NFL's Future

Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

Many of you have asked about whether I was going to be in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. The answer is I will not. But we will have feet on the ground for the Senior Bowl. Cody Bauer, a long-time contributor to the site and latest addition, will be in Mobile all week with full access to all events during the week. Cody will be joined by NFL’s Future contributors, Jeff Risdon and Steve Shoup at the event as we hope to provide round the clock coverage.

With the 2013 Senior Bowl set to kickoff on January 26^th most scouts will be heading down to Mobile the week before for their chance to watch the best college senior prospects participate in a week’s worth of events.

The week kicks off with weigh-ins on Monday, where players will be paraded out in their underwear to get weighed and have their height, arms, and hands measured. There will be practices everyday for both the North and South team Monday-Thursday. Throughout the week there will be chances to hear players speak at the podium as well as give interviews. This is a good opportunity to learn a little bit more about these young men. The game itself kicks off at 3:00pm on Saturday, January 26^th.

This year the South team will be coached by Jim Schwartz and the Lions coaching staff while the North team will be coached by Dennis Allen and the Raiders coaching staff. Schwartz is no stranger to how the Senior Bowl week and game are run with having coached the North team in 2010 and being a part of the Titans staff in 2006. Allen, however, has never been a part of the Senior Bowl but has said that he is looking forward to the opportunity to get a better evaluation of players and learn more about their personalities. It will be an interesting clash in styles, but for the seniors participating it’s a great opportunity to soak in as much knowledge as possible from two NFL head coaches. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 Senior Bowl Preview»

The deadline for underclassmen declarations has passed and we will be releasing all of our rankings pre-Combine. Each day we will release our position by position rankings. Look for an update of all the rankings after all-star games and the Combine has wrapped up.

What has become remarkably clear is that the top of the draft is chock full of offensive and defensive line talent. Teams in need of pass rushers should have no problem finding one in rounds one or two. Likewise, the depth of the offensive line is very solid despite Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews staying in school.

The first quarterback on our board is Geno Smith at No. 21 but the depth in the second round is very solid if teams decide not to reach at the position. The running back position is extremely deep through the fourth round along with the safety position.

This is a page to bookmark as it will come in handy when filling out your mock drafts and talking NFL prospects with friends. Here’s a look at our 2013 NFL Draft top 150 prospects. Read the rest of this entry » «Top 150 2013 NFL Draft Prospects»

Could we see yet another Mount Union Purple Raider in the NFL. Collins (8) is impressing at the East-West Shrine Game
David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Steve Shoup of fanspeak.com will be adding a weekly guest post (or two) to NFL’s Future leading up to April’s draft. Steve is in St. Petersburg for the East-West Shrine Game and has all you want to know about the week’s goings-on at Fanspeak’s E-W Shrine headquarters.

Through the first three days of practice here are the offensive players who have helped and hurt themselves the most:

Stock Up:

RB Ray Graham, Pitt:

Graham has had a fantastic week of practice, showcasing really good speed and quickness. He’s also shown nice decision making in terms of finding the hole and getting positive yardage. Graham looks to be fully healed from the ACL injury he sustained late in his 2011 campaign. Graham has moved himself up into the late 3^rd to early 4^th round discussion.

WR Emory Blake, Auburn:

Blake is the son of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, and will soon join his dad in the fraternity that is the NFL. Wide receiver is perhaps the deepest (in terms of total draftable talent) position in this draft, Blake is making a name for himself this week. He doesn’t have exceptional size or speed, but he’s caught a number of tough balls in traffic, while showing sound route running. Read the rest of this entry » «East-West Shrine Game Offensive Practice Report: Stock up, Stock down»

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

The Chiefs have said they will take the best player regardless of position. Geno Smith isn’t the top player in the draft but until they sign/trade for a veteran QB he will be my selection. There’s no sense in drafting Luke Joeckel here to have him block for Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel.

If the Chiefs can’t lock up (at least) a Matt Flynn or Alex Smith type, Smith should be the pick with them re-signing Brandon Albert. We should have a pretty good idea of what they are thinking with how they handle Albert’s contract situation. If Albert is re-signed, it will be at LT money. In that scenario I can’t see them going with Joeckel. To me this pick is Smith or Joeckel and we’ll know in March which way Andy Reid and Co. are leaning.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE

My one week hiatus from Bjoern Werner to the Jags is officially over. I could barely live with the fact that I mocked someone other than Werner to the Jags. Jason Babin isn’t likely to be back as they look to find a young, stud pass rusher for their new HC…Greg Roman.

Before updating my top 150 2013 NFL Draft prospect rankings (due out tomorrow), I went back to watch some Werner tape, as he’s my third rated prospect. I feel more comfortable now than ever. I don’t think Werner gets the credit he deserves for his athleticism. The guy is just scratching the surface of his ability, which is scary. A sure sign that you should turn the page on a Werner scouting report is that it starts with high motor, energy player with limited athleticism. I have read several with words similar to those in them…turn the page and never go back.

Let me say this real quick. Micheal Profetta was spot on in his mock draft about teams trading into the two hole for Joeckel. That’s a real possibility. I would be surprised if someone didn’t try if Joeckel escapes No. 1. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: The Kansas City needs a QB edition»

Ryan Nassib I 6020 I 229 I QB I Senior I Syracuse

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

40 Time (E): 4.70

All Star Game Appearance: Senior Bowl

Overview: Maybe no one in the country did more for their draft stock than Ryan Nassib this season. Nassib was completely off the radar screen during the preseason, considered by many (including myself) to be a late round developmental prospect. Because of my geographic area, I frequently see Nassib on a week in, week out basis. I have seen him grow from year to year with 2012 being his finest. The maturation process for Nassib suggests he will be a guy that constantly works at his game. He was very raw in 2010 as his accuracy was questionable to say the least. His marked improvement in this area, and most areas, bode well for him as an NFL signal caller. Nassib may be the top overall QB from a physical tools standpoint in this draft. At 6-foot-2, 229 pounds with above average arm strength and surprisingly good athletic tools, he will draw some looks early in the draft. However, there are some concerns with Nassib’s game that need answered before teams think about spending a top twenty pick. Read the rest of this entry » «Ryan Nassib Scouting Report»

This page will serve as an update for fans to find the latest information on who’s staying and who’s going.  The 2012 NFL Draft saw a record 65 underclassmen enter the draft, 2013 will surpass that number by what looks to be a sizable margin. We can’t speculate on that number because despite the fact that the deadline was today, players have until Friday to change their mind. Also, realize that the official list to the NFL will look much different than this.

DECLARED:

Ace Sanders, WR/KR, South Carolina

Stansly Maponga, DE, TCU

Cierre Wood, RB, Notre Dame

Brandon Moore, DT, Texas

Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Tom Wort, LB, Oklahoma Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker»

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith QB West Virginia

A lot of things could happen between now and draft day. The Chiefs might let free agent LT Brandon Albert walk, then go the safe route with Luke Joeckel at #1. Perhaps there will be an Andy Reid/Michael Vick reunion in Kansas City. A stopgap solution at QB like Alex Smith or Matt Flynn could be acquired. Maybe Mike Glennon will send his draft stock into the stratosphere with a phenomenal showing in Mobile. Each scenario is possible, but until one of them comes to pass, I won’t deviate from my Chiefs/Geno Smith prediction.

The runner-up: OT Luke Joeckel…Joeckel is the cleanest prospect in this draft, but even a crocodile-infested moat surrounding the pocket wouldn’t make Brady Quinn or Matt Cassel any better. Finding a franchise QB is the top priority in Kansas City.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M (Jr.)

Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

With Eugene Monroe entrenched at LT, there’s no need for Joeckel in Jacksonville, but a team like the Cardinals, Chargers, Dolphins, or Rams could be intent on moving up for Joeckel’s services. The Jags should be frantically working the phones on draft day.

Here’s the bottom line: There will almost positively be a trade within the top three picks of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Chiefs, Jaguars, and Raiders have no need for a left tackle, yet Joeckel is too valuable to slip to #4.

The runner-up: DT Star Lotulelei…The Jags could use a dominant interior force to anchor the defense, but why not move down the board, draft Sheldon Richardson or Johnathan Hankins, and pick up some extra picks in the process?

3. Oakland Raiders – Damontre Moore DE/OLB Texas A&M (Jr.)

If Joeckel makes it past Jacksonville, then it’s the Raiders, down their 2nd and 5th rounders thanks to the Carson Palmer and Aaron Curry trades, who will be feverishly working the phones in an attempt to trade down. If Joeckel is gone, Oakland should stay put and draft an impact defender.

Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotulelei could be considered here, but Oakland already has some promising interior options in Lamarr Houston and Desmond Bryant. Dee Milliner could be a darkhorse, but drafting a corner for a team with no viable edge-rushers would be putting the cart before the horse.

The Raiders finished with an embarrassing 25 sacks in 2012, so I’m guessing that it will come down to Damontre Moore and Bjoern Werner here. Both are high-motor pass-rushers that should appeal to GM Reggie McKenzie. I’m giving Moore the nod due to his superior versatility and athletic upside. Moore’s SEC experience doesn’t hurt, either.

The runner-up: DE Bjoern Werner Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Vying for Luke Joeckel»

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The East-West Shrine Game is the oldest college all-star game in the country. Its rich tradition has seen a wealth of NFL talent emerge from the game. Unfortunately, it plays second fiddle to the Senior Bowl on the all-star game circuit. This year’s game will take place on January 19, 2013 with a 4:00 PM EST kickoff and will be featured on NFL Network.

The 2012 Shrine Game produced Washington Redskins breakout RB Alfred Morris and the 30^th pick in the draft, A.J. Jenkins. The 2013 game will be loaded at the RB position as teams eye the next Alfred Morris value pick late in the draft. Today we take a look at the West roster to find a couple diamonds in the rough.

WEST

Quarterbacks

Alex Carder-Western Michigan, Seth Doege-Texas Tech, Matt Scott-Arizona

I think the West quarterbacks are far superior to those of the East. Seth Doege is an underrated, undersized quarterback with NFL tools. He gets the knock of his Texas Tech predecessors as a system quarterback but I think he winds up being a solid value pick in the later rounds of the draft. Doege could stick around the league for a very long time as a backup. Matt Scott is a dual threat quarterback with some value in today’s NFL. With many teams looking to emulate college style offenses, Scott could be an intriguing developmental prospect at the next level. Alex Carder will be looking to prove he’s capable of playing at his 2010-2011 level. Carder was hampered this season with an injury to his throwing hand and didn’t play all that well when healthy. After back-to-back solid seasons, Carder was being talked about as the ‘next MAC quarterback’. He will need a solid week to prove that he’s capable of playing at the next level. Read the rest of this entry » «East-West Shrine Game Preview: West Roster»

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The East-West Shrine Game is the oldest college all-star game in the country. Its rich tradition has seen a wealth of NFL talent emerge from the game. Unfortunately, it plays second fiddle to the Senior Bowl on the all-star game circuit. This year’s game will take place on January 19, 2013 with a 4:00 PM EST kickoff and will be featured on NFL Network.

The 2012 Shrine Game produced Washington Redskins breakout RB Alfred Morris and the 30^th pick in the draft, A.J. Jenkins. The 2013 game will be loaded at the RB position as teams eye the next Alfred Morris value pick late in the draft. Today we take a look at the East roster to find a couple diamonds in the rough.

EAST

Quarterbacks

Collin Klein-Kansas State, Colby Cameron-Louisiana Tech, Nathan Stanley-Southeastern Louisiana

The East quarterbacks will be highlighted by Kansas State signal caller Collin Klein. Klein may be the biggest name but were not sure his NFL career will be at quarterback. Klein was a very productive dual threat quarterback at KSU but lacks the arm talent to compete for a roster spot at the next level at the position. Another productive collegiate quarterback, Colby Cameron, is an intriguing guy to watch this week. Cameron lacks elite size and arm strength but is an accurate passer that is a heady game manager. He will draw plenty of attention this week as teams evaluate his abilities as a downfield passer. Nathan Stanley of Southeastern Louisiana was a late addition after Sean Renfree’s bowl game injury sidelined him. Stanley will look to capitalize on momentum gained from the Casino Del Sol game. Read the rest of this entry » «East-West Shrine Game Preview: East Roster»

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

What a weekend of playoff football. I searched my memory bank of 32 years and couldn’t think of a more exciting weekend of playoff football. It’s why we love the game and spend so much time watching and agonizing about it.

Eight teams entered the weekend with Super Bowl hopes. Four teams had those expectations crushed, mostly in devastating (relatively speaking) fashion. Seattle, Green Bay, Houston, and Denver join 24 other teams as all knowing of their draft position. It’s not a fun position to be in but it’s inevitable for 31 teams each season.

Baltimore, San Francisco, New England, and Atlanta head to conference championship week with their hopes still alive.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)

5. Detroit Lions (4-12)

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Order: Four down, four to go»