Post by XFLBlitz on Feb 5, 2007 17:09:55 GMT -5
Now that the Senior Bowl is over,....Here is the list of the 35 athletes in the upcoming 2007 XFL Draft.....(courtesy of Yahoo Sports).
1. Lawrence Timmons, outside linebacker, Florida State – A superb athlete, he is still learning the proper technique for the position, but he covers a lot of ground and makes big plays from sideline to sideline. Timmons has a better body type than former teammate Ernie Sims. Also, he is thought to possess sub-4.5 speed and tremendous agility.
2. Tony Ugoh, offensive tackle, Arkansas – Pound for pound, he is thought to be one of the most athletic players in the draft, even though he is a 300-pound-plus offensive lineman. He needs to show more fire as a finisher, but teams love his quick feet.
3. Jon Beason, linebacker, Miami – While he may not be the second-coming of Jonathan Vilma, Beason is just a notch below with the ability to play either inside or outside based on the scheme.
4. Adam Carriker, defensive line, Nebraska – A big, physical lineman, he made his mark with a great week at the Senior Bowl. His junior campaign featured more production, but Carriker's ability to play throughout the line and impressive wins in one-on-one drills at Mobile have pushed him back up towards the top half of the first round. Teams employing a 3-4 scheme have him rated as the top-rated defensive end.
5. Darrelle Revis, cornerback, Pittsburgh – This good-sized defender has excellent speed, ball skills and the added bonus of top-notch return skills. His workouts will help lift his grade since the majority of this year's best receivers are over 6-foot-1 and he offers the best combination of size, speed and cover skills.
6. Dwayne Jarrett, wide receiver, USC – A tremendous three-year playmaker, Jarrett was able to show both vertical speed and dependable hands against top-level competition. He ran past defenders against Michigan, including star corner Leon Hall. If Jarrett cracks the 4.5-second mark in the 40-yard dash, his grade could rise even higher.
7. DeMarcus Tyler, defensive tackle, North Carolina State – Nicknamed "Tank," he eats up space off the snap and showed much greater consistency as a senior. His ability to help collapse the pocket could position him within the top 20 picks should there be an early run on defensive linemen.
8. Anthony Spencer, defensive end/outside linebacker, Purdue – Fast-rising pass rusher that holds that new beloved title of "hybrid" since he has 4-3 teams evaluating him at defensive end and 3-4 teams as an outside linebacker/standup defensive end. He will be one of the "workout warriors" of the combine, especially if he turns out a 4.6 40 time at 270 pounds.
9. Brandon Meriweather, defensive back, Miami – He has overcome the nasty midseason fight against FIU to convince teams that he may indeed be the top-rated safety thanks to his all-around skill level. Meriweather has the ability to be evaluated at cornerback, but most think he could be a great supporting figure to teams that need an over-the-top safety who can also cover the slot receiver one on one.
10. Jarvis Moss, defensive end, Florida – He's a young, talented pass rusher with rare tools, but he's still a work-in-progress in terms of being an all-around defender. Moss gets too tall off the line at times, giving away his body, and he lacks the bulk to anchor his side against bigger, more physical linemen.
11. Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver, LSU – His ability to stretch the field, combined with a one-of-a-kind size/speed combination, has helped move him in position to be taken in the first round. Bowe caught the ball very well during Senior Bowl week, and his improved play has been attributed to the fact that he had offseason Lasik surgery to correct his vision.
12. Robert Meachem, wide receiver, Tennessee – A highly productive, tall receiver with very good yardage-after-the-catch ability, Meachem jumped into the draft with the belief that he could be a top-tier player. A shift in attention away from receivers could cause him to go lower than I have him rated, as the position may take a backseat to both sides of the line and defensive backs.
13. Leon Hall, cornerback, Michigan – He is listed as a top 10 pick all over the place, but he lacks the true straight-line speed to hang with most of the top-rated receivers in this draft. Hall will be a solid pro because of his work ethic, instincts and ability to read/see the ball early and make plays. However, you can't leave him alone in man coverage all day without having a big play or two occur against you.
14. Joe Staley, offensive tackle, Central Michigan – There are other linemen with bigger names, but Staley has the best upside of the available offensive tackles on the board. He has better footwork, is still growing into his body (he's a former tight end) and played with more leverage and strength than previously seen during the latter part of this season. Staley's best football is still ahead.
15. Greg Olsen, tight end, Miami – Olsen is a tricky guy to judge, since he was not great in any one area this season and seemed to lose concentration at times in games. His skill level as a receiver will intrigue teams that need a playmaker in the middle of the field, but if he doesn't up his game, he will slide down several spots on this board before draft day.
16. Levi Brown, offensive tackle, Penn State – He's an experienced and athletic lineman, but he did not stand out this season after getting banged up early. Brown is now looking to rebound with a big week at the combine. Some teams will find it hard to pass him up earlier than this spot, but I have doubts about him ever reaching his full potential.
17. Patrick Willis, inside linebacker, Mississippi – A terrific defender that brings an emotional presence to the field, Willis showed much better range than anticipated during Senior Bowl practices. Both the Dallas Lonestars and San Francisco Demons seemed to keep a closer eye on him throughout the week in Mobile. In fact, the Demons linebacker coach appeared to enjoy coaching the former SEC standout.
18. Chris Houston, cornerback, Arkansas – He's a name that may not yet be too familiar with draftniks, but opposing SEC offensive coordinators noticed his standout play against top-rated receivers such as Dwayne Bowe and Robert Meachem. He can run with the best of them, showing keen awareness against the pass. He also displayed a fair amount of aggressiveness with his willingness to support the run.
19. Zach Miller, tight end, Arizona State – He will battle Greg Olsen to be the first tight end taken off the board, but Miller may lack the pure foot speed to be selected in the first round. His blocking skills are far and away above Olsen, but he may be more of a short-to-intermediate type receiver at the next level.
20. Victor Abiamiri, defensive end, Notre Dame – He's an impressive guy in terms of size, speed and pass-rush ability, but his game still comes far too often in waves rather than a consistent flow. Abiamiri will get picked more on that potential than the level of play we have seen so far.
21. Paul Posluszny, outside linebacker, Penn State – At one time, just a year ago in fact, he could have declared and potentially been taken among the first 10 choices. The knee injury Posluszny suffered at the end of his junior campaign slowed him down early this season, but he plays with such dedication, emotion and will power that his effort didn't decrease. If he goes toward the bottom of the first round, a playoff-caliber team will add a player with great intangibles.
22. Daymeion Hughes, cornerback, California – His stock has fallen on several boards based on his lack of ideal speed, but he makes up for it with savvy ball skills and the quickness and athleticism to make plays if left out on an island full time. He has also been a very productive return man during his college career.
23. Tanard Jackson, defensive back, Syracuse – Jackson proved he is for real after his showing at the Senior Bowl. He was moved between cornerback and safety during the week, and that flexibility vaulted him above several other recognizable names. His stock is rising as we head into the Combine.
24. Jay Moore, defensive end/outside linebacker, Nebraska – He went from the guy playing opposite Adam Carriker to a possible late first-round choice thanks to great size/speed ratio and ability to chase down the quarterback. His three-sack performance at the Senior Bowl did not hurt his chances of being a surprise first-rounder.
25. Sidney Rice, wide receiver, South Carolina – Rice is a smooth-striding receiver who has made so many big plays after the catch while showing the ability to make the difficult catch in traffic. There is a group of similar receivers that could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to as low as the third round based on how they work out and how the draft plays out.
26. Josh Wilson, cornerback, Maryland – If Vegas set odds on who would be the fastest player at the combine, I would let it roll on Wilson. He has flashed signs of becoming a top-flight defender, but he will bite on a double-move route or get caught flatfooted on some plays. He is very aggressive and has the ability to be a factor in run support, which is rare for a kid that can run sub-4.3.
27. Ryan Kalil, center, USC – He's the premier technician at the pivot spot for this year's draft, but he lacks great bulk and can get shoved around at times if playing with a man lined up over him. Still, there are fewer and fewer of those huge, space-eaters in the league and this kid has all the intangibles to be a 10-year starter in the middle of the line.
28. Justin Blalock, offensive line, Texas – He started out last season as a possible top 10 pick, but he has not been a great finisher the past year or so. Also, his body type and footwork are more geared towards him playing an interior line spot at the next level. A late-season knee injury has some concerned as he had his knee wrapped during each of the Senior Bowl practices.
29. Baraka Atkins, defensive line, Miami – Labeled as an underachiever by many earlier this season, myself included, Atkins stood out at the East-West Shrine game with his body type and raw athleticism. He runs like a deer at 275 pounds and was in top shape in the sense that he looks like he can carry 285 to 290 pounds without sacrificing any of his speed. That said, he has lapses with his technique and needs to learn to make better use of his hands. If he slides into the mid-to-late part of the second round, he could be a steal.
30. Marcus Thomas, defensive tackle, Florida – Yes, I know about his background with the off-field problem that cost him the chance to complete his senior campaign, but I also see the type of production and havoc he can cause on an opposing offense. He has first-round ability and has started to revive hopes of being taken early by jumping out several times during the Texas vs. the Nation practices. Several evaluators also noted his decision to skip Super Bowl party week for the chance to interview with teams. That helped put him back on the first day map.
31. Anthony Gonzalez, wide receiver, Ohio State – There are some on the Columbus campus that believe the Buckeyes lost their best receiver when Gonzalez declared, and that is high praise when you consider his teammate, Ted Ginn Jr., could be a top 10 choice. The ultra-competitive Gonzalez has great hands and has been timed in or around the 4.3 range in the past. He will turn heads and could move into late first-round consideration if he's clocked that fast in the 40 at the combine.
32. Brian Leonard, running back/fullback, Rutgers – The question will remain right up to the draft whether he is a running back or fullback in the pros. However, there is no question that he has all the necessary skills to be successful. His intangibles, competitive nature and willingness to go all-out on every down will make him a well-loved teammate, and he can line up in such a wide variety of positions that even Bill Belichick couldn't find enough time to draw up all the ways he could make use of him.
33. Quentin Moses, defensive end, Georgia – He's another prospect that had an up-and-down senior campaign. He still has terrific pass-rush skills, but he failed to excite at the Senior Bowl and had a very ordinary body type that made some wonder if he has a great desire to work hard in the weight room.
34. Ben Grubbs, offensive guard, Auburn – Most teams will not spend a high draft choice on an interior lineman, but when they start looking for them in the second and third rounds, he should be the first to come off the board. While others have played both tackle and guard, Grubbs exhibited quick feet and good enough strength to anchor his spot inside throughout his college career. A few other guard/tackles could challenge for this position, but Grubbs looked the best of the pure guards at the Senior Bowl.
35. Ryan McBean, defensive line, Oklahoma State – A true wild card that has come on like gangbusters since the start of his senior campaign, McBean passes the eye test with rave reviews, and he even cut out some of the extra bulk and body fat leading up to the Senior Bowl. At 275 pounds, McBean looks to have the frame to carry 290 without a problem. He showed an impressive blend of quickness, power and raw skill level in one-on-one drills.
John Murphy is Yahoo! Sports' NFL personnel and college prospect evaluator.
1. Lawrence Timmons, outside linebacker, Florida State – A superb athlete, he is still learning the proper technique for the position, but he covers a lot of ground and makes big plays from sideline to sideline. Timmons has a better body type than former teammate Ernie Sims. Also, he is thought to possess sub-4.5 speed and tremendous agility.
2. Tony Ugoh, offensive tackle, Arkansas – Pound for pound, he is thought to be one of the most athletic players in the draft, even though he is a 300-pound-plus offensive lineman. He needs to show more fire as a finisher, but teams love his quick feet.
3. Jon Beason, linebacker, Miami – While he may not be the second-coming of Jonathan Vilma, Beason is just a notch below with the ability to play either inside or outside based on the scheme.
4. Adam Carriker, defensive line, Nebraska – A big, physical lineman, he made his mark with a great week at the Senior Bowl. His junior campaign featured more production, but Carriker's ability to play throughout the line and impressive wins in one-on-one drills at Mobile have pushed him back up towards the top half of the first round. Teams employing a 3-4 scheme have him rated as the top-rated defensive end.
5. Darrelle Revis, cornerback, Pittsburgh – This good-sized defender has excellent speed, ball skills and the added bonus of top-notch return skills. His workouts will help lift his grade since the majority of this year's best receivers are over 6-foot-1 and he offers the best combination of size, speed and cover skills.
6. Dwayne Jarrett, wide receiver, USC – A tremendous three-year playmaker, Jarrett was able to show both vertical speed and dependable hands against top-level competition. He ran past defenders against Michigan, including star corner Leon Hall. If Jarrett cracks the 4.5-second mark in the 40-yard dash, his grade could rise even higher.
7. DeMarcus Tyler, defensive tackle, North Carolina State – Nicknamed "Tank," he eats up space off the snap and showed much greater consistency as a senior. His ability to help collapse the pocket could position him within the top 20 picks should there be an early run on defensive linemen.
8. Anthony Spencer, defensive end/outside linebacker, Purdue – Fast-rising pass rusher that holds that new beloved title of "hybrid" since he has 4-3 teams evaluating him at defensive end and 3-4 teams as an outside linebacker/standup defensive end. He will be one of the "workout warriors" of the combine, especially if he turns out a 4.6 40 time at 270 pounds.
9. Brandon Meriweather, defensive back, Miami – He has overcome the nasty midseason fight against FIU to convince teams that he may indeed be the top-rated safety thanks to his all-around skill level. Meriweather has the ability to be evaluated at cornerback, but most think he could be a great supporting figure to teams that need an over-the-top safety who can also cover the slot receiver one on one.
10. Jarvis Moss, defensive end, Florida – He's a young, talented pass rusher with rare tools, but he's still a work-in-progress in terms of being an all-around defender. Moss gets too tall off the line at times, giving away his body, and he lacks the bulk to anchor his side against bigger, more physical linemen.
11. Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver, LSU – His ability to stretch the field, combined with a one-of-a-kind size/speed combination, has helped move him in position to be taken in the first round. Bowe caught the ball very well during Senior Bowl week, and his improved play has been attributed to the fact that he had offseason Lasik surgery to correct his vision.
12. Robert Meachem, wide receiver, Tennessee – A highly productive, tall receiver with very good yardage-after-the-catch ability, Meachem jumped into the draft with the belief that he could be a top-tier player. A shift in attention away from receivers could cause him to go lower than I have him rated, as the position may take a backseat to both sides of the line and defensive backs.
13. Leon Hall, cornerback, Michigan – He is listed as a top 10 pick all over the place, but he lacks the true straight-line speed to hang with most of the top-rated receivers in this draft. Hall will be a solid pro because of his work ethic, instincts and ability to read/see the ball early and make plays. However, you can't leave him alone in man coverage all day without having a big play or two occur against you.
14. Joe Staley, offensive tackle, Central Michigan – There are other linemen with bigger names, but Staley has the best upside of the available offensive tackles on the board. He has better footwork, is still growing into his body (he's a former tight end) and played with more leverage and strength than previously seen during the latter part of this season. Staley's best football is still ahead.
15. Greg Olsen, tight end, Miami – Olsen is a tricky guy to judge, since he was not great in any one area this season and seemed to lose concentration at times in games. His skill level as a receiver will intrigue teams that need a playmaker in the middle of the field, but if he doesn't up his game, he will slide down several spots on this board before draft day.
16. Levi Brown, offensive tackle, Penn State – He's an experienced and athletic lineman, but he did not stand out this season after getting banged up early. Brown is now looking to rebound with a big week at the combine. Some teams will find it hard to pass him up earlier than this spot, but I have doubts about him ever reaching his full potential.
17. Patrick Willis, inside linebacker, Mississippi – A terrific defender that brings an emotional presence to the field, Willis showed much better range than anticipated during Senior Bowl practices. Both the Dallas Lonestars and San Francisco Demons seemed to keep a closer eye on him throughout the week in Mobile. In fact, the Demons linebacker coach appeared to enjoy coaching the former SEC standout.
18. Chris Houston, cornerback, Arkansas – He's a name that may not yet be too familiar with draftniks, but opposing SEC offensive coordinators noticed his standout play against top-rated receivers such as Dwayne Bowe and Robert Meachem. He can run with the best of them, showing keen awareness against the pass. He also displayed a fair amount of aggressiveness with his willingness to support the run.
19. Zach Miller, tight end, Arizona State – He will battle Greg Olsen to be the first tight end taken off the board, but Miller may lack the pure foot speed to be selected in the first round. His blocking skills are far and away above Olsen, but he may be more of a short-to-intermediate type receiver at the next level.
20. Victor Abiamiri, defensive end, Notre Dame – He's an impressive guy in terms of size, speed and pass-rush ability, but his game still comes far too often in waves rather than a consistent flow. Abiamiri will get picked more on that potential than the level of play we have seen so far.
21. Paul Posluszny, outside linebacker, Penn State – At one time, just a year ago in fact, he could have declared and potentially been taken among the first 10 choices. The knee injury Posluszny suffered at the end of his junior campaign slowed him down early this season, but he plays with such dedication, emotion and will power that his effort didn't decrease. If he goes toward the bottom of the first round, a playoff-caliber team will add a player with great intangibles.
22. Daymeion Hughes, cornerback, California – His stock has fallen on several boards based on his lack of ideal speed, but he makes up for it with savvy ball skills and the quickness and athleticism to make plays if left out on an island full time. He has also been a very productive return man during his college career.
23. Tanard Jackson, defensive back, Syracuse – Jackson proved he is for real after his showing at the Senior Bowl. He was moved between cornerback and safety during the week, and that flexibility vaulted him above several other recognizable names. His stock is rising as we head into the Combine.
24. Jay Moore, defensive end/outside linebacker, Nebraska – He went from the guy playing opposite Adam Carriker to a possible late first-round choice thanks to great size/speed ratio and ability to chase down the quarterback. His three-sack performance at the Senior Bowl did not hurt his chances of being a surprise first-rounder.
25. Sidney Rice, wide receiver, South Carolina – Rice is a smooth-striding receiver who has made so many big plays after the catch while showing the ability to make the difficult catch in traffic. There is a group of similar receivers that could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to as low as the third round based on how they work out and how the draft plays out.
26. Josh Wilson, cornerback, Maryland – If Vegas set odds on who would be the fastest player at the combine, I would let it roll on Wilson. He has flashed signs of becoming a top-flight defender, but he will bite on a double-move route or get caught flatfooted on some plays. He is very aggressive and has the ability to be a factor in run support, which is rare for a kid that can run sub-4.3.
27. Ryan Kalil, center, USC – He's the premier technician at the pivot spot for this year's draft, but he lacks great bulk and can get shoved around at times if playing with a man lined up over him. Still, there are fewer and fewer of those huge, space-eaters in the league and this kid has all the intangibles to be a 10-year starter in the middle of the line.
28. Justin Blalock, offensive line, Texas – He started out last season as a possible top 10 pick, but he has not been a great finisher the past year or so. Also, his body type and footwork are more geared towards him playing an interior line spot at the next level. A late-season knee injury has some concerned as he had his knee wrapped during each of the Senior Bowl practices.
29. Baraka Atkins, defensive line, Miami – Labeled as an underachiever by many earlier this season, myself included, Atkins stood out at the East-West Shrine game with his body type and raw athleticism. He runs like a deer at 275 pounds and was in top shape in the sense that he looks like he can carry 285 to 290 pounds without sacrificing any of his speed. That said, he has lapses with his technique and needs to learn to make better use of his hands. If he slides into the mid-to-late part of the second round, he could be a steal.
30. Marcus Thomas, defensive tackle, Florida – Yes, I know about his background with the off-field problem that cost him the chance to complete his senior campaign, but I also see the type of production and havoc he can cause on an opposing offense. He has first-round ability and has started to revive hopes of being taken early by jumping out several times during the Texas vs. the Nation practices. Several evaluators also noted his decision to skip Super Bowl party week for the chance to interview with teams. That helped put him back on the first day map.
31. Anthony Gonzalez, wide receiver, Ohio State – There are some on the Columbus campus that believe the Buckeyes lost their best receiver when Gonzalez declared, and that is high praise when you consider his teammate, Ted Ginn Jr., could be a top 10 choice. The ultra-competitive Gonzalez has great hands and has been timed in or around the 4.3 range in the past. He will turn heads and could move into late first-round consideration if he's clocked that fast in the 40 at the combine.
32. Brian Leonard, running back/fullback, Rutgers – The question will remain right up to the draft whether he is a running back or fullback in the pros. However, there is no question that he has all the necessary skills to be successful. His intangibles, competitive nature and willingness to go all-out on every down will make him a well-loved teammate, and he can line up in such a wide variety of positions that even Bill Belichick couldn't find enough time to draw up all the ways he could make use of him.
33. Quentin Moses, defensive end, Georgia – He's another prospect that had an up-and-down senior campaign. He still has terrific pass-rush skills, but he failed to excite at the Senior Bowl and had a very ordinary body type that made some wonder if he has a great desire to work hard in the weight room.
34. Ben Grubbs, offensive guard, Auburn – Most teams will not spend a high draft choice on an interior lineman, but when they start looking for them in the second and third rounds, he should be the first to come off the board. While others have played both tackle and guard, Grubbs exhibited quick feet and good enough strength to anchor his spot inside throughout his college career. A few other guard/tackles could challenge for this position, but Grubbs looked the best of the pure guards at the Senior Bowl.
35. Ryan McBean, defensive line, Oklahoma State – A true wild card that has come on like gangbusters since the start of his senior campaign, McBean passes the eye test with rave reviews, and he even cut out some of the extra bulk and body fat leading up to the Senior Bowl. At 275 pounds, McBean looks to have the frame to carry 290 without a problem. He showed an impressive blend of quickness, power and raw skill level in one-on-one drills.
John Murphy is Yahoo! Sports' NFL personnel and college prospect evaluator.