NFL Discussion Thread - Hall of Fame Game: August 3rd

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Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin suspended four games for violating NFL’s PED policy
Yahoo! Sports

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 regular season after violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.

Irvin, who is eligible to participate in training camp and the preseason, will miss games against the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans before he is reinstated on Monday, Sept. 30. The four-game suspension will cost the 2012 first-round pick out of West Virginia $191,681 in base salary and could potentially void the guarantees on the $3,717,870 that remains on his four-year, $9.342 million rookie contract. The Seahawks could also seek to recoup a prorated portion ($307,902) of Irvin's signing bonus.

According to Dave "Softy" Mahler of 950-KJR in Seattle, Irvin's suspension is due to unauthorized use of Adderall, a substance that led to 2012 suspensions of Seahawks cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman. Browner served his four-game ban, but Sherman challenged his suspension, which was overturned.

"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement. "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."
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Is there anywhere to find the Kiper position by position top 5's for the 2014 Draft all in one spot?
 
Kevin Cleveland said:
Pete got those boys FOCUSED.
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415652



:lol:

clever
 
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Ask and ye shall receive.....

First 2014 NFL draft Big Board
Jadeveon Clowney starts the year at No. 1 on the 2014 NFL draft Big Board
Updated: May 8, 2013, 5:30 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

Not quite two weeks removed from the 2013 NFL draft, it's time to take a peek at the prospects who could be the stars of the 2014 class. Without question, there are a number of players from the 2014 draft class that would have totally shifted the top of the 2013 draft if they'd been eligible to enter or, in some cases, chosen to enter.

As I say every year, this first look is both preliminary, but also well-supported by plenty of production and game film. It's a mix of projection based on ceiling and a pretty good knowledge of what these guys can do. Since I always get a lot of questions about other players I considered, this year I've also tacked on another 25 players who were under consideration, so go there if you see a player you feel should have been on the first Big Board. Just remember, there are many shifts to come.

Like always, juniors or draft-eligible redshirt sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

More Kiper NFL draft content:
First 2014 Big Board | The next 25 | Remixing the 2013 draft

1
Jadeveon Clowney *
AGE: 20
DOB: 2/14/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 265
POS: DE
Tkl 54
Sack 13.0
Int 0

He's been destined to lead off a Big Board since he was a senior in high school. Clowney marries extraordinary physical talent with an effective and still-growing arsenal of pass-rushing skills. Sure, he can occasionally play a little high, which allows to teams to run at him, but he's going to continue to get stronger and improve technique. Let's not call him a prospect -- he's a highly productive player.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

2
Teddy Bridgewater *
AGE: 20
DOB: 11/10/92
HT: 6-3
WT: 218
POS: QB
Comp 287
Att 419
Pct 68.5
Yds 3,718
TD 27
Int 8

He's not a finished product, but that's what should excite evaluators about Bridgewater. Bridgewater never looks overwhelmed, and comfortably works his eyes across the field. When he sees a target -- or more likely, a receiver who will come open -- he has a quick release, plenty of arm strength and good ball placement. He has a chance to have a huge year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

3
Marqise Lee *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/25/91
HT: 6-1
WT: 195
POS: WR
Rec 118
Yds 1,721
Avg 14.6
TD 14

That USC had several good weapons in the passing game last season didn't stop defenses from paying extra attention to Lee, but it didn't matter. He has the ability to separate with speed and as an effective route-runner. He's dropped a few easy ones, but makes most routine catches and can play bigger than his size. Dangerous after the catch. He's also physical and could've been a top safety if he'd chosen that direction.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

4
Cyrus Kouandjio *
AGE: 19
DOB: 7/21/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 311
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13

A natural pass-protector with quick feet, long arms and the ability to sit down and absorb rushers, Kouandjio held down the left side of a dominant Alabama offensive line in 2012. He's only going to get stronger, which makes his future exceedingly bright. Could be drafted before he turns 21.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

5
Anthony Barr
AGE: 21
DOB: 3/18/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 244
POS: OLB
Tkl 83
Sack 13.5
Int 0

For perspective on Barr, consider that he easily outperformed Dion Jordan last season, and not only did Jordan go No. 3 overall, but Barr was playing defense for the first time in college football. A former fullback, he has a powerful lower half, but has a long frame and reach. I was surprised to see him return to UCLA coming off his 2012 season, but another year of seasoning at the position is only going to make him a more attractive talent.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

6
Jake Matthews
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/11/92
HT: 6-5
WT: 305
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13

I saw Matthews as a first-rounder in this year's draft, but assuming he stays healthy, he'll make himself some extra money by proving he can hold down the left side effectively in the absence of Luke Joeckel. Rich bloodlines and strong skills as both a pass-protector and a finisher in the run game will make him a very safe pick in 12 months.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

7
Louis Nix III *
AGE: 21
DOB: 7/31/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 326
POS: DT
Tkl 50
Sack 2.0
Int 2

One of those players with the rare size and skills to handle a zero-technique role, Nix can keep multiple blockers occupied and make life easy for linebackers cleaning up against the run. Well-liked and reliable, he should be the anchor of what will be the strength of the 2013 Irish squad.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

8
Taylor Lewan
AGE: 21
DOB: 7/22/91
HT: 6-8
WT: 308
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13

Another tackle prospect who could have factored into the top 10 in the 2013 draft class, Lewan will return for another year of seasoning. Extremely long and with above-average athleticism, he'll continue to add power as a run-blocker and refine his skills as a pass-protector. But the tools are there for him to be a very good NFL left tackle.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

9
Bradley Roby *
AGE: 21
DOB: 5/1/92
HT: 5-11
WT: 194
POS: CB
Tkl 63
Sack 1.0
Int 2

A player with very good man-to-man cover skills, Roby is developing into the kind of corner who can be left on an island with a top receiver and cause the quarterback to look for options elsewhere. He got better every week last season, and has the chance to be the top corner in the 2014 class if he continues to improve.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

10
Loucheiz Purifoy *
AGE: 20
DOB: 12/16/92
HT: 6-1
WT: 189
POS: CB
Tkl 51
Sack 0
Int 0

An exceptional athlete, Purifoy also provides value as a returner. He has the ball skills of a wide receiver and could also see time there in 2013. Can get beat because he's still finding his way in terms of technique, but more seasoning could make him a star.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

11
Antonio Richardson *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/24/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 332
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

At his best, Richardson can be physically overwhelming, because he moves so easily despite a massive frame. He needs to improve his balance as a pass-protector, but another year of development could have him pushing to be one of the top tackles off the board next year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

12
Adrian Hubbard *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/27/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 252
POS: OLB
Tkl 41
Sack 7.0
Int 0

Quietly, Hubbard was the most productive pass-rusher for the Tide in 2012. He led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss. He has the perfect frame to be a 3-4 OLB at the next level, with the ability to set the edge as a strong run defender and turn the corner as a pass-rusher.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

13
Stephon Tuitt *
AGE: 19
DOB: 5/23/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 303
POS: DE
Tkl 47
Sack 12.0
Int 0

You rarely see defensive lineman who can move this well. At over 300 pounds, Tuitt occasionally shows the kind of burst more associated with good 4-3 defensive end prospects. The key for him is to dominate on a more consistent basis and not get frustrated when he gets stuffed initially. But teams looking for a penetrating 3-4 DE will fall in love with his potential.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

14
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu *
AGE: 19
DOB: 7/10/93
HT: 5-10
WT: 190
POS: CB
Tkl 63
Sack 0
Int 4

What he lacks in size, Ekpre-Olomu makes up for with his willingness to jump up and make a big hit. He has really good reaction skills and can put his foot in the ground and jump routes. He got his hands on a lot of passes last year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

15
Timmy Jernigan *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/24/92
HT: 6-2
WT: 298
POS: DT
Tkl 45
Sack 1.5
Int 0

He arrived in Tallahassee with the frame of a 4-3 defensive end, and the athleticism to play the position, but Jernigan has added the bulk to move inside, where his burst and ability to chase down runners has made him a disruptive interior force. His future is that of a penetrating 4-3 defensive tackle.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

16
Sammy Watkins *
AGE: 20
DOB: 6/14/93
HT: 6-1
WT: 205
POS: WR
Rec 57
Yds 708
Avg 12.4
TD 3

Even as a highly-rated prospect, 2013 represents an opportunity for Watkins to bounce back and show that he's taken the developmental steps necessary to be a true No. 1 wide receiver. His production fell off in 2012, and recent Houston pick DeAndre Hopkins was the more potent threat for Clemson. But Watkins has a ton of natural ability.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

17
C.J. Mosley
AGE: 20
DOB: 6/19/92
HT: 6-2
WT: 232
POS: LB
Tkl 107
Sack 4.0
Int 2

A gifted linebacker in terms of his ability to cover, Mosley has the all-around versatility that will make him an appealing linebacker in any scheme. He flies to the ball and makes a ton of plays; now he simply needs to get a bit stronger and show the leverage against the run, along with the ability to take on blockers and hold his ground.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

18
Mike Evans *
AGE: 19
DOB: 8/21/93
HT: 6-5
WT: 225
POS: WR
Rec 82
Yds 1,105
Avg 13.5
TD 5

At 6-foot-5, Evans sometimes looks like he plays even taller. He simply overwhelms cornerbacks with size, and is a great deep threat even when he doesn't get separation. Evans is also underrated as a receiver who can make defenders miss with the ball in his hands. Even with a redshirt year, he's still learning the position as a late arrival to football, so expect him to get even better in 2013.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

19
Cameron Erving *
AGE: 20
DOB: 8/23/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 308
POS: OT
GP 14
GS 14

Evaluators I've spoken to are extremely high on Erving's potential, and the tape shows why. He moves so easily, and really solidified the left tackle position for the Seminoles last year, even as he continues to figure things out. I wouldn't be surprised if he challenges to be the top tackle in the draft class.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

20
Aaron Lynch *
AGE: 20
DOB: 3/8/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 262
POS: DE
Tkl 33
Sack 5.5
Int 0

Just imagine for a moment how scary the Notre Dame defensive line would be in 2013 if Lynch had stayed in South Bend. He's added some bulk to his frame since his breakout freshmen campaign, and that should allow him to drive blockers and not become over-reliant on his burst to create separation as a pass-rusher.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

21
Tajh Boyd
AGE: 22
DOB: 9/25/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 225
POS: QB
Comp 287
Att 427
Pct 67.2
Yds 3,896
TD 36
Int 13

Of the quarterbacks on the Big Board, Boyd has the best arm strength, and he can make the big throws both down the field and to the edges. He's got plenty of mobility and can escape the rush and throw well on the move. A hard worker who took another step forward with accuracy in 2012, Boyd needs to be smart in his decision-making -- he occasionally forces throws. He's not tall, but otherwise he has all the physical tools you want.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

22
Anthony Johnson *
AGE: 20
DOB: 1/24/93
HT: 6-3
WT: 304
POS: DT
Tkl 30
Sack 3.0
Int 0

A naturally gifted athlete at his size, Johnson can beat blockers off the snap with a great burst and initial punch. His problems arise when he doesn't gain an initial edge and must use his hands and feet to get off blocks. The spotlight will be on in 2013 after the mass draft exodus of LSU defenders, and Johnson must play with more consistent effort.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

23
Kyle Van Noy
AGE: 22
DOB: 3/26/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 236
POS: OLB
Tkl 53
Sack 13.0
Int 2

Another player who would have factored into the first-round discussion in the 2013 draft, Van Noy is an impressive pass-rusher who plays with max effort, often chasing down plays other defenders would have been out of. He moves pretty well in coverage, but could get stronger to improve his leverage at the point of attack.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

24
Austin Seferian-Jenkins *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/29/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 266
POS: TE
Rec 69
Yds 852
Avg 12.3
TD 7

A massive player who can cause problems up the seam and on the edges, Seferian-Jenkins can be that prototype tight end who can be moved around to cause constant matchup problems. He catches the ball well away from his body and should be in line for another highly productive year in what will be a difficult offense to slow down.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD

25
Johnny Manziel *
AGE: 20
DOB: 12/6/92
HT: 6-0
WT: 207
POS: QB
Comp 295
Att 434
Pct 68.0
Yds 3,706
TD 26
Int 9

It's amazing to think that at this point a year ago, there was no certainty that Manziel would be the starting QB for the Aggies in 2012. A gifted improviser in the pocket, Manziel has an ability to extend plays that makes you think of Aaron Rodgers. He utilizes great movement skills and vision to overcome a lack of height, and while he doesn't have a big arm, there's no reason to think he won't continue to build arm strength. He's going to get even better.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
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Next 25

26. Ryan Shazier *, LB, Ohio St.

One of the most instinctive LBs in college football; the only question is size.

27. Brandon Coleman *, WR, Rutgers

A huge target at 6-foot-5, Coleman can overwhelm most cornerbacks.

28. De'Anthony Thomas *, RB/WR, Oregon

The most frightening ball-in-hand player in college football.

29. David Yankey *, G, Stanford

Very good as a tackle, Yankey will move to guard, where he could dominate.

30. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix *, S, Alabama

With great range and instincts, he could be the top safety in the class.

31. Scott Crichton *, DE, Oregon St.

Productive and relentless, Crichton had 17.5 tackles for loss in 2012.

32. Christian Jones *, LB, Florida St.

A gifted athlete, Jones is ready to become a star in 2013.

33. Marcus Mariota *, QB, Oregon

Underrated as a passer, Mariota can move but reads the entire field.

34. Lache Seastrunk *, RB, Baylor

Shifty and explosive in space, he erupted down the stretch in 2012.

35. Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech

A disruptive player, he makes smart reads and closes well.

36. Aaron Colvin *, CB, Oklahoma

Adequate length to challenge tall receivers, and good ball skills.

37. Ka'Deem Carey *, RB, Arizona

Highly productive, he breaks tackles and takes off once he gets a seam.

38. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

A phenom at the prep level, Jeffcoat is realizing his potential.

39. Trey DePriest *, LB, Alabama

The Ohio native was second only to C.J. Mosley in tackles for Bama in 2012.

40. Ed Reynolds *, S, Stanford

With very good range and length, he takes away the deep ball.

41. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama

More than a "winner," McCarron puts up big-time passing numbers.

42. Morgan Breslin, DE, USC

USC's top pass-rusher, he piled up 13.0 sacks last season.

43. Daniel McCullers *, DT, Tennessee

At a whopping 6-8 and about 370 pounds, McCullers can take away the inside.

44. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

A steady cover corner, he picked off six passes in 2012.

45. Yawin Smallwood *, LB, Connecticut

On a loaded defense, he piled up 120 total tackles last season.

46. Deandre Coleman, DT, Cal

One of the top three defensive tackles among the senior class.

47. Quandre Diggs *, CB, Texas

Extremely talented, he needs to be more consistent in 2013.

48. Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Extremely productive; falls only on a lack of top-end speed.

49. Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi St.

Enters the 2013 season as one of the top three guards in the draft class.

50. A.J. Johnson *, LB, Tennessee

Had 52 more tackles than the next closest Vol last season.
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QBs

1. Teddy Bridgewater, Junior, Louisville

If you really want to see where it starts with Bridgewater, watch his feet. I say that because his feet show you why he has such natural gifts and instincts for the position. He doesn't just extend plays, he extends them within the pocket. He doesn't panic, and nimbly avoids the sources of pressure, all while keeping his eyes down the field. Bridgewater is still growing as a progression passer, but that sixth sense is the kind of thing that makes a player like Tom Brady special. It's an effortless command.

As a thrower, Bridgewater made great strides in 2012. In taking apart Florida in January, he showed the ability to not merely hit tight windows, but to throw his receivers open into those windows. He has very good ball placement, protects his receivers with his eyes by holding safeties, and knows how to calibrate trajectory so he's not overthrowing his fastball. He's got plenty of athleticism, but he doesn't rely on it. He's an exciting prospect.

2. Tajh Boyd, Senior, Clemson

People who would question Boyd because he was throwing to a great arsenal of pass-catchers last year should watch what he did against LSU in the Chik-fil-A Bowl. Boyd might as well have gone 12 rounds with Rocky in that game. Not only did he take hits on a lot of designed runs, the LSU defense battered him. But he played through it. The kid is tough.

He's also got a big arm, can make the deep throws both inside the numbers and to the sidelines and shows good awareness, the ability to scan the whole field and check it down. What Boyd needs are good passing lanes because he's not tall. And he needs to cut down on the occasional terrible decision. Sometimes, he'll trust his arm too much. He loses DeAndre Hopkins to the NFL, but I expect another big year.

3. Johnny Manziel, RS-Sophomore, Texas A&M

Let's be clear from the start: Johnny Football isn't just a product of a great offense or great blocking. He has very good instincts and vision, and flat out makes plays. He doesn't have a big arm, but he anticipates well, and uses his legs not to just to run, but to extend the passing game.

He did have extraordinary blocking last year, and figures to have it again, so how he reacts to pressure matters. And while we keep getting further away from the notion of a prototype at QB, his size is a concern. He's not Russell Wilson, because remember Wilson has a big-time arm by any standard -- he was guy being questioned on height alone. I'm not a Manziel doubter, but evaluators will want to see him be great in every area so size is less of a trade-off.

4. Marcus Mariota, RS-Sophomore, Oregon

You watch the Oregon offense and you're not just seeing Mariota play pitch and catch on short routes, or simply flinging it across the line of scrimmage as the Ducks stretch out tired defenses and force them to tackle. They take their shots, and they can because Mariota sees the whole field, and has the arm to deliver strikes.

He completed almost 70 percent of his throws last year, and they went for 8.0 yards per attempt. I also like the way he mixes up his targets, using wideouts, tight ends and his backs as the situation demands. His athleticism and ability to make reads as a runner are pluses, but Mariota can also get it done with his arm.

5. AJ McCarron, Senior, Alabama

He may have had the quietest 30-touchdown, three-interception season ever in 2012, but that can happen at Bama, where the ability to run and defend can make any quarterback look like a mere "game manager."

But give McCarron credit, because he really can stretch defenses with his arm, and the fact that he doesn't make costly mistakes shouldn't just be labeled as a case where he's not allowed to take his shots. He'll still have a great surrounding cast in 2013, but McCarron is better than some recent Bama QBs, and will be a better prospect as well.
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RBs

1. De'Anthony Thomas, Junior, Oregon

Is he a running back? He's a little bit of everything, but he's a running back on my board because handing him the ball is the quickest way to get it to him, and getting him the ball is the most important thing. Last year, Thomas turned 92 carries into 701 yards, good for 7.6 yards per carry. This after a freshman year where he averaged an absurd 10.6 yards per carry on his 55 touches. So over his first two years, Thomas averaged 8.8 yards per carry, and the sample size is no longer miniscule.

Yes, he can also catch it, as he has 91 receptions over his first two seasons. And he's terrifying in the return game. Thomas will never be a bulk-carry runner, and he doesn't have the route-running skills of a guy like Tavon Austin, who he might be compared to based on the burst. But he's a 180-pound game-breaker, a sprinter with the shiftiness to make people miss and he has added more muscle to his frame since he broke USC's heart and headed to Eugene.

2. Lache Seastrunk, Junior, Baylor

Seastrunk saw the deep depth chart at Oregon, and left for Baylor. He really started to find his form toward the end of last season, topping 100 yards rushing in five of the final six games. Seastrunk is particularly explosive in the open field, but he has a tendency to move left or right too often in an attempt to find a bigger running lane, and will need to learn to sometimes just put his foot in the ground, lower his shoulder and take some available yards.

Still, he's a big play waiting to happen, and his 7.7 yards per carry last season prove that. He'll be a significant part of the Baylor attack in 2013.

3. Ka'Deem Carey, Junior, Arizona

Extraordinarily productive in 2012, Carey piled up a whopping 1,929 yards rushing. He does it by exploding upfield when he gets a seam, and running through arm tackles with good pad level and strong leg drive and determination. Carey looks like an early-impact NFL running back because of the way he reads plays, and puts his foot in the ground to get vertical and maximize yards when they're available. His 6.4 yards per carry last season is impressive given he does a good job of taking what the blocking offers, but he also has an extra gear in the open field and can run away from defenders.

4. Silas Redd, Senior, USC

He was a little bit forgotten about in what was a disappointing season, but you turn on the tape and see a guy who often made the most of what was just average blocking last season. Redd isn't what I'd call an explosive runner, but he does a very good job of running through contact and grinding out extra yards. He ran a little dinged up toward the end of last season, and should be even better in 2013. When he takes on contact, Redd runs bigger than his listed 200 pounds.

5. Damien Williams, Senior, Oklahoma

If you saw Williams and the Sooners run over Texas, you'd be surprised he finished the season with "only" 946 yards. But when teams loaded up to stop the run game against Oklahoma last season, too often they were successful. Williams doesn't have great straight-line speed, and isn't particularly powerful when he lowers his shoulder, but he has really good vision and will add extra value because he's a natural pass-catcher and can split out. He caught 34 passes as a junior.
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WRs

1. Marqise Lee, Junior, USC

At maybe 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Lee isn't the kind of physical presence that you'd expect of a game-changing matchup problem like recent top-10 picks A.J. Green, Julio Jones or even Calvin Johnson. But he plays a little bigger than his size, is extremely reliable and productive, and we just witnessed a draft where a 5-8, 175-pound wide receiver went in the top 10 -- and a team traded up to get him.

Lee has proven extremely difficult to cover, and as you watched USC last year you'd see teams roll extra coverage to him -- and it still didn't work, as evidenced by the 118 passes he caught. His challenge this year is to stay productive, and to not get frustrated by both the coverage attention and his new QB. Say what you want about what happened with Matt Barkley in the draft, but the guy was an accurate QB at the college level and got his best players the ball.

2. Sammy Watkins, Junior, Clemson

This ranking is based more on talent than production from 2012, because Watkins actually took a step back last season. He needs to stay on the field and take advantage of the fact he has a very good QB in Tajh Boyd, a guy who will deliver the ball all over the field, and can exploit the speed of Watkins if he can beat teams over the top.

Watkins has good size at 6-2, strong hands and is a big threat once he catches the ball. I'd be surprised if he didn't come back with a good season, but he needs to have a good August, too. That Clemson team is going to score points, so Watkins needs to be motivated to be a part of it.

3. Mike Evans, RS-Sophomore, Texas A&M

A big-time matchup problem, Evans has the length of an NFL tight end, and maybe even a bigger catch radius, because he has long arms on a 6-5 frame. He redshirted as a freshman to get more familiar with football after a late arrival to the sport, but burst on the scene last year with 82 catches and more than 1,100 yards. As the No. 1 target for Johnny Manziel, he should remain productive, and I'd expect Kevin Sumlin and staff to be creative in how they use him.

That said, you don't have to be too creative to get him open, because you can throw to him anytime and expect that he'll come down with the ball. The question for Evans will be if he can show enough quick-twitch explosiveness and strength to beat jams and the straight-line speed to beat defenders over the top.

4. Brandon Coleman, Junior, Rutgers

Like Evans, Coleman is a huge target at 6-5 and about 220 pounds. He didn't put up massive totals last year, but almost a quarter of his 43 catches went for touchdowns. He's a big play waiting to happen.

What I love about Coleman is the combination of skills he brings. He has really soft hands, is a big threat after the catch, using his long strides to break away from defenders, and has the size and willingness to go over the middle.

5. Jordan Matthews, Senior, Vanderbilt

Highly productive, Matthews is coming off a 94-catch season where some really good defenses couldn't stop him. He caught eight passes each game against Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, going for more than 100 yards in each of those contests. Quicker than he is fast, Matthews does a good job of setting up defenders and creating a little space, as well as simply helping his QB by going up for the ball and using strong hands to make catches in traffic.
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TEs

1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Junior, Washington

This is the definition of a matchup problem: a tight end with the size (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) to block and the hands and athleticism to be split out, where he can overwhelm smaller corners. Extremely productive, Seferian-Jenkins had 109 catches in his first two years in college, and he already holds the school record for catches, touchdowns and receiving yards by a tight end.

Seferian-Jenkins has big hands and is adept at catching the ball away from his body. He has the size to work the middle of the field but makes plenty of catches on the perimeter, where he's like a power forward posting up a point guard. He isn't explosive, but he runs pretty well after the catch.

2. Colt Lyerla, Junior, Oregon

Don't mistake Lyerla's lack of catches for lack of talent. The one-time star high school running back and linebacker might be the best athlete in this group, and Oregon was eager to find ways to get him the ball. He even rushed the ball 13 times last season, to go along with his 25 catches.

At 6-5 and a hair under 250 pounds, Lyerla has plenty of size and the frame to add more, and he becomes a running back when he catches the ball in space, with great explosiveness for his size. Oregon moved him all over, from the line to the edge and into the backfield. He should take another step forward in his production in 2013.

3. Eric Ebron, Junior, North Carolina

He has the athleticism to be split out at the next level a la an Aaron Hernandez, but I like that Ebron displays a willingness, and even a bit of a nasty streak, when called on to block.

He finished 2012 with 40 catches for 625 yards, and I think he could probably be better utilized as a target inside the red zone because he can stretch out and high-point the ball, making him a difficult matchup for even the tallest defenders. He fits the prototype of the modern tight end.

4. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Senior, Iowa

A huge target who can be effective working the middle of the field, what he gives up in athleticism he gives back in the ability to block. He took a big step forward last year, with 45 catches, and I expect Iowa to move him around more in 2013 and look for more opportunities to take advantage of his hands and size. In the mold of former Iowa tight end and current Buffalo Bills starter Scott Chandler, Fiedorowicz will have a long NFL career.

5. Xavier Grimble, Junior, USC

He was actually the third-leading receiver for the Trojans in 2012, but you didn't see enough of Grimble because he came next in the pecking order after Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, who gobbled up a whopping 192 combined catches. But make no mistake: Grimble is a weapon. At 6-5 and 255 pounds, he's capable of working the middle of the field but is also a matchup problem outside.

What I like about Grimble is that he can make catches in traffic, and when he has the ball in his hands, he seems to enjoy looking for people he can run over. The USC offense should see more of him in 2013.
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OLs

1. Cyrus Kouandjio, Junior, Alabama

He effectively held down the left side of the Alabama offensive line in 2012, allowing only 3.5 sacks and providing a consistent push in a dominant running attack. And he did this as a 19-year old. Kouandjio is just a natural at the position, with quick feet and the ability to both absorb pass-rushers and simply ride them out of the play, and he has good straight-line power as a run-blocker.

He has a chance to be a top-three pick whenever he comes out, and if he does so in 2014, he'll be drafted a few months short of his 21st birthday. If he stays healthy, he's got the potential to be a Pro Bowl NFL left tackle.

2. Jake Matthews, Senior, Texas A&M

Normally, if I project a player to go in the first round and he decides to remain in college for another year I sort of wince, simply because you want to see a prospect secure his financial future when he has the chance. And in Matthews you have a player who was a starter midway through his freshman season, and has been one ever since.

That said, Matthews really does have a chance to make some money. With the departure of Luke Joeckel, Matthews will move from right to left tackle and have the chance to prove that's his future position at the next level. I suspect he'll prove capable, and Matthews -- son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews -- will be the latest in his family to succeed in the NFL.

3. Taylor Lewan, Senior, Michigan

I don't care who the pass-rusher is, when you line up across from Lewan you're going to have to be creative or simply run yourself out of contain if you want to find ways to consistently apply pressure. An athletic 6-foot-8 left tackle, he's best in pass protection, where he does a good job of using the width created by his base and long arms to keep rushers at bay (that includes Jadeveon Clowney for most of the day in the bowl game; Clowney stunted inside on the legendary hit).

Lewan isn't a mauler in the run game, but he has the athleticism to get out in front of backs and he can hit a moving target. I think he had a chance to be one of the first three tackles taken in the 2013 draft, which obviously puts him in a pretty good class.

4. Antonio Richardson, Junior, Tennessee

If you want to see why Richardson can be a good blindside pass protector at the NFL level, throw in the tape of the Tennessee-Georgia game from 2012. In that game, you see the most productive pass-rusher in college football last season become extremely frustrated by Richardson. Jarvis Jones had zero sacks that day, and just 0.5 tackles for loss, his least effective performance of the season.

Richardson showed why he's so tough in that game; he just moves extremely easily for a 6-6, 335-pound man, neutralizing speed rushers with his feet first, and long arms second. Tennessee liked him enough that they moved Dallas Thomas inside. Thomas was drafted and could still get a look at tackle in the NFL.

5. Cameron Erving, Junior, Florida St.

The Florida State coaching staff is really excited about Erving, and when I took more time to watch him specifically, I can see why. In spring of last year, they converted Erving to tackle after years spent as a good but not great defensive tackle. At 6-6, 310 pounds, Erving is extremely athletic for his size, and he moves his feet to deal with rushers easily. You can see technique flaws, but also a game-to-game improvement.

You can't overstate the fact that a guy who'd never really played offensive line picked it up in the spring and then went out and started 14 games for Florida State a few months later. Erving could develop into a top-five pick if he keeps progressing like this.
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DEs

1. Jadeveon Clowney, Junior, South Carolina

An instinctive, gifted natural pass-rusher who has developed a nose for the run game in his two years at South Carolina, Clowney would be a top prospect based on his raw athleticism and pass-rushing skills alone, but will enter the NFL with plenty of polish, and hopefully, completely healthy.

If there's any question about Clowney, it's exactly what his future position will be. He's athletically gifted enough to be a 4-3 outside linebacker who doesn't have to come off the field, but his value could be extraordinarily high as a 4-3 defensive end, which is where I see him. He'll probably be the best one to enter the draft since Julius Peppers.

2. Stephon Tuitt, Junior, Notre Dame

The amazing thing about Tuitt is that he probably has enough burst to be a 4-3 defensive end, a guy who could drive tackles into the lap of a QB. That said, at over 300 pounds, he's likely to become a 5-technique in a 3-4. Tuitt got to the QB for a sack 12 times last year, and can shock a blocker with his initial punch, then shed and clear space for himself to penetrate. The interior of the Notre Dame defense is going to be scary this year with Tuitt and Louis Nix III.

3. Aaron Lynch, RS-Sophomore, South Florida

Speaking of that scary Notre Dame defensive front, just imagine if Lynch were still in South Bend. The one-time Irish pass-rusher is now at South Florida and, with an added year of work in the weight room, should be a huge force this season.

Lynch was good as a freshman, when he picked up 5.5 sacks, and given a very high level of athleticism at his size, is going to be a matchup nightmare for defenses in 2013.

4. Scott Crichton, Junior, Oregon St.

Crichton has a big-time motor. As a freshman, he was second in the Pac-12 with 14.5 tackles for a loss, and that jumped to 17.5 tackles for loss in 2012. He also forced six fumbles as a freshman. Crichton has a quick get-off, gets defenders off balance with his burst and does a pretty good job of clearing his inside arm and bending to turn the corner. But what makes him special is his effort level, and if he marries that to more technical savvy as a pass-rusher, he's going to have a huge season.

5. Jackson Jeffcoat, Senior, Texas

He came into college with the pedigree of a guy who would make an impact right away, and while he has been good, Jeffcoat has never been great. I think he was a bit too reliant on simply being quicker at his size than most players, and he hasn't developed an arsenal of moves that allows him to provide impact when good blockers neutralize his quickness. But on natural ability alone he's a prospect, and a big year could push him into the first-round discussion.
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DTs

1. Louis Nix III, junior, Notre Dame

Nix is that rare defensive tackle with the size to operate as a two-gap, zero-tech nose tackle in a 3-4, but the quickness to be a 3-technique penetrator in a 4-3. He has a great first step off the snap for any D-tackle, much less one at his size, and if he gets his arm through he can clear blocks quickly and get after the quarterback. That said, when blockers get their hands on him (and he will soak up double teams) he could use his hands better and not simply be content to push the blocker into the backfield.

But that's not an awful downside. Nix is probably better when he's certain it's a pass; he just gets more of a burst. Against the run, he's good but could be more disruptive. A good player now, he has a chance to be a great one.

2. Timmy Jernigan, junior, Florida St.

At a hair under 300 pounds, Jernigan now carries the size of a 4-3 3-tech defensive tackle, but he still has the quickness you'd associate with a defensive end. He can penetrate and not merely disrupt plays, but actually chase down runners and quarterbacks in pursuit.

Like a lot of more athletic D-tackles, Jernigan has to avoid playing too high, or blockers will just get under his pads and lock him up. But he could have a huge season, his first full one as a starter.

3. Anthony Johnson, junior, LSU

A freaky athlete, Johnson is one of those defensive tackles who probably will show up at the combine in the next two years and run in the 4.8 to 4.9 range at about 310 pounds. His signature skill is an ability to seemingly jump the A-gap before the center gets the ball in the quarterback's hands. He's got elite quickness, and thus doesn't occupy blocks in the traditional sense; he causes problems with your ability to run an offense.

Where Johnson needs to develop is how he reacts when quickness isn't enough. The LSU defense has been loaded, and Johnson wasn't a primary focus, because he was playing in rotation. He should now expect double teams regardless of the gap he's attacking, and he will need leverage, violent hands and the ability to shed and move laterally to succeed against added attention. But the talent is there. This is a big year for him.

4. Daniel McCullers, senior, Tennessee

Well, you can't teach size, and McCullers is a load at 6-foot-8 and 370-plus pounds. He's not a great athlete, but is surprisingly mobile, and if the play gets to the edge, you'll see him chase plays in pursuit, getting there to help clean up. McCullers can create a push on pure size -- he can bend back a single blocker.

Where he needs to get better is with pad level. If you get under him or cut his thighs, he's basically stuck, and too often one good blocker can neutralize him. He doesn't get a great burst, so he needs to get a little more bend and uproot blockers.

5. Deandre Coleman, senior, Cal

Quick off the ball for a 6-5, 320-pound player, Coleman can really chop his feet, and he has a little shake in him to get a blocker off balance to shove aside. He's best-suited to be either a 3-4 defensive end or a penetrating 3-tech defensive tackle in a 4-3.

Last season he had 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. A fellow Pac-12 D-tackle (see below) was more productive, but I like Coleman's versatility.
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OLBs

1. Anthony Barr, Senior, UCLA

Though he exploded on the scene last year, given his track record as a fullback headed into the season, it's not fair to say that Barr surprised teams early, piled up stats and slowed as teams adjusted. What you like about Barr is that he notched at least a share of a tackle for loss in every game.

Barr has a long frame and reach, has a great initial burst and often beats blockers with quickness. He can close fast and shows some decent instincts in space. He needs to work on counters and getting free of blockers who get their hands on him. He'll need to become stronger against the run. But the tools are there, and he's not your typical senior given his limited time at the position.

2. Adrian Hubbard, Junior, Alabama

He's not a complete player yet, but this is about potential, not finished products. Hubbard has the length and athleticism to become an effective pass-rusher, and he led the Tide in sacks last season. He's a willing defender against the run and will take on blocks.

What he needs to do is show a little more burst and even nastiness at the point of attack, where he often allows blockers to get their hands on him too easily. I think as he develops a little more strength and technique, he'll take another step forward. He'll certainly get the coaching.

3. Kyle Van Noy, Senior, BYU

It wasn't Ezekiel Ansah who did the most damage for the BYU defense; it was Van Noy, and it wasn't close. He piled up 13 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, and what really catches your eye is his relentlessness. If he doesn't make the play initially, he'll chase it down. He could add some bulk to his frame, but he won't want to cost himself his exceptional closing speed. This is a guy who has good instincts about when to attack and the burst to make plays when he does.

4. Ryan Shazier, Junior, Ohio State

Highly instinctive, Shazier was the most consistent playmaker on a strong defense last year and should take another step forward this year. He shoots gaps to make plays against the run and can work down the line in pursuit, using his quickness to slip blocks.

Where he's vulnerable is that he needs to add weight, because he just doesn't have the size to hold up when blockers get him lined up. He's thus forced to rely too often on quickness. I think he projects as a very good 4-3 weakside linebacker.

5. Jeremiah Attaochu, Senior, Georgia Tech

Tall, rangy and with good closing speed, he could play either outside linebacker or defensive end but projects better at OLB for the NFL. He led Tech with 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season, and I like how well he holds up at the point of attack and pursues in the run game, where he adds plenty of value.
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ILBs

1. C.J. Mosley, Senior, Alabama

It says a lot about Mosley that he played in all 13 games for Bama as a true freshman, finished the year third on the team in tackles and did that when he'd turned 18 only about a month before fall camp started. Given his auspicious start, it's almost surprising that Nick Saban will have him back for another year. Had he been in the 2013 NFL draft, Mosley had a chance to be the first inside linebacker off the board. Now, at 6-foot-2, 232 pounds he'll play on the edge plenty, but I project him as a player who will play inside in a 3-4, or likely as a weakside LB in a 4-3 at the next level.

Mosley does most things well, but where he's particularly sound is in coverage. He reads the eyes of the quarterback even as he moves, and his ability to both attack the line of scrimmage and make plays, as well as drop and cover (and pick off passes if you test him), means you never have to take him off the field. He could get stronger so he's better equipped to shed blocks, but he'll be an immediate NFL starter after another year of seasoning, and as you can see, he'll have help.

2. Trey DePriest, Junior, Alabama

While Mosley is the rangy playmaker who can really cover, DePriest is the bigger, more physically imposing linebacker who could also project to the edge because he's not without skills as a pass-rusher. At 6-2, 245 pounds, he definitely carries NFL size for the position, and he's capable of both fending off blocks and closing on running backs down the line.

If you want something surprising about DePriest, it's that Ohio State, with a pretty good history at the position, allowed him to get out of the state. He was maybe the best high school linebacker in the country, and played about 45 minutes west of Columbus.

3. Yawin Smallwood, Junior, Connecticut

The Huskies had four players drafted off the 2012 defense, and right now I could see three of them starting NFL games pretty early on in 2013. The guy who might be the best of them is still in college.

Smallwood redshirted as a freshman, and was physically prepared to help, starting all 12 games in his first year and every game in 2012, when he led the team with 120 tackles. Smallwood has great instincts, and at times looks like he's reading the game about a half-second faster than everyone else.

4. A.J. Johnson, Junior, Tennessee

The junior from Gainesville … Georgia, came to campus ready to play. As a true freshman, he really jumped to prominence when he piled up nearly 40 tackles during a three-week stretch when the Vols played LSU, Bama and South Carolina. Last season, Johnson showed off sound technique and consistently quick reactions in flowing to the ball quickly and taking on and getting off blocks. He piled up 138 tackles, which led the SEC.

Again, this was from a true sophomore. The presence of a clogger like 370-pound Daniel McCullers up front should help Johnson, who will be under pressure to keep the Vols in games during a season when the offense could take a step back.

5. Max Bullough, Senior, Michigan St.

When you watch Bullough, the first thing that stands out is his ability to take on and shed blockers, including guards who have him lined up. He's going to be an effective player against the run because of that skill. He doesn't have great speed to the edges, but anticipates well and doesn't lose his vision in traffic. At 6-3, he has some length to provide cover in the seams, but he can improve in turning his hips to run with tight ends.

Going into 2013, he'll have started 27 consecutive games. While not a track star, he's the definition of what you need from an inside linebacker.
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CBs

1. Bradley Roby, RS-Junior, Ohio State

This is a player comfortable with the idea of island living. Roby has good man cover skills and definitely fits in that class of college cornerback prospects who will need to keep focused because quarterbacks will be extremely cautious about challenging him, even as he lines up against the opposition's top wide receiver every week.

As a redshirt junior, Roby brings a lot of experience. After his redshirt season, he started every game as a first-year participant and tied for the team lead in interceptions. A physical corner, Roby is a willing tackler who will step up against the run and attack the backfield.

2. Loucheiz Purifoy, Junior, Florida

A gifted athlete, Purifoy could see two-way duty in 2013 for the Gators, who figure to be very good on defense but have lacked adequate weapons at wide receiver over the last couple of seasons. This spring, coach Will Muschamp had Purifoy mixed in with the wide receivers.

Purifoy has great quickness, but he also has the length to challenge bigger receivers in the air. He's a physical player who has been really good on special teams and will rip the ball free as a tackler.

3. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Junior, Oregon

Extremely good when the play is in front of him, Ekpre-Olomu is explosive out of his backpedal and will close quickly to deliver a big hit or jump a throw to take it the other way. He has good ball skills and led the conference in passes defensed last season.

Also a wide receiver and running back in high school, he's a physical corner who understands routes and will step up to make tackles or put his hat on the ball.

4. Aaron Colvin, Senior, Oklahoma

He brings a versatile skill set to the table. As a sophomore, he started the entire season at safety and was moved back to corner, where he played well, in 2012. Colvin isn't shy as a tackler; in 2011, he tied for the team lead with linebacker Travis Lewis. Last season, he again showed off his versatility, not only leading the team with 14 passes broken up but also as a blitzer by notching 2.0 sacks.

5. Jason Verrett, Senior, TCU

He is a ball hawk and was the only player in the country last season to be among the top 10 in both passes defensed and interceptions. Verrett had one of his better games in 2012 when the Horned Frogs went to West Virginia and, at least by the standards of the Mountaineers, slowed down that passing attack. He picked off Geno Smith in that game.

Verrett is not a big guy at 5-foot-10 and maybe 180 pounds, but he doesn't shy away from contact and will step up and make tackles.
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S

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Junior, Alabama

A rangy free safety, Clinton-Dix came to Alabama as a prospect with diverse skills, but with the background of a safety, and I could have seen him developing into something else, perhaps an outside linebacker. But he has great instincts in coverage, and combined with his length and solid ball skills, he becomes a ball hawk out there. By the end of the season, he was one of the big strengths of the Alabama defense, because he does a good job of taking away the middle of the field.

What you like about Clinton-Dix is the versatility. His coverage skills are where he'll be prized, but he's become more than a seek-and-hit player. He can step up and wrap up, as well.

2. Ed Reynolds, Junior, Stanford

Stanford often had Reynolds playing, essentially, a deep center field, but even from there he was able to make a big impact. He doesn't have elite speed, but he anticipates really well, does a good job of not getting pushed out of position by quarterbacks who can use their eyes well, and gets himself in position to jump passes.

Reynolds picked off six passes last season, but if you watch the tape you'll see he could probably have had 3-4 more because he had two hands on a few passes and simply couldn't bring them in.

3. Jordan Richards, Junior, Stanford

Safe to say the Cardinal will be well-covered at safety in 2013. Richards is the more physical of the Stanford safeties, an in-the-box presence who is capable of making more plays against the run. He has a great sense of angles on the field, perhaps in part due to the fact he excelled in high school as a running back, wide receiver and as a cornerback.

What I like about Richards is he's capable in coverage, but he can break down and make a tackle in a one-on-one situation when he's the last line of defense.

4. Tevin McDonald, Junior, Eastern Washington

An impact safety at UCLA, McDonald was dismissed from the team and will attempt to put his issues behind him in Cheney, where he'll join a really strong FCS program. An effective tackler, McDonald also has shown a knack for being in the right place to collect interceptions. He should be an impact performer at this level, but mostly needs to stay out of any trouble. If he does, he's got early-round potential as a free safety.

5. Tre Boston, Senior, North Carolina

I might be a little higher on Boston than some others, but I really like his ability to cover. Like a lot of college safeties, he spent time at cornerback and wide receiver in high school. But the thing about Boston is he could have stayed at corner for the Heels and been pretty good, but he has the size and range to be really good at safety. He had a wiry build when he got to Chapel Hill, so I can see Boston adding a little more strength.
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Just wondering we got any season ticket holders on NT?

I'm not but I have a few relatives that are and I go to at least 2 home games a year
 
FinallyFamous said:
Just wondering we got any season ticket holders on NT?

I'm not but I have a few relatives that are and I go to at least 2 home games a year
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got season tix to falcons had them since 03 usually sell them off and only go to saints game and playoffs to gloat 
laugh.gif
. my fam has a suite at superdome for the hometeam / saints and i used to make my rounds to n.o. from atl every home game 
 
rrlegend said:
got season tix to falcons had them since 03 usually sell them off and only go to saints game and playoffs to gloat :lol: . my fam has a suite at superdome for the hometeam / saints and i used to make my rounds to n.o. from atl every home game 
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Nice! :pimp:
 
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