NFL Draft 2012: Greg Cosell Breaks Down Several NFL Draft Prospects

There are few people who command respect as a film evaluator as Greg Cosell, the executive producer of NFL Matchup and senior producer for NFL Films. Over the weekend, Cosell gave his thoughts via Twitter on a number of 2012 NFL draft prospects.

Below are some of Cosell's thoughts on a number of the top players available next month.

One last thing, if you're an football fan that's not following Cosell on Twitter, you're simply not doing it right. He'll increase your knowledge on the game two-fold in mere days. Give him a follow, and you'll be better for it.  

Mohammed Sanu, Rutgers

"Sanu move receiver in Rutgers off. Strong hands. Ability to snatch ball. Between the numbers WR. Will not win isolation routes on outside."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

Many are beginning to compare Sanu with the Saints' Marques Colston, and that fit works with what Cosell's saying here. I'm not sure there's first-round value in Sanu, but he makes a lot of sense for a team in need of a dependable pass-catcher in the mid-second to third round. 

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Riley Reiff, Iowa

"I believe Reiff can play LT. Needs work + refinement. Adjustment will be sped/quickness of edge rushers, + ability to handle bull rush."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

Despite being considered the No. 2 overall tackle available, there are still question marks on Reiff at the next level. Every tackle has a learning curve coming into the NFL, and Reiff is no different. But overall, Cosell thinks the Iowa tackle can play on the left side. Given that truth, Reiff shouldn't fall out of the top 15.

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

"Asked about Upshaw. Some similarities to Woodley as 3-4 OLB pass rusher. Naturally strong. Poweful hands. Ability to engage + release."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

Cosell gives high remarks for Upshaw on his comparison to Steelers' linebacker LaMarr Woodley. If Upshaw can be as productive in the NFL as Woodley has been, there's no question Upshaw is a top-15 pick.

Morris Claiborne, LSU

"Asked about Claiborne. Smooth athlete. Not as physically gifted as P. Peterson. A fluid mirror press corner, much like way C. Bailey plays."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) March 31, 2012

Few corners are as physically gifted as Arizona's Patrick Peterson, so don't read that as a rip on Claiborne. He's plenty athletic to be a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL. I like the Champ Bailey comparison for Claiborne and NFL teams do too. Expect him to be the first corner off the board and in the top 10. 

Matt Kalil, USC

"Asked about Kalil. Easily best LT in draft. Efficient in pass set. Excellent balance + body control. Very good athlete with pulling ability."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

Cosell confirms what many had already said about Kalil during this draft season. The clear No. 1 tackle in the 2012 draft, Kalil is likely to be a Minnesota Vikings at No. 3 overall. Falling past that pick would be a surprise at this point, especially given the Vikings' need at the position. 

Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

"LB Hightower. Watched lot of games. Not quick twitch or sudden mover. Plus size, but tight hips. At times played strong, others not."

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

"More Hightower: At times did not take on lead blocks with balance or body control. Played DE in some sub-packages. Can he do that in NFL?"

— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 1, 2012

The evaluation on Hightower isn't good. As an interior linebacker, you need to have the quick twitch and suddenness in your game. The rest of the report doesn't get much better. "Tight hips" and "did not take on lead blocks" are worrying takes. Do NFL teams mirror Cosell's thinking? If they do, it's possible Hightower could fall out of the first round.