Categories

College Players On Display For NFL

posted by martino_cappachino 12:02 PM
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The East-West Shrine College Game, which kicks off Saturday, marks the beginning of spring scouting travels. Every year a few players greatly improve their draft status in this showcase with a strong week.

Examples? The St. Louis Rams’ Rodger Saffold, the first pick of the second round in 2010, and Mike Kafka, a 2010 fourth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, enhanced their profiles for NFL scouts last year.

After evaluating players on film and talking to scouts, we compiled a list of 10 College players NFL teams are interested to see this week.

In projected draft order:

Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton, 6-0, 185 pounds

Despite his height, Pellerin has the foot quickness and smooth speed to stay with any receiver he faced. Now he must prove he can handle the speed of professionals. Pellerin is raw and must improve his backpedal and transition. This week will be a good test to see if he has the burst needed to catch up a receiver gets separation. If Pellerin shines, he could get a last-minute invitation to the Senior Bowl. PROJECTED: Late first round.

Matt Reynolds, T/G, BYU, 6-4, 310 pounds

Reynolds was considered an elite prospect at times, but his play didn’t drastically improve. He tends to play flat-footed, doesn’t bend his knees or use his hands aggressively, which allows pass rushers to dictate play. A big concern for NFL teams is where Reynolds fits. His lack of foot quickness makes him an ideal candidate to switch to guard. However, he’s a finesse blocker which will diminish his play inside and force him to stay at tackle. PROJECTED: Late first round.

B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State, 6-2, 230 pounds

Cunningham was highly productive in college. He has excellent size, playing strength and hands even though he is not viewed as an elite prospect. While Cunningham is a good athlete for his size, he lacks foot quickness and explosiveness to get consistent separation against man coverage. PROJECTED: Third or fourth round.

Shawn Prater, CB, Iowa, 5-10, 181 pounds

Recommended On The Web
QB Coleman stands out in first practice for East-West Shrine Game CBSSports.com: Monday Jan 16
East-West Shrine Game 2012: Postseason All-Star Games Starting Up SB Nation: Tuesday Jan 17
Prater is a top-level athlete who played well against good college receivers. The issue with him? He doesn’t always play up to his talent. Prater is not highly rated despite his physical talent. He allows too many catches by receivers he should easily cover. He must prove to NFL teams that he can maintain his focus, be more consistent transitioning and consistently play at a high level. PROJECTED: Third or fourth round.

— 2012 draft: Claiborne decision | Richardson, Bama buddies going pro | Tannehill’s bad break | RG3 leaves Baylor for NFL | Mock: Indy has Luck

Lance Lewis, WR, East Carolina, 6-1, 205 pounds

Lewis has uncommon foot quickness and speed for a tall receiver. He also gets separation deep down the field. He has good hands and looks comfortable catching the ball, even when he must adjust to off-target passes. The concern with Lewis? He lacks aggressiveness, which hinders his ability to fight through press coverage and break tackles to gain yards after contact. PROJECTED: Third or fourth round.

John Brantley, QB, Florida, 6-3, 220 pounds

Every scout we spoke with expressed frustration that Brantley had not been more productive. He has the physical tools to be elite. No one questions his arm. What do teams want to see? Better footwork and consistent accuracy. Plus, he must adjust when plays break down. PROJECTED: Fourth or fifth round.

Related onSN
Rams set to introduce Fisher as new coach; Saints’ Williams may be joining him as DC Tuesday Jan 17
Oakland Raiders will interview Denver Broncos’ coordinators Monday Jan 16
Report: Lions’ Stafford comeback player of the year Tuesday Jan 17
Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland, 5-8, 210 pounds

Meggett plays with the versatility of his father, former New York Giants running back Dave Meggett. He too makes big plays as a runner and receiver, and he has pass-protection skills. Scouts view him as a “quicker than fast” back who lacks game-breaking speed and explosiveness that are seen as necessary for a short back to produce. More than anything, Meggett needs a big week to prove to NFL teams he has the toughness to handle the pounding and be a durable No. 1 back. PROJECTED: Fourth or fifth round.

Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas, 6-3, 210 pounds

Childs must shine to show he is a good as he was before tearing a patella tendon against Vanderbilt in 2010. He is a big, strong receiver with excellent body control. NFL personnel like his ability to catch high passes. Childs could develop into a red-zone weapon. But to be more than a specialist he must show the burst and speed to get separation against NFL defenders. PROJECTED: Fourth or fifth round.

Jeff Adams, T, Columbia, 6-6, 300 pounds

Adams was a dominant Ivy League player. With his size, foot quickness and intellect, NFL teams are excited to see how he stacks up. At Columbia, he rarely had trouble blocking anyone — but he didn’t see the explosive pass rushers he will face this week. With a strong showing, Adams could make a big jump on draft boards. PROJECTED: Sixth or seventh round.

Justin Francis, DT, Rutgers, 6-2, 275 pounds

Francis made an impact are end and tackle, where he late in his senior year. NFL teams want to see if he has the foot quickness and athleticism to make up for a lack of bulk. If Francis can add weight without losing his explosiveness and agility, he could become a productive interior force similar to the Indianapolis Colts’ Eric Foster, who also played at Rutgers. PROJECTED: Sixth or seventh round.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-01-17/nfl-draft-2012-prospects-john-brantley-bj-cunningham-others-on-display-in-east-w#ixzz1jkOx96lj

Leave a Reply

Custom Authentic Jerseys Viral Marketing by SEM Truth.
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).

The views, opinions and information are unofficial, independent and are not otherwise affiliated or represent the views or opinions of Custom Authentic Jerseys not any team, league or organization.