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[downyboy]

Prevailing trends of the early season
PER Diem: Nov. 18, 2009
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Hollinger By John Hollinger
ESPN.com
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HawksScott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty ImagesAtlanta may not be ligthing it up from 3, but efficient 2-point shooting has it atop the East.

So much for the offensive revolution.

After some unusually high-scoring games in the season's first week, it appears we're back to the trend line of last season. The league's averageoffensive efficiency is 102.4, almost exactly what it was for the first month of play last season (102.5). It turns out that in all likelihood the big storywasn't the new rims or new lineups or anything else, it's that we had some outliers in Week 1 that were quickly corrected.

We may very well still end up with an increase in offensive efficiency from last season -- especially with the Raptors single-handedly trying to skew theleague averages upward -- but any difference will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

So perhaps our early focus on the scoring trends will end up being much ado about nothing. But here are a few noteworthy trends from the season's firstthree weeks:

• Faster pace: It's not a huge increase, but games this season have had about 1 percent more possessions than at this point last season. The league hastried to encourage an increase in tempo with assorted rule changes during the past several years, so this is a mildly positive piece of news. It should be adurable change, too, even though it's minor and basically imperceptible to the naked eye. Unlike offensive efficiency, which tends to increase steadilyduring the course of a season, pace factor is relatively stable.

• Fewer second shots: One of the less discussed consequences of the current trend toward floor spacing offensive players is that it pulls players away from therim for offensive boards. This is particularly true at the power forward spot, where teams increasingly favor shooters over brutes. As a result, we've seenthe league's offensive-rebound rate head steadily downward. This season, teams rebound just 26.2 percent of their misses, a steep decline even compared tothe first month of last season (26.9 percent).

To really see the difference, though, check out the long-term trend. In 1994-95, the league average was 31.4 percent. This season, even at such an earlyjuncture, only one team (Memphis) tops that rate. Over time, teams have become more efficient offensively by employing the divide-and-conquer strategy ofspacing the floor, but this is the one area in which there's been a clear cost.

• More value from 2s: OK, this one requires a bit of doublethink, but it's probably the most notable trend from the season's opening weeks. Basically,teams have gotten the hang of defending the triple. The frequency with which 3s are taken has increased steadily since the shot's inception, but presumablythat will stop at some point. At the very least, we would expect the rate of increase to start slowing dramatically as it approaches some asymptote (apologiesfor the mathspeak) where teams will have maxed about all they can out of the 3-point weapon.

We seem to be approaching that point. Although 3-point frequency is up a bit from the first month of last season, it's not a major difference. Moreimportantly, 3-point accuracy is trending the opposite way. After an early flourish of 3-pointers, the league percentage is down to 35 percent, short of thefirst-month rate of last season (although it still has a couple of weeks to go back up).

Instead, teams are shooting much better from inside the arc. Clubs shot just 47.7 percent on 2-pointers in the first month of last season. This season,they're converting 48.6 percent, and that number may still rise between now and the end of the month. Notable teams here include Atlanta and Denver --arguably the two biggest success stories of the first three weeks. Both clubs shoot the 3 far less than the league average -- they're 21st and 25th,respectively, in 3-point tries per field goal attempt -- yet find themselves third and fourth in offensive efficiency because they've shot so well insidethe arc.

As for the cause, I suspect it's the result of maximizing the use of the 3-point line. In other words, the primary benefit of the 3 may no longer be the 3itself but rather the space that the threat of it opens for players who can get to the rim. Every defense realizes the power of the corner 3 and commitsresources to stopping it. So the next move on the chessboard is to attack the defense where it's been exposed.

• Worse free throw shooting: This shouldn't be a big shock because the league set a record for free throw shooting last season; chances were good that wewould see a regression. In the first month of last season, the league average was 76.6 percent from the line. This season it's just 75.2 percent. It'snot just Ben Wallace and DeAndre Jordan, who are a combined 15-for-35 from the stripe. Even Jose Calderon, who set a record with a free throw percentage of98.1 last season, is clanking freebies, shooting 74.1 percent through 11 games. Again, this difference likely will go unnoticed to the naked eye, but every 1percent drop in leaguewide free throw percentage will drop offensive efficiency by about two-tenths of a point.

A couple of other thoughts around the association:


• Color me less than overwhelmed by Miami's 7-3 start. The Heat have played a very light schedule with eight of their first 10 games in their own building.That trend should continue during the first half of the season, as 21 of Miami's first 33 games are at home. As a result, the Heat likely will have afairly impressive win-loss record until the second week in January, when the schedule abruptly turns on them and they play 19 of 24 on the road. Big picture,however, I'm not convinced this team is much better than last season's.

And for all the talk of Michael Beasley's defensive shortcomings, it's his offense that has me worried. Beasley is averaging 5.2 fewer points per 40minutes than he did last season -- a whopping decline -- while shooting just 40.4 percent from the floor. Since improvement from Beasley is the primary way theHeat can improve on their 2008-09 results, that's a fairly major disappointment.

Sefolosha
Sefolosha

• Speaking of Miami, how about a shout-out to one of the league's rising defensive stoppers, Thabo Sefolosha, who held Dwyane Wade to a season-low 22points on 6-of-19 shooting and induced six turnovers in Oklahoma City's impressive road win over the Heat on Tuesday?

That was no accident, either. He's already harassed Kobe Bryant (9-of-22, seven turnovers), Brandon Roy (5-of-17) and Kevin Martin (5-of-19) into roughnights, helping explain why the Thunder rank a healthy fifth in defensive efficiency. It also explains why the Thunder were so willing to ink their long-armedSwiss stopper rather than let him test restricted free agency in the summer of 2010.

As certain members (ahem) of the Swiss diaspora revel in his success, Sefolosha has a chance to earn another milestone for his continent. For all the talk ofthe rise of the European payer, nearly all the achievements have come at the offensive end. Only one European, Andrei Kirilenko, has made the league'sAll-Defense team, and none has won the defensive player of the year award. Sefolosha is a long, long way from the latter honor, but the former seems withinrange -- perhaps as soon as this season.

 

[downyboy]

the others have some really weird formatting where a copy and paste job messes everything up. i'll post if you still want them

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

If you could still post 'em that would be great.

 

[jaygunna]

Dan Williams of the Tennessee Volunteers leapt onto the top-five list of senior DTs at No. 3last week, in large part because of his performance against South Carolina. This week, I have him up to No. 2 at that slot.

[h4]QUARTERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

CMP

ATT

YDS

TD

INT

SKD

Colt McCoy

6-2

210

231

317

2,447

17

9

16

Tony Pike

6-6

225

128

199

1,633

15

3

6

Tim Tebow

6-3

245

114

173

1,531

11

4

21

Dan LeFevour

6-3

228

176

257

1,848

16

5

10

Jarrett Brown

6-4

223

140

216

1,661

10

8

10

Analysis: It wasn't against a good defense, but McCoy actually threw the ball down the field a bit this weekend against Central Florida. I've said scouts are still concerned with the degree to which he can stretch the field with his arm.

[h4]RUNNING BACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

C.J. Spiller

5-11

195

135

739

5.5

8

21

334

James Starks

6-2

211

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

Toby Gerhart

6-1

235

233

1,217

5.2

16

7

78

Anthony Dixon

6-1

235

182

1,001

5.5

9

9

50

Ben Tate

5-11

218

205

1,142

5.6

8

14

67

Analysis: Spiller's yards per carry got a bump this week when he ran for 165 yards against Florida State. Also note that he caught three passes for 67 yards and a long TD. His range of skills (and speed) is what makes him special.

[h4]FULLBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

Rashawn Jackson

6-1

245

64

359

5.6

2

18

156

John Conner

5-11

240

24

118

4.9

2

5

46

Jameson Konz

6-3

227

0

0

0.0

0

19

275

Manase Tonga

6-0

238

9

33

3.3

1

11

98

Andrew Hawken

6-2

248

1

-1

-1.0

0

10

67

Analysis: Jackson gets a nod here because he's been the guy who's had to step in and carry the ball a lot, and he's had the same kind of production as the feature backs, with 64 carries for 359 yards. That he can block well is an added bonus.

[h4]WIDE RECEIVERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Mardy Gilyard

6-1

180

65

908

14.0

56

8

0

Brandon LaFell

6-3

206

41

506

12.3

58

8

0

Jordan Shipley

6-0

190

75

1,050

14.0

88

6

0

Danario Alexander

6-5

215

71

1038

14.6

84

8

0

Eric Decker

6-2

215

50

758

15.2

53

5

0

Analysis: if you thought Gilyard would fall off without Tony Pike throwing to him, guess again. He had a season-high 12 catches against UConn, and is showing that it's not just the QB -- he simply knows how to get open.

[h4]TIGHT ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Jermaine Gresham

6-6

258

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

Ed Dickson

6-5

243

34

464

13.6

36

4

0

Anthony McCoy

6-5

250

16

375

23.4

60

1

0

Jeron Mastrud

6-6

253

21

233

11.1

45

1

0

Garrett Graham

6-4

248

30

342

11.4

26

4

0

Analysis: As I've been saying all along, Gresham is so good at this position it's going to take some really bad workouts once he's healthy to prove otherwise. He's a first-round pick at this point, and should be getting close to full health.

[h4]OFFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Russell Okung

6-6

305

Trent Williams

6-5

318

Charles Brown

6-6

285

Selvish Capers

6-5

298

Ciron Black

6-5

322

Analysis: That Oklahoma State has maintained a pretty solid season amidst some chaos with Dez Bryant, and injuries to some other key players, such as Kendall Hunter, says a lot about the stability Okung helps provide.

[h4]OFFENSIVE GUARDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Jon Asamoah

6-5

315

Mike Iupati

6-6

330

Mike Johnson

6-2

210

Brandon Carter

6-7

344

Sergio Render

6-3

313

Analysis: Asamoah and the Illinois offensive line have really improved since a dreadful start pretty much killed all hopes that they'd have a good season.

[h4]CENTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

J.D. Walton

6-3

305

Matt Tennant

6-4

294

Reggie Stephens

6-3

333

Ted Larsen

6-2

300

Kenny Alfred

6-2

300

Analysis: Walton gets to battle the likes of Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy in games, then practice against Phil Taylor. The NFL talent level won't leave this guy shell-shocked. The performance of the Bears this season might, however.

[h4]DEFENSIVE ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Jerry Hughes

6-3

257

Brandon Graham

6-2

263

Greg Hardy

6-5

240

Ricky Sapp

6-4

245

Willie Young

6-4

250

Analysis: Hughes and TCU will have a huge test when they battle Utah. The odd thing about TCU is that the defense has been better the stiffer the competition gets. If that's the case this week, Utah better watch out.

[h4]DEFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Ndamukong Suh

6-4

300

Dan Williams

6-3

327

Terrence Cody

6-5

354

Jared Odrick

6-5

306

Arthur Jones

6-4

291

Analysis: Suh has maintained his consistency all year, and scouts will be enamored with how he seems to be involved in a play regardless of the circumstances. If he's not sacking a QB or breaking up a running play, he's somewhere causing an offense headaches.

[h4]INSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Brandon Spikes

6-3

258

Daryl Washington

6-3

234

Pat Angerer

6-1

235

Micah Johnson

6-2

258

Joe Pawelek

6-2

240

Analysis: Speed will be the key when Spikes grades out for NFL personnel. He has no other weaknesses to speak of, so how he runs will determine where he goes. He'll want to keep the post-tackle extra-curriculars to a minimum, however.

[h4]OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Sean Weattherspoon

6-2

245

Sergio Kindle

6-4

255

Eric Norwood

6-1

252

Sean Lee

6-2

236

Roddrick Muckleroy

6-2

235

Analysis: Weatherspoon has been a guy that's held steady on the Big Board throughout the season. Just a steady guy that scouts should have a pretty good read on. Norwood finally notched a sack last week after a 5-game dryspell.

[h4]CORNERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Patrick Robinson

5-11

193

Kyle Wilson

5-10

186

Trevard Lindley

6-1

179

Javier Arenas

5-9

195

Alterraun Verner

5-11

180

Analysis: This is just a really deep group that won't truly be ranked properly and separated in terms of stock until they get to run for scouts. Questions of technique for four-year guys are often less a story than the determination of raw physical skills. But every guy here will be playing somewhere on Sunday.

[h4]SAFETIES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Taylor Mays

6-3

235

Darrell Stuckey

6-1

205

Nate Allen

6-2

206

Harry Coleman

6-2

206

Darian Stewart

5-11

216

Analysis: Mays has had some tough games thiis year -- out versus Washington, a bad game versus Oregon -- but he's a guy you know will see his stock jump the second he's working out. His physical skills are so off the charts.

[h4]PLACE-KICKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Aaron Pettrey

6-2

199

Brett Swenson

5-8

185

Alex Steigerwald

5-11

181

Leigh Tiffin

6-2

212

Hunter Lawrence

6-0

187

Analysis: Ohio State's Aaron Pettrey has been on top of this list for most of the season, but he suffered a torn MCL last weekend and is out for the year. Tough break for any kicker, particularly a senior.

[h4]PUNTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Zoltan Mesko

6-5

231

Jeremy Boone

5-9

184

Mike Brandtner

6-0

200

Matt Dodge

6-2

220

Scott Ravanesi

6-1

195

Analysis: Mesko has a 45.0-yard average, and scouts might like that it's steadily improved.

 

[downyboy]

Updated: November 11, 2009, 4:36 PM ET

[h2]Mel Kiper's latest 2010 Big Board[/h2]

Comment Email Print
By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
Archive

Two new players jumped onto the board this week. One is Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech, who has been impossible to blockall season. He could have been here sooner, but I wanted to wait until he was solidly up the Big Board, and thus far more likely to look toward the NFL afterhis junior season.

The other name I added is Dan Williams, who has beenmoving up on my charts all season. Williams has impressed me with his relentlessness, and also his ability to make big plays against top teams. Alabamacouldn't block him. A couple drops include Greg Hardy --he was 25th last week, so the additions hurt him -- and TerrenceCody, who I feel less and less is the next great run stopper. I think he'll need to be able to do more, and that could be a problem.

Ndamukong Suh

DT

6-4

300

Analysis: Explosive, relentless and consistent. Last week: No. 1

Eric Berry

DB

5-11

203

Analysis: Ultimate playmaker, in the Ed Reed mold. Last week: No. 2

Gerald McCoy

DT

6-4

297

Analysis: Disruptive force. Productive NFL career ahead. Last week: No. 3

Carlos Dunlap

DE

6-6

290

Analysis: Physical tools are off the charts. Potential for unlimited upside. Last week: No. 4

Sam Bradford

QB

6-4

223

Analysis: Has underrated arm, great feel for position; super accurate. Last week: No. 5

Russell Okung

OT

6-5

300

Analysis: Athletic, strong and fiery blind-side pass protector. Last week: No. 6

Jake Locker

QB

6-3

226

Analysis: Developing talent whose physical tools are unmatched. Last week: No. 8

Jimmy Clausen

QB

6-3

223

Analysis: Polished QB, at his best when game is on the line. Last week: No. 9

Taylor Mays

S

6-3

235

Analysis: Linebacker size with cornerback speed. Last week: No. 7

Dez Bryant

WR

6-2

220

Analysis: Dynamic receiver, punt returner and TD maker. Last week: No. 10

Joe Haden

CB

5-11

190

Analysis: Polished cover corner with tackling ability to match. Last week: No. 11

C.J. Spiller

RB

5-11

195

Analysis: Multitalented, super-fast, electrifying game-breaker. Last week: No. 12

Jason Pierre-Paul

DE

6-5

262

Analysis: Explosive natural pass-rusher out of juco ranks. Last week: No. 13

Rolando McClain

LB

6-4

258

Analysis: Fiery, vocal team leader with top instincts for position. Last week: No. 15

Everson Griffen

DE

6-3

280

Analysis: Supremely talented, now gaining the necessary consistency. Last week: No. 14

Derrick Morgan

DE

6-4

275

Analysis: Proven pass rusher (11.6 sacks this year), also stout versus run (fourth-leading tackler on the Yellow Jackets' defense). Last week: NR

Sean Weatherspoon

LB

6-2

245

Analysis: Makes plays all over the field. Last week: No. 16

Jahvid Best

RB

5-10

195

Analysis: Versatile, game-breaker supreme. Last week: No. 17

Sergio Kindle

LB

6-4

255

Analysis: Production finally matched his talent last season. Last week: No. 23

Jermaine Gresham

TE

6-6

258

Analysis: The best pass-catching tight end in college football. Last week: No. 20

Dan Williams

DT

6-3

327

Analysis: High motor, consistent DT with tremendously powerful lower body. Last week: NR

Colt McCoy

QB

6-2

210

Analysis: Intelligent and resourceful. Can beat you with arm or legs. Last week: No. 19

Jerry Hughes

DE

6-3

257

Analysis: Prolific pass-rusher who could be a 3-4 OLB. Last week: No. 21

Brandon Graham

DE

6-2

270

Analysis: Awesome athlete and force off the edge. Last week: No. 22

Brandon Spikes

LB

6-3

243

 

[downyboy]

Originally Published: November 11, 2009

[h2]Mel Kiper's top five juniors by position[/h2] [h3]Luke Stocker of the Vols jumps onto the TE list for juniors this week[/h3]

Comment Email Print
By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN.com
Archive

I moved Aaron Hernandez of the Florida Gators up to No. 1 among junior TEs last week. Also jumped Stephen Paea of the OregonState Beavers back into the DT category last week. This week on the junior side? Luke Stocker of Tennessee jumps onto the TE board.

[h4]QUARTERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

CMP

ATT

YDS

TD

INT

SKD

Sam Bradford

6-4

223

39

69

562

2

0

2

Jake Locker

6-3

226

181

321

2,203

14

9

21

Jimmy Clausen

6-3

223

209

308

2,770

20

3

18

Jevan Snead

6-3

215

134

258

1,850

17

13

11

Case Keenum

6-2

210

325

458

3,815

28

5

12

Analysis: Bradford will hopefully be on a more concrete timetable soon in terms of what he'll be able to do for scouts -- that he has made his decision will be a load off. There are other decisions to be made, from this group.

[h4]RUNNING BACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

Jahvid Best

5-10

195

141

867

6.1

16

22

213

Jonathan Dwyer

6-1

235

169

1,093

6.5

9

1

11

Joe McKnight

6-0

190

127

790

6.2

7

17

127

Daniel Thomas

6-2

227

205

1,087

5.3

11

19

205

Ryan Mathews

5-11

220

205

1,459

7.1

14

10

112

Analysis: Obviously a scary week for Best, and though the type of injury (or scare) that he suffered really says nothing about his durability in my mind, players of his size are always questioned in this regard. So any little thing never helps.

[h4]FULLBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

Stanley Havili

6-1

230

11

85

7.7

0

14

207

Charles Clay

6-3

230

43

192

4.5

5

24

293

Owen Marecic

6-1

244

5

13

2.6

2

5

100

Marcus Sims

6-0

0

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

Quentin Castille

6-1

235

93

295

3.2

1

13

65

Analysis: Havili looks to finally be ready to play this week, and that's huge for the Trojans. Amidst all the USC weapons, he remains vital to the Trojans' offense as a receiver and blocker. He didn't play in USC's loss to Oregon.

[h4]WIDE RECEIVERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Dez Bryant

6-2

215

17

323

19.0

46

4

0

Arrelious Benn

6-2

220

29

339

11.7

49

1

0

Damian Williams

6-1

195

45

688

15.3

75

5

0

Demaryius Thomas

6-3

229

37

861

23.3

73

5

0

Dezmon Briscoe

6-3

200

61

917

15.0

56

6

0

Analysis: Dez Bryant is compared to Terrell Owens, which could rub some people the wrong way. But aside from T.O.'s physical strength, it's not out of line. Bryant is in the mold of a touchdown-maker; a guy you always have to watch, much like Owens.

[h4]TIGHT ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Aaron Hernandez

6-2

250

43

541

12.6

64

2

0

Rob Gronkowski

6-6

265

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

.J. Williams

6-2

251

23

307

13.3

69

2

0

Weslye Sanders

6-5

280

23

288

12.5

30

0

0

Luke Stocker

6-6

240

17

245

14.4

40

4

0

Analysis: Hernandez is actually the leading pass catcher for the Gators, and has improved his stock a lot this year. Gronkowski is one of those players who will really need to get a wide range of opinions on where he would land in the draft based on his health issues this season.

[h4]OFFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Bryan Bulaga

6-6

312

Anthony Davis

6-6

325

Anthony Castonzo

6-7

287

Nate Solder

6-9

305

Marcus Cannon

6-5

350

Analysis: Bulaga is a guy that can move well for his great size. If you try to fly upfield on him, he can guide you there, but he can also stop the inside spin move.

[h4]OFFENSIVE GUARDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Rodney Hudson

6-2

283

Justin Boren

6-3

315

Mike Pouncey

6-5

320

Stephen Schilling

6-5

304

Orlando Franklin

6-7

318

Analysis: Hudson isn't one of those guards that just appear to be mammoth. His smaller frame and athleticism will allow him to pull, get downfield on screens and be a versatile player for an NFL offensive coordinator that likes to do a lot of different things.

[h4]CENTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Kristofer O'Dowd

6-5

300

Stefen Wisniewski

6-3

302

Maurice Pouncey

6-5

318

John Moffitt

6-2

300

Tim Barnes

6-4

310

Analysis: I realize that Moffitt is playing guard this year, but I project him as a center at the next level. There are several guys on these lists that may appear out of position, but I'm just interested in where the NFL people will play the guy.

[h4]DEFENSIVE ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Carlos Dunlap

6-6

290

Jason Pierre-Paul

6-6

265

Everson Griffen

6-3

280

Derrick Morgan

6-4

275

Allen Bailey

6-4

288

Analysis: Dunlap has been productive in recent weeks. Earlier in the season, I though both he and Texas' Sergio Kindle weren't producing to their talent level, but both have come back strong since that point.

[h4]DEFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Gerald McCoy

6-4

297

Brian Price

6-2

300

Marvin Austin

6-3

305

Jarvis Jenkins

6-4

305

Stephen Paea

6-1

285

Analysis: McCoy has to be hoping for good health -- everywhere you look around that Oklahoma roster, you've seen talented players sent to the training room. He'll be a top-10 pick if he can maintain form.

[h4]INSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Rolando McClain

6-4

258

Quan Sturdivant

6-2

235

Greg Jones

6-1

228

Obi Ezeh

6-2

243

Alex Wujciak

6-3

255

Analysis: McClain has been a huge riser this year, and -- to the chagrin of some Bama fans -- will have to give serious consideration to the NFL this spring. The thing about McClain is he plays with emotion, and also provides a lot of leadership.

[h4]OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Navorro Bowman

6-1

230

Rennie Curran

5-11

222

Bruce Carter

6-3

230

Von Miller

6-3

240

Michael Morgan

6-4

220

Analysis: Bowman's biggest problem is that he and Sean Lee couldn't suit up on offense for the Nittany Lions against Ohio State. Curren is exciting to watch. The way he pursues with speed, and delivers a big blow from a smaller frame, is impressive.

[h4]CORNERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Joe Haden

5-11

190

Donovan Warren

6-0

185

Kareem Jackson

6-0

193

Amari Spievey

6-1

190

Ras-I Dowling

6-2

200

Analysis: Haden hasn't moved from the top of this list all season, and now he's also squarely in the discussion as a potential top-10 pick in the draft. Don't feel sorry for Urban Meyer, who may also have a future first round pick sophomore CB Janoris Jenkins.

[h4]SAFETIES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Eric Berry

5-11

203

Morgan Burnett

6-1

210

Chad Jones

6-3

231

DeAndre McDaniel

6-1

210

Reshad Jones

6-2

212

Analysis: Berry has been great all year for an improving team, and his example may be helping the Vols develop another safety -- freshman Janzen Jackson looks like he could be a force. Will be great for Berry that he got at least one year to learn from Monty Kiffin.

[h4]PLACEKICKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Kai Forbath

6-1

192

Thomas Weber

6-1

207

Alex Henery

6-2

175

Wes Byrum

6-2

209

Justin Kahut

5-8

176

Analysis: Forbath isn't just 21-of-23 -- the only two field goals he's missed this year are from more than 50 yards, and not only is he 3-of-5 from beyond 50 this year, he's 9-of-11 for his career. Clearly the top kicker going right now.

[h4]PUNTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Ryan Donahue

6-3

180

Derek Epperson

6-3

235

Trevor Hankins

6-3

229

Rob Long

6-4

175

Travis Baltz

6-2

200

Analysis: Donahue is a great net average punter. He generates a lot of height on his kicks. (Guess that means Dallas won't draft him, right?)

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Thanks you guise.

 

[jaygunna]

I moved Aaron Hernandez of the Florida Gators up to No. 1 among junior TEs last week. Also jumpedStephen Paea of the Oregon State Beavers back into the DT category last week. This week onthe junior side? Luke Stocker of Tennessee jumps ontothe TE board.

[h4]QUARTERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

CMP

ATT

YDS

TD

INT

SKD

Sam Bradford

6-4

223

39

69

562

2

0

2

Jake Locker

6-3

226

181

321

2,203

14

9

21

Jimmy Clausen

6-3

223

209

308

2,770

20

3

18

Jevan Snead

6-3

215

134

258

1,850

17

13

11

Case Keenum

6-2

210

325

458

3,815

28

5

12

Analysis: Bradford will hopefully be on a more concrete timetable soon in terms of what he'll be able to do for scouts -- that he has made his decision will be a load off. There are other decisions to be made, from this group.

[h4]RUNNING BACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

Jahvid Best

5-10

195

141

867

6.1

16

22

213

Jonathan Dwyer

6-1

235

169

1,093

6.5

9

1

11

Joe McKnight

6-0

190

127

790

6.2

7

17

127

Daniel Thomas

6-2

227

205

1,087

5.3

11

19

205

Ryan Mathews

5-11

220

205

1,459

7.1

14

10

112

Analysis: Obviously a scary week for Best, and though the type of injury (or scare) that he suffered really says nothing about his durability in my mind, players of his size are always questioned in this regard. So any little thing never helps.

[h4]FULLBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

REC

YDS

Stanley Havili

6-1

230

11

85

7.7

0

14

207

Charles Clay

6-3

230

43

192

4.5

5

24

293

Owen Marecic

6-1

244

5

13

2.6

2

5

100

Marcus Sims

6-0

0

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

Quentin Castille

6-1

235

93

295

3.2

1

13

65

Analysis: Havili looks to finally be ready to play this week, and that's huge for the Trojans. Amidst all the USC weapons, he remains vital to the Trojans' offense as a receiver and blocker. He didn't play in USC's loss to Oregon.

[h4]WIDE RECEIVERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Dez Bryant

6-2

215

17

323

19.0

46

4

0

Arrelious Benn

6-2

220

29

339

11.7

49

1

0

Damian Williams

6-1

195

45

688

15.3

75

5

0

Demaryius Thomas

6-3

229

37

861

23.3

73

5

0

Dezmon Briscoe

6-3

200

61

917

15.0

56

6

0

Analysis: Dez Bryant is compared to Terrell Owens, which could rub some people the wrong way. But aside from T.O.'s physical strength, it's not out of line. Bryant is in the mold of a touchdown-maker; a guy you always have to watch, much like Owens.

[h4]TIGHT ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

REC

YDS

AVG

LONG

TD

FUM

Aaron Hernandez

6-2

250

43

541

12.6

64

2

0

Rob Gronkowski

6-6

265

0

0

0.0

0

0

0

.J. Williams

6-2

251

23

307

13.3

69

2

0

Weslye Sanders

6-5

280

23

288

12.5

30

0

0

Luke Stocker

6-6

240

17

245

14.4

40

4

0

Analysis: Hernandez is actually the leading pass catcher for the Gators, and has improved his stock a lot this year. Gronkowski is one of those players who will really need to get a wide range of opinions on where he would land in the draft based on his health issues this season.

[h4]OFFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Bryan Bulaga

6-6

312

Anthony Davis

6-6

325

Anthony Castonzo

6-7

287

Nate Solder

6-9

305

Marcus Cannon

6-5

350

Analysis: Bulaga is a guy that can move well for his great size. If you try to fly upfield on him, he can guide you there, but he can also stop the inside spin move.

[h4]OFFENSIVE GUARDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Rodney Hudson

6-2

283

Justin Boren

6-3

315

Mike Pouncey

6-5

320

Stephen Schilling

6-5

304

Orlando Franklin

6-7

318

Analysis: Hudson isn't one of those guards that just appear to be mammoth. His smaller frame and athleticism will allow him to pull, get downfield on screens and be a versatile player for an NFL offensive coordinator that likes to do a lot of different things.

[h4]CENTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Kristofer O'Dowd

6-5

300

Stefen Wisniewski

6-3

302

Maurice Pouncey

6-5

318

John Moffitt

6-2

300

Tim Barnes

6-4

310

Analysis: I realize that Moffitt is playing guard this year, but I project him as a center at the next level. There are several guys on these lists that may appear out of position, but I'm just interested in where the NFL people will play the guy.

[h4]DEFENSIVE ENDS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Carlos Dunlap

6-6

290

Jason Pierre-Paul

6-6

265

Everson Griffen

6-3

280

Derrick Morgan

6-4

275

Allen Bailey

6-4

288

Analysis: Dunlap has been productive in recent weeks. Earlier in the season, I though both he and Texas' Sergio Kindle weren't producing to their talent level, but both have come back strong since that point.

[h4]DEFENSIVE TACKLES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Gerald McCoy

6-4

297

Brian Price

6-2

300

Marvin Austin

6-3

305

Jarvis Jenkins

6-4

305

Stephen Paea

6-1

285

Analysis: McCoy has to be hoping for good health -- everywhere you look around that Oklahoma roster, you've seen talented players sent to the training room. He'll be a top-10 pick if he can maintain form.

[h4]INSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Rolando McClain

6-4

258

Quan Sturdivant

6-2

235

Greg Jones

6-1

228

Obi Ezeh

6-2

243

Alex Wujciak

6-3

255

Analysis: McClain has been a huge riser this year, and -- to the chagrin of some Bama fans -- will have to give serious consideration to the NFL this spring. The thing about McClain is he plays with emotion, and also provides a lot of leadership.

[h4]OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Navorro Bowman

6-1

230

Rennie Curran

5-11

222

Bruce Carter

6-3

230

Von Miller

6-3

240

Michael Morgan

6-4

220

Analysis: Bowman's biggest problem is that he and Sean Lee couldn't suit up on offense for the Nittany Lions against Ohio State. Curren is exciting to watch. The way he pursues with speed, and delivers a big blow from a smaller frame, is impressive.

[h4]CORNERBACKS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Joe Haden

5-11

190

Donovan Warren

6-0

185

Kareem Jackson

6-0

193

Amari Spievey

6-1

190

Ras-I Dowling

6-2

200

Analysis: Haden hasn't moved from the top of this list all season, and now he's also squarely in the discussion as a potential top-10 pick in the draft. Don't feel sorry for Urban Meyer, who may also have a future first round pick sophomore CB Janoris Jenkins.

[h4]SAFETIES[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Eric Berry

5-11

203

Morgan Burnett

6-1

210

Chad Jones

6-3

231

DeAndre McDaniel

6-1

210

Reshad Jones

6-2

212

Analysis: Berry has been great all year for an improving team, and his example may be helping the Vols develop another safety -- freshman Janzen Jackson looks like he could be a force. Will be great for Berry that he got at least one year to learn from Monty Kiffin.

[h4]PLACEKICKERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Kai Forbath

6-1

192

Thomas Weber

6-1

207

Alex Henery

6-2

175

Wes Byrum

6-2

209

Justin Kahut

5-8

176

Analysis: Forbath isn't just 21-of-23 -- the only two field goals he's missed this year are from more than 50 yards, and not only is he 3-of-5 from beyond 50 this year, he's 9-of-11 for his career. Clearly the top kicker going right now.

[h4]PUNTERS[/h4]

RANK

NAME

SCHOOL

HT

WT

Ryan Donahue

6-3

180

Derek Epperson

6-3

235

Trevor Hankins

6-3

229

Rob Long

6-4

175

Travis Baltz

6-2

200

Analysis: Donahue is a great net average punter. He generates a lot of height on his kicks. (Guess that means Dallas won't draft him, right?)

 

[pharelfor3]

The formatting was crazy but thanks anyway.

 

[h3at23]

If the draft plays out that way (which it wont), a good team will be getting a nice DT in Cody