Top 5 Players at Each Position: Offense

Quarterbacks
1. Blaine Gabbert QB/University of Missouri
Pros

• Arm Strength
• Measureables
• Potential

Cons

• Accuracy
• Footwork
• Pocket Presence

Overall Gabbert is a very coveted prospect who also has a lot of room to grow in his game. He has everything that you look for as a GM in terms of his measurables and the ability to make all of the throws and NFL QB would have to make. He still does have a lot of holes in his game. One of the most concerning is his pocket presence. He has a tendency to get "happy feet" which then leads to some errant throws. Overall Gabbert has some great potential and with the right coaching could be a top QB in the NFL. Projected Draft Position: Top 10

2. Ryan Mallett QB/University of Arkansas
Pros

• Size
• Arm Strength
• Playing Competition

Cons

• Accuracy Can be Erratic
• Footwork 
• Possible Off-Field Issues

Overall I think that Mallett has the chance to be the best pure pocket-passer in this years draft. At 6'7" he is not going to have any problem seeing over the bigger Offensive Lineman in the NFL. He also has one of the bigger arms in recent draft history. No one can say that the competition that he played against in college was sub-par seeing as he played against SEC defenses each and every week. There is some concern that Mallett had some recent off-field issues i.e. public drunkenness, and possible hard drug use(cocaine). Overall I think Mallett has a chance to be a top QB if he can sure up the concerns that many GM's are going to wonder about. Projected Draft Position: 1st Round-2nd Round

3. Jake Locker QB/University of Washington
Pros

• Potential
• Arm Strength
• Pocket Presence

Cons

• Footwork Consistency
• Accuracy
• Consistency

Locker is by far one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft. He has the potential to a great NFL QB because he has everything that a GM would look for. He has ideal size, he can make every single throw, and he has a great work ethic. He has major issues in terms of his footwork. When he drops back he changes a lot in terms of stride length, with this when he gets his footwork narrow he tends to over-stride which leads to his accuracy problems. He is a former baseball player so with the right coaching he should be able sure up the footwork issues, which would lean to a successful NFL career. Projected Draft Position: Mid 1st-Late 2nd Round

4. Cameron Newton QB/Auburn University
Pros

• Athletic Ability
• Size
• Arm Strength
• Potential
• Speed
• Underrated Accuracy

Cons

• Gimic System
• Character Concerns
• Unproven in terms of NFL footwork and reads

Cam is one my hardest players to grade in this draft. He could go as far as being a top QB in the NFL, but he could also be just like other workout warriors like JaMarcus Russell. With Cam's athleticism he could revolutionize the QB position, but how does he translate to the NFL? That is a question that no one can really answer right now. In terms of arm strength and accuracy, one can not ask for more. The ball explodes out of his hands and is for the most part is right where it needs to be for his receivers to make a play. Everyone knows about Cam's recent issues for his pay-for-play scheme that his father arranged during his recruitment while at Blinn College. Another major issue is that Cam always played in a spread system. The major concern with this is that he never got a chance to work on his drops and ability to make reads while making those drops. A lot of the times at Auburn, Cam's play calls only required him to make his initial read, and if that was not open he was told to use his athleticism and make a play. Overall I think that Cam has everything that you ask for and more and could possibly make a jump into the top 2 QB's in this years draft. Projected Draft Position: Early to Late 1st Round.

Colin Kaepernick QB/University of Nevada
Pros

• Ideal Size
• Arm Strength
• Accuracy
• Speed

Cons

• Lack of Competition
• Gimic System
• Footwork
• Not ready

Colin Kaepernick is one QB that could be in line for Jay Cutler type rise when it comes close to draft time. Standing at 6'4" and 230 pounds he has no problems being labeled as ideal, though he is anything but this. One intriguing part of Kaepernick is that he is rumored to be able to run in the 4.4 range in the 40 yard dash. What would a 40 time tells anyone about a QB though? For one with the speed that is now on the field for NFL defenses it just gives offenses another weapon that Defensive Coordinators are going to have to game plan for.  Kaepernick may have the best arm in this class and his accuracy is also above average as well. One concern that I have with Colin is that he played against some very weak competition in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Also playing in the pistol system it gives him a chance to inflate his stats knowing that the game is going to be based around him. He will definitely need a year or two to season while in the NFL, but with a quality veteran in-front of him he should learn the ins and outs of the game and be a solid QB at the next level. Projected Draft Position:Late 1st-Late 2nd Round.

Running Backs

1. Mark Ingram RB/University of Alabama

Pros

• Low Center of Gravity
• Does not go Down Easily
• Legs Keep Moving after Contact
• Moves Very Well Laterally

Cons

• Lacks the Elite Speed
• Lack the experience as a Pass Catcher
• Durability Issues

I would say that it is a safe bet calling Mark Ingram the consensus #1 Running Back in this years draft class. He does not have the wow factor that some people would look for like in Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, but he does everything very very solid. He hits the hole very hard and keeps the legs moving after contact. With this he breaks a lot of tackles and can explode out of the tackles. He does have the injury concerns seeing as he missed the first few games of this year, and has missed games in the past. If Ingram can overcome the injury bug and develop himself into a solid pass catcher he could be a very solid Running Back at the next level, although I do not see star potential in him. Projected Draft Position: Mid-Late 1st

2. Mikel LeShoure RB/University of Illinois

Pros

• Size
• Agility
• Strength
• Decisive Hitting the Hole
• Vision

Cons

• Tends to Go Down with First Contact
• Lacks Elite Speed\
• Pad Level

Leshoure is one of my favorite prospects coming into this draft. There are a lot of things to love about him. First, his size, standing at 6'0" and 230 pounds you can expect to get a tough physical runner that is going to fight for yards. One thing that I really like about Mikel is that when he sees a hole he plants his foot and goes straight up field. Some people could say that he tries to hard sometimes tries too hard hit the home run expect for just taking the 2-3  yards. One thing that I really like about Leshoure is that he is a very solid pass catcher out of the back field. Although he does not have the elite speed it is not that big of a deal since he is more of a physical runner. Since he is a physical runner he will really need to improve his pad level going through the hole since that is where he is going to spend most of his time at the next level. I could really see Leshoure developing into a very good Running Back at the next level, and could be one of the few "stars" in this class. Projected Draft Position: Late 1st-Mid 2nd

3. Ryan Williams RB/Virginia Tech

Pros

• Ideal Build for a Running Back
• Agility
• Breaks Tackles Easily
• Follows Blockers
• Heart and Determination

Cons

• Sometimes Sticks with Play too Much
• Durability
• Small Sample Size of Work
• Runs High at Times

Coming into the 2010-11 season Ryan Williams was my number 1 Running Back and with good reason. He came off a year where he rushed for over 1600 yards and 21 touchdowns. It was devastating for him to get hurt in the James Madison game this year because once he did come back he had to battle getting healthy, and the logjam that was the Running Back position for the Hokies. When you watch Williams play you see intelligence that he plays the game with, and his straight passion for the game. I really enjoy how hard Williams hits the hole, and once he gets to the second level defenses better have a couple defenders waiting or he is going to make DB's look foolish. A major knock on Williams is only one full year of production, he came in and red shirted his freshman year and lost a lot of time this year to injury. One could say that this plays to his advantage because he has not taken the beating that a lot of Running Backs have during their college careers. Overall I think that Williams has a chance to be the best back in this class and potential to be a top 5 Running Back in the league if he can stay healthy. Projected Draft Position: 2nd-Mid 3rd Round

4. Daniel Thomas/Kansas State University

Pros

• Very Physical Runner
• Seems to Fall Forwards with Contact
• Able to Stop and Start Easily
• Knows Where his Blockers are Going to Be
• Good Size
• Good Balance while Making Moves

Cons

• Tall Runner
• Lacks Elite Speed

Coming into this year I was not very familiar with Thomas as a football player, but the more I watch him the more I see what scouts like about him. He has good size standing at 6'2" and 228 pounds. With this size he does a good job at hitting his holes hard and decisively. He shows good balance coming in and out of his cuts, and seems to always lose a couple defenders while making his moves. Being a physical runner you do not expect him to have the elite speed, which is something that he does not have. It would be nice to see him suer up his ability to lower his pads going through the hole, it would let him break a lot more tackles and gain a lot more tough yards on short yardage downs. Overall i would say that Thomas has the potential to be a very solid Running Back at the next level, though do not expect him to be mentioned with the likes of Adrian Peterson or Maurice Jones-Drew. Projected Draft Position: 2nd-3rd Round

5. Jacquizz Rodgers RB/Oregon State

Pros

• Elite Agility
• Good Speed
• Very Familiar with Pass Catching

Cons

• Lacks Size to be a Featured Back
• Will Struggle with Pass Protection Due to Size
• Durability Concerns

Jacquizz is a prospect that a lot of people in the college football world are familiar with, and for good reason. He has his brother James were both 4 year starters at Oregon State, and the way that these two were utilized made it very entertaining for viewers to watch the Beavers play football. For 'Quizz he will never be a feature back at the next level mainly because of his size. Standing at around 5'7" there is very little chance that his small stature will be able to take the physical beating that it will take at the next level. In terms of being a scat back/3rd down option he could really thrive. He is a very good pass catcher and has the ability to make defenders miss. Once he breaks the first line of defense it will take a near track star to catch him. Hopefully someone that is not looking for 'Quizz to be a full-time back, but mainly a weapon in the screen game will be able to bring out his talents in the next level. Projected Draft Position: 3rd-5th Round

Wide Receivers

1. A.J. Green WR/University of Georgia

Pros

• Hands
• Route Running
• Jumping Ability
• Game Changer
• Does Not Shy From Contact
• Catches With His Hands

Cons

• Character Concerns
• Needs to Add to Frame
• Not "Elite"Speed

Saying that A.J. Green has any problems really makes me think about myself as a talent evaluator. I mean what is there not to love about him? He has great hands, he runs very crisp routes, and is an athletic freak. Some will say that A.J. is the best Wide Reciever prospect to come along since one Randy Moss. These are some big shoes to fill, but it's hard not to agree. When he gets to the NFL he will have to add some bulk to his frame so he is able to go over the middle regularly. GM's are going to have to answer questions about his suspension that cost him 4 games at the start of the season, but overall there is no way that you can doubt this kids talent. When Green gets to the NFL look for him to be a top-5 wide out in the next couple of years. Projected Draft Position: Top 3-Top 10

2. Julio Jones WR/University of Alabama

Pros

• Bruising Wide Reciever
• Speed
• Potential
• Versatility
• Fights for Every Yard

Cons

• Hands
• Route Running Ability
• Body Catcher

It is really not fair to call Julio the number 2 receiver in this years class, it is really more like a 1A/B because these top two are so talented. When you watch film Jones the first thing that pops out at you is how physical he is. He is not afraid to go over the middle, and he will lower his shoulder to fight for those extra yards. The major knock on Jones is that he does tend to catch the ball with his body, which leads to a lot of his drops. If he is able to kick that part of his game theres no reason to think he cannot be a great wide out at the next level. He will definitely need to refine his route running ability, but with good coaching that is something that should be sured up within his first year. Another thing to love about Julio is that you are able  to line him up all over the field, whether that be out wide, in the slot, or even in a Wild-Cat formation. Overall I really like Jones as a prospect and think he has the potential to be a top receiver in the years to come. Projected Draft Position: Mid 1st Round

3. Titus Young WR/Boise State

Pros

• Elite Speed
• Hands
• Ability to Get Seperation
• Route Running

Cons

• Small Frame
• Limited to Route Possibilities

Titus Young is one of the fastest risers in this years draft. He has now taken over the third spot from Jonathon Baldwin, and is separating himself from players such as Austin Pettis. When scouts will look at film of Young he reminds you of a "poor-man's" Desean Jackson. he is going to be a real asset with his ability to stretch the field, but needs to continue to get better at catching the ball over his shoulder. It is intriguing to see someone as small as Young get the separation that he does. In the NFL he is going to be limited to routes that are going to stretch the field because his smaller stature. Overall Young is a very good prospect who has solid talent and a good ceiling. If he is able to add about 10-15 pounds to his frame he could become a solid #2 Wide Receiver at the next level. Projected Draft Position: Late 1st-Early 2nd Round

4. Jonathan Baldwin WR/University of Pittsburgh
Pros

• Potential
• Athletic Freak
• Speed
• Huge Frame

Cons

• Major Character Concerns
• Route Running Ability
• Needs to Work on Getting Separation

As soon as you turn on game film of Baldwin's you see how much of a specimen he really is. Standing at 6'4" with the ability to run in the 4.4 range one would think that Baldwin would be fighting to get the top spot in terms of the Wide Receivers. This would be the case if this did not happen to be one of the deepest Wide Receiver drafts in recent memory. There is no doubt that Baldwin has loads and loads of potential that hopefully with NFL coaching will start to flourish. He does a great job at going up and getting the ball at it's highest point, which will be a major asset in the red zone. He does have some character concerns that people are going to wonder about, and he definitely has to work on getting better separation. Hopefully if his prima-dona attitude does not come out in the NFL he will be able to get all of that potential to come out. Overall Baldwin has all the tools that GM's look for in #1 receivers at could develop into one of the top wide outs in the NFL. Projected Draft Position: 2nd-Early 3rd

5. Leonard Hankerson WR/University of Miami
Pros

• Ideal Build
• Uses Hands to Catch
• Ability to Run Different Routes
• Breakaway Speed 
• Ability to Get Separation

Cons

• Tends to Lose Concentration
• Tends to Slack on Plays Away from Him
• Needs to Improve Route Running

Hankerson is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated receivers in this years draft. A lot of scouts look at him and see his lack of production in his Junior season and wonder what happened? Truth is with the inconsistency of Jacory Harris throwing the ball to the other team, and the inconsistent play of the other QB's on the roster he never really got into a groove. He has all the tools to be the next big wide out from The "U" and after the combine should shoot up some draft boards. He does a great job using his hands to catch the ball away from his body and is very successful getting upfield after making the catch. He does a great job on deep routes getting separation and separating from the defenders. He will need to improve on his intermediate route running, but with his speed he is going to be able to make up for those inconsistencies. Overall I think that Hankerson is going to progress into a very solid #2 with the potential to progress into a #1 in the NFL. Projected Draft Position: 2nd-3rd Round

Tight Ends

1. Kyle Rudolph TE/Notre Dame

Pros

• Great Receiving Option
• Good Run Blocker
• Tough Match-up 
• Great Hands

Cons

• Durability
• Needs to Sure up Technique Blocking
• Needs to a Better Motor

Kyle Rudolph is by far the best Tight End prospect in this years draft. He has everything that you look for in a starting Tight End, size, hands, and is very difficult to plan against. He is too quick to have Linebackers match-up with, and is too big to have a Safety spy him. He does need to sure up his technique with blocking, and needs to drive his legs more. He has had his run-ins with injuries but that kind of thing is going to happen playing a physical position such as Tight End. Overall I see Rudolph being a great Tight End in the NFL, and should be a perennial Pro Bowler. Projected Draft Position: Mid 1st-Mid 2nd Round

2. D.J. Williams TE/University of Arkansas

Pros

• Pass Catcher
• Intelligence
• Model Citizen(2010 Disney Spirit Award Winner)
• Solid Run Blocker
• Always Seems to Find a Zone

Cons

• Not Ideal Size
• Poor Route Runner
• Stiff Hips
• Not Great Red Zone Target

If you are looking for a productive Tight End then look no further than D.J. Williams. Over the past   4 seasons he has been one of the most productive Tight Ends in college football. Although he is not the biggest guy, he is still a very solid run blocker which is going to catch the eyes of NFL G.M.'s.  He has great hands and if the ball hits them, it will not come loose. Teams are not going to have any questions about his character seeing as he was the 2010 Disney Spirit Award Winner. He will definitely need to improve on his route running at the next level and will most likely not be the greatest red-zone option because of his size. Overall he will be a great option for a team looking for a great pass-catching Tight End, and could be a great weapon on the right team. Projected Draft 

Position: Late 3rd Round-Early 4th Round

3. Lance Kendricks TE/University of Wisconsin

Pros

• Good Pass Catcher
• Difficult Match-up
• Adequate Blocker
• Ability to Get Up Field After the Catch

Cons

• Needs to Sure up Blocking Ability
• Catches the Ball Close to His Body
• Not the Most Physical Fighting for Yards
• Needs to Improve Route-Running

Before looking closer at tape of Kendricks play I was really not that familiar with his game. After further review I would say that Kendricks has all the ability and upside that someone could want in a starting Tight End. He is a great receiving option, and is very difficult to game plan against for defensive coordinators. He does a good job, not great at blocking and does a good job at keeping his hands inside and keeping leverage. He will need to work on catching the ball away from his body, especially being a guy who will be playing against Linebackers and Safetys who will be trying to swat the ball away from him. He will tend to be a little lazy with his routes, and will have to sure that up once he gets in the league. Overall I think Kendricks could be a very good Tight End, and has all the potential that former Badger Tight End Travis Beckum. Projected Draft Position: 3rd Round

4. Luke Stocker TE/University of Tennessee

Pros

• Big, Physical Tight End
• Good Blocker
• Soft Hands
• Good Body Control
• Catches the Ball Away From Body

Cons

• Doesn't Have Top End Speed
• Tends to Round off his Routes
• Not Great Acceleration

As soon as you turn on the tape of Luke Stocker their is an ere resemblance to Jason Witten. They both have very soft hands who are not going to shy away from contact going over the middle. When the ball is in the air Stocker does a great job going up and finding it at it's highest point and adjusting to the position of it. He does a good job at catching the ball away from his body which is a big advantage especially with his soft hands. He, like a lot of college players, is going to have to work on not rounding off his routes so he does not tip them off to defenders. Overall he has the potential to be as good as Jason Witten is, but if not he should still be a successful Tight End at the next level. Projected Draft Position: 3rd-Mid 4th Round

5. Weslye Saunders TE/University of South Carolina
Pros

• Very Athletic Tight End
• Red Zone Target
• Good Pass Catcher
• Good Size

Cons

• Not Top End Speed
• Possible Character Concerns
• Plays Smaller than His Size
• Struggles to Gain Seperation

Before the year a lot of NFL Scouts were looking at Saunders as a possible Late 2nd-Mid 3rd round pick, but with his recent issues i.e. being kicked off the football team for violating team rules, and having possible links to agents while at school, it will be hard to gain that back. He has everything that someone could want in a tight end. He is a great pass catcher, very athletic, a great red zone option and just hast he body to be an NFL tight end. He does not have the greatest speed, but if you watch him on tape you can see that it is not that big of an issue. Another issue is that he can play smaller than his 6'5" frame would allow him to. He is going to have to become a more physical blocker in the running game, while learning better technique while blocking. Overall I think this is a very deep tight end class and Saunders is just another that I feel could be a very good one at the next level. Projected Draft Position: 4th-Mid 5th Round

Offensive Tackles


1. Nate Solder OT/University of Colorado
Pros

• Very Athletic
• Great Feet
• Flexible at the Hips
• Good Hand Placement on Run Blocking
• Ideal Size for a Tackle

Cons

• Plays High at Times
• Struggles with Speed Rushers
• Needs to Sure up Run Blocking Technique
• Needs to Develop a "Punch"
• Needs to Add Weight

This class of tackles is really not that easy to grade, mainly because there is no one that pops out and makes scouts say "wow'. I think that Solder definitely is the number 1 tackle but he still has a lot of holes in his game. On a positive note he is a very athletic tackle, he actually came to Colorado as a tight end. He also has very quick feet and smooth hips, which is key if you want to protect your franchise QB's blindside. He does have negatives, but nothing that cannot be sured up. He will tend to play a little high at times, which causes him to lose his leverage. He also needs to be more aggressive run blocker as it seems that his feet become glued and quit moving when hes made contact. He is also going to need to develop a better punch to slow down the speed rushers that he is going to see at the next level. Overall Solder has everything someone could be looking for in a franchise left tackle, and could definitely become a perennial pro bowler if he lives up to his potential. Projected Draft Position: Top 15

2. Tyron Smith OT/University of Southern California
Pros

• Very Good Run Blocker
• Very Athletic
• Good Size
• Quick Feet
• Good in Pass Protection

Cons

• Will Need Add Some Weight
• Needs to Continue Developing as Pass Blocker
• Work on the Initial First Step

Tyron Smith, what can I say about him other than, future star. This kid has everything, quick feet, fierce run blocker, and is a quality pass blocker. I think after the combine this kid is going to end up being my number 1 tackle in this draft class. A lot of people are thinking that he is just another Bruce Campbell but for those people all I have to say is, watch the tape. Campbell was a freak athlete who was still a raw football player, on Smith's hand he is athletic, and is a good football player. He is a little undersized in terms of weight but it should not be a problem once he gets on a NFL weight program. His first step will need a little bit of work, but again with the coaching that he is going to get he should be able to improve during camp. Overall I think that Smith has a chance to be the best tackle in this class and could jump up into the top 10 overall when it comes to draft time. Projected Draft Position: Mid 1st Round

3. Gabe Carimi OT/University of Wisconsin
Pros

• Best Run Blocker in the Class
• Very Good Credentials
• Has a "Mean" Streak
• Very Quick First Step

Cons

• Needs to Improve in Pass Protection
• Not the Most Athletic Guy
• Seems to be Slow Off the Snap

It is very hard for me to say anything bad about The Outland Trophy winner, especially with some of high quality talent who has moved on to the NFL after winning that award. I think that Carimi is without a doubt the best run blocker in this class. It also looks like when he plays he just plays with a nasty side, which is so key for lineman in the NFL. He does seem to be a little late off the ball, but when he does decide to move it is a very quick first step. He is going to struggle with the more athletic defensive ends at the next level when it comes to pass blocking, but run blocking should not be a problem. Overall I do not think that Carimi is going to be athletic enough to play Left Tackle at the next level and will eventually be moved to Right Tackle, or maybe even guard. If he does get moved to the Right Side it would not be the worst thing in the world because he would be able to use his biggest strength, and worry less about those more athletic defensive ends. Projected Draft Position: Late 1st Round

4. Anthony Castonzo OT/Boston College
Pros

• Very Good in Pass Protection
• Very Good Balance While Engaged With Defenders
• Good Technique With Run Blocking
• Gets to the Second Level Very Easily
• Very Solid Punch

Cons

• Not the Quickest Feet
• May Struggle With Speed Rushers
• Not Very "Mean"

Castonzo is a prospect that really frustrates me, he has all the makings of a franchise Left Tackle, but never seemed to bring the potential out while at Boston College. He has a very quick first step off the line which really helps him with getting to the second level. He has very good technique while run and pass blocking, but does need to do a better job dipping before contact in run blocking. He will struggle with speed, as a lot of people saw with his matchup against Robert Quinn, although a lot of people will struggle with him. He seems to have a little slower of feet so he may end up moving up to the right side. Overall I do not see star potential out of Castonzo, but I do believe that he could be a very solid tackle on either side of the line. Projected Draft Position: Late 1st-Mid 2nd Round

5. Derek Sherrod OT/Mississippi State
Pros

• Long Arms
• Good Punch
• Great Upside
• Good Drive Blocker
• Able to Own Defender When Engaged
• Intelligent

Cons

• Can Get Caught Lunging
• Not A Lot of Aggression
• Needs to Get Better Depth on Kick Step

Derek Sherrod is a player that after the combine I feel can sky rocket up draft boards. He does a good job run blocking, and when engaged during run blocking can really dominate them. He does need to do a better job driving his feet as he can get caught flat footed, which leads to him getting beat at times. He is a very smart player who knows his assignments, and will figure out what to do if something unexpected were to happen. It would be nice to see him play with a little bit more aggression, but that is something that is kind of miniscule when evaluating his game. Overall I think that Sherrod has the potential to play Left Tackle in the NFL, but if it does not work out will definitely be a solid Right Tackle for years to come. Projected Draft Value: Late 1st-Mid 2nd