*Early* - 2007 NFL Draft Prdictions

[woodbuck27]

Ref: http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=63969

Top 100 Players

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma*
2. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech*
4. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
5. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California*
7. Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
8. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville*
9. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Southern California*
10. Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State*
11. Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern California*
12. Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss
13. Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
14. Frank Okam, DT, Texas*
15. LaRon Landry, S, Louisiana State
16. Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina*
17. Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
18. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
19. Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
20. Sam Baker, OT, Southern California*
21. H.B. Blades, LB, Pittsburgh
22. Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
23. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
24. Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
25. Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
26. Jason Hill, WR, Washington State
27. Doug Free, OT, Northern Illinois
28. Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
29. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)
30. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan*
31. Brandon Siler, LB, Florida*
32. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
33. Jake Long, OT, Michigan*
34. Kyle Young, C, Fresno State
35. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona*
36. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame*
37. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (FL)*
38. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
39. Rufus Alexander, LB, Oklahoma
40. Jay Alford, DT, Penn State
41. Jordan Palmer, QB, Texas-El Paso
42. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Louisiana State*
43. Lynell Hamilton, RB, San Diego State*
44. Steve Smith, WR, Southern California
45. Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee
46. Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
47. Brandon Mebane, DT, California
48. Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State*
49. Darius Walker, RB, Notre Dame*
50. Michael Griffin, S, Texas
51. Jarrett Hicks, WR, Texas Tech
52. DeMario Pressley, DT, North Carolina State*
53. Tarell Brown, CB, Texas
54. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State*
55. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan*
56. Kenneth Darby, RB, Alabama
57. Ryan Kalil, C, Southern California
58. Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn*
59. Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame
60. Buster Davis, LB, Florida State
61. Sam Keller, QB, Arizona State
62. Brian Leonard, FB, Rutgers
63. Sedrick Ellis, DT, Southern California*
64. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan*
65. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
66. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Louisiana State
67. Kasey Struddard, OG, Texas
68. Joe Newton, TE, Oregon State
69. Keith Rivers, LB, Southern California*
70. Adam Spieker, C, Missouri
71. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
72. Alley Broussard, RB, Louisiana State*
73. Earl Everett, LB, Florida
74. Andrew Carnahan, OT, Arizona State
75. John Beck, QB, Brigham Young
76. Matt Heiran, TE, Nebraska
77. Lorenzo Booker, RB, Florida State
78. Todd Blythe, WR, Iowa State*
79. Chris Leak, QB, Florida
80. Josh Beekam, OG, Boston College
81. Anthony Waters, LB, Clemson
82. Mike Otto, OT, Purdue
83. Tyler Palko, QB, Pittsburgh
84. Baraka Atkins, DL, Miami (FL)
85. Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
86. DeAndre Jackson, CB, Iowa State
87. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State
88. Ali Highsmith, LB, Louisiana State
89. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
90. Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida
91. Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State
92. Albert Young, RB, Iowa*
93. Ali Highsmith, LB, Louisiana State*
94. Brian Daniels, OG, Colorado
95. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
96. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech*
97. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
98. Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State
99. Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio State*
100. Eric Weddle, S, Utah

An early Mock Draft - Round 1

http://www.draftking.com/nfl/2007/mockdraft.shtml

2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. San Francisco 49ers - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2. Buffalo Bills - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
3. Houston Texans - Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St.
4. Tennessee Titans - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
5. New York Jets - Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St.
6. Green Bay Packers - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
7. Detroit Lions - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
8. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blalock, OT, Texas
9. Cleveland Browns - Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Ohio St.
10. New Orleans Saints - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
11. Oakland Raiders - Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
12. Baltimore Ravens - LaRon Landry, S, LSU
13. Arizona Cardinals - Rufus Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma
14. Atlanta Falcons - Brandon Mebane, DT, California
15. Jacksonville Jaguars - Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Earl Everett, OLB, Florida
17. Minnesota Vikings - Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio St.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
20. New York Giants - Jay Alford, DT, Penn State
21. Miami Dolphins - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
22. Chicago Bears - Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
24. San Diego Chargers - Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
25. Washington Redskins - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
26. Dallas Cowboys - Steve Smith, WR, USC
27. Denver Broncos - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
28. Carolina Panthers - Brandon Merriweather, S, Miami
29. Pittsburgh Steelers - Quentin Moses, DE/OLB, Georgia
30. New England Patriots - LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
31. Seattle Seahawks - Jason Hill, WR, Washington St.
32. Indianapolis Colts - H.B. Blades, ILB, Pittsburgh

[woodbuck27]

Positional Rankings

http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=63969

QB
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Brian Brohm, Louisville*
3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
4. Jordan Palmer, Texas-El Paso
5. JaMarcus Russell, Louisiana State*
6. Chad Henne, Michigan*
7. Sam Keller, Arizona State
8. Kevin Kolb, Houston
9. Chris Leak, Florida
10. Troy Smith, Ohio State
11. John Beck, Brigham Young
12. Tyler Palko, Pittsburgh
13. Drew Tate, Iowa
14. Pat White, West Virginia*
15. John David Booty, Southern California*
16. Jared Zabransky, Boise State
17. Lester Ricard, Tulane
18. Trent Edwards, Stanford
19. Kyle Wright, Miami (FL)*
20. Jeff Rowe, Nevada

RB
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma*
2. Marshawn Lynch, California*
3. Michael Bush, Louisville
4. Kenny Irons, Auburn
5. Lynell Hamilton, San Diego State*
6. Darius Walker, Notre Dame*
7. Kenneth Darby, Alabama
8. Albert Young, Iowa*
9. Tyrone Moss, Miami (FL)
10. Mike Hart, Michigan*
11. Lorenzo Booker, Florida State
12. Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
13. Alley Broussard, Louisiana State*
14. Antonio Pittman, Ohio State*
15. Jamario Thomas, North Texas*
16. DeShawn Wynn, Florida
17. Tony Hunt, Penn State
18. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M
19. Stevie Hicks, Iowa State
20. Robert Merrill, Texas Christian

FB
1. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
2. Peyton Hillis, Arkansas*
3. Brandon Hancock, Southern California
4. LeRon McClain, Alabama
5. Doug Jones, Cincinnati
6. Tim Castille, Alabama
7. Jesse Allen, Virginia Tech
8. Jason Snelling, Virginia
9. Jacob Hester, Louisiana State*
10. Bryson Davis, Mississippi State

WR
1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech*
2. Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California*
3. Sidney Rice, South Carolina*
4. Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State*
5. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
6. Jason Hill, Washington State
7. Steve Smith, Southern California
8. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
9. Todd Blythe, Iowa State*
10. Dwayne Bowe, Louisiana State
11. Andre Caldwell, Florida
12. Limas Sweed, Texas*
13. Paul Williams, Fresno State
14. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
15. Steve Breaston, Michigan
16. James Hardy, Indiana*
17. Courtney Taylor, Auburn
18. Robert Meachem, Tennessee*
19. Ryne Robinson, Miami (OH)
20. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina

TE
1. Greg Olsen, Miami (FL)*
2. Zach Miller, Arizona State*
3. Clark Harris, Rutgers
4. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
5. Joe Newton, Oregon State
6. Matt Herian, Nebraska
7. Martin Rucker, Missouri*
8. Jonny Harline, BYU
9. Scott Chandler, Iowa
10. Fred Davis, Southern California
11. Derek Schouman, Boise State
12. Brent Celek, Cincinnati
14. Martez Milner, Georgia
15. Dante Rosario, Oregon
16. Johnathan Stupar, Virginia*
17. Jamaal Lewis, Arizona State
18. Tate Casey, Florida*
19. Cole Bennett, Auburn
20. Dan Murray, Connecticut

OT
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Sam Baker, Southern California*
3. Levi Brown, Penn State
4. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
5. Jake Long, Michigan*
6. Arron Sears, Tennessee
7. Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
8. Barry Richardson, Clemson*
9. Mike Otto, Purdue
10. Andrew Carnahan, Arizona State
11. Herbert Taylor, Texas Christian
12. Jeff Perrett, Tulsa
13. Corey Hilliard, Oklahoma State
14. Dan Inman, Georgia
15. Mike Jones, Iowa
16. Kirk Barton, Ohio State*
17. Tony Hills, Texas*
18. Andrew Cameron, California
19. Stephon Heyer, Maryland
20. Kyle Tatum, Alabama

OG
1. Justin Blalock, Texas
2. Samson Satele, Hawaii
3. Brian Daniels, Colorado
4. Josh Beekman, Boston College
5. Kasey Studdard, Texas
6. Ben Grubbs, Auburn
7. Jordan Grimes, Purdue*?
8. Robert Turner, New Mexico
9. Tim Duckworth, Auburn
10. James Marten, Boston College (OT)
11. Will Arnold, Louisiana State*
12. Steve Vallos, Wake Forest
13. Roman Fry, Clemson
14. Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
15. Matt Maddox, Illinois
16. George Batiste, Southern Mississippi
17. Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green*
18. Jeremy Sheffey, West Virginia
19. Nathan Bennett, Clemson
20. Brian Anderson, Mississippi State

C
1. Kyle Young, Fresno State
2. Ryan Kalil, Southern California
3. Adam Spieker, Missouri
4. Dan Mozes, West Virginia
5. Mark Fenton, Colorado
6. Lyle Sendlein, Texas
7. Dustin Fry, Clemson
8. Cedric Gagne-Marcoux, Central Florida
9. John Sullivan, Notre Dame
10. Leroy Harris, North Carolina State
11. Mike Martinez, New Mexico State
12. Tanner Jenkins, Arkansas State
13. Enoka Lucas, Oregon
14. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama*
15. Nick Jones, Georgia
16. Doug Datish, Ohio State
17. Anthony Wollschlager, Miami (FL)
18. Kurt Mann, Nebraska
19. Jason Karcher, Wyoming
20. Doug Legursky, Marshall*

DE
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
2. Lawrence Jackson, Southern California*
3. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
4. Quentin Moses, Georgia
5. Tim Crowder, Texas
6. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
7. Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan
8. Baraka Atkins, Miami (FL) (DT)
9. Mkristo Bruce, Washington State
10. Marquies Gunn, Auburn
11. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
12. Quentin Groves, Auburn
13. Loren Howard, Arizona State
14. Brian Robison, Texas
15. Kenny Iwebema, Iowa
16. C.J. Ah You, Oklahoma
17. Jarvis Moss, Florida*
18. Darius Sanders, Oregon
19. Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech*
20. Larry McSwain, Alabama Birmingham

DT
1. Frank Okam, Texas*
2. Alan Branch, Michigan*
3. Jay Alford, Penn State
4. Brandon Mebane, California
5. DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State*
6. Justin Harrell, Tennessee
7. Sedrick Ellis, Southern California*
8. Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
9. Marcus Thomas, Florida
10. Kareem Brown, DT, Miami (FL)
11. Red Bryant, Texas A&M*
12. Jordan Hill, Arizona State
13. Ray McDonald, Florida
14. Keith Jackson, Arkansas
15. Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State*
16. David Patterson, Ohio State
17. DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina State
18. Jeremy Clark, Alabama
19. Andre Fluellen, Florida State*
20. Kevin Brown, UCLA

OLB
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
3. Dan Connor, Penn State*
4. Earl Everett, Florida
5. Keith Rivers, Southern California*
6. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
7. Ali Highsmith, Louisiana State*
8. Justin Warren, Texas A&M
9. Brian Toal, Boston College
10. Prescott Burgess, Michigan
11. Tim Shaw, Penn State
12. Will Herring, Auburn
13. Dallas Sartz, Southern California
14. Juwan Simpson, Alabama
15. Zach Latimer, Oklahoma
16. KaMichael Hall, Georgia Tech
17. Robert Killebrew, Texas*
18. Stephen Nicholas, South Florida
19. Jarvis Jackson, Georgia
20. Sam Olajubutu, Arkansas

MLB
1. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
2. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
3. Brandon Siler, Florida*
4. Buster Davis, Florida State
5. Anthony Waters, Clemson
6. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech*
7. Matt Muncy, Ohio
8. Korey Hall, Boise State
9. Desmond Bishop, California
10. Oscar Lua, Southern California
11. Thaddaeus Washington, Colorado
12. Mike D’Andrea, Ohio State
13. Kelvin Smith, Syracuse
14. George Hall, Purdue
15. Jon Abbate, Wake Forest*
16. Justin Durant, Hampton
17. Tony Taylor, Georgia
18. Kevin McLee, West Virginia
19. Dedrick Harrington, Missouri
20. Dave Harris, Michigan

CB
1. Daymeion Hughes, California
2. Antoine Cason, Arizona*
3. Tarell Brown, Texas
4. Leon Hall, Michigan
5. DeAndre Jackson, Iowa State
6. Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
7. Eric Wright, UNLV*
8. Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh*
9. D.J. Wolfe, Oklahoma*
10. Fred Bennett, South Carolina
11. Marcus Hamilton, Virginia
12. David Irons, Auburn
13. Marquice Cole, Northwestern
14. Kenny Scott, Georgia Tech
15. Tim Mixon, California
16. Ramzee Robinson, Alabama
17. John Talley, Duke
18. A.J. Davis, North Carolina State
19. Chevis Jackson, Louisiana State*
20. Aaron Ross, Texas

S
1. LaRon Landry, Louisiana State
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami (FL)
3. Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
4. Michael Griffin, Texas
5. Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
6. Eric Weddle, Utah
7. Anthony Reddick, Miami (FL)*
8. Wesley Smith, Memphis
9. Jesse Daniels, Louisiana State
10. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State*
11. Josh Gattis, Wake Forest
12. J.D. Nelson, Oregon
13. Roderick Rogers, Wisconsin
14. Reggie Nelson, Florida
15. Zach Catanese, Arizona State
16. Josh Pinkard, Southern California*
17. Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee*
18. Marcus Paschal, Iowa
19. Marcus Watts, Kansas State*
20. Sabby Piscitelli, Oregon State

*=Denotes underclassman.

[Fosco33]

I'm surprised Joe Thomas is that high on the list especially after his injury.

Imagine if Hawk and Quinn were both Packers - not that it'll happen but Laura wouldn't have to travel far to watch her boyfriend and brother.



Who has this same info from last year's predictions of this past year's draft and how accurate were they?

[woodbuck27]

Early Entry 2007
Early peeks at 2007's possible early entries

By Richard Cirminiello

Brady Quinn knows that he'll watch the 2007 NFL Draft like none other that have preceded it. At this time next year, the Notre Dame quarterback with the first-round arm will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the next destination in his athletic journey. The same goes for LSU safety LaRon Landry, Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny and hundreds of other kids that will exhaust their NCAA eligibility at the end of the upcoming season. The whole lot of them knows it's T-minus 360 or so days before they discover what colors they'll be wearing next.

The same cannot be said about a swath of juniors and redshirt sophomores, such as Louisville's Brian Brohm or South Carolina's Sidney Rice, who are talented enough to vie for a first-round signing bonus next spring, but still have a year or two of eligibility remaining. Their futures will also include the NFL, however, the timetable is a little less certain. For these players, the wheels are already turning, and they'll be spinning off their axels once selections begin to be made Saturday afternoon in New York City. They'll never admit it publicly, but privately, they're already on the early entry clock with a decision whether to stay in school or enter the draft forthcoming in another eight or nine months. Coaches, fans, teammates, pro scouts and agents will react to the news like an extra in an E.F. Hutton commercial.

It's early and so much rests on 2006 performances and recommendations from the NFL Advisory Committee, but for a handful of college football's premier non-seniors, the season that lies ahead could be their final one as an amateur.

1. RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma Remember the stir that Matt Leinart created when he announced he'd be back at USC for his senior year? If Peterson decides to return to school in 2007, it'll be even bigger news. He's a once-every-generation franchise back, who'll have a difficult time ignoring the high first-round grade he gets later this year. Not since Bo Jackson 20 years ago has a college back had such a blend of power and speed, and depending on the need of its owner, the top overall pick could be Peterson or Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.

2. WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech At times last season, it became obvious that Johnson was out growing the college game and becoming a pro caliber receiver, who just wasn't getting paid. Don't pay too much attention to his pedestrian numbers, which have more to do with double teams and a battery mate that won't play quarterback beyond Tech. When sizing up Johnson, the only numbers that matter are the ones that will be off the charts at the NFL combine. He's also a model citizen from a great family, and the early favorite to be the first receiver taken next April.

3. QB Brian Brohm, Louisville Brohm is a future first-round draft choice, but whether that'll be in 2007 or 2008 remains to be seen. Ever since high school, he's had the air, the arm and the acumen of a pro quarterback. His first order of business, however, will be to prove he's completely healthy. Last November, he tore the ACL in his right knee, but appeared well ahead of schedule this spring and will be ready to lead the Cardinal offense when they host rival Kentucky Sept. 2.

4. WR Dwayne Jarrett, USC Jarrett has grown up fast at USC. Wasn't it just two years ago that he was a skinny, homesick teen struggling with dropped passes as Mike Williams heir apparent? Those days are gone forever, particularly after he pulled down 91 balls in 2005 and led the country with 16 touchdown receptions. Jarrett is 6-5 with great hands, and a real safe bet to be the next Trojan to turn the three-year college plan into a fat, first-day signing bonus.

5. OT Sam Baker, USC Every year since 1991, at least two offensive tackles have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Baker is good enough to be one of those linemen in either of the next springs. A returning All-American, he's been the Trojans anchor two years running, a distinction that won't be changing in the upcoming season. Baker seals off edge rushers as well as any returning tackle in the country, which will be especially important in 2006 since he'll be protecting the quarterback's backside for the first time in his college career.

6. TE Greg Olsen, Miami The mere suggestion that Olsen could become the most dynamic tight end to ever play at a school that's produced Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks is a testament to his enormous potential. At 6-5 and 255 pounds, he has ideal size to go along with soft hands, good wheels and crisp routes. Olsen is also an above average blocker, but is most dangerous when he's stretching the seam or matched with on linebacker, and is a strong favorite to be the first tight end chosen if he decides to leave school early.

7. WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina Rice is a sophomore, but sat out 2004 with a bum knee, making him eligible for the 2007 draft. He won't pass it up. Some players are just built for Sundays, and Rice is one of them. He's an athletic, 6-4 receiver, who, like a Braylon Edwards or Larry Fitzgerald, has a knack for skying above defenders and plucking the ball off the horizon. That he's the best receiver Steve Spurrier has ever coached may be part hyperbole, but being the SEC's top receiver two years running will be proof enough Rice is ready for the next level.

8. WR Ted Ginn, Ohio State Everyone knows Ginn has mercurial speed and can't be caught once he gets behind a secondary or punt coverage team, but is he physically ready for the demands of the NFL? The season ahead might go a long way toward answering that question as he assumes the role of primary target now that Santonio Holmes has taken his game to the pros. The word around Columbus is that Ginn has a few pounds and is becoming a more complete receiver, which might quell concerns he'll be the second coming of Desmond Howard once he gets to the pros.

9. OT Jake Long, Michigan Long, who's making the switch from right to left tackle in 2006, has shed 20 pounds since last year's injury-riddled season and looked quicker and stronger than ever this spring. He's 6-7, but is much more than a big body, displaying excellent footwork and technique to go along with his brute strength and ability to overpower opposing linemen on running plays. If he's successful protecting Chad Henne's blindside this season, his stock will soar even higher by the end of his junior campaign.

10. DT Frank Okam, Texas Derrick Johnson is in the NFL. And Rod Wright and Michael Huff will be joining him soon. It's time for Okam to become the star of the Longhorn defense, a role he's capable of playing. He is the kind of prototypical, two-gap NFL tackle that all 32 franchises covet. Okam is 6-5, 315 pounds, but moves extremely well and can provide a pass rush like few others at his position. He's also bright and hard working, and is going to get a projection later this year from the league's advisory committee that might be too tempting to pass up.

11. QB Chad Henne, Michigan The Wolverines have spent the past 15 years making a case for being the nation's best developers of pro-style quarterbacks, and Henne is their poster boy. He has it between the ears like most Michigan signal-callers, but also has the top-shelf physical attributes that separate him from those that have preceded him. Henne can make all the throws, moves well in the pocket and possesses the maturity and game-management skills that come with being a two-year starter. With a little more consistency will come a very tough decision at the end of the Big Ten season.

12. LB Brandon Siler, Florida From the moment he arrived in Gainesville, Siler has been productive way
beyond his years. In two years, the true junior already has 141 tackles, 20 behind the line, but it's those seven forced fumbles in 2005, which really paint the picture of a defensive intimidator. Beyond his sideline-to-sideline speed and vicious hits, NFL teams are going to love his package of intangibles. Siler is heady on the field and in the classroom, works hard and is a born leader.

13. DE Lawrence Jackson, USC While most everyone was paying attention to the parade of stars on offense, Jackson was emerging as the next big thing in Trojan defensive linemen. He led the defense with 10 sacks and chipped in four forced fumbles, while just scratching the surface of his potential and laying the foundation for what could be an All-American junior season. Jackson is 6-5 and 265 pounds, yet sacrifices nothing in the quickness department, which makes containing him an all-day job for Pac-10 tackles.

14. TE Zach Miller, Arizona State Miller is a proven force as a pass-receiver and an underrated blocker on running plays. In other words, he's exactly the type of tight end the NFL craves these days. He possesses ideal size and already has 94 catches for 1,028 yards and 10 touchdowns, numbers that would have been higher had it not been for ankle and foot injuries that shelved him for a pair of games. With 12 months before the 2007 draft, Miller and Miami's Greg Olsen are the nation's best pro prospects, and both have two years of eligibility left.

15. RB Marshawn Lynch, Cal As it stands today, the 2007 draft looks as if it'll be light on top running backs, which could be the impetus for an early departure from Lynch. He's a premier back with breakaway speed and a penchant for shedding tacklers. In two years at Cal, he's averaging more than seven yards a carry and can also contribute on special teams and in the passing game. Lynch has only scratched the surface of his potential, and has showed signs in the off-season that he's preparing for a monster junior year.

16. CB Antoine Cason, Arizona In just two seasons since exiting the halls of Los Alamitos (Calif.) High School, Cason has established himself as one of college football's premier cover corners. That doesn't mean, however, he won't fill the lanes in run support and level an opposing back. Cason has yet to miss a down in two seasons and has been in on 120 tackles, 92 of which were unassisted. Package his physical play with 4.4 speed and an infectious work ethic, and you've got the ingredients of a future first-day draft choice.

17. DT Alan Branch, Michigan Branch came on like gangbusters during last year's sophomore season, muscling his way into the starting lineup and displaying insane quickness and agility for a 6-6, 325-pound interior lineman. He flipped between end and tackle a year ago, a testament to his versatility, and closed the year with a career-high eight tackles and five tackles for loss in a dominant Alamo Bowl performance. Because hulking tackles that can pressure the quarterback are such a rarity, Branch is going to make himself a bundle of money if he continues improving in 2006.

18. RB Lynell Hamilton, San Diego State After successive injury-plagued years, Hamilton is due for a season of health and prosperity. And if that occurs in 2006, he'd be wise to capitalize on the good fortune and immediately forego his final year of eligibility. Hamilton debuted with 1,087 yards as a true freshman, but sat out 2004 while recovering from a broken leg and was hampered by a bad hammy in 2005. If the injury bug can be exterminated this fall, his blend of power and speed will draw comparisons to Laurence Maroney from pro scouts.

19. RB Gary Russell, Minnesota One year after accounting for 1,357 yards and 19 touchdowns as a reserve, Russell is academically ineligible this spring; a sure-fire recipe for early entry into the NFL. He's taking classes at Inver Hills Community College and is also making up work at UM, but a return to the Gophers this fall is no certainty. Russell is surprisingly nimble for a 220-pound, between-the-tackles back, but needs to get back to the team this summer for his draft grade to be at its peak for next April.

20. DT DeMario Pressley, NC State Mario Williams, Manny Lawson and John McCargo are gone from last year's front wall. It's time for the gem of the 2004 recruiting class to emerge from their shadows and blossom into a star. Pressley is approaching 300 pounds on his 6-4 frame, but is as explosive as some ends, which will give a much-needed boost to the Pack's pass rush. If he plays to the lofty expectations that preceded his arrival in Raleigh, he might echo Williams and McCargo at the end of the year, and leave a season of eligibility on the table.

[woodbuck27]

Ref: http://www.nfldraftforecast.com/mock/round1.shtml

Finally - here is an EARLY Three Round MOCK Draft.

Round One.

Pick Team Player Pos. College Class
1 Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech Jr.
2 Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame Sr.
3 Dwayne Jarrett WR USC Jr.
4 Paul Posluszny LB Penn St. Sr.
5 Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma Jr.
6 Justin Blalock OT/OG Texas Sr.
7 Laron Landry S LSU Sr.
8 Sidney Rice WR South Carolina Soph.
9 Ted Ginn WR Ohio St. Jr.
10 Michael Griffin S Texas Jr.
11 Joe Thomas OT Wisconsin Sr.
12 Jeff Samardzija WR Notre Dame Sr.
13 Patrick Willis LB Mississippi Sr.
14 Michael Bush RB Louisville Sr.
15 Antonie Cason CB Arizona Jr.
16 Tom Zbikowski S Notre Dame Sr.
17 Marshawn Lynch RB California Jr.
18 Jordan Palmer QB UTEP Sr.
19 Daymeion Hughes CB California Sr.
20 Doug Free OT/OG No. Illinois Sr.
21 Brian Brohm QB Louisville Jr.
22 LaMarr Woodley DE Michigan Sr.
23 Greg Olsen TE Miami (FL) Jr.
24 Levi Jones OT Penn St. Sr.
25 Gaines Adams DE Clemson Sr.
26 Jake Long OT Michigan Sr.
27 JaMarcus Russell QB LSU Jr.
28 Ray McDonald DT Florida Sr.
29 Lawrence Jackson DE USC Jr.
30 Sedrick Ellis DT USC Jr.
31 Brandon Siler LB Florida Jr.
32 Johnnie Lee Higgins WR UTEP Sr.


Round 2.

Pick Team Player Pos. College Class
33 Alan Branch DT Michigan Jr.
34 Mason Crosby K Colorado Sr.
35 Josh Pinkard CB/S USC Jr.
36 David Irons CB Auburn Sr.
37 Marcus Thomas DT Florida Sr.
38 Drew Stanton QB Michigan St. Sr.
39 Samson Satale OG Hawaii Sr.
40 Tony Taylor LB Georgia Sr.
41 Kenny Irons RB Auburn Sr.
42 Jarvis Moss DE Florida Jr.
43 Mike Otto OT Purdue Sr.
44 Ryan Harris OT Notre Dame Sr.
45 Paul Williams WR Fresno St. Sr.
46 Keith Rivers LB USC Jr.
47 Zach Miller TE Arizona St. Jr.
48 Daniel Inman OT Georgia Sr.
49 Jason Hill WR Washington St. Sr.
50 H.B. Blades LB Pittsburgh Sr.
51 Chad Henne QB Michigan Jr.
52 Jay Alford DT Penn St. Sr.
53 Garrett Wolfe RB No. Illinois Sr.
54 Ryne Robinson WR Miami (OH) Sr.
55 Clark Harris TE Rutgers Sr.
56 Brandon Meriweather S Miami (FL) Sr.
57 Matt Spaeth TE Minnesota Sr.
58 Frank Okam DT Texas Jr.
59 Earl Everett LB Florida Sr.
60 Fred Bennett CB South Carolina Sr.
61 Troy Smith QB Ohio St. Sr.
62 Brian Leonard RB Rutgers Sr.
63 Leon Hall CB Michigan Sr.
64 Tyrone Moss RB Miami (FL) Sr.


Round 3.

Pick Team Player Pos. College Class
65 Drew Tate QB Iowa Sr.
66 Vince Hall LB Virginia Tech Jr.
67 Jared Zabransky QB Boise St. Sr.
68 Rufus Alexander LB Oklahoma Sr.
69 Arron Sears OT Tennessee Sr.
70 Dwayne Bowe WR LSU Sr.
71 Ali Highsmith LB LSU Jr.
72 Michael Hart RB Michigan Jr.
73 Brian Robison DE Texas Sr.
74 Limas Sweed WR Texas Jr.
75 Anthony Reddick S Miami (FL) Jr.
76 Jarrett Hicks WR Texas Tech Sr.
77 Kenneth Darby RB Alabama Sr.
78 Lorenzo Booker RB Florida St. Sr.
79 Dan Mozes OG West Virginia Sr.
80 Xavier Adibi LB Virginia Tech Jr.
81 Steve Breaston WR Michigan Sr.
82 Deshawn Wynn RB Florida Sr.
83 Tim Mixon CB California Sr.
84 Tyler Palko QB Pittsburgh Sr.
85 Steve Smith WR USC Sr.
86 Derek Landri DT Notre Dame Sr.
87 Oscur Lua LB USC Sr.
88 Josh Beekman OG Boston College Sr.
89 D'Juan Woods WR Oklahoma St. Sr.
90 Kenny Scott CB Georgia Tech Sr.
91 Tim Duckworth OG Auburn Sr.
92 Baraka Atkins DE Miami (FL) Sr.
93 Aaron Ross CB Texas Sr.
94 Prescott Burgess LB Michigan Sr.
95 Jessie Daniels S LSU Sr.
96 Scott Chandler TE Iowa Sr.

It's early but never too soon to get on top of the future for OUR team.

[The Leaper]

There is some serious talent in next year's draft on the top end...not sure how deep it is though.

[Row 67]

GB will need to go WR/DE/CB in first round next year. OT would be the other position they might look at. If the zone blocking scheme is working, they can pick up an RB in latter rounds, or possibly FA. DE and CB will be tough to get quality for the price they would be willing to pay in FA, so I'd look for them to draft high there.

[ND72]

why would they look at a Tackle? Do you remember the names Clifton and Tauscher? Just thought I'd ask. If I had to pick NOW, i'd say GB takes a WR, with a lot of the talent there is at WR next year. DE probably, only if it's bye bye KGB. CB, maybe, but they have some talent there at CB now, Harris i think is over rated, but will do for a while...and Woodson should be solid.

[woodbuck27]

"GB will need to go WR/DE/CB in first round next year." Row 67

The way the team projects now I'm thinking:

RB/DE/WR or ** CB

** and at present we should see some doubts at the CB position. Hopefully we get 2-3 seasons of decent play out of Charles Woodson, but how much longer can we expect Al Harris to be effective and Ahmad Carroll is, to say the least, erratic.

[ND72]

AH...yeah that's what i meant to write as well...RB will be a big need for them.

[Tony Oday]

22. Chicago Bears - Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want him to be a Packer that would be NICE!!!!

[Carolina_Packer]

Jeff Samardzija was just drafted in the 5th round by the Cubs in this year's baseball draft. We'll see if he decides football or baseball. Apparently his stuff is pretty good as a pitcher.

[Chubbyhubby]

Welcome Carolina Packer stay awhile and post often!

[woodbuck27]

Pick Safety

Written by PackerChatters Staff
Monday, 19 June 2006

By crunching numbers dating back to 1994, Sam Roberts of NFL Draft Blitz breaks down the top ten draft picks of each year, and tells us what positions he considers "safe" picks for NFL teams on draft day.

Every year there are tons of controversy and conversation about whether a player will be a bust or star in the NFL. It's one of the hottest topics to every NFL Draft follower, and it seems everyone has their own opinion about the future success or failure of a certain player. With the draft being practically a crap shoot, it's almost unpredictable to say which players will boom, bust or become consistent starters.

But, with accurate research you can come to a conclusion about what positions produce players that are so-called "safe picks".

This year, some of the widely regarded safe players were A.J Hawk and Vernon Davis because there isn't much of a learning curve in drafting a linebacker or tight end.

On the other hand, when you draft a quarterback, if you pick the wrong guy it can set your franchise behind for years and years.

I've compiled a list for each position that has been selected in the top ten between 1994 and 2004. The list contains busts, consistent starters, and stars. This should provide at least a little bit of info on the safer positions in the NFL Draft.

Qualifications for bust: Player has started less than 80% of their games, and is widely considered an NFL bust.

Qualifications for consistent starter: Player has started in over 65% of their games or started over 50 games.

Qualifications for star: Has made one or more Pro Bowl and is highly regarded as a star player.




Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair and Michael Vick have all reached the star category. These players were all great decisions by their respective teams, and have grown into great NFL players. Trent Dilfer and Kerry Collins have become consistent starters, and while they may not have turned out to be the players they were supposed to be, they were not complete busts. Both players have actually appeared in one or more Super Bowl. Joey Harrington, Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Heath Shuler, Tim Couch and David Carr are classified as busts. Carr and Harrington still have time to change their current status, but for now they haven�t performed nearly as well as expected. Thirty-three percent of these guys have become stars, 13% have become starters and 54% became busts. Based on these numbers, quarterback is far and away the most important and most unpredictable position to select in the draft.

Running Backs

LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James, Marshall Faulk, Jamal Lewis and Ricky Williams developed into stars. Lewis has had off the field issues recently, and Faulk is considering retirement. Ricky Williams is now in the CFL, and recently has had more problems than you can count. The only running back who statistically fits into the category of "consistent starter" is Fred Taylor. The injuries and other problems he has had, are the only things holding him back from being in the star category. When a team drafts a running back, they expect a starter for years to come. Unfortunately for the teams who drafted Lawrence Phillips, Ki-Jana Carter and Curtis Enis, they didn't quite work out. All three players failed in the NFL, rarely to be heard of after the early years in their respective careers. Fifty-six percent of running backs drafted in the top ten became all-pro players. Only 11% (Fred Taylor) became a consistent starters, while 33% were unsuccessful.

Wide Receivers

There were 18 wide outs taken top ten between '94 and '04, more than any other position. For the most part, teams have done well with who they selected. Only three (J.J. Stokes, David Terrell and Charles Rogers) have completely failed at the next level. I'm not going to go through all the names, but most, if not all, are recognizable. Thirty-nine percent of wide receivers grew to be pro-bowl caliber players, 47% became consistent starters, while only 14% couldn't cut it.

Offensive Linemen

It's obvious that when drafting offensive linemen, you're making a pretty safe pick. But it never dawned on me just how safe it truly is. I'd rather not bore you with all the names, but there was a statistical total of 0 busts out of 14 offensive linemen. Seven became stars, and another seven turned out to be consistent starters. Walter Jones and Orlando Pace are possibly two of the best players in the entire league, and the rest are adequate at the very least. NFL teams have done well drafting linemen on both sides of the ball as you will see if you look two inches down.

Defensive Linemen

As far as defensive ends go, Julius Peppers, Simeon Rice and Richard Seymour are the only defensive ends who have been highly successful in the NFL. Grant Wistrom, Greg Ellis and Mike Mamula developed into dependable starters. By the numbers, Courtney Brown fits into that category as well, but personally I would label him a bust. Speaking of busts, Jamal Reynolds and Andre Wadsworth both fall into that category. One hundred percent of defensive tackles selected in the top ten became, at a minimum, consistent starters. There were no busts whatsoever, which really says a lot about the defensive end position.

Cornerbacks

Predominantly, when a team gets a corner they are getting a sure thing. Even with the rule changes that limit a cornerback's "shutdown" ability, teams are still drafting them like crazy. Champ Bailey, Chris McAllister and DeAngelo Hall are three of the top corners in the league, and widely considered to be three of the best players in the entire NFL. Only 24% of corners didn't quite pan out, while 38% became stars, which equal out to some pretty good odds if you ask me.

The Breakdown

Odds of drafting a "star" with a top ten pick.

RB: 56%
OL: 54%
DT: 50%
WR: 39%
CB: 38%
QB: 33%
DE: 33%

Ideally, you now have a better idea of what your team's odds are with each position. Feel safe with any lineman, because there were only two (defensive ends) who actually turned out to be busts. Quarterback is the riskiest position, but can also turn out to be the best pick your franchise could make.
Even with all the statistics in the world, the NFL Draft will always be a matter of chance, scouting and even a little bit of luck.

[packiowa]

I'd like the Packers to get Todd Blythe from ISU to play in the WCO. He is a big, fast td machine. I'd put him on par with Sammy and he could be had later in the first day.

Other than him, I'd say the Pack needs OL (i'll never forget a few years ago when we had all 5 linemen playing at near a pro bowl level), DE, CB, RB, and maybe a QB or a first round DT.

[woodbuck27]

Jeff Samardzija was just drafted in the 5th round by the Cubs in this year's baseball draft. We'll see if he decides football or baseball. Apparently his stuff is pretty good as a pitcher.


Jeff Samardzija's contract with the Cubs is for five years, $7.25 million.

Samardzija will report to Rookie-level Boise later this month and play wide receiver for Notre Dame this fall. He'll only get all of the cash if he decides to give up football and concentrate on baseball next year. As a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, he may lean towards the gridiron.

#83 Jeff Samardzija WR Height: 6'5" Weight: 216 Year: Sr

Last year for Notre Dame, All- American WR Samardzija made 78 receptions for 1279 yards (a 16.33 avg.) and 15 TD's.

[Patler]

Jeff Samardzija was just drafted in the 5th round by the Cubs in this year's baseball draft. We'll see if he decides football or baseball. Apparently his stuff is pretty good as a pitcher.


Jeff Samardzija's contract with the Cubs is for five years, $7.25 million.

Samardzija will report to Rookie-level Boise later this month and play wide receiver for Notre Dame this fall. He'll only get all of the cash if he decides to give up football and concentrate on baseball next year. As a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, he may lean towards the gridiron.

#83 Jeff Samardzija WR Height: 6'5" Weight: 216 Year: Sr

Last year for Notre Dame, All- American WR Samardzija made 78 receptions for 1279 yards (a 16.33 avg.) and 15 TD's.

Smardzija said in an article in one of the Chicago newspapers that he would like to try and play both football and baseball, and his preference would be to be drafted by the Bears so both pro teams would be in the same city.

The two seasons overlap so much, until he is established as a true super star in one sport or the other, I can't see why either team would go for it.

He was asked which sport was his favorite. He replied,"Which ever one is in season!"

[woodbuck27]

"I'd like the Packers to get Todd Blythe from ISU to play in the WCO. He is a big, fast td machine. I'd put him on par with Sammy and he could be had later in the first day. " packiowa


9th ranked WR on this thread, Todd Blythe, Iowa State*

Todd Blythe Class: RS Junior Hometown: Indianola, Iowa
High School: Indianola Height / Weight: 6-5 / 210 Position: WR
Birthdate: 03/31/1985 Experience:2L

Blythe at ISU: Awards and Honors ... First team all-Big 12 (2005 Coaches, Kansas City Star; 2004, espn.com, Dallas Morning News) ... second team all-Big 12 (2005 AP, Kansas City Star, Dallas Morning News) (2004, Coaches, AP) ... second team freshman All-America (2004, The Sporting News) ... ISU's Durwood "Dury" Moss award (most outstanding newcomer) ... 2005 ... Big 12 coaches voted him first-team all-conference ... first in the Big 12 and second nationally, averaging 19.61 yards per catch among receivers with at least four receptions per game ... his 83.3 receiving yards per game ranked second in the Big 12 in 2005 ... school record-holder with 18 TD receptions in just 24 games ... his 1,833 career receiving yards ranks fourth in ISU history ...

2004 ... An extremely physical, talented wide receiver who had a breakout freshman campaign and became one of the best scoring threats in the Big 12 Conference ... set school record with nine touchdown receptions ... led the team in receiving yards, average per catch and touchdowns en route to setting a number of school freshman and all-time single-season records ... led the team with 73 receiving yards on six catches in the spring game ...

2003 ... Redshirted initial collegiate season ... offensive scout team MVP three times.

High School Experience: Made 150 catches for 2,222 yards and 25 touchdowns in three years ... also made 13 career interceptions from his defensive back position ... named Class 4A Player of the Year by the Iowa Coaches Association ... elite all-state, first-team Class 4A all-state, elite all-conference and first-team all-conference at wide receiver as a senior ... first-team all-county on offense and defense and all-county player of the year as a senior and junior ... first-team Class 4A all-state and elite all-conference pick at defensive back as a junior ... first-team all-conference at receiver as a junior ... second-team all-conference at receiver as a sophomore ... also participated in basketball and track ... averaged 11.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 3.0 bpg during his senior season ... honorable mention all-conference as a junior while leading the Central Division of the CIML in rebounding ... member of Indianola's 2001 Class 4A championship basketball team ... four-time participant at the Drake Relays and the Iowa Boys' State Track Meet ... academic all-conference in football, basketball and track ... coached by Dave Summy ... National Honor Society member ... teammate of Cyclone Tyler Mark.

Personal: Born March 31, 1985, in Ames, Iowa ... son of Jim and Cinda Blythe ... father, Jim, was a catcher on Northern Iowa's baseball team and also played in the San Francisco Giants organization ... majoring in exercise and sport science ... last name is pronounced BLITHE.

[woodbuck27]

GM Junior Key

GM Jr. Grading Scale/Key

The GM Jr. Grading system uses alphabetical and numerical grades for each player.

The letter grade defines the type of player in terms of his physcial abilities and limitations.

The numerical grade defines how successful they believe a player will be in the NFL.

As you read each report, you will see either a "V," "E" or "*" next to the numbers for height, weight and speed. "V" stands for verified, "E" stands for estimated and "*" is to indicate that player's 40-yard dash time has been adjusted to what it would be if it had been run on grass.

You will also see some letters listed after a player's numerical grade and they stand for (when there is another position listed, it means GM Jr. believes the player may end up playting that position):

INJ Player is recovering from an injury and will need to get healthy before he can play up to his physical ability.

ST Player will be a good special teams player in the NFL.

PR Player will be a good punt returner in the NFL.

KOR – Player will be a good kickoff returner in the NFL.

RET Player will be a good punt and kickoff returner in the NFL.

GM Jr system requires that players be very productive with good athletic ability to achieve a first-round grade. The grading scale has set 6.0 as a minimum grade for a future NFL starter. However, for running backs, safeties and receivers, the grade for a future starter is 5.9.

The GM Jr. system automatically lowers the grades of players at those three positions that do not achieve first-round grades. The reason for this is due to the fact that, historically, these positions can generally be filled with quality players later in the Draft.


GM Jr.'s Alphabetical Grading Scale

Letter Description Round

A Rare athletic ability and production in college..
Has minimum height, weight & speed grades of 8.0.
Examples John Elway and Eric Dickerson 1st

B Rare athletic ability, but limited production in college due to system.
Has minimum height, weight & sepeed grades of 8.0.
Example Irving Fryar 1st

C Rare athletic ability and production in college.
Height/Weight Grade is lower than 8.0, but higher than 6.0.
Examples Barry Sanders (Height) & Terry Glenn (Weight) 1st

D Outstanding athletic ability and production in college.
Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements for the position.
Examples Tony Boselli & Fred Taylor 1st

E Very good athletic ability, but inconsistent production in college.
Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements for the position.
Examples Darnell Alford & Jacoby Shephard 3rd - 7th

F Limited overall athletic ability, but outstanding production and ability to make plays.
Meets minimum height & weight requirements, but lacks top playing speed.
Examples Tom Brady & Chad Clifton 2nd - 7th

G Very good athletic ability and college production.
Doesn’t meet minimum height requirements, but meets weight and speed requirements.
Examples Sam Mills & Antoine Winfield 1st - 7th

H Player converting to a position that he did not play in college.
Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements of new position.
Examples Drew Bennett & Tedy Bruschi 3rd - 7th

I Good athletic ability and college production Middle Class of the NFL.
Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements of their position.
Examples Anthony Becht & Julian Peterson 1st - 7th

J Very good athletic ability and college production.
Doesn't meet minimum weight requirements, but meets height and speed requirements.
Examples John Elway & Eric Dickerson 2nd - 7th

M or L Very good athletic ability, but inconsistent production in college.
Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements for the position.
Player lacks good football instincts or doesn't seem to learn football very well 3rd - 7th

Z Good athletic ability and college production Middle Class of the NFL. Meets minimum height, weight & speed requirements of their position.
Has definite character question marks which limit draft status to 7th Round only 7th or FA


GM Jr.'s Numerical Grading Scale

Number Description Round

7.0 - 7.9 Pro Bowl Player A true difference maker 1st

6.5 - 6.9 Highly productive starting player 1st

6.4 Very good starting player 1st/2nd

6.3 Very good starting player 2nd

6.1 - 6.2 Good starting player 3rd

6.0 Very productive backup now/will develop into starter 3rd

5.9 Very good backup & very good special teams player 4th

5.8 Quality backup & good special teams player 5th

5.7 Backup player/special teams player & project players 6th

5.6 Backup player/special teams player & project players 6th/7th

5.5 Backup player/special teams player & project players 7th/Priority Free Agent

5.0 - 5.4 Players with one or more limitations Backup/special teams type Free Agent

1.0 - 4.9 Not recommended as draftable or signable as a free agent Not Recommended


GM Jr.'s Skill-Specific Numerical Grading Scale

Number Description
9.0 Rare Quality Few players achieve this level in anything, but size
8.5 Great Few players achieve this level in anything, but size
8.0 Exceptional
7.5 Excellent
7.0 Outstanding
6.5 Very Good
6.0 Good/Solid
5.5 Very Inconsistent Has ability to be good
5.0 Adequate Can improve in time
4.0 - 4.9 Marginal
3.0 - 3.9 Poor
1.0 Not good enough for NFL consideration


Glossary & Abbreviations

*
Signifies that the 40-yard time next to it has been verified and adjusted to what the time would be if it had been run on a grass surface. This enables all 40 times with a star to be looked at as if they were run on the same surface.

Arm Over Move
When a defensive lineman brings one arm over the top of an offensive lineman head and uses his other hand to push the offensive lineman out of the play.

Average Game for a QB
GM Jr. adjusts all of a quarterback numbers to a game with 30 passes, so a quarterback in a pass-oriented offense does not get a higher grade for big plays just because he throws three times as many passes.

Backside Pursuit
This is when a defensive player chases a play down from behind – It is also just called “Pursuit at times.

Balls to the Wall
This means a player gives an outstanding effort on every snap and never stops hustling. He tends to make a lot of extra plays because of his hustle.

Beat the Blitz
GM Jr. assigns each quarterback a grade every time a defense blitzes in each game they grade and then gets an average grade for beating the blitz after grading all of his games.

Big Errors
The number of fumbles, interceptions, passes that should have been intercepted and plays that GM Jr. deem as mental errors that a quarterback commits in an average game.

Big Plays
The number of touchdowns thrown, touchdowns run for, touchdowns that are dropped, plays that end in gains over 20 yards and plays that GM Jr. deems as very important in a game.

Blind Side
The backside of the quarterback where he can not see the pass rusher for a right-handed quarterback, it is the Right Defensive End and for a left-handed quarterback, it is the Left Defensive End.

Block in Space
Ability to block in the open field an example is when a guard leads an outside run and has to make a block outside in the open field.

Body Catcher
When a receiver allows the ball to come into his body when he catches the ball it is a bad habit because it leads to dropped passes.

Break & Close
The ability of a defensive player to plant his foot that is farthest from the play. As soon as he reads the play, he drives off the planted leg and runs to the ball.

Broad Jump
Broad jump measurement taken at the Combine.

Bull Rush
When a pass rusher tries to run straight at the offensive linemen and just uses his natural strength to drive/push the offensive linemen back into the quarterback.

Buy a 2nd Chance
Ability of a quarterback to feel the rush, avoid a potential sack, get out of the pocket and either attempt a pass or run for good yardage.

C.O.D.
Ability to change directions Change of Direction

Catch Blocker
When an offensive lineman does not get his hands on the defensive linemen quickly and allows the defensive linemen to initiate contact.

Click & Close
Term used to describe when a defensive back is back-pedaling, sees the pass being thrown in front of him, plants on his back foot and breaks quickly on the ball.

Closing Ability
The ability of a defensive player to finish off a play when he is near the ball how fast does he get to the ball carrier when he is near him.

Conversion Percentage
The ability of a quarterback to convert third downs, fourth downs and what GM Jr. deems are important downs.

Co-op Block
When two linemen work together to block a defensive lineman and then one of the two linemen steps thru the defensive line and blocks a linebacker in the open field.

Cross Over & Chase
When an offensive lineman stops his foot shuffle in pass protection, turns his shoulder and steps across his outside foot with his inside foot it happens when he is beaten off the ball by the pass rusher.

Cut Back Ability
The ability of a running back to see a hole on the backside of a play and have the quickness to get through that hole once he sees it.

Cut Blocks
When a blocker bends down and drives into the defensive players knees/thighs to take his legs out from under him and keep the defender from being able to make the tackle.

Cut High
A term used to describe a player who has very long legs usually players who have very long legs can not change directions quickly and do not tackle well in the open field.

DC
Defensive Cornerback

DE
Defensive End

Dinged
Slang for a minor injury that most NFL players have the toughness to play through.

DNL
Did Not Lift (used primarily when a player did not attempt the 225-pound bench press at the Combine).

DNW
Did Not Workout (used primarily when a player did not attempt to workout at the Combine).

Double Move
When a receiver uses two moves in one route example, instead of a normal route, he will run an out and up which fakes the and then takes off up the field.

Down/Side Block
When an offensive lineman drives down the line of scrimmage and blocks the defensive lineman (that is lined up inside of him) from the side and tries to drive him down the line of scrimmage.

Drive Block
When an offensive lineman gets off the ball quickly, keeps his knees bent and delivers a hard hit to the defensive lineman.

DS or S
Safety

DT
Defensive Tackle

E
Estimated signifies that the number it is next to is estimated and not an exact measurement.

Elusiveness
Ability of a running back to make tacklers miss in the open field usually elusive players have very quick feet and change directions well.

FB
Fullback

Featured Running Back
The main ball carrier for an offense that is counted on to carry the ball at least 20 times per game.

Fill the Hole
When a linebacker runs from his position forward into the hole that he offense opened. He usually has to take on the lead blocker in the hole when he gets into the hole. How quickly a linebacker steps up into the hole is a good indicator of his ability to read-and-react to the play.

Fire Off the Ball
When an offensive lineman gets off the ball quickly and delivers a good initial hit to the defensive linemen.

Flatten the Corner
Ability of a pass rusher to lower his inside shoulder, bend his knees and go around the edge quickly with an offensive lineman leaning down on him.

43 Defense
A defense where four defensive linemen line up on the line of scrimmage and three linebackers line up on the second level of the defense. This is the most common defensive alignment in the NFL.

Head Up
When one player is lined up directly in front of another player usually it relates to offensive and defensive linemen.

Hips/Turning Ability
How sooth a cornerback can turn and run with a receiver when he is lined up right up on the receiver and has to turn his body around and stay with the receiver a player needs to have good hip flexibility to do this well.

IB
Inside Linebacker

Initial Quicks
How quickly a player gets moving as soon as the ball is snapped this is very important for offensive and defensive linemen.

Kickout Block
When the blocker (it can be offensive linemen, tight ends or fullbacks) blocks the outside linebacker whose job is to hold his ground and force the play back inside. The blocker must knock the linebacker farther outside so that the ball carrier can get the edge without having to go wider.

Long Strider
A player with long legs who takes long steps when he runs. Players with long legs are often said to be“cut high and do not change directions well.

M/M Off
When a cornerback lines up between five to 12 yards away from the line of scrimmage, but is playing man-to-man coverage this is the hardest of all coverages.

Mini-Pulls
This describes a quick pull by an offensive linemen right next to him, not a full-fledged pull to lead outside sweeps and tosses.

NA
Used primarily to describe an event at the Combine that a prospect is not asked to attempt (usually certain positions do not have to attempt certain things at the Combine).

NAC
Not at Combine

NT
Nose Tackle

Nickel Back
The fifth defensive back that comes in and replaces a linebacker in an obvious passing situation.

OB
Outside Linebacker

OC
Center

OG
Guard

OH
Tailback

OT
Offensive Tackle

Pancake Block
A run block where the offensive lineman keeps his feet under him, follows his block and finishes aggressively by driving the defensive lineman off his feet and onto his back.

Peel Coverage
When a defensive player is rushing the quarterback from the outside, but he has a responsibility to cover the running back if he goes out for a pass instead of staying in the pocket to help pass block. The pass rusher will literally off of his rush to the quarterback and cover the running back.

Point of Attack (POA)
The collision spot where a defensive player and the offensive player who is trying to block him meet. It is also the collision spot where a defender and ball carrier meet.

Positional Block
The type of run block where the offensive lineman does not really fire off the ball instead, he gets off the ball quickly and tries to get in a position to “wall off the defensive players from the run.

Power Rush
When a pass rusher tries to run straight at the offensive linemen and just uses his hands to push the offensive linemen around at the snap.

Pulling
When an offensive lineman gets out of his stance and out of his in-line position and runs ahead of the ball carrier to lead block on outside runs.

Punch
How an offensive lineman uses his hands to deliver a hard blow to the defensive linemen with his hands to slow his pass rush.

Pursuit
When a defensive player chases a play down from behind it is also called Backside Pursuit at times.

Q.A.B.
Quarterback

Quick Set/Pass Pro
When an offensive lineman gets into his pass protection position right on the line of scrimmage and tries to stop the defensive linemen right on the line.

Quicks
Short for quickness

Reach Block
The hardest block for an offensive lineman to make it requires a lineman to use his quickness to get around and make the block on the defensive lineman who is lined up on the offensive lineman's shoulder to the side where the run is going a very hard block to make well.

Read & React
The ability of a defensive player to recognize and diagnose the offensive play and get started to the ball quickly.

Release vs. Jam
How a receiver releases off the line of scrimmage when a cornerback is lined up right in front of him on the line of scrimmage trying to push the wide receiver around.

Rush Linebacker
The linebacker in the 34 defense who rushes the passer predominately. This is the position that Kevin Greene, Joey Porter and Steve Foley usually play/played in the NFL.

Second Level
The area behind the defensive line where the linebackers are one has to usually get to the second level to block the linebacker.

Shed
The ability of a defensive player to use his hands to take on a blocker and get free from the block.

Shuffle & Slide
Ability of an offensive lineman to move his feet well side-to-side in pass protection without crossing his feet.

Side/Down Block
When an offensive lineman drives down the line of scrimmage and blocks the defensive lineman that is lined up inside of him from the side and tries to drive him down the line of scrimmage.

Speed/Edge Rusher
A pass rusher who relies on pure speed to beat the offensive tackle around the corner. Most pure speed/edge rushers are under-sized defensive ends who lack the bulk/strength to get pressure on the quarterback if they use an interior pass-rush move.

Straight Line Player
A player who has very good acceleration and speed, and can chase plays down when he does not have to avoid blocks or adjust while running. He usually lacks agility and can not change direction very well.

Swim Move
When a defensive lineman brings one arm over the top of an offensive lineman's head and uses his other hand to pus the offensive lineman out of the play.

TE
Tight End

The Corner
The edge that the offensive tackle tries to protect from the pass rusher.

34 Defense
This defense has only three defensive linemen and four linebackers. It is not used as much as the 43 Defense. It is also more of a blitzing and attacking style defense than the 43 Defense.

Tight Hipped
The inability of a cornerback to turn and run with a receiver in tight coverage it means he has stiff hips and can not turn well.

Tight M/M
This is when a cornerback lines up right in the receiver's face and tries to stay right in the receiver's hip pocket.

Trap Block
When an offensive lineman (usually a guard) gets out of his stance at the snap, steps to the side and behind the lineman next to him and blocks the defensive player from the side. The man he blocks was left unblocked by the offensive linemen who were lined up over him.

V
Means the number it is next to has been verified.

Vert. Jump
Vertical Jump measurement taken at the Combine.

WO
Wide Receiver

Wrap Up Tackler
How well a defensive player bends his knees and tackles in the open field.

Zone Coverage
When defensive players drop into assigned areas in coverage and are responsible for anyone in their area they have to read the quarterback and break on the ball to make a play.

[woodbuck27]

pbmax supplied this resource on another thread and I've decided to locate it here as well.

I'll warn you. It's a good long read but loaded with valuable info. for all of you who want to grow as draft Guru's.


http://www.footballoutsiders.com/2006/04/24/ramblings/nfl-draft/3828/

[superfan]

Bump.

This thread is from last June, but there is so much interesting info here that it deserves revisiting.

My comments are based on the first post in this thread and a limited sampling of draft sites I've visited, mostly nfldraftcountdown.com.

Notable stock rising and falling compared to last spring --

QB JaMarcus Russell -- Rising -- from 42nd overall and #4 QB to a possible #1 pick
RB Michael Bush -- Falling -- projects to drop from mid first to mid second because of his season ending injury
ILB H.B. Blades -- Falling -- from the last pick in the 1st round to a later day one pick (at least on boards I've seen) after what appears to have been a productive and injury free year
DE Jamaal Anderson -- Rising -- Wasn't even on the radar last spring, but is now viewed as a top 10 pick
LB Paul Posluszny -- Falling -- From a top 10 pick to late first or early second round. Has the intangibles and production, but lacks athleticism.
QB Drew Stanton -- Falling -- The disaster that was Michigan St. last year hurt Stanton's draft stock, dropping from early to mid first round to mid to late second round
DT Marcus Thomas -- Falling -- Potentially a mid first round choice, he was suspended for 3 games for failing a drug test and kicked off the team entirely after failing his second drug test. Now appears to be a high risk high reward late day one pick
DT Amobi Okoye -- Rising -- Came out of nowhere and now projects to be taken in the top half of the first round

[HarveyWallbangers]

They projected us to pick #6 and the Vikings to pick #17. Instead, we pick #16 and the Vikings pick #7.
:D

[Jerry Tagge]

They were right about one thing: Jeff Samardzija went to Chicago.

What they were wrong about was that he didn't go to the Bears, he went to the Cubs.

[Rastak]

They projected us to pick #6 and the Vikings to pick #17. Instead, we pick #16 and the Vikings pick #7.
:D


Yea yea, I saw the irony in that too...... :shock:

[superfan]

I'll be keeping an eye on the nfldraftcountdown.com site over the next few months. They were pretty accurate with their final mock last year.

They had the top 6 picks correctly in order, Vikings taking Greenway in the 1st round, Packers taking Jennings in the 2nd round. I also seem to remember seeing that they had the Packers taking Spitz, too, but was unable to find that on the site.

They missed badly on some picks, too, but that's to be expected. So did Kiper.

[Charles Woodson]

Bump.

This thread is from last June, but there is so much interesting info here that it deserves revisiting.

My comments are based on the first post in this thread and a limited sampling of draft sites I've visited, mostly nfldraftcountdown.com.

Notable stock rising and falling compared to last spring --

QB JaMarcus Russell -- Rising -- from 42nd overall and #4 QB to a possible #1 pick
RB Michael Bush -- Falling -- projects to drop from mid first to mid second because of his season ending injury
ILB H.B. Blades -- Falling -- from the last pick in the 1st round to a later day one pick (at least on boards I've seen) after what appears to have been a productive and injury free year
DE Jamaal Anderson -- Rising -- Wasn't even on the radar last spring, but is now viewed as a top 10 pick
LB Paul Posluszny -- Falling -- From a top 10 pick to late first or early second round. Has the intangibles and production, but lacks athleticism.
QB Drew Stanton -- Falling -- The disaster that was Michigan St. last year hurt Stanton's draft stock, dropping from early to mid first round to mid to late second round
DT Marcus Thomas -- Falling -- Potentially a mid first round choice, he was suspended for 3 games for failing a drug test and kicked off the team entirely after failing his second drug test. Now appears to be a high risk high reward late day one pick
DT Amobi Okoye -- Rising -- Came out of nowhere and now projects to be taken in the top half of the first round

also Bowe's stock is rising...

[BooHoo]

Henne to Green Bay in 2008.