Posts Tagged ‘NFL Draft’

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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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Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects

Friday, March 30th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

With the 2012 NFL Draft four weeks away, I have decided to release my annual list of top 50 prospects in the draft.  My list is based upon my personal opinion and scouting.  Yes my list will differ from the likes of Mel Kiper Jr, Todd McShay, and Charlie Casserly, because I have my own views and opinions on players.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio from 10am-2pm this Saturday and every Saturday live on ueradiolive.com, hosted by myself (Brandon Pemberton) and my homie Chris Marshall (@215_sports_guy). We will discuss this list, the Final Four, and much more.  Call in and join the convo! 267-519-1111!

Also be on the lookout for my top ten players by position as well!  Yall know I go in!!!!! #SportsTrappinBran

1. Matt Kalil OT USC 6’6′ 306lbs

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama 5’9′ 228lbs

3. Morris Claiborne CB LSU 5’11’ 178lbs

4. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor 6’2 1/2 223lbs

5. Andrew Luck QB Stanford 6’4′ 234lbs

6. Riley Reiff OT Iowa 6’6′ 313lbs

7. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St. 6’1′ 207lbs

8. Quinton Coples DE UNC 6’6′ 284lbs

9. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB South Carolina 6’2′ 276lbs

10. David Decastro OG Stanford 6’5′ 316lbs

11. Mark Barron S Alabama 6’1′ 213lbs

12. Michael Brockers DT LSU 6’6′ 322lbs

13. Fletcher Cox DT/DE Miss St. 6’4′ 298lbs

14. Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama 5’10’ 193lbs

15. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama 6’2′ 272lbs

16. Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama 6’2′ 265lbs

17. Luke Kuechly ILB Boston College 6’3′ 242lbs

18. Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia 6’5′ 3/4 345lbs

19. Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis 6’4′ 345lbs

20. Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6’3′ 220lbs

21. Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson 6’4′ 258lbs

22. Jonathan Martin OT Stanford 6’5′ 312lbs

23. Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5’10’ 196lbs

24. Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6’6′ 247lbs

25. Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina 6’0′ 1/2 190lbs

26. Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama 6’2′ 186lbs

27. Devon Still DT Penn State 6’5′ 303lbs

28. Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St. 6’2′ 308lbs

29. Reuben Randle WR LSU 6’3′ 210lbs

30. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois 6’4′ 260lbs

31. Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M 6’4′ 221lbs

32. Chandler Jones DE/OLB Syracuse 6’5′ 247lbs

33. Lamar Miller RB Miami 5’11’ 212lbs

34. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6’4′ 314lbs

35. Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6’7′ 323lbs

36. Kendall Reyes DT UConn 6’4′ 299lbs

37. Doug Martin RB Boise St. 5’9′ 223lbs

38. Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska 5’10’ 204lbs

39. David Wilson RB Va Tech 5’10’ 206lbs

40. Peter Konz C Wisconsin 6’5′ 314lbs

41. Brandon Thompson DT Clemson 6’2′ 314lbs

42. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson 6’5′ 255lbs

43. Lavonte David OLB Nebraska 6’1′ 233lbs

44. Zach Brown OLB UNC 6’1′ 244lbs

45. Nick Perry DE/OLB 6’3′ 271lbs

46. Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6’2′ 213lbs

47. Mychal Kendricks ILB Cal 5’11’ 249lbs

48. Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St. 6’4′ 221lbs

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR South Carolina 6’3′ 214lbs

50. Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech 6’4′ 215lbs

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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