What more do you want from Ben Tate?

Just a few updates to get out of the way. The Top 100 Big Board has been updated for the combine overreactions. I’m sure I only have 30 or so. Check it out. Also, the Positional Rankings have been updated for nearly 400 prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft. So you know, look at those too.

And be sure the check out the first episode of DraftCast, a podcast hosted by myself and Michael Schottey of Drafttek.com. We kicked off our show with guests Ricky Sapp and Jon McKinney and some Free Agency questions.

Now,the article at hand.

It’s tough to find truly underrated guys at this point in the draft. With the way information gets passed around today, there are no more secrets. Run a great time at a tiny school? You can can be bigger than Snooki’s va… Anyway, self-advocating prospects are making waves like never before, but if you look closely, you can still find a player or two that just doesn’t seem to be getting the billing they deserve. Maybe they played for a historically bad team at an unheralded position. Maybe they somehow set a major record at a school known for running backs yet still slid below the radar. Or maybe I’m a little late calling some of them underrated considering one of them is already apparently a first round prospect on at least one team’s board.

Anyway, if you want to impress some friends know these names on draft day because they could come off a little earlier than expected.

1.) Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa(Big Board Rank: 37)
This is the guy I was talking about. I’ve been a fan for a while, but it looks like Spievey is finally getting his due. At 5-11 195 he’s got above average size for the position, and that 4.47 he put up put to bed any questions about his straight speed. But what I’ve noticed about Spievey is that he’s a very sound tackler who can make plays in space. He takes good angles against the run and does a nice job of getting off of blockers. Spievey’s also strong enough to be a solid press coverage player and he possesses the athleticism, the leaping ability, to make big plays. Talking to him in Indianapolis, I saw a kid who has realized some of his mistakes (transferring down to JUCO after academics issue) and was just ready to play again. He’ll make some team happy, because unlike Antonio Cromartie, Spievey thrives on making big plays in the open field.

3.) Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana(Big Board Rank: 49)
This is another guy that’s getting a little friendly publicity lately. Saffold unintentionally hurt himself by enrolling at Indiana University, but he seems like he’s getting over that in ways that Joe Buck just never will (he’s an IU grad in case you’re averse to Buck trivia. And that’s okay). Anyway, Saffold’s been starting since midway through his freshman year, topping his career off with 41 straight. He’s got very quick feet, and that’s pushed him into serious upper-echelon left tackle talk. Plus, he’s great when pulling on running plays. If he proves to be decently athletic at his pro day and keeps this momentum he could go as early as the second round. He’s hovering inside the top ten tackles right now.

2.) Ben Tate, RB, Auburn(Big Board Rank: 50)
How in the world does a guy attend a school that’s produced Bo Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Rudy Johnson, Kenny Irons, and about a hundred other guys before that go unnoticed after a season like this. He put up 10 TDs and over 1300 yards rushing while maintaining a 5.2 ypc average. Add in that he didn’t fumble once all season, and the fact that he did all of this against some of the best rushing defenses in the nation and you’ve got a guy that could be looking at a second round grade. He’s a powerful runner at 220 pounds, and he’s got a little wiggle to go along with that 4.45 that makes him such an effective downhill runner. Tate’s still not a consistent homerun threat, but I get the feeling he might not have realized his full potential yet.

4.) Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane(Big Board Rank: 65)
It’s funny. When you watch the Senior Bowl and you get past Tony Pike’s mustache and focus a little more intently on Tony Sparano’s you see something other than Tim Tebow’s stats tickering across the screen. I’m a little surprised that Jeremy Williams’ stock didn’t get more of a public boost after his week in Mobile. I think teams are still pretty wary of his injury history (two knees and a broken hand). But if he can prove to be healthy again, and not a serious threat to cripple every season, he can be an effective #2. He’s a highly underrated route runner, and makes concise quick cuts while showing the awareness to come back to the ball. He was quietly an MVP candidate in the Senior Bowl game, and if he’s 100% he could be a nice steal.

5.) Antonio Coleman, OLB, Auburn(Big Board Rank: 74)
I talked to a couple of scouts at the combine. They weren’t exactly eager to divulge their every thought to me, but I managed to hear a few things. And a lot of them were about the Auburn pass rusher. Coleman is the epitome of an active passrusher. He’s got that Edward Scissorhands violence in his mitts, and he’s got the kind of experience that breeds multiple pass rushing moves. On top of that, at around 6-01 255, there have been reports that he could run in the high 4.5s at his pro day. No matter what he runs, he’s a sure tackler who put up 24 sacks in the SEC during a great career. It’s just tough to find a good 3-4 OLB who has experience standing up and plays with good leverage up close and awareness in coverage.

Be Sure to tune in tonight to the DraftCast podcast.

It’s what that logo’s about to the right ————–>

Basically, it’s an NFL Draft podcast with myself and Michael Schottey of Drafttek.com. We’ll be covering every topic we can think of when it comes to the future rookies. And we’ll be bringing in some great guests.

So don’t miss tonight’s episode, the first episode. We’ll be joined by former Clemson defensive end Ricky Sapp. Ricky’s coming off of a great combine where he measured in a6 6-4 254 and ran a 4.61 40. If you missed my interview with him, you can check it out by clicking here.

And if you’re really bored, you can find us on facebook and twitter. Great updates all draft season.

Mike Iupati could be the third WAC player taken in round one if Kyle Wilson and Ryan Matthews pull through.

We’re back with more scouting reports, this time focusing on some of the most unheralded guys in the league. It’s the interior offensive linemen.

It’s a pretty average class with a few big names at the top, but not much depth beyond the top few guys. Mike Iupati has stolen a little limelight and the big guard from Idaho could end up getting the WAC three guys in the first round (Kyle Wilson and Ryan Matthews being the other two). And Maurkice Pouncey has a coveted versatility. He can basically play any of the three spots.

Beyond that, there’s not a whole lot. JD Walton is an underrated center, and Jeff Byers has some potential. Then you’ve got some guards with some impressive rushing resumes. Mike Johnson, Mitch Petrus (who tied a combine record with 45 reps at the combine), and Sergio Render have all paved the way for multiple thousand-yard backs.

So just click on the pictures below for full scouting reports on the top five centers and guards in the 2010 NFL Draft. For all prospect rankings by position, just check out our Player Rankings Page.

Ready for another corner to go in the top 5? This guy will.

Be sure to check out DraftZoo on the all-new DraftCast Podcast hosted by myself and Michael Schottey of Drafttek.com. Our first guest will be former Clemson defensive end, Ricky Sapp. Don’t miss it!

Yeah, we’re still about a month and a half from this year’s draft, but if you’re like me, you’re already looking ahead.

So, for a quick breather from the 2010 Suh vs. McCoy vs. Bradford vs. Clausen vs. Okung debates, check out the best of the best in the 2011 NFL Draft class. I’ve taken it a wild step further and projected a few juniors to leave early, which is of course reckless, but pretty damn tantalizing. Maybe it’s just reckless. Read on.

Quarterbacks
1.) Jake Locker, Washington
2.) Blaine Gabbert, Missouri*
3.) Ryan Mallett, Arkansas*
4.) Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State*
5.) Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M

Running Backs
1.) Mark Ingram, Alabama*
2.) Evan Royster, Penn State
3.) Darren Evans, Virginia Tech*
4.) Demarco Murray, Oklahoma
5.) Noel Devine, West Virginia

Wide Receivers (just a note, this class could be INSANE)
1.) Julio Jones, Alabama*
2.) AJ Green, Georgia*
3.) Michael Floyd, Notre Dame*
4.) Terrance Toliver, LSU
5.) Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma*

Offensive Tackles
1.) Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
2.) Lee Ziemba, Auburn
3.) Matt Reynolds, BYU*
4.) Nate Solder, Colorado
5.) Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

Offensive Guards
1.) Rodney Hudson, FSU
2.) Mike Pouncey, Florida
3.) Orlando Franklin, Miami
4.) Andrew Jackson, Fresno State (will sign for $20… anyone?)
5.) Justin Boren, Ohio State

Centers
1.) Kris O’Dowd, USC
2.) Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
3.) Colin Baxter, Arizona
4.) Dan Wegner, Notre Dame
5.) Zane Taylor, Utah

Defensive Ends
1.) Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
2.) Greg Romeus, Pitt
3.) Robert Quinn, UNC*
4.) Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
5.) Marcell Dareus, Alabama*

Defensive Tackles
1.) Marvin Austin, UNC
2.) Allen Bailey, Miami
3.) Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss
4.) Jared Crick, Nebraska*
5.) Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson

Outside Linebackers
1.) Bruce Carter, UNC
2.) Travis Lewis, Oklahoma*
3.) Akeem Ayers, UCLA*
4.) Von Miller, Texas A&M
5.) Mark Herzlich, Boston College

Inside Linebacker
1.) Greg Jones, Michigan State
2.) Quan Sturdivant, UNC
3.) Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
4.) Josh Bynes, Auburn
5.) Alex Wujciak, Maryland

Cornerbacks
1.) Patrick Peterson, LSU*
2.) Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
3.) Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
4.) Aaron Williams, Texas*
5.) Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech

Safeties
1.) Deunta Williams, UNC
2.) Mark Barron, Alabama
3.) Deandre McDaniel, Clemson
4.) Chris Culliver, South Carolina
5.) Quinton Carter, Oklahoma

* — Denotes underclassmen.

After last year, it's hard to believe the Lions will take an offensive tackle at the top. That doesn't mean they shouldn't.

“And with the first pick in the 2010 draft the Saint Louis Rams select: XXX, Quarterback.” The current draft buzz is the fact that the Rams will likely take a QB with the first overall pick and that means that the Lions can pick only one player, Ndamukong Suh, right?

Wrong. The Lions have ignored the offensive tackle position for too long and their best position would be to draft an Offensive left tackle like Russell Okung to keep Matt Stafford alive, and to do a lot more for the team than the “best player in the draft.” Left tackle is the second most important position on a football team and for some reason the Lions don’t seem to understand this. They have their QB of the future, a youthful offense that needs just a few more skills spots, and an offensive line that couldn’t win a game of Red Rover against a high school defense.

The left tackle position has been a problem for the Lions for far too long. In his rookie season in Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford was sacked 24 times, had four fumbles and had to run for it 20 times. Stafford also threw 20 picks to just 13 TD’s and was only able to complete only 53% of his passes due mostly to the pass rushing pressure. All of these numbers wouldn’t have been too bad if he had played the whole season, but Stafford played in only 10 games, had a shoulder separation and a torn knee. Overall the team’s quarterbacking core suffered 43 sacks and had nine fumbles. There is no doubt that the offensive line sucks, and it all starts with the left tackle Jeff Backus.

Jeff Sackus is one of the worst starting left tackles in the league and the only people who disagree seem to be the Lions organization and a group of their fans. The only thing that Sackus has going for him is that he hasn’t missed a game in his career, but unfortunately that might have hurt the team more than it helped. Sackus has allowed over half a sack a game in his career, and he has averaged 11 sacks in the last four seasons.

Right tackle Gosder Cherilus isn’t much better and has averaged over 7.5 sacks per season over the last two seasons. Center Dominic Raiola found away to allow four sacks this season and the only shimmering hope was in LG Manny Ramirez who let a very solid one sack go. This offensive line needs help. Last season they ignored the line in the draft and they gave up the chance to have Michael Oher with the pick at 20. In fact they touched their offensive line once (in the 7th round).The team needs help and they need it early.

One thing that most people don’t think about is the strategy the Lions can pursue by taking a LT with the 2nd overall pick. The first key thing that most don’t understand is that if the team drafts a defensive tackle with their pick they replace the existing defensive tackle. If they draft a player like Russell Okung they would then be able to shift Backus either over to the right tackle spot or to the left guard spot. Cherilus could then move into a guard spot and Manny Ramirez would be fine at either guard spot. Overall the team significantly fixes their blindside, potentially lets Backus excel at RT, and significantly adds power to the interior. Drafting a LT fixes two to four places on the Lions offensive line, and instantly makes the team a potential contender on offense.

If you go deep into the situation you would realize that drafting an offensive tackle with the 2nd pick would help to screw the Green Bay Packers. The Packers will be looking to grab up a new LT if one falls to them and it seems likely that an Anthony Davis or Bryan Bulaga type could fall to them if the Lions draft a DT. Taking an OT not only helps the team with their biggest need but it screws a division rival potentially out of a player they need. This strategy also solidifies the chance that a good DL prospect will fall because there are so many 3-4 teams early in the draft that might not touch Gerald McCoy. McCoy might fall to the 10th spot in this scenario and other defensive players will fall because of availability. This gives the Lions a better chance of getting a great player like Jared Odrick who could fall by proxy.

But why can’t the Lions take the “best player in the draft” in Ndamukong Suh and then take a left tackle with the 34th pick? The fact of the matter is that there might not be a solid LT prospect at 34. The team might have to reach on a player like Vladimir Ducasse who might not be a OT, or a RT only type of player like Trent Williams. The team has a much better chance of finding a solid DT that will be good like Jared Odrick or Lamaar Houston in the 2nd round than they will be able to find a LT with potential. If you have been wondering why the Lions don’t trade down from the 2nd overall pick then you must realize that top-5 trades are way too rare to predict. There would be a better chance of the team trading their 2nd round pick to get a good DT later in the round.

The Detroit Lions must realize that they have had one of the worst offensive lines for years and they must realize that the best solution would be to draft Russell Okung with the 2nd overall pick. Ndamukong might be “the best player in the draft” but he won’t help win football games like Okung will. The team cannot wait another year to address the position because they must find a way to protect Stafford, win games, and start competing again in the division. Russell Okung provides the best option for draft strategy because he has more positional value, more positional need, and less positional substitution (compared to the DT class) than Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy have.

From shoulder stun to number one?

With the 2010 NFL Combine officially in the books, there will no doubt be floods of knee-jerk reactions rocketing speedsters up the boards. Bench presses will apparently become more important that film, and running in a straight line will outweigh production.

But while film will always overshadow one weekend of workouts, the combine can provide some invaluable information and maybe even a leg up for a prospect in hot contention to become a higher pick. So here’s a look at how the first round might go down after spending a week in Indianapolis.

1.) St. Louis Rams — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
There are plenty of reasons to like Ndamukong Suh here, and he’s a strong possibility, but I think that the nod goes to the quarterback. When you’re in a position to draft a franchise passer, and you just spent part of a season with Keith Null at the helm, you don’t pass on the opportunity. Showing up to the NFL Combine with 20 extra pounds of bulk was a good move. He’s really making a move to be the consensus top quarterback.

[click to continue...]

Gerald McCoy is no longer just a top player. He's a dream choice to be the face of a franchise.

It’s only just begun. No matter how much scrutiny these prospects have undergone in the weeks leading up to the NFL Combine, nothing can compare to what they’ll face now. Now that they’ve run the 40 yard dash, sprinted through cone drills, faced the vertical jump, and the white-hot interrogation of the media it’s only going to get worse.

It’s important to remember that no matter what happened here, there are years of game film on all of these prospects, and one weekend of auditioning shouldn’t have a drastic effect on their stock. But, in a world of immediate news and up-to-the-millisecond opinion-shifting tweets, knee-jerk reactions are inevitable.

So, in the volatile tradition of the NFL Draft, here are 10 prospects that saw their stock leap through the roof of Lucas Oil Stadium.

[click to continue...]

Dez Bryant could be the new Brandon Marshall. In a good way.

When asked about the Darrent Williams trial at his press conference yesterday, Josh McDaniels said that he didn’t want to get too much into that. He didn’t believe that the NFL Combine was the right forum for that kind of discussion.

He may not have a choice anymore. After word leaked out that Brandon Marshall’s testimony included an admittance that he escalated a fight with the men accused of Williams’ murder, it’s all anyone’s going to ask him.

[click to continue...]

Sean Weatherspoon's leadership and energy would be a welcome addition in Denver.

It’s no secret that Denver struggled defending the run last season.  All that hype you’re hearing about Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is directly due to their season ending romp over the Broncos.  And, by the way, the Raiders averaged around seven yards per rush in another late season slapping at Mile High.

Yeah, it would be easy to blame the problems on the absence of a premier nose tackle.  And yeah, even Josh McDaniels admitted that there’s a “hole in the middle.”  But with a sliver of hope still remaining for last year’s signee Chris Baker, and an absence of nose tackles worth the 11th overall pick, defensive end should be an earlier concern for Denver.

[click to continue...]

The Broncos have a few holes to fill. Josh McDaniels wants to do it with high-character athletes.

Most of the coaches at the 2010 NFL Combine have taken the podium, cracked a joke, then exhaled a little monologue before opening themselves up for questioning.

Not Josh McDaniels.

No, he took the podium, looked around, and waited. Then, he simply said, “Go ahead.”

Dangerous words for a guy that many around Denver loved to hate, then loved, then loved to hate again.

But, even if you’re among the masses that would trade your firstborn to see McDaniels back in a Patriots hoodie and out of Denver, you can’t deny that the guy just has a way with press conferences.

And when no one responded to his invitation to talk, I decided I would go ahead. And with the recent buzz about Kyle Orton’s dissatisfaction with his contract, what better way to start than to ask him about this year’s quarterback class and whether or not Denver needs to find a new developmental guy in case, you know, Denver somehow ends up without a passer.

[click to continue...]