Draft Test 2

TOP 50 PLAYERS FOR 2014 NFL DRAFT
By Pete Marasco

 
  1. JADEVEON CLOWNEY - DE 6-5 272 Jr. South Carolina
       Is now up to 272 from 256 while running a 4.52 forty which will put J.J. Watt's and
      Jared Allen's sack records in jeopardy once he arrives in the NFL. Lingering shoulder
      injury may keep him out of Gamecocks first game?

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  2. ANTHONY BARR - OLB 6-4 245 Sr. UCLA
      Ideal size and quickness and was outstanding in 1st year at position after switch
      from RB.  Explosive pass rush separates him from the pack.  Lawrence Taylor
      comparisons would not be far-fetched.

 
  3. C.J. MOSLEY - OLB 6-1 232 Sr. Alabama
      C.J. and Louis Nix, III are two of the most complete football players for their positions.
      Mosley can play the run by making tackles at the LOS or by chasing, can drop in pass
      coverage and has an explosive pass rush.  Can play any LB position and might have
      more sacks if given the green light.  Only negative is his less than ideal height.

 
  4. TEDDY BRIDGEWATER - 6-2 1/2 - 220 Jr. Louisville
      Could be drafted even higher if has outstanding year as QB position is crucial to a
      team's success.  His performances vs. Rutgers and Florida would make believers
      out of any skeptic.  Imagine Jacksonville's dilemma if they have the first pick and have
      to choose between Clowney and Bridegewater.  Clowney's shoulder may make the
      selection easier.  Teddy doesn't have the strongest arm in this class but has the ability
      and competitiveness to be a franchise QB.

 
  5. MARQISE LEE - WR 6-0 195 Jr. USC
      His speed (4.37 best in forty and track background), athleticism and production cannot
      be denied.  As a Frosh in 2011, he had 73 receptions for 15.7 ypc, 11 TDs and averaged
      28.5 per kick return to Soph in 2012, 118 receptions for a 14.6 average, 14 TDs and
      again averaged 28.5 per kick return and returned one KR for a TD in each year.  Lack
      of height is only negative but can jump and is acrobatic.  Deep threat on the outside who
      can also play the slot.

 
  6. LOUIS NIX, III - NT 6-2 347 rJr. Notre Dame
      Up from 323 last year, he controls the LOS, makes tackles vs. the run and applies
      pressure up the middle on his pass rush.  Hard to find a negative for him at NT and could
      play DT but is ideal NT.  Three down player.  Not all 32 NFL teams use a NT however.

 
  7. AARON LYNCH - DE 6-5 244 rSoph South Florida
      Notre Dame transfer who had to sit out in 2012 but gets sacks and applies pressure off
      the edge as he demonstrated as a Freshman at ND.  Jason Pierre-Paul comparisons
      have been made based upon Spring practices at USF.   
  8. BRADLEY ROBY - CB 5-11 193 rJr. Ohio State
      Cover corner with outstanding speed (4.28 forty places him in elite category); only 2
      intercepts but 17 passes broken up earned him All-American Second Team and
      All Big Ten 1st Team honors.  A shoulder injury may have hindered even more
      production and may be of concern.                                                           
  9. JAKE MATTHEWS - LOT 6-41/2 305 Sr. Texas A & M
      Moving from ROT to LOT to increase his monetary value to NFL teams, he was a
      force in 2012 when he was Third Team All-American.  I originally had him rated lower
      as he is slightly smaller than the other OT's and I thought that his run blocking was
      better than his pass blocking in 2012, but not that his pass blocking was bad, mind
      you.  But I just saw a replay of the Alabama game and some things stood out and
      they are that he is a very physical player; that he has very good hip flexibility and
      contact balance, good foot work and his arms seemed sufficiently long enough to
      play LOT.     
10. SAMMY WATKINS - WR 6-0 205 Jr. Clemson
      Sensational freshman year to so-so soph year due to a two game suspension from an
      arrest, a leg injury and sickness.  Watkins is a game breaker who can line up all over
      the field, even as a RB, somewhat similar to Percy Harvin. Is a more accomplished
      receiver than Cordarrelle Patterson was at this stage of his career.  
11. MARCUS MARIOTA - QB 6-4 211 Oregon
      He can run the read option or spread offense better than anyone in this class. May
      not have the velocity that Colin Kaepernick has on his throws but comparisons are
      still in order.  And if Johnny Manziel had kept to his original commitment and gone to
      Oregon, who would have been the starting QB ?
12. STEPHON TUITT - DE 6-5 323 Jr. Notre Dame
      Last year was listed at 303 and now is 323 which I believe would make him the
      heaviest DE in NFL history.  Could be either a DE in a 3/4 defense or a DT in a 4/3
      defense or a combination of both positions in either defense.  He can control the LOS
      and make plays in the backfield but will he be the same player at 323 pounds and is
      recovery from a sports hernia complete?  Coach Kelly hopes to have him at 315 with
      the ballooning to 323 being because he couldn't work out because of the hernia injury.
      Tailed off during last half of 2012 and was handled easily by D.J. Fluker, which has
      been attributable to the sports hernia injury?
13. KYLE VAN NOY - OLB 6-21/2 235 rSr. BYU
      Many observers thought that he would declare for last year's draft after his MVP
      performance in BYU's bowl game but he has returned.  He has outstanding 4.56 speed
      and his outstanding play  included not only 13 sacks and nine tackles for loss but
      six gorced fumbles and two blocked kicks.  Count him as a polished player who can
      play right away.
14. ADRIAN HUBBARD - OLB 6-5 252 rJr. Alabama
      Not the polished player that Van Noy is yet his size, length and speed for the
      Position, along with his pass rush ability, gives him Pro Bowl potential.
15. JAMES HURST - LOT 6-6 305 Sr. North Carolina
      His less than ideal forty time may have lowered his ranking by some but not by me.
      Freshman All-American 1st Team to Second Team All-ACC as a Soph to 1st Team
      All-ACC last year, his pass blocking from LOT is better than most as he has good
      lateral foot quickness (also referred to as kick-slide), hand placement and balance,
      which allows him to control the rusher and he is also good on run blocking as he can
      get movement and can also reach the second level.
16. RYAN SHAZIER - OLB 6-2 226 Jr. Ohio State
      Slightly undersized but has outstanding speed, production and playmaking ability.
      If you watch an Ohio State game you don't have to look for him, he will make his
      presence known to you.
17. CYRUS KOUANDJIO - LOT 6-5 310 Jr. Alabama
      No. 1 rated OL out of H.S., he has good size, speed and very good athleticism for
      the position. Needs work with his footwork and contact balance. Eight games into 2011
      he went down with an ACL and MCL, recovered to play in 2012 and then this past
      June had shoulder surgery. He is not the finished product yet but he has a high
      upside because of his athleticism and this rating is based upon that potential.
18. AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS - TE 6-5 266 Jr. Washington
      Imposing TE who can go deep, can high point the ball and uses his body to block out
      defenders. Can be flexed out wide, can run after the catch and is an asset in the red zone.
      DUI arrest is a red flag.
19. CYRIL RICHARDSON - OG 6-41/2 335 rSr. Baylor
      Physically dominant player who has been the main cog in Baylor's run and passing game
      the past two years.
20. BRANDON COLEMAN - WR 6-5 220 rJr. Rutgers
      Deep threat and red zone threat.  Not a polished receiver yet but his average yards per
      catch of 16.7 and 10 TDs are impressive.  At 6-5 he will always be a strider and not the
      quickest in his cuts but he is a receiver that all QB's would like to have. Plaxico Burress type.
21. MARQUIS FLOWERS - OLB 6-2 230 Sr. Arizona
      Defensive safety moved to OLB in 2012 where he had 100 total tackles, 7.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks,
      three forced fumbles and with his DS experience three intercepts and three passes defended.  With
      his 4.42 forty time being the best of all the LBers, his coaches are looking for an even better 2013.
22. IFO EKPRE-OLOMU – CB 5-91/2 190 Jr. Oregon
      Had terrific season which led to All-American Third Team and 1st Team All-Conference honors,
      yet was torched in that wild shoot-out 62 - 51 win vs. USC, which had Marqise Lee and Robert
      Woods catching and Matt Barkley pitching.  Still, 16 passes broken up with four interceptions
      and a really impressive six forced fumbles are hard to ignore.
23. HA'SEAN CLINTON-DIX – FS 6-1 208 Jr. Alabama
      Ideal size, speed, athleticism and playmaking ability for the position.
24. CARL BRADFORD - OL 6-01/2 241 rJr. Arizona State
      Continuing with the long line of outstanding OLBs, Bradford has been included in the "Freak
      Athlete" listing while he is also a terror off the edge with his 11.5 sacks, nine TFL, three forced
      fumbles and also showed some pass defense with one interception and four passes broken Up.
25. ANTHONY JOHNSON - DT 6-21/2 304 Jr. LSU
      Developing DT could be drafted higher if shows continued improvement.
26. DION BAILEY - SS 6-0 210 rJr. USC
      Recruited as a DS out of H.S. to OLB at USC and now back to SS for 2013.  He has excelled at OLB
      both against the run and against the pass and his awareness and playmaking ability should allow him
      to excel at SS.  Strong tackler who also had four interceptions and five PBU's from his OLB position,
      numbers as a DS would project him as a high draft choice.
27. COLT LYERLA - TE 6-41/2 245 Jr. Oregon
      Really athletic receiver type who can split out or play in line and is a deep threat from
      wherever located.
28. ANTONIO RICHARDSON - LOT 6-6 332 Jr. Tennessee
      Developing LOT who still has some technique issues but did well vs. Jadeveon Clowney in 2012.
29. DAVID YANKEY - OG 6-5 312 rJr. Stanford
      Played LOT in 2012 where he was voted best OLineman in conference by Pac-12 DLineman. Is
      moving to his natural OG position in 2013, where coaches have said, "best pulling OG in country."
      Technically sound plus versatility are attributes, and would be ideal for playoff contending team
      as could fit in wherever and immediately.  No grooming or training required.
30. A.J. JOHNSON -  MLB/OLB 6-2 240 Jr. Tennessee
      Has the size and ability to play any LB position.  Has proven to be very strong against the
      run but will have to show that he can also pass drop and defend against the pass.
31. DONTE MONCRIEF - WR 6-11/2 224 Jr. Ole Miss
      Is also a member of the "Freak Athlete" club and has also been freakish as a WR.
32. JASON VERRETT - CB 5-91/2 178 Sr. TCU
      This guy is as good as just about any player in the country at his position but his lack of size
       places his durability into question.  Based upon ability alone, he would be drafted much higher.
 33. LAMIN BARROW - OLB 6-11/2 232 rSr. LSU
       Has played ILB but his quickness and speed would prove valuable on the edge and, in fact,
       LSU has moved him to WLB for 2013.  And while he didn't get that much attention with Kevin
       Minter, B. Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Eric Reid and Bennie Logan also on the defense, he did
       manage to rack up 107 total tackles with 7.5 TFL, five PBU and more, and I look for him to use
       his 4.56 speed to gain national attention this year.
34A ALLEN ROBINSON - WR 6-21/2 205 Jr. Penn State
       Good size, speed, ball catching ability and production.  Dependable WR with size and speed
       who has also been used as a kick returner, which shows that he has speed and running ability.
34B MIKE EVANS - WR 6-4 225 rSoph Texas A&M
       Good size, speed, ball catching ability and production. Isn't really a burner and many of his
       receptions are contested, which indicates he can be covered. Gets tie with Robinson
       however, as Evans has  4.47 speed and averaged 13.5 yds. on 83 receptions  
       while Robinson has his 4.43 speed and averaged 13.2 yds. on 77 receptions.
 35. AARON COLVIN - CB 5-111/2 182 Sr. Oklahoma
       Led Sooners in total tackles in 2011 and was third in 2012 and also can cover and play the
       ball.  Good awareness and stands out in TV games that I have seen, but it has been claimed that
       he is inconsistent and he too is not the biggest.
 36. YAWIN SMALLWOOD - MLB/ILB/OLB 6-2 244 rJr. UCONN
       He jumps out at you from his MLB position when you watch UConn play. Has size, speed,
       awareness, athleticism and playmaking ability to play any LB position.  Has shown some pass
       defense ability but would like to see more as he seems to have an attack mentality.
 37. TAYLOR LEWAN - LOT 6-61/2 304 rSr. Michigan
       Prototype size/speed for the position along with All-American and All-Conference honors. He
       surprised people by returning for his senior season.  And while he did pretty well vs. Jadeveon
       Clowney in Michigan's bowl game, his lateral foot quickness, COD and adjusting to inside
       moves are a work in progress as was evident in the Northwestern game. Much to work with
       however, as he has shown some nastiness, has good attitude and is team leader.  He could improve
       from this ranking for LOT or be considered for ROT or OG.
 38. SHAYNE SKOV - MLB/ILB  6-21/2 244 rSr. Stanford
       In 2010 he led the Cardinal in tackles and tied for the team lead in TFL and PBU, was brilliant
       in their bowl game, went down with knee injury in 2011, came back to lead in tackles again
       in 2012 but didn't show the explosion that he had before.  Spring reports indicate that the
       explosion is back and if so, could vault into the first round.  He too, like Smallwood, should show
       more on pass defense as an attack mentality would also apply to Skov.
 39. GABE JACKSON - OG 6-3 335 rSr. Mississippi State
       Physically dominant and space eater who can anchor on pass blocking.
 40. KA'DEEM CAREY - RB 5-10 198 Jr. Arizona
       Outstanding runner and pass receiver and while his 4.43 forty doesn't match Lache Sistrunk's
       4.34, Carey has so far proven to be more of a workhorse and pass receiver than the other
       RBs.  Can run between the tackles and turn the corner and was nation's leading rusher and
       1st Team All-American in 2012 but has had some off the field issues to be considered.   
 41. SCOTT CRICHTON - DE 6-3 260 rJr. Oregon State
       Since the name of the game is "get the QB" (sorry Commissioner, I didn't mean it that way),
       this is what Crichton does best as being honored 1st Team All-Pac 12 last year in a
       conference loaded with good DE's.  Probably would be best in a 4/3 defense with OLB in
       a 3/4 a possibility.
 42. KAREEM MARTIN - DE 6-5 265 Sr. North Carolina
       Ideal size and speed for a 4/3 DE and was 2nd Team All-ACC in 2012 and was productive
       with four sacks, 11.5 TFL and eight QB hurries but at times looked more like a terrific athlete
       (which he is), than a player with good football techniques.  Improvement in those techniques
       instead of just relying on his natural athleticism will elevate his draft stock.  
 43. LACHE SISTRUNK - RB 5-9 210 rJr. Baylor
       His explosive breakaway speed resulted in an average of 7.7 yards per carry but that was
       on a limited basis and he only had nine pass receptions so we need to see more; BUT this year
       he again will be splitting time with another good RB, in Glasco Martin. Is he a situational RB only?
       David Wilson, former 1st round pick of the NY Giants, is listed at 5-9, 205 and Lache could be
       compared to him.
 44. JEOFFREY PAGAN - DE 6-31/2 290 Jr. Alabama
       Backup on national championship team in 2012, he displayed strength and pass rushing ability
       and is on the verge of a breakout campaign.  Size, speed and quickness to play DE in a 4/3
       or 3/4, he was highly rated out of H.S. and now gets a chance to prove his mettle.
 45. JACKSON JEFFCOAT - OLB 6-4 245 Sr. Texas
       No. 2 rated recruit coming out of H.S., he has been limited by injuries and while he plays DE
       at Texas, his size, agility and 4.58 forty would make him an ideal OLB in any scheme.
 46. TRE BOSTON - FS 6-0 205 Sr. North Carolina
        Size, speed and athleticism for the position.
 47. JACE AMARO - TE 6-41/2 257 Jr. Texas Tech
       Was on his way to standout season in 2012 but then missed five games with a rib injury. He
       averaged 16.4 yards per catch on 25 receptions and played on special teams.  His 4.5 speed
       as a TE makes him a real weapon either flexed out or from the traditional TE spot.
 48. MIKE DAVIS - WR 6-1 193 Sr. Texas
       Another highly rated H.S. player who hasn't garnered national attention to date, he still
       managed to use his 4.43 speed for 57 catches, 16.5 yds. per catch and seven TDs.  He is
       acrobatic, can high point the ball and go after it in traffic and expected improvement from
       QB David Ash could propel Davis onto the national stage.
 49. CAMERON FLEMING - ROT 6-51/2 318 rJr. Stanford
       Ideal size and 4.80 forty (best of all OTs) and was Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 in 2012
       and pre-season 1st Team All-Pac 12 in 2013 and he has that "Stanford thing" going for him.
       I selected him over LOT prospects Cameron Erving, Seantrel Henderson and Morgan Moses
       as teams still do use ROT's and with his measurable might even be a possibility at LOT.
 50. ANTONE EXUM - CB 6-0 224 Sr. Virginia Tech
       One of my favorite players so I had to mention him.  After a terrific 2012 season and MVP
       of the Russell Bowl, he went down with an ACL in a pickup basketball game.  He later claimed
       that he played the season on a weak knee, which eventually gave out. Since the injury occurred
       in January of 2013, he may not get much playing time this year but he really stood out in the
       Virginia Tech games that I saw as is attested to by his five interceptions and 16 passes broken up
       even while carrying 224 pounds.
 
QUARTRBACKS - The difference of opinion on the QB's eligible for the 2014 draft is startling as
       after Teddy Bridgewater there is absolutely no agreement for 2 thru 10, so I will mention some
       of the more prominent ones who will be watched closely this season.

       TAJH BOYD - QB 6-0 225 rSr. Clemson
       Can throw deep, take a beating (LSU), and still hang tough, and can use his legs to buy time,
       extend plays and also keep the chains moving.  Clemson uses him on QB draws which is one
       way that Johnny Manziel has also been used, although not recommended in the NFL.  
       Lack of height and some inconsistency are the negatives.                                                                                                                                                                                  
       A.J. Mc CARRON - QB 6-2 214 Sr. Alabama
       Has been labeled a "game manager" while others have claimed that he can make all the NFL
       throws. The naysayers claim that he doesn't have the strongest arm, while not taking into
       account that he played the last six games of 2012 with three broken ribs, which popped in and out
       and prevented him from throwing in practice during this period.  He can throw deep with
       some accuracy, but I would like to see more zip on his short and intermediate throws.  Alabama
       still lists him at 6-4 but his actual height is 6-2, and with a slight build, this mitigates against
       his draft desirability.  He has been considered the best in the nation at the check-down pass,
       which would be a small consideration if he can't show that he can make all the other throws.
       AARON MURRAY - QB 6-01/2 210 Sr. Georgia
       Despite the Drew Brees comparisons, he has been criticized for his lack of height (some passes
       have been batted down at the LOS) and that he can't win the big ones, but wasn't Peyton
       Manning criticized while at Tennessee for not being able to beat Florida?  Well, that lack of
       height hasn't prevented him from throwing for over 3,000 yards for three straight years and in
       the toughest conference in the country.  He was second in the nation to McCarron in passing
       efficiency and led the nation in yards per completion with 15.63.  Actually Devin Gardner of
       Michigan was higher, but he had limited throws.  As Georgia ended up at about Alabama's
       four yard line as the clock ran out, if Aaron had had another seven seconds or so people might be
       talking about him and A.J. McCarron a little differently.
       STEPHEN MORRIS - QB 6-11/2 215  Miami
       Has become the hot prospect after shining during spring practice and then at the Manning
       Passing Academy during the summer.  Scouts now consider him to have the strongest
       Arm, or at least one of the strongest arms, improved accuracy, rush avoidance and run ability.
       He has the 2013 season to improve upon his 2012 completion percentage of 58.2 and his
       passing efficiency rating of 138.07.
      
       There are too many others to mention here as this is a very deep QB class but I do want to
       mention my sleeper QB in BRENDON KAY, 6-4 233 from Cincinnati who could be a
       surprise entrant into the QB stakes.