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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The New York Giants have taken Texas cornerback Aaron Ross, widely projected to go to the Dallas Cowboys at the 22 spot, number 20 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Player Evaluation: One of the better athletes at the cornerback position in this draft, Ross is just hitting his stride as a football player and offers great upside. May need time to develop his skills but has starting potential.
STRENGTHS: Closing Speed, Size
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Burst Out Of Breaks, Coverage Awareness
 Biography: All-Conference selection as a senior after becoming a full-time starter, posting 80/6/19. Primarily a reserve cornerback and return specialist before last season. Junior totals were 62/9/3, when he averaged 14.7 yards on 34 punt returns.
Pos: Athletic corner who showed tremendous progress last season. Quick-footed in reverse, is fluid flipping his hips and easily runs downfield with opponents. Displays an excellent break to the throw, out-jumps opponents defending passes and makes a lot of athletic plays. Effective in zone, displaying a sense of timing, and does a fine job handling man coverage responsibilities. Impacts the game returning punts.
Neg: Tends to play soft coverage and gives up a lot of underneath receptions. Shows hesitation to his game and has trouble staying with receivers out of their breaks.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters have both lost a step and are now liabilities when left on an island, so taking a corner makes sense and the Giants got an excellent one in Ross. He possesses a very good blend of size, speed, instincts and ball skills. If he develops as expected, he’ll emerge as a playmaking starter in the NFL. Don’t overlook the impact he should make on special teams because the Giants made Chad Morton a cap casualty and need help in that area. It’s also worth noting that Central Michigan OT Joe Staley also would have been an excellent selection.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Tennessee Titans have gone with a University of Texas player for the second year in a row, taking safety Michael Griffin. Last year, of course, they took quarterback Vince Young. The Titans are hoping this pick works out half as well.
None of the ESPN talking heads seem surprised but Griffin is a big reach according to the print guys, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Player Evaluation: A rangy centerfielder with a complete game, Griffin offers starting potential at safety and could be a dominant special-teams player.
STRENGTHS: Change of Direction, Coverage Awareness, Toughness
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Anticipation
 Biography: Two-year starter and All-Conference selection as a senior after totaling 126/4/10. Blocked four kicks as a junior and accumulated 124 tackles.
Pos: Explosive safety who is an intimidating force in centerfield. Diagnoses the action, fires up the field in run defense and aggressively lays his shoulders into ball handlers. Displays outstanding sideline-to-sideline range and gets to the flanks to help cornerbacks. Shows a burst of speed and ability to recover. Wraps up tackling and punishes opponents. Terrific special-teams player.
Neg: Has tackles broken. Occasionally shows some hesitation to his game. At times is too quick moving up the field.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
This is isn’t as bad as Miami taking Ginn, but drafting Griffin was still bad for the Titans. Most teams are looking to add one or two starters through the draft unless it’s a quarterback, and then there’s Tennessee. The Titans need a corner that can step into the starting slot opposite free-agent singing Nick Harper, a receiver that can make an immediate impact and a running back that can share the load with LenDale White. Taking a safety here rather than a receiver like Robert Meachem or Dwayne Bowe makes it a lot more difficult to fill those holes. That’s not to say Griffin isn’t going to be a player in this league. Though he gets caught out of position at times and he needs to get a little bigger, he will smack the ball carrier in the mouth and has above-average cover skills, so he should push for immediate playing time.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Cincinnati Bengals may have gotten the steal of the draft so far, having cornerback Leon Hall fall to them in the 18th spot.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Scout.com Player Evaluation: Rarely tested by opposing quarterbacks, Hall has shut down opponents the past two years. Struggles against speedy receivers, as was the case against Ohio State this year yet has enough natural skills and cover abilities to quickly break into a starting lineup.
STRENGTHS
- Anticipation
Coverage Awareness
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
- Closing Speed
- Recovery Ability
Biography: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Senior totals were 45/3/15 after 61/4/9 as a junior.
Pos: Good-sized cornerback with outstanding ball skills. Fluid transitioning to run with opponents, stays with receivers out from breaks and quickly closes on the ball. Displays a sense of timing, reads opponents’ eyes and immediately locates the pass. Consistently positions himself to make a play on the ball. Instinctive, gets vertical to defend the throw and flies around the action.
Neg: Does not show top-end speed or play to his forty time. Not a strong sure-handed tackler.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Hall is an excellent addition and he should push for immediate playing time opposite Jonathan Joseph. He is a physical cover corner who is tough enough to match up with bigger receivers, athletic enough to stay with slot receivers and can make big plays in coverage. Character isn’t a concern, either. Hall hasn’t had any problems off the field and he works hard at improving his game. However, Ohio State fans will be quick to point out that he lacks ideal turn-and-run skills despite his excellent 40 time. The Bengals will have to give him safety help over the top when he lines up opposite a premiere deep threat. But the bottom line here is Cincinnati has done a good job of using the draft to build a potentially excellent secondary.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Denver Broncos traded up from the 21st spot to take Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss. The move cost them their 1st, 3rd and 6th round picks, which go to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Player Evaluation: A sensational athlete and a disruptive force in the opponent’s backfield, Moss is a defensive line prospect with a large upside. Will start off his career as a conventional pass-rushing defensive end, yet has the ability to move to different spots on the front line once he physically matures.
STRENGTHS: Athleticism, Backside Pursuit, Change of Direction
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Disengaging Skills, Size
 Biography: Moved into the starting lineup last season and totaled 56/11/7.5, winning All-Conference honors. Used as a third-down specialist the prior year, finishing with 25/9/7.5.
Pos: Gifted pass-rusher who is slowly pulling together a complete game. Breaks down well, plays with good pad level and is fluid moving in every direction. Rushes the edge with speed, effortlessly changes direction and makes a lot of plays in pursuit. Effectively uses his hands to protect himself and is rarely off his feet. Flashes power, defeats blocks or slides off them laterally. Smart ballplayer who quickly locates the ball and always works to make something positive happen.
Neg: Possesses a thin build and struggles against big offensive linemen. Marginally productive until last season.
A redshirt junior defensive end…
2005: Saw action in the final 11 contests on the season at defensive end, playing mainly on third-down situations…Led the team and finished fifth in the SEC with 7.5 sacks on the season for a net loss of 54 yards…Was also one of 15 Gator defenders with a pass break-up…One of nine to recover a fumble for Florida, and one of 11 with a forced fumble last season…Added four to his tackle total with four solo efforts against Louisiana State, as well as three quarterback sacks for a net loss of 28 yards…Became the first Gator since Bobby McCray on Oct. 11, 2003, to record three sacks in a game…Recorded the first forced fumble and fumble recovery of his career against the Tigers…Tied his career-high tackle total with five in Florida’s home win over Florida State, including three tackles for a net loss of 16 yards and 1.5 sacks for a loss of 11… Posted first quarterback sack and first pass break-up of his career versus Kentucky…Added four solo tackles to his total, including two for a net loss of five yards, against South Carolina…
2004: Played in the season opener against Eastern Michigan for seven plays…Saw action at linebacker in preseason drills…
2003: Suffered a hernia in preseason drills…Saw action at defensive end in one game (FAMU)…Re-injured a muscle in his pelvic area, after battling through preseason pain, and did not return…Saw first career action vs. FAMU, tying for the line-lead with five tackles on the night, including four solo hits on 40 plays…Second true freshman to see action on the defensive line since 2000, when Kenny Parker, Darrell Lee and Ian Scott played…Named Scout Team Player of the Week on defense the week of the Miami game…Dressed for the Miami and Tennessee games but did not see action…
PREP: A Parade All-America selection…Named a USA Today First-Team All-American…A SuperPrep All-America who was also listed to the Elite 50 team…Led his team to three-consecutive Class 4A state championship games, winning titles in his junior and senior seasons…A two-year starter who helped his team to a 30-1 record over his final two seasons…Despite missing seven games due to injury, Moss recorded 81 tackles (29 for loss), 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and four recovered fumbles… Totaled 122 tackles, including 52 for a loss and 28 sacks, seven pass deflections, three forced fumbles and five fumble recovers as a junior…Had 61 tackles and nine sacks as a sophomore…Was invited to play in the U.S. Army All-Star Game in Texas…Also considered Miami, Texas and Florida State…
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Denver executes the second trade of the day and takes a chance on Moss in the hopes of getting an elite pass-rusher. While saying the Broncos are making a deal with the devil here would be harsh, there are some minor character concerns about Moss after Florida suspended him for a game last year. With the league cracking down on players that commit off-field infractions, it’s important Moss stay out of trouble. If he can, he is capable of giving the pass rush a substantial boost. Moss anticipates snap counts well, explodes off the ball and closes extremely well. The Broncos will likely use him as a situational pass-rusher, but there is a chance he develops into an every-down player if he can add some weight without sacrificing any quickness.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Green Bay Packers have reached to get some help on the defensive line, taking Tennessee’s Justin Harrell with the 16th pick.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Player Evaluation: A hard-working lineman with a lot of physical skill, Harrell could be one of the most underrated players in this draft. His injury last season will decrease his final grade, yet he offers starting possibilities as either a two-gap lineman or as a conventional tackle.
STRENGTHS: Explosion, Intensity/Effort, Quickness off Ball
 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Disengaging Skills, Lateral Range
Biography: Three-year starter who totaled seven tackles in three games last season, after being sidelined with a torn bicep. Awarded All-Conference honors as a junior after totaling 39/7.5/2.5.
Pos: Tough, athletic defender who plays with top effort. Gets off the snap with a quick first step, is fluid changing direction and slides off blocks to make the play. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents and is rarely off his feet. Flashes power on the inside, gets push in the middle of the line or holds the point. Consistently doubled by opponents.
Neg: Gets wired in blocks and is slow to shed. Makes most of his plays up the open field in a small area.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Make no mistake about it, Justin Harrell is a talented player, and staying away from a player who has problems keeping his weight down like Alan Branch makes sense considering the problems the Packers had with Grady Jackson. However, tight end is a far greater need and Greg Olsen was still on the board, so they probably could have gotten a little more bang for the buck here, especially considering QB Brett Favre does a great job of finding his tight ends.
Harrell is coming off a serious arm injury, so there’s reason to worry about his ability to stay healthy, and he isn’t a great pass-rusher, but he should immediately improve the Packers’ run defense. He has excellent lower-body strength and is virtually impossible to move once he establishes position. His ability to collapse the pocket will also make it easier for the edge rushers to get to the quarterback.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Lawrence Timmons, outside linebacker out of Florida State, with the 15th pick.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Player Evaluation: Standing out in his first year as a defensive starter, Timmons offers outstanding size, speed and potential. Would have been an early draft pick if he returned to college for another season, yet will be a future starter once he fully develops his football skills.
STRENGTHS: Aggressiveness, Athleticism, Change of Direction
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Discipline, Instincts
Biography: Moved into the starting unit last season and burst on the scene with career-best tackling numbers of 79/18/5. Played behind former first-round pick Ernie Sims the previous season, also seeing extensive time on special teams.
Pos: Athletic defender who forces the action anywhere on the field. Easily defeats blocks, is fast to the sidelines and cuts off the corners. Quickly changes direction, displays skill in pursuit and rarely is off his feet. Explosive up the field in run defense and is effective on the blitz. Easily runs downfield with tight ends in coverage. Aggressively puts his shoulders into ball carriers to make the tackle.
Neg: Not efficient, and takes improper angles to the action. Hesitant and does not display top instincts.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Joey Porter’s reign over Pittsburgh ended during the offseason and there is no heir apparent on the roster, so the Steelers are desperate need of getting an edge rusher that can make an immediate impact. Timmons should be just the man for the job since he has the burst to turn the corner, athletic ability to develop an arsenal of pass rushes and the closing speed to quickly get to the quarterback. He won’t make as much of an impact dropping into coverage and defending the run but he should hold his own when asked to drop into coverage and he should chase plenty of backs down from behind. And if indeed the Steelers transition to a 4-3 defense at some point, Timmons is versatile enough to move to weak-side linebacker.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The New York Jets traded up from the 25th spot to take cornerback Darrelle Revis. They sent Carolina their 1st, 2nd, and 5th round picks for this pick and Carolina’s 6th. That’s pretty pricey but Revis is an outstanding value at the 14 spot.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Impacting the game at both cornerback and as a return specialist, Revis offers terrific size/speed and ability for the next level. A first-round choice with starting potential who should immediately help returning punts.
 Biography: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors every season since his sophomore campaign. Defensive numbers last season were 39/2/4, when he also averaged 8.6 yards on 22 punt returns, with one score. Sophomore totals were 41/4/13 with an 11.6 yard average on 28 punt returns.
Pos: Well-rounded defensive back with outstanding upside. Jams opponents at the line, slows their release off the snap and plays strong at the point of attack. Fast pedaling in reverse, is fluid in transition and runs with opponents everywhere on the field. Displays a sense of timing, stays with receivers out from their breaks and quickly closes to the action. Displays soft hands for the interception. Impacts the games returning punts, showing both elusiveness and speed.
Neg: Soft in the underneath coverage and occasionally gives up some easy receptions in front of him.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
With both of the top two corners available and the Jets’ top need a corner, they decided to pull the trigger on the day’s first trade and pick up Revis. Although Revis can take too long to change directions at times and has some problems matching up with explosive slot receivers, he is still a first-round talent. More importantly, his instincts should him an excellent fit for head coach Eric Mangini’s defensive schemes and he is a playmaker than can make a difference.
He could also make an impact as a punt return man, which is probably one of the bigger reasons the Jets chose Revis over Leon Hall. Another reason may be Revis’ fluidity. He does a slightly better job of opening his hips when he’s forced to turn and run downfield so he’s less likely to get beat deep when left on an island.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Rams have selected Nebraska DE Adam Carriker with their first selection in the 2007 NFL Draft.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com profile:
 Scout.com Player Evaluation: Hard-working and tenacious, Carriker is a smart prospect who could be used at a variety of positions. Looks like a perfect two-gap end, yet may also fit in at defensive tackle. His draft stock is soaring, and he may end up as a top 12 pick.
Biography: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and senior campaigns. Totals last season were 52/16/7, with one interception and three pass break-ups. Junior totals included 43/17/9.5.
Pos: Physically impressive prospect who plays an intelligent brand of football. Instinctive and immediately locates the ball. Moves laterally with speed defending the run and has a burst upfield rushing the quarterback. Makes plays in all directions, immediately altering his angle of attack or redirecting to ball handlers. Flashes power and wraps-up tackling.
Neg: Stymied at the point of attack by a single blocker. Stands to develop more moves to disengage from opponents.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
It’s the best of the best worlds for St. Louis fans, as the Rams filled a pressing need by drafting an excellent player and no one should be happier than Leonard Little. Though Carriker isn’t fast enough to consistently turn the corner, he has the quickness to prevent blockers from getting into good position and he already shows a good variety of pass rush moves. His ability to get after the quarterback should make it more difficult for teams to adjust their pass protections to account for Little. Carriker could have an even bigger impact on the run defense.
Few young players use their hands and shed blocks as well as Carriker. He’s also big enough to hold his own at the point of his attack and the non-stop motor to make plays in pursuit. However, no prospect is perfect and there is a reason he was the third defensive end taken in the draft so Carriker has to continue to work on his pass rush moves and work on his ability to protect his legs when blockers try to cut him.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Buffalo Bills have selected Cal RB Marshawn Lynch with the 12th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Evaluation: A solid running back with a complete game, Lynch is an athletic football player with good instincts. Has shown consistent progress in all aspects of his game while remaining a dominant feature back. Top fifteen choice who could quickly break into a starting lineup at the next level.
STRENGTHS: Acceleration, Balance, Tackle-Breaking Ability
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Elusiveness
Biography: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year last season after posting 203/1,245/9 on the ground and 31/311/4 receiving. Posted nearly identical numbers of 1,246 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore.
 Pos: Explosive ball carrier with terrific size and speed. Runs with good lean, has a burst of speed and does not go down without a fight. Makes defenders miss and possesses outstanding open-field skills. Picks his way on the inside and weaves his way through the traffic. Possesses the speed to cut the corner yet consistently runs north/sound. Strong, breaks tackles and is very tough to bring down. Puts his shoulders into opponents and falls forward when tackled, delivering a blow. Solid pass-catcher who shows himself to be a downfield receiving threat. Gives effort blocking and picks blocking assignments.
Neg: Not overly creative nor is he truly an elusive ball handler. Stands to improve his route-running at receiver.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Buffalo placed need over value with this pick. Lynch has shown flashes of developing into a difference maker. He’s big enough to carry a heavy workload and his speed should make him a homerun threat in the NFL. In other words, he can pound the ball inside turn the corner as an outside runner. There’s also reason to believe he’ll emerge as a dangerous receiver out of the backfield so he compares favorably to Peterson in a lot of ways. However, Lynch isn’t on the same level as Peterson. He isn’t as shifty as Peterson in the open field and, more importantly, there are concerns about his character stemming from an off-the-field incident with a woman.
In addition, Lynch, much-like Peterson, has had some problems staying healthy so this is a bit of a reach and Buffalo may have been better served taking a corner. However, running back is clearly a need and this could prove to be a great pick if Lynch pans out.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The San Francisco 49ers have gone defense with the 11th pick in the draft, taking Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 An athletic linebacker best defending the run, Willis is a competitive prospect who possesses the skills to start at the next level.
Biography: Two-year starter awarded a variety of All-Conference and All-American honors since his junior campaign. Senior totals were 137/11.5/3 after 128/9.5/3 as a junior. Sophomore numbers were 70/11/5 when he was a reserve.
Pos: Fierce, run-defending linebacker who is best in the box. Fires up the field, plays with great suddenness and flashes on the scene. Plays heads-up football and takes good angles to the play. Possesses a thick, strong build, defeats blocks and easily brings ball carriers down on initial contact. Remains disciplined with assignments.
Neg: Lacks top lateral range, struggles in coverage and does not possess a quick break to the throw.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Most draft analysts worried San Francisco wasn’t interested in Willis because the organization didn’t bring him in for a visit but why bring him in when you know you are going to take him? Willis played for Noland and the 49er staff at the Senior Bowl and they named him team captain that week. Chances are that’s when San Francisco started to lean toward taking him and any doubts they had were likely erased during film studies. Willis needs to work on reading routes and possibly add some bulk to his frame but he has few other weaknesses.
A stout run defender, he takes the shortest path to the ball and wraps up upon contact. Willis can also match up with most backs and tight ends when he drops into coverage. Finally, he is a leader on the field and a hard worker off it. In other words, he is the kind of player defenses are built around and he immediately improves San Francisco’s defense.
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