NFL's Future

Luck still No. 1

With the 2011 college football season winding down to a dramatic finish, NFL’s Future looks at their 2012 NFL Draft rankings position by position.

First up is the 2012 NFL Draft Quarterback rankings.  The 2012 QB class features the possibility of four top-10 prospects.  Everyone’s lock to be the top pick, Andrew Luck, hasn’t done anything to hurt the stigma of “next Peyton Manning.”  Luck is a virtual lock to be selected with the first pick. From there it gets interesting.  Matt Barkley, Robert Griffin III, and Landry Jones figure to battle for the right to be the second quarterback off the board.  Barkley and Griffin have really helped their draft stock with their play in 2011 while Jones has taken a step backwards.

The depth of this class is fairly deep with prospects like Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill, and Nick Foles figure to be second day prospects.  In terms of sleeper candidates, there are a couple we will spotlight in our latest edition of the 2012 NFL Draft quarterback rankings.

1.  Andrew Luck, Stanford (Junior)

Height:  6’4  Weight:  234

Luck is a lock to be the top player off the board come April’s draft.  Despite the pundits jumping aboard the Matt Barkley and RGIII bandwagons this is still a once-in-a-lifetime prospect.  His play to finish the season hasn’t met expectations but he’s without a legitimate receiving threat.  Luck has 31 TD passes to 8 INT’s and is throwing at over a 70 percent clip.  Luck’s arm strength has been called into question but he appears to have plenty of it for it not to be a concern for NFL scouts.  His athleticism and decision-making set him apart from other great QB prospects.

2012 NFL Draft Projection:  No. 1 pick

2.  Matt Barkley, USC (Junior)

Height:  6’2″  Weight:  230

Barkley is a pro-ready talent that would be the top pick in most drafts.  Unfortunately for Barkley he is facing an uphill battle with Andrew Luck. Barkley has all the tools to be a franchise QB in the NFL including great anticipation and timing.  He’s a natural leader that has the arm talent to become an elite quarterback in the NFL.  He throws one of the prettiest deep balls of anyone in this draft and has a short/compact release.  Barkley needs to work on his feet as he has a tendency to throw high because he doesn’t get his feet set.

2012 NFL Draft projection:  Top-5

3.  Robert Griffin III, Baylor (Junior)

Height:  6’2″  Weight:  220

Maybe the most intriguing battle in the 2012 NFL Draft is the battle for the number two QB spot behind Andrew Luck.  Barkley and Griffin are 2A and 2B for me.  RGIII has been as impressive as any college player in 2011.  He’s a remarkable athlete that has improved on his accuracy.  He can give defenses fits with his running ability and ability to throw downfield.  He shows great touch on his deep ball and has improved drastically on his ball placement.  RGIII is another natural leader with a high football IQ.  RGIII’s combination of smarts, athleticism, and arm talent is sure to make the most seasoned talent evaluator wonder what could be.  He will have to adjust to playing under center in the NFL and take care of his body.  Durability may be a concern.

2012 NFL Draft Projection:  Top-5 Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings»

RISING

RGIII vs. Matt Barkley got a little hotter after Saturday's performances

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

RGIII was incredible in the upset win over Oklahoma.  RGIII showed his skill sets from his head to his feet and solidified himself as a top QB prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft.  RGIII finished 21-34 for 479 yards and 4 passing TD’s while adding 72 yards on the ground.  His final pass that sealed the victory for the Bears traveled 50 yards which was thrown across his body to a receiver that 97% of NFL QB’s don’t find under the circumstances.  This performance probably puts RGIII back into Heisman contention and surely got the attention of NFL scouts.

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Not to be outdone by RGIII, Barkley led the Trojans to an upset victory over the Oregon Ducks.  The team that made Andrew Luck look human one week previous was outdone by the junior signal caller.  Barkley finished 26-34 for 323 and 4 TD’s to 1 INT.  If both Barkley and RGIII declare for the 2012 NFL Draft it will be an interesting decision on who to take second off the board.  After this contest, Oregon head man, Chip Kelly, reiterated Steve Sarkisian’s thoughts by saying Barkley was the best QB they played all season (Oregon defeated the Andrew Luck-led Cardinal one week prior).

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jarvis Jones will have a tough time turning down NFL money after the season he’s had.  Only a redshirt sophomore, Jones has exploded onto the national draft scene with a 58 tackle and 12.5 sack season.  Jones obliterated the Kentucky offensive line on his way to 7 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in this contest.  Jones broke out against Florida with 4 sacks and hasn’t stopped since.  Jones has tremendous upside for a young player but only has one year of significant playing time. Read the rest of this entry » «Week 12 2012 NFL Draft Stock Up, Stock Down»

Will Peyton's Place become Andrew's?

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck QB Stanford (Jr.)   Two things: The Colts will have the #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and will not trade it. If Indy was going to get a “W” this season, it would have happened against the Jaguars on Sunday. Their two-game cushion in the race for Luck may as well be ten games. There just isn’t enough talent on this roster to compete, and a million Jeff Saturday-led player meetings won’t change that fact. This organization is a train wreck from top to bottom, and those who think that a 36-year old guy with debilitating neck/back injuries will just jump back into the saddle and allow the Colts to pick up right where they left off last season are mistaken. Given the nature of Manning’s injuries, there’s no guarantee that he’ll ever play again, let alone rescue a team whose warts have been irrevocably exposed in his absence. The Colts are on the cusp of a full-scale rebuilding project, and to trade the rights to the best QB prospect since Manning and a chance at another dozen years of AFC South domination would be ridiculous.

In a classic example of the “spit on your heroes” mentality, there has been a recent, semi-backlash against Luck and the hoopla that has surrounded him for a few years now. Don’t buy it. Phil Simms’ comments regarding Luck were a transparent attempt to stay at the forefront of a broadcasting field that has increasingly become more about controversial sound bites than substance, and those who think that Luck was in any way “exposed” against Oregon are reaching. We all knew that the Ducks’ team speed would be a matchup nightmare for the Cardinal, and that was the reason Stanford lost- not anything Luck did or didn’t do. Overanalysis aside, Luck remains the no-brainer #1 overall pick in my 2012 NFL Mock Draft and a worthy heir to Manning.

2. Washington Redskins- Matt Barkley QB USC (Jr.)   I’ll be surprised if the Redskins get another win this season. Unless it’s Joe Gibbs, head coaches typically get two years to succeed before impatient owner Dan Snyder lets the axe fall, so I’m guessing that it’s curtains for Mike Shanahan. Following Shanny out the door should be his two-headed miscalculation at quarterback that will ultimately cost him his job. Barring a trade for Peyton Manning (!!), there’s no way the ‘Skins pass on a QB in the first round. (Manning seems like a bright guy, so I’m guessing that he’ll retire and get a head start on his career as the greatest color commentator or offensive coordinator in the history of the universe before ever setting foot in D.C.)

Barkley has steadily improved throughout his career at USC (which scouts love) and is playing as well as any QB in the nation this season. He has already set a career mark for TD passes (29) to go along with 2,782 yards and a 66.8 completion percentage.

I think that Robert Griffin III will be the #2 pick in more than a few 2012 NFL mock drafts before long. RG3 has a higher ceiling than Barkley, but with whispers of a possible Bruce Allen/Jon Gruden reunion in D.C., I have a feeling that Barkley could get the nod as a “safer” fit in Chuckie’s preferred WCO.

3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil OT US (Jr.)   If Kalil is available to the Vikings, this pick is a done deal. Christian Ponder has an extensive injury history, so finding a replacement for journeyman guard overmatched LT Charlie Johnson should be the Vikings’ top priority this offseason. Kalil is a surefire Pro Bowler on the blindside with no detectable flaws in his game.

High-quality left tackles never make it to the free agent market and there will be no starting-caliber left tackles available beyond the first round of this draft, so even if Minnesota is ultimately slotted a little lower than #3 in my 2012 NFL Mock Draft and Kalil is off the board, I’ll make sure that Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff is the pick. The Vikings simply can’t afford to get too cute next April. Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft – November 20 Update»

Go with Profetta's picks, he already called his Jets to lose to the fighting Tebow's

PROFETTA’S PICKS

N.Y. Jets (-6) @ Denver

Forget about Tebow and the read-option…it’s that potential Von Miller/Wayne Hunter matchup that frightens me.

Prediction: Broncos 17, Jets 16

Tennessee (+6.5) @ Atlanta

With the season-ending injury to Matt Schaub, the Titans’ hopes for the AFC South title are suddenly rejuvenated. I have a feeling that this will be the game that Chris Johnson fantasy owners have been waiting for.

Prediction: Titans 27, Falcons 23

Buffalo (+2) @ Miami

The Bills are banged-up and reeling, while the Dolphins are healthy and hot.

Prediction: Dolphins 20, Bills 16

Cincinnati (+7) @ Baltimore

The Ravens are just too inconsistent to be giving seven to a divisional rival that always plays them tough. Read the rest of this entry » «Week 11 Picks Against the Spread»

Floyd working his way up draft boards

The Holy War heats up on Saturday in a mismatch of mammoth proportions.   Boston College has struggled to find success on either side of the ball.  Notre Dame, on the other hand, is coming in red hot as winners of three straight.  Saturday also marks Senior Day for the Golden Domers as Michael Floyd and Harrison Smith play their final game in South Bend.

This contest feature two of the top ILB’s in the 2012 NFL Draft in Manti Te’o and Luke Kuechly.  Michael Floyd is quickly closing the gap amongst the top receivers and may overtake Alshon Jeffery with solid finish to the season.

Guys to keep an eye on:

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame #3

Michael Floyd is playing his final game in South Bend.  The senior receiver is quickly gaining ground on Alshon Jeffery and Justin Blackmon in the race for top WR in the 2012 NFL Draft class.  Floyd has 77 catches for 922 yards and 7 TD’s on the season.  He is drawing a ton of attention from defenses, especially as of late, which hurts his numbers but impresses NFL scouts.  Floyd is a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands.  He uses his size and strength to shield defenders and break tackles once he snatches a reception.  He is also the best blocking WR in the draft. 

Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame #5 (Junior)

Te’o is one of the top linebackers in the country and for good reason.  Te’o has 86 tackles and 4.5 sacks thus far in 2011.  He excels in pass coverage and shows solid instincts.  His only downfall is he has a tendency to over pursue plays and get out of position because of his aggressive downhill play.  Te’o makes a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage and will look to impress in what could be his final game in Notre Dame Stadium. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Notre Dame vs. Boston College»

Profetta and I battle it out for another edition of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft Comparison.  As always you can find the comparison here.

Can Landry Jones outplay RGIII on Saturday?

This may be one of the better matchups of the weekend.

This game will be a battle between two of the top QB prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.  Landry Jones and Robert Griffin III are considered top prospects.  It seems as of late that they are going in opposite directions.  Landry Jones is on the downslide which has some questioning whether he should at OU for his senior season.  Robert Griffin III is one of the hottest prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft.  RGIII will be a name we hang on to see if he declares for the 2012 NFL Draft.  Aside from the QB’s there will be wealth of prospects to watch in this contest.

Guys to keep an eye on:

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma #12 (Junior)

Landry Jones has all the physical abilities of a top flight NFL QB but will have to show he can handle pressure in his face.  He hasn’t been great in 2011 which has some questioning whether he would be best served by staying at OU for his senior season.  Baylor’s defense is not good and he should have a field day, even without his top wideout, Ryan Broyles.     

Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma #56 (Junior)

The junior linebacker will most likely declare due to issues with academic eligibility.  He’s a defensive end that projects as a rush linebacker in the NFL.  Lewis has been consistently solid in 2011 and brings an upside as a rush linebacker that may make him the first 3-4 OLB off the board in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Lewis will have to keep contain against RGIII to avoid big plays from the dynamic QB. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Draft Prospects Preview: Oklahoma vs. Baylor»

Schaub done for the season

Houston is going to have to make a Playoff run with Matt Leinart as starting QB.  Matt Schaub went down for the season with a foot injury for the AFC’s best team (by record).  Losing Schaub may be the stone that broke Gary Kubiak’s back.  They have been without Andre Johnson for six games and managed.  But without Schaub this team may have a hard time finding ways to win.  They have a dangerous one-two punch in Arian Foster and Ben Tate but teams will be loading the box to stop the run game.  Matt Leinart is going to have to throw the ball efficiently and avoid costly turnovers.  That may be too much to ask of the former SC star.

Rex Grossman and John Beck suck and Washington isn’t going to win many more games.  Mike Shanahan’s experiment at QB will be done after this season.  The ‘Skins will be drafting a QB in the first-round of the 2012 NFL Draft and moving forward with a rookie QB at the helm.  Grossman got the start on Sunday and finished with 215 yards passing, zero TD’s, and 2 INT’s.  Their defense has taken major strides this season but they need a signal caller and a more than a few weapons around him. Read the rest of this entry » «What We Learned from Week 10»

Safety help needed

It’s never too early to start talking about NFL free agency.  If your team is like mine and you have already packed in the season ten weeks in here is your hope.  Our seven part series highlighting the top free agents by position should give you some hope.  Here’s a look at the Safeties:

The Safeties:

LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins

Teams in need of safety help will be knocking on the door of LaRon Landry first.  It will be tough to outbid Daniel Snyder but plenty of suitors will try.  Landry has become an elite safety in the NFL after a slow start to his career.  He is solid in coverage and can lay the wood to ball carriers.  Landry is likely to receive top dollar amongst the safeties as he is only 27. 

Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders

At 24, Branch is quickly becoming an up and coming strong safety in the NFL.  Barring injury, he will post his third straight 100+ tackle season.  He is not great in man coverage but is an ideal fit for a team running primarily zone coverage.  Branch will be 25 next season and should garner a large payday. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Free Agent Safeties»