Draft - Football Wiretap

Source: Raji Has Several Visits Upcoming

Jul 8, 2014 2:26 PM

Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji has multiple visits upcoming, according to a source. Raji is expected to be a high first-round pick in next month's NFL Draft. He will reportedly visit with the Jets, Buccaneers, Broncos, 49ers and Jaguars.

Pro Football Talk

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Source: OSU's Wells To Visit Several Teams

Jul 8, 2014 1:24 PM

Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is scheduled to meet with multiple NFL teams in the coming weeks, according to a source. The Broncos, Bengals, Cardinals, Chargers and Seahawks are among the teams he will reportedly visit.

Pro Football Talk

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Rob Myers Drawing Comparisons To Cooley

May 17, 2014 5:42 AM

Utah State tight end Rob Myers has been drawing comparisons to Washington's Chris Cooley. Myers missed the entire 2008 season due to injury, but was still invited to the NFL combine where he ran 4.63 and 4.58 in the 40.

NFL.com

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Draft Order To Change For Playoff Teams

Oct 31, 2014 4:34 PM

NFL owners voted on Wednesday to alter the draft order of picks Nos. 21 through 30 based on the teams' performance in the playoffs. Under the new draft order, which will take effect in 2010, the order of teams not in the playoffs is still based on record. However, for playoff teams there will be a reseeding based on how far the teams go in the playoffs.

ESPN

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Total Of 32 Compensatory Picks Handed Out

Oct 31, 2014 2:59 PM

A total of 32 compensatory choices in the 2009 NFL Draft were awarded to 16 teams on Monday, including four each to Cincinnati and Tennessee. Under terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. This season, the picks will be positioned within the third through seventh rounds based on the value of the free agents lost.

NFL.com

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Stafford Scored 38 On Wonderlic Test

May 11, 2014 8:40 AM

Georgia's Matthew Stafford set himself apart from the remainder of this year's quarterback class by scoring a 38 on the infamous Wonderlic test. USC's Mark Sanchez scored 28 and Kansas State's Josh Freeman 27, both acceptable numbers, but well below Stafford.

Chicago Tribune

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Tight End Cook Interviewed With 22 Teams

May 11, 2014 8:28 AM

South Carolina tight end Jared Cook told Scout.com that he had 22 formal interviews with NFL teams at the NFL Combine. The Cardinals, Ravens, Lions, Texans, Eagles, Titans and Seahawks were among the interested teams.

Scout.com

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Draft Format For Future Years Could Change

May 11, 2014 9:00 AM

A bylaw change to the order in which teams draft will be discussed and, if enacted, would change how teams draft. The competition committee proposes to keep the first through the 20th picks the same as they are now (based on teams' record from the previous season). But for the 12 playoff teams, the committee will propose a seeding process, based on the outcome of playoff games. "A team can win a playoff game and yet get to pick [in the draft] before the team it beat," said competition committee co-chairman Rich McKay. That's precisely what will happen next month, when the Colts, who lost to the Chargers in the playoffs, choose 27th, while San Diego picks 16th.

Newsday

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Josh Freeman's Draft Stock Is Improving

Oct 28, 2014 9:07 AM

A number of teams are showing interest in Kansas State's Josh Freeman, the most physically-gifted quarterback in this year's NFL Draft. Coaches from Tampa Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Seattle and St. Louis watched Freeman's pro day last Thursday. The Jets are expected to pick apart Freeman during a workout on Tuesday.

NFL.com

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2009 NFL Draft Big Board: Running Backs

Sep 3, 2014 8:17 PM

Updated 3/5/09 All the influx of talent over the past 2-3 drafts has left this underwhelming group in a similar position to the wide receivers in 2008. The three underclassmen at the top have game-changing potential, but in an over saturated market their value is diminished. It's highly possible there are no RBs taken in the first 20 picks, but where I really see the market impact is in rounds 2-3, where normally guys like Greene, the Browns, and Ringer would come off the board. That second and third tier crop might be waiting a lot longer than most people think on draft weekend. At the Combine, it appeared the RB class as a whole was victimized by a slow track. That was inconsistent with the WR class which ran on the same day, however. The 40-yard dash numbers here look artificially high for many prospects, but this is not a group noted for speed. 1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State. 6'1", 235 pounds, 4.59 40. Positives: Powerful north-south runner with great leg drive. Has tremendous acceleration for his large size. Makes arm tacklers look silly with his package of speed and power. Excellent burst out of cuts and off blocks. Runs with a purpose and doesn't shy from contact. Great all-around athlete with strong natural build. Squares his shoulders quickly and then takes them away from tacklers. Has an extra gear when being chased. Improved his pass protection in 2008 and developed into a solid cut blocker. Has adequate hands and runs precise routes in passing game. Negatives: Can be impatient, doesn't always wait for the hole to develop. Had a nagging toe injury that took away his explosiveness and it's the type of injury that can linger for years. Shows some tightness in his ankles and hips when running. Not the easiest guy to coach, both on the field and in the locker room. Needs to learn that sometimes a 2-yard gain is better than trying to turn every run into a long TD. Is not one of those backs who improves with more carries throughout a game. NFL Comparison: Larry Johnson before the Chiefs killed him. Forecast: 1st round, though it could be as high as #6 or as low as #31. The actual spot depends on how well he handles his toe, how mature he comes across in interviews, and what his OSU coaches and teammates say about him. 2. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia. 5'11", 217 pounds, 4.68 40. Positives: Physical grinder between the tackles with great balance and power. Finds small creases and powers through them with great vision and determination. Lowers his shoulders and drives his legs on contact. Has some ability to bounce outside, cuts very quickly at full speed. Exceptional ability to sift through traffic and fight through tackles, as good as any RB in the league in a phone booth. Reads and reacts to his blockers with an innate savvy. Great hands as a receiver, and he quickly identifies the correct route adjustment out of the backfield. Decent in pass protection. Mentally tough and confident. Has a good football IQ in terms of recognizing defenses and how to adjust to what the defense is trying to do. Has a real nice stiff arm. Negatives: Lacks top-end speed. Does not have great acceleration, relies on his strength and guile to avoid tackles. Often double-catches the ball as a receiver, doesn't consistently look the ball in or secure it quickly. Needs a couple of steps to get going and to find the hole, which means he needs a capable OL in front of him, a la Brandon Jacobs. NFL Comparison: Jamal Lewis with more wiggle. Forecast: Has 1st round skills, though his somewhat alarming lack of speed in Indy will keep him out of the top 20. In the 20-40 overall range. 3. Lesean McCoy, Pittsburgh. 5'10.5", 198 pounds, 4.45 40. Positives: Slippery, instinctive runner with a real nose for the big play and end zone. Has exceptional lateral quickness and cutting ability. Does a good job running with balance and keeps his feet in constant motion. Has the extra gear when being chased. Bounces off blocks with good vision. Crisp in route running out of the backfield. Not afraid to put his head down and plow for extra yards. Very good at making the first guy miss. Good toughness, both physically and mentally. Impressed at the Combine by soldiering through a real nasty bout with the flu that cost him 10-12 pounds. Confident in his ability and knows what he can and cannot do well. Negatives: Has a tendency to run a little upright. Relies on a jump step that leaves him vulnerable and kills momentum. Does not have elite long speed. Not a very effective blocker, though he generally identifies the correct read. Doesn't stick to his blocks, would rather chip and then flare out as a receiver. Will drop some balls and gives questionable effort on tough throws. NFL Comparison: Chester Taylor. Forecast: Could sneak into the bottom of the 1st round to the right team. His superior speed to the above two helps his draft stock and will keep him in the top 40 overall. 4. Andre Brown, NC State. 6'0.5", 226, 4.48 40. Positives: Bruising between the tackles sledgehammer type of runner. Runs with abandon and tremendous leg drive. Has shown quick feet when healthy, able to shorten his stride and make sharp cuts without losing momentum. Identifies the hole and attacks quickly. Finishes his runs with determination and power, gets lower in his stance and always falls forward. Very good receiving skills, has shown great hands and an understanding of how to get open. Good in blitz recognition and pickup--ask Everette Brown. Well-built athlete with natural strength. The Wolfpack were a vastly different and superior offense with him on the field; his play clearly inspired his teammates to play better. Negatives: Has an extensive injury history, including what appears to be a chronic issue with his left foot. Missed significant time in both 2007 and 2008 due to foot problems, after missing some time with a neck problem in 2006. Can be stiff and runs high in his stance. Not the type of elusive runner who can make guys miss in the backfield, needs to get his momentum going or else he's a sitting duck. NFL Comparison: A much shorter (though not short by RB standards) Brandon Jacobs Forecast: Brown is gaining momentum at the right time, with his strong 40 time and Senior Bowl week. But his health is at minimum a bright yellow flag. Has first-round talent but will probably fall to the 50-75 range because of his lengthy injury history. 5. Donald Brown, Connecticut. 5'10", 210, 4.5 40. Positives: Powerfully built one-cut back with tremendous natural vision. Sets up his blocks and cuts off them as well as any back in recent memory. Can take a hit and keep going. Always keeps his feet churning hard. Quick acceleration out of cuts. Has an extra gear when being chased, though his top-end speed isn't elite. Very natural receiver, good body control and hands. Runs crisp patterns and looks comfortable split out and in motion. Durable workhorse with great conditioning. Very intelligent, perceptive young man who is an engagingly bright interview. Negatives: Only had one really good college season, in which he more than doubled his prior 2-year output. Has a tendency to run east-west too quickly, trying to bounce a big one outside when a 2-yard plunge will do. Needs to work on pass protection and recognition; doesn't attack the rusher and lets the defense dictate the contact. Doesn't lower his shoulder or bend his knees when hit; relies on his effort and strength instead of proper power-running technique. NFL Comparison: Willie Parker, Kevin Jones before the injuries Forecast: 2nd rounder who helped himself at the Combine and moved from the end of the round to the upper reaches. 6. Shonn Greene, Iowa, 5'11", 227, 4.58 40. Positives: Patient grinder with great desire who runs with power and purpose. Attacks the hole and explodes through it. Keeps great pad level and uses his leg strength very naturally. Has quick feet for his compact build. Good hip wiggle, and he excels at showing his shoulders and then taking them away. Will not be arm tackled. Fights for every last inch. Generally effective cut blocker in pass protect. Well-liked by teammates, who talk fondly about his dedication and determination. Negatives: Overaged (he'll be 24 when the season starts) after missing a year to academics. Lacks top end speed and his speed is very straight-linish. Only had one year as a starter and showed very little beforehand. Not a very good receiver, doesn't trust his own hands. Offers little outside the tackles near the line of scrimmage. NFL Comparison: Ced Benson today, Bam Morris in the 90s Forecast: 2nd to 3rd round, best paired with a scatback type to share the load. 7. Cedric Peerman, Virginia. 5'9.5", 216, 4.45 40. Summary: Muscular, compact back in the mold of Mo Jones-Drew, though not as fast or elusive. Great receiver out of the backfield, runs crisp routes and consistently shows great hands. Quick recognition in pass protection. Has some wiggle between the tackles, runs with loose ankles. Does a good job lowering his shoulders and driving for extra yards. Cuts with balance and bounce, good in a phone booth. Lacks outside burst and long speed; has not demonstrated his 40 time translates to the field. Can be tentative in attacking. Doesn't always see the correct hole. Has had some injury issues. Struggled with slowing down blitzers in Senior Bowl drills--he willingly picked them up but got blown backwards and blocks very high in his stance. Forecast: A good Combine put him in contention for 3rd round, though he fits in the 4th as a 3rd-down receiving back. 8. Javon Ringer, Michigan State. 5'9", 202, 4.55 40. Summary: One of the guys for whom the term "Jack of all trades, master of none" was invented. Has above-average strength, hands, vision, balance, and footwork, with decent speed. Very good blocker and a polished, explosive receiver. Proved his durability in 2008 with 418 touches. Really lacks top-end burst, not explosive in accelerating or breaking out of cuts. Did not fare well against tougher defenses -- the MSU/Ohio State game did more to raise James Laurinaitis' stock than any, at Ringer's expense. Some worry about his heavy workload, but a scout pointed out to me he will enter the league with fewer collegiate touches than LaDainian Tomlinson. Forecast: 4th-5th round. 9. Devin Moore, Wyoming. 5'9.5", 197, 4.41 40. Summary: Real fast, explosive "lightning" back coming from a thunder/lightning college package. Very sudden speed. Loose ankles and good hips, very fluid motion in cutting. Excellent hands out of the backfield and he shifts from receiver to runner in an instant. Strings out runs and makes sharp cutbacks, which is both a positive and a negative if the defense stays home. Has a chip on his shoulder about not being invited to the Combine after being lightly recruited out of HS despite an amazing HS career in Indiana. Undersized and not blessed with a strong frame or muscular build. Does not run with much power or authority. Does not fight through contact, sort of turtles in traffic. A poor man's Felix Jones without Jones' size. Forecast: 6th-7th round sleeper 10. Kory Sheets, Purdue. 5'11", 208, 4.47 40. Summary: Explosive one-cut runner with very good natural instincts and vision. Strong legs, good balance. Runs with a good pad level. Very quick into and out of cuts, very quick feet. Good hands, pretty solid receiver. Has some KR ability. Not very muscular, particularly in the upper body. Strictly a cut blocker who tends to go down too quickly. Appears to concede and just go for the contact instead of making guys miss at times, esp. near the sideline. Has fought with fumblitis, which is odd for such a good receiver. Showed up his QB to the media. Comes from a pass-heavy spread, which requires adjustment. Forecast: 4th-5th rounder who could blossom in a more traditional NFL offense, or his fumbling and pass protect issues make him struggle to make the team. 11. Rashad Jennings, Liberty. 6'1", 231, 4.58 40. Summary: This year's Tim Hightower, a small-school Virginia power back. A genuine sledgehammer between the tackles, but he has very good vision and a feel for setting up his blockers. Comes from a traditional I-formation offense. Annihilates and humiliates arm tackles. Has great natural power and keeps his balance when he lowers his pads. Surprising hands out of the backfield, looks the ball in and secures it quickly. Humble, mature worker. Very stiff, runs with long legs. Lacks sudden speed, does not get to full speed (which is slower than most) until several strides. Not much lateral agility, prefers to run through tacklers. That worked at Liberty but he didn't face one NFL-caliber defender since he transferred from Pitt after his frosh year. Forecast: 3rd-4th rounder based on his size and a decent showing at the Senior Bowl. Not as fast or quick as Tim Hightower, to whom he will be endlessly compared. 12. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon. 5?9?, 209, 4.58 40. Summary: Small but explosive outside runner/receiver type back. Very slippery runner, uses sharp cuts and knows how to shake and bake. Has some burst and can lower his pads and drive through a tackle. Very good hands and receiving skills. Looks smaller in person than he's listed. Tends to hunt and peck for holes, will get hit in the backfield a lot more frequently than desired. Much more quick than fast, does not have top-end speed. Comes from a spread-option, though it didn't hurt former backfield mate Jonathan Stewart. Had a major knee injury in 2007. Forecast: 3rd-4th rounder who fits best as a 3rd down back and #2 KR option. The rest of this list features several big-school players that had disappointing 2008 campaigns (save Coffee, a junior who mistakenly declared) or are one-skill situational backs, sprinkled with some small-school players of whom I have personally seen very little game tape. If you truly care, email me and I'll respond with a scouting report. 13. Arian Foster, Tennessee 14. Ian Johnson, Boise State 15. Tyrell Fenroy, Lousiana-Lafayette 16. Glenn Coffee, Alabama 17. Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois 18. Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian 19. James Davis, Clemson 20. Mike Godson, Texas A&M 21. Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State 22. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin 23. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern 24. Chris Ogbonmnaya, Texas 25. Aaron Brown, TCU --Jeff.Risdon@RealGM.com

Jeff Risdon/RealGM

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Jets And Colts Schedule Private Workouts With Sanchez
Quarterback Mark Sanchez is expected to perform private workouts for the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts before participating in USC's Pro Day on April 1.

Los Angeles Daily News

Joe McKnight Won't Be Ready For Spring Practice
USC tailback Joe McKnight said he will not participate in spring practice because he is still recovering from the Rose Bowl.

Los Angeles Daily News

Crabtree To Have Surgery, Won't Run
Michael Crabtree won't run for scouts his school's pro day later this month after deciding to have surgery this coming Wednesday.

ESPN