2014 NFL Draft Prospectus: Linebackers

Outside Linebacker

 

There is potential here for two players not only to go in the first round of the draft, but potentially the top ten. Remember the word potential, because the impact players here (Khalil Mack, Anthony Barr) are loaded on potential but have questions regarding where they will line up, and also about total experience on the big stage and at the position in general, as the case may apply.

The third and fourth selections from this group (Ryan Shazier, Kyle Van Noy) may actually be stronger bets here, but the potential in Mack and Barr will be too alluring for most to pass up.

All in all, the OLB spot is loaded with firtst and second day talent, with a total of eight players that could go from this position in the first two rounds of the draft.

 

Top 5

Khalil Mack, Buffalo

Anthony Barr, UCLA

Ryan Shazier, Ohio State

Kyle Van Noy, BYU

Carl Bradford, Arizona State

 

Most Overrated

Carl Bradford, Arizona State

 

Most Underrated

Jordan Zumwalt, UCLA

 

Best Small School Prospect

Jordan Tripp, Montana

 

2014 NFl Draft Prospectus

Inside Linebackers

 

Unfortunately, the ILB position is not nearly as deep as its brother position at OLB. Only one player in this class (CJ Mosely) projects as first round talent, and projections show only two ILBs will be drafted in the first two rounds. That’s terrible news if you have a need in the middle of your defense, making teams with his need refocus attention either on the outside, or in the Safety class, with athletes that can play up in the box on rushing downs.

While Mosely is solid, and may actually go before at least one player at OLB, this class is lacking in overall talent and impact. If you don’t get Mosely, start looking at free agents that can help you inside.

 

Top 5

CJ Mosely, Alabama

Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut

Shayne Skov, Stanford

Christian Jones, Florida State

 

Most Overrated

Chris Borland, Wisconsin

 

Most Underrated

Max Bullough, Michigan State

 

Best Small School Prospect

None

Top Ranked Outside Linebackers

Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Mack has been streaking up the draft board after the 2013 season ended, and now could be the second consecutive MAC prospect to be the number one overall pick. He was the third ranked LB in January, but now tops all. Mack is a serious threat off of the edge as a pass rusher, and fits best as a rush backer in a 3-4 defense. The only drawback is that Mack is inexperienced in pass coverage, and other than run stuffing and rushing the passer, he doesn't bring pass down coverage skills to the table. That being said, he's as athletic as they come, and it can be a wonder what a little coaching can do.
Grade: A

Anthony Barr, UCLA
Barr, like Mack, is a pass rush specialist who also specializes in tackles for loss, but has absolutely no offering as a pass cover guy. UCLA had him rush the backfield on every play, and if he wasn't doing that, then he wasn't doing anything. Luckily, he's very good at what he does do. Barr is only entering his third season of playing LB, and because of that, he can use more coaching. His football IQ is high, and so is his desire to learn. He requested the switch to defense after being used ineffectively and stupidly as an F-Back in Rick Neuheisel's ill fated Pistol Offense. Barr's move to defense shows why Jim Mora is a better coach, and is smarter than Rick Neuheisel.
Grade: A-

Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
Shazier brings what Mack and Barr do not, and that's an ability to get back and cover some in the passing game. That's a good thing, because Shazier lacks the size that those two have playing LB. Shazier, while highly productive, is built more like a big safety. He reminds me a bit of former Steeler Carnell Lake, another college LB who moved to Safety in the NFL. Shazier will fit somewhere, and will definitely earn his first round designation.
Grade: B+

Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Van Noy is a beast, and despite having great speed, he can flat out bust up a pocket, or collapse the pocket coming from the outside. He is athletic enough to cover RBs and TEs, but is really better served busting up the backfield. Van Noy may be the most complete LB on the outside in this draft. He should be a star on Sundays. The only thing that must be mentioned is that he had some serious red flag issues with alcohol and other off-field problems when younger, but he seems to have overcome all of that. He needs discipline.
Grade: A-

Carl Bradford, Arizona State
Bradford seems to be a bit short and squat, and lacks any kind of elite speed. I find his rating of mid-second rounder to be a bit high, based on what he really brings to the table. He has been productive, so he cannot be dismissed out of hand, but he doesn't fit in my profile as an elite athlete that would fit as a starter at OLB on Sundays.
Grade: C

Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
Attaochu played DE at Georgia Tech, and will likely be kicking outside in the NFL. He was a hughly aggressive end in the ACC, and is an excellent pocket collapse specialist who has good burst off of the line. THe only issue is that he will be learning how to play standing up, and will need some time to develop. He will also be fairly useless in pass coverage, making him a bad fit for 4-3 teams.
Grade: C+

Trevor Reilly, Utah
Reilly is a dark horse in this draft, and may be one of the more complete packages that will be found in the early third round. He has a long frame, and isn't heavy, and plays with decent footwork for a big LB his size. His overall athleticism will be his selling point.
Grade: B

Telvin Smith, Florida State
Even more so than Shazier, Smith will likely have to drop out of the OLB spot, and play more like a SS or Rover in the NFL. At only 218 lbs., Smith lacks the ability to really add more to his frame than he has. He has good speed for a guy his size, and will likely have to cut it on special teams and show that he has the ability to move to the secondary to really have a shot.
Grade: C

Christian Kirksey, Iowa
While Kirksey loves to line up over the slot, he doesn't exactly have the speed to keep up in the passing game, and his instincts are not always perfect. He was a part of one of the best LB corps in the game last season. Other talent around Kirksey covered his lack of instinct, but he is still a decent player, just far from perfect.
Grade: C

Jordan Zumwalt, UCLA
Zumwalt is one of my more underrated LBs in this draft, and will make someone very happy in the 4th round. If you want to know how aggressive Zumwalt can be, watch the video link below when he destroys Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas in the Sun Bowl.
Grade: B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHPmRnhCpVA

Top Ranked Inside Linebackers

CJ Mosley, Alabama
Mosley is a super disciplined disciple of the Nick Saban defensive principles.Mosley is a big time tackler, and plays with smarts and solid physical skills. He is an every down middle linebacker who has an amazingly high football IQ, and very few can break down a play before it happens like Mosley. His major drawback is that he has a severe injury history, and will have to be evaluated before the draft as to where his physical health stands overall.
Grade: A-

Chris Borland, Wisconsin
Borland is undersized, but very productive. He will never overwhelm you with his athletic skills, but somehow, he just seems to get it done, mostly due to his workmanlike qualities on the football field. He brings the lunch pail on every play, and will work harder than anyone else on the field. He may be a bi hit and miss, but I'd take a chance on him and see what transpires.
Grade: B-

Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut
Smallwood is a super productive LB who averaged just shy of 120 tackles per season over the last two seasons at U Conn. He is athletic enough to line up in different schemes and packages, but his postseason 40 times have been all over the board. Despite his athleticism and undeniable production over the last two years, there is something that rings inconsistent about the kind of athleticism he could flash on Sundays. He will be all or nothing, boom or bust, but will find no ground in between.
Grade: C

Coming Up next: Defensive Backs

2014 NFL Draft Prospectus: Defensive Line

Defensive Ends

 

The DE position in 2014 is an incredible enigma in that, in my opinion, the better talent is the group coming up in the second round rather than at the top of the class, or in the first round. I feel that the top group (considered 1^st rounders by scouts) all come with some baggage and concerns, and nobody personifies that in my mind more than Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina. The only other two 1^st rounders (Kony Ealy, Dee Ford) both come with issues all their own (size speed), while Clowney is an undeniable talent with a questionable motor and ethical issues, as well as his consistent slide in production since his freshman season.

There is a ton of talent in rounds 2 through 4 that could really make some GMs very happy on draft day (Trent Murphy, DeMarcus Lawrence, Marcus Smith, Jackson Jeffcoat, in no particular order) and thereafter who all are much more sure things, but you know Clowney will bait some risk takers in the top five and be gone. I’m not saying that Ealy and Ford aren’t going to be productive, but there is more talent lower on the charts that could be more rewarding moving forward.

 

Top 5

Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

Kony Ealy, Missouri

Dee Ford, Auburn

Scott Crichton, Oregon State

Trent Murphy, Stanford

 

Most Overrated

Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina

 

Most Underrated

Trent Murphy, Stanford

Marcus Smith, Louisville

Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

 

Best Small School Prospect

Ethan Westbrooks, West Texas A&M

 

2014 NFL Draft Prospectus

Defensive Tackles

 

Another deep pool of talent exists in the 2014 class at Defensive Tackle, as first round talent could run five deep, with another five going in the second round on day two of the draft. Again, if this is an area of concern for your team, fear not, because there is enough to go around for everyone that wants in on this deep and talented group.

Louis Nix III and Aaron Donald are one and two in this group, and they switch positions with each other depending on which scouts you talk to. Both are disruptive players on the inside, but don’t forget about Timmy Jernigan of Florida State, who is flying up the boards.

Also mentioned as possible first rounders are RaShede Hageman of Minnesota and Stephon Tuitt of Notre Dame, giving this first round a very high grade for potential talent on the interior defensive line.

 

Top 5

Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh

Timmy Jernigan, Florida State

RaShade Hageman, Minnesota

Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame

 

 

Most Overrated

Will Sutton, Arizona State

 

Most Underrated

Ego Ferguson, LSU

 

Best Small School Prospect

Caraun Reid, Princeton

Top Ranked Defensive Ends

Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
No doubt one of the best athletes of the last decade, and a sure fire top five pick, I wouldn't draft this guy if my life depended on it. He came on the scene in 2011 as a freshman and lit the world on fire, and had every NFL scout in the nation salivating over this moment in his life. After that, he returned with an attitude that the college game wasn't good enough for him, and just did the bare minimum of what he had to do until he could cash a check. That being said, his bare minimum is still better then most, but his numbers sank like a rock over the last two seasons, and before 2013 started, he threatened to sit out until the draft. He has a highly questionable moral center, a motor that only works when he so chooses, and has all the markings of a dramatic cancer in the locker room when things don't go his way. Despite his undeniable talent, I say leave this to another team to lament later.
Grade: A+ on talent and ability, F on everything else.

Kony Ealy, Missouri
It amazes me that Ealy ranks so highly when he was outplayed in college by teammate and fellow bookend Michael Sam. Ealy may have some intangibles, but is he a first round franchise DE? Absolutely not. Missouri has had a history of putting out highly thought of defensive players who bust out later, and I'm not banking on Ealy either. I'm not saying that Ealy is a terrible player, but I am saying that scouts have him ranked much too high, and he may be drafted in a spot that overvalues what he brings to the table. Buyer beware.
Grade: C

Dee Ford, Auburn
Again, I am a bit perplexed when scouts rank a DE who basically looks like a built up OLB as the third best DE in the draft class. Ford has solid intangibles as a pass rusher coming off the edge, but has no experience, or limited at best experience grabbing safety valve receivers coming out of the backfield in college to justify kicking him to the OLB spot. Everyone is sold on him as a DE, but I see too much tweener to feel safe there. Again, he projects to late first rounder, but I just don't feel good about him there. Third round seems more justifiable to me with Ford.
Grade: C

Scott Crichton, Oregon State
We finally have an undervalued player at the DE spot in Crichton. He is built like a solid DE, and can push around some tackles on the next level as a pass rush and contain guy, who is actually built for his position, and plays with a quantifiable motor. Crichton actually looks more like a first rounder than Ealy or Ford, and plays with more class and moral fiber than Clowney. He is my favorite end in this draft, and would actually qualify as a late first round pick, even though scouting services tend to look at him as a mid second rounder.
Grade: B+

Trent Murphy, Stanford
I'm still trying to figure out why so many players who are built like linebackers (and in this case actually was a LB) are being graded out as DEs in this draft. Too many people are getting fixated with creating smaller rush ends instead of just developing traditional ends who can muscle up against big standard bearing tackles. Murphy is an excellent LB who plays with great range despite not being a phenomenal athlete. He is a great motor guy who just screams team captain, but as a LB, and not as a DE. He fits best as an ILB in a 3-4 defense.
Grade: B+ as an ILB, and B- as a DE

Kareem Martin, North Carolina
Like Crichton, Martin is a traditional DE, and plays like one. He really exploded onto the scene as a senior, when he developed with 11 sacks. Martin can explode inside and out, and can stand up against most big time tackles. He is a driver, and while he still needs some fundamental work, he will play nicely in a rotation until year two or three, when he should be ready to be a full time force.
Grade: B

Marcus Smith, Louisville
Smith is yet another tweener, who maybe works best as an OLB in a 3-4. He has a highly productive motor, and can play off the edge, but his lack of bulk on a 6-4 frame concerns me as a three technique end. Because of this, Smith ranks all over the place amongst the scouting services, and becomes very difficult to grade out. His potential is interesting, but where he fits is confusing.
Grade: B- (Potential and athleticism based grade)

Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas
Jeffcoat has enormous athletic talent, and would rank far higher, but he has a major size differential, as he weighs in at times at under 250lbs. He has a massive motor, and his talent level is up there, but he doesn't look the part, and may be just too small to play down on the line. If a creative DC gets him, he could line up all over the place as a situational blitzer, but he will never be an every down DE.
Grade: D as a DE on Sundays, B as a situational guy lined up strategically

Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
We have yet another tweener who some scouts really like, and others are split on. Lawrence has been a highly productive end in college, but don't overvalue his numbers at Boise State. As much as I like Boise, the level of competition isn't all that high. Lawrence will have to be used very creatively to get the best use out of him.
Grade: C

Top Ranked Defensive Tackles

Louis Nix III, Notre Dame
Nix is a perfect fit at DT or NT, and has the frame for either spot. A solidly built bull rush guy, Nix can clog up the middle and move a pile. He keeps his feet churning, and can disrupt both a run game, or get into the backfield on passing downs and disrupt the pocket. His skill and his football IQ makes him a leader on defense. His only drawback is some minor injury concerns that may pop up from time to time.
Grade: A

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
A big time producer, Donald may lack the height to really be all too impactful in the middle. He has amazing skill on the edge, and despite great size, he can really get after the bigger tackles, and makes lives of opposing linemen miserable. Donald has put up huge numbers, and I can see him playing outside on rush downs, and inside on pass downs.
Grade: A-

Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
Jernigan is another guy who really plays beyond his size. Not that he is limited, or not good, because he is a solid, high motor, aggressive player. He may be a guy who can play down at tackle in a 4-3, but would not fit into a 3-4. He could play more at end on rush downs, and would be a solid bull rush guy on passing games. I like him, but like him best in creative situations.
Grade: B

RaShede Hageman, Minnesota
One of the faster risers in the draft, Hageman has really served himself well in the postseason workouts this winter. He was a fringe prospect at one time who has pushed himself in some circles into first round territory. Hageman has a solid frame that can add more bulk, but has decent athleticism. He has the ability to collapse the pocket, and really works well against the run. Any North division who face run heavy offenses would be wise to select him.
Grade: B

Dominique Easley, Florida
Easley is a bit undersized at DT, and because of that, I fear for him going up against the massive guards that inhabit the middle of the line in the NFL. He may be just a situational DT on pass downs, but because of his shorter stature and missing bulk for a tackle, and so his potential seems limited to me. Even the best running motors can only do so much.
Grade: C-

Will Sutton, Arizona State
Sutton is a short, but stout, DT. He may fit in as a NT in a 3-4, but he lacks athleticism, and he's rather slow for a smaller tackle. He measures only 6-0, and weighs just a shade over 300 lbs., so his frame can't really bulk up any. Sutton played on a very poor defense at Arizona State, so what he brings to the table escapes me.
Grade: D

Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina
Quarles is a rangy tackle who may fit better as a big end. He has the height to build some bulk on his frame, but may not be able to handle it without slowing down, and he has no speed to give. He may have had a solid season in 2013, because other attention was used to counter Clowney. Quarles has a bit of bust written on him, and he may never be better than a rotational guy.
Grade: C-

Ego Ferguson, LSU
Ferguson has the size and weight one would like at tackle, but he also has shocking speed for a tackle on defense, running a sub five 40. He is athletic, and undervalued, and could be one of the better tackles in the draft, and would be a real bargain in the third round, which is where he is projected to go. It wouldn't surprise me to see someone take a chance on Ferguson and grab him a bit earlier, and I think they would be right to do so.
Grade: B+

DaQuan Jones, Penn State
Jones is an intriguing guy, as he has a solid size ratio, and uses his frame to his utmost ability. He was exposed by not playing next to any stars in 2013, and he exceled. Jones may be yet another undervalued guy in the tackle class that could really surprise when given the chance. I see starter potential here, even if it takes a couple of seasons to fully break in.
Grade: B+

Anthony Johnson, LSU
Johnson can explode off the snap, but after that, he seems limited by getting winded quickly, and becoming upright and easy to block. He never has fully developed, even though he has gained accolades in the past. I'm not certain that he will be any thing other than a rotation guy inside, and although at one time he was too heavy, he now seems a bit underweight to play inside, and lacks the overall motor to kick out to end. He just seems to all over the place for my taste. Take a pass on him and move on with your day.
Grade: D

Coming Up Next: Linebackers

2014 NFL Draft Prospectus: Offensive Line

Offensive Tackles

 

We have a gold mine of 1^st round talent in this class for 2014. As many as five tackles could go in the first round of the draft, with possibly three going in the top ten. In my opinion, the top two tackles in this class may be the best players available in the one and two slot this year. Those players (Jake Matthews, Greg Robinson) are undeniable talents who will likely both anchor an offensive line for the next decade. The next two (Taylor Lewan, Zach Martin) are not in the same class as the one and two, but are rock solid, and Martin is soaring as the draft nears.

With so much franchise establishing, lock solid talent available, there is something for everyone in this class, and it should go down as one of the better classes at offensive tackle in recent memory.

 

Top 5

Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

Greg Robinson, Auburn

Taylor Lewan, Michigan

Zach Martin, Stanford

Morgan Moses, Virginia

 

Most Overrated

Cyrus Kouandjo, Alabama

Antonio Richardson, Tennessee

 

Most Underrated

Jack Mewhort, Ohio State

Joel Bitonio, Nevada

 

Best Small School Prospect

Billy Turner, North Dakota State

Offensive Guard

 

There is a great deal of talent in this group as well, especially in the mid round area. One of the most dominating interior linemen comes in this group in Xavier Su’a Filo, who will be a top 15 pick in this class, a major upswing for UCLA considering their absence in the uppermost reaches of the NFL Draft over the last decade.

While Su’a Filo may be the only sure thing in the first round, the middle round talent is stacked with Guards who can definitely make their way into starting lineups, and there is talent in this group that could also last a decade.

The line, overall, in 2014 is really a good deal of the meat of this draft class.

 

Top 5

Xavier Su’a Filo, UCLA

David Yankey, Stanford

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

Brandon Thomas, Clemson

Dakota Dozier, Furman

 

Most Overrated

Cyril Richardson, Baylor

 

Most Underrated

Trai Turner, LSU

 

Best Small School Prospect

Dakota Dozier, Furman

Centers

 

There isn’t ever an early run on Centers in the NFL Draft, however, there may be some early round value at the position in 2014. There are only six Centers listed in the top 250 prospects in the draft this year, which is about average. There are going to be some Centers in the lower rounds that are not top 250, but will have value as well. If you need a Center this season, my best advice will be to draft one in the 2^nd or 3^rd round, as that’s where the impact resides in this class.

 

Top 5

Marcus Martin, USC

Weston Richburg, Colorado State

Travis Swanson, Arkansas

Bryan Stork, Florida State

Tyler Larson, Utah state

 

Most Overrated

None

 

Most Underrated

Bryan Stork, Florida State

Tyler Larson, Utah State

Top Ranked Tackles

Greg Robinson, Auburn
A freak of an athlete, I have not seen anyone so domination ready coming into the league since Jonathon Ogden came out of UCLA. The only draw back to Robinson is a lack of experience in the pass block area due to the offense that Auburn ran. Other than that, Robinson is an anchor tackle for the next ten plus seasons in the NFL.
Grade: A

Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
If not for Robinson, Matthews may be the best offensive lineman, and one of the best players in this draft. Matthews has not blocked in a traditional offense, and therefore may have some fundamental work to do, but he is a force, and like Robinson, is a team anchor for the next decade.
Grade: A

Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Lewan may not be as fundamentally ready as Robinson and Matthews, but is a first round talent who will start immediately. His major drawback is a legal issue due to a substance situation with the cops that must be looked into. If he can clean that mess up, he is a solid top 15 guy who can be a starter for a long while.
Grade: A-

Zack Martin, Notre Dame
Martin is a fast riser in this draft, and it would not surprise me to see him go ahead of Lewan, as he is the most versatile player in the tackle class. He can play interior or exterior, and may start at guard early in his career before flushing out to tackle. A real value early in the draft.
Grade: A-

Cyrus Kouandjo, Alabama
Kouandjo showed some serious flaws at the combine and on film. He is not very athletic, and will struggle against bull speed rushers on the next level. Not a fundamental left tackle, he is likely to be the first bust in this class at tackle. I would let someone else make the mistake. Highly overrated by the services.
Grade: D

Morgan Moses, Virginia
Moses has flown up the charts in recent months, and looks like the most underrated guy in the tackle class. A hulking figure, Moses possesses the leanness that you would want at the position, and has underrated athleticism to kick out against speed rushers. He could be a steal late in the 1st or early in the 2nd.
Grade: A-

Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
I'm simply not impressed by the intangibles that Richardson has shown us in the post season workouts, and his film to me is lacking. I think that he has gotten some undeserved clippings, and seems to be living more on hype than actual talent. Again, I see a bust on the horizon. Not a franchise tackle, not even close.
Grade: D

Jake Mewhort, Ohio State
I'm not sure that Mewhort will ive at tackle on Sundays, and may shift inside, but he seems a bit tweener to me, as I'm not sure where he fits. Some scouts love him, some don't. He certainly will have some work to do, and we will see how he responds. A bit more developmental than I would like, but there is some talent there.
Grade: B-

Billy Turner, North Dakota State
Turner has an athletic frame, and good intangibles, but is a small school guy who dominated athletes that aren't near his ability. Still, he shows signs of being a guy who can eventually be a RT for quite a while, and I really like athletic tackles. I'd give him a shot in the 3rd round and really develop him. Intriguing guy.
Grade: B

Joel Bitonio, Nevada
Bitonio really surprised me at the combine, and pulled off one of the best days of all linemen in Indianapolis. He may eventually shift into paying guard on Sundays, but he really wowed me with great flashes of ability and showed what kind of raw athlete he is. He has some work to do, and things to learn, such as technique in a traditional system, but I really love his potential long term. A steal in the 3rd round.
Grade: B

Top Ranked Guards

Xavier Sua'Filo, UCLA
The best lineman out of UCLA since Jonathon Ogden, Sua'Filo can play both tackle and guard without missing a beat. A solid athlete and team leader, he has all of the intangibles to be a starting lineman and team captain type for the next decade or more. I love what he brings to the table on every play. Relentless spirit and hustle. No brainer for a first round pick.
Grade: A+

David Yankey, Stanford
Yankey is an anchor player on any offensive line, and has played in an NFL offense his whole career. While not nearly as athletic as Sua'Filo, Yankey has technique and ability, and is a team leader as well. Look for a first round grab on him, and he will make someone very happy for the next decade as well.
Grade: A

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
I'm not as in love with this prospect as many scouts are. I see slow, and stodgy, someone who can gum up the works rather than help an offense flow. He's huge, and has a dominating build, but it doesn't always work for him in the best ways. There are better prospects out there.
Grade: C

Brandon Thomas, Clemson
Thomas is an underrated, big time guard, and he is climbing the charts. He's not conventional, and doesn't come from a conventional pro offense, but he has the intangibles that make him work, and has a frame that as big as it is, can actually get bigger. A developmental guy, Thomas could be a starter somewhere in year two and be an anchor for a long time.
Grade: B

Dakota Dozier, Furman
Furman isn't a hotbed of NFL draft picks, but Dozier certainly is a good one. That being said, he lacks some basic fluidity and athleticism that I like to see. He is very slow, and that means something when you talk about pull blocking assignments and kicking out to help a tackle with edge rushers, and he can get bull rushed on blitzes up the middle. If he can add some athleticism, he could certainly be an intriguing pick in the mid rounds, as he played in one of the best conferences in small school football.

Top Ranked Centers

Marcus Martin, USC
I am not a huge fan, because goo centers can usually help their QB improve over time. QB play the last two years at USC hasn't been great, and you have to wonder about is overall football IQ. He can block perfectly well, but I worry about his game calling from the center position.
Grade: C

Weston Richburg, Colorado State
CSU got much better in 2013, and I believe that Richburg had a good deal to do with it from an offensive standpoint. The offense really bloomed, and got better during his tenure at center for the Rams. He may be the best center here, not Martin.
Grade: B+

Travis Swanson, Arkansas
It's hard for me to get excited about a starting center from a losing program, but that's what we have here. He isn't going to wow anyone overall, but may be serviceable enough to develop on the next level. Not a huge fan of him, but not an overall doubter either.
Grade: C

Bryan Stork, Florida State
He isn't rated as high by scouting services as Swanson, but I think he's a better overall pick. He played for a national champion in an offense more modeled after an open NFL offense like New England, Indianapolis, or San Francisco, but could also fit into a more conservative offense like that of Seattle or Chicago. I see very few flaws with his line calls, and I also see what he did working with Jameis Winston in his first season. He could be a steal.
Grade: B

Tyler Lawson, Utah State
Lawson is another player who doesn't necessarily fit into the top 100 prospects, but he is a player worthy of consideration. He played in a more collegiate offense at USU, but he has a high football IQ, an a really solid motor on the field. Like Stork, the lower he falls, the more value you can get from him. I like his long term potential in the NFL.

Coming up Next: Defensive Line

2014 NFL Draft Prospectus: Wide Receivers

2014 NFL Draft Prospectus

Wide Receivers

 

Finally, we find a group of some depth in this 2014 class. The WR position is stacked with talent for every need, and enough to go around for miles. Of course, there is issue with some players in this group being rated a bit higher than they should be. Overall, this is an impressive group, as witnessed by activities at the combine, mixed with some very nice game film highlights.

If you are in need as an NFL franchise for WR help, this is your year, and everyone can hit the jackpot with the right guy from this class that can mix into your system. This is the first unit that I am really excited about in 2014.

 

Top 5

Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Marqise Lee, USC

Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

 

Most Overrated

Marqise Lee, USC

Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

 

Most Underrated

Paul Richardson, Colorado

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin

Josh Huff, Oregon

Devin Street, Pittsburgh

 

Best Small School Prospects

Erik Lora, Eastern Illinois

Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State

 

Sammy Watkins, Clemson

6-1, 205

4.47 40 Time

Projected Pick: 1-5

Watkins was a three year player at Clemson, and goes down as one of the best, if not the best, receiver to ever come out of Death Valley. In 2011, Watkins caught 82 passes for 1219 yards and 12 TDs, while averaging 93.8 yards per game, and 14.9 yards per reception. Watkins missed three games in 2012, but still managed a line of 57-708-3, averaging 70.8 yards per game and 12.4 yards per grab. Watkins had by far his best effort in 2013, when he set a line of 101-1464-12, averaging 112.6 per game and 14.5 per touch. Watkins also has 52 career rushes for 339 yards and one score.

Pros: Watkins is an elite athlete and football player, and may be one of the very best players available in this draft, and would be anyone’s bargain even as a number one overall selection. Watkins is singularly a guy who can change an entire game with his ability and elite speed. He constantly beats double teams to the football, and leaps like a pogo stick for up in the air tosses. Watkins regularly escapes jam attempts up front, and is more than physical enough to work in traffic and make plays.

Cons: Watkins was used a bunch in the screen game early in his career, and only really started being dynamic on the outside in 2013. Personally, I believe that he will only continue to grow as an outside threat, but it’s something to look for. He may still be learning some route running due to Clemson’s college heavy wide open playground offense. Watkins missed three games in 2012 due to drug charges, so his character has to be checked out, and he may need a mentor to make sure that he walks the straight and narrow now that he’ll likely have millions of bucks to play with.

Final Grade: A

Final Assessment: Good God, if it weren’t for the drug/character issue from 2012, he would have gotten an A+, because he is the most elite skill set player in this draft. If Watkins can stay clean and healthy, he is going to have a huge career, and will be making major plays for at least the next decade. Watkins is as good as they get.

 

Mike Evans, Texas A&M

6-5, 225

4.58 40 Time

Projected Pick: 5-10

Evans was a three year player at A&M, but he redshirted one of those seasons (2011). One of the best receivers ever out of A&M, Evans put up a line of 82-1105-5 in 2012, while averaging 85 yards per game and 13.5 yards per catch. He followed that up with a rock solid 69-1394-12 in 2013, averaging 107.2 per game and an amazing 20.2 per catch.

Pros: Some may say that Johnny Manziel made Mike Evans, but I see it the other way around. Evans is a beast as far as overall size is considered at WR, and he may remind some of Michael Irvin in his hay day for overall size and ball aggressiveness. With his size, he just muscles through most DBs, and takes the ball away from most on pass plays, even when double teamed. Evans uses his size to not only go over most DBs, but he uses his frame to block out defenders while catching passes. Outstanding technique on long passes, and excellent body control when tracking balls.

Cons: If there is a single knock against Evans, it’s his lack of elite speed. When you are as big as Evans, you usually lose something in the speed game. Evans, however, makes up for it with his physical game. The offense he played in at A&M wasn’t exactly traditional, so you have to wonder how he feels and looks in a more basic offense. Evans also lacks experience, having only played two full seasons in college (26 games). Due to lacking experience, he may still just be coming into his own.

Final Grade: A

Final Assessment: Evans is a lock for the top ten on day one of the draft, and if not for Watkins, would be the first receiver taken. Early analysis has Evans going to the Bucs, especially after they dumped Mike Williams off to the Bills. Evans is a huge, physical number one receiver who, despite lacking grade speed, could be a game changer with the physical way in which he plays. He will likely prove that he doesn’t need Manziel to make him look good on Sundays. It’s almost impossible to pass on a guy like Evans with his great physical tools and size.

 

Marqise Lee, USC

6-1, 190

4.52 40 Time

Projected Pick: 15-20

Lee was a three year player at USC, and left after his junior season. In 2011, Lee put up a line of 73-1143-11, and averaged 95.3 yards per game, while averaging a solid 15.7 yards per grab. In 2012, Lee followed up with 118-1731-14 in 13 games, averaging 132.4 yards per game and 14.6 per catch. Lee fell back a bit in 2013, lining up 57-791-4. He averaged just 71.9 yards per game and 13.9 per catch, both career lows at USC, as were his overall catches and yardage. His TDs fell off in 2013 by a whopping ten.

Pros: Lee runs solid routes, and uses short burst quickness and fluidity to escape being jammed up front. He is a machine in the bubble screen game, and has solid athleticism in the open field. Solid route runner who can get open quickly. He is a decent blocker downfield on run downs. Decent hands, and can get to the ball in traffic.

Cons: Despite his apparent skills, he really had a crappy final year at USC. Granted, the QB situation was largely unstable enough, but elite WRs make their QBs better, and Lee obviously had zero effect on the QBs in place at USC in 2013. I felt at times that Lee just didn’t care very much last season, and didn’t really show much drive most of the time, especially when he played one of the worst games of his career against a horrid Hawaii team in the 2013 opener. Basically, I question his motivation, and his personal motor. He doesn’t especially run great routes, and tries to do too much on some plays, and will kind of do whatever he wants to. He believes in his athleticism a bit too much, and it has bitten him and his QBs at times. If his 2013 season were his grand finale, then I feel like he lost himself a few million bucks. Lee has just an OK build, and while he has run a sub 4.5 40, he doesn’t always run that speed. More fluid and short burst quick than overall fast.

Final Grade: C

Final Assessment: Since it looked like he took most of 2013 off, maybe Lee will be fresh and energized for his rookie season, and we will see more of the guy we saw in 2011 and 2012. Basically, I question his motivation, and I may look elsewhere for help in what is really a deep position in 2014. Let him be someone else’s gamble to play their money on.

 

Odell Beckham, Jr., LSU

5-11, 195

4.49 40 Time

Projected Pick: 20-25

Beckham was another early entry guy, having played three seasons at LSU. In 2011, Beckham put up a line of 41-475-2, averaging 33.9 per game and 11.6 per catch. In 2012, Beckham started showing some improvement, putting up 43-713-2, averaging 54.8 and 16.6. In 2013, Beckham, like his QB Zach Mettenberger, finally arrived, and put up 59-1152-8, averaging 88.6 per game and a career best 19.5 per catch.

Pros: Beckham is a multi-use receiver, who doubles up as a kick returner. In 2013, Beckham became a legitimate threat, and was a guy that LSU had to get the ball to regularly. Strong speed player with a bit of power, and despite a smaller frame, he’s not afraid to get physical and will block downfield. He will likely light it up on returns on both kick offs and punts.

Cons: The first knock on Beckham is his size, which is not elite at under 6-0, and under 200 lbs. Beckham has some elite skills, which is why I called him one of my most underrated receivers, but he really didn’t come on strong until 2013, and was largely background art in his first two seasons at LSU. He is not a finished product yet, and still has some work to do to be all he can be. The physical tools are there, but he needs refinement.

Final Grade: B

Beckham shows some strong potential, and may be worth the risk of grabbing him towards the end of the first round. He can really provide on returns while he develops more as a receiver, and may grow into something of a solid threat in the slot, much like Julian Edelman has done for New England. Beckham is an intriguing prospect who could really blow up on Sundays in a good way. In my opinion, he would have been better off staying for his senior year.

 

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

5-10, 185

4.49 40 Time

Projected Pick: 25-30

Cooks is yet another early entry guy who played three seasons at Oregon State. In 2011, Cooks, a backup at the time, put up 31-391-3 in 12 games, and averaged 32.6 yards per game and 12.6 per catch. Cooks took over as a starter in 2012, and lined up 67-1151-5, while averaging 88.5 and 17.2 Cooks continued on his path to dominance in 2013, posting 128-1730-16, while averaging 133.1 and 13.5, and was named our All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year.

Pros: Cooks showed solid progression in his three years at OSU, and improved by bounds every single season. He is a strong worker, and really took time to develop his game. Cooks has elite athleticism, and carried the ball on rushing attempts 61 times in three seasons. Cooks get’s out of the gate quickly, and avoids jams. He was used both inside and outside at OSU, giving him solid versatility all over the field, and can be used in many different ways. Solid open field speed gives Cooks the ability to go after the deep ball, but also allows him short burst ability in traffic. Despite not having great size, he has solid agility and power in traffic as well. Cooks has a solid football IQ, and understands the game like a pro.

Cons: Cooks is small. That’s not a huge problem when used creatively, but he is not a guy who you line up wide on every down and let rip. He can get knocked around a bit, and bigger, more physical DBs will get after him on the next level unless teams are creative with him. Because of this issue, Cooks also is basically of no value blocking downfield on running downs.

Final Grade: B

Final Assessment: Cooks is a dynamic athlete who can really change the tempo of a football game with his top grade athleticism. A natural pass catcher, he will be a weapon out of the slot, and can occasionally be used on the outside in four or five receiver formations. Cooks may be underrated due to his lacking size, but he is definitely not to be overlooked. He will be a weapon.

 

Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

6-5, 240

4.61 40 Time

Projected Pick: 30-35

Benjamin is an early entry player who spent three seasons at Florida State, however, he redshirted in 2011. In 2012, , 2013, Benjamin really improved, putting up numbers of 54-1011-15, with 72.2 per game and 18.7 per grab.

Pros: Benjamin has a huge build, allowing him to get physical with DBs on the line. His size also makes him dominant in jump ball situations. He has a huge stride and wingspan, and shows solid body control in traffic. Solid deep ball target. Benjamin shows solid and surprising agility and sometimes can play like a smaller receiver where he shows good burst and quick step speed. He can block like a pro downfield, and he is a tank to tackle.

Cons: His speed is highly average and even poor for a receiver. He may need to transition to TE in the NFL, a position that his skill set would likely dominate. He is unpolished as a route runner, and lacks overall experience, with just one big time season to show for his collegiate career. In all, he has just 28 career games under his belt, and likely has a lot to learn.

Final Grade: C

Final Assessment: With just one standout season, and lacking elite, or even decent speed, Benjamin really should have stayed at FSU one more season. He is raw, and slow, and may be better suited to play TE in the NFL. Benjamin is too raw to pick early, and scout assessments of him going in the late 1^st or early 2^nd round is really more a take on his size and potential, rather than what he has actually produced. Due to this fact, Benjamin makes my overrated list.

 

Allen Robinson, Penn State

6-2, 220

4.6 40 Time

Projected Pick: 30-35

Robinson was a three year player at Penn State and is another early entry. In 2011, Robinson posted a line of just 3-29-0. He really came on the scene in 2012, posting 77-1018-11, averaging 84.8 yards per game and 13.2 yards per catch. Robinson returned in 2013, and took off for a line of 97-1432-6, averaging 119.3 and 14.8.

Pros: Robinson certainly has an NFL build. The fact that he has produced back to back 1000 yard seasons means that he knows how to produce. Penn State ran an NFL styled offense under Bill O’Brien, so he should have a seamless transition onto an NFL roster. Robinson is a solid blocker, and dominated in a major conference. He is physical in traffic, and uses his body to make solid catches.

Cons: Robinson is not the fastest guy in the bunch, and being that he isn’t a super-sized receiver, there really isn’t any excuse. As physical as he was in the Big 10, he won’t be able to muscle bigger corners around on the next level. Lacking solid speed may drop him into the second round.

Final Grade: B-

Final Assessment: Robinson is a big receiver who is physical and will fight for footballs, but may lack the total intangibles to be a solid number one receiver for an NFL franchise. He does, however, have some other very solid intangibles which are hard to ignore. Too productive in college to pass by without regret, Robinson has some solid skill to offer on Sundays if drafted in a good spot.

 

Davante Adams, Fresno State

6-1, 212

4.56 40 Time

Projected Pick: 40-45

Adams was a three year player at Fresno State, but he did redshirt in 2011. Adams came on the scene in 2012, when he posted 102-1312-14. He returned in 2013 to post 131-1718-24. Adams caught 38 TD passes in two seasons, and averaged over 100 yards per game both seasons as well.

Pros: Solid size for an NFL build. Adams knows his way around a red zone, having scored those 38 TDs. He was super productive in both seasons at Fresno State. Adams was a huge hit in a wide open passing game, and may fit in some of the higher powered offenses in the NFL. Adams knows how to work a route and get open, even when teams double up on him.

Cons: Adams played in a bit of an amped up, video game styled offense, and wasn’t going up against top flight competition to boot. He has decent, but not great, elite speed. He may be a starter, but does not look like a number one guy.

Final Grade: B-

Final Assessment: Adams certainly had an edge at Fresno State because of a pass happy offense, but he certainly did produce regularly. He has the size thing down, but he will likely never be able to blow corners away on deep routes. Adams is much too productive to be ignored, but may ceiling out at a number two spot. I’d still draft him in a value spot.

 

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

6-3, 212

4.46 40 Time

Projected Pick: 50-55

Matthews was a four year player at Vandy, a rare senior on draft day. In 2010, Matthews posted 15-181-4. As a sophomore in 2011, he posted 41-779-5 in an increased role. In 2012, Matthews exploded as a starter by posting 94-1373-8. As a returning starter in 2013, the senior put up a line of 112-1477-7.

Pros: Matthews has an excellent blend of size and speed that will make him a pain to cover on the next level. Matthews made improvements to his game every single season. He has fluid body control, will work in traffic, and make difficult catches. Matthews will surprise many, as he was underexposed at Vanderbilt. Matthews has shown solid skill as a downfield blocker on running plays.

Cons: Matthews may not have hit full development, as he didn’t play in what can be considered an NFL offense. Some scouts have made claims that his speed isn’t as good as he times, but I personally haven’t seen Matthews run poorly, ever.

Final Grade: A-

Final Assessment: Matthews is one of my favorite players in this draft, and may possibly be the most underrated receiver here. There are a few doubters, but I am not one of them. If grabbed in the lower second round, a team can get one of the steals of the draft. His basic anonymity may shroud some teams in ignorance when it comes to him.

Paul Richardson, Colorado

6-0, 175

4.40 40 Time

Projected Pick: 60-65

Richardson spent four seasons in Boulder, but missed the 2012 season due to injury (knee). In 2010, Richardson posted 34-514-6. In 2011, he posted 39-555-5. He missed three games in 2011 due to injury again. In 2013, after missing 2012, Richardson put up 83-1343-10.

Pros: Richardson put up big numbers coming off of a serious injury, despite having a decent QB to throw him the football. He has very good speed, despite the knee injury. Not only is he fast, he is quick, and can change directions and show burst in the open field. If you miss him, he is gone.

Cons: Richardson has a slight build, and may get beat up some on the next level. You have to wonder how the knee will hold up if someone gets physical with him. He ran a limited offense at Colorado, and may have to spend some time developing some route skills.

Final Grade: C+

Final Assessment: Richardson is a smallish receiver who only really had one big season at Colorado, but how much of the lack of huge numbers early really have to do with him? Richardson has solid speed, and may be a great addition to a return game.

 

The Next Group

Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss: Never had a 1000 yard season. Never had a great QB.

Jarvis Landry, LSU: Ceiling is a number two, and could have used one more season at LSU.

Martavis Bryant, Clemson: Big bodied receiver, who spent time in Sammy Watkins’ shadow. An enigma.

Bruce Ellington, South Carolina: Small guy, not huge numbers, and is limited to slot work.

Robert Herron, Wyoming: Lacks ball skills, and production. Never had a 1000 yard season in passing offense.

Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin: Possession guy with good, not great skills. Would be a solid 3^rd down option.

Josh Huff, Oregon: Solid postseason after a great senior season. Huff is a riser.

Mike Davis, Texas: Lacked solid production, and has slid down boards despite raw talent.

Ryan Grant, Tulane: Huge last two seasons, and may be severely underrated.

TJ Jones, Notre Dame: Average career, but solid senior season. On the small side.

Devin Street, Pittsburgh: Big receiver who doesn’t always play to size. Good, not great production.

Brandon Coleman, Rutgers: Huge build, but that’s about all he has going for him.

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma: Very small prospect who is limited in what role he can play. Strictly a slot guy.

Cody Latimer, Indiana: Improving prospect, but lacks creativity and physicality.

Dri Archer, Kent State: Former tiny RB is now a tiny WR. Special teams a must for him.

Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State: Small school prospect really grabbed eyes at the combine

 

Note: Dorial Beckham-Green, Missouri: Was kicked out at Missouri, and may be available in the supplemental draft, but more than likely will have to wait until 2015.