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The top 64: Best prospects as 2010 NFL draft season kicks off
Updated 22h 32m ago | Comments 13 | Recommend 4 E-mail | Save | Print |
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-02-23-top-64-draft-prospects_N.htm
By Frank Cooney, Special to USA TODAY
The NFL scouting combine is in session this week as teams begin looking ahead to the 2010 draft and beyond. NFLDraftScout.com, USA TODAY scouting service, offers its Top 64 prospects — the players currently projected to go in the draft's first two rounds — heading into the combine, a list that will evolve in the weeks leading up to the April 22-24 draft. Players are listed with their position, school, height, weight and the projected round they will be drafted (*indicates underclassman):
1. Ndamukong Suh — DT, Nebraska 6-4, 302, 1: In the classroom, Suh majored in construction management. But on the field, he starred in destruction and mayhem. Has everything necessary to become one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL, where his rare combination of size, skills and competitiveness should earn immediate respect. Can run around or through blockers faster than you can say his name (En-DOM-ah-ken SOO). Best suited to play defensive tackle in a four-man line, Suh is tough enough to hold down the middle as a nose tackle yet also has the agility and quickness to be a menace as an end. His instincts are conspicuous, and he can even drop into pass coverage. Last season, Suh finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, won the Nagurski, Outland, Bednarik and Lombardi awards and was All-American and Big 12 player of the year.
2. *Eric Berry— FS, Tennessee, 5-11, 203, 1: Rated the top cornerback in the country coming out of high school, Berry was moved to safety at Tennessee but has the ability to play either position in the NFL. In fact, he appears more productive and involved as a coverage defensive back than he is playing off as a safety. In 2008 he became the first Volunteer named first-team All-American since 1990. He is an intense player with rare instincts to read and react, plays under control and doesn't bite on play-action or pump fakes. Won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back last season.
3. *Gerald McCoy— DT, Oklahoma, 6-4, 298, 1: Persistent, powerful and should be more productive in the NFL than his college stats indicate. He enters the draft after two years in which he totaled 26½ tackles for a loss and 12½ sacks. McCoy was the key man in Oklahoma's defensive front and demanded the attention of multiple blockers, thereby opening the way for teammates to make tackles. He is at his best when he anticipates the snap count, explodes off the ball quickly and gets into the blocker with momentum rather than being the counterpuncher attempting to gain control. Has excellent feet, a good spin move and closing speed that makes him a constant pest in pursuit.
4. Russell Okung — T, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 302, 1: A big man who plays best in big games. Shows advanced skills as a pass blocker and should be able to play left tackle in the NFL. In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Commanders in 2009. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism as a pass blocker but seems to lack the level of aggression scouts like to see in a run blocker. He appears too satisfied to merely maintain a position on run blocks rather than trying to obliterate defenders.
5. *Joe Haden — CB, Florida, 5-11, 190, 1: Became the first true freshman to start at corner for Florida. Now, after 40 starts, he has more than shown he is ready for the NFL. He is the complete package: smooth and consistent in coverage, aggressive against the run and has unreal ball reaction and the ability to go all the way on an interception or return.
6. *Bryan Bulaga — T, Iowa, 6-6, 312, 1: Shows the footwork and agility to be an excellent pass blocker and could become a solid left tackle in the NFL, although he also played guard at Iowa. Uses finesse, position and angles more than sheer force. He does have adequate strength but can be pushed back by a strong bull rush. A competitive, smart, hardworking team leader, Bulaga was selected the 2009 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year. A thyroid problem is being characterized as a short-term issue, but it surely will be analyzed by doctors at the combine.
7. *Sam Bradford— QB, Oklahoma, 6-4, 223, 1: After sensational seasons as a freshman All-American and sophomore Heisman Trophy winner, he was expected to sail through his junior year with more honors and then perhaps become the top pick in the 2010 draft. Instead, he injured his right (passing) shoulder in the first game of the season, reinjured it against Texas, had surgery and then focused on healing to get ready for the draft. He remains an intriguing prospect, with supreme leadership ability to go with excellent height, mobility and accuracy. His arm strength is very good but not awe-inspiring. His release point is something less than over-the-top, which sometimes nullifies what should be a height advantage. Bradford's career totals include completing 67.6% of his passes with 88 touchdowns — 50 as a sophomore — and only 16 interceptions.
8. *Derrick Morgan— DE, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 272, 1: After being surrounded by talent on the defensive line in 2008, Morgan needed to show he could remain productive as the only returning starter in 2009. He showed that and more while becoming Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year with 55 tackles, including 12½ sacks. Uses instinct and awareness as much as he does athleticism and strength. Morgan has an explosive first step yet plays with discipline and understands how to maintain leverage.
9. *Dez Bryant — WR, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 220, 1: A big, fast, aggressive receiver with great hands and the ability to go to the house whenever he has the ball. The only problem he had with defensive backs was inappropriate contact with Deion Sanders and lying to the NCAA about the incident. That resulted in Bryant being suspended in October for the balance of the season. But he more than convinced scouts he is a potential NFL superstar with jaw-dropping production as a sophomore, when he caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and was the Big 12 leader in receiving yards a game (113.9), scoring (9.69 ppg), touchdown receptions (19) and punt returns (17.9 a try).
10. *Jimmy Clausen— QB, Notre Dame, 6-2, 223, 1: Chose Notre Dame because he wanted to be tutored by coach Charlie Weis. A natural leader, Clausen can identify coverages quickly, uses excellent footwork to buy time and has an accurate but not overly strong arm. He handled himself well during a roller-coaster career at Notre Dame. He was often brutalized as a starting freshman and threw 17 interceptions as a sophomore. But despite playing hurt, he improved last year with 28 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a completion percentage of 68%. In January, he had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right big toe.
11. C.J. Spiller— RB, Clemson, 5-11, 195, 1: A big play waiting to happen. Has the strength to run through tackles and a jump cut-and-go move that leaves defenders reading the back of his jersey. He returned to Clemson for a senior season despite the fact he could have been a first-round pick in 2009. After sharing carries with James Davis for three years, Spiller wanted to show he could be a featured back. He did exactly that, gaining 1,212 yards rushing, 503 yards receiving and scoring 21 touchdowns. He is the first player in college history with at least 3,000 yards rushing, 2,000 yards in kickoff returns, 1,000 yards receiving and 500 in punt return yards.
12. *Rolando McClain — ILB, Alabama, 6-4, 256, 1: A special athlete on the field and an outstanding leader. His instincts, intelligence, aggressive play and productivity draw comparisons to Patrick Willis. While leading Alabama to a national title last season, McClain won the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country. Some scouts wonder how much he benefited from playing in coach Nick Saban's hyper-aggressive, 3-4 defense that helped keep him free to roam behind the likes of 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody. Still, McClain appears to have everything except sprinter's speed and is expected to be a star.
13. Taylor Mays— FS, Southern California, 6-3, 231, 1: This imposing player has freakish measurables in terms of size and speed that could translate into superstardom. However, his penchant for intimidation seems to override the fact that he could and should be competing for the ball. Southern California used Mays as a center-field type because he is at his best when things are in front of him so he can use great closing speed to make a play. But Mays seems to sometimes take bad angles if a play gets to his depth, resulting in him trailing when he should be on top of the receiver.
14 *Carlos Dunlap — DE, Florida, 6-6, 290, 1: Passes the eyeball test with a tall, powerful frame, long arms and big, strong hands. But there is lingering concern among scouts that he didn't always play up to his potential. He made matters worse when he was arrested on a DUI charge after officers found him passed out in his car four days before the Southeastern Conference title game, earning him a suspension. But remember Florida's 2009 Bowl Championship Series title-game victory against Oklahoma when he was named defensive MVP with four tackles, including 1½ for a loss, a blocked field goal and a sack.
15. Mike Iupati — G,Idaho, 6-5, 325, 1: A massive, powerful, athletic player who is just beginning to grasp the game. Although he played guard for the Vandals, scouts are curious what kind of havoc he might cause as a defensive lineman or the type of quarterback security he might provide as an offensive tackle. Idaho grabbed the native Samoan when other schools were concerned that he would have challenges academically because he was learning English. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has grasped the game and the language. After looking outstanding at all O-line positions in practice, he was asked where he preferred to play. Said Iupati, "I guess tackles make more money, so …"
16. *Golden Tate — WR, Notre Dame, 5-11, 195, 1: The multitalented player earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver in 2009. Caught 93 passes for 1,496 yards and 15 TDs. Tate had a sensational high school career as an All-America running back, and his after-the-catch ability certainly reflects that. Has startling quickness and nifty moves that can embarrass a defensive back. He is aggressive going for the ball but sometimes lets it get into his body rather than snatching it with his hands.
17. *Everson Griffen— DE, Southern California, 6-3, 278, 1: Has the ability to be great but has lacked consistency and fire. His athleticism is most obvious when he is let loose as a pure pass rusher. A constant challenge to block because he has an array of athletic moves and great closing speed. However, he doesn't seem to finish the job as often as he should because he is so focused on getting upfield that he loses track of the football, making him vulnerable on runs to his inside. Scouts wonder if he will stay motivated after depositing a big signing bonus check.
18. Trent Williams — T, Oklahoma, 6-5, 318, 1: Gets the job done more with fluid athleticism than force but plays with a high-rev motor. He is especially impressive handling quick, finesse-type defensive ends with his footwork and balance. While Williams appears to have enough strength to stop bull rushers, he is not always successful because he struggles to maintain a leverage position when attacked head on and has not learned to use his hands to jolt a defender. He moved from right to left tackle in 2009 and displayed an ability to recognize and react to various blitzes with an exceptional burst of speed and agility.
19. *Earl Thomas — CB, Texas, 5-10, 195, 1: Chose to enter the draft as a redshirt sophomore after setting a school record with eight interceptions. Led the nation with 24 passes defensed last year and collected 143 combined tackles the last two seasons. Thomas has the speed, instincts and attitude to play safety, but scouts have concerns about whether he is big enough to hold up at the next level. They also remember he was the victim on Michael Crabtree's game-winning catch against Texas Tech in 2008 and missed several tackles in the BCS title game.
20. Ricky Sapp — OLB, Clemson, 6-4, 248, 1: Whether he plays outside linebacker in a 3-4 or defensive end in a 4-3, his promise is as a pass rusher. He moved from defensive end to standup linebacker last year and responded with career highs in tackles (60), tackles for loss (15) and sacks (5). Sapp's overall athleticism is more striking than his football ability. If he learns to harness all his talent, he can become an elite pass rusher in the NFL. However, there is concern about his durability after a college career marred by injuries.
21 *Jonathan Dwyer — RB, Georgia Tech, 5-11, 235, 1-2: Powerful, tackle-breaking, inside runner. In his three-season career, he pounded the ball 517 times for 3,329 yards (an impressive average of 6.4 yards a carry) with 35 TDs. But it remains to be seen if his ability as an inside runner will continue in the NFL without being part of a deceptive, triple-option attack. He caught 15 passes and was rarely asked to pass block. Still, his combination of brute force, bursts of speed and surprising lateral moves might work well in the NFL.
22. Sergio Kindle— OLB, Texas, 6-4, 255, 1-2: An instinctive, athletic big playmaker in the 3-4 but might be a terror as a 4-3 pass-rushing defensive end if he adds 20 pounds. He is tightly wound and competitive, yet has natural balance and plays under control. He has a knack for causing fumbles. Will be a standout special-teams player immediately. He has a history of nagging injuries and off-field issues. He was treated for a concussion last year after crashing his car into an apartment building while texting.
23 *Anthony Davis— T, Rutgers, 6-6, 325, 1-2: Blessed with all the ability to be as good as he wants to be. But scouts wonder if he is willing to do the work to maximize his tremendous raw athleticism. Davis has an explosive first step, the strength one expects from a man his size, plus footwork and agility one doesn't expect from such a huge person. But he will have to turn up his competitive fire and lower his weight to be consistent in the NFL. He was suspended one game for violating team rules in 2008; benched for a quarter in 2009 for missing a team meeting; and demoted to second team after reporting overweight last year.
24. Dan Williams — DT, Tennessee, 6-2, 329, 1-2: Seemed to be one of the biggest benefactors when Monte Kiffin was brought in to coach the defense. In one season, Williams went from a middle-round prospect to a potential first-rounder after he led all SEC defensive linemen with 61 tackles. He is about as fancy as a mad rhinoceros and just as scary. Has excellent straight-ahead quickness and backs that up with sheer power to keep blockers going backward. Locates the ball well, although he has only average lateral agility.
25. *Jason Pierre-Paul — DE, South Florida, 6-6, 265, 1-2: An exceptional athlete whose abilities will excite some teams, but he has a lot to learn. His development has been curbed because he has been to three schools in three years due to academic challenges. That said, his pass-rush ability is amazing. His first step is more of a blink-quick long jump, and keeping up with him is a major challenge for tackles. But he lacks instinct, doesn't use his hands well to shed blockers and will probably be a one-trick pony.
26 *Bruce Campbell— T, Maryland, 6-7, 310, 1-2: Considered a high prospect based on promise rather than production. His size and natural athletic ability are obvious. But based on limited college experience, he is a work in progress. His pass-blocking technique is that of an attacker rather than a catcher, which will be interesting to watch against experienced NFL defensive ends.
27. Charles Brown — T, Southern California, 6-5, 292, 1-2: Like several successful left tackles now in the NFL, Brown is a former tight end who made the transition to tackle in 2005. He immediately gained attention by protecting the blind side of quarterback Mark Sanchez. Has shown ample athletic ability to be considered a left tackle prospect in the NFL, but he is still learning the tricks of the trade and will also need to fill out his frame.
28. Brandon Graham— DE, Michigan, 6-1, 263, 1-2: Here's one of those short-on-stature, long-on-production players. Graham won several All-America mentions after leading the nation in tackles for loss (26) and registering 10½ sacks. He followed that with a great performance in the Senior Bowl practices and game, where he was named MVP after collecting five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumbled. A relentless pass rusher with the combination of speed and strength to attack from either side, he can also help in underneath zone coverage with great speed despite only average footwork.
29. Jared Odrick — DT, Penn State, 6-5, 301, 1-2: His strength is strength itself, which could serve him as a tackle in a four-man line or even at nose tackle in a 3-4. He has the quickness that demands immediate attention from blockers, and he can follow up with a persistent bull rush. He is not agile but used his big, strong hands to control blockers but might need to learn more tricks to remain consistently successful.
30. *Maurice Pouncey — C, Florida, 6-5, 318, 1-2: Coaches rave about his field intelligence and ability to make line calls while making the shotgun snap. Has exceptional quickness and gets into good position to pass protect and shows excellent awareness helping other linemen. Plays with a nasty disposition and delights in putting defenders on their back even if he has to run downfield to find a victim. His toughness was reflected before the Sugar Bowl when he had to receive treatment for kidney stones hours before kickoff but then was ready to play.
31. *Brian Price— DT, UCLA, 6-2, 300, 1-2: This powerhouse earned Pacific-10 defensive player of the year honors in 2009 with 48 tackles (23½ for a loss), including seven sacks. Uses great explosion and short-area quickness to get an edge. His toughness probably reflects his background; he grew up in South Central Los Angeles, attended Crenshaw High School and dealt with two of his brothers being killed. He is a work in progress and does have size and speed limitations.
32. *Jahvid Best — RB, California, 5-10, 195, 1-2: Best is an entertaining runner in open space, where his quickness, lateral agility and an extra gear make him a constant threat. These abilities serve him well as a returner, receiver and even on runs from scrimmage. But his lack of durability is a major concern, and he will probably be considered a situational player in the pros.
33. Patrick Robinson — CB, Florida State, 5-11, 190, 1-2: He has long teased pro scouts with his ability to cover receivers and close on the ball. Robinson is a daring defender who plays with more confidence than consistency and will need to learn to play within his abilities to be a reliable pro. Robinson was suspended for taking part in the infamous Florida State academic scandal and missed the Music City Bowl and the first three games of the 2008 season.
34. Brandon LaFell — WR, LSU, 6-3, 206, 1-2: LaFell was rated the top receiver by some scouts going into the 2009 season. However, his lack of great quickness and inability to separate from defenders might prevent him from becoming a real star. He finished his four-year career with 175 catches, 2,517 yards and 25 touchdowns. He will need to refine his route-running.
35. *Dominique Franks — CB, Oklahoma, 6-0, 192, 1-2: His ability to read and react to plays in front of him makes Franks a candidate for a team that wants a good zone or off-man coverage corner. He has long arms and strong hands that help when he closes on plays, but overall he is not a physical player. He's stated that he is able to "shut down one side of the field," which says more for his confidence than the reality of his ability. He flashes athleticism as a returner but seems to lack vision in finding the best place to run.
36. Jermaine Gresham— TE, Oklahoma, 6-6, 258, 1-2: Gresham probably could have been the first tight end taken in the 2009 draft, but he chose to return and play another year with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford. Like Bradford, he was knocked out of action by an injury, tearing right knee ligaments in August. Despite his height, Gresham gets off the line quickly and runs all routes effectively. However, he could be more aggressive going for the ball in a crowd. After the catch he gains extra yardage more with strength than with speed. In 2008, he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns.
37. Corey Wootton — DE, Northwestern, 6-6, 280, 1-2: Despite the lack of an explosive first step, Wootton gets surprising results with the tools he has. Although lanky in appearance, he shows outstanding strength taking on blockers and surprising bull-rush ability, so he probably projects as a strongside end in a 3-4 alignment.
38. Sean Weatherspoon — OLB, Missouri, 6-1, 241, 1-2: Weatherspoon plays bigger than he measures and has a way of motivating teammates with his infectious enthusiasm. Became a starter as a sophomore, when he collected 127 tackles. In 2008, Weatherspoon had 155 tackles, including 17 in his MVP performance in the Alamo Bowl. Last year, he had 104 tackles. He has the athletic ability to run around and make things happen, but he will need to show he has the strength to be a consistent defender in the NFL.
39. *Demaryius Thomas — WR, Georgia Tech, 6-3, 229, 1-2: Broke his foot in a Feb. 16 workout, and it is expected to take four to six weeks to heal and perhaps longer before he's 100%. It's doubtful he will be able to work out for scouts before the draft, so NFL teams will need to rely on game film for analysis. What they'll see is an exceptional big-play star, as evidenced last season when he grabbed 46 passes for 1,154 yards, a 25.1-yard a catch average. Thomas is a huge target with large hands and can make tough catches. He shows surprising turn-and-go speed, and if he is able to put it all together, he should be a star in the NFL.
40. Brandon Spikes — ILB, Florida, 6-3, 256, 1-2: The cousin of Takeo Spikes has the instincts, quickness and aggression to be a consistent pest against the inside run. However, he lacks the speed necessary to chase down NFL backs on the outside and is not a major weapon as a pass rusher or blitzer. He gained negative notoriety last season for attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey, for which he was suspended.
41. Kyle Wilson — CB, Boise State, 5-10, 190, 1-2: Earned all-conference or All-America awards in four seasons while impressing as a defensive back and a punt returner. Extremely competitive, tough and has great ball reaction.
42. *Rob Gronkowski — TE, Arizona, 6-6, 265, 1-2: If "Gronk" can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a sensational tight end. He missed the 2009 season with a back injury and was out for three games in 2008 with mononucleosis. But he has the perfect size, athleticism, strength and soft hands that scouts want. In a little less than two seasons, Gronkowski became Arizona's career leading tight end in multiple receiving categories. He plays with physical toughness as a blocker yet shows flexibility and finesse as a receiver.
43. *Ryan Mathews— RB, Fresno State, 5-11, 220, 1-2: A strong, cut-and-go runner who uses exceptional leg and body strength to run through tackles. He is also an effective blocker on passes and in space and has reliable hands as a receiver. Some of his best performances came against top-shelf competition.
44. Colt McCoy— QB, Texas, 6-2, 212, 1-2: He says he is recovering quickly from the shoulder injury he suffered in the BCS title game and intends to throw at the combine. Opinions have always been widely split on his potential. His career totals are certainly impressive as he completed 70.3% of his passes for 13,253 yards, 112 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. But he fired mostly from a shotgun, has a low release point and might lack an NFL fastball.
45. Tim Tebow— QB, Florida, 6-3, 236, 2: His production, charisma and toughness are well-known. But he showcased these abilities in a spread offense, which accentuated his positives and minimized his negatives. Tebow's career productivity is off the charts: passing for 9,285 yards (88 touchdowns) and 16 interceptions; rushing for 3,390 yards and 57 TDs. But concerns over his ability to transfer his talent to the pro game were heightened in the Senior Bowl when he consistently had problems with the snap under center and his footwork. He also has an elongated throwing motion.
46. Terrence Cody — DT, Alabama, 6-4, 370, 2: He absolutely owns whatever piece of property he stands on and doesn't allow trespassers to move him. With Cody at nose tackle, no running back rushed for a 100 yards against Alabama. He demanded the attention of at least two blockers on almost every play, thereby freeing teammates to clean up. His performance waned at the end of last season, and scouts are concerned about his weight.
47. *Aaron Hernandez — TE, Florida, 6-2, 250, 2: He is not as big as the top tight ends these days, but he is adept at snatching those quick, short passes and has the ability to add extra yards after the catch. Hernandez cannot be called a powerful in-line blocker, where he is more willing than able. He is probably a more effective blocker in space, where he aggressively attacks defenders. He caught 68 passes for 850 yards last year.
48. *Kareem Jackson — CB, Alabama, 5-11, 192, 2: He is an instinctive, aggressive, coverage corner. He works hard in the film room and shows signs of understanding the nuances of coverage. He is more impressive in bump-and-run coverage than he is downfield.
49. *Damian Williams — WR, Southern California, 6-1, 195, 1-2: Earned freshman all-SEC honors in five starts at Arkansas. After transferring and sitting out 2007, he was USC's most reliable deep threat in 2008, catching 58 passes for 869 yards and nine touchdowns. He improved that last season with 70 catches for 1,010 yards and six TDs. Moves and speed won't dazzle.
50. *Navorro Bowman — OLB, Penn State, 6-1, 232, 2: Shows the instincts, quickness and ability that qualify him as an excellent, albeit short, pro linebacker candidate. But off-field issues have been a concern as he was suspended for two games and received one year of probation and 100 hours of community service after a fight in October 2007 and then received another year of probation for violating the terms of the original sentence.
51. Vladimir Ducasse — T, Massachusetts, 6-5, 326, 2: There is little doubt Ducasse has rare size and skills, but there is no consensus on where his talent might be best used in pro football. At the Senior Bowl, scouts delighted in watching him line up at all of the offensive line positions and then even take a shot on the defensive side. His natural strength and athletic ability give him tremendous upside.
52. Dexter McCluster — WR, Mississippi, 5-8, 165, 2: A combustible player who can explode from a number of positions — running back, wide receiver or returner. He should be especially effective as a slot receiver or third-down back in the NFL. There were the expected concerns about his lack of size, but he quieted most critics with a dazzling display at the Senior Bowl practices. He was especially impressive as a receiver who showed great hands.
53. Jerry Hughes — OLB, TCU, 6-2, 257, 2: A defensive end at TCU, due to a lack of size he is expected to move to outside linebacker. The two-time consensus All-American will probably be used as a pass-rush specialist. He had 11½ sacks last season after leading the nation with 15 in 2008. Must acquire a better repertoire of moves to be considered a constant pass-rush threat.
54. Devin McCourty — CB, Rutgers, 5-11, 186, 2: The winner of several academic honors, McCourty will need to work hard to compensate for a lack of elite speed in the NFL. In college, he was very impressive on passes in front of him but too often allowed receivers to get deep. He had 80 tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception last season. He also blocked three kicks and returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.
55. Anthony McCoy — TE, Southern California, 6-5, 249, 2: Despite the lack of explosiveness, McCoy manages to be a reliable receiver who excels at making the tough catch in traffic. His career numbers show 46 catches for 731 yards and one touchdown. But he is more of an old school tight end with a blue-collar work ethic and toughness that shows up both as a blocker.
56. Nate Allen— FS, South Florida, 6-1, 205, 2: He is deceptive in that he seems to play faster than he runs and bigger than he measures, which means he has excellent instincts, technique and focus. However, his man-coverage ability might limit him.
57. *Arrelious Benn— WR, Illinois, 6-2, 220, 2: After Benn caught 54 passes for 676 yards in 2007 and 67 passes for 1,055 yards in 2008, his numbers dipped to 38 catches for 490 yards along with inconsistent quarterback play. Benn uses his size, great vertical leaping and strong hands to win access to passes. He has also shown excellent footwork on the boundaries.
58. Anthony Dixon — RB, Mississippi State, 6-1, 245, 2: A big, tough back who can run, catch and block. Critics were skeptical if he was ready to be a team leader after being arrested on a DUI charge in July 2009, but he put that behind him by rushing for a school-record 1,391 yards.
59. *Chad Jones — SS, LSU, 6-3, 230, 2: After turning down the chance to sign with the Houston Astros, he elected to play baseball and football for LSU. As a sophomore he moved from nickel cornerback to starting free safety and had an exceptional season with 74 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions. Jones is excellent in run support and closes well on plays in front of him but must improve his backpedal for coverage.
60. *Jason Worilds — DE, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 252, 2: Has tremendous athletic ability and quickness but lacks the ballast to be an every-down NFL defensive end. Worilds could be a pass-rush specialist at defensive end or outside linebacker.
61. *Reshad Jones — SS, Georgia, 6-2, 212, 2-3: He started 13 games last season, collecting 73 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions. He is strong and likes to make the big hit, but he will need to wrap up on his tackles in NFL.
62. Koa Misi — OLB, Utah, 6-3, 244, 2-3: Impressed scouts at Senior Bowl. He's powerful enough to take on and shed a blocker and fast enough to chase down prey. Possesses excellent instincts, a nice motor and team-leader type personality.
63. Chris Cook — CB, Virginia, 6-2, 212, 2-3: He missed most of 2005 with a broken leg, three more games in 2007 with a sprained knee and was suspended for the 2008 season for academic reasons. He has great size, excellent speed and plenty of ability.
64. Daryl Washington — ILB, TCU, 6-2, 226, 2-3: Became a starter last year and helped TCU repeat as the top-ranked defense and led the team with 109 tackles. Doesn't seem instinctive but manages to get in on his share of plays with sheer aggression and sideline-to-sideline speed. If his production catches up to his potential, he can be special.
Cooney is the publisher of NFLDraftScout.com.
Updated 22h 32m ago | Comments 13 | Recommend 4 E-mail | Save | Print |
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-02-23-top-64-draft-prospects_N.htm
By Frank Cooney, Special to USA TODAY
The NFL scouting combine is in session this week as teams begin looking ahead to the 2010 draft and beyond. NFLDraftScout.com, USA TODAY scouting service, offers its Top 64 prospects — the players currently projected to go in the draft's first two rounds — heading into the combine, a list that will evolve in the weeks leading up to the April 22-24 draft. Players are listed with their position, school, height, weight and the projected round they will be drafted (*indicates underclassman):
1. Ndamukong Suh — DT, Nebraska 6-4, 302, 1: In the classroom, Suh majored in construction management. But on the field, he starred in destruction and mayhem. Has everything necessary to become one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL, where his rare combination of size, skills and competitiveness should earn immediate respect. Can run around or through blockers faster than you can say his name (En-DOM-ah-ken SOO). Best suited to play defensive tackle in a four-man line, Suh is tough enough to hold down the middle as a nose tackle yet also has the agility and quickness to be a menace as an end. His instincts are conspicuous, and he can even drop into pass coverage. Last season, Suh finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, won the Nagurski, Outland, Bednarik and Lombardi awards and was All-American and Big 12 player of the year.
2. *Eric Berry— FS, Tennessee, 5-11, 203, 1: Rated the top cornerback in the country coming out of high school, Berry was moved to safety at Tennessee but has the ability to play either position in the NFL. In fact, he appears more productive and involved as a coverage defensive back than he is playing off as a safety. In 2008 he became the first Volunteer named first-team All-American since 1990. He is an intense player with rare instincts to read and react, plays under control and doesn't bite on play-action or pump fakes. Won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back last season.
3. *Gerald McCoy— DT, Oklahoma, 6-4, 298, 1: Persistent, powerful and should be more productive in the NFL than his college stats indicate. He enters the draft after two years in which he totaled 26½ tackles for a loss and 12½ sacks. McCoy was the key man in Oklahoma's defensive front and demanded the attention of multiple blockers, thereby opening the way for teammates to make tackles. He is at his best when he anticipates the snap count, explodes off the ball quickly and gets into the blocker with momentum rather than being the counterpuncher attempting to gain control. Has excellent feet, a good spin move and closing speed that makes him a constant pest in pursuit.
4. Russell Okung — T, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 302, 1: A big man who plays best in big games. Shows advanced skills as a pass blocker and should be able to play left tackle in the NFL. In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Commanders in 2009. Okung uses great footwork and athleticism as a pass blocker but seems to lack the level of aggression scouts like to see in a run blocker. He appears too satisfied to merely maintain a position on run blocks rather than trying to obliterate defenders.
5. *Joe Haden — CB, Florida, 5-11, 190, 1: Became the first true freshman to start at corner for Florida. Now, after 40 starts, he has more than shown he is ready for the NFL. He is the complete package: smooth and consistent in coverage, aggressive against the run and has unreal ball reaction and the ability to go all the way on an interception or return.
6. *Bryan Bulaga — T, Iowa, 6-6, 312, 1: Shows the footwork and agility to be an excellent pass blocker and could become a solid left tackle in the NFL, although he also played guard at Iowa. Uses finesse, position and angles more than sheer force. He does have adequate strength but can be pushed back by a strong bull rush. A competitive, smart, hardworking team leader, Bulaga was selected the 2009 Big Ten offensive lineman of the year. A thyroid problem is being characterized as a short-term issue, but it surely will be analyzed by doctors at the combine.
7. *Sam Bradford— QB, Oklahoma, 6-4, 223, 1: After sensational seasons as a freshman All-American and sophomore Heisman Trophy winner, he was expected to sail through his junior year with more honors and then perhaps become the top pick in the 2010 draft. Instead, he injured his right (passing) shoulder in the first game of the season, reinjured it against Texas, had surgery and then focused on healing to get ready for the draft. He remains an intriguing prospect, with supreme leadership ability to go with excellent height, mobility and accuracy. His arm strength is very good but not awe-inspiring. His release point is something less than over-the-top, which sometimes nullifies what should be a height advantage. Bradford's career totals include completing 67.6% of his passes with 88 touchdowns — 50 as a sophomore — and only 16 interceptions.
8. *Derrick Morgan— DE, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 272, 1: After being surrounded by talent on the defensive line in 2008, Morgan needed to show he could remain productive as the only returning starter in 2009. He showed that and more while becoming Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year with 55 tackles, including 12½ sacks. Uses instinct and awareness as much as he does athleticism and strength. Morgan has an explosive first step yet plays with discipline and understands how to maintain leverage.
9. *Dez Bryant — WR, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 220, 1: A big, fast, aggressive receiver with great hands and the ability to go to the house whenever he has the ball. The only problem he had with defensive backs was inappropriate contact with Deion Sanders and lying to the NCAA about the incident. That resulted in Bryant being suspended in October for the balance of the season. But he more than convinced scouts he is a potential NFL superstar with jaw-dropping production as a sophomore, when he caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and was the Big 12 leader in receiving yards a game (113.9), scoring (9.69 ppg), touchdown receptions (19) and punt returns (17.9 a try).
10. *Jimmy Clausen— QB, Notre Dame, 6-2, 223, 1: Chose Notre Dame because he wanted to be tutored by coach Charlie Weis. A natural leader, Clausen can identify coverages quickly, uses excellent footwork to buy time and has an accurate but not overly strong arm. He handled himself well during a roller-coaster career at Notre Dame. He was often brutalized as a starting freshman and threw 17 interceptions as a sophomore. But despite playing hurt, he improved last year with 28 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a completion percentage of 68%. In January, he had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right big toe.
11. C.J. Spiller— RB, Clemson, 5-11, 195, 1: A big play waiting to happen. Has the strength to run through tackles and a jump cut-and-go move that leaves defenders reading the back of his jersey. He returned to Clemson for a senior season despite the fact he could have been a first-round pick in 2009. After sharing carries with James Davis for three years, Spiller wanted to show he could be a featured back. He did exactly that, gaining 1,212 yards rushing, 503 yards receiving and scoring 21 touchdowns. He is the first player in college history with at least 3,000 yards rushing, 2,000 yards in kickoff returns, 1,000 yards receiving and 500 in punt return yards.
12. *Rolando McClain — ILB, Alabama, 6-4, 256, 1: A special athlete on the field and an outstanding leader. His instincts, intelligence, aggressive play and productivity draw comparisons to Patrick Willis. While leading Alabama to a national title last season, McClain won the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country. Some scouts wonder how much he benefited from playing in coach Nick Saban's hyper-aggressive, 3-4 defense that helped keep him free to roam behind the likes of 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody. Still, McClain appears to have everything except sprinter's speed and is expected to be a star.
13. Taylor Mays— FS, Southern California, 6-3, 231, 1: This imposing player has freakish measurables in terms of size and speed that could translate into superstardom. However, his penchant for intimidation seems to override the fact that he could and should be competing for the ball. Southern California used Mays as a center-field type because he is at his best when things are in front of him so he can use great closing speed to make a play. But Mays seems to sometimes take bad angles if a play gets to his depth, resulting in him trailing when he should be on top of the receiver.
14 *Carlos Dunlap — DE, Florida, 6-6, 290, 1: Passes the eyeball test with a tall, powerful frame, long arms and big, strong hands. But there is lingering concern among scouts that he didn't always play up to his potential. He made matters worse when he was arrested on a DUI charge after officers found him passed out in his car four days before the Southeastern Conference title game, earning him a suspension. But remember Florida's 2009 Bowl Championship Series title-game victory against Oklahoma when he was named defensive MVP with four tackles, including 1½ for a loss, a blocked field goal and a sack.
15. Mike Iupati — G,Idaho, 6-5, 325, 1: A massive, powerful, athletic player who is just beginning to grasp the game. Although he played guard for the Vandals, scouts are curious what kind of havoc he might cause as a defensive lineman or the type of quarterback security he might provide as an offensive tackle. Idaho grabbed the native Samoan when other schools were concerned that he would have challenges academically because he was learning English. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has grasped the game and the language. After looking outstanding at all O-line positions in practice, he was asked where he preferred to play. Said Iupati, "I guess tackles make more money, so …"
16. *Golden Tate — WR, Notre Dame, 5-11, 195, 1: The multitalented player earned the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best receiver in 2009. Caught 93 passes for 1,496 yards and 15 TDs. Tate had a sensational high school career as an All-America running back, and his after-the-catch ability certainly reflects that. Has startling quickness and nifty moves that can embarrass a defensive back. He is aggressive going for the ball but sometimes lets it get into his body rather than snatching it with his hands.
17. *Everson Griffen— DE, Southern California, 6-3, 278, 1: Has the ability to be great but has lacked consistency and fire. His athleticism is most obvious when he is let loose as a pure pass rusher. A constant challenge to block because he has an array of athletic moves and great closing speed. However, he doesn't seem to finish the job as often as he should because he is so focused on getting upfield that he loses track of the football, making him vulnerable on runs to his inside. Scouts wonder if he will stay motivated after depositing a big signing bonus check.
18. Trent Williams — T, Oklahoma, 6-5, 318, 1: Gets the job done more with fluid athleticism than force but plays with a high-rev motor. He is especially impressive handling quick, finesse-type defensive ends with his footwork and balance. While Williams appears to have enough strength to stop bull rushers, he is not always successful because he struggles to maintain a leverage position when attacked head on and has not learned to use his hands to jolt a defender. He moved from right to left tackle in 2009 and displayed an ability to recognize and react to various blitzes with an exceptional burst of speed and agility.
19. *Earl Thomas — CB, Texas, 5-10, 195, 1: Chose to enter the draft as a redshirt sophomore after setting a school record with eight interceptions. Led the nation with 24 passes defensed last year and collected 143 combined tackles the last two seasons. Thomas has the speed, instincts and attitude to play safety, but scouts have concerns about whether he is big enough to hold up at the next level. They also remember he was the victim on Michael Crabtree's game-winning catch against Texas Tech in 2008 and missed several tackles in the BCS title game.
20. Ricky Sapp — OLB, Clemson, 6-4, 248, 1: Whether he plays outside linebacker in a 3-4 or defensive end in a 4-3, his promise is as a pass rusher. He moved from defensive end to standup linebacker last year and responded with career highs in tackles (60), tackles for loss (15) and sacks (5). Sapp's overall athleticism is more striking than his football ability. If he learns to harness all his talent, he can become an elite pass rusher in the NFL. However, there is concern about his durability after a college career marred by injuries.
21 *Jonathan Dwyer — RB, Georgia Tech, 5-11, 235, 1-2: Powerful, tackle-breaking, inside runner. In his three-season career, he pounded the ball 517 times for 3,329 yards (an impressive average of 6.4 yards a carry) with 35 TDs. But it remains to be seen if his ability as an inside runner will continue in the NFL without being part of a deceptive, triple-option attack. He caught 15 passes and was rarely asked to pass block. Still, his combination of brute force, bursts of speed and surprising lateral moves might work well in the NFL.
22. Sergio Kindle— OLB, Texas, 6-4, 255, 1-2: An instinctive, athletic big playmaker in the 3-4 but might be a terror as a 4-3 pass-rushing defensive end if he adds 20 pounds. He is tightly wound and competitive, yet has natural balance and plays under control. He has a knack for causing fumbles. Will be a standout special-teams player immediately. He has a history of nagging injuries and off-field issues. He was treated for a concussion last year after crashing his car into an apartment building while texting.
23 *Anthony Davis— T, Rutgers, 6-6, 325, 1-2: Blessed with all the ability to be as good as he wants to be. But scouts wonder if he is willing to do the work to maximize his tremendous raw athleticism. Davis has an explosive first step, the strength one expects from a man his size, plus footwork and agility one doesn't expect from such a huge person. But he will have to turn up his competitive fire and lower his weight to be consistent in the NFL. He was suspended one game for violating team rules in 2008; benched for a quarter in 2009 for missing a team meeting; and demoted to second team after reporting overweight last year.
24. Dan Williams — DT, Tennessee, 6-2, 329, 1-2: Seemed to be one of the biggest benefactors when Monte Kiffin was brought in to coach the defense. In one season, Williams went from a middle-round prospect to a potential first-rounder after he led all SEC defensive linemen with 61 tackles. He is about as fancy as a mad rhinoceros and just as scary. Has excellent straight-ahead quickness and backs that up with sheer power to keep blockers going backward. Locates the ball well, although he has only average lateral agility.
25. *Jason Pierre-Paul — DE, South Florida, 6-6, 265, 1-2: An exceptional athlete whose abilities will excite some teams, but he has a lot to learn. His development has been curbed because he has been to three schools in three years due to academic challenges. That said, his pass-rush ability is amazing. His first step is more of a blink-quick long jump, and keeping up with him is a major challenge for tackles. But he lacks instinct, doesn't use his hands well to shed blockers and will probably be a one-trick pony.
26 *Bruce Campbell— T, Maryland, 6-7, 310, 1-2: Considered a high prospect based on promise rather than production. His size and natural athletic ability are obvious. But based on limited college experience, he is a work in progress. His pass-blocking technique is that of an attacker rather than a catcher, which will be interesting to watch against experienced NFL defensive ends.
27. Charles Brown — T, Southern California, 6-5, 292, 1-2: Like several successful left tackles now in the NFL, Brown is a former tight end who made the transition to tackle in 2005. He immediately gained attention by protecting the blind side of quarterback Mark Sanchez. Has shown ample athletic ability to be considered a left tackle prospect in the NFL, but he is still learning the tricks of the trade and will also need to fill out his frame.
28. Brandon Graham— DE, Michigan, 6-1, 263, 1-2: Here's one of those short-on-stature, long-on-production players. Graham won several All-America mentions after leading the nation in tackles for loss (26) and registering 10½ sacks. He followed that with a great performance in the Senior Bowl practices and game, where he was named MVP after collecting five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumbled. A relentless pass rusher with the combination of speed and strength to attack from either side, he can also help in underneath zone coverage with great speed despite only average footwork.
29. Jared Odrick — DT, Penn State, 6-5, 301, 1-2: His strength is strength itself, which could serve him as a tackle in a four-man line or even at nose tackle in a 3-4. He has the quickness that demands immediate attention from blockers, and he can follow up with a persistent bull rush. He is not agile but used his big, strong hands to control blockers but might need to learn more tricks to remain consistently successful.
30. *Maurice Pouncey — C, Florida, 6-5, 318, 1-2: Coaches rave about his field intelligence and ability to make line calls while making the shotgun snap. Has exceptional quickness and gets into good position to pass protect and shows excellent awareness helping other linemen. Plays with a nasty disposition and delights in putting defenders on their back even if he has to run downfield to find a victim. His toughness was reflected before the Sugar Bowl when he had to receive treatment for kidney stones hours before kickoff but then was ready to play.
31. *Brian Price— DT, UCLA, 6-2, 300, 1-2: This powerhouse earned Pacific-10 defensive player of the year honors in 2009 with 48 tackles (23½ for a loss), including seven sacks. Uses great explosion and short-area quickness to get an edge. His toughness probably reflects his background; he grew up in South Central Los Angeles, attended Crenshaw High School and dealt with two of his brothers being killed. He is a work in progress and does have size and speed limitations.
32. *Jahvid Best — RB, California, 5-10, 195, 1-2: Best is an entertaining runner in open space, where his quickness, lateral agility and an extra gear make him a constant threat. These abilities serve him well as a returner, receiver and even on runs from scrimmage. But his lack of durability is a major concern, and he will probably be considered a situational player in the pros.
33. Patrick Robinson — CB, Florida State, 5-11, 190, 1-2: He has long teased pro scouts with his ability to cover receivers and close on the ball. Robinson is a daring defender who plays with more confidence than consistency and will need to learn to play within his abilities to be a reliable pro. Robinson was suspended for taking part in the infamous Florida State academic scandal and missed the Music City Bowl and the first three games of the 2008 season.
34. Brandon LaFell — WR, LSU, 6-3, 206, 1-2: LaFell was rated the top receiver by some scouts going into the 2009 season. However, his lack of great quickness and inability to separate from defenders might prevent him from becoming a real star. He finished his four-year career with 175 catches, 2,517 yards and 25 touchdowns. He will need to refine his route-running.
35. *Dominique Franks — CB, Oklahoma, 6-0, 192, 1-2: His ability to read and react to plays in front of him makes Franks a candidate for a team that wants a good zone or off-man coverage corner. He has long arms and strong hands that help when he closes on plays, but overall he is not a physical player. He's stated that he is able to "shut down one side of the field," which says more for his confidence than the reality of his ability. He flashes athleticism as a returner but seems to lack vision in finding the best place to run.
36. Jermaine Gresham— TE, Oklahoma, 6-6, 258, 1-2: Gresham probably could have been the first tight end taken in the 2009 draft, but he chose to return and play another year with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford. Like Bradford, he was knocked out of action by an injury, tearing right knee ligaments in August. Despite his height, Gresham gets off the line quickly and runs all routes effectively. However, he could be more aggressive going for the ball in a crowd. After the catch he gains extra yardage more with strength than with speed. In 2008, he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns.
37. Corey Wootton — DE, Northwestern, 6-6, 280, 1-2: Despite the lack of an explosive first step, Wootton gets surprising results with the tools he has. Although lanky in appearance, he shows outstanding strength taking on blockers and surprising bull-rush ability, so he probably projects as a strongside end in a 3-4 alignment.
38. Sean Weatherspoon — OLB, Missouri, 6-1, 241, 1-2: Weatherspoon plays bigger than he measures and has a way of motivating teammates with his infectious enthusiasm. Became a starter as a sophomore, when he collected 127 tackles. In 2008, Weatherspoon had 155 tackles, including 17 in his MVP performance in the Alamo Bowl. Last year, he had 104 tackles. He has the athletic ability to run around and make things happen, but he will need to show he has the strength to be a consistent defender in the NFL.
39. *Demaryius Thomas — WR, Georgia Tech, 6-3, 229, 1-2: Broke his foot in a Feb. 16 workout, and it is expected to take four to six weeks to heal and perhaps longer before he's 100%. It's doubtful he will be able to work out for scouts before the draft, so NFL teams will need to rely on game film for analysis. What they'll see is an exceptional big-play star, as evidenced last season when he grabbed 46 passes for 1,154 yards, a 25.1-yard a catch average. Thomas is a huge target with large hands and can make tough catches. He shows surprising turn-and-go speed, and if he is able to put it all together, he should be a star in the NFL.
40. Brandon Spikes — ILB, Florida, 6-3, 256, 1-2: The cousin of Takeo Spikes has the instincts, quickness and aggression to be a consistent pest against the inside run. However, he lacks the speed necessary to chase down NFL backs on the outside and is not a major weapon as a pass rusher or blitzer. He gained negative notoriety last season for attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey, for which he was suspended.
41. Kyle Wilson — CB, Boise State, 5-10, 190, 1-2: Earned all-conference or All-America awards in four seasons while impressing as a defensive back and a punt returner. Extremely competitive, tough and has great ball reaction.
42. *Rob Gronkowski — TE, Arizona, 6-6, 265, 1-2: If "Gronk" can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a sensational tight end. He missed the 2009 season with a back injury and was out for three games in 2008 with mononucleosis. But he has the perfect size, athleticism, strength and soft hands that scouts want. In a little less than two seasons, Gronkowski became Arizona's career leading tight end in multiple receiving categories. He plays with physical toughness as a blocker yet shows flexibility and finesse as a receiver.
43. *Ryan Mathews— RB, Fresno State, 5-11, 220, 1-2: A strong, cut-and-go runner who uses exceptional leg and body strength to run through tackles. He is also an effective blocker on passes and in space and has reliable hands as a receiver. Some of his best performances came against top-shelf competition.
44. Colt McCoy— QB, Texas, 6-2, 212, 1-2: He says he is recovering quickly from the shoulder injury he suffered in the BCS title game and intends to throw at the combine. Opinions have always been widely split on his potential. His career totals are certainly impressive as he completed 70.3% of his passes for 13,253 yards, 112 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. But he fired mostly from a shotgun, has a low release point and might lack an NFL fastball.
45. Tim Tebow— QB, Florida, 6-3, 236, 2: His production, charisma and toughness are well-known. But he showcased these abilities in a spread offense, which accentuated his positives and minimized his negatives. Tebow's career productivity is off the charts: passing for 9,285 yards (88 touchdowns) and 16 interceptions; rushing for 3,390 yards and 57 TDs. But concerns over his ability to transfer his talent to the pro game were heightened in the Senior Bowl when he consistently had problems with the snap under center and his footwork. He also has an elongated throwing motion.
46. Terrence Cody — DT, Alabama, 6-4, 370, 2: He absolutely owns whatever piece of property he stands on and doesn't allow trespassers to move him. With Cody at nose tackle, no running back rushed for a 100 yards against Alabama. He demanded the attention of at least two blockers on almost every play, thereby freeing teammates to clean up. His performance waned at the end of last season, and scouts are concerned about his weight.
47. *Aaron Hernandez — TE, Florida, 6-2, 250, 2: He is not as big as the top tight ends these days, but he is adept at snatching those quick, short passes and has the ability to add extra yards after the catch. Hernandez cannot be called a powerful in-line blocker, where he is more willing than able. He is probably a more effective blocker in space, where he aggressively attacks defenders. He caught 68 passes for 850 yards last year.
48. *Kareem Jackson — CB, Alabama, 5-11, 192, 2: He is an instinctive, aggressive, coverage corner. He works hard in the film room and shows signs of understanding the nuances of coverage. He is more impressive in bump-and-run coverage than he is downfield.
49. *Damian Williams — WR, Southern California, 6-1, 195, 1-2: Earned freshman all-SEC honors in five starts at Arkansas. After transferring and sitting out 2007, he was USC's most reliable deep threat in 2008, catching 58 passes for 869 yards and nine touchdowns. He improved that last season with 70 catches for 1,010 yards and six TDs. Moves and speed won't dazzle.
50. *Navorro Bowman — OLB, Penn State, 6-1, 232, 2: Shows the instincts, quickness and ability that qualify him as an excellent, albeit short, pro linebacker candidate. But off-field issues have been a concern as he was suspended for two games and received one year of probation and 100 hours of community service after a fight in October 2007 and then received another year of probation for violating the terms of the original sentence.
51. Vladimir Ducasse — T, Massachusetts, 6-5, 326, 2: There is little doubt Ducasse has rare size and skills, but there is no consensus on where his talent might be best used in pro football. At the Senior Bowl, scouts delighted in watching him line up at all of the offensive line positions and then even take a shot on the defensive side. His natural strength and athletic ability give him tremendous upside.
52. Dexter McCluster — WR, Mississippi, 5-8, 165, 2: A combustible player who can explode from a number of positions — running back, wide receiver or returner. He should be especially effective as a slot receiver or third-down back in the NFL. There were the expected concerns about his lack of size, but he quieted most critics with a dazzling display at the Senior Bowl practices. He was especially impressive as a receiver who showed great hands.
53. Jerry Hughes — OLB, TCU, 6-2, 257, 2: A defensive end at TCU, due to a lack of size he is expected to move to outside linebacker. The two-time consensus All-American will probably be used as a pass-rush specialist. He had 11½ sacks last season after leading the nation with 15 in 2008. Must acquire a better repertoire of moves to be considered a constant pass-rush threat.
54. Devin McCourty — CB, Rutgers, 5-11, 186, 2: The winner of several academic honors, McCourty will need to work hard to compensate for a lack of elite speed in the NFL. In college, he was very impressive on passes in front of him but too often allowed receivers to get deep. He had 80 tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception last season. He also blocked three kicks and returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.
55. Anthony McCoy — TE, Southern California, 6-5, 249, 2: Despite the lack of explosiveness, McCoy manages to be a reliable receiver who excels at making the tough catch in traffic. His career numbers show 46 catches for 731 yards and one touchdown. But he is more of an old school tight end with a blue-collar work ethic and toughness that shows up both as a blocker.
56. Nate Allen— FS, South Florida, 6-1, 205, 2: He is deceptive in that he seems to play faster than he runs and bigger than he measures, which means he has excellent instincts, technique and focus. However, his man-coverage ability might limit him.
57. *Arrelious Benn— WR, Illinois, 6-2, 220, 2: After Benn caught 54 passes for 676 yards in 2007 and 67 passes for 1,055 yards in 2008, his numbers dipped to 38 catches for 490 yards along with inconsistent quarterback play. Benn uses his size, great vertical leaping and strong hands to win access to passes. He has also shown excellent footwork on the boundaries.
58. Anthony Dixon — RB, Mississippi State, 6-1, 245, 2: A big, tough back who can run, catch and block. Critics were skeptical if he was ready to be a team leader after being arrested on a DUI charge in July 2009, but he put that behind him by rushing for a school-record 1,391 yards.
59. *Chad Jones — SS, LSU, 6-3, 230, 2: After turning down the chance to sign with the Houston Astros, he elected to play baseball and football for LSU. As a sophomore he moved from nickel cornerback to starting free safety and had an exceptional season with 74 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions. Jones is excellent in run support and closes well on plays in front of him but must improve his backpedal for coverage.
60. *Jason Worilds — DE, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 252, 2: Has tremendous athletic ability and quickness but lacks the ballast to be an every-down NFL defensive end. Worilds could be a pass-rush specialist at defensive end or outside linebacker.
61. *Reshad Jones — SS, Georgia, 6-2, 212, 2-3: He started 13 games last season, collecting 73 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions. He is strong and likes to make the big hit, but he will need to wrap up on his tackles in NFL.
62. Koa Misi — OLB, Utah, 6-3, 244, 2-3: Impressed scouts at Senior Bowl. He's powerful enough to take on and shed a blocker and fast enough to chase down prey. Possesses excellent instincts, a nice motor and team-leader type personality.
63. Chris Cook — CB, Virginia, 6-2, 212, 2-3: He missed most of 2005 with a broken leg, three more games in 2007 with a sprained knee and was suspended for the 2008 season for academic reasons. He has great size, excellent speed and plenty of ability.
64. Daryl Washington — ILB, TCU, 6-2, 226, 2-3: Became a starter last year and helped TCU repeat as the top-ranked defense and led the team with 109 tackles. Doesn't seem instinctive but manages to get in on his share of plays with sheer aggression and sideline-to-sideline speed. If his production catches up to his potential, he can be special.
Cooney is the publisher of NFLDraftScout.com.
