NFL Draft Update! Randy Gregory, Breshad Perriman!

    Randy Gregory will likely fall 5-10 spots now in the NFL draft, according to leading analysts, after admitting to failing the drug test at the NFL Combine, testing positive for marijuana. Gregory told nfl.com that he isn't a pothead. "I don't wake up everyday saying, 'I'd really love to go smoke.' It's not been a struggle for me every day (now), it really hasn't. In the past, hell yeah, it's been a struggle."

    Gregory was as high as pick number 5 on some charts, Mel Kiper had him going to Chicago at pick number 7. We projected Gregory going #12 to Cleveland, and it looks like that may change here in the course of the next few weeks. 

    Yesterday, Breshad Perriman ran an 4.22 40 yard dash at the UCF Pro Day, making scouts wonder what exactly they had missed. Perriman missed the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this year, so this pro day was redemption on his part for trying to make up for the loss. He had concerns about his hands, scouts and coaches alike had seen too many drops, but Perriman didn't show any sign of such problems. His route running will need to improve a little, but apart from that, Perriman has first round potential as the fastest clocked player so far entering this season's draft. 

Prospect Breakdown- WR Jamison Crowder, Duke

Jamison Crowder

WR-Duke-Senior

HT-5-8   WT-185  

40 Yard Dash-4.56

Projected Round-Second/Third Round

Year     School Conf Class Pos  G  Rec  Yds  Avg   TD  Att  Yds  Avg   TD Plays  Yds  Avg   TD
2011       Duke  ACC    FR  WR 12   14  163 11.6    1    8   42  5.3    0    22  205  9.3    1
*2012      Duke  ACC    SO  WR 13   76 1074 14.1    8    3   13  4.3    0    79 1087 13.8    8
2013       Duke  ACC    JR  WR 14  108 1360 12.6    8    8   71  8.9    1   116 1431 12.3    9
2014       Duke  ACC    SR  WR 13   85 1044 12.3    6    2    9  4.5    0    87 1053 12.1    6
Career     Duke                    283 3641 12.9   23   21  135  6.4    1   304 3776 12.4   24

    Crowder is an explosive little slot receiver with impressive blow by speed and a good variety of moves to fight for yards after the catch. With 3 1000 yard season's receiving at Duke, Crowder showcased his ability to make a lot of catches downfield and on screens.

    One of the things that will pop out at you is his acceleration. His speed is very subtle, and he seems to go from 1-60 instantly. The next thing is his violence. He moves fast and furiously, clawing for extra yards after the play every down.

    His biggest trait is his explosiveness. Even though the combine stats didn't help him, the game film simply renews all the confidence in this player. He will contribute on special teams immediately, as his quickness will probably get him a slot receiver position after a few years of development. His football IQ is huge, and that will be a huge help to him in the future.

    His biggest downside is his size, but while he's small, he plays much bigger. His hands are great, and his athleticism is what will keep him going in the NFL for years to come.

Prospect Breakdown- RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

Melvin Gordon

RB-Wisconsin-Redshirt Junior

HT-6-1   WT-215

40 Yard Dash-4.52

Projected Round-First Round

Year        School    Conf Class Pos  G  Att  Yds  Avg   TD  Rec  Yds  Avg   TD  Plays Yds  Avg   TD

*2011    Wisconsin Big Ten    FR  RB  4   20   98  4.9    1                        20   98  4.9    1
*2012    Wisconsin Big Ten    FR  RB 14   62  621 10.0    3    2   65 32.5    1    64  686 10.7    4
2013     Wisconsin Big Ten    SO  RB 13  206 1609  7.8   12    1   10 10.0    0   207 1619  7.8   12
2014     Wisconsin Big Ten    JR  RB 14  343 2587  7.5   29   19  153  8.1    3   362 2740  7.6   32
Career   Wisconsin                       631 4915  7.8   45   22  228 10.4    4   653 5143  7.9   49

    Placing second in the Heisman trophy voting last season, Gordon led the nation in TD's and points, not to mention setting NCAA rushing records with his 2587 yards. Along with all of that, Gordon scored a total of 32 TD's, the most in NCAA Division I history. Gordon was awarded the Doak Walker award, handed to the nations most outstanding running back.

    Gordon is a highly explosive player with good size and great speed, he hits the hole with quick burst, and when he hits the open field, he turns the jets on and is gone. His running style is very much like Jamaal Charles, only Gordon lacks the receiving skills Charles has.

    One of the downsides to his running style is his uprightness. First, he runs so high upright, it won't help him push the pile in NFL ranks. Second, he tries to change direction too much, and that's something that won't help him once he get's the NFL ranks. He struggled to pound the ball against one of the best defenses in the country, Ohio State, the only team, besides Western Illinois, that held Gordon to under 100 yards.

    While his acceleration is slow, his change of direction isn't. Gordon posted the best times in the 20 and 60 yard shuttle in all Running Backs, posting a 4.07 in the 20, and 11.00 in the 60. His body is built very much like former Cowboys Running Back DeMarco Murray, and his explosiveness is lethal.

    Again, Gordon is unaccomplished as a receiver, I haven't seen any real effort to catch passes from him. His pass protection is average, at best, and he isn't a power back by any means. He's a fast cutback runner who has the speed to outrun most NFL defenders.

Potential Landing Spots for Breakout Candidates Part 2- Tight Ends

    The NFL draft is usually the most dramatic and exciting time of the NFL offseason, and one of the best parts of the entire season. Rank the draft up there with the Super Bowl. Hundreds of thousands of hours of videos hit the web, and millions of articles as people put their opinion on the web for others to see.

    This article isn't a mock draft, nor anything close to it. I'm putting up 5 of the top Tight End Candidates, and selecting 5 slots the player could end up drafted at, and how it would benefit the team. So here we go, in my opinion, from the game film and such, the top 5 Tight End Candidates in the 2015 NFL draft!

1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota

    6-4, 250. 40 yard time 4.78. 2 year starter. Williams draft stock exploded after his upside was revealed in 2014, mainly in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, mainly to his athleticism, and his overall run down of the position. He is the number one TE of the class, hands down, and he just may end up in a pro bowl if coached right.

   19. Cleveland Browns: The Browns have just lost Pro-Bowl starter Jordan Cameron to the Dolphins in FA, and with an extra first round pick, Cleveland could grab this man to help the QB with a reliable middle receiver and a good blocker. Williams would be an immediate starter, getting the nod over Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray.

    28. Denver Broncos: Denver would love to get their hands on a player like Williams to develop while Virgil Green and Owen Daniels get the majority of the snaps. Green is a great athlete with a good blocking ability, and has had time to develop himself, but I don't think he's going to fit the Denver offense very well. Williams will fit, and, with the help of his soft hands, could become one of Manning's favorite targets quickly.

    30. Green Bay Packers: I think the Packers will take Williams assuming he is still on the board, and Bernardrick McKinney is not. The Packers lacked that special explosion at the Tight End position last season, moving on without Jermichael Finley and going with Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers. Don't get me wrong, both players played well, however, they were under the caliber that Green Bay wanted. Williams could provide that his rookie season and post phenomenal numbers under Aaron Rodgers.

    31. New Orleans Saints: With Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle, the Saints have Benjamin Watson to replace him. Add Williams, and the Who Dat nation is going to explode. Williams has the explosion that Graham had, the hands and the athleticism, and that could be the go to man for Drew Brees to throw to in a clutch.

    35. Oakland Raiders: If Williams slips this far, expect the Raiders to not let him go any farther. Mychal Rivera is the starting TE right now, and he has no proven depth. Williams could take over, move Rivera back to his natural #2 spot, and be a top target for Derrick Carr in 2015. He will explode in Oakland if taken.

2. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State

    6-5, 254. 40 yard time not recorded. 2 year starter. Heuerman is a strong blocker, and extremely effective in the run game. Urban Meyer designed many run plays to be run behind him as the key blocker. I love his explosion while blocking. However, we have yet to see him step up in the passing game as a receiver, the majority of his catches being while he was wide open, and we just simply can't tell whether he can separate despite his athleticism.

    40. New York Giants: Heuerman would be a perfect fit in Tom Coughlin's offense, providing strong blocking support in the run game, something that the Giants are trying to build. I think they could use him as a #2 TE for a few years before giving him the starting position, just to learn the offense and develop his upside.

    42. Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta is in desperate need of a skilled TE, Levine Toilolo just not performing at the level Atlanta needed him to. Now with Jacob Tamme to help temporarily, Heuerman can give the Falcons much needed depth and boost, while he's developing into more of a passing weapon to be used alongside his blocking. He has a lot of upside, and I think Dan Quinn would love to have this guy to use in his offense.

    43. Cleveland Browns: If the Browns pass on Williams, they can try to land Heuerman here. He's a Ohio product, an instant fan favorite, and he helps the team a lot with his run support, pass protection, and can be developed into a passing target. Cleveland would eat up Williams if they got the chance to draft him.

    50. Buffalo Bills: Rex Ryan loves Tight Ends built like Heuerman. Look at his Tight Ends at New York. Jeff Cumberland? Cumberland wasn't ever much of a help in the passing game, he was more of a blocking support. Cumberland and Heuerman are very similar, and that's what Ryan likes. I really think that if he's still on the board at 50, Ryan will talk his front office into adding this guy on his team to develop.

    55. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have some Tight End talent, but adding more depth and an explosive blocker like Heuerman would be something that Bruce Arians would love. Heuerman would fit very well in Arizona, and Arians would love to have this guy on the squad.

3. Clive Walford, Miami, Fl.

    6-4, 255. 40 yard time 4.79. 3 year starter. Walford is an explosive receiver, and can be an effective blocker, showing a lot of talent in giving key blocks to break Duke Johnson out. However, I don't think Walford will be able to block NFL LB's, and that could be a key part of his development. However, he has some high upside, he just needs to be coached into consistency with his catching.

    56. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers would love to have a developmental project to work on with Heath Miller getting so old now. Walford has the hands to help the team in many ways, and be a target for Ben Roethlisburger 2 or 3 years down the road from now.

    58. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens like having pass catching Tight Ends, and with Clive added, he could be a great developmental project for John Harbaugh to work on. Clive could add an aspect to the passing game a couple years down the road.

    60. Dallas Cowboys: Jason Witten is getting old, and thinking of a future with Gavin Escobar and Walford together for whoever will be QB, it sounds like a dangerous TE duo. Walford can learn from one of the best in the business as part of his development, and come out pro-bowl caliber TE.

    62. Green Bay Packers: The Packers are probably not going to end up with Maxx Williams, so Walford would be a nice compliment to add. I'm not sure whether Green Bay wants to chance another developmental project, but if they do, Walford can end up being a great player for the Packers in the future.

    68. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders may not end up with Heuerman or Williams, so if Walford is still on the board in round 3, the Raiders have a great value by drafting Walford in the 3rd, assuming he's still on the board. If he's here, he's not moving on. Walford could end up a Carr favorite target.

4. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame

    6-5, 250. 40 yard time not recorded. 2 year starter. Koyack is a very strong blocker, used both in pass protection and run blocking. He has very good blocking technique, and it helps his upside a lot. Although he isn't very fast or explosive, he has a decent route running tree that he runs well, and he makes catches in tough situations and scenarios. He's good like that.

    68. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders may want to go with Koyack over Walford. Koyack is a talented blocker, and his highlight reels are filled with catches in tough spots, something that Oakland needs badly. Koyack would be the better pick for Oakland, simply because of his blocking talent, and upside is definitely there. Koyack could easily become a lead blocker on edge runs.

    70. New York Jets: The Jet's are in need of a developmental project at the TE, and Koyack could be the perfect guy they need. The thought of Amaro and Koyack on the same team 3 years from now sounds very promising, and Koyack could run the role of the solid #2 TE very effectively. Koyack would be very strong in the Meadowlands.

    73. Atlanta Falcons: Koyack would be a great investment for the Falcons to make for their future offense. Koyack could start immediately as a #2 TE, because of his blocking, and could probably be used by the Falcons as a clutch player. He's got so much upside, he could be a steal at that spot.

    74. New York Giants: Koyack fits Coughlin's #2 TE perfectly. He can block effectively, and catch great passes. Last season, that should have been Larry Donnell, and the Giants may simply pass on him simply because they have a #2 TE, and they need a #1. If they do draft him, it's a great pick, and he fits the offense so well.

    75/78. New Orleans Saints: The Saints could risk it, and take this guy in the 3rd round, assuming he's still on the board. He's no Jimmy Graham, but his size and blocking could be an upgrade at the TE position. He'd be a solid #2 for a decade in New Orleans, and he gives them some more run support.

5. Jesse James, Penn State

    6-7, 261. 40 yard time 4.83. 2 year starter. Jesse James is huge, and has been a checkdown target for Christian Hackenburg the past couple of years. James is definitely a pass catcher, however, he isn't much of a run blocker, and looks hesitant and unwilling when asked to block. NFL teams could probably make this guy like the next Jimmy Graham, if he looks to improve his blocking. It'll drop his draft ranking a good bit.

    78. New Orleans Saints: A poor man's Jimmy Graham, James may be the best TE fit in this class for the New Orleans Saints. With his pass catching skill, and his huge frame, James would become a quick favorite target of Drew Brees. James uses his size in the passing game to defeat defenders, and can develop into a Pro-Bowl TE in years to come.

    81. Buffalo Bills: While Rex prefers blocking tight ends, he knows that he needs to get his QB's (whether it be Manuel or Cassel) receiving targets. What could be a better option for the future of his team to have a huge pass receiving TE in Jesse James to throw passes at? Explosive and strong, not to mention oversized, James would be a high caliber starter, if coached right, in 2016 for the Bills and beyond.

    82. Houston Texans: The Texans would love to have a guy like James in the passing game for Ryan Mallet and Brian Hoyer to throw at. His soft hands could get him in the lineup alongside his strength, bringing a powerful aspect to the receiving game.

    87. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers haven't had a weapon like James at the TE position, and adding him could help players, like Dri Archer, break out because of the matchups James creates off of size alone. Ben Roethlisburger will make some great plays throwing to James, who has several natural receiving techniques to help a scrambler such as Roethlisburger make plays downfield.

    90. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco is the tallest starting QB in the league. Why not add a TE just as big as he is to have Flacco throw at? James could break the starting lineup in 2015 with the lack of depth that Baltimore has at the TE position, and play effectively in the passing game in 2015.

Potential Landing Spots for Breakout Candidates Part 1- Defensive Backs

    The NFL draft is usually the most dramatic and exciting time of the NFL offseason, and one of the best parts of the entire season. Rank the draft up there with the Super Bowl. Hundreds of thousands of hours of videos hit the web, and millions of articles as people put their opinion on the web for others to see.

    This article isn't a mock draft, nor anything close to it. I'm putting up 5 of the top Defensive Back Candidates, and selecting 5 slots the player could end up drafted at, and how it would benefit the team. So here we go, in my opinion, from the game film and such, the top 5 Defensive Back Candidates in the 2015 NFL draft!

1. CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State

    6-0, 185 pounds. 40 yard time 4.31 seconds. 2 year starter. Waynes is a big play corner, very much like Richard Sherman, who hits hard and plays solid zone coverage. Williams is stronger and faster then most corners in the NFL, and could step into a starting role in 2015. He has a good habit of playing bigger then his 6-0 frame.

    9. New York Giants: Waynes could go as early as #9 overall, and still earn every penny. Prince Amukamara has struggled both on the field and, in 2014, with injuries, and with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on the other side, Waynes would be a great fit to a defense in need of a lot of help in the secondary.

    10. Saint Louis Rams: Saint Louis could use Waynes too. The Rams secondary needs some help at the corner position, and adding a talent like Waynes next to Janoris Jenkins could create a deadly two headed dog to attack NFL Quarterbacks with.

    13. New Orleans Saints: The Saints are cleaning out the offense to make room for an elite defense. Waynes would be a perfect fit looking into the future to play beside Brandon Browner. Browner has the Seattle Seahawk backround, and the duo would be a great compliment to each other.

    17. San Diego Chargers: This would be a dream come true for the Chargers, needing someone great to play opposite of Brandon Flowers. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers traded up to try and grab him before someone else does, he's just that type of player. If Waynes falls this far, don't expect him to move past this spot.

    18. Kansas City Chiefs: If Waynes happens to move down to 18, the Chiefs won't pass him up either. In need of a shutdown corner, Waynes will either grow into such a role, or he will be that role this season. The Chiefs know they need a good Wide Receiver, but with the depth of the position this season, they'll pass on a first round receiver to grab Waynes.

2. SS Landon Collins, Alabama

    6-0, 228. 40 yard time 4.53 seconds. 2 year starter. Bigger and faster then the average NFL safety, Collins plays more like an Outside Linebacker, and lined up at such positions during his 2 seasons starting at Alabama. He isn't afraid to attack a running back, and he plays very well down the field in coverage. Collins collected 103 tackles in 2014, 4.5 behind the line, and 3 picks.

    14. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins could use Collins greatly, with the weakness in their safeties, however, they'd probably have to convert him from SS to FS. Collins could make the transition, no doubt in my mind, but I'd rather play him at his natural position. What the Dolphins think, I don't know. I just see a great lineup with him and Brent Grimes in the secondary.

    17. San Diego Chargers: I don't know what San Diego sees as top priorities, but Jahleel Wilson and Jimmy Wilson aren't going to fill the SS slot. I hope San Diego realizes that, and Collins is going to fit the Chargers scheme very well. I'd love to see Collins and Eric Weddle playing together in 2015.

    18. Kansas City Chiefs: Husain Abdullah needs his support from the SS spot with Eric Berry leaving with cancer. Collins could fit that really well, and play well with a struggling secondary. Still, he could be the bright spot, and possibly play his way to the Pro-Bowl as the bright spot on a struggling team.

    20. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles would love to get their hands on Collins. Earl Wolff needs to be replaced at the SS slot, and with a re-juiced secondary and Malcolm Jenkins playing on his other side, Collins would play like a seasoned pro. Chip Kelly seems to be all the rage right now.

    22. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers need to find a good replacement for Troy Polomalu. Collins may not have the famous curly hair, but he'll have the soul and spirit to breathe the life that Polomalu did into the team and the talent to keep Steeler fans from feeling heartache and sickness from missing their long haired crusader.

3. CB PJ Williams, Florida State

    6-0, 194. 40 yard time 4.57 seconds. 2 year starter. Williams seems to be attracted to contact, and does he hit big. Williams is smaller then the average corner, but his explosion and athleticism is among the best. Williams did a lot of corner blitzing in the Florida State defensive scheme, and ended up with 1 sack and a lot of good QB pressures. He's not afraid to get behind the line and disrupt a play, as he collected 6.5 of those tackles behind the line.

    22. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have Williams Gay and Cortez Allen who share time on the left, with Allen getting the majority of it, and BW Webb on the otherside. Webb was claimed by Pittsburgh off the waivers in August of last season, and he appeared mainly on special teams in 11 games, collecting 2 tackles. The Steelers would use Williams immediately, and he'd be an effective piece of the defense in 2015.

   23. Detroit Lions: The Lions like physical defenders, and adding Williams could boost a struggling secondary. Darius Slay needs someone to play opposite of him, and Williams has the talent to step in and do that this season. I'd love to see him play in a Lions uniform.

    25. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers need a shutdown corner. While Williams may not be that in 2015, he may be down the road. He'd be valuable on a top notch defense, and great in that defense. Playing beside Josh Norman would put Williams in a spotlight role, and his motor would be as valuable as Luke Kuechly's.

    30. Green Bay Packers: PJ Williams would be huge as a nickelback in a loaded secondary, and could learn so much in Green Bay. If the Packers happen to land him as a developmental piece, Williams could turn into an All-Pro if not a Hall of Famer.

    31. New Orleans Saints: The Saints having this extra first round pick from Seattle could gain by drafting Williams here if they happen to miss on Waynes, that is if Williams is still on the board. Williams could be a building block for the re-shaping Saints defense.

4. CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon

    5-9, 192. 40 yard time not yet recorded. 4 year starter. Ifo is going to be a steal to whoever picks him up as he looks to slip into the 2nd round. He has a lot of first round talent in him, however a lot of teams are concerned about his ACL tear last season, and that's what's causing him to drop. Ifo has the talent to be the best cornerback in this seasons draft if he stays healthy, which is why I have him ranked at #4. He's a hard hitter, and he owns a knack for breaking up balls.

    33. Tennessee Titans: The Titans could easily take him with the first pick of day 2 of the NFL draft. He may be small, but he can easily still win a starting job in 2015. The Titans could use all of the help they can get in the secondary after last season, and Ifo can step up and play well.

    35. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders need a good corner opposite of DJ Hayden, or one who can step in when Hayden goes down hurt again. Ifo can be that guy, though the Raiders may be done with picking players who are injury risks. If they do take him, very good fit with his playing style arriving in Oakland.

    36. Jacksonville Jaguars: A weak secondary killed the Jaguars last season, so by picking Ifo, Gus Bradley gets a player with Pro-Bowl upside to work with, and a great piece to build his secondary on with Johnathan Cyprian.

    44. New Orleans Saints: If the Saints miss out on the first 2 corners, Ifo is another turn to option. Don't expect the Saints to take him, though. I think they'll end up with Marcus Peters or Jalen Collins before they'd take Ifo.

    45. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Zimmer loves having interesting defensive prospects, I remember people saying that the Vikings wouldn't take Anthony Barr last season because of the different schemes, and they took him anyways. I think Zimmer would love to develop a player like Ifo, and he would be a great fit in Minnesota.

5. CB Marcus Peters, Washington

    6-0, 197. 40 yard time 4.53 seconds. 3 year starter. Williams is coming off of being kicked off the team for not getting along with coaches, and his technique is extremely sloppy. He has a ton of upside, and his cover talent is there, I just hated seeing him miss tackles over and over again because of his aggressiveness. He's not as attracted to contact as any of the other players in this draft, and that's an important thing to me. I want to see a player with a nose for hitting people.

    47. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins may draft him as a developmental project, to take over from Brent Grimes in a few years when he gets old and his contract runs up. Playing around players like Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh might have a positive effect on him and his attitude.

    51. Houston Texans: The Texans need a player to take over from Johnathan Joseph here in a year or so, and Peters could be developed enough with Joseph and Kareem Jackson on the team. The Texans might just take him with that in mind.

    55. Arizona Cardinals: With great Corners in the desert, Peters could be selected to learn from a player who the two share a common playing style, Patrick Peterson. With Jerraud Powers playing on the opposite side, the Cardinals would love to have a player they could develop into a second shutdown corner to play with Peterson. Learning from Peterson, Arians and company, Peters could see some Pro-Bowl action.

    58. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens don't have too much depth at corner, and with Peters added, he could be a great value pick if still on the board at #58. Learning from the likes of Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, and coach Matt Weiss, Peters can grow into a groomed starter.

    63. Seattle Seahawks: There's always the Legion of Boom, the dream of any defensive back entering the league. Pete Carroll focuses on teaching technique, and that's something that Peter's needs. Peter's being drafted by Seattle would be the best thing for him, and if he takes to the coaching, the best thing for Seattle.

Prospect Breakdown- ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Benardrick McKinney

ILB-Mississippi State-Redshirt Junior

HT-6-4   WT-246

40 Yard Dash-4.66  Bench Press Reps (225)-16

Projected Round-2nd

Year                School Class  G Solo  Ast  Tot Loss   Sk  Int  Yds  Avg   TD   PD   FR  Yds   TD   FF
*2012    Mississippi State    FR      45   57  102  4.5  1.0    0    0         0    4    0    0    0    0
2013     Mississippi State    SO 13   42   28   70  7.0  3.5    0    0         0    0    0    0    0    0
2014     Mississippi State    JR 13   35   36   71  8.0  3.0    0    0         0    4    0    0    0    1
Career   Mississippi State           122  121  243 19.5  7.5    0    0         0    8    0    0    0    1

    McKinney is a tackle machine. Hands down. With 243 total tackles as a 3 season starter, including 102 tackles in his redshirt freshman season, McKinney has been the face of this defense as the leader and as the All-American Linebacker.

    McKinney is huge, and it shows on the field. He loves contact and he loves to hit the big guys. His size can actually create mismatches in his favor, something you don't see too much on defense.

    While McKinney isn't an east-west player on the field, his motor is still strong, as he plays his best in north-south schemes, or in the "phonebox". He's a natural when filling a gap or hole, and being the man to take down the runner at the LOS.

    McKinney ran out of a very interesting defensive scheme that involved a lot of ILB blitzing. He can be an effective pass rusher, and his pass defense is inconsistent. He needs to work on his coverage in space, as he tends to look lost while out that far. 

    McKinney is best as a run stopper. He plugs holes well and can attack running backs with his size and skill. While he isn't one of the strongest players on the field, he has very strong instincts on the field, and he sheds blocks quickly to make the tackle. He's a sound tackler, and makes a good impression on those he does hit. 

    McKinney lacks the explosion on the play that would make him a first round pick. I believe that McKinney can still be a solution to a weaker defense at the ILB spot quickly, if not this season. He's a strong player who will have a long career in the NFL.

Prospect Breakdown- EDGE Trey Flowers, Arkansas

Trey Flowers

DE/OLB-Arkansas-Senior

HT-6-2   WT-266

40 Yard Dash-4.93   Bench Press Reps (225)-28

Projected Round-2nd/3rd

Year       School Conf Class Pos  G Solo  Ast  Tot Loss   Sk  Int  Yds  Avg   TD   PD   FR  Yds   TD   FF
*2011    Arkansas  SEC    FR  DL 13   16   12   28  5.5  1.0    0    0         0    2    0    0    0    0
2012     Arkansas  SEC    SO  DL      22   28   50 13.0  6.0    0    0         0    3    0    0    0    0
2013     Arkansas  SEC    JR  DL 11   27   17   44 13.5  5.0    1    0  0.0    0    2    0    0    0    3
2014     Arkansas  SEC    SR  DL 13   34   34   68 15.5  6.0    0    0         0    6    0    0    0    1
Career   Arkansas                     99   91  190 47.5 18.0    1    0  0.0    0   13    0    0    0    4

    Trey is another rising defensive star from the SEC, arguably the best division in college football. Flower's stats show that he is a run stopping demon. Last season, he registered 68 total tackles, 9.5 of them were behind the line run tackles, 6 were sacks. 4 of those sacks came at one a piece in the last 4 games of the season. He finished his career with 47.5 tackles for loss as a 3 year starter in the SEC. 

    Strength wise, Flowers is solid. He's not pushed off the line, he has a strong bull rush, especially for his size, he has the strength to push offensive tackles around. However, key to his play is if he is more consistent with his hands, and throughout games. 

    Flowers can line up all over the formation. While he usually lined up on the right side at Arkansas last season, he often lined up on the left, lined upright, and often would stunt and cover the delay, or the flats at times. One thing I noticed is he's a smart player, if he knows he can't take a shot at the QB on a pass rush play, he'll sit in the zone and keep him from running by. I like his patience and instinct. 

    One thing he doesn't have is speed. While he is strong and has some suddenness, he hasn't got the speed to keep up with the majority of football players. Flowers might fit very well in the NFL as a 3-4 DE, because of his run stop ability.

    His run defense is much better then average. His body is built to stop big running backs, and he had opportunities to do so all throughout his career in the SEC. He uses his strength very well on the line, and has a knack for getting to the runner behind the LOS. 

    Flowers has a good variety of pass rushing moves, but because of his lack of speed, I don't think it'll do to much in the NFL. He did have a habit of getting to QB's in perfect points during games, and he had a good amount of hurries, however, because of his limits, he often misses sacks simply by getting dodged. 

    I think Flowers can be a quality starter in the NFL, with traits much like former Bears DE Alex Brown, for 5-7 years. He has a lot of good in his abilities, and that will be a plus for him moving into his NFL career. 

Underrated Prospects- QB Bryce Petty, Baylor

Bryce Petty

QB-Baylor-Red Shirted Senior

HT-6-3   WT-230  

40 Dash-4.87   

Projected Round-4th

Year     School   Conf Class Pos  G  Cmp  Att  Pct  Yds  Y/A AY/A   TD  Int  Rate
*2011    Baylor Big 12    FR  QB  6    3    4 75.0   43 10.8 10.8    0    0 165.3
*2012    Baylor Big 12    SO  QB  6    7   10 70.0   97  9.7 11.7    1    0 184.5
2013     Baylor Big 12    JR  QB 13  250  403 62.0 4200 10.4 11.7   32    3 174.3
2014     Baylor Big 12    SR  QB 12  270  428 63.1 3855  9.0  9.6   29    7 157.8
Career   Baylor                      530  845 62.7 8195  9.7 10.6   62   10 166.0

Year     School   Conf Class Pos  G  Att  Yds  Avg   TD  Rec  Yds  Avg   TD Plays  Yds  Avg   TD
*2011    Baylor Big 12    FR  QB  6    4   15  3.8    0                         4   15  3.8    0
*2012    Baylor Big 12    SO  QB  6   10   13  1.3    1                        10   13  1.3    1
2013     Baylor Big 12    JR  QB 13   94  209  2.2   14    0    0         0    94  209  2.2   14
2014     Baylor Big 12    SR  QB 12   84  101  1.2    6    0    0         0    84  101  1.2    6
Career   Baylor                      192  338  1.8   21    0    0         0   192  338  1.8   21

    Bryce Petty is a strong armed passer who can make all of the throws, he's athletic, and is a mature player born a natural leader. He's got the stats to prove it from Baylor, that he's a legitimate red zone threat with both his arm and his legs. 

    Let's look at Petty here a little bit. In Baylor, he played in a spread scheme that involved a lot of empty backfields, grouped receiver settings timed with quick throws. He was sacked 24 times in 2014, 7 more then he was in 2013, but he's got a quick release and he's hard to get to on slant and hitch pattern passes. 

    His arm strength is impressive. He can launch tight accurate balls downfield with his quick release, and he's tough. I really like watching him take hits and come back the next play unflustered to make another great throw. He's willing to stick in the pocket and take a hit to make a good throw. 

    I think one of his major concerns entering the NFL is his spread offense he played in college. He got a chance to play strong in the Senior Bowl, but didn't take advantage of the situation. Many scouts and analysts see "bust" written on Petty's forehead. Why don't I?

     I think when you have a guy with the mix of a strong arm and maturity, he's not going to be a bust. He needs to get to the right team, and with the right coaches, and if he sits and learns for a few years, I think Petty has a chance to be a good starting quality QB. The right team for Petty right now could be a 4th round pick to the Texans, to pick up the slack in a couple years if Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett don't work out. Philadelphia might pick him up as a developmental pick. Carolina is another option, if they're looking to move on from Cam Newton in a few years. Cincinnati. Several teams could use him to just sit and wait his turn, and then give him the chance to shine later in his career.

    I'm going to go as far as to compare Petty to Andrew Luck, who Petty says he models his game after, because of his athleticism, his arm, and his overall playing style. Watch the film. Look at this guy. He deserves better then a 4th round pick.