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NCAA Scouting
Top Five by Position 2010 Draft – Offense
by Paul Emery
April 12th 2010
 
Here is my top five by position on the offensive side of the ball for the 2010 Draft. This is not a rehash of other websites’ top fives, but a personal view. Therefore some top five players might be top 10 picks come April 22nd, others second or third day picks. I’ll also give my opinion on some mid round value, potential late round/free agent finds, and on those whose talent I’m not so sold on, which could include some big names.
 
Quarterback
 
Overall, this is a poor class. Even the top two have areas for concern which make it difficult to rate them as Sam Bradford has a durability question mark, while Jimmy Clausen has questions about his leadership ability. They are issues that will have a big impact on both players’ success at the next level.
 
1. Sam Bradford Oklahoma. The one thing that gives Bradford the edge is his accuracy it’s excellent. Of course, the offense he played in may well have helped that but as it’s the most important thing you look for in a QB he gets the nod over Clausen. Durability is huge concern, however. His throwing shoulder injury will have to be checked by several doctors before the Rams give him a big contract. He has put on weight since his injury but he may not be able to keep it on.
 
2. Jimmy Clausen Notre Dame. Is very polished in a pro style offense. Has a live arm on short and medium throws. Needs to wind up for deep throws really has to put effort into it. Ball placement is sometimes off a little makes his receivers stop and catch rather than hitting them in stride. The questions about his character appear to be going away as by all accounts he has grown up in the last 18 months, but it still needs checking out.
 
3. Colt McCoy Texas. A big drop off after the top two. Doesn’t have a top arm will need to look at his delivery as he doesn’t step into his throws. Generally accurate on short and medium routes ran a spread offense, so has much to learn at the next level. Has had durability issues throughout his career and may not be able to stand up to NFL punishment. Will need to play in a West coast style offense with a good O-Line in front of him.
 
4. Dan LeFevour Central Michigan. Mobile QB who might get some looks as a wildcat type QB early in his career. Has a nice quick release can stand in the pocket and throw as well as scramble. Doesn’t have a top arm his deep balls tend to be underthrown some. Has ability.
 
5. Rusty Smith Florida Atlantic. Missed the second half of the season with an injury to his non throwing shoulder has therefore lost some momentum in the Draft process. Has good size and a quick release. Has excellent ball placement makes throws where only his receiver can catch the ball. Will occasionally make poor decisions and force. Will be a late round pick or free agent type, but I think he can develop down the road.
 
Mid Round Value Levi Brown Troy. Plays in a spread offense, but after receiving the snap does use his feet more than other spread QBs. Has a very good arm can make all the throws. Needs to learn touch. Will stand in the pocket and take a hit. Has limited experience, but has some tools.
 
Late round/FA Value Tim Hiller Western Michigan. Throws a nice ball has a nice arm also. Has good size, but has had durability issues throughout his career. Has been likened to Tom Brady. Played in a spread offense, so will need to work on footwork and reading defences, but he has some tools to work with.
 
Buyer Beware Tim Tebow Florida. Despite Tebow being one of the best college players ever and the fact that he’s a great kid, I don’t believe he can make it in the NFL. His throwing motion has been talked about greatly in the off-season, but I think it’s too much to ask of someone to completely change the way they throw the football at this stage of their career. When a 300 lb DT is about to hit him, I think his mechanics will revert back and he’ll be in trouble. In addition, he doesn’t throw a great ball and his accuracy is off. I don’t see him as a great Wildcat threat as he doesn’t have great speed like a Joe Webb or Armanti Edwards and his power won’t work so well at the next level. With so many prospects having off the field red flags, I would love him to make it but I just don’t think he will. Anyone who spends a high pick on him might just have their hearts broken.
 
Wildcat QB/Athlete
 
This is becoming a position of its own three interesting prospects.
 
1. Dexter McCluster Mississippi. Too short for WR and too slight for RB very physical for his size, not sure that’s a great style of play he can withstand in the NFL. Will have to be managed, but as a running threat out of the wildcat he would be very dangerous.
 
2. Joe Webb UAB. Had a fantastic pro day might be a WR pro prospect. Shows enough as a QB to be a passing threat out of the wildcat.
 
3. Armanti Edwards Appalachian State. Has a good arm, but is too small to be an NFL QB. Very good athlete, could be a pro WR. Interesting prospect a little similar to former Virginia QB Marques Hagans.
 
Running Back
 
This is a nice RB class there is something for everyone with home run threats, big bruisers and all round backs. Even on the third day of the Draft, backs will still be coming off the board who can be productive in the NFL.
 
1. CJ Spiller Clemson. Very exciting prospect a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Can catch the ball and is also a dangerous return man. Played with turf toe his senior year and still looked superb. Doesn’t have great size, so his touches may need to be managed but Chris Johnson’s success suggests he can be more than a 10-15 touch type. Top talent.
 
2. Ryan Mathews Fresno State. More of a bell cow type than Spiller. Very smooth runner ran well at the Combine. Is able to slip through small holes very nicely. Can break tackles with his quick feet or strength.
 
3. Toby Gerhart Stanford. Has been viewed by many as a FB all season, but showed his speed at the combine to prove he’s a tailback. Throwback type of back strong and very physical. Throws tacklers off tough to bring down. Has quicker feet than one would think for a man of his size.
 
4. Ben Tate Auburn. Has an excellent combination of size and speed. Equally at home running inside or outside. Runs with good body lean can break tackles. Has the speed to turn the corner and run away from defenders. Dangerous as a receiver. Flying under the radar somewhat, but could just surprise.
 
5. Montario Hardesty Tennessee. Has had durability issues, but put together a superb senior season. Gains yards after contact powerful runner. Shows patience and the ability to cut back. His durability issues will need to be checked out, but he would be good to pair with a Spiller type back.
 
Mid round value Charles Scott LSU. His stock has slipped since he broke his collar bone wasn’t able to pass his Senior Bowl physical and ran poorly at the Combine. Scott doesn’t mess around he sees the hole and hits it hard. He runs very low to the ground and gets yards after contact. Has a nice spin move and always gets everything he can out of a run. His lack of top end speed will see him fall to Day Three but I think he has something to offer.
 
Late round/FA Value Curtis Steele Memphis would be ideal for a zone blocking scheme makes his cut and goes plays the game at 100mph. I think he could well be a Mike Shanahan late round type pickup who excels in that system.
 
Buyer Beware Jahvid Best California. The concern here is durability he’s been unable to get through any season without injury including a very serious concussion which ended his 2009 season. Is a home run threat, but I question if he can stay healthy enough.
 
Fullback
 
With the position not highly valued, we’ll just go for a top three at this position.
 
1. John Conner Kentucky throwback FB type big, physical player. Can get to the second level adequately and makes his presence known when he gets there. Physical and durable.
 
2. Ryan Moya UCLA played TE, but projects to FB as a pro due to lack of ideal TE height. Showed up well at the Shrine Game at FB. Reliable receiver. Gets to the second level and makes his block nicely.
 
3. Cory Jackson Maryland. Squares up well to make his block. Seeals the edge nicely. Has enough athletic ability to get to the second level.
 
Wide Receiver
 
I think this is a very poor WR class. Throughout the season, I’ve been disheartened by the poor play of many of the top rated WRs. Therefore, you will see some different names in this top five.
 
1. Golden Tate Notre Dame. Some scouts may not like him as he doesn’t possess ideal WR size. The key here is to see how he plays he has the ability to catch the jump ball and he’s very tough. Extremely dangerous after the catch is also an exciting punt returner. I would like to see him catch the ball more away from his body and as such I don’t rate him as a super prospect but his ability with the ball in his hands puts him above everyone else.
 
2. Freddie Barnes Bowling Green. Lacks top end speed, but has the best hands of any WR in this Draft catches everything away from his body and just doesn’t drop anything. Has long arms and is able to catch passes which are off target a little. Clever route runner particularly against zone coverage. Will be a late round pick because of his slow 40 time, but his hands and crafty route running earn him a top five place.
 
3. Blair White Michigan. Ran faster at the combine than expected, which increases his stock. Possible Day Two pick. Superb at getting out of his breaks quickly and creating separation. The best slot WR in this draft. Catches the ball in his body too much but can make the catch away from his body – will need to work on consistently doing this.
 
4. Andre Roberts The Citadel. Another slot type prospect who has been durable and productive throughout his career. Has excellent hands and nice speed. Level of competition is a question mark, but had a good Senior Bowl week.
 
5. Duke Calhoun Memphis. Likely FA type who was not invited to any all star games or the combine. Has excellent size and speed. Has excellent hands catches the ball with his hands away from his body. Strong off the bump and after the catch. Impressed against top competition (Mississippi and Tennessee).
 
Mid round value Jeremy Williams Tulane. Used in many different ways by Tulane WR, KR and wildcat QB. Dangerous with the ball in his hands dangerous on reverses can turn the corner. Can catch the ball with his hands away from his body, but lets it get into his body too much. Has some durability concerns.
 
Late round/FA Value Shay Hodge Mississippi. Played better as the season went on. Shows the ability to high point catches with soft hands but does let too many get into his body and indeed drops too many. Flashes his skills needs to become more consistent but can make it.
 
Buyer Beware more than one here! Dez Bryant Oklahoma State – has too much off the field baggage; Demaryius Thomas Georgia Tech – no route running experience and inconsistent hands; Arrelious Benn Illinois body catcher; Brandon LaFell LSU top rated Senior WR throughout the season, but drops far too many passes.
 
Tight End
 
A fairly poor class with the consensus top two prospects not playing at all in 2009 due to injury.
 
1. Jermaine Gresham Oklahoma. Top TE almost by default. Missed 2009 season with a knee injury appears to be fully recovered. Dual threat TE good athlete who can cause mismatches in the secondary. Lets too many passes into his body for my liking. Effective blocker shows a nasty nature will finish his blocks. Has a minor off the field red flag.
 
2. Anthony McCoy USC. An all round TE who shows very soft hands but will frustrate and drop some easy passes. Looks smooth after the catch. Very good blocker seals the edge very effectively. Has off the field (recurring academic problems) red flag to be checked out.
 

3. Jimmy Graham Miami (Fl). Former basketball player who has only played one year of college football. Superb athlete. Uses his frame to box out defenders. Flashes soft hands. Limited as a blocker and may always struggle with his height needs to work on knee bend. Has fantastic upside may need a year or two before he can contribute though.
 
4. Dennis Pitta BYU. Over aged already 25 years of age after spending two years on a Mormon mission. Tested better at the combine than expected. Very reliable receiver catches with his hands away from his body. Gives effort as a blocker, but doesn’t dominate. Will probably slip into Day Three due to his age as James Casey out of Rice did last year.
 
5. Jim Dray Stanford. Primarily a blocker dominant in this phase. Is able to get to the second level effectively and block LB’s. Reliable short range receiver has good hands, but does lack top athletic ability as a medium/deep threat. Ideal for a run heavy team.
 
Mid round value Clay Harbor Missouri State. Probable HB type. Doesn’t have great size, but gives solid effort as a blocker. Catches the ball with his hands away from his body. Productive at a lower level of competition. Interesting prospect.
 
Late round/FA Value Nate Byham Pittsburgh. Excellent blocker, but limited as an athlete and receiver. Strong inline blocker can move people off the line and seal the edge effectively. Has reliable hands, but lacks athletic ability to get separation. Blocker and occasional short range target only.
 
Buyer Beware Rob Gronkowski Arizona. His back problems really concern me particularly the talk of nerve damage. He’s a good player, but I am greatly concerned that his career could be cut short by his back problems.
 
Offensive Tackle
 
While I feel this class lacks a D’Brickshaw Ferguson or Joe Thomas level top prospect, there are several very good prospects in a deep class.
 
1. Russell Okung Oklahoma State. Generally he looks a fine prospect, but does have some lapse in technique. Has the ability to drive defenders back in the run game. Has good arm extension in pass protection and locks up his man well. A slight question mark against top speed off the edge was beaten for speed by Greg Hardy in the Bowl Game also bends at the waist at times and somewhat lunges at his man. Overall, a flexible athlete who will suit any NFL team.
 
2. Anthony Davis Rutgers. Davis flashes top ability the concern is his work ethic and fluctuating weight. He can dominate in the run game showing excellent strength to bury his man. Can be over aggressive and lunge at his man though. More inconsistent in pass protection particularly against pure speed. Has a great deal of talent and if he works at it, could be the best T in this group.
 
3. Trent Williams Oklahoma. Very versatile player played Center in the Bowl game. Lacks top athletic ability may be a RT or G. Doesn’t always lock up his man in pass protection tends to keep them alive for second and third efforts. Shows power in the run game. Combine results were better than expected query that he doesn’t play to those numbers.
 
4. Charles Brown USC. If he stayed on his feet more, I would rate him higher possibly even at number one. Leaves his feet far too much though and “belly flops”. Also ducks his head at times giving himself problems. Very athletic and has a nice punch for a smaller OT (303 lbs). Shows drive blocking ability. Sets up very nicely in pass protection quick feet. Duane Brown type.
 
5. Jared Veldheer Hillsdale. Lit up the Combine with a superb workout. I’ve managed to find some tape of him on You Tube and I’ve come away very impressed. Good knee bend and arm extension. Sets up quickly and locks up his man. Will need to adjust to the level of competition but he’s a superb athlete and has the tools to do it.
 
Mid round value Kyle Calloway Iowa. RT prospect. Has excellent technique squares up and dominates in the run game. Has good arm extension in pass protection locks up his man nicely. Can struggle somewhat against pure speed and double moves, but he did very well against Northwestern’s Corey Wootton. My main concern with him is that he was moved inside to RG in the Bowl Game when he would have been matched up against Derrick Morgan, presumably his coaches were concerned about him against a top prospect.
 
Late round/FA Value Chris Marinelli Stanford. Marinelli is a very physical RT prospect dominates in the run game. Has solid pass protection technique when he locks his man up it’s all over. Not a top athlete, but an excellent technician.
 
Buyer Beware Bryan Bulaga Iowa. Bulaga’s combination of short arms and average athletic ability concern me. I personally think short armed OTs need to have very quick feet to make up for their arms and Bulaga doesn’t. Another concern is that Brandon Graham dominated against him. I think he may have to kick inside to G and get stronger.
 
Offensive Guard
 
I think the Guard class is pretty good it might be better as a few borderline Ts could kick inside.
 
1. Mike Iupati Idaho. One of the best prospects in this draft. Best Guard to come out of college in many years. May be viewed as a T by some, but is raw there technique wise. Agile with good knee bend yet very strong. Has it all. Pro Bowl type prospect.
 
2. Zane Beadles Utah. Played LT in college, but projects inside as a pro. Generally has excellent technique although can be a little over aggressive and lunge at his man. Has an excellent initial punch. Finishes his blocks well nasty. Fine prospect.
 
3. Mitch Petrus Arkansas. Excellent player when he doesn’t have to move in space. Has excellent hand placement once he locks on to his man it’s all over. Struggles in space so will need to play for a power team, but he still looks a good prospect.
 
4. Ciron Black LSU. Played LT but will have to kick inside with short arms and less than ideal T speed. Road grader type. Aggressive in the run game good drive blocker. Not as good in pass protection will be better inside matched up against slower players heavy footed and struggled against speed at LT. However he’s been durable throughout his career and I think he has enough talent to start fairly quickly.
 
5. Sergio Render Virginia Tech. Like Petrus, he’s better in a phone booth than in space. Handled Cody well in the Alabama game and indeed played better against 3-4 teams and big NT’s. Struggles more against speed. Needs to be drafted by the right team, but should be able to forge a career for himself as a RG.
 
Mid round value Mike Johnson Alabama. At times Johnson looks like a top prospect, but he has too many breakdowns in his technique which gives him real problems. If he can become more consistent he can be a starter.
 
Late round/FA Value Thomas Austin Clemson. Struggles against speed, but an excellent effort player who has solid technique. Makes every effort to square up to his man. Has played all three interior OL positions and at the very least will be a solid backup who will suit up every week.
 
Buyer Beware Jon Asamoah Illinois. Technique is a concern. Doesn’t always sink his butt and anchor loses the leverage battle. In space he lunges far too often giving himself balance problems. Doesn’t look like a top athlete either. More questions than answers.
 
Centers
 
Last year we had a superb class this year there are some good players, but not in the same quantity. Outside of Pouncey, these guys will be mid/late round types, so just a top five for this position.
 
1. Maurkice Pouncey Florida. Not an Alex Mack, Nick Mangold or even Eric Wood level prospect for me but still the best prospect this year. Flashes top ability though can handle the bigger NT types as well as quicker DT’s. Must work on his technique too often he doesn’t sink his butt when he anchors and just ends up leaning into his man he’ll easily be thrown off if he keeps doing this at the next level. Could also play G.
 
2. Sean Allen East Carolina. Does an excellent job of squaring up to his man and delivering a good initial punch. Has drive blocking ability. Can move well and get to the second level. Has good pass protection technique extends his arms nicely. Under the radar prospect.
 
3. Eric Olsen Notre Dame. Very aggressive drive blocker gets square and finishes. Has a nice initial punch in pass protection, but then loses technique a little too often bending too much at the waist, rather than the knees.
 
4. Ted Larsen North Carolina State. Former DT who brings a defensive players aggression to the position. Still needs technique work, but has ability to get to the second level and excels in drive blocking.
 
5. Jim Cordle Ohio State. Versatile. Played LT as a Senior, but over his four years has played every OL position even snapped left handed at C when a cast on his right hand made it impossible to use that hand. Not overly quick or strong but looks comfortable inside outside he lost technique and lunged too much didn’t need to do this inside and looked a far better prospect. Versatility puts him above other prospects.
 
Buyer Beware Matt Tennant Boston College his snapping in the Bowl Game was poor. He’s also too tall to play Center more of a finesse player might not be physical enough to play Guard. Could well be a classic tweener.
 
Kicker
 
1. Aaron Pettrey Ohio State. Missed the end of the season after a knee injury, but did come back to kick in the Bowl game. Has a good leg on field goals and kick offs.
 
2. Hunter Lawrence Texas. Best kicker in this Draft, but he didn’t kick off for Texas and in the Shrine Game when he did, these were poor so will need to sign for a team who has a Punter who can kick off, which lowers his value. Season highlighted by his 46 yard FG to win the Big XII Championship game. Also a really nice long FG at the Shrine Game. If he can work on those kick offs, I think he’s going to make it.
 
3. Brett Swenson Michigan State. Another who has a weakness kicking off only had 7 touchbacks from 55 kickoffs. Accurate as a kicker with decent range.
 
Buyer Beware Leigh Tiffin Alabama. Lacks consistency (including missed PAT’s) and doesn’t have a great leg. Some great moments but also some horrible ones.
 
Returners
 
1. Trindon Holliday LSU. LSU struggled to find a spot for him on offense, but he did show up well as a returner. Doesn’t help himself as being solely a returner though. World class straight line speed.
 
2. Golden Tate Notre Dame. Best PR in this year’s class has the speed and quickness to be a home run threat each time.
 
3. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Indiana (Pa). Owusu-Ansah returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns in 2009. Needs to do it at a much higher level, but has the speed to do it.