2012 Draft Prospects

List of underclassmen who have declared for the 2012 NFL Draft:

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
QB Brock Osweiler, AZ State
QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
QB Darron Thomas, Oregon
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
RB Lamar Miller, Miami
RB LaMichael James, Oregon
RB Robert Turbin, Utah State
RB Ronnie Hillman, SD State
RB Bernard Pierce, Temple
RB David Wilson, VT
RB Mike Ball, Nevada
RB Chris Polk, Washington
RB Darrell Scott, USF
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State
RB Alvester Alexander, Wyoming
RB Jewel Hampton, Southern Illinois
WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR Tommy Streeter, Miami *
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
WR Chris Givens, Wake Forrest
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
WR Rueben Randle, LSU
WR Eric Page, Toledo
WR Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson
TE Orson Charles, Georgia
OL Matt Kalil, USC
OL David DeCastro, Stanford
OL Brandon Washington, Miami
OL Riley Reiff, Iowa
OL Peter Konz, Wisconsin
OL Jonathan Martin, Stanford
OL Bobby Massie, Ole Miss
DT Marcus Forston, Miami *
DT Dontari Poe, Memphis
DT Jarel Worthy, Michigan State
DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
DT Michael Brockers, LSU
DE Nick Perry, USC *
DE Oliver Vernon, Miami
DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
DE Chandler Jones, Syracuse
DE Donte Page-Moss, UNC
DE Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
DE Max Holloway, Boston College
DE Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy
LB Donta Hightower, Alabama
LB Vontaze Burfict, AZ State
LB Luke Kuelchy, Boston College
LB Terrell Manning, North Carolina State
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
CB Cliff Harris, Oregon *
CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
CB Josh Robinson, UCF

Very early look at the 2012 draft prospects plus some youtube videos to wet your appetite.

Senior quarterbacks to keep an eye on include:

Nick Foles, Arizona, 6’5, 245lbs
Ryan Lindley, San Diego State, 6’4, 218lbs
Kirk Cousins, Michigan State, 6’3, 205lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3rsj3fjoOQ
Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, 6’4, 220lbs
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, 6’6, 235lbs
John Brantley, Florida, 6’3, 220lbs

Top underclassmen:

Andrew Luck, Stanford, 6’4, 235lbs
Landry Jones, Oklahoma, 6’4, 220lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8FpwaR-GUo
Matt Barkley, USC, 6’2, 220lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdo1OyqiPc

If the top underclassmen all declare (chances are they wont) then the quarterback class looks pretty well stocked but even without them there is some depth to the class.



Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 6’3, 228lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyfcBD_fZjU
Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M, 6’3, 215lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXJ4FcW8Nug
Juron Criner, Arizona, 6’4, 210lbs
Greg Childs, Arkansas, 6’3, 217lbs

Top underclassmen:

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, 6’4, 232lbs
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, 6’1, 208lbs
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 6’2, 218lbs

Much deeper class in 2012 than this year as beyond AJ Green and Julio Jones there weren’t many big guys who could run. Next year’s class however has a number of such types as well as others I haven’t mentioned.


Big year for offensive tackles?

Mike Adams, Ohio State, 6’8, 305lbs
Al Netter, Northwestern, 6’6, 310lbs
Nate Potter, Boise State, 6’6, 295lbs
Matt Reynolds, Bringham Young, 6’6, 322lbs
Andrew Datko, FSU, 6’6, 305lbs

Top underclassmen:

Matt Kalil, USC, 6’6, 295lbs
Jonathan Martin, Stanford, 6’6, 305lbs
Riley Reiff, Iowa, 6’6, 300lbs

There should be some good options for teams looking to improve their protection at the OT position even without the top underclassmen. There will probably be better depth in 2012 than there was this year as well.


LB has the potential to be the class of the draft, provided some of the top underclassmen declare:

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6’2, 260lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6DGTN-_qxU
Chris Galippo, Southern California, 6’2, 250lbs
Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh, 6’2, 250lbs
Tank Carder, TCU, 6'3, 237lbs

Top underclassmen:

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State, 6’3, 245lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxQEkLHo0F4
Donta Hightower, Alabama, 6’4, 258lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyeXZTTcz8E
Shayne Skov, Stanford, 6’3, 243lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieo_ansbJmA
Manti Te’o, Notre Dame, 6’2, 245lbs
Luke Kuechly, BC, 6’2, 235lbs

I have included these prospects in particular because they are versatile and are moved around the defense regularly, particularly Upshaw, Hightower and Lindsey who are used at ILB, OLB and DE.

Pretty good list, quite a few players there I hadn't heard anything of so will be keeping an eye out when the college season starts. Might be worth making this a sticky if enough people are interested, and just keep adding to it as more players shine.

A few defensive players that I like the look of are Quentin Coples, Cliff Harris and Mark Barron. Offensively you haven't done any running backs but LaMichael James, Trent Richardson and Knile Davis look like the cream of the crop.

Looks like it will be a really good draft with some good depth on both sides of the ball

bambamwillis wrote:Pretty good list, quite a few players there I hadn't heard anything of so will be keeping an eye out when the college season starts. Might be worth making this a sticky if enough people are interested, and just keep adding to it as more players shine.

I like this idea, there are always prospects who come from nowhere and end up having a big year see Fairley, Nick from last season.

Sayre Bedinger over at NFL Mocks looks at some of the prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft (and beyond) by seeking out the views of fans and adding some thoughts of his own.

Oregon: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/03/oregon-ducks-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Iowa: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/03/iowa-hawkeyes-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Alabama: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/03/alabama-crimson-tide-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Arkansas: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/04/arkansas-razorbacks-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Oklahoma: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/04/oklahoma-sooners-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Virginia Tech: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/06/virginia-tech-hokies-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Connecticut: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/09/uconn-huskies-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Stanford: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/09/stanford-cardinal-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Oklahoma State: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/09/oklahoma-state-cowboys-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Texas A&M: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/10/texas-am-aggies-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Michigan (part 1): http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/10/michigan-wolverines-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Michigan (part 2): http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/13/michigan-wolverines-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond-part-ii/

Penn State: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/10/penn-state-nittany-lions-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Nebraska: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/11/nebraska-cornhuskers-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

LSU: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/11/lsu-tigers-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Missouri: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/13/missouri-tigers-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

North Carolina: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/14/north-carolina-tar-heels-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Michigan State: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/15/michigan-state-spartans-top-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

You might be interested in this from The Bleacher Report, it's their ranking of top 10 prospects at each position, and also predicts a sleeper. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/678587-2012-nfl-mock-draft-ranking-the-top-10-prospects-at-each-position

Some interesting rankings there from Bleacher Report. The ones that stood out to me were ranking Landry Jones as only the 4th best QB when I have read of him being a top 10 talent, and Matt Kalil as only the 5th best tackle, when he kept Tyron Smith on the right side of the line, and Smith went number 9 overall!

Both rankings are way off in my opinion, Kalil should probably be picked top 5 if he performs to the same level this season as last, and Jones is probably the 2nd or 3rd QB at worst

3rd one I just noticed after posting is Donta Hightower and Tank Carder as 8th and 9th linebackers! Hightower is seen as the second coming of Rolando McClain (8th overall pick) and Carder had a hugely impressive game in the Rose Bowl last year and looks a real talent

I wouldn’t worry too much about rankings at this point as things often look very different after a season of football. Right now it’s just some guys’ opinion but it’s worth reading if it brings our attention to some prospects that might be under the radar. Not sure I would call Zach Brown a sleeper though or Vinny Curry for that matter.

If you want a list of prospects, here is the Bleacher Reports list of the top 125 prospects (top 50 have a comparison to current NFL player).

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/696475-2012-nfl-draft-ranking-the-preseason-top-125-with-nfl-comparisons

Tom Melton offers a 2 part college football watch list of potential break out players for the 2011 season:

Part 1: http://tommeltonscouting.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/2011-college-football-watch-list-potential-break-out-players-part-1/

Part 2: http://tommeltonscouting.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/2011-college-football-watch-list-potential-break-out-players-part-2/

Videos for some of the prospects mentioned provided by Aaron Aloysius and JohnMPasq of Draft Breakdown:

LB Nigel Bradham, FSU, 6'2, 240lbs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V-J1TZ6jxA

DL Jerel Worthy, Michigan State, 6'3, 305lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ErZOVCeeIQ

DL Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy, 6'2, 252lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWq3tOuFVMU

WR Dwight Jones, UNC, 6'4, 225lbs: https://www.youtube.com/user/AloAloysius?blend=3&ob=5#p/u/0/yA1G_w2kfj0

Draft Breakdown contributor Chad Davis offers a 2011 Pac-12 Senior Prospect watch list: http://draftbreakdown.com/2011-pac-12-senior-prospect-watch-list

Rob Staton founder of Seahawks Draft Blog looks at three more QB prospects among other things: http://seahawksdraftblog.com/three-more-quarterbacks-to-keep-an-eye-on

It's worth having a look through the posts at SDB which include "tape" break downs of various prospects as well as a top 50 prospects list.

Gil Brandt's top 100 prospects: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81fde251/article/luck-barkley-highlight-top-2012-drafteligible-players?module=HP_spotlight

If anyone has ESPN insider then Mel Kiper has his first big board up for the 2012 draft. All I can say is top 5 are:
1- Andrew Luck QB
2- Quinton Coples DE
3- Matt Kalil OT
4- Alshon Jeffery WR
5- Matt Barkley QB

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/707464-2012-nfl-draft-an-early-look-at-andrew-luck-and-the-top-5-at-each-position#/articles/707464-2012-nfl-draft-an-early-look-at-andrew-luck-and-the-top-5-at-each-position/page/2

Charlie Campbell editor-in-chief of the Pewter Report lists his 12 prospects to watch for 2012 from a TB Buccaneers perspective:

1. Oklahoma LB Travis Lewis
Pewter Report has heard mixed reviews about Lewis from various sources. Some say that he is a first-round caliber linebacker, while others say he is very overrated and is a prima donna off the field. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound Lewis could have entered the 2011 NFL Draft and maybe challenged to be a first-round pick. His best season came as a freshman in 2008 lining up behind Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and other future NFL teammates. Lewis had 144 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

His production last season was on a par with his sophomore year results. In 2010, Lewis had 109 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and zero forced fumbles. With his 362 career tackles, 189 solo and 173 assisted, Lewis has only two forced fumbles. Lewis could be like former teammate defensive linemen Jeremy Beal, who fell to the seventh round of the draft, despite a productive college career. Lewis has a big name but is overrated in part because he has good talent around him, just like Beal had. Lewis can answer a lot of the doubts with a big-time senior season.

LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma, 6'2, 232lbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGG-bIa2aA4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46AtG_uWYjs

11. Oregon RB LaMichael James
Bucs running back LeGarrette Blount said he would like to be reunited with James, his former collegiate teammate. The Ducks' standout was the star of Oregon’s offense en route to undefeated regular season and loss in the National Championship game. James is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. He would provide a real change of pace from a power back like Blount.

As a sophomore, James ran for over 1,500 yards and followed that with 1,731 yards as a junior. He’s averaged 6.3 yards per carry with 35 rushing touchdowns. He also has 34 career receptions for 376 yards and three scores. Right now some are projecting James to be a second-rounder while others think he could be a mid to late first-round pick. By the time the draft roles around the lack of size (5-9, 185) could make James an option after the first round in the second or third frame. Plus defenses will be focused on him even more so in 2012 and that could lead to reduced numbers.

RB, LaMichael James, Oregon, 5'09, 185lbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTboddeMnvw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4eUGRRAQ_k

LINK: http://www.pewterreport.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=6959:&Itemid=15

Dave Hyde along with Simon Clancy, Chris Kouffman and Richard Lines of Universal Draft revisit the 2011 draft but also look at who will we might be talking about in 12 months time:

QB 2012 And Beyond: Impossible to look past Andrew Luck for me. This is a once in a generation type. However I’m also a big fan of Arizona’s Nick Foles and he’s Richard’s guy for the future. Rich thinks he has: “the size, athleticism and the arm, but he must prove it’s not just the offense.” And Chris has picked San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley who reminds him of Matt Ryan: “Smart, great accuracy and good on the run”. Only time will tell.

RB 2012 And Beyond: It’s a big year for Trent Richardson, but Alabama’s running game shouldn’t miss a beat. For me he has everything. Richard likes Ohio State’s outstanding Daniel Herron who is a “quick back who can provide a change of pace at the next level. Very dangerous in space.” Meanwhile Chris is intrigued for the second year running by Arkansas’s Dennis Johnson: “His ability to break tackles and run away from defenders is special, if he can stay healthy.” It’s a big if.

WR 2012 And Beyond: Pick your poison; Greg Childs, Ryan Broyles, Jeff Fuller, Justin Blackmon or Alshon Jeffrey. Just for starters. I’ll take the man child from South Carolina, Jeffrey. But what a class. Chris has plumped for North Carolina’s Dwight Jones who stepped up with the injuries and suspensions and became “one of the most effective deep threats in the nation”. And Richard loves Arkansas’s Greg Childs who suffered a knee injury at the back end of 2010 but possesses the “size and speed to make a difference at the next level.”.........

LINK: http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/hyde/blog/2011/04/draft_winds_a_positionbypositi.html

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Mocks continues to look at the top NFL prospects for 2012 and beyond:

Wisconsin: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/16/wisconsin-badgers-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Notre Dame: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/16/notre-dame-fighting-irish-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Ohio Sate: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/17/ohio-state-buckeyes-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Florida State: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/18/florida-state-seminoles-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Boise State: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/21/boise-state-broncos-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Northwestern: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/21/northwestern-wildcats-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Florida: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/24/florida-gators-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Georgia: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/24/georgia-bulldogs-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Minnesota: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/25/minnesota-golden-gophers-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Bleacher report mock draft. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/718100-2012-nfl-mock-draft-who-does-your-team-target-in-round-1#/articles/718100-2012-nfl-mock-draft-who-does-your-team-target-in-round-1

Craig Haley of The Sports Network profiles the best FCS players at various positions:
Linebackers: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4400748
Running Backs: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4401516
Defensive Line: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4402225
Defensive Backs: http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4403884
Offensive Linemen: http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4402904
Wide Receivers: http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4404785
Special Teams: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4406060
Quarterbacks: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4407907

David Ubben ESPN Big 12 talent:
http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/28998/plenty-of-big-12-talent-with-bright-futures

Brian Christopherson Lincoln Journal Star 3 Nebraska Huskers to watch: http://huskerextra.com/sports/football/article_5af3c4bd-9dc5-577e-871e-c1e457a4bab4.html

Alligator Army Florida Gators for the 2012 Draft: http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2011/5/24/2187944/a-glimpse-into-the-future-gators-2012-draft-outlook

Chad Reuter of CBS Sports/NFL Draft Scout looks at 12 senior prospects the scouts will be watching:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15189071/never-too-early-12-seniors-nfl-scouts-will-be-watching

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Mocks continues to look at the top NFL prospects for 2012 and beyond:
Indiana: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/25/indiana-hoosiers-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/
Illinois: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/26/illinois-fighting-illini-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/
Purdue: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/27/purdue-boilermakers-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/
South Carolina: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/30/south-carolina-gamecocks-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/
Miami: http://nflmocks.com/2011/05/31/miami-hurricanes-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

TFY Draft Insider start their summer scouting series by looking at prospects from the MAC:
Akron, Ball St., BGSU & UB: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5409
CMU, EMU & Kent State: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5415
Miami-Ohio, NIU & Ohio: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5422
Temple: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5427
Toledo & WMU: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5432

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Mocks looks at the top prospects for 2012 and beyond:
Texas: http://nflmocks.com/2011/06/05/texas-longhorns-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/
Tennessee: http://nflmocks.com/2011/06/13/tennessee-volunteers-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Additional prospect videos courtesy of JohnMPasq and Aaron Aloysius,

Guys to watch in 2011 (Seniors),
CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia, 6'0, 188lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhh0GVu08Xs
DE Vinny Curry, Marshall, 6'3, 258lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnxzVx2-gKs
DT Kendall Reyes, Connecticut, 6'4, 295lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTMyvfHkTMI


Under the radar/guys to watch in 2011 (Underclassmen),
CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech, 5'10, 172lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXscUAHMqj8
DT Jamarkus McFarland, Oklahoma, 6'1, 295lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5kzMPq5EbE

TFY Draft Insider continue their summer scouting series by looking at prospects from the Big East:
Louisville & Pittsburgh: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5439
Cincinnati & UConn: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5448
Rutgers & South Florida: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5452
Syracuse: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5457
West Virginia: http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5461

Prospect Videos:
RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee, 5'10, 214lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1R0874cNHw
DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson, 6'2, 308lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw4gJ7OXlic
DT Mike Martin, Michigan, 6'1, 300lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDM5A0QcnTo
LB Miles Burris, San Diego State, 6'2, 240lbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSNwGJXdohY

Tony Pauline of Draft Insider and SI.com lists his top 2012 draft prospects: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/05/03/2012.prospects/index.html

Nick Hlebichuk and Austin Bramley of Big Ten Nation looks at the possible 2012 Draft Prospects for a selection of teams in the conference:
Michigan: http://bigtennation.org/2011/05/09/potential-2012-draft-prospects-for-the-wolverines/
Penn State: http://bigtennation.org/2011/05/10/penn-state-top-prospects-for-the-2012-draft/
Nebraska: http://bigtennation.org/2011/05/10/future-draft-prospects-for-the-cornhuskers-in-2012/
Northwestern: http://bigtennation.org/2011/05/21/northwestern-top-nfl-prospects-for-2012-and-beyond/

Chad Reuter of NFL Draft Scout and CBS Sports offers up some possible breakout underclassmen for 2012:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15252618/watch-out-for-these-underclassman-breakout-candidates

Rob Rang NFL Draft Scout and CBS Sports looks at the top 3 draft eligible quarterbacks: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15313488/big-three-lead-the-way-in-2011-qb-class

Rob Rang NFL Draft Scout and CBS Sports senior analyst's top 32: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15340906/big-board-debut-is-step-1-in-lengthy-scouting-process

Chad Reuter of The Sports Xchange and CBS Sports looks at former junior college players with potential to be drafted in 2011: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15384889/juniorcollege-stars-no-longer-looked-down-upon-by-nfl

there is a few guys not mentioned in that big board that i hope one of the teams i like draft, would love if the vkings, niners or titans picked up jayron hosely, he had 9 picks and that was whlist missing some games. He is a bit like harris but maybe better. Also watch for michael egnew possibly going in 1st round. I ft the draft were now, i would love

vikings- cliff harris or jayron hosely
titans-alshon jeffery
niners- harris or hosely

kirkpatrick may be more typical polished corner but i need exciting players

Top 32 Seniors: http://www.ourlads.com/top-32-college-senior-prospects/nfl-draft/2012/706945

I’ve just been watching some videos from last year in preparation for the new college season,
Along with OT and LB the senior DL class has the potential to be strong IMO, especially the DT position.
DT prospects I like and will be keeping an eye on this season include:
Kendall Reyes, Connecticut, 6’4, 298lbs
Brandon Thompson, Clemson, 6’2, 310lbs
Mike Martin, Michigan, 6’1, 300lbs
Alameda Ta’amu, Washington, 6’3, 330lbs

Two lesser known prospects who might surprise this season:
Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati, 6’5, 300lbs
Kaniela Tuipulotu, Hawaii, 6’1, 305lbs

I can’t wait to watch some college football.

DT seems to be stacked with Samoan and Tongan lads?

Pr4wn wrote:DT seems to be stacked with Samoan and Tongan lads?

Yup there are a few prospects with polynesian roots and not just on the D side of the ball either. Quite a few good DL and OL guys have come from that part of the world.

Tony Pauline of SI.com and Draft Insider preseason scouting report-offense: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tony_pauline/08/29/offensive.prospects/
Scouting report-defense: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tony_pauline/09/01/defensive.prospects/

Craig Roh, Michigan* -- The disruptive force stood out on what has been a miserable Wolverine defense. He can line up in a three-point stance or stand up over tackle. NFL scouts are excited about his athleticism and a frame that should only get stronger in time.

Keep an eye out for Junior Craig Roh this year. Actually while we're on the subject of Juniors, everyone has Michael Brewster as the top OC at this point but I'm going to be following RS Junior Peter Konz closely this year.

Chase Minnifield, Virginia -- As a freshman he looked like a star in the making, but Minnifield was unable to crack UVA's starting rotation a season later as a sophomore. Last year, he grabbed hold of his opportunity and responded with a breakout campaign. The cornerback is an opportunist and plays with polished ball skills. Minnifield offers first-round possibilities next April and starting potential at the next level.

A corner with the skills to play zone and man coverage, good tackler and by all accounts is a film rat so there is a lot to like with Minnifield.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com Notable prospects to watch as college season opens:http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d821e115d/article/notable-prospects-to-watch-as-college-season-opens

NFL Draft Bible prospect watch 05/9/11: http://www.nfldraftbible.com/NFL-Insider-Insider-info/nfl-draft-watch-prospect-news-a-notes-9511.html

Rob Staton of Seahawks draft blog week 1 thoughts: http://seahawksdraftblog.com/thoughts-on-the-way

Tom Melton of NFL Draft Monsters breakdown of Wisconsin-UNLV: http://tommeltonscouting.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/wisconsin-unlv-breakdown/

Rob Rang of CBS Sports/The Sports Xchange Weekly Rewind: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15528392/weekly-rewind-griffin-iii-moore-shine-after-week-1

Charlie Campbell of Walter Football recaps some week 1 college games: http://walterfootball.com/draft2012recap_01.php

Paul Emery is someone I respect for telling it how he sees it and not just jumping on the prospect bandwagon-here are his off season draft thoughts for the Football Diner: http://www.footballdiner.com/paulemery7.html

WR TY Hilton, FIU, 5’10, 185lbs
Potential slot receiver at the next level, he showed burst and an ability to separate from defensive backs. Looked smooth and feels zones well. However he allows the ball get into his body rather than plucking it.

DT Mike Martin, Michigan, 6’1, 304lbs
One of the DTs I’ll be watching closely this season. Showed explosiveness of the snap and a good motor. Used his hands well and was disruptive despite being singled out for extra attention for most of the game. ATM I see him as more of a 1 gap penetrator as more powerful linemen can get the better of him in the run game.

OG Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin, 6’4, 318lbs
Was watching for Peter Konz but Kevin Zeitler caught my eye. He looked athletic and as a result was able to recover any time the opposition gained an initial step on him. He adjusted well to stunts and did a good job of picking up the blitz. His athletic ability allows him to get out to the second level and he held his own in run blocking.

WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, 6’1, 215lbs
I tried to keep this to senior prospects only but had to mention Blackmon. He showed an ability to pick up yards after the catch. Takes time to get up to full speed and I’m not convinced he’ll run a great 40 time. He has the ability to block as well which is a bonus. Used his body well to shield the ball from the defenders. I’ll want to watch him when he’s up against better DBs than Shaquille Richardson.

More to come.

thought I should mention trumaine johnson, a cb out of montana, had never heard of him previous to me seeing some mocks and footage. He has a 1st round grade apparently and he seems like jimmy smith, a good playmaker aswell although he has faced mostly poor teams, still, a 6-3 210 cb who runs in the 4.4's with a 1st round grade already from some teams, that doesn't happen much, thats 7 or 8 potential 1st round cb's now

niner wrote:thought I should mention trumaine johnson, a cb out of montana, had never heard of him previous to me seeing some mocks and footage. He has a 1st round grade apparently and he seems like jimmy smith, a good playmaker aswell although he has faced mostly poor teams, still, a 6-3 210 cb who runs in the 4.4's with a 1st round grade already from some teams, that doesn't happen much, thats 7 or 8 potential 1st round cb's now

Yeah i've read quite a bit about Johnson and it seems most draft followers have caught on to him now and are jumping on the bandwagon. I'll need to get video from a Montana game.

Just out of interest who are your top rated senior corners so far this season? Forget the underclassmen for now. I'm still a fan of Chase Minnifield and I want to get a better look at Nabraska's Alfonzo Dennard.

tbh, as a husker fan, i should hope dennard goes to one of my nfl teams but i feel he is a little overhyped, he is great when he plays well but i dont think he has been as physical as he has been , possibly due to a recent injury. Hayward from Vandy is a talent, especially with good players around him and judie of a&m who i think is a senior is pretty good. There is also a good one from san diego state, just cant remember the name.

niner wrote:tbh, as a husker fan, i should hope dennard goes to one of my nfl teams but i feel he is a little overhyped, he is great when he plays well but i dont think he has been as physical as he has been , possibly due to a recent injury. Hayward from Vandy is a talent, especially with good players around him and judie of a&m who i think is a senior is pretty good. There is also a good one from san diego state, just cant remember the name.

It's interesting that you say that, I remember last season when Dennard was first coming onto the scene some thought he was a better talent than Amukamara.

Top senior kicker prospects
Danny Hrapmann, Southern Miss
Justin Tucker, Texas
Eric Folk, Washington
Will Snyderwine, Duke
Carson Wiggs, Purdue
From: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8230fc44/article/trading-winds-deals-that-should-get-done-before-deadline?module=HP11_cp

Does anyone have a view on Tyler Wilson, Arkansas QB ?
I think I picked the Razorbacks as my college team because of a bloke I met on holiday who said they had an awesome Sophomore QB, Brandon Mitchell, who would be a serious player, what I didn't realise is that the Junior QB they have in Tyler Wilson is also pretty good.
A couple of questions for you College junkies, will he declare for draft and is he good enough for NFL ?

I think amukamara an dennard are physical corners who like press and run support, but i still think they wiill get caught out against good wideouts. That being said dennard is a lock for the 1st round, i'm just not sure he will be ready immediately for the nfl

Grizzly wrote:Does anyone have a view on Tyler Wilson, Arkansas QB ?
I think I picked the Razorbacks as my college team because of a bloke I met on holiday who said they had an awesome Sophomore QB, Brandon Mitchell, who would be a serious player, what I didn't realise is that the Junior QB they have in Tyler Wilson is also pretty good.
A couple of questions for you College junkies, will he declare for draft and is he good enough for NFL ?

He looks pretty decent, but Arkansas is set up to make the passer look good at the moment (inherited a Ryan Mallet orientated Offence).
Don't know if he will come out... I would say that he shouldn't as the Senior QB class plus people like Andrew Luck etc. is rather good this year, even with later round talent such as Kellen Moore out of Boise, Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State or Ryan Lindley out of San Diego State

i think that if griffin declares, there are at least 4 or 5 qb's that would go higher than wilson. I think he should wait a year and show how good he is with a good running game back and with new receivers

niner wrote:i think that if griffin declares, there are at least 4 or 5 qb's that would go higher than wilson. I think he should wait a year and show how good he is with a good running game back and with new receivers

I'd list Luck, Barkley, L. Jones, and Griffin well ahead of Wilson.
Foles would perhaps be above him too, plus the list of mid round picks that I mentioned previously and WIlson would be in amongst means he should definately wait a year!

WR AJ Jenkins, Illinois, 6'0, 190lbs
Jenkins is a prospect who has been on the rise lately. He has good hands and does a good job plucking the ball away from his body. Shows an ability to feel zone coverage and in the game I watched could have made a couple of big plays if the passes hadn't been overthrown. Shows decent body control and is somewhat elusive after the catch. My biggest concern with Jenkins is that he often looks to be decelerating when making his cuts. I'll have to watch him again but right now i'm neither high nor low on Jenkins.

DE Shea McClellin, Boise State, 6'3, 255lbs
I've been impressed by McClellin in both Boise games i've watched so far. High motor player who makes a lot of plays in the run game and really sheds blocks well to penetrate into the backfield and stop the runner. I was really impressed by Adrian Clayborn last year as a run stopper and I see a bit of that kind of ability in McClellin this year. McClellin also shows a lot of versatility as i've observed him line up as a DE, SOLB in both the 34 and 43 and standing up on the LOS in a 425 nickel. I don't think he has great explosion off the snap but he accelerates well round the corner and when rushing from off the LOS.

TE Coby Fleener, Stanford, 6'6, 245lbs
A TE in the Aaron Hernandez, Dallas Clark mould but taller at 6'6. He does a nice job running routes, seam, dig etc. Great acceleration into his routes and after the catch. Shows an ability to gain separation when faced with man coverage and displays very good hands. Uses his height and long arms well to go up high and make the catch. Similar to Hernandez and Clark is not a great in line blocker, he can do it but doesn't get much push. More of a second level blocker.

SS Brandon Taylor, LSU, 5'11, 195lbs
Forget Soph Tyrann Mathieu for now, Senior DB Brandon Taylor is the guy you want to watch in the LSU secondary this year. Is able to get downfield and make plays vs. the run and shows good ability and range in both man and zone coverage. One of the more complete safety prospects IMO.

On the subject of Mathieu, he is a talented player but he has another couple of years before he reaches the NFL and he has two red flags for me already. His suspension for use of synthetic marijuana and his size. He's listed at 5'9 which probably means he's closer to 5'8 and not much over 180lbs. I just can't see him covering Andre, Calvin or Brandon types outside at the next level. He could be a great slot corner though or as some have suggested move him to the rover/hybrid S position.

3 guys who continue to impress me-Brandon Thompson, Kevin Zeitler(only guy rivaling him ATM is David DeCastro IMO) and Chase Minnifield.

Expanded thoughts on Casey Hayward:
I subscribe to the idea that a starting cornerback should be an all-round player capable of playing both run and pass and being competent in man or zone coverage. For that reason I rate a CBs ability in run support and to tackle quite highly. Initial thoughts on Hayward are that he’s a tentative tackler who gets blocked out of plays far too easily, something I noted repeatedly in the game I watched. Not consistent in man coverage. He needs technique work and often lets the receiver get position on him. Was beat off the line on a few occasions, one of which he was called for pass interference. Will open his hips early in order to turn and run with the receiver which suggests he doesn’t want to get beat for speed. He does read the quarterback well when in zone coverage, tracks the ball in the air. He did have a nice pass breakup on a slant route.

DT Alameda Ta’amu, Washington, 6’3, 337lbs
Ta’amu is what he is, a big body who will take on double teams with some ability to push the pocket. Not a guy who is going to give you much as a pass rusher, certainly not as explosive off the snap as Browns pick Phil Taylor for example. Needs to work on his pad level as he will often get caught too upright. Lack of big bodied guys means he might go higher than he should.

SS Mark Barron, Alabama, 6’2, 218lbs
Barron has nice size for a safety. Shows good play recognition and is always around the ball. Seems to love coming up to the line and making a hit and is a good tackler. Looks more comfortable up around the LOS but displays decent range in coverage. Held up well in man coverage when asked to defend short/intermediate routes.

Another nose tackle I haven't seen in a game but that has featured in the top 20 picks of mock drafts is Dontari Poe who plays for memphis. Another safety im intrigued about is janzen jackson, he most likely will not be drafted due to his discipline but just 9 months or so ago, he was considered a 1st round prospect. He is small but really fast and a former five star recruit.

niner wrote:Another nose tackle I haven't seen in a game but that has featured in the top 20 picks of mock drafts is Dontari Poe who plays for memphis. Another safety im intrigued about is janzen jackson, he most likely will not be drafted due to his discipline but just 9 months or so ago, he was considered a 1st round prospect. He is small but really fast and a former five star recruit.

Dontari Poe is an intreguing prospect. 6'5, 350lbs guy, though he's maybe 10-15lbs lighter than his listed weight, looks a bit more athletic than Ta'amu and a much closer comparison to Phil Taylor-though still a run stuffer rather than a guy who gets into the backfield. Is moved around on the DL, when in 3 man fronts often plays the DE position, showing some versatility. One to keep an eye on going forward.

CBS Sports draft guy Rob Rang on LSU-Alabama a prospect goldmine: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15943320/nflready-talent-aplenty-on-display-for-lsualabama

Which wide receivers do you think will do well at the next level. Blackmon and Jeffrey are top 10 picks and floyd should be top 20, with dwight jones and sanu late 1st/early 2nd I think.

Do any of you agree with me that floyd could end up being just as good as the top two guys mentioned above as I have been watching some match tape and he is seriously talented.

My early hopes for the niners and the other two teams i like are:

vikings- claiborne, or martin and trade up to get floyd or jones
titans- claiborne/kirkpatrick or one of the top 3 wideouts
niners- trade down and end up with three second rounders and take hayward, harris or hosely, big wideout, and boykin

When you say Floyd do you mean the Notre Dame wide receiver? From the limited amount I've seen of him (I only occasionally watch college games) he seems talented, does he now have all the important Notre Dame receiving records?

Hate to burst your bubble on Claiborne but this is from twitter: Russell Shepard the LSU WR said : "@MoClaiborne My bro about to get paid"
Claiborne said: "@LSUShep10 I be bk next year shep!! :-/.......lol"
I am taking that to mean he currently doesn't intend to declare, or was it intended as sarcasm? I have never been able to understand what the ":/" face is meant to mean.

Have been talking to Alex Ferguson (who blogs for SkySports on the NFL/College football and some other things) on twitter about Mathieu/Claiborne and he said "Claiborne's leaving this year, and will go Top 10." I then asked him about the tweet to Russell Shepard and he said "We. Will. See."

Oh well, i hope he does declare, crazy not to as he is rising all the time in draft boards. Kirkpatrick started off the season as a lock for a top 10 pick but he is not anymore. Anyone that looks like they will be the first drafted in an important position surely must declare.

niner wrote:Which wide receivers do you think will do well at the next level. Blackmon and Jeffrey are top 10 picks and floyd should be top 20, with dwight jones and sanu late 1st/early 2nd I think.

My early favs are Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, Jeff Fuller, TY Hilton (slot).

niner wrote: Do any of you agree with me that floyd could end up being just as good as the top two guys mentioned above as I have been watching some match tape and he is seriously talented.

Agree. I felt Floyd was as talented as AJ Green and Julio Jones.

What do you like about fuller m8, tbh I haven't saw him a lot but his status seems to have dropped a bit, last year, he was touted as a possible 1st round pick but i have noticed dwight jones(who will be a good no 1 in the nfl i think, 4th best wr in the draft) and mcnutt have been mocked ahead of him

niner wrote:What do you like about fuller m8, tbh I haven't saw him a lot but his status seems to have dropped a bit, last year, he was touted as a possible 1st round pick but i have noticed dwight jones(who will be a good no 1 in the nfl i think, 4th best wr in the draft) and mcnutt have been mocked ahead of him

One of the first things I look for in a receiver is can he get separation vs. man coverage and, although not consistent, Fuller can do this. He has good size and an ability to be physical at the LOS and down the field with cornerbacks is obviously a positive. He’s a pretty smooth route runner for a guy his size and I don’t see much deceleration when he makes his cuts. He’s got good hands and, like I said, can be physical when going up high for the ball. The fact that he can block in the run game is a bonus. He’s fallen in a lot of people’s minds because he’s not been as explosive as a senior but the raw ability is still there and he’s still doing some good things.

Ill need to see some more games with him but the receiver class is looking pretty deep. The guy that im really intrigued by is dwight jones, any 6-4, 225 receiver that has been in the low-mid 4.4 time range is a physical freak but i think he too is a good blocker downfield. He isn't always a smooth route runner but when you are more athletic than most players covering you, that doesn't matter. He also has the possibly the best hands in the draft and its rare to see a guy that big change direction as easy as he does, that being said he isn't exactly a guy who is going to put moves on defenders and make them miss but when you blaze past people downfield, its not a huge deal.

Justin Blackmon is the best receiver in college football
In fact, he might be the best receiver in all of football. While fans of Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson will certainly disagree with my opinion, the Oklahoma State star is one of the best receiving prospects in years.

At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Blackmon is an athletic playmaker with size and ball skills. He tracks and adjusts well to errant throws, and provides quarterbacks with a big target who can go up and get the ball. Although he is only a junior, he's extremely polished as a route runner and is an explosive threat with the ball in his hands. His running skills evoke images of Terrell Owens in his prime. Part of that assessment is based on Blackmon's dominance over the past two seasons. He had 111 receptions for 1,782 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2010, and has snagged 93 balls for 1,142 yards with 14 scores so far this season. He has 18 games with 100-plus receiving yards and 10 games with 10-plus receptions over the past two years.

It's hard to find a glaring flaw in Blackmon's game outside of pure speed. Although he's fast enough to stretch the field on vertical routes, he doesn't appear to have sub-4.4 speed based off tape evaluation. However, he's never caught from behind when he breaks out and the fact that he routinely gets past defenders suggests his explosiveness shouldn't be a concern.

Virginia Tech's David Wilson is college football's best-kept secret at running back
The 5-10, 205-pound junior has rushed for 100-plus yards in nine of the Hokies' 10 games, and is coming off a 23-carry, 175-yard performance against Georgia Tech.

Wilson is a cutback runner with speed and quickness. He has the burst to turn the corner, but also the agility to put his foot in the ground and dart through seams. He also shows surprising power and toughness between the tackles. Wilson routinely breaks arm tackles at the point of attack, and has a knack for falling forward at the end of runs.

While some will question Wilson's durability due to his size, the fact that he has seven games with 20-plus carries this season suggests he's capable of carrying the load. With smaller backs like Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy setting the pace in the NFL, it wouldn't be surprising to see Wilson create more buzz going forward.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8241b3c1/article/college-stock-watch-is-blackmon-games-best-receiver?module=HP11_content_stream

I know you've just talked about the WR's you like, but what do you think of the expected 2012 RB class?