The 2013 Prospect Thread

[ATippett56]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

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.

I'm not saying he won't be a first rounder, I'm just saying that if people are saying first rounder right now, 6 months out, it's a little extreme. This is a guy with 6 career starts at age 23. He's 6 months older than Aaron Hernandez and has just 3 sacks against second tier competition.

Ezekiel Ansah Stats, News, Videos, Pictures, Bio - Brigham Young Cougars - ESPN

 

[mackenzie45220]

its all about eric reid

He's awesome, but I'd be amazed if he fell to you

 

[mackenzie45220]

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.

Neutral toward Jones. Dawkins has poor instincts, is very raw, and doesn't anticipate the snap well, but, for what he lacks in instincts, he makes up for in quickness. He may not react too quickly to the snap. But his 10 yard dash will be among the top 3 in next year's combine among defensive tackles. I guarantee it.

If you want a defensive tackle, another guy worth taking a look at is Anthony Rashad White. White has never gotten much playing time. For most of his career, he's been a backup to Jerel Worthy and Kevin Pickleman. Oddly enough, he is still not getting much playing time in 2012. That being said, he has gotten extended playing time during one game in his career. In the 2012 Outback Bowl against Georgia, he was absolutely amazing. He didn't create pressure, but he absolutely controlled the line of scrimmage against the run. Average at best against the pass, but Sione Pouha/Brodrick Bunkley like against the run. Seriously. That good.

 

[mackenzie45220]

Here's what I mean on Cooper:



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.

Love Cooper. Simply put, the guy plays with a block on his shoulder.

 

[mackenzie45220]

I'm not saying he won't be a first rounder, I'm just saying that if people are saying first rounder right now, 6 months out, it's a little extreme. This is a guy with 6 career starts at age 23. He's 6 months older than Aaron Hernandez and has just 3 sacks against second tier competition.

I haven't seen Ansah much yet, but I think you are right. Whitney Mercilus was in a similar situation a year ago when he came out of nowhere and dominated. Ansah sounds like a similar player.

 

[mackenzie45220]

In general, the outside linebacker, tight end, and safety class is really underrated, while the wide receiver and defensive end class is overrated

I also think the defensive tackle class is tough at the top but lacks depth. Vice-versa for quarterbacks

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm not saying he won't be a first rounder, I'm just saying that if people are saying first rounder right now, 6 months out, it's a little extreme. This is a guy with 6 career starts at age 23. He's 6 months older than Aaron Hernandez and has just 3 sacks against second tier competition.

Ezekiel Ansah Stats, News, Videos, Pictures, Bio - Brigham Young Cougars - ESPN

NFL DraftScout currently has Ansah ranked at #153, and I think it's fair to assume that if he continues to produce and get better that he will shoot up draft boards, with a major bump if he does well in the pre-draft bowl games and the Combine/Pro Day workouts. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports/NFL DraftScout already has suggested that Ansah will be a probably top 50 pick. 3 years ago at this time Jason Pierre-Paul was just beginning to emerge from George Selvie's shadow. 2 years ago JJ Watt was just beginning to emerge as a major prospect, and was considered a likely late 2nd round pick around this time. Last year Chandler Jones was just beginning to break out. Guys with rare combination of size, intangibles and physical skill sets can rise very, very quickly, so it wouldn't shock me at all if Ansah ends up being a 1st round pick. With that in mind, I'm going to project him as a mid-2nd round pick for now based on a Brugler's projection, which I think is a fair repesentation of a balance of his current level of production and development and his physical skill set and upside. That will obviously be subject to change as he develops.

If I had to pick a LDE prospect to pair opposite Chandler Jones, from what little I've seen of Ansah and given his development so far, his maturity, work ethic, intangibles, smarts, length, bulk, flexibility, strength and lack of character issues, he seems like a pretty ideal prospect. He's much stronger than Dion Jordan, much more fluid than Margus Hunt or Devin Taylor, much more versatile in coverage than Tank Carradine, and much more explosive than William Gholston. Of course, he's rawer than any of them. But given how far he's come, I wouldn't bet against him, and I would probably bet that he develops faster than expected.

Here's a really nice read on the kid, which I don't think has been posted yet:

BYU football: No longer a football novice, Ziggy Ansah has NFL potential | Deseret News

What stands out in that article is how far Ansah has some. He literally started from scratch 3 years ago, and he persevered even though he really didn't have a clue. The light is just beginning to come on for him. He's a smart kid and a hard worker, he's persevered, and I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a huge leap forward as he starts to get a grasp of the game. The physical tools are incredible.

Again, I give full credit to Brother Manx and others for spotting him early.

 

[Luxusdk]

We could hope that him and Jordan hurt eachother in today's match, so both have to be gone for the next 4-5 games. Would keep both players in range of us.

The morei see him, the more i think he fits perfectly to the LDE. BUT i think Texan, Giants etc gonna be in the run after him also..

While i was reading it, teh story reminded abit of Ebner - He also startet on ST - Slowly gaspering the defense, the playmakeing skills are there in rugby, but still.

Wonder if we could have 2-3 stud playmakers in Chandler Jones and Nate Ebner, and then Add this dude - Would be nice.

Then a speedy fellow, something like Earl Thomas a ball hawk at FS

 

[mackenzie45220]

I'm glad I've gotten you guys on the Matt Elam bandwagon. I'm watching some Oklahoma film, and Tom Wort looks terrible, but Tony Jefferson is a stud. He doesn't wow you physically, but he really knows how to play football. Hard hitter but not dirty. Great instincts. Great tackler. Against the run, if he's not making a tackle, he's preventing the ball carrier from getting outside. Way better than Kenny Vaccaro. Think Eric Weddle (the normal Eric Weddle, not 7 fluke interceptions in 2011 Eric Weddle)

 

[mayoclinic]

We could hope that him and Jordan hurt eachother in today's match, so both have to be gone for the next 4-5 games. Would keep both players in range of us.

The morei see him, the more i think he fits perfectly to the LDE. BUT i think Texan, Giants etc gonna be in the run after him also..

While i was reading it, teh story reminded abit of Ebner - He also startet on ST - Slowly gaspering the defense, the playmakeing skills are there in rugby, but still.

Wonder if we could have 2-3 stud playmakers in Chandler Jones and Nate Ebner, and then Add this dude - Would be nice.

Then a speedy fellow, something like Earl Thomas a ball hawk at FS

That would be nice. I badly wanted Earl Thomas in 2010, and hoped he might somehow slip to 22. Tony Jefferson from Oklahoma is the closest thing that I see right now.