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NFL Draft: Top 5 Inside Linebacker Prospects

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

Now its time for my list of top inside linebackers.  We have different players who fit into different schemes and some who can play anywhere.  This group isn’t a deep group at all to be honest, but here is my top 5 rated guys and an additional 5 to look out for as well.

1. Luke Kuechly 6-3 242lbs Boston College

Strengths: A sure tackler during his 3 years at BC, has good instincts and deciphers the play quickly, which makes up for some of his physical deficiencies.  Is very good in zone pass coverage, I can see him fitting perfectly in a Tampa 2 scheme or maybe as a weakside ILB in the 3-4.

Weaknesses: Has trouble taking on and defeating blocks at the point of attack.  He would rather slip the blocks instead.  While he’s made plenty of tackles at BC, he hasn’t made many big plays (forced fumbles, big hits, plays behind the line of scrimmage). 

Grade: Mid first round

2. Dont’a Hightower 6-2 265lbs Alabama

Strengths: Plays with a controlled violence that I love.  Exceptional ability to diagnose the play and hits it like man possessed.  Played in a 3-4 at Alabama and was coached by one of the greatest defensive minds in football, Nick Saban.  He’s ready to come in a start from day one.  He spent time on 3rd downs rushing the passer as well, but I see him more as a MLB in a 4-3 and a perfect fit as an ILB on the strong side of  a 3-4. 

Weaknesses: Lacks top level speed, can be exposed in pass coverage man to man by scat backs and athletic tight ends.  I’m not sure if he’s a three down player at ILB, teams may use him to rush the passer a little bit.

Grade: Late first round

3. Mychal Kendricks 5-11 240lbs Cal

Strengths: Is at his best in open space, and on third downs in pass coverage.  He has good speed and range, when blockers are kept off of him, he will make plays sideline to sideline. 

Weaknesses: Gets swallowed up in traffic and doesn’t take on and defeat blocks well.  To be effective, he will need to be in a system in which the DT’s keep him clean.  Can get caught out of position when teams run counter plays.

Grade: 3rd round

4. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

Strengths: Phsically imposing player.  I know he ran slow at the combine, but if you watch the game tape, he plays much faster on the field.  When his head is on straight, he displays the natural instincts and ability to see the play and hit it like a bat out of hell.  Has good sideline to sideline range and is a knockout artist, can force fumbles and make plays behind the backfield.

Weaknesses: He has a bad temper and allows it to get the best of him.  Plays with no discipline too often and has been pulled off of the field for it.  Physically and talent wise, he’s the best ILB in the draft, but he’s a head case and showed up out of shape at the combine and has dropped greatly.

Grade: Late 3rd to early 4th round

5. Audie Cole 6-4 248lbs N.C. State

Strengths: A three year starter with good production at the middle linebacker position.  Has good play recognition and instincts which has him around the ball at all times.  A fit as a ILB in a 3-4 and will be a good special teams player as well.

Weaknesses: Below average speed and explosiveness.  Not a powerful tackler for a man his size.  Gets exposed in open space against RB’s and TE’s after the catch.

Grade: 5th round

Next 5: Bobby Wagner 6-0 241lbs Utah St., James-Micheal Johnson 6-1 241lbs Nevada, Emmanuel Acho 6-2 238lbs Texas, Ryan Baker 5-11 232lbs LSU,  Najee Goode 6-0 244lbs

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Talk Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Defensive Tackle Prospects

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The 2012 group of defensive tackles might be the deepest and most talented position in the whole draft.  Different guys play in different schemes and some can play in any scheme they are put in.  I will give you my five top rated prospects and another 5 to look out for.

1. Fletcher Cox 6-4 298lbs Miss St. 

Strengths: The ordinary college football fan might not have known much about Cox until the combine, but he was the best interior defensive lineman in the SEC and arguably in the country in 2011.  For a man his size, he is very quick and agile and gives guards and centers hell when trying to contain him in pass protection.  Is just as good against the run, uses violent hands and leverage to defeat blocks and make plays.  Even seen some time at the left end in a 4-3.  He can clearly play the 3 technique in a 4-3 or the 5 technique in a 3-4.

Weaknesses: If a team is going to play him solely inside, he’s going to need to gain a bit more weight.  Needs to take on the double team better.

Grade: Top Ten Pick

2. Michael Brockers 6-5 322lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great natural power and burst and causes havoc on the line of scrimmage.  Sometimes a man his size has the habit of playing too high, but Brockers rarely is caught out of position.  He routinely takes lineman and throws them around like its nothing.  90% of the time he uses the bull rush to push the pocket against the pass.  Is scheme diverse can be effective in any defensive scheme.

Weaknesses: Needs to add more pass rush moves to his arsenal.  He played effectively at LSU at that weight, but he could drop a few pounds to be in better shape for the long grind of a NFL season.

Grade: Top 10 to 15 Pick

3. Jerel Worthy 6-2 310lbs Michigan St

Strengths: Was very disruptive and productive in a Big Ten conference with quality offensive lineman.  For a man his size, he uses more quickness than power against the run and rushing the passer.  I hate to throw out comparisons, but he sort of plays like Warren Sapp in a way.  Has a good first step off the ball and utilizes a vicious swim move.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t take on and hold up blocks as good as I think he could.  At times he is more worried about getting into the backfield and making the play himself, instead of taking on blocks.  Needs to be more consistent over the course of the season.

Grade:Late First Round

4. Devon Still 6-5 305lbs Penn State

Strengths: Very powerful interior defensive lineman.  When he puts his mind to it, he can be a straight menace.  Is great against the run, displays the ability to take on and defeat double teams.  Is more of a bull rusher against the pass than anything.

Weaknesses: Missed a majority of his first two seasons on campus with injuries to his left leg (ACL and broken ankle).  Isn’t the greatest pass rusher, needs to develop a counter move to go with his bull rush.  Doesn’t always go full board during games.  Gets tired and loses pad level and technique.

Grade: Late first early second round

5. Derek Wolfe 6-5 298lbs Cincinnati 

Strengths: Maybe the best 5 technique lineman in the draft in my opinion.  Has the typical size and length and plays with tremendous power and leverage.  Played all over the defensive line while in college and that makes him even more of a intriguing prospect.  Has 9.5 sacks from the interior, showing that he is just as effective against the pass as he is against the run.

Weaknesses: Isn’t the fastest or most explosive DT.  He won’t make a living shooting gaps and playing in the backfield in the NFL. 

Grade: 2nd round

Next 5: Kendall Reyes 6-4 299lbs UConn, Brandon Thompson 6-2 311lbs Clemson, Alameda Ta’ amu 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington, Dontari Poe 6-4 346lbs Memphis, Mike Martin 6-1 308lbs Michigan

Up Next: Top 5 Inside Linebackers

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Pass Rushers

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

I am now on the defensive side of the ball and I will start with the guys who get paid big money to get to the QB, the pass rushers.  Some guys will play the 7 technique in a 4-3, some could possibly make the transition to a 3-4 rush linebacker, but I will give you my top 5 prospects and another 5 to look for on draft night as well.

1. Quinton Coples 6-6 285lbs UNC

Strengths: Is clearly the most talented defensive end in this draft.  Has a freakish combo of size, speed and strength that he’s used at times in his career to be unstoppable.  Played defensive tackle in 2010 due to player suspensions and played it great.  Is very scheme diverse, I can see him being an anchor LDE in a 4-3, play defensive tackle on passing downs in a 4-3, or even play the 5 technique in a 3-4.

Weaknesses: His effort has been questioned, his play in 2011 was good, but not as good as in 2010.  Some scouts might stay away from the fear of Coples not giving his all every play, every game.

Grade: Top Ten Pick

2. Nick Perry 6-3 270lbs USC

Strengths: Has good first step to go along with power and explosiveness off of the edge.  Shows the ability to bend and get around the edge.  Is underrated against the the run, holds the edge pretty well  by using his arms and good leverage.  We might see a team draft him and have him stand up to play a rush backer in the 3-4.  Has an array of moves he uses to get to the QB.  I love his bull rush.

Weaknesses: Needs to do a better job with play recognition.  Meaning deciphering the pass from the run quickly and making a play.  If he is the left end in a 4-3, he could use some extra weight on his frame in order to deal with offensive tackles.

Grade: First Round

3. Melvin Ingram 6-1 264lbs South Carolina

Strengths: Has elite speed and explosiveness off of the edge.  He’s shorter than you would like for a defensive end, but so is Dwight Freeney and Elvis Dumervil.  He’s short and stocky and that helps him hold his own on the edge against the run.  When rushing the passer, he uses his power to his advantage as well, getting up under the pads of the tackles and driving them into the offensive backfield.  He lined up over the guards in certain instances and was able to generate a pass rush as well.

Weaknesses: Lack of ideal height and arm length could hurt him against the long armed, talented tackles in the NFL.  Has only one full year as a starter and needs to become better at figuring out the play type on the go and then reacting.

Grade: Mid first round

4. Courtney Upshaw 6-1 5/8 271lbs Alabama

Strengths: Made big time plays in the best conference in college football, with the best players.  Showed the ability to line up hand in the ground and as a standing 3-4 backer and get to the QB.  Very well put together prospect at 6-1 and 271lbs and uses his strength and leverage while rushing the passer and holding the point in the run game.

Weaknesses: Isn’t very agile, more of a straight line type of athlete.  Doesn’t have the hips or change of direction ability in order to play in pass coverage in the NFL.  May have some trouble due to his short arms against offensive tackles.

Grade: Mid first round

5. Andre Branch 6-4 260lbs

Strengths: Has a very good first step, long arms and uses good leverage when rushing the passer.  Has good power and explosiveness and I like the way he gets up under the Tackle and jacks him up while bull rushing.  He is scheme diverse, Clemson used him hand in the ground and as a standing rush linebacker. 

Weaknesses: I would like to see him play the run better on the edge, often gets blown off the ball by opposing tackles and tight ends.  I know he can rush the passer, but I’m not sure if he has the ability to drop in coverage if used in a 3-4.

Grade: Mid to late first round

Next 5: Chandler Jones 6-6 266lbs Syracuse, Vinny Curry 6-3 266lbs Marshall, Whitney Mercilus 6-3 261lbs Illinois, Jonathan Massaquoi 6-2 264lbs Troy, Jared Crick 6-4 280lbs Nebraska(5 technique in a 3-4 defense)

Up Next: Defensive Tackles

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Interior Lineman Prospects

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and  @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is on Thursday and here’s my personal list of top Interior Lineman prospects.  Make sure you check out Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as well.

  

  

Guards and Centers

1. Cordy Glenn 6-5 346lbs Georgia

Strengths: Glenn is my 3rd ranked Tackle and now tops my list of Guards.  The combo of brute strength, leverage, and athleticism for a man his size is freakish.  The footwork that allowed him to play left tackle in the SEC at a high level is what makes him clearly the best guard prospect in this draft.

Weaknesses: Weight is the only question I have with a man his size.  Is he going to work constantly to keep himself in top shape, even in the offseason?

Grade: First Round (based on ability to play guard and tackle)

2. David DeCastro 6-5 316lbs Stanford

Strengths: Is the most technically sound interior lineman in this draft.  Not the best athlete out of the bunch but has all the tools to come into the NFL and start from day one.  Playing in a pro-style offense from day one is a big plus.  The transition from college, mentally, should be as big as others.  Is a road grader as a run blocker, uses great pad level, hand placement, and leverage to drive defenders off of the ball.  Is excellent in pass protection, has a great initial punch that jolts the opposing player.

Weaknesses: May need to add a little bit of good weight and strength to battle with the massive defensive tackles in the NFL.

Grade: Mid First Round

3. Kevin Zeitler 6-3 314lbs Wisconsin

Strengths: Experienced player who started 36 games at right guard over his career.  Not a great athlete by any stretch, Zeitler relies more on sound technique to be successful in the trenches.  When he plays with proper balance, pad level, and footwork, he is a nice run blocker who uses angles to wall off defenders and make running lanes. 

Weaknesses: Struggles against quick inside pass rushers.  His footwork in pass protection is shaky at times and he can be caught off balance and beat by DT’s with wiggle.

Grade: Early 2nd round

4. Peter Konz 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

Strengths: He’s the highest rated Center on the board and has the ability to play guard as well.  Great awareness, made all the calls as the center for the Badgers.  Does a good job in blitz pick up and getting to the second level in the run game.

Weaknesses: Missed a good amount of time in his career with different injuries with various lower leg injuries.  Lacks the footwork and power to be an overly dominant center, but gets by with grit and smarts.

Grade: Mid to late 2nd round

5. Brandon Brooks 6-5 353lbs

Strengths: Almost as good of a run blocker as Cordy Glenn, Brooks definitely uses his size and power to maul defenders in the run game and put them on their backs.  Played some tackle as well in college , but I see him as strictly a guard in the NFL.  Eats up the bull rush of pass rushers during pass protection.

Weaknesses: Is kind of heavy and slow of foot in pass protection and it hurts his ability to get to the second level in the run game.  Could really benefit by losing another 15lbs.

Grade: Early 3rd round

Next 5: Jeff Allen 6-4 30lbs Guard Illinois, Amini Silatolu Guard 6-4 311lbs, James Brown Guard 6-3 1/2 Troy, Kelechi Osemele Guard 6-5 1/2 333lbs Iowa St. , Tony Bergstrom 6-5 313lbs Utah

Up Next: Top 5 Defensive Ends/3-4 Pass Rushers

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Offensive Tackle Prospects

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday!  Here is the list of my top 5 rated Tackle prospects and a additional 5 that I like as well.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Matt Kalil 6-7 306lbs USC

Strengths: Prototypical size for a NFL Left Tackle.  In my opinion Kalil is the best player in this draft.  Excellent footwork and hands in pass protection, has the ability to get to the next level in the run game.  Great at getting downfield in the screen game and making blocks.

Weaknesses: Needs to get a bit stronger to deal with NFL lineman in the run game.

Grade: Top 5 pick

2. Riley Reiff 6-6 313lbs Iowa

Strengths: Is a good all-around Tackle prospect, who can play both right and the left side.  Very Nasty side to go along with good technique.  Is very athletic, Iowa play a zone blocking scheme and he displayed the ability to get next level in the run game.  He is also the best guard prospect in the draft in my opinion.

Weaknesses: His technique during pass protection sometimes gets sloppy and he can be knocked off balance.  Could use a bit more work in the weight room as well.  He benched 225lbs 23 times at the combine.

Grade: Top 10 to 15 pick

3. Cordy Glenn 6-5 345lbs Georgia (also #1 Guard Prospect as well)

Strengths: Can play guard as well.  He is the best run blocking lineman in this 2012 draft.  Has the ability and versatility to play guard and left tackle in the NFL, similar to Leonard Davis and Larry Allen did in the past.  He played left tackle for 18 games and 20 at either right or left guard.  For a man his size, he has exceptional feet, held his own in the SEC at tackle going up against some of the best pass rushers in the country.

Weaknesses: Weight issues are there, and that is always a worry with NFL teams who are thinkg of using a first round pick on Glenn.  I see him as more of a right tackle or guard…his footwork is good for his size, but I don’t know if its great enough to play left tackle in the NFL.

Grade: First Round (based on ability to play guard and tackle)

4. Jonathan Martin 6-6 312lbs Stanford

Strengths: Probably the best athlete at tackle in the draft.  Can match up with smaller guys in pass protection because of great footwork and punch.  Does a good job using angles and body position in the run game, more then brute strength.

Weaknesses: Really needs to work on his overall strength. Defenders have had success against him using the bull-rush and pushing him straight back.

Grade: Mid to late first round pick

5. Bobbie Massie 6-6 316lbs

Strengths: Is a mean, nasty son of a bitch, a mauler in the run game.  Has above average athleticism and delivers a good punch in pass protection.  Could possibly start his career at guard and then slide over to right tackle.  Once he gets his hands on a defender, its lights out.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his technique in pass protection. Footwork can be sloppy at times and he can be caught off balance at times. 

Grade: Early 2nd round grade

Next 5: Mike Adams 6-7 323lbs, Zebrie Sanders 6-6 320lbs, Donald Stevenson 6-5 1/2 312lbs, Mitchell Schwartz 6-5 5/8 318lbs, Andrew Datko 6-6 315lbs

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Tight End Prospects

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

We are a few days away from the 2012 NFL Draft and I’m releasing my top 5 prospects per position before the big day.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturday mornings on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Coby Fleener 6-6 247lbs Stanford

Strengths: Excellent pass catching tight end, was Luck’s favorite target in the red zone the last two seasons, as he caught 17 TD’s in that period of time.  Because of his height and speed, he is a mis-match nightmare for linebackers and safeties.  Does a great job finding the open spaces in zone coverage, sitting giving his QB a target.  Was lined up all over the field because he was the best threat Stanford had in the passing game.

Weaknesses: Must improve his strength and run blocking at the point.  I know he was split out and in the slot plenty at Stanford, but in the NFL he will need to be an effective blocker in the run game.  Needs to play with better pad level and leverage as a blocker.

Grade: Late 1st to Early 2nd round

2. Dwayne Allen 6’3′ 255lbs Clemson

Strengths:  Very athletic tight end who makes his fare share of acrobatic catches.  Was great this year in the red zone, as he caught 8 TD passes.  Processes man vs. zone coverage well and finds open spots in the zone coverage.  Plays faster on the field than 40 time results.

Weaknesses: Needs to become a better route runner at the next level.  At times he allows the ball to get to his body instead of snatching it out of the air.  For such of a physical specimen, he’s a horrible blocker, but with effort it can be fixed.

Grade: Early 2nd round

3. Orson Charles 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

Strengths: Has more of a Fullback body, but poses a threat potentially in the NFL because of his route running athleticism, good hands and ability to block in line.  I would be surprised to see him play more of a H-Back role in the NFL, similar to Chris Cooley and Aaron Hernandez.

Weaknesses: Lacks the typical tight end height and length. Like most players coming into the NFL, need to be more precise with running routes.

Grade: Mid to late 2nd round

4. James Hanna 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

Strengths: Has great size and speed at the tight end position.  Has great ability after the catch as well.

Weaknesses: Hands are inconsistent, needs to be more crisp as a route runner.  Isn’t much of a blocker in the run game.

Grade: Early to mid 3rd round

5. Michael Engew 6-5 252lbs Missouri

Strengths: Lined up flexed in the slot the majority of his career.  Caught 140 passes over his last two years in college.  Great hands, looks very natural snatching the ball out of the air away from his body.  His combo of size and speed will make him a instant red zone threat in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Has never lined up as a traditional tight end on the end of the line of scrimmage.  Should be a better blocker with his size.

Grade: Mid 3rd round

The Next 5: Evan Rodriguez 6-1 240lbs Temple, Deangelo Peterson 6-3 243lbs LSU, Ladarius Green 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette, Adrian Robinson 6-4 268lbs Cincinnati, Chase Ford 6-6 258lbs Miami

Up next: Top 5 Offensive tackles

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Wide Receiver Prospects

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL draft is fast approaching and I will continue to give you my top 5 players by position, ongoing up until the draft.  Also be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and www.livestream.com/ueradiolive .

1. Justin Blackmon 6-1 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths: Great combo of height, weight, and speed.  Excellent hands, rarely drops a pass.  Has great ability to get yards after the catch.  Had elite production in his sophomore and junior seasons, after sitting behind Dez Bryant during his freshman year.  Does a great job going up and catching the ball at it’s highest point.  Is effective catching the ball all over the field.

Weaknesses: If he does have a weakness in his game, it’s his blocking in the run game.  A player of his size and strength should be a better run blocker.

Grade: Top 10 pick

2. Michael Floyd 6-2 5/8 22olbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Strong hands, does a great job catching the ball in traffic,using his big body to shield defenders off.  Is great in jump-ball situations as well.  Does a good job getting yards after the catch.  Arm tackles rarely bring him down.

Weaknesses: Ran a 4.47 – 40 at the combine, but doesn’t play that fast with pads on.  Needs to improve on his route running, isn’t very explosive in and out of his breaks.  Was arrested on three different occasions for driving while intoxicated at Notre Dame, so there are some decision making issues with him.

Grade: Mid first round

3. Kendall Wright 5-10 196 Baylor

Strengths: Nice route runner, elite speed, explosive in and out of his breaks.  Ran a 4.4 – 40 at the combine, but plays much faster than that time in pads, which is what really counts.  Good hands, uses his great vertical leap to go up and get balls players his size usually don’t get.  Has Santonio Holmes type ability after the catch.

Weaknesses: Even though the Spread offense Baylor ran was complex, Wright didn’t run every route used in a pro-style offense.

Grade: Mid to Late 1st round pick

4. Rueben Randle 6-3 210lbs LSU

Strengths:  Has great size for a wide receiver and presents the QB with a big target to throw to.  Has the ability to make plays deep down field with his height, good hands and jumping ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to vastly improve his route running.  He could be a steal in the late first-early second round if he perfects his craft as a receiver.  Sometimes disappears in games if not involved early.

Grade: Early 2nd round

5. Alshon Jeffery 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

Strengths: Very productive player in the best conference in football.  Finished his career as the SEC’s 2nd All-Time leading receiver with 3,042 yards.  Has great hands, long arms, and nice leaping ability, and uses his body well to shade defenders and provide a clean target for the QB.  Put up great numbers, even though he played with a mediocre QB in Stephen Garcia and had his best games against the best opponents, in the biggest games.

Weaknesses: Isn’t very explosive off of the line of scrimmage and needs plenty of improvement when it comes to running routes.  Doesn’t have the top line speed you would want out of a #1 WR.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

Next 5: Marvin McNutt 6-3 215lbs Iowa, Ryan Broyles 5-10 192lbs, A.J. Jenkins 6-0 191lbs, Mohamed Sanu 6-1 1/2 215lbs, B.J. Cunningham 6-1 211lbs

Be on the lookout for my top 5 Tight Ends later on this week.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Running Back Prospects

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, I’ve decided to give the people my top 5 prospects by position.  My rankings are based solely on my opinion and self-scouting.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com and on www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Trent Richardson 5-9 228lbs Alabama

Strengths: This kid is the full package.  He’s an elite package of size, speed, and explosiveness.  People think he’s not effective in the passing game, but he’s caught 68 passes for 710 yards in his career.  He is also good in blitz pickup, not afraid to stick his facemask in the oncoming defender’s chest.  Ball security was a problem in his first two seasons, but he did a better job securing the football in his final season.

Weaknesses: The only one that I see, but it’s really not a bad thing is his willingness to take on contact at all times.  We all know an NFL running back’s shelf life is short as it is, so with some advice from coaches, hopefully Richardson will use a little more wiggle and step out of bounds at the sideline a bit more than in college.  Yes he is a bull, but the guys in the NFL won’t be afraid to try to knock his ass out. 

Grade: Top 5 pick

2. Lamar Miller 5-11 212lbs Miami

Strengths: Excellent top end speed, very explosive in and out of his cuts.  Presses the hole and has elite cutback ability.  Will be a home-run threat from day one in the NFL.  Has the ability to return kickoffs if needed. 

Weaknesses: Only had 300 plus carries in his college career, and injured his left shoulder during the 2011 season.  He fought his way through it, but teams will question his durability with the low amount of carries and injury in his only season as a starter.

Grade: Early 2nd round

3. David Wilson 5-9 206lbs Virginia Tech 

Strengths: Great balance, bounces off tackles and breaks a good amount for a running back with average size.  Has good vision and does a fine job setting up his blocks.  Was a damn good kick returner before becoming the full time starter in 2011.

Weaknesses: Has had problems with ball security, had 7 fumbles over his career.  Has below average hands, and needs to improve as a pass blocker as well.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

4. Doug Martin 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

Strengths: Very strong runner who finishes his carries well.  Nice combo of size and weight, low center of gravity makes him hard to bring down.  Excellent pass receiver and is a willing blocker in pass protection.  Not afraid to mix it up with oncoming defenders.

Weaknesses: Level of competition is a question for me.  Boise St. obviously doesn’t play in a BCS conference during his time there, so even though he looked great, it was against low level opposition.  Had problems with ball security during his career as well.

Grade: Early to mid 2nd round

5. Chris Polk 5-10 215lbs Washington

Strengths: Strong, durable, battle-tested running back.  Prototypical NFL size, ran for over 1000 yards the last 3 seasons.  Caught 79 passes in his career out of the backfield.  Runs hard, with good pad level.

Weaknesses: Lacks that home-run type of speed.  Has had two shoulder surgeries in his college career.  Isn’t real agile and isn’t very explosive in and out of his cuts.

Grade: late 2nd- early 3rd

The next 5: Bernard Pierce 6-0 218lbs Temple, LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon, Tauren Poole 5-10 205lbs Tennessee, Vic Ballard 5-11 219lbs Miss. St., Isaiah Pead 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati. 

Be on the Lookout for my Top 5 WR’s coming in the middle of this week. 

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Quarterback Prospects

Monday, April 16th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Also be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on Ueradiolive.com

Okay the 2012 NFL draft is less than two weeks away and over the next two weeks I will release my top 5 players by position and the next five I like as well.  My player rankings are based upon my own eye test and scouting, so yes it might differ from the likes of Kiper and McShay.

1. Robert Griffin III 6-2 223lbs Baylor

Strengths: Elite arm talent, can make any throw asked of him.  Even though he’s a world class athlete, he is a great passer from the pocket.  Very intelligent, has gotten better as a passer over the years.

Weaknesses: Came from the spread offense, might have a slow transition adjusting to a pro-style offense.

Grade: Top 3 pick

2. Andrew Luck 6-4 234lbs Stanford

Strengths: Very accurate passer, smart, cerebral.  Played his whole career in a pro-style offense and was coached by Jim Harbaugh.  More athletic than most believe.  Called his own plays during his final season.

Weaknesses: Arm strength isn’t the greatest, but Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning improved that aspect of their games once they got to the NFL.  Loses mechanics and accuracy when players are at his feet and has to make throws under duress.

Grade: Top 3 pick

3. Nick Foles 6-5 243lbs Arizona

Strengths: Great size for a NFL QB.  Great ability to anticipate passes and throw WR’s open.  Arm isn’t elite, but he can make all the throws necessary.  Stands very strong in the pocket and makes throws with defenders hanging on his legs.

Weaknesses: Lost 13 of 17 of his last starts at Zona.  Makes some bad decisions with the ball at times.  Isn’t a great athlete and is far from what you would call elusive.

Grade: 2nd round

4. Ryan Tannehill 6-4 223lbs Texas A&M

Strengths: Good size, very athletic, and accurate with his short to mid-range passes.  Is very mobile in the pocket and has escape ability, which is a good thing to have in the NFL.  Has started only 19 games at QB in college and people seem to see a high ceiling because of his physical tools.

Weaknesses: Is still very raw as a QB and needs some time to sit and work on his craft.  Is inaccurate on his deep passes.  Lost a big number of games after having big halftime leads and turned the ball over in big spots.  He is one of the more big risk/reward players in this draft.  Some even think he’s good enough to draft in the top 10.

Grade: 2nd round

5. Brandon Weeden 6-3 223lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths: Was 23-3 as a starter at Okla. St., is more mature then most prospects because of his age(29). Shows great accuracy on all of his throws. His above average arm talent, good enough to make all NFL throws.

Weaknesses: Struggles throwing the ball well under pressure. His age is also a concern as well. Teams have to wonder how long will he last at that age.  His mobility in the pocket is and issue as well and he’s never played under center while in college.

Grade: mid to late 2nd round

My next 5: Brock Osweiler ASU, Kirk Cousins Mich St., Ryan Lindley San Diego St. , Russell Wilson Wisconsin, Kellen Moore Boise St.

Up Next: My top 5 Running Backs will be released tomorrow.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Phillies 2012 Season Preview

Friday, April 6th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com, hosted by Brandon Pemberton and Chris Marshall (@215_Sports_Guy)

Hunter Pence and Jimmy Rollins need to carry the Phillies offensively while Ryan Howard is out of the lineup.

 

Ever since the Phillies won the 2008 World Series, expectations have been high here in Philly.  This has clearly been one of the best eras of baseball in town since the late 70’s-early 80’s Schmidt and Bowa led squads, and fans now have a “championship or bust” mentality.  How this team plays offensively without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley for a good part of the season will be huge.  Barring injury, the pitching staff should be fine and I’m looking forward to the addition of Jonathan Papelbon as the new closer as well.

The Miami Marlins have added some pieces to go along with their young talent and should be better this season.  The Nationals are a year older and will have a starting rotation of Strasburg, Gonzalez, and Zimmerman at the top and could be potentially a threat.  The Braves fizzled out and lost a 9.5 game wild card lead in September, but also remember, they lost quality starting pitching late in the season as well and the bullpen was overworked something vicious.

So I will breakdown this year’s team by the infield, outfield, and pitching staff, and then give my prediction on regular season wins and how far they get in the playoffs.

Pitching Staff

Starters: This staff is headlined by three aces and Cy Young award candidates: Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Cliff Lee.  All three had great regular seasons in 2011 and I expect the same this season.  Vance Worley was a pleasant surprise in his rookie year, with an 11-3 record, 3.01 ERA, and 119 K’s in 131.2 innings, and hitters only had a .232 average against him.  Right now, Joe Blanton is penciled in as the fifth starter and the Phillies just need him to be solid, nothing spectacular, make thirty starts give them six plus innings per outing, and don’t give up too many big innings.

Bullpen: Jonathan Papelbon was signed during the offseason to replace Ryan Madson as the Phillies’ closer and the move really looks great now after the news came out that Madson will miss the entire 2012 season with Tommy John’s surgery.  Last season, Antonio Bastardo was great as the only lefty in the bullpen and the Phils will need the same from him this year.  Michael Stutes, a rookie last season, pitched well in the 7th and 8th innings of games and will be the setup man for Papelbon.  This year, lefty Joe Savery will be the 2nd southpaw and that should give Bastardo the needed rest as he wore down at the end of the season.  Kyle Kendrick was given a 2-year contract and will be the Phillies’ long reliever and emergency start if one of the regulars happen to get hurt.

Infield: The Phillies will start the season without their starting right side of the infield as Ryan Howard is still recovering from his ruptured Achilles tendon and Chase Utley is on the shelf to start the season to rehab his bad knees.  Ty Wiggington, John Mayberry Jr., and Jim Thome will all see time at first base and rookie shortstop prospect Freddie Galvis has been moved to second base with the injury to utility infielder Michael Martinez, out until possibly June with a fractured foot.  Pete Orr could also see some time at 2nd base if Gavlis struggles a bit at the plate.

Jimmy Rollins was re-signed during the offseason and his glove and arm are still elite, but the Phillies need him to have a big year at the plate, regardless of his spot in the lineup.  Placido Polanco got off to a hot start last season, but hit well below .200 over the last two months of the season and dealt with back and elbow injuries during the season.

Carlos Ruiz had a hot spring and has been a rock behind the plate for the Phils pitching staff.  He has been a clutch hitter in big spots over the past few years and is a fan favorite here in Philadelphia.  Brian Schneider provides veteran leadership and steady play off of the bench when “Chooch” needs a rest.

Outfield: Shane Victorino is a potential All-Star player for the Phillies and will be the lead-off hitter and catalyst offensively.  He’s also one of the best defensive center fielders in all of baseball.  I would like a better approach at the plate, less strikeouts, and a higher on-base percentage as well.  Hunter Pence is in his first full season as a Phillie and the team needs big-time run production out of him with Howard out of the lineup for a while.  John Mayberry will get his chance to see quality time in the lineup after producing well in spot duty last season.  Juan Pierre adds speed, late game pinch hitting, and running to the Phils and Laynce Nix provides a left-handed bat off of the bench with some pop.

Prediction: The Phillies have an elite pitching staff who will win or keep them close in most games this season.  I’m not worried about pitching with this team as long as they stay healthy.  The question is the Phillies offense and how will they make up for the run production that Ryan Howard has  produced on a yearly basis.  Howard is unfairly scrutinized in Philly, but the numbers don’t lie, he’s been one of the best run producers in baseball over the last five years.  The Phillies will need to play more “small-ball”, cut down on the strikeouts in the lineup, and get timely hits in big spots.  Even with Howard and Utley out for a long period of time and the Marlins and Nationals making moves and having young talent, I still believe the Phils have enough to win the division.  They won’t run away with it like last season.  It will be a closer race than most think.

I really believe this is the year Philadelphia makes it back to the World Series.  I’m not saying they win it, but I predict they play the Detroit Tigers in the fall classic.

94-68, win the N.L. East, and represent the National League in the World Series.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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