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Top Small College Prospects for the NFL Draft
The Dirty Dozen - Top 12 Small College Players For the NFL Draft 2011
Every NFL club scouts the nation in hopes of landing the next great sleeper prospect in the NFL Draft. The small college ranks has supplied many NFL Hall of Fame prospects over the past fifty years with a litany of stars like receiver Jerry Rice, runner Walter Payton and QBs Tony Romo and Doug Williams from the Grambling and Jackson St. programs across the nation. This year's class will produce several players in the top 100 picks. There should be as many as 25 draft selections over 7 rounds. It is an interesting group with several talented prospects mainly on the offensive line and in the secondary.
This year’s group of small college pro prospects ranks among the better classes of the past decade and is especially deep at offensive tackle. The highest rated small college prospect is OL Ben Ijalana who missed most of the postseason after a fine stay at Villanova. Wide receiver Edmond Gates of AbiIene Christian carries an NFL starting grade after a strong college career. He ranks among the top receivers from the lower level in recent drafts and the highest since Johnny Knox in 2009 who also attended Abilene Christian. The secondary and offensive line should provide many draft selections overall in the NFL Draft 2011 once again and the small college ranks should be well represented over the three days. Both the offensive and defensive lines will supply NFL starters while the wide receiver position may provide a few highly regarded prospects.
Photo - OT Ben Ijalana - Villanova
Note: In recent years, our highest rated small college players were QB Joe Flacco, corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Johnny Knox and Kendall Langford who were all early NFL starters. Some have performed brilliantly over their early careers and become key performers in their clubs playoff pushes.
The Dirty Dozen - Top 12 Small College Players For the NFL Draft
Top 52 Small College Players ranked below
1. Ben Ijalana - OT - Villanova (Pa)
Big mobile lineman completed an excellent small college career starting at left tackle over his entire career. He projects to both tackle and guard with an early starting grade on the inside. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop into an NFL starter and is a very good athlete with fine footwork and athletic ability. He can be one of the real gems in this class and is similar to the Texans OT Duane Brown who has started at left tackle since his rookie season. He is our #1 small college prospect with the talent to start immediately inside, but needs vital time to settle into a system before lining up at left tackle. He could be the biggest bargain in this class in the late 2nd round.
2. Edmond Gates - WR - Abilene Christian (Tx)
Fast athletic small college receiver had an impressive postseason that has him moving up the rankings. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at just under 6’ and 192 lbs and ran a fast sub 4.40 time on some handheld watches. He had a 40” VL and a 10'11” BJ in a fine workout, in addition to a good effort at the Senior Bowl that a small college prospect needs to impress scouts. He has shown the separation speed to get behind the secondary and make the big play. He displays very good hands, fine body control to track and adjust to the ball in flight and has been able to get deep and hit the home. Athlete with an excellent combination of size, speed and receiving skills to be a huge surprise in the right offense and fine early round pick with intriguing upside.
3. William Rackley - OT - Lehigh (Pa.)
Wide body mobile tackle completed an excellent small college career and shows the skill set to develop into an NFL starting lineman. He can play either guard or tackle spot with the size, bulk, reach and footwork to earn an early starting grade inside. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop and is a good athlete with fine footwork, technique and athletic ability. He can be one of the real hidden gems in this class and has NFL starting talent. We have scouted him extensively over recent seasons and rank him in the Top 100 prospects. He could be a major sleeper and bargain with the talent to start early and a possible prospect who falls to the 3rd day of the NFL Draft.
4. Taiwan Jones - RB - Eastern Washington
Fast angular junior tailback had an excellent final season that ended with a broken foot. His late Pro Day was excellent and dispelled concerns about his current health. His injury history is a real concern with multiple injuries over his career as both a running back and defensive back. He had back-to-back 1200 yard+ rushing seasons in his only action on offense. He has excellent hands and return skills that should allow him to be an immediate impact weapon as a third down back and kickoff returner. He is a burner with big play ability every time he touches the ball, though he must prove he will run inside to be a game-to-game feature back in the NFL. Capable of being an impact rookie in a few roles to give a club a unique big play weapon.
5. Kendric Ellis - NT - Hampton (Va.)
Huge mobile lineman completed an excellent career at the lower level after starting at South Carolina. Kendric will likely be an early middle round draft selection with the demand for nose tackles and his versatility to play in either front line. He has a wide frame, good functional strength and technique with a strong chance to start as a pro. He has a powerful base with quickness off the snap and shows sound use his hands to separate from blockers. He is similar to the Shaun Rogers in size, athleticism, versatility and experience. Tough, durable lineman with experience in both front line schemes and the talent level to compete for a starting job early and play immediately in a line rotation. Marginal top 100 prospect probably falls to late 2nd day off some off the field problems.
6. Martin Parker - DT - Richmond U (Va)
Quick agile mobile lineman had a strong performance in the tough CAA over his career. He finished with an impressive postseason. Though not completely tested at the lower level, he performed well vs top competition at the East-West week that elevates him to a middle round grade for the NFL Draft. He showed some promising skills with long arms, good footwork, size, bulk and overall strength. He showed the ability to stack with the burst to get into the backfield or chase to the perimeter. He projects to the three technique tackle spot for the 4-3 schemes with the development to play in a line rotation fairly early.
7. Cedric Thornton - DE/DT - Southern Arkansas
Tall angular mobile lineman was a dominating performer against a lower level of competition. Though he was not really tested at the lower level, he performed well vs top competition and grades a middle round grade for the NFL Draft. He showed interesting promise at the Senior Bowl with long arms, good footwork, size, bulk and overall strength. He showed the ability to stack with the burst to get into the backfield or chase to the perimeter. He also played outside at end and could project to the strongside spot in both schemes and maybe best suited for the three-man front at end in a five technique role. He looks like a solid two-way defender at end in 3-4 scheme.
8. Jabara Williams - LB - Stephen F. Austin (Tx)
Quick rangy senior defender had another strong performance at the small college level. He has the size, speed, instincts and toughness to play the Will backer role in the 4-3 scheme. He has established himself as a pro prospect using his fine speed and quickness to perform well in both pass and run defense with the ability to run with tailbacks and pursue sideline to sideline. He is one of the better Will athletes where his good speed allows him to cover his mistakes. He has the athletic and mental aptitude to make the adjustment up as a pro linebacker with the development to compete for the nickel backer role and become an early top special teams coverage defender. He has the skill set to be a huge surprise and start fairly soon in his career and be a factor off the edge. He is a top athlete with NFL starting potential at Will spot. During his Pro Day workout, he ran forty times in the mid 4.5 time range and looked sharp in his positional drills. He ranks in our Top 125 prospects in this report.
9. Cecil Shorts - WR - Mount Union (Oh)
Fast agile small college receiver had an impressive postseason that has him moving up the rankings. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at just under 5’11” and 205 lbs and ran a 4.55 time with a 34.5” VL and a 9'6” BJ in a fine workout, in addition to a good effort in All-star action. He has shown the separation speed to get open and behind the secondary with the run after the catch ability to make plays. He displays very good hands, fine body control to track and adjust to the ball in flight and has been able to run precise routes that may allow him to play as a rookie in multiple sets. He is similar to the Patriots Julian Edelman in size, AA and versatility. Athlete with a nice combination of size, speed and receiving skills to be an early surprise in the right offense and fine middle round pick with intriguing upside.
10. Julius Thomas - TE - Portland St. (Or)
Mobile small college tight end has improved quickly in his only season playing football. He completed his career with a strong performance including the NFL Combine. He has a quick burst off the line with fine hands and run after the catch ability to be a strong factor eventually in a pro passing game. He has the talent to fill a few roles including the H back with the speed to stretch the field. He has proven to be a reliable receiver with top hands and the ability to make yardage after the reception. He needs some route development and improvement in his ability to read coverage. At the NFL Combine, he run a sub 4.6 time with 16 reps and a fine 35.5” VL and 10’3” BJ in a good overall workout. He needs extensive work as a blocker to be up to NFL standards. Excellent 3rd day value with the upside potential to become a starter in time.
11. Buster Skrine - CB - Tennessee-Chat
Fast athletically gifted small college defensive back had a good postseason that has elevated his stock into the middle rounds. He had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine that moved him into the top 175 prospects. He carries an NFL starting grade eventually at cornerback off his fine measurables, skills set and fine postseason efforts. He probably plays in the nickel package fairly early in his career with definite upside as a starting corner. Fast small college corner and a good return specialist who should see time in those roles in his career.
12. Brandon Fusco - OL - Slippery Rock (Pa)
Big mobile tackle completed an excellent small college D2 career and shows the skill set to develop into an NFL starting linemen. He can play either center or guard with the size, bulk, reach and footwork to earn a starting grade in time. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop and is a solid athlete with fine power, footwork and overall athletic ability. He can be one of the real hidden gems in this class and has NFL talent. His level of competition creates some problems for any early playing time, though the club that gives him some time could have a major sleeper and late steal with the talent to start at all the interior positions.
13. Stephen Burton - WR - West Texas A&M
14. Justin Rogers - CB - Richmond (Va.)
15. Mike Person - OL - Montana St
16. Cortez Allen - CB - The Citadel (S.C.)
17. David Arkin - OL - Missouri St
18. Ricardo Lockette - WR - Fort Valley St (Ga)
19. Korey Lindsey-Woods - CB - Southern Illinois
20. Daniel Kilgore - OL - Appalachian St (W.Va.)
21. Markell Carter - LB - Central Arkansas
22. Josh Gatlin - CB - North Dakota St
23. Ibraham Abdulai - DT - Arkansas-Pine Bluff
24. Eugene Clifford - S - Tennessee St
25. Frank Kearse - DT - Alabama A&M
26. Isaiah Abdul-Quddus - S - Fordham (N.Y.)
27. D.J. Smith - LB - Appalachian St
28. Chris Hogan - WR - Monmouth U (N.J.)
29. Pat Devlin - QB - Delaware
30. Ron Parker - S - Newberry (S.C.)
31. Joe Morgan - WR - Walsh (Oh)
32. Justin Bartlett - FB - Carroll (Mt)
33. Ryan Jones - CB - NW Missouri St.
34. Tommy Irvin - S - Wofford (S.C.)
35. Schuylar Oordt - TE - Northern Iowa
36. Anthony Bratton - S - Delaware
37. Curt Porter - OT - Jacksonville St. (Al)
38. Kevin Hughes - OG - SE Louisiana
39. Stephen Skelton - TE - Fordham
40. Erik Clanton - LB - The Citadel (S.C)
41. Andre Holmes - WR - Hillsdale (Mi)
42. Mike Gee - LB - Indiana (Pa)
43. Mike Higgins - TE - Nebraska-Omaha
44. O.J. Murdock - WR - Fort Hays St. (Ks)
45. Cameron Bradfield - OG - Grand Valley St
46. Raymond Webber - WR - Arkansas-PB
47. LJ Castile - WR - Delta St (Ms)
48. Anthony Walters - S - Delaware
49. Marcus Harris - WR - Murray St (Ky)
50. Trevis Turner - OT - Abilene Christian (Tx)
51. Josh Portis - QB - California (Pa)
52. David Mims - OT - Virginia Union
Jimmy Smith Impresses over Postseason - Ranks #4 Cornerback by Draft Insiders'
Photo - CB Jimmy Smith - Colorado
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Yearbook - Jimmy Smith Scouting Report
Jimmy Smith #3 - 6’2” 210 lbs. - Colorado - Sp. 4.45 Hindu Theory - Chris McAlister
Big physical athlete has been a fixture in the Buffalos secondary since his sophomore season, earning Big 12 honors his final two years. Jimmy completed another strong performance and followed that up with an excellent NFL Combine that has him rising up the charts. He shows some playmaking ability in coverage and plays a gambling style that has produced big plays during his career. He is a big strong agile athlete with quick footwork and smooth hips, showing the ability to play in either man or zone coverage. He is a tough defender who will not hesitate to come up and support the run well. He is sure strong tackler who wraps up well and totaled 140 tackles over his last two seasons. He gets off blockers well and can deliver linebacker type hits at the LOS and in the openfield. In pass coverage, he has the quickness to play man situations with the instincts to read routes and footwork and speed to match up in the deep game. He needs further development in his reads and responsibilities within each scheme. He is a well-built athlete who has bulked up over the past year and plays in the 210 lb. range at over 6’2”. He combines the quickness, speed and the agility to become a starter at the next level within a short time once he settles into a defense. He usually has good basics in his backpedal, though sometimes he can be a too high which slows down his reaction time. He can plant and drive on the ball and usually shows very good timing and sound instincts on his reads. He combines the talent and ball skills to become a quality pro cover man, though he made only three career interceptions. For a defender of his size, he has quick reactions with the fluid hips to break on the ball and make plays. He also shows the ability to read plays well and make adjustments quickly with good recovery speed in the deep game. He lacks the great suddenness of the elite #1 shutdown corners, though he proved he can handle speed receivers in the deep game. He can make plays on the ball and uses his good instincts and toughness to battle big receivers where he matches up very well. In run support, he has been a strong tackler with the toughness and AA to be an every down defender. He ranks among the better developed cover men in this class. He has fine hip flex and is able to turn and run smoothly with receivers in coverage with the quick reactions to plant and drive on the ball. He is sound in zone coverage, in addition to very good bump and run and man coverage skills. He has good ball skills and hands and is able to snatch the ball and high point it. As a senior, he started all 12 games at corner and made 70 tackles with 1 FF, 1 FR, 5 PBU and 0 picks, earning Big 12 first team honors. As a junior, he started all 12 games and posted 70 tackles with 10 PBU, 1 FF, 1 FR and 2 picks that earned him 1st team Big 12 honors. As a sophomore, he started 3 games and made 39 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR with 0 picks and 5 PBU for first team WAC honors. At the NFL Combine, he came in over 6’2” and 211 lbs and did 24 reps in the lifting. He ran 4.47 and 4.44 times with a 1.54 ten yard time. He ran a 4.06 in the short shuttle with a 6.93 three-cone drill. He also had a 36” VJ and a 10’3” BJ. He is similar to former #1 pick and former Ravens and Pro Bowler, Chris McAlister in size, speed, athleticism and in overall toughness and development. He has that type of upside potential, level of development and overall physical skill set. He shows a good closing burst of speed that he uses well to outrun his mistakes. He shows fine fluidity, opening his hips and is smooth with the ability to close to the ball. He can win starting time as a rookie. He is able to make plays in front of him, coming out of his backpedal and driving hard on the ball. He looks like a top 25 prospect off his strong final season and postseason. He is highly developed as a cover man with early starting grade and fast learning curve. He has the package to make that adjustment within a short time to start. Blue chip prospect probably fits in the late first round with the Eagles, Ravens and Falcons very interested. Talented corner with the upside to become a very good starter fairly soon in his career. One of the premier corners in this class with a Pro Bowl skill set.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
Small College Runner Taiwan Jones Impresses At Late Pro Day Workout
Draft Insiders' Yearbook Scouting Report
RB Taiwan Jones - Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones had an outstanding workout at his private pro day last week at a JC college in California. Jones preformed in front of almost 50 scouts from 27 teams with many running back coach in attendance. Jones was timed in the 40 in the low 4.3 range by most watches with some actually lower handheld times. This included a blazing 1.45 ten yard split time that would have been the top time at the NFL Combine 2011. He sat out the NFL Combine while still recovering from the December broken foot in the FCS playoffs and only participated in the weight lifting. He also posted a 39.5” VL and an 11’ BJ that would have ranked with the top prospects at the event.
This late workout should push Jones up the draft boards. We ranked him in the Top 100 prospects in our Yearbook edition with a possible 3rd-4th round grade. Jones came to our attention during the 2009 season after converting from defensive back and put up big numbers in his first action at running back. Over the past two seasons, he ran for almost 3,000 yards that includes over 1,700 last fall.
Jones has been compared with Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles due to his elite speed. He will have to prove he can run inside at the NFL like those two pro feature backs and that his speed is not limited to straight-line numbers. That is the lingering question with Taiwan. Is he a complete back or a dangerous situational back with highly developed receiving skills for the third down role and the premier kickoff returner in the class. He has a long injury history that includes the broken footm an abdominal contusion, sports hernia surgery, two shoulder injuries, hand injury, hip flexor and fractured fibula in three seasons.
Taiwan Jones Scouting Report
Taiwan Jones #3 - 6’ 195 lbs. - Eastern Washington - Sp. 4.35 Rating 80
Fast angular junior tailback had an excellent 2010 season helping EW to win the FCS national title. Taiwan had back-to-back 1200 yard+ rushing seasons in his only two seasons at the position. He ranked 2nd in the FCS in both rushing yardage and all-purpose yardage, displaying big play ability as a runner, receiver and return specialist. His final season ended with a broken bone in his left foot that forced him to sit out the final two playoffs contests. The injury occurred in their playoff win over North Dakota St. when he rushed for a career high of 230 yards with over 200 of those yards coming in the first half. He has been an injury prone runner who has missed time annually for an assortment of ailments. During his junior season, he battled his way through shoulder, hip, hernia and hand injuries while starting 9 of 12 games. He originally started his EW career at cornerback where he performed well, though he missed the first four games of the season with a broken leg. He moved to running back for the 2009 season where he had an auspicious debut when he took his first handoff and went 87 yards for a TD. He rushed for over 1200 with 2345 all-purpose yardage that earned him honors. He is one of the more well rounded backs in this group with fine natural running and good receiving skills with the big play ability to be a top flight kickoff returner. He has a lean angular frame with the initial burst through the hole and the ability to get outside and break a play. He possesses good vision, quick feet and acceleration to get to top speed quickly and make plays. He is a slashing type runner who hits the hole quickly and is most effective when he runs in a north-south fashion with good pad level. He is a versatile athlete who can run inside and outside, catches the ball well and is a quality kickoff returner. He possesses a nice combination of elusiveness, acceleration and breakaway speed to rank among the top skill position players in this group. He has the explosive burst to get to the 2nd level and run away from defenders. He has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field with a top burst of speed and the ability to change speeds and follow blockers. He may be one of the premier receiving backs in this class, showing natural soft hands and developed route running skills. He has the return skills to win a starting job immediately as a kickoff returner where his big play ability may provide immediate impact. He has a lean frame and thin legs that gives him only marginal tackling breaking ability. He can run upright too often with poor pad level that leaves him exposed to hits and minimizes his ability to break tackles. He has only marginal leg power and relies on his elusiveness and speed to make yardage. Though he is highly developed as a receiver, he has poor blocker skills that will hinder him from winning the 3rd down role early in his career. As a receiver, he displays top hands and good route running and the ability to make a play on the perimeter and follow his blockers. He usually gets the ball on simple outlet passes and needs to develop and run the full route tree especially the wheel route where he could excel with refinement of his natural skills.
The Numbers: As a junior, he carried 221 times for 1807 yards for an impressive 7.9 average and 14 TDs with 24 receptions for 342 yards and 3 TDs. He finished with 7 consecutive 100 yard games and over 2400 all-purpose yardage breaking his own personal best from the prior season. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1253 yards on 162 carries and 15 TDs, in addition to 40 catches for 561 yards and 4 TDs. He earned Big Sky honors those two seasons. Over his career, he rushed for over 3000 yards for a fine 8 yard average with 29 TDs and 64 catches for 903 yards and 7 TDs with a very impressive 14.1 yard average. He totaled over 4800 yards over his short two-year career at running back. At the NFL Combine, he did not run due to the broken foot. He did 13 reps in the lifting.
The Skinny: He displays a burst through the hole and the cutting skills to change directions and get to the 2nd level. He has top speed to get outside with the suddenness to create big plays consistently. His long injury history is a major concern that probably keeps him limited as a role player initially, though a highly developed one for a change of pace and 3rd down back, in addition to return duties. Talented versatile athlete and good middle round pick with the skills to compete for a few roles, especially the KO return spot and 3rd down role. He likely falls to 3rd day off injuries with the AA to be a top role playmaker. Top 125 player with big play impact to be a difference maker, but a risky performer off injury history.
Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round
Defensive Ends - Grade: A
Positional Overview:
This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group that could produce as many as 7-8 #1 picks. There are several quality blue chip prospects at the top and at least 3 to 4 will go in the top half of the first round. There could be as many as 10 players chosen in the top three rounds with as many as 15 over the top 150 prospects. Defenders like Bowers, Quinn, Jordan, Smith, Watt, Kerrigan and Clayborn should all come off the board in the top 20 picks. Defenders like Heyward, Bailey and Ballard should go in the 1st or 2nd rounds. This is a talented and deep class that will have an expected run throughout the top 100 picks especially from the mid 1st thru the 3rd round. Defenders like Sheard, Beal and McPhee will probably by chosen in the late 2nd thru 3rd rounds. With the huge demand for pass rushers, clubs will draft into this deep group thru the 7 rounds. Tweener prospects also fit into this category with a few more clubs moving to the 3-4 set. Many of these defenders will be chosen fairly high in the process. Expect at least 25-30 prospects drafted over the three-day event
Photo - Cameron Jordan - California
Cameron Jordan Scouting Report
Cameron Jordan #97 - 6’4” 285 lbs. - California - Sp. 4.70 Rating 92
Hindu Theory - Justin Tuck
Athletic senior defender has the prototypical physical skills that NFL scouts seek in an outside defender in either pro defensive scheme. Cameron completed an excellent 2010 season that saw him make huge steps up as a pro prospect. He is a nice looking prospect who has the development to become a complete NFL starter and probably early in his career. He is a strong quick athlete with excellent initial quickness and movement skills for a player of his dimensions and the power to match up with NFL tackles. He has a strong quick hand punch and first step that allows him to gain a fast advantage and get his shoulder past the tackle consistently. He has the burst to pressures the passer with the technique and power to also win late on the down. His quickness gives him an advantage off the snap and allows him to bend the corner and counter back underneath where his power allows him to counter back inside. He has a big strong frame with long arms and the agility and footwork to play outside in either scheme. He may be the best versatile end in this incredible class with the ability to be an every down defender early as a pro. He relies on a powerful surge that enables him to use his hands and strike an opponent to gain a quick advantage. His technique progressed rapidly over his late career where it translated into fine production vs a high level of competition. He has the makeup to be an excellent defender who plays on the other end of the LOS consistently. He is a good pass rusher who needs some development on his initial move and a bigger array of moves especially development on his hump and rip moves. He is a relentless defender who combines quickness and power to beat blockers after showing fast development and a nice LOD over his late career. He showed impact ability on a weekly basis despite seeing special attention that raised his grade significantly. He can strike an opponent and deliver a jarring punch that gains a quick advantage that allows him to beat a blocker and creates separation to move along the line or rush the passer. Earlier in his career, he relied mainly on his swim move to beat blockers, but developed other moves like a hump, rip and club technique with maturity. He has the ability to anchor, but must to sound to maintain his position. At times, he can come off the ball high that lets blockers get into his body and control him. When he plays with leverage, he uses his arms well to keep blockers off his body and attacks and is able to separate even if his initial charge is contained. For a big 287 lb. defender, he is an agile flexible athlete who will tackle in space and has the COD skills to redirect and make a stop. He shows good awareness, agility and balance to move down the LOS and stay clean to make a play with the speed to finish at the opposite sidelines. He has the sudden short area burst of speed to win early on the down to gain nice penetration to make plays. Over the 2010 season, he earned 1st team Pac 10 honors with 62 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks and 3 FF. Over his junior season, he started all 13 games and registered 48 tackles with 9.5 TFL and 6 sacks as a key starter. He makes many plays with his chase ability to pursue along the line and is a very tough when playing in gaps. He has gotten stronger that allows him to stack better at the POA. At the NFL Combine, he ran 4.76 time with 25 reps and a 31” VL, 9’9” BJ and fast shuttle times of 4.37 short shuttle and a 7.07 three cone drills. He is an aggressive defender with a good motor, technique and functional strength to win with speed or power. He is an intriguing prospect with the skill set to be among the best defenders and similar to Justin Tuck in body type, AA and potential. Fast improving prospect and an early two-way defender that fits both pro schemes. Top 10-15 prospect with a high LOD to start as a rookie.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
Christian Ponder Shines at FSU Pro Day
Photo - QB Christian Ponder - FSU
QB Christian Ponder had a fine performance at the Florida St. Pro Day. Ponder elected to throw in all the passing drills and opted to keep his times from the NFL Combine two weeks ago. Ponder threw the ball well, showing an above average arm with fine touch and accuracy. He threw to NFL receiver Isaac Bruce and a few running backs, displaying the ability to throw the complete passing tree. He has been our #2 senior QB since August 2010 and remains there behind only senior Jake Locker at this point. He overcame a few arm and shoulder injuries that left his postseason vital for his draft status. At the Senior Bowl, he had a strong week of practices and won the MVP award for his game performance.
Name / Height / Weight / Arm / Length / Hand Size / Position
Mister Alexander - 6'2" 242 lbs. - 33 1/8" - 10" - LB
Matt Dunham - 6' 249 lbs. - 31 5/8" - 9 1/2" - TE/FB
Darren Edwards - 5'8" 174 lbs. - 29 1/4" - 8 1/2" - DB
Rodney Hudson - 6'2" 299 lbs. - 32 1/2" - 9 3/8" - OL
Ochuko Jenije - 5'11" 192 lbs. - 30 1/2" - 9" - DB
Dennis "Bo" Johnson - 5'11" 162 lbs. - 30" - 8 7/8" - DB
Ryan McMahon - 6'1" 297 lbs. - 30 7/8" - 9 3/8" - OC
Christian Ponder* - 6'2" 229 lbs. - 32 1/8" - 10 1/4" - QB
Tavares Pressley - 5'11" - 197 lbs. 30" - 9 1/8" - RB
Kendal Smith - 6'1" 244 lbs. - 32 3/8" - 9 5/8" - LB
Markus White - 6'4" 266 lbs. - 33 3/8" - 10" - DE
* Ponder elected to keep his times, measurements from his workout at the NFL Combine
Florida St.'s Pro Day Player Workout Numbers
40-Yard Dash
Mister Alexander 4.59
Matt Dunham 5.07
Darren Edwards 4.78
Rodney Hudson -
Ochuko Jenije 4.52
Dennis "Bo" Johnson 4.71
Ryan McMahon 5.15
Christian Ponder* 4.65
Tavares Pressley 4.62
Kendal Smith 4.84
Markus White 4.83
Bench Press - Reps At 225 lbs.
Mister Alexander 15
Matt Dunham 13
Darren Edwards 14
Rodney Hudson -
Ochuko Jenije 14
Dennis "Bo" Johnson 6
Ryan McMahon 31
Christian Ponder -
Taveres Pressley 20
Kendal Smith 22
Markus White 15
Vertical Jump
Mister Alexander 34"
Matt Dunham 34"
Darren Edwards 31"
Rodney Hudson 25 1/2"
Ochuko Jenije 32"
Dennis "Bo" Johnson 32"
Ryan McMahon 24"
Christian Ponder* 34"
Tavares Pressley 31"
Kendal Smith 31"
Markus White 32 1/2"
Broad Jump
Mister Alexander 10'3"
Matt Dunham 9' 5 1/2"
Darren Edwards 9' 1 1/2"
Rodney Hudson 8'5"
Ochuko Jenije 9' 6 3/4"
Dennis "Bo" Johnson 9' 5"
Ryan McMahon 8' 6 1/2"
Christian Ponder* 9'8"
Tavares Pressley 9'3"
Kendal Smith 9'2"
Markus White -
Three Cone Drill (seconds)
Mister Alexander 7.02
Matt Dunham 7.50
Darren Edwards 7.63
Rodney Hudson -
Ochuko Jenije 7.10
Dennis "Bo" Johnson 7.51
Ryan McMahon -
Christian Ponder* 6.85
Tavares Pressley 7.37
Kendal Smith 7.53
Markus White 7.57
NFL Combine 2011
Dash For Cash - Sprint Numbers
Photo - Da'Rel Scott - Maryland
The NFL Combine 2011 has been completed with several outstanding workouts that will have a huge effect on the final player rankings.
Running back Da'Rel Scott and wide receiver Edmund Gates had the best hand held times at the NFL Combine 2011 that are posted along with the electronically timed sprints. Both players are second tier prospects who improved their draft stock significantly with a strong combine performance.
None of the combine performances were more impressive than wideout Julio Jones of Alabama. Jones showed incredible athleticism with a 4.39 forty time @ 220 lbs. He leaped out of the building with a 11’3” broad jump and a 38.8” vertical leap. His numbers were outstanding and what is more amazing is that he did this with a broken bone in his foot. He will have an 8 week recovery time for the injury, but his workout made a statement of both his blue chip athleticism and his super toughness and work ethic. He played through a broken hand during the 2010 season where he missed no time.
Best 40 Times Pro Prospects by hand held official watches
Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor - Virginia Tech - 4.47
Jake Locker - Washington - 4.50
Colin Kaepernick - Nevada - 4.53
Cam Newton - Auburn - 4.56
Blaine Gabbert - Missouri - 4.61
Christian Ponder - Florida St - 4.63
Jerrod Johnson - Texas A&M - 4.75
Pat Devlin - Delaware - 4.81
Andy Dalton - Texas Christian - 4.82
Greg McElroy - Alabama - 4.84
Ricky Stanzi - Iowa - 4.87
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Running Backs
Da'Rel Scott - Maryland - 4.31
Mario Fannin - Auburn - 4.37
Derrick Locke - Kentucky - 4.37
DeMarco Murray - Oklahoma - 4.37
Jordan Todman - UConn - 4.40
Roy Helu - Nebraska - 4.40
Brandon Saine - Ohio St - 4.40
Alex Green - Hawaii - 4.45
Kendall Hunter - Oklahoma St - 4.46
Shane Vereen - California - 4.49
Allen Bradford - USC - 4.53
Jamie Harper - Clemson - 4.53
Johnny White - North Carolina - 4.53
Deleone Carter - Syracuse - 4.54
Dion Lewis - Pittsburgh - 4.56
Darren Evans - Virginia Tech - 4.56
Mikel Leshoure - Illinois - 4.56
Damien Berry - Miami - 4.58
Jacquizz Rodgers - Oregon St - 4.59
Ryan Williams - Virginia Tech - 4.59
Mark Ingram - Alabama - 4.62
Fullbacks
Anthony Sherman - UConn - 4.74
Owen Marecic - Stanford - 4.87
Shaun Chapas - Georgia - 4.87
Henry Hynoski - Pittsburgh - 5.06
Wide Receivers
Edmond Gates - Abilene Christian - 4.31
Ricardo Lockette - Fort Valley St - 4.34
Julio Jones - Alabama - 4.34
Al Robinson - SMU - 4.35
Leonard Hankerson - Miami - 4.40
Joe Morgan - Walsh - 4.40
Torrey Smith - Maryland - 4.41
Denarius Moore - Tennessee - 4.43
Titus Young - Boise St - 4.43
Niles Paul - Nebraska - 4.45
Jerrel Jernigan - Troy - 4.46
Ron Johnson - USC - 4.46
Randall Cobb - Kentucky - 4.46
A.J. Green - Georgia - 4.48
Jon Baldwin - Pittsburgh - 4.49
Stephen Burton - West Texas A&M - 4.50
Armon Binns - Cincinnati - 4.50
Jimmy Young - Texas Christian - 4.50
Cecil Shorts - Mount Union - 4.50
Greg Little - North Carolina - 4.51
Andre Holmes - Hillsdale - 4.51
Terrence Tolliver - LSU - 4.52
Dwayne Harris - East Carolina - 4.53
Owen Spencer - NC State - 4.53
Greg Salas - Hawaii - 4.53
OJ Murdock - Ft Hays St - 4.53
Tori Gurley - South Carolina - 4.53
Terrance Turner - Indiana - 4.56
Dane Sansenbacher - Ohio St - 4.56
Marshall Williams - Wake Forest - 4.56
Austin Pettis - Boise St - 4.56
Jeff Maehl - Oregon - 4.56
Jeremy Kerley - Texas Christian - 4.56
Darvin Adams - Auburn - 4.56
DeAndre Brown - Southern Miss - 4.59
Lester Jean - Florida Atlantic - 4.61
Vincent Brown - San Diego St - 4.68
Tight Ends
Rob Housler - Florida Atlantic - 4.46
Jordan Cameron - USC - 4.53
Virgil Green - Nevada - 4.54
D.J. Williams - Arkansas - 4.59
Schuyler Oordt - Northern Iowa - 4.63
Julius Thomas - Portland St - 4.64
Lance Kendricks - Wisconsin - 4.65
Charles Clay - Tulsa - 4.69
Luke Stocker - Tennessee - 4.70
Zach Pinalto - North Carolina - 4.78
Charlie Gantt - Michigan St - 4.85
Allen Reisner - Iowa - 4.90
Lee Smith - Marshall - 4.94
Cameron Graham - Louisville - 5.00
Offensive Tackles
Nate Solder - Colorado - 4.96
Derek Newton - Arkansas St - 5.00
Jarriel King - South Carolina - 5.03
Mike Person - Montana St - 5.07
Orlando Franklin - Miami - 5.11
Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin - 5.18
Derek Sherrod - Mississippi St - 5.18
Demarcus Love - Arkansas - 5.18
Anthony Castonzo - BC - 5.21
James Brewer - Indiana - 5.21
James Carpenter - Alabama - 5.22
Marcus Cannon - TCU - 5.28
Keith Hughes - SE Louisiana - 5.31
Jah Reid - Central Florida - 5.32
Joe Barksdale - LSU - 5.37
Chris Hairston - Clemson - 5.38
Jason Pinkston - Pittsburgh - 5.39
Marcus Gilbert - Florida - 5.41
Ray Dominguez - Arkansas - 5.45
Adam Grant - Arizona - 5.58
Guards
Steve Schilling - Michigan - 5.18
Julian Vandervelde - Iowa - 5.21
Rodney Hudson - Florida St - 5.27
Andrew Jackson - Fresno St - 5.27
Clint Boling - Georgia - 5.28
Dan Kilgore - Appalachian St - 5.28
Zach Hurd - UConn - 5.28
Keith Williams - Nebraska - 5.28
David Arkin - Missouri St - 5.31
Danny Watkins - Baylor - 5.36
Justin Boren - Ohio St - 5.40
John Moffitt - Wisconsin - 5.51
Centers
Jason Kelce - Cincinnati - 4.89
Ryan Bartholomew - Syracuse - 4.93
Mike Pouncey - Florida - 5.12
Kris O'Dowd - USC - 5.12
Brandon Fusco - Slippery Rock - 5.18
Zack Williams - Washington St - 5.18
Stefen Wisniewski - Penn St - 5.29
Alex Linnenkohl - Oregon St - 5.36
Wideout Julio Jones Lights up NFL Combine Workout
Photo - WR Julio Jones - Alabama
The NFL Combine 2011 has been completed with several outstanding workouts that will have a huge effect on the final player rankings. None of the performances were more impressive than wideout Julio Jones of Alabama. Jones showed incredible athleticism with a 4.39 forty time @ 220 lbs. He leaped out of the building with a 11’3” board jump and a 38.8” vertical leap. His numbers were outstanding and what is more amazing is that he did this with a broken bone in his foot. He will have an 8 week recovery time for the injury, but his workout made a statement of both his blue chip athleticism and his super toughness and work ethic. He played through a broken hand during the 2010 season where he missed no time.
Jones has actually risen to the #1 wide receiver prospect on a few NFL team boards, though A.J. Green remains the #1 prospect on most pro teams rankings currently. Jones most likely guaranteed a top 10 selection in April that with Green would provide the NFL Draft 2011 with two receivers at the top of the draft.
Green had a good workout at just under 6’4” and 211 lbs. and ran a 4.50 flat time. He leaped well and displayed outstanding hands in the receiving drills. He carries a top 5-10 grade and his workout especially the receiving aspect of the event assured a high selection.
The last wide receiver chosen in the top 10 of the NFL Draft was Michael Crabtree who was selected #10 overall by the 49ers in the 2009 class. Neither Jones or Green are expected to participate in their school’s Pro Days in March.
Here are NFL Combine Comparison Numbers of Julio Jones & A.J. Green
Julio Jones / AJ Green
Ht/ Wt
Size: 6026- 220 lbs. / 6035 – 211 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.39 / 4.50
Broad jump: 11'3" / 10’6”
Vertical jump: 38.5" / 34.5”
3-cone drill: 6.66 / 6.91
20-yard shuttle: 4.25 / 4.21
60-yard shuttle: 11.07 / 11.46
Bench press: 17 reps / 18 reps @ 225 lbs.
