Brandon494
04-26-2013, 11:23 PM
Who knows how tomorrow will turn out I put together a mock draft to show how much depth is still available for those questioning Ted Thompson trading down. Enjoy! ;-)
Round 4, Pick 12 (109) Barrett Jones G/C 6'4" 306 Alabama
Strengths
Possesses NFL size for an interior player. Solid pass protector whether playing inside or outside, plays with a wide base, mirrors and anchors effectively by keeping his feet moving and extends his arms to stay engaged. Good hip extension in the run game. Gets correct angle to create running lane when blocking on the move, can also create space inside by moving his man out of the hole using his hands and bulk. Able to seal the tackle and then work to linebackers close to the line on combo blocks. Can reach the 3-technique defensive tackle from the center spot. Fits on second-level blocks very well in the run game. Very good football and general intelligence. Great awareness of late blitzers and twist stunts, and he gives excellent effort to reach free rushers so his quarterback stays upright.
Weaknesses
Limited athlete who will be at his best on the inside at the next level. Tends to stop his feet and lunge at pass rushers on the edge. Top-heavy, upright runner on pulls without great foot speed. Gets to the second level well, but can struggle tracking and adjusting to moving targets. Quicker linebackers and defensive backs jump around his lunges if he is unable to get his hands on their numbers. Inconsistent firing out of his stance and staying low on short-yardage plays. Hand placement improved in his senior season, but he has soft hands with a limp punch. Doesn’t play with a mean streak. Can get complacent and will fight for initial position, but doesn’t finish blocks and allows his man to disengage too often. Prone to making his initial block and then ball-watching instead of finding a second target. Has a lengthy injury history (but shows the toughness to play through them) and will need to check out medically.
NFL Comparison Daryn Colledge
Bottom Line
2012 Rimington and 2011 Outland Trophy winner has played every spot on the line while helping the Tide win three BCS championships in the last four years. Has spent most of his time on the interior, which is where he projects best in the NFL. While not the strongest or most athletic lineman, Jones’ versatility, intelligence and high character should get him penciled in at guard or center for the next decade in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 25 (122) Michael Williams TE 6'5" 278 Alabama
Strengths
Flashes the hands and athletic ability to high-point passes over defenders, and is tough enough to work in traffic over the middle. Biggest contributions are as a run blocker, seals defensive ends inside on off-tackle plays in regular two tight end sets by consistently crashing the edge. Also effective moving his feet while engaged to get angle on backside rushers, especially when effectively using his strong hands.
Weaknesses
Straight-line speed might prove to be an issue; slow coming out of his stance and quite heavy-legged when lumbering down the field. Won’t elude or run away from defenders in his proximity after the catch. Quicker edge rushers give him troubles at times, as he doesn’t maintain his bend and will stop his feet instead of mirroring; eventually bends at the waist or is left behind by ends on their way to the quarterback. Used at H-back at times but lacks the flexibility to cut down or adjust to targets in space. Could get his hands inside more consistently when blocking to control his man.
NFL Comparison Matt Spaeth
Bottom Line
Williams looks like a lean offensive tackle, and often blocks like one; he might have the speed of a lineman, as well, but his solid receiving hands and red zone presence will virtually guarentee that he sticks in the NFL for a very long time as a team's second tight end.
Round 5, Pick 13 (146) Josh Evans S 6'1" 207 Florida
Strengths: Has a lean, athletic build with very long arms. Attacking mentality stands out on film. He isn't afraid to get physical and competes when the ball is in the air and after the catch, always attempting to rip it out of the ballcarrier's grasp. Attacks the line of scrimmage when he reads run or when allowed to blitz, which he did effectively in 2012, recording 2.5 sacks... Good balance and lateral agility to break down and make the effective open-field tackle or when avoiding backs as a pass rusher. Good flexibility and overall speed in coverage. His ability to cover over the top allowed Elam to roam and make big plays. Improved ball skills in 2012.
Weaknesses: A bit lean for the position and may not be as fluid with additional weight. Needs some work with his reaction quickness to trust what he sees. At times will take the safe route of making sure he makes the tackle, rather than going for the interception or pass breakup.
Compares To: Reshad Jones, FS, Miami Dolphins
Round 5, Pick 26 (159) Nick Becton OT 6'5" 323 Virginia Tech
Analysis
Strengths
Athletic left tackle prospect with the necessary height and length for the position. Possesses good lateral movement, can deliver a good punch while keeping his feet alive. Stays balanced to cut off the inside lane. Widens his base and anchors quickly against bull rushes. Good mobility to reach the second-level and get out in front of outside runs and quick screens. Quick feet help him get blocking angles while engaged. Attacks ends on run plays, willing to stay on block a few yards downfield to prevent his man from disengaging. Effective on cut blocks, gets down fast and makes good contact to prevent back side pursuit. Aware of wide blitzers, uses his feet and length to punch them around the corner.
Weaknesses
Not a dominating lineman in terms of pure strength, though he doesn't have the attitude of a finesse blocker. Sometimes relies on his punch to knock defenders off their route, leaning or stopping his feet in the process. Other times, can he slow to get his hands up, allowing ends and second-level targets to get into his chest. Needs to prove he can stay low off the ball in short-yardage situations, can play a bit high. Not always aware of late blitzers or edge rushers, will also fail to get off block to reach them even if he sees them. First-year starter as a senior.
NFL Comparison J'Marcus Webb
Bottom Line
Becton couldn’t earn a start in his first three years with the Hokies, as veteran depth and a 2010 turf toe injury kept him coming off the bench. The former top high school recruit did rotate into games regularly as a junior, however, showing has the requisite size, length and athleticism to be a valuable NFL reserve capable of filling in at either left or right tackle. His athletic skill set will likely see a team take a chance on him late.
Round 5, Pick 34 (167) Nico Johnson ILB 6'2" 248 Alabama
Strengths
Assignment-sure pounder between the tackles who plays with attitude. Usually responsible for taking on fullback and lineman blocks in the middle to free up teammates, but can use his hands to hold them off (when not sliding under) and shed to make plays. Shows enough speed to test guards’ quickness on blitzes. Relatively light on his feet in his coverage drops, can stay with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Good hustle, will chase running backs to the sideline and plays 10-15 yards downfield after coming on a blitz.
Weaknesses
Lunch-pail player who hasn’t yet shown great playmaking ability. Lacks straight-line speed to recover once behind a step in coverage or juked at the line of scrimmage, will also struggle to get angle on backs before they turn upfield at the next level.
NFL Comparison Jason Phillips
Bottom Line
A tough-nosed, assignment-sure linebacker, Johnson is a strong run defender who has been overshadowed as a part-time starter on a star-studded Alabama defense. However, his unselfish play has been noticed, and he will likely be a mid-round selection for a 34 team in need of a middle linebacker.
Round 4, Pick 12 (109) Barrett Jones G/C 6'4" 306 Alabama
Strengths
Possesses NFL size for an interior player. Solid pass protector whether playing inside or outside, plays with a wide base, mirrors and anchors effectively by keeping his feet moving and extends his arms to stay engaged. Good hip extension in the run game. Gets correct angle to create running lane when blocking on the move, can also create space inside by moving his man out of the hole using his hands and bulk. Able to seal the tackle and then work to linebackers close to the line on combo blocks. Can reach the 3-technique defensive tackle from the center spot. Fits on second-level blocks very well in the run game. Very good football and general intelligence. Great awareness of late blitzers and twist stunts, and he gives excellent effort to reach free rushers so his quarterback stays upright.
Weaknesses
Limited athlete who will be at his best on the inside at the next level. Tends to stop his feet and lunge at pass rushers on the edge. Top-heavy, upright runner on pulls without great foot speed. Gets to the second level well, but can struggle tracking and adjusting to moving targets. Quicker linebackers and defensive backs jump around his lunges if he is unable to get his hands on their numbers. Inconsistent firing out of his stance and staying low on short-yardage plays. Hand placement improved in his senior season, but he has soft hands with a limp punch. Doesn’t play with a mean streak. Can get complacent and will fight for initial position, but doesn’t finish blocks and allows his man to disengage too often. Prone to making his initial block and then ball-watching instead of finding a second target. Has a lengthy injury history (but shows the toughness to play through them) and will need to check out medically.
NFL Comparison Daryn Colledge
Bottom Line
2012 Rimington and 2011 Outland Trophy winner has played every spot on the line while helping the Tide win three BCS championships in the last four years. Has spent most of his time on the interior, which is where he projects best in the NFL. While not the strongest or most athletic lineman, Jones’ versatility, intelligence and high character should get him penciled in at guard or center for the next decade in the NFL.
Round 4, Pick 25 (122) Michael Williams TE 6'5" 278 Alabama
Strengths
Flashes the hands and athletic ability to high-point passes over defenders, and is tough enough to work in traffic over the middle. Biggest contributions are as a run blocker, seals defensive ends inside on off-tackle plays in regular two tight end sets by consistently crashing the edge. Also effective moving his feet while engaged to get angle on backside rushers, especially when effectively using his strong hands.
Weaknesses
Straight-line speed might prove to be an issue; slow coming out of his stance and quite heavy-legged when lumbering down the field. Won’t elude or run away from defenders in his proximity after the catch. Quicker edge rushers give him troubles at times, as he doesn’t maintain his bend and will stop his feet instead of mirroring; eventually bends at the waist or is left behind by ends on their way to the quarterback. Used at H-back at times but lacks the flexibility to cut down or adjust to targets in space. Could get his hands inside more consistently when blocking to control his man.
NFL Comparison Matt Spaeth
Bottom Line
Williams looks like a lean offensive tackle, and often blocks like one; he might have the speed of a lineman, as well, but his solid receiving hands and red zone presence will virtually guarentee that he sticks in the NFL for a very long time as a team's second tight end.
Round 5, Pick 13 (146) Josh Evans S 6'1" 207 Florida
Strengths: Has a lean, athletic build with very long arms. Attacking mentality stands out on film. He isn't afraid to get physical and competes when the ball is in the air and after the catch, always attempting to rip it out of the ballcarrier's grasp. Attacks the line of scrimmage when he reads run or when allowed to blitz, which he did effectively in 2012, recording 2.5 sacks... Good balance and lateral agility to break down and make the effective open-field tackle or when avoiding backs as a pass rusher. Good flexibility and overall speed in coverage. His ability to cover over the top allowed Elam to roam and make big plays. Improved ball skills in 2012.
Weaknesses: A bit lean for the position and may not be as fluid with additional weight. Needs some work with his reaction quickness to trust what he sees. At times will take the safe route of making sure he makes the tackle, rather than going for the interception or pass breakup.
Compares To: Reshad Jones, FS, Miami Dolphins
Round 5, Pick 26 (159) Nick Becton OT 6'5" 323 Virginia Tech
Analysis
Strengths
Athletic left tackle prospect with the necessary height and length for the position. Possesses good lateral movement, can deliver a good punch while keeping his feet alive. Stays balanced to cut off the inside lane. Widens his base and anchors quickly against bull rushes. Good mobility to reach the second-level and get out in front of outside runs and quick screens. Quick feet help him get blocking angles while engaged. Attacks ends on run plays, willing to stay on block a few yards downfield to prevent his man from disengaging. Effective on cut blocks, gets down fast and makes good contact to prevent back side pursuit. Aware of wide blitzers, uses his feet and length to punch them around the corner.
Weaknesses
Not a dominating lineman in terms of pure strength, though he doesn't have the attitude of a finesse blocker. Sometimes relies on his punch to knock defenders off their route, leaning or stopping his feet in the process. Other times, can he slow to get his hands up, allowing ends and second-level targets to get into his chest. Needs to prove he can stay low off the ball in short-yardage situations, can play a bit high. Not always aware of late blitzers or edge rushers, will also fail to get off block to reach them even if he sees them. First-year starter as a senior.
NFL Comparison J'Marcus Webb
Bottom Line
Becton couldn’t earn a start in his first three years with the Hokies, as veteran depth and a 2010 turf toe injury kept him coming off the bench. The former top high school recruit did rotate into games regularly as a junior, however, showing has the requisite size, length and athleticism to be a valuable NFL reserve capable of filling in at either left or right tackle. His athletic skill set will likely see a team take a chance on him late.
Round 5, Pick 34 (167) Nico Johnson ILB 6'2" 248 Alabama
Strengths
Assignment-sure pounder between the tackles who plays with attitude. Usually responsible for taking on fullback and lineman blocks in the middle to free up teammates, but can use his hands to hold them off (when not sliding under) and shed to make plays. Shows enough speed to test guards’ quickness on blitzes. Relatively light on his feet in his coverage drops, can stay with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Good hustle, will chase running backs to the sideline and plays 10-15 yards downfield after coming on a blitz.
Weaknesses
Lunch-pail player who hasn’t yet shown great playmaking ability. Lacks straight-line speed to recover once behind a step in coverage or juked at the line of scrimmage, will also struggle to get angle on backs before they turn upfield at the next level.
NFL Comparison Jason Phillips
Bottom Line
A tough-nosed, assignment-sure linebacker, Johnson is a strong run defender who has been overshadowed as a part-time starter on a star-studded Alabama defense. However, his unselfish play has been noticed, and he will likely be a mid-round selection for a 34 team in need of a middle linebacker.