NCAA College Football Articles Opinion & Fantasy – Football Diner

NCAA Scouting
NFL Draft Prospect Tracker – Week 1
by Paul Emery
September 5th 2012
 
   
 
The big change this year is that I’ll comment on underclassmen prior to them declaring. There were two major Draftniks not doing so one (Ourlads) started last year and the other (Wes Bunting, National Football Post) appears to have taken a consultants job with an NFL team and is no longer writing. So, I saw little point in being the only one holding on and it should reduce my workload after the Bowl games in terms of going back and re-watching games. Underclassmen will be identified by a star after their names.
 
Other than that, it’s much the same. I always strive to improve each year, so hopefully I will be able to do so this year major points of emphasis in the off season for me have been WR’s route running and QB’s footwork something which will be included in the Marquess Wilson and Mike Glennon write ups.
 
Washington State at Brigham Young
 
Washington State
 
Marquess Wilson* – WR Wilson had 4 catches for 61 yards but had two big catches called back for offensive line holding penalties. As noted by Joe Tessitore and Matt Millen in commentary his body language wasn’t great as he let his frustration show. Wilson looks fast he gets off the line quickly and closes the cushion quickly, putting pressure on the CB. He wasn’t faced with press coverage much on the night, but when he was he showed good quickness off the line to beat it. He looks to have very natural soft hands as evidenced by the two catches called back one a high point catch in the corner of the end zone and the other a nice over the shoulder catch. The big weakness for me looked to be his route running. I noticed on a curl out route that he didn’t get any separation from the CB with a very sloppy and rounded route. This was then shown again on an out route which was telegraphed to the point that the CB was able to break on the ball and get an interception. Looks to have talent, but must work on his routes and body language.
 
Travis Long OLB/DE rated as a third day prospect (rounds 4-7) coming into the season. Played OLB in a 3-4 look as well as DE in a 4 man line. Had a sack courtesy of a beautiful spin move, was able to spin very tightly and beat the left tackle cleanly. Otherwise he didn’t look super explosive rushing the passer and certainly he didn’t threaten the edge. His lack of speed was also on show against the run the RB beat him to the corner when he looked to be in good position. Flashed the ability to set an edge in the run game, stacked and shed the TE very nicely to make a tackle and also slid off an OT to get another tackle for no gain. However, a few other times against Braden Hansen he didn’t get his arms extended, leading with his shoulder and he just got eaten up. He was asked to drop in coverage, he didn’t look super smooth but good enough for occasional use moving forward. He has a nice frame and a high motor, but not quite enough there in this one to suggest he’s going to radically move up boards.
 
Andrei Lintz TE now playing as a slot WR in the new Mike Leach system had one short catch and got called for holding in front of a swing pass, where he hooked a DB.
 
Daniel Simmons CB late round/PFA pre-season grade. High cut CB (long legs). Released a WR in the end zone expecting safety help which wasn’t forthcoming and this resulted in an early TD always a question whether it was his fault or the safety… Also flashed up on a floating pass from Riley Nelson, but missed which was caught and turned into another TD. Had a number of short out routes caught in front of him break on the ball doesn’t look the best. Pre-season grade looks sound unless he tears up the track at his Pro Day.
 
Brigham Young
 
All prospects have a late round/free agent grade on them, but one did stand out…
 
Riley Nelson QB size is immediately a problem at 6’0 198 lbs. Throws himself around when running the football and quite simply at that size would not stand up against NFL punishment and he might not see the season out at the college level playing with that kind of reckless abandon. Doesn’t look to have a great arm floated a number of passes and was lucky not to get picked off a few times. I can see why the BYU fans love him, but he’s a long shot at the next level for me.
 
Braden Brown OT right tackle and did OK in battles with Travis Long. Looks like he needs to get stronger was jacked upright a number of times in pass protection. A little upright as well and lets defenders get into him a bit too easily looks like he has fairly short arms. Does a nice job playing lower in the run game, gets under people and then turns them out to make some nice holes. Wasn’t tested in terms of speed, which might change things but looks like someone who could push for a practice squad place.
 
Braden Hansen OG is rated slightly higher than Brown, but I wasn’t as impressed by him. His feet go back and out in pass protection he’d get eaten alive doing that by NFL DT’s. Not a flexible kid plays almost hunched over released Travis Long into a tackle.
 
Uona Kaveinga ILB USC transfer and other than a personal foul penalty for a late hit on Wilson he stood out. Very instinctive LB who reads and reacts very quickly. Was able to mirror a RB who tried a stop/start move and he made a tackle for no gain. Looks to be athletic able to get downhill in a hurry. Only 5’11, which hurts his stock but you could see why he was so highly touted coming out of high school.
 
Brandon Ogletree ILB doesn’t look quite as explosive as Kaveinga but highly productive and very tough and uncompromising guy who should get a look on special teams coverage units. Best play was getting underneath a HB, just throwing him off and making a tackle for no gain. Missed a couple of tackles one against a slot WR who was way too quick for him. Also only 5’11 and doesn’t look as fast, so a lower grade then his fellow ILB.
 
North Carolina State vs Tennessee
 
North Carolina State
 
Mike Glennon QB Glennon’s stat line looked OK, if you ignored the 4 interceptions he was 27-46 for 288 yards and a TD. When he had a clean pocket in front of him to step him, he looked really good. He was scanning the whole field, going through progressions and even scrambled a couple of times for decent gains. But when he wasn’t able to step up he really struggled. When he’s in the pocket waiting to throw, his weight is often on his back foot and it remains there throughout the throwing motion. This results in his accuracy being off and also not getting enough steam on the passes. He also stared down a couple of routes, which led to interceptions against a zone defense. There are elements there that make you think he could be a high pick. Many college QB’s play in systems which only ask them to read one side of the field, so he has the advantage there in what is a pro system. But unless he cleans up the footwork issue, then I think you defend him by getting pressure up the middle and forcing him off the back foot, which takes away from his arm strength and accuracy. If he can figure this out, he could be a very good NFL prospect, but he’ll need work.
 
Tobais Palmer WR taking over the TJ Graham role had 4 catches, but didn’t really get on track. Still, Graham had games like this and was still a high pick, so we’ll see how he comes on with the increared opportunities.
 
David Amerson* – CB Amerson looked really good last year, with 13 interceptions and playing with a real swagger. Tennessee took him on deep and he was unable to respond and was beaten for two TD’s and was unable to get an angle on Cordarrelle Patterson’s reverse run for a TD. The first TD he was flat footed, perhaps expecting Patterson to cut off his route, but the newcomer took off deep and Amerson couldn’t recover. The other deep TD it looked like he was expecting safety help, which wasn’t there. It looked like he was at fault as he was the one getting spoken to on the sideline by the defensive co-ordinator. After being beaten his confidence seemed to be shaken he had a number of shorter routes caught in front of him and there was none of the breaking on the ball as he showed so well last year. He did support the run well even earning a pat on the head from Tyler Bray for one stop! But, not a game he will want to remember, but hopefully it won’t knock him too much.
 
Earl Wolff SS in the box safety made a number of tackles, but was at fault on Patterson’s long reverse run as he over-ran the play. Looks physical, but a bit one dimensional can’t see an old school in the box safety having great value although possibly could be an undersized nickel LB.
 
Tennessee
 

Tyler Bray* QB Bray’s stat line was clear on interceptions 27-41-333 yards and 2 TD’s. He is tall, but looks to have a slighter frame than Glennon. Despite looking a little thin, he certainly has a big arm. He can make the 15-20 yard out route throw without a problem and had no issues on the deep ball. I also liked his touch, something not always the case for guys with big arms. He needs a little bit of work in a few areas. The main weakness I saw was that on occasion he dropped the ball down by his hip which caused his release to be slower and also leaves himself open to being stripped. A couple of times he was falling away as he delivered one was a deep post to Justin Hunter, which was on target but dropped but still, doing so will adversely affect his accuracy. Also a couple of times he seemed a little slow deciphering information he looked like he was going to throw, but held the ball a couple of extra beats and then delivered anyway I’d like to see him quicken that up. So, he has some tools but some things to work on and I think adding bulk as Sam Bradford did when he came out of Oklahoma will help his stock.
 
Justin Hunter* WR this was Hunter’s first game back after he tore his ACL last season. He was fairly quiet in the first half, but ended up with 9 catches for 73 yards. His routes looked better than Marquess Wilson’s he changes directions very quickly and doesn’t round his cuts which is a good sign on a surgically repaired knee. However, his hands didn’t look as natural as Wilson’s and he dropped a deep post and another shorter ball. Still, a decent first game back and hopefully he’ll eradicate the drops moving forward.
 
Da’Rick Rogers* WR talented prospect has been kicked off the team and is now at Tennessee Tech. I’ll try and catch up with him later in the season.
 
Dallas Thomas OG Thomas has been moved inside the guard after playing left tackle. On the basis of this performance I think it’s a great move and he should be a really high pick. Thomas was comfortable throughout. His pass protection technique was excellent he did a nice job sinking his butt to anchor and has a very nice initial punch. He has good hand use and really neutralised everything. When asked to slide, he did so effortlessly something that wasn’t always the case against quicker players last year at tackle. In the run game he did a nice job of playing square and had a superb pancake block, where he got under his man and just turned him down to the ground. He was able to get to the second level well and again his hand use was excellent, on one play really working to make sure he got under his man. One or two interior lineman usually sneak into the back end of the first round and on this evidence I think he has to be a candidate.
 
Prentiss Waggner CB Waggner was playing safety last year, but has been moved outside to CB. He was mainly playing in zone coverage and looked quite comfortable. He had an interception on a typical zone defense play he was outside the hashmarks and read Glennon’s eyes, breaking in front of a receiver coming across the field towards him. He had what looked to be a pick six, but the turf monster reached up and made the tackle! He showed he can get a good jam at the line but on the big play caught on him, the problem was caused by missing his jam at the line and then playing catch up on the play. He was trying so hard to catch up with the receiver, when he turned for the ball he mistimed his jump and the ball dropped in over his shoulder to the WR. Still, he looks to have loose hips and some talent it is possible he could be moved back to safety as a pro there were a lot of day three safeties drafted with cornerback experience, so playing both positions will be valuable to pro scouts.
 
Boise State at Michigan State
 
Boise State
 
D.J. Harper RB it’s very difficult to judge Harper. He had 15 carries for only 8 yards but really had little chance to get going as the excellent Michigan State defense was constantly in the backfield. He did have two catches but dropped another. He was OK on kick returns, but his long was only 27 yards. His pass protection was weak he left his feet and went for cut blocks and missed one, which resulted in his QB getting hit. Unfair to judge him running the ball when even Doug Martin would have struggled to get going.
 
Joe Kellogg OG late round/free agent type who looks like he needs to get stronger. He was literally run over one time in pass protection and even against LB’s he was getting stood up straight and driven back. I’m not sure I’d spend a pick on him, but he might get a camp look.
 
Jerrell Gavins CB 5’8 170 lb CB plays bigger than his size. Sticks his nose in against the run and certainly doesn’t back down. He looks solid in coverage he stayed with his man nicely on a double move. His size is always going to be an issue he was trying to jam his man at the line, but wasn’t always successful in getting a good shot in and he will struggle at the next level if asked to do this. He was called for pass interference on one play he was in decent position, but put his hand on the WR when there was no need and got flagged. He was rated as a sleeper in some circles last year before getting hurt, I don’t think he’ll be anything higher than a third day pick because of his lack of size but he does have ability.
 
Michigan State
 
Le’Veon Bell* RB Bell started off the season with a big day both in terms of carries and yards. He was asked to run the ball 44 times and also added 6 catches to get to 50 touches! Bell is a big back at 237 lbs and although he had a couple of decent gains outside the tackles, most of his success was inside. He’s quite tall at 6’2 and at times is a little bit high and exposed to hits but he can get low and carry tacklers as he did on one of his TD runs. He has a nice spin move and shows good vision he was bottled up on one run, but was able to cut back and get a big first down. He was patient at times, but on a couple of carries he got ahead of his blockers, thus negating their presence. His pass protection was much better than Harper’s he stayed on his feet and stuck his nose in there. One pick up was very impressive reading a LB blitz the other side of the formation and came across in front of his QB to make the pickup. He’ll not run a great 40 time and might need to be paired with a smaller/quicker back but certainly he had a fine game and looks a solid all around back.
 
Dion Sims* – TE doesn’t look to be a dynamic threat down the seam, but was a reliable short/medium range target for his QB with 7 catches for 65 yards. He has a nice frame and his catching radius his large with long arms and big hands. His blocking is a little inconsistent he had a decent battle with J.C. Percy and lost out a few times. I don’t know coming out early would be the best move for him as come Combine time I don’t see him running a fast time, so his stock could be limited. I think he’s probably a mid round type who will be a good check down type, perhaps paired with a young QB.
 
Fou Fonoti OT late round/free agent pre-season grade looks about right for him. Has his hands up ready in pass protection, but his feet get stuck and he struggles against speed. Also ducks his head into contact, leaving him off balance. Lost the leverage battle some as well must work to play lower may need to add some bulk.
 
Chris McDonald OG rated slightly higher coming the year than Fonoti and that’s about right. He has quite a narrow base in pass protection, which leads to him losing the leverage battle too often. He doesn’t look particularly quick either he was beaten a couple of times, the worst one being a whiff on a swim move. He looked better in the run game though, doing a nice job of playing square. Might sneak into the late rounds if his workout numbers are good.
 
William Gholston* – DE made some plays early on but then vanished. Has a really nice frame but doesn’t always use it to his advantage. Can get his arms extended to keep blockers off but too often just puts his shoulder into his man and gets swallowed up. Lacks a top burst around the edge, but has enough about him to get to the QB when he used his arm length. Had a roughing the passer penalty called against him and he’ll need to keep himself in check better this year that wasn’t the best start. Talented, but yet to really put it all together every week.
 
Anthony Rashad White DT White impressed me lining up next to Jerel Worthy last year Ben Jones really struggled to block him last year in the Bowl game. I don’t know how much value an old school two down run stuffer will have on Draft day though these kinds of prospects are now going later in a pass happy league. He doesn’t look dangerous at all rushing the passer but is very tough to move in the run game. He was able to get off single team blocks a few times and that demand of a double team will see him valued by two gap 3-4 teams like the Chiefs (incidentally, I mentioned one gap Dontari Poe didn’t fit their system and so it is he’s third string and struggling to two gap, rather than fly up the field). White is coming through at the wrong time, but still in a run heavy division like the AFC North might carve himself a niche role.
 
Johnny Adams CB like Gavins, Adams is limited by his lack of size. Very similar to Gavins he doesn’t back down he likes to press but at 175 lbs that’s a problem at the next level. Even in this one a couple of times he was overpowered at the line and had one ball caught on him when he was playing catch up after losing balance at the line. I like his aggression, but if he plays that game at the next level he’ll struggle, so he’ll need a fast 40 time to hope to be taken where he’s rated by many in the middle rounds.
 
Dan Conroy PK hit a nice 50 yard field goal which was nice and high, it had plenty of distance as well, it would have been good from a few yards further back. But he then missed a 43 yarder, which stayed left, to spoil his day. He doesn’t kick-off so he’s one I’ll need to watch a few times to build up a picture.
 
Auburn vs Clemson
 
Auburn
 
Onterio McCalebb RB listed at 175 lbs, by the look of his very slight frame he might actually be 10 lbs lighter. Auburn did a nice job of managing his carries last year and keeping him healthy and that’s exactly what will be needed to be done at the next level. He’s very quick and has the straight line speed to turn the corner. He’s also very direct and isn’t afraid to hit the hole hard even when running in between the tackles. He’s a niche type player who will be an interesting weapon at the next level, but his weight may mean he’s not taken before day three.
 
Emory Blake WR 4 catches for 109 yards and a score. Only had 36 catches last year, but at an average of 17 yards per reception. Made a nice double move for his TD catch he stuck his foot in the ground to the corner, which the CB bit on and then he took it to the post where he was wide open. He could have had two other catches one he had a step deep, but the ball was overthrown the other he adjusted to the ball in the air in the end zone, but couldn’t bring the pass in. He showed he can sit down in the soft spot of zone coverage as well as attack man coverage with his speed. Because of that athletic ability might be a better NFL Draft prospect than his production might suggest.
 
Philip Lutzenkirchen TE 4 catches for 71 yards. Lined up as an inline TE, HB, one of two FB’s and in the slot. Doesn’t look to have blazing speed, but does enough to get often at times is schemed open like his first reception where he leaked out into the flat with the QB on a naked bootleg (former Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is the new OC at Auburn I recognised this play from Bears Draft pick Evan Rodriguez last year). His blocking was decent. He did a nice job on a safety on a fly sweep, allowing McCalebb to get the edge. A couple of times he was overpowered and one time he got a bit lazy just sticking his back into his man in a get in the way cursory effort. Should benefit from the new offensive system even in a run heavy offense, but at 250 lbs he will need to run fast at the Combine to push for a second day slot.
 
Corey Lemonier* – DE 6’4 242 lbs in the pass happy NFL, there’s a role for him at the next level. May need to play 4-3 LB and then rush the passer in the nickel. Looks very quick off the edge. Had a sack showing good balance the tackle tried to cut him, but he stayed on his feet and closed quickly on the QB to make the play. One dimensional speed rusher struggles to counter when tackles get their hands on him. Showed a spin move, but doesn’t have a wide array of moves. High motor against the run, will chase down the line. Tries to use his hands but predictably gets overpowered at times but worryingly did give up the edge to 235 lb Brandon Ford one time. Isn’t as quick as Bruce Irvin but still has some potential. In an ideal world coming back for his senior year and adding 10-20 lbs would help his stock.
 
Clemson
 
Andre Ellington RB dynamic playmaker had a fantastic game. Has had health concerns throughout his career and this will be the only thing that stops him being a very high pick. 26 carries for 231 yards that workload throughout the year might mean it’s tough for him to stay healthy at 190 lbs. Hits the hole hard in between the tackles. Has the speed to turn the corner and was a threat to break it the whole game. Showed terrific balance on two plays managed to use his hand to stay up and gain extra yardage once when he was thrown to the ground by a LB. Puts his head down to finish his runs quite tough to find in with the big boys. Cuts sharply without having to drop speed. Size is a limitation in pass protection but he stays on his feet and gives good effort but may be most effective just chipping a DE as he did a number of times and then running a route in the flat. Difference maker and the type who could push a playoff team over the top.
 
Brandon Ford TE replacing Colts Draft pick Dwayne Allen as the starter had a mixed night, but does have talent. 5 catches for 51 yards but dropped three eminently catchable balls. He put his first chance to make a catch on the ground just bounced right off his hands and he had another like this. The other drop he went for the cradle and the ball just slipped right through him. Looks a little bigger than his listed 235 lbs appears to have a big enough body to box defenders out. Got down the seam nicely on one play for a 22 yard gain so is more than a short range target. Gave good effort as a blocker often used to come across the formation to lead running plays. Set the edge vs Corey Lemonier very nicely on one play. Must cut out the drops, but if he can do that then he should steadily rise up boards.
 
Dalton Freeman C listed at 285 lbs and may not even be that. Has a thin frame for an offensive lineman. Will struggle to anchor against NFL DT’s, so unless he can bulk up as David Molk (Michigan) did between season and Draft his stock will be limited. Perhaps because of the lack of bulk, doesn’t have a great deal of pop to his came doesn’t stun defenders on initial contact. Also, didn’t look super athletic in front of a screen pass that’s a concern. Did a nice job on combo blocks chipped a DT and then out to a LB able to make several nice blocks but more of a position wall off blocker than a mauler. Looks a little upright in pass protection perhaps as he doesn’t have enough sand in his pants to sit in his stance and anchor. Must add more bulk.
 
Malliciah Goodman DE impressed me in off season film study to a degree and much the same story here. Is by no means a Corey Lemonier fast twitch guy off the edge is often the last defensive lineman out of his stance and doesn’t really threaten the edge. On one play he had good hand use to keep the tackle off him, but by the time he was around the edge the ball was gone lacks the explosion of a top prospect. This was also in evidence on a running play, where he couldn’t explode to the ball carrier. Looks to have long arms and does show he can set an edge and keep blockers off him. Rotates, so has the advantage over some prospects who have to play every down. Not as good as Andre Branch last year lack of explosion might mean day three, but he can make an NFL rotation in a 4 man front.
 
Alabama vs Michigan
 
Alabama
 
Eddie Lacy* – RB after playing second fiddle to Trent Richardson last year was hoping to be the go to guy but only had 9 carries as freshman T.J. Yeldon stole the show. Ran for 35 yards and a TD, also had one reception but fumbled the ball after making a spin move. Also dropped a pass when lined up outside. Not fancy when there was nothing on, he doesn’t try and reverse field just gets low and drives his legs to get what he can. Follows his blockers nicely got behind his FB on his TD run and then broke a CB’s ankle tackle. Listed at 5’10 and running as low as he does it’s tough to get under him when tackling him. Paired with a guy like Andre Ellington he could form part of a nice NFL duo but his carries and therefore yardage will need to go up before he can seriously think about coming out early.
 
Michael Williams TE over the Nick Saban era at Alabama, they have produced a number of undersized HB types for example 2012 7th rounder Brad Smelley. Williams is a different animal at 6’5 268 lbs and he looked athletic on a corner route, where he was open but the pass was just overthrown. He only had the one catch wide open in the end zone for a 2 yard TD. He did a nice job as a blocker though a number of times he was able to set the edge. For a taller guy he did a nice job of getting under his man and then keeping his feet moving to get movement. Against DE’s it looked like he could do with getting a little stronger but he has the frame to add strength and weight. Limited production last year (16 carries), but I think NFL teams looking for a TE weapon will be keeping a close eye on his develop this year.
 
D.J. Fluker* OT huge right tackle prospect lacks top upside as he’s not a great mover but while he won’t appeal to some teams who like lighter lineman for some he’ll be able to do a job. Has nice pass protection technique sits in his stance nicely. On the day he only got beaten the one time, by Craig Roh, and it was for speed. Up against Corey Lemonier later in the year will be a tougher ask for him. Gets nice and square in the run game is under control when getting to the second level. Technically sound, slightly limited against speed, but you’ll know what you are getting when you Draft him.
 
Barrett Jones C starting at his third position on the front after previously playing right guard and left tackle. Showed he needs to get used to the new position on the very first play of the game was off balance after the snap must learn to consistently keep his feet under him and not lunge post snap. Did show he can do this though gets his hands up quickly after the snap and had a number of nice blocks. Very effective in the run game can move people inside and can also get to the second level and engage effectively. Perhaps a touch upright in pass protection will be interested to see him against some of the better SEC interior lineman. Versatility is a major plus and should improve as he gets used to the new position.
 
Chance Warmack OG the 320 lb mauler looked very good in the run game. He makes every effort to get square and can move people with his raw power. He gets to the second level well for a big man, can absorb the initial contact with LB’s easily and then have his way with lighter defenders. In pass protection he gave up a sack to Will Campbell. His feet just couldn’t move fast enough and he lost technique with his waist bent heavily. Campbell was able to loop around him and make the play. So some limitations there athletically by the looks of it, like Fluker, but he will appeal to some NFL teams.
 
Jesse Williams NT Williams didn’t see any action in the second half as he suffered a mild concussion. Like his predecessors at the NT position he’s very tough to move and although he showed good initial pop, he didn’t have much joy in terms of getting off blocks and making plays. He rotated in what action he did see, so very tough to make a judgement there’s no question I’ll be watching Alabama a few more times this season, so plenty of time left to impress for the Australian native.
 
C.J. Mosley* ILB Mosley impressed. Very interestingly on one play action pass, both he and Johnson reacted to the pass at the same time but it was clear Mosley looked far more comfortable dropping and looked to have looser hips. That ability in coverage was on show when he read Denard Robinson like a book and had a nice interception. He showed he can read and react quickly and also then get downhill and deliver solid tackles. Has the opportunity to step into Dont’a Hightower’s shoes and if he keeps playing like this he certainly can.
 
Nico Johnson ILB Johnson comes off the field in the nickel and dime defenses and as mentioned above with Mosley he doesn’t look to have loose hips, so I could see why that’s the case. As such he wasn’t on the field a huge amount. He did make two very nice plays getting off a block to make a tackle for no gain and then reading a run very nicely to again make a tackle for no gain (a real theme on the night for the Crimson Tide defense). Further on the negative side not only did he run right past a screen play, but he hit Robinson high and late and drew a personal foul never the best idea when you are coached by Nick Saban! Looks to be more a day three type the old two down LB is now a one down LB so he loses value in the pass happy NFL.
 
Dee Milliner* CB Alabama just keep producing DB’s and Milliner had a fine game to show he can be a number one CB post Dre Kirkpatrick. He started off his day with a nice pass breakup in Cover-3 defense as dictated by the defense he was side on and was able to dive in front of the WR to break up the pass. He then had an interception on a play which would have drawn an illegal contact penalty in the NFL but in college you can jam WR’s beyond the 5 yards and boy did he jam! He sent the WR on his back and that left him wide open for an easy pick! He had another breakup in Cover-3 just drifting back to tip away a pass. He also broke up a slant in man coverage and the more he can show of that the higher his stock will rise. But at 6’1198 lbs and playing like this he’s going to be a high pick.
 
Robert Lester FS Lester also missed the second half due to a shoulder stinger. He didn’t look as effective as Mark Barron when in the box but his strength looks to be playing deep centre field. His range looks very good and he was in great position to break up a corner route. Like Williams, tough to judge on limited action, but from off season tape study it’s clear he’s a real ball hawk.
 
Michigan
 
Denard Robinson QB Pat White and Armanti Edwards are the two guys Robinson compares to and as a GM that would scare me out of taking him in the first two or three rounds. As a QB he’s not as good as White was in college even he had several opportunities to complete passes down the field, but just flat out missed them. There was also very little of his ability running the ball against a top defense. At 5’11 195 lbs he’s going to struggle to play QB at the next level he’s not anywhere close to Russell Wilson last year so a change of position would seem to be the only way forward for him and that’s something I’ve learned to be very wary of…
 
Roy Roundtree WR only 2 catches for 12 yards caught both balls away from his body and did get open on a corner route, but Robinson missed him. But clearly a tough outing.
 
Taylor Lewan* OT Lewan has drawn Jake Long comparisons, but he’s a different type of tackle. Listed at only 302 lbs he’s more like USC’s Charles Brown who was drafted a couple of years back. A few times the lack of bulk was a negative in pass protection he got stood up straight and pushed back to his QB. One particularly time early in the game he got jacked off balance and then had to grab anything to stop a sack and got called for a facemask penalty. He was also off balance a couple of other times, although on a running play he recovered to lock up the impressive C.J. Mosley. He didn’t look like the top prospect some have made him out to be and certainly the weight is a red flag, particularly as colleges usually list their players as taller/heavier than they actually are.
 
Craig Roh DE I was impressed with Roh in off season tape study, but he had a long day against Alabama’s first time starter at left tackle, Cyrus Kouandjio. Even when he got a good jump off the ball he got nothing from the sophomore. He did manage to beat Fluker outside one time, but didn’t have the burst to get to the QB in time. To his credit, he kept working hard but like the team as a whole, it was a rough day for him.