2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – 6-3 / 280 / Clemson (4.64, 22 BR)

A former ESPN.com No. 1 high school prospect (Clemson’s first ever), Bowers is a legitimate NFL strong-side run stopper who regularly takes on and sheds multiple blockers. Bowers is also a dangerous pass rusher, possessing a strong upper body and good explosion out of the stance. He stepped in as a true freshman and led all Clemson defensive linemen with 47 tackles, averaging a tackle once every 10.21 snaps. Bowers proved he can be a big-game player when he had 11 tackles as a sophomore against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game. As a junior, last season, Bowers was second on Clemson with 63, while leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (24 – for 150 total yards), sacks (15.5), and quarterback pressures (17). Bowers comes with the red flag of a previous knee injury which might still affect him. If so, he could fall to the middle of the first round. But, if Bowers quells those doubts with strong workouts, he should be selected as Top 10 overall pick.

2. Robert Quinn – DE – 6-4 / 265 / North Carolina (4.62, 22 BR)
Following Bowers, we stay in the ACC with Robert Quinn, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an infamous agent scandal that sent shockwaves through the North Carolina program. Quinn also draws concerns from scouts because of a tumor located in the base of his brain. Fortunately, Quinn’s (in general, first and foremost, and secondly, as a football player) health appears okay, as he’s had no issues since he had surgery on the tumor after he left high school. As far as Quinn’s agent-related suspension for accepting benefits, the consensus is that Quinn was simply naïve and made bad decisions, but the fact that he was involved should still have scouts taking some initial precautions before selecting Quinn, who has been compared to New York Giants’ 2010 first-round pick, former South Florida star Jason Pierre-Paul. Another reason for being cautious with the 20-year-old Quinn is his inexperience after the admitted Dallas Cowboy fan played just two seasons as a Tar Heel, thanks to last year’s suspension. Still, as a freshman, Quinn finished third in the voting for the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (starting 12 games while posting 34 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, and two sacks). The next year, he finished with 52 tackles and was a first-team All-ACC selection while finishing second in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. Quinn can explode off of the snap with a good burst off the edge and an ability to force fumbles. He also has good agility, balance, closing speed, and good strength to drag down ball carriers. If the suspension and lack of experience are overlooked, Quinn could be a very selection.

3. Cameron Jordan – DE – 6-4 / 287 / California (4.74, 25 BR)
Jordan has the experience (he played in 50 of 51 games in four years at California) and genes (his father, Steve Jordan, played at Brown University before spending 13 years, including six pro-bowl seasons, with the Minnesota Vikings) to have a good NFL career. After playing 13 games as a true freshman reserve, Jordan was a starter and All-Pac-10 honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 and All-American honorable mention honors as a senior. Jordan is a strong, stout run stopper with long arms and good pursuit. He locates the ball well and very rarely takes a snap off, with a good bull rush, helped by a powerful upper and lower body, to force his opponent backwards and into the pocket.

4. J.J. Watt – DE – 6-5 / 290 / Wisconsin (4.81, 34 BR)
Watt is a good athlete who in high school, lettered twice each in basketball and baseball, and once more, in track and field. In 2007, Watt played 14 games as a tight end at Central Michigan (which he chose over Cincinnati, Minnesota, Colorado, and Northern Illinois), catching eight passes for 77 yards. He redshirted the following year before switching to defensive end in his native Wisconsin, starting 13 games for the Badgers. By 2010, Watt learned his new position quickly, blossoming into a consensus first-team All-Big Ten end and team MVP, along with being named to Academic All-Big Ten team. Watt comes with great character and an outstanding work ethic, and although he lacks ideal speed for the position, he’s a versatile, experienced end whose size and hustle could have him picked earlier.

5. Adrian Clayborn – DE – 6-3 / 281 / Iowa (4.78, 17 BR)
Clayborn knows all about overcoming the long odds it takes to become a first-round NFL prospect. In fact, he had to get by a condition since birth just so he could play contact sports. Clayborn suffered nerve damage in his neck and right arm during birth which had doctors advising against Clayborn playing a contact sport in high school. So, what did he do? He ended up being the 2005 Missouri Player of the Year as a senior tight end/linebacker in St. Louis. From there, Clayborn redshirted in 2006 at Iowa before having a standout career for four years as a Hawkeye. After limited action as a freshman, Clayborn posted 50 tackles and ranked second on his team with eight tackles for loss. Clayborn started 13 games at defensive end the following year, recording 70 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks, while forcing four fumbles. He was also the MVP in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. As a senior, Clayborn was a consensus All-American, again starting 13 games, notching 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Clayborn doesn’t have a typical explosive first step, but he’s a strong pass rusher with a good rip move and good closing speed to the quarterback. He’s also a stout run defender with good leverage and an ability to change direction well.

6. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – 6-4 / 267 / Purdue (4.67, 31 BR)
Kerrigan’s nickname is “Superman” because of his great strength and constant, all-out hustle. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman with 18 sacks, Kerrigan was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. A year later, he posted 66 tackles, including 18.5 for loss. As a senior, Kerrigan was a team co-captain and he received his team’s defensive MVP award, along with becoming Purdue’s first unanimous All-American since 1980. Kerrigan’s height and length make it tough to see over him, and if opposing quarterbacks hang on to the ball for too long, there’s a good chance that Kerrigan will chase them down. Against the run, Kerrigan is a smart defender who keeps to his assignments, yet he’ll get down the line to get to a ball carrier on plays that are run away from him. What Kerrigan might lack in ideal speed for an end, he makes up for in sheer hustle and a willingness to take on the role as the leader of a defense.

7. Aldon Smith – DE – 6-4 / 263 / Missouri (4.74, 20 BR)
Smith lacks experience having played just two years in college, but that was enough to be named to the Big 12 coaches’ all-conference first team. After redshirting in 2008, Smith immediately impressed a year later, winning the Big 12 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as being named as a first-team Freshman All-American thanks to 64-tackle season that included 19 stops for loss. Smith missed three games early last season due to a leg injury, but he still posted 48 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Smith has terrific length and great quickness to the quarterback. Some believe he can eventually become a top-notch NFL pass rusher. He’s also a proven tackler and a versatile, strong edge run defender in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Despite the relative inexperience, Smith seems to have natural raw ability and a good upside.

8. Cameron Heyward – DE – 6-5 / 294 / Ohio State (4.92)
One of the bigger ends in the draft, Heyward is also one of the slower ones. But, the son of the late NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had a breakout junior season two years ago (when he was named a second-team All-Big Ten player in helping lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win) and he hasn’t looked back since. Last season, Heyward had a strong performance in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl and earned a first-team All-Big Ten award. He was also voted a team captain before finishing his career with 157 tackles, 34 for loss, and 14.5 sacks as a four-year starter with 45 starts. Heyward isn’t a true outside pass rushing threat, but he finds ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks regardless of where he lines up, with excellent quickness of the snap, especially for his size. Heyward is a solid tackler who will often follow plays downfield. Overall, Heyward brings a great attitude, an even better work ethic, and a lot of talent in a slower but bigger package. He could be a first-round steal if he slips too far, but don’t expect him to stay on the board for too long.

9. Jabaal Sheard – DE – 6-3 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.68)
Sheard was a top high school prospect out of Florida and he produced right away for Pittsburgh, lettering as a true freshman as a reserve end in 2007. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He just about duplicated that the following year, with 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss (again), and five sacks. As a senior, Sheard posted 52 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks. Sheard attacks the line with a forceful bull rush, although he lacks ideal explosiveness. Against the run, Shears hold the line of scrimmage well, with good leverage, and he stays active until he makes the play. All 32 teams were in attendance for Sheard pro day on 3/25/11, including Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin.

10. Christian Ballard – DE – 6-4 / 283 / Iowa (4.75)
After not doing much as a freshman, Ballard broke through in his sophomore season with 40 tackles before posting 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks while starting all 13 games as a junior. Last year, the big defensive end was a Big Ten honorable mention. Ballard possesses good speed for his big size, while using an effective swim move and an ability to fight through double-team blocks. He’s also a solid run defender capable of penetrating the backfield while using good length and strong hands to disengage blockers and wrap up ball carriers.

11. Allen Bailey – DE – 6-3 / 285 / Miami (4.71, 27 BR)
Out of “The U,” Bailey will continue Miami’s tradition of bringing talented big guys to the NFL, after being a highly-touted national prospect. Bailey played mostly on special teams as a true freshman and made just four starts at defensive end while playing in 12 games as a sophomore. But, as a junior he led Miami with seven sacks while leading all Hurricane linemen with 34 tackles, playing both end and tackle. Bailey had 45 sacks and once again, a team-leading seven sacks as a senior, starting all 13 of Miami’s games, mostly at end, but moving inside on occasional third-down situations. That versatility is an obvious strength, but so is Bailey’s good upper and lower body strength, which Bailey uses to disengage from blocks. He has decent, but not overwhelming, quickness off the snap, relying on a bull rush to get to the quarterback.

12. Pernell McPhee – DE – 6-3 / 278 / Mississippi State (4.91, 20 BR)
McPhee didn’t take a usual route to FBS college football or to the NFL draft. He only played one year of high school football. After that, he initially signed with Southern Mississippi but was forced to go to junior college because of academic issues. When he finally arrived at Mississippi State in 2009, McPhee totaled 56 tackles and five sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a first-team All-SEC selection even though he didn’t produce quite as much as the year before. McPhee is best against the run, holding his ground well with lots of strength. As a pass rusher, McPhee has a good swim move along with an effective rip and spin move, but he’s best as a bull rusher.

13. Pierre Allen – DE – 6-4 / 273 / Nebraska (4.78)
Allen played on the same line as Ndamukong Suh, but first, he redshirted in 2006 and added 40 pounds of muscle before playing for Nebraska the following year. As a sophomore, he had 52 tackles and five sacks before posting a nearly identical season (51 tackles and five sacks) as a junior. Allen was named as a first-team All-Big 12 end as a senior, after posting 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Allen is a capable run stopper with a nice blend of quickness and strength. He hustles to chase down ball carriers, but he he’s not the most effective pass rusher, failing to disengage from blocks enough, with some inconsistency in anticipating the snap.

14. Ricky Elmore – DE – 6-5 / 255 / Arizona (4.88, 26 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Elmore became the leader of Arizona’s defense, but he’d have to fit into a 4-3 scheme, since although he’s tall, he’s a little light to play in a 3-4 scheme. Elmore didn’t break out until his junior season, when he had 44 tackles and led the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks, receiving an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He again led the Pac-10 with 11 sacks as a senior while earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Elmore plays with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He has a fast rush off the edge, good inside moves. Elmore recognizes plays well and is a good tackler. There is a question on what Elmore will be at the next level however, as he wasn’t nearly as productive against top competition as he was against mediocre and bad teams.

15. Greg Romeus – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.79)
A former high school basketball star in Florida, Romeus will have a very good NFL career if he continues on the path he was on in college. He was named a Freshman All-American after redshirting in 2006. He then became a second-team All-Big East selection the following year, recording 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And, he stepped up to being Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year as junior and senior. Romeus has great size for an NFL pass-rushing end, with good closing speed and an effective bull rush, possessing a long reach and big hands. Romeus uses his strong upper body strength to rip the ball from running backs and receivers. He does however, need to learn how to hustle more, through the entire play, especially after his teammates make initial contact.

16. Ugo Chinasa – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Oklahoma State (4.63, 22 BR)
Chinasa became a leader on the Oklahoma State defense after redshirting in 2006 and contributing on a limited basis the following two years. In 2009, he set a new career high with 30 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks. Chinasa finished his senior season with 32 tackles, including 25 solo stops, to lead the Cowboys’ down linemen in each of those categories. With a strong upper body and a good reach, Chinasa sheds blocks well, closes to the quarterback quickly, and shows great awareness in man coverage, especially running stride for stride with tight ends. Against the run, Chinasa is a strong, wrap-up tackler. However, he is inconsistent with the energy he brings and e can get stood up at the line.

17. Cliff Mathews – DE – 6-4 / 257 / South Carolina (4.81, 17 BR)
A two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) in high school, Matthews stepped in as an outside linebacker as a freshman and was named to the coaches’ All-SEC team. He moved to defensive end the following season where he posted 32 tackles and 3 sacks. As a junior, the fairly under-sized end was known for his all-out hustle on nearly every play, as he was named as one of four team captains. He recorded 47 tackles (35 solo) and seven sacks that year. Matthews was again a team captain and named to the coaches’ All-SEC second team as a senior. He started all 13 games that year, posting 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Overall, Matthews is considered an extremely hard-working, high-effort player, with a great quickness and athleticism, and considerable raw talent for his size. He could be a nice steal later on in the draft.

18. Brandon Blair – DE – 6-6 / 276 / Oregon (4.92, 26 BR)
The 2010 Oregon Ducks were known for their prolific offense, but Blair didn’t let himself get too overshadowed by his teammates on the other side of the ball. After redshirting in 2006, the space-eating Blair became a proficient run stopper as a freshman reserve. By his junior year, Blair was the top tackler (with 45) among Oregon’s defensive linemen, and as a senior, he had 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, to earn All-Pac-10 second team honors. Even with his big size, Blair has good quickness off the snap to compliment long arms, a strong upper body, and good leg drive to bull rush blockers back into the pocket. Blair lacks agility to keep up with quicker players is space however, and he’s already 26 years of age after spending two years on a church mission between high school and playing football at Oregon.

19. Markus White – DE – 6-4 / 266 / Florida State (4.86, 14 BR)
After beginning his college career at junior college, White played three years at Florida State, initially learning as the understudy to former All-American Seminole Everette Brown in 2008. He learned well, starting 12 games and making 38 tackles the following year before having a big senior season, starting all 13 games while recording 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. White accomplished that mostly by virtue of a high motor and an explosive pass rush but he had a low output for his bench press which raises questions about his strength, and needs to be a better run stopper as well.

20. Ryan Winterswyk – DE – 6-4 / 268 / Texas (4.96, 18 BR)
With a surname that begins with “Winter,” couldn’t you just see Winterswyk ultimately playing in a place like Chicago or Green Bay? Well, if he gets to the NFL at all, it certainly won’t be for a lack of drive or effort, and even talent. Winterswyk went from a walk-on redshirt in 2006 to an honorable freshman All-American the following year, and a first-team All-WAC end in each of his final three seasons at Boise State. Due to injuries, he was also used as a tight end as a senior. He finished his career at Boise State with 168 career tackles while ranking fourth in school history with 21.5 career sacks. Not bad for a former walk-on at a school known for offense.

21. Eddie Jones – DE – 6-2 / 258 / Texas (4.79)
Easily the smallest end listed thus far, Jones ironically starred in college in the biggest state in the nation, and he came up big with a final-minute tackle at the 1-yard line to secure Team Texas’ 13-7 victory over Team Nation in the NFLPA All-Star game in February. Another fifth-year end who redshirted in 2006, Jones was integral as a sophomore in helping Texas (the University, not Team Texas, that is) lead the Big 12 in scoring defense. Jones didn’t do any one thing great, but he did a little of everything, including some solid special teams play as a junior.

22. Lazarius Levingston – DE – 6-4 / 292 / LSU (4.93, 20 BR)
Levingston was a four-year letter winner, recording 70 tackles in 48 games at LSU, playing three years at defensive end before moving to tackle as a senior.

23. Karl Klug – DE – 6-3 / 275 / Iowa (4.81, 22 BR)
Klung was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two years at Iowa. He a hustling hard worker who had 65 tackles as a junior (his first year as a starter). Klung has good quickness off the snap but he can be moved off blocks, especially against double teams.

24. Cheta Ozougwu – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Rice (4.84, 26 BR)
A former high school basketball star, Ozougwu was a defensive leader for Rice, where he started in 43 games. He broke in as a true freshman with 43 tackles and was an All-Conference USA first-team selection as a senior. He’s a good bull rusher despite being undersized and a wrap-up tackler. Ozougwu also has good awareness in coverage but because of his size, he might be seen as a tweener without a true position at the next level.

25. D’Aundre Reed – DE – 6-4 / 261 / Arizona (4.81, 30 BR)
Reed has a quick first step and long arms to help disengage from blocks, but he’s not a great run stopper and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves.

26. Steven Friday – DE – 6-3 / 228 / Virginia Tech (4.66)
Possibly the best player with day of the week for a surname to ultimately play in the NFL since Jeff Saturday, Friday was a playmaker for Virginia Tech whether sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or forcing fumbles.

27. Clay Nurse – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Illinois (4.87)
Speaking of surnames (after mentioning Steven Friday), this defensive end from Illinois could fittingly make opposing quarterbacks have the need for a nurse, as when DE Nurse had four sacks in a win over Minnesota in his senior season, during which Nurse earned honorable mention All-Big ten honors.

28. Kentrell Lockett – DE – 6-5 / 241 / Mississippi (4.78)
Lockett was named to the ALL-SEC third team with 39 tackles and five sacks as a junior and was a team captain as a senior, but he played in just three games that year after he suffered an ACL injury.

29. Demarcus Dobbs – DE – 6-2 / 281 / Georgia (4.87)
Dobbs lacks height for an end but a powerful lower body gives him good leverage at the point of attack. He projects as a possible reserve strong-side reserve in a 4-3 scheme. Like the Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Oher on the other side of the ball, Dobbs is an inspirational player who spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes before earning a scholarship to Georgia.

30. Jonathan Freeny – DE – 6-3 / 242 / Team (4.78)
Freeny was a second team All-Big East selection as a junior and was a major contributor on Rutgers’ defensive line.

31. Justin Trattou – DE – 6-4 / 255 / Florida (4.70)

32. Markell Carter – DE – 6-4 / 252 / Central Arkansas (4.76)

33. Gabe Miller – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Oregon State (4.63)

34. Zane Parr – DE – 6-6 / 275 / Virginia (4.95)

35. Craig Marshall – DE – 6-5 / 276 / South Florida (4.76)

36. Junior Tui’one – DE – 6-4 / 265 / Utah (4.74)

37. Roberto Davis – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Northwest Missouri State

38. Damario Ambrose – DE – 6-3 / 260 / Arkansas (4.80)

39. Jake Laptad – DE – 6-4 / 260 / Kansas (4.89)

40. Robert Eddins – DE – 6-2 / 242 / Ball State (4.79)

41. DeQuinn Evans – DE – 6-2 / 257 / Kentucky (5.06)

42. David Bedford – DE – 6-4 / 248 / South Florida (4.73)

43. Kiante Tripp – DE – 6-5 / 293 / Georgia (4.89)

44. Michael Lemon – DE – 6-3 / 274 / North Carolina State (4.85)

45. Alex Albright – DE – 6-5 / 250 / Boston College (4.82)

46. Ronnell Brown – DE – 6-2/ 270 / James Madison (4.84)

47. Rodney Gnat – DE – 6-2 / 249 / Louisville (4.80)

48. Lucas Patterson – DE – 6-4 / 293 / Texas A&M (5.12)

49. Duke Lemmens – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Florida (4.76)

50. Antoine Carter – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Auburn (4.76)

(the 11th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters)

Big Talent from the Small Schools

By Jay Horn-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online



The 2011 Draft is jam-packed with talented players from non-FBS schools. 56 players from ‘small schools’ (Divisions 1-AA, 2, 3, and NAIA) where invited to this year’s NFL Combine. The conventional wisdom is shifting from the day when scouts only looked at a couple standouts from these lower-tier divisions. Recently, a number of impact players have come from “less” than the Division-1 farm system.



In 2008, Brandon Carr from perennial D-II power Grand Valley State broke in as a starting cornerback for the KC Chiefs after being taken in the 5th round, in 2009 RB Bernard Scott was a 6th round pick from Abilene Christian who dazzled the NFL in his rookie season with big kick-off returns and steady production in the backfield for the Cincinnati Bengals. Also that year, WR Johnny Knox, Scott’s teammate at ACU, has been extremely productive since entering the League as a 5th round pick with the Bears. Another ACU product, OT J’Marcus Webb, was taken in the 7th round and has earned a starting role with the Bears as well.



Last year, some of the NFL’s most exciting rookies came from ‘small schools.’ D-2 Tiffin Dragons RB Chris Ivory (who played only four games as a senior after suffering a broken leg) became a starter for the defending World Champion New Orleans Saints. GLIAC standout offensive tackle Jered Veldheer from Hillsdale, was taken in the 3rd round by the Raiders and was a fixture on the o-line starting at both center and tackle. Perhaps one of the best ‘feel good stories’ of this year was the success of former Chadron State and Harlon Hill winner RB Danny Woodhead. Originally drafted by the Jets and signed in 2008, Woodhead was cut, re-signed to the practice squad, then cut again and signed by the Patriots in 2010. He became one of the Patriots most productive offensive players, finishing the season with a career high 547 rushing yards on just 97 carries (5.64 per carry) and a TD. He also had 379 yards receiving on 34 catches with 5 TDs. His yards per rush was a Patriots team record and fourth in the NFL.



Who be this year’s Ivory, Veldheer or Woodhead? Here is a sampling of a few of the possibilities in the 2011 Draft:



OFFENSIVE PLAYERS:



OT Ben Ijalana – Villanova 6’ 3.6” 319 – 5.30 – 2nd-3rd round



WR Edmund Gates – ACU 5’ 11.5” 189 – 4.37 – 3rd - 5th round



RB Taiwan Jones – Eastern Washington - 5’ 11.4” – 4.40 – 3rd – 5th round


OG – Will Rackley – Lehigh - 6’ 3.3” 307 – 5.20 – 3rd - 5th round



C – Brandon Fusco – Slippery Rock – 6’ 4.1” 302 – 5.25 – 4th – 6th round



TE – Schuyler Oordt – Northern Iowa – 6’ 6.0” 261 – 5th – 7th Round



OT – David Mims – Virginia Union – 6’ 8.2 335 – 5.58 – 5th – 7th round



QB – Pat Devlin – Delaware – 6’ 3.3” 226 – 4.82 – 6th – 7th round



DEFENSIVE PLAYERS:



DT Kendrick Ellis – Hampton 6’ 5.0” 336 – 5.05 – 4th – 6th round



CB Korey Lindsey-Woods – Southern Illinois – 5’ 10.1 181 – 4.45 – 5th – 7th round



CB Buster Skrine – Chattanooga – 5’ 9.5 186 – 4.37 – 5th – 7th round



CB Ryan Jones – Northwest Missouri State – 5’ 11.0 197 – 4.42 – 4th – 6th round



DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Arkansas 6’ 3.5” 299 – 5.91 – 7th round - UDFA

(This is the 10th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters
Top 30 Centers Ranked for the 2011 NFL Draft
By Rafael Garcia Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

1. Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State 6'3" 313 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Bench @225- 30x Sr. Wisniewski is very smart on and off the field. He excels in the classroom as well and teaches 10th grade English. He is the first Nittany Lion to start as a true freshman since 1999. He played guard his first two seasons and switched to center in his junior year. He is very sound fundamentally and knows how to use his body. He has NFL blood in him as his father and uncle both played on Sunday's before him. A very good interior lineman with good footwork. He will need to bulk up if he wants to play guard at the next level. He does not have that quickness or first step off the ball and he has to learn to use his hands better. He is also not the most athletic player on the field. He loves to do the work and could do very well in a zone blocking scheme. Loves to drive a player back with his leg strength to open holes for his backs. Very good at pulling in front of his backs too. He will become a great leader and expect him to play for many years in the NFL. Projected Round: 2

2. Rodney Hudson C Florida St. 6'2" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27 Bench @225- 27x Sr. Hudson has been an All-American an won the Jacob's Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. He allowed only 1.5 sacks this year to go with just one penalty. Those are staggering numbers matched by no one in the conference. In the running game his blocking will need work because of his size. He is very quick off the snap and uses his size and leverage to make some big hits at times. Uses his hands to wrap and tackle blocker very effectively. Has very good technique when it comes to sealing off defender. Very good at the trap block using the defenders push to get to him and knock him to the ground. Is very quick to get to the point of contact and and get downfield to the second level.Has a tendency to bend too much and lose some balance in the process. He is undersized and could become a hidden gem at center in the future. His tendency to lunge cause him to miss badly on some tackles. He will have to bulk up to be able to sustain the punishment of the NFL. Projected Round: 2

3. Kristofer O'Dowd C USC 6'5" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.20 Bench @225- 31x Sr. O'Dowd is a very polished and experienced player. He is a very good run blocker that keeps his ground. He has above average leverage and is very good in pass protection. He is athletic and agile enough to get down the line of scrimmage. Has good size and is technically sound at his position. Gets off the ball quick and can get to the second level. He has battled knee and shoulder injuries during his collegiate career. Needs to improve his hand placement and learn to drive defenders off the line. He needs to improve his field vision as he has trouble locating quick pass rushers. Overall, he is very intelligent with great instincts and awareness. He has great work ethic and has played plenty of games against the best opposition in the land. He needs to become more physical and bulk up for the next level. His durability will be questioned. Projected Round: 4

4. Alex Linnenkohl C Oregon St. 6'2" 303 lbs. 40 Time: 5.36 Bench @225- 24x Sr. Linnenkohl may lack the height for his position, but that allows him to play with great leverage at the line. He is very good at getting around his blocks and getting to the next level. Shows agility in the pass game and possess decent athleticism. He is very quick off the line and uses his hands very well. Above average foot work, range and flexibility. Does not have the needed upper body strength. He shows that he has a good football mind and loves to hit defenders. He has a tendency to be overpowered by more physical defenders. His lack of power will make it hard to stick with his block for the whole play. He excels on the pull and pivot when trying to get his block. Looks to make an NFL roster in the future, probably in a zone-blocking scheme. Since he probably won't get any taller he will have to add a lot of bulk to sustain an NFL career. Projected Round: 5

5. Brandon Fusco C Slippery Rock 6'5" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @225- 26x Sr. Fusco is a very big and physical football player. His long arms allow him to dominate opposing players. He has great leverage and uses it exceptionally well in the run game. He has excellent footwork that allows him to make the block and get down field. He loves to put in the work and will undoubtably be a leader in the future. He does not have a lot of experience at his position and needs to improve on his pull. Does not possess the speed and agility, so he will need to work on that. Though he comes from a Division 2 school he is one of the highest ranked offensive lineman in the country. Once he gets to the second level and finds his block, defenders will not stand a chance. Durability should not be a question since he never missed a game during his career. As long as he continues to improve there is little doubt he will be a starter. Projected Round: 5

6. Tim Barnes C Missouri 6'4" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @ 225- N/A Sr. Barnes is very athletic and has the quickness needed to be a center. He is solid in pass protection and plays very aggressive football. He has good football smarts and could work in a zone blocking offense. Has a quick snap from center and his first step allows him to get to his defender. He shows good lower body work and agility. Very good at picking up stunts and moving in space. He will need to work on many things first. Film has shown that he stands straight up too much when blocking in the pass or run game. He must learn to use his leg drive much more. Does not work well against 3-4 defense. Needs to work on his anchor strength to hold off oncoming rusher. He has the potential to be a guard if he wants to. Projected Round: 6

7. Ryan Bartholomew C Syracuse 6'2" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 4.93 Bench @225- 34x Sr. He is a very solid overall player that excels in the passing game. His long arms allow him to keep his defender at a distance. He has very good lateral movement and has the power needed for his position. Has good footwork that allows him to be effective once he reaches the linebackers. He uses his legs to get the advantage against bigger defenders. Very good at getting into the proper position for the block. Has good field vision and recognition of the play. Has the tendency to not finish a play and needs to keep his head up more. He is very inconsistent in screen blocking. Needs to work more on his drive off the ball. His lack of height and weight may be an issue, but his strength and mobility are not. His combine numbers were very impressive, but he will need a whole lot more than that to make it. Projected Round: FA

8. Kevin Kowalski C Toledo 6'4" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.05 Bench @225- N/A Sr. Kowalski is a very smart player that possess the strength and power to stay at the next level. His recognition of blitzes and stunts are solid. He has very good footwork as well as getting the angles. He has the ability and experience to play guard. He has great work ethic on and off the field. He is very good at his reads and line calls. He is very solid at getting into position for the block. He is not very athletic and plays too high at times. He struggles with quicker defenders and needs to hold his block longer. He tends to lean into defenders too much and is a step to slow. Needs to improve his hand placement to offset his lack of size. Does not possess enough lower body strength. Projected Round: 6

9. Zach Williams C Washington St. 6'3" 309 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @225- 28x Sr.
Williams is a hard worker who fights to get into position to make blocks. Effective puller who can blocks in space. Explosive blocks on the second level on screen passes. Picks up stunts and blitzes well. Very good awareness and field vision. Can get past defender and get to the second level. A waist bender with adequate at best strength. Inconsistent use of leverage. Lacks the foot quickness to slide over in pass pro against quicker rushers. Needs a better anchor in pass protection. Needs to work getting bulked up to be able to dominate at the next level. Projected Round: FA

10. Zane Taylor C Utah 6'2" 309 lbs. 40 Time: 5.61 Bench @225- 33x Sr. Taylor is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft. A very smart player with a good football IQ. He has excellent lateral movement and knows how to stay square. He knows how to use his hands and arms an possess enough upper body strength. Very good against the run and can drive his defender back. Good at the pull and getting to the second level. His footwork and effort make him a good open field blocker. Loves to play aggressive and as tough as nails. He works very hard at finishing off his block. His short arms won't help him and he gets beat by quicker defensive linemen. Needs to improve his field vision and reading the defense. He needs work against stunts, blitzes and stop lunging so much. He needs to learn his craft much more to stay on a team. Still, his versatility and upside should intrigue a few teams. Projected Round: FA

11. Jason Kelce C Cincinnati 6'4" 280 lbs. 40 Time: 4.93 Kelce plays hard nose, aggressive, don't stop till the whistle football. He loves to attack his opponent with his smack you in the mouth attitude. He is outstanding using his hands in pass protection and run blocking. Has the lateral quickness and good knee bend for a adequate base. Has a great anchor though his size may not show that. Has the strength to put his man down and get to the second level. Gets the good angle on stretch plays and can come off a double team as well. Very good snapper in the shotgun. In order to be more effective at the next level he will have to improve his base. Needs work on drive blocking and awareness. He needs to improve on help defense and his footwork. He is not very effective picking up stunts and blitzes. Projected Round: FA

12. Colin Baxter C Arizona 6'3" 311 lbs. 40 Time: 5.42 Bench @225- 22x Sr. Baxter is smart football player. Gives 100 % effort and is average in pass and run blocking. Needs to work on bulking up and his footwork. Injuries to his knee will worry some teams. Projected Round: FA

13. Ryan McMahon C Florida St. 6'2" 285 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Sr. McMahon is a very durable player starting 53 straight games during his career. He has a high football IQ with a lot of determination. His size will be an issue and he will have to work his tail off to play every Sunday for years to come. Projected Round: FA

14. Chase Beeler C Stanford 6'3" 285 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Sr. Beeler may be small for his position, but he is quick of the ball and to the block. Very good in pass protection with good vision and field awareness. Make good line calls and reads stunts and defenses pretty good. His size will be an issue as will his power. He will need more work as a run blocker. Projected Round: FA

15. J.C. Brignone C Mississippi St. 6'1" 304 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Sr. Brignone is a very intelligent player with excellent awareness. He is quick of his stance and is effective in pass protection. Does not posses the best athleticism or speed. Needs to work on field vision more. Gets bullied too much at times. Projected Round: FA

16. Alan Pelc C North Carolina 6'5" 302 lbs. 40 Time: 5.38 Sr. Pelc is very good on the angle block. Gets out of stance quick and prepared for the block in the pass and run game. Very limited player that needs to work on footwork, sealing off defender and his leg drive to name a few. Projected Round: FA

17. Howard Barbieri C Rutgers 6'5" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.34 Sr. Barbieri has very good size for a center in the NFL. Very strong with good hand work. Knows his assignments and gets to next level pretty quickly. He is another limited player that will need work on blocking, footwork and consistency. Projected Round: FA

18. Donovan Edwards C California 6'5" 295 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27 Sr. Edwards has good athleticism and technique for a big man. Reads and plays stunts very good. Gets to second level. Needs to be better at his footwork and using his hands in pass protection. Projected Round: FA

19. Ryan Pugh C Auburn 6'2" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Sr. Pugh is another intelligent player that makes the right protection calls. Good at seeing the field and run block. He will need work on run blocking and his agility. Projected Round: FA

20. Julian Vandervelde C Iowa 6'2" 294 lbs. 40 Time: 4.90 Sr. Vandervelde is a good athlete with some quickness. Has good balance and can move laterally. Picks up stunts. His small frame will hinder him at the next level. Power is limited. Projected Round: FA

21. Colin Miller C Central Michigan 6'3" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.30 Sr.

22. Beau Warren C Virginia Tech 6'3" 292 lbs. 40 Time: 5.12 Sr.

23. Taylor Boggs C Humboldt St. 6'2" 294 lbs. 40 Time: 5.38 Sr.

24. Matt Allen C Texas A&M 6'3" 281 lbs. 40 Time: 5.23 Sr.

25. Brad Thorson C Kansas 6'4" 301 lbs. 40 Time: 5.29 Sr.

26. Brad Serini C Florida International 6'2" 296 lbs. 40 Time: 5.44 Sr.

27. Jordan Holmes C Oregon 6'4" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.58 Sr.

28. Chris Guarnero C California 6'3" 289 lbs. 40 Time: 5.34 Sr.

29. John Gianninoto C UNLV 6'3" 292 lbs. 40 Time: 5.25 Sr.

30. Ailao Eliapo C San Jose St. 6'1" 295 lbs. 40 Time: 5.25 Sr.