We all know the deal with this thread, mini profiles of draft eligible prospects one at a time. It's open to everyone that wants to throw some names out there, either to make a claim about where you think they'll end up or to ask others' opinions. Also feel free to comment on players that other posters mention. * Players covered: RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech WR Austin Pettis, Boise State OL Andrew Jackson, Fresno State DE Cliff Matthews, South Carolina DE Allen Bailey, Miami DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh DE Sam Acho, Texas DE Dontay Moch, Nevada DT Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss LB Akeem Ayers, UCLA LB Kelvin Sheppard, LSU CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson Starting things off... DT Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss Huge NT prospect is one of my hopeful targets here a full season before the 2011 NFL Draft. He's gigantic, but not the type of plodding NT that one might expect of a guy with his measurables. He's just built massively, not a lot of Terrence Cody fat on him. His size and his game are comparable to Vince Wilfork, with that same type of unnatural athleticism for a man his size, and with it an ability to provide some unique skills to the nose position. A guy like Powe would be the perfect replacement for Kris Jenkins, and he's honestly made only a more attractive prospect considering all he's been through to get to this point. He's had a ton of academic issues while trying to get into Ole Miss, but he's fought each and every step of the way to achieve his dream. The man's had to go to more schools over the past few years than anyone I've ever seen, and was rejected on three separate occasions by the NCAA before he finally got the go ahead. I think Powe ends up as a top 12 or so pick, and will be in high demand once he shows teams that the issues he was having academically are way behind him. He'll be 24 at the time of next year's draft, far removed from the 18 year old kid that was allowed to skate through school.
I'll go with a Bulldog and a Gamecock... Andrew Jackson, OL, Fresno State The President could be the next first round lineman out of the WAC. Pat Hill does a great job developing offensive linemen. The Bulldogs runs a pro-style offense that focuses on a power rushing attack. Jackson has started at both tackle spots, but he's excelled at left guard. This guy's pulling ability is a big reason for Ryan Mathew's success in 2009. He's a four year starter in a system that translates well to the NFL. If he stays healthy and Fresno have another great year running the football, Jackson should be a late first to early second rounder...much like former Bulldog and current Patriot Logan Mankins.
Cliff Matthews, 3-4 OLB, South Carolina With the departure of epic overachiever Eric Norwood, Matthews should be the leader of the Gamecocks' front seven. Like Norwood, Matthews is incredibly versatile. Unlike Norwood, Matthews has the ideal size for 3-4 OLB standing at 6'4 and weighing close to 260. 2010 will be Cliff's third year starting for an SEC defense. I think this will be the year that he puts it all together. After registering 7 sacks in 2009, I'm predicting double digit sacks in 2010. Matthews' combination of size, speed, and work ethic could push him into the first round.
DE Allen Bailey, Miami Not really sure what to make of Big Boy Bailey after four years in the Miami program. He was supposed to be a freak of nature when he came in, and he is that, but he's still not near his potential as a football player. There's no question in my mind that he's the type who can be a ton better as a pro than he's been in college, but there's that chance he could still put it together this year. He's probably best off out at DE in a 43 defense, though he could also play 34 end or tackle in a 43 in favorable schemes. I really doubt there will be a player of similar athletic ability emerging among next year's class, he is a once in a decade type specimen. He can be a monster one on one, just too big, fast, and strong for college offensive linemen, but hasn't been able to turn his gifts into a dominant season. I think that if he can prove his ability and play to his level he could be a top 10 type of player, but we'll have to wait and see what we get.
AKEEM AYERS, 3-4 OLB, UCLA...6'4" 255 MY favorite player that would be an ideal fit in the Jet's defense. A perfect replacemant for the one year rental of Jason Taylor. Hopefully, Ayers will enter the 2011 NFL draft, he's a Redshirt Junior*(fixed). An Outstanding defensive player for the UCLA Bruins. INCREDIBLE STATS FOR 2009: 75 Tackles, 6 Sacks, 4 INTS, 4 Forced Fumbles, 3 TDS, 2 Fumble Recoveries. Played mostly OLB but also would line up a DE. An extremely versatile player that has outstanding coverage skills and can get after the QB. Excellent quick, agile player with great hip movement...super instinctive player. IMO, the best potential 3-4 OLB to enter the NFL in a long time. A lock to be a 1st Round pick!!! Was on the Honor Roll at UCLA for 1 year, an intelligent player. Went to Verbum Dei High School (The VERB) in the Watt's section of Los Angeles...a tough neighborhood. Played WR and LB in High School. A Tremendous athlete who happens to be great football player, the anti Gholston
Ayers is a monster, I'll say it again. But one correction Dub Dub, Ayers is going to be a RS Junior next year.
Ras-I Dowling CB, Virginia The other side of the Virginia CB duo is following in Chris Cooks footsteps as a likely early round CB prospect. Like Cook Dowling has good size (6'2") to play the position. One of the best parts of Dowling is his in play attitude, he is physical at the line, understands how to play the run, and loves to jump routes (which at times could be a bad thing). The only downsides are that some of his technique is a little shaky and that he does not have blazing fast speed. Other than that I could see Dowling off the board in late round 1
Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh Height: 6-6. Weight: 270, 2009....11.5 TFL and eight sacks. Known for blocking kicks and being disruptive in the backfield. A terror off the edge pass rusher, very quick initial first step. Romeus is probably best suited for an NFL team that plays the 4-3. Some feel Romeus might convert to a 3-4 DE, but it would take away his great pass rushing ability. Similar size to Corey Wootton ..but much better upside and athlete. Could have declared for 2010's drafted, but decided against it at the last minute. Only 1 year of High School Football. A solid Rd 1 pick and a lock for the TOP 10 in 2011 with another good season. I like to see a little more consistent play, does disappear at some points in the game. Outstanding physical player with excellent quickness.
Sam Acho, DE, Texas Height 6'3", 260. 2009.......63 Tackles, 14 TFL, 10 Sacks. Sam is an outstanding person, compared to Kindle who had some off field issues. Acho seems to be a quicker player than kindle and a better motor. Acho is an Honor student that speaks multiple languages, parents are from Nigeria. Emmanuel Acho plays Linebacker for UT and not nearly the talent of his brother Sam. Sam could convert to a 3-4 OLB, a position he really hasn't played too much at UT. Sam Acho has played special teams in his early years and was outstanding, which could help his development in coverage in the NFL. 50/50 chance Acho stays at 4-3 DE in the NFL. Mid to late rd 1 prospect!!!!
There's really no way of knowing that yet, though. Sam didn't become a starter until his junior year. Emmanuel is a rising junior and he's already started a few games. I think Manny's going to be a hell of a linebacker. I'm not going to compare the two though, because they play completely different roles in that defense. I wouldn't compare Sam to Sergio Kindle either - in fact, I'd probably compare Emmanuel to Kindle. Sam's much more like Brian Orakpo - a powerful, high motor end, while Manny is more of a hybrid backer.
Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State Height 6'3", 205 2009: 63 receptions/855 yards/ 14 touchdowns. One of my favorite players for 2011's draft. Solid WR that has terrific hands and adjusts to the ball very well. Good size with good, not great speed. Goes up and goes after the ball. Great Special teams player. Practiced against Kyle Wilson!!! Could become a solid2/3 WR in the NFL. Projected to be a Round 2 pick, some are suggesting Pettis may fall into Rd 1 with a great Senior season. Wilson fell into late rd 1, so it may take alot for Pettis to crack round 1. WAC doesn't get the proper props it deserves. Depth and quality of WR of 2011's draft should keep Pettis in Round 2. Don't overlook Pettis,he's a terrific player that could become an outstanding NFL WR Orange County, CA native....we all know the quality players coming from that part of the country. If Edward is gone after 2010, which is possible, Austin Pettis would be a great addition with Holmes and Cotchery.
^ Pettis is a damn good player. He played quarterback, receiver, safety, and corner in high school. He's one hell of an athlete. As much as I hate Boise, I'm hoping that Kellen Moore makes a run at the Heisman - he should put up ridiculous numbers again. 2011's wideout class could be loaded with top tier, big six conference players. Pettis should go early-to-mid second round - I really don't see him going in the first if the majority of the underclassmen receivers enter.
S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson A stud in both pass coverage and run support, McDaniel would have easily been a 1st round pick last season. He's a prototype safety. Strong and physical coming up against the run he can even be used to attack the backfield (2 sacks last year), and he's a playmaker against the passing game. The man picked off 8 passes last season and still, for some reason, decided to go back to school. The only negative he has isn't related to his skill playing football. He was arrested before the 08 season for assault on his girlfriend in a really ugly situation. If he can stay out of trouble for the next year he'll still have to do a lot to convince teams that he's got the character to be selected where his play would suggest. He should be a mid 1st round pick, and at the head of the safety class. Though, the character concerns could push a couple other guys up in the running.
A favorite of mine for sure. Saw a couple of Clemson games last year and he stood out as mentioend in pass coverage, but especially in run support. I too was very surprised he did not come out. One game the announcers were praising his work ethic. I remember something along the lines that he was having film broken down for him daily and he would spend daily an extra, on average, 2 hours in the film room.
^^^ Also one of my favorite prospects in the 2011 draft as well but HIGHLY doubt he becomes a Jet sadly. We have other needs over S. I have a feeling he becomes a Cowboy.
Kelvin Sheppard ILB/OLB, LSU Kelvin Sheppard may not have the highest stock in the world, but with his skill set he could go as high as round 2. If you want a good comparison to Sheppard from the class of 2010 is Daryl Washington. Both are typical 4-3 inside linebackers. They are decent in coverage and have the sideline to sideline range you look for. In addition, Sheppard is a very emotional leader on the field. He puts a lot of hustle behind his already good skill set. However the one downside with Sheppard is that he is not very suited to rush the passer so he probably tops out at 2 - 2.5 sacks a year. But then again as an inside linebacker he isnt going to be asked to be leading the team in sacks. Sheppard hasnt popped up on the radar yet. But I think as the process goes on he will gain momentum. The next Bradie James? Perhaps
