness. When he is sure of what he is doing he goes for it all guns blazing, but he often is a tick late starting and only his speed makes up for it. Fluid hips and a good tackler but doesn't punish ball carrier the way he could. Excellent when dropping into coverage and his biggest hits occured here. Should at least contribute as a nickle LB and special teamer as a rookie, as he excelled in both areas at Missouri. He's a good footbal player , but a better athlete right now. Would probably fit best on the weakside at first in the NFL until he gets coached up .If his read and recognition skills matched his abilty he could be a perennial all-pro in a 4-3.So athletic you almost think he could play SS in the right system. A productive team leader and long term starter in college. His upside is Ray Lewis, but doesn't have the instincts & technique right now. -NFL comparison- DJ Williams- DEN
-UPDATE- Which guy is he? The one with a great junior year or the one who seemed to take a step back as a senior? Could be seniroidas or just fear of injury, but he has looked good since the season ended. - up from # 60
36. Brian Price-DT-UCLA- A stout run stuffer and penetrator with a good motor. Gets off the ball in a hurry and has a low center of gravity. Uses his hands well ,and splits some double teams ,ripping through into the backfield. Could probably play strong-side 3-4 end as well. Might even play NT if he got bigger, or in a scheme like Dallas or San Diego run. In a normal year he would probably be a top 10 pick, but the depth at his position( and the draft overall ) this year knocks him down some.Good rip and bull rush, but he needs more pass rush moves. NFL comparison- Sedrick Ellis-NO Saints
-UPDATE- Another player who has dropped more becuase others have risen. If you want an up field penetrator at DT, he is right behind McCoy for your scheme. Other schemes he doesn't fit wel lthough , but it wouldn't surprise us if he went to the Colts at the end of the 1rst. If the Bucs took him ands Suh their would be a lot of nervous QB's playing them next year. - down from # 22
37. Golden Tate- WR - N. Dame- If Weis does leave Tate is likely to go as well, and Weis getting the axe seems to be a foregone conclusion. A talented separator with a passion for the game. Good speed and just always seems open if he gets off the line quickly. NFL DB's will give him even more trouble getting off the line, and are a lot faster, but he is the type a guy that will work at his craft. Explosive in the open field and a valuable returner as well. Great ball skills and he will battle for the catch. At the very least he's a threat in the slot as a # 3 receiver and return man to start his career. In time he looks like he could be a field stretching game breaker, but his route running needs polish. - NFL comparison- Steve Smith - Car. Panthers
-UPDATE- He hasn't done anything wrong drop down boards. It is the depth of this draft and rise of many other players that has caused him to drop some.Still should be a fringe 1rst rounder but he will probably go in the top of the 2nd. - down from # 21
38. Jahvid Best-RB- CAL- A small back who has has home-run ability on every play. Durability questions haunt him and he may be another guy who shouldn't be a 300 carry back unless he packs on more size. Hits the hole , makes one cut, and runs to daylight.Excellent receiver with return abilty. I have seen him compared to Reggie Bush , but he may not have the same speed Bush does. He also doesn't have the same patience and vision problems Bush does either .Suffered a serious concussion, but it was due to a freakish hit ,not fragility. Not strong between the tackles and he needs to pack on more muscle to be able to hold up. Could probably hold up between the tackles better than Bush , but like Bush he's a guy the defense has to game plan against. - NFL comparison- Brian Westbrook-PHI-
-UPDATE- He ran as fast as we hoped he would, but was also as small as we feared he would be. Still a dangerous playmaker and if used right he is worth a 1rst round pick, but teams no longer see him as an every down possibility. Can be as good or better than CJ Spiller but his injury history makes him far less likely to be picked as high. - down from # 35
39. Kyle Wilson- CB- Boise St. - Smooth and fluid in his backpedal and transition. Flips his hips as quick as anyone in this draft class and breaks on the ball quickly. A man to man cover corner with good speed and the cockiness that implies. Uses the sideline well as an extra defender. Locates the ball quickly in zone , but can get caught peeking into the backfield too much, and will occasionally bite on fakes trying to jump the route. Can get out-muscled by bigger receivers, but is aggressive in bump and run. Run support improved this year but still isn't aggressive enough in this are, and needs a lot of improvement as a tackler.Excellent special teamer and provides return ability as well. -NFL comparison- Mike Jenkins- DALL
-UPDATE- Another senior bowl standout, which caused more people to look at more of his tape, and see more good stuff. Maybe the second corner off the board( and a likely 1rst rounder )because he stepped up where other players faltered. However we still feel he should be a 2nd
in this deep draft. - up from # 44
40. Kareem Jackson- CB- ALA- A feisty physical corner. Good in bump and run , but he needs to learn to be less obvious with contact down field. Plays bigger than he is , but bigger WR's can rag doll him and he needs work on his hand fighting. Needs work on his backpedal but breaks on the ball well. Might fit best in Tampa 2 scheme as he strong against the run and a sure tackler. If he were bigger I think he would make a great free safety as he is a smart player and student of the game. Good but not great speed. Reads coverages well and can jump a route.Also a strong special teamer and team leader. Lacks the ceiling of the guys above him, but his floor is low enough if you use him right - NFL comparison- Lito Sheppard- Jets
41. Vladimir DuCasse-G- UMASS- Some will think he can play LT in the NFL someday , and that may get him over drafted, but he is too slow footed to ever do so at a high level. While he can't play LT , he does have intriguing athleticism for such a big man. He could maybe play RT soon , and probably either guard spot already. Strong with long arms and plays to the whistle, but he could be nastier. Still raw recognizing stunts and his technique is inconsistent. Needs to get used to a 3 point stance. Immigrated to the US 7 years ago and football is still relatively new to him compared to most top prospects, who start playing in grade school. He's an unfinished product but his upside is high,and if he goes to the right team he could be a steal in the second round, but don't expect a lot of immediate results unless he plays guard. -NFL comparison- Vernon Carey- MIA
-UPDATE- We admit he's growing on us.Maybe he can play LT in a power running scheme some day. He looked pretty light on his feet at the senior bowl. Still needs work but when he gets coached up and gets a tad more fit, he just might do it. Not right now though. He is like a less polished Anthony Davis at the moment, but he doesn't have the same personalty issues . A team who likes Davis may take him a little early and reap the benefits when his learning curve catches up. Either way at G or RT he's good to go once he learns the offense. -up from #46
42. Donald Butler- LB-WASH-Everything he does is smooth. Well coached with good instincts.A good athlete with excellent range . Not always stout at the point of attack taking on blockers , but he slips them well and is a natural knee bender. Explodes into the hole. Reads and reacts well and is always around the ball. Even on those rare occasions when blockers get to him he has a tendency to make the tackle down field anyway. Takes great angles and is often into the backfield before the RB is ready for him .Strong against the pass. Fluid hips and reads QB's and coverage well to jump routes, but he needs to work on his hands.Good balance and rarely out of position. Strong tackler with good form and can make the big hit when given the chance but generally secures the tackle first.-NFL comparison-D'Qwell Jackson- CLEV
-UPDATE - His senior bowl has to have elevated on every teams draft boards. Was a leader all week and the more we watch him the better he gets. Our guess is someone gets a steal when they pick him in the middle of the 2nd ,becuase this draft is so deep and he plays a undervalued position on draft day.Has played well both inside and outside but played best inside. Is athletic enough to to play middle in the tampa 2. Low floor guys like this rarely last long. - up from # 57
43. Tim Tebow-QB- FLA.-Will be successful somehow in the NFL, even it's not as a QB. If he goes to the right team ,with the patience to use him to run the wildcat, play some H-Back, and basically have a Kordell Stewart-Slash-type role for awhile he may actually develop into a starting NFL QB. Right now unless you run the spread option offense he wouldn't have lot of chance to succeed as a QB in the NFL,and no ones body could take the type of hits he would receive in that offense for long. Has a long delivery, a inconsistent release, needs to learn to make more than 2 reads , and only average accuracy currently. With the NFL having smaller windows to throw in he needs a lot of coaching in a NFL offense, with a NFL QB coach. Is big strong fast athletic QB with the heart of champion. A team leader , great person,and a winner in college. Strong runner with a TE"s body but the hits he takes in the NFL will be a lot harder. His arm strength is questionable becuase of how he throws. When he winds up and sets his feet he shows a strong arm, but will his arm be as strong with a normal delivery? Despite all the negatives he's the type of guy who will work as hard as he needs to succeed somewhere. At the very least I think he will be a Chris Cooley type H-back, although a better blocker, with the abilty to run some interesting sub packages . At best he could be Donovan McNabb with time and coaching. My best description would be if DR. Moreau used the DNA of Donovan Mcnabb , with a splash of Randall Cunningham( for the delivery), and a smidgen of Kordell Stewart for the versatility, to make a baby in futuristic lab somewhere: and he turned out to be a left handed White guy?- he would be Tim Tebow. - NFL comparison- Donovan McNabbb- PHIL
-UPDATE- Played a the senior bowl and even though his inexperienced under center showed, NFL coaches came to really like him. Then had a great combine in all the athletic drills. When he finally unveiled his new throwing motion at his personal workout he was drastically improved in a short time. I can't find it in me to bet against this type of player and person. If he goes top Buffalo in the 2nd Chan Gailey is the type of coach to tailor the offense to his strengths. Learning curve takes him out of the 1rst round in our book, but in year 2 or 3 we see a starting QB.
-Up from # 50
44. Ricky Sapp- OLB/ DE- Clemson- Make no mistake, he gets a grade this high with the expectation that he will move to 3-4 OLB full time. When he got the chance to play that position some, he showed a lot of promise, but it's still a small sample size. A high level fluid athlete with the build to add 10-15 more pounds of muscle and still maintain his speed. A quick first step and good closing speed on the QB.Can chase downplays from the backside, but doesn't hold the point of attack very well yet. If he goes to a 4-3 team he will only be a situational pass rusher till he gets more sand in his pants. Looked like he wasn't all the way back from 08 knee injury last year, but was still productive. -NFL comparison- Jason Taylor- MIA
-UPDATE- Is his knee sound? That's the ONLY question with him for us. If it was we think he would be a top 10 pick to a 3-4 team. This guy may end up steal of the draft or never reach his potential because of injury. A team like NE with 2nd rounders should jump all over him. He wasn't near full health last year and he still looked pretty good. -down from # 40
45. Brandon Spikes ILB- Fla.- His elite instincts make him look faster than he is, but he will never be a sideline to sideline ILB. The area he does cover he will cover well ,and he has a knack for making big plays.Excellent in zone coverage and blitzing, but not fast enough to play man-to-man. Big enough to play ILB in a 4-3 or either spot in a 3-4. Leader of the defense and a solid tackler.Very productive at a big time program.The well publicized incident where he stuck his hand in RB's face mask doesn't seem to have hurt him to much, but his 40 time is absolutely key to being drafted in the first round.-NFL comparison- James Farrior -Pitt. Steelers.
-UPDATE- Didn't run anywhere near what he hoped. Instincts and production are still to high for him fall out of the 2nd round . I think in a 3-4 ,where he needs to cover less ground, he could be a pro bowler early in his career. In a 4-3 his tackle to tackle speed isn't nearly as valuable. Some teams will see him as 2 down player and won't be looking at him til the 3rd round at the earliest .
46. Terrence Cody-NT-Alabama- Even though he will probably only be on the field 50-60 % of the time in the NFL, "Mount" Cody is the only for sure 3-4 NT in this draft. A mammoth lane clogger, who occupies blockers vs the run and not much else. The position is so hard to fill that some 3-4 team should take him in the first 2 rounds at worst. The Chargers , Steelers and Jets all have NT's coming off injury , over 30, or both .His gas tank is subpar but when he's fresh he overpowers anybody 1 v1 ,and regularly stacks up double teams.His weight needs to be monitored ,or he could eat his way out of the league-NFL comparison- Maake Kemoeatu- CAR
-UPDATE- Looked horrible at the senior bowl weigh ins, but still held the point well against the best senior O-Lineman. Lost some weight by the combine .Fact 1- He is the only for sure 3-4 NT in this draft. Fact 2- Not only are there a bunch of 3-4 teams needing a young NT even more teams are switching to a 3-4. Fact 3- Some teams always draft for need. He will be gone in the first 40 picks at worst and he could easily sneak into the bottom of the 1rst.
47. Thaddeus Gibson- LB- Ohio ST. - The only reason he isn't much higher on this list is his lack of a high football IQ. If he goes to a 4-3 team it could take awhile for him to be productive anywhere but on special teams. Since we project him a 3-4 rush OLB, we think his athleticism and upside warrant a 2nd round pick. An elite athlete who fires off the ball quick when rushing the passer. A former 4-3 DE/OLB who has the frame to be a 3-4 rush backer while still adding 10-15 pounds. Fierce taking on blockers and is strong for his size, but could get stouter in the trunk . Can tackle with force, but still looks unsure in space. Although he will workout well is not a workout warrior type, as he seems to genuinely love the game . Instincts are good, but doesn't recognize offensive shifts and misdirection plays well. The combine should send him flying up draft boards- NFL comparison- Brian Orapko- WASH
-UPDATE- Showed off his athleticism at the combine and ran an even faster 40 at his pro day, but he is still at least a year away from being a full time starter. A 3-4 team would be wise to grab him in the 2nd and coach him up. Until then he can be a core special teamer at the least.
-up from # 55
48. Lamarr Houston- DT- Texas- A steady athletic complete player who probably has a lot more upside with more technique work , but at the least he should be a solid starter somewhere along the D-line. Scheme versatility helps him, as he looks athletic and strong enough to play either 3-4 end spot in addition to DT. Plays with good leverage and stout at the point but needs to use his hands more against the run. With a little more size he could be a 3-4 NT in time as well, as his strength against double teams is obvious on film.Has a good motor but is more of a pressure player as a pass rusher.Gets off the ball well and can penetrate some ,but doesn't make as many plays down the line as his long speed would suggest. With more coaching he could be a pro bowler in the right scheme, but he should be at least a solid versatile D-line starter. He will probably go to a 3-4 DE needy team in the second round ,and be able to move inside on pass rush downs. -NFL comparison- Luis Castill0- SD
49. Arrelious Benn - A big thick tough receiver who fights for the ball, but has concentration lapses at random times even though his hands are genuinely strong. Has a good burst , with some return ability thrown in, despite not being a burner . Is a beast after the catch can run through or away from defenders, even though he isn't gonna juke the defense much. A strong willing blocker who gives good effort in the run game. Needs work on his route running and separation skills partly becuase he spent a lot of time in the slot in college. Played on a bad team with a bad QB this year, but his sophomore film shows what he can do. If not for that we think he would have been a likely 1rst rounder.- NFL comparison- Dwayne Bowe- KC Chiefs- -UPDATE-Injuries and inefficient offense led to him coming out early. Normally a guy doesn't come after a season like last year ,but with his college QB and offense he may have actually made the right decision .Didn't run as fast as he hoped at the combine but his initial burst makes up for it. -up from # 51
50. Sean Lee- LB-Penn St.-Top level instincts make him what he is. Read and reacts better than many high level pro LB's. A better football player than athlete( although he very athletic) who lacks the fluidity of a superstar MLB, but his recognition skills make up for it, although he doesn't have sideline to sideline range. Not a consistent big hitter, but an excellent tackler. Excellent in zone coverage and reads QB's well, but isn't fast enough to stay with quicker players in man to man. Best in a 4-3 cover 2 scheme ,or maybe on the inside in a 3-4. Looks to be long term above average starter with a low floor, but his upside doesn't appear as high as the players ranked above him. -NFL comparison- Jesse Armstead-(ret)
-UPDATE Another low floor guy who teams appreciate the more they see him. Injury history will probably keep him out of the 1rst round, but he at least played well when he returned from it.
-up from # 53
-UPDATE- Another senior bowl standout, which caused more people to look at more of his tape, and see more good stuff. Maybe the second corner off the board( and a likely 1rst rounder )because he stepped up where other players faltered. However we still feel he should be a 2nd
in this deep draft. - up from # 44
40. Kareem Jackson- CB- ALA- A feisty physical corner. Good in bump and run , but he needs to learn to be less obvious with contact down field. Plays bigger than he is , but bigger WR's can rag doll him and he needs work on his hand fighting. Needs work on his backpedal but breaks on the ball well. Might fit best in Tampa 2 scheme as he strong against the run and a sure tackler. If he were bigger I think he would make a great free safety as he is a smart player and student of the game. Good but not great speed. Reads coverages well and can jump a route.Also a strong special teamer and team leader. Lacks the ceiling of the guys above him, but his floor is low enough if you use him right - NFL comparison- Lito Sheppard- Jets
41. Vladimir DuCasse-G- UMASS- Some will think he can play LT in the NFL someday , and that may get him over drafted, but he is too slow footed to ever do so at a high level. While he can't play LT , he does have intriguing athleticism for such a big man. He could maybe play RT soon , and probably either guard spot already. Strong with long arms and plays to the whistle, but he could be nastier. Still raw recognizing stunts and his technique is inconsistent. Needs to get used to a 3 point stance. Immigrated to the US 7 years ago and football is still relatively new to him compared to most top prospects, who start playing in grade school. He's an unfinished product but his upside is high,and if he goes to the right team he could be a steal in the second round, but don't expect a lot of immediate results unless he plays guard. -NFL comparison- Vernon Carey- MIA
-UPDATE- We admit he's growing on us.Maybe he can play LT in a power running scheme some day. He looked pretty light on his feet at the senior bowl. Still needs work but when he gets coached up and gets a tad more fit, he just might do it. Not right now though. He is like a less polished Anthony Davis at the moment, but he doesn't have the same personalty issues . A team who likes Davis may take him a little early and reap the benefits when his learning curve catches up. Either way at G or RT he's good to go once he learns the offense. -up from #46
42. Donald Butler- LB-WASH-Everything he does is smooth. Well coached with good instincts.A good athlete with excellent range . Not always stout at the point of attack taking on blockers , but he slips them well and is a natural knee bender. Explodes into the hole. Reads and reacts well and is always around the ball. Even on those rare occasions when blockers get to him he has a tendency to make the tackle down field anyway. Takes great angles and is often into the backfield before the RB is ready for him .Strong against the pass. Fluid hips and reads QB's and coverage well to jump routes, but he needs to work on his hands.Good balance and rarely out of position. Strong tackler with good form and can make the big hit when given the chance but generally secures the tackle first.-NFL comparison-D'Qwell Jackson- CLEV
-UPDATE - His senior bowl has to have elevated on every teams draft boards. Was a leader all week and the more we watch him the better he gets. Our guess is someone gets a steal when they pick him in the middle of the 2nd ,becuase this draft is so deep and he plays a undervalued position on draft day.Has played well both inside and outside but played best inside. Is athletic enough to to play middle in the tampa 2. Low floor guys like this rarely last long. - up from # 57
43. Tim Tebow-QB- FLA.-Will be successful somehow in the NFL, even it's not as a QB. If he goes to the right team ,with the patience to use him to run the wildcat, play some H-Back, and basically have a Kordell Stewart-Slash-type role for awhile he may actually develop into a starting NFL QB. Right now unless you run the spread option offense he wouldn't have lot of chance to succeed as a QB in the NFL,and no ones body could take the type of hits he would receive in that offense for long. Has a long delivery, a inconsistent release, needs to learn to make more than 2 reads , and only average accuracy currently. With the NFL having smaller windows to throw in he needs a lot of coaching in a NFL offense, with a NFL QB coach. Is big strong fast athletic QB with the heart of champion. A team leader , great person,and a winner in college. Strong runner with a TE"s body but the hits he takes in the NFL will be a lot harder. His arm strength is questionable becuase of how he throws. When he winds up and sets his feet he shows a strong arm, but will his arm be as strong with a normal delivery? Despite all the negatives he's the type of guy who will work as hard as he needs to succeed somewhere. At the very least I think he will be a Chris Cooley type H-back, although a better blocker, with the abilty to run some interesting sub packages . At best he could be Donovan McNabb with time and coaching. My best description would be if DR. Moreau used the DNA of Donovan Mcnabb , with a splash of Randall Cunningham( for the delivery), and a smidgen of Kordell Stewart for the versatility, to make a baby in futuristic lab somewhere: and he turned out to be a left handed White guy?- he would be Tim Tebow. - NFL comparison- Donovan McNabbb- PHIL
-UPDATE- Played a the senior bowl and even though his inexperienced under center showed, NFL coaches came to really like him. Then had a great combine in all the athletic drills. When he finally unveiled his new throwing motion at his personal workout he was drastically improved in a short time. I can't find it in me to bet against this type of player and person. If he goes top Buffalo in the 2nd Chan Gailey is the type of coach to tailor the offense to his strengths. Learning curve takes him out of the 1rst round in our book, but in year 2 or 3 we see a starting QB.
-Up from # 50
44. Ricky Sapp- OLB/ DE- Clemson- Make no mistake, he gets a grade this high with the expectation that he will move to 3-4 OLB full time. When he got the chance to play that position some, he showed a lot of promise, but it's still a small sample size. A high level fluid athlete with the build to add 10-15 more pounds of muscle and still maintain his speed. A quick first step and good closing speed on the QB.Can chase downplays from the backside, but doesn't hold the point of attack very well yet. If he goes to a 4-3 team he will only be a situational pass rusher till he gets more sand in his pants. Looked like he wasn't all the way back from 08 knee injury last year, but was still productive. -NFL comparison- Jason Taylor- MIA
-UPDATE- Is his knee sound? That's the ONLY question with him for us. If it was we think he would be a top 10 pick to a 3-4 team. This guy may end up steal of the draft or never reach his potential because of injury. A team like NE with 2nd rounders should jump all over him. He wasn't near full health last year and he still looked pretty good. -down from # 40
45. Brandon Spikes ILB- Fla.- His elite instincts make him look faster than he is, but he will never be a sideline to sideline ILB. The area he does cover he will cover well ,and he has a knack for making big plays.Excellent in zone coverage and blitzing, but not fast enough to play man-to-man. Big enough to play ILB in a 4-3 or either spot in a 3-4. Leader of the defense and a solid tackler.Very productive at a big time program.The well publicized incident where he stuck his hand in RB's face mask doesn't seem to have hurt him to much, but his 40 time is absolutely key to being drafted in the first round.-NFL comparison- James Farrior -Pitt. Steelers.
-UPDATE- Didn't run anywhere near what he hoped. Instincts and production are still to high for him fall out of the 2nd round . I think in a 3-4 ,where he needs to cover less ground, he could be a pro bowler early in his career. In a 4-3 his tackle to tackle speed isn't nearly as valuable. Some teams will see him as 2 down player and won't be looking at him til the 3rd round at the earliest .
46. Terrence Cody-NT-Alabama- Even though he will probably only be on the field 50-60 % of the time in the NFL, "Mount" Cody is the only for sure 3-4 NT in this draft. A mammoth lane clogger, who occupies blockers vs the run and not much else. The position is so hard to fill that some 3-4 team should take him in the first 2 rounds at worst. The Chargers , Steelers and Jets all have NT's coming off injury , over 30, or both .His gas tank is subpar but when he's fresh he overpowers anybody 1 v1 ,and regularly stacks up double teams.His weight needs to be monitored ,or he could eat his way out of the league-NFL comparison- Maake Kemoeatu- CAR
-UPDATE- Looked horrible at the senior bowl weigh ins, but still held the point well against the best senior O-Lineman. Lost some weight by the combine .Fact 1- He is the only for sure 3-4 NT in this draft. Fact 2- Not only are there a bunch of 3-4 teams needing a young NT even more teams are switching to a 3-4. Fact 3- Some teams always draft for need. He will be gone in the first 40 picks at worst and he could easily sneak into the bottom of the 1rst.
47. Thaddeus Gibson- LB- Ohio ST. - The only reason he isn't much higher on this list is his lack of a high football IQ. If he goes to a 4-3 team it could take awhile for him to be productive anywhere but on special teams. Since we project him a 3-4 rush OLB, we think his athleticism and upside warrant a 2nd round pick. An elite athlete who fires off the ball quick when rushing the passer. A former 4-3 DE/OLB who has the frame to be a 3-4 rush backer while still adding 10-15 pounds. Fierce taking on blockers and is strong for his size, but could get stouter in the trunk . Can tackle with force, but still looks unsure in space. Although he will workout well is not a workout warrior type, as he seems to genuinely love the game . Instincts are good, but doesn't recognize offensive shifts and misdirection plays well. The combine should send him flying up draft boards- NFL comparison- Brian Orapko- WASH
-UPDATE- Showed off his athleticism at the combine and ran an even faster 40 at his pro day, but he is still at least a year away from being a full time starter. A 3-4 team would be wise to grab him in the 2nd and coach him up. Until then he can be a core special teamer at the least.
-up from # 55
48. Lamarr Houston- DT- Texas- A steady athletic complete player who probably has a lot more upside with more technique work , but at the least he should be a solid starter somewhere along the D-line. Scheme versatility helps him, as he looks athletic and strong enough to play either 3-4 end spot in addition to DT. Plays with good leverage and stout at the point but needs to use his hands more against the run. With a little more size he could be a 3-4 NT in time as well, as his strength against double teams is obvious on film.Has a good motor but is more of a pressure player as a pass rusher.Gets off the ball well and can penetrate some ,but doesn't make as many plays down the line as his long speed would suggest. With more coaching he could be a pro bowler in the right scheme, but he should be at least a solid versatile D-line starter. He will probably go to a 3-4 DE needy team in the second round ,and be able to move inside on pass rush downs. -NFL comparison- Luis Castill0- SD
49. Arrelious Benn - A big thick tough receiver who fights for the ball, but has concentration lapses at random times even though his hands are genuinely strong. Has a good burst , with some return ability thrown in, despite not being a burner . Is a beast after the catch can run through or away from defenders, even though he isn't gonna juke the defense much. A strong willing blocker who gives good effort in the run game. Needs work on his route running and separation skills partly becuase he spent a lot of time in the slot in college. Played on a bad team with a bad QB this year, but his sophomore film shows what he can do. If not for that we think he would have been a likely 1rst rounder.- NFL comparison- Dwayne Bowe- KC Chiefs- -UPDATE-Injuries and inefficient offense led to him coming out early. Normally a guy doesn't come after a season like last year ,but with his college QB and offense he may have actually made the right decision .Didn't run as fast as he hoped at the combine but his initial burst makes up for it. -up from # 51
50. Sean Lee- LB-Penn St.-Top level instincts make him what he is. Read and reacts better than many high level pro LB's. A better football player than athlete( although he very athletic) who lacks the fluidity of a superstar MLB, but his recognition skills make up for it, although he doesn't have sideline to sideline range. Not a consistent big hitter, but an excellent tackler. Excellent in zone coverage and reads QB's well, but isn't fast enough to stay with quicker players in man to man. Best in a 4-3 cover 2 scheme ,or maybe on the inside in a 3-4. Looks to be long term above average starter with a low floor, but his upside doesn't appear as high as the players ranked above him. -NFL comparison- Jesse Armstead-(ret)
-UPDATE Another low floor guy who teams appreciate the more they see him. Injury history will probably keep him out of the 1rst round, but he at least played well when he returned from it.
-up from # 53
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