After establishing himself as one of the most versatile and fluid corner prospects in the draft, Brandon Boykin was expected to go in round two of the draft. However, after a small fracture in his leg prevented him from working out at the combine, his draft stock fell. Nobody thought he would be available in round four, though. Boykin played in the slot more than any other top corner prospect in his class and is also one of the most dynamic return men in the country. In Georgia's bowl game against Michigan State, Boykin scored a safety, a punt return touchdown, and a receiving touchdown. Obviously, he's a weapon and the Eagles will be able to get creative with him. Here's his scouting report.
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CB Brandon Boykin will challenge Joselio Hanson for the slot cornerback job in 2012
Man coverage: This is one of Boykin's strengths. He has excellent speed and fluidity, allowing him to stay with receivers. He is capable of reading routes, although his instincts are not always reliable. He's an excellent athlete who will be able to match up against NFL speed.
Zone coverage: Not one of Boykin's strengths. Georgia played a lot of zone coverage, and Boykin struggles to keep track of where receivers are. He tries to read the quarterback's eyes, but often times is unaware of what is going on in his immediate surroundings. The Eagles are making it very clear that they want to play almost exclusively man coverage.
Run support: Boykin is a willing tackler, but not always effective. He has a slight frame and will bounce off bigger running backs or tight ends. He tends to lunge for ball carriers' legs and will miss tackles. However, he's unafraid to play in the box and mix it up and has shown the ability to deliver the big hit. Due to his superior athleticism, he does not usually have to break down, but he will whiff on occasion. He does a great job keeping outside contain when he plays on the boundary.
Athleticism: At 5'9", 182, Boykin has some size limitations, but overall, he's an amazing athlete. He has speed, fluidity, and remarkable leaping ability. If you haven't already, check out Boykin's dunk contest on YouTube.
Versatility: Boykin won the Paul Hornung award for the most versatile player in college football. On defense, he logged a lot of snaps both in the slot as well as outside. On special teams, he returned both kickoffs and punts, and on offense, he scored rushing as well as receiving touchdowns as he played running back and served as the wildcat QB.
 
 
The Eagles took Arizona quarterback Nick Foles in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He's huge at 6'5", 243 with big hands and a thick frame. He played in a spread system at Arizona and lost a lot of games. His team was almost always over-matched from a talent standpoint, and he was forced to keep pace in shootouts due to a pretty terrible defense. While he should ideally be kept on the bench for a few seasons as he transitions to a pro-style offense, he is good enough to push Mike Kafka and Trent Edwards for the backup job. Here's his scouting report.

Accuracy: Foles is not deadly accurate, but he consistently puts the ball on the money. He played in an offense with a lot of quick throws and he demonstrated very good ball placement to allow for yards after catch. He leads his receivers and throws away from defenders. Accuracy should not be an issue in the NFL.

Arm strength: Foles is a big, strong player who can gun it down the field, although he is rarely asked to. He doesn't quite have a rocket arm, but he can drive the ball outside the hashes and throw with mustard when necessary. He does not have rare ability as a thrower, but has everything NFL teams look for.
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QB Nick Foles will have a chance to prove he is Philadelphia's quarterback of the future
Mechanics: Coming from a spread offense, Foles must work on his mechanics. His release looks good, but his footwork can get a bit sloppy. He almost always took snaps from the shotgun formation in college, and must get acclimated to a pro system. Despite a slow 40 time, Foles is able to buy time in the pocket and even roll out to extend plays. He throws pretty well on the run.

Decision making: Foles does not make many poor decisions, but must learn to go through his progression faster. At Arizona, he had many one read plays, and when his first read is covered, it took him too long to locate another receiver. He is willing to throw the ball away, but tends to force the ball into coverage rather than take a sack. Sometimes, he will hold the ball too long. When evaluating him, remember that his team was playing from behind a lot and he had to take chances. He still managed to post a solid TD-INT ratio.

"It" factor: My favorite part about Foles' game is his toughness in the pocket. He took a lot of hits and always manages to bounce back up. By all accounts, he is a respected leader, hard worker, and dedicated student of the game. He's Arizona's all time passing leader, finishing his career with over 10,000 yards.
 
 
With the 59th overall pick, the Eagles drafted Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry not because of need, but instead because they regarded him as a late first round talent. He is coming off an 11 sack season, and was recognized as the Conference USA's Defensive Player of the Year. He grew up an avid Eagle fan, and will join a crowded and talented group of pass rushers. He has no shot at unseating Trent Cole or Jason Babin for a starting job, but will learn from the best veterans and coaches in the game and have a chance to contribute as a rotational player. At the combine, he stood 6'3", weighed in at 266 pounds, and ran a somewhat disappointing 4.98 40 yard dash. Here's his scouting report.

Pass rush: Despite a slow 40 time, Curry has an explosive get-off and is quick off the ball. He is well coached and has a developed arsenal of pass rush moves including the swim move and various speed-to-power moves. He can get under offensive tackles' pads and drive them into the backfield and also has the quickness to run the arc around them. He consistently collapses the pocket and generates pressure on counter-moves. He also has a knack for stripping the football. He does not have elite athleticism, but he knows what he's doing and he's relentless, which makes him a very disruptive and productive force.

Versus the run: Curry can use his quickness and pad level to squeeze into the backfield and create penetration against the run. He can slant towards the ball carrier and beat offensive linemen when he attacks their shoulder. However, Curry has average strength and can occasionally get overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage. He does not hold his ground against double teams, and he can get caught standing straight up. Overall, while he's not particularly stout against the run, he does a good enough job not to be considered a liability. He will often make up for a mistake with a nice play.
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DE Vinny Curry's style of play translates well to the Eagles' wide 9 scheme
Motor: I'm sure this is one aspect of Curry's game that caught the Eagles' eye. Curry is relentless and is always willing to chase down running backs from behind. He makes a lot of hustle plays and does not wear down easily over the course of games. He plays hard every snap and appears to be in very good shape. In this way, he is very much in the Eagle mold.

Athleticism: Curry does not have great straight line speed, but he has enough quickness and explosiveness to succeed in the NFL. He has average bulk and strength for a 4-3 defensive end. He is not a physical freak like Julius Peppers or Jason Pierre-Paul, but he has the physical tools to be a productive starter with the Eagles.

Versatility: Curry's best fit in the NFL is clearly as a 4-3 defensive end, which is where he will play in Philadelphia. He could possibly transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker, but does not look like a player who would function well in space. I also don't think he is strong enough to hold up as an interior player. He will play a suitable role as a 4-3 defensive end playing in a wide 9 technique, which fits his mentality as a rush minded defensive end who will try to tackle running backs on his way to the quarterback.

Player comparison: Andre Carter, NE: Like Carter, Curry has average strength, but knows how to get after the quarterback. Neither are world class athletes, but have been productive due to sound technique and enough quickness to beat one-on-one blocks. Andre Carter has had up and down production throughout his career, but he's really a 7 to 10 sack per season caliber player. I think Curry has the same type of ceiling. He does not have the physical gifts to be a truly elite and feared pass rusher, but will be a steady and productive left defensive end for a long time.
 
 
The Eagles took California linebacker Mychal Kendricks with the 46th overall pick in last week's draft. He played inside linebacker in a 3-4 system in college, and tallied 106 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 2011, which was good enough to make him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He goes 5'11", 239, and ran a 4.47 40 yard dash, which is an exceptional time for a linebacker. He projects as a SAM linebacker in the Eagles system, which is almost a linebacker-safety hybrid position under Juan Castillo. He will likely battle Jamar Chaney for the starting job. Here's his scouting report.

Instincts/recognition: Kendricks does not have the elite instincts of a Luke Kuechly, but he is quick to diagnose plays and is rarely fooled. He's a run-and-chase linebacker who was extremely successful and productive in college because of his ability to find the football and his speed to get there. He does not have uncanny football smarts, but his instincts are definitely above average.

Take-on skills: This is clearly Kendricks' biggest weakness. He gets engulfed by blockers too much and once they latch on, he badly struggles to disengage. He shows the ability to slip blocks, but he is inconsistent in this department, too. For a player with such a decided quickness advantage over offensive linemen, they get their hands on him too much. He must use his hands better to redirect blockers and continue to get stronger.
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LB Mychal Kendricks will compete for a starting job this season
Range vs. run: Kendricks' 4.47 speed truly does show up on film. He can defend sideline to sideline and will have no athletic limitations at the next level besides his height. His nose for the ball coupled with his speed ensures that he is never out of a play. He can always recover, find the ball, and make a play. His speed jumped out at me, and will be a major strength in the NFL.

Tackling: Kendricks is a sure tackler, but not always a forceful one. He does a nice job of breaking down in space and can deliver a hit in the hole. He won't miss many tackles due to his athleticism and technique, but he's not a player that always brings the wood. He lets running backs get under his pad level and drive him backwards too much. At least he doesn't whiff as much as most of the Eagles' linebackers.

Coverage: Kendricks has the speed to stay with any tight end in the league, but mostly played zone in college. He gets good depth in his zone, and seems solid in coverage. He doesn't have special instincts and does not appear to read the quarterback's eyes very well, but he certainly holds up. I will be looking forward to him covering guys like LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek one-on-one in training camp.

Versatility: Kendricks has played every linebacker spot in Cal's 3-4 defense, and flashes excellent ability as a pass rusher. He is very explosive and aggressive when rushing off the edge or from inside. He lines up all over the field. At times, he is up at the line of scrimmage. At others, he is four yards deep. Sometimes, he lines up between the guards, and at others, he is as far outside as a slot corner. When Cal goes to a 4-3, he plays outside linebacker, and Cal used him as a very versatile piece to their defensive puzzle.

Injury history: Shoulder injury kept him out of 2010 spring practices, and he underwent thumb surgery during the 2011 season. He never missed a game, though, and had 29 career starts at Cal.
 
 
  1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor - compares to Cam Newton, CAR
  2. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford - compares to Matt Ryan, ATL
  3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC - compares to D'Brickashaw Ferguson, NYJ
  4. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College - compares to James Laurinaitis, STL
  5. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford - compares to Steve Hutchinson, MIN
  6. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford - compares to Tyron Smith, DAL
  7. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor - compares to Santonio Holmes, NYJ
  8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State - compares to Hakeem Nicks, NYG
  9. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M - compares to Jay Cutler, CHI
  10. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama - compares to Steven Jackson, STL
  11. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama - compares to Lardarius Webb, BAL
  12. Mark Barron, S, Alabama - compares to Roman Harper, NO
  13. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska - compares to Henry Melton, CHI
  14. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU - compares to Chris Houston, DET
  15. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina - compares to Richard Seymour, OAK
  16. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State - compares to Marcell Dareus, BUF
  17. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State - compares to Chris Canty, NYG
  18. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame - compares to Steve Johnson, BUF
  19. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina - compares to Plaxico Burress, NYJ
  20. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama - compares to Charles Tillman, CHI
  21. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama - compares to Anthony Spencer, DAL
  22. Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia - compares to Vernon Carey, MIA
  23. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State - compares to Bryant McKinnie, BAL
  24. Nick Perry, DE, USC - compares to Cliff Avril, DET
  25. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin - compares to Matt Birk, BAL
  26. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson - compares to Brodrick Bunkley, NO
  27. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU - compares to Alan Branch, SEA
  28. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford - compares to Owen Daniels, HOU
  29. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois - compares to Kyle Vanden Bosch, DET
  30. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt - compares to Asante Samuel, PHI
  31. Marvin Jones, WR, California - compares to Brandon Lloyd, NE
  32. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama - compares to Brandon Spikes, NE
  33. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State - compares to Jason Campbell, OAK
  34. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame - compares to Kenny Phillips, NYG
  35. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech - compares to Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
  36. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington - compares to Shaun Rogers, NO
  37. Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee - compares to Lamarr Houston, OAK
  38. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson - compares to Heath Miller, PIT
  39. Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati - compares to poor man's LeSean McCoy, PHI
  40. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU - compares to Miles Austin, DAL
  41. Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State - compares to Orlando Scandrick, DAL
  42. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa - compares to Sam Baker, ATL
  43. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State - compares to Willis McGahee, DEN
  44. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska - compares to Dimitri Patterson, CLE
  45. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State - compares to Kyle Orton, KC
  46. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia - compares to Javier Arenas, KC
  47. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis - compares to Terrance Knighton, JAX
  48. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson - compares to Mark Anderson, BUF
  49. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina - compares to Antoine Cason, SD
  50. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami - compares to Kendall Hunter, SF
  51. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas - compares to Nate Burleson, DET
  52. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State - compares to Marcus Gilbert, PIT
  53. Devon Still, DT, Penn State - compares to Linval Joseph, NYG
  54. Audie Cole, LB, N.C. State - compares to Stewart Bradley, ARZ
  55. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina - compares to Jason Jones, SEA
  56. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska - compares to poor man's Daryl Washington, ARZ
  57. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin - compares to Daryn Colledge, ARZ
  58. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers - compares to Greg Little, CLE
  59. Tank Carder, LB, TCU - compares to poor man's Daryl Washington, ARZ
  60. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech - compares to Malcom Floyd, SD
  61. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon - compares to C.J. Spiller, BUF
  62. Terrell Manning, LB, N.C. State - compares to Michael Boley, NYG
  63. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International - compares to Randall Cobb, GB
  64. Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State - compares to Mike Iupati, SF
  65. Shea McClellin, DE/LB, Boise State - compares to Connor Barwin, HOU
  66. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest - compares to Lee Evans, JAX
  67. Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh - compares to Travelle Wharton, CIN
  68. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State - compares to poor man's Ray Lewis, BAL
  69. David Molk, C, Michigan - compares to Jason Kelce, PHI
  70. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State - compares to Ryan Clark, PIT
  71. Chris Polk, RB, Washington - compares to Michael Bush, CHI
  72. Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State - compares to K.J. Wright, SEA
  73. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State - compares to Nick Barnett, BUF
  74. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas - compares to Josh Cribbs, CLE
  75. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall - compares to Travis LaBoy, SD
  76. Mychal Kendricks, LB, California - compares to Joe Mays, DEN
  77. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana - compares to Sean Smith, MIA
  78. Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati - compares to Kenyon Coleman, DAL
  79. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama - compares to Kelly Gregg, KC
  80. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech - compares to poor man's Asante Samuel, PHI
  81. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State - compares to Pernell McPhee, BAL
  82. Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan - compares to Jason Avant, PHI
  83. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina - compares to Thomas Howard, CIN
  84. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma - compares to Nate Clements, CIN
  85. Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia - compares to Greg Hardy, CAR
  86. Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette - compares to poor man's Tramon Williams, GB
  87. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia - compares to Ike Taylor, PIT
  88. Ryan Steed, CB, Furman - compares to Corey Webster, NYG
  89. Jeff Allen, OG, Illinois - compares to Jon Asamoah, KC
  90. George Iloka, S, Boise State - compares to poor man's Kam Chancellor, SEA
  91. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State - compares to Leroy Hill, SEA
  92. T.J. Graham, WR, N.C. State - compares to Johnny Knox, CHI
  93. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin - compares to Kevin Walter, HOU
  94. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU - compares to Kurt Coleman, PHI
  95. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M - compares to Bernard Scott, CIN
  96. Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina - compares to Antrel Rolle, NYG
  97. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri - compares to Tony Scheffler, DET
  98. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa - compares to Brian Hartline, MIA
  99. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia - compares to Randy McMichael, SD
  100. Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami [OH] - compares to Ramon Foster, PIT
 
 
With the draft less than a week away, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss one of the most popular prospects being linked to Philadelphia in round one. Michael Brockers is a defensive tackle who anchored one of the nation's stingiest run defenses at LSU as a redshirt sophomore. Viewed as an unpolished but extremely talented prospect, Brockers surprised many with his decision to declare for the draft early. He should be a first round pick, but in a talented class of defensive linemen, it's tough to tell whether he'll be taken before players like Dontari Poe and Quinton Coples or slide into the second half of round one. I view him as a borderline first round pick. Here's the scouting report.

Versus the run: This is clearly Brockers' greatest strength. At 6'5", 323, Brockers drew double teams on the vast majority of his snaps, and held up very well against them. He has the pure strength to hold the point of attack consistently against double teams. He is also quick and active enough to be in on quite a few tackles. He faced top competition in the SEC and was washed out on far fewer occasions than players like Fletcher Cox and Devon Still.

Pass rush: Brockers is not able to consistently pressure the quarterback, which is why many analysts view him as unpolished. However, he does have enough burst, quickness, and strength to create penetration. He has a nice spin move, but only generated 2.0 sacks in 2011. At this point, he's a two down player who cannot be relied on to create pressure, although he has enough athleticism to develop into a more effective inside rusher as he gains experience.
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LSU DT Michael Brockers is a stifling run defender, but could use more polish as a pass rusher. He is expected to be a first round pick.
Motor: Brockers isn't making hustle plays all over the field, but he holds up extremely well over the course of SEC games where he is being double teamed constantly. He is a player who won't wear down and gives a lot of effort on the field goal block unit. I don't believe there are any questions about his motor.

Athleticism: Scouts were expecting Brockers to blow up the combine, but instead, he posted a modest 5.36 40 yard dash at 6'5", 323. He has very long arms and adequate agility, although I think line coach Jim Washburn would like him to get quicker. He has decent burst, but nobody will mistake him for an elite interior pass rusher. Still, he has the physical tools to develop into a very, very good player at the next level.

Leverage: Brockers plays with inconsistent leverage, but he is so stout at the point of attack that it does not really matter. When he gets low, he can drive blockers backwards, but when he stands up straight, he still does a nice job of using his long arms to keep blockers at a distance and hold his ground. He would get better penetration if he stayed low all the time, though.

Versatility: Brockers has the size and arm length to play pretty much anywhere on the defensive line. He can play either end or nose in a 3-4 and probably fits in best as a 1-technique in a 4-3 defense, although he could also be used as a 3-technique. No matter where you put him, you will get an impact run defender and a relatively weak pass rush. 

Player comparison: Alan Branch, SEA: Branch and Brockers are both tall, lengthy defensive tackles who are much more effective against the run than the pass. Branch was the first pick of the second round, but disappointed because he struggled to generate a pass rush. He's found a new home in Seattle, where he anchors a stout run defense, but won't help fix team's anemic pass rush, either.

How he fits in: If Philadelphia does take Brockers in the first round, he would be best suited in Mike Patterson's role. Maybe the Eagles would release Patterson, who is owed over $24 million over the next five seasons.  I would consider Brockers to be an upgrade over Patterson in terms of youth and potential, and he would come at a cheaper rate. While Brockers would not be my first choice in the opening round, the Eagles could do worse than him.
 
 
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz connecting Mississippi State defensive lineman Fletcher Cox to the Eagles. Defensive line coach Jim Washburn is rumored to covet the versatile defensive lineman, and the Eagles could potentially have to move up in the draft to land him. While I view Cox as a first round talent and would be excited to have him on the team, he's not an elite talent and is not worth trading up for. Here's my scouting report on him.

Versus the run: Cox is effective when he uses his hands well. He can stack and shed blockers well, but can be driven backwards when he lets them get into his body. He possesses average strength for an NFL defensive tackle, and has the motor and speed to make plays in pursuit. He can get walled off on belly or misdirection plays, but overall holds his own against the run.

Pass rush: Cox shows more strength as a bull rusher than he does against the run, which makes him able to consistently push the pocket. However, he rarely gets home to the quarterback because although he has a developed arsenal of pass rush moves, they are neither quick nor violent. He is a straight line athlete who wants to go through guards on his way to the quarterback, not around them. He can disrupt plays, but is not rewarded with many sacks.
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Mississippi State DL Fletcher Cox boosted his draft stock with a 4.79 40 yard dash at the combine
Motor: Cox has one of the best motors in this draft class. He does not quit on plays and, in many cases, has the speed to catch ball carriers from behind if they cut back. He is willing to make hustle plays and is in on many gang tackles. He consistently plays hard and to the whistle.

Athleticism: This is what has scouts drooling. Cox is 298 pounds and ran the 40 yard dash in 4.79 seconds. He could be the fastest defensive tackle I've ever seen, but does not have the quickness that his 40 time suggests. He couples his speed with enough strength to hold up as an NFL starter in the interior. If he can manage to translate his 40 time into quick pass rush moves, he could be a pro bowl type player.

Leverage: Cox generally plays with great leverage when rushing the passer, but has inconsistent pad level against the run. As a result, he is a very effective bull rusher, but can be driven backwards if he does not use his hands well.

Player comparison: Chris Canty, NYG: Like Canty, Cox is an athletic, scheme diverse defensive lineman. Canty is good against the run and uses his hands and length to shed blockers at the line of scrimmage. His movement skills, while ideal for the position, do not translate into high sack totals. Cox should be a solid starter in the NFL, but is not worth a top ten pick. I think he should go in the second half of round one.
 
 
  1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor - RG3 absolutely has it all. I love his deep ball and that he's a pocket passer first and a scrambler second. I think he'll be prone to interceptions early on in his career, but he can make things happen with little talent around him.
  2. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford - Luck is your prototype franchise quarterback. If the Colts are able to build a nice supporting cast around him, he could be elite.
  3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC - The extremely athletic Kalil was able to keep former teammate Tyron Smith on the right side in college. He looks like he will be one of the top ten tackles in the league from day one.
  4. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College - With rare instincts and intelligence, Kuechly is the guy teams want as the captain of their defense. He is a tackling machine with plenty of athleticism.
  5. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford - A devastating run blocker, David DeCastro will probably dominate from the day he sets foot on an NFL field. There are simply no flaws in his game.
  6. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor - Wright has elite speed and elusiveness, which should make him a feared deep threat in the NFL. He looks like a more durable DeSean Jackson minus the attitude problems.
  7. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford - I'm not sure why Martin is rated so low. He absolutely has left tackle feet and could be one of the best pass protectors in the game.
  8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State - I love the power that Blackmon brings to the table. He has very strong hands, but I question his ability to separate from starting NFL corners.
  9. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama - I'm not convinced that Richardson will establish himself as an elite back, but he is a violent, downhill runner who will start and be effective.
  10. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M - I love Tannehill's arm strength, mobility, and moxie in the pocket. He reminds me of Jay Cutler.
  11. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama - Jenkins makes questionable decisions off the field, but has rare shutdown ability. He's worth a gamble outside of the top ten picks.
  12. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame - Floyd is a complete player with strength and impressive smoothness as an athlete for somebody of his size. Press coverage has given him trouble in college, though.
  13. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU - I like Claiborne's agility and fluidity in man coverage, but he struggles in zone. He also plays the football as well as anybody in the draft.
  14. Mark Barron, S, Alabama - Barron is sound in run support, usually solid in coverage, and can lay the wood on occasion. He won't be a special safety, but should be a good starter for a long time.
  15. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia - A massive but agile offensive lineman, Glenn is a mauler in the run game who uses his long arms to win in pass protection. 
  16. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska - Crick is explosive as a pass rusher, strong against the run, and relentless on every snap. He reminds me a bit of Justin Smith as an impact defensive lineman.
  17. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina - Excellent against the run with a long, powerful frame, Coples has potential as a pass rusher as well, but faces questions about his effort and dedication.
  18. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois - A lanky, high energy pass rusher who never quits. Highly productive at Illinois, Mercilus reminds me of a slightly less explosive Aldon Smith.
  19. Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama - A compact, powerful edge rusher, Upshaw is a pretty polished pass rusher who can be a solid contributor early in his career.
  20. Nick Perry, DE, USC - An athletic pass rusher, the sky is the limit for Nick Perry. He's a bit raw, but is brimming with potential.
  21. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin - The best center in college football, Konz consistently won battles against the Big 10's elite defensive tackles.
  22. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama - One of the most physical corners I've ever seen, Kirkpatrick's man coverage skills remain a question mark. He has great length and zone awareness, though.
  23. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State - A tough interior player who is hard to move off the line of scrimmage. He also offers something as a pass rusher.
  24. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State - A great athlete at 298 pounds, Cox is versatile and at his best when stacking and shedding blocks. He is an unrefined pass rusher and an ideal 3-4 end.
  25. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State - Weeden throws with excellent anticipation and confidence over the middle, but his deep ball is weak and he struggles in the face of pressure.
  26. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina - A physical receiver who can win jump balls, Jeffery faces questions about his speed and suddenness as a route runner, but still projects as a match-up nightmare for NFL corners.
  27. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech - Wilson is an explosive back who runs with great balance. He is a complete player who should be a solid contributor in an NFL backfield.
  28. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State - A big tackle who can make an impact in the run game, Adams is athletic enough to be a left tackle, but must be more consistent in pass protection.
  29. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt - A ball magnet who creates turnovers and plays with impeccable technique, Hayward is a gamer who will be a much better pro than his combine performance suggests.
  30. Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee - A strong and versatile defensive lineman, Jackson can beat tackles around the edge and also hold the point of attack against the run. On a team like the Eagles, he could be used in the mold of Jason Jones, who was a fine interior pass rusher for Jim Washburn in Tennessee.
  31. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama - A tough linebacker who can play the run well and rush the passer, Hightower projects as a two down thumper in a 3-4 defense.
  32. Marvin Jones, WR, California - A fluid receiver with stunning body control, Jones runs polished routes and understands the intricacies of the receiver position. 


Notable players who missed the cut: DT Michael Brockers, TE Coby Fleener, CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Stephen Hill, DE Melvin Ingram, DT Dontari Poe, WR Rueben Randle, OT Riley Reiff
 
 
Ryan Tannehill arrived at Texas A&M as a highly recruited dual threat quarterback, but was willing to switch to receiver. He thrived there, catching over 100 passes in his first two seasons. In 2010, he switched back to quarterback after the team struggled with Jerrod Johnson at the helm. After starting the year 3-3, Tannehill won his first six starts under center until he finally lost to LSU in the Cotton Bowl.  Entering the 2011 season with only seven starts under his belt at quarterback, Tannehill did not appear to be in the running for the first round of the NFL draft. However, his stock has been on the rise after showing great potential. With Tannehill as the starting quarterback, the Aggies have failed to score 24 or more points only once (a 9-6 victory over Nebraska in November 2010). With such little starting experience, Tannehill has become the draft's most polarizing player. Some compare him to Jay Cutler while others view him as more of a day two developmental prospect.

In a quarterback driven league, Tannehill is a potential top five pick and recent rumors have linked him to the Eagles, who could be willing to trade up for him. While I believe in Tannehill more than most, I would not try to trade up into the top five to get him. If he slides to 15, I would strongly consider him. If Andy Reid really loves him, I wouldn't object to packaging a second round pick with the 15th choice to leapfrog Miami if that would get the deal done. Without further ado, here's my scouting report on him.
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Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill out-dueled Robert Griffin III, throwing for 415 yards and 6 TDs en route to a 55-28 victory over Baylor
  • Accuracy - Tannehill is not deadly accurate, but is by no means erratic. His most impressive throws are in the intermediate range, especially to the sideline. He can make all the throws and, unlike most college passers, is asked to. His accuracy on the run is unbelievable. He doesn't have total control of ball placement on short, quick throws, and while his deep ball can at times be a thing of beauty, it's not consistent. Still, he finished as Texas A&M's most accurate passer of all time.
  • Arm strength - There should be no questions about Tannehill's arm. He can throw lasers to receivers on the opposite sidelines and has plenty of mustard to zip balls into tight windows. I don't think he has JaMarcus Russell type strength, but he can absolutely make any throw in the  playbook.
  • Mechanics - Tannehill plays in an offense similar to what the Eagles run and has much more advanced footwork than spread quarterbacks. This allows him to throw on the run extremely effectively. His release is a little unorthodox, but he gets the ball there. I don't think the NFL will be a huge adjustment for him, and he may be more pro ready than people give him credit for.
  • Decision making - This is what separates good quarterbacks from great ones, and as of now, Tannehill is simply a good quarterback. He has only started 20 or so games in college, so he clearly still a work in progress. Usually, he will make one or two "what-were-you-thinking" throws per game that he needs to eliminate, but he is forced to make more decisions than your typical spread quarterback due to more NFL type route combinations as opposed to simple smoke screens and quick slants. Tannehill is very confident in his ability to fit balls into tight windows and trusts his receivers to make plays. He likes to throw up 50-50 balls for his athletic receiving corps, so he's a gambler and a gunslinger. That can be a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it.
  • "It" factor - One of my favorite aspects about Tannehill's game is his poise in the pocket. He's unfazed by big hits and big moments. He never seems rattled and looks like a player who can lead his team to a Super Bowl victory on a game winning drive. When the play breaks down, Tannehill uses his legs to buy time and either find a receiver, tuck the ball and run, or throw it away. However, Texas A&M fell short of high expectations in 2011 and lost a lot of second half leads in their six losses. While the defense is a main culprit and Tannehill's receivers absolutely killed him with dropped pass after dropped pass, scouts still want to see a player's ability to close out a game. Tannehill is a smart player who comes from a football family. He is a respected leader in Texas A&M who puts the team first.
  • Player comparison - Jay Cutler. Like Cutler, Tannehill has solid size, great athleticism, and unquestioned toughness. Both entered the draft process as the third best quarterback available with a stock around 10th overall. The arm strength is there and Tannehill is poised to follow in Cutler's footsteps as a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
  • Fit for Eagles - Tannehill fits exactly what the Eagles want to do on offense. He played in a west coast system, has enough arm strength to deliver the ball to the team's deep threats, and has athleticism. He can sit behind Michael Vick for two or three seasons while developing his game.  Tannehill would be much better off in Philadelphia than he would be in Cleveland or Miami because of the Eagles' superior supporting cast, coaching, and quarterback already in place.
 
 
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Cincinnati RB Isaiah Pead has the quickness and vision to develop into a star at the next level
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Tennessee DE Malik Jackson could be a great value pick
Quarterback - Kirk Cousins, Michigan State (consensus 6th ranked QB, 66th overall)

Since quarterbacks get pushed up in the draft due to high demand, it's tough to find a good value pick. I slotted Cousins here because outside of the first round prospects, he has the best shot at developing into a starter. He has underrated arm strength, great intangibles, and experience in a pro style system. He's well worth a roll of the dice in the third round.

Running back - Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati (consensus 6th ranked RB, 74th overall)

One of my favorite prospects regardless of position, Pead has a shot at developing into a star at the NFL level. He has good straight line speed but even better change of direction quickness and burst. His balance and vision is extremely impressive as well. He definitely has some LeSean McCoy to him, and would be a great pick in the third round.

Wide receiver - Marvin Jones, California (consensus 10th ranked WR, 92nd overall)

Talent evaluators are beginning to catch on Jones, but he is still underrated. He has the best body control in the draft, showing that he is already a savvy outside receiver. While not the biggest or fastest, Jones is very smooth and can separate consistently. In a draft class filled with receivers long on potential but short on polish, Jones is poised to stand out as early as his rookie season.

Tight end - Dwayne Allen, Clemson (consensus 2nd ranked TE, 51st overall)

A slow 40 time killed Allen's chances at being the first tight end drafted, but I'm still a big fan of his skill set. He has the bulk to be used as an in-line blocker and the athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. He should be able to start from day one in any offensive scheme, which makes him a nice value pick in the second round.

Offensive tackle - Andrew Datko, Florida State (consensus 14th ranked OT, 155th overall)

Datko is not a fantastic athlete, but is one of the most refined offensive line prospects in this draft. He will never be a great run blocker, but is a sound technician who should be a starting left tackle. A fifth round pick is a great price to pay for a potential starting left tackle, even if you throw in Datko's durability issues and low ceiling.

Interior offensive line - Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech (consensus unranked OT)

Once again, the prettiest athletes don't make the best football players when it comes to the trenches. DeChristopher is experienced, tough, and a first team all-ACC pick. He will be a starting guard in the NFL and come at a very low price.

Defensive end - Malik Jackson, Tennessee (consensus 13th ranked DE, 137th overall)

Jackson is a big, powerful end who is great against the run and surprisingly effective rushing the passer. He also has the potential to kick inside to defensive tackle, where he can also hold his own in the run game. For teams looking for hard nosed defensive ends who may not necessarily be the quickest players at their position, Jackson is a legitimate second round pick. He reminds me a lot of Cameron Jordan, who the Saints took in the first round last year. 

Defensive tackle - Jared Crick, Nebraska (consensus 10th ranked DT, 69th overall)

I think Crick is the best defensive tackle in the draft. He's a relentless and athletic pass rusher who will be too much for guards to handle in one-on-one situations. He can also hold the point of attack better than expected for a 280 pound player. I think he's a scheme diverse first round pick.

Linebacker - Terrell Manning, North Carolina State (consensus 16th ranked OLB, 153th overall)

When Manning declared early for the draft, he wasn't expecting to be completely underrated by scouts. He's very athletic, has solid instincts, and tackles well. He looks the part of an NFL starter, but could still be on the board in the late rounds of the draft.

Cornerback - Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt (consensus 11th ranked CB, 76th overall)

Hayward doesn't have ideal long speed, but is the most intelligent corner in this draft and simply does not get beat. He is an interception magnet and plays with flawless technique. He consistently lines up against top competition and has still managed to solidify his status as a shutdown corner in college. He should be making a push for the first round, but likely will fall to the third round.

Safety - Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State (consensus 3rd ranked S, 87th overall)

I don't think Martin is underrated, but this safety class is extremely weak and of the mid round prospects, Martin has the best shot at developing into a solid starter. He has NFL physicality and athleticism. He played against the top quarterbacks in the country and held up relatively well. He's not a bad investment in the middle rounds.
 

    2012 Draft Prospects

    My name is Joe, and I started this website in December of 2011. I am a diehard Eagles fan and love watching them, writing about them, and following all the offseason activity. 

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