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NFL Draft Final Big Board: Top 100 Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is tonight and after my scouting and evaluation, here is my final list of the top 100 prospects in this draft.  Also listen to our special NFL Draft version of sports talk radio tonight, as I will join my War Room Sports family from 7pm-9pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewarroom/2012/04/26/2012-nfl-draft-special-ep-90 , to preview and breakdown the draft live.  Also listen to Sports Trap Radio on Saturday from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as we will go over the first three rounds of the draft and preview the final day of the draft.

1. Matt Kalil OT 6-6 306lbs USC

2. Trent Richardson RB 5-9 228lbs Alabama

3. Morris Claiborne CB 5-11 188lbs LSU

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

5. Andrew Luck QB 6-4 234lbs Stanford

6.Fletcher Cox DT/DE 6-4 298lbs Miss St.

7. Mark Barron S 6-1 213lbs Alabama

8.Quinton Coples DE 6-6 284lbs UNC

9. Micheal Brockers DT 6-5 322lbs LSU

10. Riley Rieff OT 6-6 313lbs Iowa

11. Justin Blackmon WR 6-1 207lbs Okla St.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

14. David DeCastro OG 6-5 313lbs Stanford

15. Micheal Floyd WR 6-2 223 lbs Notre Dame

16. Luke Kuechely ILB 6-2 242lbs Boston College

17.Stephon Gilmore CB 6-0 190lbs South Carolina

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

19. Nick Perry DE 6-3 270lbs USC 

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

21. Kendall Wright WR 5-10 196lbs Baylor

22. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB 6-1 272 South Carolina

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

24. Dre Kirkpatrick CB 6-1 5/8 Alabama

25. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB 6-1 5/8 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

30. Harrison Smith S 6-2 213lbs Notre Dame

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

32. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Illinois

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

35. Shea McClellin OLB/DE 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

36. Chandler Jones DE/OLB 6-6 266lbs Syracuse

37. David Wilson RB 5-10 206lbs Va. Tech

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

39. Doug Martin RB 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 298lbs Cincinnati

41. Kevin Zeitler OG 6-4 314lbs Wisconsin

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43.  Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

44. Brandon Weeden QB 6-3 223lbs Okla St.

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C  6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

48. Ryan Tannehill QB  6-4 221lbs Texas A&M

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

50. Dontari Poe NT/DT 6-4 345lbs Memphis

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James RB 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St. 

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF 

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

63. Mychal Kendricks ILB 5-11 240lbs Cal

64. Alameda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St. 

66. Micheal Engew TE 6-5 2522lbs Missouri 

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

68. Brandon Brooks OG/OT 6-5 353lbs Miami(OH)

69. Ryan Broyles WR 5-10 192lbs Oklahoma

70. Jeff Allen OG 6-4 303lbs Illinois

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

72. Mike Martin DT 6-1 308lbs Michigan

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

74. Amini Silatolu OG 6-4 311lbs Midwestern St.

75. A.J. Jenkins WR 6-0 191lbs Illinois

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

78. Mohamed Sanu WR 6-1 1/2  215lbs Rutgers

80. Mitchell Schwartz OT 6-6 318lbs Cal

81. Zach Brown OLB 6-1 244lbs UNC

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

83. Bruce Irvin OLB 6-3 245lbs West Virginia

84. Vontaze Burfict ILB 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

85. Kelechi Osemele OG 6-5 1/2 333 Iowa St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

87. Sean Spence OLB 5-11 230lbs Miami

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

89. Bernard Pierce RB 6-0 218lbs Temple

90. Donald Stevenson OT 6-5 1/2 311 lbs Oklahoma

91. Demario Davis OLB Arkansas St. 6-2 235lbs

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs Iowa

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

98. Isiah Pead RB 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

100. Tony Bergstrom OG 6-5 313lbs Utah

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

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Cornerback Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

This year’s group of corners is a talented group of players.   I predict about 4-6 of them to be off of the board in the first two rounds.  Here is the list of my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for in later rounds.

1. Morris Claiborne 5-11 188lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great technique, smooth hips, great footwork, and ball skills.  Isn’t the athlete that his former teammate Patrick Peterson is, but he has better natural corner skills.  He is able to be left on an island by himself and he can handle top flight WR’s on his own.  Also has Kick and Punt Return Skills as well. 

Weaknesses: Is kind of thin, but seems to have a frame that he can add good weight to.  Is willing to tackle in the run game, but I would like to see better form with his tackling. I’ve seen him duck his head down often to tackle players.

Grade: Top 3-5 pick

2. Janoris Jenkins 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

Strengths: Is a shade behind Claiborne when it comes to natural cornerback skills and ability.  He’s that good.  Was a three year starter and one of the best corners in the SEC before being kicked off the team.  Is equally effective in press man coverage or off of the line.  Has great anticipation skills, similar to that of Asante Samuel.  Has experience running kickoffs and punts, returned 3 for TD’s this past season.

Weaknesses: His off the field troubles are what’s keeping him from being drafted in the top 15 of this draft.  It’s the only thing that’s scares teams and has him going in the 2nd or third round.

Grade: Mid First round

3. Stephon Gilmore 6-0 190lbs South Carolina 

Strengths: Is a good press coverage corner, uses his long arms to his advantage at the line of scrimmage and displays good hips and footwork.  Has great speed and catch up speed.  Is a willing tackler in the run game.  Has been a starter from day one as a true freshman.

Weaknesses: Isn’t as good when playing off when he’s in press or right at the line of scrimmage.  Can get sloppy with his technique at times and get beat with double moves.

Grade: Mid First Round

4. Dre Kirkpatrick 6-2 185lbs Alabama

Strengths: Very physical corner, is at his best when playing zone coverage.  Instincts and play recognition has gotten better from sophomore to junior seasons.  Is a good tackler, not afraid to put a hat on a ball carrier and deliver a blow.  He will be a perfect fit on a team with a zone based scheme.  He really reminds me of Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears.

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a man corner.  Doesn’t display the natural man cover ability, hips, and footwork.  Doesn’t have great hands or ball skills, drops potential interceptions or knocks balls down instead of going for the pick.

Grade: Late First round

5. Casey Hayward 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt 

Strengths: Does a great job reading the quarterback and playing the ball in zone coverage.  He’s at his best in the zone, would be a fit for a team that runs a lot of cover 2 and 3.  Isn’t a knockout artist, but he’s a willing tackler.  Gets his hands on a lot of passes.

Weaknesses: Isn’t great in man coverage, has problems keeping up with elite speed downfield.  Doesn’t have great change of direction skills and gets beat often. 

Grade: Mid 2nd round pick

Next 5: Trumaine Robinson 6-2 204lbs Montana, Josh Robinson 5-10 199lbs UCF, Josh Norman 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina, Brandon Boykin 5-9 182lbs Georgia, Ron Brooks 5-10 190lbs LSU

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

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Safety Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Nowadays with the passing game being so big in the NFL, having a safety that can cover man to man at times and in zone is key to having an elite defense.  This year’s class of safeties is more top heavy, I expect two at the most to get picked in the first two rounds of the draft.  As always I will give you my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for.

1. Mark Barron 6-1 211lbs Alabama

Strengths: The total package at safety.  Clearly the best prospect at his position on the board.  Has great size, speed and agility.  Is a fearless hitter, will knock out defenders coming across middle or will take on a running back head on in the hole.  Has the instincts you look for from a safety.  Will do a great job matching up with tight ends in coverage due to his strength and size.

Weaknesses: Can struggle in man coverage against smaller and quick WR’s. 

Grade: Top Ten pick

2. Harrison Smith 6-1 215lbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Big time hitter, great playing up in the box and stopping the run.  Has good cover skills, does a nice job man to man on TE’s.  Has played some strong side linebacker during his time in college as well.  Can come right in and start at strong safety from day one.  Has the instincts and experience to do so.

Weaknesses: Would like to see him make more plays on the ball than he did in his final season.  Has okay agility, but not good enough to man up with slot receivers.

Grade: Late first round

3. Brandon Taylor 5-11 202lbs LSU

Strengths: One of my favorite players in this draft, he is going to be a real good pick for a team in possibly the early third round.  He is a perfect fit for a team who runs a cover two or cover 3 based scheme.  Makes up for what he lacks in quickness with smarts, pre-play reads, and great instincts.  He brings the ruckus when he hits a ball carrier, very physical presence on the field.

Weaknesses: Lacks the elite speed to be kept back as a single high safety in the NFL.  Is more effective in zone coverage than man to man.  His hips and change of direction ability isn’t good enough to play a lot of man coverage.

Grade: Late Early third round

4. Antonio Allen 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

Strengths:  Is at his best playing in the box near the line of scrimmage, played the rover position in the Gamecocks defense.  Is a good blitzer, shows good timing and finds the open lane to get pressure on the QB.  Is effective against the run, does a nice job making tackles one on one against ball carriers.  I can see him playing Strong Safety in the NFL in the box or playing 1/2 of the field in a cover 2 scheme.

Weaknesses: Can be exposed in man coverage, is best suited in the zone.  Lacks top level speed.  Has been beat on two separate occasions on flea flickers, he got caught looking in the backfield.

Grade: 4th round

5. Markelle Martin 6-0 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths:  Will be a free safety at the next level, has the range and speed to play a one high role.  Got his hands on plenty of balls during his final season, but dropped more than he caught (3 INT’s).  Is a willing tackler, does a good job of wrapping up and bringing the ball carrier down.

Weaknesses: His man to man coverage skills need work.  Needs to use better angles when pursuing the ball in the air.

Grade: 4th round

Next 5: George Iloka 6-4 225lbs Boise State, Charles Mitchell 5-11 202lbs Miss St., Brandon Hardin 6-3 222lbs Oregon St., Kelcie McCray 6-2 202lbs Arkansas St., Justin Bethel 5-11 200lbs Presbyterian 

Next up: Top 5 Cornerbacks

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

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Outside Linebacker Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Here is the list of my top outside linebackers in the 2012 draft.  Some fit as Will linebacker (weakside in a 4-3), some a Sam Backer (Strong side in a 4-3) and some can play the Strong Side stand up linebacker in a 3-4 base.

1. Lavonte David 6-0 235lbs Nebraska

Strengths: Very instinctive linebacker, reads run vs the pass quickly and makes plays.  Does a nice job of slipping under and between blocks to make tackles in the run game.  Is excellent in pass coverage whether it’s man or zone, has the ability to make tackles in space on a regular basis.  Will be a “Will” linebacker in the 4-3.  Does a good job covering RB’s out of the backfield.

Weaknesses: Can get blown up at the point of attack by tight ends and fullbacks in the run game.  Has good cover skills, but tight ends have an advantage in jump ball situations because of his height.

Grade: Late 1st-Early 2nd round

2. Shea McClellin 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

Strengths: Has nice size to play the strong side linebacker in a 3-4 and 4-3.  Has a body type similar to that of former NFL pro bowler Willie McGinest, and similar skills.  Has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons in college and shows the ability to get to the QB.

Weaknesses: For a player his size, he should be better at the point of attack in the run game.  Is blown off the ball way too often for my liking.  Just like other DE’s making the conversion to linebacker, can he cover?

Grade: 2nd round

3. Ronnell Lewis 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

Strengths: Lined up at defensive end for the Sooners and is attempting to make the transition to OLB, whether in a 4-3 or 3-4.  Has good strength at the point of attack, holds the edge well, uses his hands to disengage blockers and make plays.

Weaknesses: Can he make the transition to playing a traditional linebacker position?  He has good numbers in the 40 and agility drills, but does that translate to the field?  He’s shown some pass rush ability, but not at an elite level.  Will he show the awareness and cover skills to play in zone and man against tight ends and running backs?

Grade: 3rd round

4. Nigel Bradham 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

Strengths: Is at his best when covered by the defensive line and allowed to flow and make plays.  Has elite speed and agility and uses it in pass coverage, does a nice job covering his zone and sticking with backs on pass routes.  At times he shows great football instincts and the ability to figure out the play and blow it up.

Weaknesses: For his weight, he doesn’t  take on and defeat blocks as he should.  He also loses play discipline at times and is out of position when a team runs a counter or reverse. 

Grade: Mid 3rd round

5. Zach Brown 6-1 244lbs UNC

Strengths: Is one of the best athletes overall in the draft.  Ran track at UNC and set the school record in the 60 meter dash at his size.  Has all the physical abilities to be a playmaker at the next level.  Is exceptional at making plays in the open field against the pass.

Weaknesses: Lacks the natural instincts at the linebacker position.  At times he’s like a chicken with its head cut off out there on the field.  Used his speed to make up for it in college, but won’t get away with it in the NFL.  Gets killed at the point of attack when taking on lead blocks.

Grade: Late 3rd- Early 4th round

Next 5: Bruce Irvin 6-3 245lbs West Virginia, Sean Spence 5-11 230lbs Miami, Keenan Robinson 6-3 242lbs Texas, Travis Lewis 6-1 248lbs, Demario Davis 6-2 235lbs Arkansas St.

Next up: Top 5 Safeties 

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

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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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