NFL's Future

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After last year’s draft crop, the 2015 class looks like a relative bystander. While no class can be judged on paper and before stepping foot on an NFL field, I see this class as a relatively strong group. The headliner, for me, is USC DL Leonard Williams. He’s as impressive a player that I’ve evaluated since 2009.

As we know every class will be judged by the QB’s. Hence why many are speculating a down class for 2015. Let me get this out of the way before FSU fans begin the attacks. Jameis Winston didn’t fall to No. 84 just because of his off the field escapades. When I evaluated his work from this and last season, I saw too much erratic play to warrant a grade any better than a 3rd. I know many will disagree and I’ll face the vitriol of Noles Nation but it’s where the chips fell when I graded him.

Ok, now that we have QB’s out of the way this class will have it’s share of pass rushers. This could be the year of the pass rusher with as many as eight pass rushers carrying first round grades. The WR class won’t top the 2014 class but it’s a pretty good one. The surprise may be Kevin White, who I slotted as my tenth best prospect. White has everything I would want in a WR at the next level, including being a lunch pale guy which I love from a wide receiver.

It’s important to keep in mind, this is a first run through of the top 100 knowing that it will change as players declare or opt to stay in school and as I continue to grind on some tape of these prospects and more.

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Gordon – Wisconsin

Height: 6000      

Weight: 213

Age when drafted: 22

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

Position 1: RB

Position 2: N/A

Collegiate Number: 25

40: TBD

225: TBD

VJ: TBD

BJ: TBD

3-cone: TBD

Games Scouted: 2013 – Arizona St, Ohio St, Penn St 2014 – LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Auburn

Background: Melvin Gordon attended Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He earned the Wisconsin Gatorade Football Player of the Year after a senior season that saw him rush for over 2,000 yards. Gordon doubled as a track athlete with PR’s of 6.39 at 55 meters and 10.95 at 100 meters. In addition, Gordon excelled as a long jumper with a personal best of 23 ft 7 in. Gordon was regarded as a 4-star recruit and considered Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Originally he committed to Iowa but chose Wisconsin instead.

As a freshman, Gordon rushed for 98 yards before injuring his groin and receiving a medical redshirt. Stuck behind, Montee Ball and James White as a sophomore, Gordon flashed his gamebreaking ability in the Big Ten Championship Game when he went for 216 yards on just nine carries. 2013 would be Gordon’s coming out party as he rushed for 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns. Gordon returned to Wisconsin for his junior season in 2014 and solidified himself as a top 3 back in the country. Gordon rushed for 2,336 yards (before Outback Bowl) and 26 TD’s on his way to a Heisman finalist campaign. Read the rest of this entry » «Melvin Gordon Scouting Report»

The 2014 NFL regular season is in the books (sigh). For twenty teams that means they are looking at 2015 already, with 12 teams remaining left standing. Earlier today, we highlighted our top 25 free agents and now we focus on the draft. 

With the lack of franchise QB’s available on the market (draft/free agency), the No. 1 pick holds real value this year. Tampa Bay went down to the wire in the Marcus Mariota derby. Barring some major issues leading up to late April’s draft, Mariota is the odds-on-favorite to be taken atop the draft and take the reins for Lovie Smith’s squad. 

I could see things beginning to get interesting at No. 5, 6, and 7 with the Redskins, Jets, and Bears picking. All four teams have major question marks at the QB position. Without a lot of top-end talent at the position, these teams could be left on the outside looking in when it comes to their future signal caller. 

As you can see 2015 won’t be lacking storylines and we are sure to be following them as they hit.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Tennessee Titans

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Oakland Raiders

5. Washington Redskins

6. New York Jets

7. Chicago Bears

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. New York Giants

10. St. Louis Rams 

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Cleveland Browns

13. New Orleans Saints

14. Miami Dolphins 

15. San Francisco 49ers

16. Houston Texans

17. Kansas City Chiefs

18. San Diego Chargers 

19. Cleveland Browns (f/BUF)

20. Philadelphia Eagles

21. Cincinnati Bengals 

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

23. Detroit Lions

24. Arizona Cardinals

25. Carolina Panthers

26. Baltimore Ravens

27. Dallas Cowboys

28. Denver Broncos

Will Suh hit the open market and if so will he become the NFL’s richest defender?

The 2015 NFL free agent class looks very solid on paper. With more than a few headliners this could be an interesting offseason. That said, don’t expect many of these top names to leave for the ‘greener’ pastures of the NFL free agent market. The free agency start kicks off at 4 P.M. EST on March 10. It figures to be interesting, as always as we could see the richest contract for a defensive player come with Ndamukong Suh looking to break J.J. Watt’s 6-year, $100 million deal. Below is the list of impending free agents.
Read the rest of this entry » «Top 25 2015 NFL Free Agents»

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The college football regular season is in the books and now things get real interesting in year one of the CFB Playoff system. If I’m taking an honest look at my evaluations at this point, it’s easy to say I’m very far behind. With a new gig and finishing up my Master’s degree, my attention hasn’t been focused on the draft as much as usual. That said, I feel I have a pretty good bead on quite a few of these prospects. You’ll notice some major differences between this mock and most others in positioning of players and maybe a couple of names that you didn’t anticipate landing where they did. Two years ago, I did some so much review that paralysis by analysis set in. This year, I’ve watched about 30 prospects in depth and maybe 30 others with a glancing view. With that I feel confident that the honing in process is setting in. Enjoy!

1. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DE, USC

The Raiders may look to move out of this spot with the QB-needy teams lining up for Marcus Mariota. If the draft order falls in this direction, my money would be on Oakland moving out – wise considering their needs. If they stay it will be hard to pass on Leonard Williams. Teaming Williams up with the young defensive talent (Mack and Moore) would be wise.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

If no one trades up to No. 1, it would be tough to see Mariota sliding beyond TB. Mike Glennon and Josh McCown are clearly not the answer moving forward for this team. The Bucs and Lovie Smith need an offensive building block to pair with stud WR Mike Evans. This could be a great fit for Mariota as well as there is offensive talent to build around him with.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

I’d have to think Gus Bradley personally delivers this card to the Rodger Goodell if Gregory is on the board when the Jags pick. The Jags defense isn’t far off from being a very good unit and Gregory could give them the much needed pass rusher to push them over the edge. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Mock Draft 3.0»

For all intents and purposes, these rankings serve as our first ‘real’ insight into how the 2015 NFL Draft class will eventually pan out. While these are certain to change – as we are just getting into the real evaluations – I feel fairly comfortable saying there won’t be too drastic of changes forthcoming. Particularly at the top of these rankings with Marcus Mariota, Leonard Williams, and Amari Cooper I’m comfortable saying we aren’t likely to alter the top three much – if at all. 

One quick note, I haven’t rated any third-year sophomores although guys like Gerod Holliman, Germain Ifedi, Ronnie Stanley, and Jordan Phillips could make serious cases to be included on this list. I’ll hold off on any sophomores until official announcements have been made.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

This No. 1 ranking reflects how worried I am about Mariota’s level of ‘Alpha Male’. What a joke. I can’t give any credence to this statement. Mariota’s skill set is through the roof, and not just his off-the-charts athleticism. Mariota is the clear cut No. 1 for me and I think teams will be looking to jump up to get a player with his upside at the most important position in sports.

2. Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC

I’m not sure that I love the top of this draft but these first two guys are guys that are worthy top draft picks. Williams could easily surface as a top overall pick given his versatility and skill level. I’ve seen nothing thus far that gives me an ounce of doubt that he can dominate the line of scrimmage at the next level, making him a top five lock in my book.

3. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Any doubts I had about Cooper with his injuries are long forgotten. His play this season is making me go back to my feelings about after a dominate freshman season. He’s the real deal and I wouldn’t argue against him being taken one overall in this draft.

4. Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Watching the development of Randy Gregory has been scary. I don’t think he’s maxed out in the least in terms of his potential which should have him in the conversation as the first overall pick.

5. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

I think Marcus Peters is the best corner in the 2015 draft class…and it’s not close. Off the field issues aside, he’s worth a look very early in the draft with his combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills.

6. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

The autograph signing fiasco should positively impact Gurley as it alleviates some of the season’s wear and tear. I’m sure there’s some NFL decision makers that are crossing their fingers that he is held out the entire year. It doesn’t look like that will happen but a shortened season may be a good thing for Gurley. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Draft: A look at the Top 32»

It’s almost officially draft season for more than a few fanbases – Oakland, Jacksonville, Jets, and Tampa Bay. We are inching ever so close to a few more adding their names to that illustrious list. We’ve reached the midway plus some point of the college football season, so the guessing becomes a little more educated at this (still too early) point. 

1. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC

Leonard Williams is the best player in the 2015 NFL Draft…and I don’t think its really close. The Raiders need to infuse a boatload of talent into this team and you could argue needs at most positions. Williams gives them a versatile DL that can play on the inside or outside. With Derek Carr and Khalil Mack in the fold, Williams adds a third – much needed – building block.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Randy Gregory is exceeding my expectations weekly at this point. I saw him as a bit of a one-trick pony heading into the season. I could be eating crow on that as he’s maturing into a force before our eyes. Gregory is a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s defense, which could be on the cusp of becoming a really good defense.

3. NY Jets – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Wow. That’s about all I can say about the Jets right now. If the wheels weren’t falling off before John Idzik’s press conference, they have now. Mike Vick is the QB of the now, not that it matters. In today’s NFL guys like Geno Smith don’t get second chances after the season he’s had. He’s as good as done in New York and Mariota gives them a difference maker at the position.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, FSU

I’m a fan of Mike Glennon’s. I think a year or two of sitting, learning, and developing will help him tremendously. I remain firm in my stance that he’ll be a serviceable starter in the league in the very near future. It doesn’t look like that will be in Tampa. Jameis Winston is a knucklehead and needs to mature very quickly. That said, his talent is undeniable. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0»

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 college football season is officially underway and so is NFL’s Future prospect evaluation process. With week one in the books, I’ve logged nearly 60 hours of CFB under my belt already. With this in mind there’s no better time to release our post-preseason 2015 NFL Draft prospect rankings. It’s way too early to say how the 2015 class will stack up to last year’s or any previous year’s but it’s safe to assume this class will be headlined by a crop of underclassmen…isn’t it always. That said, I’ve rated underclassmen that I think have the best chance to declare for the draft (top-50 prospects). 

1. Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC

There isn’t much not to like with Williams. I liken him to a less powerful, more athletic Ndamukong Suh without the baggage. Williams has played inside and outside at SC and I think his best work came on the outside where he could use lateral speed and long arms to keep tackles off balance in run and pass protection. Williams could be the closest prospect to emerge from the collegiate ranks that resembles J.J. Watt’s game, which is why he’s my No. 1 rated player at these early stages of the process.

2. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

The similarities with Colin Kaepernick don’t end with their running ability. Mariota is probably the more polished of the two coming out of college as a passer. Not to say there isn’t work to be done with Mariota but teams will struggle to poke too many holes in the package that is Marcus Mariota. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Draft Top 32 Prospects»

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft was chock full of prospects who burst onto the national scene as the 2013 season wore on. Greg Robinson, Brandin Cooks, Kyle Fuller, Marcus Smith, Deone Bucannon…the list goes on and on. Every year the NFL Draft is shaped by a host of guys that few were aware of prior to a breakout season that vaulted them into the first round.

Today we are going to explore a few names that are flying under the radar that could sneak into day one of the draft and take you deeper into the depths of college football for some way under the radar names that you are sure to impress your friends with.

ON THE CUSP OF BEING A MAINSTREAM NAME

Ty Sambrailo, T, Colorado State

Sambrailo will face his toughest test this season as he works at gelling with four new OL to protect QB Garrett Grayson. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds Sambrailo could challenge to be the next high draft pick among Ram offensive lineman. The buzz has picked up lately with CBS Sports Draft analyst Dane Brugler including Sambrailo in his latest first round 2015 NFL Mock Draft. Stay tuned on this one as the buzz is real and Sambrailo could begin to challenge the top tackles in what could be a talented tackle class.

Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

The one that got away – Urban Meyer has to question how Jeremy Cash slipped through his hands in 2012. The 6-foot-2, 205 pound safety emerged as one of the best at his position in the country last season, recording 121 tackles and picking off 4 passes. The junior begins the 2014 season as one to watch for a fairly loaded Blue Devils squad. Between his size, speed, athletic ability, and power Cash could challenge the top of the 2015 safety class when it’s all said and done. Read the rest of this entry » «10 (Way) Under the Radar 2015 NFL Draft Prospects»

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

In what has become a primer to the college football season, NFL’s Future looks at ten true freshman that will not only see the field but make an impact in 2014.

With the college football recruiting landscape boiling over more each year, it’s imperative that schools get these youngsters on the playing field early in their careers. We’ll look at some names you know but a handful of names that you should be monitoring this year and well into the future.

Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State

The Skinny: At almost every opportunity, Urban Meyer has gushed about Samuel – a versatile athlete that will see time at RB and the vaunted “H” position in Meyer’s offensive attack. At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds Samuel possesses game breaking speed but has surprised many with his physicality.

What we should expect: Samuel isn’t likely to open week one as the starting RB but don’t expect him to stay on the sidelines for long. I would anticipate Tom Herman planning 10-15 touches a game for Samuel – at RB and H. Read the rest of this entry » «10 True Freshman that will Impact in ’14»