Interesting Prospects

[RashanGary]

I'll start with one.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Jimmy Smith played a lot of man coverage at Colorado. Here's an interesting stat. In his last two full years, Jimmy Smith gave up 11 catches. 11. Al Harris gave up 11 to Plaxico in one game. It took two full seasons for this guy to give that up. He's guy is a lockdown corner. He has character issues, so maybe you pass, but he has to be one of the most talented and most skilled players in this entire draft. He's the Jermichael Finley of CB's.

I'm usually a fan of CB's between 5'11" and 6'0". I think they tend to change direction better, get turned around less and are better able to correct if they take a wrong step. Tall guys tend to be too lengthy and they struggle to change direction. There are a few tall guys who can do it though, and when they can, their length brings a different dimension. Jimmy Smith is that kind of guy. He's 6'2", 210 lbs and has movement skills of the 6'0" CB's.

I can't say I've watched all kinds of tape on him, but 11 catches in two years speak for itself.

He might not fit our scheme. We're more of a zone team. You'd probably be wasting this guys talent playing him zone all of the time.

[hoosier]

He's the Jermichael Finley of CB's.

Maybe. But one big difference is that Smith will be long gone by the time the third round starts. No thanks to risking a 1 or a 2 on someone who could easily be Pacman Jones II.

[RashanGary]

Very similar to Dez Bryant. Million dollar talent with a 10 cent head. I probably wouldn't draft him, but I'm pretty sure he's going to be damn tough to play against. Interesting player.

[red]

i can't imagine that jimmy smith is even on TT's draft board. he probably has the more red flags then anyone in this draft. guy kind of reminds me of pacman when he came out. tons of talent, but like you said, 10 cent brain

[Bretsky]

good thread JH; I will contribute later today. Hopefully others will too.

[Bretsky]

HERE IS A GUY PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT; IMO HE'D REMOVE ALL OF OUR SPECIAL TEAM RETURN SPECIALIST PROBLEMS
Like Mccluster, I've had my eye on him for a while as a steller 3/4th round pick but he seems to be moving up, like Mccluster

Jerrel Jernigan, WR--East Troy
Overview
A record-breaking receiver and returner for a university famous for producing NFL talent, Jernigan may wind up as the first senior drafted at his position -- though few fans outside of the Sun Belt Conference have likely seen him play.

Spurned by Alabama and Auburn despite a productive prep career, Jernigan signed with Troy and emerged as one of the more productive receivers in college football. A three-time all-conference selection at wide receiver and two-time choice as a returner, Jernigan leaves as the all-time leader in receiving yards (3,128), receptions (262) and all-purpose yards (5,971) in both Sun Belt Conference and Troy history. He also ranks in the top five in each of those categories among NCAA active career leaders.

The focus of every opponent's defense, Jernigan broke his own school record with 84 passes for 822 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2010. Before Jernigan broke the record for receptions with 77 in 2008, the mark had stood for 40 years. Jernigan also added 322 yards on the ground to go along with three scores and two more touchdowns in the return game (1 punt, 1 kick) -- giving him a total of 11 touchdowns in 2010.

Jernigan enjoyed some of his best games against SEC opponents, easing some concerns about his level of competition. An ankle injury sustained in the New Orleans Bowl kept him out of the Senior Bowl, however, eliminating his best opportunity to erase these doubts entirely.

Jernigan's explosive speed, elusiveness and versatility are all reasons why he can hurt the opposition in many ways on the field. Dangerous with the ball in his hands, Jernigan will line up in the slot and likely in the Wildcat at the next level. Teams may also use him as a kick returner to utilize his unique ability to make defenders miss. Jernigan's height is an issue, but it shouldn't be enough of a detriment to keep him out of the draft's second or third round.

Analysis
Release: Has gained considerable bulk and strength to combat press coverage, but can be held up at the line of scrimmage. Good agility and developing technique in this area. Possesses rare straight-line speed to punish cornerbacks who are unable to keep him from gaining a free release. Has the speed to pull away on the vertical route.

Hands: Does a nice job of catching the ball with his hands. Can extend and pluck outside of his frame. Good strength and toughness to take the big hit and hang on to the football. Good body control to contort in space to make the tough grab of a poorly throw pass. Reliable hands for the return game.

Route running: Very good athlete, but remains a work in progress in this area. Too often rounds off his routes, as he's often able to generate separation based strictly on his athleticism. Not used on a wide variety of routes in this offense and does much of his damage on screens and other underneath options. Can sink his hips and explode out of his cuts, however, so the potential is there for him to be a very good route-runner with greater focus.

After the catch: Clearly his best area. Good lateral agility and balance to elude defenders in the open field and make slower defenders look silly in confined quarters. Good burst to accelerate through gaps and has the speed to pull away. Has the vision to set up blocks and despite his lack of height, runs with surprising power and determination.

Blocking: Willing to help out teammates when he sees the play developing, but is highly inconsistent with his effort in this area as a whole. Lacks the size and strength to be more than a pest blocker.

Intangibles: May struggle with a complicated playbook. Wasn't highly recruited out of high school due to questions about his size and ability to qualify academically.

--Rob Rang

[Bretsky]

3/25--They were all at Jernigan's workout on Wednesday (March 16). Jernigan has run a low of 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and a high of 4.55. So, basically, he's a move/slot receiver in the Percy Harvin mold. He played quarterback in high school and was used in Troy's version of the Dirty Bird (Wildcat). He led Eufaula (Ala.) High School to two Region 5A championships in 2005 and 2006. Asked who he is similar to, Jernigan said, "I would have to say DeSean Jackson. At Troy, I didn't get a lot (of press coverage). I can get off of press, but I just didn't see it a lot in the conference I played in. But I can get off press. I can play outside or inside." Jernigan was asked to describe what a team would be getting if they selected him. "No. 1, they'll get a hard worker throughout, 24-7," Jernigan said. "I'll do anything to get a win. They'll get a good receiver, special teams and a team player." -

[Bretsky]

BIG RED ALERT--GREAT PICKUP IN ROUND 3/4

Latest News
04/04/2011 - Top offensive linemen: 7. John Moffitt, Wisconsin, 6-4, 314, 4, Maybe you can find a well-spoken offensive lineman or two in every NFL locker room, but a loquacious one is as rare as a balmy January in Madison. Moffitt might be a walking sound bite, but the 42-game starter can play a little bit, too. He was a first-team All-American and consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior who has started more than 30 games at left guard and a handful at center. The 314-pounder won't outrun many of his teammates at the next level, but his phone-booth quickness, mobility and footwork paint the picture of a longtime NFL starter. He's better than expected on the move and against behemoth nose tackles and if he can quicken his step against three-technique pass rushers, Moffitt could be a Pro Bowl steal in the middle rounds. - Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange

•Full John Moffitt News Wire
2010 Season
AP first-team All-American, SI second-team All-American … consensus first-team All-Big Ten … Wayne Souza Coaches Appreciation Award (Offense) … Moffitt was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press this season, starting all 13 games at left guard. The Guilford, Conn., native was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2010 and, along with Carimi and Kendricks, helped pave the way for two 1,000-yard rushers (John Clay and James White). He played in 45 games over the course of his career, earning the start in 42 of those contests.

SOME OF THE SIDELINE ARGUMENTS/FIGHTS BETWEEN HIM AND CARIMI WERE PRICELESS TO WATCH; THOSE TWO WOULD NOT STOP DOGGING EACH OTHER IF SOMETHING WENT WRONG !!

[Bretsky]

ONE MORE

THE INFAMOUS CECIL SHORTS THE THIRD--WR MOUNT UNION
The ascension of former Mount Union star and 2008 Indianapolis sixth-round pick Pierre Garcon from relative unknown to one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets has increased scouts' interest in Division III receivers. But even if Shorts wasn't enrolled at Garcon's alma mater (which has played in six consecutive D-III championship games), NFL teams would be flocking to wherever he played to see him use his hands, elusiveness and speed to put up All-American receiving numbers.

The Ohio native came to Mount Union as a quarterback, going 16-for-24 for 206 yards as a redshirt freshman. But he flashed his future prowess as an all-purpose threat by rushing 12 times for 209 yards and two scores, as well as catching 12 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns.

As a sophomore, he focused on his receiving skills and earned All-American and All-Ohio Athletic Conference status by grabbing 77 receptions for 1,484 yards and an eye-popping 23 touchdowns. Shorts followed that performance up with a consensus All-American 2009 season: 100-1,736-19 receiving in 15 games, 34-206-8 rushing with some work at Wildcat quarterback. For good measure, he took over at quarterback in the D-III semifinal win after the starter was knocked out (10 carries for 98 yards and two scores).

Shorts once again put up huge numbers as a receiver (70-1,196-18) and contributed as a rusher (26-133-1) and passer (5-7, 56 yards) in his All-American senior season. In his first year as the featured returner (24-355-2 punts, 13-325-1 on kickoffs), he put another feather in his cap.

Combining that skill with his production as a receiver, All-American track speed and good hands means NFL teams may consider him worth a third- or fourth-round selection.

Analysis
Strengths: Very good quickness off the line and elusiveness in the open field after the catch. Lines up outside, in motion and in the slot. Makes the tough catch look easy and turns the routine grab into long gains. Eats up cushion in a hurry. Effective on crossing routes. Adjusts to poorly-thrown passes, whether low, high or wide. Good vertical to get to jump balls. Runs every route in the tree effectively, D-III corners can't stay with him when he sticks his foot in the ground. Good sideline awareness. Willing to mix it up with his man on run plays, sustains against smaller cornerbacks. Solid hands, very good straight-line speed and a bit of wiggle a punt and kick returner. Good character, disciplined and very coachable. Finished fifth in the 55-meter dash in the 2009 Division III Indoor Track Championships.

Weaknesses: Must prove he can get off the line and stay in-bounds against physical pro corners if lined up outside. Defenders can knock the ball out of his hands too easily. Inconsistent using his hands to catch the ball in front of him, will double-catch some throws with pace. A bit lazy on out-routes, rounding them off. Lacks great strength to block veteran defensive backs. Does not use correct blocking angle on the outside. Benefitted from playing against D-III level on offense and on special teams, will not be able to elude defenders as easily at the next level.

Career Notes
Shorts is a three-time All-American, the 2008 and 2009 Ohio Athletic Conference Ed Sherman Award Winner (given to the conference's top wide reciever) and the 2009 D3football.com National Offensive Player of the Year. Shorts played in 55 games at Mount Union and had 259 receptions for 4,705 yards and 63 touchdowns. He had 75 rushing attempts for 492 yards with 12 TD's on the ground along with two punt returns and a kickoff return for touchdowns. In total, he accounted for nearly 6,000 all-purpose yards (5,989 yards/108.9 yards per game).

2010 Season
Had his third-straight 1,000 receiving season as he has a team-best 63 catches for 1,106 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also has 114 yards rushing and a touchdown, 22 punt returns (16.1 yd average) with two touchdowns and nine kick returns (22.8 yd. average) and one touchdown. All of this after missing three games with an injury.

[Tarlam!]

NFL Draft Scout rates Shorts the 21st out of 294 WRs in this draft. They also have him going 5-6th round. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89141&draftyear=2011&genpos=WR

Sounds like a TT guy without the ball security. Can return kicks apparently.

[Bretsky]

Blaine Sumner/NT/Colorado School of Mines: Affectionately known as the "Vanilla Gorrilla," Sumner is one of the best-kept secrets on the defensive line. He's an all-conference player that posted 32 tackles and blocked three kicks as a senior. He completed 52 reps on the bench press during his pro-day workout, while squatting 905 pounds and benching 625. Sumner is also on pace to receive a master's degree in Engineering and Technology Management. He's lined up at fullback and was also used as a short-yardage runner. Sumner has drawn interest from a number of teams with the Raiders and 49ers leading the way.

Blaine Sumner is a 6-1, 335 pound nose tackle prospect from Colorado School of the Mines. He’s a three-year starter who accounted for over 30 tackles as a senior, 6.5 tackles for loss and a half sack. However, Sumner is a making a lot of noise this pro day season because of impressive numbers off the field.

The girthy nose tackle pumped out 52-reps on the bench at the Air Force pro day, breaking the all time Combine record of 49 which was just recently set by Oregon State’s Stephen Paea.

Sumner is gifted powerlifter as well who has marks of 900+ pounds on the squat, 600+ pounds on the bench, dead lifts over 800 pounds and hang cleans 400+ pounds. All mind blowing numbers.

However, I got my first look at the guy on the football field yesterday and here are my thoughts…

Possesses some natural bend to his game when asked to coil up into this stance. Displays an above-average first step off the ball for his size, can gain leverage on contact and has a powerful lower half when working the bull rush. Can downright dominate at the point of attack when need be and overwhelm blockers into the backfield. Demonstrates better ball awareness than I expected and does possess some closing range in pursuit.

However, is a stiff, linear athlete. Doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher. Is raw technically, too often leads with his head, doesn’t maximize his length and lacks ideal hand placement initially into contact Allows himself to get upright too easily, especially in the face of a double, but is just so physically powerful he can get away with it at the small-school level.

Overall, the intriguing strength numbers have helped, gaining Sumner some additional attention during the post season. He’s a naturally strong kid who when he keeps his base down can consistently overwhelm and work his way into the backfield. However, he’s stiff, a limited as a pass rusher and simply plays too high when asked to anchor.

Me personally, I wouldn’t give him a draftable grade. I see him more as a size free agent who I wouldn’t mind having in camp. However, with the lack of ideal talent at the nose tackle position this year and the potential of being unable to sign free agents after the draft, I do think Sumner at least gave himself a shot at a draft pick late come April."





Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/04/21/draft.sleepers/index.html#ixzz1KO7EQWhX

[Bretsky]

TAIWAN JONES

About 50 NFL scouts, coaches and executives (including 18 running backs coaches) were at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Calif., to watch one private workout. And if you don't follow FCS football closely, you may not even know the name of the player they came to watch.

Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones, the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, finally got to run the 40-yard dash everyone had been expecting and hoping to see. Jones suffered a broken foot late in the 2010 season, which kept him out of the FCS Championship game (which EWU still won without him) and workouts at the scouting combine. However, those in the scouting community were well-aware of Jones' raw speed, and knew that when fully healed, he could put up numbers in the range of those established by current Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (4.24 at the combine) and Kansas City Chiefs back Jamaal Charles(notes) (4.28).

After serious work and rehab at Athletes Performance in Carson, Calif., (a bit of which we caught on tape recently), Jones flew up to the Bay Area and put on a major show in front of what San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman told one observer was the biggest NFL attendance for a private workout he had ever seen. API's Travelle Gaines told Yahoo! Sports that Jones ran one 40 and times in the range of 4.27 to 4.35 on all stopwatches. Jones was also timed at 1.45 to 1.50 seconds in his 10-yard split by four different stopwatches, and that would have been the fastest 10-yard split at the 2011 scouting combine. This could really push Jones up quite a few draft boards. Currently seen as a third- to fifth-round prospect, Jones may jump up a bit higher based on Thursday.

"Actually, I felt like I could have done a little better with my 40 and my vertical, but I thought I exceeded everyone's expectations on everything else," Jones told Yahoo! Sports soon after the workout. "I felt that I didn't stay in my drive phase in the beginning [of the run], and I didn't start as strongly as I needed to."

And how did the training at API help? "For the most part, it just got my confidence up," said Jones, who just started running again at full speed three weeks ago and hadn't run an official timed 40 before today since last summer. "Everyone knew that I could run fast, but it was just getting the confidence to push off that foot. That was the biggest part for me today.

Jones is well aware of the Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles comparisons — he's heard them for a long time — but this was the first time he was able to show the majority of NFL teams (representative of 27 teams showed up) that he had that kind of speed in person. "I've always felt that I could be as good as the guys on that level," Jones said of the college and pro elite. But to be named with those names in an honor, and now, I feel that I have to go out there and prove it."

Still, Jones knows that it just isn't about straight-line speed — teams will look at the game tape to see what he's really all about in a football sense. What does he have to offer besides that blazing speed? "Just the way I move my body — I'm able to bend my body in ways that most big backs can't. I feel that this is what separates me from a lot of the backs in this year's class."

Jones also put up a 39.5-inch vertical leap (which would have been third among running backs at the combine), and an 11-foot broad jump, which would have been second overall at the combine behind Alabama receiver Julio Jones, who was universally acknowledged as the star of the 2011 event.

In 31 games for the Eagles, Jones carried the ball 383 times for 2,955 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also caught 64 passes for 903 yards and seven touchdowns, and took 50 kick returns for 1,134 yards and one touchdown.