Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
DraftInsiders.com 2011 All-Rookie Team
Photo - LB Aldon Smith - 49ers (Missouri)
Offensive Rookie of the Year - QB Cam Newton - Panthers
Defensive Rookie of the Year - LB Aldon Smith - 49ers
Aldon Smith - Scouting report from Draft Insiders' 2011 Yearbook below
2011 All-Rookie Team
Offense
Quarterback
Cam Newton - Panthers
Running Backs
DeMarco Murray - Cowboys
Mark Ingram - Saints
Wide Receivers
A.J. Green - Bengals
Julio Jones - Falcons
Tight End
Kyle Rudolph - Vikings
Center
Mike Pouncey - Dolphins
Guards
Stefen Wisniewski - Raiders
Danny Watkins – Eagles
Offensive Tackles
Tyron Smith - Cowboys
Nate Solder - Patriots
Defense
Defensive Ends
J.J. Watt - Texans
Adrian Clayborn - Bucs
Defensive Tackles
Marcell Dareus - Bills
Phil Taylor - Browns
Linebackers
Aldon Smith - 49ers
Von Miller - Broncos
Ryan Kerrigan - Redskins
Cornerbacks
Patrick Peterson - Cardinals
Jimmy Smith - Ravens
Safeties
Joe Lefeged - Colts
Chris Harris - Broncos
Specialists
Placekicker
Dan Bailey - Cowboys
Punter
Matt Bosher - Falcons
Punt Returner
Patrick Peterson - Cardinals
Kickoff Returner
Randall Cobb - Packers
Aldon Smith - scouting report from Draft Insiders' 2011 Yearbook
* Aldon Smith #85 - 6’5” 265 lbs. - Missouri - Sp. 4.75 Rating 92
Hindu Theory - Demarcus Ware
Imposing athletic junior defensive end declared for the NFL Draft after a career that featured numerous big plays on the outside the past two seasons. Aldon has freakish athletic ability and actually has the movement skills of a 240 lb. athlete rather than a 265 lb defender. He is coming off a strong short two-year career in the Big 12 where he earned first team honors each season. He is a blue chip athlete who runs very well and has developed into a terrific edge rusher that allowed him to make impact plays from his first season with the Tigers. He is a tall angular defender with very strong hands and the athleticism to play both up and down off the edge to fit either pro scheme. He is the rare defender in that he can be an impact defender both up as an attack linebacker or down as a weakside end in a 4-3 alignment. Most tweener types do not rank high in both schemes and most actually fail as pros in either or both defensive sets. He is a quick twitch defender with the initial burst of speed on the snap to be a major disruptive force off the edge. He plays with a high motor and combined with his excellent athleticism ranks him among the premier defenders in this blue chip crop of defensive linemen. He has a long wiry frame with surprising strength and good technique to be a consistent factor as a pass rusher, though he needs some hand development and overall strength work to realize his full potential. He has developed a sudden first step off the edge that wins early on the down where his explosive speed is difficult to contain. He has been a major force the past two seasons, showing big play ability along with very good football intelligence and instincts to be a consistent playmaker. Despite his incredible size, he is an athlete that fits the classic tweener role with equal ability to fit both schemes and perform at a high level. He has the talent to be an impact defender in both pro schemes that gives his club a very unique defender to change alignments often and on the clock to create many favorable mismatches. He is an excellent fit as an edge pass rusher in the 4-3 set where his quick feet and hands help him get up the field quickly and run the arc. Over his final season, he made 48 tackles, 10 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 2 PBU and 5.5 sacks, earning 1st team Big 12 honors while playing through a leg injury that cost him three games. In ’09, he started 11 of 13 games while recording 64 tackles with 19 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR and 5 PBU that earned him first team Big 12 honors. He displays the big play ability off the edge to attack the passer and be an early difference maker once he settles into the right position and scheme. He is best suited for the four-man front and weakside end spot where his combination of speed and power are ideal fits. He is a very good athlete that has natural pass rush ability that will warrant a probable top 12-15 selection. He shows further growth potential without losing his speed or his explosiveness to be an end in a 4-3 scheme. He has an athletic frame with the ability to carry 280 lbs. well that will help him to stack at the POA vs big tackles. He holds the edge well enough to stretch the play out with the top speed to make plays at the sidelines. He can have a hard time getting off blocks at the POA at times when over big tackles and needs additional hand technique development to improve his ability to separate. He has very quick and strong hands that get a powerful initial strike to gain a fast advantage with the long arms and reach to keep blockers off his body. He has the footwork to move laterally with the ability to change directions fast and counter inside. He has very good speed, showing the pursuit skills to make plays on the perimeter and the ability to drop in coverage despite limited experience in that role. He has the primary asset to be a difference maker in his ability is to get to the QB with the upside to be a major impact defender. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at over 6’4” and 263 lbs with 353/8” arms. He did 20 reps and ran a fine 4.82 time with a 34” VJ and a 9’10” BJ in a strong performance. He is similar to DeMarcus Ware and Willie McGinest in size, AA and upside potential. This is a blue chip prospect with Pro Bowl type skills, especially from a speed standpoint and functional strength numbers. With his hand on the ground, he may best resemble Ware and equally fast off the edge. Athlete with well-developed pass rushing skills and capable of being a pro impact performer. He will be a hot prospect for many teams, but especially clubs like the 49ers, Texans, Rams and Lions. He has excellent upside potential to become an early starter in a 4-3 set. Fast rising premier prospect with impact ability and early Pro Bowl talent.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
Top Overall Pick Bradford Wins Early Rookie Weekly Awards
Photo - QB Sam Bradford - St. Louis Rams
The top overall selection of the NFL Draft 2010 wins the Draft Insiders weekly rookie award for his outstanding performance. His effort were instrumental in the Rams first two wins of the season and only the second and third victories for St. Louis in the past 30 games overall.
Bradford went 23 of 37 passes for 235 yards for 1 interception and 1 TD. It was a major breakout game for the top overall pick last April who has paid his dues over the early action. In his first two games, he had four interceptions while being sacked five times. On Sunday in the win over the Redskins, he threw only 1 interception with 1 sack while directing the Rams to an early 14-0 lead they never surrendered. He managed the game well, utilizing the Rams ground game to control the clock for a critical 35 to 25 minute advantage over the game that made the difference over the 2nd half of the game.
Bradford had another solid performance that was instrumental in the Rams second consecutive win of the season vs the Seahawks. It was the first time they have achieved back to back victories in two years. It was only the third victory for St. Louis in the past 30 games overall, as they already surpass their poor 1-15 record from 2009. Bradford went 23 of 41 passes for 289 yards for 1 interception and 2 TDs. It was another strong performance for the top overall pick last April who shows a fine understanding of the defense and fast developing recognition skills of pro defenses. Over his first two games, he had four interceptions while being sacked five times.
Scouting Report in Draft Insiders' Yearbook - March 2010
1. * Sam Bradford #14 - 6’4” 235 lbs - Oklahoma - Sp. 4.8 - Rating 93
Hindu Theory - Tom Brady
Athletic strong armed junior QB will be one of the blue chip prospects in this draft class despite missing most of the ’09 season due to a shoulder injury. Sam is a talented prospect with the skill set to be a premier NFL starter with some development. He won many Big 12 honors over his short career, including earning conference honors since his freshman season. Surprisingly, he entered this draft class after basically just a few games this fall that saw him suffer another shoulder injury that ended his campaign in September. Though he has enormous potential as a pro, he was a surprising addition to this class off his injury riddled final season. His decision to turn pro was influenced by the expiration of the NFL Players agreement and probable changes in the rookie salary cap on the horizon. He earns a high draft ranking on upside potential despite his limited college playing experience. He is an above average athlete who has a very good arm and a quick compact delivery that allows him to deliver the ball with excellent velocity, timing, touch and accuracy. He has progressed quickly in all aspects of play since starting as a redshirt freshman. He is a quality passer with fine measureables, including a very strong arm with good footwork that allows him to escape the pocket from heavy pass pressure. He can make the quick proper read and deliver the ball into tight spots in the intermediate and short zones. He is only an average runner, though he shows the ability to throw effectively on the move and within the pocket. He has a very good arm that the pro scouts seek in a prospect with the ability to drive the ball down the field and drop the ball into windows in coverage. As a junior, he looked to repeat his great sophomore performance but an early season shoulder injury ended his Sooner career. Over his career, he made few mistakes with only 16 interceptions in almost 900 passing attempts. Over his career, he made fast progress for a prospect with such limited playing experience. He shows a keen understanding of the position and rarely attempts to do too much or make the critical mistake. He is an accurate thrower with the touch to deliver all the passes, and showed fast improvement especially in the deep game over his late career. He displays a live arm with enough mobility and the touch and timing to make the big throws that the position demands. Over his short career, he showed excellent accuracy with a fine delivery and setup and the quick release and follow through to complete the pass. He has the arm to make all the throws and is very effective on the shorter and intermediate routes, leading the receivers nicely to run after the catch. He delivers the ball with good velocity with the toughness to hang in the pocket and make the difficult throw. He is very competitive, hard working and shows the ability to direct an offense and overcome adversity. Over his career, his decision-making and maturity improved quickly, though he still needs reps in reading coverage and finding secondary receivers.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started only three games and completed 39 of 69 pass attempts for a 57% for 562 yards with 3 TDs and 0 picks. During his sophomore season, he started all 14 games and threw for 4720 yards with a 68% completion rate with 50 TD passes and 8 picks. He earned the Heisman Trophy off that performance. Over his career, he started all 31 career games including all 28 games his 1st two seasons. He entered the ’09 season with 86 TD passes and just 16 interceptions with an impressive 68% completion rate. At the NFL Combine, he did not workout. He has a late March workout scheduled. He is similar to Tom Brady in many of his skills, in addition to last years first round prospect Mark Sanchez in size, AA and upside potential.
The Skinny: This guy could be a possible top overall selection off his overall talent and the high value of the position. He has the arm, mobility and smarts to earn a pro starting grade, but still faces a learning curve with limited playing time. He is a blue chip prospect with early NFL starting talent and upside to become a top flight leader. He should move up fairly fast on the depth charts, but only after showing complete health and an understanding of an offense. He has the physical and mental talent to be a fine NFL starter with outstanding upside as a passer, but must refine all aspects of the position to be ready for the pro game. Probable early #1 pick and possible first overall if healthy for the St Louis Rams who need a young passer. Top overall prospect with the skill set to be an elite pro leader in time, though he may not be ready for prime time playing time as a rookie.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top selection
Percy Harvin Wins Rookie Award
Photo – Percy Harvin - Vikings
The Vikings first year receiver Percy Harvin was named the NFL Rookie of the Year this week after an outstanding '09 season. Harvin was selected in the 1st round last April by the Vikings and has become a key weapon in their explosive offense.
Harvin was among five nominees, including Texans LBers Brian Cushing and Packers Clay Matthews and Ravens OT Michael Oher and Bills S Jairus Byrd.
Harvin set a Vikings record with 2,081 combined yards during the 2009 season that was the second overall production in the NFC. He had two kickoff returns for a touchdown, including a 101-yarder, and ranked fourth in the NFL with a 27.5-yard kickoff return average (42 returns for 1,156 yards). In 15 games, Harvin had 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 TDs and 135 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
Harvin, who attended the University of Florida, was nominated for seven Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning twice.
Scouting Report on Percy Harvin last March in DraftInsiders.com Yearbook prior to being selected in 1st round by Vikings
* Percy Harvin #1 - 5’11” 190 lbs. - Florida - Sp. 4.40 / Rating 90
Hindu Theory - Steve Smith (Carolina)
Electrifying all-purpose junior playmaker has been one of the most explosive performers from the college ranks to enter the NFL early in recent years. Percy is a fast receiver/return specialist who shows explosiveness quickness after he gets his hands on the ball whether as a runner, receiver or a return specialist. He is a premier playmaker who has been instrumental in the Florida national title victories. Despite some concerns about size, he is a tough athlete who is well built, though he has only marginal NFL measureables for the position. He is a highly developed athlete as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick with the explosive burst to separate easily and dangerous to score from any on the field. As a receiver, he possesses fine hands with the separation speed to get deep and hit the home run regularly. He also has outstanding openfield running skills after he gets his hands on the ball to create special problems for a defense. He has the components to become an NFL star - speed, quickness, hands, great vision and the natural running skills to strike from anywhere. After helping the Gators win another national title, he declared for the NFL Draft ’09. He has elite speed to get deep and hit the home run and displayed this consistently over his career. He has the top burst of speed to separate and get past cover men in the deep game to hit the big play. At the line, he needs to show he can beat the bump and run vs NFL caliber defenders after rarely facing that technique in college. His ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game is a major concern despite his big play ability at a very high level in the SEC. Once into his patterns, he can take the short hitch pass and create room to break a big play. His excellent running skills after the catch will warrant a very early selection and probably in the mid first round area. He is especially dangerous on the shorter routes to take the play the distance and is ideally suited for the West Coast offenses. His ability to find the end zone and natural running ability will make him a top commodity in April with every club looking for playmakers. He has fine hands and shows the ability to run sound routes and create separation consistently. He must prove he has the ability to stay on his routes and go over the middle in the NFL game. On the deep pass, he has developed good instincts tracking and the body control and hands to make the big play. He shows the ability to track the deep ball with the savvy to be in position to make the big catch. He is well developed as a route runner and recognizes coverage quickly with the ability to adjust and help his passer. His speed off the line puts him in a position to eat up a corners cushion when he comes off the line clean. Once into his route, he retains his top speed very well at the breakpoint and creates consistent separation. He has sudden speed and is very quick into his routes and cuts with the ability to create space in patterns. He needs some strength development to battle the jam and fight through being pushed off his routes. As a collegian, he was rarely tested with the bump and run and must prove he can beat that technique to become a starting NFL receiver.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started 11 of 12 games and caught 40 passes for 644 yards and 7 TDs for an 16.1. yard average per catch that earned him SEC honors. As a sophomore, he started 10 of 11 games and caught 59 passes for 858 yards, a 14.5 yard average per catch. As a freshman, he started 5 of 13 games and caught 34 passes for 427 yards and 2 TDs for a 12.6 yard average. At the NFL Combine, he checked in over 5’11” and a chiseled 192 lbs. He ran 4.39 and 4.41 times with and 10 reps in the lifting. He stopped due to an ankle injury.
The Skinny: Fast explosive playmaker with the speed and well developed talent to change games quickly as a receiver and returner. He can provide major impact as a rookie return specialist. He is one of the best return specialist in this class and one of the special playmakers in several roles. With the return game playing a bigger role in the NFL, return sensations like Devin Hester have provided incredible impact and Percy can be the next dangerous returner. As a receiver, he is one of the better deep threats in this class, displaying the special burst of speed to get behind the secondary, in addition to terrific run after the catch ability. He needs work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. As a return specialist, he combines both elusiveness and the sudden speed to pressure defenders. He needs some strength development to hold up vs big NFL athletes. He is a chiseled cut athlete who has been surprisingly durable as a collegian, though he was nicked up during the late ’08 season. He has a nose for the end zone and has produced vs. a high level of competition where he often beat double coverage situations. He is similar to the Panthers’ Steve Smith and former NFL Pro bowl returner Desmond Howard in size, athleticism and big play ability. Top 20 player and an excellent addition to a passing and return game, but he needs a creative coach to get him the touches to make a difference. He is not your classic #1 receiver and how he is used as a receiver will determine his pro success. He needs movement, reverses and slip screens to maximize his big play ability. Teams like the Texans, Chiefs and Bucs have on their short list for the 1st round. Playmaker with the talent to become an impact performer and an NFL star, but only if used properly in the passing game. Big play performer with character issues that hurt his final grade.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
