2014 Official Draft Thread

[SDFan]

Since when was speeding and a lack of reguard for personal safty and the safty of others a side effect of bonespers in your feet?It was sugjested by his coach that he played when he wanted to this year. I doubt his love for the game and personal disapline, not his potential.

sounds like he has bonehead spurs in his skull affecting his judgement.

[Fleet]

I remember when Clowney couldnt stay on the field in week one because he was so gassed. The excuses were that he was sick. Sounds like hes had quite a few different reasons to not play up to his abilities.

[SFW]

I remember when Clowney couldnt stay on the field in week one because he was so gassed. The excuses were that he was sick. Sounds like hes had quite a few different reasons to not play up to his abilities.

That's why Clowney will be an extremely tough decision for teams on draft day. Do you risk passing on a once in a decade talent based on possible "head" issues? Or do you draft him based on his talent and hope he can overcome his issues in the pros?

I personally think he is a guaranteed top 10 pick at the worst (probably top 5). Just too good of a talent for teams to pass up. Of course he could always do a tank job between now and May that changes that like popping on urinalysis and being a jackass at team interviews.

[Boltjolt]

Teams will be talking to his coaches about whatever issues he had. Whether it being sick, he didnt play hard or the bone spurs...they will answer that and help make the decision for them. Not to mention the interviews they will have with him but the coaches discussions will help teams figure it out.

[SFW]

Teams will be talking to his coaches about whatever issues he had. Whether it being sick, he didnt play hard or the bone spurs...they will answer that and help make the decision for them. Not to mention the interviews they will have with him but the coaches discussions will help teams figure it out.

Of course, teams pretty much do extensive interviews and background checks with every player that gets drafted. Players are scrutinized more now than ever before.

[Fleet]

While i agree that teams always talk to players coaches i do see Clowney as a very special instance where coaches will cover for him. In fact i got the impression they were covering up for him and making excuses for him all season. Just the vibe i get. They dont want to come out and admit that the highest profiled player who happens to be a gamecock has regressed in their system. Highest profiled player in years in fact. A player like that will do wonders for the program going forward. You want to spin Clowney in the most positive light as possible. So im not sure NFL teams will get a real honest answer regarding his desire to hone his craft. Its a red flag for me thats forsure. Has he been relying soley on his abilities over the past few years? In college you can make a lot of plays while not really trying to even get better. You want players with good work ethic and habits. Thats the fear i have of Clowney. The speeding tickets are no big deal...but it could raise some questions to teams like does he just not give a shit? or is he incorrigible? If anything he dosnt seem like a very dedictaed player. Or very mature.

I think he will probably put up some monster combine numbers and get drafted top 10. And i wouldnt mind having him just based on his athleticism. I would be hoping he had been saving his efforts for the pros. But i dont buy all the spin that he was hurt and sick all year. I saw a player that barley tried. A player that looked like he regressed from his prior one good season. A player that was often taken out of plays by one player. Not needing to be doubeteamed. His efforts in one on one situations were atrocious. Ive seen injured players go harder and play better than he did.

Id take Barr over Clowney all day long. And probably a few others.

[Bolt-O]

Clowney will be long gone before the Chargers pick, just because of the athletic potential he has. With a win on Sunday, the earliest the Chargers will draft will be #19, just before Arizona, who will miss out... Bucs can't beat NOLA. Clowney will be the story of draft day, if he does fall out of the top ten. Some real dumb things happen though, like Rodgers and Randy Moss getting passed over, and to fall into Charger's lap, a lot of other dumb stuff has to happen. Maybe he'll drink too much water before his combine physical, or he's unusually slow in his 40?

[Formula 21]

If pro football is 90% mental and 10% physical, he's a bust waiting to happen. I'm glad he won't even be an option for the Bolts.

[Boltjolt]

While i agree that teams always talk to players coaches i do see Clowney as a very special instance where coaches will cover for him. In fact i got the impression they were covering up for him and making excuses for him all season. Just the vibe i get. They dont want to come out and admit that the highest profiled player who happens to be a gamecock has regressed in their system. Highest profiled player in years in fact. A player like that will do wonders for the program going forward. You want to spin Clowney in the most positive light as possible. So im not sure NFL teams will get a real honest answer regarding his desire to hone his craft. Its a red flag for me thats forsure. Has he been relying soley on his abilities over the past few years? In college you can make a lot of plays while not really trying to even get better. You want players with good work ethic and habits. Thats the fear i have of Clowney. The speeding tickets are no big deal...but it could raise some questions to teams like does he just not give a shit? or is he incorrigible? If anything he dosnt seem like a very dedictaed player. Or very mature.

I think he will probably put up some monster combine numbers and get drafted top 10. And i wouldnt mind having him just based on his athleticism. I would be hoping he had been saving his efforts for the pros. But i dont buy all the spin that he was hurt and sick all year. I saw a player that barley tried. A player that looked like he regressed from his prior one good season. A player that was often taken out of plays by one player. Not needing to be doubeteamed. His efforts in one on one situations were atrocious. Ive seen injured players go harder and play better than he did.

Id take Barr over Clowney all day long. And probably a few others.

You may be right but it sure didnt sound like Spurrior was going to cover for him. He is leaving their team. If he in fact does have surgery after their bowl game i doubt he will do anything at the combine and will have to do them at his proday....if he is able. Im curious to see if he does have surgery and if the spurs are a real issue.

[Kyle]

Give me the guy with less physical talent, but a relentless drive and dedication to the game. Most of the time that beats the "once a decade" physical talent with questionable drive (i.e. Brees vs. Vick).

[Fleet]

You may be right but it sure didnt sound like Spurrior was going to cover for him. He is leaving their team. If he in fact does have surgery after their bowl game i doubt he will do anything at the combine and will have to do them at his proday....if he is able. Im curious to see if he does have surgery and if the spurs are a real issue.

I felt Spurrier wanted to throw him under the bus at one point.

"If he doesn't want to play, he doesn't have to play. It's as simple as that."

To me i translate that as a red flag thrown up by his own coach. But the spin afterwards to protect Clowney from Spurrier was even more of a production imo. I think Spurrier was told to make it right because of the reasons i listed above. For the protection of the program.

Who knows about his combine status but he needs to help himself by being there. At this point he looks like a player who cared more about trying to secure his future(5 miilion Insurance Policy) by sacrificing the present.(this last season)

In fact if im him and i was truly injured i would just come back and prove im the top pick in the draft. I would consider all my efforts to save myself for the draft a failure if i dropped out of the top 10. Which probably wont happen but could.

[Formula 21]

Just wasting time on a Saturday and I came up with this. I feel that the top pass rushers are going to be gone and Mike Evans will be BPA when we pick. I love wrs so I'd be pretty happy to get him. I wanted more pass rushers but it just didn't work out.

1. Mike Evans, WR - 6-5, 225, 4.58
LATEST NEWS
12/26/2013 - CBSSPORTS.COM ALL-AMERICANS: FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE AS NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS: WR - Mike Evans, Soph., Texas A&M: As good as Johnny Manziel has been in College Station, his downfield numbers wouldn't look nearly as impressive if it weren't for Evans. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound receiver won't wow anyone with his speed, but he's quicker than he looks and is one of the best at attacking the ball, especially in jump-ball and contested situations. Evans isn't the type of receiver who will consistently separate, but with his physical nature and competitive demeanor, he can box out and out-muscle defensive backs. A quarterback-friendly target, Evans has first-round pick written all over him. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Overview
Analysis
STRENGTHS: Uses his NFL-ready frame to fight through press coverage, box out defenders on jump balls and provide excellent downfield blocking for teammates. Possesses excellent body control and sticky hands to make difficult receptions. Evans challenges cornerbacks to tackle him, initiating the contact and, at times, dragging would-be tacklers for extra yardage.
WEAKNESSES: Evans does not possess elite speed but he is a smooth accelerator who can sneak past corners to make big plays down the field.
--Rob Rang


2. Kyle Fuller, CB – 6-0, 195, 4.45
LATEST NEWS
12/13/2013 - 2013 WALTER CAMP SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: DB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech, 6-0 194, Sr., Baltimore, MD...Fuller played in just nine games, making eight starts, and had 24 tackles, two interceptions and 10 breakups in his final season. He missed the final two games after undergoing surgery on a core muscle on Nov. 19. "I would like to thank God first and foremost, because without him, none of this would be possible," Fuller said. "It's an honor to be selected for this achievement and I am very thankful."
By making one of the five nationally recognized All-America squads (AP, Walter Camp, Sporting News, FWAA, AFCA), Fuller becomes the eighth Tech cornerback to earn All-America honors to accomplish that feat. Other Hokie cornerbacks to be recognized were: Jayron Hosley (2010, So.), Victor "Macho" Harris (2008, Sr.), Brandon Flowers (2006, r-So.; 2007, r-Jr.), Jimmy Williams (2005, Sr.), DeAngelo Hall (2003, Jr.), Ronyell Whitaker (2001, r-Sr.) and Anthony Midget (1999, Sr.). - Virginia Tech football

Overview
It seems like at least one member of the Fuller family has been starring on the Hokies football team for over a decade and Kyle is the latest to make his mark in Blacksburg. Fuller, who is entering his fourth season as a starter (35 starts on his resume), was one of the few bright spots against Alabama last Saturday in the opener.
With Exum?s status uncertain this season, more will be on Fuller?s shoulders as the clear-cut leader of the secondary and a chance to boost his draft stock. (9/6/13)

Analysis
Strengths: A versatile DB with the athleticism to cover and the aggressiveness to play the run. Fuller enjoys throwing his body around in run support and is a disciplined tackler, doing a nice job beating blocks to show up at the line of scrimmage. He has smooth hips and natural footwork for an easy transition in coverage. But the game appears to come natural to him, making plays on the ball with top ballskills.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed and struggles to recover after the WR gains a step. Fuller will get caught out of position when he tries to freelance.
--Dane Brugler

3. Chris Davis, CB, 5-10, 200, 4.54
LATEST NEWS
12/11/2013 - 2013 ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-SEC SECOND TEAM: CB - Chris Davis (Tie), Auburn, 5-11, 200, Sr,...Has been selected Second Team All-SEC for the 2013 college football season by the Associated Press. - Auburn football
Overview
Davis cemented his name in Auburn lore with his 108-yard touchdown return off a missed field goal to upset Alabama in 2013. However, he is also a very accomplished cover corner.
The No. 97-rated athlete by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. coming out of Birmingham, Ala., Davis was an immediate contributor in 2010, seeing action in all 14 games and registering 19 tackles with three pass breakups.
Davis started all 11 games the following season, finishing fourth on team with 60 tackles and third with four pass breakups.
As a second-year starter in 2012, Davis started in five games before having his season sidetracked by an injury suffered against Arkansas. He missed four games as Auburn went winless in the SEC.
Davis rebounded in 2013 to earn second-team all-conference honors from the league's coaches and the Associated Press. He was bothered by a left ankle injury early in the season, but was back to full strength by the time he shocked Alabama with his dramatic touchdown return.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS: Possesses a compact, well-developed build with light feet, fluid change of direction and smooth acceleration. Alert zone defender with quick-twitch athleticism to break downhill on the ball. Good athleticism for coverage responsibilities, demonstrating the agility and balance to mirror receivers, as well as the straight-line speed to keep up on vertical routes.
Explosive leaper who times it well to compete in jump-ball situations against taller receivers. Flashes physicality as a tackler, showing the ability to wrap securely and arrive with a thud. Talented punt returner. Very good balance, elusiveness and vision to set up blocks with the ball in his hands as was evidenced in his "kick-six" return to beat Alabama.
WEAKNESSES: Has the fluidity to handle man coverage responsibilities but lacks the height preferred in a man-heavy scheme. Inconsistent physicality as an open-field tackler. Does his share of standing around the pile and will occasionally lunge toward the legs of ballcarriers with his shoulder, rather than forcefully wrapping, leading to some missed tackles.
COMPARES TO: Kareem Jackson, Houston Texans - Stout (if somewhat short) frame, physicality and versatile coverage ability make the underrated Davis a potential early-round pick and future starter in the NFL, just as Jackson was from rival Alabama in 2010.
--Rob Rang (12/26/13)

4. James Gayle, OLB, 6-4, 255, 4.58
NEWS
12/13/2013 - 2013 ALL-ACC THIRD TEAM (COACHES): DE-James Gayle, Sr.-R, Virginia Tech (13)...Has been selected Third Team All-ACC for the 2013 college football season by the ACC Coaches. - Virginia Tech football
Overview
Dubbed the next great Hokies pass rusher by the Virginia Tech coaching staff, Gayle had a breakout sophomore season in 2011 with a team-best 7.0 sacks. Teaming with J.R. Collins at the other defensive end spot, the defensive end duo is among the best in the ACC and possibly the nation.
Gayle wasn't highly recruited out of Hampton, Virginia, but really impressed the Hokies' coaches with his work ethic and natural ability.
After redshirting in 2009, he spent the 2010 season as a back-up defensive end, registering 13 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Gayle had his best season last year as a sophomore with 7.0 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and 38 total tackles, earning Second Team All-ACC honors.
Analysis
Gayle lacks imposing size, but is strongly-built throughout his frame with the natural burst and quickness to explode off the edge with flexibility and raw power. Gayle needs to continue and develop his pass rush moves to win one-on-one battles when he doesn't gain a step off the snap and become more creative to keep blockers guessing. In a crowded defensive end class next April, Gayle could emerge as one of the top pass rushers in the draft.
--Dane Brugler

5. Seantrel Henderson, OT, 6-7, 345, 5.06
LATEST NEWS
12/13/2013 - 2013 ALL-ACC THIRD TEAM (COACHES): OT-Seantrel Henderson, Sr., Miami (15)...Joining QB Stephen Morris on the third team were Henderson and McDermott, who were part of an offensive line that allowed only 13 sacks in 12 games - tied for the fewest in the ACC. - Miami football
Overview
One of the largest human beings in the game of football (college or professional), Henderson is another Hurricane who arrived in to Coral Gables with much fanfare. But so far, and for various reasons, he has mostly been a disappointment.
Henderson is a tough prospect to project right now because he is extremely talented for a player of his size and strength, but the potential hasn't necessarily translated to the field. He was a five-star high school recruit and widely believed to be one of the best offensive linemen to enter the college ranks in recent years. Henderson chose to play at Southern Cal, but changed his mind once the Trojans were slapped with a two-year postseason ban, deciding instead to enroll at Miami.
He started nine games as a true freshman at right tackle for the Hurricanes, earning Freshman All-American honors. Henderson was suspended for the season opener in 2011 for violation of team rules and missed several other games because of offseason back surgery. He started only a pair of games in '11, both at right tackle, but enjoyed a solid 2012 with seven starts and All-ACC honorable mention honors from league coaches.
Henderson is a mountain of a man and has enough foot quickness to hold his own on the edge, but must become much more football-focused before NFL scouts will consider him to be a first-round player. That cause wasn't helped when he was suspended yet again for a violation of team rules, missing the Georgia Tech game on Oct. 5. (10/6/13)
Analysis
Strengths: A similarly jaw-dropping combination of size and power as San Diego Chargers 2013 first round pick D.J. Fluker, Henderson relies on his length and underrated lateral quickness to protect the edge against speed rushers. Typically, his long arms keep pass-rushers at bay and he plays with good patience, keeping his knees bent and his butt low to stop bull-rushers in their tracks.
Henderson is even more impressive in the running game, where he can surprise defenders with his ability to reach them and his strength to latch on and control is impressive.
Weaknesses: Like Fluker, Henderson is so large that he struggles, at times, with leverage. He comes off the snap a bit high and when he lunges at defenders, he can get top-heavy and nearly fall flat on his face. Struggled to stay on the field at Miami due to a concerning combination of injuries and off-field issues.
Compares To: D.J. Fluker, San Diego Chargers.
--Rob Rang