Leonard Williams, DT - 6th overall pick

Leonard Williams, USC, #94

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-5	302	34 5/8	10 5/8	1.72	4.97	DNP	29.5	106	7.59	4.53	DNP

Game Film Evaluated:

Fresno State (2014)

Nebraska (2014)

Pros: Versatile, lines up at 5-technique in USC 3-man front. Great use of hands. Easily disengages from blocks. Elite swim move. He uses excellent technique to make plays. Has a knack for reading the QB eyes and knocking passes down or even make a play on the ball. Gets good arm extension, consistently able to keep blockers away from his body. He can beat the tackle multiple ways, good ability to cross the face of the tackle and get inside leverage to finish to the QB. Showed good rip move vs Nebraska. Flashed a good bull rush during same game. Plays with adequate strength to hold his position. He is capable of shooting the gaps with deceptive quickness.

Cons: Not an elite burst off the snap. Has good strength to hold the POA…Not a power player, doesn’t blow plays up with leverage. He is not a 2 gap player. He locates the ball fairly well, struggles when asked to play 2-gap. Lacks elite burst and change of direction skills.

Summary: Leonard Williams is one of the best defensive line prospects in the entire draft and capable of being an impact rookie and complete player. He does come with flaws to his game though. I was disappointed in his lack of elite athleticism on tape and confirmed by his workouts at the combine. He is scheme limited in my opinion destined only to play in a 4-3 front. USC played him out of position in 2014 using a lot of 3-man fronts and some of his production fell from 2013 because of this. He does not have the power at this time to be a top 3-4 five technique in the mold of JJ Watt. He lacks the elite quickness to be a great 3-technique either but he makes up for it with a great use of hands and multiple pass rush moves. I project him to be a instant impact 3-technique in a scheme that favors pass rush over stout run defense. He may also play end but his lack of great burst and closing speed would be a concern however dropping 15 pounds may add some of that speed he showed in 2013. A top 10 prospect.

Brandon Scherff, OT - 5th overall pick

Brandon Scherff, Iowa, #68

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-5	319	33 3/8	11	1.78	5.05	23	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP

Game Film Evaluated:

Indiana (2014)

Maryland (2014)

Nebraska (2014)

Michigan State (2013)

Pros: Nasty player, he looks to bury his man to the ground and will fight to the whistle. Anchors well and use proper positioning to set the edge. Moves well down the line. Gets to the 2^nd level well and hit the moving target. He is a physical drive mauling type blocker. He keeps the legs moving when engaged and will knock them out of the hole. Good footwork, slides well to prevent reaching and grabbing. Gets good arm extension and rarely lets the defender into his body. He can recognize and pick up stunts. He always looks to finish his blocks and take his man to the ground. He cannot be beaten with power.

Cons: Compact frame, not extremely long or lean. Struggles to slide feet fast enough to take away the edge to top rushers like Calhoun at Michigan State. He can have trouble cheating outside and recovering inside for counter moves. Struggles to change directions when defenders cross his face.

Summary: Brandon Scherff is a fantastic offensive line prospect, he should be a good offensive tackle but he might be an elite guard in the NFL. He is the ideal power mauling type lineman in the mold of Mike Iupati. He is an absolute monster in the run game and looks to destroy his man on every snap. Has good not great feet, good not great quickness. He can be beaten on the edge by an elite speed rusher as shown by his match up with Calhoun at Michigan State. He can move down the line on stretch plays and get upfield to hit the moving target. Scherff can play tackle although right tackle may be best for him and a future at guard could also be in play if he struggles with speed rushers. He has the feet and athleticism to play in either blocking scheme and would be best in a power run blocking scheme like the Seahawks. I project Scherff as a top 20 overall prospect and day 1 starter but have concerns about asking him to go head to head with elite speed rushers at left tackle in the pros.

Dante Fowler, OLB - 3rd overall pick

Dante Fowler Jr, Florida, #6

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-2.5	261	33 ¾	9 ½	1.59	4.61	19	32.5	112	7.4	4.32	11.89

Game Film Evaluated:

Kentucky (2014)

Alabama (2014)

LSU (2014)

Tennessee (2013)

Pros: Plays with good burst off the snap. Gets good extension with lineman. Shows the ability to disengage at times with a rip move… Athletic and can really shoot the gaps into the backfield. He seems most comfortable in a 2 point stance, might be best for a 3-4 team. Looks to make big violent hit vs wrapping up.

Cons: Doesn’t have many other pass rush moves consistently. Struggles to find the ball quickly. Missed quite a few tackles behind the line. He plays fast and aggressive upfield. Wants to penetrate vs stand and hold the POA. Is a major liability in the run game. He cannot stack and shed the block nor hold the POA. Really seems to wear down late in games or has nothing left in the tank. Got nothing vs La’el Collins at LSU. He gives good effort but just doesn’t make as many plays as the measurables and skills suggest a pass rusher should make.

Summary: He is a developing pass rusher with some upside but its going to come in a 3-4 defense. He is capable of being an impact player but he is not there nor close to that yet. The film suggest Fowler is a 3^rd round pick but I fully expect he goes earlier than that due to the potential of landing a impact pass rusher especially as an outside linebacker.

Marcus Mariota, QB - 2nd overall pick

Marcus Mariota, Oregon, #8

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-4	222	32	9 7/8	1.57	4.52	DNP	36	121	6.87	4.11	DNP

Game Film Evaluated:

Washington (2014)

Michigan State (2014)

Pros: Quick release, strong arm. Able to progress through reads. Able to avoid rushers and buy time. Throws a very catchable ball, knows when to zip it and when to touch. Leads receivers and very accurate. He looks to buy time with his feet so he can beat you with his arm.

Cons: At times was reluctant throwing the ball into tight space or with anticipation. Holds the ball for a while in the pocket and will give up a bit of sacks. Needs to have the clock go off to move out of the pocket. He prefers to throw the ball than run unless by design. Struggles with footwork when pressured and affects accuracy. Did not throw the ball with anticipation often.

Summary: Marcus Mariota is the top QB prospect in this draft, he brings a strong and accurate arm along with impressive athletic skills to buy time in the pocket. He will need to continue to improve on reading a defense, making presnap reads while taking snaps from under center at the next level. He will hold that ball for a long time if his first read is taken and he will buy time with his legs to try and beat you with his arm. Protects the ball well and does not throw many jump balls. Appeared gun shy to fit the ball into tight spaces and most of his receivers were considerably open thanks to the scheme. He struggled considerably vs Michigan State as they brought consistent pressure without blitzing and were physical with his receivers at the line. He will see a lot more of that in the NFL. He may not be a franchise QB but should be a top half QB in the league. Top 5 overall prospect.

Jameis Winston, QB - 1st Overall Pick

Jameis Winston, Florida State, #5

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand	10 Yd	40 Yd	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle	60 Yd Shuttle
6-4	231	32	9 3/8	1.74	4.97	DNP	28.5	103	7.16	4.36	DNP

Game Film Evaluated:

Oregon (2014)

Louisville (2014)

Florida (2014)

Pros: Has a strong arm and can make all the throws. He doesn’t need proper footwork to be able to fire the ball with a lot of velocity. Has bigger frame to absorb hits and agile to buy time in the pocket. He looks to make the play no matter how much pressure or trouble he is in. He will stand tall in the pocket and take the hit to make the throw. A proven winner on the field, consistently put his team in deficits early in games but continued to fight to rebound down the stretch. Has real makings of a QB who you want to have the ball if behind in the 4^th quarter.

Cons: Inconsistent footwork, poor decisions with the ball. He takes an extremely amount of risk and throws the ball in danger areas on a consistent basis. Bit of a long wind up in his delivery, needs to tighten it up to get rid of the ball quicker. His accuracy is poor, footwork is crucial to improve in that area. He can be extremely bad in one half of a game and incredibly good in the 2^nd half. One read QB and did not show ability to progress through reads. Often his read is the short throw and never even gives a look downfield before unloading the ball.

Summary: Jameis Winston is a polarizing prospect in the draft. The player ON THE FIELD reminds me of Eli Manning, a guy who can get on a hot stretch and fire nothing but strikes all over the field and impossible to defend. He has the arm to make the throws, flare for the dramatics and come back late in games. At the same time, Winston is awfully inaccurate with most of his passes, his footwork is a mess and decision making is alarming. He consistently puts the ball in jump ball or danger areas throughout the season that put his team deep in holes. He needs get comfortable reading a defense, progressing through reads, shorten up his delivery and learn to work under center. The player OFF THE FIELD is a danger prospect, the alleged sexual assault and following incidents since then. I could not trust my franchise to an individual like this, QBs are held to a higher level than any other position and for this he is removed on my board. The player ON THE FIELD suggest a late 1^st round pick who needs patience and willing to accept the gunslinger who is wreckless at times with the ball but has a way to keep your team in it and confident he can win at the end.

2015 All Knucklehead Team

Happy NFL Draft Eve!

It is that time to unveil my 2015 "All Knucklehead Team".  The list consist of eligible NFL Draft prospects who have significant off the field concerns or even on the field knucklehead decisions.  This idea came from listening to Norm Hitzges show on KTCK AM 1310 in Dallas, home of the only radio station in the country that covers the draft pick by pick.

Unfortunately, this team has become increasingly less difficult to fill out each year thanks to colleges disregard for character in recruiting, the price of winning.  To their credit, the offensive line for the 2015 All Knucklehead Team was a struggle which is a good thing.

Enough talk, onto the list.  I have edited a few bullet points due to the adult language outlined in the incident.

QB:        Jameis Winston, Florida State

·         Investigated for sexual assault of student December, 2012. NYtimes story outlines details of the night and evidence that a criminal act occurred. No charges were ever filed. Currently sued in a civil suit by the victim.

·         Brought a BB gun and was firing at squirrels in 2012. Arrested by FSU campus police but no charges were filed since he was off campus.

·         July 2013, Burger King employee called police that Winston was stealing soda.

·         April 2014, issued adult civil citation for shoplifting crab legs from Tallahassee Publix. He had a hook up at the store to give him crab legs for free which is NCAA violation but a co-worker called police to report the incident

·         September 2014, he was suspended for season opener versus Clemson. Winston could be heard shouting in student center, “Fu*k her right in the pu$$y!” standing atop a table.

RB:         Karlos Williams, Florida State

·         Investigated by Tallahassee police domestic battery case, no charges were filed. Mother of his children posted pictures of her injuries on facebook and claimed in the post she was also pregnant.

RB:         Michael Dyer, Louisville

·         Began at Auburn, dismissed from team after failing drug test. Went to Arkansas State, dismissed from them after traffic spot revealed he had marijuana and a gun in the car.

WR:       Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri/Oklahoma

·         Suspended twice at Missouri. Arrested twice for marijuana related arrest. Kicked off team at Missouri in April 2014 after details of alleged role in alleged burglary. Allegedly shoved a female student down some stairs, no charges were filed. Transferred to Oklahoma and then immediately decided to declare for the draft.

WR:       Davaris Daniels, Notre Dame

·         Suspended spring 2014 for academic issues. Then suspended for entire 2014 season over academic dishonesty. He was one of five players who were handing in assignments and papers written for them by others. In response to being suspended, he declared he would go to the draft in October.

TE:         Cameron Clear, Texas A&M

·         Began at Tennessee, dismissed from team in 2012 after being arrested and charged with felony theft.

OT:        Darrian Miller, Kentucky

·         Suspended for 2014 season opener vs Tennessee Martin after violation of team rules.

OC:        Dillon Day, Mississippi State

·         Suspended for 1 game against Texas A&M for “multiple flagrant and unsportsmanlike acts” during win over LSU. He was on camera stepping on LSU players Davon Godchaux and Rashard Robinson. He was suspended for 1^st half of game in 2013 after stepping on an Auburn player.

DE:         Frank Clark, Michigan

·         Plead guilty to persistent disorderly conduct. Domestic violence and assault charges were dismissed. Stemmed from incident in November when he allegedly roughed up his live-in girlfriend. Kicked off Michigan team

DE:         Randy Gregory, Nebraska

·         Failed the drug test at the NFL combine. Prior to that, he was criticized at Nebraska for not being coachable.

DT:         Terry Williams, East Carolina

·         July 2012, suspended indefinitely following drug related arrest. September 2013, suspended again for violation of team policy. Declared ineligible for bowl game in 2014 but reason was believed to be academic related.

DT:         Leon Orr, Florida

·         Began season as starter, kicked off team in mid October by Coach Will Muschamp. Reportedly it was due to a shouting match with Coach Muschamp after he was removed from the starting lineup for 5^th straight game. “He was more concerned with starting than being part of the team”, Muschamp said.

LB:         AJ Johnson, Tennessee

·         Alleged to involved in sexual assault of 19 year old student. Indicted by grand jury on two counts of aggravated rape.

LB:         Jordan Hicks, Texas

·         December 2012, Hicks was investigated into an alleged sexual assault at hotel close to team hotel. Police observed bruises on woman’s right knee and left bicep. No charges were filed. Suspended for bowl game 2012 as a result with teammate Case McCoy.

CB:         PJ Williams, Florida State

·         Arrested for DUI in April, just weeks before the NFL Draft.

CB:         Justin Cox, Mississippi State

·         Arrested and charged on domestic violence charges. Immediately suspended and then finally kicked off the team.

CB:         Marcus Peters, Washington

·         Suspended 1 game in 2014 by Head Coach Chris Petersen for sideline tantrum. Dismissed from team over multiple run ins with coaching staff. Overly emotional and lets affect his on field play.

S:             Tevin McDonald, Eastern Washington

·         Began at UCLA then ended up at Eastern Washington. Failed 3 drug tests at UCLA.

S:             Josh Shaw, USC

·         Jumped from apt balcony after domestic argument with girlfriend when police showed up. Feared arrest and decided to run. Shaw and the girlfriend claim the argument never got physical. He hurt both his ankles in the fall and then lied about it saying he jumped to save his nephew who was drowning in the pool. USC suspended for most of the 2014 season.