Combine Review

The 2012 NFL Scouting Combine has come to and end. And even though the Combine isn't the end all be all, it is still a place where prospects can enhance or hurt their stock. Here are a few players who either improved or hurt their stock.

Improved
Stephon Hill WR Georgia Tech
Even before the Combine came Stephon Hill's name was being toss around as a possible sleeper WR. Well you can throw the sleeper tag out the window now because everybody knows who he is after running a 4.36 40 at 6'4 215lbs. Hill was hidden in Paul Johnson's triple offense, so not too many people knew about him. This will force teams to take a closer look at him. Now Hill will more than likely debut in a lot of 1st round Mock Drafts, but let's hold off on that. Hill has probably gone from a 5th round territory to the 2nd or 3rd rounds.

Dontari Poe NT Memphis

Poe was another player whose stock was starting to grow before the combine. Poe was being compared to Browns DT Phil Taylor. But after dominating the Combine we are starting to see Poe compared to Haloti Ngata, and rightfully so. Poe ran a 4.98 40 at 346lbs which is just incredible. Add in that Poe put up 44 reps in the bench press and it has people seeing that his speed and strength wasn't just a product of playing against lesser competition. Poe stock is so high that he is even being considered a top 10 prospect now.


Kendall Reyes DT UConn
After a strong Senior Bowl, Reyes continued his positive roll and is continuing to move up the draft boards. At the Combine Reyes ran a 4.95 40, 36 reps on the bench, and 34 in vertical leap all of which were amongst the top 10 for DTs. During position drills Reyes showed good feet and a powerful punch on the bags. He's locked up his status as a 2nd round pick. But don't be surprised if he goes in the late 1st round. He'll be coveted by both 4-3 and 3-4 teams.

Luke Kuechly LB Boston College
Going into the combine there wasn't a lot of expectations from Kuechly. He was known for his instincts and that couldn't be measured in this setting. However Kuechly impressed everybody by running a 4.58 40 and jumping a 38 in vertical leap. Both of those drills really improve the perception that he isn't an explosive talent and cements his status at a top 15 prospect.

Bruce Irvin LB West Virginia
Although he was listed as a defensive lineman because he played DE at West Virginia, but Irvin projects better as an outside linebacker. And his Combine performance proves it. He ran the 2nd fastest 40 time (4.50) of all linebackers. He was also a top performer at the vertical leap (33.5) and the 3 cone drill (6.70 fastest of all DL and LB). What makes his performance even better is that he looked very natural in the LB drills. That should make him a good candidate
to be a 3-4 OLB or even now a 4-3 SLB. Irvin reminds me a lot of Von Miller in the type of player he is. With this performance Irvin probably moved himself into the 2nd round territory.

Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska
Dennard has long thought to be the 4th best CB in the draft, but a hip injury limited his abilities in the Senior Bowl and now everybody has dropped him. But at the Combine Dennard really showed well and should return himself into that late 1st/early 2nd round range. Dennard finished as a top performer in the 40, vertical, and broad jump. While also looking very solid in position drills. Dennard also looked to have the best hands of all the DBs, never dropping a pass.

Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
An injury really set back Hosley at the beginning of the year, but with his performance at the Combine Hosley was able to remind everybody why he was considered a fringe 1st round pick. Hosley ran a 4.44 40 and looked very fluid in position drills. Teams that play a lot of man to man coverage will really like him. He's probably locked his spot in the top part of the 2nd round.

Harrison Smith S Notre Dame
I'd have to say I'm a little late to the Harrison Smith party. Smith has been talked about a lot lately and some have even listed him as a 1st round pick. Now I don't see him at that level, but his combine really showed what he is capable of. Smith ran a good 4.57 time and showed very good range during position drills. He's more of a SS, but he showed he has the ability to play some FS too. Smith should be off the board somewhere in the top half of the 2nd round.

Hurt
Kendall Wright WR Baylor
When you are thought to be one of the fastest guys in the draft and you go out and run a 4.61 40, that can't be good. Now it's not time to overreact and have him sliding too far down. Wright still has a lot of good firm and looks fast there. However the talk of him going to Jacksonville at #7 is probably out of the question. More than likely Wright will go at the end of the 1st round where he should have gone to begin with. A good pro day can recapture his claim to the #2 WR spot in the draft, but we'll have to wait to see.

Mahamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Nobody was expecting Sanu to run a sub 4.4 40 at the combine. However when his high was 4.67 it definitely wasn't good. This may cause some teams to drop him or back off, but they shouldn't be too surprised. Sanu isn't a burner, but is a good route runner who uses quickness and change of direction well. Plus he has good hands so that shouldn't affect him too much. This reminds me a lot of Damian Williams from a couple of years ago. Good route runner who ran a slow 40 time. Now in year 2 he is contributing.

Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
At one point Dwayne Allen was considered the far and away best TE in the draft. However his stock was sliding and a poor showing at the combine doesn't help. His first stumble was running a 4.89 40. Adding in that he didn't look too athletic in drills and that doesn't look good for a TE who many thought was more of a receiver than a blocker. He'll need to really improve at his pro day if he still wants to be taken in the first three rounds.

Vinny Curry DE Marshall
For a guy that was considered a speed rusher, Curry didn't exactly show very well. His 4.98 was bested by Dontari Poe's 4.96 and he weights 346lbs. Curry also looked stiff in the drills which will cause some teams to question whether he is a 4-3 DE only. Curry was thought to be a good late 1st round DE to either a 4-3 or 3-4 team. However now he looks to be a 4-3 only and very well could be on the board still in the late 2nd or early 3rd. He is going to need a good pro day to put some of these questions to rest otherwise he'll go lower than many expected.

Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State
Where do I start? Was it his 5.09 40? Or how about how he threw his former coaches at ASU under the bus? Either way you slice it, Burfict is in complete free fall mode. He won't likely be drafted in the first two rounds. Heck there is a chance he goes undrafted. Would that really surprise you? Sure wouldn't to me.

Leonard Johnson CB Iowa State
A lot like Mahamed Sanu, many didn't expect Leonard Johnson to run a low 40 time. So somewhere in the 4.5s and he would have been fine. However running a 4.71 and that raises a few eyebrows. Add in that Johnson really didn't wow anybody with his performance in the position drills and it's easy to believe that he could slide down into the bottom of the 3rd round. It's too bad because some "experts" were thinking was one of the top 5 CBs in the draft. Probably not anymore.

Whose going to get RG3?

We know that Andrew Luck is going to go #1. Don't let anybody fool you. Robert Griffin isn't going to surpass Luck. With St. Louis sitting at the #2 spot they dont' have a need at QB but yet are in the position where teams are willing to move up to get RG3. Add that up with St. Louis' desire to trade down, it's safe to say that we are going to see the first top 3 trade since the Falcons moved up to draft Michael Vick in 2001. But who will be the team that lands Griffin? We have a good number of teams that could make the move, but with a strong group of Free Agent QBs lead by Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn available it makes this answer very murky. Let's take a look at the teams that could very well move up to get the talented Heisman Trophy Winner.

Top Contenders

Cleveland Browns
The Browns make the most sense for RG3. They have the most ammunition to make a trade (2 1st round picks this year) and are sitting at the #4 spot which won't take too much to move up. Add in that Colt McCoy has really struggled and doesn't look to have what it takes to be a Franchise QB. However, with GM Mike Holmgren in charge don't think that this is a slam dunk decision they'll move up to get him. Sure if RG3 falls to them at #4 they very well could take him. But Holmgren likes to accumulate draft picks rather than trade them away. And he has never taken a QB in the first round. He chooses to instead go out and get one. That means we need to look for them to be a major player in the Matt Flynn sweepstakes or bring in somebody else. But when it comes to the draft, you never know.

Washington
When you are starting John Beck and Rex Grossman at QB this past year, you know you need a QB badly. Mike Shanahan prefers to have a veteran QB, so you know they'll go after Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn aggressively. But I don't see Peyton Manning going there and the same with Flynn. A guy that they might end up with is Kyle Orton. But that doesn't mean he is a long term anwser. Robert Griffin would be their best choice. Shanahan loves mobile QBs who have strong arms. That describes Griffin very well. The thing to focus on here is the urgency Shanahan will have to get a QB. He needs a QB desperately. DESPERTELY. And if they are unable to land a quality free agent QB, moving up from #6 to the #2 spot will be a win at all costs for this organization.

Miami
Don't let the play of Matt Moore fool you. We saw this a couple of years ago when he took over for Jake Delhomme in Carolina and looked good to finish the season. The next year Moore was given the starting QB spot and struggled and then was released. With a new head coach in town they won't have any aligence to Moore and will look to find their QB of the future. The Dolphins have to be the leading candidate to get Matt Flynn. Mainly because of his ties to Philbin who was the offensive coordinator in Green Bay while Flynn was the backup. Besides Flynn they'll look to go after Manning also. However if they don't get either of those two, they could go after RG3 or wait till the 2nd round and get Ryan Tannehill who played for new Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman at Texas A&M.

Seattle
Whenever mock drafts or projections are made we haven't really heard much about Seattle moving up. A big part of that might have to deal with them picking at #12. But sometimes it's the teams that fly under the radar that get the job done and pull the trigger. Like a majority of the above teams, they'll be in the running for Matt Flynn and Peyton Manning. They and the Dolphins are the favorites to get Flynn in my opinion. However if Seattle strikes out with Flynn and Manning (aren't getting him IMO) they could feel the pressure to get a top flight QB prospect and move up to get RG3. But moving up from 12 would take a lot more than the other teams and the Seahawks would have to give up at least next year's 1st round pick along with their current 2nd rounder at least. That might be too rich for this team.

Wildcards

Arizona
The Cardinals have been talking opening about improving the QB position all off season and didn't shy away from it on the opening day of the combine. But their target is Peyton Manning for a shot fix before moving back to Kevin Kolb or John Skelton. However if they want to upgrade the QB position, you can't rule out RG3. It's a long shot, but you never really know.

Dallas
Would you really be shocked if Dallas made a move to go and get RG3? I sure wouldn't. Tony Romo is alright, but he isn't an elite player and there have been rumors that Jerry Jones has considered upgrading. Robert Griffin to Dallas makes some sense. The Baylor prospect is born and raised in Texas and a dynamic playmaker. Sounds like a guy that Jerry Jones would love to have. And when Jerry wants a player and can make it happen, he usually pulls out all the stops.

My prediction for the team to get RG3........Washington Redskins

Zebrie Sanders Scouting Report

Zebrie Sanders

Position: Offensive Tackle

School: Florida State

Year: Senior

Height: 6'5

Weight: 308

Draft Stock: 2nd Round / #5 OT

Strengths

-Good frame (6'5 308) with the ability to add more weight

-Uses length to force defenders wide and overrun the pocket.

-Plays with a mean streak. Looks to finish all blocks.

-Quick footwork that allows get good drops and to mirror pass rushers

-Good athlete who can get out and move in the run game and get to the next level

-Gets off the ball and in the right position in the run game.

-Experience. 4 year starter. Played both Left and Right Tackle

-Hard worker, good student, and good citizen.

-Durable. No injury issues.

-Good football IQ. Always prepared. Student of the Game.

-Good potential. Best football is in front of him.

Weaknesses
-Doesn't anchor in the greatest. A good bull rush can get to him.

-Needs to get stronger. More of a finesse blocker. Doesn't drive defenders back on run plays.

-Played mainly at Right Tackle in college. Only played a few games at the end of the season.

-Does a lot of cut blocks

-Doesn't always sustain blocks very long.

-Inconsistent pad level

-Lacks a strong punch to keep defenders off balance.

-Might only be a fit in a Zone Blocking Scheme.

Summary

After spending a majority of his career at Florida State at Right Tackle, Zebrie Sanders got the chance to play Left Tackle when teammate Andrew Datko went down with a season ending injury. Sanders took this opportunity and ran with it. Sanders showed good athletic ability and footwork that you need to protect a Quarterback's blindside. Add in that Sanders has a good frame and long arms and there is no denying why NFL scouts want to take a closer look at him. However for all the physical tools that Zebrie Sanders has, there are some weaknesses. His biggest weakness is his lack of strength. This causes Sanders to struggle to push defenders off their spot in the run game and causes him to get pushed back while in pass pro. But Sanders is a hard worker and student of the game and he'll only get better. Sanders' best fit will be with a team that runs a Zone Blocking scheme that can utilize his athletic ability and help mask some of his strength issues. Sanders has Left Tackle capabilities, but could use some time to get stronger before coming a weekly starter. Because of that he'll likely go in the 2nd round. A good place could be the Texans who are looking to add tackle depth and a future LT. But with a good combine, pro day, and the need for Left Tackles he could slide his way up the draft board and to a team like the New York Giants at the end of the 1st.

Smaller School Studs

Every year we see small school guys rising up the draft boards and making an impact in the NFL. We've seen guys like Jared Allen come (Idaho State), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State), and Joe Flacco (Delaware) come from small schools and make a big impact in the NFL. So who are the guys in this years draft that could be the next to make an impact?

LaDarius Green TE
LaDarius Green TE Louisiana Lafayette

6'6 237

The TE position is becoming a lot more in vogue with all the success Rob Gronkowski, Vernon Davis, and Jimmy Graham have enjoyed. So look for teams to really look for the next impact TE. LaDarius Green fits right into that role of a playmaker at the position. He has great size which will help him in the red zone and the speed to stretch the field down the middle. Add in that Green has very good hands and makes tough catches look easy. He'll be in hot demand. Look for him to go somewhere in the 3rd round, but don't be surprised if he finds his way into the 2nd round discussion. A team like the Chicago Bears who want to get somebody to be a threat at the TE spot could look to target him.

Trumaine Johnson CB Montana
6'2 205
NFL teams love to get big physical corner backs to match up with the Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerralds. So when you see a guy like Trumaine Johnson at 6'2 with fluid hips and good speed and they'll really salivate over him. Johnson has been very good at the FCS level and helped Montana continue to be a big time player. And when you add in his physical play and good ball skills there is no surprise he is being talked about as one of the top 5 corners in the NFL Draft. Johnson is probably better suited for a Cover 2 type team, but he does have good man to man cover skills and could fit in about any defense.

Janzen Jackson S McNeese State

6'0 203

If you remember this name it's probably because Jackson was at Tennessee and was kicked off the team for his part in a burglary attempt. Jackson landed on his feet at McNeese State and finished his college career on a high note. However because of his off the field issues some teams might drop him down their draft boards or just off entirely. But this year's draft class is very weak and the best prospects are more in the box SS types. Jackson on the other hand is a Free Safety that is a very good cover guy. He is a little on the short side, but he makes up for it with good range, fluid hips, and the ability to change directions easily. And even despite his size he is a willing run defender. Teams willing to give him a chance could very well be rewarded with a starting caliber FS.

Janzen Jackson S McNeese State
6'0 203
If you remember this name it's probably because Jackson was at Tennessee and was kicked off the team for his part in a burglary attempt. Jackson landed on his feet at McNeese State and finished his college career on a high note. Now because of his off the field issues some teams might drop him down their draft boards or just off it entirely. However this year's safety class is very weak and the best safeties are more in the box SS types. Jackson on the other hand is a FS that is a very good cover guy. He is a little on the short side, but he makes up for it with good range, fluid hips, and the ability to change directions easily. And even despite his size he is a good tackler and willing to come up to make a tackle. Teams willing to give him a chance could very well be rewarded with a solid FS prospect
TY Hilton WR Florida International
5'9 178
After a huge game against Louisville he was the toast of College Football, but injuries and a couple of losses really slowed his momentum. However Hilton is still a dynamic receiver and he reminds me a lot of Titus Young who is now with the Detroit Lions. Both are smaller WRs with a ton of speed that can really hurt a defense. Hilton was able to be a big success at FIU even with teams double teaming him on a regular basis. He has good speed and quickness that allow him to seperate from defenders and get open and can take any catch to the house. He has good hands and can make tough catches, but still drops too many passes. Also at 5'9 and 178 that is pretty small for the NFL. He'd have to add some weight to his frame to really make sure his injuries at FIU don't follow him to the NFL. His ability to do a lot of good things will make him attractive. Look for him to go somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round, but if he runs a low 40 time his stock could start to fly again. A team like Denver might be a good fit for him. He can return kicks and punts, line up in the slot, and even take some fly sweeps and options with Tim Tebow.

Josh Norman CB Coastal Carolina
6'0 203
Josh Norman might be one of the best athletes at the cornerback position in the 2012 NFL Draft. He is very smooth, has good speed, and fluid hips. Add in good instincts and Norman has the ability to match up with about any receiver. However when you here that you normally here how raw fundamentally the prospect is. Norman is no different. Playing at a lower level he was able to rely more on his athletic ability rather than using good technique. But that is something he should be able to pick up when he gets NFL level coaching. But when you add in his good ball skills and he'll be a very attractive to NFL teams. His size and ball skills will make will have Cover 2 teams after him, while his atheltic ability and cover skills will have man to man teams all over him. Look for Norman go to somewhere in the second round. And don't be surprised if he goes before some bigger names. A team like Kansas City might take a long look at him if they can't resign Brandon Carr.

Rishaw Johnson G California (PA)

6'3 309

Rishaw Johnson is another name that might sound familiar. He was highlighted in Bruce Feldman's book "Meat Market" and was with Ole Miss for a couple of years. However he was kicked off the team and resurfaced at California (PA). At Cal (PA) he displayed all the tools that had Ole Miss coaches fall in love with him. He's a tough nasty blocker who wants to finish blockers and is going to go till the echo of the whistle. Johnson has the ability to be a very good blocker in both the run and pass game. He has a good initial punch and is a natural knee bender, but his hand placement isn't the greatest. In the run game he explodes off the ball and is able to give a good initial hit, but can struggle to sustain blocks. If Johnson is able to develop better technique he could develop into a starting guard in the NFL, however if he struggles he'll be a backup. Look for him to go somewhere in the 3rd round based off of his potential.

Jared Crick Scouting Report

Jared Crick

Position: Defensive Tackle / 3-4 Defensive End
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 6'5
Weight: 290
Draft Stock: 2nd - 4th Round

Strengths
-Extremely Quick. Set the Nebraska record for fastest 10 yard time. Allows him to shoot off the ball.
-Position Flexibility. Could play the 3 technique Defensive Tackle and Left Defensive End in the 4-3 or a 5 technique Defensive End in the 3-4.
-Experience playing in a 2 gap defense. Knows how to play with leverage.
-Great size and frame. 6'5 290 with the ability to add weight and still keep quickness.
-Long arms that allow him to engage with lineman and not let them get to his body and shed blocks to make plays.
-High football IQ. Always knows where to be.
-Very experienced. Starter since Sophomore year.
-High Motor. Never quits on a play. Just Keith Price. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQlEBJSO3Ww
-Good leader and active in the community
-Strong punch
-Good pass rusher. Uses speed, swim move, deceptive bull rush

Weaknesses
-Doesn't change directions very easily.
-Isn't overly strong
-Doesn't anchor in the best
-Injury issues. Torn pectoral this past year, MCL Strain in 2011 Spring

Summary

Going into the 2011 season there were high hopes for Jared Crick. He was coming off two huge seasons and was projected to be a top 20 draft pick. However he started off slow and then torn his pectoral muscle after playing in only 5 games. Now there is going to be a cloud of questions around his value in the draft. However Crick should be healthy for the combine and will be able to show the skills he has to offer. Crick really reminds me a lot of Cameron Jordan who is now with the Saints. Much like Jordan, Crick is very versatile and can fit into any scheme. Crick played in a 2 gap system at Nebraska so he knows how to play with leverage, take on blockers and shed blocks to make plays. So he fits in real well as a 5 technique defensive end. Crick also could fit as a 3 technique DT in the 4-3 where he can use his speed and quickness to penetrate and disrupt the backfield. He could also see some time at Left Defensive End in the 4-3 because of his speed. However teams will have some reservations about him because of the pec injury. Because of that Crick right now is sitting as a 3rd round value, however a strong combine where he shows his is back to his old form could rise him up. But at best he'll be a high 2nd round pick. He's probably best suited for the 3-4 so that is more likely where he'll go, but you never know.

Lavonte David Scouting Report

Lavonte David

Position: Linebacker
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 6'1
Weight: 225
Draft Stock: 2nd Round / #2 Outside Linebacker

Strengths
-Incredible Instincts. Always around the ball
-Has a knack for making big plays.
-Production. Set Nebraska's single season tackle record. Has made an impact from Day 1.
-Elite speed and quickness for a linebacker. Can go sideline to sideline.
-Sound tackler. Rarely misses a tackle. Does a good job of wrapping up defenders and taking them to the ground.
-Able to secure the tackle and strip the ball
-Good in run support. Doesn't take false steps
-Does a great job of shedding blocks
-Able to stick with tight ends running backs in man coverage due to good speed and quickness
-Does a great job of changing directions quickly and efficiently
-4 down linebacker
-Can make an impact in special teams on coverage units
-Loves the game. Loves to watch tape.
-Great motor. Never quits on plays

Weaknesses
-Size. Smaller for a linebacker. Can't keep on weight.
-Durable? No injury issues, but will his smaller size lead to more injuries in the NFL?
-Limited Position Flexibility. His only fit might be as a WLB in a 4-3.
-Footwork could get better

Summary
If Lavonte David was 6'3 250 we might be talking about him as a top 15 pick. But because he is 6'1 225 he's considered to be a Day 2 pick. David has been an impact player for Nebraska since day 1. He set the single season tackle record as a junior and as a senior he made plays that directly lead to wins. Against Ohio State he flat out took the ball away from QB Braxton Miller that swung the whole momentum. And against Penn State he stuffed a RB on fourth down which sealed a win. David has good speed and quickness but his best strength is his IQ. David is always in the right place at the right time and seems to be in on every tackle. This comes from his love for watching film and his eagerness to learn. Learning a playbook in the NFL should be no problem for him. The only real negative for David is his size. Because of his small stature he can run into trouble against bigger lineman when they lock onto him. This also means that he'll likely only fit with a 4-3 team as a Weakside Linebacker. If he was bigger he'd be an ideal MLB in any scheme. David will also add value on special teams coverage units because he is a good tackler and has good speed and quickness. Look for David to go somewhere in the 2nd round but could slide into the 3rd round because of his limited fit. Look for a team like Tampa Bay, Chicago, St. Louis, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Atlanta to really consider him.

Dontari Poe Scouting Report

Dontari Poe

Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Memphis
Year: Junior
Height: 6'4
Weight: 350
Draft Stock: Late 1st Early 2nd / #1 Nose Tackle

Strengths
-Huge frame. 6'5 And carries his 340 lbs well.
-Very explosive. Fires off the ball quickly and disrupts the backfield.
-Very hard worker that loves the game
-Durable. Only missed game in three years was due to a death in the family.
-Very strong. Can take on double teams
-Hits like a truck (Should at his size!)
-Good motor that never gives up on a play
-Was moved around a lot to confuse defenses

-Raw. Hasn't reached his full potential.

Weaknesses
-Hasn't faced an elite level of competition.
-Because of his size he doesn't have great pad level
-Only a 2 down lineman
-Can struggle to get off blocks
-No real pass rush moves besides bull rush
-Can over penetrate at times and take himself out of the play
-Doesn't have a big mean streak you would like
-Needs to improve endurance and will wear down

-Undeveloped technique

Summary
Dontari Poe is a player that is climbing up drafts boards and the more you see him on film the more you like him. He reminds me a lot of Phil Taylor who came out last year and is now with the Browns. He is that prototypical space eating nose tackle. But what really surprised me was how explosive he is and how well he carries his 350 lbs. Sure he could stand to lose some weight and get into better shape, but he isn't Terrence Cody at the combine. For a guy Poe's size, he really explodes off the line and is a load for guards and centers to deal with. Add in his strength and shear size he forces the offensive line to double team him and is a load to move. Poe could stand to shed blocks better, but his main job in the NFL will be to take on blockers to free up the linebackers and ends. But the best thing for Poe is he is still a raw talent that has a ton of room to develop and become a better prospect. He fits the best in the 3-4 as a NT, but he could fit into a 4-3 team that plays a 2 gap system. Poe should go somewhere in the late 1st early 2nd round. He could go as high as Pittsburgh at #24 but might not last past the Colts with the 34th pick as they are translating to the 3-4. But a lot like Phil Taylor a team could trade back (Kansas City) or move up to get him.

Alphonzo Dennard Scouting Report

Alphonzo Dennard

Position: Cornerback
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 5'10
Weight: 203
Draft Stock: Late 1st / #4 Cornerback

Strengths
-Very tough and physical. Loves to jam receivers at the line
-Able to give punishing hits to the ball carrier or a receiver
-Very good tackler. Doesn't miss very many. Willing run defender
-Team leader and strong work ethic
-High Football IQ. Was able to grasp a complex defense and get on the field as a freshman
-Good footwork that allows him to stick with receivers
-Very quick and explosive. Often beats receivers to spots.
-Makes up for his lack of height with great leaping ability
-Good hands. 4 INTs in junior year
-Very productive and tested. 4 picks in '10 when teams threw away from Amukamara.
-Great Tape(shut down McNutt, Cunningham, and Blackmon)
-Does a good job in zone coverage of reading and reacting

Weaknesses
-Injury Concerns (Hamstring, concussion, shoulder, hip)
-Height. Only 5'10
-Doesn't have blazing speed. (Projected 4.5 40 time)
-Doesn't fit every scheme.
-Can be too aggressive and too physical at times (will take some time adjusting to NFL rules)

Summary
Alphonzo Dennard has enjoyed a very productive college career at Nebraska. Often overshadowed by Prince Amukamara, Dennard has been considered by most to be the better cover corner. And the film shows it. Good check out his tapes against Oklahoma State, Michigan State, and Iowa and you'll see him shut down three of the top WRs in this class (Blackmon, Cunningham, and McNutt). Dennard has good quickness and footwork that allows him to stick to receviers and shut them down. Dennard also has a ton of experience playing in an NFL system and his ability to pick it up as a freshman will help him see the field right away. He knock on Denanrd is his size, but he makes up for it with his strength, quickness, and jumping ability. He has matched up very well against the likes of Alshon Jeffery and Justin Blackmon. With his poor showing (had a hip flexor injury) at the Senior Bowl, Dennard will need a good combine to show teams his fluid hips he showed during his college career. Dennard should be able to fit with almost every team, but he is much better when he is making plays in front of him rather than playing in an off man to man scheme. Teams that run the Tampa 2 or the Patriots style will love him. Look for Dennard to go off the board sometime in the late 1st to early 2nd round. The earliest he could go is Chicago at #19, but shouldn't last too long into the 2nd round. The Patriots could be his team.

Mike Adams Scouting Report

Mike Adams

Position: Offensive Tackle

School: Ohio State

Class: Senior

Height: 6'7

Weight: 323

Draft Stock: Late 1st / #4 OT

Strengths

-Great size that allows him to overwhelm defenders

-Good length. Has the arm length to keep defenders off his body

-Good footwork that helps him slide side to side in pass protection and reset feet when he needs to.

-Experienced. Three year starter

-Does a good job in pass protection mirror defenders.

-Good punch that can knock defenders back and off their rush.

-Good athlete that can get to the next level in run blocking.

-Very strong. Once he get his hands on a defender they are done.

Weaknesses

-Lacks a killer instinct

-Not a powerful run blocker like you would think. Tends to wall defenders off.

-Injury concerns. Has had shoulder, knee, and foot issues that have caused him to miss games.

-Because of his large size he can struggle to sink hips.

-Can get lost at times. Doesn't always know who to block.

-Plays too high at times in both run and pass blocking

-Will struggle with speed rushers. (Mercilus got 1.5 sacks on him)

-Inconsistent. Can dominate at times, and then look lost the next.

Summary

The best way to describe Mike Adams is inconsistent. At times Mike Adams looks like he is a top 10 pick and a dominant NFL LT. Then the next time you watch him he looks lost and seems to be best suited for the RT spot. However, there is no questioning that Adams has the physical talent to excel in the NFL. That was clear when he returned from suspension and Ohio State offense vastly improved. He opened up running lanes for their running backs and gave QB Braxton Miller time to throw. Then at the Senior Bowl Adams looked like the best tackle there. He shut down the draft's top pass rushers Quentin Coples, Courtney Upshaw, and Melvin Ingram during the game. But in true Mike Adams fashion, he was inconsistent during the week of practices. Adams is a mountain of a man, but has good athletic ability and good footwork teams look for in their Left Tackles. He uses the footwork very well in pass protection sliding side to side and walling off the defender from getting to the QB. He has active hands that allow him to keep the defenders off his body. If their is a weakness in pass pro it's speed rushers. Because of his large size, speedy rushers can get under him and get to the QB. Whitney Mercilus from Illinois was able to get 1.5 sacks against him this past season. In the run game he shows good initial power, but doesn't have the leg drive to consistently drive opponents back. Adams definitely has the potential to be a LT in the NFL, but might be best suited to start his career at RT while he works on his technique and then can slide over the left side in year two or later. But look for Adams to go somewhere in the late 1st, but shouldn't last too long into the 2nd round if he falls.