Draft Digest: QB Christian Ponder - Overhyped or Too Early To Judge?

There has been some criticism of Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder after his performance against Oklahoma last weekend and people asking was his pre-season draft grade of him being a possible first round quarterback just over hype. To me it is way to early to judge Ponder on one bad performance. We have a long season to go and Ponder can make up for his bad performance against Oklahoma. Ponder made some bad reads against the Oklahoma defense and that cost him and his team. He made some bad throws and end up throwing 2 interceptions. But it wasn’t all his fault, Florida State defense got beat early and caused them to get down early and Florida State offensive line missed some assignments causing pressure on Ponder.

Ponders strengths:

-Good overall athlete
-Strong arm can make all the throws in the NFL
-Has the ability to throw on the run

Ponders weakness:

-Decision making needs to improve
-Sometime is inaccurate because of his footwork

Draft Digest Breakdown: FSU vs UNC Tonight

Here is some of the NFL Draft prospects that NFL scouts will be keeping their eyes on in tonight’s Florida State vs North Carolina game. Listen tonight at 6:30 EST on the Draft Digest Radio Show on All Access Radio powered by NFLDraftBible.com as we go more in-depth on these players and much more. You listen online at http://www.nfldraftbible.com/. Or here is a link to the show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/All-Access-Football/2009/10/22/Draft-Digist

LB Dekoda Watson, Florida State - Watson is one of the more athletic linebackers in the county and so far this season has 32 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss which leads the team, and 4.5 sacks which also leads the team. Has alright size at around 6-1 225 pounds but can move and has shown the ability to make plays. Look for Watson to keep making plays for Florida State’s defense this season and should get an opportunity to go either Senior Bowl or East West Shrine game to show his ability at an All-Star after the season is over.

CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State - Robinson has been some what of a disappointment this season. He came into the season having a first round grade and hasn’t lived up to expectations so far this season. He only has 14 total tackles, no interceptions and only 5 pass break-ups and 5 passes defended. Because of his grade going into the season he will most likely be invited to the Senior Bowl to see if he can rebound from his poor performance so far.

DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina – Austin is only a junior but has become a very good all around defensive tackle, he does a good job against the run and fights off blocks well. He has good size and excellent strength and quickness. This season so far has 23 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack. There is some talk that he might declare early for the 2010 NFL draft.

LB Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina – Sturdivant is another junior who is fast rising up the chat as a possible player who will declare early for the 2010 NFL Draft. He is a very good overall linebacker who has great closing speed. He can play inside and outside linebacker but looks like he will be a 4-3 outside linebacker in the pros. He leads the team in tackles with 39 total tackles, and had 7.5 tackles for loss.

LB Bruce Carter, North Carolina – Carter this season has 26 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 interception. Has good size a 6-3 225 and can move well both side line to side line defending the run as well as drop in coverage both man to man as well as zone. He is only a junior and it seems more likely that Austin, and Sturdivant will declare the Carter but there are still some thoughts that he will leave school early as well.

DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina – Quinn might be best out of all North Carolina defensive player but he is only a true sophomore so isn’t eligible to declare of the 2010 NFL Draft.