Outside predraft comments on our Picks

[painekiller]

JJ Watt

JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
TALENT BOARD
Round 1

STRENGTHS
JJ has the size, strength, foot quickness and football intelligence to be an impact defensive player for the team that drafts him. He has a variety of moves to get himself free, get into the backfield and disrupt a running play or passing play. JJ can play in any style defense, inside or outside. He is a smart player and understands situational football. He shows leadership skills in his play on the field and makes the players around him better. JJ does a good job defending against the run at the college level. He can engage, shed blocks and make the tackle with the best of them. JJ loves to rush the passer and has a quick first step and burst off the line. He fights through double teams and triple teams to get pressure on the QB. If you try to block him on passing downs with a single block, JJ will make you pay and then he will make a play. JJ reminds me a lot of Chris Long (DE Rams) who was the #2 draft choice in the 2008 draft.

CONCERNS
JJ has trouble changing directions, which will limit his ability to play as a pure pass rusher in a 4-3 defense. He has an excellent burst off the line of scrimmage and quick hands, but doesn't keep using those skills until he gets to the QB in the pocket. Don't get me wrong: the effort never stops, but his techniques do after his first initial move off the line of scrimmage. This has to do with a lack in confidence in his balance and change of direction skills. Right now, he does not shed blocks quickly enough to make the tackle in the hole on the running game for the next level. He also plays too high in 2 gap situations and will be moved off the line at the next level easily. These are techniques issues that with time, JJ will work through without a problem.

BOTTOM LINE
JJ will not get any better staying at the college level. He needs some time to work through the bad habit of just using athletic talent and strength to defeat his opponent. He has to learn to use all of his techniques until the whistle. Right now, he will burst off the line using his athletic abilities and techniques and once he gains the advantage, he follows through with his talent; however, he forgets to continue to use his hands and techniques. JJ is the type of player you have to draft high and then wait for his work ethic and techniques to click in with his athletic talents. Once that happens, in most cases, you get a Pro Bowl defensive end. I do think that 3-4 teams will rate JJ Higher than 4-3 teams because JJ is better rushing the passer from the inside than he is coming from the outside. JJ is athletic enough to rush from a stand up position and he can fall back in the short zones to defend against the pass. As long as JJ goes north and south, he gets wherever he wants to go on the field very quickly. When he changes direction is the area in which he needs to learn some new techniques to mask his lack of change of direction skills. JJ also has a lot to learn in defending against the run. He is just way too high and does not indentify were the ball is quickly enough to shed his block and make a play. Right now, he is trying to use just strength to defeat his opponent and this will not do at the next level. You need more than just effort and strength at the next level. I think JJ will do it and become a complete defensive lineman given the time to progress and some really good coaching. There is too much potential not to draft JJ at any point in this draft especially if your team uses a 3-4 defense. In a 3-4 defense, JJ could be something special. JJ Watts...he never stops.
The BS Detector
Drew Boylhart Feb/11 thehuddlereport.com

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Overview

Few players transfer from a Mid-American Conference program like Central Michigan to a Big Ten program like Wisconsin after one season. Even fewer change positions during transfer redshirt seasons and become starters. Watt may be the only one in recent memory to become an All-American, consensus All-Big Ten pick and Lott IMPACT Trophy winner in that situation because of his tackles for loss, sacks and three blocked kicks.

The all-state pick from suburban Milwaukee took a scholarship offer from CMU and played in every game at tight end as a true freshman (eight catches, 77 yards). After the season he transferred back to Wisconsin and redshirted as a walk-on while dominating practices enough to be named the team's defensive scout player of the year. He received a scholarship and started all 13 games as a sophomore for the Badgers, making 15.5 of his 44 behind the line of scrimmage, 4.5 sacks and five passes defensed.

Some teams might consider Watt an inside-outside 'tweener. With additional strength training, he is a prime candidate to play the five-technique position in the 3-4 base defense. His combination of size, hustle and intelligence could land him a spot in the top 40 overall selections.
Analysis

Pass rush: Relentless rushing the passer in obvious passing situations whether lined up inside or outside. Gets extra attention from opponents. Most dangerous when anticipating the snap and swimming over guards/centers inside. Spins off blocks to get outside after initial contact or pushes through doubles inside. Gets his hands into throwing lanes, using his height and length to knock down or affect passes. Nimble feet allow him to twist inside. Bounces back after initial contact, keeps his balance to find the ballcarrier. Knocks tight end off route before making his rush. Often lined up outside the tackle, can bull-rush and get corner at times against college right tackles but needs to continue improving his flexibility to beat NFL blockers.

Run defense: Active against the run. Able to stack and shed to get to outside runs, and is strong and agile enough to move down the line to be involved in inside runs. Displays some nice change-of-direction ability for his size to mirror ballcarriers trying to elude. Gives very good effort containing misdirection and bootlegs on the edge, though quicker NFL ballcarriers will beat him to the edge. When inside, has quickness to penetrate and gets his hands up quickly to maintain distance from the blocker but fails to keep his body square to the line and gets pushed out of the play.

Explosion: Flashes quickness off the snap and willingness to pop and knock back opponents. Able to penetrate gaps with a nice first step and works through double-teams with aggressiveness when lined up inside. Has enough closing speed to explode into ballcarriers and force fumbles. Doesn't have the typical explosive first step of most rush ends because of his girth and lack of ideal height. He is considered an explosive player on every down because he has arguably the strongest punch and most effective hands in the class.

Strength: Flashes strength to shed blocks and bull through double teams, but must gain muscle in both his upper and lower body to hold his ground at the next level. Can be pushed off the line by double teams, typically when turned sideways. Works with his hands against blockers, looks to potentially be good in this area. Can play too high when lined up inside to win the leverage battle.

Tackling: High-effort tackler with long arms and growing strength. Gets low despite his height to mirror and wrap up ballcarriers. Quarterbacks do not want to feel his explosive tackling in the backfield. Doesn't leave his feet, though he stretches to make a lot of ankle tackles other linemen couldn't make.

Intangibles: Excellent character and work ethic. Won the Lott IMPACT Award for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity among college defenders. Began the Justin J. Watt Foundation to help schools fund athletic programs, does quite a bit of community work. Academic All-Big Ten in 2009 and 2010. Brother Derek is scheduled to play football at UW in 2011.

Compares to: Adam Carriker, Redskins -- People were impressed with Watt's combine performance, but scouts saw very similar results from Carriker four years ago. Carriker seemed to fit Washington's 3-4 scheme well in 2010, so Watt's career might get off on the right foot if he can find a similar situation.

--Chad Reuter

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[painekiller]

Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed LB/DE Arizona


TALENT BOARD

Round 2



STRENGTHS

Brooks has good size, speed and burst to the play to make impact plays for the team that drafts him. He never stops working and is a head up, wrap up, squeeze and drive tackler. He shows a great burst off the line to rush the passer and quickness to change direction and the speed to chase players down from behind. He shows leadership skills through his play on the field and has solid football instincts. He is a smart player who understand situational football. Brooks has some nice pass rush techniques because he played as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, but at times, was used to fall off the line into coverage and looks to have the agility to be used as a OLB in a 3-4 defense. Brooks looks like he will be a good zone coverage OLB in a 3-4 defense. With his natural quickness and speed off the line in pass rush situations, in the very near future he could be an impact player if he is drafted by the right team and the right system.



CONCERNS

Brooks is a pass rusher who needs to refine and gain more mature pass rushing moves to impact at the next level if he wants to stay as a 4-3 defensive end. He will have to show at the combine that he has the agility in the linebacker skills to play as a OLB in a 3-4. He is stiff in the hips and not as flexible as a lot of other pass rushing LB's in this draft, but right now he is one of the best. Give him some time and with his work ethic, this kid will impact big time for the team that drafts him.



BOTTOM LINE

You go ahead and draft Von Miller. I'll take this kid as I bet Brooks outplays Von at the next level. You know why I think that? I think that because Brooks outplays Von right now at the college level! Von is more athletic, but he doesn't play better. Now some will say that Von has more room to grow, but for me, the question is whether or not Von has the work ethic and football intelligence to grow. I know Brooks does. Brooks has the potential to impact like Tedy Bruschi did for the Patriots. Tedy was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1996 draft. He played as a down lineman for Arizona also and was drafted and used in the first year by the Patriots as a pass rush specialist/special teams player, where his impact was noticed by his team and opponents alike. The next year Tedy was used as an OLB and then was moved to ILB and became the leader of the defense. I feel drafting Brooks gives you a pass rush specialist who will impact for you if you bring him along just like Tedy was by the Patriots. Now I know all of you think that Brooks looks like Clay Matthews, so he might be as good as Clay Mathews, but Clay had a lot more mature pass rushing techniques and plays bigger than Brooks does. In spite of that, I think drafting the next potential Tedy Bruschi is not bad at all. This kid will be a core player, a fan favorite and a leader for your team. That should be good enough.
The BS Detector
Drew Boylhart Mar/11

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Player Rankings
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04/04/2011 - Top linebacker prospects: 4. Brooks Reed, Arizona, 6-3, 263, 2 Reed worked out with the defensive linemen at the combine, but he projects best to outside linebacker in a 3-4. He only enhanced that probability with a 4.65 40, which was faster than 18 of the 24 linebackers tested in Indy. That included a position-best 1.54-second 10-yard split among defensive linemen, showing his explosive first step. Reed isn't quite as athletic as Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, but he does change directions with fluidity and impressed in positional drills at the combine and the Senior Bowl. The three-year starter closed his career with 114 tackles and 17 sacks and was first-team All-Pac-10 in 2010. - Jeff Reynolds, The Sports Xchange

Full Brooks Reed News Wire
Overview

Reed has been an active part of one of the best pass rushes in college football for the past two years, but is a bit of an end/outside linebacker 'tweener as an NFL prospect. He's slightly undersized for a 4-3 end and lacks the fluid hips for assignments like open-field tackles and man coverage against tight ends as a 3-4 linebacker. However, the NFL will get effort, hustle and quickness off the snap at either position.
Analysis

Positives: Three-year starter at end is a combination of effort, hustle and quickness off the snap. Could get a look as a 4-3 end, but is also well suited for outside linebacker in a 3-4. Stays low, runs well and is relentless in pursuit. Powerful bull rush and a quality speed rush. Consistent and strong tackler, can deliver the big hit. Contributes on special teams. Smart in the classroom, fiery leader on the field - top intangibles.

Negatives: Appears a bit stiff in the hips and doesn't change directions well. Has bull and speed rushes and an OK spin move as pass rush techniques - that's it. Spin move is the double-move. Doesn't disengage from blocks effectively. Did not fare well against better competition. While effort is good, isn't very effective as a lineman against the run, and can be overpowered and washed. Doesn't have a lot of experience in pass coverage.
--Brad Noel

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[painekiller]

Brandon Harris

Brandon Harris CB Miami


TALENT BOARD

Round 3



STRENGTHS

Brandon has good athletic talent. He shows on film decent speed and does a solid job supporting the run. Brandon has nice tackling skills and works well in zone coverage. He has a long stride and has good make up speed. Brandon wants to be the top dog of the defensive backs on his team, which is not a bad thing. Brandon looks like he has a good work ethic, gives excellent effort on every play and stands up to a challenge. This attitude will serve him well at the next level.



CONCERNS

Right now, Brandon has a lot of technique work to do and he must get stronger. Brandon looks into the backfield on every play no matter if he is in zone or man coverage, which will be a big problem at the next level. He allows separation because his head is turned looking into the backfield. He is being used by his college team as their top corner and this has given Brandon a false sense of his true talents. He wants to be a ball hawk, but unfortunately, he lets up on too many big plays. He will be susceptible to falling, tripping and penalties as well as stop and go pass routes among many other problems because he looks into the backfield at the snap of the ball. He hasn't learned how to read routes or wide receivers and will be easily set up for the big play by smarter wide receivers and quarterbacks. I also don't see the quick twitch and hip flip that a true top corner has to have to be considered, in my opinion, a 1st round selection. Brandon has a good attitude and I suspect that after he gets burned and benched, he will learn to be coachable and could turn into a solid #2 CB for some team...eventually.



BOTTOM LINE

It's real simple: there is talent here, but the techniques are so bad that I have to wonder who was coaching him at the college level or if Brandon is coachable. When you have talent, you can get away with bad techniques at the college level. In Miami's bowl game against Notre Dame, Brandon got abused like butter on lobster. It really showed me what I had been thinking all year about this kid. It showed me that this kid has a lot of issues that need to be corrected along with adding strength so that he can tackle better. But to his credit, he never got down on himself and he continued with good effort the whole game, which makes me feel that Brandon does have the potential to succeed...eventually.
The BS Detector
Drew Boylhart Feb/11

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03/28/2011 - Miami Pro day: Brandon Harris, CB - Harris (5-9 1/2, 194) posted a 34 1/2 vertical and stood on his combine numbers otherwise. He was strong in positional workouts, and is in line to be drafted near the bottom of the first or top of the second round. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Full *Brandon Harris News Wire
Overview

Harris' Hurricanes career didn't start or end according to plan, but he still has an excellent chance to be the next in a long line of Miami defensive backs to be selected in the first round.

Highly recruited out Miami's Booker T. Washington High School, he was coached by his father and 2007 USA Today National Coach of the Year, Tim Harris, who was a four-time All-American track star for the Hurricanes. Brandon Harris didn't have as much immediate success, struggling to produce big plays and getting picked on a bit when he was thrown into the fire as a freshman.

He used that experience to bounce back with an excellent 2009 season, ranking second in the country and leading the ACC with 15 passes defensed. With opponents reluctant to throw his way last year, Harris registered a modest 48 tackles, eight pass breakups and one interception.

More important, a season Harris said he and his 2008 classmates should dedicate to Randy Shannon turned out to be highly disappointing. When the dust settled, Miami was 7-6, Shannon was fired and Harris opted to declare a year early for the NFL Draft.

"Every year, my confidence rose," said Harris. "I'm at the point right now, my confidence is so high and I believe in myself a ton."

Like every good cornerback, that self confidence remains despite a rough outing in his final game for the Hurricanes. In a 33-17 Sun Bowl loss to Notre Dame, Harris had coverage responsibility on several of wide receiver Michael Floyd's six catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

"In the game of football, plays are going to be made," said Harris. "You're either going to learn from it or you're going to decrease as a player. I think it helped me more mentally to go out and evaluate it and give me something else to work on."
Analysis

Read & React: Quick to recognize run and does a nice job of coming up in support. Reads the body language of the receiver and is typically in good position to a make a play on the ball due to his instincts and standout athleticism. Rarely out of position, especially when playing man to man. Does a nice job of focusing on his receiver rather than peeking into the backfield, though this leads to fewer interceptions than he'd have if he "cheated" more.

Man Coverage: Better in man to man coverage than zone due to his pure athleticism. Quick feet, loose hips, good balance and outstanding speed to remain in the hip pocket of his opponent. Doesn't back down from the challenge of playing bigger receivers. Keys on the receiver and gets his head around late. Quick hands to knock passes away, but doesn't have the time to locate the football, leading to more PBUs than INTs.

Zone Coverage: Improved his overall recognition as a junior, but remains a better man to man corner than zone defender. Good feel for where receivers are around him, but can get flat-footed and savvy QBs can "push" him laterally, opening up holes for receivers to expose. Generally a reliable open-field tackler, but isn't a punisher.

Closing/Recovery: Possesses outstanding game speed, including a late burst to recover if beaten initially. Can plant and drive downhill on the ball. Good recognition to know when he's beat and to make the tackle and when he has a chance to break up the pass or go for the interception. Times his collisions well so he doesn't draw the flag. Times his leaps well to compete for jump passes and shows good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball as the receiver is attempting to secure it. Doesn't turn enough PBU's into interceptions, however, only securing four despite 26 passes defensed over his career.

Run Support: Recognizes run quickly and isn't afraid to come up in support. Good agility and flashes physicality to break free from receiver blocks. Maintains his containment responsibility and will force the back inside. Isn't a physical tackler, too often resorting to duck and swipe techniques, but gets the man on the ground.

Tackling: A reliable open-field tackler, but isn't always pretty doing it. Has a tendency to lead with his shoulder and/or lunge at the defender, resulting in some precarious tackles. Flashes the ability to deliver a pop, but relies too much on arm tackles. Has to do a better job of wrapping up the ballcarrier, though important to note that he did not miss a tackle on the games reviewed. Occasionally asked to blitz off the edge. Times the blitz well, shows good closing speed and the wherewithal to strip the football. Did take a terrible angle on a big play by Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd in the Sun Bowl.

Intangibles: Passionate and accountable. Quoted as saying that he and his classmates (2008 signing class) should dedicate their 2010 season to head coach Randy Shannon and that they were largely to blame for Miami's inconsistency. (Despite Harris' words, Shannon was ultimately fired.) Ran track for Miami as a freshman in the 60 meter (indoor), 400 meter (outdoor) and 4x400 meter (both). Good bloodlines. Coached in high school by his father, Tim Harris, USA Today's National Coach of the Year (2007). His brother, Tim, Jr. was a four-time All-American in track for Miami. Only needs to serve a two-month internship to earn his bachelor's degree in Business.

Compares to: Phillip Buchanon, Redskins - Will Harris equal the sum of his parts? Like Buchanon, another former Hurricane, he's an excellent athlete who needs some technique work to produce more game-chaning plays.

--Rob Rang

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[painekiller]

Rashad Carmichael

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03/25/2011 - Virginia Tech Pro day: Every team was represented at Virginia Tech's March 17 pro day, where 17 players worked out. CB Rashad Carmichael (5 10 1/4, 189) ran 4.43 and 4.45 in the 40, had a 4.15 short shuttle, 33 vertical and 10-1 broad jump. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Full Rashad Carmichael News Wire
Overview

Carmichael possesses the instincts and awareness to be an effective contributor in a zone defensive scheme, but thus far has not shown the physicality and aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage necessary to succeed as an every-down press coverage corner at the next level.

Despite shortcomings in man coverage, his sub-4.4 speed and ability to play the ball make him a legitimate mid-round candidate who can provide nickel support and solid depth in a Cover 2-type of zone scheme, while bringing some explosive big-play ability to the field.
Analysis

Positives: Explosive, rangy athlete with nice acceleration and top-end speed. Lanky and slender, but isn't afraid to go for the big hit. Fearless tackler willing to engage bigger backs and receivers head-on. Gets his head around in coverage and adjusts his body nicely to the ball in the air. Has a second gear that allows him to correctively close gaps between himself and receivers who have gained separation. Light-footed, smooth backpedal maintaining still head and upper body. Displays good awareness of both the quarterback's eyes and receiver location when playing off in zone coverage. Gets his hands up quickly to make plays on balls that he may get his head around late on. Keeps his eyes in the backfield and shows good zone discipline when defending the run.

Negatives: Struggles to get his hands on opposing receivers and create disruptive contact at the line of scrimmage when playing press. Doesn't crowd receivers enough in man coverage, often leaving an unnecessary cushion of space both off the line and downfield, thus allowing the receiver room to maintain balance and keep route accuracy. Tends to slow up when turning out of his backpedal and running upfield, often leaving himself in a "catch up" situation with his assigned receiver. When reacting to slant routes underneath in zone coverage, doesn't get a quick enough first step to consistently meet the ball at the receiver. Puts himself in good position to make tackles against the run, but tends to wait on the ballcarrier rather than drive through him, thus leaving him vulnerable to jukes and cutbacks. Displays very poor tackling technique when engaging the ballcarrier at times, tending to lock his knees and lead with his head.

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[painekiller]

Shiloh Keo

Shiloh Keo S Idaho


TALENT BOARD

Round 2



STRENGTHS

Shiloh has the aggressiveness and the leadership ability you look for in a safety to impact at the next level. He is tough as nails and has the football instincts to strike in lightning-quick fashion like Bob Sanders (S Colts). Shiloh is very smart and understands situational football. He has a presence out on the field that everyone who plays with him, coaches him, coaches against him and plays against him sees and respects. Shiloh will impact as a starting safety and be your team's featured player on all special teams units. He has very quick feet and is a head up, wrap up, squeeze and drive tackler. He leads by example and makes the players around him better by example. He is a team player all the way. In spite of what I have just written, I suspect that Shiloh (Nails) Keo would need a search dog assigned to every team in this draft to find him and draft him in the first three rounds.



CONCERNS

Shiloh is too small, too slow and not athletic enough play his position at the next level. He has to play at such a high level of destruction that injuries will be a concern. All of this said, if your team doesn't draft him and has to play against him in the same division, I pity your team.



BOTTOM LINE

As I stated, Shiloh is undersized, slow and too limited athletically to play his position at the next level. However, when he is on the field, he is a difference maker and your team's defense takes on a whole different persona. It becomes vicious and calculating in it's thinking and execution. Your defense becomes unpredictable. Wide Receivers catch the ball with one eye looking into the line of scrimmage and the other eye looking out to the defensive backfield. In a two-deep zone, running backs will do anything to run to the other side of the field from Shiloh only to be tackled for losses and short gains. This kid will be in the head of a QB and an offensive coordinator a week before the game. He is the type of player that an offense has to game plan for in both the run and the pass games. Bob Sanders (S Colts) was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft. When he was on the field, the Colts' defense was a different defense and he was responsible for that. Shiloh has that same ability. His instincts, quickness, football intelligence and do anything attitude for the team makes a huge difference. Draft this kid in any round and I know you will never be sorry. He is the type of kid that if you asked him to go into the game and play nose guard in a 3-4 defense, he would do it and make an impact play. Using the two board system, you will see that Shiloh (Nails) Keo might not be drafted until the later rounds. The good news is that this will not change his impact the day after you draft him. He will impact for your team like a player who was selected in the 2nd round. That's the round I would look very hard at drafting Shiloh. This kid is a football player. He is not a track star trying to play football...he is just a football player. You know what you're drafting with this kid. He is a fighter, a leader. Shiloh strikes me as the type of person who helps others and goes towards the catastrophe to do just that instead of running to save himself. He is tough as nails and will hold up your defense when others can't. That's what I see on the film when I watch this kid play. I see Bob Sanders.
The BS Detector
Drew Boylhart March/11

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03/15/2011 - Idaho Pro day: Defensive back Shiloh Keo (5-11 3/8, 216) clocked the 40 in 4.66 and 4.68, had a 34-inch vertical leap, 9-9 broad jump, and stood on his short shuttle and bench press results from last month's NFL Scouting Combine. He was a top performer in both events. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Full Shiloh Keo News Wire
Overview

At under 6 feet tall but a solid 215 pounds, Keo looks the part of a future NFL defensive back. He did a little bit of everything with the Vandals, as Keo's ability to impact the game as a big-hitter and ball-hawk on defense as well as a special teams defender and returner made him a WAC standout from the beginning.

He has flaws in his game that could be exposed against NFL speed. A team will fall in love with his toughness and leadership and take a gamble on him in the late rounds. To make it in the pro game, Keo will need to impress early on special teams and convince a club that his penchant for big plays make up for his lack of ideal agility and speed in coverage.
Analysis

Positives: Good bulk and strength for the position. Physical defender who isn't afraid to stick in his nose in the pile. Good team defender. Willing to take out the legs of charging offensive linemen and trust his teammates to make the easy tackle. Can be a physical tone-setter across the middle, providing heavy hits to unsuspecting receivers and backs. Enough athleticism to stick with most backs and tight ends in coverage. Versatile, gutty performer whose leadership on and off the field is respected by his teammates. Two-time team captain (2009, 2010) and served as the Special Teams captain in 2008. Strong special teams performer.

Negatives: Might lack the athleticism to handle coverage responsibilities in the NFL. Is a tough defender, but isn't particularly instinctive and doesn't possess the fluidity and straight-line speed to mask his lack of awareness. Can lay the big hit on an unsuspecting ballcarrier, but to do so generally has to leave his feet and has a tendency to duck his head and rely on the collision to knock the ballcarrier to the ground, rather than wrapping his arms securely.

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[painekiller]

T.J.. Yates

TJ Yates QB North Carolina


TALENT BOARD

Round 5



STRENGTHS

TJ is a smart QB who has the respect of his teammates and coaches and knows how to run the offense. He reminds me of John Kitna (QB Dallas Cowboys). He has good overall athletic talent and, when he has good players around him, he can be very effective. TJ plays well under center as well as playing in the shotgun. He seems to have a good understanding of the game; he reads defenses well and is smart enough to be trusted to call an audible. TJ plays a very mature game and seems to understand that not every play needs to be a succesful play for an offense to be effective. He has been very productive at the college level. TJ, in the right offense at the next level, could be a very productive and effect QB. I believe in a West Coast Offense, this kid could develop into a starting QB.



CONCERNS

Because of TJ 's lack of franchise arm strength, I think his selection in the draft may be limited to warm weather teams or dome teams that run the West Coast Offense (WCO). As he improves his mechanics and his arm gets stronger, he could be a pretty good QB for just about any team, but a team running the WCO will be the best fit for him.



BOTTOM LINE

This kid is very underrated and with the right players around him, he could easily be a starting QB for the team that drafts him. It might take some time, but the potential is there. Some teams will not rate TJ very high because he doesn't have that great arm. But other teams will see that TJ could be a very valuable player down the road and just maybe more than just a back-up. He also reminds me of Trent Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl playing for the Ravens in 2007. Trent was also the sixth pick in the 1st round of the 1994 draft. Trent struggled when playing for the Buccaneers and always seem to be signed by other clubs as a back-up QB. In spite of that, he always seemed to get on the field and be productive. It would not surprise me at all if TJ's career takes the same path because it seems in this draft he is not getting enough respect. If he can learn to get rid of the ball faster and make decisions quicker, he could become a better QB than Kitna or Dilfer. TJ has to be in the right situation for him to become productive, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the potential to impact at the next level.
The BS Detector
Drew Boylhart April/11

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04/09/2011 - Bryn Renner was the star of North Carolina's spring game for the second year in a row. But this time was different. He wasn't just a backup flinging the football around the field trying to make a name for himself. "To be honest, I was a lot more nervous because I was running with the" starters, Renner said. Renner, who is replacing four-year starter T.J. Yates at quarterback, completed 9 of 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. His 43-yard touchdown strike to Erik Highsmith was the major highlight of the day. The Tar Heels opted against a traditional spring game, instead playing a controlled scrimmage that lasted about 45 minutes on an overcast afternoon. No score was kept in front of a crowd of about 15,500 people. It was a stark contrast from last year's spring game, which took place in front of a crowd of 29,500 and was televised on ESPN. Renner passed for 184 yards and a score in that contest. He was just as sharp and just as excited this time. North Carolina coach Butch Davis described his new quarterback as "gregarious, passionate, hyper, high-strung." "That can be contagious," Davis said. "That's infectious. Everybody is like, 'Man, this guy is geeked up. He's ready to go.' So they want to play to the same level that he does. He's just got to realize that there are a lot of things that he's not ready to do yet, but he will if he'll keep working." Renner agreed. He cited his pre-snap reads and adjustments as areas he wanted to improve in the aftermath of the scrimmage. Renner also is looking for some comfort in his new role that will make him more like Yates, who had a knack for staying calm under pressure. "It's definitely something I need to control," Renner said. "I have a lot of energy. Sometimes it's kind of like nervous energy, but then other times it's like I'm just really excited to be out here and be a Carolina Tar Heel. I just have to channel it." - AP Sports

Full Bryn Renner News Wire
Overview

Despite starting the previous three seasons, Yates entered his senior campaign fighting with Bryan Renner for playing time. Not only did Yates win the job, he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors as one of the more improved quarterbacks in the country.

His maturity and mental toughness throughout a season most Tar Heel fans would rather forget is sure to impress NFL teams. For Yates to earn a shot in the NFL, teams will have to be impressed with his intangibles, because his lack of ideal arm strength and accuracy makes him tough to grade as anything more than a late-round consideration.
Analysis

Positives: Cerebral quarterback who does the little things well. Extends his arm and carries out the play-action fake well. Possesses enough mobility and pocket sense to feel the pressure coming, step up to avoid it and buy extra time for his receivers to separate. Understands the offense. Shows the confidence and recognition to move defenders with his eyes and make his progressive reads. Good accuracy in the short to intermediate zones. Consistently throws his receivers open on underneath routes. Not a legitimate scrambling threat, but will take what the defense gives him. Has made steady gains throughout his career. Emerged as the unquestioned leader of this team amid plenty of off-field turmoil.

Negatives: Might be maxed out. Doesn't possess the size, athleticism or arm strength most teams are looking for in a developmental prospect. Only average arm strength and accuracy outside of the hashes.

please feel free to add more analysis you have

[painekiller]

Derek Newton

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Overview

After a successful tour of duty with Hinds Community College, Newton transferred to Arkansas State, redshirted in 2008 and emerged as one of the elite blockers in the Sun Belt Conference.

A standout at right tackle, Newton earned second-team All-Sun Belt honors as a junior and first-team accolades in 2010. Newton has been able to beat SBC defenders with his size and athleticism, but needs refining in his technique and considerable time in the weight room to handle the right tackle role in the NFL. He shows enough foot quickness to remain outside, but isn't strong enough to put his long arms to good use. There is legitimate NFL talent here worthy of developing, but he will need time to grow as a pro.
Analysis

Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap. Gains depth immediately with an efficient kick-slide. Long arms to reach the defender. Good lateral agility and balance to mirror the defender. Plays on the balls of his feet and with his knees bent. Shows good flexibility and at least moderate core strength to handle the bull rush. Good quickness and agility to block on the move in the running game. Shows a burst upfield and can re-direct. Good trap blocker due to his quickness and arm length. Beats the defender off the snap and can turn and seal the edge. Good recognition. Points out the blitzing defender and makes at least some of the line calls for this offense.

Negatives: Quick first step back off the snap, but takes too sharp of an angle when dropping back, giving the defender the edge. Thin arms with only moderate strength; unable to control the defender despite getting his hands on him. Better as a seal blocker moving in space than a drive blocker. Lacks the strength and too often the pad level to knock defenders off the ball. Would like to see nastiness in his play. Seems content with dancing rather than dominating.

Cheta Ozougwu

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12/12/2010 - 2010 CONFERENCE USA FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM (COACHES): DL-Cheta Ozougwu, Sr., Rice, has been selected All-Conference USA First Team for the 2010 college football season as selected by the league's 12 head football coaches. Despite additional focus due to the loss of preseason All-CUSA pick Scott Solomon, Ozougwu finished the year with 54 tackles, and ranked among the league leaders with three forced fumbles. He totaled three sacks on the season, but lost two others when fumbles he forced while stripping the ball from the quarterback were recovered without a loss of yardage. He was also credited with 11 quarterback hurries. - Rice football

Full Cheta Ozougwu News Wire
Overview

A productive player and defensive leader for the Owls, Ozougwu finished a solid career at Rice with 43 consecutive starts. After focusing primarily on basketball in high school, Ozougwu showed steady improvement over his career and was rewarded with first-team All-Conference-USA honors as a senior.

As a true freshman, Ozougwu made his way into the starting lineup, finishing the year with 43 tackles, 2.5 for a loss. He racked up 39 tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2008, then stepped up a bit in his junior year with 61 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks, earning honorable mention all-conference honors. Last fall, Ozougwu was credited with 54 tackles, 6.0 for loss, 3.0 sacks and a career-high three forced fumbles, all on strips of the quarterback.

A solid wrap-up tackler with above-average intensity and strength at the point of attack, Ozougwu's lack of size and average athleticism make him an end-linebacker 'tweener in most scouts' eyes. He could be drafted in the late rounds by a team looking for him to move to strong-side linebacker (or add weight to play the five-technique) in a 3-4 scheme.
Analysis

Positives: Quick off the snap. Active with his hands, able to shed blockers when he maintains distance. Effective bull rusher, penetrates the line of scrimmage using strength when inside. Uses lower pad level to keep leverage on the outside. Very strong wrap up and arm tackler due to his upper-body strength. Moves quickly down the line when the play is away from him. Plays with high intensity and will fight hard until the whistle blows. Keeps his head up while fighting off blocks and has good awareness of backfield action. Good awareness when dropping into coverage. Nominated for AFCA All-Good Works Team in 2010.

Negatives: Only marginal athleticism for his position. Stands straight up after the snap. Does not change directions well, struggles to recover once his momentum takes him in the wrong direction. Lack of size keeps him from playing with a strong base, allowing linemen to knock him off balance and carry him away from the play. Limited repertoire of pass-rush moves; spin move is ineffective and fails to test inside lane. Can be fooled and is slow to react to misdirection. Does not own closing speed to chase down plays from behind.

--Jackson Boyd

feel free to add anymore analysis you have seen

[Arky]

Heard some expert (didn't catch the name) on the radio a few days ago saying that 4th round CB Rashad Carmichael might turn out to be better player than 2nd rounder, Brandon Harris....

The draft is kinda cool like that in that you never know who is going to blossom and who is not ...