Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
Payton & Buchanan Award Watch Lists
Photo – Walter Payton – Bears
Frank Coyle and Draft Insiders prides itself on scouting small college talent and has a long history of ranking pro prospects from the lower level as top quality starting NFL players. QBs Joe Flacco and Tony Romo are two starting NFL passers that DraftInsiders.com ranked exceptionally high after little national publicity over their college careers. Flacco was on our Senior Bowl recommended list entering his senior season while at Delaware University. He was a prospect we scouted in person at many games and practices and said he had the best arm of the Class of 2007 that included top pick Matt Ryan. Romo was our top small college prospect coming out of Eastern Illinois in the NFL Draft 2003. We ranked him as a starting NFL passer and right behind top pick Rex Grossman. Other small college pro prospects we ranked very high entering the NFL recently are cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, wideout Vincent Jackson and tight end Kevin Boss. We annually publish dozens of small college scouting reports in our annual Yearbook and again with a special section in our Update Report related to the best small college future pro players.
The latest editions of the revised Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan Award watch lists have been announced. The Payton Award, now in its 23rd year, is given to the most outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St is again represented on the list after winning the 2008 Payton Award. The Buchanan Award is in its 15th year and is given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Payton Award Watch List.
The 20 players on the updated List include:
QB Pat Devlin - Delaware University
QB Armanti Edwards - Appalachian St
RB Chris Evans - Samford
RB William Ford - South Carolina St
QB Pat Grace - Northern Iowa
QB Cameron Higgins - Weber St
WR Terrell Hudgins - Elon
RB Deji Karim - Southern Illinois
QB Bryant Lee - Southern
RB David McCarty - Albany
RB Tony Nelson - Massachusetts
QB Matt Nichols - Eastern Washington
RB Todd Pendland - McNeese St
QB Ryan Perrilloux - Jacksonville St
QB Curtis Pulley - Florida A&M
QB Dominic Randolph - Holy Cross
RB Chase Reynolds - Montana
WR Andre Roberts - Citadel
RB David Sinisi - Monmouth University
RB Trevyn Smith - Weber St
Buck Buchanan Award Watch List
DE Christian Anthony - Grambling St
DE Danny Batten - South Dakota St
DE Dane Fletcher - Montana St
Safety Charles Graves - Delaware University
DE Larry Hart - Central Arkansas
LB Brandin Jordan - Southern Illinois
DE Tim Knicky - Stephen F. Austin
DE Austen Lane - Murray St
Safety Mark LeGree - Appalachian St
DE Jeremy Maddox - Alabama A&M
Safety Jeromy Miles - Massachusetts
DE Arthur Moats - James Madison
CB Josh Morris - Weber St
LB Osayi Osunde - Villanova
CB Justin Rogers - Richmond
DE James Ruffin - Northern Iowa
DT Mychal Savage - Youngstown St
LB J.C. Sherritt - Eastern Washington
DE Adrian Tracy - William & Mary
Safety Terrell Whitehead - Norfolk St
The watch list will be revised again in early November, and again before the final ballot is announced. The original list consisted of a total of 20 candidates that were announced earlier during the summer. Voting for these awards is from a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts that will be conducted after the regular season ends. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 30 and will be invited to the 23rd annual FCS Awards banquet on Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, TN., the night before the NCAA Division I championship title game. The Walter Payton Award, the Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS Coach) and Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS Defensive Player) will be presented that night.
Suh #1 Prospect – Draft Insiders
Photo – DT Nda Suh - Nebraska
At the midway of the college football season, he rank pro prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft 2010 regardless of class. This year Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska is #1 overall pro prospect after several dominant performances over the first half of the season.
DT Ndamukong Suh - 6’4” 300 lbs. - Nebraska
Powerful senior defensive tackle was a dominant inside force and had a great game Thursday night vs Missouri. He is a constant presence in the middle who forces the double team regularly. During the Missouri game, he had a sack, an interception and a forced fumble while totaling 6 tackles despite special attention most of the game. He has an explosive burst that combined with his exceptional functional strength and mobility that allows him to be a consistent disruptive inside force. In September '09, he was our #1 prospect on our Senior Bowl Watch list and his final performance has justified that elite rating. I rank Suh higher than Glenn Dorsey, Tommie Harris or Amobi Okoye at a similar stage of their college careers. Each of those prospects became very high draft selections and key NFL starters over their early careers.
We will have more scouting details on Suh and many other pro prospects in our October newsletter out later this month. I will also have exclusive interviews with key people on this elite prospect that will be part of the October Newsletter this month.
"The Publication NFL Scouts Buy"
"The Leader in NFL and College Scouting"
NFL Power Rankings – Week 4
Photo – Aaron Rodgers - Packers
Rank / Team
1. New York Giants (4-0)
The Giants are a talented and deep club that will make a run at the NFL title.
2. Indianapolis Colts (4-0)
Colts are running on all cylinders now.
3. New England Patriots (3-1)
Patriots are coming off an impressive victory over the Ravens.
4 Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Ravens lost a tough game with Patriots and have the hot Bengals coming to town.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Eagles well rested after bye week and look to McNabb to make a run at the NFC East title.
6. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
The Vikings’ will ride Brett Favre’s heroics and momemtum to top of NFC.
7. New Orleans Saints (4-0)
The Saints are riding Drew Brees hot hand to the top spot in the NFC South.
8. New York Jets (3-1)
Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez found out about the other side of the NFL vs Saints.
9. Chicago Bears (3-1)
Da Bears saw the real Jay Cutler last week.
10. Denver Broncos (4-0)
The Broncos are doing it with sound football but face a very tough stretch over the next few weeks.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Steelers woke up vs Chargers on Sunday night.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
The Bengals are a different club with Carson Palmer directing this offense.
13. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
The 49ers drilled the Rams and are a club that is starting to believe in itself.
14. San Diego Chargers (2-2)
Chargers looked terrible vs Steelers and get a bye week to get it right vs AFC West foes on deck.
15. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Packers get a bye week to recover from loss to former GB great Brett Favre on Monday night.
16. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
Falcons go to San Fran for important NFC matchup.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Cowboys came up short vs Denver and travel to KC for a surprisingly key game.
18. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Cardinals are coming off a bye and face a key matchup at home vs Houston.
19. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Dolphins get into the victory column and welcome the Jets to south Florida in pivotal East matchup.
20. Washington Redskins (2-2)
Skins got a much needed win over Tampa and need to get some momentum over the next few weeks.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
Jags won their second in a road and face a struggling Seattle team this week.
22. Houston Texans (2-2)
Texans played their best game in over a year vs the Raiders.
23. Seattle Seahawks (1-3)
Seahawks face a critical contest with Jacksonville coming to town this week.
24. Buffalo Bills (1-3)
Bills looked awful vs Dolphins and face a poor Cleveland team at home that becomes a must win situation.
25. Tennessee Titans (0-4)
Titans face the Colts offensive buzzsaw this week and another lose may lead to some wholesale changes.
26. Carolina Panthers (0-3)
Panthers face a pivotal early game with the Skins coming to town Sunday.
27. Oakland Raiders (1-3)
The Raiders were crushed by Houston and face the G Men on Sunday.
28. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4)
Chiefs giving a good effort but lack the talent and experience to turn it into wins now.
29. Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Browns lost a tough one to the Bengals in overtime.
30. St. Louis Rams (0-4)
The Rams are a nightmare.
31. Detroit Lions (1-3)
Lions back on the beam with lose to Da Bears.
32. Tampa Bay Bucs (0-4)
Tampa Bay is reminiscent of the expansion Bucs of the ‘70s.
Giants Hold NFL’s Top Ranking
Photo - Peyton Manning - Colts
Rank Team
1. New York Giants (3-0)
The G Men have matured and learned how to win in tough NFC East.
2. Indianapolis Colts (3-0)
Colts are capable of running the first half schedule.
3. New England Patriots (2-1)
Patriots get a strong AFC challenge with Ravens at home this week.
4 Baltimore Ravens (3-0)
Ravens have an offense now that can assist their tough defense and challenge in the AFC.
5. San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Chargers are this good and could prove to be the best in the conference by season’s end.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Eagles get a bye week to get McNabb healthy to make run at the NFC East title.
7. New York Jets (3-0)
Jets are looking to ride hot rookie QB Mark Sanchez to the AFC postseason.
8. Minnesota Vikings (3-0)
The Vikings’ are looking to ride Brett Favre’s heroics in key matchup with Packers at home Monday night.
9. New Orleans Saints (3-0)
The Saints clash with the Jets at home in a battle of unbeatens.
10. Chicago Bears (2-1)
Da Bears are looking to build an early lead in the tough NFC Central.
11. Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Packers face former GB great Brett Favre in Minnesota in a pivotal early NFC Central clash.
12. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
Falcons get an early bye prior to a long stretch of NFC opponents.
13. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Cowboys came up big with Monday night home victory in new setting.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Steelers need to regroup quickly with San Diego coming to town this week.
15. Denver Broncos (3-0)
The Broncos have won vs soft early schedule but face a very tough stretch the next two months.
16. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
The Bengals are off to a good start, but go on the road for two AFC North matchups.
17. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Cardinals get a much needed early bye to regroup and get Kurt Warner healthy.
18. San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
The 49ers lost an unforgiveable game on the last play on Brett Favre’s heroics.
19. Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Seahawks get a tough road assignment with the Colts up next.
20. Miami Dolphins (0-3)
Dolphins are much better than their record, but not according to the Tuna.
21. Washington Redskins (1-2)
Skins lost to the Lions and every job on the club is on the line especially HC Jim Zorn.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Jags get a key win over Houston and face a stretch of winnable games over the next few months.
23. Houston Texans (1-2)
Texans still don’t know how to win with the game on the line.
24. Buffalo Bills (1-2)
Bills don’t know how to win close games that has their rebuilding program totally stalled.
25. Tennessee Titans (0-3)
Titans better get well quickly with tough stretch of games coming up.
26. Carolina Panthers (0-3)
Panthers have dug themselves a huge hole in the early season.
27. Oakland Raiders (1-2)
The Raiders look terrible again and face a very difficult stretch over the next 5 games.
28. Kansas City Chiefs (0-3)
Chiefs face some painful growing pains this season.
29. St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Rams might be lucky to win 6 games this season.
30. Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Browns are facing a huge rebuilding process.
31. Detroit Lions (1-2)
Lions Win!!! Lions Win!!! Car Rebates for everyone.
32. Tampa Bay Bucs (0-3)
The Bucs are a total mess. It probably gets very ugly after winning 9 games last season.
Pro Prospect - Runner C.J. Spiller - Clemson
Pro Prospect NFL Draft – Draft Insiders' Preview - Special Offer for Full Subscription Available Now - Order Today
Photo – C.J. Spiller - Clemson
Running back C.J. Spiller of Clemson is one of the premier pro prospects this season. Over his first two games this season, he has rushed for over 100 yards on 24 carries and added 4 recepitons for 69 yards including a 63 yard TD. Over his first three seasons, he rushed for 2335 yards and 20 TDs, in addition to 87 receptions for another 7 TDs He will be the primary feature back this fall and should get the most rushing attempts of his career that shoud enabe him to break the 1000 yard rushing mark for the first time. His big play abiity is what ranks him among the top runing backs this year with the upside potential to be the #1 prospect at this vital position.
Running Back
C.J. Spiller - 5’10” 190 lbs. - Clemson
Electrifying tailback returns after an outstanding ’08 performance in the ACC. He is an imposing back who is very quick initially with an excellent burst of speed through the hole. He has good change of direction skills to create running lanes and the breakaway speed to go the distance every time he touches the ball. He explodes thru the hole that allows him to get to the 2nd level consistently and break tackles and outrun defenders. He shows good sure hands as a receiver with the ability to make things happen after the reception. He needs some further work as a route runner. He has natural openfield running skills to makes him a threat to hit the home run regularly, in addition to surprising power to run inside and carry the game to game load. He could one of the nation’s best players and capable of being one of the super blue chip prospects for the NFL Draft 2010.
"The Publication NFL Scouts Buy"
"The Leader in NFL and College Scouting"
Photo – QB Matt Grothe – South Florida
Sugar Bowl Announces Manning List
Honor Recognizes Top QB After Bowls
NEW ORLEANS – The Manning Award, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced its 2009 preseason Watch List. The list includes 38 of the top QBs in the nation heading into the 2009 season. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a February banquet in New Orleans. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only QB award that takes into consideration the candidates’ bowl performances.
Florida’s Tim Tebow will attempt to become the first repeat winner of the honor after collecting it last season. He is joined by Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford to give the award two Heisman Trophy winners on the Watch List. Each of the 11 FBS conferences is represented on the Watch List with at least two candidates while the Big 12 leads the way with seven Watch List selections. In addition, Appalachian St’s Armanti Edwards becomes the 1st player from a FCS school to be recognized on the preseason Manning list.
“We have another great class of QBs this season,” said Archie Manning. “We have 38 QBs on our Watch List, but there are any number of other guys who could step into the picture as the season gets going. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch another tremendous college football season.”
While the preseason Watch List includes just 38 QBs, every quarterback in the nation remains eligible for the honor. Additional QBs may be added to the Watch List after the start of the season. Ten finalists will be determined by a selected panel of national media covering college football, as well as each of the Mannings. That list will be released on Monday, Nov. 30. The winner will be announced on Thurs, Jan. 14.
The first four winners of the Manning Award reads like a Who’s Who list at the QB position. USC’s Matt Leinart was the inaugural award winner in 2005, followed by Texas’ Vince Young in 2006. Both went on to be top 10 NFL draft picks. In 2007, LSU’s JaMarcus Russell earned the award and was the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick. Boston College’s Matt Ryan claimed the award in 2008 and was drafted No. 3, quickly becoming the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons.
2009 Manning Award Watch List
Austen Arnaud - Jr - Iowa St
Sam Bradford - Jr - Oklahoma
Levi Brown - Sr - Troy
Darryll Clark - Sr - Penn St
Jimmy Clausen - Jr - Notre Dame
Andy Dalton - Sr - TCU
Austin Davis - So - Southern Miss
Armanti Edwards - Sr - Appalachian St
Robert Griffin III - So - Baylor
Matt Grothe - Sr - USF
Maxwell 2009 Award Watch List
WR Dezmon Briscoe - Kansas
Wideout Dezmon Briscoe of Kansas heads a strong list of preseason candidates for the prestigious Maxwell Award Watch list. The Jayhawks’ star receiver hopes the problems that kept him out of spring workouts are behind him with the regular season only weeks away. He hopes to have another season like last year's 92-catch, 1,407-yard and 15 TDs performance. After a record-smashing first two seasons at Kansas, Briscoe is already playing with an eye toward the NFL Draft 2010. With another season like last year's strong performance, he would in just three seasons have over 200 catches for 3000 yards and 30+ TD receptions.
2009 Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List
Benn, Arrelious - Illinois WR
Best, Jahvid - Cal RB
Blount, LeGarrette - Oregon RB
Bradford, Sam - Oklahoma QB
Briscoe, Dezmon - Kansas WR
Brown, Chris - Oklahoma RB
Bryant, Dez - Oklahoma St WR
Clark, Daryll - Penn St QB
Clausen, Jimmy - Notre Dame QB
Clay, John - Wisconsin RB
Decker, Eric - Minnesota WR
Devine, Noel - West Virginia RB
Dwyer, Jonathan - Georgia Tech RB
Evans, Darren - Virginia Tech RB
Fletcher, Damion - Southern Miss RB
Gerhart, Toby - Stanford RB
Gilyard, Mardy - Cincinnati WR
Green, A.J. - Georgia WR
Gresham, Jermaine - Oklahoma TE
Griffin, Robert - Baylor QB
Gronkowski, Rob - Arizona TE
Grothe, Matt - South Florida QB
Hall, Max - BYU QB
Hunter, Kendall - Oklahoma St RB
Jones, Julio - Alabama WR
Kaepernick, Colin - Nevada QB
Keenum, Case - Houston QB
LaFell, Brandon - LSU WR
LeFevour, Dan - Central Michigan QB
Locker, Jake - Washington QB
Mallett, Ryan - Arkansas QB
Masoli, Jeremiah - Oregon QB
McCoy, Colt - Texas QB
