Are you as eager for a taste of some NFL as I am? It’s only the draft, but its the closest thing we are going to get for a while I’m afraid. While free agency and trading of players is on hold, NFL teams may trade draft choices.
What needs do your team have? To give you a preview, we will take a look at some of the draft picks that will garner the headlines next week. First the offense.
Quarterback
Without question, Auburn’s Cam Newton will (and should be) the #1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. Newton has off the chart measurables and is coming off an unbeaten National Championship season celebrated with a Heisman Trophy. Blaine Gabbert of Missouri is the only other QB certain of a first round selection, while Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett and Washington’s Jake Locker will also be considered. The best value may come from the next group who will be selected on day two. TCU’s Andy Dalton has done nothing but win and is a perfect fit for a West Coast offense. Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick is second only to Newton in measurables, with mid major competition the only question mark. If you are looking for sleepers, Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor and Texas A&M’s Jerod Johnson fit the bill.
Running Back
There is a reason that Alabama running back Mark Ingram has paid a visit to so many NFL teams leading up to the draft. Ingram is NFL ready and without question to top player at the position. He has many of the same attributes as Emmitt Smith and while pedestrian in the forty, nobody is faster in the ten yard sprint to the hole. A trio of backs are a step down from Ingram and figure to go anywhere from late on day one to early on day two. Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure and Daniel Thomas of Kansas State are big backs, while Virginia Tech’s Ryan Williams offers more moves. Projecting as late round sleepers are Alex Green from Hawaii and Maryland’s Da’Rel Scott.
Fullback
Fullback continues to be phased out by many NFL offensive coordinators and those at the college level as well. A trio bringing very different skills figure to have their name called during the draft. Tulsa’s Charles Clay was a college tailback, USC’s Stanley Havili a traditional fullback while Stanford’s Owen Marecic was a two-way star for the Cardinal.
Wide Receiver
Two future Pro Bowler’s highlight the wide out position in Georgia’s AJ Green and Alabama’s Julio Jones. Both arrived in the SEC as elite recruits and didn’t disappoint. Both could end up in the top 10 overall, with Green projecting as high as the top 5. Maryland’s Torrey Smith and Jonathan Baldwin of Pittsburgh may be the next two to go. Smith has incredible speed numbers and excels at returning kicks while Baldwin has prototype size, much like his Panther predecessor Larry Fitzgerald. Those looking for late round value will consider Hawaii’s Greg Salas and Terrence Tolliver of LSU. Salas was highly productive but may be viewed as putting up system numbers while Tolliver’s numbers were limited by weak play at quarterback.
Tight End
It is uncommon for a tight end to be selected in the first round, but Notre Dame’s Kyle Rudolph is uncommon talent. Rudolph arrived in South Bend as the top prep player at the position in the nation and delivered. Kyle missed much of the 2010 season due to injury but has elite skills. There is no clear-cut next best at the position, I like Arkansas’ DJ Williams. If you are looking for a sleeper, look no further than South Carolina’s Weslye Saunders. Saunders was suspended in 2010 for violation of team rules, but is massive and mobile.
Offensive Line (Tackle)
Usually one offensive tackle stands out as the sexy pick at the position. Not so this year with four players worthy of first round selection, in no particular order. USC’s Tyron Smith and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin helped themselves with strong combines. Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo and Nate Solder of Colorado have prototype size and will be in the mix. Someone will get a late round steal with Auburn’s Lee Ziemba. Ziemba who started at left tackle for four years for the defending national champs, figures at right tackle at the next level.
Offensive Interior (Guard/Center)
NFL scouts are looking for athletes that can contribute at both center and guard. The flexibility is a huge advantage as teams only have eight lineman active on game day. Three figure to be considered on day one, Florida’s Mike Pouncey, Danny Watkins of Baylor and Florida State’s Rodney Hudson. Pouncey is the brother of Maurkice, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie with Pittsburgh this season. Watkins is old for a rookie, having served as a firefighter for four years out of high school before attending Baylor. Hudson is the finesse player of the bunch, having been honored as the top lineman in the ACC for two seasons running. USC’s Kris O’Dowd has a big upside and could be a steal for the team that selects him mid draft.
Tomorrow, we will take a look at the defense
