WIDE RECEIVERS. Donnie Avery 5'11" 182 Houston Senior 40: 4.34

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1 WIDE RECEIVERS My feelings on wide receivers is that I'm not going to draft them in the first round unless I feel they have the potential to be a No. 1 receiver. And what I look for in a No. 1 receiver is a guy that isn't one-dimensional. I want a guy that can make the 8-yard curl, 12-yard slant, 18-yard post, etc. It's called range, and all the top receivers in the league have it. Too often I think scouts focus too much on size and speed. And they certainly are a factor, but the question you often have to ask yourself is: "Was this guy the go-to guy in college? When they needed him to make a catch, did he do it?" If the answer is no, then more often than not he's not going to do that in the NFL, and that's what is required from No. 1 guys. Now if a guy has some potential to be a go-to NFL threat, I'll give him a high second round grade. But if he's just a No. 2 guy that is going to catch around passes a year, then he's not a first round talent regardless of how tall or fast he is. If I have any biases, it's that I'm going to take reliable consistent hands over size or speed. Size and speed certainly are important, but quickness and hands are more so. Quickness and burst in order to get separation from corners, and hands of course to catch the ball once it's there. Too often with big receivers is that they are too soft, because they never face corners that are more than 5-9 or 5-10 in college, so they never really have to learn how to fight for any balls. And with speed, too often you see guys that don't have any impact unless they are stretching the field. I don't focus too much on route-running because generally most collegiate receivers are relatively poor route-runners, and it's something that they will work on quite a bit on the next level. Besides Malcolm Kelly, there just aren't any real bonafide top receiver prospects. There are a bunch of solid receivers that I think will make fine No. 2 receivers like a Donte' Stallworth or Jerry Porter, and if they are put on the right team with the right quarterback may develop into better players down the road. But this is really a draft where I think teams needing help at wide receiver need to be thinking that they will be upgraded or adding a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver instead of the much coveted No. 1 guy. Donnie Avery 5'11" 182 Houston Senior 40: 4.34 Pros: Shows great vertical speed and excellent burst. Excellent quickness and ability after the catch and will make the first guy miss. Has good hands and good body control to lay out for the tough grabs. Cons: Not a threat to go over the middle. Overview: He's a one-dimensional playmaker that will be an effective playmaker in an offense suited to his strengths, which are lining up outside and getting deep. He's the type of player that can take over a game, but doesn't possess great all-around skills. NFL Forecast: He has the potential to be a good No. 1 target, but probably won't be unless he gets better going over the middle and being able to make the tough catches on third down. He should initially start off as a solid vertical threat as a No. 2, but further down the road he can become a better all-around player and potentially be a No. 1. Value: A second round pick. A good No. 2 option with some potential to be a No. 1 down the road. Todd Blythe 6'6" 210 Iowa State Senior 40: 4.58 Pros: Has good size and uses it well in traffic. Cons: Average hands and body catches too much. Has marginal speed and will struggle getting separation. Overview: He's your classic big wideout that has succeeded on the college level because of it, but lacks the speed and velcro hands to do much on the next level. NFL Forecast: Unless he can make an impact on special teams, I don't think he'll last very long in the NFL. He'll get opportunities because teams will like his size. But ultimately, I think he'll have to try to make an impact in the Arena league, since his offensive potential is severely limited. He just lacks the speed and quickness to get separation, and there's only so much "boxing out" you can do in the NFL. Value: Worth a shot in camp, but should not be drafted. Adarius Bowman 6'3" 230 Oklahoma State Senior 40: 4.74 Pros: Has good size and solid hands. Has good body control. Does a good job on underneath and intermediate routes. Is a capable blocker that is good after the catch due to his size. Cons: Lacks speed and won't stretch the field. Has questionable effort and seems to take plays off. Overview: He's an oversized receiver that doesn't have the work ethic or speed to be more than average at receiver. Might be a good transition to tight end. NFL Forecast: He's in the same mold as Rashaun Woods, Mikhael Ricks, Mike Williams, and Boo Williams. All big wideouts that were vast disappointments in the NFL. Has the blocking ability to be able to make the transition to a tight end or H-back. If he can put on some more muscle, he could be a decent option there. Otherwise, I don't think he's going to be anything more than a so-so reserve. As a receiver, could make a decent possession receiver. But lacks the fire to give you much confidence that he'll improve there. And right now he's just a backup. I like his future better at tight end, where he could become a solid receiving tight end that could catch passes a year in the right offense. Value: He's worth a fourth or fifth round pick as a tight end project, but probably only a fifth at best as a receiver. Dorien Bryant 5'10" 173 Purdue Senior 40: 4.44 Pros: Has very good hands and good speed to make catches all over the field. Has good body control and runs solid routes. He's not afraid to go over the middle. Cons: Lacks size and will struggle to beat the jam on the next level. Won't be a great vertical option. Overview: I'm reminded of a slightly less polished Marvin Harrison when I watch him play. NFL Forecast: I think he'll be a solid possession wideout a lot like Harrison. If he gets the opportunity to play with a good quarterback, he has the chance to be a good security blanket. His lack of size does make you worry a bit about his long-term durability. But while he's not the flashiest player that looks good on paper, like Harrison I think he'll be just the solid and reliable guy that will be the type that can catch 100 or more passes in a year. Value: Worth an early second round pick. Keenan Burton 6'1" 201 Kentucky Senior 40: 4.44 Pros: Shows nice soft hands and does a good job getting position away from defender. Has good body control. Solid on short and underneath routes. Cons: Lacks speed and won't stretch the field. Not nearly as fast as he times. Will too often body catch. Overview: Is a solid possession wideout for Andre Woodson at Kentucky. NFL Forecast: Burton is solid, but yet not spectacular. He won't be a playmaker on the next level, but will be a reliable set of hands for 20

2 whatever quarterback he plays with. Has some potential to be a decent No. 2 receiver. His playing style reminds me of Amani Toomer, but the old, slow version not the young, explosive one. I think he'll make a solid No. 3 receiver, but his starting potential is limited due to a lack of explosiveness. Value: A fourth round pick is ideal, but worth a look late in Round Three. Early Doucet 6' 203 LSU Senior 40: 4.54 Pros: Has excellent hands and enough speed to stretch the field. Shows good body control and does a good job adjusting to the ball in the air to make the tough catches. A willing and somewhat effective blocker. Shows good YAC ability. Cons: Not a consistent impact playmaker, and not a great vertical threat. Overview: Doucet got injured and after a strong start to his senior year, he wasn't quite the same guy once he came back from injury. And while I'd like to believe that the guy who began 2007 is the "real" guy, I'm not convinced. NFL Forecast: Doucet has a lot of upside and the potential to be a solid No. 1 receiver. But is he that guy? Or is he just going to be a good No. 2 receiver. Right now, I'm betting on the latter at least initially, but I believe with time he can develop into a solid go-to receiver. He'll never be a true burner, although he has enough speed to stretch the field. He should be a very solid possession wideout on the next level that is dangerous after the catch. Value: Would be a solid second round pick, but a bit of a reach as a first rounder. Harry Douglas 5'11" 177 Louisville Senior 40: 4.51 Pros: Has good reliable hands and excellent quickness. Does a really good job getting open underneath. Plays tougher than his size would merit. Cons: Lacks size and is not really a threat to stretch the field. Will struggle beating the jam. Overview: Douglas was a very reliable target for Brian Brohm in Petrino's offense, but became much less of a factor once Petrino left. So did he benefit from the system? NFL Forecast: Put Douglas in the slot, and I think he has Wes Welkerlike potential there. Not many slot receivers can catch 100 passes in a season, but Douglas has that sort of potential. Line him up on the outside, and he'll be average. I would say that he's a cross between Marvin Harrison and Welker in style, but I'm not sure he'll be as productive as either player on the next level. He's one of those guys though that I wouldn't want to bet against. At the very least he should be one of the better No. 3 guys around, but whether or not he can succeed as a starter remains to be seen. Value: A late second possibly, but probably a third round pick. Will Franklin 6' 209 Missouri Senior 40: 4.37 Pros: Has good speed and solid hands. Is a willing blocker. Does a good job getting separation and hauling in the pass. Cons: Is not an explosive playmaker and doesn't wow you in any area. Not as fast as he times. Overview: Franklin is simply a solid receiver that has good size and good speed. NFL Forecast: I think he has the potential to be a solid No. 2 wide out, but may only be a very good No. 3 on the next level. He will probably never be a star, but the type of guy that can consistently catch passes a year on the next level if given the opportunity. With time, he may be able to develop into a better receiver, but right now a team should probably draft him with the mindset of adding a quality third receiver as opposed to a guy that will upgrade the starting position. 21 Value: A solid third round pick. D.J. Hall 6'1" 202 Alabama Senior 40: 4.54 Pros: Is a solid vertical threat. Shows good body control and hands to adjust well to the ball in the air. Shows good ability after the catch as well. Has good acceleration and quickness. Plays faster than he times. Cons: Doesn't release well off the line and slow into his routes. Only a so-so blocker. Still a bit raw. Overview: Hall dominated the Auburn secondary in the game I saw. He was a very potent weapon at times due to his size and speed, but needs a bit more polish, particularly when it comes to beating the jam and running routes. NFL Forecast: He has a lot of upside, but needs some work. Early on, he could be productive as a vertical threat only, but will need time to develop the rest of his game so that he can become a more consistent receiver on the underneath and short routes. With his ability to stretch the field, down the road he could be a good No. 1 receiver, but I think he is a few years away from that. Otherwise, he'l make a good No. 2 in an offense that likes to stretch the field. But he's not a great fit in an offense that isn't vertically-oriented. Value: A nice pickup late in the second round or top of the third. LaVelle Hawkins 5'11" 185 California Senior 40: 4.57 Pros: Has good speed and hands. Has enough speed to make plays down field. His abilities as a returner make him dangerous after the catch and in the open field. Very effective on screens because of this. Cons: Lacks ideal size and doesn't have pure burner speed. Struggles at times to get separation. Doesn't have great starter potential. Overview: He was the more consistent of the Cal receivers this year besides DeSean Jackson. He's a good playmaker and showed that he has a reliable set of hands, but his lack of size and great speed won't do him many favors on the next level. NFL Forecast: I like him as a solid third receiver that should fit very well in the slot. He has the potential to be a solid No. 2 guy and if a team can take advantage of his abilities after the catch could be a solid playmaker. If a team envisions him for the slot, I think he's destined to be a very solid NFL receiver. As a starter on the outside, I'm not sure he'll be as effective. Maybe a catch guy in that role. Value: Would be a good pickup in Round Three. DeSean Jackson 5'10" 167 California Junior 40: 4.33 Pros: Has great speed and is very good at stretching defenses. Shows good hands and the ability to make the tough grabs. Shows great flare for the big play and is dangerous on screens and in the open field. An excellent return man. Cons: Lacks size and strength and will have a very hard time beating the jam from bigger corners in the NFL. Isn't physical and won't add much as a blocker. Overview: The comparisons to Ted Ginn are spot on, the only difference is that I believe Jackson is a more developed and consistent receiver than Ginn was. Ginn was simply a gazelle that happened to play receiver. Jackson actually plays the receiver position well, he's just physically limited to due to his lack of size. NFL Forecast: If based on his athletic potential and playmaking ability, he'll make a solid starter. But his lack of size will hurt him, and it would not surprise me to see him never become consistent in that role. Corners in the NFL will be able to make him far less effective simply by jamming him. At the very least he'll be one of the best No. 3 and slot receivers in the league, that will make a big impact on special teams. But it remains to be seen if he'll be anything more than a so-so No. 2 guy that outside running some fly patterns is going to be an effective playmaker in that role.

3 Value: Worth a second round pick, but mostly because of his Devin Hester-like special teams potential. Dexter Jackson 5'9" 179 Appalachian State Senior 40: 4.33 Pros: Has excellent vertical speed. Has decent hands and will do a good job adjusting to the ball in the air. A very good punt returner due to his speed to beat most to the corner. Cons: Offers very little as a blocker which points to a lack of physicality. Overview: I think he has a future as a slot receiver that can get vertical. But he's not as polished a receiver as many others in this class, and is more speed than anything. NFL Forecast: I think he'll be a better return threat than probably a receiver. If an offense that throws a lot downfield, and lines him up in the slot, he could be a solid player. But I don't believe he has starting potential unless he shows marked improvement as a route-runner and receiver. As a returner, he might also be a bit too reliant on his speed, so he may not automatically translate into a success there. Value: Would make a solid fourth round pick for a team looking mostly for a return threat that can contribute somewhat offensively. Malcolm Kelly 6'4" 227 Oklahoma Junior 40: 4.54 Pros: A complete receiver with good speed and excellent hands. Great toughness to make catches in traffic and does a good job shielding defenders away from ball with his body. Has good strength and will make plays and break tackles after the catch. Does his best work on short and intermediate routes and does a good job across the middle. Is a very capable blocker. Cons: Doesn't have great vertical speed and is coming off an injury. Overview: Kelly is your ideal West Coast receiver and I believe plays the game much like Terrell Owens sans the attitude. NFL Forecast: I think Kelly is the only true No. 1 receiver in this class. I think he'll fit very well in a West Coast type system that will make use of his size and strength on the short routes. He's not going to be a guy that makes his name by making catches 30 yards down the field. But he'll be a solid go-to receiver on the next level that will be a good security blanket for some quarterback. Value: Definite first round pick that should be taken in the Top 15 for a team with the right offense. Lance Leggett 6'3" 189 Miami Senior 40: 4.43 Pros: Has good speed and pretty good hands. Cons: Lacks quickness and will struggle to get separation on the next level. Overview: He is your typical college receiver that won't be more than a backup on the next level. He himself and his Miami teammates were marred with inconsistency on offense. NFL Forecast: When you look at Leggett's numbers on paper, you think he might be okay. But he's average. He's good on paper, but on the next level I can't see him being anything more than No. 4 wideout. If he wants to stick in the NFL, he needs to perform on special teams as a gunner on punt coverage. Otherwise, his future will be in Arena football. Value: Worth a look see in camp, but only a seventh round pick. Mario Manningham 5'11" 183 Michigan Junior 40: 4.38 Pros: Excellent speed and acceleration and way faster than he times. Has good hands and shows good body control to make the tough catches. Is a willing blocker. 22 Cons: Lacks strength and toughness to go over the middle. Overview: I would call him a poor man's Braylon Edwards. He's a good vertical threat that can have an impact on the next level in that role. He was the go-to target for Chad Henne and was the playmaker. NFL Forecast: I see him as a solid No. 2 wideout, that isn't as good as some of his Wolverine predecessors, but he's still your typically solid Michigan wideout. You would however if he's physical enough to hold up to the NFL pounding. I'd tell offensive coordinators to put him on the outside and let him go deep. If you ask him to do much more he'll be a bit of a letdown. I see him as a guy that can be like a Donte' Stallworth in that he can consistently catch 50 or so passes a year, but won't be an impact guy unless it's in a very vertical-oriented offense. Value: A nice second round pick. Kenny Moore 5'11" 195 Wake Forest Senior 40: 4.47 Pros: Is solid after the catch and works well in the open field and space. Has pretty good hands and speed. Has potential as a returner. Cons: Not a polished receiver and lacks size. Overview: Moore was the go-to playmaker at Wake Forest, but was never all that effective in that role. Outside his speed and ability after the catch, there isn't much else to him. NFL Forecast: I think he could make a pretty good returner on the next level, but as a receiver I don't see him as anything more than a No. 4 guy. Would make a decent slot receiver due to his quickness and speed, but not much else. Value: Would be a good value in round five or six mainly as a returner. Jordy Nelson 6'3" 217 Kansas State Senior 40: 4.51 Pros: Has good speed and solid hands. Gets a good release off the line of scrimmage. Has good body control and has the size and toughness to make the catches over the middle and underneath. Cons: Not explosive and won't be able to run past NFL cornerbacks very often. Will struggle at times to get good separation. Overview: Nelson is your classic possession wideout, with good size, pretty good speed. I compare him to a quicker version of Brian Finneran. NFL Forecast: At the very least he'll be a solid No. 3 receiver, but I think he has some potential to be a good No. 2. He's one of those guys that in the right offense like a Mike Furrey could have a 100-catch season. But like a player like Furrey, that's not going to be his usual production. He'll be a solid 40-catch guy year in and year out. But he's not going to be a playmaker which will hurt his chances of being a starter long-term. Value: Would be a solid third round pick. Darius Reynaud 5'10" 203 West Virginia Junior 40: 4.48 Pros: Has decent hands coupled with good speed. Effective in space and after the catch in the open field. Cons: Body catches far too much. Lacks size and is built more like a running back than receiver. Overview: He had the benefit of playing in WVU's spread attack. He'll take a lot of adjustment on the next level, an adjustment I don't think he can make. NFL Forecast: If Reynaud can translate his speed and running ability into a return threat, he could have a decent NFL career. Otherwise, he really doesn't stand out in any way to make you think he'll be anything more than an average slot guy that may bounce around the league for two or three summers, but never stick. I think his best future will be in Canada or the Arena League playing a position like slotback. Value: Worth a look as a late round pick, but taking him before round six is a reach.

4 Jason Rivers 6'2" 204 Hawaii Senior 40: 4.59 Pros: Has good size and speed. Shows good hands at times and adjusts well to the ball in the air, laying out for the tough ones. Willing to go over the middle and is a capable blocker when he tries. Cons: Needs a lot of work on his routes and won't beat press coverage despite his size. Hands are inconsistent and he drops too many easy ones. Struggles at times with a lack of concentration as he'll look to run before securing the ball. Overview: Rivers benefits from Hawaii's offense, more than it benefits from him. He was the No. 3 guy in that offense despite being the most experienced last year. NFL Forecast: I think he has some potential as a slot receiver, but he's going to need a lot of work. If he can live up to his upside, he should make a nice No. 3 receiver. But otherwise, he's a guy that bolsters depth as opposed to upgrading the position for some team. Value: Worth a look in the fifth or sixth round for depth purposes. Eddie Royal 5'10" 182 Virginia Tech Senior 40: 4.39 Pros: Has great speed and can really stretch the field. Shows excellent ability as a return man and is dangerous in the open field. Shows good ability after the catch with excellent acceleration. Has pretty good hands. Cons: Doesn't get a good release off the line unless he's in motion, and won't be able to beat the jam due to lack of size. Overview: A very effective player on screens and reverses and made a bigger impact on special teams for the Hokies than as a receiver. NFL Forecast: He has some potential to be a decent No. 3 threat due to his speed, but he'll earn his keep on the next level as a return man. Put him in the slot, throw some screens his way, let him go deep on occasion, and you'll have a pretty good No. 3 or No. 4 receiver. But if you're looking for more from him, you won't get it. Value: His abilities on special teams make him worth a fourth round pick. Sedale Threatt, Jr. 6'2" 195 Lehigh Senior 40: 4.65 Pros: Shows decent hands and pretty good speed off the line of scrimmage. Has good athleticism and physical tools to make transition to wide receiver. Cons: Is a project. Lacks great speed and won't be a threat to stretch the field. Overview: Was almost purely a running quarterback at Lehigh. But he worked some at wide receiver and was somewhat effective. NFL Forecast: He won't be the first running quarterback to be attempted to move to wide receiver, and certainly won't be the last. The success rate is pretty low, so I don't have a great expectation he'll be any different from most. He might bounce around a few training camps for a few summers, but more likely is going to have to stick somewhere in the Arena leagues if he wants to have a good professional career. Just too raw at this point to imagine an NFL team really being patient with him. Value: I'd bring him to camp, but I would not draft him. Mario Urrutia 6'5" 229 Louisville Junior 40: 4.53 Pros: Has great size and can be tough matchup especially in traffic. Shows good body control at times and will make the tough grabs. Cons: Underachiever that never really seemed like he was giving much effort. Lacks quickness and will struggle getting separation from quicker corners on the next level. Not as physical as you would like. Overview: After a promising sophomore campaign under Petrino, he looked like he had the potential to be a 1st or 2nd round pick, but too often just seemed like he was going through the motions. NFL Forecast: I question his heart and toughness. Showed lack of those two things too often as a sophomore, and was a no-show as a junior. And then decided to forgo his senior year, which was strike three so to speak. And he won't be anything more than a backup at the next level unless those things improve. I think a team may be better off trying to convert him into a H-back or tight end than receiver. If he can bulk up to around 245 or 250, he might be a decent backup receiving tight end/hback. Value: I wouldn't draft him. In terms of potential and talent he might be worth a fourth round pick, but I would wait to sign him rather than waste a draft pick on him. Ernest Wheelwright 6'4" 217 Minnesota Senior 40: 4.50 Pros: Has good size and decent speed. Has decent hands and shows some ability after the catch. Cons: Won't stretch the field as he's not as fast as he times. Struggles getting separation due to a lack of quickness. An average blocker despite size. Overview: He doesn't stand out anywhere except in the height department. Decent all around prospect, but without great quickness, hands, or speed, he won't be able to get by just by height. NFL Forecast: He could be a nice No. 4 receiver on the next level, but I doubt he has the upside to be more. Has many of the issues that you see in big wideouts is that he is not as physical as he should be. In college, his size alone made him a tough mismatch for cornerbacks, but in the NFL, a physical 5-10 guy will be more than a match for him and won't be intimidated. Value: Bring him to camp for a look see, but don't draft him. Ed Williams 6'4" 206 Lane Senior 40: 4.52 Pros: Has good size and decent speed. Does a good job getting a release off the line of scrimmage and can make plays in traffic. Cons: Not a threat to stretch the field and doesn't do much after the catch. Is a capable blocker when willing, but there is often a lack of effort. Overview: He's one of those guys that should have been more dominant of his competition than he was. Has a lot of upside, but you question his effort way too often. NFL Forecast: He's a sleeper since physically he can play with the big boys, but too often looked like the bad Randy Moss instead of the good one. Not to say he has Moss's potential by any means, but he should have been as a Division II player. Give him a few years to develop, and I think he'll make a pretty good backup. He doesn't have great starter potential, but I think he'll make a pretty good No. 3 or No. 4 if he reaches his potential. Value: I'd take a flyer on him in round six. 23

5 TIGHT ENDS Tight end is a position that is typically an afterthought on most teams. However, for those few teams that have an elite player at this position, it can be a very potent weapon. Top tight ends are so difficult to match up with. Linebackers don't have the hips to cover them man to man, and they will outmuscle any defensive back. Also a guy that can stretch the field vertically can open up the field for others. Teams have to be aware of him, otherwise he'll rip right through their guts. But if they pay him too much mind, it can leave one of the outside guys open. This is why if you can find an elite-caliber guy at this position, you don't miss out. The problem is that elite guys come around so rarely. Most teams instead are just looking for a reliable set of hands that will catch most if not all of the 3-5 passes your typical starting NFL tight end will see. And also because of the use of multiple receiver sets, blocking is probably the most important skill. Very few college tight ends, at least near the top of the class are good blockers, or at least polished ones. The good blockers tend to be the late round picks. This is a solid class of tight ends. Unfortunately, there are no elite prospects. But that's been the case much of the past few years. This is a bunch of solid tight ends, but whether any of them ascend into the elite group of tight ends around the league will probably depend more on what teams and offenses they find themselves in moreso than their skill. A number of these guys on the right team would be Pro Bowlers. Martellus Bennett 6'6" 259 Texas A&M Junior 40: 4.68 Pros: Pretty good speed and is most adept at finding the soft spots in zones on short routes. An adequate blocker. Has a good frame to get bigger and probably could max out around 265 or 270. Cons: Nothing special as a blocker and won't stretch defenses. Not an explosive playmaker. Overview: Bennett is more reliable than explosive, and had he not been on the run-happy Texas A&M offense, probably would have had a higher profile in college. But even still, he led the team with 49 catches last year. NFL Forecast: I like Bennett, he'll be a solid NFL starter. But he'll never be anything special. For a team looking for a 40-catch tight end, he'll do well. But if you want more, a guy that is going to be the first or second option in your offense, he's not that guy. Despite his size, he'll probably never be that great of a blocker, just the potential to be average or above average in comparison to most starters. Value: A nice third round pick for some team looking for a nice solid starter. Adam Bishop 6'5" 244 Nevada Senior 40: 4.96 Pros: Has good speed and pretty good hands. Faster than he times. A solid blocker that shows good strength in sealing edges. Cons: Will need to bulk up some more. Doesn't always get a clean release, so he can struggle at times when lined up on the line of scrimmage. He's not going to stretch the field and his hands are far from velcro. Overview: Bishop would make a very good H-back for a team. I since him as a less athletic version of Chris Cooley, but a much better blocker. NFL Forecast: He's one of those guys that I think long-term will be known more for his blocking ability than his receiving ability, although the latter is solid. He'll be a guy that routinely can catch passe a year in the right offense, but his production probably won't be much higher than that. He'll earn his future paychecks because teams like his toughness and tenacity as a blocker. Although again, I wouldn't label him a blocking tight end, it's just that his long-term success will likely be more dependent on the improvements he makes there since I don't ever see him becoming a top-notch receiver. Value: Would be worth a fourth round pick for a team. John Carlson 6'5" 252 Notre Dame Senior 40: 4.72 Pros: Has good size and strength. A willing blocker with good hands and does well catching the underneath passes. Has decent speed. Cons: Doesn't get a clean release off the line of scrimmage. Not as gifted or physical a blocker as a player his size should be. Overview: Carlson was great when Brady Quinn was throwing him balls, but with Notre Dame's crappy committee of passers this past year, he wasn't effective. That tells me that he's not a real playmaker since he had a chance of being a reliable and potent option for the young QBs, but he was not. NFL Forecast: He'll be a solid starting tight end, but never anything special. His NFL success will be dependent on the players around him. On a good team with a good QB, he'll be productive just like he was at Notre Dame as a junior. On a bad one with average QB play, he'll be a non-factor, just like he was as a senior. I would compare his NFL future to possibly that of Chad Lewis, formerly of the Eagles. His production outreached his actual skill. I'd call him a nice all-around tight end, but mostly because he doesn't excel anywhere. Value: Worth a look in the fifth round, but that's the highest he should go. Fred Davis 6'3" 254 Southern Cal Senior 40: 4.68 Pros: Possesses very good hands and good body control as a receiver. Has pretty good speed and does a good job on short and intermediate routes. Has a knack for finding soft spots in the zone. A solid blocker that doesn't dominate but has good strength and gives good effort. Can make plays after teh catch due to his physical running style. Cons: He's not going to stretch the field on the next level. Lacks the size and power as a blocker that you like in an inline tight end. Doesn't have great upside. Overview: Benefits from his past expeirence as a wideout as it shows in his ability to catch passes from the tight end position. He's best suited to play the H-back position on the next level. He's a solid guy that because of his toughness and sort of squat build reminds me of Alge Crumpler. I think he's an underrated blocker much like Randy McMichael was entering the league, and he'll be more than fine if he plays a more traditional tight end role up on the line of scrimmage. He was John David Booty's only reliable target this year which is why his stock rose significantly since the start of the season. NFL Forecast: I think he's going to be a solid pro, but I don't think he has the long-term upside of an elite tight end. He's the type of guy that may wind up breaking records, but it'll be due more to longevity than skill. I'd put his production cap probably around 40 catches a year, but obviously if he can play 8-10 years with that level of production, it's going to be significant. If a team wants a solid, steady, tight end, Davis is their man. The ideal fit for him is in a Ben Watson-like role where there already is a Daniel Graham on the roster. Value: A solid second round pick. Kellen Davis 6'6" 256 Michigan State Senior 40: 4.60 Pros: Good athlete with good size and lots of potential. Gets a good release off the line and has the speed to stretch the field. Cons: Still very raw with average hands and runs sloppy routes. Lacking as a blocker. Overview: He's more athlete than player. Some feel that tight end is not his best position. He split time at tight end and defensive end this past year, and some see him in that role or as an outside linebacker in the 24

6 NFL. And I don't think I'd disagree with anyone that felt that way. NFL Forecast: I think he's too raw and too much of a project to think too highly of his NFL career. If he can go to a team that is committed to working with him on refining his technique, then he might be something very good four or five years down the road. Otherwise, he's a guy that is going to have to make his name on special teams. If NFL Europa still existed, I think he'd be a perfect candidate to send overseas for a spring or two to let them do most of his development. As a defensive player, you like his athleticism, but he'll need work there as well. Whether he plays offense or defense, I can't see him making an impact in the first two or three years in the league, and it'll be hard for a team to justify leaving a roster spot open that long if the production isn't there to back it up. A smart coach is going to work him on both offense and defense in his first NFL mini-camp, and whichever side he shows the most aptitude for should be where he plays. Value: I'd definitely take a flyer on him in round six or seven, but I'd probably label his position as "ATH" in my team's media guide. Joe Jon Finley 6'6" 252 Oklahoma Senior 40: 4.81 Pros: Has good blocking potential that can be very good at times in sealing off edge and driving defender back. Has decent speed and gets a pretty good release due to his size more so than burst. Cons: Has only adequate hands. Not going to stretch the field, and is not a dominant blocker...yet. Overview: Although his blocking still needs refinement, he fits the bill of what I'd call a blocking tight end. His receiving skills are adequate that he can start in the NFL, but he'll be an Anthony Becht or Mark Bruener-type starter as opposed to a player like Kyle Brady in his heyday. NFL Forecast: I think he could be a decent starter for a team that really only wants its tight end to block. Otherwise, he'll be a nice backup assuming he refines his blocking technique and gets a little bit stronger. He ever caught more than 20 passes in a season, I'd be shocked. He'll only be a last resort option in the passing game on the next level although due to his height he might be somewhat a factor in the redzone. Value: Worth a fifth rounder for a team looking for a starter that blocks primarily, otherwise he's a sixth round pick. Joey Haynos 6'8" 264 Maryland Senior 40: 4.79 Pros: Is tall with a good frame that shows good ability as a blocker. Has decent speed that works best underneath. Does a good job as a run blocker because he keeps his feet moving and can hold his own in pass protection out on the edge. Cons: Won't be a threat to stretch the field. Only has adequate hands. Could probably use some more muscle to fill out his frame. Due to his height, also can get a bit high at times as a blocker. Overview: He'll stand out in a crowd due to his height, but other than that he's nothing special. Is a pure blocking tight end. NFL Forecast: He's not going to be a significant factor in the passing game, maybe catching 15 or so passes a year. Although his height does make him an intriguing target in the red zone, but his hands are far from reliable enough that I'd consider him a go-to option there. His potential will be how good of a blocker he can be. I think if he can fill out his frame to around 270 or so, he could make an impact as a No. 2 guy. I also wouldn't be surprised if some teams try to bulk him up and convert him to offensive tackle, where he could be used in a role as an extra tackle in max protect sets. But he'll never be a starter, and he'll provide good depth somewhere, but that's the best you can hope for. Value: Worth a seventh round pick, but that's it. 25 Doug Jones 6'4" 266 Cincinnati Senior 40: 4.90 Pros: A massive blocker that has some potential there. Can also play as a lead blocker at fullback. Shows good strength and pop as a blocker. Cons: Not as physical as you would expect someone his size to be. Not much of a factor in passing game. Lacks speed. Overview: Plays a combo H-back/fullback role for the Bearcats, and could fit a similar niche on a team in the NFL. NFL Forecast: He's the type of guy that if NFL teams could carry 60 guys on their roster, I'd think he could stick. But he'll be hard-pressed making a 53-man roster. A nice niche guy that I would love to have as a massive lead blocker in goalline situations. I'm sure a guy like Belichick would find a way to use him. His only other chance of sticking is on a team looking for a blocker that can function as a third tackle on the line of scrimmage. His upside is limited, and outside those two small niches, he won't be a factor. The type of guy that I could see having a long career in the Arena leagues, but will be hard-pressed to have an impact in the NFL. Value: Bring him to camp as an undrafted guy at least for a look see. Dustin Keller 6'2" 238 Purdue Senior 40: 4.55 Pros: Has some deep speed, but best on the short and intermediate routes. Has good hands. Gives good effort as a blocker. Cons: Not as fast as he times. Despite good size and frame, he needs to get bigger and stronger. Very average blocker despite effort and can't be trusted on line of scrimmage. Overview: Keller tested very well at the Combine, but he's not as good as his workout would indicate. He's a solid H-back type that if he can bulk up to around 255 or 260 could make a solid tight end, but he's nothing special. NFL Forecast: If he can put on weight, I think he'll be fine as a blocker, although it'll never be a strength of his. But he'll be good enough that teams won't worry about him being overwhelmed on the line of scrimmage. I think he'll be a solid producer on offense, especially if he can go to an offense that likes to throw the ball a lot. On a team like Indianapolis, he'd be a perennial Pro Bowler. But I think he's a bit overrated because of his Combine workout and unless he goes to an offense like the Colts he won't be close to being one of the best of this class. Value: Would make a good third round pick, but it wouldn't be a reach if he sneaked into the end of the second round. Martin Rucker 6'5" 249 Missouri Senior 40: 4.71 Pros: Has solid hands and plays very well when he's lined up outside or in the slot. Has good strength and can make plays after the catch with his running ability. Does a good job getting a release off the line of scrimmage and can stretch defenses vertically. Cons: Blocking needs work, particularly inline. Too lanky in his build and it hurts his blocking ability. Overview: At this point, he's an oversized receiver in Missouri's spread offense that is still raw as a blocker. This is why many experts don't have him graded as high. But in the right offense, that is willing to line him up wide and as an H-back, he'd be a very potent weapon. NFL Forecast: If put in the right offense, Rucker is one of those tight ends that could catch 80+ passes in a season. But he's raw at this point, and is probably a few years and several pounds away from improving his blocking abilities to the point where he's acceptable. He'll never be an elite blocker, as he'll always focus his energies in the passing game, but if he can produce to the level I think he's capable, no one is going to care too much that he's an average blocker. A team that already has a blocking tight end on the roster and will use a lot of two-tight end sets would be smart to pick him up.

7 Value: He's a first round talent for the right team, but more likely he should be a solid second rounder. Craig Stevens 6'4" 255 California Senior 40: 4.59 Pros: Good hands and does a good job making catches over the middle. Has a lot of potential as a blocker and does a pretty good job chipping and blocking on the edge in pass protection. Cons: Lacks deep speed. Needs to get stronger and improve his technique as a blocker. Overview: Stevens benefited from having a solid corps of receivers at California, which gave him increased opportunities, and he still only averaged 1.7 catches per game as a senior. He's a good option for a team looking for a guy with good potential as a blocking tight end. NFL Forecast: Another guy that will make his impact on the league as a blocker. He could be a nice last resort option in the passing game, capable of hauling in around 25 or so passes per game, but he'll be a fourth option at best. If he can improve as a blocker, he should make a capable starter for a team that looks for that in its starter. Compare him to Dan Campbell, whose career high as a receiver was 22 receptions in a season. Value: A middle round pick that I'd think about taking around the fifth round. Darrell Strong 6'4" 261 Pittsburgh Senior 40: 4.76 Pros: Has big frame, good strength, and solid hands. Uses strength well as a blocker and can overpower defenders and seal the edge. Has soft hands and does a good job playing the ball in the air and can make the tough grab. Works well in the middle of the field on underneath routes. Cons: Effort and focus are very questionable at times. Inconsistent. Lacks the speed to stretch the field. Weight may become an issue. Overview: Strong has a lot of upside, but was held back due to his own question effort and focus. If someone can light a fire under his belly, he could be a very good NFL player. NFL Forecast: It would not surprise me if five years from now, Strong emerges as the best receiver from this class. There are times when it seems like you're watching a poor man's Antonio Gates. But the majority of the time, it seems like he's just going through the motions. And my philosophy has always been that once an underachiever, always an underachiever. So I don't have high hopes for his future. At this point, I'd only take a chance on him being a backup. If he reaches his potential, he's the type of guy that can be a security blanket for some QB on the next level catching 50+ passes a year, and also be a top blocker. But if I'm a betting man, I don't see him reaching that potential, and if he does manage to last in the NFL, it'll likely be as a backup blocker. In that way, I think he could have a career similar to Jason Dunn. Value: His potential is too good to pass up in the draft, but you'd be better off drafting him in round six or seven, hoping that being passed over so many times puts a chip on his shoulder. 26

8 OFFENSIVE TACKLES Offensive tackle is the highest profile position on the offensive line. And understandably so because of the fact that unlike the other spots up front, they most often are left on an island. They are typically the biggest guys and also the most athletic. And because they are facing the team's best pass rushers more times than not, when they mess up everyone knows. Finding a quality left tackle is probably second only to quarterback in terms of difficulty. And while good tackle play is essential for offensive line success, teams often tend to overrate their value and put too much stock in them. Which is why you have some notable busts at the position in recent drafts. While people are touting this offensive tackle class, it's not really as deep as people think. It's pretty top heavy. But there aren't really any elite offensive tackles from what I've seen. Clady and Long are the only guys that I think really belong in the first round. Everyone else it would seem is benefiting for whatever reason, probably first and foremost the league's voracious hunger for any decent left tackle prospect. Honestly, I think Clady and Williams are probably the only two guys among this group that I have a strong feeling will be starting left tackles five years from now. Cherilus, Long, and Otah all would make better right tackles than left tackles although are good enough to play there if need be. Baker, I like, but I think his long-term future is probably at guard. And with Giacomini probably being the lone exception, the same could be said about the rest of the group. Don't get me wrong, it's a good crop of players and decent starting tackles are hard to come by. But someone is lying to you if they talk up this class as "great" or "very deep." It's not. Sam Baker 6'5" 308 Southern Cal Senior 40: 5.50 Pros: Has excellent feet and quickness in pass protection. A solid technician that gets by off technique moreso than strength. Capable cut blocker. Cons: Not as physical as you would want in a run blocker. Doesn't have size or strength to blow defenders off the ball. Has short arms. Overview: Baker would make a solid left tackle in a zone-blocking scheme that emphasizes finesse over power. Otherwise, he's probably destined to play inside due to his short arms. NFL Forecast: It's hard to forecast Baker on the next level. I believe he's got the quickness, footwork, and technique to stick at left tackle. But how good will he be? I'm not sure. He'd be a solid starter for a team like Denver, but for another zone-blocking team, I'm not so sure. I honestly like his future better at guard since due to his shorter arms, I think he'll be more effective in short area. I'm not sure if footwork and technique alone will be a match for the speed rushers of the NFL. Although I wouldn't bet against Baker's work ethic to prove me wrong. Essentially, I think he's a tweener that should have a productive NFL career, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him overmatched on the outside. Value: A nice solid second round pick because he doesn't quite have a position. Kirk Barton 6'5" 311 Ohio State Senior 40: 5.01 Pros: Has good strength and toughness, especially in the short area. Solid run blocker that is physical and has a mean streak. Cons: Lacks footwork and technique in pass protection. Despite strength, won't dominate in ground game and needs to use his hands better. Not explosive out of his stance and gets poor depth on his drops in pass protection. Overview: Barton played right tackle for the Buckeyes, but NFL ends would eat him alive. If he played on a zone-blocking team he might be a decent backup at that position. But his future is inside. NFL Forecast: If a team moves him inside to right guard, I think he can be an effective starter. I don't ever see him being great, but I think he can be a pretty solid guy that will earn his paycheck clearing holes in the ground game. But he's probably a few years away from that, as he needs to refine his technique. Never will be a good pass protector, whether he plays inside or outside, but will be able to get by if he sticks at guard. Right now, I'd consider Barton more of a backup than a starter. But I think in time, he'll work his way into the starting lineup. Value: A good pickup in round five or six. Duane Brown 6'4" 309 Virginia Tech Senior 40: 5.03 Pros: Has decent feet and good strength, so he is decent in pass protection. Blocks well on the move and shows good athleticism. A good drive blocker that is most effective in a short area. Cons: Will struggle with speed rushers on the next level. Doesn't have ideal size or strength to play OT on the next level. Overview: Brown played both tackle spots at VT and was effective in both roles. But he projects better to guard in the NFL. NFL Forecast: If he moves inside to guard, I think he can be a capable starter. He can stick at tackle, but probably only as a reserve on the right side. He'd be eaten alive as a left tackle in pass protection. He'll earn his paychecks as a run blocker. Right now, I see him as a very good backup guard or a pretty good starter. Will be most effective in a zone-blocking scheme, but has the strength and toughness to play inside in a powerblocking scheme. Value: As a guard, he's worth a fifth round pick. As a tackle, he's a sixth rounder at best. Gosder Cherilus 6'8" 317 Boston College Senior 40: 5.00 Pros: Has pretty good feet and gets good base in pass protection. Uses his arms well to shield away defenders. Is a willing cut blocker and mobile enough to get to the second level. Cons: Not as athletic as you want and won't be much of a factor blocking on the second level. Lacks pop in the run game and won't overpower defenders. Struggles at times against speed rushers. Doesn't have the ideal mean streak. Overview: Would be labeled as a pass-protecting right tackle. Seemed natural at RT, but struggled at times against top competition this past year at LT. NFL Forecast: Cherilus is good enough to play either side of the line on the next level. But I think he'd be less effective on the left side, that would continually be abused by premier rush ends. Ideally, he could play right tackle for a team that features a southpaw quarterback. Despite size, he'll never be a good run blocker. Has the versatility to play in either a zone or man scheme, and I don't think it'll really matter which he plays in. I don't see him being a star, but a capable starter. Value: A good middle second round value because good starting tackles are hard to come by. 27