RS12
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 32,523
- Reaction score
- 29,865
Risers
Tim Williams/DE-OLB/Alabama: Scouts stamped Williams as a possible top 45 pick entering the season but the senior has played more like a top 32 choice. The stats from this weekend’s demolition of Tennessee don’t tell the whole story. Williams posted 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack yet from the start of the game he terrorized Volunteer quarterback Robert Dobbs and annihilated everyone who tried to slow him down. Most impressive was the way Williams got pressure up the field from a three point stance as well as standing over tackle. He beat opponents with speed, power and great technique. He must improve his play against the run and I’m hoping Williams shows up at the Senior Bowl then is used in coverage drills. Regardless, there’s no denying he’s significantly improved his draft stock this season.
Jeremiah Ledbetter/DL/Arkansas: I’ve been waiting to put Ledbetter on my risers list for a number of weeks and feel his performance against Mississippi warrants mention. Most scouts did not grade Ledbetter entering the season due to poor size/speed numbers despite the fact he’s done nothing but make plays since transferring to Arkansas. His numbers against the Rebels included 5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. To date he leads the team with 3.5 sacks and tops all Razorback defensive linemen with 28 tackles. Ledbetter has size and scheme limitations but his approach and productively make me feel he’s worthy of a late round choice for a team needing a reserve three-technique tackle.
Jeremy Sprinkle/TE/Arkansas: Sprinkle was a prospect I highlighted in August when spoke about the need for increased offensive production. And while that has yet to materialize (1 reception against Mississippi this weekend and a total of 19 catches in 7 games) scouts are impressed with his overall game. His blocking and disciplined route running against Mississippi helped spark the Arkansas offense all evening. And when the ball is thrown in his direction he makes the catch. Sprinkle is a tight end whose contributions don’t always show up on the stat sheet and a prospect who will be under-drafted but a player that could eventually develop into a Sunday starter.
Gareon Conley/CB/Ohio State: Two Buckeyes are flying up draft boards, safety Malik Hooker who I mentioned two weeks ago and now Gareon Conley. The junior corner has really stepped up his game and he turned in a great performance against Wisconsin. Putting aside his interception and pass break-up during the game, what was most impressive was the way Conley made plays with his back to the ball and his ability to track the pass then make the play. Conley has decent size which compliments his athleticism, instincts and ball skills. Its all adds up to the next top cornerback prospect from the OSU program.
Dede Westbrook/WR/Oklahoma: Graded as a late round pick before the season, Westbrook is on a tear and has improved his stock by nearly two rounds. The senior is not only proving to be a reliable receiver (43 receptions in 6 games this year) but a big play wide out as well (21-yard average on 26 catches during past three games). Westbrook has also shown a nose for the end zone catching 8 TD receptions the past three games. Forty times are critical in the lead up to the 2017 draft but Westbrook could end up as a middle round choice for a team needing a slot receiver.
Donnie Miles/S/North Carolina: Several seniors on the Tar Heel roster received high grades from scouts entering the season but I contend it is a junior, Donnie Miles, who is the team’s top NFL prospect. To date he’s performed well and looked terrific during the victory over Miami. Leading the defense with 8 tackles, Miles was constantly around the action making positive plays and selling out to stop ball handlers. He needs to pick up his production against the pass but Miles has the size, smarts and range to land in the second day of the draft.
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=11408
Tim Williams/DE-OLB/Alabama: Scouts stamped Williams as a possible top 45 pick entering the season but the senior has played more like a top 32 choice. The stats from this weekend’s demolition of Tennessee don’t tell the whole story. Williams posted 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack yet from the start of the game he terrorized Volunteer quarterback Robert Dobbs and annihilated everyone who tried to slow him down. Most impressive was the way Williams got pressure up the field from a three point stance as well as standing over tackle. He beat opponents with speed, power and great technique. He must improve his play against the run and I’m hoping Williams shows up at the Senior Bowl then is used in coverage drills. Regardless, there’s no denying he’s significantly improved his draft stock this season.
Jeremiah Ledbetter/DL/Arkansas: I’ve been waiting to put Ledbetter on my risers list for a number of weeks and feel his performance against Mississippi warrants mention. Most scouts did not grade Ledbetter entering the season due to poor size/speed numbers despite the fact he’s done nothing but make plays since transferring to Arkansas. His numbers against the Rebels included 5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack. To date he leads the team with 3.5 sacks and tops all Razorback defensive linemen with 28 tackles. Ledbetter has size and scheme limitations but his approach and productively make me feel he’s worthy of a late round choice for a team needing a reserve three-technique tackle.
Jeremy Sprinkle/TE/Arkansas: Sprinkle was a prospect I highlighted in August when spoke about the need for increased offensive production. And while that has yet to materialize (1 reception against Mississippi this weekend and a total of 19 catches in 7 games) scouts are impressed with his overall game. His blocking and disciplined route running against Mississippi helped spark the Arkansas offense all evening. And when the ball is thrown in his direction he makes the catch. Sprinkle is a tight end whose contributions don’t always show up on the stat sheet and a prospect who will be under-drafted but a player that could eventually develop into a Sunday starter.
Gareon Conley/CB/Ohio State: Two Buckeyes are flying up draft boards, safety Malik Hooker who I mentioned two weeks ago and now Gareon Conley. The junior corner has really stepped up his game and he turned in a great performance against Wisconsin. Putting aside his interception and pass break-up during the game, what was most impressive was the way Conley made plays with his back to the ball and his ability to track the pass then make the play. Conley has decent size which compliments his athleticism, instincts and ball skills. Its all adds up to the next top cornerback prospect from the OSU program.
Dede Westbrook/WR/Oklahoma: Graded as a late round pick before the season, Westbrook is on a tear and has improved his stock by nearly two rounds. The senior is not only proving to be a reliable receiver (43 receptions in 6 games this year) but a big play wide out as well (21-yard average on 26 catches during past three games). Westbrook has also shown a nose for the end zone catching 8 TD receptions the past three games. Forty times are critical in the lead up to the 2017 draft but Westbrook could end up as a middle round choice for a team needing a slot receiver.
Donnie Miles/S/North Carolina: Several seniors on the Tar Heel roster received high grades from scouts entering the season but I contend it is a junior, Donnie Miles, who is the team’s top NFL prospect. To date he’s performed well and looked terrific during the victory over Miami. Leading the defense with 8 tackles, Miles was constantly around the action making positive plays and selling out to stop ball handlers. He needs to pick up his production against the pass but Miles has the size, smarts and range to land in the second day of the draft.
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=11408
