Bleacher Report - Articles by Wes Bunting

Scout's Notebook: Offensive Review For Week 13

Wes Bunting — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:25:49 -0500

Observations and analysis from the 13th week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Texas A&M Two-Step

Jerrod Johnson QB, 6-5, 243

I knew heading into the Texas-Texas A&M showdown just how talented a quarterback A&M’s Jerrod Johnson was, and I knew he’d been taking dramatic steps over the past year or so under head coach Mike Sherman.

However, what I didn’t expect to see was a quarterback who was so comfortable throwing the football outside the numbers while sticking big-time NFL throws into very tight windows. Johnson was absolutely brilliant Thursday night, carving up the Texas secondary and doing a great job using his pure athletic ability to create when nothing was there.

The guy is a physical marvel at 6-5, 243, and possesses the arm strength and anticipation to throw receivers open and be accurate with the football. He’s still far from a finished product—his mechanics and footwork have a tendency to get sloppy at times—but if you had seen this kid as a freshman, his development has been truly phenomenal.

It’s obvious that Johnson is a student of the game and wants to mature. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him make a run at the top quarterback spot in the 2011 draft.

Kevin Matthews C, 6-4, 310

Another standout in last week’s Texas-Texas A&M showdown was the play of Aggies center Kevin Matthews. You can tell Kevin is the son of a former All-Pro offensive lineman (Bruce Matthews) as he consistently plays with impressive technique inside.

Matthews does a tremendous job getting into opposing linemen quickly off the snap, and may have the quickest hands of any center I’ve seen this year. He’s consistently able to get under the chest plate of defensive tackles on contact and stay on his blocks through the play.

Plus, Matthews is the definition of a Velcro player in the run game, and did a great job repeatedly handling Texas DT Lamarr Houston at the point and opening up lanes inside. He isn’t the most gifted athlete, and lacks ideal range in space, but he’s fluid enough to slide laterally in pass protection, and can anchor consistently vs. the bull-rush.

Matthews looks like one of the more underrated offensive linemen prospects in the draft, and is a guy I could definitely see maturing into a potential starter at the next level.

One Nasty Owl

Temple tight end Steve Maneri has caught all of 11 passes this season and lacks the type of speed and overall athleticism to consistently create any kind of separation at the next level.

So why am I bringing up his name?

Well, at 6-6, 275 pounds, Maneri has found a niche on the Owls offense, and has developed into one of the most impressive blockers in the country at his position. His ability to play with power, balance, and body control at the point of attack are rare to see from a tight end his size.

Maneri made an absolute mockery of the Ohio run defense on Friday, routinely handling any defensive end they put in his way and easily driving/pancaking them away from the football. The guy definitely looks like a draftable prospect.

The question is, at what position?

There’s no doubt in my mind Maneri has the skill set to make a roster as a team’s No. 2, or No. 3 blocking tight end and could instantly enhance an NFL run game. However, much like former Arkansas TE Jason Peters (currently the Eagles starting left tackle), would it make more sense to ask Maneri to add about 30 pounds to his frame and turn him into an offensive tackle? He definitely has the athletic skill set and length to make the change, and at least gives NFL teams plenty of options concerning his role at the next level.

The Tools Simply Aren’t There

Coming into the year, I thought Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller had the ability to become one of the draft’s top senior quarterback prospects.He’s a tall, well-built pocket passer who has improved his release over the years and has the IQ to handle an NFL playbook.

However, after watching him last week vs. Ball State, it became clear the guy simply doesn’t have the skill set to be an efficient starting quarterback in the NFL.

Hiller is a limited athlete who struggles to buy time in the pocket and fails to make plays on the move. Plus, he lacks ideal arm strength for the position and really struggles to get the ball outside the numbers.

You can’t take away from the kid’s production throughout his college career, but his lacking physical skill set doesn’t bode well for his chances at the next level.

Underclassman Gone Bye-Bye?

One performance that really caught my attention this past weekend was that of Florida TE Aaron Hernandez.

Hernandez finished with five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns vs. Florida State, and also displayed the ability to line up on the outside and easily create separation against the Seminoles’ best cover man, CB Patrick Robinson.

Hernandez is a gifted athlete for his size, and showcases the burst to quickly get on top of defenders and the speed to get down the seam.

However, it’s his body control and balance as a route runner that consistently allow him to cleanly get out of his breaks and separate vs. man coverage. The guy also does an excellent job after the catch and looks like a H-back/TE that you can split out and create a lot of mismatches within the pass game at the next level.

Blah

At the start of the season, Clemson offensive guard Thomas Austin was considered one of the nation’s top prospects at his position.

However, after watching tape of him last summer, I came away less than impressed. Although his performance this weekend vs. South Carolina was a little better, he just doesn’t look like the kind of athlete who will be able to consistently hold up in pass protection at the next level.

He showcases good power and girth inside, but he’s slow to redirect and really struggles to stay in front of his man after his initial punch. Plus, he’s limited in space and isn’t effective when asked to pull and get out to the second level.

His size and power will likely end up getting him drafted, but I wouldn’t considered him a prospect who has the ability to start for an NFL offense any time soon.

Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting

News, notes on draft prospects

Wes Bunting — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:01:00 -0500

News, notes and opinions about some of the top prospects in the 2010 NFL draft class:

In what’s considered an uninspiring senior quarterback class, one guy who has really caught fire in recent weeks is Sean Canfield of Oregon State. Canfield is completing more than 70 percent of his passes and showcases an ability to be accurate with the football and anticipate routes on all levels of the field.

He has also seen his share of adversity over the years, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up having the most productive NFL career of all the senior quarterback prospects.

Will an NFL Team Devise an Unconventional Offense for Tim Tebow at the Next Level?

One quarterback who might have something to say about that is Florida’s Tim Tebow.

Tebow hasn’t had the type of senior season many expected and has not taken the steps needed to prove he has what it takes to be a traditional dropback-type quarterback in the NFL.

But, that’s not to say he can’t be a successful starting-caliber QB. Look at what the Titans have done in recent weeks with Vince Young, who’s not a traditional dropback passer and is not the type of quarterback most NFL teams covet.

If a team is open to using an unconventional offense for Tebow, allowing him to work from the spread, get him outside the pocket and run some power inside, there’s really no reason he can’t be a capable NFL quarterback. The idea of every team having a traditional dropback, strong-armed Carson Palmer-type quarterback is unreasonable because there’s a limited number of guys who can do that.

However, if a team is willing to look outside the box and be creative with its play-calling, I think Tebow could end up having a successful career leading an NFL offense.

The senior running back class is one group that could be significantly enhanced by an influx of early junior entries. With the possibility of junior running backs Jonathan Dwyer, Jahvid Best, Ryan Mathews, Noel Devine, Joe McKnight, and DeMarco Murray all entering the draft, we could very quickly see the likes of senior RBs Toby Gerhart, Montario Hardesty, and Anthony Dixon all fall down draft boards.

Keep an eye on Gerhart, who has a potential promising baseball career ahead of him and could opt for the diamond if his draft stock falls too far.

Alabama DT Terrence Cody is a Big—and Big-Time—NFL Prospect.

It’s a good year to be an NFL team in need of talent at the defensive tackle position as the 2010 senior crop is one of the best to come along in years.

Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh leads this year’s talented class, while Penn State’s Jared Odrick, Alabama’s Terrence Cody, and Syracuse’s Arthur Jones all look like big-time prospects in their own right. Plus, guys like Tennessee’s Dan Williams, Texas’ Lamarr Houston, and Purdue’s Mike Neal all add depth to the group as prospects who could eventually mature into starting-caliber linemen.

The same can’t be said for the senior cornerback class, where, in my opinion, there’s really not much separating the top seniors from some of the mid-level guys like Alabama’s Javier Arenas and Virginia Tech’s Stephan Virgil.

However, two guys I really like are Oregon’s Walter Thurmond and Indiana-Pa.’s Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Both look like prospects who will end up falling into that mid-round range but could have better careers and would be far better values then some of the “top-rated” senior corners (Patrick Robinson, Syd’Quan Thompson) in this years class.

One guy who doesn’t get the attention he deserves from this year’s safety class is Indiana’s Nick Polk, a physically strapping kid at 5'11", 220 who can run, change directions and create collisions in the run game. He’s one of my favorite senior safeties and, in my opinion, grades out higher than some of the other top-tier defensive backs such as Kam Chancellor, Darrell Stuck,ey and Kurt Coleman in terms of ability at the next level.

LSU's Harry Coleman Was Moved to Linebacker This Season.

If LSU’s Harry Coleman is such a talented potential strong-safety prospect, why was he moved to linebacker this season? Sure, you can say he’s a team player and that the LSU coaching staff needed to get its best athletes on the field, but if Coleman really was such a big-time NFL prospect at the position, you can bet he would still be playing safety.

Could you imagine Pete Carroll moving Taylor Mays to outside linebacker as a senior in order to get some talented underclassman on the field? The point is that Coleman looks like a core special teams guy who could end up finding a role as a nickel linebacker at the next level, but he’s not a potential starting strong safety. And if you want proof, just look at his game tape from last season.

Tell me, what am I missing in North Carolina State DE Willie Young, who’s considered in some scouting/media circles as a potential first-round pick?

Young has eight sacks, six of which came against the likes of Murray State, Gardner-Webb, and Wake Forest. He has recorded only one sack over his last six games and doesn’t exhibit the type of strength or body control to make me think he can beat blocks at the next level. He’s an intriguing athlete for his size and possesses good length, but Young has a lot of maturing to do before he can be considered a legitimate NFL pass rusher.

Every time I watch Notre Dame right tackle Sam Young and LSU left tackle Ciron Black, my opinion of them drops. Both guys have struggled tremendously at times this season, yet both are still considered top-10 offensive tackles in most media circles. The reason: They’ve started the past four seasons at big-time programs and are assumed by most media outlets to be good football players.

But, when you flip on the tape on each of them, you see a shell of the player you’re expecting to evaluate. At best, both prospects look like backup type linemen in the NFL.

Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting

Scout's Notebook: Defensive Review For Week 12

Wes Bunting — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:38:56 -0500

Observations and analysis from the 12th week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

Virginia Football

One Up

One bright spot on the Virginia defense this season has been the play of five-technique defensive end Nate Collins. Collins, a 6'2", 290-pound lineman, doesn’t quite possess the height or length to play as a three-four defensive end at the next level, but he showcases the initial burst, power and suddenness to definitely make the transition inside to defensive tackle in the NFL.

He did a great job Saturday vs. Clemson, consistently exploding off the snap, maintaining his leverage, and fighting off blocks while making his way into the backfield. He displays a violent set of hands and exhibits the body control and power to effectively bull-rush opposing linemen and cleanly redirect past their blocks.

He finished with four tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup and looks like a guy who could certainly develop into at least a rotational type of interior lineman at the next level, maybe more.

One Down

One of the more intriguing junior cornerbacks who could potentially enter next year’s draft is Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling. The 6'2", 200-pound defender possesses a great-looking frame and long arms and displays the range to effectively track the football in pursuit. However, the more I watch him, the more I think he’s a free safety-only prospect at the next level.

Dowling isn’t a really flexible athlete, and although he possesses impressive strider speed, he simply takes too long to get out of his breaks and into second gear. Plus, he’s rarely asked to play up close to the line of scrimmage, flip his hips and turn to run with receivers down the field, as he typically plays way off in coverage and has the luxury of opening his hips early and using his big strides to stay with receivers vertically.

I just don’t see the type of suddenness or burst in Dowling’s game to make me think he has the ability to stay with receivers in man coverage at the next level. Now, there’s no denying the kid is a gifted size/speed athlete, but I think his future is at free safety in the NFL.

Another Immovable Object In the SEC

I’ve been critical at times of LSU’s defensive line play this season. However, if the Tigers had two defensive tackles with the power and strength of Al Woods, there’s no way Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster would have rushed for 148 yards against them Saturday.

Woods was absolutely immovable at times vs. the Rebels and not only does a great job taking on double-teams, he can consistently anchor on contact. He isn’t a really gifted athlete and struggles to make plays away from his frame, but the guy knows how to eat up blocks inside and looks like a capable two-down lineman at the next level.

Questions Still Remain

This isn’t a ringing endorsement of the current play of Arizona cornerback Devin Ross. He isn’t a really polished corner, lacks ideal instincts in man coverage, and will open up his hips too early in his drop, which causes him to struggle to stay balanced when changing directions. On top of that, he isn’t really physical in press-man and struggles to generate much of a bump when trying to disrupt the timing of the pass game.

However, Ross is a gifted athlete who can certainly turn and run with NFL-caliber receivers down the field and possesses the type of physicality in run support I love to see from defensive backs.

Now, the guy was beaten at least three times last weekend vs. an Oregon receiving corps that is average at best. But you can’t knock the kid’s physical skill set, and with some proper NFL coaching, he has an upside that would make you think he could potentially end up starting in the league. Right now, though, I would grade him out more as a sub-package corner, with a very high ceiling.

A Year of Dominance

Ever since my initial player rankings were posted in September, Murray State’s Austen Lane has always been a top-20 defensive end prospect in my mind.

As soon as you pop in a tape of any Murray State football game and watch Lane perform, it’s obvious the guy is ready to take his game to the next level. He finished the season with 64 total tackles, 19-and-a-half tackles for loss and 11 sacks and wrapped up his college career last weekend vs. Tennessee Tech with 10 total tackles and one-and-a-half tackles for loss. Lane possesses a freakish combination of size (6'6", 258 lbs), length, and body control and has a physical skill set very similar to Miami Dolphins' OLB/DE Jason Taylor.

In no way am I saying Lane will have a career similar to Taylor’s because those kinds of expectations are too much for any prospect to live up to. However, what I am saying is that Lane is a highly gifted athlete who, with a strong postseason showing, could end up being one of the most coveted pass rushers in the draft.

Transfer Making Good On Promise

One of the lost storylines coming out of the Kansas State-Nebraska game was the play of Wildcats' defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, a transfer from Virginia, has very quietly been one of the Big 12's top defensive linemen and looks capable of playing in just about any scheme at the next level.

The 6'4", 280-pound defensive end already has experience in both four-three and three-four fronts and possesses the type of power to consistently hold the point in the run game and get after the football. He finished with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack and will likely end up grading out as a pote

Scout's Notebook: Offensive Review For Week 12

Wes Bunting — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:58:38 -0500

Observations and analysis from Week 12 of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Texas Tech offensive linemen don’t meet NFL standards

Brandon Carter, OG, 6-6, 344

AP Texas Tech OG Brandon Carter (76)

Please, make no mistake. I have nothing personal against Carter, the mammoth-sized guard from Texas Tech. I love the guy’s passion, and it’s obvious he enjoys playing the role of intimidator on the Red Raiders’ offense. However, Carter simply lacks the type of athleticism to hold up in space, and although he has the girth and power to anchor at the point of attack, he’s heavy-footed and is slow to slide his feet laterally in pass protection. He struggled mightily all game trying to match up with Oklahoma’s athletic defensive tackle tandem and gives up too much penetration inside. On top of that, he lacks a burst off the ball in the run game, seems content to lean on opposing blockers and doesn’t consistently drive his man out of the play. There’s no denying his size and power, but I can’t say I’ll grade him out any higher than a backup-type interior lineman.

Marlon Winn, OT, 6-5, 290

As I’ve stated in the past and still believe, if an offensive tackle lacks base strength, he will make every opposing defensive end he faces look like a good pass rusher. That’s exactly the case with Winn, who struggles to play with any kind of a pad level off the edge and consistently gets bullied at the point of attack. He was routinely rag-dolled in the pass game this weekend vs. Oklahoma and fails to bend his knees, sit into his stance and anchor on contact. He’s a decent athlete who can get his feet around defenders and seal in the run game. However, he lacks the type of power to hold his own at the next level and isn’t nearly ready to compete for an NFL roster spot.

Some size inside

Mike Iupati, Idaho, OG, 6-5, 330

AP Idaho OG Mike Iupati (77)

Believe it or not, if you want to see one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country right now, you need to travel to Idaho. Offensive guard Mike Iupati is a massive interior lineman who not only has the ability to engulf opposing defenders at the point of attack; he’s also a gifted athlete in his own right. Iupati does a great job keeping his pad level down, generating impressive power as a run blocker, and can smoothly slide laterally in pass protection. He does a great job getting under the pads of opposing defenders and has been absolutely dominating for the most part this season. He isn’t the most technically sound lineman and isn’t quite the type of Velcro player you’d expect for a guy his size, but I can see him maturing quickly with good NFL coaching and nailing down a starting spot in the NFL early in his career.

John Jerry, Ole Miss, OG/RT, 6-5, 350

Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster has been absolutely brilliant in recent weeks running the football effectively between the tackles and creating big plays once he reaches the second level. But none of McCluster’s success would be possible without the Rebels offensive line, especially the play of OG John Jerry. Jerry was absolutely dominant at times this weekend vs. LSU, not only sealing defenders away from the play but also consistently creating a great initial push off the ball and driving opponents down the field. His ability to routinely open up run lanes as an in-line blocker is one of the main reasons I think the guy is an ideal fit at offensive guard at the next level. However, he’s also shown an ability to play right tackle as well, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him starting there at next level. Either way, Jerry looks like a Leonard Davis type of player to me and has the ability to be effective in both the run and pass game in the NFL.

Experiment paying off

One guy to keep an eye on as draft time approaches is Pittsburgh offensive guard John Malecki. Malecki is a former defensive tackle who made the switch to offensive guard in 2008 and ended up starting 13 games for the Panthers last season. Now in his second season of playing on the O-line, Malecki has shown quite an improvement from a year ago. He’s a bit undersized at 6-2, 285 pounds but showcases a good first step and plays a lot stronger than his frame indicates because of his ability to gain consistent leverage. He does a good job getting into blocks quickly and displays the type of nasty demeanor you would expect from a former defensive lineman. He still has a way to go and is far from a finished product, but Malecki has come a long way in two years and looks like a guy who could definitely draw some interest as a high-upside, developmental-type prospect.

AP North Carolina DT Marvin Austin met his match in Boston College C Matt Tennant.

Battle of the best

One matchup I really enjoyed breaking down was North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin vs. Boston College center Matt Tennant. Austin had a good day, finishing with three tackles, 1½ tackles for loss and a sack, but for the most part, whenever he matched up with Tennant one on one inside, it was Tennant who was the victor. Austin looked more explosive off the line and did a great job initially getting into the body of Tennant, but, it was the taller, thinner Tennant who did a better job getting his hands under the pad level of Austin, anchoring in the run game and using his length to stay on his blocks through the play. Tennant wasn’t real powerful initially at the point, but he did a great job quickly gaining inside leverage and sealing Austin away from the ball. Plus, Tennant plays with a real mean streak and took pleasure working till the whistle and finishing his blocks. In what looked like a big test for Tennant, he faired quite well vs. the caliber of athlete he’ll be facing on a weekly basis in the NFL.

Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting

QB class of '07 endures tough times

Wes Bunting — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:17:11 -0500

It’s been a brutal week for the 2007 quarterback draft class.

JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick that year, has been benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski in Oakland. Third round pick Trent Edwards’ career in Buffalo looks to becoming to an unproductive end. And, first-rounder Brady Quinn continues to struggle in Cleveland. Not exactly what their franchises had in mind when they drafted those players.

Today, let’s take a look at the ‘07 quarterback class and see which QBs have made the most of their time in the NFL and which have not.

The Good

Kevin Kolb: Philadelphia Eagles, Second Round, 36th Overall

AP Kevin Kolb stepped in for Donovan McNabb this year and displayed his second-round ability.

Kolb’s career got off to a rocky start as many in Philadelphia questioned his ability to mature into a capable starting quarterback after brief appearances in 2008. But after starter Donovan McNabb went down earlier this season, Kolb stepped in and performed brilliantly in two starts.

He threw for a combined 718 yards to go along with four touchdown passes and a gaudy 96.9 quarterback rating.

Sure, he was only 1-1, but he looked efficient enough to warrant his second-round draft selection and may end up being the only quarterback from the ‘07 draft class starting in the NFL in the coming years.

Tyler Thigpen: Minnesota Vikings, Seventh Round, 217th Overall

I know I might be grasping at straws with this one, but when you look over the rest of the 2007 quarterback class, there really isn’t much else to work with.

Thigpen is currently a backup in Miami, and I don’t see him taking over the starting job any time soon playing behind Chad Henne. However, Thigpen has proved in the past that he’s capable of leading an NFL offense and has the skill set to eventually fight for a starting role elsewhere.

In 2008, he started 11 games for the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 54.8 percent of his passes and throwing for an average of 213 yards per start. He also tossed 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and if anything, he looks like one of the best quarterback values to come out of the 2007 class.

The Bad

John Beck: Miami Dolphins, Second Round, 40th Overall

AP Former Dolphin John Beck is now with the Ravens.

Beck was the fourth quarterback chosen in the draft and started four games as a rookie. His performances, however, were abysmal. He averaged 106 yards through the air and threw no touchdown passes and three interceptions as a starter. He was quickly relegated to the bench in 2008, working as the team’s third-string quarterback, and was eventually released in 2009.

He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in May, reuniting with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who served as the Dolphins’ head coach in 2007, and is currently third on the Ravens’ depth chart.

Trent Edwards: Buffalo Bills, Third Round, 92nd Overall

Trent Edwards at least got off to a good start in Buffalo.

As a rookie, Edwards played in 10 games, leading the Bills to a 5-5 record and looking like a guy who had the makings of a potential franchise quarterback. But after a 5-1 start in 2008, Edwards finished the year 2-6, throwing eight interceptions over that span compared to six touchdowns.

Now, because of his inability to get the ball down the field and into the hands of play-making wideouts Lee Evans and Terrell Owens, Edwards has been benched in favor of backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Edwards is 2-5 as the Bills' starting quarterback this season and again has more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (six).

In his defense, this situation isn’t entirely his fault, and some blame should fall on the shoulders of the Bills' scouting department for thinking a weaker-armed quarterback could be successful throwing the football through the cold and wind of Buffalo in December. If given an opportunity elsewhere—preferably in a warmer climate—I think Edwards has the talent to produce as a team’s starting quarterback, but it looks like he’s worn out his welcome in Buffalo.

The Ugly

Brady Quinn: Cleveland Browns, First Round, 22nd Overall

AP Brady Quinn does not look like the answer in Cleveland.

The Brady Quinn experiment looks to be all but over as the former Notre Dame signal caller hasn’t shown the ability to be consistently accurate with the football or make plays down the field in the pass game.

Quinn has a career completion percentage of only 52.2 percent and has thrown more than twice as many interceptions (seven) as touchdown passes (three) during his first three seasons in Cleveland. Quinn has started only seven games in his short tenure as a Brown, but during that time, he has averaged only 145 passing yards per game and has thrown for over 200 yards only twice.

At this stage, Quinn doesn’t look capable of throwing the ball down the field and manufacturing big plays in the pass game, and will likely force the Browns to select another quarterback in the first round of next year’s draft.

Words Can’t Even Explain

JaMarcus Russell: Oakland Raiders, First round, First Overall

It looks as though former Raiders coach Lane Kiffin knew exactly what he was doing bringing Russell along slowly and trying to prepare the rookie quarterback for the NFL. And, to be honest, after a 2008 season that concluded with wins against Houston and Tampa Bay, there looked to be some hope that Russell might develop into the franchise QB everyone imagined.

But, things have gone terribly wrong since then, as Russell has not only failed to improve on his performances from last season, he looks as though he’s taken steps backward.

The 6'6", 260-pounder is completing just 46.8 percent of his passes and has averaged a mere 118 yards per game. Russell looks slow to decipher information, lacks awareness in the pocket and struggles tremendously with his accuracy.

Worse, the Raiders have more than $60 million wrapped up in a player now heading to the bench in favor of journeyman Bruce Gradkowski. Russell looks nowhere near ready from a maturity standpoint to lead an NFL offense, and it will be interesting to see how patient the Raiders front office is, waiting on its investment to develop, while the team keeps losing.

Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting

THE NFP Super 30: A Look at the Top Prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft

Wes Bunting — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:11:10 -0500

In the fourth installment of the NFP’s Super 30 , we break down and rank the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects through the first 11 weeks of the college football season.

1. QB Jake Locker, Washington (6-3, 226)
The nation’s top quarterback prospect.

2. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6-4, 302)
Even with the consistent double-teams throw his way, Suh is still finding ways to control the line of scrimmage.

3. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (6-4, 298)
Has been downright dominating at times this season and has the ability to be a factor both in the pass and run game at the next level.

4. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama (6-4, 256)
Possesses an impressive athletic skill set for his size and has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

5. S Eric Berry, Tennessee (5-11, 203)
One of the most instinctive safeties to come along in years; looks like an instant impact player in the NFL.

6. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (6-6, 325)
His athleticism and overall power are what really pop out on tape. Does a great job keeping his base down and anchoring on contact.

7. C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (6-5, 318)
Plays with impressive power and fluidity for his size, and looks like a guy capable of starting from day one.

8. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (5-11, 235)
A violent runner who exhibits good vision between the tackles and has the initial burst to separate from defenders at the second level.

9. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (6-2, 220)
Will have to answer questions about his character, but he has the talent to consistently separate on the outside in the NFL.

10. DT Terrence Cody, Alabama (6-5, 365)
All the guy does is make everyone around him better; looks like an ideal 3-4 nose tackle who can anchor an NFL defense.

11. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (6-7, 238)
The guy is getting better every week and has all the tools needed to be a successful NFL quarterback.

12. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida (6-6, 290)
Is as physically gifted as it gets, but consistency is his main problem at this stage.

13. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (6-6, 312)
Still hasn’t quite regained his form from a year ago, but he looks like a guy capable of anchoring the left side of an offensive line for years to come.

14. DE/DT Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (6-6, 287)
Has been downright dominant at times, and when his motor is running, he’s nearly impossible to block. Plus, he has the ability to add a lot of versatility to an NFL defensive line.

15. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6-5, 302)
Looks effortless in pass protection and was absolutely brilliant shutting down the best pass rushers that Texas had to offer.

16. RB Jahvid Best, California (5-10, 195)
A big-play threat every time he touches the ball, but he has to hope his concussion problems don’t linger throughout his career.

17. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4, 272)
Possesses the tools to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways off the edge.

18. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (6-4, 223)
There are concerns about his durability at the next level, but he’s an accurate passer who will be in high demand in a quarterback-starved league.

19. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (6-6, 265)
He’s still raw, but possesses a wingspan that goes on for days, and might have more upside than any prospect in next year’s draft.

20. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (6-3, 223)
Clausen has been impressive all season, but does he have the demeanor needed to be a team’s starting quarterback?

21. S Taylor Mays, USC (6-3, 235)
The more I watch him, the more I question his overall instincts in all areas of the game.

22. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5-11, 195)
Looks like a potential Felix Jones-type player at the next level.

23. OLB/DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4, 248)
The guy makes a living behind the line of scrimmage and has the ability to consistently shed blocks and quickly close on the football.

24. OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6-0, 252)
A bit short by NFL standards, but he does a great job playing with power and suddenness when rushing the passer.

25. DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6-3, 295)
Doesn’t get the fanfare of some of some other highly rated defensive tackles in the class, but he’s stout at the point and uses his hands well to defeat blocks.

26. DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh (6-5, 270)
His combination of length, burst, and flexibility makes him really tough to block off the edge, and I love his ability to play with power as well.

27. OG Mike Iupati, Idaho (6-5, 330)
Makes everything look so easy inside. Possesses an impressive blend of size, power, and fluidity for the position and is ready to take his game to the next level.

28. DT Jared Odrick, Penn State (6-4, 298)
Plays bigger than his frame would indicate and does a great job firing off the snap, gaining initial leverage, and finding the ball inside.

29. ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida (6-3, 256)
A natural born leader who has the ability to come in and make an immediate impact.

30. OT Charles Brown, USC (6-5, 292)
He not only possesses the footwork to consistently mirror in pass protection, he’s also very natural on the move in the run game. Looks like a starting-caliber left tackle in the NFL.

Super 30 no more…

DE Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (6-2, 252)
Lacks the power to consistently disengage from blocks once an opposing tackle gets hold of him. Might be limited to more of a 3-4 OLB role at the next level.

CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama (5-11, 192)
Has recently struggled maintaining his balance and playing up in press man.

DT Phil Taylor, Baylor (6-4, 355)
Sill learning how to keep his pad level down when rushing the passer.

WR Mike Williams, Syracuse (6-2, 204)
Character concerns are going to kill this talented wideout on draft day.

DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina (6-3, 305)
I love his physical skill set, but he still needs to learn to use his hands better to shed blocks and make more plays on the ball.

DE Everson Griffen, USC (6-3, 278)
Has been slowed in recent weeks, and like the rest of the USC front seven, has struggled to disengage from blocks and consistently stop the run.

Just missed the cut…

WR Brandon LaFell, LSU (6-3, 206)
WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois (6-2, 220)
DT Allen Bailey, Miami (6-4, 288)
CB Joe Haden, Florida (5-11, 190)
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-2, 240)
OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina (6-3, 225)
OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, TCU (6-2, 257)
FS Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (6-1, 210)

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Scout's Breakdown of The Top NFL Offensive Prospects

Wes Bunting — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:12:04 -0500

Observations and analysis from the 11th week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects .

Anthony Dixon running back, Mississippi State

I have to admit that I vastly underrated the talents of Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon. In my latest senior rankings, he looks like a potential starting back in the NFL. After talking to some scouts in the league last week and watching his performance Saturday against Alabama, I’m starting to believe Dixon has the makings of a real workhorse in the NFL. Sure, his stats were only modest vs. the Crimson Tide (22 carries for 81 yards, six catches for 59 yards), but he was consistently able to pick up tough yards at the line of scrimmage and bail out his overmatched offensive line.

Dixon’s combination of instincts, lateral quickness, and power make him tough to bring down inside and he exhibits a much better first step. He isn’t the most explosive straight-line athlete and isn’t going to be a big-time threat at the second level, but the guy has consistently been able to manufacture yards behind a poor Mississippi State offensive line while running against the best defenses in the country. And although his stats won’t blow you away, Dixon looks capable stepping into an NFL training camp and improving a team’s run game.

Jason Pinkston left tackle, Pittsburgh

I was really impressed with the play of Pittsburgh left tackle Jason Pinkston vs. Notre Dame. The junior lineman is listed at 6'4", 305 pounds, but he possesses a thick, broad, upper body, and displays impressive coordination in all areas of his game. He looked very natural reaching the corner in pass protection and consistently was able to keep his base down and anchor at the point of attack. Plus, he generates impressive power on contact and was very fluid when asked to pull and hit a moving target in space.

Now, although he possesses good length for his size, I don’t think he’s a left tackle at the next level, but he definitely has me intrigued enough to warrant major consideration as a potential starting right tackle or guard in the NFL.

Keiland Williams running back, LSU

LSU running back Keiland Williams finally got his chance to start in the absence of former starting back Charles Scott and didn’t disappoint. Williams finished the game against Louisiana Tech with 116 yards on only 15 carries for two touchdowns and an average of 7.7 yards per carry. Louisiana Tech isn’t the most talented of defenses, but it’s notable that Williams gives the LSU offense a little more playmaking ability in the run game than Scott ever did.

Williams looks much more instinctive inside and possesses the short-area quickness to make a man miss and create on his own if everything isn’t blocked to perfection—unlike Scott, who, although runs with good power, struggles to be effective if the offensive line doesn’t win up front. I’ve always like Williams’ base off his game tape and thought that he simply needed to chance to shine. And now, with a strong finish to the season, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if it’s Williams who ended up being the top running back selected out of LSU at draft time.

Toby Gerhart running back, Stanford

Say what you want about Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, he may not be the greatest athlete, but the guy simply finds a way to get the job done. Gerhart has rushed for 401 yards in his last two games vs. Oregon and Southern Cal and has the type of power to absolutely wear down opposing front sevens. He exhibits impressive vision and patience at the line of scrimmage and does a great job allowing his blocks to set up, dropping his pad level and churning out tough yards inside.

Gerhart also possesses impressive balance for his size and is a much more gifted short-area athlete. He's quick enough to sidestep a defender in space and consistently run through would-be tackles at the line. I don’t think he’s a featured back in the NFL because he struggles to create on his own and lacks much of a second gear, but if you’re in need of a physical No. 2 type of back who can block in the pass game and convert short-yardage situations, Gerhart is your guy.

MAC wideouts who just don’t stack up

Bryan Anderson, Central Michigan

Anderson is a tall, well-built receiver who possesses impressive body control and coordination for a receiver his size. However, his lack of initial burst in all areas of his game, really has me concerned about his upside at the next level. He does a nice job using his body to shield defenders and attack the football, but he isn’t a real good athlete and gets too leggy when trying to change directions and get back up to speed. His size and ball skills will definitely get him a shot at the next level, but the idea that he has the potential to start on the outside for an NFL team is wishful at best.

Taylor Price, Ohio

Although Price is a good-looking receiver who possesses the speed to threaten defenses vertically, he fails to consistently beat press coverage and get into his routes quickly. He exhibits a good initial burst off the line and possesses the body control to snap off routes cleanly vs. off man/zone.

However, he isn’t nearly as explosive when asked to fight his way through any kind of a bump and lacks the type of short-area quickness and strength to routinely win battles off the line. Price will likely get over-drafted because of his size and speed numbers, but he’s never going to make an impact in the NFL until he learns to beat press man.

Stephen Williams, Toledo

Williams is another tall wideout who has shown the ability to pluck the football away from his frame and who does a nice job setting up his routes underneath. Williams, however, struggles to play with any kind of suddenness and takes way too long to get out of his breaks to separate at the next level. Although he’s been productive this season and does a nice job finding soft spots in zone coverage, there’s simply nothing dynamic about his game that would threaten cornerbacks at the next level and he will struggle to make plays vs. any kind of man coverage in the NFL.

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West Virginia-Cincinnati: Can Bearcats Stay Unbeaten Against Mountaineers?

Wes Bunting — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:56:58 -0500

West Virginia vs. Cincinnati

(Friday, 8 p.m. EST, ESPN2)

What to watch for

Studs on the mend

West Virginia got some good news this week as running back Noel Devine is expected to play after injuring his ankle in the first half vs. Louisville last Saturday. Devine is the Mountaineers’ most dynamic playmaker on offense, although this game could be tough sledding.

Cincinnati has done a great job in the past slowing down the horizontal spread attack of West Virginia and making it tough for Devine to find any type of running room on the outside. The Bearcats have an athletic front seven and do a great job getting after the football laterally and working hard in pursuit.

Therefore, there might be more of a burden on quarterback Jarrett Brown to be effective throwing the ball down the field in the pass game tonight.

Either way, this is not the type of game Devine can slowly ease into because the Bearcats have the ability to make plays in space and force the West Virginia offense into unmanageable down-and-distance situations.

On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly said this week that quarterback Zach Collaros will start vs. West Virginia but that former starter Tony Pike is also expected to see time. Pike hasn’t seen the field in three weeks—since injuring his non-throwing arm—and the stellar play of Collaros during that time has created a bit of a quarterback controversy in Cincinnati.

However, Kelly has elected to stand by his senior quarterback and expects him to take back the starting role full-time next week vs. Illinois. It will be interesting to see just how short a leash Kelly gives his senior signal caller if Pike enters the game and struggles.

What to do if he’s not so Devine?

If West Virginia’s Devine is ineffective early, you can bet you’ll see a heavy dose of RB/WR Jock Sanders in all areas of the game. Sanders is a unique athlete, measuring only 5'7" and 178 pounds, but like Devine, he’s deadly in the open field. He did a nice job last week replacing Devine in the second half vs. Louisville, rushing for 66 yards on 12 carries and keeping the Mountaineers’ offense ahead of the chains.

However, Sanders is also the team’s leading receiver with 58 catches and will likely be asked to carry the bulk of the offense if Devine is unable to get it going.

In order to help take some pressure off the undersized Sanders, the West Virginia pass game needs to be more effective vertically. Wideouts Alric Arnett, Bradley Starks, and Wes Lyons all have the ability to make plays down the field. The question is, can QB Brown consistently get them the football?

Can he carry the burden?

We know the Cincinnati offense is capable of putting up a ton of points, and Collaros has been as efficient as any quarterback in the nation in recent weeks. However, it’s vital for West Virginia’s Brown to play within himself and not make this game a battle between the two quarterbacks because, frankly, Collaros is better—a lot better.

Expect West Virginia to try to get Brown outside the pocket with a run/pass option on early downs. He’s as physically gifted as any quarterback in the nation, and when he takes off, he’s an absolute bear to bring down in the open field.

If West Virginia is able to get Brown some easy throws early and build his confidence in the pass game, he has the skill set to keep this one close. But if he’s forced to make plays as a pocket passer in unmanageable down-and-distance situations, the Mountaineers are really going to struggle.

Tough task lies ahead

Putting the brakes on the Cincinnati offense isn’t going to be easy for any team this season. Kelly does a great job creating a rhythm for his quarterback, and he has the athletes on the outside to consistently separate and make plays after the catch.

The receiving trio of Mardy Gilyard, Armon Binns, and D.J. Woods has the ability to consistently create mismatches in the pass game and if given time will be able to create big plays vs. the West Virginia secondary.

The key to slowing down the Bearcats' pass game is disrupting the timing of the receivers off the line and creating pressure up front. The Mountaineers need to find a way to create pressure in their penny (3-3-5) defense and force Collaros to get rid of the ball before he wants.

Collaros is a good athlete who has done a great job all year buying time in the pocket, breaking containment, and keeping his eyes down the field. Consequently, discipline will be a key when bringing pressure.

West Virginia DE Julian Miller is the one X-factor on the Mountaineers defense that needs to have a big game. He’s a gifted athlete with a good first step and has the ability to consistently threaten the corner and reach the quarterback.

We know West Virginia is going to be forced to bring pressure from its linebacking corps, but Miller is the one constant who needs to routinely beat the man in front of him and create havoc behind the line to give the Mountaineers’ defense a chance.

The outcome

This is a bad game for West Virginia’s Devine to be banged up since he’s never had much success running the ball against the Bearcats’ front seven. But the Mountaineers have enough athletes on defense to give the Cincinnati offense some trouble early, and the fact Pike is going to see his first action in three weeks could keep the offense out of rhythm.

Nevertheless, Cincinnati is playing at home and has the ability to score points on anyone, and the more pressure West Virginia QB Brown has on him to throw the ball, the less effective he’ll be. That’s why I like Cincinnati to improve to 10-0 tonight.

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NFP Rankings: Top NCAA Football Senior Prospects

Wes Bunting — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:14 -0500

With Week 11 of the college football season on the horizon, seniors will be playing the final games of their collegiate careers.

Let's re-rank and break down the top senior prospects at each position (height and weight in parentheses).

Quarterbacks

1. Tony Pike, Cincinnati (6'6", 212)
2. Colt McCoy, Texas (6'2", 212)
3. Mike Kafka, Northwestern (6'3", 220)
4. Sean Canfield, Oregon State (6'5", 215)
5. Tim Tebow, Florida (6'3", 245)
6. Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee (6'4", 228)
7. Bill Stull, Pittsburgh (6'3", 215)
8. John Skelton, Fordham (6'5", 256)
9. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (6'3", 226)
10. Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State (6'2", 228)

Running Backs

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5'11", 195)
2. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee (6'0", 215)
3. Charles Scott, LSU (5'11", 234)
4. Michael Smith, Arkansas (5'7", 180)
5. Toby Gerhart, Stanford (6'1", 235)
6. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State (6'1", 235)
7. Ben Tate, Auburn (5'11", 218)
8. Brandon Minor, Michigan (6'0", 218)
9. Chris Brown, Oklahoma (5'11", 200)
10. Deji Karim, Southern Illinois (5'9", 205)

Fullbacks/H-backs

1. Rashawn Jackson, Virginia (6'1", 245)
2. Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh (6'2", 230)
3. Cody Slate, Marshall (6'2", 224)
4. Jameson Konz, Kent State (6'3", 226)
5. Matt Clapp, Oklahoma (6'2", 246)
6. Richard Dickson, LSU (6'2", 240)
7. John Conner, Kentucky (5'11", 240)
8. Riar Geer, Colorado (6'3", 250)
9. Rendrick Taylor, Clemson (6'2", 264)
10. Ryan Moya, UCLA (6'3", 243)

Tight Ends

1. Anthony McCoy, USC (6'5", 252)
2. Ed Dickson, Oregon (6'4", 243)
3. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin (6'3", 250)
4. Tony Moeaki, Iowa (6'3", 252)
5. Nate Byham, Pittsburgh (6'4", 258)
6. Dennis Pitta, BYU (6'2", 248)
7. Andrew Quarless, Penn State (6'5", 248)
8. Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois (6'3", 270)
9. Dedrick Epps, Miami (6'4", 253)
10. Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State (6'5", 253)

Note: Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is not listed due to a season-ending injury.

Wide Receivers

1. Brandon LaFell, LSU (6'3", 206)
2. Jeremy Williams, Tulane (6'1", 205)
3. Eric Decker, Minnesota (6'3", 215)
4. Jacoby Ford, Clemson (5'9", 185)
5. Blair White, Michigan State (6'2", 200)
6. Jordan Shipley, Texas (6'0", 190)
7. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati (6'0", 187)
8. Marcus Easley, Connecticut (6'2", 216)
9. David Gettis, Baylor (6'4", 215)
10. Dexter McCluster, Mississippi (5'7", 168)

Offensive Tackles

1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6'5", 302)
2. Charles Brown, USC (6'5", 292)
3. Jason Fox, Miami (6'6", 314)
4. Kyle Calloway, Iowa (6'7", 315)
5. Chris Scott, Tennessee (6'4", 346)
6. Ciron Black, LSU (6'5", 322)
7. Selvish Capers, West Virginia (6'5", 298)
8. Trent Williams, Oklahoma (6'5", 318)
9. Mike Tepper, California (6'6", 322)
10. Will Barker, Virginia (6'7", 320)

Offensive Guards

1. Mike Iupati, Idaho (6'5", 330)
2. Zane Beadles, Utah (6'4", 305)
3. Mitch Petrus, Arkansas (6'3", 315)
4. John Jerry, Mississippi (6'5", 350)
5. Sergio Render, Virginia Tech (6'3", 313)
6. Mike Johnson, Alabama (6'5", 305)
7. Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State (6'3", 305)
8. Jon Asamoah, Illinois (6'4", 315)
9. Marshall Newhouse, TCU (6'3", 320)
10. Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts (6'5", 330)

Centers

1. J.D. Walton, Baylor (6'3", 305)
2. Eric Olsen, Notre Dame (6'4", 305)
3. Kenny Alfred, Washington State (6'2", 300)
4. Matt Tennant, Boston College (6'4", 291)
5. Ted Larsen, North Carolina State (6'2", 300)
6. Erik Cook, New Mexico (6'6", 318)
7. Joel Nitchman, Michigan State (6'3", 296)
8. Garrett Anderson, South Carolina (6'4", 308)
9. John Estes, Hawaii (6'2", 298)
10. Kyle Mutcher, Weber State (6'3", 300)

Defensive Ends

1. Greg Hardy, Mississippi (6'4", 265)
2. Brandon Graham, Michigan (6'1", 263)
3. Jermaine Cunningham, Florida (6'3", 252)
4. Corey Wootton, Northwestern (6'6" 280)
5. Jammie Kirlew, Indiana (6'2", 260)
6. Jeffrey Fitzgerald, Kansas State (6'4", 280)
7. Alex Carrington, Arkansas State (6'5", 284)
8. Greg Middleton, Indiana (6'3", 284)
9. Brandon Deaderick, Alabama (6'4", 287)
10. O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin (6'2", 248)

Defensive Tackles

1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6'4", 302)
2. Terrence Cody, Alabama (6'4", 365)
3. Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6'3", 302)
4. Jared Odrick, Penn State (6'4", 298)
5. D’Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech (6'2", 298)
6. Lamarr Houston, Texas (6'2", 300)
7. Mike Neal, Purdue (6'3", 302)
8. Vince Oghobaase, Duke (6'5", 305)
9. Ekom Udofia, Stanford (6'2", 315)
10. Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas (6'2", 290)

4-3 Outside Linebackers

1. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6'1", 245)
2. A.J. Edds, Iowa (6'4", 244)
3. Perry Riley, LSU (6'1", 245)
4. Ryan Stamper, Florida (6'2", 235)
5. Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas (6'2", 235)
6. Dekoda Watson, Florida State (6'2", 226)
7. E.J. Savannah, Washington (6'1", 228)
8. Stevenson Sylvester, Utah (6'2", 230)
9. Rico McCoy, Tennessee (6'0", 220)
10. Dustin Doe, Florida (6'0", 239)

3-4 Outside Linebackers

1. Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6'4", 248)
2. Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6'0", 252)
3. Jerry Hughes, TCU (6'2", 257)
4. George Selvie, South Florida (6'4", 245)
5. Sergio Kindle, Texas (6'4", 255)
6. Austen Lane, Murray State (6'6", 258)
7. Carl Ihenacho, San Jose State (6'3", 256)
8. Willie Young, NC State (6'4", 250)
9. Cameron Sheffield, Troy (6'2", 249)
10. Rahim Alem, LSU (6'3", 262)

Inside Linebackers

1. Brandon Spikes, Florida (6'3", 256)
2. Daryl Washington, TCU (6'2", 234)
3. Micah Johnson, Kentucky (6'2", 258)
4. Sean Lee, Penn State (6'2", 236)
5. Pat Angerer, Iowa (6'0", 235)
6. Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State (6'1", 240)
7. Joe Pawelek, Baylor (6'2", 240)
8. Josh Hull, Penn State (6'3", 240)
9. Mike McLaughlin, Boston College (6'0", 245)
10. Boris Lee, Troy (6'0", 245)

Cornerbacks

1. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest (6'0", 190)
2. Kyle Wilson, Boise State (5'10", 185)
3. Javier Arenas, Alabama (5'9", 198)
4. Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech (5'11", 189)
5. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky (5'11", 180)
6. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana PA (6'1", 195)
7. Brian Jackson, Oklahoma (6'1", 200)
8. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State (6'0", 198)
9. Syd’Quan Thompson, California (5'9", 191)
10. Kevin Thomas, USC (6'1", 190)

Note: Oregon’s Walter Thurmond III is not listed due to a season-ending injury.

Safeties

1. Taylor Mays, USC (6'3", 235)
2. T.J. Ward, Oregon (5'10", 201)
3. Nick Polk, Indiana (5'11", 219)
4. Nate Allen, South Florida (6'1", 206)
5. Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech (6'3", 230)
6. Justin Woodall, Alabama (6'1", 220)
7. Darrell Stuckey, Kansas (5'11", 205)
8. Harry Coleman, LSU (6'2", 206)
9. Barry Church, Toledo (6'1", 219)
10. Josh Pinkard, USC (6'1", 215)

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Scout's Notebook: College Football's Offensive Review

Wes Bunting — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:41:42 -0500

Observations, and analysis from the 10th week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Is it time for Pike to start worrying?

AP Cincinnati QB Tony Pike

It was just a couple weeks ago that Cincinnati QB Tony Pike was starting to make a big push for himself as the nation’s top senior quarterback prospect. But after missing the last three games with a forearm injury, Pike watched backup quarterback Zach Collaros take the reigns of the Bearcats offense, and perform about as well as any signal caller in the country.

Questions are now starting to pop up, not just about Pike’s future as an NFL quarterback, but also his chances of getting back on the field, and regaining his starting job. Collaros has been brilliant in his past three outings, and it’s going to be extremely tough for head coach Brian Kelly to bench his hot quarterback. Kelly’s decision will not only have a direct bearing on his team’s fate the rest of the season, it will also impact Pike’s draft stock. If Pike ends up getting benched the rest of the season, and sees another quarterback come in, and lead his team to a successful postseason run, it could have a detrimental effect on his draft status in April.

Late riser who looks poised for a big future

I was turned on recently to Connecticut wideout Marcus Easley, a former walk-on who has never been real productive at the college level. However, over the past five games, Easley has caught 24 balls for 533 yards and five touchdowns, and has emerged as Connecticut’s go-to receiver.

The 6'2", 216-pound wideout showcases impressive initial bursts off the line, and does a great job widening his routes, and giving himself additional space to operate down the field. He’s a coordinated receiver who possesses the balance to cleanly get out of his breaks, and adjust to the football.

He looked so natural this weekend against Cincinnati setting up his routes, and easily creating separation from the Bearcats’ corners down the field, that he looks like a guy who could potentially develop into a starting-caliber wideout at the next level.

He did have two bad drops, and needs to improve his concentration in traffic, but I think that will come with more experience.

Louisville wideout fails to impress

Another wideout who’s been making noise as of late is Louisville’s Scott Long. Long is a big 6'2", 214-pound target who’s been productive in the Cardinals’ lethargic offense, and I was excited to see how he would perform against an athletic West Virginia secondary on Saturday.

However, Long failed to impress as he struggled to separate consistently down the field, and even when he did have a chance to make a play in traffic, he lacked the type of body control/coordination to adjust to the throw, and pluck the football away from his frame.

He looked slow off the line, and didn’t exhibit any kind of burst out of his breaks. He did showcase above-average balance for his size, and did a nice job shielding defenders from the football once he gained inside position. But he doesn’t possess the type of athleticism, or quickness to routinely beat press, and separate from man coverage at the next level.

Overrated runner

AP Penn State RB Evan Royster

The more I watch Penn State running back Evan Royster, the less impressed I am with his game. Sure, the guy is a strong, well-built, athlete who displays above-average vision, and patience running between the tackles. But there’s simply no dynamic element to his game. He lacks a great first step attacking the line of scrimmage, and struggles to make people miss in space, and even when he does gain a step, he doesn’t separate in the open field.

Royster is a guy who needs his offensive line to give him substantial creases initially off the snap inside, because he lacks the type of lateral agility to quickly reach cutback lanes, and simply can’t create on his own. I still think he can be somewhat effective as a downhill runner for a team that wants to run power inside, but I don’t see him being a threat at the second level, and he will struggle throughout his NFL career to average over 4.0 yards per carry.

He’s a poor man’s Matt Forte.

It all starts with his base

Virginia Tech offensive lineman Ed Wang entered the season as a promising potential left tackle prospect, who possessed the type of athletic ability to make you think he really has a chance to develop into a starter at the next level.

His performance last Thursday against East Carolina, however, left me shaking my head. Wang’s inability to play with power on the edge consistently keeps him from engaging with pass rushers on contact. He doesn’t exhibit much flexibility off the snap, which causes him to struggle maintaining his balance, and generating power from his upper body on his punch. His hands are easily batted away when trying to reach pass rushers on the corner, and he simply doesn’t have the strength to stay on blocks through contact.

Wang does possess intriguing athletic ability for the position, but until he learns to keep his base down, and play with more balance, he won’t have a chance to be successful at the next level.

Remember the name

One name to store in the memory bank, and pull out at draft time, is Miami TE Jimmy Graham.

Graham is a former Miami basketball player who decided to come out for the football team this year after exhausting his basketball eligibility after the 2008-09 season. He’s proven to be a quick learner. The 6'8", 265-pound tight end recorded his fourth touchdown catch of the season against Virginia, and has displayed a real feel for the red zone.

He’s still raw in all areas of the game, and has only caught eight passes on the year, but he’s a gifted athlete for his size, who looks natural high pointing the ball, and has the type of upside that’s definitely worth a look at the next level.

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A Heisman Vote for Nebraska's Suh

Wes Bunting — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:19:21 -0500

Every year, the Heisman Trophy is presented to “the most outstanding college football player in the United States.” Since 1990, however, the award has been almost entirely limited to quarterbacks and running backs. Of the past 19 winners, 12 have been quarterbacks, five have been running backs, and the other two were a wideout (Michigan’s Desmond Howard, 1991) and a cornerback (Charles Woodson, also of Michigan, in 1997).

Do I have any qualms about how the Heisman has been given out in recent years? Absolutely not. All of the past winners over the past two decades or so have put up amazing single-season numbers and clearly were worthy of such a distinguished award.

However, when looking over the potential nominees for this year’s trophy, I must confess that the “typical” skill-position players likely to be up for the award have so far failed to meet the traditional expectations. When looking back at the past five quarterbacks to win the Heisman, you can’t help but be impressed with the pure passing numbers each put up:

But when looking over the potential quarterback nominees this year, every one of their projected season-ending statistics falls short of the average of the past five quarterback winners:

Clearly, when looking over the possible quarterback nominees this season, none has the projected stats to match the past five winners. In fact, Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen and Texas’ Colt McCoy only meet the standard in one of the four categories, while Florida’s Tim Tebow meets none. Boise State’s Kellen Moore and Houston’s Case Keenum both are projected to post numbers surpassing the previous winners in three of the four areas, but neither Boise State nor Houston play the level of competition needed to give them a legitimate chance of wining.

Consequently, if we conclude that none of the nation’s top quarterbacks are good enough to win the Heisman from a statistical/competition standpoint alone, let’s take a look at the running backs.

Here’s a look at the past three Heisman-winning RBs, along with their single-season statistics from the year they won:

When analyzing the one running back who seems to have the only legitimate chance to win the Heisman, Alabama’s Mark Ingram, he—like the quarterbacks we’ve discussed—falls short of the numbers established by recent past winners:

So after considering the statistics above, the point of all this is simply to say: There’s no quarterback or running back worthy of taking home the Heisman this season based on statistics. And if there’s one thing you need in order to win the trophy, it’s stats—which is why Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should be seriously considered for the 2009 award. Not only is Suh one of the most dominating defensive linemen to come along in years—and not only is he going to be one of the top players selected in the 2010 NFL Draft—but the guy has the overall statistics to make a legit run for the Heisman.

To prove my point, I want to take a look at the only three defensive tackles since 1990 to receive votes and the statistics they posted those seasons:

Given their numbers, it’s pretty remarkable that the closest any of them got to winning the award was fourth. But what if I told you that Suh is on pace to surpass all of them?

Suh currently has 28 solo tackles, 49 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, seven pass breakups, 14 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and two blocked kicks—and we’re only eight games into the season. He’s on pace to finish the 2009 season with nine sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hurries and an amazing 86 total tackles (based on Nebraska reaching the Big 12 championship game).

AP Suh has been a beast in the Big 12 this season.

However, the stats don’t necessarily do Suh justice. He’s also leading the Cornhuskers defense in solo tackles, total tackles, tackles for loss, pass breakups, quarterback hurries and blocked kicks. And the only reason he’s no longer the team leader in sacks is because last weekend vs. Baylor, he commanded so much attention that it led to a five-sack performance from his teammate, DT Jared Crick.

When looking over Suh’s projected stat line compared to former Washington DT Steve Emtman, who finished fourth in 1991, Suh would not only eclipse his sack total by 2½ but also beat his tackles-for-loss total by 3½ and his season tackle total (60) by 26—while also leading his team in nearly every major statistical category for a defensive lineman. And while Emtman is credited with having one of the most dominant statistical seasons ever by a defensive lineman, his stats still fall short of what Suh is projected to reach.

I know defensive line projections are anything but guaranteed, but we’re talking about the best single-season performance since 1990 for a defensive tackle. And the fact that Suh is on pace to better all of them should cement him as a candidate for the Heisman. Given the fact this might be one of, if not the worst statistical years ever for quarterbacks and running backs in contention for the Heisman, doesn’t it make sense to look at one of college football’s most dominating defensive tackles ever?

Remember, the Heisman Trophy isn’t given to the most outstanding quarterback, or the most outstanding running back, or even the most outstanding player on the best team. It’s supposed to go to “the most outstanding college football player in the United States.”
After considering the statistics, it’s tough to argue that Nebraska’s Suh shouldn’t be that guy.

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A Tale of Two College Wide Receivers: Eric Decker and Mike Williams

Wes Bunting — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:18:43 -0500

It’s been a tough couple weeks for two of the nation’s top wide receiver prospects, as Minnesota’s Eric Decker and Syracuse’s Mike Williams are both out for the remainder of the season, although for different reasons. Decker will have surgery today to repair torn ligaments in his left foot and is expected to miss up to eight months rehabilitating.

That means he’ll not only miss the rest of the season, but is also expected to miss the Senior Bowl, NFL combine, and Minnesota’s pro day.

Williams, meanwhile, unexpectedly quit the Syracuse football team this week. “He walked up to me and voluntarily took himself off the team, That's it,” head coach Doug Marrone said, refusing to discuss specifics.

So where do these two highly-rated and talented prospects go from here? And how much will each player’s circumstances affect his draft stock going forward?

We’ll start with Decker, who was considered one of the nation’s premier senior wideouts and possessed an impressive blend of size and body control for the position. He also showcased the balance as a route runner to consistently generate initial separation out of his breaks and used his body well to shield defenders and pluck the ball away from his frame. He lacked an ideal second gear down the field, but did display the ability to beat press, track the football, and high point the play.

However, even with the impressive game tape Decker has produced over the past three seasons, the timing of his injury and surgery will likely have a negative effect on his draft stock.

Forget the fact that he’ll be unable to play at the Senior Bowl and compete against some of the country’s best players, the real negative will be his inability to run/work out in front of scouts at next year’s combine and at Minnesota's pro day.

The main question surrounding Decker’s potential at the next level is: Does he have the speed to separate down the field vs. NFL-caliber corners, or is he simply more of a possession-type, No. 2 receiver? In my opinion, based off tape alone, he looks more like a possession-type wideout who will end up developing into a very solid No. 2 threat.

For now, however, he’ll be unable to prove otherwise because of his inability to work out during the postseason. But in my estimation, he’ll still fall somewhere in the second/third-round range because of his impressive game tape and overall intangibles.

This is an unfortunate situation for Decker and will likely keep him from ever having a chance to become the late first-round pick I thought he might be with a strong postseason showing. Still, he’s the type of kid who understands it’s not where you start in the NFL, it’s where you finish.

And I can guarantee that this will only motivate him further to prove the doubters wrong and that he’ll be ready to make an impact on an NFL team by season two.

As for Williams, his situation is a whole lot more complicated. He’s currently rated 12th on the National Football Post’s Super 30 and is listed as the second overall wideout on the board. There’s no denying the kid’s talent; he showcases impressive initial burst and vertical speed for a guy his size (6'2", 204 pounds) and possesses the ability to go up and get the ball as well as any receiver in the country.

On top of that, he’s shown significant improvement as a route runner under head coach Doug Marrone this season and had the makings of a potential No. 1-type impact receiver at the next level.

Williams, however, may have committed one of the most unacceptable acts in the eyes of NFL officials: He quit on his team. Williams does have a history of character concerns. He was suspended by the school in 2008 for academic reasons and missed the entire season and was also suspended this year against Akron for violating team rules.

But this may be the tipping point in the eyes of scouts since it will not only kill his character grade, but also his draft stock.

Even though Williams is as talented as any wideout in the nation, how can you justify drafting a kid in the first round who has quit on his team? I might be one of Williams’ biggest supporters out there. Based on his game tape, he might be the most dynamic receiver in the country and looks like someone who could develop into an elite upper-echelon wideout.

But after this, I can’t say I would take the kid in the first round. And as we’ve seen in the past, wide receivers are a dime a dozen in the draft. It doesn’t always matter how talented you are or how fast you can run because if a majority of NFL teams have red flags on a prospect, he’s going to fall on draft day.

As of now, I can’t see Williams going anywhere before the second round because of all these concern and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him fall into the middle rounds. With his decision to quit the Syracuse team, he not only displayed the type of selfishness and immaturity that NFL teams hate to see from young wide receiver prospects, he literally cost himself millions of dollars in the process.

Good luck trying to explain himself to NFL officials at the combine. He’s going to need it.

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Scout's Notebook: Defensive Review

Wes Bunting — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:53:05 -0500

Observations and analysis from the ninth week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

ECU standout isn’t the pass-rushing specialist he’s cracked up to be

APEast Carolina DE C.J. Wilson

I got a good look last Tuesday night at East Carolina defensive end C.J. Wilson and came away less than impressed. Although Wilson does a nice job maintaining a low pad level, extending his arms into contact and creating a good push as a bull-rusher, he doesn’t display the kind of initial burst to reach the corner and threaten the edge. On top of that, he’s too much of a straight-line athlete who fails to cleanly changing directions and sidestep blocks underneath. He does possess above-average run/pass-recognition skills and can be stout at the point of attack, but if you’re looking for someone who can consistently rush the passer and create pressure off the edge, Wilson is not your guy.

Early season sacks look like a mirage

I wrote about Connecticut defensive end Lindsey Witten early in the season after he recorded seven sacks in his first two games. However, he has just 3½ over his last six games and was absolutely dominated this past week by Rutgers LT Anthony Davis. Now, Davis is as talented and NFL-ready as any offensive lineman Witten is going to face this year, but he simply failed to match up physically all game long. Witten was consistently overpowered at the point of attack in the run game and was unable to reach the corner and/or disengage as a pass rusher off the edge. Witten’s inability to shed blocks with his hands and cleanly change directions on his pass rush really showed up in his one, as Witten did not fare well against the best competition he’ll face all year.

Warming on up

APIndiana DE Greg Middleton

So far this season, the only Indiana defensive lineman I’ve discussed (and for good reason) is Hoosiers DE Jammie Kirlew. However, Kirlew’s counterpart, DE Greg Middleton, has really impressed me in recent weeks with his ability to slip blocks cleanly off the edge and instantly accelerate toward the football. Middleton is a gifted athlete who has the ability to play with power on the edge and can get after the quarterback in a variety of ways. He displays impressive closing speed once he gains a step and has the body control and balance to cleanly change directions at full speed, slip blocks and get after the quarterback. He does have a tendency to take his share of plays off, particularly in the run game, and gets sealed away from the ball far too easily at times. However, if Middleton ever finds a defensive line coach who can motivate him to play down after down, there’s no reason he can’t start and play at a high level in the NFL.

One bright spot on a cloudy day for Purdue

He doesn’t have the kind of size (6-4, 263) that’s going to really “wow” you, and he lacks ideal initial speed off the edge, but Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan has been playing as well as any defensive lineman in the Big 10 and is quietly developing into quite an NFL prospect. Kerrigan is a smart, instinctive kid who does a great job using his hands and suddenness to slip blocks as a pass rusher and work his way toward the quarterback. He isn’t the most explosive or flexible of pass rushers, but he has a motor that runs non-stop and rarely stays blocked for long. He has already recorded nine sacks and 14½ tackles for loss and has given every offensive lineman he’s lined up against fits in both the run and pass game. He isn’t ever going to be that big-time speed rusher off the edge at the next level, but because of his savvy, motor and ability to disengage/slip blocks, he’ll find a way to contribute and create pressure for an NFL defense.

And boom goes the dynamite

Oregon safety T.J. Ward isn’t the biggest or rangiest college defensive back, but he’s an aggressive, instinctive athlete who has a nose for the football and knows how to create plays in the secondary. Ward’s a physical hitter at 5-10, 201 pounds and does a great job sniffing out the ball in the run game and consistently breaks down well on contact. He also does a great job reading his keys in the pass game and closing on the football quickly. And although he lacks elite straight-line speed for the position, he does a nice job keeping his feet under him, remaining balanced and redirecting cleanly out of his breaks. While watching Ward vs. USC and comparing his game to Trojans All-America safety prospect Taylor Mays, it’s clear he doesn’t compare from a purely athletic/physical standpoint. But if you watch how much more quickly Ward reads the action in front of him and attacks the ball compared, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if it’s Ward who ends up being the more productive overall safety in the NFL.

APNebraska DT Jared Crick

Just keep an eye on him

Keep a close eye on Nebraska DT Jared Crick as we get closer to draft time. Crick has been absolutely brilliant in recent weeks, destroying one-on-one matchups inside and using his combination of quickness and length to beat blocks and find the ball. He finished Saturday’s game vs. Baylor with 13 total tackles, five sacks, seven tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup and is making it impossible for opposing offenses to block both him and All-America DT Ndamukong Suh inside. Crick is a redshirt sophomore who will be eligible to enter the NFL draft after the season. With the growing need for potential five technique defensive ends at the next level and his continued dominating play, the 6-6, 285 pound lineman could end up being one of the nation’s top 3-4 defensive line prospects if he declares early.

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UNC-Virginia Tech: Thursday Night's College Primer

Wes Bunting — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:34:29 -0400

In week nine of our Thursday night primer, the National Football Post highlights some of the keys to tonight’s Virginia Tech-North Carolina game, including top players and matchups that NFL scouts will be watching.

Prospects to keep and eye on:

Virginia Tech

Greg Boone: No. 8, TE, 6'3", 283

A thickly built tight end prospect who possesses an intriguing blend of body control and short-area quickness for his size.

Sergio Render: No. 70, OG, 6'3", 313

A battle-tested interior lineman who will again have his hands full with a talented North Carolina defensive line. Render showcases good power in his lower half and has the ability to anchor and create a push at the point of attack in the run game.

Ed Wang: No. 77, OT, 6'5", 309

An underrated left tackle prospect who exhibits the athleticism to reach the corner and cleanly redirect in pass protection.

Jason Worilds: No. 6, DE, 6'2", 252

Not only possesses an explosive first step off the edge, he’s also doing a much better job dropping his pad level on contact and has added more of a physical element to his game.

Stephan Virgil: No. 22, CB, 5'11", 190

One of my favorite corners in the nation. His combination of fluidity, balance and closing speed makes him so tough to separate from on the outside.

Kam Chancellor: No. 17, SS, 6-3, 230

An impressive size/speed athlete who has the ball skills and range to make plays in a center field-type role. However, he struggles to redirect and can be picked on any time he’s asked to match up in man coverage.

Others worth watching:

Tyrod Taylor: No. 5, QB, 6'1", 216
Blake DeChristopher: No. 62, OT, 6'5", 313
Cam Martin: No. 41, OLB, 6'1", 209
Dorian Porch: No. 24, SS, 5'10", 209
Cody Grimm: No. 26, OLB/SS, 5'11", 210

North Carolina

Marvin Austin: No. 9, DT, 6'3", 305

Showcases impressive power in his lower half and is tough to move off the ball. I was a bit disappointed with his play last week and am interested to see how he does one-on-one vs. one of the nation’s top guards in Render.

Cam Thomas: No. 93, DT, 6'3", 328

Does a nice job using his hands to disengage and control blocks at the point of attack in both the run and pass game. However, the key for him is playing with a consistent pad level.

Aleric Mullins: No. 97, DT, 6'3", 296

Showcases a good initial burst off the snap and knows how to penetrate inside, but he has a tendency to get too high vs. the run game and can be easily washed out of plays.

Bruce Carter: No. 54, OLB, 6'3", 225

Plays a lot bigger than his frame would indicate and showcases impressive range and fluidly in the pass game. If I had to put my money on anyone to lead the game in tackles tonight, it would be this guy.

Quan Sturdivant: No. 52, ILB, 6'2", 232

Wasn’t as instinctive as I’d hoped when watching him last week and at times struggles to find the football. But he’s still one of the most athletically gifted middle linebackers in the country.

Deunta Williams: No. 27, FS, 6'2" 205

Showcases impressive click-and-close ability for his size and possesses the fluidity to turn and run down the field. Generates a lot of power on contact and is simply one of the best safety prospects in the country.

Others worth watching:

Kyle Jolly: No. 72, OT, 6'6", 312
Kendric Burney: No. 16, CB, 5'9", 182
E.J. Wilson: No. 92, DE, 6'2", 280

Strength vs. Strength

The key to tonight’s game is how the experienced Virginia Tech offensive line handles the talent and depth of the North Carolina defensive line. The Hokies have done a great job up front, not only protecting QB Tyrod Taylor in the pass game but also consistently opening holes for freshman running back Ryan Williams inside.

LT Ed Wang and LG Sergio Render complement each other well, as Wang has the ability to reach defenders in space and seal, while Render has the lower body strength to consistently get a push as an in-line run blocker.

Pair that with the outright power and toughness of RT Blake DeChristopher on the opposite time and the Hokies have had their way with just about every defensive front four they’ve faced.

However, they’ll be matched up in this one with a unit that’s not only more talented than any defensive line they have faced all year (yes, that includes Alabama), but also deeper. The trio of defensive tackles Marvin Austin, Cam Thomas and Aleric Mullins also complement each other very well, as Austin and Thomas are both very difficult to move off the ball, while Mullins has the ability to consistently knife his way into the backfield and penetrate inside.

But what makes this group so tough to handle is its ability to bring pressure of the edge. Defensive ends E.J. Wilson and Robert Quinn both possess the power to collapse the pocket on the outside, but it’s Quinn who does a great job firing off the ball and using his long arms and quickness to get after the QB.

With two big-time units going head to head, the question is: Who has the advantage? I expect the UNC defensive line to create a lot of push and penetration early in the game while they’re still fresh.

However, as we saw last week vs. Florida State, the Tar Heels defense tends to wear down in the second half due to the offense’s inability move the chains. And with Virginia Tech’s willingness to run the football and QB Tyrod Taylor’s ability to make plays with his feet, I eventually expect the tide to turn.

Look for the Hokies to wear down the North Carolina defensive front four and create some big plays in both the run and pass game in the second half.

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Scout's Notebook: College Football Defensive Review, Week Eight

Wes Bunting — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:47:42 -0400

Observations and analysis from the eighth week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

Mt. Cody is starting to ascend

I know Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody is only going to be a two-down lineman at the next level, and some would argue that you shouldn’t draft a two-down player in the first round, but don’t you think the Chargers would concede a first-round pick at this stage for a young Jamal Williams? Or don’t you think Steelers NT Casey Hampton is worth a top 32 selection?

The answer to both is a resounding yes, and that’s why I think Cody is certainly worthy of a first-round pick in the 2010 draft. The man simply eats up blocks on the inside, consistently holds the point of attack against the run and makes everyone on the Alabama defense better because of it.

He looks like an ideal fit as a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level and should be able to anchor the interior of an NFL defensive unit for years to come.

Orgeron making an impact on Vols’ defensive line

Tennessee assistant Ed Orgeron is considered one of the top defensive line coaches in the country, and it comes as no surprise that the Vols’ front four has improved dramatically under his tutelage.

One guy in particular who has really taken his game to another level is defensive tackle Dan Williams. Williams is a 6'3", 327-pound lineman who isn’t as stout at the point of attack as his frame would indicate. However, he’s doing a much better job this year using his hands to defeat blocks on contact and showcases the flexibility to routinely get under the pad level of opposing linemen and bull-rush his way into the backfield.

His pad level has a tendency to rise as he starts to wear down, and he’s still learning how to play with consistent leverage in the run game, but he’s made significant strides under Orgeron and looks like a guy who could compete for a roster spot and eventually develop in a rotational NFL lineman.

A limited Wolverine

The Michigan Wolverines have sent their share of linebackers to the NFL in recent years, and MLB Obi Ezeh looks to be the next in line. Ezeh currently leads the team in tackles with 62 and is a physical presence inside the box who knows how to stack and shed and make plays in the run game.

However, when watching him last weekend vs. Penn State, it became obvious that Ezeh lacks ideal fluidly in space and struggles when asked to turn and run with tight ends down the field. He was brutally beaten by PSU tight end Andrew Quarless on a 60-yard touchdown pass and lacks the athleticism to stay with NFL-caliber tight ends in the pass game.

Ezeh looks more like a two-down linebacker at the next level, but he does remind me a bit of former Wolverine and current Jets linebacker David Harris and could certainly find a home as an effective 3-4 ILB.

The maturation process of a defensive lineman is a thing of beauty

One of my favorite things about scouting college players is watching their development from one year to another and seeing how much work they put into their technique during the offseason.

And the improvement I’ve seen from Pittsburgh DE Greg Romeus really has me intrigued about his potential at the next level. Watching Romeus this summer, I saw a long, coordinated athlete who struggled to keep his base down and relied solely on his natural ability to make plays in the pass game.

Yet after watching him Saturday vs. South Florida, he looked so much more balanced and flexible off the edge and was nearly impossible to block one-on-one. His long arms and initial burst automatically make him a tough block in pass protection.

Now he’s using his quick hands and suddenness to slip blocks in space and has the athleticism to absolutely explode toward the passer after he gains a step. He possesses impressive body control for a guy his size and looks like a potential impact defensive lineman at the next level.

This Owl is for real

While watching Temple tape this summer, I got my first glimpse of Owls safety Jaiquawn Jarrett and came away very impressed. Here’s what I wrote:

Impression: A promising defensive back who displays good flexibility and balance in coverage. Is a physical tackler with good size and definitely has the potential to develop into an NFL-caliber safety.

And now, after watching him again vs. Toledo, I realize that Jarrett not only has the ability to develop into an NFL-caliber safety, but the guy looks like a potential starter. He currently leads the Owls with 44 tackles and ranks as one of the nation’s top junior safety prospects in my book.

Versatility is his main asset

Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas is never going to get the type of love he deserves on draft day. He’s undersized at 5'9" and isn’t the most explosive of straight-line athletes.

Yet if there’s one senior cornerback in this year’s draft who will play in the NFL for the next 10 years, it’s Arenas. He looks so natural in coverage and has the ability to not only press receivers off the line, he also looks comfortable in space and can also play in off-man or zone. Plus, his ability to tackle, blitz and make plays in the return game are unmatched by any other defender in college football.

Arenas is a thickly built kid who showcases good strength in all areas of his game with the short-area quickness and balance to stay with receivers in an out of his breaks.

Most important, he’s an instinctive, unselfish talent who’s willing to put his ego aside and do what’s best for the team. He’s the kind of versatile corner that coaches love, and I can see him playing a variety of roles for an NFL team and being successful at all of them.

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Scout's notebook: NCAA Week Eight Offensive Review

Wes Bunting — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:26:59 -0400

Observations and analysis from the eighth week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Late-developing senior QBs starting to make noise

As I wrote Friday regarding Sam Bradford, there’s simply no drawback to quarterbacks staying in school as long as possible if they hope to give themselves the best chance to be successful at the next level. Quarterback is a strange position—it simply takes some guys longer for the light to turn on. Here’s a look at three late-rising senior QBs who finally look to be coming into their own.

Bill Stull, Pittsburgh, 6'3", 215 pounds

After struggling mightily at times throughout the 2008 season, Stull really seems to be putting it together in 2009. He’s doing a great job working efficiently off the play-action game, taking care of the football and creating big plays down the field. Stull has thrown 16 touchdown passes already compared to only four interceptions, and is doing a much better job decisively going through his reads in the offense.

He’s always possessed the skill-set and arm strength to at least warrant NFL attention, but he’s now deciphering information much quicker and not forcing the ball into coverage. Stull has quietly been one of the nation’s top senior quarterbacks and has dramatically improved in all the mental aspects of the game from a year ago.

Sean Canfield, Oregon State, 6'4", 215 pounds

Any time a quarterback throws for 329 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and completes nearly 70 percent of his passes vs. a very talented USC defense, scouts take notice. And that’s exactly what Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield did Saturday, nearly leading the Beavers to another upset win over the Trojans. Canfield is a seasoned starter who has seen his fair share of ups and downs while at Oregon State.

However, he’s currently making the most of his opportunity to start for head coach Mike Riley and has displayed good timing, accuracy, and anticipation in the pass game. The lefty throws a really clean football and is currently completing 68.2 percent of his passes. Riley has already sent the likes of QBs Derek Anderson and Matt Moore to the next level, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Canfield be the next underrated Oregon State passer to stick on an NFL roster.

Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee, 6'4", 228 pounds

You have to wonder just how much better Jonathan Crompton could be if he were able to develop longer under Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin. Coming into the year, I didn’t considerer Crompton as a legit NFL prospect. Even after watching him early in the year vs. the likes of UCLA and Florida, he still failed to impress.

However, over the last two weeks, Crompton has shown the ability to work effectively off the play action/boot game and make some big plays down the field. His performance this past weekend vs. Alabama was particularly impressive, especially the way he led the Volunteers down the field on their final drive, made some big-time NFL-caliber throws, and put his team in position for a game-wining field goal opportunity.

He showcases a strong arm and can really spin the ball into tight spots when he gets it out on time. Crompton looks like a late bloomer who could develop into a much better player than his college tape would have ever indicated.

If you need an inch, he’ll give you a mile

Tennessee left tackle Chris Scott has to be one of the nation’s most underrated offensive linemen. He isn’t the most explosive or athletically gifted guy when asked to reach the corner in pass protection, but the 6'5", 346-pound tackle showcases the necessary body control, balance, and footwork off the edge to consistently keep the blindside of the pocket clean.

More important, he’s a downright dominant run blocker who generates great power as he uncoils his arms and consistently creates a push with his lower half. He possesses the athletic ability to stay on blocks in space and plays with the type of mean streak coaches love. Now, I don’t think he’s a left tackle at the next level. But his combination of power, fluidity, and body control makes him an ideal candidate to start as a right tackle or at either guard spot in the NFL.

They can do it all

Dexter McCluster, Mississippi, RB, 5'8", 165 pounds

The term “playmaker” is the best adjective I can come up with when evaluating Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster. McCluster finished this weekend vs. Arkansas with not only seven catches for 137 yards and one touchdown, but also 22 rushes for 123 yards. He’s simply a threat to take it the distance every time he gets his hands on the football, and I can definitely see him playing a role similar to Percy Harvin with the Vikings—and being just as effective.

C.J. Spiller, Clemson, RB, 5'11", 195 pounds

Speaking of a guy who can do it all, Clemson’s C.J. Spiller finished with 310 all-purpose yards this weekend vs. Miami. He is not only cementing himself as the nation’s top senior running back, he’s also making a push as the nation’s top overall RB. With so much love being doled out to the likes of Cal’s Jahvid Best and Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer, Spiller at times seems to get lost in the mix.

But he’s an extremely gifted athlete in his own right who has the ability to create big plays in both the run and pass game. He’s found a way to consistently produce week in and week out vs. ACC defenses geared to stop him and looks like an instant impact player at the next level.

Quick hits

The more I watch Illinois QB Juice Williams, the more turned off I am by his play. Williams is physicality gifted and possesses such an impressive skill set, but he simply fails to recognize coverages and throws some of the worst interceptions you will ever see. If he’s to have any chance at making an NFL roster, it will be at another position—but even then his chances don’t look good.

I know Florida QB Tim Tebow is unstoppable in short-yardage situations, but something can be said about the lack of trust head coach Urban Meyer has in Tebow throwing the football in 3rd-and-goal situations. Tebow has looked like anything but an NFL-caliber quarterback for most of the season and has not had the type of year to make NFL executives feel overly confident about drafting him early.

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Sam Bradford's Best Option: Staying One More Year

Wes Bunting — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:15:19 -0400

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford began the season as one of the nation’s top prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft, but he’s now facing some major decisions regarding his future.

Bradford sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in Week One vs. BYU, forcing him to miss the next three games, then aggravated it in the first quarter Saturday against Texas. Rumors are now flying about Bradford possibly having season-ending surgery, as well as the possibility he might leave early for the draft.

Bradford is currently ranked 28th on the National Football Post’s Super 30, listed as the nation’s fourth-best quarterback prospect, and has now fallen behind juniors Jake Locker (Washington), Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame), and redshirt sophomore Ryan Mallett (Arkansas). If Bradford declares for the 2010 draft, where would he rank?

The first question that needs to be answered is: Who would make up the underclassman quarterback class coming out early? If Bradford, Locker, Mallett, and Clausen all enter next year’s draft, Bradford would have a tough time moving past those three to secure the top spot in the group.

Locker and Mallett are far more physically gifted than Bradford, while Clausen, who possesses a similar physical skill set to Bradford, has displayed an ability to be productive in an offense that’s more conducive to transitioning to the NFL than Bradford plays in.

For the sake of argument, let’s say all three top-rated underclassmen (Locker, Clausen, and Mallett) decide to stay at their respective schools for one more year and Bradford opts to come out. In that case, I could see Bradford instantly vaulting to the top of the quarterback class, ahead of Texas’ Colt McCoy, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Cincinnati’s Tony Pike.

Bradford’s combination of accuracy and overall intangibles would clearly grade him higher than any of the top-rated senior QBs and likely put him in position to become the top-rated quarterback off the board, as long as he proves he’s 100 percent healthy. However, chances are slim that all of the other three underclassmen will remain in school.

Now, the second question is: Would it be smarter for Bradford to simply go back for his senior season? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. Last year, we saw USC junior Mark Sanchez strike while the iron was hot after seeing the less-than-stellar quarterback crop he’d be competing against in the draft. I’m virtually certain we’ll see at least one, and possibly two, of the top-rated juniors come out after this season (Locker or Clausen), giving a healthy Bradford a much clearer path to the top-rated quarterback spot in 2011.

And as our own Jack Bechta wrote Thursday, a lot can be said about the level of maturity gained by a quarterback who stays for his senior year. Bradford is an extremely accurate passer with good timing, rhythm, and anticipation in the pass game. He’s a natural leader who his teammates seem to rally around and showcases impressive poise and maturity for a kid his age.

If there are doubts about Bradford, they concern his slender frame, the offense he plays in, and his ability to handle the pressures of an NFL pass rush.

If Bradford comes back, matures physically, and continues to iron out some of the deficiencies in his game, I think it would do nothing but enhance his draft stock for 2011. It would also give him a chance to show scouts that his shoulder is fully recovered from the injury and likely surgery.

Looking ahead to that year’s quarterback class (excluding Locker and Clausen), his biggest competition would likely be Christian Ponder of Florida State, Adam Weber of Minnesota, and Jevan Snead of Mississippi. As for possible underclassmen who could declare for the 2011 draft, they would include Mallett and maybe Blaine Gabbert of Missouri.

I know we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves looking at potential 2011 quarterback prospects who could challenge Bradford two drafts from now, but the point is, I see no downside from a quarterbacking standpoint if he returns for his senior year.

Sure, there might be concerns about him getting maximum money if the current system of rookie deals changes in the NFL, but if he’s concerned first and foremost with being the best quarterback he can be, staying for his senior season looks like his best option.

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North Carolina-Florida State Preview

Wes Bunting — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:07 -0400

In Week Eight of our Thursday night primer, the National Football Post highlights some of the keys to tonight’s Florida State-North Carolina game, including top players and matchups that NFL scouts will be watching.

Prospects to Keep an Eye On

Florida State

Christian Ponder: No. 7, QB, 6'3", 218
Looks like one of the nation’s top junior signal-callers. He’s a smart kid who’s decisive with the football and showcases the accuracy and timing to make all the throws. I really like him a lot and think he’s going to continue to get better.

AP—Florida State OG Rodney Hudson

Rodney Hudson: No. 62, OG, 6'2", 290
A natural bender who plays leverage and possesses the fluidly to mirror in space. However, he will definitely have his hands full with North Carolina’s talented group of defensive tackles.

Dekoda Watson: No. 36, OLB, 6'2", 226
Exhibits good closing speed and range in pursuit, but his lack of size and overall power really show up when he’s asked to take on any kind of block. Is extremely scheme-limited at the next level.

Patrick Robinson: No. 21, CB, 5'11", 194
Physically, the kid has it all, but he lacks ideal awareness in man coverage and struggles to play with his back to the ball.

Others worth watching :
Richard Goodman: No. 9, WR, 6'0", 191
Ryan McMahon: 60, C, 6'3", 285
Kendall Smith: No. 29, ILB, 6'1", 226
Markus White: No. 98, DE, 6'4", 261
Jamie Robinson: No. 20, FS, 6'2", 190

North Carolina

AP—North Carolina DT Marvin Austin

Marvin Austin: No. 9, DT, 6'3", 305
Possesses an impressive physical skill set, but it’s his improved technique and hand placement that have allowed him to take his game to another level this season.

Cam Thomas: No. 93, DT, 6'3", 328
A massive interior lineman who’s difficult to move off the ball and has the potential to anchor a defense at the next level. However, he needs to learn to play with a more consistent pad level.

Aleric Mullins: No. 97, DT, 6'3", 296
He was actually my favorite of the Tar Heels defensive tackles based on last year’s game tape. Showcases a good initial burst off the snap and uses his length and hands well to slip blocks inside.

Bruce Carter: No. 54, OLB, 6'3", 225
Was one of the most impressive outside linebackers I watched on tape last summer and has the makings of an impact starter at the next level. Is on the verge of cracking the NFP’s Super 30.

AP—North Carolina OLB Bruce Carter

Quan Sturdivant: No. 52, ILB, 6'2", 232
A gifted athlete who looks natural redirecting in the open field and closing on the ball. It will be interesting to see how much he’s developed mentally from last season because the tools are all there.

Deunta Williams: No. 27, FS, 6'2", 205
A gifted size/speed athlete who showcases great range and always seems to be around the ball. Is another Tar Heels defender who looks like a potential starting-caliber player at the next level.

Others worth watching:
Kyle Jolly: No. 72, OT, 6'6", 312
Kendric Burney: No. 16, CB, 5'9", 182
E.J. Wilson: No. 92, DE, 6'2", 280

Man Crush

If you haven’t been able to tell by my “prospects to keep an eye on” section, I absolutely love the North Carolina defensive unit. Head coach Butch Davis has done a phenomenal job recruiting talented athletes on all levels of the defense and really developing them into big-time potential prospects.

In particular, the defensive tackle rotation of Marvin Austin, Cam Thomas, Aleric Mullins and redshirt sophomore Tydreke Powell do a great job creating pressure inside and keeping their talented linebacking corps clean in the run game. These four are consistently able to help control the line of scrimmage and will definitely give Florida State’s undersized interior linemen trouble up front.

The Best of Them All

Typically, I don’t like to start evaluating any college player until he’s at least eligible for the draft. However, the play of North Carolina sophomore defensive end Robert Quinn has been nothing short of brilliant this season and definitely deserves a mention. Quinn has already recorded seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 32 total tackles, and he’s been a consistent force in both the run and pass game.

Quinn is a tall, long-armed 6'5", 260-pound lineman who not only is the best defensive lineman on the Tar Heels' talented front four, but he grades out just as highly as any defensive end in the country. He showcases an impressive first step off the snap, keeps his pad level down when shooting gaps inside and closes instantly on the football.

He’s still a bit raw and will get too high at times on contact, but Quinn is a former state champion wrestler who exhibits quick hands, impressive natural strength at the point of attack and looks like a guy capable of developing into an impact NFL defensive lineman.

AP—Florida State QB Christian Ponder

How Can the Florida State Offense Counter?

The Florida State offense starts and ends with the play of quarterback Christian Ponder, who looks to me like one of the nation’s top junior quarterback prospects. Ponder is completing almost 68 percent of his passes and is on pace to throw for 3,500 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only two interceptions.

He’s a smart, decisive signal-caller who showcases the poise to react quickly under pressure and seems to have a really good grasp on Jimbo Fisher’s offense. The key will be whether Florida State’s offensive line can protect him long enough in this one. Because if Ponder is able to get any time in the pocket, he certainly has the ability to orchestrate a victory.

Not the Seminole Defense of Old, But...

The Florida State Seminoles have given up more than 38 points a game in their last two outings and need to find a way to keep this one close in order to not put too much pressure on their offense.

However, the North Carolina offense has struggled tremendously at times trying to move the football and has scored a combined 10 points in its first two ACC games. If Florida State can make the Tar Heels one-dimensional on offense and force them to play from behind, the overall speed of the Seminoles defense will quickly become a factor.

North Carolina simply doesn’t have the kind of athletes on the offensive line to handle the speed of Florida State off the edge, especially if they’re going to simply drop back and pass down after down.

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The NFP Super 30: A Look at the Top Prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft

Wes Bunting — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:04:43 -0400

In the third installment of the NFP’s Super 30, we breakdown and rank the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects through the first seven weeks of the college football season.

1. QB Jake Locker, Washington (6'3", 226)
The nation’s top quarterback prospect.

2. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (6'4", 298)
Has been downright dominant at times and consistently controls the line of scrimmage.

AP—Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh

3. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6'4", 302)
Makes as many plays as any defensive lineman in the country; always seems to be around the football.

4. S Eric Berry, Tennessee (5'11", 203)
One of the most instinctive safeties to come along in years. Looks like an instant impact player in the NFL.

5. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (6'3", 223)
Made the necessary second-half adjustments last week vs. USC and looked very impressive in the fourth quarter, when it matted most.

6. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama (6'4", 256)
Possesses an impressive athletic skill set for his size and has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

7. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (6'2", 220)
Although his suspension is still looming, Bryant is the nation’s most dynamic threat at receiver.

AP—Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant

8. S Taylor Mays, USC (6'3", 235)
It isn’t often you find a safety who generates as much power on contact as Mays.

9. DT Terrence Cody, Alabama (6'5", 365)
All the guy does is make everyone around him better. I can’t imagine him lasting too long on draft day.

10. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (6'6", 312)
He still hasn’t quite regained his form from a year ago, but I expect to see Bulaga really improve his play in the coming weeks.

11. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida (6'6", 290)
As physically gifted as it gets, but he still seems to disappear from games far too often given his skill set.

12. WR Mike Williams, Syracuse (6'2", 204)
An impressive size/speed athlete who’s been extremely productive this season and forces defense to roll coverage his way.

13. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (5'11", 235)
Is averaging 6.2 yards per carry in his past four games and looks like a guy capable of carrying the load at the next level.

AP—Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett

14. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (6'7", 238)
He still has a way to go, but his physical skill set instantly makes him one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects.

15. RB Jahvid Best, California (5'10", 195)
An elite big-play threat who can hurt you in both the run and pass game.

16. DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6'3", 295)
A powerful interior presence who uses his hands well to shed blocks and always seems to make plays on the ball.

17. C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (6'5", 318)
Exhibits an impressive combination of size, power, and fluidity inside; looks like a guy who can step in and become an impact center from day one.

18. DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina (6'3", 305)
His improved instincts and overall technique have allowed him to take his game to another level.

19. DT Phil Taylor, Baylor (6'4", 355)
A massive interior lineman who has the ability to anchor a defense at the next level.

20. CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama (5'11", 192)
Showcases impressive fluidity and balance in and out of his breaks and always seems to be in position to make a play on the ball.

AP—USC DE Everson Griffen

21. DE Everson Griffen, USC (6'3", 278)
A physicality gifted athlete who plays with natural leverage and displays impressive footwork and body control off the snap.

22. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6'4", 272)
Possesses the tools to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways off the edge.

23. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5'11", 195)
A real X-factor who has an ability to create big plays in all facets of the game.

24. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (6'6", 265)
He’s still raw but possesses a wingspan that goes on for days and might have more upside than any prospect in next year’s draft.

25. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (6'6", 325)
Showcases the size, power and, fluidity to develop into a starting-caliber left tackle at the next level.

AP—Clemson OLB/DE Ricky Sapp

26. OLB/DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6'4", 248)
The guy makes a living behind the line of scrimmage and has the ability to consistently shed blocks and make plays on the football.

27. DE Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (6'2", 252)
Exhibits an impressive first step, and his improved power and pad level have enhanced his ability to get after the passer.

28. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (6'4", 223)
The biggest question about Bradford entering the year was, can he stay healthy behind an inexperienced offensive line? So far, the answer is no.

29. OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6'0", 252)
He isn’t the tallest of linebackers, but the guy is a force when asked to make plays off the edge.

30. OT Charles Brown, USC (6-5, 292)
He not only has an ability to consistently mirror in pass protection, he’s also very natural when asked to pull and get out in space. Looks like the nation’s top senior offensive tackle.

Super 30 No More

OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6'5", 302)
A physically gifted lineman, but he needs to add more strength to his base. Gets bullied on contact too easily.

AP—Illinois WR Arrelious Benn

WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois (6'2", 220)
Has not been the consistent force we expected to see game in and game out.

DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (6'6", 287)
I love his physical skill set and upside, but he disappears from games far too often.

RB Noel Devine, West Virginia (5'8", 176)
Lacks size, but he’ll still find a way to contribute in a big way to an NFL offense.

DT Allen Bailey, Miami (6'4", 288)
All the tools are there, but he’s simply too inconsistent in his play at this time.

Just Missed the Cut

AP—Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham

CB Joe Haden, Florida (5'11", 190)
DE Greg Hardy, Ole Miss (6'4", 265)
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M (6'2", 240)
RB Ryan Mathews, Fresno State (5'11", 220)
OG Mike Pouncey, Florida (6'5", 320)
ILB Josh Bynes, Auburn (6'2", 239)
OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina (6'3", 225)
OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, TCU (6'2", 257)
ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida (6'3", 256)
FS Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (6'1", 210)
TE Ed Dickson, Oregon (6'4", 243)
TE Anthony McCoy, USC (6'5", 252)
TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (6'6", 258)
OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia (5'11", 225)

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Scout's Notebook: Week Seven Defensive Review

Wes Bunting — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:07:16 -0400

Observations and analysis from the seventh week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

Another Texas Three-Step

Sergio Kindle, DE (6'4", 255)

AP—Texas DE Sergio Kindle

Going into the Red River Rivalry matchup, the one guy I was really excited to watch was Texas DE Sergio Kindle. But even through he finished with a strong stat line (six tackles, three tackles for loss, two QB hurries), I came away less than impressed with his overall pass-rush ability.

Kindle displays a good first step and has an ability to get on top of tackles quickly off the edge and shoot gaps inside vs. the run game. But what was so frustrating when watching his game was his inability to disengage from blocks once an opposing lineman got his hands on him.

Kindle wasn’t fluid or sudden when trying to redirect off his initial burst and wasn’t effective at all using his hands to shed blocks. He still looks more like a 3-4 OLB at the next level to me because of his ability to break down and tackle in space, but I don’t see him being an impact pass rusher until he becomes more than a one-trick pony off the edge.

Earl Thomas, S (5'10", 197)

If there’s one guy who absolutely jumped out at me Saturday, it was Texas safety Earl Thomas. Thomas finished with seven total tackles, two tackles for loss, one fumble forced, one interception, and three pass breakups against Oklahoma and was simply a ball hawk in all areas of the game.

He’s a bit undersized at 5'10" and 197 pounds, but he showcases great footwork and body control in coverage and exhibits the range to quickly close on the throw. He’s also very instinctive and does a great job reading his run/pass keys quickly and always seems to put himself in position to make plays on the football.

Thomas is only a redshirt sophomore, but he’s eligible for the 2010 draft. If he declares, his combination of fluidity, range, and instincts will definitely make him one of the nation’s top safety prospects.

Lamarr Houston, DT (6-2, 300)

AP—Texas DT Lamarr Houston

Coming into the year, I admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of Texas DT Lamarr Houston because I thought he lacked the frame and overall balance to be a factor inside. However, after watching Houston for the first time this season, it’s clear that the additional weight he’s put on has done wonders for his game.

He showcases a much stronger base at the point of attack and did a great job consistently creating havoc in the Sooners backfield. His combination of burst and lateral quickness off the snap makes him tough to block inside, and he’s doing a much better job using his length to control opposing linemen on contact.

In what’s considered a very deep and talented senior defensive tackle class, Houston definitely looks like one of the nation’s best and should mature into a starting-caliber defensive tackle at the next level.

He’s for Real

I talked about Louisiana-Monroe DE Aaron Morgan in week three of my scout’s notebook as a guy who deserved a mention for his play (five sacks in three games) early in the season. Well, I finally got a chance to watch Morgan last Tuesday vs. Arkansas State and came away very impressed.

Morgan plays defensive end in the Warhawks’ 3-3-5 alignment at 6'4", 235 and is consistently bombarded with double-teams and chips inside. However, he’s very violent and powerful with his arms and does a great job working his hands and feet in rhythm while shedding blocks in the pass game.

He isn’t the most stout of athletes on contact, which can be expected for a guy who weighs only 235 pounds, but he plays with a great motor and showcases impressive range in pursuit. His body type says 3-4 OLB, but he looks so natural with his hand on the ground that I think he could end up maturing into an every-down defensive end with time. I graded him out as a 6.1, which reads:

"A clean prospect who will need time and development in order to contribute…Physically, this player has all the tools to be a starter in the NFL, but has not yet developed the skills necessary due to level of competition, offensive or defensive schemes, injury, grades or lack of playing time…TRUE DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYER who has the potential to become a starter."

I really believe that with some good NFL coaching, Morgan could become one of those small-school gems who could contribute to an NFL defense.

Tiger on the Prowl

AP—Auburn ILB Josh Bynes

Auburn ILB Josh Bynes might be the most complete middle linebacker in the country. His ability to not only be physical inside the box, but also cleanly redirect in space and make plays on the ball in coverage really jumps out on tape.

At 6'2", 238 pounds, Bynes showcases impressive power at the point of attack when asked to keep himself clean along the line of scrimmage and does a great job breaking down as an open-field tackler. He’s a gifted athlete with impressive range and instincts in zone coverage and has a real feel for the pass game.

Bynes finished with nine tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry vs. Kentucky, and has been one of the top linebacker prospects in the country so far this season.

Press On

Brian Jackson, CB, Oklahoma (6'1", 202)

I absolutely love physical corners who have the ability to get up in the face of opposing receivers and use their size and power to effectively press off the line. And no one did it better last weekend than Sooners cornerback Brian Jackson.

Jackson was able to consistently out-muscle and blanket Texas WR Jordan Shipley all over the field Saturday, holding one of the nation’s most productive receivers to only four catches for 22 yards.

Jackson does a great job maintaining his balance while extending long arms and getting his hands into the body of receivers, making it difficult for them to get into their routes. He isn’t particularly gifted or fluid in coverage, but he displays good coordination when adjusting to the football and looks like a guy who could hold his own on the outside as a press corner at the next level.

Kevin Thomas, CB, USC (6'1", 190)

Thomas is another guy who does a great job using his size and length to get up in the grill of receivers and really disrupt their timing in the pass game. He, like Jackson, isn’t the most fluid or explosive of athletes in space, but he has a good feel in coverage, a nose for the ball, and is tough to separate from off the line.

Thomas looks like another guy who might be overlooked come draft time because of his lack of ideal fluidity and speed. But he reminds me a bit of former Trojan and current New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas and could be a guy who can hold his own on the outside in press coverage at the next level.

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Scout's Notebook: Weekend Review

Wes Bunting — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:09:13 -0400

Observations and analysis from the seventh week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

The Texas three-step

Texas QB Colt McCoy wasn't very impressive against Oklahoma.

Colt McCoy, QB (6-2, 210)

I was disappointed with the overall play of Texas QB Colt McCoy on Saturday, in particularly his inability to be decisive with the football in the face of pressure. McCoy struggled all day finding his second and third options in the pass game and looked content to stare down his initial read and wait for him to uncover. McCoy does display good anticipation and looks comfortable throwing receivers open, but too often he has his mind made up before the snap and will throw blindly or force the ball into coverage. I love McCoy’s ability to escape pressure and buy time in the pocket, but being decisive and finding your second/third reads quickly is key at the next level, and right now McCoy just doesn’t grade out very well in that area.

Jordan Shipley, WR (6-0, 190)

One of the toughest adjustments college receivers have to make when they get to the NFL is learning how to beat press coverage. After watching Jordan Shipley’s performance vs. the physical Oklahoma secondary, it’s clear he still has a long way to go. Shipley was absolutely manhandled off the line by Sooners CB Brian Jackson and struggled to quickly get into his routes and create separation on all levels of the field. Shipley isn’t overly quick or explosive off the snap and lacks the type of strength to consistently fight his way through any kind of bump. There’s no denying his ability to find soft spots in coverage and catch the football when he gets a free release, but to me he looks nothing more than a slot guy in the Brandon Stokley mold at the next level.

Texas OT Adam Ulatoski

Adam Ulatoski, OT (6-6, 310)

The play of Texas left tackle Adam Ulatoski in pass protection Saturday left a lot to be desired. Ulatoski isn’t a real impressive athlete, lacks ideal footwork and is consistently forced to open his hips and lunge into blocks in order to reach speed rushers off the edge. He gets too overextend with his footwork, which causes him to struggle redirecting in space and simply isn’t a real coordinated pass blocker. He does possess a nice-sized frame, with long arms and some natural power on contact. However, because of his lack of athleticism, I struggle to see him even holding up on the right side in the NFL.

Another struggling tackle

When watching Notre Dame right tackle Sam Young, it’s obvious that he isn’t the most fluid of athletes and that he’s going to struggle with any kind of athleticism or speed off the edge. However, what was even more discouraging watching him vs. USC was the lack of power he displayed at the point of attack. Young was consistently overpowered into the backfield and not only lacked the type of base strength to sit into his stance and anchor, he also looked heavy-footed when asked to redirect and stay on blocks through contact. Young is a tall, long-armed kid with a nice-sized frame, but he simply doesn’t possess the type of power in his lower half to handle an NFL-caliber bull-rush. And remember, an offensive tackle who lacks strength makes every defensive lineman he faces look like a good pass rusher. That seems to be the case with Young.

Trojan tight end with the full package

It isn’t easy finding a college tight end who has the ability to not only create mismatches in the pass game but also wins at the point of attack as a blocker. Yet that’s exactly what you get from USC tight end Anthony McCoy. McCoy possesses a big, athletic-looking frame and showcases the speed to threaten the seam and make plays down the field. He’s a really smooth, coordinated route runner who knows how to adjust to the throw and attack the football at its highest point.

He finished with five catches for 153 yards against Notre Dame and is averaging 25 yards per catch on the year. He also exhibits good power and body control as a blocker and does a great job reaching defenders away from his frame in the run game.

McCoy looks like the nation’s top dual-threat tight end and has a starting-caliber grade written all over him at the next level.

Iowa TE Tony Moeaki is moving up the draft boards.

Another dual threat tight end

Iowa tight end Tony Moeaki might be on the verge of making one the biggest leaps up NFL draft boards of any senior prospect in the country. Moeaki is a gifted athlete at 6-4, 250, and not only displays the ability to create separation on all levels of the field, he might also be the best-blocking tight end in the country as well. Moeaki’s already hauled in 20 catches for 247 yards, and that’s despite missing three games this season with an injury. But that’s kind of been the story for Moeaki, who has always had trouble staying the field for the Hawkeyes. However, if he’s able to prove scouts that he can stay healthy, he definitely has an ability to man a starting role at the next level.

Small-school surprise

Very quietly, former LSU quarterback and current Jacksonville State Gamecock Ryan Perrilloux is putting together one heck of a season. Perrilloux currently holds the highest quarterback rating in I-AA at 194.8 and has thrown 14 touchdown passes and just one interception in his last four games. Also, during his last four games he’s completing 68 percent of his passes and is averaging just over 266 yards per game. There’s no denying Perrilloux’s physical skill set, as we know he has the arm to make all the throws and the athletic ability to keep plays alive and create with his feet. So this kind of progress is a very promising sign for Perrilloux, who could end up becoming one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in a very uninspiring senior QB class.

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Scout's Breakdown: South Florida Vs. Cincinnati

Wes Bunting — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:24:41 -0400

Here are my initial reactions to the performances of some of the nation’s top prospects in Thursday night’s Cincinnati-South Florida game.

The good and bad of South Florida CB Jerome Murphy

South Florida CB Jerome Murphy defends Cincinnati WR Armon Binns on Thursday night.

The Good: A tall, explosive athlete who has the speed to turn and run with receivers down the field. Showcases a good initial burst out of his breaks and can close quickly when he keeps his feet under him. Finished the game with four pass breakups.

The Bad: Isn’t real balanced or flexible in his drop and has a tendency to drift out of his breaks when trying to redirect. Struggles to consistently find the football when his back is to the play and isn’t the most instinctive corner. Displayed a lack of concentration last night, jumping a route and not finishing on a very catchable ball.

Overall: I don’t think he has the footwork or balance to hold up on an island in man coverage at the next level. Looks more like a zone corner.

What a freak (and I mean that in a good way)

South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has to be one of the toughest linemen in the nation to block. His combination of athleticism, power and length gives him the ability to routinely stack and shed in all areas of the game. Against Cincinnati, he was consistently able to set the edge in the run game, control blockers at the point of attack and make his way toward the ball. And in the pass game, he showcased an impressive first step for his size off the edge and loves to go to his rip move to keep blockers from getting their hands on him. He’s still very raw with his instincts, stance and overall hand technique, but the kid has an incredible-looking frame and features an amazing 81-inch wingspan. He finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and was consistently able to slip blocks and work his way toward the football. I could see him developing into something special as either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end.

Pierre-Paul’s counterpart

South Florida DE George Selvie, who had a sack last night, tries to get to Cincinnati QB Tony Pike.

The emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul this season was supposed to mean a big spike in the production of fellow defensive end George Selvie, who has seen his fair share of double-teams over the past two seasons. However, even after his sack last night, Selvie still only has three on the year, with one coming against Wofford College. Now, it’s obvious when watching Selvie that he possesses the type of quick-twitch ability to consistently threaten the corner and pressure of the outside of the pocket at the next level. However, he’s simply too “straight-linish.” Selvie doesn’t exhibit any type of counter move off his outside speed rush, struggles to redirect in space and doesn’t use his hands well to slip blocks. He’s always around the quarterback, and when he gains a step, he can really close in a hurry. But there just seems to be something missing from his game when he’s asked to disengage and finish on a play.

Pike’s performance

The Good:
• Pike showcases a real calm, confident demeanor in his game, and even when he’s flushed from the pocket, he still seems to be under control. The game never seems to move too fast for him.
• He displays a strong arm and has the ability to make all the throws at the next level, which was evident on the 25-yard completion he had throwing against his body to WR D.J. Woods.
• He throws a very clean, catchable ball and does a great job putting just enough touch and power on his throws to fit his passes into tight areas.
• He showcases a sixth sense as a passer and feels pressure around him, keeps his eye down the field and can calmly step up in the pocket. This attribute can’t be overlooked at the next level; just ask JaMarcus Russell.
• Don’t underestimate Pike’s ability to call an audible at the line of scrimmage and efficiently get his team in and out of plays. This is a lost art at the college level with so many quarterbacks asked to look to the sideline and allow their coach to audible them out of a play.

The Bad:
• The South Florida defense definitely played a bit faster than Pike was accustomed to. He struggled to be real decisive going through his progressions when his initial read wasn’t there.
• Pike has a tendency to lose his rhythm and base at times when he steps up in the pocket, causing his passes to sail on him. He’s a tall kid with a strong arm, but staying balanced when stepping up in the pocket is key to delivering an accurate ball.

Cincinnati OLB/DE Curtis Young

Game notes

One guy to keep an eye on the rest of the year is Cincinnati OLB/DE Curtis Young. I kept Young off my Thursday night primer because he has missed the team’s last couple of games with an injury. However, I came away impressed with his week one performance against Rutgers when he finished with 11 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack and was again impressed with him Thursday night.

Young isn’t the most explosive of pass rushers, but he’s a smooth, graceful athlete who uses his long arms and hands well to slip blocks. He finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss and another sack and looks like a guy who could definitely compete for an NFL roster spot as a 3-4 OLB.

I wasn’t real pleased with the play of Cincinnati safety Aaron Webster last night, despite his interception and 83-yard return. Webster’s a long, lanky athlete who lacks overall balance and fluidity in coverage and struggles to reach top-end speed quickly.

He’s a strider who possesses only average range even when he reaches full speed and doesn’t take consistent angles toward the football. Overall, he lacks the necessary tools to hold up in coverage in an NFL secondary.

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NFL Draft 2010: Senior Position Rankings

Wes Bunting — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:47:35 -0400

As we head into Week Seven of the college football season, it’s time to re-rank and break down the top senior prospects at each position.

Quarterbacks

AP—Cincinnati Quarterback Tony Pike

1. Colt McCoy, Texas (6'2", 212)
2. Tony Pike, Cincinnati (6'6", 212)
3. Tim Tebow, Florida (6'3", 245)
4. Mike Kafka, Northwestern (6'3", 220)
5. Tim Hiller, Western Michigan (6'4", 230)
6. Chris Turner, Maryland (6'4", 220)
7. Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State (6'2", 218)
8. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (6'3", 226)
9. Jarrett Brown, West Virginia (6'3", 222)
10. Max Hall, BYU (6'1", 205)

Running Backs

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5'11", 195)
2. Charles Scott, LSU (5'11", 234)
3. Michael Smith, Arkansas (5'7", 180)
4. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee (6'0", 215)
5. Ben Tate, Auburn (5'11", 218)
6. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State (6'1", 235)
7. Toby Gerhart, Stanford (6'1", 235)
8. Chris Brown, Oklahoma (5'11", 200)
9. Keiland Williams, LSU (5'11", 221)
10. Brandon Minor, Michigan (6'0", 218)

Full-Backs/Half-Backs

AP—Wisconsin FB/HB Garrett Graham

1. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin (6'3", 250)
2. Rashawn Jackson, Virginia (6'1", 245)
3. Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh (6'2", 230)
4. Cody Slate, Marshall (6'2", 224)
5. Jameson Konz, Kent State (6'3", 226)
6. Matt Clapp, Oklahoma (6'2", 246)
7. Richard Dickson, LSU (6'2", 240)
8. Tony Moeaki, Iowa (6'3", 252)
9. Riar Geer, Colorado (6'3", 250)
10. Rendrick Taylor, Clemson (6'2", 264)

Tight Ends*

1. Ed Dickson, Oregon (6'4", 243)
2. Dennis Pitta, BYU (6'2", 248)
3. Andrew Quarless, Penn State (6'5", 248)
4. Anthony McCoy, USC (6'5", 252)
5. Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois (6'3", 270)
6. Nate Byham, Pittsburgh (6'4", 258)
7. Dedrick Epps, Miami (6'4", 253)
8. Greg Boone, Virginia Tech (6'3", 283)
9. Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State (6'5", 253)
10. Jimmy Graham, Miami (6'8", 260)

*Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham is not listed because of a season-ending injury.

Wide Receivers

AP—LSU Wide Receiver Brandon LaFell

1. Jeremy Williams, Tulane (6'1", 205)
2. Brandon LaFell, LSU (6'3", 206)
3. Eric Decker, Minnesota (6'3", 215)
4. Jacoby Ford, Clemson (5'9", 185)
5. Blair White, Michigan State (6'2", 200)
6. Jordan Shipley, Texas (6'0", 190)
7. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati (6'0", 187)
8. David Gettis, Baylor (6'4", 215)
9. Dexter McCluster, Mississippi (5'7", 168)
10. Brandon Banks, Kansas State (5'7", 154)

Offensive Tackles

1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6'5", 302)
2. Jason Fox, Miami (6'6", 314)
3. Charles Brown, USC (6'5", 292)
4. Kyle Calloway, Iowa (6'7", 315)
5. Chris Scott, Tennessee (6'4", 346)
6. Ed Wang, Virginia Tech (6'5", 309)
7. Selvish Capers, West Virginia (6'5", 298)
8. Trent Williams, Oklahoma (6'5", 318)
9. Ciron Black, LSU (6'5", 322)
10. Mike Tepper, California (6'6", 322)

Offensive Guards

AP—Utah Offensive Guard Zane Beadles

1. Zane Beadles, Utah (6'4", 305)
2. Mitch Petrus, Arkansas (6'3", 315)
3. Mike Iupati, Idaho (6'5", 330)
4. John Jerry, Mississippi (6'5", 350)
5. Sergio Render, Virginia Tech (6'3", 313)
6. Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State (6'3", 305)
7. Mike Johnson, Alabama (6'5", 305)
8. Doug Palmer, East Carolina (6'3", 305)
9. Jon Asamoah, Illinois (6'4", 315)
10. Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts (6'5", 330)

Centers

1. J.D Walton, Baylor (6'3", 305)
2. Eric Olsen, Notre Dame (6'4", 305)
3. Kenny Alfred, Washington State (6'2", 300)
4. Matt Tennant, Boston College (6'4", 291)
5. Ted Larsen, North Carolina State (6'2", 300)
6. Erik Cook, New Mexico (6'6", 318)
7. Chris Hall, Texas (6'4", 298)
8. Joel Nitchman, Michigan State (6'3", 296)
9. Garrett Anderson, South Carolina (6'4", 308)
10. John Estes, Hawaii (6'2", 298)

Defensive Ends

AP—Ole Miss Defensive End Greg Hardy

1. Greg Hardy, Mississippi (6'4", 265)
2. Jermaine Cunningham, Florida (6'3", 252)
3. Brandon Graham, Michigan (6'1", 263)
4. Corey Wootton, Northwestern (6'6", 280)
5. Jammie Kirlew, Indiana (6'2", 260)
6. Brandon Deaderick, Alabama (6'4", 287)
7. O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin (6'2", 248)
8. Alex Carrington, Arkansas State (6'5", 284)
9. Greg Middleton, Indiana (6'3", 284)
10. Lindsey Witten, Connecticut (6'4", 258)

Defensive Tackles

1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6'4", 302)
2. Terrence Cody, Alabama (6'4", 365)
3. Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6'3", 302)
4. Jared Odrick, Penn State (6'4", 298)
5. D’Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech (6'2", 298)
6. Mike Neal, Purdue (6'3", 302)
7. Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas (6'2", 290)
8. Boo Robinson, Wake Forest (6'1", 295)
9. Vince Oghobaase, Duke (6'5", 305)
10. Ekom Udofia, Stanford (6'2", 315)

4-3 Outside Linebackers

1. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6'1", 245)
2. A.J. Edds, Iowa (6'4", 244)
3. Perry Riley, LSU (6'1", 245)
4. Stevenson Sylvester, Utah (6'2", 230)
5. Rico McCoy, Tennessee (6'0", 220)
6. Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas (6'2", 235)
7. Dekoda Watson, Florida State (6'2", 226)
8. Cam Martin, Virginia Tech (6'1", 209)
9. E.J. Savannah, Washington (6'1", 228)
10. Keaton Kristick, Oregon State (6'3", 230)

3-4 Outside Linebackers

AP—Clemson 3-4 Outside Linebacker Ricky Sapp

1. Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6'4", 248)
2. Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6'0", 252)
3. Jerry Hughes, TCU (6'2", 257)
4. Sergio Kindle, Texas (6'4", 255)
5. George Selvie, South Florida (6'4", 245)
6. Rahim Alem, LSU (6'3", 262)
7. Austen Lane, Murray State (6'6", 258)
8. Willie Young, NC State (6'4", 250)
9. Cameron Sheffield, Troy (6'2", 249)
10. Brandon Lang, Troy (6'4", 256)

Inside Linebackers

1. Brandon Spikes, Florida (6'3", 256)
2. Sean Lee, Penn State (6'2", 236)
3. Micah Johnson, Kentucky (6'2", 258)
4. Daryl Washington, TCU (6'2", 234)
5. Pat Angerer, Iowa (6'0", 235)
6. Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State (6'1", 240)
7. Josh Hull, Penn State (6'3", 240)
8. Joe Pawelek, Baylor (6'2", 240)
9. Mike McLaughlin, Boston College (6'0", 245)
10. Boris Lee, Troy (6'0", 245)

Cornerbacks*

AP—Alabama Cornerback Javier Arenas

1. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest (6'0", 190)
2. Kyle Wilson, Boise State (5'10", 185)
3. Javier Arenas, Alabama (5'9", 198)
4. Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech (5'11", 189)
5. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky (5'11", 180)
6. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana PA (6'1", 195)
7. Sherrick McManis, Northwestern (5'11", 190)
8. Prince Miller, Georgia (5'8", 196)
9. Syd’Quan Thompson, California (5'9", 191)
10. Bryan McCann, Southern Methodist (5'10", 175)

*Oregon’s Walter Thurmond III is not listed because of a season-ending injury.

Safeties

1. Taylor Mays, USC (6'3", 235)
2. Nick Polk, Indiana (5'11", 219)
3. Nate Allen, South Florida (6'1", 206)
4. T.J. Ward, Oregon (5'10", 201)
5. Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech (6'3", 230)
6. Josh Pinkard, USC (6'1", 215)
7. Harry Coleman, LSU (6'2", 206)
8. Justin Woodall, Alabama (6'1", 220)
9. Darrell Stuckey, Kansas (5'11", 205)
10. Barry Church, Toledo (6'1", 219)

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Scout's Notebook: Defensive Review

Wes Bunting — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:53:51 -0400

Observations and analysis from the sixth week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

This Boilermaker Packs a Punch Inside

Purdue defensive tackle Mike Neal might be pound for pound the strongest defensive lineman in the nation. At 6-4, 302 pounds, Neal showcases a good initial first step off the snap, but it’s his lower body strength that allows him to overwhelm opposing linemen on contact and drive his way into the backfield. He exhibits an impressive punch and possesses the anchor strength to routinely hold the point of attack vs. the run game.

The biggest knock on Neal at this stage is his inability to consistently shed blocks and use his hands to disengage on contact. He always seems to be in position to make plays on the football but too often fails to stack and shed. However, the skill set is certainly there for him to develop into a starting-caliber defensive tackle or even 3-4 end at the next level, and he looks like a guy who, with some good coaching, could really come into his own during his second or third season in the NFL.

Unsung Gator

Florida DE Jermaine Cunningham often gets overlooked because of teammate and fellow end Carlos Dunlap.

Florida’s defensive front four consistently was able to overwhelm the LSU offensive line Saturday night, thanks in large part to the play of defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. Fellow DE Carlos Dunlap typically grabs all the attention, although Cunningham is proving to be an effective pass rusher in his own right. He was consistently matched up with LSU LT Ciron Black and proved to be too much for him to handle off the edge.

Cunningham not only displays an explosive initial first step that consistently allows him to threaten the corner, he also does a great job dropping his pad level and using his violent hands to keep blockers from getting into his frame. He’s also very sudden, and his short-area quickness allows him to cleanly change directions and side-step blocks in space. He isn’t the type of physically gifted defensive end that Dunlap is, but I could definitely see Cunningham finding a role as a nickel rusher early in his career and eventually maturing into an every-down player.

Where to play this Tiger?

I’m having a tough time trying to figure out what position Auburn DE Antonio Coleman is going to play at the next level. The 6-1, 258-pound lineman hasn’t impressed me at all with his burst or explosion off the edge and he simply doesn’t possess the type of quick-twitch ability to threaten the corner at the next level.

He’s a coordinated athlete who does display some short-area quickness and body control when engaged, but he lacks the ability to consistently accelerate away from opposing offensive linemen once he gains a step. I don’t think he’s fluid enough to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and am starting to think that because of his thick body type and natural power that he might be ideally suited to play a 3-4 ILB or 4-3 ILB in a defensive scheme that requires the Mike to attack downhill and fill holes at the line of scrimmage, much like the one the Eagles play.

Either way, this isn’t a ringing endorsement for Coleman, who has struggled to be a consistent factor rushing the passer this season.

He's Alive

I took a bit of a shot at Michigan’s lacking pass rush in my Saturday Primer, but the Wolverines’ defense came alive against Iowa, in particular DE Brandon Graham.

Graham, who came into the contest with only one sack on the season, finished the game with two sacks, 3½ tackles for loss and nine total tackles and showed why he’s one of the nation’s best. Graham’s ability to play with consistent leverage and power on contact is what really jumped out at me. He consistently was able to generate quite a push vs. Iowa’s starting offensive tackles Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, and he used his short-area quickness to shed blocks and accelerate into the backfield.

What I love most about Graham is that he possesses the power and length to anchor at the point of attack and beat blocks in the run game. He isn’t a guy who is ever going to be a star at the next level, but he looks like a very capable three-down NFL lineman.

Some Small-School Love

Indiana (Pa.) cornerback Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is proving to scouts that he not only has the ability to take over games on the defensive side of the ball but on special teams as well. Owusu-Ansah returned both a kickoff and punt for touchdowns last weekend against Edinboro, giving him eight career touchdowns.

He’s a gifted athlete at 6-1, 205, runs in the low 4.4 range and possesses that rare ability to take over games when needed. He has the skill set to project to either CB or FS at the next level and could end up being the first small-school player taken in the draft.

Two Corners on the Rise

David Pender, Purdue (6-1, 175):

Pender is a tall, lean corner who showcases good bend in his drop and does a nice job using his length to disrupt receivers in the pass game. He needs to continue to add more bulk and strength to his upper body, but he looks like a guy who could be effective when asked to press at the next level.

Walter McFadden, Auburn (5-10, 176):

When watching McFadden last weekend, it was obvious that he not only has the ability to track the ball vertically, he also showcases excellent awareness and ball skills in coverage. He looked very comfortable when asked to play from behind, and made two big plays down the field in man coverage vs. Arkansas.

He struggles to get back up to speed initially out of his transition, and I can’t say that I would trust him on an island in man coverage at the next level. However, his combination of range, ball skills and awareness has be thinking he would be an ideal Cover 2 guy at the next level.

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The NFP Super 30: A Look at The Top Prospects For The 2010 NFL Draft

Wes Bunting — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:34:18 -0400

In the second installment of the National Football Post’s Super 30, we break down and rank the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects through the first five weeks of the college football season.

1. QB Jake Locker, Washington (6-3, 226)
The nation’s top quarterback prospect.

2. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6-4, 302)
He’s been downright dominant at times this season.

3. S Eric Berry, Tennessee (5-11, 203)
One of the most instinctive safeties to come along in years. Looks like an instant impact player in the NFL.

4. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (6-4, 298)
A disruptive force inside who plays with a great motor and consistently finds the football.

5. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (6-6, 312)
Picked up right where he left off this week after missing three games with a thyroid condition.

6. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (6-3, 223)
His ability to play through pain and bring his team from behind the past two weeks really has his stock soaring.

7. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama (6-4, 256)
Possesses an impressive athletic skill set for his size and has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

8. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (6-2, 220)
A powerful route runner who displays the short-area quickness to separate out of his breaks and create after the catch.

9. S Taylor Mays, USC (6-3, 235)
Showcased the type of play-making ability last week vs. Cal that makes him a top 10-caliber prospect.

10. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida (6-6, 290)
A gifted physical specimen who is now starting to put in the necessary work at practice to take his game to the next level.

11. DT Terrence Cody, Alabama (6-5, 365)
All the guy does is make everyone around him better. I can’t imagine him lasting very long on draft day.

12. DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6-3, 295)
A powerful interior presence who uses his hands well to shed blocks and always seems to be making plays on the football.

13. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (6-6, 325)
Showcases the size, power and fluidity to develop into a starting-caliber left tackle at the next level.

14. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (6-4, 223)
It will be interesting to see how well Bradford plays once he returns behind the Sooners’ spotty offensive line.

15. RB Jahvid Best, California (5-10, 195)
He’s still a big-time weapon in the open field, but opposing defenses have slowed him down in recent weeks by crowding the box.

16. OLB/DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4, 248)
The guy makes a living behind the line of scrimmage and has the ability to consistently shed blocks and get after the passer.

17. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (5-11, 235)
He’s finally starting to get on track this season and is showcasing the type of talent that makes me think he has the ability to be a featured NFL back.

18. DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (6-6, 287)
A physically imposing defensive end who has the makings of an impact three-down lineman at the next level.

19. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5-11, 195)
An X-factor on offense who has the ability to create in both the run and pass game.

20. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (6-7, 238)
He’s red-shirt sophomore who’s draft eligible and possesses a skill set very similar to Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

21. WR Mike Williams, Syracuse (6-2, 204)
An impressive size/speed athlete who can make plays vertically down the field and is a big jump-ball threat.

22. DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina (6-3, 305)
We all knew the physical tools where there, but he’s doing a much better job finding the football this year and using his hands to shed blocks.

23. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4, 272)
Possesses the tools to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways.

24. WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois (6-2, 220)
Looked physical and explosive last week vs. Penn State and has the build to make an impact in the NFL from day one.

25. OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6-0, 252)
He isn’t the tallest of linebackers, but the guy is a force when asked to make plays off the edge.

26. DE Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (6-2, 252)
Exhibits an impressive first step, and his improved power and pad level has really enhanced his ability to get after the passer.

27. RB Noel Devine, West Virginia (5-8, 176)
There’s no denying the kid’s athletic skill set. He looks like a real play-making type scat-back in the NFL.

28. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6-5, 302)
Showcases good fluidity and body control in pass protection, but needs to continue to add more base strength.

29. DT Allen Bailey, Miami (6-4, 288)
The physical skill set is there, but he disappears during stretches of games too often.

30. DT Phil Taylor, Baylor (6-4, 355)
A massive interior lineman who has the ability to anchor a defense at the next level.

Super 30 no more:

OT Nate Solder, Colorado (6-9, 305)
Too raw and won’t be ready until 2011.

OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland (6-7, 310)
Injuries have been his toughest opponent so far this season.

CB Joe Haden, Florida (5-11, 190)
How can a guy so physically gifted give up so many plays?

QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi (6-3, 215)
Consistency is the key to Snead’s play if he hopes to rebound.

OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia (5-11, 225)

An undersized linebacker who is really scheme-limited at the next level.

WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas (6-3, 200)
Straight-line speed is his biggest question.

OT Jarriel King, South Carolina (6-5, 312)
Doesn’t always take the best of angles off the snap and needs to add a little more polish to his game.

Just missed the cut:

OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina (6-3, 225)
OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, TCU (6-2, 257)
QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati (6-6, 226)
DE Greg Hardy, Mississippi (6-4, 265)
QB Colt McCoy, Texas (6-2, 212)
QB Tim Tebow, Florida (6-3, 245)
WR Brandon LaFell, LSU (6-3, 206)
ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida (6-3, 256)
OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6-1, 245)
FS Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (6-1, 210)
TE Ed Dickson, Oregon (6-4, 243)
TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (6-6, 258)

NCAA Football Scout's Notebook: Offensive Review

Wes Bunting — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:01:33 -0400

Observations and analysis from the fifth week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Trouble on the Left Side

AP—Oklahoma's Trent Williams has struggled to adjust to left tackle this season.

Oklahoma offensive lineman Trent Williams made the transition from right tackle to left tackle this season, but the move has been anything but seamless. Williams struggled again this weekend vs. the edge speed of Miami, in particular DE Eric Moncur, and simply doesn’t seem to possess the short-area quickness needed to mirror laterally in space.

He was repeatedly exposed on the “up and under move,” and to be honest, I was more impressed with the play of Miami LT Jason Fox than I was with Williams. Williams exhibits some natural power in the run game and can sit in his stance and anchor vs. the bull rush.

However, after seeing his performances against BYU and now Miami, I simply wouldn’t feel comfortable drafting him as a left tackle and feel his future in the NFL is limited to the right side.

Another Left Tackle on the Move

Watching LSU left tackle Ciron Black this weekend, I was impressed with his ability to consistently gain leverage on contact and create movement as an in-line run blocker. Black showcases a mean streak at the point of attack and is very efficient when asked to block downhill.

However, the more I watched him in pass protection, the less confident I felt about his ability to play on the left side in the NFL. He exhibited only average range on his initial kick-step and struggled to redirect and stay on blocks when engaged.

I still think Black has the potential to be a starting-caliber lineman in the NFL, but I see him having more success at either right tackle or guard. He reminds me of New Orleans Saints starting left guard and former Nebraska left tackle Carl Nicks.

Four Wideouts Who Are Really Catching On

Mike Williams, Syracuse (6'2", 204 lbs.)

AP—Syracuse wideout Mike Williams continued his strong play against South Florida on Saturday.

The play of Syracuse WR Mike Williams has been absolutely brilliant throughout the first five games of the year, and his performance Saturday vs. a talented South Florida defense has me wondering, is this guy the best wideout in college football?

Williams not only has the size and speed to make plays vertically down the field, but his overall polish as a route runner has improved significantly under new head coach Doug Marrone. Plus, Williams has that X-factor to his game, as he goes up and attacks the football as well as any receiver I’ve seen since Larry Fitzgerald.

Williams had 13 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns this past weekend and was consistently able to create substantial separation against highly-rated senior corner Jerome Murphy. Williams will definitely be crashing the NFP Super 30 on Wednesday, and I can now see him potentially making a run at Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant as the nation’s top wideout.

Stephen Williams, Toledo (6'5", 200 lbs.)

One wideout who really seems to be flying under the radar in the early part of the season is Toledo’s Williams. He’s a big, long athlete who does a nice job adjusting to the ball and runs surprising well for his size.

Williams hauled in 10 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns against Ball State, including a game-winning 51-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaining.

However, what impresses me most is his ability to beat press-coverage, get into his routes quickly, and run away from man coverage down the field. He’s an intriguing target who I think is one of the better prospects in this year’s weak senior receiver class.

Golden Tate, Notre Dame (5'11", 195 lbs.)

AP—With Michael Floyd out for the year, Golden Tate's value has increased even more in Notre Dame's offense.

If Notre Dame wideout Golden Tate is able to consistently catch the football (which has been a problem for him so far this year), there aren’t too many cornerbacks in the country who can match up with this guy one-on-one in space.

I love what Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis did with Tate this weekend, moving him around the offense and allowing him to make plays with the ball in his hands from the slot. Tate not only showcases the ability to create separation on all areas of the field, he does a nice job finding soft spots in zone—and as we saw Saturday, he’s very dangerous after the catch.

I still don’t see him as a big-time starting threat on the outside at the next level, but he looks like a Kevin Curtis-type wideout to me, someone who can make some plays down the field and create mismatches from the slot.

Carlton Mitchell, South Florida (6'4", 212 lbs.)

If there’s one wideout worth keeping an eye on the rest of the year, it’s South Florida’s Carlton Mitchell. He’s a big, athletic kid who runs extremely well for his size and is consistently able to separate from defenders down the field.

He’s still raw and isn’t the most natural of receivers, but the guy is a load to bring down after the catch and is simply a big play waiting to happen in the pass game. Mitchell is one of the more intriguing junior wide receiver prospects in the country and possesses an enormous upside at the next level.

No Matter Where You Put Him, the Kid’s a Player

Pittsburgh’s Dorin Dickerson has seen time at wide receiver and linebacker during his first two seasons as a Panther. However, he made the transition to TE in 2008 and is now really starting to come into his own.

Dickerson is a gifted athlete who runs very well for his size (6'2", 230 lbs.) and has the athletic ability to make plays down the seam and stretch defenses vertically. He’s already proven to be quite the mismatch for opposing defenses and is on pace to haul in a staggering 14 touchdown passes and just under 500 yards receiving.

He isn’t going to be a typical “on the line Y” at the next level, but he certainly possesses the skill set to create plays in the pass game and looks like a guy who could find a home as a pass catching tight end, H-back, or even fullback in the NFL.

Quack…Quack…Quack

After a slow start, Oregon TE Ed Dickson is finally starting to hit his stride. Dickson has hauled in 18 catches for 251 yards and four touchdowns in his past two games and is simply a mismatch nightmare any time he’s asked to run vertically down the field.

There’s no denying the kid’s athletic ability, but Dickson has done a much better job setting up and selling his routes this season, which has been one of the main reasons he’s been able to consistently separate so easily down the field.

Now, there’s definitely some intriguing talent in both the senior and junior tight end classes this season, but Dickson’s ability to create big plays in the pass game could end up being the tipping point in making him this year’s top tight end prospect.

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Scout's Notebook: Thursday Review, Clemson Vs. Georgia Tech

Wes Bunting — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:43:06 -0400

Here are my initial reactions on the performances of some of the nation’s top prospects in Thursday night’s Clemson/Georgia Tech game.

Georgia Tech defensive back Morgan Burnett looks like the nation’s best ball-hawking safety. His instincts are second to none and he consistently makes plays on the football. Burnett looks like an absolute missile when asked to close on throws in front of him and possesses the coordination to consistently get his hands on the pass. He definitely has the makings of an impact player at the next level.

Speaking of talented safeties, Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel also deserves positive feedback. McDaniel is a big, well-built strong safety (6'1", 210) who exhibits impressive range and ball skills when asked to track the football down the field. He has a tendency to get a bit overextended with his footwork when asked to flip his hips and turn, but he gets up to speed quickly and exhibits a good closing burst on plays away from his frame. With a weak senior strong safety class this season, if McDaniel chooses to come out, he would instantly become one of the top prospects at the position.

The more I watch Clemson’s hybrid DE/OLB Ricky Sapp, the more I think he’s at his best when asked to play in space, attack downhill and use his closing speed and length to make plays on the ball. He’s still learning how to keep himself clean when standing up in a two-point stance, but once he deciphers the play, he’s tough to block on the outside. Sapp looks like a guy who could definitely make an impact as a rush linebacker at the next level and will be a very hot prospect for those 3-4 defenses in need of an athletic pass rusher at draft time.

Coming into his own

Clemson defensive back Marcus Gilchrist has made a smooth transition to the free safety position this year, where he can use his range and athleticism to consistently ball-hawk in the secondary. Gilchrist, a former cornerback who was listed second on the depth chart behind seniors Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor last season, has definitely displayed an ability to make plays in the secondary and could end up being the best prospect of the three.

He’s only going to be better in the pros

There’s been some talk that Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer is more of a system running back and that his game won’t translate well to the NFL. However, there’s no doubt in my mind that Dwyer will not only be a productive back in the NFL, he’s only going to be better at the next level.

When Dwyer gets to the NFL, he’s going to be asked to start from eight yards behind the line of scrimmage and have the luxury of a fullback standing in front of him, as opposed to now, where he starts from a three-point stance four yards from the line of scrimmage.

My point is, if Dwyer is able to show effective instincts and vision running between the tackles from four yards away from the line, and can still generate the type of burst and power to run through tackles, imagine how effective he could be in a traditional set. He’s going to have more space to read the line of scrimmage and be able to build up more speed in the NFL than he does right now in the Georgia Tech offense. I absolutely love his upside and think the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option attack has only further enhanced his game in preparation for the NFL.

The maturation process from track guy to football player

It’s no secret that Clemson track star/wideout Jacoby Ford has the speed and athleticism to make it in the NFL, but now I’m really starting to see an improvement in his game as a route runner. Ford finished the game with five catches, 109 yards and one touchdown and his deep speed was on display on the big 77-yard touchdown grab he had in the third quarter.

However, I was more impressed with his ability to change gears and set up opposing corners out of his breaks. He looks a lot more comfortable coming off the line and is no longer trying to do everything at full speed. Ford is a guy who has the ability to create a lot of mismatches from the slot at the next level if he continues his improvement as a route runner.

The guy can do it all

Clemson’s C.J. Spiller is clearly the nation’s top senior running back, and his ability to hurt you in both the run and pass game are two big reasons he’s going to go early in the 2010 draft. Not only did he looked very comfortable and patient picking his way between the tackles, but the guy is simply dynamic in the open field. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield consistently creates mismatches in the pass game and allows him to make plays on the perimeter and down the field.

My final and most important note from this game is the development of Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan. I wrote about Morgan during the summer and came away impressed with his natural athletic ability, power and upside, but I felt that in order for him to take his game to the next level he needed to improve his flexibility and overall footwork off the ball. And what I saw Thursday night was a guy who played with a much lower pad level than last year and was consistently able to take a positive first step off the snap. In turn, he was absolutely dominant in all areas of the game.

If Morgan is able to keep up this type of play, there’s no doubt he’ll be a first round pick. The question is: how high does he go? I had him ranked fifth on my junior defensive end list, which came out last Friday. But after seeing the improvements he made to his game in the offseason, there’s no reason he can’t and won’t be the top-rated defensive end in the county and a legitimate top-10 pick. Morgan’s performance was truly eye-opening.

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Thursday Night College Primer: Clemson Vs. Georgia Tech

Wes Bunting — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:07:24 -0400

In week two of our Thursday night primer, the National Football Post highlights some of the keys to tonight’s Georgia Tech-Clemson game, including top players and matchups that NFL scouts will be watching.

Prospects worth keeping an eye on:

APMorgan Burnett

Georgia Tech

Morgan Burnett: No. 1, FS, 6-1, 210

Exhibits an impressive blend of athleticism, ball skills and instincts when playing the center field-type role. Is one of the nation’s best.

Jonathan Dwyer: No. 21, RB, 5-11, 235

A big, physical back who showcases good lateral quickness and speed for a guy his size. Is an absolute bear to tackle in the open field and looks like an instant impact player at the next level.

Derrick Morgan: No. 91, DE, 6-4, 272

Possesses a nice-sized frame and plays both the run and pass game well. Has the ability to mature into one of the nation’s top defensive end prospects this season.

Demaryius Thomas: No. 8, WR, 6-3, 229

APDemaryius Thomas

A kind-sized wideout who exhibits an impressive combination of short-area quickness and body control for his size. Isn’t a burner but looks like an ideal west coast-style receiver at the next level.

Lucas Cox: No. 36, FB, 6-0, 235

Averaged over seven yards per carry last season and displays good power as a blocker. Does a lot of the dirty work in the Georgia Tech triple-option offense and does it very well.

Others worth noting

Cord Howard: No. 71, OG, 6-4, 308
Dominique Reese: No. 26, SS, 5-11, 198

Clemson

C.J. Spiller: No. 28, RB, 5-11, 195

APC.J. Spiller

A dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands who has the ability to hurt you in both the run and pass game. Needs to be accounted for on every play.

Ricky Sapp: No. 7, DE/OLB, 6-4, 248

Plays a lot stronger than his frame indicates and possesses the explosion to consistently threaten the edge. One of the nation’s top pure pass rushers.

Jacoby Ford: No. 6, WR, 5-9, 185

An undersized wideout who possesses an outstanding first step and blazing vertical speed down the field. Is still learning the nuances of the position, but has the athleticism to consistently create separation vs. man coverage.

Thomas Austin: No. 65, OG, 6-3, 310

Is a bit overrated because of his intriguing size/speed numbers, but does enough things well on the offensive line to earn an NFL roster spot.

APJarvis Jenkins

Others worth noting

DeAndre McDaniel: No. 2, SS, 6-1, 210
Jarvis Jenkins: No. 99, DT, 6-4, 310
Kavell Conner: No. 33, OLB, 6-1, 235
Marcus Gilchrist: No. 12, DB, 5-11, 190
Crezdon Butler: No. 18, DB, 6-0, 185
Chris Chancellor: No. 38, DB, 5-10, 172

Scouts’ key matchup

Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer vs. Clemson OLB Kavell Conner

Conner is considered a mid-round prospect in many scouting circles around the country, but after watching Clemson tape this summer, I simply don’t see it. He does possess good natural athletic ability and range when asked to close on a play in pursuit, but he doesn’t make as many plays on the ball as he should because he’s slow to decipher information and doesn’t consistently break down well as a tackler.

APJonathan Dwyer

Consequently, the matchup with Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer isn’t a good one for Conner. Dwyer is very physical when asked to attack the line of scrimmage and is nearly impossible for one man to bring down in the open field. So Georgia Tech should be able to expose two of Conner’s biggest weaknesses in this one:

1. His lack of power as a tackler.
2. His lack of natural instincts at the line of scrimmage.

Dwyer is a very tough matchup for just about any linebacker to bring down in the hole, or in space for that matter, and I think this game could end up exposing Conner as the free-agent type of prospect he really is.

Key to the game

The Clemson front four definitely has the advantage if they can force the Yellow Jackets’ offense into third-and-long situations. The defensive end duo of Ricky Sapp and DaQuan Bowers gives the Tigers the ability to consistently only bring four and get significant pressure on the quarterback. However, the question is, can Clemson do enough to win on first and second downs?

In order to slow down the Georgia Tech triple-option offense, Clemson needs its interior defenders, particularly DT Jarvis Jenkins, to be stout inside and their linebackers to quickly diagnose plays and find the football. Jenkins possesses a good overall skill set and has the power to win initial battles on contact. However, he’s still raw with his hands, and asking him to keep himself clean from the consistent cut blocks of opposing linemen Sean Bedford and Cord Howard is going to be tough. And I simply don’t see the instincts from the Clemson linebacking corps as a group to be on the same page throughout this one. On top of all that, Clemson had a short week to prepare for the GT triple option. I can’t imagine all the Tigers’ defenders having a strong grasp on the game plan

Scout's notebook: Defensive Review

Wes Bunting — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:02:54 -0400

Here are my initial reactions from the first week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top defensive prospects.

One versatile Gamecock

APEric Norwood

South Carolina outside linebacker Eric Norwood picked up right where he left off last season, finishing week one with eight tackles and two sacks. Norwood lacks ideal height, standing only six feet tall, but he really seems to use it to his advantage. He consistently is able to gain leverage on opponents and is so compact that it’s nearly impossible to knock him off balance when he fires off the edge. He’s used all over the South Carolina front seven, and his versatility will only further enhance his stock at the next level.

What to do with this Tulsa standout?

One guy who really jumped out to me last weekend was Tulsa linebacker/safety hybrid James Lockett. Lockett is only 5-11, 203 pounds, but he displays an impressive feel for the game and always seems to be around the football. He finished Friday night’s game with five tackles, two for losses, one sack and was a consistent playmaker in Tulsa’s front seven.

Lockett exhibits impressive natural strength for his size and uses his length and natural leverage to shed blocks and quickly close on the football. He’s also very sudden when asked to get after the passer, and his 8.5 sacks last year are a direct result of that.

He lacks ideal size for the linebacker position and might not be rangy enough to play as a center field-type safety at the next level, but the guy exhibits great instincts in all areas of his game and simply makes too many plays to be overlooked.

Overrated?

San Jose State hybrid defender Justin Cole, rated as one of the top senior linebackers by Blesto and National this year, really struggled in the opener. Cole was consistently handled on the outside by USC OT Charles Brown and was unable to cause any type of pressure off the edge.

I graded out Cole as the seventh best outside linebacker in my preseason rankings and see him more as a guy who could end up making an NFL roster and eventually competing for playing time, not as a high round pick who will become an impact player. Watching him struggle vs. USC this week only solidifies my opinion.

A star in the making

APPatrick Peterson

While watching the LSU secondary on Saturday night, I caught my first real glimpse of sophomore CB Patrick Peterson and was absolutely amazed by his physical skill set. Peterson is a man-child at 6-1, 211 pounds and combines the body control and balance to excel in coverage with the power and physicality to really lay the wood as a tackler.

The guy is built like a safety but exhibits impressive fluidity when asked to turn and find the football. There aren’t too many kids who just scream first-round pick the moment you see them, but with Peterson, you just know.

The underrated Tiger

LSU defender Harry Coleman started 13 games for the Tigers at strong safety last season but was moved to strong-side linebacker this year because of his physical style of play inside the box. That type of play was on consistent display Saturday night, as Coleman finished the game with seven tackles, one for loss. He’s a unique athlete who showcases the ability to not only tackle in a phone booth but also close on the ball in space. However, because of his size (6-2, 206), Coleman will likely be asked to make the change back to strong safety at the next level. But with a weak crop of senior strong safeties, he should end up being one of the highest-rated prospects at the position in April.

Ohio State nightmare

Watching Ohio State safety Anderson Russell get victimized by the Navy passing game (I didn’t even think Navy had a passing game) was almost predictable. All the preseason hype surrounding Russell was just that -- hype. If Russell can’t even stay with Navy slot back Marcus Curry in coverage, how is he ever going to stay with NFL-caliber receivers? I had Russell rated as the sixth best senior free safety in the country (a lot lower than most), but now I’m starting to think that even that spot is too high.

California Dreaming

APCameron Jordan

I knew coming into this year that the Cal offense was going to score a ton of points, but what I didn’t know was just how impressive their defensive front seven could be. The Golden Bears registered six sacks against Maryland and absolutely tormented QB Chris Turner throughout the game, giving the Terps’ offense no chance of getting on track.

Six different defenders recorded at least half a sack, although the play of defensive lineman Cameron Jordan in particular stood out. His combination of size, length and lateral quickness makes him really tough to block, and he’s consistently able to disengage and make his way toward the ball. He’s definitely a junior defensive end worth keeping an eye on this year as he has the ability to anchor and make plays in both a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme at the next level.

Roll Tide

The Alabama defense is absolutely loaded with NFL-caliber talent, but one guy who’s often overlooked is defensive lineman andon Deaderick. Linebacker Orlando McClain and nose tackle Terrence Cody typically grab most of the headlines, but Deaderick is a very talented prospect in his own right.

Even after being shot only days before the Virginia Tech game, he still exhibited impressive power at the point of attack and displayed the body control to sidestep blocks and disengage from opposing linemen wherever he lined up. Deaderick is asked to play both inside and outside on the ‘Bama defensive line, however, his impressive combination of size, power and lateral quickness is starting to make me think that he could end up being the best five-technique defensive end in the 2010 draft.

Scout's notebook: weekend review

Wes Bunting — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:51:01 -0400

Here are my initial reactions from the first week of the college football season, including thoughts about some of the nation’s top offensive prospects.

Sam Bradford wasn’t impressive

The story of week one has to be the injury to Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. The hit he took didn’t look good at all, and it’s obvious the Sooners’ offense is going to struggle in his absence. However, maybe the bigger story is that Oklahoma’s passing game seemed out of sorts even with Bradford in the game.

Sure, he was 10 of 14, but he threw for only 96 yards in the first half, and the Sooners’ offense looked more dangerous when it was running the football. Bradford didn’t seem overly confident or decisive behind his new offensive line, so it will be interesting to see how he does once he comes back and competes against some of the better defenses on Oklahoma’s schedule.

Neither was Jevan Snead

When I first turned on the Mississippi game, my initial impression of QB Jevan Snead was that this kid is going to make a push to become the top quarterback prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft. But the longer the game went on, the more I thought I was watching an early season Ole Miss game tape from 2008. Snead looked uncomfortable in the pocket, he forced the ball down the field, and he struggled making decisions in the face of pressure.

He finally found a rhythm toward the end of the game, but he seems to have taken a bit of a step back from the end of last season. Now, I’m not writing him off because of one performance, but I am saying he looked a lot more like the guy starting for Ole Miss at the beginning of last year than the one starting at the end.

There's Talent at Tulane

Lost in the shuffle of the 37-13 beat down Tulsa gave Tulane on Friday was the performance of Green Wave wideout Jeremy Williams. Williams finished the day with five receptions for 139 yards and even had a touchdown called back. He’s a tall, well-built athlete who gets up to speed quickly out of his stance and is a powerful route runner.

Williams showcases a willingness to go up and attack the football and is a load to bring down in the open field. He’s fully-recovered from a hand injury that cost him most of his junior year, and he now looks like one of the nation’s top senior wideouts.

And Another talented wideout

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone knows he has a special talent in wideout Mike Williams, and QB Greg Paulus looks capable of getting him the ball consistently this season. Williams finished the day with seven catches for 94 yards and one touchdown and has the type of athletic ability to make NFL scouts drool.

He exhibits good vertical speed, but it’s his body control and explosion that really jumps out on film. Williams definitely possesses the talent to make a move toward the top spot in the senior receiver rankings.

Double Trouble in Tennessee

Sure, Tennessee only played Western Kentucky, but it looks like head coach Lane Kiffin has quite a talented pair of running backs to lean on this season. I went out on a limb earlier this year and said RB Montario Hardesty could be poised for a great year under Kiffin if he could just stay healthy. And after watching him run for 160 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, he looks well on his way.

However, with the emergence of freshman RB Bryce Brown, who carried the ball 11 times for 104 yards and a touchdown, Kiffin doesn’t have to ask Hardesty to carry the entire load week in and week out. It will give him a much better chance to stay healthy in 2009.

USC OT Shines

USC QB Matt Barkley and RB Joe McKnight grabbed all the headlines in the Trojans’ opening week win over San Jose State, but the effort of senior left tackle Charles Brown shouldn’t go unnoticed. Brown looked very fluid in pass protection and did a great job quickly getting out of his stance and hitting/sealing moving targets at the second level. In particular, he repeatedly stonewalled San Jose State standout linebacker Justin Cole off the edge and pretty much made him a non-factor all game (I’ll touch more on Cole’s effort tomorrow).

Washington will be a Pac-10 Power Sooner than Later

If you stayed up late to watch the Washington-LSU game on Saturday night, you definitely took in one of the best games of the weekend. I can’t say I was shocked by the impressive play-calling by Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian or the skill set of QB Jake Locker. But what I was shocked about was Washington’s overall talent at the skill positions. Underclassman Chris Polk, James Johnson, Devin Aguilar and Kavario Middleton all looked impressive and will be main building blocks in helping Washington turn around its football program.

A Pair of Junior Quarterbacks Shine

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen and Washington QB Jake Locker both had very good outings in week one and made some favorable impressions in NFL scouts' minds. Clausen looks like he improved his arm strength quite a bit this offseason and was throwing the football as confidently as ever since his arrival at Notre Dame. He looked accurate when he was asked to stick some throws into tight areas and made good decisions from the pocket. I’m excited to see Clausen play against some of the better defenses on the Notre Dame schedule, but this was a very promising start for the junior signal caller.

Speaking of strong defenses, Washington’s Locker saw one of the fastest, hardest-hitting defenses in the nation last weekend and still performed at a high level all game. He didn’t look overwhelmed by LSU’s team speed, was very punctual with the football and made good decisions in the face of danger. He finished the game with 321 yards passing, 51 yards rushing and was consistently accurate both from the pocket and on the move. His overall skill set is so impressive that I think the kid is going to continue to mature and eventually become the nation’s top QB prospect during the next two years.

The Senior Quarterback Class, Not So Much

I took some heat last week for having a lot of the so-called “top-rated” quarterbacks so low on my list of senior rankings. The stats, however, speak for themselves. Here are three guys who really struggled in week one.

Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan: 18-31, 108 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT vs. Arizona
Juice Williams, Illinois: 18-28, 179 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT vs. Missouri
Andy Schmitt, Eastern Michigan: 18-31, 183 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT vs. Army