David DeCastro Scouting Report

David DeCastro

Position: Guard

School: Stanford University

Class: Junior

Height: 6'5

Weight: 310

Draft Stock: Top 15 / #1 Guard

Strengths

-Very strong. Is able to overwhelm defenders

-Good run blocker. Uses low pad level to push back defenders and open up run lanes.

-Anchors in well. Very hard to bull rush.

-Very good at pulling in the run game. Can pull in both directions for kick out blocks and in the run game.

-Experienced. Has started every game the past three years.

-Ideal Size. Able to engulf smaller defenders while having the size to control the bigger tackles.

-Able to get to the next level and block linebackers

-Very technically sound. Always in the right position to make a block.

-Nasty attitude

-Very high football IQ (heck he went to Stanford)

-Good quick feet

Weaknesses

-Not an elite athlete

-Will have to add weight

Summary

It's very easy to see why David DeCastro is considered to be the 2nd best offensive lineman in the 2012 NFL Draft. He possesses everything you would want from a guard prospect. DeCastro uses his size and strength to overwhelm defenders and move them where he wants. He is sound fundamentally which means that he uses good pad level and is able to create leverage in both the run and passing game. It is also no surprise how good Stanford's run game was when you watch him pull and trap block on a consistent basis. DeCastro isn't an elite athlete but he does have the ability to get to the next level with ease. In pass pro DeCastro does a great job of anchoring in and taking on an interior pass rush. He also possesses good lateral quickness that allows him to slide from side to side. There isn't very many weaknesses when it comes to his game. He could stand to add some weight, but that shouldn't be too big of a problem. Guards like DeCastro don't come around too often and it will show come draft day. DeCastro shouldn't last too long on draft day. He'll likely go in the early teens to a team like Kansas City, Arizona or Dallas. But don't be surprised if he goes into the top 10 to a team like Carolina.

Jonathan Martin Scouting Report

Jonathan Martin

Position: Offensive Tackle

School: Stanford

Class: Junior

Height: 6'6

Weight: 304

Draft Stock: Top 15 / #3 Offensive Tackle

Strengths

-Very strong run blocker. Able physically move defenders around in the run game.

-Great pad level. Stays low and that allows him to be a good run blocker

-Uses good footwork that enables him to be in a good blocking position

-Natural knee bender

-Good size. 6'6 204lbs and long arms

-Experienced. Has protected Andrew Luck's blind side for the past three years

-Good balance

-Strong anchor that won't get him beat by a bull rush

-Once he gets locked on a defender their done.

-Has a big nasty streak that allows him to bury his defenders in the run game.

-Very high IQ (should he went to Stanford) Always puts himself into the proper position

-Very consistent. Rarely makes a mistake.

-Good athlete that allows him to move to the next level in the run game and mirror defenders in pass protection.

Weaknesses

-Can be beaten by speed rushers because he doesn't get deep enough on his drops.

-Not an elite pass blocker.

-Not a great punch in pass protection. Doesn't really jolt back defenders to keep their hands off him.

Summary

Jonathan Martin is one of the top offensive lineman in the 2012 NFL Draft. Martin has been the starting LT for Stanford the past three years and done a great job of protecting Andrew Luck's blind side. He is at his best in the run game where he can use his athletic ability and strength to physically move defenders where he wants. In the passing game he is good, but not elite. He has the good footwork to get back into his stance and sheild off defenders. Martin also uses his upper body strength to lock in on defenders once he gets his hands on him. However he does struggle with his depth which can allow speed rushers to go right by him. He can also struggle to give a strong punch and keep the defenders hands off of him. But the thing to remember is that despite having Andrew Luck the Cardinal are a running team, so Martin hasn't had a ton of experience dropping back. So when he gets to the NFL and with a good line coach he could develop into a much better pass protector. As far as a prospect, Martin is the 3rd best tackle in the class but is right there with #2 Riley Reiff. Reiff is more of a pass protector where as Martin is more of a run blocker. So it won't be a surprise if he does go ahead of Reiff depending on the team. Martin should excel in a power man blocking scheme but should also be able to have success in a zone blocking scheme also. Jonathan Martin should go in the top 15 of the draft. He could go as high as #6 but shouldn't last past the Cardinals at #13.

Riley Reiff Scouting Report

Riley Reiff

Position: Offensive Tackle

School: Iowa

Class: Junior

Height: 6'6

Weight: 300

Draft Stock: Top 15 Pick / #2 Offensive Tackle

Strengths

-Does a great job of getting off the line and setting up blocks

-Good athlete. Allows him to get to defenders in the second level

-Good footwork. Can slide to either side to mirror defenders

-Does a good job of sealing off defenders in run blocking.

-Great initial punch in pass protection that knocks defenders back

-Should be able to add some weight and not lose any athletic ability

-Very consistent. Rarely makes a mistake.

-Good (but not great) size. 6'6. Long arms.

-Very good technique

-Takes good angles and is able to seal guys on the backside

-Experienced. Has started since his red-shirt freshman year.

Weaknesses

-Not a powerful run blocker. Isn't going to be able to bowl defenders over.

-Will struggle against a good bull rush.

-Isn't that nasty blocker. More of a finesse guy.

-Inconsistent pad level. Can get too high at times

-Doesn't finish blocks the greatest. Guys can get off and make plays.

-Was arrested for alcohol related issue. Also obstructed the police during the incident.

Summary

Riley Reiff has a lot of the tools to be successful playing the left tackle position in the NFL. He has good size (6'6), long arms, and good footwork. Reiff is at his best when he is pass blocking. He is able to get out of his stance quickly and set up to mirror the defender. He has a solid initial punch which allows him to keep defenders hands off him. Reiff also uses his quick feet to move from side to side to seal of the pass rusher. However Reiff struggles to really anchor in can be beat by a bull rush where he has been driven back and given up sacks. In the run game Reiff does a good job in his blocking assignments, but is more of a finesse blocker where he will seal of guys rather than physical move them. Because of that Reiff projects to be a better fit in a Zone Blocking Scheme. There Reiff can use his athletic ability and technique rather than have to man up on defenders who could over power him. Riley Reiff has a lot of talent and has the potential to be a Left tackle in the NFL, however he juts isn't on the same level as #1 OT Matt Kalil. But because Left Tackles are so valued in the NFL, Reiff should go relatively early. He could go as high as #6 to Washington, but I find it hard for him to fall past Kansas City at #11. Both are ZBS teams.

NCAA Top 25 (Final Rankings)

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1)
Behind a dominant defense and a solid running attack, the Alabama Crimson tide convincingly defeated LSU and earned their 2nd National Title win in 3 years. Alabama also looked more confident and ready to go then their SEC foe. Sure you can say that LSU already beat them, but the Crimson Tide lost that game 9-6 and controlled most of the game.

2. LSU Tigers (13-1)
What a tough break for LSU. The played one of the toughest schedules you could play. They beat the Big East (West Virginia) and Pac 12 (Oregon) Champs. Heck they even beat the National Champs (Alabama). But a rematch against Alabama was their downfall. That or the poor play calling, or the refusal to pull Jordan Jefferson. You have to wonder how LSU would have fared against Oklahoma State? Would LSU be the National Champions.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-1)
If it wasn't for an overtime loss against a 6-7 Iowa State team, the Cowboys would have been playing in the National Title game against LSU. And based on LSU's defensive performance, the Cowboys would have put up points. But they didn't beat Iowa State and had to settle for a Fiesta Bowl game against Stanford. Okie State didn't let that disappointment affect them and came ready to play. The Cowboys needed a FG to win, but they got their first BCS Bowl victory in their school's history. What a season to be a Cowboy fan!

4. Oregon Ducks (12-2)
For the third straight year the Ducks won the Pac 12 (10) and got back to the Rose Bowl for the 2nd time in three years. However the Ducks have lost the past two seasons. This year looked like it could be the same. Wisconsin brought in their powerful offense and a quality defense. However Oregon showed that they have learned from past seasons and were able to win. And even though LeMichael James is leaving, the offense should only get better.

5. USC Trojans (10-2)
If it wasn't for the NCAA sanctions the Trojans would have been in the Pac 12 Title game and could have made it to the Rose Bowl. Instead they finished with 10 wins knowing that they wouldn't have a chance for any post season play. That's one heck of a season if you ask me. And to top it off, they played like one of the best teams in the nation at the end of the year.

6. Arkansas Razorbacks (11-2)
Arkansas' only two losses this season were to LSU and Alabama. The two teams that played in the National Championship Game. Arkansas also rolled Big 12's 2nd best team Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. But what is keeping Arkansas ranked higher here is their weak non conference schedule and the fact that the SEC (besides LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas) wasn't as good as previous years. But with a lot of talent returning, we could see the Razorbacks back in this territory.

7. Stanford Cardinal (11-2)
It was another impressive year for the Cardinal. Despite not having the physical talent and depth of most teams, the were still able to win 11 games and get back to a 2nd straight BCS Game. However the Stanford ride might be on it's last leg. Luck, Martin, DeCastro and company are all leaving for the NFL. Now Stanford's recruiting has continued to be strong since Jim Harbaugh left, but if Stanford wants to be a dominant player in the Pac 12, they'll have to find another impact QB to lead the way.

8. Boise State Broncos (12-1)
For the second straight season Boise ends the season with an in conference loss that ruins their chance at a BCS Bowl. This year it was their loss to TCU that did them in. So to reward the Broncos for their success they were got to go to Las Vegas and play a 6-6 Arizona State team that just fired their coach. How about that. Boise State made the best of it and did what they've done for years. Blow them out. Now Boise State will go into the Big East next year and have to do so without 4 year starter Kellen Moore leading the team. We might not see the same Boise State for a couple of years. But who knows?

9. Michigan Wolverines (11-2)
Even the most die hard Michigan fans couldn't have expected the season that the Wolverines had. The hiring of Brady Hoke wasn't thought to be a sexy hire. He didn't have the same high level name that Jim Harbaugh had, but he had success everywhere he went. But the most remarkable job was done by DC Greg Mattison. He turned a horrible Michigan defense into one of the best in the Big 10. And it was the defense that helped them win their 11 games this season. Including holding a talented Virginia Tech offense down in the Sugar Bowl.

10. Wisconsin Badgers (11-3)
Going into this year it was thought it could be a very special season for the Badgers. They returned a lot of pieces from their Rose Bowl appearance last year. Add in a dynamic QB in Russell Wilson and there was legit National Title talk. However Wisconsin was beat twice during the regular season by hail mary passes. One against Michigan State and another against Ohio State. If both of those don't happen we could have been hearing about Wisconsin against LSU for the National Championship. But the Badgers won the first ever Big 10 Title game and then faced off against Pac 12 Champions Oregon. In a great game it just wasn't Wisconsin's night and they had to end the season with a loss.

11. Michigan State Spartans (11-3)
Coming of a share of the Big 12 Title, the Spartans were looking to prove that they deserved to be one of the elite teams in the conference and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1988. It looked like it was going to happen with their big win over Ohio State. But then they laid an egg against Nebraska and lost to in state rival Michigan. But they still made it to the first ever Big 10 Title game and had shot at the Rose Bowl. But a roughing the kicker penalty negated a long punt return and a likely game winning score. That forced Michigan State to go to the Outback Bowl instead of the Rose.

12. Baylor Bears (10-3)
The Bears Bears have been one of the worst teams in college football over the past ten years. However because of the play of QB Robert Griffin III they have made it to back to back bowl games and now are the home of a Heisman Trophy Winner. RG3 has done wonders for this program and with his excellent season they won 10 games for the first time in school history.

13. South Carolina Gamecocks (11-2)
You would think that an 11 win team would be ranked much higher in this poll. But you would also think that if a team didn't have to play LSU and Alabama in a season that they'd have a much better record, or would have had a better bowl appearance. But that didn't happen this year. However when you consider that they kicked their QB off the team and their all world RB tears his ACL, it is understandable. None the less, the Gamecocks continue their rise up the SEC pecking order and with a roster always full of talent, they have a chance to continue their success.

14. Kansas State Wildcats (10-3)
The job that Bill Synder has done at Kansas State deserved to be coach of the year. This was the same year team that only won 7 games and didn't have too big of expectations. But behind the play of QB Colin Klein and LB Arther Brown, the Wildcats finished 2nd in the Big 12 and were robbed from a BCS Bowl. Even with a poor showing in the Cotton Bowl, Wildcat fans had to be excited.

15. West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3)
After the Mountaineers lost two out of three Big East games, expectations weren't too high. Especially with them backing their way into a BCS Bowl against the high powered Clemson Tigers. But West Virginia shocked everybody and hung 70 points on the ACC Champions. Mountaineer fans have got to love Dana Holgerson now and with a team full of players coming back they can hope next year will pick up where this year ended.


16. TCU Horned Frogs (11-2)
After their opening season loss to Baylor and another loss to SMU, it didn't look like TCU was going to keep their Rose Bowl momentum going. However they righted the ship and continued to quietly win games. That set them up with a game against Boise State where the winner would be Mountain West Champs. A gutsy 2 point conversation gave the Horned Frogs the win and allowed them to win the conference for a 3rd straight year. Now TCU enters the Big 12 and we'll see if they can continue their success.

17. Oklahoma Sooners (10-3)
The Sooners were the preseason #1 ranked team and looked to have the easiest road to an undefeated season. However Oklahoma then dropped an unthinkable game against Texas Tech. Then Ryan Broyles tore his ACL. Then Landry Jones couldn't get on track without Broyles. Then Baylor beat them. But with all of that they still had a shot at a BCS Bowl with a victory over in state rival Oklahoma State. However they were no match and Okie State blew them out of the water. The crazy thing is, Oklahoma sees this and a horrible year. Must be nice when you win 10 games and it's a bad year. They'll be fine and a contender for next year.

18. Virginia Tech Hokies (11-3)
With a new QB and RB the Hokies were thought to be good, but I don't think anybody thought they would be this good. But Logan Thomas really grew this year and the Hokies only loss to two teams (Clemson twice and Michigan). Add in that they were a FG away from a BCS Bowl win and Hokies fans had a lot to cheer for.

19. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (12-2)
To this day I still don't know how Southern Miss lost to both UAB and Marshall, yet were able to control Houston pretty easily. The worst part was that Southern Miss went into that Conference USA Championship Game at Houston with supposedly "no shot to win." Yet their defense was able to slow down the record setting Houston Cougars and win the conference. But with that success the Golden Eagles lost HC Larry Fedora to North Carolina and hired South Carolina's DC Ellis Johnson. It will be interesting to see how they do next year.

20. Georgia Bulldogs (10-4)
Mark Richt's seat was a little warm to start the year, and then two straight losses to open the season really heated things up. But the Bulldogs won 10 straight games to get to the SEC Championship Game. Heck the Bulldogs were a Tyrann Mathieu punt return for TD from leading at half, then LSU took control. Georgia returns a big nucleus of their team and more importantly their starting QB Aaron Murray who should be one of the best in the SEC.

21. Houston Cougars (13-1)
Everything was set up for the Cougars to have the perfect season. They finished unbeaten and were hosting Southern Miss in the CUSA Championship Game at their stadium. A win there and they'd be playing in the BCS. But with all the talk of their HC leaving and BCS in their minds, they dropped the ball and lost to Southern Miss. And instead of the Sugar Bowl they had to face off against Penn State in the Ticket City Bowl. And now they go into the Big East without their HC, OC, and record setting QB. This could be the end of Houston's recent success.

22. Clemson Tigers (10-4)
Clemson came out of nowhere and started the season 9-1 and looked like the elite of the ACC and a sure bet BCS Bowl winner. However their youth caught up with them and Tajh Boyd really started to struggle. They dropped 3 out of their last 5 games and seemed to limp their way into the Orange Bowl. But things just got worse with in that game when West Virginia dropped 70 on them. That also cost them their DC Kevin Steele who was fired. Keep in mind that Steele is a heck of a recruiter. I'll be interested to see how Clemson responds to this.

23. Florida State Seminoles (9-4)
Florida State had a three game stretch early in the season where they lost three straight. It looked like the season was going to be a failure. Even more sense they had a big time overrated #5 ranking heading into the Oklahoma game. But people forget that FSU is very young and wasn't use to all this praise. FSU was able to weather the storm and win 5 straight. What made the season even better was that they knocked off Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl. Now the 'Noles will be even more experienced and better come 2012.

24. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3)
Coming off a 4 win season in 2010, there wasn't any real expectations for Cincinnati. So when they win 10 games it is quite remarkable. And out of their three losses only one of them was considered a bad loss. Now if they can build off this season success they should be able to win a watered down Big East.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-4)
What a year the Huskers have had. In their first year in the Big 10 they were thought to be the easy favorite to win the Legends Division and face off against Wisconsin in the championship game. However their defense took a huge step back and the offense stalled when they had to come from behind. They had a shot to save the season with a win over South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl, but they shot themselves in the foot and ended up losing their 4th straight. If Pelini can fix the defense again, they have a shot to have a good year because the offense returns practically everybody.

NFL Draft Rankings (Defensive Top 5's)

End
1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina
2. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
3. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
4. Andre Branch, Clemson
5. Vinny Curry, Marshall
Sleeper: Frank Alexander, Oklahoma

Comments: This seems to be a pretty weak DE class. Quinton Coples is the top guy and has #1 overall pick type potential, but hasn't had the season many thought. Melvin Ingram had a breakout year and could be selected by 3-4 teams also. Mercilus is a fringe 1st round while Branch and Curry seem to be more 2nd rounders.

Tackle
1. Devon Still, Penn State
2. Brandon Thompson, Clemson
3. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
4. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
5. Alemeda Ta'amu, Washington
Sleeper: Mike Martin, Michigan

Comments: Here is another position that really isn't very rich with elite prospects. Devon Still is a stud and will probably be a top 20 talent. Other than that we might not see another DT taken in the first round. All of the top 5 could also be fits in the 3-4 too. Keep an eye on Mike Martin. He isn't big on anybodies radar yet, but he is incredibly strong and should fit well in a 2 gap system.

Rush Linebacker
1. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
2. Nick Perry, USC
3. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
4. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia
5. Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh
Sleeper: Jacquies Smith, Missouri

Comments: Of course you could include Melvin Ingram in here, but I felt his natural fit was at 4-3 DE where as some of these guys could fit as 4-3 DEs too. Upshaw leads the pack and should be a coveted OLB because his experience already playing the position in college. Nick Perry has the physical tools and should test out very well at the combine. Both Bruce Irvin and Brandon Lindsey have very good potential to break out in the 3-4 since they struggled at times playing traditional 4-3 ends.

Outside Linebacker
1. Zach Brown, North Carolina
2. Lavonte David, Nebraska
3. Nico Johnson, Alabama
4. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
5. Keenan Robinson, Texas
Sleeper: Tank Carder, TCU

Comments: With so many teams playing the 3-4 a lot of these guys won't go as high as they should. Zach Brown continues the OLB tradition at North Carolina as being a very good athlete. Lavonte David was a tackling machine at Nebraska, but his lack of size (215 lbs) makes him very specialized. I'm a huge Travis Lewis fan and his injury and inconsistent play has hurt him the past couple of years. But a team will get a steal in him.

Middle Linebacker
1. Luke Keachly, Boston College
2. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State
3. Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
4. Audie Cole, North Carolina State
5. Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
Sleeper: Chris Galippo, USC

Comments: Where the DL talent not being very talent rich, the MLB group is the exact opposite. 3 of these players should be 1st round talents and the other two could go or will be very close. Keachly is the cream of the crop of this class and is considered to be the best MLB to come out since maybe Patrick Willis. Burfict has all the talent, but hasn't lived up to the hype. Audie Cole really blossomed when moved inside and Reddick is very dependable.

Cornerback
1. Morris Claiborne, LSU
2. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
3. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
4. Alphonzo Dennard, Nebraska
5. Chase Minnifield, Virginia
Sleeper: Shaun Prater, Iowa

Comments: The CB class is deep, but most of the talent is in that late 1st and 2nd round area. Morris Claiborne is an elite shut down corner who won't last past the Bucs. But after him you have a log jam of Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, and Dennard. All are good, but have some flaws in their game. Keep an eye on Shuan Prater. He was an All Big 10 corner as a junior but a lack of talent around him too the focus off of him. He could really excel if he goes to the right team.

Safety
1. Mark Barron, Alabama
2. Antonio Allen, South Carolina
3. Brandon Taylor, LSU
4. Kenny Tate, Maryland
5. Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami
Sleeper: Matt Daniels, Duke

Comments: Yet another position where the overall talent is not the greatest. Mark Barron is the only true 1st round worthy S in this class. He has the ability to play in coverage, but is at his best when he is coming up and making plays. Kenny Tate has a bunch of talent, but was moved to LB this year and really struggled. Matt Daniels is my sleeper pick and one of my favorite players in this draft.

NFL Draft Rankings (Offensive Top 5's)

Quarterback
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Robert Griffin, Baylor
3. Nick Foles, Arizona
4. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
5. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
Sleeper: Kellen Moore, Boise State

Comments: There is a huge drop off after the top two, where I wouldn't be surprised if the 3rd QB isn't taken till the 4th round. Foles and Lindley are guys I really like on day 2 and 3. Foles is a lot better than he played at Arizona and could really turn out to be a quality QB. Ever since the college season has ended Kellen Moore has kinda been forgotten about. But look for some team to take him in the late rounds and have him be a dependable backup in the league.

Running Back
1. Trent Richardson, Alabamaba
2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech
3. Chris Polk, Washington
4. Lamar Miller, Miami
5. LeMichael James, Oregon
Sleeper: Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

Comments: As the NFL continues to evolve into a passing league, we are going to see less and less RBs go in the 1st round. Richardson is the only sure fire 1st rounder and could go as high as 4 to Cleveland but shouldn't last past the Broncos. Wilson, Miller, and James are all burners while Polk might be the most physical back in the draft. Keep an eye on Bobby Rainey who has been wonderful at Western Kentucky and should get a look in the 3rd or 4th round.

Wide Receiver
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
3. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
4. Kendall Wright, Baylor
5. Muhamad Sanu, Rutgers
Sleeper: Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma

Comments: Blackmon is clearly a top 5 prospect, but don't be suprised if he falls a little bit, heck he won't get past Jacksonville. Jeffery was once thought to be the top WR in the draft, but questions about his speed and ability to seperate will hurt him. I really like Muhamad Sanu. He is a good route runner and willing to work over the middle. A creative OC could do wonders with him. Because Ryan Broyles tore his ACL not too many people have talked about him, but he is a very good route runner and can make plays. Some team is going to get a steal in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Tight End
1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson
2. Coby Fleener, Stanford
3. Michael Egnew, Missouri
4. Orson Charles, Georgia
5. LaDarius Green, Lousiana Lafayette
Sleeper: Rhett Ellison, USC

Comments: The last couple of years the TE spot hasn't been that great. Last year had some talent, but didn't have an elite level TE. This year should be much the same. Allen is the best of the group but isn't elite. Fleener is pretty good, but is a limited athlete. Egnew was thought to have a Jermaine Gresham type of season but was very dissapointing. Keep an eye on Ellison, especially since he has experience at FB too.

Tackle
1. Matt Kalil, USC
2. Riley Reiff, Iowa
3. Jonathan Martin, Stanford
4. Mike Adams, Ohio State
5. Nate Potter, Boise State
Sleeper: J'Marcus Hardrick, Nebraska

Comments: Matt Kalil is the best LT to come out in the draft since Jake Long. Reiff and Martin are good, but don't be surprised if they fall like Brian Bulaga did a couple of years ago. If Adams can show good footwork and the ability to play LT he could shoot up the boards.

Guard
1. David DeCastro, Stanford
2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
3. Keleche Osemele, Iowa State
4. Zebrie Sanders, Florida State
5. Barrett Jones, Alabama
Sleeper: Matt Reynolds, BYU

Comments: DeCastro is shooting up draft boards and their are rumors he could go close to the top 1o. Glenn is a very good pass blocker where Osemele is a much better run blocker. But all but DeCastro played Tackle in college.

Center
1. Peter Konz, Wisconsin
2. Mike Brewster, Ohio State
3. William Vlachos, Alabama
4. Ben Jones, Georgia
5. David Molk, Michigan
Sleeper: Grant Garner, Oklahoma State

Comments: Peter Konz really helped his stock this year and is right in the 1st round territory. Brewster was once considered the top C but Konz has passed him up and is probably more of a 2nd round prospect.

Playoffs! Playoffs! Your talking about Playoffs!

Yes It's that time of year again. This weeked in the opening round of the NFL playoffs and the road to the Super Bowl is starting. In what will become a yearly tradition, I'm going to provide my predictions for the NFL Playoffs.

NFC

Wildcard Round
Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints
Both teams have a ton of momentum going into the playoffs. Detriot has the better defense, but their lack of a running game is really going to hurt them. New Orleans' offense is running on all cyclinders and the defense is starting to force turnovers. Plus this game is in the Super Dome which will be rocking.
Winner: New Orleans Saints

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants
This is a game that could go either way. However I really don't like the match up between Atlanta's leaky offensive line and the Giants feared pass rush. With the emergence of the Giants offense, they should Victor Cruz to a win.
Winner: New York Giants

Divisional Round
New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers
Even though the 49ers are 13-3 and the #2 seed, I don't really have a lot of faith in them. They have a really good defense, but their offense isn't good at all. Especially if they have to rely on Alex Smith to move the ball through the air. New Orleans' offense will score points, even on the 49ers and it will be up to Alex Smith to win the game.
Winner: New Orleans Saints

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
This would be a great game between these teams that had a memorable game a couple of years ago when the Giants made their Super Bowl run and Brett Farve was in his final game as a Packer. Hopefully it lives up to that one, but I don't know. The Packers have been the best team in the league all year, but they have some holes and I'm not as confident in them as I once once. Plus the Giants do match up well to the Packers offense. They have the pass rush to get to Rodgers and four solid CBs to match up with the Packers receivers.
Winner Green Bay Packers

NFC Conference Championship
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
These two teams might be the two best teams in the whole NFL. Two record setting QBs looking to out duel each other. But I have a feeling the team that runs the ball better will win. That and which defense makes the big play.
Winner: New Orleans Saints

AFC

Wildcard Round
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans
Houston was one of the top teams in the league, but injuries have really hurt their depth. Add in that TJ Yates isn't 100% and that really complicates things. Cincinnati is very young which could go against them or help them. But Houston doesn't have the momentum going in and that could hurt them.
Winner: Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
Tim Tebow got the Broncos to the playoffs, but he can pull a "Seattle" and have an upset? It helps that the Steelers will be without Rashad Mendenhall who has been their best offensive player.
Winner: Denver Broncos

Divisional Round
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Pittsburgh is banged up, but they still have the firepower to make a huge impact in the playoffs. Big Ben should be close to 100% and he'll need to if they want to knock off the Patriots in Foxbourgh. New England can score with the best of them, but they've had some slow starts lately and against an offense like Pittsburgh's, that may be too tough to overcome.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati has a good team, but I don't see them going very far in the playoffs. As for the Ravens, they look like the real deal. As long as Joe Flacco doesn't make any boneheaded mistakes.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens

AFC Championship Game
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
This would be the third game this season between these bitter AFC North rivals. Baltimore has won both contests this year, but beating a team three times is always very difficult. Can the Ravens do it? A Mendenhall-less Steelers offense doesn't seem to help things out.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens vs New Orleans Saints
In my opinion the Ravens and the Saints are the two best teams in the league right now and their roads to the Super Bowl will be tough, but are easier than others. It would be great to see Drew Brees and the Saints high powered offense line up against the Ravens tough defense. We could have one heck of a Super Sunday.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens

NFL Power Rankings (End of Regular Season)

1. Green Bay Packers (15-1)
The Packers were able to beat the Lions despite not playing Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, and others. Green Bay locks up the #1 seed in the NFC and home field advantage. However despite all of that, they are far from any lock to get back to the playoffs.

2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
Baltimore heads into the playoffs on a little bit of a roll. Beating fellow playoff (and division rival) Cincinnati. Now the Ravens get a first round bye and a chance to rest up before they face (more than likely) Pittsburgh or Houston. Both seem to be good match ups because Baltimore is much better than Houston and they've already beaten the Steelers twice.

3. New Orleans Saints (13-3)
This might be the hottest team in the NFL right now. The Saints might not have the same record as the Packers, but the Saints offense is rolling and the defense is generating turnovers like they did when they won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.

4. New England Patriots (13-3)
Despite being the #1 seed in the AFC and having home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Patriots are the team that all the wildcard round teams want to face. Mainly because of their Swiss cheese defense. Don't be surprised if the Pats get knocked out right away.

5. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
Here is another team with a first round bye that you don't have a lot of confidence in. The 49ers are a great story winning 13 games after the way they have played the last couple of years. However the 49ers are going to have to score points to win games in the playoffs and the offense just isn't that great.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
If it wasn't for the loss of Rashad Mendenhall (torn ACL) the Steelers might be one of the favorites to win the AFC. They'll get Big Ben back closer to 100%, but the lack of a running game could really hurt their chances.

7. New York Giants (9-7)
Even though they needed a win over the Cowboys to get into the playoffs, they are a hot team going into the playoffs and face an Atlanta team that they could easily beat and move on. You have to give the advantage to the Giants whose pass rush should give Matt Ryan fits behind their shaky offensive line.

8. Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
After some early season struggles the Falcons have righted the ship and make it back to the playoffs for a 2nd straight season. However this year they aren't the #1 seed. However they face off against the hot New York Giants in what should be a high scoring game. However it will be a dog fight.

9. Detroit Lions (10-6)
Lions fans have to be ecstatic that the Lions have made it to the playoffs for the first time in YEARS. But they can't be too confident seeing that the Lions lost to a Packers team who didn't play their star players and didn't really have anything to play for. If the Lions can find any running game they can make some news in the playoffs, but I don't see that happening.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
What a season it has been for the Bengals. Going in not very many people gave them a shot with a rookie QB and a very young receiving core. However Andy Dalton to AJ Green has become one of the best QB to WR tandems and helped propel them into the playoffs. Add in that they get an additional 1st round pick (Carson Palmer trade) and they could be set up for a while to come.

11. Tennessee Titans (9-7)
Here is another team that if they didn't have a couple of injuries they could be in the playoffs. However if you are a Titans fan you have to be optimistic about the future and with the Colts more than likely down for a couple of years could make a nice run.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
Nobody will probably believe me, but I thought that the Eagles would struggle this year because they added so many new pieces that it took some time for them to gel. However the biggest blunder for the Eagles was moving Offensive Line coach Juan Castillo to be the Defensive Coordinator. Look for them to make a big run at Steve Spagnolo to take over.

13. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
Here is another team that was a little too late to the party. Normally they start slow and end strong, but this year they started strong, sucked in the middle, and then played well at the very end of the season. It will be interesting to see where they go with the changes.

14. Houston Texans (10-6)
When TJ Yates left the game in the 1st quarter, Texans fans have to had a sick feeling. Would they seriously lose their 3rd QB this season and have to go into their first playoff appearance in their history with Jake Delhomme as their QB? Luckily Yates only hurt his non throwing shoulder and will be back. But due to all the injuries the Texans magical season that could have been much better could end in the wildcard round.

15. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
There was a lot of talk about the Cardinals winning the NFC West with the acquisition of Kevin Kolb. However it didn't look to pretty for the most part. Kevin Kolb didn't play too well at the beginning of the season and then got hurt. However it was John Skelton (who they already had on their roster) that helped the Cardinals right the ship and help the Cardinals avoid a below .500 season. If they make some good decisions in the off season they should be able to challenge the 49ers for the West.

16. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)*
I've never understood why the Cowboys get all the hype, but this year looked like the year that they could surprise me and make it to the playoffs. However they always seemed to shoot themselves in the foot. Whether it was their HC icing their own kicker, or missing FGs to win. But the Cowboys need to get some more playmakers on defense (secondary) if they want to be a playoff team again.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Oh the Chiefs. Injuries took away their best offensive player (Jamaal Charles) and defensive player (Eric Berry) and eventually their QB. But unlike other teams the Chiefs have a lot of young talent on this roster and with the right HC they could be back to the playoffs again soon.

18. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
The biggest reason that the Seahawks struggled this year in my opinion is (obviously) the poor play of the QB position. But when you go into the season with Tavarrius Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst as your options you have to know that is is going to happen. Look for the Seahawks to target a QB and go out and get them because this team does have the talent to be a playoff team. I have a hunch they'll win the Matt Flynn sweepstakes.

19. Miami Dolphins (6-10)
For a team that had a lot of reasons to quit and loss a ton of games, the Dolphins really surprised a lot of people and played very well for 2nd half of the season. Matt Moore played well and will more than likely get a chance to start next year, Reggie Bush showed that he can be a #1 RB, and the defense didn't play too bad either. Depending on what they do at QB and at HC, they should only get better next year.

20. Oakland Raiders (8-8)
You have to wonder how the Raiders would have done if Jason Campbell would have stayed healthy. The Raiders at the time were clearly the best team in the AFC West and might have run away with the division. However couple that with another injury to Darren McFadden and it isn't a surprise that they are on the outside looking into the playoffs. At least they gave up a 1st and 2nd round picks to Cincinnati for Carson Palmer.

21. Denver Broncos (8-8)
Here are your AFC West Champions!!!! But it's unfortunate Tebow time ran out of time right before the playoffs are to start. But don't forget about them, remember last year with the
Seahawks anybody can win. But it looks like the Broncos are going to commit to Tebow for next year (probably because they don't have any other option) and are going to look to build around him. We'll see.

22. Chicago Bears (8-8)
Chicago was 7-3 and looking like the 2nd best team in the NFC. But Cutler and Forte go down and the wheels fall off. Da Bears need to get healthy and address some holes at WR, OL, and DB and they could come back next year just like they did this year. With a lot of questions marks, but a lot of potential.

23. New York Jets (8-8)
If you take a look at my preseason power rankings (http://tinyurl.com/6w6335y ) and you'll see that I didn't think the Jets would make the playoffs this year. I'm proud to say that I'm right. They lost a lot of important pieces to their already not so great offense, and were pretty full of themselves. Now they'll face a tough off season and probably do some house cleaning.

24. Carolina Panthers (6-10)
After bragging about picking correctly against the Jets, I'll admit that I didn't think that Cam Newton was going to be worth anything. But I don't think I was the only one. Newton surprised a lot of people and looks to be the future on the Panthers. Now Carolina has to do everything in their power to build around him. But fixing the defense might be the best option to go.

25. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Buffalo was one of the surprise teams at the beginning of the season, but came back down to earth quickly. However some of that was due to injuries. But they have a good foundation and with another solid draft (get some weapons at WR) and they could become more consistent.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
A new owner and a new HC will bring a lot of change to a team that has it's issues. But finding out if Blaine Gabbert is an NFL QB (I don't think he is) is top priority. Also getting a reliable WR wouldn't help either.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)
It's unfortunate that Raheem Morris is going to get the ax, because this team has a lot of talent, but for whatever reason they underachieved. Fixing the secondary and finding some weapons on offense would really help out.

28. Washington Redskins (5-11)
When you go into the season with John Beck/Rex Grossman you have to expect that they were tanking the season to try and get one of the top QBs in the draft. So there really isn't much to say here. They have some talent, so getting a quality QB could make this team better.

29. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
You have to wonder how good of a coach Eric Mangini is. With this same team (practically) he has them at 6 wins and a lot of momentum. Now the Browns have only two less wins, but have a ton of issues and no certainty at QB.

30. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)
Just think, two years ago the Vikings were a Brett Farve interception away from the Super Bowl. Now they are picking with the #3 pick in the NFL Draft. Oh how they have fallen. But any objective person looking at this roster would have seen the glaring holes and old age they have. Now they go into the off season with holes at every single position on the roster.

31. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)
I know that losing Peyton Manning really hurt (pun intended) but for a team that was a playoff contender to fall this much shows a general lack of talent on the roster. The Colts could be another team looking to clean house and you can't blame them either. The defense is awful and the offense besides Manning doesn't have much playmaking ability.

32. St. Louis Rams (2-14)
I tend to believe that if the Rams played the Colts, the Colts would probably win. St. Louis is just a flat out awful team this year. And now they have to find yet another new HC since Spags was fired this morning. Getting some protection for Sam Bradford and some playmakers on defense would really help too.