cowboyjoe
12-10-2011, 10:03 PM
http://www.cbssports.com//nfl/draft/risersandfallers
1.
Andre Branch
DE
Clemson
The Tigers lost the Palmetto State battle against Steve Spurrier's South Carolina squad on Saturday, but Branch's play alerted scouts of his potential as a NFL 3-4 linebacker. One of his three tackles came after dropping into the flat, then breaking down to corral Gamecocks' running back Brandon Wilds for no gain. The other two stops were sacks of quarterback Connor Shaw, giving him 10.5 sacks on the year, which ranks tenth in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Branch did look a bit stiff trying to turn the corner as a defensive end, but players like San Francisco rookie Aldon Smith have down that power and closing speed can overcome average flexibility to allow for a successful conversion to linebacker.
2.
Coby Fleener
TE
Stanford
If quarterback Andrew Luck wins the Heisman based on his play against Notre Dame Saturday night, he had better bring Fleener to New York City with him. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound senior lined up multiple times outside against a solid cornerback in Robert Blanton, winning more battles then he lost. Two of his four catches were for touchdowns, including one against Blanton where he looked as fluid as many college receivers. And since the Cardinal lack true game-breakers on the outside, Luck and the rest of the team needed Fleener to step up after a couple of games where the ball didn't always stay glued to his hands. He was more than reliable this week, however, which could mean a Heisman for
1.
Andre Branch
DE
Clemson
The Tigers lost the Palmetto State battle against Steve Spurrier's South Carolina squad on Saturday, but Branch's play alerted scouts of his potential as a NFL 3-4 linebacker. One of his three tackles came after dropping into the flat, then breaking down to corral Gamecocks' running back Brandon Wilds for no gain. The other two stops were sacks of quarterback Connor Shaw, giving him 10.5 sacks on the year, which ranks tenth in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Branch did look a bit stiff trying to turn the corner as a defensive end, but players like San Francisco rookie Aldon Smith have down that power and closing speed can overcome average flexibility to allow for a successful conversion to linebacker.
2.
Coby Fleener
TE
Stanford
If quarterback Andrew Luck wins the Heisman based on his play against Notre Dame Saturday night, he had better bring Fleener to New York City with him. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound senior lined up multiple times outside against a solid cornerback in Robert Blanton, winning more battles then he lost. Two of his four catches were for touchdowns, including one against Blanton where he looked as fluid as many college receivers. And since the Cardinal lack true game-breakers on the outside, Luck and the rest of the team needed Fleener to step up after a couple of games where the ball didn't always stay glued to his hands. He was more than reliable this week, however, which could mean a Heisman for