NFL's Future

The NFL Scouting Combine has become the premier event for athletes looking to further their NFL dreams.  This week the NFL released its official list of attendees.  As always, it sparked a flurry of internet responses on who got snubbed.  The fact remains that non-invitees to the NFL Combine still have a chance to get drafted.

The stories of players not getting invites to the Combine and going on to NFL success are well documented.  Guys like Wes Welker and Osi Umenyiora didn’t get the all important invite and managed to turn themselves into perennial Pro Bowlers.

For FCS, Division II, and Division III players the Combine invite is a badge of honor.  They were found and the selection committee recognized them as deserving participants with the “big school” guys.  Each and every year, “small school” players slip through the cracks.  No Combine invite, no place for a Pro Day workout, and inevitably sliding into the abyss of undrafted free agents.

It appears that one organization may be looking to change the fortunes of these less publicized players.

Over the course of several weeks, I have had the privilege of working with Jimmy Kibble.  Kibble is the CEO of the Beyond Sports Network (BSN).  BSN is an online tool for coaches and scouts to utilize for scouting talent that may otherwise go unnoticed.

This year, BSN has decided to step up to the plate in offering “small school” prospects an opportunity to showcase their talents in an NFL Scouting Combine format.  The BSN Collegiate Showcase will offer an NFL Combine-like experience for players from the FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA level.  The three day event will take place at the University of Akron Stile Athletic Field House from March 9^th- March 11^th, 2012.  Scouts from the NFL, CFL, UFL, AFL, and Professional Indoor football will be in attendance to evaluate the skill sets of these players.  The weekend events will include a testing combine, position drills, 7-on-7 drills, and two fully padded games refereed by Big Ten officials.

For more information on the BSN Collegiate Showcase visit:

http://bsncollegiateshowcase.com/

To access the roster for the 2012 BSN Showcase visit:

http://www.bsncollegiateshowcase.com/roster.html

Rishaw Johnson

California (PA)

Ht. 6-4 Wt. 308

Pass Blocking:  Rishaw Johnson has some natural strength with a strong punch and heavy, sticky hands through contact.  He’s a definite work in progress in pass protection.  He isn’t a natural sitting in his stance and pops upright on contact.  His feet go dead too often on contact and has a tendency to end up in the QB’s lap.  He’s a got a strong lower body but it doesn’t show on film.  Needs a ton of work from the technique standpoint in pass protection. Read the rest of this entry » «Rishaw Johnson Scouting Report»

Tony Bergstrom

Utah

Ht. 6-5 Wt. 315

Pass Blocking:  Tony Bergstrom was impressive from a technical standpoint in the pass game.  His hand placement is solid and has heavy hands.  He creates some pop on the initial punch and wins a lot of matchups with his hands.  He has good size and can anchor on contact.  He’s was quick to re-set once he was blown back.  Doesn’t have enough athleticism to play tackle in the NFL.  He struggles to get to the edge to keep up with NFL speed rushers which should push him inside.  His height could be a problem as he has a tendency to get upright into contact.  His feet get too wide and overextends too often.  He’s a bit of waist bender. Read the rest of this entry » «Tony Bergstrom Scouting Report»

Lucas Nix

Pittsburgh

Ht. 6-6 Wt. 310

Pass Blocking:  Lucas Nix split his time at Pitt between guard and tackle.  He doesn’t possess the range to play tackle in the NFL.  He is good in tight spaces with solid lateral agility for his size.  He mirrors defenders well but needs to initiate contact rather than being a catcher.  He re-sets well after being blown back and is gritty enough to keep the QB clean.  Excellent knee bend and may be one of the top athletes at the guard position.  He has a tendency to overextend into contact and needs to play more balanced.  He’s not as sticky through contact as you would like. Read the rest of this entry » «Lucas Nix Scouting Report»

The requests have poured in so here’s your complete 7 round 2012 NFL Draft order:

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Cleveland Browns
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. Washington Redskins
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Miami Dolphins**
9. Carolina Panthers**
10. Buffalo Bills
11. Kansas City Chiefs**
12. Seattle Seahawks**
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. New York Jets
17. Cincinnati Bengals – from Oakland
18. San Diego Chargers
19. Chicago Bears
20. Tennessee Titans
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Cleveland Browns – from Atlanta
23. Detroit Lions
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
25. Denver Broncos
26. Houston Texans
27. New England Patriots – from New Orleans
28. Green Bay Packers
29. Baltimore Ravens
30. San Francisco 49ers
31. New England Patriots
32. New York Giants

Atlanta -> Cleveland: Julio Jones

New Orleans -> New England: Mark Ingram

Oakland -> Cincinnati: Carson Palmer  Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Draft: 7 Round Draft Order»

Kevin Zeitler

Wisconsin

Ht. 6-4 Wt. 315

Pass Blocking:  Kevin Zeitler has some natural strength that allows for a solid base and anchor strength.  Excels with his hands on defenders and is clearly more comfortable while engaged.  He is seasoned and keeps his head on a swivel, recognizing blitzes quickly.  Zeitler is a bit slow off the snap and allows defenders into his body before he is prepared.  He’s a limited athlete that doesn’t have a ton of lateral agility so he struggles to mirror defenders. Read the rest of this entry » «Kevin Zeitler Scouting Report»

**This version will not include any trades.  The trades took the focus off the actual picks and at this point it’s tough to accurately predict anything without free agency.  I have enacted a no trade clause until after the free agency period.  I will still make my picks based on my actual thoughts of where players end up in April.  Enjoy and offer solid feedback on your team’s pick.

Indianapolis Colts : Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  After a 2-14 season, the Colts have needs all over the field.  The first pick is a virtual lock, so I won’t bother addressing the QB position.  Their top needs look to be in the defensive backfield at CB and the SS position.  With Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea the only core players amongst the DB’s it will be imperative that the Colts find some help in this area.  With Jeff Saturday exploring retirement the center position could become a major need area especially if they have a rookie QB under center (even if it is Andrew Luck).  The Colts will have to monitor free agency very carefully as they have a ton of expiring contracts.  With both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon as potential free agents, they could be looking for WR help somewhere along the way.  Look for the Colts to address the guard spot at some point and it may be early if someone falls to them.  The Indy coaching staff is taking shape with former Baltimore DC Chuck Pagano assuming HC duties and Bruce Arians taking over as OC.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  Peyton is done in Indy and looks to be heading elsewhere.  It’s tough to type.  The pill will be much easier to swallow for Colts fans knowing that they will be blessed with another once in a generation QB.

St. Louis Rams:  Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  The Rams were a flat out mess this season.  They couldn’t do much of anything right and towards the end of the season looked like the worst team in the NFL.  Their offensive line was  a major disappointment this season and in particular former first round pick Jason Smith at LT.  The Rams could be investing the No. 2 pick in another LT just three seasons removed from Smith’s selection.  He was that bad.  If Brandon Lloyd leaves town via free agency, the cupboard is bare again at WR.  They invested some mid-round picks into average receivers in 2011 but need a true No. 1.  Aside from that they will look to improve a horrific defense.  Jeff Fisher will inherit a team that can’t stop the run and needs help at DT, OLB, FS, and CB…to name a few.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  St. Louis’ offensive line was atrocious in 2011 and Jeff Fisher made it clear that they will protect their franchise QB this season.  With the addition of Kalil, the Rams can move Roger Saffold to RT and Jason Smith inside or to the bench.  The Rams No. 2 spot will be a hotbed for trade action.

Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition»

First prediction of the year: Doug Martin steal of the draft

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson.

St. Louis can’t stop the run but Brandon Thompson can.

34.  Indianapolis Colts:  Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

The CB depth in Indy is atrocious.  Fleming will fit in Chuck Pagano’s defense.

35.  Minnesota Vikings:  Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona St.

Not the biggest need but he makes this defense better if he’s motivated.

36.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

Doug Martin is the steal of the draft.  Martin is the second best back in the draft and represents a steal at 36 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Immediate upgrade over Jayme Mitchell and beginnings of a dominant defensive line in Cleveland.

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

After age and free agency hit the Jags DE’s they could be in trouble.  Jones is one of the more talented pass rushers in the draft and may wind up a steal.

39.  Washington Redskins:  Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu is my peace offering for ‘Skins fans after giving them Tannehill at No. 6. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition Round 2»

Brandon Brooks

Miami (Ohio)

Ht. 6-5 Wt. 343

Pass Blocking:  Brooks is a naturally strong athlete that is exceptional anchoring in the pass game.  The combination of length and strength allow him to win most of the leverage battles.  He has strong hands that allow him to be sticky on contact.  He’s tough to shake once he gets his arms extended and his hands inside the defenders chest plate.  He doesn’t have great range which probably makes him best suited to play on the interior.  His footwork in his slide needs a ton of work (crosses feet and gets off balance).  He has a tendency to lunge into contact rather keeping his base and sliding with his feet.

Run Blocking:  Brooks has a naturally strong build that allows him to push defenders where he wants.  He has long arms and is sticky through contact.  Keeps his pad level down and engages through the whistle.  He’s not an explosive athlete by any means but doesn’t need to be with his strength.  He’s not going to excel as a move blocker as he really struggles to break down in space.  Read the rest of this entry » «Brandon Brooks Scouting Report»

Brandon Washington

Miami

Ht. 6-4 Wt. 320

Pass Blocking:  His experience playing tackle in the ACC should help him at his more natural position of guard in the NFL.  He’s got some natural athleticism as he’s a knee bender that sinks his hips well into contact.  He has plenty of range off the edge which is leading me to believe he could play RT in the NFL.  Mirrors defenders well with excellent balance and coordination.  He does rely on his natural athleticism to get him into position too often in the pass game and forgets the technical side of playing the position.  This leads to poor leverage and overextension on the edge making him susceptible to inside counter moves.  He gets a little sloppy with his footwork in a hurry and crosses his feet.  He needs to work on his punch and hand placement at the next level.

Run Blocking:  Brandon Washington excels on the move and has excellent range in the run game.  He can get out and pull and does an excellent job breaking down in space.  I was a little disappointed that he didn’t show much burst off the snap.  He’s athletic enough that you expect him to win off the ball.  He pops straight up too often and another area where he needs work from a technical standpoint. Read the rest of this entry » «Brandon Washington Scouting Report»