NFL Draft: 2010 Cornerback Rankings

Top 10 Senior Cornerbacks for the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky – In Lindley you have a corner who is one of the most polished cornerbacks in the college game, who has the ability to take away half the field. Not only does he have great speed, and anticipation but he also has the size to go with it, standing right around 6 feet tall. Last season Lindley was a second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation. He is not as thick as Malcolm Jenkins (Lindley is only around 180 pounds) who was the first cornerback drafted and went #14 overall to the Saints in this years draft, but he has better, speed, agility, and balls skills then Jenkins. Lindley this season has 39 tackles, 4 interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and 15 passes defended.

2. Pat Robinson, Florida State - Robinson as a sophomore earned a team and career-high six interceptions including one each in five consecutive games to tie the school record for consecutive games with at least one interception. Unfortunately, Robinson was one of the players involved in the infamous Florida State cheating scandal, and that will raise some question marks with NFL teams. Last season he had 26 tackles despite playing in only eight games and had 4 pass break-ups, because when he was on the field quarterback where staying away from him. He has good size at 5-11, 194 pounds and can both cover and support the run, he should run in the low 4.4 in the 40 when he is tested. This season hasn’t lived up to expectations for Robinson only has 23 tackles, no interceptions, 7 pass break-ups and 7 passes defended.

3. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest – Ghee is the next player off of Wake Forest defense to end up in the NFL. A 5-11 190 pound cornerback with the ability to come up and make tackles on wide receivers as well as the willingness to stick his nose in the backfield and take on running backs. He has good hips and shows the ability to play man to man. Last season he had 35 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 interception. So far this season has 40 total tackles, and 6 pass break-ups, doesn’t have an interceptions and needs to show more improvement in his ball skills to get more interceptions.

4. Syd'Quan Thompson, California – Thompson isn’t the biggest cornerback in the land, but some how always finds away to make plays. The question is going to be, without the size, what type of true recover speed does he have. Most people think he is a 4.4 guy, but we won’t know until we get a stop watch on him. As a junior Thompson had 70 tackles, 14 passes broken up, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4 interceptions. Thompson is a ball hawk and is better in man to man coverage then he is in zone, but does have that ability. This season Thompson has 31 tackles, 1 interception, and 6 pass break-ups.

5. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State – Cox has good size a 6-0 200 pounds and is not only a good cover cornerback, but a willing tackler. He has good speed and shows that off as a very good return guy. He has the ability to play both man to man and zone coverage as a cornerback. He has 24 total tackles this season with 1 interception and 12 pass break-ups. He has 455 kick return yards on 19 returns averaging 23.9 yards a kick return. Cox also has returned 8 punts for 78 yards.

6. Jerome Murphy, South Florida - Murphy is one of the biggest hitter on the team and has very good speed for his size, being 6-1 185. Last season he had 67 total tackles, with 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 5 pass break-ups. He is rated higher the former South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins, who was a first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys two years ago. This season he has 40 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass break-ups.

7. Kyle Wilson, Boise State – Last season Wilson was named first-team All-WAC cornerback and second-team all-conference punt returner. He lead the team with 5 interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 15 passes defended, to go along with those stats he had 35 total tackles and 5 tackles for loss. He had 33 punt returns for 470 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wilson is 5-10 184 and runs in the 4.4, he is good both in man to man and zone coverage and when he get his hands on the ball can make plays. He isn’t just a cover cornerback but will come up and support the run. This season has 23 total tackles, and 1 interception that was returned for a touchdown.

8. Javier Arenas, Alabama – Arenas is not only a good cornerback, but he is a great returner, and last season he returned 3 punts for touchdowns. He has the ability to score every time he touches the ball, and has great speed and elusiveness as a returner. As a cornerback he has good ball skills, but is short only standing 5-9, but does have good size weighing almost 200 pounds. He isn’t a shutdown corner but he can cover man to man and be effective at it, and also is good in zone coverage. He is effective supporting the run, and come off the edge on the blitz. But what makes Arenas so special is his ability as a game changer in the return game. This season so far on defense has 45 total tackles 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 1 interception. In the return game he has 19 punt returns for 320 yards (16.8 average per return), and 10 kick off returns for 278 yards (27.8 average per return)

9. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (PA) - Owusu-Ansah has great size at 6-1 205 for a cornerback, and speed have made him a tough shut down cover corner. He is a great on special teams as both a kick-off returner and punt returner, which will help his stock at the next level. This season on defense he has 21 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass break-ups and 6 passes defended. In the return game he has 16 kick-off returns for 462 returns (28.9 average per return), and 2 touchdowns and has 21 punt returns for 271 yards (12.9 average per return) and 3 touchdowns.

10. Devin McCourty, Rutgers – McCourty is a good overall cornerback at 5-10 190 pounds and last season had 57 tackles and broke up 7 passes. McCourty is a reliable tackler with fluid hips, a good leaper and is physical and aggressive. He has good instincts and awareness, with a strong work ethic. This season so far has 47 tackles which leads the team, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 5 pass break-ups.

Updated Top 10 SR & JR TE's

Here are the top tight ends that are both juniors and seniors

Here are the top ten tight ends that are both seniors and juniors, there might be two juniors tight ends that will declare for the 2010 NFL Draft. Rob Gronkowski of Arizona who has missed most of the season because of back injury still could declare and Weslye Saunders of South Carolina could also declare early.

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2. Ed Dickson, Oregon
3. Anthony McCoy, Southern California
4. Dennis Pitta, Brigham Young
5. Nate Byham, Pittsburgh
6. Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State
7. Andrew Quarless, Penn State
8. Tony Moeaki, Iowa
9. Colin Peek, Alabama
10. Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois

Juniors:
1. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
2. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
3. Keith Hernandez, Florida
4. Luke Stocker, Tennessee
5. Konrad Reuland, Stanford
6. Joe Torchia, Virginia
7. Charlie Gantt, Michigan State
8. Zach Pianalto, North Carolina
9. Jeffrey Anderson, UAB
10. Austin Monahan, Vanderbilt

QB Jake Locker Highlights

Here is a hightlight video from Washington against BYU in 2008. Here are someting that the NFL scouts like about Locker.

1. Good overall athlete

2. Strong Arm

3. Ability to run

4. Good overall size

5. A good leader on the field

2010 Mock Draft

Here my new mock draft for the 2010 NFL Draft, listen today at 5:45 on the EndZone Radio Show on All Access Radio powered by NFLDraftBible.com as we go more in-depth. You listen online at http://www.nfldraftbible.com/

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – The Bucs are looking for the second coming of Warren Sapp and Suh could be that.

2. Cleveland Browns (1-7) – QB Jake Locker, Washington – The Browns start over with what they are hoping is their quarterback of the future.

3. St. Louis Rams (1-7) – S Eric Berry, Tennessee – Berry will give the Rams another playmaker on their defense for years to come.

4. Tennessee Titans (1-6) - DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – McCoy right now is just slight behind Suh, and the Titans defense hasn’t been the same this season with out Albert Haynesworth, so they draft McCoy to replace him.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) – S Taylor Mays, USC – The Chiefs need help all over the defense and Mays is the best defensive player left on the board so the Chiefs draft a safety that should be a Pro Bowl player.

6. Detroit Lions (1-6) – DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida – The Lions are looking for defensive line help and since McCoy and Suh are gone they take the best defensive end to help their pass rush.

7. Oakland Raiders (2-6) - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State – The Raiders need help on their offensive line and Okung is the best offensive linemen out there.

8. Washington Redskins (2-5) – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – The Redskins are looking to rebuild and their owner is always willing to take risk, this might be a big one if Bradford doesn’t return to his sophomore form after surgery.

9. Seattle Seahawks (2-5) - QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame - Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t been able to stay healthy the pass two season and the Seahawks see it time to get their quarterback of the future.

10. Buffalo Bills (3-5) - ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama – McClain is the best defensive player left on the board and that is what the Bills want to build around.

11. Miami Dolphins (2-4)- WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State – The Dolphins need a true number one wide receiver since Ted Ginn hasn’t shown that ability.

12. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers) (3-4) - OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma –The 49ers need help on their offensive line and Williams could move back to right tackle where he played as a junior at Oklahoma.

13. San Francisco 49ers (3-4) - OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson – The 49ers are looking for a 3-4 outside linebacker that can rush the passer and that is what Sapp is.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) - CB Joe Haden, Florida – The Jaguars could use help in their secondary and Haden in the best corner in the draft.

15. New York Jets (4-4) - NT Terrence Cody, Alabama – This might be a little high for Cody, but it is hard to find nose tackles to play in the 3-4 defense with Cody size and ability.

16. Arizona Cardinals (4-3) – OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas – Arizona is trying to change their defense to more of a 3-4 defense and Kindle would help in that transition.

17. San Diego Chargers (4-3) – ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida – Spikes would be a perfect fit as an inside linebacker in the Chargers 3-4 defense.

18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears) (4-3) – DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse – The Broncos need a nose tackle in their 3-4 defense and hope that is what Jones could be for them.

19. Green Bay Packers (4-3) – OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa – The Packers need help in their offensive line so Bulaga makes perfect sense for them.

20. Baltimore Ravens (4-3) – WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois – The Ravens are looking for a big time playmaker at wide receiver and Benn could be that for them.

21. Atlanta Falcons (4-3) – OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – The Falcons are looking for playmakers on their defense and that is what Weatherspoon is.

22. Houston Texans (5-3) – WR Damian Williams, USC – The Texans need another big time receiver to take the pressure off Andre Johnson.

23. New York Giants (5-3) – S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech – The Giants have shown with out Kenny Phillips in their secondary that they have had a hard time on defense so Burnett gives them another playmaker in their secondary.

24. New England Patroits (5-2) – DT Brian Price, UCLA – The Patroits are always looking for good defensive linemen to help them out.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) - OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers – The Steelers get an offensive linemen that is good as a run blocker as well as a pass blocker.

26. Dallas Cowboys (5-2) – DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina – Austin would be a good fit in the Cowboys 3-4 defense because he in an athletic defensive linemen.

27. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) – DE Greg Hardy,Ole Miss – Hardy is a steal here and helps out the Bengals defensive line.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech – Dwyer gives the Eagles a big physical running back something the team has been lacking for years.

29. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) (6-1) – RB Jahvid Best, California – Best gives the Seahawks an explosive playmaker in the running game.

30. Minnesota Vikings (6-1) – TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma – Gresham gives the Vikings another weapon on offensive.

31. New Orleans Saints (7-0) – OLB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma – Only a redshirt sophomore but might leave early because has seen what happened when his teammates came back and they end up getting hurt and cost themselves money in the draft.

32. Indianapolis Colts (7-0) – DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech – Gives the Colts another pass rusher on defense.

VanFulpen’s NFL Power Rankings

After week 8, here are my NFL power rankings. Right now it looks like the Colts and the Saints will meet in the Super Bowl, but we all know that things change every week in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Denver Broncos
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
9. New England Patroits
10. Baltimore Ravens
11. San Diego Chargers
12. Chicago Bears
13. New York Giants
14. Atlanta Falcons
15. Houston Texans
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Green Bay Packers
18. San Francisco 49ers
19. New York Jets
20. Miami Dolphins
21. Carolina Panthers
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
23. Buffalo Bills
24. Seattle Seahawks
25. Washington Redskins
26. Oakland Raiders
27. Tennessee Titans
28. St. Louis Rams
29. Detroit Lions
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. Cleveland Browns
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL Draft: 2010 Inside Linebacker Rankings

1. Brandon Spikes, Florida - Spikes has good size and rang for an inside linebacker with the ability to go sideline to sideline to make a play. Spikes has a great football IQ, and has the ability to diagnose plays and predict, at times, where the ball is going and takes great angles when pursing the ball carrier. He is not great in coverage, but can do it if he is asked to. Spikes had a better sophomore season then he did last year, but is a productive player who can make game changing plays at the middle linebacker spot, which is hard to find and that is why Spikes will be drafted early if he keeps playing like he is capable of. Spikes has played well this season with 32 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 1 interception.

2. Sean Lee, Penn State - Missed all of last season following surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that happened last April. Lee was a heck of football player before his knee injury and the question will be can he get back to his form in 2007 where he had 138 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recovered fumbles and 1 interception. Before the injury Lee was a very good overall linebacker who make plays all over the field and many thought that he would have been a later first round pick with his ability and football IQ. Now, there are a lot of question marks that come up with Lee. He has only played in 5 games this season, but has 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks so far this season.

3. Pat Angerer, Iowa - Angerer came out of nowhere to lead the team in tackles last season with 107 total tackles, after recording just six tackles in his first two seasons. Angerer tied for the Big Ten lead with five interceptions to go along with three pass breakups, to help him earned All-Big Ten second-team honors. Angerer has good size at 6-1 235 pounds, and not only is a good run defender, but as seen last season can play the pass and is effective both in man to man coverage as well as zone. Angerer has had an outstanding season with 77 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 interception.

4. Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State - Chaney has good size at 6-0 240 pounds, and shows the ability to play thru traffic and get to the ball carrier. He has some coverage ability, but looks like more of a 4-3 middle linebacker that is a two down linebacker at the next level. This season so far he has 58 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 1 interception.

5. Micah Johnson, Kentucky - Johnson has great size for a middle linebacker at 6-2 256 and is a thumper in the middle. He is somewhat tight in the hips and needs to show better ability to flip his hips and get back in coverage, but is good overall football player and a leader on the field. This season he has 55 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack so far.

6. Darryl Sharpton, Miami (Fla.) - Some teams have Sharpton playing outside linebacker and some have him playing inside. I think he fits as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. If he gets drafted by a team that plays that defense I think he will be a very good player at the next level. He lacks great size being 5-11 and around 235 pounds, but is a productive player because he is a very good overall athlete. This season has 46 total tackles, and 3.5 tackles for loss.

7. Reggie Carter, UCLA - As a sophomore Carter missed some time with a knee injury, but had 12 tackles for loss, last season played in all the games and had 84 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss. Carter is going to be a steady player at the next level that will be able to play the all the three linebacking spots, because he is a good athlete and takes good angles to the ball and does a good job anticipating where the ball is going to go. This season so far Carter has 51 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

8. Mike McLaughlin, Boston College - McLaughlin was a very highly rated linebacker coming into the season, but has only played in 5 games so far this season, with only 27 total tackles. He is a good overall athlete and has decent size at around 6 foot and 250 pounds and is a player that is a two down player at the next level being a 4-3 middle linebacker. He needs to really show well at an All-Star game and the NFL combine to help his stock go back to where it was before the season started.

9. Jacob Cutrera, LSU - Cutrera has the size and ability to be more productive then he is. He is 6-3 240 pounds and right now this season has only 28 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 interception. He can stop the run and shows and good ability to go side line to side line and can also flip his hips and drop in coverage if asked to. You could see him move up the board as we get into the All-Star games and post season work-outs.

10. Reed Williams, West Virginia - Williams is a two down linebacker at the next level, because he is a good run stopper, but his pass coverage ability needs to improve. He is around 6-0 230 pounds and this season has 32 total tackles, and 1 tackle for loss.

Updated Top 10 SR & JR WR's

Here are the top ten wide receivers that are both seniors and juniors, there is talk that their might be as many as eight junior wide receivers that declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, and that would help since the senior class talent level is lacking this year.

1. Brandon LaFell, LSU

2. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

3. Jordan Shipley, Texas

4. Eric Decker, Minnesota

5. Jeremy Williams, Tulane

6. Blair White, Michigan State

7. Jacoby Ford, Clemson

8. Dexter McCluster, Mississippi

9. Chris McGaha, Arizona State

10. Danario Alexander, Missouri

Dez Bryant most likely has played his last game at Oklahoma State, since he has been suspended for the remaining of the season. Mike Williams could use the year he lost in 2008 because of suspension to come back to Syracuse but that is highly unlikely. Damian Williams (USC), Arrelious Benn (Illinois) are almost close to 100% of leaving early for the NFL draft. Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas), Terrance Toliver (LSU), Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech), and Golden Tate (Notre Dame) are also thinking about leaving early.

1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

2. Damian Williams, Southern California

3. Mike Williams, Syracuse

4. Arrelious Benn, Illinois

5. Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas

6. Terrance Toliver, LSU

7. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech

8. Golden Tate, Notre Dame

9. Greg Salas, Hawaii

10. Vincent Brown, San Diego State

5 Text Message from NFL Scouts

Here are the five best text messages I have received from NFL scouts this week in regards to the upcoming NFL Draft. I will try to add this weekly, if I get relative information.

1. “QB Dan LeFevour CMU has moved up to our second overall rated senior quarterback” – Comment: I have heard this from a number of people in the scouting business, I still have him as my number four senior quarterback, behind Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Tony Pike. But I am going to go back and watch some more film on him, and he might be moving up on my board as well.

2. “RB Brandon West Western Mich., might be someone to keep your eyes on as a 3rd down back, KR” – Comment: Went back and checked some tape out this guys could be a late round pick, undrafted rookie free-agent, depends on his 40 yard dash time, and other workout numbers. But catches the ball well and could bring some benefit to a team.

3. “With this ruling WR Dez Bryant is coming out, not much tape on him this season.” – Comment: Yes I agree he is coming out early, scouts are going to go back to his sophomore season for more film, and will want to talk with him about the incident. I don’t think anything will change he still should be a very high first round pick.

4. “We have DE Jerry Hughes, TCU as a 4-3 DE not a 3-4 OLB as many think that is what he will play” – Comment: I agree, I don’t think that Hughes has coverage skills to play OLB in a 3-4, and I think he has the size to play the run as a 4-3 defensive end and that is what many people are questioning.

5. “TE Anthony McCoy, USC has moved to our number one overall senior tight end” – Comment: I don’t know if he is the number one overall senior tight end, true Jermaine Gresham is hurt, but I think he and Ed Dickson, who is a better blocker the McCoy are better then McCoy.

Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the Week

This weeks Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the week is wide receiver Johnny Knox. Even though the Chicago Bears lost to the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday 45-10, Texas vs the Nation alumni Johnny Knox had a good game to continue his outstanding rookie season. In Sunday’s game he has 4 catches for 42 yards, bring his season total to 21 catches for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had 7 kick returns for 151 yards, bring his season total to 18 kick returns for 522 yards (29.0 average) and 1 touchdown. He has become the Bears number three wide receiver and they see him having a bigger role as the season goes along. He has great speed and the ability to get in and out of cuts and his hands and getting better each week. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Chicago Bears and their fans this season.

Top 15 2010 Mock Draft

Here is the top 15 mock draft for the 2010 NFL Draft, listen today at 5:45 on the EndZone Radio Show on All Access Radio powered by NFLDraftBible.com as we go more in-depth.

You can listen online at http://www.nfldraftbible.com/

1. St. Louis Rams (0-7) - QB Jake Locker, Washington – The Rams are looking to rebuild their franshise and are looking for a quarterback to do that, most NFL scouts think that Locker is the best future pro and that is why he goes number one.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – The Bucs are looking for the second coming of Warren Sapp and Suh could be that, and could even go number one overall in the Bucs or Titans get that pick.

3. Tennessee Titans (0-6) - DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – McCoy right now is just slight behind Suh, and the Titans defense hasn’t been the same this season with out Albert Haynesworth, so they draft McCoy to replace him.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) – S Eric Berry, Tennessee – The Chiefs need help all over the defense and Berry is the best defensive player left on the board so the Chiefs draft a safety that should be a Pro Bowl player.

5. Cleveland Browns (1-6) – S Taylor Mays, USC – Mays is a step behind Berry in the safety position but will bring a physical presence to the Browns secondary that they haven’t had in years.

6. Detroit Lions (1-5) – DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida – The Lions are looking for defensive line help and since McCoy and Suh are gone they take the best defensive end to help their pass rush.

7. Oakland Raiders (2-5) - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State – The Raiders need help on their offensive line and Okung is the best offensive linemen out there.

8. Washington Redskins (2-5) – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – The Redskins are looking to rebuild and their owner is always willing to take risk, this might be a big one if Bradford doesn’t return to his sophomore form after surgery.

9. Seattle Seahawks (2-4) - QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame - Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t been able to stay healthy the pass two season and the Seahawks see it time to get their quarterback of the future.

10. Miami Dolphins (2-4)- WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State – The Dolphins need a true number one wide receiver since Ted Ginn hasn’t shown that ability.

11. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina Panthers) (2-4) - OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma –The 49ers need help on their offensive line and Williams could move back to right tackle where he played as a junior at Oklahoma.

12. Buffalo Bills (3-4) - ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama – McClain is the best defensive player left on the board and that is what the Bills want to build around.

13. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears) (3-3) - NT Terrence Cody, Alabama – This might be a little high for Cody, but it is hard to find nose tackles to play in the 3-4 defense with Cody size and ability.

14. San Francisco 49ers (3-3) - OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson – The 49ers are looking for a 3-4 outside linebacker that can rush the passer and that is what Sapp is.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - CB Joe Haden, Florida – The Jaguars could use help in their secondary and Haden in the best corner in the draft.

VanFulpen’s NFL Power Rankings

After week 7, here are my NFL power rankings. Right now it looks like the Colts and the Saints will meet in the Super Bowl, but we all know that things change every week in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Denver Broncos
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. New York Giants
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. New England Patroits
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Dallas Cowboys
11. Green Bay Packers
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Arizona Cardinals
14. New York Jets
15. Baltimore Ravens
16. San Diego Chargers
17. Chicago Bears
18. Houston Texans
19. San Francisco 49ers
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
21. Miami Dolphins
22. Buffalo Bills
23. Seattle Seahawks
24. Carolina Panthers
25. Washington Redskins
26. Oakland Raiders
27. Detroit Lions
28. Kansas City Chiefs
29. Cleveland Browns
30. Tennessee Titans
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32. St. Louis Rams

VanFulpen’s Heisman Watch

Here are my top five for the Heisman and why they will win the award and why they won’t win the award.

1. RB Mark Ingram, Alabama, So.
Stats: Rushing - 1,004 yards 6.6 average 8 touchdowns. Receiving - 19 receptions 186 yards 9.8 average 3 touchdowns

Why He Will Win It: He is the best player on possible the best team in the country and has put up some good stats. He needs to improve those stats and have some big games down the stretch but right now he is the front runner.

Why He Won’t Win It: He is a true sophomore, and voters still like to vote for upperclassmen, even with the resent history of sophomore winning it like Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford.

2. QB Tim Tebow, Florida Sr.
Stats: Passing - 1,159 passing yards, 8 touchdowns 4 interceptions. Rushing: 673 yards 3.8 average 12 touchdowns

Why He Will Win It: He won it as a sophomore and was in the race to win it last year. He is one of the best players in college football history and his team has a chance to win back to back national championships and three out of his four years.

Why He Won’t Win It: He hasn’t put up the huge stats like he did when he won it as a sophomore and that is what the voters want to see.

3. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame Jr.
Stats: Rushing - Stats: Passing – 2,050 passing yards, 16 touchdowns 2 interceptions.

Why He Will Win It: He from Notre Dame and he is having an outstanding season and the team still has a chance to go to a BCS Bowl game.

Why He Won’t Win It: He is from Notre Dame and has already lost two games this season against two of Notre Dames biggest rivals.

4. QB Colt McCoy, Texas Sr.
Stats: Passing - 1,806 passing yards, 14 touchdowns 8 interceptions. Rushing: 104 yards 1.8 average 1 touchdowns

Why He Will Win It: He is the quarterback for Texas who should win out the rest of their games and go to BCS National Championship game.

Why He Won’t Win It: He isn’t having the season he had last year and he didn’t win the Hesiman when he put up great stats.

5. QB Case Keenum, Houston Jr.
Stats: Rushing - Stats: Passing – 2,734 passing yards, 20 touchdowns 4 interceptions.

Why He Will Win It: He has put up some huge passing stats and his team has only lost one game this season.

Why He Won’t Win It: He plays at Houston and that will hurt him in the long run at his chances of winning the Hesiman.

Updated Top 10 SR & JR RB's

Here are the top ten running backs that are both seniors and juniors, there is talk that their might be as many as seven junior running backs that declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, and that would help since the senior class talent level is lacking this year.

Seniors:
1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
2. Charles Scott, LSU
3. Toby Gerhart, Stanford
4. Chris Brown, Oklahoma
5. Ben Tate, Auburn
6. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
7. Andre Anderson, Tulane
8. Javarris James, Miami (Fla.)
9. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee
10. Keiland Williams, LSU

Right now, Jahvid Best, of California and Jonathan Dwyer, of Georgia Tech would be rated as first round picks, and it looks like these two will leave early as well as players ranked number 3 thru 7.

1. Jahvid Best, California
2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
3. Evan Royster, Penn State
4. Joe McKnight, Southern California
5. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
6. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
7. Noel Devine, West Virginia
8. Emmanuel Moody, Florida
9. Graig Cooper, Miami (Fla.)
10. Armando Allen, Notre Dame

Updated Top 10 SR & JR QB's

Here are the top ten quarterback that are both seniors and juniors, there is talk that four juniors will come out and declare early for the 2010 NFL Draft, Jake Locker, of Washington, Jimmy Clausen, of Notre Dame, Sam Bradford, of Oklahoma, and Jevan Snead, of Mississippi.

With the seniors before his injury Tony Pike was gaining on Colt McCoy to be the number one rated senior quarterback and he still get there by the time the 2010 NFL Draft roles around.

Seniors:
1. Colt McCoy, Texas
2. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
3. Tim Tebow, Florida
4. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
5. Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
6. Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
7. John Skelton, Fordham
8. Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
9. Daryll Clark, Penn State
10. Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic

Sam Bradford has fallen because of his injury and both him and Jevan Snead should go back to school for their senior year for sure.

Juniors:
1. Jake Locker, Washington
2. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
4. Jevan Snead, Mississippi
5. Case Keenum, Houston
6. Pat Devlin, Delaware
7. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
8. Christian Ponder, Florida State
9. Greg McElroy, Alabama
10. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M

2010 NFL Draft: Outside Linebacker Rankings

1. Ricky Sapp, Clemson – Sapp has a great burst of speed off the end, but he is a little undersized for an NFL defensive end and that is why he will be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. At 6-4 and 245 pounds, Sapp can add some more bulk as well as strength. Right now Sapp is also pretty one-dimensional in his pass rush and his straight line speed and his initial burst to beat tackles off the line of scrimmage. Last season he had 28 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. He needs to get better being able to drop into coverage in pass defense, to be a more effective overall defender.

2. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – Weatherspoon is a good overall linebacker who is a very productive player in the Big 12, and should be a good overall linebacker at the next level. He has very good coverage skills and has the ability to play man to man as well as drop into zone coverage, and had 3 interceptions and 7 pass break-ups last season. He isn’t as good as a pass rusher as fellow Big 12 linebacker Sergio Kindle of Texas but can do it and is an effective blitzer. He had 18.5 tackles for loss last season as well as 5 sacks. Might not end up putting up those stats this season, but he has the ability to be best overall senior linebacker in this group.

3. Sergio Kindle, Texas – When Kindle sent his paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisor Board last season to see what type of draft grade he had when he got his paperwork back they said he was a second- or third-round choice, so Kindle decided to comeback to Texas for his senior season. Kindle is tougher against the run and a better blitzing linebacker than Aaron Curry who was the number four overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Kindle is a very strong pass rusher who can be a great blitzing strong side linebacker or even defensive end on 3rd downs. He has great speed and aggressiveness, and always plays hard.

4. Eric Norwood, South Carolina – Norwood declared for last years draft and then made the decision to come back for his senior season. So far it looks like it was the right move to make last season he had 75 total tackles and 9 sacks and so far it looks like he will put up better stats this season then last year. He is an all around linebacker that will be a 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level. He has good size and speed and with his size and speed could play the strong side linebacker spot in the NFL.

5. A.J. Edds, Iowa – Edds just seems to get better each week in Iowa’s defense he has great size at 6-3, 246 pounds and good speed, he has been clocked at around 4.6 in the 40. He needs to show improvement in his pass rushing skills but hasn’t been asked to blitz much in Iowa’s defense. He could be a real sleeper in the 2010 NFL draft and someone that gets talked about more as we get closer to the NFL Draft.

6. Daryl Washington, TCU – Washington is a productive linebacker that will be a weakside linebacker at the next level because of size 6-1 215, but he can run (4.5 in the 40). Last season he had 63 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and one interception. Washington is a good overall athlete, and has the ability to make plays both in the running game as well as the passing game, he shows coverage skills both in man to man as well as in zone.

7. Dekoda Watson, Florida State – Watson last season had 46 total tackles with 8 tackles for loss and 1 interception. He has good size at 6-2 226 and like all of Florida State linebackers can run. He has the ability to play both the weak side and strong side linebacker position and does a good job against the run and the pass. This season has been one of Florida States best overall defensive players.

8. Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas –Muckelroy doesn’t get the hype that his fellow linebacker Sergio Kindle gets, but all he does is make tackle and last season end up with 102 total tackles. He isn’t the linebacker that is going to make the huge hit or the game changing sack and forced fumble but what he is going to do is do his job and make very few mistakes. He is a very consistent player and there is no reason to think that he will be any different at the next level.

9. Justin Cole, San Jose State – Cole plays defensive end right now but a number of teams project him to be an outside linebacker in the NFL, because of his size and his athleticism he is 6-3 241. Last season he had 68 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 1 interception. The biggest question mark is going to be his overall speed and will he be able to flip his hips and cover as a 3-4 outside linebacker when he is ask to do that in the defensive scheme.

10. Cameron Sheffield, Troy – Sheffield is 6-2 250 and last season had 66 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. A good overall athlete with good pass rushing skills, he has good explosion off the line of scrimmage, but also has good strength and can use that when he bull rushers. He can play the run as well as the pass and will be a good addition to any team.

Draft Digest Breakdown: Rutgers at Army

In tonight’s Rutgers at Army game there are two players to watch for that should be draft fairly high in next years NFL Draft.

OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers – Davis is only a junior but many people around the program feel like he will declare early and leave for the NFL draft. Right now it looks like he will be a first round pick if he declares early. He has great size at 6-6 325 pounds and can move very well for a man his size. Has started since his freshman season at Rutgers, look for Davis to declare after this season and go into the draft process as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2010 NFL Draft.

CB Devin McCourty - Devin’s twin brother Jason McCourty was drafted in the sixth round of last years NFL draft and Devin is expected to be drafted higher then Jason in the 2010 NFL Draft. Devin is a fast, athletic cornerback with the ability to make plays in the secondary. Right now it look like he will be drafted somewhere in the 4th round to 5th round in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Player Registration for the 2010 Texas vs The Nation All-Star Game

Are you a player that wants to play in the 2010 Texas vs the Nation All-Star game or do you know a player that should be invited to the Texas vs the Nation All-Star game well then click here to get invited or get someone invite.

http://texasvsthenation.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/tvstn-nomination-form.html

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.

Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the Week

This weeks Texas vs. the Nation Alumni of the week is defensive end Trevor Scott of the Oakland Raiders. The 6-5 255 pound defensive end out of University of Buffalo helped the Raiders beat the Eagles 13-9 with an outstand performance with 3 solo tackles and 2 sacks against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Scott doesn’t start for the Raiders but comes in on the defensive line in pass rushing situations and did an outstanding job this week. He shows that he has very good passing rushing moves and should get more playing time as the season goes along. Check back every week as we honor an alumni of the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star game each week.

Top 5 2010 Mock Draft

Here is the top five mock draft for the 2010 NFL Draft, listen today at 5:45 on the EndZone Radio Show on All Access Radio powered by NFLDraftBible.com as we go more in-depth. You listen online at http://www.nfldraftbible.com/

1. St. Louis Rams - QB Jake Locker, Washington – The Rams are looking to rebuild their franshise and are looking for a quarterback to do that, most NFL scouts think that Locker is the best future pro and that is why he goes number one.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – The Bucs are looking for the second coming of Warren Sapp and Suh could be that, and could even go number one overall in the Bucs or Titans get that pick.

3. Tennessee Titans - DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – McCoy right now is just slight behind Suh, and the Titans defense hasn’t been the same this season with out Albert Haynesworth, so they draft McCoy to replace him.

4. Kansas City Chiefs – S Eric Berry, Tennessee – The Chiefs need help all over the defense and Berry is the best defensive player left on the board so the Chiefs draft a safety that should be a Pro Bowl player.

5. Cleveland Browns – S Taylor Mays, USC – Mays is a step behind Berry in the safety position but will bring a physical presence to the Browns secondary that they haven’t had in years.

Texas vs. the Nation Excels in the Pros: A look at six all-stars from the past

The Texas vs the Nation All-Star game is the newest of the post season All-Star games and has been around only since 2007, when the first game was played on February 2, 2007. But that doesn’t mean that the game lack talent, the game format is different then the other post season senior All-Star games in which the Texas side of the roster is made up of only player who where born in the state of Texas or they went to college in the state of Texas. In the first game, their where 12 players that where drafted, from the 2008 game their where 18 players that where drafted and from last years game their was a new record of 25 players that where drafted. Let take a look at some of the more outstanding players from last years game so far this season in the NFL.

WR/RT Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears – Knox was drafted in the 5th round, 140th overall out of Abilene Christian, which is a Division Two school in Texas. So far he has caught 14 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and returned 9 kickoffs for 322 yards (35.8 yard average) and 1 touchdown, being a 102 yard return against the Detroit Lions. The Bears plan to use him even more this season in their offense and will try to get him the ball in his hands more and more each week.

RB Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals – Scott another rookie out of Abilene Christian was drafted in the 6th round, 209th overall and hasn’t got a ton of oppertunities so far this season to run the ball with the Bengals because of the success that Cedric Benson has been having. But last week against the Cleveland Browns Scott showed that he can be effective running the ball when he carried 6 times for 41 yards averaging 6.8 yards a carry. Because he has shown some flash look for Scott to get more carries as we get further in the season.

DT Terrance Knighton, Jacksonville Jaguars – Knighton was drafted in the 3rd round, 81st overall out of Temple and has been the Jaguars starting defensive tackle since the season has started. He only has 9 total tackles for season so far but should be in the starting line for the rest of the season as long as he stays healthy.

Not only has last years game produced players, let look at some of the players for the 2008 game and see what they have done so far this season in the NFL.

WR Pierre Garcon, Indianpolis Colts – The Colts drafted Garcon in the 6th round, 205th overall, out of Mount Union College which is a Division 3 school. Last season Garcon played in 14 games, but only caught 4 passes for 23 yards and no touchdowns. This season Garcon has steped into the starting line-up because of the injury to fellow wide reciever Anthony Gonzalez and has caught 10 passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns and has week after week come up with big plays for the Colts.

RB Tim Hightower, Arizona Cardinals – Hightower was drafted in the 5th round 149th overall out of Richmond and in his rookie season lead the NFC Champtions in rushing touchdowns with 10 and rushed for 399 yards as he spilt time with Edgerrin James. He also caught 34 passes for 237 yards in the Cardinals offense. This season he has rushed for 109 yards and 1 touchdown and has already caught 20 passes 172 yards in only 3 games and in the first game of the season caught 12 passes for 121 yards.

DE Trevor Scott, Oakland Raiders – Scott was drafted in the 6th round, 169th overall out of Buffalo and in his rookie season he played in all 16 games and had 5 sacks without starting a game, and also end up with 24 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. This season has played in all 4 games for the Raiders and only has 8 total tackles, but is a vauble member of their defensive line.

We have only touched on six players from the past two games, but there is many players that have played in the Texas vs the Nation game that are making an impact in the NFL. For the game to only be going on it’s fourth overall game in bowl game history it is remarkable the amount of talent it has already produced. Because of that reason all 32 teams will again be making a stop in El Paso, Texas come Febuary, 2010.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Here are seven head coaches that are on the hot seat already six weeks into the NFL season.

1. Washington Redskins, Jim Zorn – Zorn has been on the hot seat since Week 1 of this season and most likely will have to make the playoffs to save his job. This week he has already lost his offensive play calling role to Sherman Lewis who was just brought in by the Redskins as a consultant and now is the offensive coordinator.

2. Oakland Raiders, Tom Cable – Cable has the Raiders 2-4, but the team has look horrible on offense and with his off the field issue where Randy Hanson reportedly told police that he punched him and broke his jaw. If he doesn’t show improvement on offense and win at least 5 games this season you could see Al Davis make another coaching move.

3. Buffalo Bills, Dick Jauron – Jauron like Cable has the Bills at 2-4 and his offense has also been bad, they fired their offensive coordinator before the season but that hasn’t improved the situation. The Bills might not fire Jauron because of the economics with the Bills and owner Ralph Wilson.

4. Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher – Fisher is the longest tenured head coach in the NFL, but with the Titans coming off a 13-3 season and starting the season 0-6, it doesn’t sit well with owner Bud Adams. Adams is thinking Fisher time might have run it course and it could be time to go in another direction.

5. Cleveland Browns, Eric Mangini – Mangini is in his first year in Cleveland, but things aren’t looking good for him. The team hasn’t performed and many players have complained about Mangini and the way he runs a team. Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has joined the team as a consultant, and will help evaluated Mangini performance.

6. Carolina Panthers, John Fox – Fox has guided the Panthers to two straight wins, but will need to keep the wins coming, because it is public knowledge that former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has a home in Charlotte, NC and would like to get back in to coaching that the Panthers seem to be a perfect fit for him.

7. Dallas Cowboys, Wade Phillips – Phillips will need to get the Cowboys into the playoffs or owner Jerry Jones will fire him and bring in a big name head coach like Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, or Mike Holmgren to guide the Cowboys in the 2010 season.

Will Sam Bradford come back to Oklahoma?

Well it looks like Sam Bradford 2009 season is done with another right shoulder injury on Saturday against Texas, now the question is will Sam Bradford leave Oklahoma and enter the 2010 NFL Draft or will he come back to Oklahoma for his 5th year senior season. From what I am hearing from people around the Oklahoma program is that they believe that Bradford will be back in Oklahoma in 2010. The following are the reasons I am getting:

1. He wants another chance to win a National Championship.
2. He didn’t leave after he won the Heisman Trophy, and had a great season, why would he leave Oklahoma after a down season because of injuries.
3. He really loves Oklahoma and the college life.
4. His NFL Draft scout has dropped because of the injuries, and could get back to being a top 5 pick with a great season in 2010.
5. His family wants him to stay at Oklahoma.
6. He might have to have surgery and won’t be ready to work out for NFL scouts in February.

Only time will tell if what we are hearing out of Norman, Oklahoma is correct and Bradford will be back next season.

Potential Underclassmen: Defense

Here is a list of defensive players that are thinking about declaring early for the 2010 NFL Draft

DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida
DE Cliff Matthews, South Carolina
DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
DE Everson Griffen, Southern California
DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh

DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DT Brian Price, UCLA
DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina
DT Allen Bailey, Miami (Fla.)

ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama
ILB Obi Ezeh, Michigan
ILB Scott Lutrus, UConn
ILB Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina

OLB Greg Jones, Michigan State
OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia
OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina
OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M

CB Joe Haden, Florida
CB DeAndre Morgan, North Carolina State
CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
CB Dominique Franks, Oklahoma

S Eric Berry, Tennessee
S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
S Reshad Jones, Georgia
S Major Wright, Florida
S Chad Jones, LSU

Potential Underclassmen: Offense

Here is a list of offensive players that are thinking about declaring early for the 2010 NFL Draft

QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi
QB Jake Locker, Washington
QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
RB Evan Royster, Penn State
RB John Clay, Wisconsin
RB Jahvid Best, California
RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
WR Damian Williams, Southern California
WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech University
WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame

TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
TE Aaron Hernandez, Florida
TE Weslye Saunders, South Carolina

OT Brian Bulaga, Iowa
OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

2010 NFL Draft: Defensive End Rankings

1. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss – Hardy’s career at Ole Miss has been anything but normal. This past winter there was much speculation about Hardy entering the NFL Draft, but he decided to return for his senior season. A stress fracture in his right foot required surgery and forced him to miss the first three games of the season. In 2007, he was suspended for two games for violating team rules. If Hardy can remain healthy and stay on the field, he can be a dominant player. He as all the assets teams want in a defensive end—he has good size (6’ 4”, 265), a great first step when rushing the passer, and he can defend against the run. One scout I talked to told me that Hardy would have been the best 4-3 defensive end in this past April’s Draft had he declared.

2. Brandon Graham, Michigan - Graham is the best returning pass rusher in the Big Ten—he has registered 18.5 sacks over the last two seasons. The issue with Graham that he is only around 6 feet tall, and some NFL teams want defensive ends that are 6’ 3” or taller. However, despite the lack of height, Graham has proved over the years that he is able to get off the line of scrimmage and not only make plays rushing the passer, but also against the run behind the line of scrimmage—he tied for the league lead in tackles for loss (20) last season. Graham could play in a 3-4 defense as an outside pass rusher, but I think he’s best suited as a 4-3 defensive end, where he could play both the right and left defensive end positions.

3. Brandon Lang, Troy – Lang and his teammate Cameron Sheffield—who is lower on this list—are a great pass rushing tandem. Troy has produced some very good NFL talent on the defensive side of the ball in DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys and Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants. Lang is 6’ 3”, 252, and has a great burst off the line of scrimmage. Last season he led the team in sacks (10.5), tackles for loss (17.5), QB hurries (28), and had 69 total tackles. Lang can play standing up or with his hand on the ground, and his versatility would allow him to fit into pretty much any defensive scheme. You might not hear much about him during the season, but as the draft approaches his name will be a popular one; he could end up being a first-round pick.

4. Jerry Hughes, TCU – Hughes is was a very productive player last season, racking up 52 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and two interceptions. He is a bit short (6’ 1”) and isn’t all that fast (4.7 40-yard dash), but his quickness and athleticism are what make him so productive. Don’t get me wrong—6’ 1” defensive ends can make it in the NFL, just look at what Dwight Freeney has been able to do. It will be interesting to see what kind of buzz surrounds Hughes as the draft approaches.

5. George Selvie, South Florida – Selvie has good size (6’ 5”, 245) and speed, and he is already the USF career leader in tackles for loss and sacks. There were some that thought Selvie declare for the draft after last season, but he decided to return. He may have done so in an effort to show scouts his drop off in production was no cause for concern. Selvie saw a drop-off, from 59 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks as a sophomore, to only 43 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a junior. He’s been double- and sometimes triple-teamed since he burst onto the scene, so it will be interesting to see if NFL teams are willing to look beyond mere numbers.

6. Lindsey Witten, UConn – Witten being ranked here might surprise some people. After all, he only had 19 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 5 sacks last season. He has a solid bloodline—his older brother, Donte Whitner, was a first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2006. Witten is a good overall athlete and a good pass rusher although he needs to become better in stopping the run. But that will come in time as he adds more strength. He could end up being a 3-4 outside linebacker if he doesn’t add the necessary weight, but when you can rush the passer teams will find a way to get you on the field.

7. Rahim Alem, LSU – Alem is a solid all-around defensive end with the ability to play the run as well as rush the passer. As a junior, he had 29 tackles and eight sacks. He has good overall size at 6’ 3”, 263 pounds, and has shown power and strength. He is a good overall athlete but needs to add some more pass rushing moves to be an effective pass rusher at the next level.

8. Willie Young, North Carolina State – Young is another undersized defensive end who will need to add weight or shift to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is 6’ 4”, 240 pounds, but possesses the ability to play the run with strength despite the light weight. He has good but not great speed and a very good first step, allowing him to display a variety of pass rush moves. Young had a productive season last year with 58 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and an interception.

9. Greg Middleton, Indiana - Middleton has good size for a defensive end (6’ 3”, 285) decent speed and a great first step off the line of scrimmage. He can use his strength to bull-rush, but also has an array of non-power pass rushing moves to beat opposing blockers. He is extremely strong and is at his best on obvious passing downs when he can explode off the line and steamroll helpless tackles. Middleton was much better as a sophomore then he was a junior; as a sophomore he led the nation in sacks with 16 and added 50 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Last season he had 18 total tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks. He was dinged up in 2008, which might explain the fall-off in production.

10. Corey Wootton, Northwestern – The question mark with Wooten heading into his senior season is how well he will respond from the torn ACL he suffered in last season’s Alamo Bowl against Missouri. As a junior he had 42 total tackles, 10 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and one interception, and also blocked a kick. Wootton is an all-around defensive end and plays with outstanding leverage while creating problems in the passing lanes because of his size. He has the ability to use his power and bull-rush, but also has some counter pass-rushing moves.

2010 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Rankings

1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Suh is a great athlete for his size, and has a rare combination of strength, power, and speed. Has a very good football IQ, and plays the run and pass equally well. He can be a dominant run stopper even when double teamed because of his great quickness and ability to penetrate. Because Suh is such a great athlete sometimes he gets too high with his pad level and can miss a tackle or two. He needs to improve his technique, because in the NFL he will be playing against the best offensive linemen in the world—athleticism alone won’t cut it.

2. Terrence Cody, Alabama – They call him “Mount Cody”, and does that nickname ever fit, Cody is huge at 6' 5" and 365 pounds. Last season was Cody's first season at Alabama coming from Gulf Coast Community College and he missed two games with a sprained MCL. Cody has good agility for a man with his size and has the ability to play as a 3-4 nose tackle or a 4-3 defensive tackle. He is similar to B.J. Rajiwho was drafted 9th overall by the Green Bay Packer in this years draft, but Cody is only bigger, and possibly better when it is all said and done, if he can keep his weight in check.

3. Arthur Jones, Syracuse – Jones sustained a torn left pectoral muscle while lifting weights on February 23, and had to have surgery to repair it. Last season, the Syracuse lineman had 60 total tackles with 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He has good size at 6' 4" 300 pounds and projects to be a defensive tackle in the 4-3 at the NFL level because of his ability to penetrate and get in the backfield while taking on double teams. Some may view om as a potential fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Teams want to see if he can regain his strength after his injury.

4. D'Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech – Smith a good size for defensive tackle at 6' 2" and 307 pounds. Last season he started all 13 games displaying his durability and earned first team All-WAC honors for his efforts. He had 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks for the season. He is a good overall athlete who has the ability to plug the holes in the running game and also get after the passer. Show good passing rushing moves for a defensive tackle and that is something that 4-3 defensive coordinators in the NFL are looking for.

5. Tyson Alualu, California – Alualu is a good overall athlete and has good size enough size at 6' 2" and 291 pounds. He can play defensive tackle and is athletic enough to move to defensive end if call upon to do that. Last season he had 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss at six sacks. He is equal good against the run, as well as rushing the passer, and will fit in to a 4-3 defense as a defensive tackle. He could add some bulk and his frame will allow that. He is a hard worker and doesn’t take plays off, going hard on every play, something we can't say about everyone on the list. He is a mature guy off the field, which is another plus. Alualu is already married and has two kids.

6. Jared Odrick, Penn State – Last season Odrick emerged as one of the nation's top defensive linemen with 41 total tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His 2007 season was cut short by ankle and hand injuries, so he had a lot to prove and didn't disappoint. Odrick has excellent size a 6' 5" and 306 pounds. The Nittany Lion almost always command double teams, which allows other players to make plays. He plays the run well, but also has the ability to rush the passer, and can play both inside, as well as on the edge. He is a hard worker and doesn’t take plays off.

7. Vincent Oghobaage, Duke – Duke doesn’t get a lot of love when it comes to college football but Oghobaage will put them on the map when it comes to the NFL Draft next season . It is hard to find 6' 6", 300-pound defensive tackles that are good overall athletes and can make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He has shown the ability to penetrate into the backfield and does a good job playing with leverage. Last season Oghobaage had 51 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks.

8. Jeff Owens, Georgia – Owens last season registered one tackle before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter vs. Georgia Southern, which forced him to back for another season between the hedges. Despite his knee injury, Owens is someone that is high on NFL draft boards, because of his size and athleticism. He is 6' 1" and 305 pounds, and can move up and down the line of scrimmage against the run. The Bulldog needs to improve on his pass rushing moves and his ability to get into the backfield more, which would allow him to be more of any impact player behind the line of scrimmage.

9. Shaunte "Boo" Robinson, Wake Forest – Robinson is a guy who could end up moving up this list before it is all said and done. It's hard not to like his overall game. If he could get a little bigger (6' 1"/292 pounds) and stronger, watch out, because he is a good overall athlete who can penetrate the backfield and make plays against the run, as wel as rush the passer. He is a "Tampa Two" defensive tackle and could be a better overall player than Peria Jerry who was a first round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2009 NFL Draft. Last season he had 47 total tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception. He is someone that could be rising up draft boards as we get closer to the NFL Draft.

10. Geno Atkins, Georgia – Atkins doesn’t have the overwhelming size but he makes up for that with speed and quickness. He is a "Tampa Two" type defensive tackle that is a good athlete with the ability to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Atkins is very active and fires off the ball very well. He has the ability to penetrate and wreak havoc in the backfield, and shows he can shed blocks. Consistency is this biggest issue with this Bulldog, which is why he has seen his playing time dip as a senior.

2010 NFL Draft: Fullback Rankings

1. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin - Graham plays tight end for Wisconsin and was the teams leading receiver in 2008 with 40 catches for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns. The reason that the NFL looks at him as more of a fullback or H-back is because he is just right around 6-2 245 pounds and is a dominate inline blocker, but is a good overall athlete that you want to get on the field, he reminds me a lot of Frank Wycheck, who the Titans would move around a lot to create match up problems.

2. Rashawn Jackson, Virginia - Jackson has is not only a good lead blocker but he also brings some running skills to the table. He can catch the football out of the backfield, and has good size at 243 pounds. He is a good overall athlete and does an excellent job on special teams that that is something that NFL teams look for in a full back.

3. John Conner, Kentucky - Kentucky has used Conner in both the running game and the passing game and just isn’t a lead blocker. He has good size at almost 240 pounds and does a good job blocking at the point of attack. He could improve on his hands to be a more effective overall player.

4. Jack Corcoran, Rutgers - Corcoran isn’t much of runner for a fullback, but he has shown the ability to be a receiver and last season caught 19 passes for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is a good overall athlete and understand leverage as he was the was the New Jersey state champion wrestler in the 215-pound weight class. Because of his wrestling background it making him a very good blocker in short yardage and goal-line situations.

5. Matt Clapp, Oklahoma - Clapp is a good overall athlete with good size at 6-2 245 pounds and last season was used as a receiver around the goal line and had 9 catches for 92 yards and 3 touchdowns. Does a good job as a run blocker and could be used more in the passing game if Oklahoma didn’t have some many other weapons.

2010 NFL Draft: Center Rankings

1. Matt Tennant, Boston College - Tennant has good quickness for a center and does a very good job making the protection calls as the line of scrimmage. He is a fifth-year senior who has started fro three seasons, and last season was an honorable mention All-ACC performer. Is some what light at only 273 pounds but should be able to add 15 pounds to get around 300 with out a problem.

2. J.D. Walton, Baylor - Walton started his career at Arizona State, and then transferred to Baylor after the 2005 season. He has good experience being a three-year starter. Has good size at right around 300 pounds and is very strong as a player, he also has good football knowledge and is a very hard worker.

3. Ted Larsen, North Carolina State - Larsen can play both guard and center on the offensive side of the ball, but started his career as a defensive tackle and started three games there. At around 300 pounds has good size, but he will compete hard on every play and that is why the coaches wanted to find the best spot for him to play down after down at.

4. Kenny Alfred, Washington State -Alfred is another center who might have to add some weight, being only 290 pounds. He has the ability to also play guard and has a lot of experience on the offensive line. He is very good as a run blocker and is very strong and is a very hard worker.

5. John Estes, Hawaii - Estes plays in Hawaii pass happy offense and is a better pass blocker then he is a run blocker because of that. He does a good job moving his feet and is quick on them. He has good size at right around 300 pounds and does a good job making the line calls.