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ESPN Insider: Ranking top NFL prospects for 2015


Paul Cumberland

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Article is here: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2015/story/_/id/11386734/2015-nfl-draft-ranking-top-prospects-position?ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_McShay_2015ProspectRanks

 

Stacking up the best prospects at every position heading into the season

By Todd McShay | ESPN Insider

 

We have spent the summer months at Scouts Inc. studying the game tape of all the top draft-eligible college football players entering the 2014 season, with an eye toward their potential selections in the 2015 NFL draft. Keep in mind, these are just preliminary evaluations, as how each player performs this season, plus their performances in the entire pre-draft process, has the potential to significantly alter their draft stocks leading into the 2015 draft.

 

But even though much can change, the preseason scouting process serves as a valuable foundation for the more than 130 players we evaluated on tape. Be sure to check back next week for the launch of our DraftTracker, including rankings and scouting reports on every 2015 prospect.

 

For now, here is a look at our top 2015 NFL draft prospects at each position, including an abbreviated version of each player's scouting report, entering the 2014 college football season.

 

Offense

 

Quarterbacks

 

1. Marcus MariotaOregon Ducks (Grade: 95)

6-4, 224 pounds

Mariota surprised many by returning for his redshirt junior season, and he enters 2014 as our No. 1-ranked prospect. He is a dynamic athlete who puts stress on a defense with his mobility both as a runner and a thrower. He has above-average elusiveness and rare straight-line speed, reminding of Colin Kaepernick with his long stride. Mariota has a quick, compact, over-the-shoulder release with well-above-average arm strength, so he can make all the NFL throws. While he needs to become more consistently accurate, he has made big improvements in that department since showing up on campus in Eugene. Continued progress with his footwork and balance will be important for scouts to see in 2014. And yes, Mariota benefits from the Ducks' up-tempo spread offense, which simplifies reads and creates bigger throwing windows, but he still rates very highly in terms of his decision-making and overall mental makeup. Bonus: His intangibles are outstanding.

 

2. Jameis WinstonFlorida State Seminoles (Grade: 94)

6-4, 235 pounds

Last year's Heisman Trophy winner will be eligible for the 2015 draft, if he chooses to leave school early. He has a prototypical frame for the position and excellent arm strength, with the ability to drive the ball downfield and deliver the deep outs with very good velocity. His accuracy is inconsistent, as he misses within the strike zone too much on short-to-intermediate passes and sails some deep balls, but he has the potential to get better with improved mechanics. His decision-making is a bit inconsistent as well, but he shows good anticipation and the ability to beat blitzes and handle pressure. He has good pocket mobility and can make defenders miss and break a few tackles, although he doesn't project as a big-time NFL running threat. He has the confidence and presence NFL teams look for in QBs, but they will have to check into his past legal issues and off-field decision-making.

 

3. Brett HundleyUCLA Bruins (Grade: 86) 

6-3, 227 pounds

Hundley made a wise decision to return for the 2014 season. He has all the physical tools to develop into a good NFL starter, but he's still a work in progress. He shows very good toughness and intangibles. His arm strength is a notch below elite, which means it's more than good enough to make all the NFL throws. He also showed improved mechanics in 2013 and flashes the ability to make accurate throws on all three levels when on time and in rhythm. The flashes are encouraging, but it's not enough. Specifically, Hundley needs to show improved touch and become more reliable when throwing off-platform. While he is a good athlete with size, strength and deceptive top-end speed, he needs to do much better at managing the pocket, including showing better patience and keeping his eyes up when facing pressure. He's an adequate decision-maker, but NFL talent evaluators are also looking for growth in this department in his third full season as a starter.

 

4. Sean MannionOregon State Beavers (Grade: 71)

6-5, 220 pounds

Mannion has the arm strength to stretch the field vertically and flashes natural accuracy, although he has some work to do with his mechanics, particularly in his lower body. His decision-making is inconsistent, as he takes too many risks throwing into traffic, but he does show a very good grasp of the Beavers' offense. He lacks ideal mobility but does a good job of feeling pressure and keeping his eyes downfield. Two things to watch from a measurables standpoint: While he has ideal height and long arms, he has a lean frame and extremely small hands (8 7/8 inches) for a QB prospect.

 

5. Bryce PettyBaylor Bears (Grade: 68) 

6-3, 229 pounds

Petty shows a very good grasp of Baylor's up-tempo spread offense, although that scheme does allow for much bigger throwing windows. His biggest challenge is to improve his mechanics to have the necessary accuracy for the NFL level, where the openings are much smaller. He does, however, show the ability to deliver strikes from unbalanced platforms. He has above-average mobility and, while his deep ball can hang in the air on occasion, he has above-average arm strength and can make all the NFL throws.

 

RBs:

 

1. Melvin GordonWisconsin Badgers (Grade: 89)
6-1, 207 pounds

Gordon enters 2014 as our No. 1-ranked running back prospect, coming off a season in which he averaged 7.8 yards per carry. He is a home run hitter with very good acceleration and top-end speed, with the ability to make defenders miss both in the hole and in space. He's explosive enough to run through contact, but he runs with a narrow base, making it too easy for defenders to cut his legs out from under him. He displays above-average vision and patience, and is a competitive runner. His lack of experience and production in the passing game is a concern, although he shows the ability to separate from coverage and make big plays after the catch.

 

2. Todd GurleyGeorgia Bulldogs (Grade: 85)
6-0, 230 pounds

Gurley is a freight train. He's a hard, downhill runner who is a load to bring down. He runs a little bit high and takes some big shots to his frame, but he's the most powerful back we studied during the preseason. He'd be a perfect fit in a power-based rushing attack, and he compares favorably to Marshawn Lynch in that regard. But what separates Gurley from a lot of other big, punishing runners is his very good top-end speed. If he catches a crease, it's a big problem for the defense. The only real negative with Gurley -- outside of durability concerns -- is his lack of ideal lateral agility. He takes a bit too long to gather before making cuts and he doesn't show great initial acceleration off his plant foot. But in the right offense that weakness can be minimized to a certain degree. Gurley has shown good ball security, is an underrated pass-catcher and is considered a high-character guy.

 

3. T.J. YeldonAlabama Crimson Tide (Grade: 84)
6-1, 220 pounds

Yeldon is tall with a somewhat lean frame, and isn't an overpowering runner, but he has good balance and can keep his feet moving after contact. He also has excellent lateral agility (especially for a taller back), which, combined with his instincts and patience, makes him highly effective at finding the hole and accelerating through it on runs. He has good but not elite top-end speed, and can seamlessly string together multiple cuts. He's a very competitive runner, and solid in the passing game, but his ball security is a big concern (four fumbles, including three lost, on 227 touches in 2013). If he protects the ball better and shows more strength as a runner, Yeldon can make a push to be the first back taken in next year's draft.

 

4. Mike DavisSouth Carolina Game****s (Grade: 80)
5-9, 216 pounds

Davis was one of the toughest runners in college football last season, not wearing down even while dealing with multiple nagging injuries. He grades out well in terms of both agility and power -- he doesn't have elite top-end speed, but he shows a second gear and the acceleration to turn the corner, and he's tough to bring down once he has built up momentum. He is light on his feet and makes efficient cuts in the open field, with an effective spin move. He also does well in the passing game with soft hands and quickness in getting upfield after the catch.

 

5. Duke JohnsonMiami (FL) Hurricanes (Grade: 73)
5-9, 206 pounds

Johnson's greatest asset is his burst. He doesn't have an elite second gear, but he reaches his top-end speed quickly. He doesn't shake defenders with highlight-reel moves, but he has the agility to make the first defender miss and he's a run-after-catch threat in the passing game. He runs really hard, but doesn't have the power base to regularly push the pile (he's tougher to tackle in space, with an effective stiff arm). He rates very well in terms of intangibles, but his durability is a concern that NFL teams will have to monitor.

 

WRs:

 

1. Amari Cooper, Alabama Crimson Tide (Grade: 93) 
6-1, 205 pounds

Cooper has average size for the receiver position and good but not elite top-end speed, but his separation and ball skills more than make up for it. I sent out a tweet on this earlier in the week, but (https://twitter.com/McShay13/status/501375720468516864) there are very few college wide receivers who show the separation skills that Cooper does on tape with such limited experience (he's only started 16 games for the Crimson Tide). He has a sudden release, runs crisp routes, finds soft spots in zone coverage and does a good job of using jab steps and head fakes to set up defenders. He makes tough catches look easy, demonstrating outstanding concentration in traffic -- although he does suffer from too many focus drops.

 

2. DeVante ParkerLouisville Cardinals (Grade: 90) 
6-3, 207 pounds

Parker's size-speed combo is above-average, although not outstanding, but he's fast enough to run under the deep ball and is dangerous after the catch, including the ability to slip tackles and pick up yards after contact. He has good separation skills, setting up defenders with footwork and head fakes and locating and exploiting openings in zone looks. His ball skills are just average, as he drops a lot of catchable passes and isn't great on 50-50 balls, but he can pluck the ball out of the air and make over-the-shoulder catches.

 

3. Nelson AgholorUSC Trojans (Grade: 89) 
6-0, 185 pounds

Agholor is a smooth and explosive athlete who is very good at separating from coverage, and has the potential to get even better as a route runner. He has the speed to take the top off of a defense, and while he lacks elite elusiveness, he has the acceleration and field vision that make him a home run threat after the catch and in the return game. His ball skills are inconsistent (drops too many catchable passes), but he shows the ability to pluck the ball on the move without breaking stride. He rates out well in terms of durability and intangibles.

 

4. Dorial Green-BeckhamOklahoma Sooners (Grade: 88)
6-5, 225 pounds

Green-Beckham projects as one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in next year's draft. Based solely off talent, he could easily be the top-rated wide receiver prospect. But he's still an unfinished product on the field and he has some serious red flags off the field. He was dismissed from the Missouri football program in April after allegedly forcing his way into an apartment and pushing a female down stairs (he was not arrested and is not facing charges), after some previous run-ins with the law during his time there. He transferred to Oklahoma in July, although as of now it's still unclear if he'll be allowed to play this season or if he'll have to sit out a year. What he brings as a player is an elite combination of height, bulk and straight-line speed; he possesses good separation skills, a massive catch radius with good body control and overall ball skills, and excellent big-play ability.

 

5. Austin HillArizona Wildcats (Grade: 85)
6-2, 208 pounds

Hill has durability concerns after sitting out the entire 2013 season with a torn ACL suffered that spring, but there is a lot to like about him as a prospect. He has a natural feel for the position and is a smooth and strong athlete for his size, all of which enables him to separate from coverage (both press-man and zone). His ball skills are excellent, with his wide catching radius, very good body control and his ability to pluck the ball away from the frame. He doesn't have the speed of a home run hitter, but he is quick enough and has good open-field vision to make defenders miss. He has the size and leaping ability to win one-on-one battles and he's still fast enough to threaten defenses vertically.

 

TEs:

 

1. Devin FunchessMichigan Wolverines (Grade: 83)
6-5, 235 pounds

Funchess lined up at wide receiver a lot of the time in 2013, and he is expected to do the same this season, but he might not be explosive or fast enough to play out wide in the NFL, instead projecting better as a flex tight end. He's rarely used as an in-line blocker and doesn't have the strength or bulk to hold up there in the pros. As a pass-catcher, he is quick enough to separate from linebackers and some safeties, and he shows good body control to adjust to passes thrown outside his frame. His speed-and-size combo makes him a threat both as a downfield route runner and after the catch.

 

2. Jeff HeuermanOhio State Buckeyes (Grade: 78)
6-5, 250 pounds

Heuerman has an excellent blend of height, weight and top-end speed, although his separation skills are below-average, as he struggles to accelerate and set up defenders. He is fast enough to get behind most linebackers, however, and big and strong enough to win 50-50 balls, so he is a weapon down the seam. Heuerman displays good ball skills overall, including the ability to take a big hit and hang onto the ball. He's an average blocker with room to improve as he gets stronger and masters his technique.

 

3. Nick O'Leary, Florida State Seminoles (Grade: 74)
6-3, 235 pounds

O'Leary is a very competitive player who does a good job as both a blocker and a receiver. He is a natural pass-catcher who can snatch the ball away from his frame and shows good body control on 50-50 balls. He lacks ideal size and has just average top-end speed, so he may never be a huge vertical threat in the NFL. But he is quick off the line, has good route running skills and is effective running after the catch.

 

O-line:

 

1. Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M Aggies (Grade: 95)
6-5, 304 pounds

The Aggies have seen their starting left tackles selected within the top six picks of the NFL draft each of the past two years, and Ogbuehi is the next prospect in line at the position. He is moving over from right tackle, where he played last season. He is excellent in pass protection with outstanding quickness and natural athleticism, and shows very good mobility as a zone blocker in the running game. He needs to improve his lower-body strength and leverage after initial contact, but overall he is very good as a run-blocker as well. He rates very well in terms of toughness and character.

 

2. Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa Hawkeyes (Grade: 94) 
6-5, 320 pounds

Scherff excels in the running game. He fires out of his stance quickly, has good range on pulls and second-level blocks and is a powerful drive blocker with a nasty disposition. Scherff is good in pass protection, but there's room for improvement with his hand placement and ankle flexibility.

 

3. Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford Cardinal (Grade: 92)
6-7, 312 pounds

Peat has the ideal physical tools you look for in a starting NFL left tackle. He displays good length, a strong anchor, powerful upper body and excellent overall agility in pass protection. As a run-blocker, he has the power base to drive defenders off the ball. His football instincts appear to be good on tape, and he flashes a nasty side on occasion. He figures to be the anchor of a very good Stanford offensive line this season.

 

4. La'el Collins, OT, LSU Tigers (Grade: 91) 
6-4, 324 pounds

Collins projects as either a right tackle or guard in the pros, given his massive frame. As a run-blocker he fires off the ball with very good straight-line burst, and has the lower-body strength and strong hands to drive defenders off the line. He also shows good awareness and toughness. Collins is average in pass protection, showing a strong anchor, but he can get into trouble, occasionally lunging and falling off some blocks.

 

5. A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina Game****s (Grade: 87)
6-2, 319 pounds

Cann is a high-character lineman with very good awareness and toughness. He isn't an elite athlete nor is he overpowering at the point of attack, but he possesses good quickness, agility and balance for the position, allowing him to hold up well in pass protection. He does a very good job with his first step and overall angles as a run-blocker.

 

6. Reese Dismukes, OC, Auburn Tigers (Grade: 84) 
6-3, 299 pounds

Dismukes plays with a huge chip on his shoulder, displaying the nastiness, motor and mental toughness that you look for in an offensive lineman. His awareness is good, and he possesses a very good first step and a great understanding of angles as a run-blocker. His mobility on screen passes is very good, which comes in handy in the Auburn offense. As for his pro potential, the biggest knock is that he lacks ideal measurements, as his bulk is just adequate and his arm length is short for a center (which hinders him in pass protection). But the bottom line is that Dismukes is a really good football player and these types don't last long in the NFL draft.

 

7. Hroniss Grasu, OC, Oregon Ducks (Grade: 83) 
6-3, 295 pounds

Grasu checks all the boxes from a measurables, durability and intangibles standpoint. He is an ideal fit for a zone-blocking scheme given his quick first step and good angles, and the fact that he lacks an elite power base. He struggles against power at times in pass protection as well, but he has shown the ability to regain leverage and recover. His instincts and recognition skills are very good.

 

8. Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina Game****s (Grade: 82)

6-7, 344 pounds

Robinson has exceptional size and length, which makes it difficult for defenders to get around him in pass protection. He does need to polish up his footwork, however, as top-end speed rushers can give him fits. He is better as a run-blocker, and he moves better than most his size, but he often engages too high and loses the leverage battle because of his height. His motor runs hot and cold, which is something scouts will monitor this season.

 

Defense

 

Defensive ends

 

1. Leonard Williams, USC Trojans (Grade: 95) 
6-5, 290 pounds

Williams possesses excellent overall measurables, strength and speed for his size, and has the versatility to line up in multiple spots along the D-line to create mismatches. His best projection is as a 5-technique defensive end, but he has the quickness and point-of-attack skills to reduce inside as a 3-technique (especially in pass-rushing situations), and he has enough athleticism to occasionally line up as a traditional left defensive end. As a pass-rusher, he isn't going to gain the edge with pure speed, but he has above-average initial quickness and a wide array of pass-rushing moves. He is very disruptive in the backfield with his quickness, but he is most effective when stacking at the line of scrimmage. He possesses an above-average motor and plays with an edge, and he enters the season as one of the top two prospects in this entire class.

 

2. Randy GregoryNebraska Cornhuskers (Grade: 94) 

6-6, 245 pounds

Gregory is very lean, and whether or not he's able to add weight could be a factor going forward, as he's just average against the run because he can get pushed too far outside and gives ground at times. But he has good range to make plays in pursuit, and he has the above-average lateral quickness and closing speed, combined with his effective rip and swim moves, length and finishing ability, to get to the quarterback as a pass-rusher. His best fit at the next level is as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and he lines up as a LB at times for Nebraska.

 

3. Dante Fowler Jr., Florida Gators (Grade: 93)

6-2, 271 pounds

Fowler is a big and strong edge-setter in the run game who has really good striking ability as a tackler, and the ability to jar the ball loose with his long arms. He has growth potential as a pass-rusher but lacks elite physical traits and isn't a polished finisher at this point in his development. He does have above-average first-step quickness for his size, and in particular has flashed some effectiveness as an inside rusher at nose tackle or a 3-technique in nickel and dime packages. He's another guy who plays hard and with an edge.

 

4. Shane RayMissouri Tigers (Grade: 90) 

6-2, 240 pounds

Ray has a bit of a tweener frame right now, with below-average height and a lean build, but he has elite speed for the position. He explodes off the line with his first step, quick feet and hands and effective spin move, and he has a relentless motor. He has initial pop but needs to improve his ability to convert speed to power. He's an active and disruptive force against the run, making a lot of plays in pursuit, but his lean frame and lack of strength limits his effectiveness against the run overall.

 

5. Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State Seminoles (Grade: 87)
6-3, 294 pounds

Edwards has very good versatility, with the 4-3 left defensive end and 3-4 left defensive end positions being his best fits, and he has excelled as an interior pass-rusher when moved inside because of his size, strength and quickness. He is a powerful edge rusher, although he lacks polish at this point and relies too much on his strength. He is very tough to move off the ball against the run, but doesn't have the elite closing burst or range to make a ton of plays in pursuit. He possesses a good size-and-speed combo for the position.

 

Defensive tackles

 

1. Mike Bennett, Ohio State Buckeyes (Grade: 87)

6-2, 286 pounds

Bennett has below-average bulk for the position and gets overwhelmed by double teams against the run, but he controls blockers one-on-one when teams run at him and he's quick enough to disrupt plays in the backfield. He can shoot gaps as a pass-rusher and displays above-average closing burst; while he doesn't have the quickness of last year's No. 13 overall pick Aaron Donald, he is more than explosive enough to play the 3-technique in a 4-3 defense. He is a hard-nosed player who doesn't back down, even against bigger players.

 

2. Carl Davis, Iowa Hawkeyes (Grade: 83)
6-4, 318 pounds

Davis is a bull in a china shop who is really tough to handle when he plays hard -- but his effort is inconsistent and he underachieves as a result. The physical tools are there: He has good bulk, long arms and big hands, and while he isn't an explosive 4-3 D-tackle, he has above-average initial quickness for a nose tackle prospect and is the first defensive lineman off the ball when we watch him on tape. He also has above-average upper body strength. He doesn't make the most of his length against the run and needs to improve his ability to get off of blocks.

 

3. Grady JarrettClemson Tigers (Grade: 81)
6-0, 280 pounds

His measurables for the position aren't ideal (short and light with short arms and limited size potential), and he brings with him some durability concerns as well, after suffering a torn labrum last season. He is a hard-working, tough player, however, who is disruptive against the run. He's quick enough to shoot gaps and agile enough to finish in the backfield. He flashes explosive power as a pass-rusher but he lacks the brute strength to routinely collapse the pocket.

 

4. Danny SheltonWashington Huskies (Grade: 80) 
6-2, 332 pounds

Shelton is your prototypical two-gap defensive tackle with a massive lower half, strong anchor and powerful upper body. He consistently jarred blockers when we studied him on tape. He has developing to do as a pass-rusher (he's below average in that area for now), but he is more than just a pure two-down run-stuffer, and his excellent size and power combination allows him to collapse the pocket from the inside. He's light on his feet and shows good lateral agility and redirect ability for a 320-plus pound defensive tackle.

 

5. Gabe Wright, Auburn Tigers (Grade: 79) 
6-3, 283 pounds

Wright is more disruptive as a pass-rusher than he is productive, with very good closing burst for his size and an impressive awareness to get his arms up into throwing lanes. His first-step quickness against the run is good, but not elite, and he has impressive initial power at the point of attack. His effort on the field is excellent, and he plays with a nasty streak.

 

Outside linebackers

 

1. Leonard Floyd, Georgia Bulldogs (Grade: 91)
6-3, 226 pounds

Floyd compares favorably to a young Barkevious Mingo as a productive pass-rusher with an extremely high ceiling. He explodes out of the blocks with elite get-off speed and acceleration, and he shows really good natural bend and body control. He has flashed the potential to effectively convert speed to power as a pass-rusher despite needing to improve his strength. There's no doubt he has the speed and athleticism to handle coverage assignments as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he does struggle to anchor versus offensive tackles, as he's particularly lean in his lower body.

 

2. Vic Beasley, Clemson Tigers (Grade: 89)
6-3, 220 pounds

Beasley's first-step quickness and closing speed are notches below elite, and he displays good speed-to-power potential as a pass-rusher. He is at his best when shooting gaps, and shows good instincts and the ability to quickly locate the ball as a run defender. He has the potential to develop into a sideline-to-sideline tackler. However, he is narrow in his lower body and can be engulfed by offensive linemen, and he doesn't have the size potential to develop into an every-down NFL defensive end.

 

3. Shaq Thompson, Washington Huskies (Grade: 85)
6-2, 224 pounds

Thompson began his Huskies career as a defensive back and will need to continue to add bulk to his frame in order to become a linebacker in the NFL. Right now he lacks ideal size and can get overwhelmed at times when taking on blockers. But there is a lot to like about his game, as he is an excellent space player who covers sideline-to-sideline with explosive closing burst. He flashes natural playmaking instincts, is a reliable tackler with the ability to deliver the big hit and he has excellent overall range in coverage.

 

4. Bud DupreeKentucky Wildcats (Grade: 80) 
6-4, 268 pounds

Dupree is big enough to be a 4-3 DE, but is more of a prototype at 3-4 OLB and he has the athleticism to hold up there. He has outstanding top-end speed and redirect skills for his size, and offers excellent scheme versatility because of his ability to both rush the quarterback with his excellent get-off quickness and drop into coverage. He is a bit of a finesse player, and has trouble anchoring against bigger offensive tackles.

 

5. Jake Ryan, Michigan Wolverines (Grade: 78)
6-3, 235 pounds

Ryan is an instinctive player who takes good pursuit angles and covers a lot of ground. He doesn't have the closing burst to consistently chase down NFL-level backs. He's a good tackler with the ability to occasionally deliver a big hit on a quarterback, and he's solid against the passing game as well. He grades out well in terms of his intangibles.

 

Inside linebackers

 

1. Denzel PerrymanMiami (FL) Hurricanes (Grade: 86)
5-11, 248 pounds

Perryman is a natural leader who is the quarterback of the Canes' defense. He shows good recognition skills, above-average range versus the run and good take-on skills. But where he really stands out is as a tackler. He's tough to shake one-on-one, shows good body control in space and he is a thumper who can stop a ball carrier's forward momentum when he gets a good shot at him. He does overrun plays on occasion.

 

2. Hayes Pullard, USC Trojans (Grade: 78)
6-1, 234 pounds

Pullard is a durable, high-character player who can cover sideline-to-sideline as a run defender with his above-average closing speed and ability to avoid traffic when in pursuit. His size and overall power are just average, so he'll never be a strong take-on guy, but he has enough savvy to overcome it. He has strong playmaking instincts, particularly against the run. He possesses above-average man coverage skills against the pass.

 

3. Benardrick McKinneyMississippi State Bulldogs (Grade: 77) 
6-4, 243 pounds

McKinney is built more like a 3-4 OLB than an inside linebacker, with his tall, well-proportioned frame and good straight-line speed. He has good take-on skills and range against the run, and while he isn't a vicious hitter, he is an adequate open-field tackler with the ability to occasionally deliver a blow. He has adequate key-and-diagnose skills, but will need to improve in this area in order to take his game to the next level. He can get into trouble when facing play-action and misdirection.

 

Cornerbacks:

 

1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon Ducks (Grade: 91)
5-9, 185 pounds

Ekpre-Olomu was one of the best cornerbacks in the country last season, and enters 2014 as our top-ranked player at the position. He is a twitched-up athlete with clean movement skills who makes quick transitions out of breaks and shows an explosive closing burst in coverage. He can hold up in man coverage on an island (he was really impressive in shadowing 2014 first-rounder Brandin Cooks in last season's Oregon-Oregon State matchup) and has very good ball skills and playmaking instincts. He is physical and aggressive in run support as well.

 

2. Marcus Peters, Washington Huskies (Grade: 87) 
5-11, 193 pounds

Peters has prototypical size for the cornerback position to go with above-average top-end speed. He gets into trouble in coverage on occasion due to a lack of proper footwork and technique but makes up for it with good athleticism and fluidity, and he's very effective in press technique due to his physicality. He's a willing run defender, and possesses quality playmaking instincts when playing the ball.

 

3. Jalen Mills, LSU Tigers (Grade: 85) 
6-1, 189 pounds

Mills has very good height for a corner and should continue to fill out his frame. His top-end speed is above-average but not elite, but he will be able to hold up on an island so long as his press technique continues to improve. He does a good job of tracking the ball and uses his length and good leaping ability to challenge receivers on 50-50 balls, and he's aggressive in run support with good tackling skills. He brings with him some character baggage that NFL teams will need to look into.

 

4. Ronald Darby, Florida State Seminoles (Grade: 84)
5-11, 188 pounds

Darby is a disciplined player with good instincts and a very good size-and-speed combination (he's a sprinter on the FSU track team). He's fluid and fast enough to turn and run with most receivers, but the big concern for him is how he matches up with bigger receivers, as he needs to get stronger (this comes into play with him in run support as well). NFL teams will need to look into past off-field incidents with him.

 

5. Kevin JohnsonWake Forest Demon Deacons (Grade: 83)
6-0, 175 pounds

Johnson has excellent recognition skills, anticipating receivers' breaks and doing a good job of reading the quarterback. He is an aggressive, physical corner in press coverage despite needing to add bulk to his lean frame, and he's fast and fluid enough to turn and run with most receivers -- although his recovery speed is just adequate. He isn't a powerful tackler, but he's aggressive in run support and finds ways to get the ball carrier on the ground.

 

Safeties:

 

1. Landon Collins, Alabama Crimson Tide (Grade: 86) 
6-0, 212 pounds

Collins is a really impressive athlete for a safety with his compact build, with quick feet and good body control in coverage. He can look a bit lost at times, and has been inconsistent tracking the ball vertically including taking some poor angles when the ball is in the air. But he has solid ball production despite not playing a ton to this point in his career (six pass breakups and two INTs in nine starts, including an 89-yard pick-six last season against Tennessee last season), and possesses good length, leaping ability and hand-eye coordination. He's an impressive open-field tackler who plays with a chip on his shoulder.

 

2. Anthony HarrisVirginia Cavaliers (Grade: 84)
6-1, 188 pounds

Harris is the vocal leader of the Cavs' defense, and he possesses very good route-recognition skills and versatility, able to line up at linebacker on occasion in addition to covering the slot. He is a ball hawk, having picked off eight passes last season, who excels playing center field. He can afford to add strength to his lean frame, which would help in run support, on 50-50 balls and when matching up with tight ends in coverage.

 

3. Durell EskridgeSyracuse Orange (Grade: 83) 
6-3, 203 pounds

Eskidge has very good length and instincts, which help mask some of his athletic limitations. He can get pushed around at times by tight ends due to his lack of strength, and he has a hard time matching up with quicker, smaller slot receivers when he doesn't get his hands on them early. He has enough range to cover the deep half, but doesn't appear to have the speed to play a center-field role. He isn't an in-the-box safety, but is a very good open-field tackler.

 

4. Derron SmithFresno State Bulldogs (Grade: 81) 
5-10, 196 pounds

Smith is a productive ball hawk, having hauled in 13 interceptions over the last two seasons. He has above-average anticipation and playmaking instincts, and the cover skills to lock up in man coverage on occasion in addition to handling deep-half and center-field responsibilities. He has very good awareness and feel for the position.

 

5. Kurtis DrummondMichigan State Spartans (Grade: 79)
6-1, 200 pounds

Drummond is an instinctive safety who is capable of making highlight-reel plays (see his one-handed INT against Western Michigan last season). He is average in coverage with the range to cover the deep half, but he doesn't appear to have the quickness to stick with slot receivers or speed to handle a center-field role. He does a solid job in run support, but is not a powerful hitter.

 

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Lol Winston is Far bigger talent than Mariota, the only reason he is not graded out where Luck was is because of the off-the-field issues...

Check this video below out of todd mcshay and mel kiper talking about Jameis before the sexual assualt allegations

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