NFL Nfl Prospects

Lynch was one of college football's elite tailbacks the last three years, averaging 6.1, 6.4 and 8.8 yards a carry. He's also a strange dude and it is unknown how money, fame and his sometimes shy, sometimes outgoing personality will handle the new surroundings. What is known is that his selection by the Bills is considered a reach. Bill fans will rightly point out that last year's reach - Ohio State safety Donte Whitner - has acquitted himself quite nicely in the NFL.

A view on his chances from a guy who watched him play three years ...

PROS: Lynch makes things happen. He has a good combination of shake, speed and bulk to turn things loose inside or outside. He is adept at finding the end zone and can score from inside the red zone. Lynch doesn't have many bad games and can be counted on to give you something you can work with almost every time out.

CONS: Cal's coaches never entrusted Lynch to fully carry the load for them which raises some red flags. His ability to handle an NFL workload (20+ carries for several games) is an unknown and he can get dinged with minor injuries that sometimes pile up. However, he's also a tough runner and tends to shake off a lot of the bumps and bruises. Weather. Lynch is an Oakland kid who stuck with the school almost in his backyard. May take some time to become a November/December player especially in Buffalo.

OVERALL: Lynch might not quite live up to expectation as a first round back if only because he's never shouldered a top back's burden before. Who knows, maybe he surprises and shows he's up to the task but at present it's a complete unknown. What he will do is provide a lot of excitement for the Bills' running offense because he can give a team at least 10-15 carries a game running inside most of the time and give you something. He also has the athleticism and herky-jerk/shake running style to create in space. Lynch should have a solid NFL career as either a moderate-use primary back or a standout complementary runner. As a bonus he has value as a receiver and returnman that the Bills may be able to exploit.

Previously at FanHouse:
College Eye for the NFL Guy: Marshawn Lynch

Considered the top power plus speed back in over a decade, Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson fell into the Vikings' lap at number seven in the draft. Peterson was the nation's top player coming out of high school and left school a year early as the nation's top back. Not bad. Now it's his time to prove that he's more Eric Dickerson than Hershel Walker in the NFL.

A view on his chances from a guy who watched him play three years ...

Pros: Peterson is incredibly competitive. He wants to win on every down and goes hard at his work in games, in practice and in the offseason. His combination of physical attributes (height, weight, strength and nearly world class speed) are nearly unmatched. Peterson can run inside and play the NFL's grind it out game and he can break tackles and bounce it outside for big gains.

Cons: Injury history. Peterson has missed several games each of the last two seasons recuperating from various maladies. The cumulative workload of being the man for four years in high school and a breakout freshman season for the Sooners meant lost playing time the last two years. It only gets tougher in the NFL and he has to find a way to protect his body more.

Youth. Peterson only played three seasons of college football. The general line of thought is that an experienced player can enter the NFL more game-ready, is more mature, has seen more and is simply less in need of being coached up.

Overall: If he can stay healthy Peterson will become the face of the Vikings franchise and deliver some tremendous performances particularly early in his career while his legs are fresh and wear-and-tear begin to take him out of action. Potentially he's a pro bowl and hall-of-fame type back and should provide solid returns at worst for much of his career. Can do it all especially if he adds a receiving element to his game.

Previously at FanHouse:
Peterson Would Look Mighty Sweet in Purple
Everything You Wanted to Know About Adrian Peterson
College Eye for the NFL Guy: Adrian Peterson
Peterson's Collarbone Could Be a Lot Worse Than Expected

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

RONDELL BIGGS, DE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Uses hands well, shows good upper body strength and flashes an effective rip move. Stays active and is a relentless pass rusher. Flashes the ability to run through blockers in the backfield and is a powerful tackler that can knock the ball loose when gets to the quarterback...Doesn't have great top-end speed and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Isn't fast enough to turn the corner and doesn't close well...He lacks ideal speed and athleticism but Biggs possesses good size and strength versus the run. Biggs also gives a great effort and plays with solid technique."

Probably getting drafted: He's nothing flashy, and may not get drafted. But if that happens, Biggs should be one of the more highly-coveted "street" free agents available after the draft.

PRESCOTT BURGESS, LB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He takes solid angles in pursuit and has established himself as a reliable tackler. He has long arms and a powerful upper body. Does a good job of controlling blockers at the line of scrimmage. He's a fluid athlete for his size...He would rather run around blockers than take them on, which he won't get away with in the NFL. He will have limitations in terms of one-on-one coverage in the NFL...There are also concerns regarding his toughness and mental capacity. Burgess projects as a mid-Day 2 pick in 2007."

Probably getting drafted: McShay has Burgess being picked by Green Bay in the sixth round (193rd overall). I think he's potentially one of the more underrated players in this draft. He's somewhat limited athletically, but he has good size and length, and could be a very effective backup as a rookie.

TYLER ECKER, TE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Shows adequate balance, plays hard and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Plays under control in space, shows good athletic ability and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Has a wide frame, can shield defenders from the ball and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target...Doesn't explode into blocks, doesn't roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock many defenders back. Doesn't appear to read defenses well and has some problems locating soft spots when working against zone coverage...Ecker has enough of size and athletic ability to develop into a quality reserve tight end in a scheme that doesn't ask him to do a lot of in-line blocking. However, his upside is limited by his lack of speed and explosiveness."

Probably getting drafted: Ecker was a solid player at Michigan, but he will be a priority free agent after the draft. He just doesn't have the physical tools for his position to justify a selection.

BRANDON FIELDS, P, MICHIGAN STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Has excellent leg strength and range should improve if he can improve technique. Possesses adequate accuracy and flashes the ability to pin teams deep...Though gets good hang time on kicks at times, he is inconsistent in this area and needs to work on overall technique...Fields has the power to develop into an excellent NFL punter but he isn't fundamentally sound or consistent at this point."

Probably getting drafted: If Fields gets picked, it will be late. Like most kickers/punters, it's hard to project a spot for him, but he has the talent to be a seventh-round selection.

Several analysts were talking about this weekend's NFL draft on Cold Pizza a few minutes ago. When the subject came up about Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas, one analyst closed the segment by mentioning that Thomas is so calm, cool and collected about draft day that he's spending the day fishing with his dad.

It's a great story, but the thing is ... that's just Joe Thomas.

Back story: during recruiting, Thomas was one of the nation's most sought-after prospects anywhere. Coaches from around the nation came calling but it became apparent to many he'd stick with homestate Wisconsin.

The reason?

To borrow a lyric from John Denver, "thank God he's a country boy". Thomas is just one of those people happy to go fishing, hunting or ride ATV's. He found that with the homestate school and he'll find that on draft day. Take a look at where he took his official visits: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Virginia Tech. Lots of wide open spaces at those colleges, no?

So then is it any surprise that someone with the discipline to pass up elite colleges to visit ones that fit his off-field tastes will spend draft weekend fishing?

It helps to know the full story so please file the whole "he's calm this weekend because he's fishing" thing under "myth". The reality is Joe's just being Joe.

NFL scouts think they know him, but they're wrong...

Jon Abbate, Linebacker, Wake Forest

WHAT THE SCOUTS ARE SAYING

Scouts at the NFL.com are saying all the predictable things about the former Wake Forest star. They like his frame, his size, his work ethic, and productivity at the college level. They worry about his speed, hips and athleticism in pass coverage.

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED

Abbate's stock has slipped to the point where he is a late, late Day 2 pick or will end up an undrafted free agent. All of this is further confirmation that he should have returned to Winston-Salem for his final year of eligibility.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR THREE YEARS

Like most ACC observers I was surprised when the conference star decided to pass up his final year of eligibility and enter the draft. He's the prototypical gamer who shines in college but even to an amateur looked a little slow for the NFL. However, his productivity cannot be overlooked as he led the Deacons in tackles for three straight seasons. Whatever Abbate lacks in athleticism didn't stop him from taking over games against much more athletic guys. He was the focus of many opposing gameplans yet still was able to make an impact. As much as we like to think Jim Grobe does this all with smoke and mirrors, you need very good players to win like Wake did and Abbate was a big reason for their success. I don't think teams will be making a huge mistake by passing on him on Day 1, but a sixth round pick would be well spent. Abbate has the type of motor and dedication that many NFL teams could use.

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

LEON HALL, CB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He's a fluid and smooth athlete. Possesses adequate-to-good size and plays even bigger than his size would indicate. An aggressive and tough cornerback. Shows very good instincts and will do an excellent job of reading quarterbacks' eyes in coverage...Lack of ideal turn-and-run skills is biggest knock...Hall is big and strong enough to handle bigger NFL receivers one-on-one and he also does a fine job supporting the run. In our opinion, Hall grades out as a mid-first round prospect but in a weak class of cornerbacks he could come off the board in the top-10 picks."

Probably getting drafted: Early. As the report notes, this is a weak cornerback class, and Hall is the best of the bunch. McShay has him going tenth overall to Houston, and there's little doubt he'll go in the first half of the first round.

ANTHONY SPENCER, DE, PURDUE

ESPN.com ($): "His motor never stopped running as a senior and it seems that the "light finally came on" in terms of his technique and recognition skills. He plays the run hard and will give great effort pursuing from the backside. Displays good strength for his size...Lacks ideal size; somewhat on the shorter side with just adequate bulk. Might struggle to get off of blocks as quickly versus bigger NFL lineman. He is quick and fast, but he doesn't possess great change-of-direction skills...While some consider him a 'tweener defensive end/outside linebacker, we're not convinced he's athletic enough to play linebacker in the NFL. His best fit most likely will be as a 4-3 defensive end in a one-gap scheme similar to the Colts'. Regardless, Spencer should come off the board late in the first or early in the second round."

Probably getting drafted: Spencer looks like he'll jump into the first round. McShay lists him 25th to the Jets. There's still a chance Spencer will drop into the first part of the second round, but the odds are still good that he'll get his name called by the time the Colts pick to close out the first round.

LaMARR WOODLEY, DE/OLB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He never gives up on a play and he displays an outstanding motor. He has improved his strength and did a much better job anchoring when teams ran at him as a senior in 2006...Has trouble stacking at the line of scrimmage versus taller, bigger offensive tackles. He has experience dropping into coverage but he's far more effective when turned loose up-the-field. He's a bit stiff in the hips and might not be fluid enough to make the move to linebacker in the NFL...The key for Woodley is to land with a team that will mask his weaknesses by using him as a one-gap DE. To his credit, Woodley bulked up and became much stronger versus the run in 2006. He also displays the speed, power and vicious mentality it takes to succeed at the next level. Despite his lack of a natural fit, we still think Woodley is worthy of consideration in the bottom-half of Round 2."

Probably getting drafted: Woodley's motor and strength seem to mask his status as a "tweener". A guy with his makeup but less physical ability would be relegated to the second day, but Woodley appears to be a solid second-round pick. McShay has him going 50th to the Titans.

NFL scouts think they know Dan Mozes, and they are probably right.....

Can the undersized body and over sized heart of Dan Mozes find the right team to take advantage of his unique skills as a center in NFL?

Dan Mozes, Center, West Virginia

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING:

NFL.com

Positives: Has a thick lower body with room on his frame to carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk ... Has thick ankles that allow him to put his foot into the ground and anchor in one-on-one confrontations ... Has good lateral agility and a quick forward thrust ... Takes good angles after locating linebackers in the second level and comes off the snap low with his hands extended to engage and lock on ... Plays with pain and has a solid work ethic ... Unquestioned leader of the team who plays with good aggression ... Has very good field instincts and vision ... Makes all blocking calls and is alert to twists and games ... Comes off the snap with good urgency and is quick to get his hands into the defender's chest ... Has the body control and leg drive to make the reach blocks moving up field ... Shows determination to stay on his blocks and demonstrates proper hand usage to gain leverage on the defender ... Can wall off and turn when he keeps his pad level down (needs to get under the defender to be effective here) ... Lacks the strength to get movement off the snap, but is effective enough vs. the shade or two-technique

Negatives: Has natural strength, but lacks muscle tone (body looks fleshy) ... Needs to add more bulk to help in his anchor, as strong bull rushers are quick to power through and pressure the pocket (struggled to contain pressure at Senior Bowl practices) ... Shows a strong hand punch, but needs to be more active and consistent shooting and recoiling his hands in order to rock the defenders back ... Can control and sustain, but his marginal hand placement allows defenders to slip past his blocks at times (short arms too much)

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED:

It's hard to say. There are certainly bigger centers to be had in the draft. It depends on what a team like Denver where Mozes could fit in perfectly to their zone blocking scheme is looking for. Should be a first rounder on skill and heart alone, but rich NFL types don't work like that.

GUY THAT WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR YEARS SAYS:

NFL scouts think they know Brandon Myles, and they are probably right......

Does a wide receiver in one of the most run happy offenses in the history of run happy offenses have a shot at making an NFL team? Did Brandon Myles do enough in post season Senior Bowl type games and workouts to get an NFL scout to look at him seriously?

Brandon Myles: Wide Receiver

What NFL Scouts are Saying:

NFL.com

Positives: Has a lean frame with decent muscle tone ... Naturally fluid route runner with excellent speed, but needs to build to top acceleration ... Best on deep routes, as he seems more comfortable running straight-line than working underneath on slants or screens ... Has enough burst to separate after the catch and plays with adequate field instincts ... When given a free lane, he is quick to come off the line and into his routes ... Showed improvement in 2006 in attempts to sink his hips in order to better get in and out of his routes ... Has a decent feel for sticks and boundaries ... Has natural, soft hands, doing a good job of catching outside the frame ... When given room, he is quick to gobble up the defender's cushion ... Runs precise deep routes and creates separation instantly after the catch

Negatives: Has a sudden burst off the line, but will then gather himself before getting into gear, making him late into his routes ... Needs to work on his transition through patterns, as he tends to round his cuts, especially when working underneath ... Lacks route variety, working generally on deep patterns ... Needs to vary his speeds, as he will overrun the ball at times on deep routes ... Has poor blocking technique, as he is slow to break down and stalk and lacks the strength to sustain

Probably Getting Drafted....

Most likely on day two if at all.

Guy Who Watched Him for Four Years is Saying

NFL scouts think they know Brian Leonard, and they are probably right.....

Can a guy a little too small for a NFL fullback and not quite fast enough to be an NFL running back find a home in the NFL? More to the point, is there a star in Brian Leonard's future, or will he be relegated to being the best special teams demon sine Don Beebe?

Brian Leonard: Running Back/Fullback, Rutgers

What NFL scouts are saying:

NFL.com

Positives: Solidly built with above-average strength, thick thighs and calves, good bubble, tight waist, broad shoulders and good arm-muscle definition ... Has excellent speed for his position, showing the upper body strength and leg drive to create and maintain a rush lane as a lead blocker ... Has a good short area burst through the creases and the change-of-direction agility to make the initial tackler miss ... Shows the plant-and-drive agility to make precise cuts ... Has very good balance and body control throughout his stride, demonstrating fluid flexibility and quickness getting to top acceleration

Negatives: When he gets too erect in his stance, he will lose some base and get pushed back through the rush lane ... While Leonard has had success bouncing outside to gain yardage in the past, he was used mostly on runs between the tackles as a senior ... Seems to have the speed to get outside, make the cut and turn it up the field, but he tends to lose his body lean and get too high in his stance, leaving his feet exposed for shoestring tackles

Probably Getting Drafted...

Most likely on the first day, but depending on team needs (our favorite get out of jail free phrase) could fall to an early second day draft pick.

Guy Who Watched Him for Four Years is Saying

NFL scouts think they know him, but they're wrong . . . .

Can a cornerback with five career interceptions and 10 passes defended actually become a legitimate first-round selection? Or will playing for the 81st-rated pass efficiency defense doom him to NFL obscurity and/or Canadian Football League mediocrity?

Tanard Jackson: Senior cornerback, Syracuse

What the Scouts are Saying

From NFL.com

Positives: Long armed, with a smooth total body musculature ... Rare size and size potential at the position at 6-foot, 195 pounds ... Very good body control and overall quickness ... Can mirror the receiver at the line of scrimmage and has a smooth swivel to turn and run ... At his best in zone coverage ... Good diagnostic skills ... Reads the quarterback's eyes well and can break on the ball ... Reads the action, but remains disciplined and is rarely out of position ... Good overall tackler, though he can get in some trouble when he tries to lay the boom ... Physical tackler and likes to intimidate his opponent with his striking ability ... Rare toughness in run support.

Negatives: Lacks timed speed ... Might be best suited to zone-coverage scheme as he loses ground as the route lengthens ... Has improved his hands, but isn't a natural receiver ... Seems much more interested in tackling the receiver than going for the ball ... Has only five career interceptions and finished with only six total pass breakups this season (including two interceptions).

Probably Getting Drafted . . . .

Somewhere in the latter half of the first round or early in the second stanza. This, of course, depends on whether an anticipated run on secondary prospects occurs. As a result, Jackson's value is inflated because of the positional market rather than his actual productive worth.

Guy Who Watched Him for Four Years is Saying