Scouting Report

  After inexplicably neglecting the quarterback position in the 2010 NFL Draft the Bills will have to find a signal caller to build around next April. Washington’s Jake Locker might very well have been the #1 overall pick had he come out after his junior season, ahead of Sam Bradford, but he passed on what would have been a monster payday to spend another year in college refining his game. A rare athlete with elite intangibles, Locker improved by leaps and bounds in his first season under Steve Sarkiaian and if he can make similar strides as a senior he could go down as the best quarterback prospect the NFL Draft has seen in a decade or more. In fact, Locker has been compared to Hall of Famers such as John Elway and Steve Young! Things will likely get worse in Buffalo before they start to get better but the Bills can't even begin to move forward until  they  resolve  the woeful situation under center.

Scouting Report

  After using the #1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on quarterback Sam Bradford it’s time for the Rams to give their young signal caller a dynamic weapon to throw to. The past couple of drafts have produced two outstanding wide receivers in Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant but Georgia’s A.J. Green could be a better pro prospect than either of them. Combining a rare blend of size, speed, athleticism, hands, leaping ability and ball skills, Green is an elite prospect who has what it takes to be a true #1 pass catcher at the next level. The 2011 NFL Draft will likely feature an extremely talented group of wideouts but make no mistake about it, Green is the cream of the crop. St. Louis could also use an impact defensive lineman such as Alabama’s Marcell Dareus or North Carolina’s Robert Quinn but after investing $50 million in Bradford it would be in their best interest to supply him with  the tools he needs to be successful.

Scouting Report

  There may not be a worse quarterback situation in the entire league than Cleveland’s. Jake Delhomme is 35-years-old and has been atrocious the past couple of seasons while Seneca Wallace is a career backup. Granted the Browns did just invest a third round pick on Colt McCoy but the early returns have been shaky at best and you can’t justify bypassing a potential franchise signal caller on his account. Stanford’s Andrew Luck is a big, cerebral passer who has been mentored by former NFL All-Pro Jim Harbaugh and schooled in a pro style system. Just a redshirt sophomore, it is no cinch that Luck will enter the 2011 NFL Draft and it’s important to keep in mind that he’s a terrific student who has adamantly expressed his desire to obtain a college degree. However, should Luck go pro after the season he would likely come off the board very early. In fact, he could even challenge Jake Locker  to be the #1 overall pick.

Scouting Report

  The Bucs used their first two picks in the most recent draft on Gerald McCoy and Brian Price to upgrade the interior of their defensive line but they could still use some help outside at end. North Carolina’s Robert Quinn is still a bit raw, especially when it comes to playing the run, but he is an impressive physical specimen and possesses all of the tools to be an impact pass rusher at the next level. Quinn has naturally drawn comparisons to Julius Peppers, another former Tar Heel, and while that might be a tad optimistic he definitely has the potential to rank amongst the elite prospects available next April. Tampa Bay could also opt to address their secondary and a cornerback like L.S.U.’s Patrick Peterson or Nebraska's Prince Amukamara could prove awfully tempting since Ronde Barber is now 35-years-old and nearing  the end of  his career.

Scouting Report

  This would be a match made in NFL Draft Heaven. The Lions have done an outstanding job of upgrading their talent base the past couple of years but cornerback is one area that is still severely lacking. In fact, they may not have a single starting-caliber cover guy on their roster. With that being the case you’d have to think they would be thrilled to find L.S.U.’s Patrick Peterson still on the board. Peterson is the epitome of what you look for in a stud cover guy, checking in at 6-1 and 222 pounds with legit 4.4 speed and excellent strength. It’s not a stretch to say that Peterson is a better pro prospect than Joe Haden was coming out of college and he was the 7th overall pick. Detroit could also use an upgrade at left tackle and defensive end but assuming Peterson is available it’s hard to envision them going  in  any  other  direction with this pick.

Scouting Report

  The Jags took steps to address their abysmal pass rush this past offseason by signing free agent Aaron Kampman and using their top draft pick on Tyson Alualu but more help is still needed. Former #8 overall pick Derrick Harvey has been a major disappointment, notching just 5.5 sacks combined in two seasons as a pro, so Jacksonville may have to cut their losses and replace him in the near future. Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn possesses a nice blend of size, speed and power but what really stands out about the Hawkeye defender is his non-stop motor. Clayborn might have been a first round pick had he gone pro after his junior season and now he is one of the premier senior prospects in the country. The Jaguars could also be in the market for some help at wide receiver and in the secondary and don’t rule out a quarterback either. Still, Clayborn appears to be the best fit when factoring  in both value as well as need.

Scouting Report

  When it comes to the Panthers defensive line there seems to be more questions than answers and the situation inside is particularly troubling. In fact, Carolina may not have a single defensive tackle that would start for most teams. Needless to say the addition of a premier talent like Alabama’s Marcell Dareus would rectify that problem. Dareus burst onto the scene with a dominant performance against Texas in last year’s BCS National Championship Game and it would not be a surprise if he ultimately lands in the Top 5 overall on Draft Day. A well-rounded player with the strength to stuff the run and the quickness to rush the passer, Dareus could project to either defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme or defensive end in a 3-4 front which only adds to his value. Should he choose to enter the 2011 NFL Draft as a junior there is little doubt that Dareus will be among  the  top  handful of prospects available.

Scouting Report

  Despite making a number of high-profile moves on both sides of the ball in free agency, the trade market and the draft the past couple of offseasons Denver still has a number of holes to fill. The defensive line is a prime example as the Broncos have added some veteran journeymen types but failed to land any impact performers. Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward, who is the son or former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, isn’t flashy or a dynamic pass rusher but he is a prototypical five-technique that teams running an odd front will be salivating over. Generally speaking 3-4 defensive ends don’t usually come off the board this early on Draft Day but there have been exceptions and Heyward could follow in the footsteps of guys like Ty Warren (#13 in '03) and more recently Tyson Jackson (#3 in '09). Denver could also be in the market for an  inside  linebacker,  a safety or a cornerback.

Scouting Report

  It didn’t take long for the Seahawks to completely overhaul the defensive end position, but they didn’t necessarily get better. Patrick Kerney retired and former early round draft picks Lawrence Jackson and Darryl Tapp were traded, leaving a career backup (Chris Clemsons) and a converted defensive tackle (Red Bryant) as the starters. It goes without saying that Seattle will have to invest some premium resources on a pass rusher in the near future. Coming out of high school ESPN rated Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers as the #1 recruit in the nation, regardless of position. Bowers must still translate all of that talent into sack production and, more importantly, stay healthy but he has the tools to be as good or perhaps even a better pro prospect than the late Gaines Adams, who was the #4 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks  look  for  a weapon at wide receiver here either.

Scouting Report

  There is a massive rebuilding project underway in Kansas City but they are slowly adding quality pieces to the puzzle. One area that must still be addressed is wide receiver, where Dwayne Bowe is a frequent inhabitant of Todd Haley’s doghouse, Chris Chambers is past his prime and Dexter McCluster is more of a jack-of-all-trades than a starter. Alabama’s Julio Jones was a local legend before ever stepping foot on campus in Tuscaloosa and while he hasn’t really racked up eye-popping stats in the Crimson Tide’s conservative, run-orientated offense his talent is obvious. Big, fast, and athletic with fantastic hands and ball skills, Jones should be a better pro than college player and he has what it takes to be the stud pass catcher that KC is lacking. The Chiefs also need some help at inside linebacker and offensive tackle and don’t rule out a quarterback if Matt Cassel is unable to take his game  to  the next level this season.

Scouting Report

  The Pats used to hang their hat on a dominant defense but in recent years that side of the ball has begun to fail them and the main culprit is a lackluster pass rush. To their credit New England has made attempts to rectify the situation but thus far they’ve struck out in free agency (Adalius Thomas), the trade market (Derrick Burgess) and the draft (Shawn Crable). As they say, if at first you don’t succeed… Texas A&M’s Von Miller led the nation in sacks as a junior while playing the "Joker", a hybrid defensive end / outside linebacker position for the Aggies. Miller’s best fit at the next level will come as a pass rushing outside ‘backer in a 3-4 scheme, where he will be able to use his athleticism, speed and explosiveness to terrorize opponents off the edge. The Patriots could also use a defensive end such as Alabama’s Marcell Dareus or Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward and running back might  be  a consideration as well.

Scouting Report

  Much has been made of Jay Cutler’s struggles in the Windy City but poor protection up front has been a key factor in his disappointing play to this point. The jury is still very much out on former first rounder Chris Williams but even if he lives up to expectations the Bears will still have to bring in someone to hold down the other side. Boston College has sent a lot of offensive linemen to the NFL in recent years and Anthony Castonzo is the next in a long line of top-notch Eagle blockers. While Castonzo may not be a “Franchise Left Tackle” he has both the physical tools and intangibles to be an above average starter in the pros for a very long time. Chicago has some issues at cornerback so that is another possibility and depending on how things go in 2010 they could be in the market for a true #1 wide receiver as well.

Scouting Report

  The wide receiver position is a mess in Washington, due in large part to former second round picks Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly failing to live up to expectations. The Redskins have made no secret of their desire to add a top-flight playmaker to the passing game and if they are unable to fill the void with a proven veteran they may look to take advantage of what should be a bumper crop of pass catchers in next year’s draft. There are other wideouts that get more attention nationally but Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Baldwin belongs in the conversation with the A.J. Green’s and Julio Jones’ of the world. With a rare blend of size and speed, not to mention a flair for the big play, Baldwin could be the weapon that Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb are searching for. Other options include a five-technique  defensive end or a free safety.

Scouting Report

  Former seventh round pick Cortland Finnegan has developed into one of the league’s top young cover guys but the Titans could stand to upgrade on the other side. Granted they have a number of options in Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton and Alterraun Verner but at this point they all appear to be best suited for backup roles. Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara is one of the top senior prospects in the country, regardless of position, and he certainly has the size, speed and fluid hips you look for in a shutdown corner. Tennessee might also be in the market for an upgrade at outside linebacker since David Thornton and Will Witherspoon are getting long in the tooth but otherwise the roster appears to be in pretty good shape. However, keep an eye on their quarterback situation because Vince Young has had his share of ups and downs  in  the NFL.

Scouting Report

  On paper Philly is one of the better teams in the league and they don’t appear to have very many glaring holes. However, for years now the Eagles have been mix and matching mediocre youngsters and washed up veterans at linebacker so it’s time they brought in a top-notch talent at the position. North Carolina’s Bruce Carter is an extremely fast, smooth and athletic ‘backer with a flair for the big play. As an added bonus Carter also excels on special teams and is arguably the best kick blocker in all of football, college or pro. Carter, who should really turn heads in pre-draft workouts, would represent a major upgrade over Akeem Jordan on the strongside and finally solidify the position once and for all. The Iggles also have a penchant for looking towards the trenches in round one so  don’t  rule  out a big offensive lineman either.

Scouting Report

  There are very few teams with the luxury of being able to draft with an eye towards the future but Pittsburgh is one of them. Because the Steelers manage their personnel as well as any team in the league they simply don’t need to press a rookie into action until they are ready. That patient approach to player development has paid major dividends in recent years and it might be time to apply it to the nose tackle position, where Casey Hampton is getting up there in years. Jerrell Powe of Ole Miss is a prototypical run-stuffing two- gapper who specializes in clogging the middle and occupying multiple blockers. This might be a slight reach but Powe is a legitimate first round possibility and the Steelers have been known to march to the beat of their own drum. Pittsburgh may also be in the market for a offensive tackle or cornerback.