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02-07-07, 07:52 PM
| #1 |
| Moderator "Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"  Join Date: Aug 19, 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 62,447
|  Fantasy Football News 2/7/07
Rest of the Underclassmen Last Thursday I uncovered my top ten early eligibles for the 2007 NFL Draft. Now I break down the remaining thirty, in a little less detail. Players 11-22 have a legitimate chance to crack the first round if they time well at the Combine and their measurements are on par with their college listings. There are usually some surprises, like Ashton Youboty measuring in at 5-11 when he was listed well above 6-0 throughout his career at Ohio State. 11. Florida State LB Lawrence Timmons Ht/Wt: 6-3/230 Current Grade: late first round Projected Forty: low 4.6s 2006 Stats: 79 TCK, 18 TFL, 5 SCK, INT, 6 PASS DEF, 2 BLK KICK Timmons is a highly athletic OLB prospect who dabbled at defensive end and didn't crack the starting lineup until 2006, after Ernie Sims left. He doesn't have many obvious weaknesses aside from a lack of ideal experience and probably could start immediately on the strong or weak side in a 4-3. Testing will be key because there's not a whole lot of college tape on him. He'd be robbery for the Giants at No. 20. Comparison: Julian Peterson 12. Arkansas CB Chris Houston Ht/Wt: 5-11/188 Current Grade: third round Projected Forty: low 4.4s 2006 Stats: 45 TCK, 3 INT, 13 PASS DEF, 2 FF Houston defined college shutdown corner, holding Dwayne Jarrett (5-35), Vanderbilt's Earl Bennett (4-31), and Robert Meachem (4-65) in check last season. He also made strides with his ball skills. A naturally physical corner, Houston might need a year to work out the kinks because he's inexperienced, but the future is very bright. A good showing at the Combine could warrant him a second-round pick. Comparison: Lito Sheppard 13. Florida LB Brandon Siler Ht/Wt: 6-2/239 Current Grade: early second round Projected Forty: low 4.5s 2006 Stats: 77 TCK, 10 TFL, 3 SCK, 3 PASS DEF, FR, FF Siler also falls into the tremendously athletic category, as the true junior entered UF running a 4.52. He also can play any position in a 4-3, and might be at his best inside. His sideline-to-sideline ability is too good to waste in any other scheme. Siler could easily sneak into the first round, and go as high as No. 14 to the linebacker-needy Panthers. Comparison: Daryl Smith 14. Tennessee WR Robert Meachem Ht/Wt: 6-3/210 Current Grade: late first to early second round Projected Forty: 4.4s 2006 Stats: 71 REC, 1298 YDS (18.3 YPC), 11 TDs Although he only did it for one year, something needs to be said for Meachem producing like he did while lined up across from two potential draftees, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith. Meachem is drawing comparisons to Javon Walker after beating double teams in a massive breakout junior year. I'm cautious about him being an instant starter, but he definitely looks like a No. 2 at worst eventually. I want to see his times. Comparison: Antonio Bryant 15. California RB Marshawn Lynch Ht/Wt: 5-11/217 Current Grade: first round Projected Forty: low 4.4s 2006 Stats: 1356 YDS RUS (6.1 YPC), 11 TDs; 34 REC, 328 YDS, 4 TDs Lynch has battled inconsistency but always has been extremely explosive. What worries me is that he tends to shy from big contact. He's plenty versatile and appears ready for an all-down role, but the transition to taking hits on every play could be rough for him. Lynch had an excellent change of pace in Justin Forsett at Cal and might be best in a committee with a Vernand Morency type. He's still highly likely to go in Round One. Comparison: Jerious Norwood 16. Ohio State WR Anthony Gonzalez Ht/Wt: 6-0/195 Current Grade: early second round Projected Forty: high 4.3s 2006 Stats: 51 REC, 734 YDS (14.4 YPC), 8 TDs Gonzalez is a sure-handed speedster who's proven in the clutch. He wasn't a full-time starter for the Buckeyes until this past season, when the split end spot was vacated by Santonio Holmes. In the NFL, Gonzalez projects as a slot receiver and possible No. 2 in time. His game is complete enough to contribute right off the bat. Gonzalez received a late first- to early second-round grade from the Draft Advisory Board before declaring. Comparison: Kevin Curtis 17. Florida DE Jarvis Moss Ht/Wt: 6-6/251 Current Grade: late first to early second round Projected Forty: 4.6s 2006 Stats: 56 TCK, 9 TFL, 7.5 SCK, 4 PASS DEF, 4 FF, 2 BLK KICK Moss battled injuries (a staph infection caused him to lose 30 lbs in '05) before breaking out in 2006. Having played linebacker at UF, Moss could evolve into a Jevon Kearse type in the NFL, but he'll need to grow stouter against the run. Moss will still be instant pass-rush help for the team that drafts him. I can't see him falling out of Round One and the Patriots, who own two first-round picks, have shown an affinity for former Gators. Comparison: Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila 18. Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 Current Grade: third round Projected Forty: 4.4s 2006 Stats: 1233 YDS RUS (5.1 YPC), 14 TDs; 14 REC, 127 YDS, 0 TDs Pittman showed a lot by holding off blue chip freshman Chris Wells, who has drawn comparisons to Jim Brown, to be OSU's lead back in a landslide. Exceptionally durable for his size, Pittman's elusiveness is not limited to outside the tackle box. Pittman will begin his NFL career as a situational runner, but has a good chance to evolve into a top-15 back in time. His measurements will have a major impact on where he's drafted. Comparison: Tatum Bell 19. Florida DB Reggie Nelson Ht/Wt: 6-0/193 Current Grade: middle to late first round Projected Forty: 4.4s 2006 Stats: 51 TCK, 2 TFL, 6 INT, 5 PASS DEF, FR, 2 BLK KICK Nelson was mostly a special teamer until 2006, when he exploded as a playmaking ball hawk. A pure centerfielder, Nelson might have the best range and ball skills of any safety in a marvelous draft for the position. However, he blew out his knee at the end of 2005 and has struggled in the classroom. Nelson has a chance to go in the first, but a team like Tampa or Arizona might be a better fit at the top of Round Two. Comparison: Dwight Smith 20. Arizona State TE Zach Miller Ht/Wt: 6-5/259 Current Grade: late first to early second round Projected Forty: low 4.7s 2006 Stats: 50 REC, 484 YDS (9.7 YPC), 4 TDs Miller's numbers and ASU's passing offense suffered as a result of Dirk Koetter picking sophomore Rudy Carpenter to be his QB over senior Sam Keller. However, despite some durability questions, Miller is the draft's top tight end. He can stretch a field and haul in most throws. Run blocking is an area he needs to improve in, but Miller has a chance to go in the first round because he's the cream of a weak tight end crop. Comparison: L.J. Smith 21. Miami (FL) LB Jon Beason Ht/Wt: 6-0/236 Current Grade: late second to third round Projected Forty: mid 4.5s 2006 Stats: 66 TCK, 8 TFL, 1.5 SCK, INT, FR It's always an accomplishment when you lead the Hurricanes in tackles. Beason did that in 2006, a few years after converting from fullback. Beason, who doesn't have a great build but is exceptionally quick, looks like a natural weak-side linebacker in the NFL but is so fluid and strong it wouldn't be a surprise to see him inside or at the SAM. A sure tackler, he'll be special teams help at worst as a rookie. Beason is a lock to go on the draft's first day. Comparison: Landon Johnson 22. Miami (FL) TE Greg Olsen Ht/Wt: 6-5/252 Current Grade: late second to third round Projected Forty: 4.6s 2006 Stats: 38 REC, 444 YDS (11.7 YPC), TD Another big, athletic, pass-catching TE with durability flags whose numbers took a hit from poor quarterback play, Olsen's best years can only be ahead of him. Initially a Notre Dame recruit, Olsen's brother plays QB at Virginia, so athletics are in his blood. Measurements pending, he'd be an intriguing second-rounder for the Panthers if they're serious about upgrading at tight end. He also long snaps, giving him added value. Comparison: Dallas Clark 23. Georgia DE Charles Johnson Ht/Wt: 6-2/270 Current Grade: early second round Projected Forty: mid 4.7s 2006 Stats: 44 TCK, 19 TFL, 9.5 SCK, 10 PASS DEF, 3 FF Johnson out-produced his much more highly touted bookend Quentin Moses in 2006, but how much is that attributable to Moses drawing opponents' attention? Still, Johnson might turn out to be the better pro because his game is more complete. His frame is better for run defense and he's shown the ability to excel while dropping into coverage. Again, timing is crucial for Johnson because he had just one big year. Comparison: Ebenezer Ekuban 24. Mississippi LB Rory Johnson Ht/Wt: 6-1/235 Current Grade: fifth to sixth round Projected Forty: 4.6s 2006 Stats: 94 TCK, 3 TFL, 3 PASS DEF, 2 FR, 3 FF Johnson was the No. 1 high school player in the state of Mississippi but academic issues led him to a JUCO before enrolling at Ole Miss. It was a surprise that he left early, but, despite not being a full-time starter, he finished second on the Rebels in tackles, only behind Patrick Willis. Johnson may be a boom or bust pick but is worth a shot early on the second day because of his athleticism. He is another weak-side prospect. Comparison: Morlon Greenwood 25. Wake Forest LB Jon Abbate Ht/Wt: 5-11/245 Current Grade: third to fourth round Projected Forty: low 4.8s 2006 Stats: 120 TCK, 3 SCK, INT, FF Abbate is this year's guy everyone will compare to Zach Thomas. He was the lightning rod behind a surprisingly potent Demon Deacons' defense in 2006. Abbate seemed always to be around the action and was among the nation's leading tacklers last year. He probably could play ILB in a 3-4 or the MIKE in a non-Cover Two 4-3 defense. His Combine numbers are unlikely to help him, but Abbate has starting potential in due time. Comparison: Clint Kriewaldt 26. Notre Dame RB Darius Walker Ht/Wt: 5-10/208 Current Grade: third to fourth round Projected Forty: low 4.6s 2006 Stats: 1267 YDS RUS (5 YPC), 7 TDs, 56 REC, 391 YDS, TD Walker won't time great and lacks ideal explosion but may have the best vision in the draft. That's why Walker would be a formidable fit in a zone or draw-friendly offense. Walker may never be much of a fantasy factor because he's not great in tough-yardage situations, but would be an excellent third-round pick to pair with Joseph Addai if the Colts decide against re-signing Dominic Rhodes. Comparison: upside Ladell Betts 27. Minnesota RB Fred Russell Ht/Wt: 5-11/215 Current Grade: second day Projected Forty: 4.4s 2005 Stats: 1130 YDS RUS (6.1 YPC), 18 TDs; 16 REC, 168 YDS, TD A true wildcard, Russell formed one of D-I's top backfield duos in 2005 with Laurence Maroney, but sat out 2006 due to academic issues. Russell has experience returning kicks, which improves his value, but is tough to compare to anyone because he hasn't played in a year. He will still undoubtedly be drafted based on his sleeper potential and awesome 2005 production in college football's top conference. Comparison: Maurice Hicks at worst 28. Clemson CB C.J. Gaddis Ht/Wt: 6-0/210 Current Grade: fourth to fifth round Projected Forty: mid 4.4s 2006 Stats: 37 TCK, 8.5 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 2 INT, 2 PASS DEF, 2 FF Gaddis is a raw talent with great computer numbers who would've benefited from another year at Clemson but has a chance to up his stock in the coming weeks. Taken by the Mariners in the 2003 MLB Draft and recruited as a QB, he's a versatile prospect who hits hard enough to convert to safety. Gaddis will be monitored closely at the Combine. Comparison: Ronald Bartell 29. UNLV CB Eric Wright Ht/Wt: 5-11/190 Current Grade: late third to fourth round Projected Forty: low 4.4s 2006 Stats: 29 TCK, INT, 8 PASS DEF, FF A member of the Southern Cal National Championship team in 2005, Wright took his game to Vegas after being accused of rape. Police found ecstasy in a raid of his apartment before the charges were dropped. He also has durability issues after injuring his knee in 2006. Wright's baggage outweighs his upside as a starting NFL coverman, but he has plenty of natural ability. Comparison: Fred Smoot 30. Nebraska RB Brandon Jackson Ht/Wt: 5-11/210 Current Grade: fourth round Projected Forty: 4.3s 2006 Stats: 989 YDS (5.3 YPC), 8 TDs; 33 REC, 313 YDS, 2 TDs Jackson proved a solid all-down back after emerging from a host of contenders in the 'Huskers' backfield in 2006. He lost a few carries to Marlon Lucky, but was more effective overall. Jackson has sprinter's speed but a history of shoulder problems and lacks ideal experience. He has return potential and could rise in pre-draft workouts. Comparison: Earnest Graham 31. Florida CB Ryan Smith Ht/Wt: 5-10/165 Current Grade: fourth to fifth round Projected Forty: low 4.4s 2006 Stats: 54 TCK, 3.5 TFL, 8 INT, 8 PASS DEF, 2 BLK KICK Smith is enough of a playmaker to lead the SEC in picks and the Gators in breakups. He's also very smart, having graduated from Utah in three years before following Urban Meyer to enroll at UF. Smith obviously needs to add strength but could grow into an effective nickel back capable of making big plays in slot coverage. Comparison: R.W. McQuarters 32. Texas RB Ramonce Taylor Ht/Wt: 5-11/195 Current Grade: second day Projected Forty: mid 4.4s 2005 Stats: 513 RUS YDS (6.8 YPC), 12 TDs; 27 REC, 265 YDS, 3 TDs Taylor was a budding return ace and all-down back before getting caught with marijuana last May. He hasn't played football since beating USC in the 2006 BCS Championship. Taylor had two years of college eligibility remaining but chose to declare. He's likely to be drafted in the late rounds but must stay clean and pay his dues to be an NFL factor. Taylor will likely be worked out as a return man initially. Comparison: Alvin Pearman 33. Marshall RB Ahmad Bradshaw Ht/Wt: 5-11/192 Current Grade: second day Projected Forty: high 4.3s 2006 Stats: 1523 YDS RUS (6.1 YPC), 19 TDs; 17 REC, 129 YDS, 2 TDs Bradshaw signed with UVA out of high school but never enrolled and wound up playing at Marshall, where he finished as the NCAA's sixth-leading rusher in 2006. He could've used another year in college to bulk up but should provide instant return help as a rookie. Bradshaw could also sneak up a pro depth chart but probably needs a few years to do it. Comparison: Mewelde Moore 34. San Diego State DE Antwan Applewhite Ht/Wt: 6-4/245 Current Grade: late second day Projected Forty: 4.7s 2006 Stats: 52 TCK, 8 TFL, 6 SCK, BLK KICK Applewhite is a fleet-footed college end who likely will transition to outside linebacker if he catches on with a pro team. He's shown an ability to disrupt, albeit against suspect competition. Applewhite could rise with good timing at February's Combine but for now can be considered a project who might appeal to a team like Miami or San Diego in the late rounds. Comparison: Roderick Green 35. Virginia DT Keenan Carter Ht/Wt: 6-1/308 Current Grade: late second day Projected Forty: low 5s 2006 Stats: 12 TCK, TFL Carter isn't much further along than when he left the prep ranks. He boasts plenty of athleticism for his size and has potential as a nose guard but never met expectations at UVA before declaring early. Carter only played in ten games last season. He'll be worth taking a flier on as a priority free agent if he goes undrafted. Comparison: Anthony Adams 36. Texas A&M DE Jason Jack Ht/Wt: 6-4/271 Current Grade: late second day/free agent Projected Forty: 4.8s 2006 Stats: 21 TCK, 3 TFL, 0 SCK, 2 PASS DEF After a promising freshman campaign that saw Jack immediately claim a starting job, he had a tough time staying healthy and didn't produce as a junior before surprisingly bolting a year early. Jack passes the "eyeball test" but that's about it. He might not be drafted at all and, if he is, will surely have to pay his dues at the bottom of a depth chart. Comparison: Michael Montgomery 37. Arizona RB Chris Henry Ht/Wt: 6-0/233 Current Grade: late second day/free agent Projected Forty: low 4.4s 2006 Stats: 581 YDS RUS (3.5 YPC), 7 TDs; 21 REC, 197 YDS, TD Henry boasts superior athleticism and enough size but needs a strong Combine to assure himself being drafted. He's a track athlete who followed Mike Bell at Arizona and developed into a moderately useful third-down threat but will need to learn some moves and possibly sit on a practice squad for a year to fulfill his Justin Fargas-like potential. Comparison: Derrick Ward 38. Texas Tech LB Brock Stratton Ht/Wt: 5-11/231 Current Grade: late second day/free agent Projected Forty: mid 4.5s 2006 Stats: 88 TCK, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 2 PASS DEF, 5 SCK Stratton served a two-year Mormon mission directly out of high school and will be 25 when, or if, he's drafted. He led the Red Raiders in tackles last season and his father played at BYU under LaVell Edwards. Stratton has a wrestling background and could find his niche playing special teams and backing up in the NFL. Comparison: Tracy White 39. Georgia RB Danny Ware Ht/Wt: 6-1/222 Current Grade: late second day/free agent Projected Forty: 4.4s 2006 Stats: 326 YDS RUS (4 YPC), 3 TDs; 14 REC, 184 YDS Ware was originally recruited to Georgia as an "athlete" but began his career as a starter. Over time, he got lost amongst players like Kregg Lumpkin and injuries never allowed him to develop. His decision to leave school early may have helped the Bulldogs solve their running back situation more than anything. There's not too much to like here. Comparison: Gerald Riggs Jr. 40. South Carolina DT Stanley Doughty Ht/Wt: 6-1/330 Current Grade: late second day/free agent Projected Forty: 5.3s 2006 Stats: 17 TCK, 3 TFL, 0 SCK Weight issues and a poor work ethic cost Doughty playing time as a junior, and he opted to leave school before telling his coaches just prior to the Liberty Bowl. Doughty may not have started in 2007 even if he'd returned. He has some potential as a nose tackle but character problems and a lack of speed will be working against Doughty in late April. Comparison: upside Aubrayo Franklin |
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02-07-07, 07:53 PM
| #2 | ||||||||||
| Moderator "Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak" Join Date: Aug 19, 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 62,447
| Re: Fantasy Football News 2/7/07
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02-07-07, 08:21 PM
| #3 |
| Another Day, Another Dollar  Join Date: Jul 19, 2005 Location: A real precarious world.....
Posts: 53,122
| Re: Fantasy Football News 2/7/07
I am ready for some FF already. |
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