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The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the grunts on the offensive and defensive line over the next two weeks.  Today we look at the defensive tackle class.

1. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio St.*

Height: 6-4  Weight: 318

Big Hank is a scary force in the middle.  He gets very little national attention but has consistently been among the top DT’s in the Big Ten since his freshman season.  He’s big and athletic which is a needed commodity in the middle of the defense.  I would look for another solid season during his junior season and rise up draft boards, possibly into the top ten.  Hankins has trimmed down this offseason from as high as 335 pounds to 318.

2. Star Lotuleilei, Utah

Height: 6-4  Weight: 325

Lotuleilei won the Morris Trophy as the top Pac 12 defensive lineman in 2011.  He returned to the Utes for his senior season and looks primed to garner some top 15 attention this season.

3. Kawann Short, Purdue

Height: 6-3  Weight: 310

Short is a disruptor in the middle of the defense.  He tallied 17 TFL and 6.5 sacks during his junior campaign and will be a contender for the LOTT Trophy this season.  Short’s ability to play multiple positions should make him a very valuable commodity come next April. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings – Defensive Tackles»

The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the grunts on the offensive and defensive line this week.  Today we look at an offensive tackle class that will be made or broken on the backs of the underclassmen.

1. Chris Faulk, LSU*

Height: 6-6  Weight: 325

Faulk was impressive in his sophomore season as he consistently graded out as top OL on a talented line.  Faulk’s blend of size, strength, and athleticism should push him to the top of draft boards with another solid season in 2012.

2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan*

Height: 6-8  Weight: 302

Lewan is a finesse tackle in the mold of Matt Kalil.  He possesses excellent feet and the length to keep quicker defenders off his body.  His strength needs some improvement but from a shear talent standpoint there aren’t many better than Lewan.  While this rating is based solely on projection, I feel safe in saying that Lewan is a top 10 talent if he declares for the 2013 NFL Draft.

3. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M*

Height: 6-5  Weight: 305

The bloodlines are intact in the Matthews family and Jake is likely to continue the NFL success in the family tree.  He’s the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews which speaks for itself.  Jake has the overall skill set to compete for first tackle off the board if he decides to bolt early for the NFL. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings - Offensive Tackle»

We have completed Spring games for NCAA teams and it’s already time to start focusing on the top prospects that will be eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft.  The review of the top prospects began on Monday for me and it won’t end until the beginning of April when I complete final grades for the 2013 crop.

It’s far too early to begin speculation on a 2013 NFL Mock Draft but it’s always fun to look at who we could be looking at in the next draft.  Without further ado, here’s our first edition (of many) of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft:

1. Oakland Raiders – Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech*

The Raiders wasted picks in the Carson Palmer deal and will move on in 2013.  Matt Barkley is widely considered the top QB prospect but Thomas has a rare skill set which may allow him to overtake the SC QB.

2012 1^st round pick: None

2. Miami Dolphins – Robert Woods, WR, USC*

Let’s face it, the Dolphins just aren’t real talented.  Matt Moore or David Garrard will start the season but Ryan Tannehill should end it.  That’s not exactly the recipe for success.  The Dolphins selected their franchise QB in the 2012 NFL Draft but it didn’t equate to many wins.  Now they will begin to surround him with talent at the skill positions.

2012 1^st round pick: Ryan Tannehill

3. Arizona Cardinals – Matt Barkley, QB, USC

The Cardinals will struggle with Kolb/Skelton running for their life behind the worst line in football.  The Cards had better secure a LT in free agency or pray for Barkley.

2012 1^st round pick: Michael Floyd

4. Minnesota Vikings – Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington St.*

If the Vikings land this high it may be tough for them to not pull the plug on Christian Ponder.  With the top two QB’s off the board they may elect to find Ponder a weapon on the outside.

2012 1^st round pick: Matt Kalil

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Mingo can cause headaches for the best of them.  He’s a speed rusher that is becoming trendy in today’s pass happy NFL.  The Jags didn’t lock up a difference making pass rusher in 2012 so they opt for the top one in 2013.

2012 1^st round pick: Justin Blackmon

6. Cleveland Browns – Keenan Allen, WR, Cal*

The Browns failed to address the WR spot in free agency or the draft, so they look to address with the 6^th pick in 2013.  Allen is a big receiver that has been highly productive despite poor QB play.  If the Browns don’t think they are secure with Weeden at the helm they may opt for Tyler Wilson.

2012 1^st round pick: Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft - First Edition»

The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the offensive skill positions.  We ranked the top quarterbacks and running backs yesterday and move on to the wide receivers and tight ends today.

Tight Ends

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame

Height: 6-6  Weight: 251

Eifert likely would have challenged Coby Fleener for the top TE spot in the 2012 NFL Draft.  He chose to return to ND and could solidify himself as a first round TE.  Eifert has good but not great speed.  His hands are elite caliber and he can block and uses his big body to shield defenders.

2. Zach Ertz, Stanford*

Height: 6-6  Weight: 249

Ertz was the second head of Stanford’s three-headed monster at TE.  He was the best blocker of the bunch but wasn’t as dominate a receiving threat.  Ertz should be counted on more this season to stretch the defense and could see more action from a production standpoint.   Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings - Tight Ends»

The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the offensive skill positions.  We ranked the top quarterbacks and running backs yesterday and move on to the wide receivers and tight ends today.

Wide Receivers

1. Robert Woods, USC*

Height: 6-1  Weight: 190

Matt Barkley has a bevy of wideouts to choose from.  His favorite target is junior Robert Woods and for good reason.  Woods has the physical tools to be in the elite category in grading out the position.  His size may be the only detractor but Woods should push for a top five selection in next April’s draft.

2. Marquess Wilson, Washington St.*

Height: 6-4  Weight: 183

Wilson is a long, linear athlete with the skills to push Robert Woods for the top receiver honors in the 2013 class.  Wilson will be aided by the addition of Mike Leach as HC of WSU and maybe the best QB that you’ve never heard of in Jeff Tuel.  Wilson shredded his own defense in the spring game for a buck, fifty and a TD after Leach publicly ripped him for his efforts (or lack thereof) in practice.

3. Keenan Allen, California*

Height: 6-3  Weight: 206

Marvin Jones was considered to be a sleeper WR in the 2012 NFL Draft.  The reason he was a sleeper was because of him being overshadowed by Keenan Allen.  The QB play at Cal was spotty to say the least but Allen was still able to haul in 98 catches for over 1300 yards and 6 TD’s.   Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings - Wide Receivers»

The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the offensive skill positions.  Today we’ll hit on the QB’s and RB’s and tomorrow we’ll look at WR’s and TE’s.

Running Backs

1. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina*

Height: 6-0  Weight: 218

Lattimore ended his sophomore season on a sour note with a knee injury but should be full go in 2012.  He’s as skilled as any running back in the country and surefire first round pick if he enters the 2013 NFL Draft.

2. Knile Davis, Arkansas

Height: 6-0  Weight: 226

Davis tore up his knee before the 2011 season which was expected to be his final as a collegiate.  Instead he will be back for a new look Arkansas team.  Davis has the size, strength, and speed to warrant a first round selection next April.

3. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina**

Height: 5-10  Weight: 205

Bernard burst onto the national scene in 2011 as a redshirt freshman.  This season he will be draft eligible and has the goods to to enter as a (RS) Sophomore. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings - Running Backs»

The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward.  Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft.  If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see.  For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud.  We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the offensive skill positions.  Today we’ll hit on the QB’s and RB’s and tomorrow we’ll look at WR’s and TE’s.

Quarterbacks

1. Matt Barkley, Southern California

Height: 6-2  Weight: 228

Barkley is the clear cut favorite to land in next year’s top spot.  He’s not nearly the slam dunk Andrew Luck was but for now he’s our top guy.

2. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech*

Height: 6-6  Weight: 262

Thomas is the favorite to knock Barkley out of the top spot.  He’s got Cam Newton size with immeasurable arm talent.  Not quite the athlete that Newton is, he could experience a similar meteoric rise up draft boards.

3. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Height: 6-3  Weight: 220

Wilson has an opportunity to show what he’s made of this season, his final at Arkansas.  The program has been riddled with off-the-field coaching distractions giving Wilson an opportunity to show his mental toughness.  Wilson has all the physical attributes of being a special QB. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings - Quarterbacks»