NFL Draft Pick #59: The Philadelphia Eagles Select Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 1:07 am | ,
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This 6’3″ 266 lb. defensive end fits right into that wide-9 defensive front the Eagles have grown into. Curry is a special player coming off the edge in the pass rush and set the edge nicely against the run.

If the opponent gives him even a little bit of space, this guy is going to exploit it. His speed and quickness make him deadly, but he’s going to have to bulk up to play with the big boys on Sunday. There are linebackers coming into the league that are his size now.

Curry will have good value as a pass-rushing specialist. Curry is an explosive athlete who has the versatility to fit the defensive scheme of the team that selects him. He can stand up and play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, where he can focus on purely rushing the quarterback each play. In the run game, he is effective and can set the edge nicely against an offensive tackle, but has a difficult time getting to the ball if he is engaged early. Curry has second-round value.

The Eagles made a pick that fits right into their system. The question is what will he do to stand out?

NFL Draft 2012 #58: Tampa bay Bucs Select Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 1:03 am | ,
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NFL Draft 2012 #58: Tampa bay Bucs Select Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

Lavonte David, Outside Linebacker, Nebraska

Career Highlights: David led the Big 10 in Assisted Tackles (67) and was second in solo tackles in 2010 (85). In 2011, Levonte was 6th in the Big 10 in Sacks (6), 2nd in Solo Tackles (65) and 4th in Forced Fumbles (3)

Career Stats: 150 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 FF

Here is a look at his strengths:

Strengths

Lavonte has speed that is evident from the second the play starts. He is an instinctive player who is able to read offensive lines and trigger to get to the spot he needs to be. He understands angles and leveraging himself when taking on blocks, which allow him to overcome his size deficiency. His footwork is fluid in transition and when moving laterally, he routinely fits up against running backs in the hole and stonewalls them at the point. He can pursue against the run to the outside and use his instincts to meet players where they ultimately will be, and rarely whiffs on tackles. He can cover tight ends close in man and works well in zone coverage as he has natural, fluid hips to turn and pass set.

 

 

NFL Draft Pick #57: The Denver Broncos Select Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:59 am | ,
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Just in case you were wondering Osweiler is the guy that will sit and learn behind one of the most prolific passers in the history of the NFL, Peyton Manning. He has a ton of upside and if you put him in a learning atmosphere with John Elway and Manning then perhaps you might end up with something.

His best talent is the strength of his arm and that will go a long way towards fitting into the style of offense Denver will take to this season.

Osweiler has a very deliberate, quick-twitched setup. He slings the ball naturally, and even though he pats the ball before throwing, his release is so compact and effective he isn’t hindered. His shining asset is his arm strength; he can hit nearly any NFL-caliber throw at this point in his career. He is a good leader and looks in control in the huddle and on the field. He has the pocket presence of a first-day pick and doesn’t go down easily.

It’s a little surprising to see the Broncos take a QB this high in the draft, so you know they must have been high on this QB.

NFL Draft 2012 #56: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 12:56 am | ,
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NFL Draft 2012 #56: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

"Mike Adams Ohio State Photo"

Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Adams was a real wild card in this year’s draft and he looks to have found a place, Pittsburgh, where his first round talent can shine.

Here is a look at his strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

Adams has a good frame and just-good enough footwork to not get beat at the collegiate level. He employs a decent pass set to get back and anchor himself against the bull rush, and has the footwork to shuffle and keep his feet chopping when blocking to drive a man downfield in the run game. His big-game experience playing so many years and games at Ohio State helps his value.

Weaknesses

Adams is not a very exciting player and can struggle at times with effort-based issues that don’t allow him to get much movement on the line when run blocking. He is more of a catch and react blocker than one who delivers blows, and will need to play with more fire and look to unleash his inner-athleticism to be able to succeed at the next level. Those suspensions and injuries will also eat away at his draft stock.

NFL Draft Pick #55: The Atlanta Falcons Select Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:51 am | ,
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6’5″ 314 lbs. 33″ arms, 9 3/4″ hands. Konz is considered by many to be the best center in this draft class. He was the staple of an offensive line that stands to have several picks in this draft.

His NFL draft grade of 86 is one of the highest you will see this late in the draft, and perhaps the highest you will see moving forward into round 3.

Konz looks natural sitting in his stance and swiveling his head to make all the line calls, which is impressive given his uncommon height. He is a smooth athlete who has demonstrated the ability to uncoil his hips into defenders and blow them back to create quick holes in the run game. Konz is a smart player who picks up stunts well and uses his strength and anchor to sit and stall any oncoming bull rushers. He works fluidly with his guards when pulling and sealing. He has all the tools to be an elite center for years to come.

The Falcons need a center and they are fortunate to get their guy with this 55th overall pick. Konz could be their future their for the next ten years if he puts in the work to stick around.

NFL Draft 2012 #52: Tennessee Titans Select Zach Brown, OLB, N. Carolina

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 12:43 am | ,
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NFL Draft 2012 #52: Tennessee Titans Select Zach Brown, OLB, N. Carolina

"Zach Brown"Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina

Career Highlights: Brown ranked well in the ACC in 2011. He was fourth in solo tackles (62), eighth in total tackles (105) seventh in tackles for loss (14) and 8th in sacks with 6.

Here is a look at his strengths:

Strengths

Brown finds the ball, reacts, and finishes through the ball carrier. His speed is without a doubt his strongest asset and the key to his game. Brown is a natural mover, and his strength isn’t compensated by his play speed, as he is well-polished in removing himself from blocks and getting to the ball. He is strong over the tight end and has the footwork and hip mobility to run with any tight end in coverage. There are few running backs even at the NFL level who can outrun Brown and get an edge in the run game, and few will slip open against him in the pass game. While he excels out in space, he is also able to play in the box and sniff out runs as a gap defender and make explosive plays at the point of attack. He uses his pure athletic ability and speed to dip and run by linemen into the backfield. Brown also displays the power to run through running backs both in protection and carrying the ball.

NFL Draft Pick #53: The Cincinnatti Bengals Select Devon Still, DT, Penn State

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:40 am | ,
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This 6’5″ 303 pound mountain of a man knows how to clog holes and exceptional wuick and powerful. He is one of few NFL-ready prospects at his position. At Penn State, he proved to be very disruptive in the opponents backfield.

Still is a strong player who gets off the line quickly for his size and shows the explosion to blow back offensive guards into their own backfield. He excels as a run defender by using his strength to occupy a blocker while he reads the play and reacts, which is ideal for a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. He has the ability to use hand technique and footwork to remove himself from blocks and get in the backfield. For a massive nose tackle, he is an above-average pass rusher who can use an array of swim and dip moves to get to the passer.

The Bengals have had a very solid draft this year, and if they keep it up, they will give the Steelers and the Ravens a run for their money in 2012.

 

NFL Draft 2012 #50: St. Louis Rams Select Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 12:36 am | ,
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NFL Draft 2012 #50: St. Louis Rams Select Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

"Isaiah Pead"Isaiah Pead, Running Back, Cincinnati

Career Highlights: Pead was the 2011 Big east Offensive Player of the Year. he was 3rd in Attempts with 237, First in Rushing Yards (1259), YFS (1578), Rushing TD (12) and Total TD (15).

Career Stats: 545 attempts, 3288 Rushing yards, 87 Rec, 721 Rec Yards, 33TD

Snead is a perfect compliment to Stephen Jackson. He has the ability to be an every down back and should team up with Jackson to beat up opposing defenses. The Rams have to know that teh path to the Playoffs goes through San Francisco and you have to be able to run on them to beat them.

Here is a look at his strengths:

Pead has an initial step out of his stance that is comparable to some of the best backs currently in the league. He hits the hole explosively and gets up to top speed quickly, which allows him to get upfield and find a seam without getting touched. He has good vision once he gets through the hole, and displays the foot quickness and lateral agility to make the first defender miss. But he is careful to stick his foot in the ground and get upfield to pick up yards. He can dance around defenders but prefers to cut once and go. He can get the edge on a defense and has the breakaway speed thereafter. His burst, footwork and vision allow him to be a viable pass-catching option out of the backfield. Although he didn’t do it much at Cincinnati, he is likely to catch a lot of passes at the next level

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL Draft Pick #51: The Green Bay Packers Select Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:33 am | ,
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Worthy is a 6’2″ 308 lb. defensive tackle that can hold down the fort for the Packers when B.J.Raji needs a breather. Worthy proved himself to beast for the Spartans throughout his career there and has a small enough frame that he can still move around and keep offensive linemen frustrated.

Worthy is very thick and powerful throughout his upper body and has thigh power that helps him blow back interior linemen off the snap. He has a surprising burst for a player his size and is capable of knifing and slanting the line to get into the backfield almost instantaneously. He is a leverage-savvy player who understands how to win with either his quickness or bull rush.

Worthy adds to a spot the Packers were lacking last year and the numbers on the defense went down expectedly from 2010 to 2011.

NFL Draft Pick #49: The San Diego Chargers Select Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticutt

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:24 am | , ,
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The San Diego Chargers have an agenda in this draft and its to beef up their defense that went from being the best in the NFL in 2010 to the low twenties after the departure of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

The 6’4″ 299 lb Reyes figures to play defensive end in the Chargers 3-4 defense.

Reyes has a big frame and he uses it well. He has a strong lower body which provides him a good anchor when going up against double teams. He is savvy with his hands to keep offensive lineman off him. Reyes has a motor inside and relies more on his feet and technique to beat guys. Reyes will be a reliable player at the next level who consistently displays high effort and rarely gets completely blocked inside.

So far the Chargers have added depth to their linebackers and defensive line in the draft. Odds are they will add an offensive lineman or two at some point as well.

NFL Draft Pick #47: The Seattle Seahawks Select Bobby Wagner, ILB,Utah State

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:18 am | ,
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At 6’0″ 233pounds,Wagner has to have a  lot of heart to make up for his small stature. One of his biggest strengths is his tremendous instincts. He plays stronger than he actually is, and is able to toss bigger offensive lineman aside when he has the ball carrier in sight.

Wagner is an impressive prospect who is a prototypical NFL middle linebacker in terms of size, tackling ability and instincts. He called all the plays for Utah State’s defense. He’s had more than 100 tackles each of the past two years. He is a stellar pre-snap defender and properly lines up his teammates. He recognizes the play and diagnoses where to run once the ball is snapped. He is a bit short for the position at just over 6-foot-0, but he is thick and brings power when he meets a running back in the hole. He projects to be a starter at the next level and be selected late in the second round of the draft.

Wagner adds to the linebacking corps. for Seattle, after they beefed up their unit in the first round as well.

NFL Draft 2012 #46: Philadelphia Eagles Select Mychal Kendricks, ILB, Cal

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 12:16 am | ,
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Draft 2012 #46: Philadelphia Eagles Select Mychal Kendricks, ILB, Cal

Mychal Kendricks, Inside Linebacker, Cal

Career Highlights: 2011 Pac-12 Defensive Player of The Year, 2011: 14 TFL, 69 Solo Tackles. Kendricks also started all 51 games while he was at Cal.

Career Stats: 259 tackles, 13.5 Sacks, 4 INT

Mychal Kendricks is one of my favorite players in the 2012 NFL Draft and he will fit perfectly in Philadelphia where the biggest weakness on defense is in the linebacking corps.

Here is a look at his strengths:

Kendricks has been a highly productive middle linebacker with a physical presence for the Golden Bears. He has had high tackle production and has been durable in his role. He will bring a physical presence to any defense and grades out as out of the top inside linebacker prospects in the draft, with 2nd round value. He is physical and capable of playing in a 3-4 scheme if necessary.

The NFC East had better be on notice that the Eagles are going to be real punch you in the nose defense.

 

 

 

NFL Draft Pick #45: The Chicago Bears Select Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

  By B.A. | 04/28/2012 - 12:12 am | ,
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Jeffery is a 6’4″ 230 lbs. wide receiver that  could probably play tight end if he gained 10 or so pounds. He makes up for his lackluster speed with tremendous route running. He relies on technique and a strong talent for change of direction.

Jeffery is a lanky prospect who uses his size well to make plays on the ball downfield. He has a massive pair of hands to go with his long arms and is an elite receiver once the ball is in the air. He has the anticipation and jumping ability to high point the ball over nearly any corner he faces. Off the line of scrimmage, he is non-explosive but uses his hands and a subtle jab step to keep defenders at bay. He can work into his route and get back on top of his defender after beating a jam. He will be a prime candidate for back-shoulder fades in the red zone.

2012 NFL Draft #44: Kansas City Chiefs Select Jeff Allen, T, Illinois

  By Draft Dawg | 04/28/2012 - 12:07 am | ,
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2012 NFL Draft #44: Kansas City Chiefs Select Jeff Allen, T, Illinois

"Jeff Allen"Jeff Allen, Offensive Tackle, Illinois

It seems as if the Kansas City Chiefs have been trying for years to rebuild an O-Line that was once one of the most dominant forces in the NFL.

Drafting Jeff Allen is a step in the right direction.

Here is a look at his strengths:

Allen had an impressive Senior Bowl week and here is a look at his strengths:Allen is going to make it at the next level based on his versatility across the line to be inserted in a number of positions. He has shown traits to play four of the five positions on the line (all but center). He is more of a grabber who waits for defenders to come to him when pass protecting, but he uses his hands well to keep defenders at bay. He employs decent footwork in his pass set and when in space pulling. He is a good mirror/shield blocker and doesn’t get upfield powerfully very often, but it’s rare that you see his man get behind him.