NFL Draft 2014 Preview (33 page)

Future:
Experienced, dependable pivot who lacks starter-caliber power and athleticism. Lack of versatility hurts his chances, and he will have to survive on smarts, leadership and competitiveness.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I put Swanson in the fifth round. He’s a little undersized. He’s a center only and they do not go as high. I don’t think he can play guard. …The coaches there love him and think he’s somewhere in between the two they had at Wisconsin. One went in the first to Dallas (Travis Frederick) and the other (Peter Konz) to Atlanta in the third.”

OLG-OLT BRANDON THOMAS, #63

CLEMSON
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Grade: 5.45

Ht: 6-3 1/4 | Wt: 317 | Sp: 5.07 | Arm: 34 3/4 | Hand: 10 1/2

History:
South Carolina native. Tore his ACL as a high school senior in 2008. Redshirted in ’09. Appeared in 10 games as a reserve in ’10. Took over the left guard spot in Week Four in ’11— started 10-of-13 games played (nine at LG, one at left tackle). Yielded start to David Smith against South Carolina. Started all 26 games at left tackle 2012-13. Team captain tallied 98 knockdowns in his career.

Strengths:
Good size with very long arms and big hands. Quick out of his stance. Knee bender with good balance and body control. Solid base. Places his hands inside and can pop and recoil. Strong-handed puncher with good grip strength once he latches on. Athletic, efficient mover. Light on his feet to step to the second level or pull. Can maneuver and throw his hips in the hole. Climbs to the second level. Three-year starter who played tackle (two-time first-team All-ACC at left tackle). Held his own against Jadeveon Clowney without help.

Weaknesses:
Power element missing. Limited hip snap — not a road-grading mauler. Susceptible to bull rush when he sets tall. Could stand to improve lateral slide and inside punch to shut down strong inside moves. Inconsistent second-level sustain. Is better with simple assignments and effectiveness wanes in space. Can do a better job playing with his head on a swivel. Still learning what it means to prepare like a pro.

Future:
Strong-bodied, dependable gap blocker who played left tackle in college but will likely slide inside in the pros. Showed improvement as a senior and has the potential to be a long-term fixture at left guard. Ability to play tackle in a pinch adds to value.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I liked the Clemson kid (Brandon Thomas). I put him in the late third
(round). He was disappointing at the Senior Bowl. I thought he struggled. Look at the South Carolina game vs. Clowney, and he does a better job against him than anyone. He went through the majority of the game single-blocking Clowney. He got beat a few times, but everyone else chipped and used a tight end to stop him. Thomas was was open-ended vs. Clowney and did a decent job.”

OLT BILLY TURNER, #77

NORTH DAKOTA STATE
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Grade: 5.24

Ht: 6-4 7/8 | Wt: 315 | Sp: 5.16 | Arm: 34 | Hand: 10

History:
Father, Maurice, was a running back and kick returner drafted in the 12th round of the 1983 draft by the Vikings — played 27 games with the Vikings, Packers and Jets (1984-85, 1987). Half brother, Brian Kehl, is a seven-year NFL linebacker. Billy also played baseball as a Minnesota prep. As a true freshman in 2010, stepped into the lineup in Week Three, starting 12-of-13 games played at right tackle. Suffered a torn right thumb ligament in ’11 fall camp — sat out the season opener, but started all 14 games played at left tackle. Started all 30 games at LT 2012-13. Won three straight I-AA national championships.

Strengths:
Big hands and nice length. Light on his feet. Flashes strength in his punch. Tries to run his feet on contact. Is athletic enough to fan the rush when all his moving parts are coordinated. Aware to handle stunts. Energetic playing temperament — competes and blocks to the whistle. Four-year starter for the nation’s preeminent I-AA program. Smart, hardworking and dependable. Has NFL bloodlines.

Weaknesses:
Needs to improve his core strength and fortify his base. Plays too tall and narrow-based — pad level fluctuates. Does not explode on contact. Footwork and technique need refinement. Carries his hands low. Tends to overextend and bend at the waist. Average contact balance and body control. Slides off blocks. Struggles to clear his feet as a puller. Inconsistent connecting and sustaining on the second level.

Future:
Big-framed, raw, aggressive FCS standout who flashes a nice combination of foot quickness, punch strength and nastiness to warrant consideration as a project. Has a bit of a bull-in-a-china-shop element at this stage of his career, but has moldable tools and could develop into a swing backup.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Scout’s take: “
I thought he struggled at the Senior Bowl. You wouldn’t expect it to be instant coffee. He’s intriguing.”

OG-C TRAI TURNER, #56 (SOPH.-3)

LSU
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Grade: 5.52

Ht: 6-2 5/8 | Wt: 310 | Sp: 4.94 | Arm: 34 | Hand: 9 1/2

History:
New Orleans native. As a high school freshman, was asked to provide depth as a varsity reserve, but refused because he thought he was better than the starters. Separated his shoulder in the first game of his senior season and had surgery after the season. Redshirted in 2011. Played 12 games in ’12, starting the final seven at right guard in place of Josh Williford, whose career was cut short by concussions. Started all 13 games at RG in ’13. Suffered an ankle contusion against Auburn, but did not miss any starts. Totaled 115 career knockdowns. Did not perform the shuttles at the Comine because of a hip flexor injury.

Strengths:
Good overall body mass. Walls off defenders and generates movement in the run game. Can latch on and keep defenders at bay. Has experience locking horns with NFL-caliber defensive tackles, both in SEC games and practice. Will be a 21-year-old rookie. Registered the best 10-yard split (1.73 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (4.44 seconds) and the only sub-5-flat 40 time of all guards at the Combine.

Weaknesses:
Lacks ideal length. Has thick hips and a fleshy midsection, which affects his ability to maneuver, position and fit. Ordinary hip snap. Has balance issues. Tends to bend at the waist and let his weight drift over his toes. Body control wanes the farther he travels. Technique needs work.

Future:
Turner is a squarely built interior blocker built for road grading, though he has not demonstrated the ability to dominate as a third-year sophomore draft entrant. Could obviously have used another year of college experience, but has size and run-blocking potential in a power-running scheme. Could prove to be a better center than guard and offers swing interior versatility.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I can’t see him getting out of the third round after the way he ran at the Combine. He’s too big and athletic. Some people are talking about him higher. When you look at the untapped potential, there’s some reason to get excited. He has a lot of upside.”

ORG-C JOHN URSCHEL, #64

PENN STATE
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Grade: 5.27

Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 313 | Sp: 5.29 | Arm: 33 | Hand: 10 3/8

History:
Prepped in Buffalo where he also competed in track and field. Redshirted in 2009 and saw limited action in three games in ’10. Did not start in ’11, but played 396 snaps in 13 games. Started all 24 games at right guard 2012-13. Team captain. Winner of the Campbell Trophy as the nation’s premier college football scholar athlete (“Academic Heisman”) — earned a master’s degree in mathematics (4.0 GPA), taught undergraduates at PSU and was published in a scientific journal.

Strengths:
Highly intelligent — will be successful with or without football. Engages quickly. Good leverage, balance and body control. Works his feet and hips to position and seal. Can pull and trap and work up to the second level very quickly. Protects with awareness. Shuffles, slides and mirrors. Three-year starter. Sparkling intangibles. Well-versed in a pro-style offense having played for newly minted Texans coach Bill O’Brien.

Weaknesses:
Lacks ideal size and plays short-armed. Functional strength is just adequate — gets pushed back. Is not explosive or powerful. Lets defenders cross his face and struggles to reach. Athletic ability is average.

Future:
Underpowered, quick-footed, scrappy, zone blocker with the smarts, movement skill and competitive zeal to emerge as a very efficient pro. Displays the quickness highly desired at the pivot and might prove to be best at center.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

OLG CHRIS WATT, #66

noTRE DAME
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Grade: 5.40

Ht: 6-2 5/8 | Wt: 310 | Sp: 5.25e | Arm: 32 3/4 | Hand: 9 1/2

History:
Suburban Chicago native prepped at Glenbard West, where he was a USA Today and Parade All-American. Had surgery to repair a torn labrum after his senior season and redshirted in 2009. Backed up Chris Stewart at right guard in ’10, appearing in all 13 games (117 snaps). Started all 26 games at left guard 2011-12. In ’13, started all 11 games played at LG — tore his right PCL against Air Force and did not play against Navy, then tore his right MCL against Stanford. Was sidelined for the Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers as well as the Senior Bowl.

Strengths:
Engages quickly and runs his feet on contact. Effective with an angle and can swing his hips in the hole. Generates movement in the run game and works to finish blocks. Good bend and balance — plays on his feet. Sound fundamentals in pass protection. Strong, active hands to punch and control defenders. Can shuffle and slide. Good mobility. Works well in tandem. Smart and alert. Praised for his toughness and blue-collar work ethic. Three-year starter.

Weaknesses:
Lacks ideal arm length and does not have large hands. Needs more sand in his pants. Susceptible to bull rush when powerful tackles get into his frame. Average athlete. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets in space. Missed his final bowl game after suffering a knee injury.

Future:
Good-sized, physical, competitive, bump-and-steer technician with starter-caliber ability in multiple schemes. Has a desirable temperament for the position and is a projectable, low-risk prospect.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I watched five games and didn’t see him give up a sack. I dinged him for making only one mental mistake. He’s got all everything you want intangibly — the makeup and toughness. I think he’ll play a long time in the league.”

OLG DAVID YANKEY, #54 (JUNIOR)

STANFORD
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Grade: 5.50

Ht: 6-5 5/8 | Wt: 315 | Sp: 5.48 | Arm: 34 | Hand: 9 1/2

History:
Born in Sydney, Australia. Prepped in Georgia. Appeared in two games as a true freshman in 2010, but suffered a season-ending injury. Started all 13 games at left guard in ’11. Won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s most outstanding offensive lineman in ’12 when he started all 14 games at left tackle. Saw action at six positions — both tackles, both guards and two different tight end spots vs. Oregon State in 2012. Started 13 games at LG in ’13. Missed the Washington game after his father, David, died in Roswell of cardiac arrest. Team captain.

Strengths:
Very good size — has sheer mass to lean, wall off or cover up defenders. Solid base in pass protection — gets his hands on rushers, anchors and slides to fan pressure. Effective short puller. Durable three-year starter. Has played guard and tackle. Smart and dependable.

Weaknesses:
Average hip snap — does not roll off the ball and overpower defenders. Stiff, lumbering movement. Needs to improve contact balance, particularly on the move — tends to get out over his skis and slip off blocks. Could struggle to corral quicker interior defenders — lacks ideal athleticism, lateral suddenness and recovery ability.

Future:
Big, physical, smart, serviceable offensive guard who will not score many style points, but generally gets the job done. Has starter-caliber ability and fits best in a power scheme that takes advantage of his size and pulling ability.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I like the guard at Stanford. He is stiff-ankled and stiff-legged. He’s not a natural bender. I wish his movement skills were better. …He’s smart. He works angles. He can create some movement. He’ll play in the league.”

Defensive Linemen

ANTHONY JOHNSON

ED STINSON

SCOTT CRICHTON

TIMOTHY JERNIGAN

RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN

LOUIS NIX III

KONY EALY

AARON DONALD

STEPHON TUITT

JADEVEON CLOWNEY

EDITOR’S NOTE:

3T
—
Three-technique

5T
—
Five technique

NT
—
Nose tackle

5T-3T JAY BROMLEY, #96

SYRACUSE
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Grade: 5.32

Ht: 6-3 1/8 | Wt: 306 | Sp: 5.06 | Arm: 33 1/2 | Hand: 9 1/4

History:
Has overcome many obstacles in life — biological mother abandoned him shortly after birth; father was charged with murder when he was 5 months old; and his grandmother, who took care of him for the first 13 years of his life, died the summer before he started high school. The New York prep earned four letters in football and a scholarship from Syracuse. Appeared in 12 games as a true freshman in 2010 and had eight tackles. Played in 12 games in ’11, including 10 starts at defensive tackle, and had 32 tackles, 5 1/2 tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. Started 11 of Syracuse’s 13 games at nose tackle in ’12 (the team started a fifth defensive back in the other two games), tallying 39-5 1/2-2 1/2 with one batted pass. Blocked a West Virginia field goal attempt in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Broke out in ’13, starting 13 times and recording 42-14 1/2-1 1/2 with three forced fumbles. Led the team in tackles for loss and sacks. Team captain.

Strengths:
Good combination of size and movement skills. Flashes quick get-off and the ability to hold his ground against the run. Can work half a man, get skinny enough to penetrate the gap and closes with some steam when he has a direct bead on the QB. Is active and gives effort in pursuit. Strong tackler when he’s able to wrap up ball carriers. Coachable and hardworking.

Weaknesses:
Small hands. Pad level fluctuates. Average eyes and diagnostic ability. Does not play with pop or power in his hands to shock or discard blockers. Moved by double teams. Bland pass rusher (inflated sack numbers). Has tweener traits. Tepid intensity level — could use more glass in his diet.

Future:
Well-built, inconsistent interior defender with enough strength, athleticism and pass-rush ability to contribute in a rotational role. Best fits as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but could
appeal to teams running a hybrid scheme given his potential to be used as a five-technique.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I think he’s a bit underrated. He has some versatility. He’s scheme-diverse. There is some hidden value there. ... You see him play the nose and three-technique. I didn’t think he could be a five-technique for us. He is a player that is active, not dominating. He will run and chase. He has pretty good pursuit and effort. I gave him a sixth-round grade and thought he was a tweener. He’s not creative to make plays as a pass rusher. He is a solid complimentary type player.”

NT RYAN CARRETHERS, #98

ARKANSAS STATE
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Grade: 5.15

Ht: 6-13/8 | Wt: 337 | Sp: 5.47 | Arm: 31 3/4 | Hand: 9 3/8

History:
The Nashville-area prep led his school to three consecutive championship games. Also lettered in wrestling. Redshirted in 2009. Appeared in 10 games in ’10 as a reserve defensive lineman and had six tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks. Played in all 13 games in ’11, moving into the starting lineup for the final six games at nose guard — had 29-3-1 1/2. Started all 13 games at nose tackle in ’12, recording 68-3 1/2-1. Broke out in ’13, starting 13 times at nose tackle and tallying 93-8-4 with two blocked field goals. Lined up at fullback against Western Kentucky and rumbled into the end zone for a 1-yard score. Completed his career in dramatic fashion in the GoDaddy Bowl against Ball State, blocking a game-tying 38-yard field goal attempt as time expired.

Strengths:
Big and thick with outstanding weight-room strength — maintains low body fat, squats a small house and benchpressed 225 pounds 32 times at the Combine. Has sheer mass and natural girth to dig in and hold his ground vs. double teams. Has a wrestling background and understands leverage. Has two-gap ability. Heavy tackler. Nice effort for a big man. Tough and durable. Solid personal and football character — is devoted to his craft and has a professional approach to the game.

Weaknesses:
Lacks ideal height. Has short arms and small hands. Average initial quickness. Heavy-legged with limited range. Inconsistent contact balance at the point of attack — rooted out of the hole more often than he should be. Needs to improve hand use — quickness, placement and shed timing. Marginal pass-rush value. Stamina has to be monitored. Not a workout warrior — across the board was one of the worst Combine performers, including a 7-foot, 2-inch broad jump and 8.29-second 3-cone drill, both Combine worsts.

Future:
Stoutly built, NFL-strong interior defender who was a literal and figurative anchor for the Red Wolves despite playing for four different head coaches. Could make a living occupying blocks and clogging run lanes as a two-down, rotational nose tackle in an odd front.

Draft projection:
Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

DLE-3T WILL CLARKE, #98

WEST VIRGINIA
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Grade: 5.20

Ht: 6-6 1/8 | Wt: 271 | Sp: 4.77 | Arm: 34 5/8 | Hand: 9 7/8

History:
Played defensive line and tight end as a Pennsylvania prep. Redshirted in 2009. Saw his first West Virginia action in ’10, playing in four early games and collecting two tackles, one-half tackle for loss and zero sacks. Suffered a high ankle sprain against Marshall and missed the remainder of the year. Moved into a starting role in ’11 and recorded 34-5-2 with one pass batted away in 13 games (11 starts). Was the listed starter at defensive end in seven games and at defensive tackle in four contests. Registered a sack in the Orange Bowl against Clemson. Was a starting defensive end in ’12 and had 26-6 1/2-1 with three passes batted in 12 games (11 starts). Missed one game with a right MCL sprain. Started all 12 games for the Mountaineers at defensive tackle in ’13 and recorded 49-17-6 with three passes batted and one forced fumble.

Strengths:
Has a long, athletic, muscular frame. Very good movement skills for his size. Flashes the ability to penetrate or stack and shed. Gives effort in pursuit and ranges to make tackles. Solid personal and football character — has leadership traits. Smart and coachable. Durable three-year starter.

Weaknesses:
Does not play to his size — plays too tall and does not generate power through his core. Shrivels against double teams and is too easily uprooted. Needs to play with better pop and power in his hands. Linear, vanilla rusher — does not have a variety of moves to defeat and accelerate off blocks.

Future:
Looks the part with desirable length and musculature to warrant consideration as a developmental five-technique in a one-gapping 3-4 scheme or base end in a 4-3 front, though he will have to make significant strides with his technique and improve his run defense to be more than just a guy.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

Scout’s take:
“He did a solid job in the Shrine game. He is very long and has some rush talent.”

DE-OLB JADEVEON CLOWNEY, #7 (JUNIOR)

SOUTH CAROLINA
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Grade: 7.50

Ht: 6-5 1/4 | Wt: 266 | Sp: 4.53 | Arm: 34 1/2 | Hand: 10

History:
His first name is pronounced “juh-DEV-ee-uhn.” Was USA Today’s National Defensive Player of the Year, a Parade Magazine All-America selection and the state of South Carolina’s “Mr. Football” in 2010, finishing his storied senior season with 162 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 29 1/2 sacks with 11 forced fumbles and five defensive touchdowns. Also played part-time at running back. Arrived on campus in ’11, appearing in 13 games (one start) as a true freshman and tallying 36-12-8 with one pass batted and five forced fumbles. Was selected as the SEC’s Freshman of the Year. Finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in ’12 and was the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year after registering 54-23 1/2-13 with two passes batted and three forced fumbles in 12 starts at defensive end. Was just the second Gamecock sophomore to earn unanimous all-America honors, joining George Rogers (1980). Set school single-season records in tackles for loss and sacks and a school single-game mark with a 4 1/2-sack performance against Clemson. Missed one game, sitting against Wofford to rest an ailing foot. In 11 games in ’13, he had 40-11 1/2-3 with four passes batted and one forced fumble. Missed two games with injuries (bone spurs in foot, muscle strain near rib area). Had a pair of well-publicized speeding citations in December ’13 (going 110 mph in a 70 zone and 84 mph in a 55 zone). Concluded his three-year college career with 47 tackles for loss, 24 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 36 games.

Strengths:
Looks every bit the part with long arms (big wing span) and large hands. Athletic marvel with raw explosive power and rare speed for his size. Is physically tough and will battle through injuries. Can collapse the corner with ease and rag-dolls blockers. Highly disruptive — creates a lot of pressure and flushes production to his teammates. Can split the double team and closes in a hiccup. Plays with leverage and power in his hands — converts speed into power and bulls blockers into the backfield. Disrupts a quarterback’s vision with long arms and can bat down balls. Seldom leaves the field. Flashes playmaking ability and can produce athletic feats in a category with few others before him. Posted a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump and 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump at the Combine. Versatile — lines up everywhere along the line and can win with strength, power, quickness and speed. Has the personality of a pleaser and does not like to disappoint coaches or teammates.

Weaknesses:
Is more thinly built in the lower body. Inconsistent technician. Has a tendency to play tall. Down-to-down effort lacks consistency. Lacks discipline on and off the field and has had to be managed closely since he arrived on campus. Needs to learn what it means to be a pro. Plays in spurts and is too much a of flash player — does not consistently dominate like he could. Is still immature and finding his way — too much of a follower.

Future:
A physical specimen with a rare size-speed combination, Clowney was not as impactful as a junior while playing through injuries and being forced to deal with opposing offenses that fully accounted for him with extra chip protection. Was a 20-year-old junior affected by turnover on the defensive coaching staff. Could benefit tremendously from a stable positional coach and strong, veteran mentor on the defensive line who will hold him accountable, show him the way and serve as a fatherly figure. Is one of the most unique talents in the draft and could easily be a double-digit sack producer in the pros from either end. Is every bit worthy of the first overall pick — will immediately upgrade a defensive line and improve the production of those around him.

Draft projection:
Top-10 pick.

Scout’s take:
“He’s kind of a scary guy when you think about drafting him in the top-5. He has all the talent in the world, but he is a flash player. There is a lack of consistency in his play. … There are a lot of similarities to Mario Williams. The single biggest (factor) for (Clowney) to be successful — he needs a good coach. I spent a lot of time with him. I think he is a good kid. Jason Pierre Paul went 14 and fell into the right system — guys like that are difficult to find. Regardless of what everyone says about Mario Williams, he still had 13 sacks this year.”