The 2013 Prospect Thread

[ATippett56]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

Mississippi St. OG Gabe Jackson would fit nicely. 6'4" 320#. A bit reminiscent of Brian Waters. Physical, tough, durable.

I have selected Gabe Jackson in my latest mock draft. However other options at offensive guard may include Larry Warford and Cyril Richardson depending of course upon availability. Gabe Jackson or Cyril Richardson may not even declare for the 2013 NFL Draft. I'm looking for offensive guards that would be potentially available towards the end of the second round to the middle of the third round.

[fightingirish595]

its all about eric reid

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

Mississippi St. OG Gabe Jackson would fit nicely. 6'4" 320#. A bit reminiscent of Brian Waters. Physical, tough, durable.

He's alright in pass protection, he's really strong, but I don't think he's athletic enough. He doesn't pull quick enough or get to the second level quick enough, IMO.

[manxman2601]

Originally Posted by Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

He's alright in pass protection, he's really strong, but I don't think he's athletic enough. He doesn't pull quick enough or get to the second level quick enough, IMO.

This is why I'm such a fan of UNC's Jon Cooper - sometimes it's like watching a FB or TE when he's moving in space.

I know some don't think we need to draft an OL that high (first to high second) but Logan Mankins didn't work out too badly did he? I genuinely believe that Cooper can go on to be one of the best at his position in the NFL Last year I was convinced Barron would be one of our picks until his stock rose too high (I still do and think we'd be Hightower-less now if Barron hadn't shot up draft boards). I'm starting to get that feeling about Cooper, there looks to me to be a real fusion between what he offers and what we need.

Ranking my first round preferences:

1. Ezekiel Ansah
2. Jon Cooper
3. Cornelius Carradine (real toss up with him and Cooper)



4. DeAndre Hopkins
5. Jesse Williams
6. Alex Okafor
7. Dion Jordan
8. Stedman Bailey



This doesn't include fallers, not currently in range, nor safeties which I haven't really looked at properly. There aren't that many other prospects I'd be happy taking in the first round.
Doesn't include fallers not currently in range

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

This is why I'm such a fan of UNC's Jon Cooper - sometimes it's like watching a FB or TE when he's moving in space.

I know some don't think we need to draft an OL that high (first to high second) but Logan Mankins didn't work out too badly did he? I genuinely believe that Cooper can go on to be one of the best at his position in the NFL Last year I was convinced Barron would be one of our picks until his stock rose too high (I still do and think we'd be Hightower-less now if Barron hadn't shot up draft boards). I'm starting to get that feeling about Cooper, there looks to me to be a real fusion between what he offers and what we need.

Ranking my first round preferences:

1. Ezekiel Ansah
2. Jon Cooper
3. Cornelius Carradine (real toss up with him and Cooper)



4. DeAndre Hopkins
5. Jesse Williams
6. Alex Okafor
7. Dion Jordan
8. Stedman Bailey



This doesn't include fallers, not currently in range, nor safeties which I haven't really looked at properly. There aren't that many other prospects I'd be happy taking in the first round.
Doesn't include fallers not currently in range

Ansah in the first? Are people really saying that? So much for being a sleeper. I have him in my current mock in the third.

As for safeties, you were dead on about Elam. He's an absolute stud.
Now I only scouted him vs LSU last Sat, but he was easily the best player there that day. I only had two criticisms. One he's shorter than ideal at 5'10", and two he was so energetic and physical that hurt his teammates in celebrations.

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

This is why I'm such a fan of UNC's Jon Cooper - sometimes it's like watching a FB or TE when he's moving in space.

I know some don't think we need to draft an OL that high (first to high second) but Logan Mankins didn't work out too badly did he? I genuinely believe that Cooper can go on to be one of the best at his position in the NFL Last year I was convinced Barron would be one of our picks until his stock rose too high (I still do and think we'd be Hightower-less now if Barron hadn't shot up draft boards). I'm starting to get that feeling about Cooper, there looks to me to be a real fusion between what he offers and what we need.

Ranking my first round preferences:

1. Ezekiel Ansah
2. Jon Cooper
3. Cornelius Carradine (real toss up with him and Cooper)

4. DeAndre Hopkins
5. Jesse Williams
6. Alex Okafor
7. Dion Jordan
8. Stedman Bailey


This doesn't include fallers, not currently in range, nor safeties which I haven't really looked at properly. There aren't that many other prospects I'd be happy taking in the first round.
Doesn't include fallers not currently in range

I have absolutely nothing against Cooper, or against drafting OG in the 1st round in general. But I value DL more, and I would take several DEs or DTs ahead of any OL in the draft, including Cooper, Warmack and Jones, all good prospects.

[manxman2601]

Originally Posted by Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

Ansah in the first? Are people really saying that? So much for being a sleeper. I have him in my current mock in the third.

As for safeties, you were dead on about Elam. He's an absolute stud.
Now I only scouted him vs LSU last Sat, but he was easily the best player there that day. I only had two criticisms. One he's shorter than ideal at 5'10", and two he was so energetic and physical that hurt his teammates in celebrations.

Think about Dontari Poe - if he can rise up to where he did, I can't see any reason why someone with the upside of a JJ Watt/JPP cross-breed can't. Ultimately I think I'm going to be left disappointed once more. The only thing I'm holding on to is that with so many quality proven pass rushers available, GM's may choose to go with the sure thing rather than the lesser proven talent that Ansah represents (this is brother Mayo's convincing argument re Dion Jordan). There will be no way he lasts to the third however unless he underperforms at the Senior/Shrine bowl and the combine (or gets caught smoking).

Funnily enough, I was a little disappointed about Elam's LSU game only so far in that I was hoping to see more of him in man coverage. Sure can hit though.

[manxman2601]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

I have absolutely nothing against Cooper, or against drafting OG in the 1st round in general. But I value DL more, and I would take several DEs or DTs ahead of any OL in the draft, including Cooper, Warmack and Jones, all good prospects.

I know how you feel and it's absolutely fair enough. I would just say that a) we are a team based upon the effectiveness of our offense and b) that getting someone who will be one of the best in the NFL as I think Cooper will be is too much of a benefit over someone who won't be and I don't think the likes of Sylvester Williams, Okafor, Jesse Williams, John Jenkins will be. I suppose my argument is that BPA (at position of need) is more important than need alone. But then as we value the positions and players differently it's all in the eye of the beholder.

[ATippett56]

Originally Posted by mackenzie45220

I love: Fuller, Warmack, Cooper, KNOTT (btw, Klein is good too), Elam, Reed, Randle, Van Noy

I like: Ogletree, Carradine, Patton, Thomas, Pryor, Hopkins, Milliner, Joyner

I'm neutral towards everyone else, except Coleman (I haven't paid attention to him. He's a redshirt sophomore. 10% chance he enters the draft), as well as Ansah (haven't seen him yet but look forward to doing so), Bailey (I'd be surprised if he entered the draft), and McFadden, whom I've seen a little, but not enough to have a strong opinion one way or the other.

Could you provide an assessment of defensive tackles Everett Dawkins, Florida State and Abry Jones, Georgia?

I am looking for value at the defensive tackle position towards the bottom of the third round.

[manxman2601]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

This is why I'm such a fan of UNC's Jon Cooper - sometimes it's like watching a FB or TE when he's moving in space.

I know some don't think we need to draft an OL that high (first to high second) but Logan Mankins didn't work out too badly did he? I genuinely believe that Cooper can go on to be one of the best at his position in the NFL Last year I was convinced Barron would be one of our picks until his stock rose too high (I still do and think we'd be Hightower-less now if Barron hadn't shot up draft boards). I'm starting to get that feeling about Cooper, there looks to me to be a real fusion between what he offers and what we need.

Here's what I mean on Cooper:

Jonathan Cooper vs Virginia Tech (2012) - YouTube

LG, #64


1. Look how smooth he is in space, he's often the furthest lineman down field. He also looks to be able to change direction well. There are a couple of iffy cut blocks at the beginning admittedly.

2. In pass pro, he often just stands the DT up at the LOS barely giving a yard. Have yet to see him give up a sack (or even come close). Once he blocks you, you stay blocked.

3. He's very good at using the DL's impetus against him. He can drive a DL back if needed but often, he just eases a DL aside in the direction the DL wants to go but takes him out of the play as he does so.


His LT partner James Hurst really stands out too. Not studied him as closely but he looks very promising too.