2014 NFL Draft

2014 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks

Overview:

This has to be the deepest quarterback class I’ve ever scouted. Literally ten players deep that can not only be starters at the next level but potentially be studs, it’s unheard of in my drunken memory.

Blake Bortles*-QB-Central Florida-6’5”-232-Top 10-95
He’s the absolute prototype number 1 QB. Big dude who moves well and has a rocket attached to his right shoulder. He took UCF to a BCS bowl game, Culpepper didn’t do that. He obviously has all the physical tools but his best asset is his toughness. He took some hits that would’ve made Rocky Balboa wince and got up. At times he plays like a linebacker, probably because he was recruited to be one, just like Jim Kelly. Good company to be in. Jim Kelly’s got a gold jacket (green jacket who gives a shit) and I think Bortles could get there too. He’s in that Andrew Luck, Ben Roethlisraper mold. Needs to show more above the shoulders play though.

Teddy Bridgewater*-QB-Louisville-6’2”-214-1st-2nd Round-88

Everybody’s number 1 coming into draft season, but he’ been systematically downgraded through the process. His release is too low and he doesn’t have that much zip on the ball. He brought Louisville to national prominence, something Brian Brohm failed to do before him. When I watch him play I see a little Joe Montana. Obviously that’s a stretch comparison, especially because Bridgewater hasn’t won anything, but I think they have similar pocket presence and delivery. Physically he can be a great quarterback but as always it depends on what kind of guy he is and the situation he lands in. Similar value to Andy Dalton.

A.J. McCarron-QB-Alabama-6’3”-220-Day 2-88

We’ve all seen him play a fuckload of times. People will say he’s a game manager, and he does just enough to win, but the fact of the matter is he does everything you need. He hands off when you have a stud in the backfield (Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson), throws it downfield when you have a freak on the outside (Julio Jones), bangs a supermodel (You know), and almost always wins. Sounds a lot like Tom Brady. Obviously predicting a quarterback is hard but he has all the physical tools to translate at the next level. I worry that he had too much success in college and might have lost the fire, but you could’ve said the same for Peyton. At the end of the day I think he’s the best value at QB and belongs firmly in the second round if not earlier, and as an Auburn fan I hate his fucking guts.

Derek Carr-QB-Fresno State-6’2”-214-1st Round-85

He should’ve changed his name once his brother flopped in Houston, and not went to the same school dipshit, just inviting the comparisons. Will people stop saying David Carr was an enormous draft flop please, he was the first pick of an expansion team with a high school wrestling team for an offensive line, no wonder he set the record for sacks in a year. Kid moves well, can sling it, and put up major numbers in college including throwing for more than 5000 yards and 50 TD’s last fall. He’s got what it takes physically but you worry about the competition he faced in the Mountain West. Similar value to Zac Dysert from 2013, but Carr was more prolific in college and more polished as a QB.

Johnny Manziel**-QB-Texas A&M-6’0”-207-1st Round-83

Had to be the most entertaining college football player since Reggie Bush. For that reason alone he’s gonna make some owner rich as a motha fucka. As far as football goes he’s a loose cannon, incredibly inventive and spontaneous. People will draw comparisons to Brett Favre or Russell Wilson, I’m seeing more of Rick Mirer and Heath Shuler. There are a couple things to take into account with Johnny Manziel. First, he’s a rich kid with a rebellious attitude, not exactly the guy that’s gonna inspire a bunch of millionaires to come to optional offseason practices. Second, he played behind some of the best offensive lines in college football the last two years (Luke Joeckel, Jake Mathews etc.). If you watched his games he seemed to sit in the pocket for 5 seconds, escape a minor rush, and sit in the pocket for 5 more seconds before throwing it up to Mike Evans in triple coverage or a wide open receiver as a result of a busted coverage. He doesn’t have an NFL arm, nor top notch accuracy, but god damn can he run for a pigeon-toed white boy (4.68 40). At the end of the day, you’re drafting a jersey selling back-up caliber QB who’s going to get arrested outside a strip club, mark it down.

Aaron Murray-QB-Georgia-6’1”-207-Day 3-78

Seems like a goober but he had some gutty performances at Georgia. This past year the stars aligned for them to have the most difficult September that I can remember, seemingly playing a top 15 team every week with half of their starters injured, and Andy Murray conducted a few impressive wins. He’s short and doesn’t have the strongest arm but Russell Wilson proved that’s not insurmountable. He’s a typical west coast offense quarterback, solid accuracy, clutch play, mobility as needed, I would love to see him back up Alex Smith for a few years and work with Andy Reid in KC. All he needs are some three step drops and lifts in his cleats.

Tajh Boyd-QB-Clemson-6’1”-220-Day 3-76

Real solid athlete. Looks like he’s taller than he is. He can really sling it and move too. You worry about his accuracy and wonder how his offense wasn’t unstoppable with Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. Basically he’s Cam Newton minus 4 inches and a national championship, and on draft day that’s worth about 100 picks.

Zach Mettenberger-QB-LSU-6’5”-224-Day 2-75

Georgia recruit who got caught behind Andy Murray and transferred out. He’s the consummate oaf with a cannon. Would like to see better pocket mobility, and for that reason I think he’s gonna be a back up at the next level. He had big wins and big losses at LSU. People might compare him to Ryan Mallett, which is why I think he’ll go in the 3rd, but I think Mallett had better accuracy and pocket escapability. Mettenberger is gonna hold a clipboard for millions of dollars a year.

Running backs:

Carlos Hyde*, RB, Ohio State

The only back in this draft that seems first round caliber. He’s big, moves well and can finish runs. The reason he’s a third round back in my opinion is he doesn’t do anything special. He doesn’t break long runs, isn’t exceptional in the receiving game, and isn’t overwhelming in short yardage. Basically he’s a solid back in the

Tre Mason*, RB, Auburn-5’8”-207-78

Really enjoyed watching this kid play at Auburn. He’s got a low center of gravity, bow legs and surprising power for a smaller guy. He primarily ran between the tackles in college and I would expect that to continue. Not much experience as a receiver. He has a great feel for running in tight spaces, using his blockers, and he knows how to finish a run. Impressive at the combine with a 4.5 40 and 38.5” vertical. He’ll be part of an RB tandem but could top out as a Ray Rice type.

Wide Receivers

Sammy Watkins*-WR-Clemson-6’1”-211-Top 10-97

Kind of an odd college career. Burst on the scene as a freshman with 80 for 1200+, slumped to 57 for 700 as a sophomore (suspended 2 games for drug arrest) while DeAndre Hopkins was killing it, but finished his Junior year catching 101 balls for 1400+ yards and 12 scores. Was AP All American first team as a freshman, only others to ever do it are Herschel Walker, Marshall Faulk, and Adrian Peterson, just sayin. His measurables don’t jump off the page. 4.43 in the 40, 34” vert, 32” arms, 9.5” hands. His 6.95 in the 3 cone drill is exceptional though. The tape says this kid can fly, and state titles in the 200 meter and 100 meter (2nd place) in Florida confirms it. Caught a ton of screens, which he’ll do in the pro’s, but not 5+ times per game. Very good after the catch ability. Natural hand catcher with strong hands, reminds me of AJ Green that way. I worry a little about his ability to create separation, but he has an impressive burst. Will need to work on his route tree like any rookie. He’s a high level prospect because of his explosiveness, strength, and hands; though not elite because he lacks the height, speed, or route running to guarantee getting open.

2014 NFL Draft Tight Ends

Overview:

Not the deepest TE pool, but this year’s crop should have several impact players at the next level. Everybody and their mother has Ebron at the top of this year’s class but the way I see it the best he could be is a less athletic Vernon Davis and the best Austin Seferian-Jenkins (needs a short nickname) could be is a less athletic Jimmy Graham. Which sounds better?

Austin Seferian-Jenkins*-TE-Washington-6’5”-262-Day 2-93

Big dude with basketball in his past. Big numbers his first two years (550 and 850 yards) which dipped as a Junior due to QB/offense change but he still won the Mackey Award. Got a DUI a year ago, no combine numbers cause he had a stress fracture that needed surgery. Definitely needs work as a blocker, but at 260+ with 33.75” arms he’s got the physical tools. Looks like Jimmy Graham with 2nd rate explosiveness but has very soft hands (9.75”). If he gets put in the right situation he should be the best TE in this draft. He makes quicker cuts than Ebron and uses his body well to shield defenders. Some people probably have character concerns, but don’t be surprised if someone takes him as the top TE because he is the most pro ready #1 TE prospect. If Tyler Eifert went in the first round so should this kid.

Eric Ebron*-TE-North Carolina-6’4”-250-Top 20--91

A willing blocker, though not the biggest guy. Shows he can runblock inline but it won’t be his strength. Expect to see him moved all over in formations as he was in college. I wish he had another inch or two and fifteen pounds, or he dropped a tenth of a second on his 40 (4.60). That would make him a top level prospect but he still deserves a look in the first round. People are drawing Vernon Davis comparisons but this kid isn’t that elite athlete (32” vert), and people forget Vernon struggled when he got in the league that’s why he sobbed in Singletary’ arms when he finally caught one. That being said he has the size and speed to get to the seam, he runs across the face of college DB’s but I still have concerns for his ability to get open in the NFL because he doesn’t have that one trait that’s gonna get him consistent separation (speed, size, route running). Long arms (33.25”), good sized hands (10”), catches the ball well. Very productive in college including setting the ACC record for TE receiving this year. Think Ben Watson with very natural receiving skills. He’s only 21 so don’t expect him to be a finished product just yet. And apparently he’s a loud mouth.

Troy Niklas-TE-Notre Dame-6’6”-270-Day 2-83

Former OLB, only last 2 years as a TE for the Irish. He’s the top inline TE in this draft. Carries 270 very well. Has trouble blocking, he engages then stops his feet. Long arms (34.12”), big hands (10”), and Bruce Mathews’ savage bloodline (uncle), he should be a good blocker with more practice and coaching. Moves well and catches the ball naturally with his hands. This kid has the tools to be a solid TE like a Marcedes Lewis, but he’s only 21 and been playing TE for less than 2 calendar years so it’s gonna take some time.

Jace Amaro*-TE-Texas Tech-6’5”-265-Day 2-80

Has some character issues, was kicked out of a bowl game for throwing a punch and was arrested for credit card fraud in 2012. But the guy was crazy productive including 106 for 1352 as a Junior, but take that with a grain of salt cause Texas Tech has been putting up insane numbers for a decade and name one person over 185 pounds that’s made it in the NFL. Played mostly in the slot in college. He’s got natural football ability and feel. Not the best athlete but has a knack for finding openings in the defense. Kind of reminds me of Jason Witten that way. Little baby hands (9”) are a concern and 4.74 40 isn’t great but he’s a quickness guy. 4.3 in the 20 yard shuttle (3rd among TE’s) is solid. Dont’t let 265 fool you, this kid’s gonna be split out as a receiver. Look for him to go to a spread offense maybe in Houston, or even with the Packers and make a quick impact. Solid pick at the beginning of the 3rd round.

C.J. Fiedorowicz-TE-Iowa-6’5”-265-Round 3-4-62

Coming from the school of Kirk Ferentz you know this kid can block. He’s got the skill set of a poor man’s Heath Miller. He runs routes like Tyler Eifert, but doesn’t have the athletic catching ability. He could be an average Y TE in a standard west coast offense. I think he is a solid choice in the 5th round. I think I should write a standard paragraph for all Iowa prospects: “Technically sound, lacks elite athleticism, extremely pale”.

* Means Declared for Draft as a Junior

2014 NFL Draft Defensive Ends

Overview:

Solid group this year, obviously headlined by the best DE prospect in recent memory. Should be several 4-3 DE starters out of this group. Stephon Tuitt is flying under the radar a bit, but he has the potential to be a major impact player at the next level.

Jadeveon Clowney-DE-South Carolina-6’6”-266-Top 5-99

Absolute freak athlete. Number 1 recruit outta high school a couple years ago. Was unblockable as a sophomore but was hobbled with injuries and laziness this past year. Doesn’t change the fact he’s a Julius Peppers caliber athlete. 4.53 40 at 260+, 37.5” vert, and a decent 21 reps with 34.5” arms, he obviously has all the physical tools. The explosiveness shows up on the field, he closes fast on QBs. Has pretty good pass rush moves which should only get better. He’s more of a disruptive player than a ‘do your job’ guy, tends to slip blocks and get into the backfield. He just turned 21 in February. Bottom line is, this guy should be an all-pro for a decade, the only things that can get in his way are injuries and losing focus.

Scott Crichton-DE-Oregon State-6’3”-273-Day 2-85

Solid athlete with good size. Uses his hands well and shows explosiveness on the field. Would like to see him turn the corner better or leverage through a bull rush. 20 yard shuttle in a DL best 4.29 seconds with a 31.5” vert and 4.84 40 are good. 32.75” arms are a little short. He sometimes loses sight of the ball and doesn’t have the most natural instincts for the game. But there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a starter in the league. Maybe Atlanta or Minnesota would be a good fit.

Stephon Tuitt-DE/DT-Notre Dame-6’5”-304-1st-94

He’s got a real burst for 3 bills. He played at 315+ this past year and wasn’t as effective. He’s big, long (34.75” arms) and can move (didn’t run at the combine). He plays a little high, but he uses his hands well. He can hold up in the run game and get after the quarterback. Complete player and he’s only 20 years old. His measurements say he’s suited for 3-4 DE, but watching this kid play, I think he can play in any defense. Reminds me of how Jared Allen moves, but definitely doesn’t have the same pass rush skills yet. Go to the 2 minute mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgfgukWKqHI

Dee Ford-DE-Auburn-6’2”-252-2nd Round-83

Watched him play every game this past year, kid’s a menace. He was really the only focal point on the Auburn defense and he still was always crawling up the QBs ass. Has a history of back problems which will scare people away. He’s got real good burst, he bends well and accelerates to the QB. He’s got a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. Reminds me of Cliff Avril. Probably an edge rusher in sub-packages but athletic enough to play OLB on early downs.

Kony Ealy-DE-Missouri-6’4”-273-Day 2-82

2 year starter at Mizzou, 4 years at the school. Will likely add weight at the next level and play strong side 4-3 end. Solid athlete that moves well and can plant and cut (6.83 3-cone drill best among DL). People might point to his 4.92 40 but his 4.45 20 yard shuttle is much more telling of his athleticism. He played opposite Michael Sam which gave him a lot of 1 on 1 blocks. He’s a good pick in the late second round. Top end he could be like Will Smith or Adrian Clayborn, both of whom were more polished entering the draft.