SEC East NFL Draft prospect preview
by Mocking Dan on Sep 3, 2010 5:57 PM EDT
in 2011 NFL Draft
0 comments
This is going to be a down season for the SEC East in terms of NFL Draft prospects. After producing so many players for the early portion of this year's draft, A.J. Green of Georgia is the only first-round lock for the division. Regardless, here's a look at the best players in the SEC East. Juniors have an asterisk after their name.
A.J. Green | 6'4, 200 pounds | WR | Georgia *
Easily one of the best wide receiver prospects in a while and the best player at a stacked position. Green could be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL right now. He gets good separation on all routes and has the quickness of a smaller receiver.
DeAndre Brown disappoints in loss to South Carolina
by Mocking Dan on Sep 3, 2010 11:16 AM EDT
10 comments
With scouts from at least 11 different NFL teams in attendance at the South Carolina/Southern Mississippi game, it was DeAndre Brown's time to shine.
South Carolina's top NFL prospects Weslye Saunders, Chris Culliver and Jarriel King weren't playing, leaving Brown as the far and away best prospect in the game.
This will likely be the most NFL scouts at a USM game all season so Brown had a chance to show he belonged with fellow top junior wide receivers A.J. Green, Michael Floyd, Julio Jones and Jonathan Baldwin.
However, Brown didn't get his first reception until 10 minutes remaining in the game. He finished the game with four receptions for 65 yards and a score. But none of it mattered as the Gamecocks had a sizable lead by then.
The notable part of Brown's game wasn't his stats. With a reputation of taking plays off and not always giving a great effort, Brown did nothing to change that opinion Thursday night.
Marcell Dareus to miss Alabama's first two games
I swear it wasn't my intent to just throw FanShots out, but there's so many prospects who aren't going to see the field early this season. I watched the first half of S. Carolina v. So. Miss, and a trio of Gamecocks who I'm tracking were sitting out.
Nevertheless, Dareus must sit out Alabama's first two contests, vs. San Jose St. and Penn St., for "ineligible benefits." Hit the main link for the details.
Note the separate position projections:
MTD top 75: #7 DE, #33 overall
ESPN Scouts, Inc.: #1 DT, #5 overall (Insider subscription required)
Walter Football: #1 DT, #1 3-4 DE, #4 overall
UNC suspends Marvin Austin indefinitely
by Mocking Dan on Sep 1, 2010 3:53 PM EDT
in 2011 NFL Draft
7 comments
The University of North Carolina has suspended senior Marvin Austin indefinitely. The defensive tackle is expected to be a first round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Austin is one of several North Carolina players currently under investigation by the NCAA for rules violations. For more on the investigation, make sure to check out Carolina March the SB Nation UNC site.
"This decision is not a result of the ongoing NCAA review," UNC head coach Butch Davis said in a release. "Marvin has violated team rules and has neglected his responsibilities to the team."
Austin started 12 games for the Tar Heels last season, registering 42 tackles, six tackles for a loss, four sacks and three pass breakups.
Arguably the top senior defensive tackle in the nation, a long-term suspension could have a seriously negative affect on Austin's draft stock. Before the talk of the NCAA violations surfaced, there were questions about Austin's work ethic on the field. Combine the two, and it might be hard for Austin to crack the first round.
However, UNC could lift the suspension on Austin, much like Oregon did with LeGarrette Blount last season.
Also see: Marvin Austin scouting report | Video from NFL Draft Breakdown
NFL Draft ACC prospect preview
by Mocking Dan on Aug 31, 2010 3:58 PM EDT
in 2011 NFL Draft
5 comments
Arguably, no conference in college football this year has more top talent than the ACC. From an incredibly stacked team like North Carolina to Virginia a team with a singular star, the conference is loaded. Here's a look at those players. Juniors have italics next to their name.
Allen Bailey | 6'4, 288 pounds | DT/DE | Miami (Fla.)
Bailey is a nimble defensive lineman who started his career at Miami as a linebacker. He's incredibly strong and doesn't have the typical look of an interior lineman. His best assets are quickness, speed and shedding blocks. He's still a work in progress with technique, but has the passion to overcome it.
Ras-I Dowling | 6'2, 200 pounds | CB | Virginia
An excellent size/speed cornerback who some compare to former Virginia standout Chris Cook. He might not be the stellar man corner some think, but his zone coverage is good. He can close on the ball quickly and deliver a hit. Dowling is excellent when asked to support the run. He's not overly aggressive and knows when to maintain his position on the field. Known as an excellent character individual and team leader.
Alabama RB Mark Ingram undergoes arthoscopic knee surgery
Ingram will miss the Tide's season opener against San Jose St. on Saturday, and likely their next game as well: a huge non-conference matchup against Penn St. on the 11th.
Ingram is the top RB on the MTD top 75, sitting at #35 overall. ESPN's Scouts Inc. also rates Ingram as their top RB in the 2011 Draft at 19th overall (Insider subscription required).
Clarett Signs With UFL's Nighthawks
by J.V. Siegel on Aug 30, 2010 1:50 PM EDT
in Mocking the AFC West
3 comments
Maurice Clarett has been living harder than the average 26 year old American. Despite this the running back, who played only one year of collegiate football, was signed a day after a tryout with the Omaha Nighthawks.
Clarett was a surprise third-round draft pick in 2005, despite playing just one year at Ohio State, running 4.72 and 4.82 in the 40 yard dash, and being kicked off his collegiate football team. He didn't make it through the preseason.
But of course, Clarett was part of a potentially groundbreaking case in 2004 when he and USC wide receiver Mike Williams challenged the NCAA's rule that a player could enter the NFL draft three years after graduating high school.
Their cause initially succeeded, but was overturned. Both athletes had signed agents, making them ineligible to return to play collegiate football, and had to train on their own for a year.
A string of legal problems that included a police chase (complete with a tasing) landed Clarett in jail.
He was released from prison earlier this year.
An inside look at RB Jordan Todman
by Ethan Hammerman on Aug 30, 2010 1:01 AM EDT
3 comments
UCONN's Jordan Todman is a running back that has not gotten a ton of press in terms of being a pro prospect. However, in terms of his skillset, running style and long speed, he may be one of the top talents at running back to come out in the next couple of drafts.
Todman stands at 5 foot 9 and 193 pounds. As a high school student in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Todman went under the radar despite 2147 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior. On websites such as Scout.com and Rivals, he was considered a two-star cornerback prospect rather than an offensive threat. Connecticut coach Randy Edsall, however, saw him as a potential star at running back, and snapped him up as quickly as possible.
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