See whose stock is on the rise after this past week's action, and who's falling in the scouting world.
Week 14 Review
On The Rise
|
|
|
|
1. Jeremiah Johnson, RB for Oregon
LaGarrette Blount in Oregon was supposed to mean Johnson splitting time and losing his draft hype. While that happened early on, Johnson has started to show why he was a top 5 senior back in the pre-season. He rushed for 219 yards and a score in the win over rival Oregon State. He needs to show that he can be a legit threat out of the backfield as well, but the rushing ability he has shown really is a testament to how good this kid can be.
2. Matt Stafford, QB from Georgia (Jr)
Stafford hasn't lost his top quarterback spot all season, but his play against Georgia Tech really gave hope to the number one pick again. His inconsistency scared me and probably scouts as well this season. But, the great pass rush of Tech didn't scare him too much, as he went on to put up 5 TDs and only one pick. His play this season has been partly due to his line, but when they play well, his true skills come out.
3. Glen Coffee, RB for Alabama (Jr)
I haven't watched the Alabama offense too closely, except for Andre Smith, because of how dominate that defense is. But, when going against another great defense like Auburn, I decided to take a look at the backs and receivers. Coffee really stood out to me, as he produced many big runs on his way to 144 yards and a score. He could declare early for the draft, and his play as of late could push him into round 2 or 3.
4. Kerry Meier, WR for Kansas
Meier stared out the season as the backup quarterback and the 2nd or third receiver. He was also a non-issue when it came to the NFL Draft. But, after another consistent day, as he grabbed in 14 catches for 106 yards and 2 scores. He has potential as a 4 receiver in the NFL, as well as be a legit 3rd or 4th quarterback.
5. Mohamed Massaquoi, WR for Georgia
Massaquoi's stock has gone up and down along with the rest of the offense. When the line blocks well and Stafford is in rhythm, Massaquoi becomes a great threat for the team and adds another dimension to the offense. He has deep play ability as well as run after the catch skills. He needs a good team around in at the next level, but he can been at best a 2 or 3 receiver in the right system.
Falling Fast
 |
 |
 |
1. Tom Brandstater, QB for Fresno State
Brandstater's biggest problem coming into the season was hype. The AP ranked Fresno State way to high. Scouts were expecting way too much from him. His team's play-calling was built around the deep passing game and loads of unnecessary passes. He still has the talents to be a decent draft pick, but the blowout loss to Boise State and the way he played will really scare some teams away.
2. Chase Daniel, QB for Missouri
Once considered a Heisman favorite, Chase Daniel has nearly fallen off the map in the pass happy Big 12. They were as high 2 in the country this season, but are now barely atop the Big 12 North. After his two interception game loss to Kansas, Daniel has cemented himself out of the top 3 rounds of the draft, and now will have to prove that he can even play at the next level.
3. Geno Atkins, DT for Georgia (Jr)
It seems almost routine now to see the Georgia defense getting ripped up. Now that Dannell Ellerbe has been benched at linebacker, it can't be all his fault. I watched the film again and saw another player under-performing, Geno Atkins. He was getting beat on most plays by lesser talent from the Georgia Tech offensive line, and couldn't clog up the middle on those Jonathan Dwyer inside runs. He needs to prove that he is just as good as Jeff Owens if he wishes to be thought of in the same class.
4. Greg Carr, WR for Florida State
The Florida State offense has been embarrassing this season, especially in the red zone. The quarterback quandary with Ponder and Weatherford has made consistency something of the past. Carr is one of the best red zone receiver talents in the country, and the Seminoles can't find a way to create match-ups for him. Carr will need to prove at all-star games that he can be a legit NFL red zone target.
5. Brad Lester, RB for Auburn
Lester was projected to start the season, but soon he was slated as the first back off the bench. Then his carries started to fade away. Now, with the emergence of Fanin, he has fallen to 3rd string. I don't know of many teams who will take a 3rd string running back on an offensive-deficient team, so Lester's chances of being draft have all but faded away.
Week 13 Review
On The Rise
 |
 |
 |
1. Arthur Jones, DT from Syracuse (Jr)
This season has not brought much fun to the Syracuse football program. Ugly defeats. Embarrassing stats. Losing their head coach. However, one major bright spot this season has been the play of Arthur Jones. In their upset win over Notre Dame, Jones had one helluva game. He boasted a whopping 15 tackles, 4 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. He may have single-handedly won the game for the Orange. Jason Gabriell, a scout for NFLHouse.com, told me in the season's beginning that Jones had the possibility to be a Top 50 type player. It appears he was correct, as a lackluster senior crop of DTs should result in Jones being pushed up draft boards.
2. Jermaine Gresham, TE from Oklahoma (Jr)
When watching that blowout win by the Sooners against Texas Tech in prime-time, I noticed quite a few things. One, Texas Tech still doesn't have a defense that can match-up consistently with the big boys of the Big 12 (Texas and Oklahoma). Two, Sam Bradford is the most talented QB in the Big 12. And three, the Sooners have the best weapons in all of college football. Gresham is one of those great weapons, and he shined in that big game, gaining 95 yards and score. While his NFL future probably depends on Sam Bradford's decision, he could go as high as round one, maybe to a team like the Bills or Chiefs.
3. DeMarco Murray, RB from Oklahoma (RS So)
As stated above, the Sooners have more weapons than even Bob Stoops knows what to do with. Murray, who is probably the best back in the Big 12, has all the tools to be successful in the NFL. He has the quickness, running power, and speed that NFL scouts want to see. While he may need a few year's before he's NFL starter-ready, he could very well end up in the 1st round.
4. Deon Butler, WR from Penn State
It's safe to say that Derrick Williams, not Deon Butler, is the focal point of the Nittany Lions. He is the 2nd best running back, 3rd best quarterback, a playmaker in the return game, and the go-to-guy through the air. However, Butler has played well enough to be considered more than just a sidekick, gaining 133 yards and 3 scores against Michigan State. He could go as high as a 2nd or 3rd rounder, which isn't bad for a number 2 receiving in the run-oriented Big Ten.
5. Sammie Stroughter, WR from Oregon State
Just a few years ago, when he was a sophomore, Stroughter was being talked about very similarly to how Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State is being regarded now. For comparison, Stroughter had 74 catches for 1293 yards as a sophomore in 2006, while Bryant has 68 catches for 1222 yards with only Oklahoma on the schedule. Bryant is more of a red zone target, while Stroughter is a deep burner. If it wasn't for the off-the field, non-criminal problems Stroughter faced in 2007, he may have declared early. With good workouts, he could go back up to the 2nd or 3rd round.
 |
 |
 |
1. Hunter Cantwell, QB from Louisville
I can't figure out which is more painful to solve, the ACC football games or who is the best senior quarterback. As of late, I liked Hunter Cantwell the best, as he has great tools and can make all the throws. But his indecisiveness scares me, and the 3 picks he threw last weeks helps prove my point. He still is in the top 5 of the seniors, but that could mean 4th or 5th round in this draft.
2. Brian Hoyer, QB from Michigan State
Hoyer is another player who, in the pre-season, people said he could be a top 5 senior QB because of his rocket arm. Well, his arm is still the same, yet his play and stock have fallen off. Against Penn State, a game that could have done wonders for his stock, he through 2 picks, both really ugly. He isn't an every down passer, and best case scenario he is Brodie Croyle, but thats kind of a reach.
3. Demetrius Byrd, WR from LSU
Last season, Byrd looked as though he was a near 1st rounder, as he boasted 621 yards receiving and 7 scores. But, with Andrew Hatch injured and Jarrett Lee playing terrible, he has a 468 yards with one game left to go. Since losing to Florida in his last 6 games, he has 242 yards, only 1 score, and 2 game where he had less than 2 catches. Byrd has the talent to rise after the season with good workouts, but he is falling as of now.
4. Javon Ringer, RB from Michigan State
When the Spartans win, people Ringer did "exactly what he was supposed to." When they lose, without even looking at the stat line, they say, "Ringer can't play well in the big games." Well, in the blowout loss to PSU last week, Ringer got the ball a measly 17 times, in which he ran for 42 yards and a score. Not a bad day for that few carries. QB Brian Hoyer launched the ball 40 times to try to comeback, making Ringer irrelevant. Ringer needs to shake off that only ordinary back tag that people have placed on him, and he can only do that by playing well in the bowl game and post season all-star games.
5. Greg Mathews, WR from Michigan (Jr)
I can't say it enough. Rich Rodriguez was a bad hire. I knew it from the get-go. His running spread offense can't work in the Big Ten, especially with the type of players he had this season. A talent like Greg Mathews, who could have been better than Mario Manningham, with most likely be forced to go pro because he doesn't fit that "oh-so successful" offense. Mathews has great talent, but the lack of passing this season by the Wolverines is starting to make him an after thought.
Week 11 Review
On The Rise
 |
 |
 |
1. BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
Coming into the season, I knew there was a lot of hype around Raji, as he has great physical ability but hadn't had the chance to show it yet. And he has not disappointed. Raji gets the best push against the offensive line in the country, and is definitely the best nose tackle prospect. Also to note, his fellow defensive tackle and senior, Ron Brace, has also had a great year, and has improved his stock greatly.
2. Mitch King, DE, Iowa
The Penn State game was a great opportunity for King to come up big and he definitely did. He forced Darryl Clark into his worst game at Penn State, making him move alot in the pocket and rush throws, something he hasn't had to do a lot of this season. King is still a Day Two pick, but has a chance to get into the mid rounds with continued success and a good post season.
3. Darius Hill, TE, Ball State
As much as I was excited to was my favorite QB in college, Nate Davis, I came away with a better feeling for my favorite tight end in the country, Hill. Hill is a great athlete, runs crisp routes, and is a sure target that Nate Davis uses often. I felt as though he could sneak into Day One with a great combine, and I still feel that is the case.
4. Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
Brown is the first player to make the "On The Rise" section two consecutive weeks this season, and for good reason. Brown had a whopping 3 sacks against Clemson. It's tough to say how much higher he could go, but before these last two weeks he was a 2nd round prospect, so the 1st round is very realistic. He needs to finish strong still, but with a great season and solid workouts, Top 20 is not out of the picture.
5. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Try saying that name a few times. And don't worry for all you casual fans, Suh isn't going to be in a 1st round mock draft near you anytime soon. However, Suh did have himself a ball game last week, racking up 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and a TD reception in a win over Kansas. While Suh is still not an elite prospect, games like this against an opponent like Kansas really means alot to scouts, and I have now been intrigued.
Falling Fast
|
|
|
|
1. Darryl Clark, QB, Penn State (Jr.)
So far this season, there had been debate on the stock of Darryl Clark. I like to use comparisons, so I wanted to see if Clark was more like Michael Robinson or Dennis Dixon. Up to this game, he had the potential, because he has another year left, to become a Dennis Dixon type player. But, his troubles against good pass rushes like Ohio State and Iowa left me with a different answer. While he still has time to improve, that did not bode well for his quarterback stock.
2. Jamon Meredith, OT/OG, South Carolina
While some scouts and other draft sites have really liked Meredith, I have been seemingly unimpressed. He has great size to him and can push people around all-right, but his run blocking isn't very effective and his pass blocking needs work as well. So, what is so good about him? It also hasn't helped that he has been injured the past two weeks, while his team has enjoyed some success. Meredith needs to start to stand out the rest of the year if he wants to crack my guard top 5 list.
3. Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State (Jr.)
The jury is still out on Robinson's NFL quarterback stock, but as of now, it has slumped. His loss to Texas was not entirely his fault, and he played well against a solid team. But, the Oklahoma State loss to Texas Tech in embarrassing fashion did not help his cause. That and his poor completion percentage. He still has another year to develop as a passer, but he doesn't look the part as of now.
4. Dannel Ellerbe, LB, Georgia
While I didn't catch most of the game originally, I had a chance to review it, to see what the problem was with the Georgia defense. The Kentucky unit ran all over the Bulldogs, scoring 5 touchdowns on the ground. While it may not have been all Ellerbe's fault, he is the play maker on that defense, and he needs to establish himself on the field better. I thought he was a 1st rounder coming into the season, but now I feel he is at a fringe Day One pick level.
5. Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota (Jr.)
As I said before, I love using comparisons to judge players. I felt that Decker is somewhat of a mix between Mike Haas, a receiver a few years back from Oregon State, and Jordy Nelson, rookie for the Packers from Kansas State. Decker has appeared to me to be Jordy Nelson type player, and still has a year to develop. But, injuries have derailed him this season, and his success in the draft process may be tied to his team's success, which hasn't been great in recent weeks.
Week 10 Review
On the Rise
1. Brandon Spikes, ILB from Florida (Jr.) Falling Fast 1. Chase Holbrook, QB from New Mexico State
One of the better linebackers to attend Florida, Spikes has been a dominate force in the heart of this Gator defense. Spikes goes sideline to sideline very well, is a sure tackler, and has even improved in coverage. He has been the leader all season, and could be one of the top ILB if he declares early.
2. DJ Moore, CB from Vanderbilt (Jr.)
One of the keys to Vandy's recent success, Moore has been a shutdown corner, arguably the best in the SEC. Also, his speed and quickness are things that make scouts drool. He can also contribute in the return game, but his coverage skills are what should make him a first rounder.
3. Everette Brown, DE from Florida State (Jr.)
Florida State has been the best place to find pass rushers in the country, as they produce some of the best 4-3 and 3-4 linebackers in college. Brown is similar to former first round pick Kamerion Wimbly because of his speed off the edge and athletism. Brown, if he declares early, could be a 1st rounder.
4. Preston Parker, WR from Florida State (Jr.)
Coming into this season, Parker was the more hyped of the two solid FSU receivers, between him and Greg Carr. Carr has underperformed this season, most likely due to the fact that he needs a good quarterback to be successful. Parker, however, has been making plays all season long, and has been one of the most consistent threats in the ACC so far.
5. Jeremiah Johnson, RB from Oregon
Johnson is regarded farily highly by our scouts out west and other's I have talked to. We feel he has the skills to be a solid back in the pros. But, when LaGarrette Blount showed what he could do, it really hurt Johnson's stock. Now that Jeremiah is back in control, he is taking advantage.
Holbrook is an obvious system quarterback, as his numbers are based off of playing poor teams and throwing the ball 40+ times. He does have good size and arm strength, which make him a solid NFL prospect, but his poor play against legit team's make him a project down the road.
2. Brad Lester, RB from Auburn
Lester was obviously the less talented of the two Auburn running backs, the other being Junior Ben Tate. Lester, however, has now become a minorly used part of the offense, and has gone from possible round 5 or 6 pick to almost positively undrafted back.
3. Dannell Ellerbe, ILB from Georgia
The horrific loss against Florida hurts most of the Georgia defense, most notably Ellerbe. The Gators were able to run all over the Bulldogs and Ellerbe was somewhat easily taken out of the play on a few big runs. Ellerbe is still a likely Day One pick, but his fight to be a top 5 ILB overall should be a tough one now.
4. Aaron Kelly, WR from Clemson
With Cullen Harper and/or Willy Korn seems to go Aaron Kelly. Early on in the season and last season, the offense looked solid, with the talented backs and Kelly has one of the weapons at coach Bowden's disposal. But, after his resigning and the struggle of the passing game, Kelly's stock has plumeted.
5. Brian Orakpo, DE from Texas
Orakpo is still one of my favorite players in the draft, but after spotlighting him myself in the game against Texas Tech, he was almost non-existent. He didn't create any pressue going against the experienced and huge Red Raider front, and the injury doesn't help his cause.
Week 9 Review
On The Rise
 |
 |
 |
1. Hakeem Nicks, WR from North Carolina (Jr) Falling Fast
Brandon Tate, arguably the best receiver on the North Carolina roster, is out for the season. So, picking up the slack is junior receiver Nicks. He absolutely exploded last week, gathering 135 yards receiving along with catching 3 touchdowns plus running for 1. He was literally the whole team, single handedly outscoring the Boston College team and only not accounting for 1 of the teams 5 offensive touchdowns.
2. Brandon Pettigrew, TE from Oklahoma State
Against Texas, he wasn't a stat machine, but watching him made you think he had the most influence on the offensive side of the ball. His blocking to open up massive holes was crucial to the teams running success. But also, his ability to be such a great safety valve, especially on 3rd and 4th down, makes him the perfect tight end, in college anyways.
3. Jordan Shipley, WR from Texas
Last season he was the 4th guy to start the season, yet still finished with solid numbers. Coming into this year, he was behind Quan Cosby, but once again has surprised and has emerged as one of the best receivers in the conference. Best case scenerio he is Wes Welker in the pros, but his college play has been spectacular and the McCoy - Shipley connection may be one to remember.
4. Graham Harrell, QB from Texas Tech
Mike Leach has been making quarterbacks into stat machines for quite a while now, and Harrell is his next guy, and maybe his next victim. Once again, a Texas Tech quarterback is having a great year, yet he may not be a great pro prospect. It hurts that so many quarterbacks just like him have rarely,if ever, panned out to be decent. If he can win over Texas this week, he may start gaining respect.
5. Nate Davis, QB from Ball State (Jr)
I really think this kid is the real deal. He has great accuaracy, can make the deep throws, solid decision making, and can make plays with his feet. I think he could be the next Donovan McNabb. He has his team undefeated still and probably in the best chance to make a BCS bowl of any MAC team and their schedule is much easier than Utah, BYU, Boise State, and TCU. If Davis keeps winning and beats Dan LeFevour and Central Michigan later in the year, he will start to get some press.
1. Patrick Turner, WR from USC
Coming into the season, I had Turner rated as my number 1 receiver. I really am embarassed to say that. I thought he was very similar to Dwyane Jarrett, and felt that he possibly could learn where Jarrett struggled. Instead, he is getting beat out by younger receivers, and that will cost him come draft time, as he is out of Day 1 and is in the 6th-7th round mix.
2. Tyrell Sutton, RB from Northwestern
Another guy I liked alot coming into the season, his season has now been ended. His injury will hurt his team's chances for a solid bowl game, and kill his chances at a Day One selection. He is physical for his size, has solid speed, and is very experienced. I think he is somewhere between Ray Rice and Mike Hart as a prospect, but the injury could push him lower than Mike Hart's 6th round selection a year ago.
3. Willie Tuitama, QB from Arizona
He had the perfect opportunity to put himself on the national map with a win against USC last week. Instead, he had less than 100 yards passing and a pick. Now, most scouts will look at everything else he's done, but a win against a great defense like that would have pushed him higher in a week quarterback class.
4. Curtis Painter, QB from Purdue
Two apperances on the Falling Fast list is never a good thing, but Painter has bigger problems to worry about. He started the season regarded as the top senior quarterback in the country. Now, he may not be the best senior on his team. He has been benched but still came in last game, only to go 6 for 12 for 36 yards and an interception. He has gone from fringe 1st round pick to probable undrafted player in a matter of 3 months.
5. Riley Skinner, QB from Wake Forest (Jr)
He still has another season at Wake Forest, but his play as of late has been quite poor and not worthy of being drafted. He hasn't got much chance to throw because of the play calling, but he needs to make more plays when he's called upon. Wake Forest went from top of the ACC to scoring 10 points in two games combined. Skinner has been very lackluster and needs to improve greatly to help his stock as well as his teams'.
Week 8 Review
On The Rise
1. Juaquin Iglesias, WR from Oklahoma
With so many other great Oklahoma talents at receiver in the past few years, most recently Malcolm Kelly, the likes of a less dominate receiver like Iglesias get less press. However, Iglesias has been one of the most consistent threats in the country, and only Jordan Shipley of Texas is more consistent. He was a day 2 prospect coming in, but he could sneak into round 2 now if he runs well.
2. Deon Butler, WR from Penn State
Derrick Williams of Penn State has been the play maker of this deep receiving corps, but Butler's 105 receiving yards last week against Michigan showed that he isn't bad either. He isn't as fast as Williams, but he is close in speed, plus he has very good hands. He is still fighting for Day One consideration, but this helped.
3. Lendy Holmes, S from Oklahoma
Holmes is another guy who is stuck in a position that his programs has been good at for so long, hurting his cause. The Sooner safeties are usually going to get that second look, but with the game he had last week, grabbing 2 picks, he won't need a 2nd look. He has good instincts, and his good tackling ability makes him a solid player in a somewhat weak safety class.
4. Kenny Britt, WR from Rutgers (Jr)
Rutgers does not look anything like the teams of the past few years, because of the loss of Ray Rice. But, because the best player in the college's history left, that doesn't mean that they have no talent. Britt has been the much better of the two solid Rutgers receivers, and he could go higher, if he declares, than Ray Rice did a year ago.
5. Tim Hiller, QB from Western Michigan (Jr)
The MAC has been so good at producing pro quarterbacks, especially of late. And, with Nate Davis, Dan LeFevour, and my personal favorite Drew Willy in the conference, that trend shouldn't stop anytime soon. But, Hiller, still only a junior like Davis and LeFevour, is making a case to be the best of the bunch. With LeFevour out in last weeks match-up of these two teams, Hiller threw for 471, showing that he isn't a slouch at all in the talented MAC conference.
Falling Fast
1. Chase Daniel, QB from Missouri
Everyone has heard of Daniel's ensuing trouble in the transition to the pro game, but everyone knew he was a dominate college quarterback. But, his past two games have not been, well, Chase Daniel-like, and his stock is falling further down then it originally was. For a QB his size, he needs to improvise better, throw on the run more accurately, and not make bad turnovers. He seems to be not as quick as a Jeff Garcia, and a worse decision maker than Drew Brees. Both QBs are the two guys who are small yet effective in the league.
2. Matt Stafford, QB from Georgia (Jr)
Although he still has the most talent of any quarterback who can declare this season, he has not played well and his decision making has come into question. He can make all the throws and then some, his mechanics are improving, and he has good command in the huddle. However, his inability could take him out of the top 5, as he is becoming more of a David Carr than a Eli Manning.
3. Ian Johnson, RB from Boise State
Johnson got a 7th round projection last season after his Junior year, and his play this season has not helped him all that much. His speed is still lacking and he doesn't have any great moves in his arsenal. He is a sound running back and good college player, but he probably is bound for a practice squad future in the pros.
4. Terrence Taylor, DT from Michigan
Taylor is a beast in the middle, but didn't show it against Penn State. Evan Royster ran over the Michigan defense like it was nothing, and although it wasn't entirely his fault, the Penn State O-Line somewhat took him out of the game. Michigan DTs like Gabe Watson and Alan Branch have fallen because of a lack of a good motor, and that may haunt Taylor as well.
5. Rocco Cironi, OT from Michigan State (Jr)
I didn't feel as though Cironi was a great prospect to start the year, and although he showed signs of improvement this year, Ohio State didn't help his cause. Cironi was crushed by the Ohio State lineman, and the Michigan State quarterbacks were feeling heat all game from his side. He still has a year of eligibility left, and I suggest he take it.
Week 7 Review
On The Rise
1. Colt McCoy, QB from Texas (Jr) Falling Fast
Not only did a win against Oklahoma help everyone on Texas's stock, but the control and accuracy Colt displayed really put him on the verge of a 2010 1st rounder. McCoy has seemed to hit his full potential that has been talked about since he was a freshman replacing Vince Young. McCoy now looks like the real deal and depending on who declares and if he wants to, he could be a solid draft pick in 2009.
2. Jeremy Maclin, WR from Missouri (RS So)
Although Missouri did lose a tough game to Oklahoma State, Maclin was nothing short of spectacular. His return and receiving deep play ability are very enticing to NFL teams thanks to Devin Hester, and that is the mold the Maclin is in. He should declare early and will most likely be a top 15 pick.
3. Joe Burnett, CB from Central Florida
When he declared a season ago early for the draft, people either were shocked or didn't know who he was. But, after playing well in top games this season, he is slowly becoming a 2nd round prospect. Also, his return ability gives him a boost, as he did return one for a score against Miami(FL).
4. Jake Sharp, RB from Kansas (Jr)
He wasn't an intricate part of their team a year ago, but Jake Sharp has now become the feature part of their offense. In his last 2 games, he has close to 200 yards rushing, 120 yards receiving, and 5 total touchdowns. Also, his clutch play was needed to pull out wins in two straight weeks.
5. Joe Ganz, QB from Nebraska
He didn't start last season because of the over-hyped arrival of Sam Keller, but when Keller went down and Ganz played, he performed even better. Last week, he lost a close game against Texas Tech, but actually out produced the stat-king, Graham Harrell. He is still fighting to get drafted, but this helped.
1. Brandon Tate, WR from North Carolina
Just a week ago, Tate was on the Stock Up list. But, after tearing both him ACL and MCL, he looks out for the year and maybe far past training camp of the NFL next season. I still see him getting drafted late, but I think it's too late for him to apply for a medical redshirt, and his stock went from very high to out of team's draft lists.
2. Arian Foster, RB from Tennessee
In the tight game against Georgia, you would think that Tennessee's best player coming into the year had a lot to do with that. It ends up he may not even be the best running back. Although his offensive line played terrible and hurt his team's production, he did only get 3 carries, meaning this team doesn't feel they should use him if they need to win. Ouch.
3. Tiquan Underwood, WR from Rutgers
The quick fall of the previous "Rutgers Dynasty" has been even worse than most have thought, and it seems the offense is to blame. While Kenny Britt, junior wide receiver, has still displayed his talent is limited time, Underwood has showed little, and isn't even getting the ball all that often. His speed should help him come draft time, but teams are wondering why he isn't a top target.
4. Daniel Holtzclaw, ILB from Eastern Michigan
Coming into the season, I was somewhat high on this little known prospect, as I felt he was solid in run support, decent in coverage, and looked like he could only go up. After I went to his game last year against Army SPECIFICLY to watch him, and for most of the game, he was lost, ineffective, and not draft worthy. He made some meaningless stats late, but his stiffness and poor movement makes me wonder what I like about him.
Replacing a 1st rounder like Rashard Mendenhall can't be easy, especially when your not as talented as him. But Dufrene was thought of as a solid talent and one who could give similar production in that improving offense. He has been ineffective and not helpful to the maturing of the amazingly productive Juice Williams.
Week 6 Review
On The Rise
 |
|
 |
1. Chris Pizzotti, QB from Harvard
With the top senior quarterbacks either stumbling (Curtis Painter or Cullen Harper) or just not having the NFL size and arm (Chase Daniel), there really isn't any stability at the top. Because of that, players like last year's Joe Flacco and this year's Chris Pizzotti from Harvard a chance to really skyrocket. Although there are other small schools guys that may be just as good, his game last week against Lafayette proves that he is a legit NFL quarterback prospect.
2. Brandon Tate, WR from North Carolina
The big 3 receivers at North Carolina have all played well this season, but maybe the best of them all has been Brandon Tate. North Carolina is really starting to show great progress under Butch Davis, and with players like Tate, Brooks Foster and junior Hakeem Nicks, this could be the nations top receiving corps.
3. Roy Miller, DT from Texas
When talking with Julio Gonzales, our Texas scout, he said that Miller really has been dominate this year. He has been taking on double teams with ease, and still being a force in the backfield. Brian Orakpo overshadows him on defense, but Miller could be one of the top Nose Tackles in the upcoming draft.
4. Juice Williams, QB from Illinois
There are alot of reasons to not like Juice Williams. He's plays like a run first quarterback. He runs a one or two read system. He doesn't have the deep play accuracy. But, he seems to always play well in big games, he makes the smart plays, and seemingly takes over games, as shown when he broke records against Michigan last week. Although most think he can't be a pro QB, his throwing looks close to some other hyped up prospects and is starting to look like more of a QB and less of just an athlete.
5. Zac Robinson, QB from Oklahoma State
With Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Colt McCoy, Graham Harrell, Chase Daniel, and others, Zac Robinson and 17th ranked Oklahoma State have really been the best team you've forgotten about. Robinson has been great both with his feet and through the air. He is only a junior, but as of now he's not really a great QB prospect. But, with games like these and his talent, he'll find a home.
Falling Fast
1. Curtis Painter, QB from Purdue
After starting the season atop our quarterback draft rankings, Painter is sure to fall dramatically after last week's showing. His inconsistency and poor accuracy were startling to me. The overriding factor in this idea is that he was benched. That's right, head coach Joe Tiller thought the team had a better shot with another guy. Although Kyle Orton was in the same scenario, Painter doesn't have the physical skill set of Orton. Painter is sure to fall further down than he always was previously.
2. Javaris James, RB from Miami (FL) (Jr)
The emergence of Graig Cooper and the nagging injuries have severely hurt a guy who I like very much coming into the year. He still has another year of eligibility so he could make some headway, but with the outstanding, top tier Graig Cooper in the backfield, James should start to get less and less carries on his return.
3. Randy Phillips, S from Miami (FL)
When watching such a prospect-loaded game in Miami (FL) vs Florida State, I had my eye on some well-known guys, whether that be because of skill or in Randy's case, his name. His pretend brother and mentor(not really related but act accordingly) was a great safety in college and has gone on to be solid in the pros. However, Randy looks nothing like his brother, lacks any game breaking ability, and seems like a career special teamer in the pros.
4. Arian Foster, RB from Tennessee
He hasn't played poorly this season, but his stock is falling because of how the players around him are playing. His backup running backs have played great and occasionally better than Foster, his line has been very inconsistent (look below), and he has not showed his first class running ability that he was hyped up to show. Plus, with Javon Ringer and James Davis not disappointing, he is getting pushed lower and lower on the list of senior running backs.
5. Anthony Parker, OG from Tennessee
Although I still feel he is a great NFL prospect because of his great size, strength, and technique, Anthony Parker has not played well at all this season, and he is part of the reason of the downfall of the Tennessee Volunteers. Parker needs to fix his mental problems right now, get back on track, and prove to everyone, including me, that he is still a top guard prospect.
On The Rise
Week 5 Review
 |
 |
 |
1. Derrick Williams, WR from Penn State Falling Fast
When watching the Illinois @ Penn State, one player really stood out as the best player on the field. Williams was all over the field as a receiver, but mostly playing in the slot, where he has been the best this season. He has great hands, great quickness, and really beat up this Illinois defense single handedly.
2. Greg Hardy, DE from Ole Miss (Jr)
If you ask Urban Meyer or Tim Tebow who is the best defender in the SEC, I can almost guarantee they would say the man that beat them up in Ole Miss's upset over Florida. Hardy was the focus of every snap for Tebow, as he had to make sure he could get the pass off before Hardy could get there. He could now be a lock for the top 20 if he comes out.
3. Jonathan Casillas, OLB from Wisconsin
Although it was in a losing effort, the speed, range, and coverage ability really impressed me in Wisconsin's loss against Michigan. He seemed to have the coverage skills of a strong safety, yet was all over the field, either making tackles or assists. He should be a quiet riser come draft time.
4. Darius Heyward-Bey, WR from Maryland
If you haven't gotten a chance to watch Heyward-Bey yet, when you do, you'll be in for a treat. He has world class speed, as do most speed receivers. But what separates him from other speedy guys is his route running, his extremely consistent hands, and his game breaking moves that gives him big play after big play.
5. Chase Clement, QB from Rice
The massive stats and timing between Chase Clement and Jarrett Dillard was very noticeable in last week's win. But, Clement's play reading ability, above average accuracy lead me to believe that he has a legit shot in the NFL as a backup to start.
1. Todd Boeckman, QB from Ohio State
Boeckman's already sinking stock seems to have taken a turn for the absolute worse. He has now pretty much demoted to the backup role at quarterback for the Buckeyes, being replaced by Terrell Pryor. He now has to dominate off-season workouts to even get considerations for a roster spot.
2. Cullen Harper, QB from Clemson
Another bad game for the Clemson passing game and the team in general means one of the top pre-season senior quarterbacks will likely fall from any ranking at the top he had before. He has looked unflattering, and his ball control that was on display last year seems to have faded some.
3. Kevin Ellison, S from USC
The loss to Oregon State most likely hurt every prospect that played, as that defense got beaten bad on a number of plays by a young team. Ellison was beaten both in coverage and missed tackles that lead to big plays. He was already regarded as a mediocre prospect, but he was exposed this week.
4. Xavier Fulton, OT from Illinois
As I was at the Illinois @Penn State game this past weekend, I really wanted to focus on the play of the Penn State front 7 and the Illinois front 5. Although Maurice Evans looked great, he was helped by the lack of quickness and flexibility shown by Fulton, and Fulton should see a drop in his stock after last week.
5. James Laurinitis, ILB from Ohio State
Some of the scouts here at NFLHouse.com have taken a very close look at some of the top prospects, as although he is talented and makes a lot of tackles, we don't feel Lauruinitis is all he's cracked up to be. He seems to be in the right place at the right time, which results for most of his tackles. For a great example, watch the Ohio State and USC game, and watch Laurinitis. Herbstreet seems to make it sound like his everywhere, when in reality, he was just unblocked. He's not a bad prospect now, but he isn't No. 1.
