Player Profile: Jonathan Hankins

Jonathan Hankins

Height:  6'3
Weight:  320
School:  Ohio State
Position:  Defensive Tackle
Rank:  #4 Defensive Tackle
Projection:  Top 40
Strengths
-Experienced.  Played in every game since his true freshman year.
-Ideal size for a NFL Defensive tackle
-Scheme Flexability.  Can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.
-Good strength that allows him to him to take on blocks and not get pushed off his spot
-Quality bull rush that can force the lineman back into the QB
-Does a great job of locating the ball
-Surprising quickness for somebody his size
-Good motor.  Doesn't give up when double teamed
-Good conditioning for somebody his size.  Doesn't wear down easily

Weaknesses
-Doesn't have the best closing speed.
-Can struggle to get off blocks
-Plays too high.  Causes him to lose leverage
-Needs to improve his technique.  Not fundamentally sound
-Lacks pass rushing moves.  Only a bull rush
-Doesn't use his hands well
Summary
If you want a dynamic pass rushing presence at defensive tackle, Jonathan Hankins isn't your guy.  But if you want somebody that is going to stuff the run, take on blockers, and provide a solid push up the middle then Hankins is the guy for you.  Hankins is a solid defensive tackle that uses his size and strength to occupy space and stop the run game.  He could stand to improve his technique and get off blocks better, but he's also going to free up your linebackers to make plays.  Hankins doesn't show much of a pass rushing ability beyond a bull rush.  He'll have to learn and develop a move or two if he wants to stay on the field in pass rushing situations.  Hankins projects as a 4-3 NT or a 3-4 DE.  I believe he has the ability and strength to play the NT in the 3-4 also.  Look for Hankins to go somewhere in the high second round but it wouldn't surprise me if he was taken in the late 1st.  Philadelphia could be a landing spot in the second round because they need pieces for their new 3-4 defense.

NFL Draft Combine Day 1 Notes

Well day one of the NFL Scouting Combine is in the books.  We saw the tight ends and offensive line test and workout on the field while quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers weighed in.  We also had a chance to see Manti Te'o have a press conference for the first time since the catfishing hoax.  But with all that, here is my takeaways from this first day.

1.  DJ Fluker isn't a Left Tackle!
Leading up to the combine there was a lot of talk about how Fluker is rising up draft boards because of his potential to play left tackle in the NFL.  Even though Fluker has never played LT in college and struggled against speed rushers.  But people loved his potential and are infatuated with is long arms????  Well in today's field drills it confirmed to me that he isn't a LT in the NFL.  Fluker was stiff and showed no fluidity in his slides and labored when asked to drop back in pass protection.  That's not what you want out of a left tackle.  Fluker is a RT and maybe a guard.

2.  The top spot at LT isn't as clear cut as we thought!
Going into the Combine it looked like it was Luke Joeckel alone at the top.  But after today Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson are forcing scouts, coaches, and draftniks to go back and relook at tape.  Now this isn't a knock on Joeckel by any stretch of the means.  But more of how impressive Fisher and Johnson were.  Both Fisher and Johnson had impressive 40 times and more importantly 10 yard splits that really show how quick off the ball they are.  Fisher showed great technique to mach his athletic ability and great frame.  Johnson looks like a natural and is the best athlete of the tackles.  His potential has to make teams giddy.

3.  Jon Cooper is a Stud!
Everything you would want out of a guard, Jon Cooper did it.  We all knew he was a good athlete from film study, but he showed it on the field.  On the mirror drill he was step for step with the "rabbit" and made it look effortlessly.  He timed well in the 40 and the 10 yard split.  But what was the most impressive was his bench press numbers.  Putting up 35 reps shows some power that a lot of people didn't know he had.  Heck Cooper even took some reps as a center and looking like a natural.  With all the talk about Chance Warmack being a top 10 pick, Cooper is making a play to join him.

4.  Six lineman run sub 5.0 40s
Normally when a lineman makes it under 5.0 in their 40 it's pretty good.  We might see one a year, sometimes two.  Last year the fastest 40 was 5.0 flat.  This year was different.  We saw 6 lineman run sub 5.0 40s.  Two of them bested the previous record for a lineman.  Terron Armstead and Lane Johnson broke Bruce Campbell's record while Alvin Bailey (Arkansas), Kyle Long (Oregon), Brian Schwenke (Cal), and Vinston Painter (Virginia Tech) rounded out the rest of sub 5.0 group.

5.  Terron Armstead is making a name for himself
Terron Armstead was the workout warrior for the offensive lineman this year.  He had the fastest 40 time running a 4.71 with a 1.64 10 yard split while putting up 31 reps in the bench press.  Not only was he impressive in the testing, he showed a lot in the position drills.  He looked natural and fluid dropping in pass pro and moved well latterly.  Now Armstead isn't a first rounder now.  However he is rising and could have worked himself into being a day 2 pick.

6.  Kyle Long is climbing
One of the biggest topic of the combine today was that of Kyle Long.  The former MLB draft pick out of high school is working his way up draft boards.  Long played both left tackle and guard at Oregon.  He has the demeanor of a guard but the athletic ability and size of a left tackle.  He's still raw, but he showed how good of an athlete he is today.   He had the third fastest 40 time, will showing impressive moves in the drills.

7.  Tyler Eifert is separating himself
Going into the combine Eifert and Zach Ertz were neck and neck to who the first tight end off the board was going to be.  The combine is the place where a lot of teams can help separate guys.  For teams that think that way, Eifert might be their top choice.  Other than bench press, Eifert bested Ertz in all testing categories and was flawless in drills.  Add in that he has more impressive height and longer arms and he may have solidified his spot.

8.  Vance McDonald is a name to remember
For most people they don't know who Vance McDonald is.  Mainly because Rice hasn't been very good and thus doesn't get a lot of attention.  But people are going to start to know who he is as the draft gets closer.  Most TEs coming out are more or less glorified wide receivers, but that is what makes McDonald so valuable.  He's a bigger TE coming in at 267 lbs and putting up 31 reps, but he moved very well running a 4.69 40 and looking fluid in pass catching drills.  Look for some team to take him on day 2.

9.  Dion Sims is going to be intriguing to teams
With more teams going to two TE formations they need physical blocking ends to pair up with pass catchers.  That is where Sims comes into play.  Sims is has the size and shown the ability to play as an inline blocker, but can also get out an make plays in the passing game.  Sims ran a surprising 4.72 40 and run good routes in drills.  He could be a target for teams in the 3rd or 4th round.

10.  Can we move on from Catfishing?
Now that Manti Te'o has had his first press conference, can we now move on past the hoax?  We've heard what's happened, now we've heard him talk about it.  It's time to move forward and talk about him as a prospect.  The thing that I found the most funny was that the analyst on NFL Network talked about how it's time to move on, but then spent almost an hour talking about his press conference.  But I guess I might be doing the same thing here.

Player Profile: Larry Warford

Larry Warford

Height:  6'3
Weight:  332
School:  Kentucky
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #3 Guard
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Good bulk to play the interior (332)
-Experienced with 47 games played in the SEC.  37 starts at RG.
-Powerful run blocker who moves defenders off their spot
-Strong anchor.  Tough to move back
-Better athlete than you think.  Moves really well for his size.  Shows good straight line speed.
-Does a good job of pulling and trapping and attacking defenders in the next level.
-Shows good balance in pass protection
-Good punch that can jar defenders.
-Always moving his feet.
-Good overall IQ.  Understands angles and assignments-
-Has the mean streak you want out of a lineman
-Great character.  No off the field issues.

Weaknesses
-Shorter arms than you would want (33")
-Not the ideal body frame.  Short (6'3) and squatty
-Struggles against speed rushers.  Especially at the 3 technique
-Weight could be an issue.  Weighed 350 lbs at one point.  Conditioning is an issue.
-Doesn't move well laterally.  Can be beat by double moves.
-Not overly quick.  Can be beat off the ball
-Needs better hand placement.  Doesn't lock down defenders when he makes contact.
-Tends to lung in run blocking

Summary
Which ever teams are wanting to draft Larry Warford they are going to get a power run blocking machine.  Warford uses his size to advantage to physically maul defenders but uses his strength to push defenders off their spot and open up running lanes.  But Waford isn't just a physical imposing player, he can also move pretty well for his size.  He surprisingly moves well for his size and is able to pull and trap effectively.  In the open field Warford rarely misses and is able to hit those moving targets.  While run blocking is his strength he isn't a slouch in pass protection.  With his size it's no surprise he has a strong anchor and makes it really hard to knock off his spot.  He does an effective job mirroring defenders, but need to improve his lateral movement which could hurt him against speedier rushers.  Another negative for Waford is that he doesn't have great quickness which hurts him against quicker defenders who could blow past him.  You'd also like to see Warford drop a little weight or redistribute the weight because he tends to wear down over the game and could improve his quickness.  However Warford should be able to step in right away and challenge for a starting spot on Day 1.  Look for him to go somewhere in the late 2nd round, but no later than the early 3rd. A team like Atlanta could be an option.

Player Profile: Dallas Thomas

Dallas Thomas

Height:  6'5
Weight:  308
School:  Tennessee
Position:  Guard / Tackle
Ranking:  #5 Guard
Projection:  2nd / 3rd Round

Strengths
-Solid height (6'5) and big hands (10 3/8)
-Good frame to add weight
-Experienced.  50 games played in the SEC.  38 starts
-Has played both Left Tackle and Left Guard
-Natural Knee bender
-Good athlete.  Can move latterly and pull effectively.
-Does a great job of setting up in pass pro and mirroring defenders
-Good quickness that allows him to fire off ball
-Plays good angles.  Would be a good fit in a Zone Blocking Scheme
-Uses his hand well and delivers an effective punch
-Good awareness and understanding of his assignments

Weaknesses
-Shorter Arms means he might be a guard only
-Light.  Needs to add weight no matter what position he plays
-Not a great anchor.  Can be pushed back.  Needs to get stronger
-Was moved from Left Tackle to Guard
-Struggles blocking in space.  Whiffs a lot.
-Isn't a overpowering blocker.
-Doesn't always finish his blocks.

Summary
Dallas Thomas is an intriguing prospect.  You have to love his athletic ability and his work in pass protection.  Thomas moves very well and does a great job mirror defenders and keeping them in front of him.  He has a strong punch and uses his hands well to keep defenders at bay.  However Thomas' lack of size and strength make him vulnerable to bull rushes because he lacks a strong anchor.  In run blocking he does a excellent job  of putting himself into the right position, but struggles to move defenders off their spot.  Thomas also does well pulling and getting to the next level, however he struggles mightily in engaging defenders in open space.  He whiffs on most of those blocks which usually end up making the tackle.  Thomas best position will probably be at guard but he'll need to add at least 20 pounds which could help with his strength and anchor. Look for him to go somewhere in the late 2nd round or early 3rd to a team that either runs a zone blocking scheme or is more pass heavy.

Player Profile: Barrett Jones

Barrett Jones

Height:  6'5
Weight:  302
School:  Alabama
Position:  Center or Guard
Rank:  #1 Center
Projection:  Top 40

Strengths
-Versatile.  Has played Left Tackle, Guard, and Center for Alabama
-Experienced.  41 starts on one of the best offensive lines in college football.
-Accomplished.  Outland Award (top overall lineman) as a LT and Rimmington Award (Best Center) Winner
-Great character.  Very active off the field.  Team player (willing to move positions so often)
-Ideal Height (6'5)
-Fundamental sound.  Uses excellent technique to mask athletic disadvantages
-Knows how to use his hands well.  Good placement.
-Extremely intelligent.  Always knows assignments and very good at making calls.
-Works hard and is always getting better.  Student of the game.
-Can get nasty when he needs to.
-Mentally tough
-Natural Knee bender

Weaknesses
-Not the greatest athlete.
-Durability.  Shoulder, ankle, and foot have all been issues.
-Could stand to add more weight
-Struggles against speed rushers
-Shorter arms make him less likely to play LT in the NFL
-Doesn't have elite speed.

Summary
It's safe to say that Barrett Jones doesn't necessarily pass the eye ball test.  He doesn't have the elite body size or athletic ability that other offensive line prospects.  However Barrett Jones is a gamer that just knows how to get the job done.  He isn't an elite athlete, but he makes up for it by being highly intelligent and having excellent technique.  Jones is a student of the game and is always learning.  He is great at picking up line stunts and blitzes.  Jones also brings a versatility that no other prospect can offer.  Jones has played left tackle, guard, and center.  Jones was the Outland Trophy for best offensive lineman in college football as a LT and then won the Rimmington Award for best center this past year.  Nobody can say they've won those prestigious awards for two separate positions.  Also factor in that Jones preformed at a high level in the SEC shows that he is truly a gamer.  Jones is probably best suited to play center in the NFL because his high football IQ and leadership.  However Jones could also play guard and be successful too.  If it wasn't for a some nagging injuries in his past and a stress fracture in his foot we could see Jones go in the early 20s.  However Jones probably goes in the early second round.  A team to watch is Baltimore at #32 who could be looking for a new center to replace Matt Birk.

Player Profile: DJ Fluker

DJ Fluker

Height:  6'5
Weight:  355
School:  Alabama
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Rank:  #4 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  Late 1st, Early 2nd

Strengths
-Extremely long arms (36 3/8) that allow him to keep defenders off his body
-Experienced.  Started 36 games in the SEC.
-Massive size allows him to anchor in against power rusher.  Rarely pushed back
-Very strong upper body.  Once he locks on, your done
-Moves well for his size.
-Good quickness off the ball
-Good punch that can rock defenders back
-Good instincts that help him predict what the defender wants to do
-Never gives up.  Plays through whistle.

Weaknesses
-Played only Right Tackle in college.  Can he play LT in the NFL?
-Weight Issues.  Can he keep it at a maintainable number?  Weighed 400 LB at one point.
-Inconsistent.  Can dominate at times and then let lesser players beat him.
-Doesn't have the best balance.
-Tends to lung
-Not a natural knee bender.  May make it hard if he has to move inside to guard.
-Conditioning.  Can get wore out by the end of the game.

Summary
Fluker is a massive man who is a pretty good athlete for being so big.  He's started since his sophomore year on one of the best offensive lines in the past decade.  Because of his size, athletic ability, and long arms many people feel that Fluker could slide over to the Left Tackle spot in the NFL.  However you have to be concerned if that was true, why hasn't he played there in college?  Even when they moved Barrett Jones from LT to C.  The problem with DJ is that he does move good for his size, but that doesn't mean that he moves well.  He struggles to mirror pass rushers and move good latterly.  He struggles against speed rushers.  That is exactly the things he needs to be good at to play LT in the NFL.  Fluker is a very good run blocker using his massive size to engulf defenders and move them off their spot.  With that said, Fluker's best position is probably Right Tackle.  He's not a natural knee bender but if he can fix some technique flaws he may be able to move inside where he could be an elite guard.  Look for Fluker to go somewhere in the early second round, but if some teams feels that he can play LT he could go in the early 20s.  A team like Detroit who needs help at both guard and right tackle could be an option in round 2.

Player Profile: Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper

Height:  6'3
Weight:  320
School:  North Carolina
Position:  Guard
Rank:  #2 Guard
Projection:  Top 25

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started and played every game (except 3) since redshirt freshman year.
-Very strong and powerful blocker.  Moves defenders off their spot.
-Does a great job of keeping defenders in front of him.
-Moves well latterly in pass protection
-Strong anchor and doesn't get pushed back
-Uses quickness to fire off ball and attack defenders
-Active feet that never stop
-Does a great job of recognizing blitzes and stunts
-A scrappy player who plays through the whistle
-Very good in pass protection.  Good drops and active hands
-Strong punch that jars defenders back.

Weaknesses
-Doesn't have great size.  Only 6'3
-Can get too high
-Could be more consistent in run blocking
-Can struggle to sustain blocks in the run game

Summary
When most people think about the guard position in the 2013 draft they tend to go right to Alabama's Chance Warmack.  However Jon Cooper is not too far behind Warmack.  Cooper is a very talented guard who excels both in run and pass blocking.  He's at his best in pass protection where he uses his athletic ability to keep defenders in front of him and keep the pocket clean.  He does a great job recognizing what the defenders are doing and react and help where ever needed.  As a run blocker he could get better, but he has good mobility and is able to pull and get the second level.  He does provide a good initial hit which allows him to gain an early advantage.  Cooper is an outstanding prospect and will go somewhere in the middle of the first round.  He could go as early as St. Louis at #16, but shouldn't fall Colts or Packers in the 20s.  If teams feel that Cooper could possibly play center, that could raise he stock even more.  The Cowboys and Bears are very logical landing spots for him.

Scouting Report: Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson

Height:  6'6
Weight:  302
Position:  Offensive Tackle
School:  Oklahoma
Ranking:  #3 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  1st Round

Strengths
-Ideal frame for a Offensive Tackle.  Should be able to add weight.
-Has played both left and right tackle in college
-Long Arms (35") that allows him to keep defenders off his body.
-Elite athletic ability for the position.  Moves well laterally and in drops
-Does a great job of mirroring defenders and keeping them in front of him
-Has a nasty streak (surprising since he was  former QB)
-Makes everything look easy
-Reacts well to double moves
-Explodes off the line
-Successful pulling and trapping.  Can get to the next level.
-Good at blocking in space.  Especially in the second level
-Natural Knee bender
-High football IQ

Weaknesses
-Inexperienced.  Is a former QB, TE, and DE.  Played TE in JUCO.
-Light.  Could stand to add more weight.
-Not a powerful run blocker.  Tends to lung at times
-Lacks a strong anchor.  Can be beat by a good bull rush.

Summary
Not a whole lot of people know who Lane Johnson is, but that hasn't stopped him from shooting up draft boards and locking himself into a first round grade.  Lane Johnson is a former high school quarterback and played tight end at his Junior College.  Once Johnson got to Oklahoma they tried him out at defensive end before moving him to tackle where he really settled in.  You can tell that Johnson is a former skill player because he moves so well.  Lane Johnson is at his best when he is in pass protection where he can use that athletic ability to mirror defenders and keep them out of the backfield.  He can struggle in run blocking because he isn't overly strong yet, but does a good job with his technique and shielding off defenders.  Because of his athletic ability and potential scouts are really raving over him.  It was the Senior Bowl where Johnson really made people notice.  Johnson consistently locked down the top rushers and was only out shined by fellow tackle Eric Fisher.  Look for Johnson's name to go pretty quickly come draft day.  He could go as high as #7 to the Cardinals, but shouldn't fall past the Giants, Bears or Rams in the early 20s.  But San Diego is the strongest possibility.

Player Rankings (Defensive Top 5)

Tackle
1.  Sharrif Floyd, Florida
2.  Star Lotulelei, Utah
3.  Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
4.  John Jenkins, Georgia
5.  Jonathan Hankins, Ohio State

Analysis:  Hankins is sliding down the draft boards, but that was more of him being overrated than anything.  The opposite of that is Sharrif Floyd who has shot up draft boards and with Star Lotulelei's heart issue will probably be the first DT taken.  One thing that amazes me is that a lot of people don't know how good Sheldon Richardson is.  He realistically could go in the top 10.

Nose Tackle
1.  John Jenkins, Georgia
2.  Jonathan Hankins, Ohio State
3.  Jesse Williams, Alabama
4.  Kwame Geathers, Georgia
5.  Montori Hughes, Tennessee-Martin

Analysis:  Most of the time the top nose tackle doesn't go in the first round.  This year we could see two.  Jenkins has top 15 talent, but him being out of shape and other off the field issues could have him slided.  Hankins isn't your tradional 2 down NT, but he can still be very successful at the position.

3-4 End
1.  Star Lotulelei, Utah
2.  John Jenkins, Georgia
3.  Jonathan Hankins, Ohio State
4.  Datone Jones, UCLA
5.  William Gholston, Michigan State

Analysis:  The player really to watch is Datone Jones from UCLA.  He probably only fits in the 3-4, but he'll be very good because he can rush the passer an still be able to play two gaps.  One player that a lot of people aren't talking about is William Gholston.  He can play in the 4-3, but he's probably a better fit in the 3-4 because he isn't a explosive pass rusher, but does great taking on contact and still being able to make plays.  He could be a poor mans Calais Campbell.

4-3 End
1.  Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
2.  Bjoern Werner, Florida State
3.  Barkevious Mingo, LSU
4.  Dion Jordan, Oregon
5.  Alex Okafor, Texas

Analysis:  We could see three or four ends go in the top 10 this year.  The top is a battle between Moore and Werner.  However don't be surprised if Werner slides because he doesn't project well to the 3-4 and most teams in the top 10 are 3-4.

Rush linebacker
1.  Jarvis Jones, Georgia
2.  Barkevious Mingo, LSU
3.  Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
4.  Ezekial Ansah, BYU
5.  Alex Okafor, Texas

Analysis:  Jarvis Jones is an elite pass rusher and will be a force in the 3-4 because he can also drop into coverage.  However he might not be the first taken because of concerns about his past spinal issues.  Ezekial Ansah is a player who will probably go higher because of his potential.  But he is still very raw.

Outside Linebacker
1.  Khaseem Greene, Rutgers
2.  Arthur Brown, Kansas State
3.  Jelani Jenkins, Florida
4.  Nico Johnson, Alabama
5.  Gerald Hodges, Penn State

Analysis:  Khaseem Green and Arther Brown are two linebackers that are tackling machines who will be excellent on 4-3 teams.  After them there is a big drop off where the next three mgiht not go till the end of the third round.

Inside Linebacker
1.  Alec Olgetree, Georgia
2.  Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
3.  Kevin Minter, LSU
4.  Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
5.  Jonathan Bostic, Florida

Analysis:  We've had some good inside linebackers the past few years and this year might be no different.  This year we could see three guys go in the first round.  Olgetree is a guy that should go in the top 15, but because of some off the field concerns he'll likely go in the later half of the first round.

Cornerback
1.  Demarcus Milliner, Alabama
2.  Desmond Trufant, Washington
3.  John Banks, Mississippi State
4.  Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
5.  Blidi Wreh-Wilson, UConn

Analysis:  Desmond Trufant really showed his capabilities at the Senior Bowl and that really helped his stock.  Wreh-Wilson is another player that has seen his stock shoot up.  But watch out for Xavier Rhodes who many people aren't talking about, but has the skills to be a good NFL corner.  Plus he has good size, so he'll be enticing to teams.

Safety
1.  Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
2.  Matt Elam, Florida
3.  Eric Reid, LSU
4.  Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
5.  Phillip Thomas, Fresno State

Analysis:  Vaccaro is the star of this and will likely be taken early.  Prospects with his cover skills are hard to find and normally go high.  Elam and Reid are two high quality strong safeties who could find their way late into the first round, but more than likely they are 2nd rounders.

Player Profile: Eric Fisher

Eric Fisher

Height: 6'7
Weight: 297
Position:  Offensive Tackle
School:  Central Michigan
Rank:  #2 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  Top 11 Pick

Strengths
-Experienced.  Played and started along the offensive line since freshman year. 28 starts at Left Tackle.
-Long arms (34") that help keep defenders off his body.
-Ideal frame (6'7) with the ability to add weight.  Looks like a Tight End.
-Strong work ethic.  Willing to put in the extra work needed to be good.
-Good athletic ability that allows him to mirror defenders and attack defenders in the second level.
-Technically Sound
-Has good balance.  Rarely gets over extended.
-Possesses a good initial punch
-Fires off the ball and looks to hit you first
-Always keeps his feet moving while blocking
-Does a good job of recognizing what a pass rusher is going to do
-Plays through the whistle.
-Takes pride in finishing blocks

Weaknesses
-Needs to get stronger
-Isn't an overpowering run blocker
-Not a mauler
-Can get too high at times
-Doesn't have that nasty demeanor nor you would like

Summary
Eric Fisher is a talented offensive tackle who is shooting up draft boards.  He has the height and arm length you would want out of a left tackle with the athletic ability needed to shut down the top pass rushers in the league.  Fisher uses his good quick feet to mirror defenders and stay on balance so that he can counter what they are trying to do.  You'd like to see him get stronger which should help him in the running game and with power rushers.  But he is more of a position blocker than a road grader.  Fisher doesn't have the best game film since Central Michigan didn't play any top pass rushers.  However he showed he has what it takes with his performance at the Senior Bowl.  There he was able to shut down some of the top pass rushers in this class and solidified himself as the second best tackle in this draft and a top 10 pick.  Fisher could go as high as #4 to Philadelphia, but shouldn't fall past the Chargers who pick at #11.

Player Rankings (Offensive Top 5)

Quarterback
1.  Geno Smith, West Virginia
2.  Matt Barkley, USC
3.  Mike Glennon, North Carolina State
4.  Tyler Bray, Tennessee
5.  Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Analysis:  After having some pretty good classes the past few years, this one is bad.  None of these guys deserve to go in the first round, but we'll probably see two or three go.  The guy to watch here is Matt Barkley.  Yeah he had a bad year, but he was injured and has some talent.  That just doesn't go away.

Running Back
1.  Eddie Lacy, Alabama
2.  Giovanni Bernard, North Carolina
3.  Le'Veon Bell, Michigan State
4.  Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
5.  Kenjon Barner, Oregon

Analysis:  This is a very solid group of running backs, but there just isn't that dynamic of a back like we've seen in previous years.  Lacy is probably the closest, but he might not even crack the 1st round.  I guy I really like is Kenjon Barner.  Very explosive and can run in between the tackles.  He could surprise and go on day two, but he'll make his mark in the league.

Wide Receiver
1.  Cordarrelle Paterson, Tennessee
2.  Justin Hunter, Tennessee
3.  Keenan Allen, California
4.  DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
5.  Robert Woods, USC

Analysis:  Much like the running backs this is a good group, but no top tier guys.  We could be seeing a lot of #2 caliber WRs in this class.  I really like Justin Hunter.  He's got good size and amazing leaping ability.  He has the potential to be a good deep to intermediate threat who a QB can just throw the ball up and have him go get it.

Tight End
1.  Zach Ertz, Stanford
2.  Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
3.  Gavin Escobar, San Diego State
4.  Joseph Fauria, UCLA
5.  Dion Sims, Michigan State

Analysis:  This might be one of the best tight end classes in a while.  Even without somebody going in the first round.  Ertz, Eifert, and Fauria are all basically over sized receivers who are able to provide match up problems for defenses.  Sims could become more enticing because of his size and ability to block.

Tackle
1.  Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
2.  Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
3.  Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
4.  DJ Fluker, Alabama
5.  Menelik Watson, Florida State

Analysis:  The tackle class is strong and could have been huge if Jake Matthews and Taylor Lewan would have declared.  But none the less we still could see three guys go in the top 11 picks which hasn't happened recently.  Watson is a big wild card being that he is so athletic, but so raw.  He could be a huge boom or bust type player.

Guard
1.  Chance Warmack, Alabama
2.  Jon Cooper, North Carolina
3.  Larry Warford, Kentucky
4.  Kyle Long, Oregon
5.  Dallas Thomas, Tennessee

Analysis:  Warmack is the star of this group and could be the highest guard drafted in history.  But Jon Cooper isn't far behind him.  He is very athletic and a stout pass protector.  He could also find himself in the top 10.    Warford is another name to remember.  A very good run blocker is really growing on guys and is working his way into the top of the second round.  Dallas Thomas was once thought to be a first round pick, but he should be a solid catch in the second round..

Center
1.  Barrett Jones, Alabama
2.  Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
3.  Khaled Holmes, USC
4.  Brian Schwenke, California
5.  Mario Benavides, Louisville

Analysis:  Like most years the talent at center is always top heavy.  Jones is the clear cut best prospect, but his stress fracture could scare some teams off.  Khaled Holmes is the guy to watch.  He was banged up this year, but when he played the Trojans offense was much much better.  Especially running the ball.

Player Profile: Chance Warmack

Chance Warmack

Height:  6'2
Weight:  325
School:  Alabama
Position:  Guard
Position Rank:  #1 Guard
Projection:  Top 20 Pick

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game since his sophomore year.
-Incredibly strong and very powerful
-Moves well for his size.  Very good at moving laterally on pulls.
-Durable.  No injury issues
-Natural Knee bender. 
-Fires off the ball.  Very good quickness.
-Very good anchor.  Rarely gets knocked back.
-High football IQ.  Easily picks up twists, stunts, and blitzes. 
-Powerful punch that rocks back defenders.
-Does well pulling and attacking in the second level.
-Never lets up.  Doesn't take plays off.
-Plays through the whistle.

Weaknesses
-Doesn't have the ideal height (only 6'2)
-Little on the heavy side.
-Can get too high at times.

Summary
Chance Warmack is an extremely talented guard and the best we've seen since Steve Hutchinson in the 2001 draft.  There is a lot to like about Warmack.  For a guy that weighs over 320 lbs, he moves really good and is an excellent puller.  Just watch the National Title Game.  Alabama routinely had Warmack pull and blew up Manti Te'o giving big holes for their running backs.  Warmack is also very powerful and physically moves defenders off their spot.  There really isn't a lot of weaknesses in Warmack's game and you really have to dig or nitpick to find something wrong. If we are ever going to see an guard go in the top 10, this could be there year.  Warmack is considered to be one of the five best players in this draft.  But the big problem is that he's a guard and not a left tackle.  So some teams may find it hard to take him really high because guards aren't valued as high as QBs, LTs, or DTs.  But Warmack won't have to wait too long to hear his named called as he'll be picked somewhere in the 7-16 range.  If he does fall it will be a shock to see him go past the Bears at #20 who need offensive line help badly.