Rating the NFL draft prospects: Defensive backs

The Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn assesses the top cornerbacks and safeties in the draft this week. Included is each player’s height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.
CORNERBACKS

1. TRAE WAYNES, Michigan State (6-0, 186, 4.26, 1): Fourth-year junior. “He’s the best by a long shot,” said one scout. “I liked him before he ran. Very smart guy (scored 20 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test). He’s ready to play. He’s everything you want in a corner.” Blazed a 40 at the combine to cement status as top CB. “The only concern is he’s a little slight,” another scout said. “He’s 6-0 and moves like he’s 5-9. He’s got the slender hips and thighs. So the same thing you knock him on is really the reason he moves as well as he does.” Started 27 of 36 games, finishing with 101 tackles (four for loss), six interceptions and 13 passes broken up (PBUs). “He’s always going to struggle in off (coverage) because he doesn’t have good enough weight transition,” a third scout said. “You just press him and run.” Average arm length (31 inches), tiny hands (8¼). “Very even-keeled,” said a fourth scout. “Good teammate. Not going to talk trash. Good worker.” From Kenosha Bradford High School.

2. KEVIN JOHNSON, Wake Forest (6-0 ½, 184, 4.48, 1): Played 46 games in four seasons, sitting out 2011 for academic reasons. “He has the best feet of anybody,” one scout said. “Great footwork. Can play press and off. Extremely quick. Good ball skills. He has good length but he lacks bulk. But he’s tough and tries to knock people out in the run game. It scares you because of how he’s built.” Has 161 pounds of muscle mass; average for an NFL CB is 178. Weighed 145 upon enrollment in 2010. “You could see thin on tape,” another scout said. “However, people didn’t beat him up. Some guys get bumped around. He’s a smart (Wonderlic of 17), tough, good player.” Finished with 189 tackles (eight for loss), seven picks and 38 PBUs. Was recruited by Wisconsin. “He played in the 170s,” said a third scout. “He worked on putting on weight. He’s got cover skills and corner swagger. The majority of his career he’s been hands-down the best player at Wake Forest. Kind of been an immature, ‘I’m going to do it my way’ guy. Late in the year, despite having a terrible season, guys there were speaking very positively about how he matured and progressed. That was very telling.” Vertical jump of 41 ½ inches. From Clarksville, Md.

3. MARCUS PETERS, ex-Washington (5-11 ½, 196, 4.50, 1-2): Fourth-year junior. “He’s an interesting fellow,” said one scout. “He plays well so somebody will take him because of that. He didn’t run quite as fast as you wish he did. Whether anybody takes him in the first round is suspect.” Played three seasons, starting 27 of 35 games before being booted off the team in November after several confrontations with members of the Huskies’ coaching staff. Finished with 129 tackles (9 ½ for loss), 11 picks and 35 PBUs. “He’s very, very smooth,” another scout said. “Good press man. Played a lot of zone in bail technique. He gives inconsistent effort. Needs to be more physical. Inconsistent tackler. He’s a high grabber. At the school they said he was talented, immature, headstrong, not a team guy and mouthy on and off the field. I gave him a third-round grade. He was just so inconsistent.” Played at McClymond High in Oakland. Wonderlic of 13. “He’s not talented enough to where he’s a top-10 pick and you say, ‘I’ll take the issues and deal with him,'” a third scout said. “He lived with Marshawn Lynch. This is a guy …I don’t think anything has ever been his fault. Guess what? People that think that way usually have more issues.”

4. JALEN COLLINS, Louisiana State (6-1 ½, 201, 4.49, 1-2): Fourth-year junior started one game in 2012, two in ’13 and seven in ’14. “I think he can cover,” one scout said. “He’s going to have his limitations moving around like most 6-0, 6-1 guys. But playing at LSU and having the skill set that he does, it shouldn’t take him too long. If you’re a team that plays a lot of press, then he could come in and play right away. If you’re a team that has a lot of different coverages and you want him to play off or play zone, then there will be some growing pains.” Finished with 90 tackles (three for loss), three picks and 25 PBUs. “Great length but extremely raw,” a second scout said. “He wasn’t even theguy at LSU. Only reason he got playing time was a younger guy was a knucklehead and got suspended. He has a lot to learn about the intricacies playing the position and the footwork. From a talent standpoint, the arrow points really high on him.” Wonderlic of 28. Has failed three drug tests. “He was up there (high on team’s board) and then we got more exposure and he went downhill pretty quick,” said a third scout. “His talent is as good as anybody’s.” From Olive Branch, Miss.

5. BYRON JONES, Connecticut (6-0 ½, 199. 4.42, 1-2): Started at FS in 2011-’12 before moving to CB in 2013-’14. “Blew up the combine,” one scout said. “You see those things on the field. Really good movement skills. He played better in press.” Finished with 223 tackles (3 ½ for loss), eight picks and 18 PBUs. His broad jump of 12-3 probably was longer than any player’s in NFL annals. Also posted a vertical jump of 44½ and had 33 on the Wonderlic. “Doesn’t play as well as he works out,” said a second scout. “Doesn’t have great instincts. Little stiff at the top. But all those big long guys are in vogue now because all the receivers are 6-8.” Underwent shoulder surgery (labrum) near midseason. “No, he can’t cover,” a third scout said. “I don’t think he’s got the feel.” From New Britain, Conn.

6. P.J. WILLIAMS, Florida State (6-0, 192, 4.49, 2): Third-year junior. “Good corner,” said one scout. “He has athletic ability. He will tackle. He’s not all you want on top-end (speed) but I see him as a late first.” Started 24 of 40 games, finishing with 123 tackles, four picks and 18 PBUs. “Probably a better press corner than an off zone corner,” said another scout. “He’s athletic, but long speed may be a concern. He’s a build-up (speed) kind of runner. He’s a tough tackler. He’s really not a safety. He’s got enough suddenness to play corner.” Vertical jump of 41, Wonderlic of 18. “Long, leggy guy,” a third scout said. “I think his strength is playing the ball while he’s in press. He has good ball skills. He came in as a free safety, and I think he could play safety.” From Ocala, Fla.

7. RONALD DARBY, Florida State (5-10 ½, 192, 4.38, 2): Third-year junior. “Really good athlete,” one scout said. “Not as good a player as his ability. You’re drafting him on ability. He’s still got some project to him.” Two-year starter opposite Williams. “He’s faster, more twitchy than Williams but he just lacks coverage instincts,” a second scout said. “Inexplicably, he lets guys run by him. You’re like, ‘Wait a minute.’ Because he’s a 4.3 guy. He’s peeking in the backfield, his footwork’s all jacked, he turns the wrong way in coverage.” Finished with 79 tackles (one for loss), two picks and 16 PBUs. Wonderlic of 17. From Oxon Hill, Md.

8. ALEX CARTER, Stanford (6-0, 199, 4.51, 2-3): Surprised Stanford’s staff by declaring as a third-year junior. “God, he’s a hard guy (to evaluate),” one scout said. “He’s athletic and has good size. Just not a lot of splash to his game. Nondescript. He can run and has length. Not sure how tough he is. Doesn’t have much swagger. He’s kind of a reliable steady Eddie.” Father, Tom, was a first-round pick (17) in 1993 and a serviceable starter for three teams through 2001. “He’s fluid, pretty,” another scout said. “But he doesn’t make any plays.” Started 33 of 40 games, finishing with 146 tackles (five for loss), two picks and 18 PBUs. Wonderlic of 30. “He’s got no feel and he’s not explosive,” a third scout said. From Ashburn, Va.

9. D’JOUN SMITH, Florida Atlantic (5-10, 190, 4.43, 3): Three-year starter. “He had the best week of all the corners at the Senior Bowl,” said Phil Savage, the game’s executive director. Finished with 120 tackles (4 ½ for loss), nine picks and 29 PBUs. “Bench presses 20 times,” another scout said. “Physical player. Athlete. If you don’t like him at corner he’s got free safety skills.” From Miami. “If there’s a guy that can pull a Khyri (Thornton) this year and go somewhere in the third and everybody goes, ‘Whoa,’ he’d be that guy,” a third scout said. “He is tough. His coaches will love him. He can play, man. He can become a starter down the road.”

10. IFO EKPRE-OLOMU, Oregon (5-9, 192, 4.6, 3-4): Suffered a torn ACL Dec. 17 practicing for the bowl playoffs. “He could have been the best one,” one scout said. “He’s a little guy, but he plays big and he’s a really good tackler.” Three-year starter with 244 tackles (6 ½ for loss), nine picks and 43 PBUs. “He’s one guy you feel bad for,” said another scout. “He went back to school to improve his stock. If he had come out last year he would have been an easy first-rounder. With the injuries it’s tough to really know what you’re getting.” From Chino Hills, Calif. “He is (a playmaker), but he’s a midget, too,” a third scout said. “Where you gonna take him? He’s too short for me.”

OTHERS: Doran Grant, Ohio State; Senquez Golson, Mississippi; Bobby McCain, Memphis; Steven Nelson, Oregon State; Charles Gaines, Louisville; Craig Mager, Texas State; Tye Smith, Towson; Lorenzo Doss, Tulane; Tray Walker, Texas Southern; Quandre Diggs, Texas; JaCorey Shepherd, Kansas; Nick Marshall, Auburn; Jacoby Glenn, Central Florida.
SAFETIES

1. LANDON COLLINS, Alabama (6-0, 224, 4.47, 1):Third-year junior. “He’s my favorite player at Alabama the last few years,” said one scout. “Outstanding defensive temperament. He’s got a Raven mentality. He slipped some because people are concerned about his center-field ability. He got beat over his head against Ole Miss, and that has perpetuated this belief that maybe he can’t do it. His pro-day workout was a little underwhelming. But you’re not drafting him to do that. You’re drafting him to mix it up, cover tight ends, control the middle between the hashes. Neither Mark Barron nor Ha Ha (Clinton-Dix) are the intimidating presence of Landon Collins. Ha Ha is a little bit more of a rangy center-field type.” Two-year starter with 190 tackles (8½ for loss), five picks and 13 PBUs. “He’s the best safety by default,” said a second scout. “He’s not special. Any other year, he wouldn’t be there. He’s just kind of a solid guy. Box safety.” Wonderlic of 17. From New Orleans. Added a third scout: “I don’t like him. Dix was a better athlete. He’s physical and can run, but I worry about him in the deep part of the field.”

2. DAMARIOUS RANDALL, Arizona State (5-11, 197, 4.41, 1-2): Played junior-college baseball for a year, hurt his shoulder and returned to football for two JC seasons. Started for Sun Devils at FS in 2013-’14. “He reminds me of Devin McCourty,” one scout said. “Size is the hold-back. He’s just not physical.” Twelve months ago his weight was 187. “He reminds me a little bit of the guy the 49ers drafted last year (Jimmie Ward) at the bottom of the first,” a second scout said. “People talk about it’s a passing league and the box safety is growing out of style. He kind of fits in with the new wave of safeties who can cover receivers and are strong enough to play around the line of scrimmage. But sometimes he gambles a little too much and takes himself out of position.” Finished with 177 tackles (15 for loss), six picks and 12 PBUs. Wonderlic of 18. “He’s not a good tackler,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t break down. Just dives at people. Small-framed person. Small waist. Little bowlegged.” From Pensacola, Fla.

3. ERIC ROWE, Utah (6-0 ½, 204, 4.41, 2): Started 33 games at FS, nine (all in 2014) at CB and three at SS. “He probably will be drafted as a corner,” one scout said. “Ideally, he’s a safety that drops down and plays in the slot in sub packages. Good prospect.” Finished with 261 tackles (seven for loss), three picks and 34 PBUs. “He’s not a man cover corner,” a second scout said. “He’s a straight-line guy. As a safety, he’d have to be a free. I don’t see him as a strong to come up and knock you stiff, that kind of thing. He will have a very hard time playing safety if that test score (11) is true to his reading ability and decision-making ability.” Most teams give more credence to a player’s score the first time he takes the Wonderlic. Rowe improved markedly to 23 at the combine in his second attempt. “(Keith) McGill last year was more fluid than him,” a third scout said. “He’s got some stiffness. Not very quick.” From Spring, Texas.

4. QUINTEN ROLLINS, Miami (Ohio) (5-11, 195, 4.54, 2-3): Amassed 391 assists and 214 steals in Oxford as a four-year point guard. He used his final year of eligibility to play football for the first time since high school in Wilmington, Ohio. Started at CB, finishing with 72 tackles (four for loss), seven picks and nine PBUs. “For a kid who was playing basketball last year, pretty impressive,” one scout said. “And he’ll come up and hit you, which is equally shocking because he was a basketball player. He came up and laid people out.” His 40 time, however, probably was best suited for safety. “I’d move him to safety because of his ball skills and awareness,” the scout continued. “I don’t think he has the long speed to ever start at corner. Intriguing. Extremely raw.”

5. JAQUISKI TARTT, Samford (6-1 ½, 219, 4.49, 3): Played just one year of high school football in Mobile, Ala. “He has great up side,” said one scout. “When you see a guy 220-plus as a safety you automatically think the guy’s going to be a hammer. He’s a free safety. He’s too inconsistent as a tackler. His ball skills, his range and his recognition as a one-high guy are his strengths. I just don’t think he’s a box guy. He’s a third-round talent.” Started 34 of 44 games, finishing with 277 tackles, six picks and 20 PBUs. “Work in progress,” another scout said. “I think he’s physical and he can run.”

6. JAMES SAMPLE, Louisville (6-2, 207, 4.51, 3-4): Spent 2011-’12 at Washington, ’13 at a junior college and then found a home at Louisville. Started 13 games in Calvin Pryor’s old berth at FS. “Eventually he’ll be a starter,” one scout said. “He can cover tight ends. Very physical. It will take him a little time to learn it and understand things. The (mental) is a concern. But he got to Louisville in August and won the job three days later. So how bad can it be?” Wonderlic of 12. In his lone season for the Cardinals he registered 90 tackles (two for loss), four picks and eight PBUs. “He’s a little better than I thought,” a second scout said. “Kind of a hybrid type guy. He played nickel safety and corner, too. He’s got cover skills and toughness about him.” From Sacramento, Calif.

7. IBRAHEIM CAMPBELL, Northwestern (5-11 ½, 209, 4.53, 3-4): Helped himself with an impressive Senior Bowl week and pro day. “Kind of on the rise a little bit,” one scout said. “Plays OK and tested out a little better than I thought he would.” Four-year starter with 316 tackles (7½ for loss), 11 picks and 24 PBUs. “He’s a very complete safety,” another scout said. Wonderlic of 26. “Free agent,” said a third scout. “He is (fast) if he runs in a straight line. He’s stiff. Can’t cover.” From Philadelphia.

8. ADRIAN AMOS, Penn State (6-0 ½, 218, 4.47, 3-4): Three-year starter. “He is a former corner,” one scout said. “You see that. He’s got cover skills for a safety. He’s not Jack Tatum but he’s tough enough. Good space tackler. Really stood out in coverage in the Senior Bowl practices. He will be a starter.” Finished with 149 tackles (nine for loss), seven picks and 22 PBUs. From Baltimore.

9. JOSH SHAW, Southern California (6-0 ½, 200, 4.38, 4): Spent two years at Florida before transferring. Started 18 games at CB and three at FS, finishing with 108 tackles (7½ for loss), six picks and 15 PBUs. “He’s a safety,” one scout said. “Can’t play corner. Tight hips. He covered the slot this year and he’s so stiff. He has speed and he is tough.” Fabricated a story in August about rescuing his drowning nephew after leaping from a balcony and spraining both ankles. In fact, he was evading police who were called when an argument with his girlfriend got loud. He was benched after his lie to coach Steve Sarkisian was uncovered. No domestic charges were filed, and he returned to start the final three games. “So what?” said another scout when asked about the incident. “I like him as a corner.” From Palmdale, Calif.

10. ANTHONY HARRIS, Virginia (6-0 ½, 184, 4.65, 4-5): Three-year starter who can direct a secondary. “He really knows how to play football,” said one scout. “You could draft him late and he’ll make your team. He’s going to know what to do. He’ll probably have a nice career because he can figure it out.” Finished with 289 tackles (six for loss), 11 picks and 19 PBUs. “You worry about him a little bit in the box,” the scout said. “He’s willing but he’s light. Looks more like a big corner. He’s got no acceleration but he puts himself a step ahead because he’s smart.” From Chesterfield, Va.

OTHERS: Derron Smith, Fresno State; Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State; Jordan Richards, Stanford; Gerod Holliman, Louisville; Cody Prewitt, Mississippi; Justin Cox, Mississippi State; Clayton Geathers, Central Florida; Durell Eskridge, Syracuse; Dean Marlowe, James Madison; Chris Hackett, Texas Christian; Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech.

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Rating the NFL draft prospects: Defensive linemen

By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel
April 26, 2015

Bob McGinn’s Draft Series: Defensive Lineman: Southern Cal defensive lineman Leonard Williams could be top draft pick
Packers looking beyond draft to fill roster

The Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn assesses the top defensive linemen in the draft this week. Included is each player’s height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.
DEFENSIVE ENDS

1. ARIK ARMSTEAD, Oregon (6-7, 290, 5.10, 1): Third-year junior from Sacramento, Calif. “If you’re going to make him a 5-technique (DE in a 3-4) he’s an obstacle,” one scout said. “He will lay out to make plays. It’s not every down, but when he gets in the league I suspect it will be every down. You’ve got to harness his talent. It’s not ready-made.” Started 19 of 39 games, finishing with 87 tackles (10 for loss) and 4 sacks. “Physical and strong,” a second scout said. “Plays high. Has some lapses in his play. Power type rusher. Pretty good athlete.” Scored 26 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test, second highest among the top 12 DEs. “Put him at (offensive) left tackle,” a third scout said. “Great athlete. Overrated. Plays when he wants to play.”

2. MARIO EDWARDS, Florida State (6-2 ½, 279, 4.81, 1-2): Third-year junior. “He’s a phenomenal athlete,” one scout said. “He’s similar to Sheldon Richardson coming out from a measurable standpoint. He ran better, he’s taller, his arm length was a little better. It would not shock me if somebody took him late first (round) because of the upside.” Played as heavy as 312. Some teams view him as a 3-technique (DT in a 4-3) while 3-4 teams see him as a 5-technique or OLB. Stood up on the right outside as “jack” LB in 2014. “He’s a pretty looking racehorse but he never finishes the race,” another scout said. “He plays lethargic. He’s not long enough to be a 5-technique, and I don’t think he has instinctive feel or passion for the game.” Wore jersey No. 15 because his father Mario wore the same number at FSU before starting at CB for the Cowboys from 2001-’03. Started 28 of 36 games, finishing with 89 tackles (23 for loss) and 8 sacks. “Best thing he does is go up the field,” a third scout said. “Once people put their hands on him he just stops and watches. Just kind of coasts and disappears.” From Gautier, Miss.

3. OWA ODIGHIZUWA, UCLA (6-3 ½, 264, 4.59, 1-2): Compared by two scouts to Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. “He’ll be a 4-3 DE,” one scout said. “Very fascinating player. Parents are first-generation immigrants (from Nigeria). Kid’s got instincts and agility and strong hands. Question is, how much bigger is he going to get?” One-year starter at 5-technique after sitting out 2013 following two hip labrum surgeries. Finished with 128 tackles (24½ for loss) and 12 ½ sacks. “He’s a tweener,” another scout said. “Only chance he can play in our (3-4) scheme is an outside backer. He can set the edge. He’s a physical player. He’s a little stiff. Doesn’t have great instincts but he has great speed.” Just 6% body fat. Best vertical jump (39 inches) among linemen. Enormous hands (11 inches). “Little bit of a mechanical player,” a third scout said. From Portland, Ore.

4. ELI HAROLD, Virginia (6-3, 247, 4.59, 2): Third-year junior. “Good athlete, not elite,” one scout said. “Probably never reach double-digit (sacks) but you’ll like him because he plays the run well and rushes the passer well. Just a solid, productive player.” Played more down than up in 36 games (24 starts), finishing with 141 tackles (22 for loss) and 17 ½ sacks. “To me, he was disappointing,” another scout said. “He had some sack production against bad teams. He’s just a designated pass rusher for a 4-3 team, and he’s not a special pass rusher. He does have good straight-line speed. Just an up-field speed guy.” From Virginia Beach, Va.

5. PRESTON SMITH, Mississippi State (6-5, 272, 4.73, 2-3): Two-year starter. “He’s got a big upside,” one scout said. “He can play left end on run downs and then rush inside. Good chance he goes top 45.” Finished with 134 tackles (27 for loss) and 16 sacks. “He’s long and lanky with the bone structure for 290,” another scout said. “Better player than athlete. He doesn’t play with much twitch, but he’s a strong guy against the run. He’s not really a true 5-technique. It wouldn’t shock me if someone took him in the second because they fell in love with him as a player and type of kid he is.” “Fluid, high-cut athlete who wins with length (34-inch arms),” a third scout said. “Doesn’t have the initial suddenness driving off the ball.” From Stone Mountain, Ga.

6. ZA’DARIUS SMITH, Kentucky (6-4 ½, 272, 4.78, 2-3): Compared by one scout to Bears OLB Pernell McPhee. “That’s the toughest guy maybe at D-end in the whole draft,” one scout said. “Left end only. Also can play 5-technique. He may go second round.” Former junior-college player who finished with 120 tackles (14 for loss) and 10 ½ sacks. “He’s strong enough to anchor as a 5-technique and he has some rush ability,” one scout said. “Had a good year, got excited about football. He was going to come out a year ago.” From Greenville, Ala.

7. DANIELLE HUNTER, Louisiana State (6-5, 251, 4.56, 3): Third-year junior was told by the NFL Advisory Committee to stay in school but declared anyway. “Overrated,” one scout said. “Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. No instinct.” Started 23 of 38 games at DE, finishing with 142 tackles (21 for loss) and 4½ sacks. “There’s not a lot of production as a rusher, which obviously you’d like,” another scout said. “But the stuff he does is rare. He gets his hands on balls and runs running backs down from behind. At times he is (tough). God doesn’t give everything to everybody. He’s a better athlete than (Barkevious) Mingo, but I can see the comparison.” Long arms (34 ¼), jumps of 36 1/2 (vertical) and position-best 10-10 (broad jump). “I’m probably stronger than he is,” a third scout said. “If Mingo’s having problems (in Cleveland)…he’s not even close to Mingo. He just is not physical. I don’t know what you’re going to do with him.” From Katy, Texas.

8. HENRY ANDERSON, Stanford (6-6, 292, 4.99, 3): Three-year starter from Atlanta. “More of a base end but he does have some pass-rush ability,” one scout said. “Five-technique is his base and he moved inside on passing downs. Quick into gaps. Sheds OK. He’s quick but not explosive, and he runs upright with some hip tightness.” Finished with 138 tackles (32 for loss) and 17 sacks. “He’s unappreciated,” said another scout. “Really good player.” Wonderlic of 36.

9. MARKUS GOLDEN, Missouri (6-2 ½, 258, 4.80, 3-4): Former junior-college player. Rotated behind Michael Sam in 2013 before notching 10 of his 16 ½ sacks in ’14. “He’s built like Jason Worilds,” said one scout. “He doesn’t run like Worilds did. I really like him but there is some learning he has to do. It’s not because he can’t learn. It’s how they played him. They reduced him, put him in a four-point stance and he got covered up inside. He’s basically a rusher. There’s potential there.” Hard-charger worked out poorly. Finished with 143 tackles (33 for loss). “He does lack length (31 1/8 arms) but he freaking plays so hard,” a second scout said. “Like him. Extremely high effort. Hard-nosed.” From St. Louis.

10. DARIUS PHILON, Arkansas (6-1½, 298, 4.92, 4): Renounced final two seasons to enter draft as third-year sophomore. “He has some pass-rush ability,” one scout said. “He has talent. Just so inconsistent.” Started for 1 ½ seasons, finishing with 93 tackles (20 ½ for loss) and 7½ sacks. Might be too short for 5-technique and too small for nose tackle. Medical reject by one team for unspecified injury. “He was beefed up at the combine (298), but he always played around 280,” another scout said. “He’s not a fit in a 3-4. He’s a 4-3 3-technique. He’ll fit more of a Dallas Cowboys’ type defense.” From Mobile, Ala.

OTHERS: Marcus Hardison, Arizona State; Frank Clark, Michigan; Trey Flowers, Arkansas; Ryan Russell, Purdue; Corey Crawford, Clemson; Cedric Reed, Texas; B.J. DuBose, Louisville; Tavaris Barnes, Clemson; Anthony Chickillo, Miami; Deion Barnes, Penn State.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1. LEONARD WILLIAMS, Southern California (6-4 ½, 303, 4.95, 1): Third-year junior from Daytona Beach, Fla. “Leonard’s just the whole thing,” one scout said. “He has speed, good pad level, leverage, arm extension, separation, shed, pass-rush quickness, low-block conscious, swim move. He reminds me of (Ndamukong) Suh. He’s probably quicker but not as powerful. He won’t be a bust.” Played 5-technique for the Trojans. “The world doesn’t know what he’s going to be because he played that tight 3-4 position,” another scout said. “He did a great job controlling blockers and playing gap to gap. He likes to play it, but he’s a legitimate guy who will find out how much better he can be as a 3-technique.” Started 35 of 39 games, finishing with 218 tackles (36 ½ for loss) and 21 sacks. “He has so much ability it’s almost scary,” a third scout said. Wonderlic of 22. Tied Carl Davis for longest arms (34 5/8) among top DTs. “He’s not a gigantic guy,” a fourth scout said. “He’s not Suh. But he’s athletic and moves good.”

2. DANNY SHELTON, Washington (6-2, 338, 5.61, 1): Three-year starter led leading DTs on bench press with 34 reps. “You watch him roll through things and get people off his feet and run to the sideline,” one scout said. “I never, ever would have thought that (5.61) would be his 40. He’s one of those old San Diego Charger defensive tackles like Louie Kelcher (1975-’83) that just stands in there and mauls you.” Gregarious personality from Auburn, Wash. “I wanted to just hate him because of his measurables,” another scout said. “His shuttle times and all that were just awful. But I couldn’t believe how good he plays. Fundamental football player. He strikes with his hands and controls blockers, not in his territory but in their territory. He’s not going to be leaping on piles 25 yards downfield but from tackle to tackle he dominates.” Started 40 of 52 games, finishing with 203 tackles (24 for loss) and 11 ½ sacks. Wonderlic of 23. “If he doesn’t maintain his weight, he could be a bust,” a third scout said. “If he does, he’s got a chance to be like a Vince Wilfork guy.”

3. EDDIE GOLDMAN, Florida State (6-4, 336, 5.28. 1): Third-year junior. “Peaks and valleys player,” one scout said. “When he wanted to he could take it over. Other times he wasn’t (a factor). He has the movement, the strength. He can two-gap and control inside. Would have liked to see it in longer stretches.” Started 27 of 37 games, finishing with 62 tackles (12 for loss) and 6 sacks. “Overrated,” another scout said. “Average athlete. Not a great pass rusher. Plays high. He can do that (eat up blocks). (B.J.) Raji’s better than Goldman.” Played LE in 2013, DT in ’14. “People are going to like him because of his size,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t make any plays. He’s never going to be a pass rusher. Not a real instinctive guy. He’ll get blocked by the same blocking scheme three or four times in a row and not react to it.” From Washington, D.C.

4. MALCOM BROWN, Texas (6-2 ½, 321, 5.07, 1): Third-year junior. “Tough, smart (Wonderlic of 19), strong (26 bench-press reps),” one scout said. “Play the 1-technique, play the 3-technique. He’s got great character. He’s not going to be all-world but he’s going to be a good contributor.” Started 26 of 39 games, finishing with 165 tackles (29 for loss) and 8 ½ sacks. “He’s got excellent athletic ability,” another scout said. “He’s quick, got some strength. He’s disruptive. He penetrates.” Married with two daughters. “At times he plays hard,” a third scout said. “Then he floats around at times. He’s not a great technician as a rusher but still ended up with 6 ½ sacks (in ’14). He’s got some rush ability inside. Just needs to be more consistent.” From Brenham, Texas.

5. JORDAN PHILLIPS, Oklahoma (6-5 ½, 328, 5.18, 1-2): Fourth-year junior from Towanda, Kan. “He has the most upside of everybody in the group, but he just doesn’t play hard all the time,” one scout said. “He’s just really a nice kid. He has that understated, soft-spoken demeanor. He doesn’t come across as an (expletive)-kicker type guy, and you wish you’d see more of that. Extremely light on his feet. He’s a 330-pound guy who can do a front flip backward.” Played just four games in 2013 before undergoing back surgery for a disc problem. The back limited his lifting (squats, power cleans) and is viewed cautiously by some teams. “You talk about him in the first or second round,” another scout said. “Are you kidding me? What has he done? One-fourth of his tackles were made in a bowl game against Clemson and they got beat, 45-0 (actually 40-6). He’s more physically impressive than those other top guys, but he doesn’t play like them. Stands straight up. Near the end of the year they started taking him out in passing situations because he wasn’t getting any penetration.” Played extensively as a 5-technique. Started 17 of 28 games, finishing with 58 tackles (9 for loss) and 3½ sacks. “He doesn’t have the tape, he’s 30% body fat, and I don’t know if he loves football,” a third scout said.

6. CARL DAVIS, Iowa (6-4 ½, 320, 5.08, 1-2): “He’s probably the most talented, even with Leonard Williams,” one scout said. “You get about one play out of every 10 with that guy. He’s lazy. He has the chance of being an all-pro and the best chance of being a bust.” Two-year starter with 92 tackles (14 ½ for loss) and 3 ½ sacks. “If Carl had (Louis) Trinca-Pasat’s intensity level he’d go in the first round,” another scout said, referring to Iowa’s other DT. “He doesn’t. He plays like he is, a nice guy. His character is impeccable. He scares the hell out of me.” Went to the Senior Bowl and tore it up, enhancing his draft prospects. “He could be somebody like (Haloti) Ngata,” a third scout said. “Dominated the Senior Bowl. Very good explosion, very good strength.” From Livonia, Mich. “You talk about an underachiever,” a fourth scout said. “Damn good kid. Doesn’t love football. Doesn’t grind in the weight room. Doesn’t know what it takes. Got a basketball mentality.” Long arms (34 5/8), huge hands (11).

7. XAVIER COOPER, Washington State (6-3, 293, 4.85, 2-3): Fourth-year junior from Tacoma, Wash. “Quick 3-technique dude,” one scout said. “Very athletic. Gets on the edges with his feet and lateral quickness. He can get off on the snap and create havoc. The whole thing will be, does he have enough arm length (31 ½) to separate himself from the bigger blockers? He can be stout.” Started 34 of 36 games, finishing with 121 tackles (31 ½ for loss) and 13 sacks. “Kind of a jack of all trades, master of none,” another scout said. “Had a really good pro day. Needs to win with quickness. Needs to get stronger.”

8. MICHAEL BENNETT, Ohio State (6-2, 295, 5.03, 2-3): Finished with 111 tackles (31 ½ for loss) and 18 sacks in 49 games (29 starts). “Athletic 3-technique,” one scout said. “He’ll be a starter eventually. The Lovie Smith-Rod Marinelli defenses will love him.” Posted a remarkable Wonderlic score of 43 after notching 30 in his first attempt a year ago. “You’ve got to be careful with some of these short, undersized guys,” another scout said. “Then they try to gain weight and it screws them all up.” Improved down the stretch in ’14 after a sluggish start. “Not sure if he’s quick enough for a smaller guy to win on a consistent basis,” a third scout said. “He’s not as talented as Jurrell Casey. He’s not even close to Aaron Donald.” From Centerville, Ohio.

9. GRADY JARRETT, Clemson (6-0 ½, 301, 5.08, 3-4): Son of former Falcons MLB Jessie Tuggle, a five-time Pro Bowl player. “He is an exceptional run defender,” one scout said. “Really, really quick. He got a couple cleanup sacks, but he can’t rush the passer. You’ve got a two-down player. There’s no question he’s a good college football player. I have trouble getting excited about guys that can’t rush the passer.” Smart (Wonderlic of 31), athletic and productive. Finished with 137 tackles (29 ½ for loss) and 5½ sacks in 48 games (37 starts). “He’s a runaround guy but he plays hard,” a third scout said. “He’s a little undersized but they don’t have to play every down like they do in college. You’re playing 30 plays a game, not 75 like in college.” From Conyers, Ga.

10. LEON ORR, Florida (6-5, 320, 5.14, 4-5): Got into a spat with Gators coach Will Muschamp about playing time before Nov. 8 game at Vanderbilt and was sent home from Nashville on a Greyhound bus after leaving team. “Wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot pole,” one scout said. Had a checkered past even before that during five years in Gainesville. Started 10 of 39 games, finishing with 65 tackles (13 for loss) and 4 ½ sacks. “He made a mistake, an emotional mistake, but it can be overcome,” said another scout. “I do think he’s a good kid, which is why he was allowed to work back at pro day. He’s got a lot of talent. He has to work on being more of a brute.” From New Port Richey, Fla.

OTHERS: Angelo Blackson, Auburn; Christian Covington, Rice; Deon Simon, Northwestern State (La.); Derrick Lott, Tennessee-Chattanooga; Ellis McCarthy, UCLA; Joey Mbu, Houston; Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Southern Mississippi; Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa; L.T. Walton, Central Michigan; Gabe Wright, Auburn; Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-defensive-linemen-b99487236z1-301384351.html

http://m.nbcsports.com/content/draft-may-have-dozen-receivers-good-enough-go-first-round
Draft may have a dozen receivers good enough to go in the first round
Michael David Smith
updated 1:05 pm. EDT Apr. 27, 2015

As college football becomes more and more of a pass-first game, more and more wide receivers are entering the NFL ready to contribute immediately. We saw that in the 2014 draft, which produced five first-round picks in Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks and Kelvin Benjamin. And we may see that to an even greater extent in this year’s draft.

In fact, NBC’s Cris Collinsworth said on PFT Live that the wide receiver class this year features “up to 11 or 12, quality wise, who in any other year you would say, ‘That’s a first-round talent’.”

Collinsworth isn’t saying there will actually be 11 or 12 first-round wide receivers. There may not even be half of that. But Collinsworth thinks this year’s receiver class is so good that several first-round talents will be available on the second day.

“There will still be quality left in the second round,” Collinsworth said. “I think you’ll see some teams that really want one of these receivers, say, ‘I’m going to wait until the second round.’ But second-round receivers will be first-round players in this draft.”

Collinsworth has been scouting the draft in conjunction with Pro Football Focus and will give more of his thoughts on a PFF NFL Draft special today at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. PFF graded the top receivers from 2014 as Alabama’s Amari Cooper, Louisville’s DeVante Parker, West Virginia’s Kevin White, USC’s Nelson Agholoran and Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong. PFF also sees promise in Washington State’s Vince Mayle, Miami’s Philip Dorsett, Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett, Michigan State’s Tony Lippett and Stanford’s Ty Montgomery. (Dorial Green-Beckham wasn’t graded because PFF evaluated tape from the 2014 season only, and Green-Beckham didn’t play in 2014.)

A wealth of talent at wide receiver is heading to the NFL this year. Just like last year.

http://original.livestream.com/nflrams/video?clipId=pla_5cd23080-40a9-48bf-95f4-ca09f801b21c
The live part is over. Watch the entire conference here.
http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/2015-Pre-Draft-Press-Conference/e6f7a2a2-03c9-4239-97fb-66608e96a439
This might be a better link to watch the press conference.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 10 months ago by Agamemnon.

Football Analyst Ross Tucker (rosstucker.com) joins the NFL Draft Bible podcast to discuss the offensive line prospects in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. Be sure to follow Ross on Twitter @RossTuckerNFL and high school prospects looking to get connected with college coaches need to visit http://www.GoBigRecruiting.com where Tucker serves as the company’s CEO. During the NFL season you can catch him on Sirius XM channel 88 on “The Morning Kickoff” and part of YES Network’s coverage on “This Week In Football.” Tune-in for this hardcore football conversation hosted by RIck Serritella.