Packerats 2010 Mock Draft

[Brandon494]

I'll take Cardinals and Bengals. Patriots don't have a pick in Round 3.

Sorry Joe but I already took the Cardinals, 49ers, and Browns.

The Cards have 2 picks in the third round so I gave one to each of you.

Yea thats the reason I wanted them

Its plenty teams open, let him pick another one.

[Fred's Slacks]

I'll take the texans third round pick.

[packrulz]

Selection Team
1 St. Louis(packrulz)= Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma.
2 Detroit(Fritz)= Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska.
3 Tampa Bay(red)= Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma.
4 Washington(3irty1)= Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame.
5 Kansas City(Lurker64)= Eric Berry, S, Tennessee.
6 Seattle(gbpackfan)=Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State.
7 Cleveland(pbmax)=Joe Hayden, CB, Florida
8 Oakland(Freak Out)=Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
9 Buffalo(ND72)=Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
10 Jacksonville(bobblehead)=Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
11 Denver (from Chicago) (Lost coin toss vs. Jaguars)(jmbarnes101)=Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
12 Miami(Charles Woodson)=Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
13 San Francisco (Lost coin toss vs. Titans)(Brandon494)=C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
14 Seattle (from Denver)(gbpackfan)=Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
15 N.Y. Giants(red)=Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
16 Tennessee(mazzin)=Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
17 San Francisco (from Carolina)(Brandon494)=Earl Thomas, CB/S, Texas
18 Pittsburgh(swede)=Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
19 Atlanta(mission)=Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
20 Houston (Lost coin toss vs. Falcons)(Lurker64)=Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State
21 Cincinnati(joemailman)=Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa
22 New England(joemailman)=Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
23 Green Bay(packerrats poll selection)=Anthony Davis, LT, Rutgers
24 Philadelphia(Justin Harrell)=Tyson Alualu, DE, Cal
25 Baltimore(mission)=Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
26 Arizona(packrulz)=Taylor Mays, FS, So. Cal.
27 Dallas(red)=Charles Brown, OT, USC
28 San Diego(mazzin)=Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
29 N.Y. Jets(swede)=Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
30 Minnesota(mngolf19)=Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
31 Indianapolis(Brandon494)=Brian Price, DT, UCLA
32 New Orleans(Bretsky)=Everson Griffin, DE, USC

Second round
Pk Sel # Team
1 33 St. Louis(jmbarnes101)=Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
2 34 Detroit(JustinHarrell)=Golden Tate, WR, ND
3 35 Tampa Bay(jmbarnes101)=Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State
4 36 Kansas City(Lurker64)=Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
5 37 Washington(pbmax)=Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana
6 38 Cleveland(pbmax)=Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
7 39 Oakland(Lurker64)=Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
8 40 San Diego (from Seattle)(Brandon494)=Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
9 41 Buffalo(Fred's Slacks)=Jared Odrick DT (now DE) Penn St.
10 42 Tampa Bay (from Chicago)(jmbarnes101)=Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
11 43 Miami(jmbarnes101)=Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
12 44 New England (from Jacksonville)(joemailman)=Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech
13 45 Denver(jmbarnes101)=Vladimir Ducasse, OT/OG Massachusetts
14 46 N.Y. Giants(Bretsky)=Devin McCourtey, CB Rutgers
15 47 New England (from Tennessee)(joemailman)=Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech
16 48 Carolina(packrulz)=Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
17 49 San Francisco(Brandon494)=Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
18 50 Kansas City (from Atlanta)(packrulz)=Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami (Fla.)
19 51 Houston(Lurker64)=Dominique Franks CB, OK
20 52 Pittsburgh(swede)=Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida
21 53 New England(joemailman)=Damian Williams WR USC
22 54 Cincinnati(joemailman)=Nate Allen S South Florida
23 55 Philadelphia(joemailman)=Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi
24 56 Green Bay(packerrats poll selection)=Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
25 57 Baltimore(mission)=Brandon LaFell LSU
26 58 Arizona(packrulz)=Rob Gronkowski ,TE, AZ
27 59 Dallas(packrulz)=Morgan Burnett, FS, GA Tec
28 60 Seattle (from San Diego)(JustinHarrell)=Lamaar Houston, DT, Texas
29 61 N.Y. Jets(swede)=Cory Wootton, Defensive End, Northwestern
30 62 Minnesota(Bretsky)=Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
31 63 Indianapolis(Bretsky)=Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
32 64 New Orleans(Bretsky)=CHAD JONES, S, LSU
Round Three:
1 (65) Rams(Bretsky)=KOA MISI, OLB, UTAH
2 (66) Lions(OS PA)=Toby Gerhart, RB Stanford
3 (67) Buccaneers(packrulz)=Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (PA)
4 (68) Chiefs(JustinHarrell)=Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
5 (69) Raiders(JustinHarrell)=John Jerry, OT, Mississippi
6 (70) Eagles (From Seahawks)(jmbarnes101)=Daryl Washington, OLB TCU
7 (71) Browns(Brandon494)=Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
8 (72) Bills( Fred's Slacks)=Cam Thomas DT North Carolina
9 (73) Dolphins(Joemailman)=Dekoda Watson OLB Florida State
10 (74) Jaguars(packrulz)=Sean Lee, ILB Penn State
11 (75) Bears (jmbarnes101)=Jon Asamoah, OG Illinois
12 (76) Giants(Joemailman)=Major Wright S Florida
13 (77) Titans(packrulz)=Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
14 (78) Panthers(packrulz)=Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
15 (79) 49ers (Brandon494)=Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
16 (80) Broncos(OS PA)=Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina
17 (81) Texans(Fred's Slacks)=
18 (82) Steelers(OS PA)=
19 (83) Falcons(jmbarnes101)=
20 (84) Bengals(Joemailman)=
21 (85) Browns (From Patriots through ...)(Brandon494)=
22 (86) Packers(packerrats poll selection)=
23 (87) Eagles(jmbarnes101)=
24 (88) Cardinals (From Ravens)(Brandon494)=
25 (89) Cardinals(Brandon494)=
26 (90) Cowboys
27 (91) Chargers(Bretsky)=
28 (92) Browns (From Jets)(Brandon494)=
29 (93) Vikings(Bretsky)=
30 (94) Colts(JustinHarrell)=
31 (95) Saints(JustinHarrell)=
32 (96) Bengals (Compensatory selection)(Joemailman)=
33 (97) Titans (Compensatory selection)(packrulz)=
34 (98) Falcons (Compensatory selection)(jmbarnes101)=

[Guiness]

The Redskins select QB Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame. Russell Okung is mighty tempting but the Redskins have no business passing on a franchise QB. Clausen might be the most NFL ready Jr. QB to ever enter the draft.

This that might change with the recent developments?

[Joemailman]

Just a reminder the 2nd round isn't over. Freak Out is on the clock with Dallas.

[packrulz]

Times up. The Cowboys are focused on improving their offensive line, especially after the releasing long-time starting LT Flozell Adams. They also sent FS Ken Hamlin packing so they could take advantage of a deep incoming class at that spot. They are thrilled that Morgan Burnett, FS, GA Tec, is still there. He should start right away.
Analysis
Read & React: Reliable instincts for the position. Diagnoses the play and accelerates quickly to the ball, showing little wasted motion. Understands his role as the last line of defense and takes good angles to limit the damage.

Man Coverage: A bit high in his backpedal, but can flip his hips to turn and run with receivers. Changes direction quickly enough that he was often asked to drop down as a nickel cornerback and appears to have the fluidity and break on the ball to do so at the next level. Good hand strength to press at the line of scrimmage. Keeps his hands on the receiver at the start of his route to disrupt timing with the quarterback. Quick, active hands to fight with the receiver as the ball arrives. Good ball skills (14 career INTs).

Zone Coverage: An alert zone defender, Burnett understands his role and the role of his teammates. Recognizes holes in the zone and is quick to react. Sneaks a peek back at the quarterback and breaks on the ball quickly. Has the straight-line speed and agility to change direction necessary in being a true centerfielder in three-deep coverage and the range for two-deep.

Closing/Recovery: Sneaks a peek into the backfield to read the quarterback's eyes. Generates speed quickly out of his breaks and shows a late burt to close. Locates the ball quickly and competes for the jump ball. Highpoints the ball and has the body control and strength in his hands to come down with the contested interception.

Run Support: Willing and active in run support. Attacks the line of scrimmage, but will take questionable angles to the ball and is too often forced to re-direct at the last moment and latch on for a drag-down tackle, rather than applying a forceful pop. Willing to take on blockers, but prefers to elude and make the tackle himself.

Tackling: Flashes some pop as a hitter. Can be an intimidating presence over the middle. Often leads with his shoulder rather than wrapping up. Generally a reliable wrap-up open-field tackler. Takes questionable angles when coming down in run support, forcing himself to lunge and latch on to the ballcarrier attempting to cut back against him. Has the strong, accurate hands to grab hold for the pull-down tackler, but this is an area in which he could improve. Stronger NFL runners will be able to break away from his arm tackles.

Intangibles: Elected to leave early despite what some characterized as a "disappointing" 2009 season. Signed with Georgie Tech as a highly touted prep prospect. Received offers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. First career touchdown came on an INT return against 2009 No. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford in 2008.

Justin Harrell is on the clock...

[Fritz]

I just want to say in what sexual fantasy is Anthony Davis available in the first round at #23? I haven't seen any mocks fall that way. He's usually mocked between 10-18, I think.

[jmbarnes101]

I just want to say in what sexual fantasy is Anthony Davis available in the first round at #23? I haven't seen any mocks fall that way. He's usually mocked between 10-18, I think.

The one's in which people have different ideas of someone. When it happened he was rumored to be slipping due to character concerns.

[RashanGary]

Seattle thought about Monterio Hardesy, RB and Veldheer, OT to fill needs. hardesy's knee issues scared us off and Veldheer, we just don't feel completely comfortable with right now.

Instead, we take advantage of an incredibly deep DL draft and go BPA. We've already added a DE with a hell of a first step and loads up upside in JPP. Now we're going with . . .


Lamaar Houston, DT, Texas.

Pass rush: Extremely agile for a 300-pounder and works relentlessly to reach the quarterback. Gets under the shoulder of his man if lined up in the gap or slanting. Beats most cut blocks with quickness and strong hands and is able to recover from initial stalemate to get after the passer. Good backfield awareness. Gets his hands up to deflect passes, though his height and length leave something to be desired. Dangerous on twists inside. Short arms cause him to work harder to get off blocks against top-level guards. Must improve pass-rush moves.

Run defense: Excellent pursuit down the line. Upper body and hands are strong enough for him to pull down ballcarriers while engaged with blockers. Regularly lines up at the five-technique, standing his ground against larger linemen using a strong punch and leverage. Stays square to the line, able to move laterally while engaged. Lacks the bulk play inside on run downs at the next level.

Explosion: Has a good first step, but not elite first-step quickness. Lines up with two hands down so often he must prove to scouts he can get off quickly from the three-technique; his ability to penetrate on slants shows he's capable. Gets his hands into a blocker's jersey quickly and pushes them back using leverage and brute strength.

Strength: Massive upper body. Should wow teams pumping bench-press reps at the Combine. Plays strong and has a good punch with violent hands to disengage. Uses low center of gravity to keep leverage against the run. Holds up larger lineman and double teams but will be engulfed by larger NFL linemen, unable to disengage when head-up.

Tackling: Very strong tackler, comes with aggression and does not let go once in contact with the ballcarrier. Agile enough to get through trash inside. Good flexibility and strength to bring down backs coming through the hole. Good burst to the quarterback once through the line. Does not break down in space and lacks the change-of-direction skills to capture elusiveness quarterbacks and running backs, but will chase them down with hustle and good straight-line speed.

Intangibles: Very competitive. Has an above-average motor and is willing to play hurt. Generally quiet, but took over vocal defensive line leadership role as a senior. Suspended for one game in 2008 after DWI arrest. Parents are both ministers.



Not quite as athletic as Suh, McCoy and Alualu, but close. In any other draft, he could be talked about as a first round pick. We nab him up and hope for some help in the 3rd - 7th rounds to fill our needs.

[RashanGary]

I would take the Colts and Saints too, if they're open.

[RashanGary]

Swede on the clock, then the Bretsky trio.

[swede]

The New York Jets select Cory Wootton, Defensive End, Northwestern.


http://www.draftcountdown.com/Scouti...ey-Wootton.php


If this kid slips to the third round he sounds like a heck of a player.

[packrulz]

Swede on the clock, then the Bretsky trio.

Bretsky quadruple.

[Bretsky]

The Vikes are surprised a future stud CB falls this far; the Vikings select Chris Cook, the CB from Virginia

Bretsky back in three hours for his threesome picks

[Fritz]

I just want to say in what sexual fantasy is Anthony Davis available in the first round at #23? I haven't seen any mocks fall that way. He's usually mocked between 10-18, I think.

The one's in which people have different ideas of someone. When it happened he was rumored to be slipping due to character concerns.

Good point. That's what sexual fantasies are all about.

Don't get me wrong - I'd be okay with that pick. I just haven't seen him mocked that low.

[Brandon494]

I just want to say in what sexual fantasy is Anthony Davis available in the first round at #23? I haven't seen any mocks fall that way. He's usually mocked between 10-18, I think.

The one's in which people have different ideas of someone. When it happened he was rumored to be slipping due to character concerns.

Good point. That's what sexual fantasies are all about.

Don't get me wrong - I'd be okay with that pick. I just haven't seen him mocked that low.

No one saw Aaron Rodgers falling to us either but I'm glad he did.

[Fritz]

I just want to say in what sexual fantasy is Anthony Davis available in the first round at #23? I haven't seen any mocks fall that way. He's usually mocked between 10-18, I think.

The one's in which people have different ideas of someone. When it happened he was rumored to be slipping due to character concerns.

Good point. That's what sexual fantasies are all about.

Don't get me wrong - I'd be okay with that pick. I just haven't seen him mocked that low.

No one saw Aaron Rodgers falling to us either but I'm glad he did.

How true that is.

[Bretsky]

[quote="Bretsky"]The Vikes are surprised a future stud CB falls this far; the Vikings select Chris Cook, the CB from Virginia

Overview
Cook has the size, speed and experience to surprise in the NFL. Injuries and academics proved to be his downfall at Virginia.

An immediate impact defender, Cook played in the first five games of his career -- he earned a start against Boston College in week five -- before a broken leg put him on the shelf for the rest of the 2005 season.

He came back strong to start 11 of 12 games in 2006, leading the UVA secondary with 58 stops. The injury bug hit him again in 2007, however, as he missed three games with a sprained knee. Academics became a problem, too. He was suspended for the Gator Bowl and missed the entire 2008 season. Having to earn back his starting spot, Cook enjoyed a strong senior campaign, posting a career high 10 pass breakups and four interceptions in '09.

Cook's strong senior season and solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl made him relevant with scouts again. His long frame and quick hands make him an intriguing option for teams using press coverage. His size and range make him a potential candidate to convert to safety, though he's been too inconsistent as an open-field tackler to believe that will be a seamless transition.
Analysis
Read & React: A step slow reacting to the play if he doesn't see it coming. Keeps his head on a swivel and will sneak a peek at the quarterback. Isn't able to generate the quick burst to close on the ball -- has long legs and only marginal foot quickness. Allows too many easy receptions. Does not possess the second gear to catch up when beaten vertically.

Man Coverage: Good hands for press coverage. Provides a stout initial pop and has the flexibility to turn and run with receivers. Strong, active hands to keep the receiver close throughout the early route. Doesn't have the flexibility and quick feet to mirror receivers, but is faster than he looks and is able to cheat back to the ball.

Zone Coverage: High backpedal, but has a smooth enough swivel to change direction. Good vision and route recognition for zone coverage. Reads the passer to make up for his lack of preferred burst.

Closing/Recovery: Has only marginal burst to make up ground quickly, though he does have at least moderate straight-line speed. Locates the ball and takes proper angles. Quick hands and good hand-eye coordination to knock away passes. Good size, body control and timing to compete for jump balls. Good ball skills. Best when facing the quarterback and some will grade him as a potential safety.

Run Support: Good size and strength to fight through blocks and make tackles in run support, but has to show more consistency. Doesn't use his hands well enough to disengage and prefers to elude blocks. Questionable toughness for the transition to safety.

Tackling: Generally reliable drag-down tackler. Good strength and long arms for the wrap-up stop. Isn't the physical defender his size would indicate. Too often is the nail, rather than the hammer, catching the ballcarrier and hanging on rather than driving through the ballcarrier. Lowers his head, which can lead to missed tackles. Good hustle downfield.

Intangibles: Twice suspended for academics while at Virginia, missing the 2008 Gator Bowl at the end of the 2007 season and the entire 2008 season. Considered leaving early for the NFL draft, but instead returned and emerged as a team leader in 2009. Voted a team captain in '09.
2009 Season
Cook led the Cavaliers with four interceptions in 2009 and was a key part of a defensive unit that ranked fourth in the ACC and 21st in the country in pass defense. The Lynchburg native started all 12 games for the Cavaliers in 2009, finishing the season with 10 passes defended-ninth best in the ACC. For his career, Cook tallied 143 total tackles, seven interceptions and 19 pass breakups.

[Bretsky]

INDY COLTS
The Colts have been stung off an on with the injury but and are looking for another playmaker on the DL. They go with their BPA on defense and note that you can never have enough pass rushers on the team.

The Indianapolis Colts Select Tyson Alualu, DT from the University of California

Yes, that's two DL with the first two picks

The AFC can PREPARE FOR OUR PAINOverview
Alualu was considered a top prospect as a prep and made an immediate impression upon arriving in the Pac-10. He stepped into the rotation as a true freshman, playing in every game, earning his first start and finishing with 16 tackles on the year.

He began a streak of 38 consecutive starts as a true sophomore, leading the Golden Bears with 52 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His career-high 62 tackles was the highest single-season total by a Cal defensive lineman since current Washington Redskin Andre Carter posted 60 in 2000. Despite facing constant double-teams, Alaalu matched Carter's 60 as a senior, picking up 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks to finally earn first-team All-Pac-10 recognition.

Quick, strong and passionate, Alualu's production is even more impressive considering he played defensive end in the 3-4 alignment -- a position typically defined as a block-consuming, role-playing spot more than a stat-producing position. Scouts believe Alualu's numbers would be even more impressive if he were playing in a 4-3 defense. He appears better suited to be a "three technique" defensive tackle.

Had Alaalu played in the Big Ten or SEC, more would know his name. Considering the impressive career he had at California, don't expect scouts to forget to include him among the Top 50 selections come April.

Analysis
Pass rush: Has a good initial burst and hand placement to get into the pads of the offensive tackle and drive him into the pocket. Lacks sustained speed off the edge to rush the passer as a defensive end and likely will be moved inside to tackle in the NFL. Marginal technique as a pass rusher. Relies on a bull rush and strong hands to disengage and uses mostly effort to collapse the pocket. Shows a spin move, but it is slow to develop and generally ineffective.

Run defense: Good initial quickness off the snap. Good lateral agility and balance to slide down the line against the toss and make the tackle at or near the line of scrimmage. Uses his natural leverage advantage and overall strength to anchor at the point of attack. Good upper-body strength to stack and shed in the running game.

Explosion: Provides good initial pop when meeting the blocker. Shows explosiveness in his hands with his ability to shed blocks and gives high effort to close, but only marginal burst.

Strength: Looks lighter on film than his listed weight, but plays with good strength at the point of attack.

[Bretsky]

LETS ALL SAY IT TOGETHER

SAINTS.....CHAMPIONSHIP

Got their briliant coach
Luck'd out with the dumb Dolphins failing Brees on a physical and got their QB
And then have been amazing mixing free agency with stellar drafts

Kudos

The Saints are retooling their defense and need to now add an athlete in the secondary.

The Saints are happy a stud fell in their laps

The NO Saints select.............

CHAD JONES...SAFETY FROM LSU

Chad Jones, LSU, 6-2, 221, 2: Though he's projected as a strong safety, that might be a bit of a misnomer for Jones, who managed nine bench-press repetitions of 225 pounds at the scouting combine. Jones rejected a large signing bonus from the Houston Astros, opting to play baseball and football for the Tigers. As a sophomore, he moved from nickel cornerback to starting free safety and collected 74 tackles, six pass breakups, three interceptions and had a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown. He is excellent in run support and closes well, but he must improve his backpedal. Jones posted a 2.70 ERA as a left-handed reliever in LSU's run to the 2009 College World Series championship. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com/CBS Sports/USA TODAY


Career Notes
Played in 40 games, starting 19 times, including all 13 games in 2009 … Opted to forgo his senior season at LSU to enter the NFL Draft … Standout in both football and baseball at LSU, winning national titles in both sports (2007 in football, 2009 in baseball) … A former 13th-round draft pick by the Houston Astros in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft … Emerged as a key relief pitcher for the baseball team while also seeing time in the outfield … Joined Jared Mitchell as the only two players in college history to claim a BCS national title and a baseball national title … The two also became the second and third athletes in school history to win a national title in multiple sports, joining Bennie Brazell, who won team titles in football and track and field during his career with the Tigers … Brother Rahim Alem was also a member of the LSU football team and the two played together for the Tigers for three years.

2009 Season
LSU's starter at free safety in all 13 games in 2009 … Served as LSU's punt returner when backed up against its own endzone … Fifth on team in tackles with 74 … Led team with three interceptions, including two against Louisiana-Lafayette in Week 3 … Other interception came against Arkansas that halted a first quarter drive deep in LSU territory … Broke up a total of six passes … Had eight tackles, one forced fumble, one PBU, a blocked kick and a tackle for a 3-yard loss in what was his final game in an LSU uniform against Penn State in the Capital One Bowl .. Had season-best 12 tackles against Florida …

Was named National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation and SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance at Mississippi State

… Recorded eight tackles against Mississippi State and batted down a pass in the endzone to help preserve LSU's victory with just over one minute left in the game … Returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State to give LSU the go-ahead points - the second-longest punt return in LSU history … Tallied two interceptions, four tackles and one pass breakup against Louisiana-Lafayette, marking the first time a Tiger had a multiple-interception game since Chris Hawkins had two interceptions at Auburn in 2008.

Analysis
Read & React: Still developing in this area. Sneaks a peek at the quarterback and takes some false steps. Quick to accelerate once he locates the ball. Struggled a bit early with questionable angles, but improved throughout the season.

Man Coverage: High and choppy backpedal because of his long legs. Good balance and sufficiently loose hips to change direction. Quick acceleration. Saw action in 27 games, including six starts, as nickel corner in 2008-09. Locates the ball and has good body control to make the leaping interception. Adjusts in the air and times his leap well. Good ball skills and the vision, agility and straight-line speed to generate yards after the interception.

Zone Coverage: High in his backpedal, but gains good depth on his drop. Allows the receiver to get too close before he turns with him, at times, allowing for small openings. Can do a better job of locating receivers in his zone.

Closing/Recovery: Closes downhill quickly and is a reliable open-field tackler. Trusts his own athleticism, but can be beaten over the top when he allows the receiver to eat up his cushion. Good straight-line speed, but lacks the elite second gear.

Run Support: One of his stronger areas. Attacks downhill and is an intimidating hitter. Good vision and anticipation to feel where the back is going and avoids blockers well. Has to improve fighting through blockers once engaged.

Tackling: Reliable open-field tackler. Breaks down well in space to make the secure stop against quicker athletes. Heavy hitter will occasionally lead with his shoulder to make the intimidating hit to protect the middle. Has shown the explosiveness to knock the ball free. Has four career forced fumbles.

Intangibles: Highly touted prep prospect ranked No. 1 among safeties by some scouting services. Team's primary punt returner in 2009 when backed up due to his reliable hands and strength to break tackles. Was given a 2nd-3rd round grade in the MLB draft, but slipped to the 13th round because he planned to play football. Turned down a $745,000 contract from Houston. Originally played in the outfield before dazzling coaches with his pitching ability. Jones retired five of the six batters he faced in the National Title game victory over Texas, striking out two. Good bloodlines. Brother, Rahim Alem, was LSU's starting defensive end and is also an NFL prospect. Nicknamed "Dreads of Doom" due to his dreadlocks.