NFL FanHouse

College Eye: What the Bills Can Expect From Marshawn Lynch

Brian Grummell — Wed, 02 May 2007 19:54:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Colorado Football, Pac 10, NFL Prospects, California

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

College Eye: What the Bills Can Expect From Marshawn Lynch originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 02 May 2007 19:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye: What the Vikings Can Expect From Adrian Peterson

Brian Grummell — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Oklahoma Football, Big 12, NFL Prospects, Oklahoma

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

College Eye: What the Vikings Can Expect From Adrian Peterson originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 01 May 2007 18:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye Briefs: Big Ten, Part Three

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Iowa Football, Michigan Football, Michigan State Football, Wisconsin Football, Big 10, Purdue Football, NFL Prospects, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois Football, Illinois

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.

UCHE NWANERI, G, PURDUE

ESPN.com ($): "Plays with a mean streak, has above-average upper body strength and flashes the ability to knock defenders back. Though footwork is inconsistent, moves fairly well, can get around the center when asked to trap and is big enough to engulf linebackers...Footwork in pass protection is somewhat inconsistent and is vulnerable to effective double moves. Broke the jaw of teammate during an off-season workout in 2005, Purdue suspended him for the 2005 fall semester, unsuccessfully sued the university and there is some concern about ability to control emotions...Nwaneri could become a Day 2 steal. He has the size, athletic ability and tenacity to develop into an excellent backup."

Probably getting drafted: Nwaneri picked a bad year to enter the draft with character concerns. He has to show he can control himself on and off the field, and he'll have to do it as a late-round pick. McShay picks him to go 252nd overall to Jacksonville, which has him entering Mr. Irrelevant territory (there are 255 picks in the draft).

RODERICK ROGERS, S, WISCONSIN

ESPN.com ($): "Plays with a mean streak, times hits well and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit over the middle. Shows good closing speed and takes the shortest path to the ball. Is relentless and makes plays in pursuit. Blocked a kick last year, is a high-motor player that can cover kicks and should make early contributions on special teams...Gambles at times and is inconsistent. Though has adequate athletic ability, doesn't show great footwork and has some problems changing directions quickly. Knee injury in 2007 bowl game is a pressing concern."

Probably getting drafted: It's hard to say. Rogers has recovered from the knee injury he suffered in the Capital One Bowl, but his draft status depends on who you ask. His agent thinks he could go in the third round, or he could go undrafted. That's quite a disparity. I think some team will end up taking a flyer on Rogers somewhere around the sixth round.

DREW TATE, QB, IOWA

ESPN.com ($): "Reads defenses well, generally shows good poise under pressure and generally finds the open man given enough time. Possesses good lateral mobility, has good pocket presence and can buy second chances in the pocket. Is a leader on the field and has good overall intangibles...Lacks elite top-end speed, isn't elusive enough to make multiple defenders miss and isn't a very dangerous open field runner. Occasionally tries to make too much happen and needs to do a better job of taking what the defense gives him...Tate has the smarts, athletic ability and accuracy to develop into a decent No. 3 quarterback in a West Coast offense, but he has too many physical shortcomings to ever emerge as even a quality backup in the NFL."

Probably getting drafted: Tate will be fortunate if he is drafted, and it won't be until at least the sixth round. It looks like he is doomed to being an undrafted free agent.

PIERRE THOMAS, RB, ILLINOIS

ESPN.com ($): "Is at his best as a downhill runner that can make one cut and go. His versatility is one of his best attributes. He has soft hands and good instincts as a receiver. Shows good recognition skills when reading coverage and is able to consistently separate as a short-to-intermediate route runner. He has adequate size and strength as a blocker...Does not show an explosive second-gear to run away from defenders or the elusiveness to make defenders miss in space. He can still add bulk to his frame but must do so without slowing down. He haws been inconsistent as a runner. Does not show great vision at times and will occasionally miss open holes by being too late in recognizing them."

Probably getting drafted: It's possible that Thomas could sneak into the seventh round because of the overall weakness of this class of running backs. However, it's more likely that he'll end up being a free agent.

MATT TRANNON, WR/TE, MICHIGAN STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Shows good body control when tracking the ball and flashes the ability to catch the ball at its highest point. Explodes off the line and has the quick feet to avoid press coverage. Runs with good power, flashes the ability to make the first defender miss and can be productive after the catch...Doesn't read defenses well and has some problems locating soft spots working against zone coverage. Rounds off some cuts and is an inconsistent short-to-intermediate route-runner. Appears to lose focus on occasion and drops some passes that should catch. He has had durability problems throughout his career, as well...Trannon's best fit in the NFL will likely be as an H-back. However, his unique combination of size, athletic ability and power could make him a versatile contributor as a reserve in the NFL."

Probably getting drafted: Trannon's athleticism will make him worth picking in the seventh round. He needs to be more consistent in his focus at the next level, because he isn't good enough to make it in the NFL if he's not always giving a full effort.

College Eye Briefs: Big Ten, Part Three originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lies, Damn Lies and Myths: Joe Thomas Edition

Brian Grummell — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Wisconsin Football, Big 10, NFL Prospects, Wisconsin

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.

Lies, Damn Lies and Myths: Joe Thomas Edition originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye for the NFL Guy: Jon Abbate

Bill Maloney — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, ACC, NFL Prospects, Wake Forest Football

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.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Jon Abbate originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye Briefs: Big Ten, Part One

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Michigan Football, Michigan State Football, Ohio State Football, Big 10, Purdue Football, NFL Prospects, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State

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.

DREW STANTON, QB, MICHIGAN STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Has a strong arm and can make all the NFL throws. Gets good zip on deep out routes. Shows good timing and touch as a passer. Consistently is able to drop the ball in-between LB's and DS's. Also does a good job of leading his WR's to soft spots in zone. Sells pump-fakes and play-action fakes well. He is a mobile QB and is a threat to run...Inconsistency is the biggest issue. He must improve his overall decision making skills. He also has had a tendency to go in the tank after making a mistake. Still a bit unpolished as a pocket passer. Needs to improve his footwork. He comes from a relatively simple offensive scheme that does not require a lot of difficult coverage or progression reads...Stanton possesses all the physical tools to eventually emerge as a dynamic starting quarterback in the NFL, including the size, arm strength and athletic ability. He also shows ideal toughness and competitiveness. In our opinion, Stanton shows enough potential to warrant consideration as the third quarterback taken in the 2007 class."

Probably getting drafted: Stanton looks like he'll come off the board as early as the first ten picks of the second round. McShay says he'll go 40th overall to Miami. Questions about his durability and the offense he was in at Michigan State will keep him from being a first-round selection, but he is too physically talented to fall very far. Teams at the top of the second round may look at him as a nice consolation prize if they fail to land (or pass up on) JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn in the first round.

ANTONIO PITTMAN, RB, OHIO STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Hits the hole quickly and runs hard. Displays outstanding vision and is shifty enough to consistently hit the backside crease. He shows good balance and body control as a runner; he really does a nice job of staying on his feet and driving his legs after contact...He's a north-south type of slashing ball-carrier that must get bigger and stronger in order to endure the punishment in the NFL. He shows good balance and has some shiftiness when searching for a crease, but he doesn't display much "wiggle" to make defenders miss on any sort of consistent basis. He needs polishing as a route runner and must improve his awareness and savvy as a receiver...we believe Pittman is a bit overrated and will get drafted a bit too high due to a weak 2007 crop of running backs."

Probably getting drafted: Because of the questions surrounding Pittman's ability to develop into an every-down back in the NFL, McShay projects him to last until the 67th overall pick (Cleveland). However, the ESPN Insider scouting report is right. This is not a very deep group of running backs, and that may inflate Pittman's value to the point where he goes late in the second round. Either way, he'll be off the board before the end of the first day.

College Eye Briefs: Big Ten, Part One originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye for the NFL Guy: Dan Mozes

John Radcliff — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:47:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, West Virginia Football, Big East, NFL Prospects, West Virginia

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:
Dan Mozes was the leader, heart, and soul of the offensive line that helped to make Steve Slaton and Pat White famous. At 6-2 290 he might be a little undersized for the NFL, but he has the heart the size of Texas. He WAS the 2006 Remington Award winner for the BEST center in the country. It might take him some time to develop his body into that of an NFL center, but he has all the tools and work ethic to make himself just as successful as he was on the collegiate level.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Dan Mozes originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye for the NFL Guy: Brandon Myles

John Radcliff — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:47:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, West Virginia Football, Big East, NFL Prospects, West Virginia

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

Brandon worked really hard to get where he is. He was a grey shirt out of high school and earned his fourth year of eligibility back by graduating on time. He has the size, speed, and quickness of any of the Mountaineer receivers that have gone on to the NFL. Plus none of the baggage. He's also a gamer. When the game is on the line he wants the ball, and knows what to do with it. Because Oakland is the place that West Virginia receivers go to and his knack for catching the deep ball, it would seem almost certain that he will either be drafted by the Raiders or picked up by them as a free agent. Call me Nostradamus. I don't know, I just have a feeling and a strong command of the law of averages. Anyhow, here's some video footage of what most of his touchdowns looked like.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Brandon Myles originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye For the NFL Guy: Brian Leonard

John Radcliff — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:47:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Big East, Rutgers Football, NFL Prospects

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

Outside of maybe Brian Brohm from Louisville, no opposing player has scared me more over the last four years than Brian Leonard. He has a list of intangibles as long as my arm. He's the guy you just don't see coming. He's not overly big for a fullback, or a running back for that matter, but he has to be the most tough nosed player I've seen in the Big East that I can remember. He's also a character guy. When his older brother Nate was being recruited out of high school, he got some leg injury I believe that made most of the schools back away from him besides Rutgers. So when it came time for Brian to choose, he went with Rutgers for being loyal to his brother. And oh yeah, he's got some ups for a white kid. Someone is going to get a steal in this draft when they take Leonard. That much is certain!

College Eye For the NFL Guy: Brian Leonard originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye for the NFL Guy: Tanard Jackson

Matt Glaude — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:13:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Syracuse Football, Big East, NFL Prospects, Syracuse

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

The facts here are somewhat brutal:

Jackson's play appeared best when he was playing alongside current Pittsburgh Steelers safety Anthony Smith. In 2006, Jackson's first year without Smith, the senior corner oftentimes struggled, seemingly unable to flourish without strong support from behind. He was never Syracuse's best defensive player, but played very competently alongside other, more talented compatriots.

Jackson is a solid tackler, yet does not have enough footspeed to play isolated man coverage. He has solid form and technique when retreating, yet was often beat on inside patterns. Jackson is going to have to learn to use his physical frame to combat his oftentimes weak pattern reads at the line of scrimmage.

Jackson's tackling prowess, clearly, is best suited for teams that emphasize zone packages. However, his inability to create "big plays" or act as a ballhawk limits his value in such schemes. As a result, he maintains a skill set that does not mesh cleanly with any defensive method.

The final piece of the Jackson puzzle is that if he is not going to be a starting corner at the NFL level, he may not have a position other than as a special teams contributor. He does not have a nose for the quarterback to play in nickel situations. Moreover, while he played some safety at the Senior Bowl and during a few instances over Syracuse's last two seasons, he has not dramatically established himself as a viable option at that position.

Overall, Jackson is clearly worth a draft selection, but that selection should not come until the second day. He is a "work in progress" type player that could grow into a solid roster option at some point in his career. He has "football player" written all over him, but at this point, is not the type of player that can anchor a corner position for 10 years or so.

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Tanard Jackson originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Eye for the NFL Guy: Darrelle Revis

Charles Rich — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Football, Big East, NFL Prospects, Pittsburgh

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

Darrelle Revis, cornerback, Pitt

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

ESPN.com ($): "A tall, well-built cornerback with impressive athleticism for his size. He is instinctive and does a great job of reading opposing quarterbacks' eyes. Displays better than average ball skills. Shows toughness and aggressiveness in press coverage. Fills hard versus the run and has developed into a reliable open-field tackler... Lacks elite quick-twitch athleticism. His hips are fluid but he doesn't display ideal lateral quickness. He will struggle to match-up one-on-one versus NFL's quicker and faster wide receivers... He displays adequate man-to-man cover skills but we feel he's better suited to play in a zone-heavy defensive scheme."

The Sporting News Pro Football Draft Guide: "Must improve his technique. Often uses a sidepedal instead of a straight backpedal and struggles to transition out of it without losing steps."

Pro Football Weekly 2007 Draft Guide: "A good-sized, physical press corner in the same mold of Patriots S Eugine Wilson, Revis might turn out to be a better safety than corner with the way he likes to hit."

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED

Middle of the first round according to just about every projection. Somewhere in the 15-23 range. The Sporting News is the only publication to put him (late) in the second round.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR THREE YEARS SAYS

Darrelle Revis is one of the more fundamentally sound cornerbacks. Despite his physical size, he doesn't launch himself at the receiver or ball carrier. He doesn't just try to push a guy out of bounds. He actually wraps the guy up and tackles. I'm really not sure where this talk came from that he likes to hit. He can and will, but more often he tackles. On Pitt's defense the past couple of seasons a player who can and actually does tackle stands out.

As a run support corner, I'm not yet sold. Simply because he really hasn't done much of it. Pitt's defensive schemes very rarely used the safeties in run support. Never mind the cornerbacks. Many of his tackles on running backs were because the back was able to get past the D-line and linebackers. Revis does have excellent awareness of what is happening on the field, and will come back to the ball.

He does have to work on his coverage a little more. He has good speed and can stay with most receivers. His first two years, the secondary played softer coverage, keeping him further away from the receiver and creating more space. This did produce some bad habits as he waited more and tried to read the QB. Letting the receiver burn him on slants inside. In the past year, he was playing much tighter, but with few balls thrown his way he didn't have to break a some of the habits.

Revis will make an excellent pro. He's never been close to any trouble off the field. He has added value as a punt returner, but is not an explosive type. He will produce some nice runs, but is not a particular threat to break one.

The only possible risk is that he is the nephew of former NFL defensive lineman Sean Gilbert. Who knows if God will tell him that he too needs to hold out for more money?

College Eye for the NFL Guy: Darrelle Revis originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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