Herzog wrote:

Why not pick up Barron’s option? Why spend all that draft capitol and not try to keep him a little longer.

This might not be an answer, but it is an opinion. 😉

A 4th and a 6th in this years draft is cheap for guy picked at 7. There are no top safeties in this years draft.

8 million dollars is the money you would pay for a top safety. But the Rams aren’t sure what his real value is at this time. Let him earn a contract this year. They can try to keep him, just not at 8m/yr. So far he is starting over the safety the Rams picked at 4 last year, Alexander.

Beside that the transition tag is 8m/yr. So instead of picking up the option for a 5th year, they can put the transition tag on him for the same amount and they can decide that later than the deadline for the the option year.

Another thing, if Barron does sign a high dollar contract with another team, the Rams could get a compensatory pick. That pick could be as high as a 3rd round pick.

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

Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000488130/article/scout-slams-overrated-stanford-ot-andrus-peat
Scout slams ‘overrated’ Stanford OT Andrus Peat

By Chase Goodbread
College Football 24/7 writer
Published: April 25, 2015 at 10:50 a.m.
Updated: April 25, 2015 at 01:08 p.m.

With a couple of the top offensive linemen available in next week’s NFL draft possibly ticketed for a switch from college tackle to pro guard, Stanford’s Andrus Peat might be the first pure tackle prospect chosen in the first round.

And at least one NFL scout doesn’t understand why Peat’s stock is so high.

Among a collection of comments from NFL scouts gathered about Peat by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, one was anything but flattering.

“I saw him get thrown around like a rag doll,” the scout said. “I respect what people think about the guy, but every defensive player I saw against Stanford kicked the (expletive) out of the guy. If you’re asking me who was the most overrated guy I saw, it was that guy.”
2015 NFL DRAFT
(April 30-May 2 on NFL Network)

Another scout acknowledged Peat as the No. 1 player at his position, but still offered a strong a critique of him.

“He’s got damn good feet but … the last bowl game against Maryland he looked like (expletive),” he said. “He’s the No. 1 guy but he’s never been pushed. He doesn’t have any core strength. He doesn’t take hard coaching.”

Several offensive tackles are expected to be chosen late in the first round, Peat among them. Pittsburgh’s T.J. Clemmings, Florida’s D.J. Humphries and Miami’s Ereck Flowers are others, although NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said on a Thursday teleconference that there are questions about each.

“After (Iowa’s Brandon Scherff), there are an awful lot of question marks. That doesn’t mean there’s not a lot of talent, because there is,” Mayock said. “But I could take, for instance, Ereck Flowers, D.J. Humphries, Andrus Peat, and T.J. Clemmings — all are gifted first-round tackles — but I could poke a hole in every one of those kids, either from a technique perspective, or an off-the-field perspective, or whatever.”

While Peat failed to impress one scout that spoke to the Journal Sentinel, another was very positive in his review, comparing Peat to one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL.

“So smooth. Really impressive physically. I compared him to (Dallas Cowboys OT) Tyron Smith. Great pass protector. Just not that powerful at this age,” the scout said.

Projections on Peat’s draft standing vary wildly among NFL Media mock drafts, ranging from as high as No. 9 overall to the New York Giants to as low as No. 25 to the Carolina Panthers.

NFL Draft
Added Flexibility: Versatile Offensive Line Prospects Offer Better Draft Value
By Brent Sobleski , NFL Draft Analyst Apr 20, 2015

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2436435-added-flexibility-versatile-offensive-line-prospects-offer-better-draft-value

The more a prospect can do at the NFL level, the more valuable he becomes. This is particularly true along the offensive line.

In the NFL, teams are mandated to maintain a 53-man roster. On game days, the number is reduced to 45. Teams generally keep eight offensive linemen on their final roster and only seven active on game days.

Teams are sometimes placed in drastic circumstances due to unforeseen injuries. A lineman with the ability to play multiple positions as a starter or backup is absolutely vital to a team’s ability to withstand injuries.

At one point last season, the Atlanta Falcons were forced to play starting tight end Levine Toilolo at right tackle for half a game due to multiple offensive line injuries. While this is an extreme case of what can happen on game day, the overall value of a lineman increases by being able to shift seamlessly to other positions along the offensive front.

The 2015 offensive line class is truly unique. The top two prospects, Iowa’s Brandon Scherff and LSU’s La’el Collins, are generally considered guard prospects even though they played left tackle for the bulk of their careers.

Scherff in particular is strongly viewed as a guard prospect, according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah (via NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan):

Former NFL scout @MoveTheSticks just said he believes that Brandon Scherff is "100% a guard." Not the same as Zack Martin. #NFLDraft

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 13, 2015

The reason Scherff projects well to guard is his build at 6’5″ and 319 pounds with less-than-ideal 33.375″ arms. The reigning Outland Trophy winner also displays an explosive lower body to uproot bigger defensive linemen, as evidenced by a 443-pound hang clean, and absolutely nasty disposition as a run-blocker.

Projecting Scherff to guard, where he played 11 games as a redshirt freshman, doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of his eventually playing offensive tackle, though.

His lateral movement and ability to change directions are actually better than that of two former Iowa products, the Green Bay Packers’ Bryan Bulaga and the Detroit Lions’ Riley Reiff, who developed into legitimate starters at offensive tackle in the NFL.

Pro Football Focus graded Reiff as an above-average blind-side protector in 2014, and Bulaga signed a five-year, $33.75 million contract in free agency to remain the Packers’ starting right tackle.

Scherff’s tape during his senior season didn’t always reflect his overall agility, because the offensive tackle suffered an MCL injury during the season that required surgery. The Iowa native returned to practice later in the week and never missed a game.

Also, Scherff’s arms are actually longer than both Bulaga’s and Reiff’s.

A team selecting the latest product from Iowa’s assembly line of offensive line talent may decide to let him play left tackle until he proves he can’t. Or they could groom him at guard to eventually take over at left tackle. Both options are open, since Bulaga displayed enough physical ability to possibly start at four of the five offensive line positions.

And he isn’t the only first-round prospect with similar potential.

La’el Collins

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU product’s plight is very similar to Scherff’s.

After becoming a starter at guard, Collins spent his last two seasons on campus at left tackle. Yet he’s often projected as a guard prospect despite a first-round grade.

Teams have asked Collins numerous questions about where he will actually play.

“They’ve asked me if I could slide to the right side, and then in two years go to the left,” Collins said at the NFL combine, via Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar. “I feel very confident in what I do, so it wouldn’t be a problem. They’ve asked me about playing guard and I could play either spot, right or left side. I love the one-on-one matchups. Being out there, one-on-one with a guy and having my way with him.”

The transition from offensive tackle to guard is all about speed and quickness.

Does an offensive tackle display nimble enough footwork to handle some of the world’s greatest athletes, who will be using their speed and natural athleticism to get after the quarterback?

Or is that prospect better suited to play inside, where he has less room to operate, but the defenders gets into the block much quicker, and they’re stronger at the point of attack?

Collins didn’t adequately address either question during the evaluation process.

At the Reese’s Senior Bowl and NFL combine, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native showed up at 305 pounds. Collins, who was listed at 321 pounds on LSU’s official site, impressed at both events with his movement skills. It was enough to warrant consideration as a legitimate left tackle prospect.

Collins then showed up at LSU’s pro day and weighed 320 pounds a month after his combine workout, according to the team’s official release.

His weight fluctuation automatically brings the earlier performances into question and raises doubt as to whether or not Collins can legitimately play left tackle at the next level.

There is, however, no question about Collins’ dominance as a run-blocker, courtesy of OL Watchdog:

La'el Collins with about as good a rep of OL as you'll ever. 3 pancakes in 1 play at LT https://t.co/8uYAoBKwfd

— OL Watchdog (@OLineScout) April 5, 2015

As a tackle or a guard, Collins should be able to step in immediately and contribute as a physical presence along the offensive front. He might be better suited for man-gap schemes instead of zone-heavy systems, but the LSU product has previously shown an ability to do both, whether he maintains a certain weight or not.

Being able to play four out of the five offensive line positions is only one type of versatile lineman. There are also those prospects capable of playing all three interior positions as a swing player at guard or center.

A.J. Cann

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

After 51 starts—the second-most for an offensive lineman in South Carolina history—at left guard, Cann already projects well to a certain position.

“I see him as a left guard-only prospect who overcomes lack of height with athleticism,” an anonymous SEC coach told NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.

However, the Bamberg, South Carolina, native didn’t let his four years of tape simply speak for him. Cann tried to prove he could do more for NFL teams to consider.

At the South Carolina pro day, the guard provided NFL scouts with something a little extra, according to DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline:

Interesting note from South Carolina pro-day- guard AJ Cann doing a lot of word at offensive center.

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 1, 2015

Cann hinted at the possibility a month earlier at the NFL combine.

“I can play either LG or RG, maybe even center,” the South Carolina product said, via CBSS ports’ Dane Brugler. “I don’t think that would be a problem.”

The second-team Walter Camp All-American already established himself as one of the top guard prospects through four years of play. Yet teams interested in Cann have now seen him in some center drills.

Even as a projected second-round pick at guard, center holds more overall value. The ability to play all three interior spots along with his stellar player at South Carolina makes Cann one of the best offensive line prospects in this year’s class.

While it’s impressive to be able to play three or four offensive line positions, very few can play all five.

Cameron Erving

Maybe the most impressive achievement of any college football player last season belongs to Erving.

The Seminoles product was named to the 2014 All-ACC First Team at left tackle and the Second Team at center.

Erving is only three years removed from playing defensive line after making the transition from defense to offensive line in the spring of 2012.

For two-and-a-half years, Erving served as the Seminoles’ left tackle and played at a high level on the blind side. In 2013, the native of Moultrie, Georgia, was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. He won the award in 2014 as well.

But Erving’s 2014 campaign took a slight detour on his way to the NFL. The blind-side protector was pressed into action at center due to injuries along the offensive line.

It was from this point that Erving’s draft status absolutely soared. The former offensive tackle seamlessly transitioned inside and dominated over the second half of the season. The move seemed absolutely natural for him.

As tackle, Erving was viewed as as second-tier prospect. But his move inside should make him a first-round selection and the highest center prospect off the board.

Teams, though, aren’t overly particular regarding the position he eventually plays.

“The teams I’ve talked to have just talked about me playing offensive line,” Erving told Bleacher Report in a phone interview. “They want to see how well you comprehend offenses and know defenses. They’ve seen the film. They eye in the sky doesn’t lie, and that’s always (something) I’ve been a big believer in. Whatever team picks me, I’ll just have to find how I fit into their system.”

Based on Erving’s answer, some teams may still view him as an offensive tackle prospect, while others lean toward center. Also, the possibility of guard can’t be ruled out of the equation. At 6’5″ and 313 pounds with arms just over 34 inches in length, Erving owns the requisite physical tools and athleticism to play all five offensive line positions.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick even believes Erving’s potential supersedes that of some of the previously discussed offensive line prospects:

OT's get the attention, & many will be over drafted, but OC Cam Erving = best OL in '15 draft. #NFL Starter as soon as his name is called.

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 3, 2015

The Florida State product is not the only prospect in this year’s class with the ability to potentially play all five offensive line positions.

Ali Marpet

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

The Division III product from Hobart College remains one of the media darlings in the upcoming draft.

Everyone roots for the underdog, even though Marpet proved to be a bully during his collegiate career while playing against inferior competition.

At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Marpet didn’t falter against vastly superior competition. Instead, he thrived. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly was blown away by Marpet in Mobile, Alabama:

Ali Marpet was the 2nd best O-lineman at Senior Bowl. He was top performer at the combine. He's super smart,strong,& has a great personality

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) April 11, 2015

Marpet, who played left tackle in college, worked primarily at guard and even saw some time at center, according to FirstRoundGrade.com’s Bryan Perez.

Even NFL.com projects Marpet as a center.

“Marpet has also been impressive in meetings with line coaches,” NFL Network’s Albert Breer reported. “With his combination of intelligence and ability, he might be a center long-term.”

Before the move is made official, though, Hobart might be able to hold up at tackle in certain situations.

At 6’4″ and 307 pounds with 33.375″ arms, his measurements are less than ideal. But not all tackle prospects fit the mold. The Hobart product is certainly a top-notch athlete with top-five finishes at the combine in the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.

Marpet will likely be drafted sooner rather than later based on his raw athleticism and potential to play all five positions in a pinch.

Versatility equals value

What do each of the aforementioned prospects have in common?

They’ll be selected by at least the end of the second day of the draft. Scherff, Collins and Erving will, in some order, likely be the first three offensive linemen off the board.

Cann and Marpet are second-day options, but their ability to play multiple positions only enhances their natural value. Teams wouldn’t be quite as high on Cann as a pure guard prospect. If Marpet didn’t show well at the Senior Bowl or offer position flexibility, the Division III product wouldn’t even be considered in the first three rounds.

The ability to competently play multiple positions on a limited NFL roster is simply too tempting for teams when comparing these prospects to position-specific options.

Usually, the ability to play more than one position can even be what differentiates one prospect from another. Beyond those mentioned, Oregon’s Jake Fisher, Missouri’s Mitch Morse and Utah’s Jeremiah Poutasi also provide similar flexibility and value.

Talented big men are hard to find. Big men athletic enough to do multiple things are highly sought-after commodities.

In this year’s draft class, it’s not a coincidence that some of the best overall talents among the offensive linemen present the best value due to their position flexibility.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Offensive linemen
April 24, 2015

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

1. ANDRUS PEAT, Stanford (6-7, 315, 5.21, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s what I call a beautiful athlete,” one scout said. “So smooth. Really impressive physically. I compared him to Tyron Smith. Great pass protector. Just not that powerful at this age.” Started 27 games at LT the past two seasons after rotating as a freshman in 2012. “He’s got damn good feet but… the last bowl game against Maryland he looked like (expletive),” another scout said. “He’s the No. 1 guy but he’s never been pushed. He doesn’t have any core strength. He doesn’t take hard coaching.” His father, Todd, was a squatty guard in the NFL for six years. Excellent prep basketball player in Chandler, Ariz. “I saw him get thrown around like a rag doll,” a third scout said. “I respect what people think about the guy, but every defensive player I saw against Stanford kicked the (expletive) out of the guy. If you’re asking me who was the most overrated guy I saw, it was that guy.” Scored 27 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test.

2. ERECK FLOWERS, Miami (6-6½, 326, 5.34, 1): Third-year junior who prepped in Miami. “Big, rugged, physical right tackle,” said one scout. “Starts right away.” Made four starts at RT in 2012 and 24 at LT in 2013-’14. “Violent, physical player,” another scout said. “Fundamentally, he’s got to clean some things up. He ducks his head. He tries to win with all upper body. He’s got to learn to play with more patience.” Led O-linemen in bench-press reps with 37. “Strictly a right tackle or guard,” a third scout said. “He can’t play left tackle because he isn’t quick. He is powerful and he does have an anchor. He’s stiff, so he has problems with adjust and recovery. He carries his hands low. He needs a lot of work with his hands. Big disappointment of the (top) group.”

3. D.J. HUMPHRIES, Florida (6-5, 307, 5.08, 1): Third-year junior from Union, N.C. “Probably the best athlete of the O-line group,” one scout said. “He’s got every tool you look for in a left tackle. He just has to grow into his body. He came in at 255 and he’s 300 now. Great kid. Leader of that O-line the last two years. He does play physical. It’s just some of the bigger, more stout guys are harder for him to move.” Started 19 games at LT before declaring. “Smart, good family, great kid,” said another scout. “Needs more bulk but he has the frame to be a 320 guy without any problems.” Other teams saw his Wonderlic of 12, lowest among leading tackles, and double-backed on his ability to learn. “He’s late off the ball all the time,” said a third scout. “You worry about him a little bit mentally.”

4. CEDRIC OGBUEHI, Texas A&M (6-5½, 304, 4.95. 1-2): Part of coach Mike Sherman’s star-studded signing class of 2010 that included LT Luke Joeckel and LT Jake Matthews. “He’s got great feet,” one scout said. “He’s better than Luke Joeckel coming out. He’s soft, but he’ll probably go late first (round).” Started at RG in 2012, RT in ’13 and LT in ’14 before suffering a torn ACL in the Liberty Bowl. “He’s going to take a year, but he’s athletic as hell,” a second scout said. “He didn’t look good at left tackle this year but looked great at right tackle the year before and great at guard the year before that. He’s not Joeckel or Matthews. He doesn’t have the inner fiber those two have.” Longest arms (35 7/8 inches) at the position and a Wonderlic of 23. “His ACL was pretty common but he’s had back issues his whole career there,” a third scout said. “Just during games you’d see him stretching, and in practice he was always doing some maintenance on the back. There’s got to be some legitimate concerns about the back.” From Allen, Texas.

5. DONOVAN SMITH, Penn State (6-5½, 333, 5.10, 1-2): “I thought he was fat and messy and played lazy,” one scout said. “He has had issues like that. He’s got talent. It’s more where you think he is as far as want-to.” Redshirted in 2011 but, after obtaining his degree, opted against returning for his senior season. “He’s a giant human being that can kind of do whatever he wants,” another scout said. “He’s got good feet and bend for a big guy. Definitely can be a left tackle. He also can play with power. He was completely dominant at the Senior Bowl. But he’s selfish, is up and down in games and has weight and conditioning issues.” Three-year starter at LT. “He’s not a feisty, Wisconsin-type guy,” said a third scout. “The new staff there does not rave about him. Maybe he doesn’t have that killer instinct, but he’ll play.” From Owings Mills, Md. “I hope he goes in the second round because we wouldn’t take him until the mid-rounds,” a fourth scout said. “He’s got a little bit of a work ethic issue. He’s a little bit stiff on the edge. Might be able to move inside and be a little better player.”

6. T.J. CLEMMINGS, Pittsburgh (6-4½, 310, 5.14, 1-2): Spent first three seasons as a reserve DE before moving to offense in December 2012 and starting at RT the past two years. “He’s really powerful,” one scout said. “I’ve got no negatives at all. He’s got excellent strength, power, aggressiveness, tenacity. Good pass-block technician.” Long arms (35 1/8). So athletic that he had offers to play basketball at Seton Hall and Providence. Hurt himself with a poor week at the Senior Bowl. Failed one team’s physical because of a bad knee. Some scouts wonder about his ability to adjust quickly and master assignments. “Has the fire in him that you like,” said another scout. “Needs some technique work. Great kid. His learning is good enough. He’ll pick it up and work at it. But it’d be a mistake to think he could play left tackle.” From Teaneck, N.J., where he played only two years of football.

7. JAKE FISHER, Oregon (6-6, 307, 5.02, 2): Started at RT for two years before a teammate’s injury precipitated his shift to LT in 2014. Several scouts say he lacks strength against bull rushes. “He does need to get thicker but some of that is technique and Oregon is not a big weightlifting program,” one said. “He’s really a hard guy to (evaluate). You watch the workout and he’s really a good athlete, but he doesn’t play to it. Kid plays hard. Obviously, he’s got athletic ability.” Out of Traverse City, Mich. “I compared him to Matt Stinchcomb,” another scout said. “He had no base, either, but same type of athlete. He’s a pusher, a position blocker. He’s got no strength or power in his lower body.”

8. COREY ROBINSON, South Carolina (6-6 ½, 321, 5.30, 2-3): Compared by one scout to Chargers LT King Dunlap. “He’s a monster,” said one scout. “Some people like big. Buffalo goes big. He’s not a great foot athlete but I don’t know if you have to be when you’re a monster.” Compared by another scout to Bills RT Seantrel Henderson. “He didn’t play hard, and his technique’s crappy,” a fourth scout said. “You wonder about his intelligence but then he aced the Wonderlic (40). He’s just all over the place.” Moved from DT to LT, where he started three seasons. “I was there,” said a fifth scout. “They’re all glad he’s leaving… said he’s hard to coach, he’s lazy. But that (expletive) has talent. Somebody will take him late three (third round).” From Havelock, N.C.

9. TY SAMBRAILO, Colorado State (6-6, 311, 5.36, 3-4): His 42 starts included 34 at LT, five at LG, two at RT and one at RG. “(David) Bakhtiari was soft like Sambrailo, but the one thing Bakhtiari had that I underestimated was a little bit of nastiness and competitiveness,” one scout said. “I don’t think Sambrailo has that. That’s the constant learning process you go through in scouting. As long as you have that inner competitiveness, if you have athleticism to go with it, then you can be a finesse guy.” Outstanding competitive skier growing up in Watsonville, Calif. Failed to impress at the Senior Bowl. “I was disappointed in him there,” another scout said. “It’ll take a year to get any real production from him. He lacks some functional anchor strength.”

10. TYRUS THOMPSON, Oklahoma (6-5, 324, 5.37, 4): Finesse starter at LT for 2½ years. “He plays soft,” one scout said. “He has all the talent in the world but he scares the hell out of you. He’s a big good athlete. Just doesn’t finish blocks.” His arms measured long at the combine (34 7/8) but his workout was a dud. “He is not as athletic as I thought based on film,” another scout said. “Third round at best. Good size. Good kid.” Hails from Pasadena, Texas.

OTHERS: Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin; Chaz Green, Florida; Laurence Gibson, Virginia Tech; Andrew Donnal, Iowa; Trent Brown, Florida; Terry Poole, San Diego State; Jamon Brown, Louisville; Takoby Cofield, Duke; Sean Hickey, Syracuse; Austin Shepherd, Alabama.
GUARDS

1. BRANDON SCHERFF, Iowa (6-4½, 319, 5.04, 1): Compared by one scout to perennial Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson. “He’s better than anyone that’s come out of there (Iowa), and they’ve had a bunch of good guys,” one scout said. “I know everyone wants to make a guard out of him, but I’d have him disprove he can’t play tackle. He didn’t even play healthy this year. Had his knee scoped (torn cartilage) and the guy missed one practice. You watch the year before. I like (Bryan) Bulaga but I think this guy is better. I didn’t think Bulaga could play left tackle but I think this guy can.” Started 36 of 43 games (all but three at LT); his 2012 season was cut short by a serious ankle injury. “Alert, aggressive, finishes, athletic,” another scout said. “Anchor is just OK. He’ll be really good in a zone scheme because he has a really good feel for angles. When you line up with him you know what you’re going to get.” Multisport prep star from Denison, Iowa. “If you want a tackle he’s not your guy,” a third scout said. “Then you’re going to go with Peat. Scherff’s going to have edge limitations like Riley Reiff. He’s not an ideal foot athlete at tackle and he doesn’t always finish like you want.” Wonderlic of 22.

2. LA’EL COLLINS, Louisiana State (6-4½, 312, 5.14, 1): Started at LG as a sophomore before moving to LT in 2013-’14. “He’s a lot like Scherff,” said one scout. “Not unlike Bulaga. Little short-armed (33¼). Kind of like a Sam Baker kind of tackle with the Falcons but he could be a really good guard.” Described by another scout as a “mean” player. “He could be a Pro Bowl guard, but I also think he can play tackle,” a third scout said. “He’s a really good run blocker. He’s athletic. He’s nasty.” Tied with Humphries for the lowest score (12) on the Wonderlic among the top-25 offensive linemen. “I think he’s smart enough to play tackle,” a fourth scout said. “He’s a motivated guy and I think he’ll learn it.” From Baton Rouge, La. “He’s got good girth, he’s strong, he can bend his knees and he’s got play instincts,” a fifth scout said. “He doesn’t have ideal length to be a full-time left tackle. He only took a few reps at right tackle during Senior Bowl week and you could tell he’s never played the right side. It was awkward. But when you see him in a workout and roll it all together, he’s going to be a longtime starter at left guard or left tackle.”

3. LAKEN TOMLINSON, Duke (6-3½, 319, 5.26, 1-2): Four-year starter at RG. “If there’s a first-round guard in this draft and he’s not a conversion it’s Tomlinson,” one scout said. “He’s a plug-and-play, start-first-day right or left guard. He plays better than (Chance) Warmack. He’s big, athletic, he can pull, he can block at the point, he’s smart. He might be a great center, too, if you tried him there.” Born in Jamaica, moved to the U.S. at 10. “He wants to be a doctor,” said another scout. “Some people want to be sure he’s committed to football, which I think he is. The kid loves football. Has played a ton of football. High character. Has ambitions outside football.” Graduated from Chicago Lane Tech. “He looks better on the hoof than any subject in the draft other than Scherff,” a third scout said. “Great kid, smart (Wonderlic of 23). But how many Duke linemen have there been? You can’t name them. Plus, he gets over his toes. He’s top-heavy.”

4. TRE’ JACKSON, Florida State (6-3½, 322, 5.50, 2): Made 42 starts at RG. “He’s better than Tomlinson,” said one scout. “He gets better movement. He is a quiet leader with strength and power, but he lacks the length (32 5/8 arms). He will struggle mentally sorting out the process.” Named MVP of the South team at the Senior Bowl. “He was coached well by Rick Trickett, who is one of the best (O-line) coaches around,” said a second scout. “He was a very steady player. Not special. He’s a really good short setter in pass pro and he uses his hands well,” From Jesup, Calif. “If he was at another school he’d be a later-round guy,” a third scout said. “He wouldn’t be getting near the attention he does. He’s slow, and slow-footed. Then he’s not real long and he can’t handle the wide rush. The Rose Bowl game, he got destroyed.”

5. A.J. CANN, South Carolina (6-2½, 311, 5.48, 2-3): Made 51 starts at LG. “He has mass, toughs and he’s competitive,” one scout said. “He’s square and gets movement at the point. He’ll need a little work in pass pro. He’s a little bit shorter and a little bit slow-footed. He’s like Larry Warford or Chance Warmack, one of those guys. But the mental part will scare you a little bit.” Led guards in bench-press reps (30) and vertical jump (32½). Worked at center for scouts this spring and snapped adequately. “There’s nothing special about him,” a second scout said. “Not a great athlete, not an overly physical or powerful guy. Everything about him is solid.” From Bamberg, S.C.

6. JEREMIAH POUTASI, Utah (6-5, 338, 5.33, 2-3): Third-year junior made the somewhat surprising decision to leave the Utes a year early. Started at RT in 2012 and at LT the past two seasons. “We have him as a guard,” said one scout. “He’s a starting guard. He doesn’t move well enough to protect the edges (at tackle). If you like big sluggers in there, Baltimore type, he’s going to play.” Won’t turn 21 until August. “He’s more athletic than Flowers, but his workout was bad,” another scout said. “He has to be a right tackle or guard. He held up OK at left tackle against the good pass rushers of the Pac-10.” From Las Vegas.

7. DARYL WILLIAMS, Oklahoma (6-5, 326, 5.38, 3): Three-year starter at RT. “Big guys play,” said one scout. “He’s got some toughness to him. He’s not a good athlete. Strictly a right tackle. He could go third round because big bodies go. His value is fourth, fifth round.” Although his 35-inch arms are befitting a tackle, his feet and athleticism aren’t. “You like his intangibles,” another scout said. “He’s tough, he’s a good kid, he’ll do everything you want. Just not a very good athlete.” Out of Lake Dallas, Texas.

8. JARVIS HARRISON, Texas A&M (6-4, 328, 5.21, 3-4): Labeled a “knucklehead” by three scouts. “He played really well in 2013, but this year he just kind of did his own thing and it showed,” one scout said. “The trainer will tell the offensive linemen when they come into the locker room to cut the tape off their shoes and put it in a specific pile. Everybody follows that to the letter, but he’ll do something completely opposite. Not very highly regarded at the school. He’s smart enough to know to stay out of the police blotter type of thing. Just a pain in the (expletive).” Started 37 games over four seasons at LG and LT. “They benched him for like the first four games of (2014),” another scout said. “I could never get a straight answer there. Athletically, he certainly has the ability to go third round. He’s lazy.” “He short-sets these guys and gets his hands on them, they’re dead,” a third scout said. “On film, the guy was extremely impressive.” From Navasota, Texas.

9. JOHN MILLER, Louisville (6-2½, 307, 5.23, 4): Four-year starter at guard. “You like the way he plays,” one scout said. “He’s tough, but he’s 6-2 and 300. OK athlete. He’s got some quickness but he’s not a great player. He struggles in protection some. Gets beaten on the edges.” Improved from 7 to 14 on the Wonderlic but teams still wonder about his ability to react and adjust. “Learning is a little bit of a process,” a second scout said. “Pass pro is good enough. Oh, yeah, he’s a good player.” From Miami.

10. JAMIL DOUGLAS, Arizona State (6-4, 306, 5.21, 4-5): Viewed as a four-position backup. “Like him as a backup dual flexibility guy,” one scout. “Guard-tackle who may be a center.” Started at LG in 2012-’13 and at LT in ’14. “I think he’ll have to go to some type of zone team,” another scout said. “Project. He has really nice feet and movement but he does get pushed around.” From Cypress, Calif.

OTHERS: Jon Feliciano, Miami; Josue Matias, Florida State; Mark Glowinski, West Virginia; Arie Kouandjio, Alabama; Robert Myers, Tennessee State; Matt Rotheram, Pittsburgh; Bobby Hart, Florida State; Quinton Spain, West Virginia.
CENTERS

1. CAMERON ERVING, Florida State (6-5½, 311, 5.12, 1-2): The Seminoles talked about moving him to center before the season but didn’t pull the trigger until five games remained. “That line didn’t block well until they moved him,” one scout said. “It cleaned up so much inside. He’s not a 320-pound mauling center but he gets after you. He’s such a good athlete and is extremely smart. Great kid. At center, his upside is huge.” Would become the NFL’s tallest center. “I think he’s too tall for center,” a second scout said. “He’s got stiff ankles and plays too small. He smothers college players, but if anyone works his edges he’s not great laterally. I don’t see it.” Made 20 tackles and a sack as a backup DT in 2011 before moving to LT and starting 37 games. “It (height) hasn’t been a problem,” a third scout said. “His arms (34 1/8) are so long, he just locks those guys out. He just gets on the nose (tackle). Guard may be his best position. He could start at three positions.” From Moultrie, Calif.

2. HRONISS GRASU, Oregon (6-3, 300, 5.03, 2-3): Four-year starter from Los Angeles. “He’s smart (Wonderlic of 28) and tough,” said one scout. “He’s athletic. He played in that spread attack so he can fit in a zone scheme. He’s not as heavy as you want him to be to deal with nose tackles all day but he has the athletic ability to compete in a zone offense.” Borderline arm length (32 1/8). “Like him,” another scout said. “He’s not as strong or as big… but if I’m just going center I’m going to go Grasu.” Excellent blocker at the LB level.

3. ALI MARPET, Hobart (N.Y.) (6-4, 304, 5.00, 3): Easily the best NCAA Division III prospect in the draft. “He found out what Division I football was like at the Senior Bowl,” one scout said. “Thing I liked about him, he was competitive. But I don’t know if he’s good enough to play.” Three-year starter at LT but often practiced at center in 2013-’14. Played LG and LT at Senior Bowl and might have been the best O-lineman there. “For a guy who had no technique and didn’t know what he was doing, he went and more than held his own,” said another scout. “I could see him in the third round, but it’s all a guess.” Scored 33 on the Wonderlic. Compared by one scout to C-G Joe Berger of the Vikings. “My immediate comparison was JC Tretter, and I think he’s better than JC,” a third scout said. “He blew up the combine. This kid has passed every test. He has a tremendous amount of upside.” From Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.

4. MITCH MORSE, Missouri (6-5½, 306, 5.16, 3): Of his 40 starts, 18 were at RT, 14 at LT and eight, in 2012, came at center. “Center is a perfect position,” one scout said. “He kind of grows on me. He’s not a naturally big guy so he’s going to get torqued a little bit. He’s got a degree of toughness about him that shows in his play.” Paced centers on the bench press (36 reps) and the vertical jump (31), and scored 29 on the Wonderlic. Short arms (32¼) almost force him inside. “He’s my sleeper,” another scout said. “This guy is one tough sucker. You talk about toughness and tenacity. You grade him and he just blocks his guy. Their left tackle last year (Justin Britt) went to Seattle and started, and there’s no comparison between the two. His feet are good enough.” From Austin, Texas.

5. B.J. FINNEY, Kansas State (6-3½, 315, 5.31, 5-6): Walk-on started school-record 52 games, including 51 at center. “He has some athletic limitations, but I like his wrestling background,” one scout said. “Just a tough, gritty player. Centers nowadays really don’t have to be special athletically.” First O-lineman at K-State to be a team captain three times. From Andale, Kan.

OTHERS: Andy Gallik, Boston College; Reese Dismukes, Auburn; Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech; Chris Jasperse, Marshall; Max Garcia, Florida; Greg Mancz, Toledo; Chad Hamilton, Coastal Carolina.

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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers and tight ends
By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel
April 22, 2015

The Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn assesses the top wide receivers and tight ends in the draft next week. Included is each player’s height, weight, 40-yard dash and projected round.
WIDE RECEIVERS

1. AMARI COOPER, Alabama (6-1, 210, 4.35, 1): Third-year junior. “Reggie Wayne has always been under the radar as being a great receiver,” one scout said. “That’s Cooper. Makes plays. Get open. Difficult to bring down. Not because he’s strong, but because he has a knack and can make a subtle move.” Three-year starter with 228 catches for 3,463 yards (15.2-yard average) and 31 touchdowns. “I think he’s better than Torry Holt, Roddy White,” another scout said. “Very smooth and very polished.” Not as flamboyant as Sammy Watkins from a year ago but more consistent. “He plays tough,” a third scout said. “He’s just not I guess the modern prototype now because of the size.” Played at Miami Northwestern High with Teddy Bridgewater. Scored 21 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. Finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after breaking the Southeastern Conference record for single-season receptions with 124 in 2014.

2. KEVIN WHITE, West Virginia (6-2½, 214, 4.30, 1): “There’s not one thing wrong with Kevin White,” said one scout. After two junior-college seasons, he had a tame 35-reception campaign in 2013 before exploding in ’14 with 109 for 1,447 (13.3) and 10 TDs. “Last year they couldn’t cover Mike Evans,” another scout said. “This guy falls into that category. Fun player to watch. I’d love to know how many penalties he drew.” Loves talking trash, physical and strong (tied for the WR lead in the bench press with 23 reps). Compared by various scouts to Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Julio Jones. Stunned scouts with a blazing 40 at the combine. “He wasn’t really on the map at the beginning of the year,” a third scout said. “He’s skyrocketed. He’s not in the league of a Calvin Johnson or a Larry Fitzgerald. Not as nifty as Amari Cooper. But he’s going to be a good starter.” From Plainfield, N.J.

3. DeVANTE PARKER, Louisville (6-2½, 211, 4.42, 1): Recruited by Kentucky to play basketball out of Louisville Ballard High. “He probably could have played there,” said one scout. “Smooth, athletic, adjusts on the deep ball well. But he got nicked up.” Suffered a broken foot in late August and missed seven games. “He’s been hurt a lot and hasn’t had as much production as these other guys,” another scout said. “He’s big and really good after the catch. He’s a very quiet type of kid so I think people have some concern for his mental, which is a big thing for wideouts.” Wonderlic of 15. Finished with 156 catches for 2,775 (17.8) and 33 TDs. “A little soft,” said a third scout. Added a fourth: “Thing that worries me, first play of the Florida State game he catches an up and he turned to look to see where the DBs are and gets caught. Well, the fast guys don’t look. They just catch the ball and run.”

4. NELSON AGHOLOR, Southern California (6-0, 196, 4.40, 1-2): Third-year junior. “He’s kind of like Jeremy Maclin,” one scout said. “He can play both (outside and slot). His best things are versatility and route running. You wish he was bigger, but besides that he’s pretty solid.” Nigerian; moved to the U.S at 5. “Very similar to Marquise Lee,” a second scout said. “Slender build. Good speed, not special speed.” Started for two years, finished with 178 catches for 2,572 (14.4) and 20 TDs. “(Randall) Cobb might be a little bit stronger, but it’s the same quickness,” a third scout said. “He makes people miss. Just skinny.” Said a fourth scout: “He’s OK. Gets pushed around.”

5. BRESHAD PERRIMAN, Central Florida (6-2, 212, 4.27, 1-2): His father, Brett, caught 525 passes in a 10-year career spent mostly with Detroit. He was 5-9, 180. “Totally different from his dad,” one scout said. “His dad was really quick. This guy is bigger. You don’t see the speed he ran. This guy doesn’t run routes. He has a rough time against press because he’s not quick and he’s tight. I see a straight-line speed guy.” Third-year junior with 115 catches for 2,243 (19.5) and 16 TDs. “He plays fast, he plays big and I like him,” a third scout said. “It’s a little surprising given the dad that he’s not a better route runner.” Two-year starter from Lithonia, Ga. “Hands were very iffy this year,” said a fourth scout. “He has a big up side but obviously a lower floor because he has inconsistencies catching. He really just hasn’t put it all together yet.”

6. JAELEN STRONG, Arizona State (6-2½, 218, 4.43, 1-2): Fourth-year junior spent two years in junior college before arriving in Tempe. “Reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald except he’s faster,” said one scout. “People can’t cover him on the back shoulders and fades because he has amazing talent to leap like Fitzgerald had. He’s excellent ball tracking, hands, jumping, in traffic. Became a star playing with a very average quarterback. I thought he’d run 4.55. It shocked me.” Scored the highest on the Wonderlic (22) of the top 12 WRs. “A big, physical, jump-ball type receiver,” another scout said. “He can outsize defensive backs and is good with the ball in his hand. Limited as a route runner.” Played late in the season with a wrist injury that has led one team to reject him medically. Finished with 157 catches for 2,287 (14.6) and 17 TDs. “If you watch him play, he looks more like a possession guy,” a third scout said. “I don’t see the great fanfare in his play. He’s adequate. I don’t think he’s sensational.” From Philadelphia.

7. DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM, Oklahoma (6-5, 236, 4.46, 1-2): Third-year junior kicked out of Missouri after two seasons before spending a practice-only year under Sooners coach Bob Stoops. “He’s not the freak athlete like Calvin Johnson,” one scout said. “He’s longer than Demaryius Thomas. Huge threat in the red zone. Oklahoma had to hold him out of some drills because he was just dominating practices. He was (abusing) their starters, It wasn’t even close.” Caught 28 passes as a pure freshman in 2012, then ran No. 2 behind NFL free agent L’Damian Washington in ’13. Finished with 87 receptions for 1,278 (14.7) and 17 TDs. “He’s so big and so fast,” another scout said. “There’s just a lot of unknowns with him. He’s a train wreck.” Small hands (9). Poorest vertical jump (33½) of top 25 WRs. Multiple character issues vex teams. “He’s as talented as anybody in the group but I wouldn’t draft him,” a third scout said. “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. He could become Josh Gordon. He’s going to be a hit immediately for whoever drafts him and then he’s going to be a problem.” Wonderlic of 20.

8. DEVIN FUNCHESS, Michigan (6-4, 232, 4.54, 1-2):Compared by scouts to Marques Colston and Jared Cook. Third-year junior spent first two seasons at TE before shifting to WR last year. “He certainly can do the tight end stuff but he doesn’t want to block,” one scout said. “Antonio Gates is like his (relative) and they had a big discussion about where you get paid more. He doesn’t play as big as he should all the time and he’s not great about catching balls in the middle.” Finished with 126 receptions for 1,715 (13.6) and 15 TDs working with erratic QB Devin Gardner. “(Gardner) was awful,” said another scout. “After you got rung up over the middle every damn game everybody would be a little timid. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Funchess.” Played three games near midseason with a broken thumb. “Michigan hasn’t had any success with receivers,” a third scout said. “He’s got inconsistent hands but he can make catches. I wouldn’t take him first (round) but I’d take him early two.” Out of Farmington Hills, Mich.

9. PHILLIP DORSETT, Miami (5-9½, 184, 4.28, 1-2):Three-year starter. “He can play outside because he’ll be the fastest guy in the NFL,” one scout said. “There’s nobody that fast. Better version of John Brown, who was a hell of a rookie for the Cardinals.” He’s just a bullet.” Tremendous deep speed. “He may be a gadget guy but, boy, he gets on the DB’s toes quickly,” another scout said. “I mean, he is explosive.” Finished with 108 catches for 1,860 (17.2) and 15 TDs. “Can play inside or outside,” a third scout said. “He might not be a team’s No. 1 ever but he’s going to scare people because he can go.” From Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

10. DEVIN SMITH, Ohio State (6-0½, 199, 4.39, 2): Three-year starter. “A really good stretch-the-field vertical type,” one scout said. “Probably not as fast as Mike Wallace. Hands are average, route-running average.” Averaged an astounding 28.2 on 33 catches (12 TDs) for national champions in 2014 but didn’t play a whole lot. “You can throw him in there and he’ll run by people,” another scout said. “But he’s not going to be an every-down No. 1 or No. 2 type receiver. He’ll be a great gunner but a back-end (of the roster) receiver.” Finished with 121 catches for 2,503 (20.7) and 30 TDs. “He needs some work, but if nothing else he’ll come in and take the top off the coverage and be great on (special) teams,” a third scout said. “He’ll open up the field for you.” Hails from Massillon, Ohio.

11. TYLER LOCKETT, Kansas State (5-10, 181, 4.35, 2): Compared by one scout to Dexter McCluster. “Love him,” one scout said. “Extremely quick. Great bloodlines. He’s not small by any means. Blazing speed, quick, good route runner. Strong hands. Abysmal quarterback play. The fact he got the production he did when opponents knew he was their primary threat was impressive to me.” Both his father, Kevin, and uncle, Aaron, were top WRs at K-State. Started for 3½ years, finishing with 249 catches for 3,710 (14.9) and 29 TDs. “If he was 6-feet he might be the best receiver,” another scout said. “It was a nothing team but this guy just made play after play after play.” From Tulsa, Okla.

12. SAMMIE COATES, Auburn (6-1½, 212, 4.40, 2-3): Fourth-year junior with degree in public administration. “He is a great kid,” one scout said. “He has worked so hard. He is such a positive personality that I think he might overcome the inconsistent catching. It’ll kill him to drop a ball. He’ll work at it.” Strong (23 reps on the bench), athletic (41-inch vertical jump) and very fast. Wonderlic of 14. “He’s stiff, like the guy the Raiders drafted from Maryland (Darrius Heyward-Bey),” said another scout. “Couldn’t get out of breaks. Coates falls in that category.” Burned Alabama for 206 yards in five receptions. Finished with 82 catches for 1,757 (21.4) and 13 TDs. His problematic knees concern some teams. “A JC kid (D’Haquille Williams) came in this year and was their top receiver over him,” a third scout said. “But he runs by people in the best conference.” From Leroy, Ala.

13. RASHAD GREENE, Florida State (5-11½, 180, 4.49, 2-3): Led leading receivers with 24 on the Wonderlic. “Smart, smooth, exceptional route runner, very good hands,” one scout said. “He’s like Robert Brooks.” Rewrote the Seminoles’ record book, finishing with 270 catches for 3,830 (14.2) and 29 TDs. “One of our scouts said he’ll get picked behind a bunch of receivers but he might wind up having a better career or numbers than a lot who are picked ahead of him because he’s so steady,” said another scout. From Albany, Ga. “There’s nothing special about the kid,” said a third scout. “He’s a pretty good football player but he’s 180 and you don’t see any real speed or quickness.”

14. JUSTIN HARDY, East Carolina (5-10, 192, 4.56, 3):Former walk-on brings a try-harder approach. “I’ll tell you what,” one scout said. “If you want a possession guy that can play in the slot, he’s got the best hands of anybody in the draft. He’s like that kid from LSU last year (Jarvis Landry). Not as big, though.” Set the FBS record with 370 receptions, good for 4,451 (11.7) and 35 TDs. “Plays a lot bigger than he is,” another scout said. “Strong, physical, has really big hands (10). Knows how to use every element of ability that he has. He had a giant bull’s-eye on his back every time he played and he still made plays.” From Vanceboro, N.C.

OTHERS: Stefon Diggs, Maryland; Chris Conley, Georgia; Ty Montgomery, Stanford; Antwan Goodley, Baylor; Jamison Crowder, Duke; Tre McBride, William & Mary; Dres Anderson, Utah; Vince Mayle, Washington State; Darren Waller, Georgia Tech; DeAndre Smelter, Georgia Tech; Mario Alford, West Virginia.
TIGHT ENDS

1. MAXX WILLIAMS, Minnesota (6-4, 249, 4.84, 1-2): Third-year sophomore saw opportunity amid a woeful collection of tight ends and forfeited his final two seasons. “The confidence and the cockiness comes out because his dad’s been through the process as a first-round draft choice,” one scout said. “I’m sure they looked at it and said, ‘Look, Maxx, this is the year to come out. You’re the best one. Take a chance.'” Two-year stats were 61 catches for 986 (16.2) and 13 TDs. “He’s easily the No. 1 guy,” a second scout said. “He doesn’t look sleek but I guarantee he can catch it, and he’ll give you enough as a blocker, which sometimes you don’t get from those sleek guys.” Father, Brian, was the Giants’ starting center for a decade. “He’s one of those guys that jumps over people and stiff-arms,” another scout said. “Real good hands. This guy will block, too.” Wonderlic of 29. Hails from Waconia, Minn. “He’s not a first-rounder,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t block. He’s got really nice hands. He’s got average speed. He’s 4.8.”

2. CLIVE WALFORD, Miami (6-4, 250, 4.75, 2-3): Played just one year of high-school football in Belle Glade, Fla. “He can block,” one scout said. “He can get open. He can beat a DB one-on-one.” Labeled as “probably the most complete tight end in the draft” by another scout. Improved each year, finishing with 87 catches for 1,299 (14.9) and 12 TDs. “He’s a bigger guy who can actually run and catch and block,” a third scout said. “The big game for him to watch is Florida State. Big hands (10¼), long arms (34), degree of toughness.”

3. TYLER KROFT, Rutgers (6-5½, 247, 4.74, 3-4):Fourth-year junior. “He’s a frat boy when you meet him,” said one scout. “He’s a very well-spoken, polished, a tad naïve. Very smart (Wonderlic of 32). He catches the ball. Really soft hands. And he’s a get-in-the-way blocker.” Two-year starter with 70 receptions for 901 (12.9) and five TDs. “Just a guy,” said another scout. “He ain’t got nothing,” said another scout. “There are no tight ends. There’s just bodies.” From Downington, Pa. “He’s light…in the (expletive) but he’ll fight you on the line of scrimmage,” a third scout said. “He’s not a field stretcher. Been a little immature.”

4. JEFF HEUERMAN, Ohio State (6-5, 253, 4.81, 3-4): Two scouts said Heuerman was only marginally better than ex-Packer Jake Stoneburner, his TE predecessor in Columbus. Played most of 2014 on a bad foot. “You didn’t get to see all he was,” one scout said. “He’s got some strength in his upper body and he ended up being pretty productive as a blocker. Not a great athlete running routes. But you watch him work out and he can catch and adjust on the ball.” Finished with 52 catches for 792 (15.2) and seven TDs. “Maybe by a little bit he’s better than Stoneburner,” one scout said. “He blocks a little bit. He’s got some receiving ability. He does it all OK.” Played high-level junior hockey growing up in Naples, Fla.

5. RANDALL TELFER, Southern California (6-3½, 250, 4.75, 4-5): Started for 3½ years as an old-fashioned style TE. “He’s the best blocker of any of them,” one scout said. “I like him because it’s hard to find tough, blocking guys.” Still nursing a Lisfranc foot injury and scouts won’t see him run a 40 before the draft. Finished with 65 catches for 648 (10.0) and 12 TDs. “Good player,” another scout said. “He catches the ball. Adequate athlete.” Out of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

6. BLAKE BELL, Oklahoma (6-6, 252, 4.79, 5): Started eight of the 31 games that he played at QB from 2011-’13, rushing for 24 TDs as the “Belldozer” and compiling an NFL passer rating of 86.5. Reluctantly accepted move to TE in ’14 and started eight of 12 games, catching 16 passes for 214 (13.4) and four TDs. “By the time the season was over you could see he was a guy with up side blocking,” said one scout. “His deficiencies (early) weren’t from want-to. It was positioning and leverage and hand placement.” Father, Mark, played six NFL seasons as a DE. His uncle, Mike, was a standout DE from 1979-’91. “He’s got an up side,” another scout said. “Really a big guy, and I think he’ll grow into the position.” From Wichita, Kan.

OTHERS: Busta Anderson, South Carolina; Nick O’Leary, Florida State; Jesse James, Penn State; A.J. Derby, Arkansas; Nick Boyle, Delaware; James O’Shaughnessy, Illinois State; Ben Koyack, Notre Dame; Wes Saxton, South Alabama; Gerald Christian, Louisville; Geoff Swaim, Texas.

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https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/04/21/cff-player-profile-lael-collins-ot/

CFF Player Profile: La’el Collins, OT
Khaled Elsayed | April 21, 2015

The quiet man.

During the season it didn’t feel like our analysts were talking much about La’el Collins. In a lot of respects that must have been the dream scenario for LSU because Collins was so rarely beat in critical junctions (the passing game) that you had to double check he was on the field.

Yet he was and for 334 snaps he was asked to pass protect and would give up just four hurries the entire year (with an additional one in the Senior Bowl). Quite the return, and while his pass blocking snaps were lower than his rivals to be the top lineman taken (LSU had about 1.6 times as many running plays as passing plays) he certainly put himself in the frame to go early.

CFF-profile-laelcollins-1
Run Game

When you first watch Collins in the run game you get a bit annoyed by him. Upfield penetrators playing one gap can leaving him flapping his arms about as he heads knees first for the turf, with a tendency to lean exploited. At the second level he doesn’t always look interested or showcase great targeting skills. While Andrus Peat has no problem identifying targets and lots of problems engaging them, Collins is the exact opposite. He struggles to find a guy (blocking nobody far too often) but when he does it’s a joy to behold.

And that’s when you start realizing the good he does in the run game. He demonstrates good leg drive while working down the line and doesn’t settle for just setting the edge, but rather widening the B-gap on his inside shoulder. He also demonstrates the kind of first-step quickness that he can get across a defensive lineman’s face and seal once he gets there. When he gets the advantage off the snap he is bound to win and it’s no surprise that 16.2% of his run blocks ended with a positive grade (fifth-highest of all draft-eligible tackles). That’s largely down to how good his hands can be in the run game, with an ability to latch on to defenders and eliminate them from the play.

collins table 1
Pass Pro

CFF-profiles-inset-laelcollinsThe numbers with Collins really do tell a story of a tremendously reliable pass protector. For much of the year it was a snooze watching him with him pitching shut outs in 11 games. That’s an eye-catching number that saw him shoot to the top of our Pass Blocking Efficiency rankings.

There are some things to remember. He wasn’t put in as many deep drops as other tackles (he pass blocked on 73 seven-step drops compared to Andrus Peat and Brandon Scherff both going over 125) and he did avoid some of the more explosive rushers as well. It leaves him a little untested against true speed, but Collins did display good feet, getting good depth and width on his kick step that allowed him to mirror rushes and counter any inside moves.

If there’s one area he did struggle with (and one that Trey Flowers exploited) it was with his blocking of a speed to power move, where he showed he might need to improve his strength if he’s going to anchor against the behemoths of the NFL. But all things considered he was the most impressive pass blocker of the class and the numbers show that up.

collins table 2

Collins looks the safest pick of any offensive tackle in this draft and by a decent margin. He can get better against the run — and might need to add some strength to deal with the power of NFL pass rushers — but he looks like a pretty polished prospect who should slide in from Day 1 and represent an upgrade on an average tackle with the capacity to be so much more. Recent years haven’t seen many tackles take the league by storm, but Collins is the best bet in the 2015 draft class to do so.

As of today, it seems more of the mocks have offensive linemen sliding out of the first round. That makes it more likely that one of them might be there for the Rams at 41.

Capabilities of ’15 O-line draft class align perfectly with what Rams need: versatility
Howard Balzer
FOX Sports Midwest

APR 24, 2015 11:28a ET
http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/capabilities-of-15-o-line-draft-class-align-perfectly-with-what-st-louis-rams-need-042415
LSU’s La’El Collins and Iowa’s Brandon Scherff

ST. LOUIS — Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau has often said he’d love to have all tackles starting on his five-man unit. That, of course, rarely happens, but Boudreau’s point is that the all-around ability and athleticism of tackles will often translate to other positions and provide a team with the best possible blockers.

With this year’s draft less than one week away, Boudreau might be getting closer to his wishes. After all, as the group stands now, the only sure starters are left tackle Greg Robinson and left guard Rodger Saffold, who was drafted as a tackle and switched to guard last season. To say the Rams need to solidify their offensive line with three months remaining until the start of training camp is a massive understatement.

Obviously, whoever starts at right tackle will make it three tackles on the line, but the biggest mystery of this offseason, now 45 days after the start of the league year on March 10, is the status of right tackle Joe Barksdale. Expecting to get a contract in the range of $7-8 million a year, Barksdale saw doors closed quickly on him and he remains unsigned.

If he doesn’t sign in the next week, the Rams will be in the market for a tackle, guard and possibly a center during the draft. If he does, at this point it would likely be a one- or two-year contract at best, so the Rams would be well advised to draft a tackle anyway.

While there has been a lot of chatter about the Rams selecting a quarterback or wide receiver in the first round with their 10th overall choice, it’s difficult to imagine them passing on an offensive lineman, and they could well add more blockers in two of the next three rounds.

The good news for the Rams is that this is a deep group of offensive linemen who also have significant position versatility. It’s not hard to picture Boudreau licking his chops in the team’s war room.

“Because this year’s class lacks an obvious Pro Bowl left tackle, it has been miscast as a below-average group,” says Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com. “In reality, clubs looking for help on the interior or right tackle can find players capable of competing for starting positions as rookies throughout the top 100.”

That’s music to Boudreau’s ears, and he knows it — especially since the Rams already have their left tackle, which means the available crop perfectly matches their needs. They can mix and match and be covered no matter what Barksdale does. Even if the Rams entertain thoughts of signing Barksdale after the draft, they just might get a tackle and guard in two of the first four rounds, possibly setting them up for the next four or five years and allowing them to move on from a steady but unspectacular player.

If they draft a tackle such as Iowa’s Brandon Scherff or LSU’s La’el Collins in the first round, and then still sign Barskdale, either of those prospects could immediately be placed at right guard. There’s that versatility at work.

Scherff started the last three seasons at left tackle but is viewed as either a right tackle or guard in the NFL. “He has enough skills to survive on the edges in the NFL, likely at right tackle,” NFLDraftScout.com’s Dane Brugler, who rates Scherff as a guard, wrote in his draft guide, “but his best position at the next level is inside at guard, which fits his skill set and mindset. (He’s a) safe player who can’t be drafted too early in the first round.”

Numerous mock drafts have him going to the New York Giants, one spot in front of the Rams at ninth overall. If that happens, the Rams couldn’t go wrong with Collins. “Any power-running team would love to have La’El Collins,” says Charles Davis of the NFL Network.

Wrote Brugler: “He is a wrecking ball in the run game. He has enough talent to survive on the edges, projecting as a starting swing tackle at the next level, but might be ideally suited inside at guard.”

At center, a lot depends on how much Boudreau and Co. truly like Barrett Jones and Demetrius Rhaney, but there could be temptation to add Florida State’s Cam Erving or even Mizzou’s Mitch Morse.
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Erving played, you guessed it, tackle for the first 37 starts of his offensive line career after switching from defensive tackle, and then moved to center for the final five games last season. That’s where most scouts project him in the NFL, but some believe he could also play guard.

Morse started games for the Tigers at center and both tackle spots while also practicing and playing some at both guard spots. “He is patient, balanced and competitive with the high football intelligence desired,” Brugler wrote.

That’s not unlike former Mizzou lineman Justin Britt, who some said Seattle reached for in the second round last year. But Seahawks line coach Tom Cable knew what he was doing and Britt started every game as a rookie except for the NFC Championship Game because of a knee injury.

Other names to watch for the Rams include tackles Andrus Peat (Stanford) and Ereck Flowers (Miami of Florida) and guards Ali Marpet (Hobart), A.J. Cann (South Carolina), Tre Jackson (Florida State), Laken Tomlinson (Duke) and Jamon Brown (Louisville).

Becoming fast starters is the way of the world in the NFL. Last season, 26 linemen (10 tackles, 11 guards and five centers) were drafted in the first four rounds and 22 in the top 100. Five tackles started a total of 65 games, seven guards started 87 games and the five centers started 55 games.

Two guards, two tackles and one center started all 16 games, while another two guards, one tackle and one center started either 14 or 15 games. The Rams’ Robinson started 12.

Odds are, once all seven rounds are in the books, a few of the linemen discussed above will be Rams and could be expected to start Sept. 13 against the Seahawks.

Welcome to the NFL.

Howard Balzer can be heard daily on Lunchtime Live with Howard Balzer from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays on TalkSTL.com 1380 AM.

http://www.101sports.com/2015/04/15/the-benefits-of-rams-trading-back-on-no-10-pick/

The Benefits of Rams Trading Back on No. 10 Pick

What to do with draft pick number ten? That’s the question.

Last week I discussed seven options for the Rams’ first round selection. Now, let’s expound on the strategy that could be most beneficial to the team.
jeff fisher-5

Coach Jeff Fisher has acknowledged the Rams have holes to fill on the O-line.

Like most NFL draftniks, I’m addicted to mocks. Be it Peter King’s or Larry King’s, I’ll consume it all the same. And no matter which mock I look at in relation to this year’s draft, I don’t like how things play out in front of the Rams.

There’s a case to be made that Alabama receiver Amari Cooper is the best prospect in this year’s class. He’s a tremendous route-runner, has excellent hands, and plays under control. He tracks the ball perfectly on deep throws, can lineup outside the numbers and win there, or inside in the slot and beat defenders that can’t match up with him in space. Cooper uses his hands well to beat jams, plays with great technique, and has a superb feel for the game.

The guy is good.

He’s polished, pro-ready, and would look great in a Rams uniform. He’s also unlikely to be available when Jeff Fisher and Les Snead make their first selection.

The same can be said for the other top prospects, which include USC’s Leonard Williams (popularly mocked to Tennessee at No. 2), Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr. (No. 3 to Jacksonville), Clemson’s Vic Beasley (anywhere from No. 5 to Washington to No. 8 Atlanta), West Virginia’s Kevin White (No. 4 Oakland to No. 7 Chicago) and Florida State’s Jameis Winston (No. 1 to the Bucs).

Besides the unlikely scenario of the top prospects falling to No. 10, the Rams face a self-imposed dilemma regarding their offensive line. With holes at right tackle, left guard and center, the Rams might not be able to afford bypassing an offensive lineman with their first pick, even with veterans Joe Barksdale, Justin Blalock and Stefen Wisniewski still available in free agency. Had they addressed more needs in free agency, they could have allowed the top nine picks to play out and then simply chosen the best player on their draft board.
Robinson is important in helping the Rams establish the run.

Greg Robinson eliminates the need to address the left tackle position in the draft.

But this is where need may intersect with value and opportunity.

The Rams need offensive linemen – multiple offensive linemen, in fact. The good news is they don’t need a cornerstone left tackle, having selected Greg Robinson with the No. 2 overall pick a year ago. This year’s draft class is flooded with tackles that could potentially start on the right side for the Rams in year one.

Stanford’s Andrus Peat headlines the list. Peat’s best attributes are his size and playing technique. He’s polished and is one of the safer prospects in this year’s class, even if he’s not dynamic. Oregon’s Jake Fisher is technically sound as well, is athletic and has an excellent grasp of angles, an underrated part of playing tackle at any level. Florida’s D.J. Humphries, Pitt’s T.J. Clemmings, Texas’ Cedric Ogbuehi and Miami’s Ereck Flowers don’t come without limitations, but none are considered massive projects either.

If the Rams have Peat listed atop their draft board now or when they’re on the clock in a few weeks, then he’s likely to be their pick.

But unless the drop-off between Peat and the other offensive line prospects (including potential guards Brandon Scherff of Iowa and La’el Collins of LSU) is significant, then here’s hoping they have an opportunity to trade back.

Being able to address a need with one of the top prospects on their board while also nabbing an extra draft pick or two would be the epitome of value. Maybe the Rams miss out on Peat or Scherff, but landing Fisher, Humphries or Clemmings in the back half of the first round, plus acquiring another second or third-round pick (depending on how far they trade back), would still be a success. Maybe that extra pick turns into another starter along the offensive line.

There have been previous drafts where I’ve argued the Rams should just sit and pick in order to secure the best quality (i.e. talent) over adding quantity (i.e. more selections). But every draft is different and if things play out in front of the Rams like most are assuming, trading back could benefit the team in more ways than one.