Will Adrian Peterson begin on the Physical Unable to Perform (PUP) list?
There’s no question Peterson has made tremendous strides in his recovery from major knee surgery, and there’s also no question that Peterson feels confident in his knee and is eager to display just how ready he is. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to put the NFL’s best RB on the field of play unharnessed. Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier was non-committal when asked if Peterson would begin camp on the PUP list, instead saying the decision would be made after he spoke with Peterson and the team’s medical staff. If Peterson begins camp on the PUP list, the team can take him off the list at any time. Either way, Frazier and Peterson both said they expected the RB would be doing some kind of on-field work from the get-go.

Man in the middle – Jasper Brinkley’s opportunity
The Vikings selected LB Jasper Brinkley with a 5th-round pick in 2009 and he immediately became the understudy to E.J. Henderson. Now that Henderson is no longer with the team and Brinkley still sports the Purple and Gold, the time has come for Brinkley to display just how far he’s come in three-plus seasons with the club. Brinkley is expected to be the team’s starting middle LB, an important role in this defense especially considering how well Henderson fulfilled the role for so many seasons. There are questions about Brinkley’s durability because he dealt with an injury in college, missed all of 2011 with an injury and then missed some of the team’s offseason program with injury. But he’s healthy now, and it’ll be fun to watch him prove that he can be the team’s man in the middle.

Christian Ponder’s development
You can have everything else buttoned up and the stars can align, but if you don’t have the QB situation squared away in the NFL it won’t matter. The Vikings believe they will have it squared away with Ponder at the helm, and we’ll find out if they’re right this season. Early indications will come from training camp and the preseason, though. Vikings GM Rick Spielman and his crew have done a nice job of surrounding Ponder with weapons – both blockers and ball-handlers. The addition of Matt Kalil improves the offensive line tremendously, and then the additions of TE John Carlson, WR Jerome Simpson and a pair of draft picks in WRs Greg Childs and Jarius Wright give Ponder some weapons in the passing game. Add in guys such as Peterson, Toby Gerhart, Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph, and you can’t deny that the offensive weapons in place are much better this year than in previous seasons. That sets the stage perfectly for Ponder, a guy who knows how important he is to the team and a guy who relishes in that role.

Percy Harvin’s role on offense
Harvin was in the headlines a bit this offseason, and I’m guessing he’ll be in the headlines a bit more this season because he’s going to play a pivotal role in the Vikings offense. Harvin is as dynamic an offensive weapon as you’ll find because of his ability as a pass receiver and a ball carrier. You can line him up in the slot, out wide or even in the backfield. You can throw it to him, pitch it to him, hand it off to him, you can even snap it directly to him. Harvin is one of the best players on the team, and he’s going to get the ball a lot. It will be fun to watch how Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave and his staff plan to use Harvin.

Vikings look to improve pass defense
The Vikings ranked 26th in total passing defense a season ago and they yielded the most TD passes as well. So the team will look to improve in that area, and one big step in that direction was the hiring of Defensive Coordinator Alan Williams. In Williams’ decade working with the Indianapolis Colts DBs, the club ranked in the top six in NFL passing defense five times and finished out of the Top 15 only once. In that same span, the Colts allowed the fewest touchdown passes in the NFL (159), the fewest pass completions of 25+ yards (159) and the third-fewest passing yards (29,993). Aside from Williams, the team added a pair of safeties (Robert Blanton and Harrison Smith) and a CB (Josh Robinson) in the draft, and they signed a pair of veteran free agents (Chris Carr and Zack Bowman) to bring some experience to the group. Perhaps most importantly, though, is that the Vikings will have their two top CBs back on the field after they missed significant time a season ago. Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook played in a combined 11 games last year, and it’s tough to do well against the pass when you’re two best CBs are out of action. Expect a big jump in performance from the Vikings pass defense this season.

Kalil’s transition to the NFL
A dominant player at USC, Kalil enters the NFL as a starter on the Vikings offensive line. His first task? Block the best DE in the NFL for three straight weeks in Mankato. Kalil will go against Jared Allen on a daily basis at training camp, and we can all agree that it will only make the rookie LT that much better.

“It should be real good for Matt to go against maybe the best defensive end in the National Football League on a daily basis in practice and I think it will be good for Jared as well because Matt is going to challenge him,” Frazier said.

What to do with Everson Griffen?
Few players this offseason have been on the mind of Vikings fans more than Griffen. The consensus among fans is that Griffen is too talented to not be on the field, and there are a growing number of fans who want to see Griffen make the transition from DE to LB. Whether Griffen is asked to make that switch or not remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that Griffen is viewed by most as a player on the rise.

The Blair Walsh project
The Vikings used a 6th-round pick in April’s draft to select K Blair Walsh, a standout player at Georgia for four seasons and one of just three kickers the Vikings deemed worthy of selection. Walsh replaces Ryan Longwell, a beloved Vikings player who made plenty of big kicks and was reliable. But the team wants more touchbacks on kickoffs, and there’s no question Walsh has the leg strength to stretch the team’s FG range. There will likely be some growing pains with a rookie kicker, but Walsh’s talent should allow him to absorb those pains and quickly turn into a solid player. Walsh projects to be a long-term option for the Vikings at kicker, and there’s nothing wrong with getting a long-term starter out of a 6th-round pick.

Stepping up at defensive tackle
As we wrote about yesterday in the defensive line version of Roster Rundown, Kevin Williams is looking for a running mate to start next to him at DT. The Vikings have been missing that aspect of their defense since Pat Williams’ decline and eventual departure from the team. Perhaps the team doesn’t need a Pat Williams clone – there is only one Pat Williams, after all – but the team does need another impact player at DT, and training camp is just the place to find that player. Will it be a veteran such as Letroy Guion or Fred Evans? Or will it be a youngster, such as Chase Baker, Christian Ballard or Tydreke Powell? Or will it be a rotational thing? We’ll find out soon.

Rick Spielman’s first camp as Vikings General Manager
Spielman has been with the club since 2006, but this is his first training camp with the Vikings as GM. In some respects, not much has changed because Spielman has made the transition from VP of Player Personnel to GM smoothly. On the other hand, the team’s organizational structure did change a bit with Spielman’s promotion. There’s no question now who is making the final decision on roster moves, and having a central voice such as Spielman who can work well with Frazier will improve how the team functions on a daily basis. We’ll start to see that even more during training camp and as the team gets closer to making decisions about the roster coming out of the preseason.

Let’s split this up into DEs and DTs, without regard to who’s playing right DE compared to left DE and without regard to who’s playing the three-technique and who’s playing nose. Here we go…

Defensive Ends
For my money, the Vikings have the best DE in the NFL. Jared Allen comes off a 22.0-sack season a year ago, and no player has more sacks than Allen’s 105.0 since he entered the League in 2004. It’s not a stretch in the least to think Allen can have another sensational season in 2012. Yes, teams will be focusing on neutralizing him, but teams have been trying to neutralize him for years with no avail. As a bookend at DE, Brian Robison is the favorite to hold a starting position on the defense as he comes off a career-high 8.0-sack season in 2011.

Behind starters Allen and Robison, the Vikings have high hopes for Everson Griffen this season. Griffen has been a standout special teams player during his two-year career, and he’s gotten to the point now where the team will try to find more snaps for him on defense. Because of his versatility, those snaps could come at either DE or DT, and there’s also been talk of him getting into the mix at LB. Another reserve who could take a step forward this year is D’Aundre Reed. He was a 7th-round pick out of Arizona last season and didn’t play in a game, but coaches are excited about his athleticism and potential.

Other DEs on the roster who will fight to add depth to the group are: Jeff Charleston, Trevor Guyton, Anthony Jacobs, Eric Latimore, Ernest Owusu and Nick Reed. Charleston and Reed are veterans, Guyton was a 7th-round pick this year, and Jacobs (Minnesota), Latimore (Penn State) and Owusu (California) are undrafted college free agents.

Expect Allen and Robison to emerge from camp with starting spots, with Griffen pushing Robison for playing time and the two perhaps playing on a rotational basis. D’Aundre Reed has a big training camp ahead of him and could take a huge step forward. The rest of the group is a nice blend of veterans and youngsters, and they have a chance to provide some depth at what is a very strong position for the Vikings.

————————————————————————————————————————–

Defensive Tackle
Teammates call him The Big Ticket. Kevin Williams is the leader of the Vikings DTs and has been changing games for the Purple since 2003. Williams played better than most people realize a year ago, and there’s no reason to expect a slowdown from Ticket in 2012.

This year, Williams is looking for a running mate to start next to him. The Vikings have been missing that aspect of their defense since Pat Williams’ decline and eventual departure from the team. Perhaps the team doesn’t need a Pat Williams clone – there is only one Pat Williams, after all – but the team does need another impact player at DT, and training camp is just the place to find that player.

Letroy Guion is a good, young option for the Vikings. Guion is only 25, but he’s entering his 5th season out of Florida State already and the Vikings would benefit greatly if he could step up and earn a starting position. Another returning veteran on the roster is Fred Evans, a six-year veteran who joined the Vikings in 2007.

Earlier this offseason, we identified Christian Ballard as one of eight Vikings poised for a breakout season in 2012. A rotational player in 2011 as a rookie, Ballard trained hard this offseason and is committed to earning more playing time for 2012. Perhaps Ballard’s biggest asset will be versatility because he can line up at defensive end or defensive tackle.

The Vikings have two undrafted college free agents at DT - Chase Baker (Boise State) and Tydreke Powell (North Carolina). Baker was a standout to me at this year’s Senior Bowl (Leslie Frazier and his staff had Baker on their North squad), and Powell will impress because of his size (6-3, 310 pounds).

Williams is obviously solidified as the starter at the three-technique, but a great opportunity exists for the rest of the DTs to earn a starting spot next to Williams. This will be a fun position battle to monitor during training camp. Don’t be surprised if this situation is ultimately resolved with a by-committee approach, but it also wouldn’t be surprising – and would be quite pleasant – if someone emerged from camp with a firm grasp on the job.

1.  Melvin Ingram, defensive end/outside linebacker, South Carolina

Selected: 18th overall by San Diego

While I was tempted to consider Chandler Jones or Nick Perry, Ingram is the only pass rusher left on the board who I would take over Courtney Upshaw.  Ingram is quite the versatile athlete as he can line up almost anywhere along the line.  Honestly he reminds me of Adalius Thomas and I expect he’ll get a chance to succeed in a rebuilding defense in S.D.

 

Also, the player I would n’t touch in round 1: Brandon Weeden.  I’ll admit that if he isn’t 28 he’d warrant first round consideration, but quarterbacks get overrated on potential (and then teams counter-psych themselves out in letting players like Aaron Rodgers drop late [fair point, I thought Rodgers would be another Tedford disciple turned horrible quarterback - success as a quarterback is a mix of mentality, mental agility, and the physical abilities necessary to lead a team, but it's also very tied to the situation.  Regardless of situation I'm unimpressed by Weeden overall]).

2.  Rueben Randle, wide receiver, LSU

Selected: 31st overall by N.Y. Giants

I know that the receiver position is deep this year and I have the chance to select a natural left tackle in Mike Adams (although he’s off my board until the 3rd) or a solid contributor, I expect, in Isaiah Pead.  Devon Still and Vinny Curry are intriguing – I really like Curry in an Eagles’ defense focused completely on stopping the pass, but I’m going to grab a tall, smooth receiver which is a quality fitting into any offensive scheme.  Randle landed in a good situation where he doesn’t have to contribute right away but will plug in with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz as soon as he earns his stripes.

 

I didn’t have Derek Wolfe going in this round at all, but he sounds like a better pro player than college.  Still, I would rather have Devon Still or Jerel Worthy first.

3.  Brandon Hardin, safety, Oregon State

Selected: 79th by Chicago

Dwight Bentley was a consideration, but there are other corners to be had later.  Jake Bequette is someone I’m intrigued by, but didn’t study up enough on like I did Hardin.  Bergstrom at tackle and Brandon Thompson were thoughts, but really I’m down to Hardin and Bequette.  Without his injuries, Hardin is likely going a full round earlier and I expect him to find his way onto the field.

 

It’s cliche to criticize a team for drafting a punter in the 3rd round…but I’m going to anyway.  Almost as surprising to me is seeing T.J. Graham came off the board before Mohamed Sanu – I would’ve had the NC State product in the 5th or 6th, but then you can never really tell with receivers.

4.  James-Michael Johnson, inside linebacker, Nevada

Selected: 120th by Cleveland

Finding a four year starter who plays this well in the box makes this decision for me.  Joe Looney at guard and Kyle Wilber were thoughts.  I liked Ron Brooks’ upside quite a bit and hoped he would be around in the 5th as was fellow Bills’ selection Nigel Bradham.  Miles Burris to Oakland also might turn out.

5.  Terrell Manning, outside linebacker, NC State

Selected: 163rd by Green Bay

Unsurprising for those who know me, I grab for another linebacker.  If not for the filled defensive end position, I would’ve grabbed Jonathan Massaquoi.  Ryan Miller should contribute at guard or tackle for the Browns and I like the DeQuan Menzie pick earlier in the round, but I think the Pack nabbed a good one here.

6.  Brandon Washington, offensive guard, Miami

Selected: 200th by Philadelphia

Andy Reid has a pretty good eye for linemen and I’m ready to select one (while every other team is reaching for a kicker).  Washington needs to clean up his technique and improve in using his hands, but he has the frame and right situation in which to work through such issues.  Billy Winn was also a thought here as was James Hanna.

7.  Andrew Datko, offensive tackle, FSU

Selected: 241st by Green Bay

It would’ve been Cam Johnson if I hadn’t already filled the end/outside backer spots but Datko’s chances at a full recovery are well worth a late round flier.  The Pats likely landed the steal of the draft with Alfonzo Dennard’s late slip-up, but I’d rather take a chance on finding a plug and play tackle who will get the job done.

Rookie Free Agent: Chris Polk, runningback, Washington

Garth Gerhart, brother of Toby, is intriguing at center; nose tackle Nicholas Jean-Baptiste from Baylor is another in that category.  Look out for Matt Merletti, safety from UNC, Micah Pellerin and Chris Galippo to find the field for the Colts in the midst of their rebuilding program.  Tydreke Powell is quite talented, Luke Nix could sneak into a starting o-line spot, Marquis Maze might just make something as a RS and I’ve heard good things about Adrian Robinson.  I’ll also be watching Garrett Celek, Brent’s little brother, and Leonard Johnson.

All that said, I would’ve considered Polk late in the second round and certainly by the fourth.  As a camp invitee, there’s no reason not to give the guy a shot when he’s managed to produce consistently over his career in the Pac 10/12.  Chase Minnifield also should’ve been drafted in my book, but finding a contributing back is my selection here.

He’d grown tired of “seeing the same highlights of the same players” for the last two days, and truth be told, wasn’t expecting to hear his name called at all. So he sneaked away for some quiet time on a river near his family’s home in California when he received a phone call that changed his life.

The Vikings drafted the Southern California tight end/fullback with the 128th overall selection, surprising Ellison so much that he broke down in tears during the call.

“I wasn’t expecting to get drafted or anything like that,” Ellison said. “I was pretty shocked. I’m still trying to calm everything down right now.”

General Manager Rick Spielman said his opinion of Ellison, and the opinion of at least one other NFL GM, was a lot higher.

“He’s very modest,” Spielman said. “I know that he was going to go right around there. For a fact. I just know that. Because I got some calls right afterwards.”

Ellison wasn’t the only surprise selection for the Vikings on the final day of the draft. They spent a sixth-round pick on Georgia kicker Blair Walsh despite having veteran Ryan Longwell on the roster.

The Vikings also were able to address some needs, getting quarterback Christian Ponder some new receivers in Arkansas teammates Jarius Wright and Greg Childs in the fourth round and added Notre Dame defensive back Robert Blanton Jr., who could play safety or cornerback, in the fifth round.

“I know they bring some big-play ability and the objective of this draft was to get a lot of young guys that can come in here and compete,” Spielman said.

They chose North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole at No. 210 in the seventh round, traded No. 211 to Tennessee for a sixth-round pick next season and capped the dizzying day by taking California defensive end Trevor Guyton at No. 219.

In Ellison, the Vikings may have found a replacement for long-time battering ram Jim Kleinsasser, who retired after last season. Ellison is 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, with the versatility to catch passes and block bigger defenders. He caught 21 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns for the Trojans last year and also spent a lot of time protecting quarterback Matt Barkley.

When Ellison got the call, “They asked me if I was watching TV and I was out on the river at that point trying to relax. I said, ‘No I’m not watching it.’

“They said, ‘Well you’re about to be a Minnesota Viking.’ I was crying pretty hard so I don’t know if they understood anything that I was saying. I’ll have to give them a call back later.”

Ellison’s father, Riki Ellison, played on two Super Bowl-winning teams in San Francisco during a 10-year NFL career as a linebacker. Even dad was trying to prepare his son for life after football. Rhett Ellison is finishing up his master’s degree in communication management and has an undergraduate degree in international relations and was getting ready for a job in the real world.

“That’s the wisdom I got from my dad going through all this,” Rhett Ellison said. “You prepare for another career. In football, you don’t know if it’s going to happen. It’s amazing it did happen. I can’t believe it.”

If the 2012 Vikings draft had a theme, it may be familiarity. Ellison is close friends and teammates with Vikings first-round pick Matt Kalil, Blanton has spent the last four years playing in the same defensive backfield with first-round safety Harrison Smith, and Wright and Childs have known each other since the third grade.

“We had talked about this one day, what if we end up going to the same NFL team?” Childs said. “It would be crazy because we’ve been to middle school, elementary, high school together. Same college team. Now we’re moving on in life and we’re still going to be on the same team together.”

In his first offseason running the show, Spielman took a cautious approach to free agency, signing second- and third-tier players to short deals to bolster the team’s depth. The strategy put a lot more pressure on this week to add difference-makers to a roster in flux.

After taking Kalil and Smith on Thursday and Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson in the third round on Friday, the Vikings entered the final day with needs at receiver, defensive back and linebacker.

Wright caught 66 passes for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Razorbacks last season. At 5-10 and with an affinity for going over the middle, Wright set the Arkansas career records for catches (168) and yards (2,934) and bears a resemblance to Percy Harvin, Minnesota’s most dynamic playmaker.

“Percy Harvin has always been one of my favorite receivers and one of the guys I looked up to in my career,” Wright said.

Childs is more of a prototypical receiver, listed at 6-3 and 219 pounds. He was a rising star in the SEC during his first two years at Arkansas before tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee as a junior. He rushed back for his senior year, but was limited to 21 catches for 240 yards. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at his pro day in March and Spielman said Childs is back to 100 percent healthy.

“To put it simply, I’m just a playmaker,” Childs said.

The Vikings had not taken a specialist since 2003 when they drafted punter Eddie Johnson. Walsh said he made 10 field goals over 50 yards in his career at Georgia, and he could be used as a kickoff and long field goal specialist early in his career.

“I know the biggest part was trying to upgrade our roster from a personnel standpoint and I believe we accomplished that mission this weekend,” Spielman said.

NOTES: The Vikings agreed to terms with 15 college free agents on Saturday night: Boise State DT Chase Baker, UCLA RB Derrick Coleman, Florida Atlantic DE Kevin Cyrille, Nicholls State CB Bobby Felder, Bowling Green WR Kamar Jorden, Penn State DE Eric Latimore, Iowa LB Tyler Nielsen, Cal DE Ernest Owusu, Hawaii G Austin Pasztor, North Carolina DT Tydreke Powell, Missouri DT Terrell Resonno, Mississippi State C Quentin Saulsberry, Oregon OT Darrion Weems and South Carolina CB C.C. Whitlock.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

North Carolina DE Quinton Coples May Be a Top-10 Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft

Leading up to this month’s NFL Draft, we’ll be taking a look at each ACC‘s school’s prospects and where they’re slated to be chosen. While 43 ACC players were invited to the NFL Draft Combine, those not in attendance also have ample opportunity to hear their name called between April 26 and 28.

Several pieces from the vaunted North Carolina defense will be up for grabs in this year’s draft — most notably Quinton Coples and Zach Brown. While several of these former Tar Heels leave the program with an air of scandal attached, that’s unlikely to have any effect on their extremely promising pro careers.

Quinton Coples, DE, Senior

As a 6’5″, 285-pound monster coming off the end, Coples is a horrifying sight for most offensive linemen, regardless of ability. With a nice first move, and a nose for affecting the play in a variety of ways, the Heels’ leader in sacks and tackles last year promises to make an impact from the get-go. In run defense, he already possesses a pro-level skill set when it comes to containing runners from hitting the edge. As for passing, while Coples excels at getting to the quarterback, his true value comes not in getting that big sack, but forcing quarterbacks out of their comfort zone and into poor throws. Already projecting to be a star at the NFL level, he’s seen as a top-10 pick; the type of talent you can’t miss if you have a hole to fill on the defensive line. While this type of rhetoric is bounced around both successes and failures in the draft, Coples projects well into the right 4-3 system.

Zach Brown, LB, Senior

Mildly undersized for the outside linebacker position (he’s just 6’1″ and around 245 pounds). Brown is still being pushed quickly up draft boards as the big day nears. The highlights right off the bat — a 4.5 40-time; the type of number scouts would drool over for many offensive skill positions, and is a rarity at linebacker. On top of that, he’s got the tangible results to prove just how much that speed matters. Check out his 105 tackles, his 13.5 stops for loss or his three forced fumbles. More impressive still, he comes up when needed most — recording 14 tackles and an interception in this year’s Independence Bowl. Folks see him as a perfect fit for a 3-4, especially with his proficiency to quickly get to the edge before ball-carriers. Expect him to be selected late in the first round.

Dwight Jones, WR, Senior

Jones is a sure-handed assassin, good for at least one long-ball per game (he caught a pass of 30 or more yards in seven of his 13 games). At 6’3″, 230 pounds he’s a physical receiver who excels as a number-one target, but would also serve as a dangerous distraction as the third option early in his NFL career. While his 4.55 40-time isn’t overly impressive, it’s still a great time, plus his one key skill is what matters most of all — getting to the end zone. He pulled in 12 last season, and obviously improved over time. If he can actively add some upper-body strength, he becomes a much more physical, imposing target over time. Expect a team to buy on speculation and take him in the fifth round.

Tydreke Powell, DT, Senior

Despite his slow move off the line (runs a 5.36 40), Powell’s still spent his Tar Heel career as a constant disruption. Not only does he get after the quarterback, but he also forces turnovers and actually performs better as a feature piece of a front-four than he does a distraction. The big knocks on him — besides his lack of speed — his numbers have gone down over his career, and he’s never truly risen to heightened expectations. On the positive end, he’s a team leader who rarely misses time. Bolstering upper arm strength, and showing a better first move could solidify his place in the fifth round, but he’s more likely for the sixth right now.

Charles Brown, CB, Senior

Brown has shown a penchant for covering receivers tight and batting down a good amount of passes (he had six deflections and two picks in 2011). And while he’s also established himself as a great open-field tackler at the collegiate level, there are still some lingering doubts about how well his game translates to the NFL. At just 5’9″, 202 pounds, he’s extremely undersized, even for playing the corner, and his 4.63 speed only exacerbates matters. The choice then comes down to playing him at CB in a contain role, or shifting him over to safety, while losing some of his obvious pass-defense skills. His first chance in the pros may come with special teams, but he’s a probable sixth or seventh-round pick who can work his way into defensive reps.

Donte Paige-Moss, DE, Junior

A character issue and head case, Paige-Moss basically imploded himself out of UNC on his way to a most unceremonious declaration for the 2012 NFL Draft. While his inconsistent 2011 failed to impressive all that much, his 2010 will be the foundation his resume’s built on. If scouts like what they saw during that seven-sack, 77-tackle season, he’ll be chosen late in the Draft. If not, it could be a very long few days for him. Sure, teams have overlooked character issues in the past, but usually not when bunched up with the other issues Paige-Moss has to offer. A misdemeanor assault on the record, ACL surgery, hostility toward fans and a definite impression of not trying too hard, he’s got an uphill battle, but may get the call come the late seventh round.

Ryan Houston, FB, Senior

Houston’s a pretty serviceable fullback, though he excels at the one element of the game his position’s calling less and less for: running the ball. Called on more as a blocker or extra receiver out of the backfield, pro fullbacks play a far different role than Houston’s used to at UNC, and it’ll be a quick and difficult adjustment for him should he make a team. Ideally, his time in camp would be spent catching passes, but that said, he also knows how to pound in into the end zone from short yardage. His relatively slow 4.82 40-time really stops him from being used as a consistent third-down back, but goal-line carries are still a real possibility. In all likelihood, he’s not getting drafted, but could very well make a team come camp time.

Previously: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami (FL), NC State

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Defensive Tackless

NAME, School/University: Height & Weight – Arm, Hand Measure;

(Significant Notes).

Forty yard dash [Ten yard split], Three cone drill, Twenty yard shuttle, Sixty yard shuttle; Vertical jump, Broad jump; Bench press at 225 lbs.

Upper Tier

MICHAEL BROCKERS, LSU: 6’7 (6’5*) 322 – 35″, 9.1″;

• (moved inside from linebacker, scheme diverse)
• 5.36 (5.22*) [5.18*] [1.77*], 7.46 (7.48*), 4.81 (4.78*)..; 26.5″ (30″*), 105″ (98″*); 19 reps (21 reps*)

Sorry, the two inch height difference between NFL.com’s reporting and the NFL Pro-Day blog really irritates me.  In theory, we’re supposed to have a more accurate set of numbers – that’s what the combine, in particular, is for: NFL scouts get to see these players work out on the same surface, get measured on the same scale, and smile in front of the same cameras, lift the same weights, etc.

On a more important note, I really like Brockers’ upside and think if he keeps his weight down and works hard, he can be a valuable contributor early in his career.

JARED CRICK, Nebraska (History): 6’4 279 – 32″, 10.1″;

• (missed majority of senior season due to torn pectoral muscle, All Big 12 in 2010, two time Berringer Citizenship Team member)
• 4.99 [4.94*] [1.69*], 7.47, 4.40..; 31″, 104″; 26 reps*

Where Brockers might fit more of the Kevin Williams, interior pass rusher, mode, Crick should fit more into the mold of Connor Barwin as a 3-4 strong-side defensive end generating a bull rush and closing running lanes to the outside.

DEVON STILL, Penn State (Crime, Law and Justice): 6’5 303 – 33.3″, 10″;

• (graduate student; cousin of former NFL players Art Still and Levon Kirkland [who was basically a defensive tackle playing linebacker in his later years])
• 5.08…; 29.5″..; 26 reps

DONTARI POE, Memphis: 6’4 346 – 32″, 9.6″;

• 4.98, 7.90, 4.56..; 29.5″, 105″; 44 reps

Poe blew the lid off the NFL Combine with his workout.  Running under a 5 second 40 at over 330 lbs. is absurd.  Coupled with those strength numbers, the likes of Haloti Ngata come to mind.  Tempering that excitement, his three cone drill and short shuttle would suggest that Dontari is able to generate a significant straight line burst and rip through blockers.  If he can time the snap well, that’s a very disruptive recipe for ruining the other team’s gameplan (who doesn’t love a mixed metaphor?).

BRANDON [YAMS] THOMPSON, Clemson (Management): 6’2 314 – 33.5″, 10″;

• (excellent run defender)
• [5.20*], 7.97, 4.71..; 31″, 100″; 35 reps

WILLIAM (BILLY) WINN, Boise State: 6’4 294 – 32.5″, 9″;

• 5.00 (4.87*) [1.70*], 7.37, 4.44..; 27″, 107″; 24 reps

JOSHUA (JOSH) CHAPMAN, Alabama: 6’1 316 – 32″ arm, 11.9″;

• (nose tackle material with absurdly large hands)

JEREL WORTHY, Michigan State (Family Community Services):6’2 (6’2.4*) 308 – 33″, 9.4″;

• (All American, All Big Ten)
• 5.08 (5.05*) [4.97*] [1.64*], 7.60, 4.56..; 28.5″, 107″; 28 reps*

FLETCHER COX, Mississippi State: 6’4 298 – 34.5″, 10″;

• (two and a half year starter, freakishly nimble feet)
• 4.79 [1.63*], 7.07, 4.53..; 26″, 103″ (108″*); 30 reps

DAJOHN HARRIS, USC (Public Policy, Management and Planning):6’3 (6’1*) 306 – 33″, 10″;

• 5.01* [4.96*], 7.65*, 4.66*..; 29″*, 106″*, 28 reps*

Middle Tier

PETER (CHAS) ALECXIH [III], Pitt (Communication): 6’4 296 – 33.4″, 10″;

• 5.41, 7.74, 4.62..; 25.5″, 99″; 19 reps

MICHAEL (MIKE) DANIELS, Iowa (Sociology): 6’0 291 – 32.5″, 9″;

• (two year starter, team captain, rushed for 1,000 yards and 12 TDs as a senior in high school while earning prep High Honor Roll status)

VAUGHN MEATOGA, Hawaii (Business): 6’1 294 – 33″, 9.5″;

• (All WAC Academic 2008-10)
• 5.00, 7.10, 4.21..; 30″ (31″*), 108″; 27 reps

MARCUS FORSTON, Miami: 6’1 301 – 33″, 9″;

• (Parade All American, brother, Dustin played for FAU and Ole Miss)
• 5.17, 7.64, 4.79..; 28″, 105″; 35 reps

KHEESTON RANDALL, Texas: 6’5 293 – 33.8″, 9.6″;

• 5.00, 7.49, 4.84..; 34″, 111″; 28 reps

MICHAEL (MIKE) MARTIN, Michigan: 6’1 306 – 32.3″, 9.1″;

• (three year starter, won state D1 wrestling title as junior)
• 4.88 [4.84*] [1.69*], 7.19, 4.25..; 33.5″, 113″; 36 reps

Sub-5 second 40 nearly as impressive as Poe’s to my eye, but Martin’s short shuttle and three cone drill times look excellent as well.  Martin would be best suited to a rotation system, probably in a 4-3 with a goodly bit of cover-2.

KENDALL REYES, UConn (CommunicationSciences):6’4 299 – 33.3″, 9.5″;

• (high school honor roll and sophomore class president)
• 4.95, 7.43, 4.53..; 34.5″, 113″; 36 reps

HEBRON (LONI) FANGUPO, BYU: 6’1 323 – 32.8″, 10.6″;

• (transferred from USC after a break-in, served in Philippines Manila Mission for LDS Church)
• 5.18, 7.94, 4.62..; 31.5″, 99″; 36 reps

TRAVIAN ROBERTSON, South Carolina (Criminal Justice):6’4 302, 32.3″, 10″;

• (early graduate)
• 5.32…; 26″, 102″; 30 reps

TYDREKE POWELL, UNC (African American Studies): 6’2 (6’2.4*) 311 – 32.5″, 10″;

• (run defender, team captain in 2010)
• 5.36 (5.28*) [5.25*], 7.31, 4.62..; 28.5″, 99″; 29 reps

ALAMEDA TA’AMU, Washington: 6’3 348 – 32″, 9.8″;

• (Parade All American)
• 5.37…; 26″, 103″; 35 reps

JERRY (JAYE) HOWARD, Florida: 6’3 301 (*) – 33″, 9.9″;

• (played in 45 games total)
• 4.82 [4.75*] [1.72*], 7.32, 4.47 (4.82*)..; 27.5″ (24.5″*), 106″ (105″*); 24 reps

BRETT ROY, Nevada: 6’3 275 – 32.8″, 9″;

• (moved all the way from safety to linebacker to end inside to tackle; honor roll throughout high school)
• 5.07, 7.31, 4.62..; 30.5″, 108″; 32 reps

RENNIE MOORE, Clemson (Sociology): 6’3 268 – 32.8″, 9.8″;

• 5.12..4.53..; 30.5″, 109″; 21 reps

DOMINIQUE (DOM) HAMILTON, Missouri: 6’5 313 – 33.1″, 10″;

• (best suited to a 4-3 defense)
• 5.54 [5.50*], 7.82, 4.78..;..; 31 reps

MALIK JACKSON, Tennessee: 6’5 284, 33.8″, 9″;

• (two year starter, transfer from USC (Sociology) where he was a backup defensive end, brother, Marquis, plays end for Texas Southern)
• 4.91, 7.38, 4.41..; 28″, 105″; 25 reps

Lower Tier

CHRISTIAN TUPOU, USC: 6’2 289 – 32″, 9.8″;

• (2.79 GPA, 2008 Pac-10 All Academic honorable mention, brother, Fenuki, plays for the Eagles [or Iggles as some would have it].)
• 5.42 (5.35*), 8.07, 4.87..; 24″, 92″; 30 reps (37 reps*)

JUSTIN (J.R.) SWEEZY,NC State (Sport Management): 6’5 299

• 5.01 (4.84*) [1.84*], 7.40, 4.41..; 36″, 113″; 21 reps (18 reps*)

MARKUS KUHN, NC State (Business Administration): 6’5 299 – 32.5″, 10.5″;

• (one year starter, graduate student)
• 4.89 [4.91*], 7.43, 4.41..; 34.5″, 112″; 28 reps

JOHN HUGHES, Cincinnati (Criminal Justice): 6’2 309 – 33.9″, 9.1″;

• (two year starter)
• ….;..; 28 reps (29 reps*)

DEREK WOLFE, Cincinnati (Criminal Justice): 6’5 295 – 33.3″, 10.8″;

• 5.01 [4.94*] [1.70*], 7.26, 4.44..; 33.5″, 108″; 33 reps

1. Devon Still, Penn State – Still is the best DT prospect in the draft and I already described him in the 3-4 DE post. Look for a Player Profile on him within the next couple weeks.

2. Michael Brockers, LSU – Brockers, along with being the #2 3-4 DE, is also the #2 4-3 DT. As with Still, look for a Player Profile on Brockers within the next few weeks.

3. Brandon Thompson, Clemson – Thompson had a very good season and has a lot of potential at the next level. He is an above average pass rusher and is very strong against the run. He has a late first round to early second round grade.

4. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State – Worthy came into the year with an early first round grade, but after a tough start to the season, he has seen his stock fall to the second round. However, he still has loads of potential and could become a huge steal.

5. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State – Cox had incredible season this year. He has above average pass rushing skills and is pretty strong against the run. I like his potential as a long term starter but not a pro-bowler.

After the jump, see the rest of the very deep defensive tackle class

6. Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

7. Kawaan Short, Purdue

8. Jared Crick, Nebraska

9. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut

10. Logan Harrell, Fresno State

11. Brett Roy, Nevada

12. Mike Daniels, Iowa

13. Kheeston Randall, Texas

14. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska

15. Marcus Forston, Miami

16. Mike Martin, Michigan

17. Tydreke Powell, North Carolina

18. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

19. Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M

20. Delvin Johnson, Marshall

21. Jaye Howard, Florida

22. Travian Robertson, South Carolina

Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall: Curry is a very talented player but when I watched him I just didn’t see 1^st round ability from him. He’s been very productive at Marshall and deserves to be at the Senior Bowl, I just don’t know that I buy him as a 1^st round pick based on the film I’ve seen of him. I will be very interested to see how he does against this significant jump in competition.

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan: Martin is an all effort/all hustle defensive tackle that I like despite his lack of size. He’s going to be a rotational guy from day one in the NFL in my opinion and while he won’t wow people at the weigh-in I think he is going to make an impact at the next level.

Shea McClellin, DE, Boise State: I’m glad McClellin got an invite here because I like him as a defensive end. I don’t think he’s a 1^st rounder but he’s definitely in the 2^nd/3^rd round range on my board right now and I haven’t done much film study on him yet. He’s got some edge speed and if he filled out his frame a little bit I think he could be a 4-3 left end and apply a pass rush from the position which is much harder to find that many realize. He can definitely help himself this week, so I’m looking forward to watching him.

Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington: Ta’amu had a TON of hype going into the bowl game against Baylor and then Baylor ran right up the middle all game and people started to hop off the bandwagon. Ta’amu didn’t impress me in that game at all obviously, but he didn’t get to be a legitimate NFL prospect because he played like that all season. He will make himself a lot of money this week if he shows he can stand up to double teams and that he has some burst off the line of scrimmage. But he will continue to drop if he gets washed out versus the run and shows no push as a pass rusher.

Billy Winn, DT, Boise State: Winn is a guy I have been high on since last year, he’s got impressive size and length based on the film I’ve seen of him and I really like his upside as a 4-3 DT or as a 3-4 defensive end. He’s got versatility and I think he’s going to end up going in the first two rounds, especially since this defensive tackle class isn’t exactly stacked.

Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati: Wolfe is an underrated player that doesn’t have huge upside but I think he has starting potential in the NFL. Brandon Holstein (@NFLDraftRoundUp on Twitter, follow him) pointed him out to me the first time months ago this season and when I got a chance to watch him I liked what I saw. Again, he’s not a stud defensive tackle but he is definitely draftable in the 3^rd/4^th round range in my opinion and I look forward to seeing what he can do this week.

Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: Andre Branch was a player that I did not like at ALL when I watched him as a junior last season with Bowers opposite him, so I did not have high expectations for him as a senior at all. Most of his pressure on the quarterback came as a result of one on one’s and he didn’t show that he could use his hands at all and accomplished all his production thanks to his athleticism. But this year he flashed hand usage and the ability to use pass rush moves when I watched him. He has a TON to prove this week because if he has a good week he could be one of the biggest winners of the Senior Bowl thanks to his prototypical defensive end size and athleticism. Keep an eye out for Branch because he could make himself a ton of money this week.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Coples came into the season projected to be a top 5 pick and his stock has slowly slid ever since then. He didn’t live up to expectations as a defensive end this year and plenty of people are projecting him inside to defensive tackle. I have no doubt that he could bulk up to play defensive tackle, but I haven’t given up hope on him as a left end. I think people really underestimate how difficult it is to find a left defensive end that can play the run and rush the passer at a high level. Coples has that potential and I think that is what will keep him from sliding out of the top 20 or 25 ultimately. He has a lot to prove this week as well, and as a Tar Heel fan I will certainly be rooting for him.

Jaye Howard, DT, Florida: I am really happy that Howard is here. I remember watching him as a junior and thinking that he definitely had draftable ability and I believe he was on my list of potential break-out players this year. He definitely deserves to be here and he could open some eyes this week. He’s not the flashiest guy but he is reliable and should make some plays in the backfield this week.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina: Ingram has a chance to make himself a lot of money this week as well. He’s got quality size for a defensive end and has really improved his stock over the course of the season when everyone (including me) thought Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney would be the talk of the defensive end position. I’m excited to see him live this week.

Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina: Powell is a player that I personally think is very overrated. He’s got a late round grade from me at this point and having seen a significant amount of film on him I’m not sure there’s a lot he can do this week to change my mind. His upside in the NFL is a 4-3 NT but he doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher and he doesn’t defend the run well either. His best bet is to land in a scheme that asks all of their defensive linemen to penetrate and make plays in the backfield, but he isn’t the athlete to consistently do that (it’s just what he likes to do, based on film). Powell could get exposed this week if he doesn’t play with better gap responsibility, and I have no reason to think he will based on the film I’ve watched.

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama: I’m very glad Upshaw is here and I’m sure a lot of other people are as well. He will likely be playing out of position at 4-3 DE all week, but he has enough ability to play with his hand down and succeed even if his best position is 3-4 OLB in my eyes. I’m excited to see him in person because he really impressed me when I watched him this year, especially in the National Championship.

Linebackers:

Honestly, I’m not wowed with the linebackers here. Zach Brown (North Carolina) is the odds on favorite to be the first one drafted, but I’m not high on him and he looks like a better athlete than a linebacker when I watch him. He won’t be able to show his tackling ability this week so he could really impress people thanks to his athleticism and potential but he struggles with wrapping up and making quality tackles. One guy I do like is Nigel Bradham (Florida State). He’s not an elite prospect but I think he will be a NFL starter in a 4-3 defense. Another guy I am very high on is Keenean Robinson from Texas. He’s got great instincts and may be my odds on favorite to boost his stock as much as any other linebacker in Mobile this week. Look out for him, he is an absolute player.

Defensive Backs:

This defensive back group took a hit when Mark Barron (Alabama) announced that he would not be here this week, but it makes sense that he elected to skip it because his stock can really only go down at this point. I’m very excited to see Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt) who I have been talking up for well over a year at corner, Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama, formerly of Florida), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska), Jamell Fleming (Oklahoma) and Leonard Johnson (Iowa State). Jenkins was a corner I was very high on when he was at Florida, so it will be fun to see him in person despite the troubles he has this past year. Jamell Fleming and Hayward were both on my potential break-out players list that I posted before the season this year, so I am very excited to see both of them live. I really like both of them in coverage even though they may not have prototypical size (Hayward may be 5’9” or 5’10”) and speed. They’re good cover corners and that should show this week.

Renner has plenty of potential and I'm excited to see what the future holds for him and North Carolina's offense now that Larry Fedora is running things.

Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina: Renner is a quality QB but in his first year as a starter he wasn’t able to win the bowl game this year. However, he returns a lot of talent next year as a junior in Giovanni Bernard, Erik Highsmith (who was his real go-to guy today) and Jheranie Boyd. Additionally he will have an experienced offensive line blocking for him. He made some significant strides this year and finished with the 2^nd most passing yards in North Carolina history thanks in part to the weapons he had at his disposal on offense (Dwight Jones most notably) and to Bernard establishing a running game. There’s plenty of upside there and you have to be excited by the hire of Larry Fedora who will hopefully aid Renner’s development like he did with Austin Davis. Renner has above average arm strength, solid accuracy and he’s more athletic than most realize. However, he spent too much time dropping his eyes to look at the rush and was left scrambling on 3^rd and long situations too much that led to punts. That’s not all on him since he didn’t always have much to do with the negative plays that led to the 3^rd and long situations, but it does provide evidence that he needs to develop as a quarterback. Not sure he will ever be a great NFL prospect, but he’s got the ability to be a quality college and NFL quarterback if he is developed correctly.

Giovanni Bernard, RB, North Carolina: Bernard is a special running back and I think he is going to end up going in the first round eventually. He started slow in this game but he showed his potential when he was had some room to run. He’s surprisingly patient for a freshman running back, he has impressive burst, good speed, catches the ball well out of the backfield, has impressive shiftiness as a runner and can run through arm tackles effectively. He’s got a boatload of upside and if Renner stays through his senior season then he could help fuel a very intriguing offensive unit for the Tar Heels.

Ryan Houston, RB, North Carolina: I didn’t see him get a single carry in this game which really is a shame. He was a senior in his final game, and makes me wonder if he was becoming a problem child in the locker room or if he wasn’t keeping his weight in check. Earlier in the year he looked much lighter and effective but didn’t warrant much if any work in this game. I’m hoping he gets an invite to some kind of All-Star Game so he can show what he can do because I think he warrants at least UDFA consideration. Will he be drafted? Honestly, probably not. But I still think he can contribute. Here’s hoping he gets his shot to do just that.

Dwight Jones has plenty of upside thanks to his size and athleticism but his hands are inconsistent and I don't think he has the potential to be a #1 target in the NFL.

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina: Dwight Jones started out with an impressive touchdown catch as well as a couple other receptions but he really struggled to catch the ball after that as he had at least three drops that I counted. When it comes down to it his hands just aren’t that good. He body catches regularly and doesn’t make very many tough catches away from his body which limits his range as a receiver and means whoever is throwing him the ball has to make a stick throw right on his body or he isn’t as likely to catch it. He can threaten teams deep and has an impressive combination of size and speed but his hands just aren’t what you would expect them to be. He has upside without a doubt but I don’t think he has the makings of a #1 receiver in the NFL at all. I don’t think he is a leader that can be counted upon for a big catch when you need a 3^rd down conversion or a critical touchdown, nor do I think he had the right attitude when the Tar Heels were losing this game in the 1^st half and again in the 2^nd half. I don’t really think it’s a coincidence that he was not targeted after dropping a number of passes and had nothing to do with their most successful scoring drives after his initial touchdown reception. Jones is a quality NFL prospect with upside but there is no way I would put a first round grade on him. Like I thought earlier in the year I still have a 2^nd-3^rd round grade on him and I don’t think he will be a #1 receiver in the NFL, though I do think if he landed in the right situation he could be a quality #2.

Erik Highsmith, WR, North Carolina: I am convinced that Highsmith has the best hands of any receiver on the Tar Heels this year. He made a number of catches in traffic and made catches to convert 3^rd downs when the team needed it the most. He did a good job catching passes away from his body, making catches despite contact and moving the chains for the Heels. He even got vertical once or twice but the passes were underthrown from Renner (evidence of less than ideal arm strength) and he couldn’t come down with them. Highsmith will be back for his senior season and with quality size at 6’3” (he only weighs 190 pounds according to the listing I found, but he’s been adding weight every year) as well as 49 receptions, 726 yards and 5 TD’s after the bowl game today. He should be Renner’s go-to receiver next year when he needs to move the chains and in the red zone especially.

Jheranie Boyd, WR, North Carolina: Boyd may not have great hands, much like Jones, as he body catches frequently and I’m not convinced he has the range to make catches outside of his body like Highsmith does but boy can he stretch a defense vertically. He has impressive speed to get downfield despite a surprising listed 40 yard dash time of 4.52. He looks a LOT faster than that on the field, and I have a feeling that that time is not accurate. Regardless, he stretched the defense vertically very effectively today and finished with three receptions for 95 yards and a 44 yard touchdown. That gives him 14 receptions, 292 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. That may not be an impressive stat line, but keep in mind that the Tar Heels offense was pretty balanced this year with its first 1,000 yard rusher in over a decade in Bernard and well over half of Renner’s passing yards were accounted for by Jones and Highsmith. Boyd’s role should increase next year as long as he can continue to haul passes in, avoid drops, and stretch defenses vertically.

Jon Cooper will be one of the top three senior offensive guards in the country next year so keep an eye on him.

Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: Cooper is a quality guard prospect and should be one of the top three senior offensive guards in the nation next year especially if David DeCastro of Stanford elects to declare for the 2012 NFL Draft. Cooper has quality size at 6’3”, 310 pounds but moves very well for his size as evidenced by how well he gets to the second level and by how well he pulls. I haven’t been able to evaluate him as much in one on one situations when trying to drive block, but he is definitely the Heels’ best offensive lineman. Look out for him next year!

Travis Bond, OG, North Carolina: I wasn’t able to see much of Bond today but he is the “other” offensive guard prospect on the Tar Heels. He’s much larger than Cooper as he stands at 6’6”, 340 pounds and is less mobile than the nimble Cooper. His size helps and hurts because he is the size of an offensive tackle but is inside at guard which can create issues against smaller defensive tackles that can gain automatic leverage because of his height. I’ll make sure to watch him more next year since it wasn’t much of a priority since I was confident that he wasn’t going to declare, but keep an eye on him since he will be in the 3^rd-4^th round mix next year.

Quentin Coples, DE, North Carolina: Coples may be the most well-known prospect on the Tar Heels and for good reason. He’s a talented player with a great combination of size, athleticism and strength. He has very strong hands which he uses to help him shed blocks and keep blockers off of him. He is listed at 6’6”, 285 pounds with a 4.76 40 yard dash time. His edge speed isn’t great and I think that is going to prevent him from being an impact 10+ sack player in the NFL, but I do think he will be a quality 4-3 LE if he is drafted. That makes me think he won’t be a top 10 pick like a lot of people thought he would be coming into the season, but I could see him as a top 20 overall selection because a 4-3 that can stop the run and rush the passer is a pretty rare find. Coples has shown he can do that and that he has a quality motor, though I don’t think his football IQ and recognition skills are very impressive. The Heels gave up a staggering number of rushing yards today, but the defensive tackles were more to blame for that than Coples was in my opinion. Coples played a role in it, but I don’t think that it was necessarily indicative of his run defense as an individual. I would be very surprised if he dropped out of the 1^st round after a less than stellar senior season but I don’t think he should go in the top 10 at this point.

Donte Paige-Moss underwhelmed just about everyone this year as many expected him to declare after this season and go in the 1st or 2nd round.

Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina: Paige-Moss was widely considered a possible early declaration and a potential 1^st round draft pick before the season began (despite some claims that he was overrated from a select few, you know who you are) but he had a minimal impact all season and was replaced by Kareem Martin opposite Coples for the entire season. Paige-Moss is a freak athlete but his technique is almost non-existent and his only success occurs when he can beat the offensive tackle off the edge using his impressive athleticism to run around the edge for the sack. He’s got a lot of upside still, but without getting stronger and learning some semblance of hand usage he won’t ever live up to his potential. One slight sign of hope is that Paige-Moss made a great effort pursuing downfield and from the backside today which was encouraging to see when many Tar Heel defenders seemed to be going through the motions. This offseason will be crucial for him because if he hits the weight room and works on his hand usage then he might be able to redeem himself. It’s all up to him and what level of work he is willing to put in. I’m not saying he is going to prove his doubters wrong, of which I am one of them based on his performance this year, but I can’t rule it out.

Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina: Tydreke Powell is a solid NFL Draft prospect and he will likely be at the Senior Bowl in Alabama (hopefully I will be as well) but he played poorly today. His upside as a pass rusher is limited and I don’t think he will be a significant pass rusher in the NFL by any means, but if he is going to be able to be a 2-down nose tackle in a 4-3 or a 3-4 he is going to have to hold up against the run well and he was struggling in that aspect today. He was able to penetrate on occasion, but he was not maintaining his gap responsibility at all and that led to gaping holes for Missouri up the middle for Franklin, Lawrence and Moore to run through. It was pathetic to be honest, and Powell is the nose tackle that is usually double teamed and frankly he wasn’t doing his job. This game isn’t a 100% accurate reflection of his ability but it definitely hurts his stock in my eyes. His value is going to be as an occasional penetrator but primarily being able to stand up effectively versus double teams and not get washed out. He didn’t do a good job of that today and that hurts his stock going into the All-Star game portion of the year.

Sylvester Williams has a ton of potential and should be back for his senior season. He's very raw and is still early on in his development as a defensive tackle, but with quality coaching he could be a stud.

Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina: Williams was the other starting defensive tackle for the Heels today and while I love his upside as a prospect he also struggled to stop the run today against Missouri. He was mostly facing double teams but he was pushed off the ball more than I would like and struggled to get off blocks at times. He’s a very raw player as he barely played football in high school and played at a junior college before transferring to the Tar Heels. He’s got a ton of upside but he is still developing, so it shouldn’t be surprising that he hasn’t developed the technique necessary to be a dominant defensive tackle. He definitely has that upside and has definitely flashed his upside by penetrating and disrupting plays in the backfield. The next step is to get stronger, develop his hand usage and learn to stand up better versus one on one blocks to avoid getting washed out. He definitely contributed to the problems today but because he isn’t often lined up at nose tackle he isn’t always the key cog to holding up the offensive linemen at the point of attack. He is asked to win one on one match-ups more often than not, Powell is usually the guy that is expected to occupy the double team and keep the linebackers clean. Neither happened today and that was what led to a lot of running lanes up the middle for Missouri.

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: Zach Brown has a lot of upside due to his athletic ability but he struggles against the run at times and that is very concerning to me. He’s pretty good in coverage and he made a great catch on an interception today but he very rarely made plays versus the run and on the seemingly infrequent occasion that he was in position to make a play he missed at least four or five tackles and I only saw him wrap up for a tackle one time the entire game on a tackle he made late in the 2^nd half at the line of scrimmage. His tackling and run defense is a serious concern, but his ability to blitz allows him to make plays in the backfield due to his athleticism and he is so athletic that he makes plays in coverage. I just don’t think he’s a very sound football player and that’s why I don’t have a 1^st round grade on him and personally think he is quite overrated. He’s got a lot of potential but he doesn’t fight off blocks well, he isn’t a good tackler and he will be a liability versus the run unless he gets stronger. I have a 3^rd round grade on him currently because he has

Reddick is a quality middle linebacker and while he is a better tackler than Zach Brown he still tackles too high at times.

Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina: Reddick is a quality linebacker that should come back for his senior season. He’s a junior so he is draft eligible but I think that even though there may be sanctions and a transition from Butch Davis’ regime to Larry Fedora’s it would be good for him as a prospect if he returned. Hopefully Fedora finds a defensive coordinator that likes to attack because the Heels defense is ferocious when it can dictate games with its athleticism and pass rush. That said, Reddick is a solid NFL Draft prospect himself and I think he is a more fundamentally sound football player than his teammate Zach Brown. He’s a better tackler than Brown (even though he attempts more arm tackles and tackles high more than I would like) and at 6’3”, 240 with a listed 40 time of 4.67 he isn’t a slouch when it comes to combinations of size and athletic ability. He missed a tackle or two today as well and isn’t necessarily the impact player that Brown is at times, but he is more reliable in my opinion. It will be interesting to see if he comes back or not but I think it makes sense for him to return. He isn’t an elite prospect and even if he comes back next year I wouldn’t expect him to go much higher than the 3^rd round.

Charles Brown, CB, North Carolina: Brown is another undersized, primarily zone corner that the Tar Heels have produced but I don’t think he is as good as Burney was at the position. Brown is a solid tackler and is decent against the run but his only value is in zone coverage and even in that aspect he is not much more than above average. He can close on plays in front of him but his ball skills are less than stellar and his ability in man coverage is limited by his lack of size, speed and ball skills. He will be a late round pick if he is drafted at all, and if he is drafted when Burney went undrafted it would be a pity. Burney was always the better corner in my mind.

James Franklin has definitely progressed since the beginning of the season and that is encouraging. He threw 8 of his 11 total interceptions in three games, so it will be interesting to see how he does in the SEC.

James Franklin, QB, Missouri: Franklin had a terrific first half but demonstrated some of his inconsistencies by struggling at times in the second half. Some of that was the playcalling taking the foot off the gas to some extent, but he was not making the same impressive stick throws he was in the first half. He was very productive thanks to his rushing total but his passing wasn’t as impressive nor was his decision making. He’s got upside due to his size, arm strength and developing accuracy as well as his athleticism to pick up yardage with his legs. He’s improved since the beginning of the season in my opinion, and that’s all you can ask for from a young quarterback. It will be interesting to see what strides he can take next season as a junior against tougher defenses in the SEC.

L’Damian Washington, WR, Missouri: L’Damian Washington is definitely a WR to keep an eye on. For one he is a great story even beyond football thanks to all he and his family have been through which makes it even more fun to see him having success on the football field. On top of that, he’s a 6’4″, 185 pound receiver that increased his production from 5 receptions for 35 yards and 0 TD’s as a freshman to 20 receptions, 364 yards (leading to a team-leading 18.20 yards per reception average) and 3 touchdowns. Those numbers are sure to increase over the next two years as he and James Franklin continue to develop together. He demonstrated reliable hands against North Carolina and has intriguing upside because of his size, athleticism, body control and hands. Keep an eye on this kid, I know I’m rooting for him.

Wes Kemp, WR, Missouri: Kemp is a senior wide receiver on Missouri that will probably not end up getting drafted however he has a pretty impressive combination of size and athleticism as he stands at 6’4″, 220 pounds and has a listed 40 yard dash time of 4.47. I don’t think he’s much of a sleeper and at best will be a 7th round pick barring a significant stock jump thanks to an All-Star game or an impressive performance at the combine. This is largely due to his inconsistent hands that led to some drops when I watched him last year against Blaine Gabbert and his production did not elevate as a senior. He will intrigue some teams because of his physical attributes, but at best I see him improving his hands and developing into a solid #4 or #5 receiver in the NFL, and that is assuming he makes a roster. But don’t be surprised if teams give him a shot because you can’t find 6’4″, 220 pound receivers that run a 4.5 or faster everywhere.

Moe isn't the biggest or the fastest player in Missouri, but he may be the most reliable and while it isn't flashy it certainly counts for something.

T.J. Moe, WR, Missouri: Moe is a pretty underrated receiver that has solid NFL upside. He’s not the biggest, the fastest or the most explosive but he was Gabbert’s most reliable target last year and I don’t think that has changed with Franklin throwing him the ball. Moe had 54 receptions, 649 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving this year and also contributed 61 yards rushing, 47 yards on punt returns and a solid 607 yards with a 23.35 yards per return on kick-offs. He is listed at 5’11″, 195 pounds with a listed 40 yard dash time of 4.49 and none of that blows you away, but he is as reliable as they come and should have a good senior season next year. I’m not sure he will be more than a 4th round pick because I’m not sure he has a lot of upside since what you see is what you get with him: a receiver that doesn’t have great size or great speed but has very reliable hands and will make plays for you when you really need it. He won’t be at the top of everyone’s list but he will be one of those guys that goes a little lower than he probably should but then surprises everyone in training camp when he catches everything and becomes a favorite of the coaching staff.

Does this look familiar? If you watched the Saints beat the Falcons on Monday Night Football you saw Jimmy Graham catch a very similar touchdown against a quality corner Brent Grimes. Egnew has similar potential.

Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri: Egnew may be the most underrated tight end in the country right now. He’s got great size at 6’6”, 245 pounds and a very impressive listed 40 yard dash time of 4.6 flat. He is definitely an impressive athletic specimen and when you combine that with his very reliable hands you have a very intriguing tight end on your hands. His closest comparison may be Jimmy Graham to his combination of great size, athleticism and very reliable hands (though Graham does drop passes from time to time). However, Egnew is often split out as a receiver and rarely lines up and blocks as an inline tight end which will be one of the major things he has to work on. His blocking has not been demonstrated like the other top draft eligible tight ends and that will make teams that run the ball a lot with an inline tight end blocking wonder if he will be a good fit in their scheme. Additionally he is rarely jammed off the line of scrimmage allowing for an easy release which won’t continue in the NFL. Despite this both his blocking and defeating jams off the line of scrimmage can be coached and that makes me think that if he is picked anywhere outside of the top 50 that he may be one of the better values in the draft.

Dan Hoch, OT, Missouri: Hoch is a guy that I thought might be able to slide over to LT at some point when I was scouting Blaine Gabbert last year. That never really materialized but I think he may have draftable ability as an offensive tackle prospect. He doesn’t have very good athleticism but he has great size at 6’6”, 320 pounds as well as quality length. If he is drafted it will be as a late round pick in the 6^th or 7^th round but the more likely scenario may be signing with a team as an undrafted free agent and attempting to make a roster that way.

Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri: I honestly didn’t see much of Smith today and that might be a pretty accurate reflection of the impact he had this year. It’s pretty clear to me that Aldon Smith created the havoc as a pass rusher for Missouri last year and that Jacquies Smith was more of a secondary pass rush option that benefited from his presence opposite him. Without Aldon Smith around Jacquies Smith’s numbers dropped slightly from 10.0 TFL’s and 5.5 sacks to 8.0 TFL’s and 5.0 sacks. Now, that isn’t a huge drop, but with or without Aldon Smith it demonstrates that Jacquies Smith isn’t an impact pass rusher and that hurts his stock. However, he does have the build and some athletic ability to offer possible upside thanks to his 6’3”, 255 pound frame and his listed 40 yard dash time of 4.62. He’s got upside due to his athleticism but his production has been less than impressive. I still need to watch him more to determine exactly why, but I would be surprised if he went before the 4^th round when players with measurables but limited production tend to start coming off the board.

Hamilton may not be a stud DT prospect but he definitely has draftable ability as a 4-3 NT and I think he may go as high as the 5th round.

Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri: Hamilton seemed to have a pretty good game today as Missouri bottled up a very good running back in Giovanni Bernard early and often despite the occasional quality run. Hamilton may not be a household name at defensive tackle and honestly I haven’t scouted him specifically at this time, but at 6’5”, 305 pounds he definitely has the size to play NT in the NFL either as a 4-3 NT or as a 3-4 NT depending on whether he can add weight to that frame. I’d be surprised if he couldn’t to be honest, and judging by the issues UNC had running up the middle I’d say Hamilton can create some problems by occupying blockers in the middle. It sure would have been interesting to see if Hamilton could have made the same impact for the Tar Heels at nose tackle today, but that is neither here nor there. Right now I don’t have a great fix on Hamilton’s ability but there are a number of quality nose tackle prospects popping up in this 2012 class so don’t be surprised if you see a number of defensive tackles drafted this year. There may not be a lot of elite talent but it seems to be shaping up to have some depth to it.

Zaviar Gooden, OLB, Missouri: Gooden is a junior linebacker for Missouri who flashed some potential today and made a very impressive interception on a ball that rolled on Dwight Jones’ back that he managed to corral before it hit the ground. He’s definitely on the draft radar for next year and hopefully he goes back to school to continue to improve. He’s 6’2”, 230 pounds and has a listed 40 yard dash time of 4.67. He’s not a freak athlete as far as size or athleticism is concerned, but he was pretty productive this year with 80 total tackles (54 solo), 6.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 4 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions and one blocked kick. It will be interesting to see how he does next year in the SEC against potentially tougher competition.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for reading! More prospect recaps are on the way as bowl season heats up!

–Tom

Logan Thomas: Thomas started a bit slow, but overall I was very impressed. He made some legitimate NFL throws last night and continued to flash his great arm strength that made Virginia Tech want to groom him as Tyrod Taylor’s replacement instead of playing him at tight end like he wanted to. He believed that was his best shot at the NFL, but clearly Virginia Tech was right to play him and develop him as a quarterback. He has size and athleticism that is reminiscent of Cam Newton and is equally difficult to tackle in the backfield and when he scrambles for yardage with his legs. His accuracy is the thing he needs to improve on the most, but it looks much better and more consistent than it did when I saw him earlier in the year. He’s still raw and developing but he’s got tons of upside. As he continues to work on his mechanics and develop pocket poise he could develop into a potential first round quarterback prospect. He’s definitely intriguing, but while he has plenty of upside due to his great combination of size, arm strength and athleticism he still has to continue to work on his fundamentals. As he continues to do that he will become more consistent and really start to legitimize himself as a NFL prospect. It will be fun to potentially watch him in the ACC Championship game as well as a potential BCS Bowl Game. I have been waiting for this Logan Thomas to show up all year as I listed him as a potential break-out player for this season in his first year as a starter, so it is encouraging to see him continually developing week to week.

Bryn Rynner: I was very impressed with Rynner in this game. He didn’t have an elite stat line as he was only 14/26 for 224 yards (8.6 yards per attempt) and 1 touchdown, but he didn’t throw an interception against a pretty talented Virginia Tech defense even if they were missing a few players because of injury. He made some impressive throws, displayed a live arm, and extended plays effectively thanks to his athleticism. He’s not a very big quarterback, but I was impressed by his quality arm strength and accuracy. I think he and North Carolina have a bright future as he continues to develop.

David Wilson: Wilson has world class speed first of all. That is obvious the second he touches the ball. He can run between the tackles, he has surprisingly good leg drive given his size, he has reliable hands out of the backfield and he seems to have pretty good vision to find cutback lanes and other seams to run through. The problem with him is that because of his speed he will try to make big plays happen a bit too often when he needs to just gain yardage. This usually happens when he tries to bounce plays outside when he can’t find room to run inside. That doesn’t work against faster defenses though, which resulted in a TFL or two against North Carolina. Wilson is a very versatile weapon though, and given the shelf life of running backs I think he should declare after this year. I think that given the correct situation he could have a Demarco Murray type impact on a roster. He’s a dynamic player who has proven he can be the feature back in college. I’m not positive he can do this at the next level, but he has the potential to be a game changer.

Giovanni Bernard: Bernard scared me when he left the game with an injury but it was reported as only a mild concussion which is great news. Hopefully he will be back for the game against Duke, but as long as he is healthy long term I’d be just fine with him missing it. He is UNC’s first 1,000 yard rusher since 1997 which is almost unbelievable to me, but he has “star” written all over him in my opinion. He has very impressive burst, he runs hard and with good pad level, he has the speed to break off long chunks of yardage, he has good hands out of the backfield (35 receptions in his first year) and has helped legitimize UNC’s offense by establishing a running game that has been borderline non-existent for years. He and Rynner are going to be very fun to watch for the next two or three years assuming Rynner comes back for his senior year and Bernard stays through his junior year since he will be draft eligible as a redshirt sophomore after next season.

Ryan Houston: Houston is a huge power back for North Carolina, however this year he has slimmed down a bit. He is still listed at 6’2”, 245 pounds but he has definitely shaved off extra weight and you can see it. He’s in much better shape. I think he has draftable ability as a late round pick but is more likely to be a UDFA. He runs so hard and has such fantastic leg drive thanks to his great size and strength, but he’s not going to run a good 40 yard dash time in my opinion but he has ability. He’s great in short yardage and on the goal line, and because those are the only carries he ever seems to get that explains his less than impressive ypc average. I’m rooting for him, but we’ll see what happens after the season.

Josh Oglesby: I think Oglesby has ability. It would be in the 7^th round or as an undrafted free agent but I think he has some talent. He’s not going to be a feature back in the NFL, but I think he can make a team as UDFA and stick as a special teamer. He is a physical back that could be used in short yardage situations and could help soften up defenses with a few touches, plus I don’t think he has bad hands out of the backfield. He has been productive when he gets touches and provides a more powerful back as a complement to Wilson’s game-breaking speed. He’s not likely to get drafted at all, much less high, but he’s worth at least paying attention to in my opinion.

Jarrett Boykin: Boykin is a guy I have been high on for a long time and he was actually involved in my first set of posts when I started my blog over a year ago in June of 2010. Boykin is a senior wide receiver for Virginia Tech that has potential as a solid #2 in the NFL thanks to his combination of size, quality athletic ability and very big and reliable hands. He’s not a burner and he’s not an athletic freak, but he’s been the cream of the Virginia Tech wide receiver crop for years and is the top receiver in VT history both in receptions and yards (though Danny Coale is a close second in both categories). He’s got NFL potential but is probably a fourth round pick at this point. He had a big day against North Carolina with 10 catches for 106 yards. He seems to have one or two drops on catchable passes a game despite his very reliable hands, so it makes me wonder if his hands aren’t quite great or if he just lacks concentration on a few plays per game. Either way he is more than draftable and I think he has a great shot at a long NFL career because of his team-first attitude, quality work ethic and reliable hands.

Danny Coale: Danny Coale is an undersized Virginia Tech receiver who, despite less than ideal speed, always manages to catch deep passes to the surprise of opposing defenses. He’s got great hands, he’s very tough, he makes catches in traffic, and he has great quickness. He’s more quick than fast which helps him create separation, but he’s smart, will go over the middle and make catches when you need them just like Boykin will. He won’t go as high as Boykin because of his lack of size, but he has made some fantastic catches at Virginia Tech and much like Dane Sanzenbacher of Ohio State (now with the Chicago Bears and getting some playing time…) he might get drafted late or not at all, but he will stick on a NFL roster. I guarantee it.

Dwight Jones: Dwight Jones has NFL size and pretty good speed but he leaves something to be desired as a receiver. He has pretty good hands but he body catches more than I would like to see and he doesn’t run very good routes consistently. He has NFL ability, but I have a 3^rd round grade on him right now. He definitely has upside and he has been very productive for North Carolina especially this season with 68 receptions, 1,018 yards and 8 touchdowns. He will definitely get drafted, but I don’t think he is anything beyond a solid/quality #2 in the NFL. He’s definitely not a #1, and I don’t think he will be the gamebreaker he is at times for UNC even with a #1 caliber receiver opposite him.

Erik Highsmith: Highsmith is a 6’3”, 190 pound junior wide receiver on North Carolina. He has some upside due to his size and reliable hands, but he is more of a possession type of receiver. He doesn’t threaten much vertically but he’s reliable when he can create separation and get the ball thrown his way. He has had a career high 41 receptions, 608 yards and 4 touchdowns so far this year. He will likely be the #1 or #2 receiver next year with Jones graduating and while I don’t have anything beyond a 5^th round grade on him at this point I do think he has draftable talent. I could see him being a nice #4 receiver in the NFL, one of those guys you can bring out on the field on 3^rd down or in the red zone that you know will catch it if you throw it his way and that can find a hole in a zone for a first down conversion. He won’t make the streaking touchdown necessarily (though he did have a huge gain to set up a late UNC touchdown as they attempted a late comeback) but he will be in the NFL.

Marcus Davis: Davis is a developing receiver on Virginia Tech. Not a lot of people realize this but Logan Thomas is losing two senior wide receivers to graduation after this season.  Davis has emerged as a legitimate #3 target at wide receiver for Virginia Tech (though he has almost identical numbers to D.J. Coles, another quality junior receiver) and has almost matched his career totals from his previous two seasons in just this one year as a junior. This year he has 20 receptions (had 24 in first two years), 330 receiving yards (had 364 yards in first two years) and four touchdowns (had three in first two years). He’s 6’4”, 228 pounds and the first time I saw him play I thought he was a tight end because while he was very big he was also moving incredibly fast. If he is a legitimate 6’3”, 225+ pounds then I think he could have a future at that position, but he probably wants to stick at receiver. While he has played a key role for Virginia Tech this year and I like his hands and his size I think he is going to match his career production again in one season as a senior next year. Logan Thomas will be in his second full season as a starter as a junior and if he continues to develop he could be a Heisman candidate next season much like Cam Newton was as a junior at Auburn last year. Davis will be one of his top two receivers along with D.J. Coles and they should help keep the passing game from dropping off. If VT can replace David Wilson at RB, should he actually declare, then their offense could be very dangerous next year. Davis has a lot to do with that, so look out for him.

Dyrell Roberts, WR, Virginia Tech: Dyrell Roberts only caught three passes on the season but it was brought to my attention by a reader’s comment that Roberts broke his arm early in the season and has the option of choosing a redshirt (since he never redshirted) or a medical redshirt. It’s unfortunate for him because it was the second season in a row he sustained a season ending injury, but it sounds like he will be back next season. He was widely considered VT’s best and most explosive receiver until last season, though I always maintained that Boykin was the best. He is listed at 6’1″, 196 pounds and a listed 40 yard dash time of 4.53. I’d be surprised if he didn’t test faster than that as I believe he has the speed to test defenses vertically, but his hands have always been a huge question mark for him. It will be interesting to see what he does next year, and I for one am hoping he can stay healthy. Thanks to Jim for bringing this to my attention!

D.J. Coles: Coles is another big, athletic receiver for VT. He’s a junior this year and at 6’3”, 224 pounds he has totaled 26 receptions, 331 yards and two touchdowns. That accounts for almost all of his career statistics, but that doesn’t mean he lacks ability. In fact, I think Coles is ready for a break-out receiver next year. I can’t decide whether he or Davis will emerge as Thomas’ #1 target next year, but I think they are both going to have break-out years. Coles’ will be more noticeable because he had such a miniscule impact last year with only three receptions. But he is ready for big things and I think he will be targeted early and often by Thomas next year because of his quality size, very reliable hands and his knack for making the great catch. He adjusts very well to the ball in the air as well and tracks it well off of the quarterback’s hand. He’s going to blow up next year, so watch out for him.

Travis Bond: Bond is the junior right guard on North Carolina and he impressed me a lot in this game. He’s 6’7”, 340 pounds so he absolutely has NFL size and he helped get a consistent push against VT’s interior defensive line. He’s much bigger than all of their defensive linemen and he helped generate a consistent push in the running game, especially when Bernard was still in the game. Even after that they generated enough push to get Blue some yardage even though he’s the #3 back. I didn’t get to evaluate him much in pass protection, but I believe Bond has a NFL future. Just have to figure out what kind of one it is.

Jonathan Cooper: Cooper is another NFL offensive guard prospect on North Carolina. He plays left guard at 6’3”, 305 pounds and he also had an impressive push against VT’s defensive line. I didn’t see him in pass protection either, but he’s a quality junior draft prospect as well and warrants some attention. One noteworthy thing about UNC’s offensive line is that they will return every starter but their center next year and they will be a very experienced group with three seniors (LG, RG and RT) and a junior at LT. A sophomore will likely step in at center, but that’s an experienced group up front that should help clear a lot of running lanes for Bernard next year. I can’t wait to see that.

Quentin Coples: Coples is a very impressive prospect. I think he has a lot of versatility to play inside or outside at the next level, but I’m not sure which scheme he would fit best in yet. I think he would be effective as a 4-3 LE, but I don’t think he would generate a ton of sacks. Regardless, I think he has good edge speed considering his 6’6”, 290 pound frame, very strong and powerful hands, he displays consistently good hand usage to disengage from blocks, and overall has plenty of upside. I’m not sure he will be a top 5 pick like some are suggesting, but he definitely has top 15 pick written all over him at this point. Just haven’t quite seen the dominance that many were expecting.

Donte Paige-Moss: Paige-Moss has been tabbed by many as an overrated prospect on the Tar Heels and I tend to agree. He has fantastic athleticism and was considered a potential break-out player by some, but has not been starting for the Heels and has had a limited impact this year with only 21 tackles (11 solo), 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks and two pass deflections. He has a great frame for a pass rusher at 6’4”, 260 and has ideal athleticism for the RE position but he just hasn’t developed at all. He still has plenty of upside if the light comes on for him, but I’m not sure exactly what that requires. I think if he worked harder to get stronger and improve his hand usage he might progress next year as a senior, but he will have to earn his starting spot back or make a serious impact as a rotational guy as a senior. His stock is a mid-round guy that is a high risk/high reward player because he has a lot of upside but there’s very little from his junior year that suggests he will live up to his potential.

Kareem Martin: Martin is the guy who has replaced Paige-Moss at DE for the Tar Heels. He’s got plenty of upside due to his athletic ability as well as his impressive 6’6”, 260 pound size. He is only a sophomore but he has been very impressive with 34 total tackles (18 solo), 6.0 TFL, 4 sacks and 5 pass deflections. UNC does a pretty good job of getting their hands up into passing lanes and Martin is not an exception to that rule. I like Martin and think he has plenty of upside at DE for the Heels and should help replace Coples next year as I expect him to fill out that 6’6” frame and show up at 270+ pounds next season. Martin screams LE due to his size, and if Paige-Moss can get his act together UNC could have the feared pass rush from their DE’s that everyone expected them to have this season. Keep an eye on Martin, he has a lot of potential.

Sylvester Williams: Williams is a guy that stuck out to me from the second VT snapped the ball on their first drive. Williams has great size at 6’3”, 320 pounds and definitely has a lot of ability for such a large man. He’s only a junior but he has 47 total tackles (18 solo), 6.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF and two pass deflections. I think he is going to be a legitimate 2^nd or 3^rd round prospect next year, and I am excited to watch him as a senior on a defensive line that has plenty of talent.

Tydreke Powell: Powell is a 6’3”, 310 pound senior defensive tackle. He’s a very strong, powerful defensive tackle that is hard to move in the trenches. He’s got 43 total tackles (18 solo), 4.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF and 2 pass break-ups. He’s not a dynamic pass rusher by any stretch of the imagination, but I think he has a legit NFL future as a 3^rd or 4^th round pick because he won’t threaten much in the pass game but he is an effective run defender. He can help his stock in a post-season game and I look forward to potentially interviewing him at the East-West Shrine Game or perhaps more likely in the Senior Bowl.

Zach Brown: Brown is a freak athlete that is extremely fast. He is a senior that has decent size for a linebacker at 6’2”, 230 pounds but he definitely needs to get bigger and stronger to hold up in the NFL in my opinion. He looks skinny at times but he has plenty of athletic ability and raw speed. He’s extremely fast and that has helped him accumulate 81 total tackles, 10.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT’s, 3 FF’s and four pass deflections. He is a very effective blitzer because of his speed, but without more strength and better hand usage to shed he won’t be as effective once he is engaged as a pass rusher or as a run defender. He has ideal athleticism for pass coverage though, and could make himself a lot of money with a great post-season game performance in a bowl game and in the Senior Bowl. One problem I have with Brown is his problems wrapping up. He has missed a number of tackles simply because he didn’t wrap up the ball carrier and he likes to go for the big hit, but he isn’t a fundamentally sound tackler. That will hurt him in the evaluation process, but he’s so athletic that a lot of teams will probably overlook it.

Kevin Reddick: Reddick is another one of North Carolina’s talented linebackers. He is only a junior but he is 6’3”, 240 pounds and has had a productive season at middle linebacker. He has 62 total tackles (35 solo), 6.0 TFL, 1.0 sacks and 3 pass break-ups. He isn’t the freak athlete that Brown is, but he has legitimate NFL ability and is probably the best tackler on the team. He is a very reliable tackler and that is one of my favorite things about him. The dichotomy between Reddick and Brown in that aspect is very noticeable. I look forward to watching Reddick next year as a senior.

Charles Brown: Brown is an undersized corner at only 5’10”, 205 pounds but I would be surprised if he didn’t officially measure in at 5’9”. He’s solid in zone coverage, but he gets burned deep and struggles to locate the ball on deep throws while it is in the air. He can be handsy in coverage, and while he is a solid tackler I’m just not sold on him being a legitimate NFL corner. He’s a 5^th round pick right now in my mind, and I just don’t think he has a lot of upside.

Jayron Hosley: Hosley has a lot of upside but like a number of corners to come out of VT he has tons of ability but isn’t always consistent. He can make some amazing plays, but can also give up big ones at times. He’s got great athleticism and breaks on passes very well, recovers well due to his great speed when beat and has fantastic ball skills, but he doesn’t tackle very well. He has 8 pass deflections and three interceptions this year as well as one forced fumble despite only being 5’10”, 171 pounds (though I would be surprised if he was not also 5’9”). He doesn’t have NFL size necessarily, but he definitely makes up for it with his athletic ability and ball skills.

J.R. Collins: Collins is only a sophomore but he has tons of upside. He is 6’2”, 240 pounds and like a lot of VT defensive ends he is undersized but very, very athletic. Hopefully he will show up at 250+ pounds for his junior season next year which would help him a lot versus the run (though he was getting snaps inside at defensive tackle this year due to injuries which was baffling considering his size) but it would also make it easier for him to shed blocks and rush the passer. Right now he relies on his athleticism, but as he develops he should be able to use his strength to get to the passer more often. He has 8.0 TFL’s and 6 sacks this year, so expect an even better year next season from Collins. He is definitely one to watch.

Derrick Hopkins: Hopkins is a guy that I really like. Like Collins he is also a sophomore, but he has legitimate NFL size at 6’0”, 301 pounds and surprising athleticism. He impressed me in this game and has had a pretty good year with 43 total tackles (19 solo), 5.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble. I think he has legitimate NFL upside and I’m excited to watch him develop year to year along with Collins.

Antone Exum: Exum is yet another talented sophomore on Virginia Tech. He has TONS of upside at safety in my opinion at 6’0”, 220 pounds but he has great athletic ability and he has been the definition of a playmaker so far this season. He has 65 tackles (30 solo), 2.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 1 interception, two forced fumbles and a staggering 10 pass break-ups. He played very well against North Carolina and I think he has tons of upside. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops, but I am very high on him right now.

As you can see both of these teams have a lot of young, developing talent on their rosters. I think both teams will be good next year, though it will be interesting to see how good. Virginia Tech will be losing a lot of talent at wide receiver but they are returning two more seniors at the position. They may very well lose David Wilson to the NFL which would mean a new running back and two new starters at receiver for Logan Thomas to work with. It’s certainly possible that after his junior year Thomas will declare, but it will be particularly interesting to see he adjusts to a significant personnel change in his supporting cast. On defense VT will be very talented as they aren’t losing much talent at all unless Jayron Hosley leaves. They have a ton of young talent on the roster so next year their defense should be very scary, especially in the front seven and along the defensive line.

For UNC they have a very nice core of young talent on offense. They will be returning 8 or 9 starters on offense including potential studs at QB and RB in Bryn Rynner and Giovani Bernard. Watching those two for the next two years will be very special, so I am excited to see that. As has become customary UNC’s defense is extremely fast and athletic, and they will return 7 starters I believe. They have a lot of young talent in the front 7 and some up and coming talent in the secondary. Their strength is usually in the front 7 though, so it should be a strength again next year. I’m looking forward to seeing how they play next year, but I think that with the right coaching hire UNC could take a big step in the right direction next year.

Thanks for reading, I know it was a very long post. Hope you enjoyed it!

–Tom

At any rate, with the big three off the board (SEC, PAC 12, Big Ten), we’ll start getting the lesser conferences into the picture. Today, the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The ACC is a basketball conference, despite attempts to blow it up and rebuild it as a football conference with the inclusion of Miami and Florida State. In fact, the move has so backfired that they’ve essentially lost their control of basketball to the Big East. In this day and age, the ACC is known for a couple good teams in basketball and football along with a wealth of mediocrity around it.

Atlantic

Boston College

This is a team that hasn’t been in serious contention since Matt Ryan departed for Atlanta. They’ve spent the last few years wading through mediocre teams with some big names appearing on NFL draft boards. The traditional bread and butter of the Eagles has been a strong running game backed by a sound defense. The pieces are slowly beginning to appear for that to take place again. Montel Harris, SR, is back behind an offensive line with a little more experience. Both should help quarterback Chase Rettig, who needs to improve his game dramatically and has been given new coordinator Kevin Rodgers (former Minnesota Vikings assistant) to get him going. The sophomore only completed 51% of his passes for 6 TDs and 9 INTs. If that number doesn’t improve then it’ll be up to Montel again behind a suspect offensive line. WR Bobby Swigert should be a good target for Rettig, and TE Chris Pantale will open up the middle. Both could up their play some, and will need to for Rettig to be able to open up the offense. Three new offensive linemen will cause problems, particularly at left tackle where Junior John Wetzel steps in for departed Anthony Castonzo.

On defense, this team needs to find a way to pressure the quarterback. The unit only recorded 20 sacks last season and Max Holloway, JR DE, was the leader with 4. If Holloway and senior defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey can’t improve those numbers then the much maligned secondary will be exposed again. Three of the four starters return in the secondary, but the group as a whole struggled last season. Maybe a year of experience will help, but if there’s no pass rush then it may not matter. Boston College has cranked out several good linebackers in the last decade, and junior Luke Kuechly looks like another in the line. Sophomore Kevin Pierre-Louis has the talent to develop into an elite prospect down the road. Both have a nose for the ball carrier and help this unit stay strong on the run.

Clemson

Dabo Swinney could be in trouble. He entered Clemson and the Tigers roared early taking the Atlantic Division in 2009. Last year Clemson regressed to mediocrity at 6-7. Swinney is in his 4th year and has only gathered a 19-15 record and the fan base that wishes they were in the SEC and craves glory like an SEC team has begun to rumble. In order to bring this team back, they’ve brought in a new offensive coordinator – Chad Morris – who comes from Tulsa and will operate a no-huddle face paced offense. The skill positions are loaded but haven’t made the jump to elite. Quarterback sophomore Tajh Boyd is a stud, but has almost no in-game experience. Running back Andre Ellington and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are stars in the making but need to progress this year. Clemson also returns their offensive line, including senior tackle Landon Walker. The unit is set to dominate on offense with only the new scheme standing between them and glory. On defense, this unit is loaded…. for three years from now. They signed three top flight linebackers – Stephone Anthony, Tony Steward, and Lateek Townsend – but all are completely inexperienced. Inside linebacker Corico Hawkins looks to return with the new backers attempting to supplant other underclassmen. The loss of Da’Quan Bowers will hurt this unit tremendously. Seniors Brandon Thompson and Andre Branch return but bring only 11.5 sacks between them (Bowers had 15.5 last season). The play of the recruits will do a lot to keep Swinney at the helm next season.

Maryland

Another program at Maryland bringing in a new head coach, despite ex-coach Ralph Friedgen‘s ACC Coach of the Year Honors in 2009 or his 9-4 record last season. In a play of power politics, the new AD Kevin Anderson has brought in his own guys to coach the teams. New coach Randy Esdall has a proven record at UCONN, taking the program from nothing to BCS contention but this was in the Big East, and while the ACC is not the SEC he should have some growing pains. His pains will be eased by sophomore quarterback, and ACC Rookie of the Year, Danny O’Brian. O’Brian has a decent arm, but shines in pressure situations. Most of his team doesn’t return with him, unfortunately with Da’rel Scott graduating as well as Torrey Smith and LaQuan Williams. The struggle for this unit will be from the offensive line, which has lost a lot of its punch this last year. Left tackle will be held by sophomore Max Garcia. Still, Esdall will bring in a spread offense (similar to Clemson) that features high paced attack plays and attempts to wear down the defense.

Maryland’s defense returns a lot more, but lacks the talent that Friedgen could recruit on offense. Kenny Tate is the star (a term for a hybrid linebacker/defensive back) for this unit, but they look to be dropping him from safety to linebacker. It’s a bold move that should increase the overall speed (and make this unit look more like Rich Rodriguez’s 3-3-5). If Tate can be physical in the run game then they should look more like a traditional 4-3. The Terps will also feature a Rock (hybrid defensive end / linebacker) in David Mackall and Isaiah Ross. Both need to provide more pressure if this unit is to improve. If anything, Esdall should keep opponents guessing simply through his ability to move players. Opposing quarterbacks will need to find these big name players pre-snap which is another thing for them to worry about.

Florida State

Jimbo Fisher has stepped in perfectly to replace Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden. Going 10-4 in his first season, he brings in a dominant recruiting class and looks poised to bring FSU back to the promised land. Add in big wins over rivals Florida and Miami and a great performance over South Carolina in their bowl game and you see why Florida State fans are chomping at the bit to get this season going. This team has the best defense in the ACC built from the back-end up. Safety Lemarcus Joyner is neck and neck with Kenny Tate for best safety, and should be unchallenged this year with Tate’s move. At corner, Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid have a shot at playing on Sundays. Factor in junior defensive end Brandon Jenkins and this unit should be primed for a big year.

On offense, this unit is loaded, but hinges on the play of first year quarterback E.J. Manuel, who takes over for long-term starter Christian Ponder. Manuel was highly recruited and posses a ton of talent, but could see some growing pains his first couple of years. He should be well protected by a dominant offensive line, a trademark of the FSU program that wins the war in the trenches. This unit is led by senior tackle Andrew Datko who’ll be protecting Manuel’s blind side. He’ll be a bookend with senior Zebrie Sanders and that should be enough to keep Manuel comfortable most of the year. We’ll see how good this team is week 3, when the big bad Sooners come rolling into town in what should be one of the best games of the season.

N.C. State

N.C. State returns a very good team, but allowed quarterback Russell Wilson to head to Wisconsin and must replace his abilities if they want to have another 9 win season this year. Fortunately, head coach Tom O’Brian features a strong running game that should protect the new signal caller. Mustafa Greene is just a sophomore but is highly touted and fits nicely into this offense. The offensive line needs to improve on a 3.4 yards per carry last year, but with a year of experience and Greene healthy it is doable. Speaking of the new signal caller, Mike Glennon has some work to do in his first year. If the running game doesn’t carry this team, it’ll be up to Glennon to make plays. Tight end George Byran will help as a safety blanket and features to be a high draft pick in 2012.

On defense the Wolfpack intend to bring the heat early and often. They need to get into the backfield quickly because their pass defense has been atrocious the last few years. The secondary doesn’t bring a lot to the table so it’ll be up to linebackers Audie Cole and Terrell Manning to bring heat via the blitz. Still the unit is too thin and lacks top end talent to really be expected to keep this group together. The team as a whole is well coached so they could surprise, but look for this year to be a growing pain year.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest appears to have come down from cloud nine. After surprising many by taking the ACC by storm for a couple of years, the Demon Deacons fell down hard last year – going 3-9. Part of the problem was an inability to bring enough talented replacements in during their run and so Wake Forest was forced to play a lot of underclassmen. The good news is that those players now have a year under their belts. Sophomore Tanner Price leads the group but needs to show great strides this year if he wants Wake to give him the keys. His partner in the backfield – sophomore Josh Harris is an exciting weapon and can bust a big run any time. He beat out several upperclassmen last year to win the job so it’ll be on his shoulders to carry this team. Price also needs someone to step up in this receiving corp. This teams passing attack was simply horrendous last season. Price has had a year to develop some chemistry with junior Chris Givens but someone else stepping up wouldn’t hurt. The defense is a better unit. Sophomore nose tackle Nikita Whitlock was a beast last season generating 10.5 tackles for loss. Behind him is the leader of the unit, linebacker Kyle Wilber, who anchors their 3-4. He tacked on 14.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last year. These two would also like some help on defense, but the two of them should keep this unit respectable so long as the offense can keep opposing defenses on the field a bit longer.

Coastal

Miami

New coach Al Golden was looked at as a great hire for a program still trying to find the right man to bring them back into the prime time lights. Then Shapiro happened, and now this program is simply clinging to existence. Eight players suspended for the first game and a wealth of NCAA investigators swarming South Beach won’t help this team find its way into an ACC title game. Golden’s experience at Temple, where he took an unheralded program into recognition should translate well to Miami where he can coach up elite talents into superstars. His first task will be deciding on a quarterback and getting the best out of him. Jacory Harris‘ Heisman talk has disappeared and is part of the suspended group. Stephen Morris was his replacement last season, but didn’t spark this offense that was loaded with skill position talent and an impressive offensive line.

On defense, Miami brings a lot of talent and girth to the front 7, but the back-end has some concerns. Ray Ray Armstrong is a stud at safety and his opposite Vaughn Telemaque is solid, but they lost both starting corners last season without much to replace them with. Apparently they’ll run former safety JoJo Nicolas and converted running back Lee Chambers at corner, but expect that to change and change quickly. Up front defensive tackles Marcus Forston and Micanor Regis will stuff the run while Olivier Vernon hits the quarterback. The defense hasn’t returned to the glory days of Miami, but they have a lot of talent and play well. Turnovers will be key on both sides (Editors note: as shown in their opener loss to Maryland) and they need to settle on a quarterback. Frankly, they probably need to recruit someone else to step in which will be next to impossible if sanctions come down like expected.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech continues to be the work horse of the ACC. While the rest of the programs flounder in mediocrity, Virginia Tech continues to churn out 10 win seasons and championships. They haven’t quite managed to be in serious play for a national championship and there are rumblings that Frank Beamer is the Andy Reid of the college world, but Beamer ball has kept this teams trophy case pretty full. This is a season that will qualify as a ‘rebuilding effort’ for the Hokies. They have to replace starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor with Sophomore Logan Thomas (great name) who only has 26 attempts in his college career. He’s a prototype quarterback in this day and age – 6’6 245 and mobile. Likewise, Ryan Williams is in the NFL and junior David Wilson will have to step up for him. Wilson brings a bit more experience to the table and is a burner. Both these players will be protected by an offensive line that returns 4 of 5 starters and should dominant like last season. Likewise wide receivers Jarrett Boykin and Marcus Davis return, though Boykin is the only one bringing big game experience back. The offense is scary and talented, but like Florida State, they’ll have to work in their new quarterback.

On defense only half the unit returns from last year – one defensive lineman, 2 linebackers, and 2 defensive backs. This will mean that a lot of new blood is worked in. It also means that there will be 5-7 2nd year players stepping in. Virginia Tech always recruits well and brings a lot of talent in, but experience always counts. Expect some struggles on defense particularly at defensive line where pressure is very limited. Someone will step up, but it’ll depend on how quickly they do for Virginia Tech’s BCS hopes.

Duke

David Cutcliffe has brought Duke into the realm of relativity, but without them generating wins the progress will continue to seem minimal. The offense has begun to shine. Cutcliffe said he’d develop a quarterback and has in Sean Renfree who has blossomed into one of the ACC’s best quarterback. Conner Vernon and Donovan Varner continue to make plays at receiver, but its tight end Cooper Helfet who has really shined as a pass catcher. The offensive line is unspectacular, but does enough to allow Renfree to make all the plays he needs.

Sadly, all the progress made on offense has not been mirrored by the defense. This unit continues to be a sieve. They were last in the ACC in sacks last season and had to score 43 points a game to win 3 games last season. Unfortunately this unit gets phenom quarterback Andrew Luck week 2 and that will not be pretty as the most pro-ready quarterback since Peyton Manning tears this defense a new one. Still there are some talented players here. Nose guard Charlie Hatcher has been productive and could find himself on Sundays if he improves this season. Matt Daniels at safety is frequently around the ball carriers (because they’re everyone in the secondary). Cutcliffe is the best coach Duke has had, and while his offensive recruiting is impressive, he needs to improve the talent he gets on defense in these next few years. Duke will be patient with him because he is such a good coach, but they need to show more progress than 43 points a game and 60 allowed.

Georgia Tech

Paul Johnson declared that the option offense had not been ‘retired’ because it had been defeated by defenses, but that it had grown out of favor. Thus he arrived from Navy proclaiming that he would bring it into the limelight again. Several good years finally ended in a 6-7 campaign last season, but they have been reinstalling the offense around new pieces. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt and running back Anthony Allen have graduated and replacing them will be Johnson’s first task. Junior Tevin Washington and red shirt freshman Synjyn Days have competed for the job. Washington will likely get the call first, but I expect Days’ to take over relatively early. The running backs always take a committee approach in this offense. Returning backs Orwin Smith and Roddy Jones being about 1000 yards, but the hopes spring on Charles Perkins stepping in as the workhorse sooner rather than later.

On defense, coordinator Al Groh operates a 3-4 defense which returns the entire defensive line. This should be a big bonus because the entire secondary is new and half the linebackers. While the secondary is fresh on starters, all have played some snaps in the last few years, but it will take some time to work together before they gel. The pieces are in place for the future, but the defense will need to be overhauled by the time the offense is rolling again. Still Johnson will keep this program in line and competitive every year.

North Carolina

Well that’s two programs Butch Davis has rebuilt and then been forced to leave due to various NCAA infractions. The late departure won’t help this program transition either. Davis’ abilities to recruit top-tier talent has been evident for years and the talent still resides in Chapel Hill, but most of it cannot stick to the field. Last season was supposed to be the culmination of his work with a good shot at an ACC championship. Losing so many players to suspension derailed the season. Now they have a wealth of positions to replace and no long-term head coach. Offensively, quarterback T.J. Yates has departed for greener pastures, but blue chip recruit Bryn Renner will step in. He’s a pro-style quarterback that should fit in well if they maintain the offensive scheme. Senior Ryan Houston fills in at running back. He’s a hammer in this offense but has had difficulties holding up over a season. There aren’t many play-makers for Renner to target at this point. Receiver Dwight Jones is the best of the group, but as a senior, he won’t be able to develop as good a repertoire with Renner as a younger player.

Defensively this team is loaded. They lost four members of their front seven and yet no one is concerned. Quentin Coples and Tydreke Powell front line the defensive line and Coples is already being talked about as a 1st round pick. Linebacker Zach Brown is also in the high draft pick mix. Besides them are linebacker Kevin Reddick and defensive end Donte Paige-Moss who will be eligible for the draft after this year. Expect this group to be dynamic this year, but the whole group could go without hope for future success. Frankly, even a top name coach, big recruiting class, and a terrific year from Renner might not keep Reddick and Paige-Moss who could be 1st or 2nd round prospects. This team is still under the NCAA microscope, but it looks like the worst has passed. It’s now up to the school to bring in a big time coach to keep the momentum they have gathered from Butch Davis and not flounder like Miami did and has since his departure.

Virginia

2nd year coach Mike London continues to rebuild the Virginia program. The defense is solid, led by star cornerback Chase Minnifield. He’s the son of former pro bowl corner Frank Minnifield and is already living up to his dad’s name. Factor in defensive end Cam Johnson and linebackers LaRoy Reynolds and Steve Greer and this defense is ready to roll. London will work in underclassmen alongside veteran leadership. On offense this unit Sophomores Ross Metheny and Michael Rocco have been competing for the starting job with Rocco winning the job for the first week. It may not be a lasting job if he struggles, but London will likely give him a bit longer of a leash as he’s a sophomore. He’ll be protected by an elite offensive tackle following the recent history of NFL caliber offensive tackles – Morgan Moses. Mosses has played RG and RT, but figures to be RT this season and perhaps left tackle. A solid running game is boosted by the play of senior WR Kris Burd who had 58 receptions, almost 800 yards and 5 scores last season. If he can improve those numbers and draw more attention from defenses, it’ll open things up for the running game and protect the young quarterbacks.

Predictions:

Atlantic:

1. Florida State
2. Maryland
3. Boston College
4. Clemson
5. N.C. State
6. Wake Forest

Coastal

1. Virginia Tech
2. North Carolina
3. Miami
4. Georgia Tech
5. Virginia
6. Duke.

Hopefully you enjoyed my early defensive tackle rankings! I really think this defensive line class has the potential to rival that of this past year’s class, as highly touted as that was. Thanks for reading!

–Tom