Return to 2010 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports

1. Eric Berry, Tennessee (6-0/195)
Berry is a once in a generation playmaker. He doesn’t miss tackles, and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Berry will have an immediate impact in the NFL.

Pros: Ball Skills, Speed, Athleticism, Tackling
Cons: Strength
Verdict: Top 10

2. Earl Thomas, Texas (5-10/195)
Thomas is a very fluid safety who is extremely consistent. Rarely out of position, Thomas has great range when in zone, and can match up man-to-man very well for a free safety. His small frame might scare off a few teams, but we don’t think it will limit him in the NFL.

Pros: Speed, Quickness, Fluid, Instincts
Cons: Size, Run Support
Verdict: 1st Round

3. Taylor Mays, USC (6-4/225)
Mays is a human highlight reel. Unfortunately, only half of the highlights are good. Mays tackles poorly, always trying to deliver the knockout blow. His athleticism makes up for false steps and lack of instincts, but that might not be the case in the NFL. Buyer beware with this boom or bust prospect.

Pros: Athleticism, Hitting, Size, Strength
Cons: Technique, Tackling, Instincts, Hands
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

4. Reshad Jones, Georgia (6-2/215)
Jones’ draft stock will depend on what time he runs at the NFL combine. A 4.4 time should move this physical safety into the late 1st round. Jones has decent hands to go with solid coverage and run support skills.

Pros: Range, Instincts, Athleticism
Cons: Speed
Verdict: 1st-3rd Round

5. Nate Allen, USF (6-2/205)
Allen is a fluid safety that tackles well and deliver big hits. He struggles matched up man-to-man against wide receivers, but excels in zone coverage where his instincts help him make plays. Great work ethic and leadership.

Pros: Fluid, Strength, Tackling
Cons: Speed, Man-to-Man
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

6. TJ Ward, Oregon (5-11/200)
Ward is an all-or-nothing safety. He will often eschew the sure tackle to try and deliver the big hit or gamble for the interception. His 4.6 speed will hamper his play more in the NFL than it did in college.

Pros: Hitting, Tackling, Run Support
Cons: Gambler, Speed
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

7. Chad Jones, LSU (6-3/230)
Jones has all the tools to be successful in the NFL, he just needs some coaching. His athleticism has masked a lot of his deficiencies, as his false steps and poor reads get erased by his 4.4 speed.

Pros: Size, Strength, Athleticism, Speed
Cons: Technique
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

Return to 2010 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports

1. Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan
Pros: Accuracy, Power
Cons: None
Verdict: 5th-6th Round

2. Brett Bowden, P, Virginia Tech
Pros: Power, Hang Time
Cons: None
Verdict: 6th-7th Round

3. Leigh Tiffin, K, Alabama
Pros: Clutch, Accuracy, Power
Cons: Streaky
Verdict: 6th-7th Round

4. Mike Brandtner, P, Iowa State
Pros: Experience, Accuracy, Inside 20
Cons: Power
Verdict: 7th-UDFA

Return to 2010 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports

1. Joe Haden, Florida (5-11/190)
Haden is easily the most productive corner in this draft. His run-support is great, while his hitting is insane for a corner. The only thing held against him is his lack of instincts in anticipating routes. NFL-caliber receivers will take advantage of him if he doesn’t improve.

Pros: Technique, Hitting, Run Support, Athleticism
Cons: Anticipation
Verdict: 1st Round

2. Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest (6-0/195)
Ghee is an intriguing prospect that is still developing after spending two seasons on the sideline (redshirt/academics). He has good speed and bulk, but also has a history of minor knee injuries.

Pros: Speed, Bulk
Cons: Injury History
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

3. Donovan Warren, Michigan (6-0/185)
Warren doesn’t really have any holes in his game. He is very fluid in coverage, while having enough strength to effectively jam receivers. Should impress during positional drills at the NFL Combine, while his athleticism will be good, but nothing spectacular.

Pros: Fluid, Press Coverage
Cons: None
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

4. Kyle Wison, Boise State
Very fluid hips and makes great breaks on the ball. During Freddie Barnes record-setting season, Wilson held him to just 4 catches and 26 yards. Decent tackler as well.

Pros: Fluid, Ball Skills
Cons: None
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

5. Amari Spievey, Iowa (6-1/195)
Spievey has taken on all comers in the Big 10 and succeeded nicely. His athleticism and size let him match up well with receivers, and also give him the ability to make an impact in the run game. He has great tackling skills, but he could get his head around a little quicker in coverage. Spievey has great ball skills, and will take the ball to the house if given the opportunity.

Pros: Hitting, Run Support, Fluid, Ball Skills
Cons: None
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

6. Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal (5-9/190)
Syd’Quan wasn’t tested much his senior year, as he shut down his side of the field pretty well. He can play inside and outside, with significant experience in the nickel. Will support the run, but size is an issue.

Pros: Ball-Skills, Coverage, Consistency
Cons: Size
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

7. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky (6-0/175)
Lindley is a smart player that understands the intricacies of the game, such as re-routing receivers and covering men rather than space. Lindley is quick, but not fast – which means he may need help on deep routes.

Pros: Football IQ, Ball Skills, Quickness
Cons: Strength, Speed, Bulk
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

8. Javier Arenas, Alabama (5-9/200)
Arenas is a great zone coverage corner, able to shed blocks from WR’s and make the tackle. He struggles with deep routes due to the lack of top-end speed and will require safety help over the top. Javier has great ball skills – a true threat to take it to the house on any pick or punt return.

Pros: Ball Skills, Return Skills, Acceleration, Run Support
Cons: Speed
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

9. Patrick Robinson, Florida State (5-11/195)
Robinson is a playmaker that is a distinct liability in the running game. He is a poor tackler, but his top-end speed allows him to chase down his misses from behind – like Noel Devine. If he can shore up his slow hip-turn and poor tackling, Robinson has the skills to be a Pro Bowl corner. Right now though, he has too many holes to be a 1st round pick.

Pros: Speed, Ball Skills, Hands, Instincts
Cons: Stiff Hips, Tackling
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

10. Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State (6-0/195)
Similar to Arenas, Cox is a good corner whose value is increased due to superior return skills. Cox had some off-field issues at Oklahoma State, which led to his suspension for the Cowboys’ bowl game. Cox’ speed and bulk are a rare combination.

Pros: Return Skills, Speed, Bulk
Cons: Off-Field Issues
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

11. Kareem Jackson, Alabama (5-11/195)
Jackson is a nice prospect that would have been a top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His size and speed are both above-average, while his ball skills (former RB) are incredible.

Pros: Ball Skills, Speed, Tackling
Cons: Gambler
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

Return to 2010 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports

1. Rolando McClain, Alabama (6-4/260)
Rolando McClain is the best ILB prospect to come out of college since Patrick Willis. He reads plays like a 10-year veteran, and also has the talent to track the ball-carrier down and tackle him. There are no holes in his game, as his coverage (better in zone than man) is nearly as good as his tackling skills. This prospect will not disappoint you.

Pros: Football IQ, Instincts, Athleticism, Size
Cons: None
Verdict: Top 15

2. Brandon Spikes, Florida (6-3/255)
Spikes is a tenacious tackler that rarely lets his man get by him, unless he happens to be covering him 1-on-1 that is. While his coverage skills do need some work, Spikes makes up for it with his good angles and sure tackling. Brandon isn’t the fastest/quickest LB out there, but his lack of false steps makes him appear faster. He is able to pressure the QB, but is more successful when he is able to avoid blockers than when he has to take them on.

Pros: Strength, Hands, Size, Tackling
Cons: Athleticism, Coverage
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

3. Daryl Washington, TCU (6-2/225)
Washington is a dynamic playmaker that is a bit undersized. He could possibly make the transition to safety in the NFL if a team has the patience to let him develop. Sure tackler with sideline-to-sideline speed.

Pros: Speed, Tackling
Cons: Size
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

4. Pat Angerer, Iowa (6-1/235)
Angerer is a sure tackler with great instincts that will fall in the draft due to his size. Angerer fills holes incredibly well, and is able to shed blockers despite giving up 50+ pounds. Due to the Iowa defensive system (harldy any nickel/dime), Angerer rarely left the field in coverage, gaining great experience. Whichever NFL team gives him the chance, Angerer will make them happy.

Pros: Tackling, Motor, Instincts
Cons: Size
Verdict: 3rd-5th Round

5. Sean Lee, Penn State (6-2/235)
Lee has played all three positions in PSU’s 4-3 system, and his best fit might be at 4-3 OLB when all is said and done. Lee makes plays sideline-to-sideline, but his size allows him to get caught in the wash at times. Lee is good in coverage, and is adept at forcing turnovers. He is also coming off a recent ACL injury.

Pros: Speed, Versatility
Cons: Injury History, Size
Verdict: 3rd-5th Round

6. Micah Johnson, Kentucky (6-2/260)
Micah Johnson is a two-down linebacker in the mold of Ted Johnson. He is a great run-stuffer, but he won’t be able to get by in coverage like he did at Kentucky. Johnson isn’t fast or quick enough to be consistent dropping back in the NFL, so teams will have to sub him out in obvious passing situations.

Pros: Size, Strength, Tackling
Cons: Coverage
Verdict: 4th-6th Round

Return to 2010 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports

1. Sergio Kindle, Texas (6-3/245)
Kindle is a great pass-rusher that can set the edge decently as well. Ideally suited for a 3-4 OLB position, Kindle can also play 4-3 DE. His speed and strength has taken him far in college, but he will have to improve his play diagnosis skills to excel at the next level.

Pros: Athleticism, Versatility, Motor
Cons: Awareness
Verdict: 1st/2nd Round

2. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6-0/240)
Weatherspoon is very limited schematically, as he doesn’t fit at all in the 3-4 (maybe inside…), and some 4-3 teams will pass due to his size and lack of top end speed. What Sean does well is tackle and diagnose plays, what many teams might be looking for in a MLB. Weatherspoon is adequate in coverage and can blitz with some success.

Pros: Football IQ, Instincts, Tackling
Cons: Size, Speed
Verdict: 1st/2nd Round

3. Jerry Hughes, TCU (6-1/250)
Will probably be too short to play DE in the NFL, so 3-4 OLB seems like his natural position. Hughes is relentless in his play, but will need to hone his coverage skills and expand his repertoire of pass rush moves. Relies heavily on the spin move at this time.

Pros: First Step, Speed
Cons: Coverage, Size
Verdict: 1st/2nd Round

4. Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4/252)
Sapp is a true one-trick pony: rushing the passer. He isn’t able to get off blocks like an OLB needs too. This may lead to Sapp not being a 3-down LB, which means some teams will take him off their 1st round draft board. That said, Sapp rushes the passer like nobody else, with the possible exception of Jerry Hughes. He has a lightning first-step and the ability to change moves on the fly.

Pros: First Step, Speed, Moves
Cons: Strength, Injury History
Verdict: 2nd/3rd Round

5. Austen Lane, Murray State (6-6/265)
Lane has been dominant at the FCS level, although on account of his dominance he hasn’t had to diversify his pass-rush moves. Lane has extensive experience playing in space, although he isn’t afraid to put his hand down and dominate a lineman. Lane’s versatility is his biggest asset. Could diagnose plays better.

Pros: Versatility, Size, Speed, Work Ethic
Cons: Competition, Instincts
Verdict: 3rd Round

6. AJ Edds, Iowa (6-4/245)
Edds diagnoses plays very well, and has tons of experience in coverage, as the Hawkeyes rarely play nickel or dime coverage. Edds does nothing that will make you think that he is a 1st-rounder, its his lack of mistakes that makes him a great linebacker. Could play SILB in a 3-4.

Pros: Football IQ, Coverage, Strength
Cons: Upside
Verdict: 3rd Round

7. Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6-1/255)
Norwood is a football player. He loves the game and can’t stand losing. Scouts love his pass-rush ability and non-stop motor. His lack of quickness and elite speed will lead to some problems in coverage, but his ability to set the edge and apply pressure should have teams needing an OLB drooling.

Pros: Motor, Instincts, Strength, Tackling
Cons: Speed, Size
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

8. George Selvie, USF (6-4/250)
Could play either right end in a 4-3 or 3-4 OLB. Due to his size, we feel that he will be better served with his hand off the ground and taking on running backs and tight ends in pass protect. If Selvie can lick the durability concerns (foot, ankle), he is a disruptive force – wherever he lines up.

Pros: Speed, Experience, Tackling
Cons: Durability, Size
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round