With Ronnie Brown heading out the door, the Eagles could very well be in the market for an extra back this offseason. LeSean McCoy is obviously the top guy, but they'll likely look for someone other than just Dion Lewis to spell him. Last season, Brown was supposed to be the bigger back compliment to Shady. Obviously that didn't work out, but it doesn't necessarily mean the team won't be looking for a guy with a little more size as the 3rd back.
ESPN's Steve Muench pointed out an under the radar candidate to fill that role, Baylor RB Terrance Ganaway.
Ganaway is the first big back on the list, measuring 5-11 and 241 pounds. He's a former Houston transfer coming off a breakout senior season, and Ganaway's blend of size, burst and lateral mobility jumps out at times on film. He's capable of running over defenders or making them miss when he gets into space, but his ability to contribute on third down is a concern.
Still, the Philadelphia Eagles could find a spot for a back like Ganaway. With Ronnie Brown set to become a free agent the Eagles could plug Ganaway in as their more powerful back behind LeSean McCoy, and also use him to spell McCoy when needed.
Ganaway would already have some friends should he end up here. Not only was he a teammate of Danny Watkins, but he's also Jeremiah Trotter's nephew.
Last season at Baylor he rushed for 1.547 yards and 21 TDs.
"A guest contribution by Evan Mathis, Guard, Philadelphia Eagles"
Evan Mathis wrote a post for PFF about what it's like to be an offensive lineman. Go check it out.
Fox Sports' Pete Schrager previewed the 2012 NFL combine with his major storylines to watch in Indy this week. Among them was the stock of Vontaze Burfict, a name that should be fairly familiar to us at this point. At least in Schrager's eyes, Burfict has fallen fast.
In the few games I watched Arizona State play the past few years, I always came away thinking the linebacker, No. 7, was the best player on either side of the ball. Vontaze Burfict was always good for a punishing hit, a high-impact tackle, and at least one "Whoa, did you see that?!" play. He was also always "good" for one back-breaking penalty.
Then I watched Arizona State's bowl game versus Boise State. Burfict was invisible. He had one tackle. The more research and film work I've done on the linebacker, the more I've cooled on him. His instincts aren't great. He's not as physically imposing as I recall him being, and he's consistently out of position. When it's him - one on one with a running back or quarterback - there may be no one better in this draft. When he has to fight to make a play, he too often fails to succeed. Oh, and from what I'm told by numerous sources, he's a bit of a head case.
There are probably few players with as much to gain or lose this week than Burfict. Physically, he's got almost everything you look for and he should test out well in the drills, but his real moment will be in the individual interviews. Is he able to show a level of maturity? Will he be able to make sophisticated reads and answer questions about defense?
His recent game tape and his reputation are going to hurt this April. There's not much he can do about the game tape at this point, but he can go a long way toward fixing that reputation with a good performance this week.
In a piece for ESPN Insider, Scouts Inc's Gary Horton detailed the top 3 offseason needs for every team. Unlike a lot of these type of lists so far this year, Horton didn't make the mistake of thinking the Eagles only hole at LB was in the middle.
1. Middle linebacker: After the experiment with Casey Matthews at middle linebacker went badly, the Eagles looked to 2010 seventh-round pick Jamar Chaney. He had a team-high 92 tackles but was often exposed in the middle of Jim Washburn's wide-nine defensive line style. They need a middle linebacker who can hold up at the point of attack.
2. Outside linebacker: Both starting outside linebackers (Akeem Jordan and Brian Rolle) are serviceable special-teams players at best. The Eagles need to find some players who can stack and shed blockers in the run game while not being a liability in the pass game. They haven't drafted an outside linebacker in the first two rounds since 2005.
The third need he mentioned was offensive line, both guard and tackle mostly for depth. It's actually one I agree with. At this point, King Dunlap is the only viable backup the Eagles have at virtually any position along the line. I'm assuming the likes of Jamaal Jackson and Winston Justice will gone, so the depth will really need to be restocked for the next few seasons.
Jenkins likes Eagles enough to take pay cut
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins was happy to take a pay cut if it meant staying in Philadelphia. In fact, he would like to retire an Eagle.
The importance of keeping Jenkins
In the free agent frenzy of 2011, Cullen Jenkins was signed to fit Jim Washburn’s attacking scheme and provide pressure up the middle, but in his introduction to Philadelphia it was immediately clear that he brought much more to the table.
Jenkins Back: Scratch DT from Draft List?
Even though Jenkins is 31 and might not be a long-term starter, his return, along with the return from injury of Antonio Dixon, might mean the Eagles don't target a defensive tackle with the 15th overall selection in the April entry draft. If they re-sign pending free agent Derek Landri, that will become even less likely.
Keeping DeSean Jackson Isn’t About The WR, It’s About The QB | GCOBB.COM
The reason I believe the Birds can and will hang onto Jackson is because of his important to quarterback Michael Vick. The Eagles future is tied to Vick especially in the 2012 season. If Vick flourishes the Eagles have the chance to do something special in 2012. If he struggles, the season could and will likely be a disaster.
Iggles Blitz " Blog Archive " Great Expectations
In the last 48 regular season games, the Eagles have gotten less than 5 good games of MLB play. Think about that for a second.
If the Eagles’ brass should’ve learned anything from the 2011 season, it’s that the team unperformed on such a scale that simply typing the words is painfully redundant. But they should also know that the team doesn’t need to do a lot to vastly improve on last year’s results.
Despite its paltry 8-8 record from last season, the Eagles don’t have many holes. Yes, they could stand to get a whole new linebacking crew. And sure, they could use another safety. But the offense has broken a slew of team and individual records over the past three years, and the defensive line looked dominant at times last season.
With head coach Andy Reid looking a pink slip in the face, it’s likely that the Eagles will be approaching this offseason with both eyes focused squarely on next season. This means quality over quantity and immediacy over "next year". The team already took care of its first order of business today, restructuring the contract of defensive tackle and emerging team leader Cullen Jenkins. And the Inquirer’s Jeff McLane indicated today that the front office team will likely meet with Drew Rosenhaus, the agent of DeSean Jackson, at the Combine this week. While both sides are reportedly far apart on a deal, the fact that the sides are meeting is good (more on DeSean and his value to the team here).
Not a bad start, considering free agency hasn'teven started.
The Eagles’ biggest conundrum remains what to do with the linebackers. The draft offers a few options, most notably Boston College’s Luke Kuechly (pronounced, KEEK-ly, I learned recently). But other ‘backers may be available, including Curtis Lofton of the Falcons, Stephen Tulloch of the Lions and the Redskins’ London Fletcher It seems unlikely that Tulloch would leave Detroit, and it remains to be seen what new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan thinks of Lofton (though reports indicate not much). But the prospect of nabbing a tackling machine and undisputed locker room leader like Fletcher is too good to pass up.
Signing Fletcher away from the ‘Skins would certainly be a coup, and may actually be a possibility. Fletcher hasn’t been to the playoffs in years, and the invitation to end his career with a winning franchise may be enticing.
Yes, he’s nearing the end of his career, but he’s incredibly durable (he’s never missed a game in his career) and a great role model. If I’m an Eagles linebacker, I’m listening to the guy who has more tackles than anyone over the past decade and has two rings as opposed to, say, the team’s current veteran linebacker.
While there are other free agents that look enticing, like KC’s Dwayne Bowe, the smartest thing the Eagles can do is lock up their own guys and fill the one or two holes elsewhere. Bringing in a player like Bowe or the Chargers’ Vincent Jackson is inviting the same continuity issues that plagued the team last year.
Even bringing in a player like Plaxico Burress would be a solid red zone addition, so long as he isn’t expected to start. But ultimately, retaining potential free agents like Jackson, Twitter legend (and left guard) Evan Mathis and rotational defensive tackle Derek Landri will pay bigger dividends come playoff time.
Reid and company are never shy about working the phones on Draft day, but instead of ending up with picks like Bryan Smith and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, the Eagles need to rethink their strategy. GM Howie Roseman indicated as much when he spoke with the Inquirer and Daily News at the Senior Bowl in January:
"I’d say that you always want to take the best player and ... there are times that you are pushing things up because there are things you want and whether that’s a specific position or a specific quality in a player, whether that's toughness, intelligence, leadership."
That quote has Jaiquawn Jarrett’s name written all over it. Last year the Eagles needed a safety and liked his alleged Dawkins-esque hitting skills. But he couldn’t get on the field, even with competition like a hobbled Nate Allen and Jarrad friggin’ Page.
But there’s hope. Thanks to yet another quarterback trade that now looks like highway robbery, the Eagles have two second round picks and six selections in the first four rounds.
The team can’t afford to reach on potential need picks this year, so the mantra should be "quality over quantity". If Reid doesn’t turn his team around next season, he’s going to have bigger things to worry about than finding his defensive tackle of the future. Drafting Kuechly with the 15th pick would give them a solid tackler as well as additional flexibility on the weak side should the need arise.
Andy Reid and the Eagles made their free agency splash last season. This offseason needs to be about reaping the rewards of that with a smart, responsible offseason plan that focuses on continuity over headlines and smart picks instead of Bryan Smiths.
>For more Eagles news, humor and irreverence, follow Patrick on Twitter at @PatrickWall_NFL.
43 votes | Results
Ok college football geniuses among us... time to ante up. Bovada has released some odds based on the 2012 NFL Combine, which gets underway tomorrow in Indianapolis. I'll list some of the props and you place your bets in the comments.
Fastest 40 Yard Dash Time
Over 4.30 seconds - Even
Under 4.30 seconds - -135
Who will have a faster 40 Yard Dash Time?
Robert Griffin III (QB Baylor) -140
Russell Wilson (QB Wisconsin) Even
Who will have a faster 40 Yard Dash Time?
Chris Rainey (RB Florida) -130
LaMichael James (RB Oregon) Even
Who will have a higher vertical leap?
Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State) - pick
Alshon Jeffery (WR South Carolina) - pick
2012 NFL Combine - Who will have a faster 40 Yard Dash Time?
Morris Claiborne (CB LSU)
-130
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama)
Even
2012 NFL Combine - Who will have a faster 40 Yard Dash Time?
pickChris Rainey (RB Florida)
pickBrandon Boykin (CB Georgia)
One of the under the radar questions this offseason was what the Eagles might do with Cullen Jenkins. He is coming off a fantastic year, but the deal he signed as a free agent last summer included a cap hit this season of $7.5 million. That's a big number, which fueled speculation that Jenkins could have been a "cap casualty."
Today, that notion has been put to rest as the Jenkins has agreed to a restructured deal with the team.
"We are very excited about having Cullen back on our football team," said general manager Howie Roseman. "Cullen made an immediate impact for us this year on and off the field. We look forward to a great future together with him in an Eagles uniform."
Jenkins himself is happy to put the possibility that he may have been let go behind him.
"I'm actually pretty relieved because I was worried sitting there playing a waiting game again and you just wait to see whats going to go on, whats going to happen," said Jenkins. "You hearing all the rumors about people saying, 'They're going to release him and they're not going to pay him.'"
The next question is what the Eagles do with the extra cap room they've created here. The obvious candidates for a new deal would free agent to be DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, who will be entering the final year of his rookie contract.
NFL.com news: Eagles prioritize need to evaluate health of prospects at combine
The Philadelphia Eagles will take note of the 40-yard dash times of the players on their draft board during the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. They'll file away the number of bench press repetitions as well as the results of all the other drills from those same players, as well. But when the team's front office descends upon Indianapolis for this week's combine, it will do its best not to let any testing cloud its ratings based off player's college game film.
Vision training seen as critical at NFL Combine
The draft prospects displaying their talents at the NFL scouting combine this week have worked on their sprint times and strength, their agility, and even their answers to interview questions.
Burke: Combine more flash than substance
The NFL Combine is more flash than substance, says Ron Burke, who will still watch even though non-contact drills paint an incomplete picture.
Is DeSean Jackson still a great returner? - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN
Jackson says his return ability is part of what makes him so valuable... but it wasn't really on display last year.
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Luke Kuechly Again Projected To Philadelphia Eagles - SB Nation Philly
For Philadelphia Eagles fans, NFL Mock Draft's are starting to become a little repetitive -- 60 percent of the time, the Eagles are projected to select former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly every time.
The DeSean Jackson Outrage - SB Nation Philly
FakeWIPCaller on why the Eagles shouldn't use their franchise tag on a malcontent like Jackson- they should sign him long-term.
Today was the first of a nearly two week period in which NFL teams can use the franchise tag on free agents to be. The deadline to tag a player is March 5th, so there's certainly no rush, which is why no one got the tag today. Teams will head to the combine this week, where pretty much every agent in the NFL will be as well. So there will without a doubt be lots of negotiating going on in Indy.
If teams aren't close after that, you'll probably start seeing tags applied afterward. For the Eagles, the only candidate is DeSean Jackson, who when we last checked was looking for "Larry Fitzgerald" money that would pay him upwards of $10 million a year. If he's tagged, he'll actually get close to that, but just for this one year.
With guys like Stevie Johnson, Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson & Wes Welker all due to hit free agency, the Eagles would really only need one or two to get an extension this week to at least have a basis to work off for Jackson's deal. If they can't though, expect him to get the tag before the March 5th deadline.
To our collective disappointment, ESPN announced last week that Ron Jaworski would no longer be in the booth for Monday Football starting this season. Instead they will go with a two man booth featuring Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden.
Jaws was a guest of Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fanatic, who asked why the decision was made?
"What I'm going to tell you is pure speculation, based on what I've heard ... from the leaders and captains of industry at ESPN. They just feel that a two-man booth was the way to go. Obviously, I'm the odd man out. I'm the 60-year-old guy and Jon's the young guy that they believe is the future. I'm not going to argue with that. ... I think what was crystal clear is they had great respect for me, incredible respect, which I truly appreciate. ... They put me in a position that is really, really good in giving me the platforms to develop some of my own programming to do some things that I've always wanted to do. And at the end of the day, they're paying me a lot of money, so I can't argue with any of that."
Jaws noted that just because he won't be on MNF, doesn't mean you won't be seeing a lot of him on ESPN.
I'm also very excited about the new initiatives that I'm going to be involved with at ESPN. One of them is going to be a national radio show. ... I'll be a part of Sunday Countdown, Monday Countdown, NFL Live, you name it, every platform that ESPN has, I'll be a part of."
To hear the full interview on The Fanatic click here.
I found some interesting research from Draftmetrics that may make you think twice about the need for the Eagles to pick a LB in the first round of this years' draft. The site broke down the percentage of starts made by every player according to the round they were drafted in. Here's what they found about linebackers.
There has been a recent trend for an increasing percentage of starts by undrafted free agents, 12% in 2005 and 2006 increasing to 18% in 2011. This was preceded by a big drop from a peak of 27% in 1995 to 11% in 20003
Linebackers join offensive linemen and tight ends in the fewest starts from first and second round picks. The percentage of starts from third and fourth round picks has been on a decline. Over 30% from 1992 through 2007, then dropped off to a low of 19% in 2010
They found that over the last 10 years, only 23% of the starts at LB were made by first round picks. Undrafted free agents actually made 14% of the starts. The draft is still all about individual player evaluation, so I don't think this research would discourage a team from taking a LB in the first round, but it does show that relative to other positions, starting LBs really can be found later.
Of course, this does beg the question, if LBs appear to be so abundant in the later rounds... Why have the Eagles not hit on at least one with all the picks they've made? For the full research report check out this PDF.
FakeWIPCaller on why the Eagles shouldn't use their franchise tag on a malcontent like Jackson- they should sign him long-term.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt did a radio interview last week and was asked about his shaky QB situation. It was less than a year ago that he sent a second round pick in this year's draft and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Eagles in exchange for Kolb. However, Kolb was a bust in year one while backup John Skelton led the team to five wins in his seven starts.
Whisenhunt says both Kolb and John Skelton, the team's 2010 5th round pick, will get a chance to start next year because Skelton earned it with his play and Kolb... well he's there.
"Both guys are going to get opportunities because John [Skelton] certainly deserves it from the way that he played over the back half of the season and Kevin certainly deserves it from the reason that we went out, got him, and brought him in," Whisenhunt said.
Neither guy got a ringing endorsement from Whisenhunt, who said that, while they’ve "shown at time they can do things very well, they’ve shown at times that they are knuckleheads."
Kolb started only 9 games for the Cardinals last season after signing a 5-year, $63 million contract. He threw for 9 TDs and 8 picks in an injury plagued season. He's due a $7 million roster bonus next month which has fueled some speculation that the team would cut ties with him, but for now that doesn't seem to case. That is a lot of money, but it would be pretty early to give up on him given how much they surrendered to get him.
Asante Samuel fans trade speculation with tweet - NFL - Sporting News
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel sounds like he's preparing to spend next season in another uniform. "If they trade me where would you guys like to see me go?" Samuel posted via Twitter on Saturday night.
Combine flash not all that teams take into account
The 40-yard dash times, recorded to the hundredth of a second, get the most attention, followed probably by the bench-press repetition count. Even the less-heralded three-cone drill and shuttle run will get some NFL Network airtime. But some of the most influential events this week at the NFL scouting combine will come behind the scenes in Indianapolis, where fans and cameras aren't watching.
Perusing the top free agent wide receivers
The Eagles will reportedly place the franchise tag on DeSean Jackson but in case they don't or in case they decide to trade him, here are some viable replacements.
My Tortured Relationship with the New York Giants - NYTimes.com
Passing on a fraught relationship with the Giants from one generation to the next.
Moose Johnston says Philly fans still give him the finger | ProFootballTalk
Some things in the NFL never change, and some NFL players know even after they’ve been retired for more than a decade that they’re going to get the same reception in certain cities where they played.
This potential deal could affect DeSean's deal, as Jason pointed out this week.
[Note by JasonB, 02/19/12 4:33 PM EST ] An argument in favor of bringing back DeSean Jackson from Patrick Wall.
As the NFL world descends on Indianapolis for the second time in less than a month, the focus will be on the future. Prospective rookies attending the Combine shuffle in to be poked and prodded, measured and tested, interviewed and studied. But the Combine is also a place for the sport’s power players to begin wheeling and dealing.
Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman will be hearing plenty about his disgruntled star wideout DeSean Jackson. Hopefully these conversations tell him what I suspect he already knows: if winning the Super Bowl next year is really, truly, the goal, the Eagles must keep him.
Granted, this is easier said than done. Jackson, and agent Drew Rosenhaus (the man responsible for this infamous moment in Philly sports history), are asking for the type of money the Jets inexplicably gave Santonio Holmes, or around $10 million per year.
Let’s be clear: neither Jackson nor Holmes are worth that type of money. But they are similar players, and both are crucial to what their respective offenses do. When Jackson is on the field, defenses have to account for his blazing deep speed. And when he has the ball in his hands, he can take it the distance at any time. This has likely been Rosenhaus’ mantra through the negotiation process.
For the Eagles, the situation looks less rosy. After holding out during the first part of training camp, Jackson had his worst year as a pro, netting 58 catches for 916 yards and four touchdowns. While these numbers aren’t terrible, the team expects better. Despite being a threat as a punt return and runner—as a rookie he was the first player to be named the starter at two positions in the Pro Bowl—he was a virtual non-factor as a punt returner last season.
DeSean Jackson had a down year as a punt returner.
Worse than his production was his attitude. Jackson seemed to be pouting for the majority of the season, and was deactivated against the Cardinals for missing a team meeting. He was also benched against the Patriots for playing soft, dropping easy touchdowns that would’ve meant he’d take big hits.
Several news outlets have reported recently that Jackson is likely to be given the franchise tag as early as next week. This would lock him up for another year and pay him the average of the top five receivers in the game, which equals around $10 million. Jackson has said he is fine with this—proof, in this writer’s opinion,that it’s all about the Benjamins, baby.
Franchising DeSean also gives the team a few options: they can keep him for a year and potentially franchise him one more time after next season, negotiate a long-term deal, or trade him.
At this point, many fans seem ready to part with DeSean, but I’m not so sure. Money seems to be his biggest motivator. While it’s fair to wonder if he’ll pull an Albert Haynesworth and quit on the team once he gets paid, he’s worth too much to the team to let go.
Yes, there are some sexy free agent names out there, including Dwayne Bowe, Marcus Colston and Vincent Jackson, but neither have the skill set of a player like Jackson. Defenses fear Jackson, and shutting him down only means more opportunities for guys like Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Brent Celek and the always dangerous LeSean “Shady” McCoy.
With head coach Andy Reid on the hot seat, continuity is key for the 2012 Eagles. It’s why the team brought back defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, and it’s why QB Michael Vick will still be leading the team. Jackson is one of Vick’s favorite weapons, and the two have an adorable “big bro/little bro” dynamic that I think is a positive for Jackson’s maturity (yeah, you read that right).
So what’s he worth? Definitely not the $10 million per year he wants. But DeSean may have a hard time turning down $6 or $7 million a year with incentives and a healthy signing bonus. Overpaying for superstars isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A happy DeSean Jackson is a bonus for the team, and a productive DeSean Jackson is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Poll What should the Eagles do with DeSean Jackson?40 votes | Results
We've spent a good amount of time over the last two weeks lamenting the state of the Eagles LBs and previewing who might be available to help in free agency or the draft. We've had members of the community making the case for London Fletcher and David Hawthorne...
So why not keep up the call for the LBs today? Pro Football Focus ranked the top available inside linebackers set to hit free agency. At #1, they've got the wide-9 experienced Stephen Tulloch.
We were stunned at how small the market was for one of the league’s best inside linebackers in the 2011 offseason. The Lions were able to snag him for a mere $3.25 million, but there’s slim chance they’ll be so lucky again. Tulloch is just a great all-around player, as adept in coverage as he is against the run. While he doesn’t grade out quite as well as some of the top players, it is worth bearing in mind he plays in the very publicized Wide-9 scheme that puts extra pressure on the linebackers.
I actually was surprised to hear that he had graded out so well against the pass, as he'd always struck me as deficient in that area... But clearly, this is a guy who would be a tremendous upgrade to the Eagles current corps.
Yesterday, Saukrates made the case for David Hawthorne from the Seahawks, which he'll be happy to hear is a move that PFF would endorse. They've got Hawthorne as their #2 ranked ILB.
For Eagles, NFL draft offers possibilities at linebacker
The Eagles get a chance to examine their defensive options this week in Indianapolis, where the league hosts more than 300 college standouts at its annual scouting combine.
Eagles GM: Samuel, other corners can work together | The News Journal | delawareonline.com
PHILADELPHIA — If the Eagles decide to keep Asante Samuel, their star-studded cornerback trio can play together and function effectively.
Receiver Roulette | National Football Post
The Eagles thus find themselves in a precarious position. DeSean Jackson's big-play potential is undeniable yet his attitude, slight build, and concussion history are mitigating factors for a long-term deal. Also, Jackson's view of his value is in a different sphere than that of the Eagles front office. Prediction: the Tag, while the Eagles subtly let teams know Jackson can be had for an attractive offer.
Iggles Blitz " Blog Archive " Get To Know Fletcher Cox
I can write a bunch of stuff on Fletcher Cox, but pictures are worth a thousand words. Here are some videos of Cox so you can see him in action. There are a mixture of good and bad plays. The key thing to notice is how athletic the guy is. Similar to Cullen Jenkins in that regard.
Offseason team needs: Eagles – Blogging the bEast
The Eagles linebacker situation in the Andy Reid era has been nothing short of comical. The Eagles need to add at least 2 bona fide players at LB this offseason, be it through the draft, free agency, or a combo of the two.
[Note by JasonB, 02/20/12 7:31 AM EST ] Great resource from Dirty Waters here
There are so many Draft websites and sources of information available and everyone has their favorites, myself included. I generally like to form my own opinions, so I don't look at any of these sources individually as gospel. However, I found that collectively they make for a pretty decent starting point. I usually put these together to use as a reference point 4 times a year: 1) Preseason 2) Postseason/Pre-Combine 3) Post-Combine/Pre-Pro Days 4) Final Pre-Draft. The following is the 2nd version for the 2012 draft class and I will be happy to share the 3rd and 4th as well if interested. The following Consensus Big Board is the average overall player rankings, sans kickers/punters, from 16 different NFL draft websites that I have found to be fairly in depth and reliable in their draft analysis...National Football Post, NFL Draft Scout, Drafttek, ESPN, Walterfootball, SI, etc. The top 150 are compiled from all 16 sources and players ranked 151-350 are tallied from the 7 sources that provide extended rankings. The Big Board is in order by overall rank, but also lists each player's positional ranking (P#), school, NFL positions (P1,P2), and I also added a High-Low column that gives you the full variance of opinion for each player..i.e Vontaze Burfict's High-Low is 13-111. Some of the positions listed are pretty self explanatory, but to clarify: WRS = speed receiver, WRP = possession receiver, RBC = speed or change of pace back, ROT = right tackle only, 34DE / 34LB / NT = 3-4 defense, and conversely, OLB / DE / DT = 4-3 defense. Keep in mind that the positional ranking can be misleading...i.e. Bobbie Massie is listed as the #1 ROT, but all the OTs listed ahead of him could also play RT...same goes for Nick Toon as the #1 WRP....you get the point.
OVR P# NAME SCHOOL P1 P2 High-Low 1 1 Luck, Andrew Stanford QB 1-1 2 1 Kalil, Matt USC OT 2-7 3 1 Claiborne, Morris LSU CB 2-5 4 2 Griffin III, Robert Baylor QB 2-10 5 1 Richardson, Trent Alabama RB 3-8 6 1 Blackmon, Justin Oklahoma St WR 4-16 7 1 DeCastro, David Stanford OG 3-16 8 2 Reiff, Riley Iowa OT 6-28 9 1 Brockers, Michael LSU 34DE DT 5-21 10 1 Coples, Quinton UNC DE 34DE 4-30
11-350 after the jump...
OVR P# NAME SCHOOL P1 P2 High-Low 11 1 Upshaw, Courtney Alabama 34LB 8-34 12 1 Still, Devon Penn St DT 34DE 7-38 13 2 Floyd, Michael Notre Dame WR 11-28 14 2 Kirkpatrick, Dre Alabama CB 8-32 15 1 Wright, Kendall Baylor WRS 10-44 16 2 Ingram, Melvin South Carolina 34LB DE 6-28 17 1 Konz, Peter Wisconsin OC OG 16-31 18 1 Barron, Mark Alabama SS 9-32 19 1 Kuechly, Luke Boston College ILB OLB 6-65 20 3 Jenkins, Janoris North Alabama CB 17-55 21 2 Cox, Fletcher Miss St DT 34DE 7-37 22 2 Hightower, Dont'a Alabama ILB 14-62 23 3 Perry, Nick USC 34LB DE 13-45 24 2 Glenn, Cordy Georgia OG ROT 10-47 25 3 Martin, Jonathan Stanford OT 5-72 26 1 Brown, Zach UNC OLB 18-48 27 2 Mercilus, Whitney Illinois DE 34LB 17-78 28 4 Adams, Mike Ohio St OT 15-72 29 2 Miller, Lamar Miami RB 10-46 30 3 Thompson, Brandon Clemson DT 34DE 9-49 31 3 Sanu, Mohammed Rutgers WR 21-41 32 4 Jeffrey, Alshon South Carolina WR 5-64 33 3 Wilson, David Virginia Tech RB 27-60 34 1 Allen, Dwayne Clemson TE 32-49 35 4 Worthy, Jerel Michigan St DT 22-61 36 4 Dennard, Alfonzo Nebraska CB FS 25-70 37 2 Fleener, Coby Stanford TE 22-65 38 3 Tannehill, Ryan Texas A&M QB 27-112 39 1 Poe, Dontari Memphis NT 11-128 40 3 Charles, Orson Georgia TE 12-68 41 5 Gilmore, Stephen South Carolina CB 18-120 42 3 Branch, Andre Clemson DE 34LB 24-84 43 2 Lewis, Ronnell Oklahoma OLB 34LB 33-95 44 3 Burfict, Vontaze Arizona St ILB OLB 13-111 45 3 Osemele, Kelechi Iowa St OG ROT 27-52 46 2 Crick, Jared Nebraska 34DE DT 33-150 47 6 Minnifield, Chase Virginia CB 25-121 48 3 David, LaVonte Nebraska OLB 33-96 49 4 Zeitler, Kevin Wisconsin OG 22-91 50 4 Martin, Doug Bosie St RB 35-76 51 5 Sanders, Zebrie Florida St OT 40-135 52 4 Weeden, Brandon Oklahoma St QB 12-115 53 5 Polk, Chris Washington RB 16-99 54 7 Boykin, Brandon Georgia CB 34-79 55 1 Martin, Markelle Oklahoma St FS 34-85 56 5 Washington, Brandon Miami OG OC 31-164 57 4 Curry, Vinny Marshall 34LB DE 28-111 58 5 Jones, Chandler Syracuse 34LB DE 33-101 59 2 Jones, Ben Georgia OC OG 39-121 60 8 Hosley, Jayron Virginia Tech CB 36-120 61 2 Ta'amu, Alameda Washington NT 45-129 62 4 Spence, Sean Miami OLB 41-110 63 3 Reyes, Kendall Uconn 34DE DT 50-108 64 5 Wagner, Bobby Utah St OLB ILB 44-162 65 5 Hill, Stephen Georgia Tech WR 48-115 66 6 Massaquoi, Jonathan Troy 34LB DE 61-96 67 6 Randle, Reuben LSU WR 19-192 68 4 Johnson, Cam Virginia DE 34DE 50-126 69 1 Toon, Nick Wisconsin WRP 54-130 70 9 Johnson, Leonard Iowa St CB 47-121 71 1 Massie, Bobbie Mississippi ROT OG 40-156 72 2 Iloka, George Boise St SS FS 49-129 73 1 James, LaMichael Oregon RBC 49-117 74 10 Johnson, Trumaine Montana CB 58-112 75 5 Foles, Nick Arizona QB 43-109 76 6 Silatolu, Amini Midwestern St OG 32-128 77 3 Smith, Harrison Notre Dame SS FS 56-109 78 6 Lewis, Travis Oklahoma OLB ILB 51-172 79 7 Irvin, Bruce West Virginia 34LB DE 43-125 80 6 Osweiler, Brock Arizona St QB 34-128 81 3 Chapman, Josh Alabama NT 52-178 82 4 Robinson, Keenan Texas ILB OLB 52-136 83 5 Cole, Audie NC State ILB 51-116 84 11 Hayward, Casey Vanderbilt CB 48-153 85 6 Datko, Andrew Florida St OT 46-207 86 7 Mosley, Brandon Auburn OT 58-133 87 4 Winn, Billy Boise St 34DE DE 48-230 88 3 Brewster, Mike Ohio St OC OG 43-121 89 2 Robinson, Trenton Michigan St FS 104-172 90 5 Martin, Mike Michigan DT 34DE 51-163 91 8 Potter, Nate Boise St OT 53-143 92 6 Pierce, Bernard Temple RB 56-141 93 12 Prater, Shaun Iowa CB 77-127 94 2 Wright, Jarius Arkansas WRS 56-155 95 7 Givens, Chris Wake Forest WR 63-131 96 13 Fleming, Jamell Oklahoma CB 24-206 97 7 Pead, Isiah Cincinnati RB RBC 47-136 98 14 Judie, Coryell Texas A&M CB 66-150 99 4 Green, Ladarius LA-Lafayette TE 50-134 100 15 Robinson, Josh Central Florida CB 87-139 101 8 Gray, Cyrus Texas A&M RB 87-139 102 7 Cousins, Kirk Michigan St QB 66-157 103 16 Fletcher, Donnie Boston College CB 61-206 104 8 Jones, Dwight UNC WR 49-227 105 2 McNutt, Marvin Iowa WRP 54-178 106 5 Bequette, Jake Arkansas DE 73-167 107 17 Norman, Josh Cstl Carolina CB 53-252 108 9 Schwartz, Mitchell California OT 65-203 109 4 Allen, Antonio South Carolina SS 73-198 110 6 Forston, Marcus Miami DT 68-138 111 3 Adams, Joe Arkansas WRS 55-122 112 9 Jones, Marvin California WR 67-219 113 7 Kelemete, Senio Washington OG 67-159 114 10 Streeter, Tommy Miami WR 86-182 115 8 Brooks, Brandon Miami(OH) OG 43-286 116 6 Johnson, James-Michael Nevada ILB 92-148 117 3 Henry, Aaron Wisconsin FS 45-165 118 7 Bradham, Nigel Florida St OLB 92-172 119 4 Broyles, Ryan Oklahoma WRS 64-180 120 9 Turbin, Robert Utah St RB 70-152 121 5 Egnew, Michael Missouri TE 64-187 122 8 McClellin, Shea Boise St OLB 34LB 64-243 123 9 Brown, James Troy OG ROT 74-245 124 4 Molk, David Michigan OC 81-171 125 11 Quick, Brian Appalachian St WR 48-269 126 5 Hilton, TY Florida Int'l WRS 79-188 127 5 Harris, DaJohn USC 34DE DT 81-196 128 7 Kendricks, Mychal California ILB 78-180 129 3 Criner, Juron Arizona WRP 43-275 130 9 Manning, Terrell NC State OLB ILB 113-149 131 6 Randall, Kheeston Texas 34DE DT 84-200 132 18 Bentley, Dwight (Bill) LA-Lafayette CB 82-177 133 19 Harris, Mike Florida St CB 78-164 134 10 Nix, Lucas Pttsburgh OG ROT 72-165 135 4 Posey, DeVier Ohio St WRP 79-173 136 20 Steed, Ryan Furman CB 50-268 137 8 Lindsey, Brandon Pittsburgh 34LB 93-188 138 2 Bergstrom, Tony Utah ROT OG 80-256 139 21 Bolden, Omar Arizona St CB 93-195 140 10 Herron, Dan Ohio St RB 85-190 141 2 Hillman, Ronnie San Diego St RBC 108-225 142 5 Blake, Phillip Baylor OC OG 61-225 143 4 Hicks, Akiem Regina NT 116-227 144 11 Ballard, Vick Miss St RB 82-190 145 7 Guyton, Trevor California 34DE DE 70-237 146 8 Coleman, BJ Chattanooga QB 87-185 147 9 Lindley, Ryan San Diego St QB 96-195 148 8 Acho, Emmanuel Texas ILB OLB 95-244 149 10 McCants, Matt UAB OT 84-265 150 12 Jenkins, AJ Illinois WR 108-197 151 5 Fuller, Jeff Texas A&M WRP 65-229 152 22 Harris, Cliff Oregon CB 136-197 153 11 Reynolds, Matt BYU OT OG 91-215 154 6 Jackson, Malik Tennessee DE 34LB 77-364 155 12 Allen, Jeff Illinois OT 69-314 156 12 Ganaway, Terrance Baylor RB 118-239 157 13 Poole, Taureen Tennessee RB 152-183 158 7 Howard, Jaye Florida DT 34DE 74-235 159 13 Compton, Tom South Dakota OT 110-216 160 11 Miller, Ryan Colorado OG ROT 67-228 161 9 Kaddu, Josh Oregon ILB OLB 86-238 162 8 Wolfe, Derek Cincinnati 34DE DT 55-255 163 9 Crawford, Jack Penn St 34LB DE 93-226 164 14 Zucevics, Markus Iowa OT 114-202 165 10 Nielson, Tyler Iowa ILB OLB 89-251 166 10 Vernon, Olivier Miami 34LB DE 121-205 167 10 Wilson, Russell Wisconsin QB 97-211 168 11 Franklin, Jerry Arkansas ILB OLB 102-239 169 15 Adcock, Levy Oklahoma St OT 45-522 170 5 Fangupo, Hebron BYU NT 102-230 171 23 Tandy, Keith West Virginia CB 113-206 172 5 Taylor, Brandon LSU SS FS 95-299 173 8 Daniels, Mike Iowa DT 154-215 174 9 Roy, Brett Nevada DT 131-280 175 6 Rainey, Chris Florida WRS RBC 117-235 176 6 Linthicum, Brian Michigan St TE 92-336 177 24 Jackson, Asa Cal Poly CB 118-226 178 6 Saulsberry, Quinton Miss St OC OG 144-236 179 7 Ellison, Rhett USC TE 153-215 180 12 Carder, Tank TCU ILB OLB 97-233 181 8 Peterson, Deangelo LSU TE 123-259 182 7 Wylie, Devon Fresno St WRS 115-236 183 14 Bolden, Brandon Mississippi RB 142-236 184 4 Jackson, Janzen McNeese St FS 127-251 185 6 Anunoby, Chigbo Morehouse NT 182-190 186 13 Kearse, Jermaine Washington WR 87-276 187 6 White, Jordan Western Mich WRP 123-285 188 6 Ihenacho, Duke San Jose St SS 149-300 189 9 Crawford, Tyronne Boise St 34DE DE 102-265 190 8 Maze, Marquis Alabama WRS 88-259 191 15 Baker, Edwin Michigan St RB 45-298 192 11 Smith, Jacquies Missouri 34LB DE 124-223 193 25 Blanton, Robert Notre Dame CB 136-320 194 9 Ford, Chase Miami TE 150-240 195 5 Thomas, Tramain Arkansas FS 145-237 196 9 Benford, Tim Tenn Tech WRS 124-248 197 10 Burris, Miles San Diego St OLB 147-170 198 26 Pellerin, Micah Hampton CB 133-304 199 10 Koger, Kevin Michigan TE 160-297 200 3 Demps, Jeff Florida RBC WRS 151-255 201 27 Brown, Charles UNC CB 94-325 202 7 Vlachos, William Alabama OC 83-290 203 7 Miller, Julien West Virginia DE 34LB 126-255 204 12 Wilber, Kyle Wake Forest 34LB 129-276 205 11 Harnish, Chandler Nothern Illinois QB 159-260 206 16 Smith, Michael Utah St RB 174-244 207 6 Lynn, D'Anton Penn St FS 187-249 208 7 Thompson, Christian SC State FS 107-296 209 12 Brooks, Jaymes Virginia Tech OG 184-243 210 11 Bryant, George NC State TE 185-257 211 11 Trevathan, Danny Kentucky OLB 119-334 212 13 Robinson, Adrian Temple 34LB DE 152-257 213 14 Boykin, Jarrett Virginia Tech WR 135-301 214 1 Rodriguez, Evan Temple FB TE 93-382 215 14 Fleming, Darius Notre Dame 34LB 144-348 216 28 Wade, Trevin Arizona CB 170-287 217 13 Dennis, Derek Temple OG 139-298 218 12 Smelley, Brad Alabama TE FB 216-234 219 29 Menzie, DeQuan Alabama CB FS 80-402 220 17 Harris, Montel Boston College RB 176-273 221 3 Jones, Marcel Nebraska ROT 159-307 222 14 Wynn, Desmond Rutgers OG 152-288 223 7 Martin, Keyshawn Michigan St WRP 130-310 224 15 Cunningham, BJ Michigan St WR 156-305 225 16 Lewis, Lance East Carolina WR 201-252 226 8 Whitley, Eddie Virginia Tech FS 141-421 227 4 Thomas, Adonis Toledo RBC 195-258 228 12 Moore, Kellen Boise St QB 137-337 229 18 Scott, Darrell South Florida RB 175-322 230 19 Tyler, Marc USC RB 202-289 231 16 Adams, Jeff Columbia OT 158-288 232 7 Harrison, Damon William Penn NT 231-235 233 10 Powell, Tydreke UNC DT 104-416 234 9 Hardin, Brandon Oregon St FS 134-310 235 13 Keenum, Case Houston QB 168-271 236 17 Page, Eric Toledo WR 146-396 237 30 Davis, Emmanuel East Carolina CB 160-312 238 15 Johnson, Rishaw California(PA) OG 173-281 239 2 Johnson, Cody Texas FB 188-259 240 16 Looney, Joe Wake Forest OG 161-336 241 15 Paige-Moss, Donte UNC 34LB DE 173-315 242 10 Young, Jerell South Florida FS 178-306 243 31 Bethel, Justin Presbytarian CB 183-378 244 8 Alexander, Frank Oklahoma DE 34LB 98-316 245 10 Graham, TJ NC State WRS 79-380 246 3 Diehl, Chad Clemson FB 165-303 247 20 Meggett, Davin Maryland RB 175-356 248 11 Benjamin, Travis Miami WRS 115-408 249 17 Jacobson, Chris Pittsburgh OG 169-294 250 7 Guy, Winston Kentucky SS 146-425 251 13 Loiseau, Shawn Merrimack ILB 209-278 252 5 Rainey, Bobby W Kentucky RBC 166-477 253 17 Carmon, James Miss St OT 176-456 254 32 Frederick, Terrence Texas A&M CB 231-275 255 8 Mitchell, Charles Miss St SS 212-239 256 16 Brown, Sammy Houston 34LB 179-353 257 13 Paulson, David Oregon TE 142-334 258 33 Golden, Robert Arizona CB 151-345 259 9 McCray, Kelcie Arkansas St SS 124-298 260 21 Brown, Bryce Kansas St RB 237-281 261 10 Daniels, Matt Duke SS 189-383 262 18 Robinson, Gerrell Arizona St WR 102-384 263 10 Hamilton, Dominique Missouri 34DE DT 126-368 264 11 Hartman, Tysyn Kansas St FS 193-380 265 12 Davis, Demario Arkansas St OLB 77-443 266 19 Austin, Matt Utah St WR 204-317 267 8 Deas, Charles Shaw NT 254-269 268 4 Ewing, Bradie Wisconsin FB 237-294 269 18 Walker, Landon Clemson OT 132-397 270 11 Tupou, Christian USC DT 205-378 271 14 Gruder, Max Pittsburgh ILB 218-351 272 13 Buchanon, Ramon Miami OLB 253-275 273 14 Thomas, Darron Oregon QB 226-300 274 11 Cattouse, Sean California SS 181-384 275 18 McClain, Antoine Clemson OG 185-382 276 11 Robertson, Travian South Carolina 34DE DT 111-366 277 19 Beachum, Kelvin SMU OG 163-374 278 8 Childs, Greg Arkansas WRP 224-340 279 20 Matthews, Rishard Nevada WR 179-437 280 34 Fenelus, Antonio Wisconsin CB 203-302 281 15 Dowtin, Marcus North Alabama ILB 171-370 282 9 Jean-Baptiste, Nicolas Baylor NT 164-416 283 12 Pleasant, Eddie Oregon SS 235-313 284 17 Abreu, Manny Rutgers 34LB 228-315 285 14 Miller, Anthony California TE 199-340 286 12 Mosley, Corey Virginia FS 242-312 287 14 Whitehead, Tahir Temple OLB 208-377 288 12 Meatoga, Vaughn Hawaii DT 248-292 289 12 Conrath, Matt Virginia 34DE DT 120-408 290 19 Cullen, John Utah OT 257-299 291 9 Solomon, Scott Rice DE 245-339 292 20 Blackwell, Will LSU OG 110-414 293 12 Brazil, LaVon Ohio WRS 191-366 294 13 Richardson, Sean Vaderbilt SS 213-328 295 13 Van Bergen, Ryan Michigan 34DE DE 139-406 296 16 Galippo, Chris USC ILB 188-444 297 6 Dunbar, Lance North Texas RBC 248-326 298 4 Holmes, Lamar Southern Miss ROT OG 224-417 299 13 Jackson, Damien Mississippi FS 212-435 300 22 Chism, Cameron Maryland RB 208-412 301 9 Owusu, Chris Stanford WRP 172-415 302 21 Troutman, Johnnie Penn St OG 235-343 303 20 Sowell, Bradley Mississippi OT 264-373 304 8 Garner, Grant Oklahoma St OC 262-350 305 14 Thompson, Taylor SMU 34DE DE 286-440 306 15 Kinne, GJ Tulsa QB 200-391 307 21 Coale, Danny Virginia Tech WR 260-323 308 17 Marve, Chris Vaderbilt ILB 219-404 309 16 Davis, Austin Southern Miss QB 194-377 310 10 Tyson, Deangelo Georgia NT 232-430 311 5 Ramsey, Devon UNC FB 104-514 312 10 Law, Cordarro Southern Miss DE 34LB 274-334 313 17 Witt, Patrick Yale QB 231-378 314 13 Harrell, Logan Fresno St DT 139-411 315 22 Warren, Jeremiah South Florida OG 263-361 316 18 Corp, Aaron Richmond QB 166-590 317 9 Gerhart, Garth Arizona St OC 238-375 318 19 Jefferson, Jordan LSU QB 238-424 319 11 Lockett, Kentrell Mississippi DE 259-393 320 12 Brooks, James North Alabama DE 155-429 321 15 Hoffman-Ellis, Alex Washington St OLB 262-339 322 15 Middleton, Kavario Montana TE 195-385 323 14 Dye, Tony UCLA SS 122-409 324 23 Barclay, Don West Virginia OG ROT 279-342 325 35 Marrow, Desmond Toledo CB 181-446 326 36 Gipson, Tashaun Wyoming CB 182-443 327 13 Francis, Justin Rutgers DE 267-342 328 24 Foketi, Manase Kansas St OG 234-416 329 10 Cloy, Mason Clemson OC 279-346 330 22 Willie, Mike Arizona St WR 287-333 331 11 Petrus, Moe Uconn OC 223-463 332 20 Tanney, Alex Monmouth QB 290-349 333 18 Goode, Najee West Virginia ILB 269-330 334 13 Edwards, Patrick Houston WRS 80-482 335 14 Jarrett, Jamaar Arizona St DE 204-326 336 6 Houston, Ryan UNC FB 203-515 337 19 Williams, Garrick Texas A&M ILB 278-431 338 37 Washington, Quentin South Florida CB 246-492 339 16 Chichester, Josh Louisville TE 194-509 340 21 Davis, Dominique East Carolina QB 254-362 341 15 Browne, Vince Northwestern DE 34LB 122-417 342 25 Watkins, Rokevius South Carolina OG 305-369 343 10 Moye, Derek Penn St WRP 193-398 344 20 Holt, DJ California ILB 256-458 345 23 Byrd, LaRon Miami WR 197-450 346 23 Creer, Lennon LA Tech RB 181-454 347 24 Hemingway, Junior Michigan WR 280-407 348 11 Williams, Renard E Washington NT 274-440 349 12 Snow, David Texas OC OG 165-427 350 18 Harris, Jerrell Alabama 34LB 214-492