Player Profile: Billy Turner

Height:  6'5
Weight:  315
School:  North Dakota State
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Ranking:  #11 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  3rd or 4th Round

Strengths
-Four year starter with 56 starts
-Has the ideal height (6'5) and weigh (315) and length (34") of NFL offensive tackles
-Moves well for somebody his size. Can get to the second level and pulling down the line
-Uses his quickness (1.75)  to fire out of his stance in both the run game and in pass protection
-Shows off good footwork that allows him to mirror pass rushers and stay in front of them
-Heavy hands that he uses to rock defenders back
-Shows good power in the run game.  Hits defenders with authority   
-Always has his feet moving. Allows him to move defenders off their spot
-Size allows him to overwhelm smaller defenders
-Solid anchor which will improve with added strength
-Plays through the whistle.  Always looking for somebody to hit
-Displays a nasty streak that teams love out of offensive lineman
-No injury issues to speak of

Weaknesses
-Played in FCS. Can he play LT in the NFL?
-Inconsistent pad level.  Will get to high in pass protection and cause balance issues
-Tends to lung which causes him to lose balance
-Could stand to reshape his body and add more strength. Should help anchor
-Footwork could stand to improve.  Especially on kickstep
-Still raw. Could stand to clean up his technique
-Begins to struggle when having to drop deep in pass protection

Summary
When most players are coming from a lower level of football into the NFL you have to wonder if they can handle the increase is speed and strength.  I'm not too sure you have to worry about that with North Dakota State's Billy Turner.  Turner was a big part in North Dakota State winning two straight National Title's opening holes in the run game and keeping the pocket clean.  Turner is at his best when he's run blocker.  He shows good strength and power to open holes.  Pair that with good athletic ability and quickness and he can be a road grader.  Against a quality Kansas State team Turner blew up and knocked defenders off their feet.  He does get too high at times and loses some leverage but his ability to pull and get to the second level will attract teams.  Turner shows good pass blocking skills, but his technique needs some major work.  He does a good job with his heavy hands and length to keep defenders back, but in the NFL he'll need more than that.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Turner play LT in the NFL, but he'll likely be a right tackle or guard.  He could develop into a Pro Bowler at guard if moved there.  Because of his talent level and potential I see him going somewhere in that 3rd or 4th round.  He'll likely need a year to develop but he could be a steal we talk about in three years.

Player Profile: Ja'Wuan James

Height:  6'6
Weight:  311
School:  Tennessee
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Ranking:  #7 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  Top 50

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game since true freshman year
-Ideal height (6'6) and weight (311) for a tackle in the NFL
-Does a good job of using his length (35" arms) to keep defenders off his body
-Uses good footwork to mirror defenders and keep them in front
-Does a good job of redirecting and adjusting to the pass rush
-Has a good base which allows him to anchor in and not get pushed back off his spot
-Uses active heavy hands to knock defenders back
-Understands how to use his body to shield defenders off and overwhelm smaller defenders
-Able to get to the second level and make a block
-Durable. No injury issues to speak of

Weaknesses
-Only played RT at Tennessee.  Can he play LT?
-Will cross legs or turn his shoulders when having to do a deep drop in pass protection
-Isn't an over powering blocker. Doesn't drive defenders off their spot
-Strength is an issue.  Soft upper body.
-Struggles vs quick defenders.  Can get beat by quick moves inside
-Tends to be a waist bender, not a knee bender.  Causes balance issues
-Will tend to grab when run blocking.  Could be called for holding a lot
-Only an average athlete for the position. Doesn't show much explosion
-Struggles in the run game. A wall off blocker only

Summary
When you think about Tennessee offensive lineman you probably think of Antonio "Tiny" Richardson.  But it's Ja'Wuan James who people should be talking about.  He's the Volunteers best offensive lineman and will easily go higher than Richardson.  James is at his best when he's pass blocking.  He isn't a great athlete but instead uses his size and length to keep defenders off his body, while his footwork allows him to stick with defenders as they make their pass rushing moves.  James lack of athleticism shows up when he has to take a deep drop and will lung or turn his shoulders which can cause him to get beat.  Now for as good as he is in the pass game, he really doesn't offer much as a run blocker.  His lack of power and strength doesn't allow him to create a push on defenders.  Instead he's a wall off blocker who uses position to open up holes and occupy blockers.  Just by watching James play you have to wonder why he played right tackle all four years instead of playing the left side since he was their best tackle?  He looks like he could make the switch and if an NFL team thinks the same he could go higher than expected.  But look for him to go somewhere in the mid to early second round to a team that needs a plug and play right tackle.  Carolina, Miami, and Atlanta are all logical landing spots in that area.

Player Profile: Dakota Dozier

Height:  6'4
Weight:  313
School:  Furman
Position: Offensive Tackle
Ranking:  #10 Guard
Projection:  4th or 5th Round

Strengths
-Experienced.  Four year starter with 44 career starts
-Ideal size (6'4 313) for an offensive guard or center.
-Uses his hands and length (33 7/8") to keep defenders off his body
-Shows good hand placement that allows him lock onto defenders
-Displays good quickness (1.78 10 second) to fire out of his stance.
-Able to get to the second level and pull in the run game
-Does a good job of blocking space
-Good agility which allows him to slide quickly to wall off defenders
-Stout at the point of attack with a good anchor.
-Uses strong hands and good placement to lock down defenders once he makes contact
-Has experience playing tackle in college
-Good motor.  Always blocking till the whistle

Weaknesses
-Lacks the strength (23 reps) to move defenders off their spot in the run game
-Shorter arms forces the move inside to guard
-Was a tackle in college.  Can he move inside to guard?
-Struggles to get deep on kick step which allows speed rushers to get past him
-Becomes off balance when having to do an extended slide
-Doesn't hit with much authority.  Lacks a strong punch
-Lacks a killer instinct or nasty streak you like out of lineman
-Will get beat by quick moves inside or outside
-More of a grabber than a puncher

Summary
To some people when they see an undersized college tackle their immediate thought is to slide them inside to guard.  That's not the case here.  When I see Dakota Dozier play, he looks like a guard playing tackle.  Now that's not a bad thing.  Dozier was Furman's best offensive lineman last year and most teams will put their best lineman at left tackle.  Dozier does well when blocking the defender in front of him whether it's moving forward in the run game or when a defender is coming at him in pass protection.  When he struggles it's because he has move laterally for more than a step in either direction.  Then he gets off balance and will lung or grab.  By moving inside to guard he won't be asked to kick step or shuffle much.  Dozier is also a good athlete and has shown the ability to pull and get out into space.  Dozier isn't an overpowering blocker, but should be able to fit into any blocking scheme.  However with his athleticism and the ability to make blocks in the second level, Dozier would be a good fit in a zone blocking scheme.  Add in that Dozier could even slide into center that and that would increase his stock with teams.  Look for him to go somewhere in the 4th round area to a zone blocking team like Seattle, Dallas, and Denver could all be possibilities. 

Player Profile: Weston Richburg

Height:  6'3
Weight:  298
School:  Colorado State
Position:  Center
Ranking:  #2 Center
Projection:  Day 2 Pick

Strengths
-Experienced.  Started every game since red-shirt freshman year (39 games)
-High football IQ.  Makes all the line calls
-Does a good job of keeping head on a swivel during pass protection
-Uses his long arms (33 3/8) to keep defenders at bay in pass protection
-Has active heavy hands used to keep defenders back during pass protection
-Good speed and quickness for the position.  Was QB during freshman year of HS
-Able to get set up in a pass protection quickly
-Uses athletic ability to get to the second level and to pull and trap block
-Does a good job of blocking in space. Very good in the screen game
-Able to reset his anchor after initial push back
-Has experience playing Guard (3 starts) and tackle (2 starts).   
-Tough.  Played through broken right hand.  Had to snap left handed
-High motor.  Always moving and looking for somebody to block.
-Great durability.  Never missed a game in four years

Weaknesses
-Will need to put on weight to go against bigger NTs
-Doesn't have the strength (25 reps) to move defenders off their spot
-Gets too high with his pad level.  Decreases good leverage
-Lacks a solid anchor.  Will get pushed back by a good bull rush
-Lacks that nasty streak you want in a lineman

Summary
For a player who was a 5'10 150lb high school freshman and had never played center before coming to Colorado State is now one of the top center prospects in the NFL Draft. Richbrug is a good athlete for somebody his size.  He's at his best when on the move pulling, trapping, and getting the second level.  Because of that his best fit is in a zone blocking scheme.  Richburg is a good run blocker using leverage and technique to seal off defenders and open up running lanes.  However he lacks good strength and power to move defenders off their spot.  He needs to add some weight to his 298 pound frame.  Putting on ten or fifteen pounds to go with his athletic ability should  help.  In pass protection Richburg uses that quickness and lateral agility to stay in front of blockers.  However he lacks a good anchor and will get pushed back.  He had to rely on the guard coming over to help too often this past year.  However even with Richburg being a redshirt senior, he still has a lot of potential given that he can add weight.  Teams will like him because of his athletic ability and how he can make blocks in space. His best game as a senior was against Alabama and their big defensive line.  Look for him to go somewhere in the third round, but don't be surprised if somebody falls in love with him and he goes in the late second.  A team like New Orleans who needs a new center could be a landing spot in the third round.  But keep an eye on Baltimore who could be looking for a new center and is now running the zone blocking scheme under OC Gary Kubiak.

Player Profile: Dommique Easley

Height:  6'2
Weight:  288
School:  Florida
Position:  Defensive Tackle
Ranking:  #5 Defensive Tackle
Projection:  Day 2

Strengths
-Experienced.  Three year starter.  26 games started.
-Explodes at the snap creating instant penetration
-Shows good power at the point of attack. Can move Guards backwards
-Displays good speed getting the QB
-Does a good job of turning speed into power
-Plays with good leverage and pad level
-Stout at the point of attack. Can hold his ground vs Guards and Tackles
-Versatile player.  Lined up at both DT positions and even DE at Florida
-Active heavy hands.  Uses them to keep defenders hands off his body
-Plays with a little bit of crazy and with an edge.
-High Motor player.  Always moving and working towards the ball
-Good football character and was voted team leader

Weaknesses
-Has torn the ACL in both knees during career at Florida.
-Will need to add weight to play DT.
-Short arms causes him to struggle to disengage from blocks.
-Limited scheme fit.  Likely fits in as a 3 technique in a 4-3
-Can get too aggressive and run himself out of the play
-Needs to develop pass rushing moves. Not rely on athletic ability
-Has some off the field maturity issues during fresh and sophomore years

Summary
Coming into this season Dominique Easley was one of the top draft eligible defensive tackles.  Easley is a top notch athlete who explodes off the ball and is instantly into the backfield.  He has elite quickness and is a handful for offensive lineman.  Add in a non stop motor and he is the perfect fit at the three technique. Easley is not just a one trick pony.  He is good at the point of attack and anchors in well to clog up the lanes. However an early season ACL injury this past season was devastating.  Especially for a player who relies on his athletic ability so much.  Add that to him struggling to shed blocks and limited scheme fit and that raises some concerns.  Before the injury he was looking like a first round pick, but is now likely a late second early third round pick.  If Chicago doens't go DT in round one he'd be a great fit with them. Otherwise a team like Oakland, St. Louis, or Seattle could be landing spots.

Player Profile: Marcus Smith

Height:  6'3
Weight:  251
School:  Louisville
Position:  Defensive End
Ranking:  #4 Outside Linebacker
Projection: Day 2

Strengths
-Experienced. Two year starter.  Played since freshman year.
-Productive and Accomplished. 14.5 sacks in 2013 and AAC Defensive Player of the Year
-Versatile player.  Saw snaps at DE, OLB, ILB, and DT
-Uses his long arms (34") and good power to set the edge vs the run
-Explosive athlete (35" vertical leap) (10'1" broad jump). Came to Louisville as a QB
-Uses his good quickness (1.57 10 yard split) to fire off the ball and create penetration
-Good speed (4.68 40) gets to the ball in a hurry
-Fluid athlete who can move and change directions well.
-Experience playing in a standing position when rushing the passer.
-Has shown the ability to drop into coverage and match up with TEs and some WRs
-Non stop motor.  Always going hard.  Gets a lot of effort sacks.

Weaknesses
-Lack a pass rushing repertoire.  Uses only speed and quickness to get the QB
-Will get too aggressive rushing off the edge which causes him to not bend the edge
-Needs to learn to use his hands better to disengage from blockers.
-Can be a liability in the run game. Can be pushed around and struggles to disengage.
-Won't fit every scheme. likely only a 3-4 fit.

Summary
When you think of the success that Louisville has had over the past couple of years you automatically think of Teddy Bridgewater.  However it was the defense that was the biggest key to their success that starts with the American Athletic Defensive Player of the Year.  There is a lot to like about Marcus Smith.  Smith is a good athlete who uses his speed and quickness to really set a tone.  He's explodes off the ball getting the the lineman before they are ready.  Pair that up with a non stop motor and there is no wonder how he had 14.5 sacks this past season. The downfall to Smith is that he doesn't have any pass rushing moves and relies too much on his speed and quickness.  Smith also becomes too aggressive and will overrun the pocket.  By going as hard as he does off the edge he becomes out of control and can't bend the edge like his athletic ability suggests.  One area of Smith's game that can get overlooked is his ability to play in coverage. When he isn't going 100 mph, Smith shows fluid movement that allows him to run with tight ends and some receivers.  The big downfall for him though is his inability to play in run support.  He does a good job of setting the edge with his long arms, but he struggles to disengage and can be overtaken.  Add that to his lack of size and that likely means he fits only in a 3-4 defense.  Marcus Smith may be under the radar, but look for him to go somewhere on day two.  A team like Tennessee who needs a pass rushing OLB could be an option in the third round, but don't count out Seattle who could have Smith play the Leo position.

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.

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.