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“SPECIAL” - Special Teams Performers
Return Specialists - Kickoff Returners
Photo - Michael Ray Garvin

1. Michael Ray Garvin - Florida St.
Fast cornerback/ return specialist lead the nation as a KOR as a senior. He has blazing speed to make a difference as a return specialist. He ran a 4.22 at the Florida St. pro day that has him flying up the charts. He also will compete early for the nickel corner role after over 20 starts for the Seminoles defense that has an outstanding track record for cover men for the NFL game.

2. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Big play specialist will be more valuable as a returner than receiver early in his career. He has been a difference maker as both a kickoff and punt returner. He has the burst of speed to hit the home run with natural openfield running skills. He has a huge upside as a receiver, but needs development in reading coverage and route running to play up to his athleticism.

3. * Percy Harvin - Florida
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Brandon Tate - North Carolina
6. Mike Goodson - Texas A&M
7. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
8. Marcus Thigpen - Indiana
9. Juaquin Iglesias - Oklahoma
10. Mike Wallace - Ole Miss

Punt Returners
1. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
2. * D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
3. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Sammie Stroughter - Oregon St.
6. Darius Butler - Connecticut
7. Chris Williams - New Mexico St.
8. Devon Moore - Wyoming

Eagles Trade for Bills tackle Jason Peters
Knowshon Moreno Scouting Report

Photo - Knowshon Moreno - Georgia

The second major blockbuster NFL trade over recent weeks has turned the first round of the NFL Draft 2009 upside down. The Eagles traded their late #1 pick plus a #4 pick next week and a 6th round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Bills for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters. The trade was discussed over recent days and was completed with the Eagles giving two later picks after surrendering one of their #1 selections. Interesting, the deal leaves both clubs interested in landing a feature back among their top priorities. Both will be interested in Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno with the Eagles retaining the 22nd overall pick and the Bills now holding the 11th and 28th picks in the first round. The Peters deal leaves the Bills, Broncos and Lions with two #1 picks each for the NFL Draft 2009.
New Jersey high school running backs will be the prime focus in the NFL Draft 2009 with Knowshon Moreno our #1 prospect at the position. Other running backs with Jersey histories are Donald Brown and Shonn Greene and each is considered a highly rated prospect who will probably be prime draft choices next weekend. Both are NFL feature backs and most likely early pro starters.

Knowshon Moreno - Scouting Report

1. * Knowshon Moreno #24 - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Georgia - Sp. 4.50
Rating 92 - Hindu Theory - Marshawn Lynch
Athletic third year sophomore displayed big time talent as one of the nation’s premier playmakers over his Bulldog career. Knowshon combines all the athletic talent to become a top NFL feature back with well rounded skills. He entered Georgia after a record setting career at Middletown South HS as one of the most talented athletes in NJ history. He has natural running skills including terrific vision, excellent cutting skills and good speed to run inside as well as make the big play. He has shown soft sure hands as a receiver to rank among the best in that role in recent memory, though not fully utilized in that capacity as a collegian. His career began with a terrific freshman season that saw him surpass 1000 yards rushing to become only the 2nd Georgia back to accomplish that feat, the other being Herschel Walker. He combines an awesome athletic package that includes size, speed, quickness and hands with natural running instincts. He is very quick to the hole with a good burst of speed through the hole and the cutting skills to put together several moves to create a running lane. He has very good change of direction skills to create room in addition to following his blockers well with the cutback skills to hit an opening with good speed. He has above average breakaway speed to go the distance and make a big play, though he lacks the elite speed of premier backs like Marshall Faulk He has both the power to break tackles and the speed to outrun defenders with some growth potential to get bigger and carry the weekly load as a pro feature back. As a receiver, he has made nice improvement especially as a route runner to warrant a high complete grade, in addition to showing the ability to pick up the blitz consistently as a blocker. He has excellent triangle numbers that have translated into outstanding production on the field at a very high level in the SEC. He is capable of being one of the special prospects for the NFL Draft ’09 with further upside potential in time. Within a short area, his suddenness allows him to create running lanes, using his fine speed and power to be a dangerous runner both inside and outside. As a receiver, he creates problems for coverage with well developed hands and route running to play the 3rd down role immediately as a pro. He is refined receiver with the talent to be a fine weapon in that role. He is quick inside runner that allows him to dart through the hole without losing speed and exploding through an opening into the secondary. He ranks among the top backs recently, but not at the level of elite prospects like Adrian Peterson or Marshall Faulk who were the best backs of the last 15 years. He is similar to NFL star Marshawn Lynch in his size, speed, AA and openfield running skills. He runs in a couched style with low pad level to utilize his powerful burst to run inside and will probably add another 10 lbs. to his frame as a pro, making him very effective between the tackles. He provides both the big play ability and the talent and toughness to carry the weekly workhorse load in an offense. He has the combination of quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top rookie NFL feature back. He is a fast fluid runner with quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening using his natural running skills, such as vision, balance and change-of-direction skills to get to the 2nd level. He follows blockers well and can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. He is a slashing type runner who must prove in the NFL that he can carry the rushing load on a weekly basis. He has shown the ability to get stronger over the course of the game with the power to wear down a defense and the toughness to earn much of his yardage after contact. He needs work as a blocker especially his reads and hand technique, though he has performed fairly well in that role. He shows the ability to pick up a blitzing backer, but must learn to use his hands better to adjust after the initial contact to sustain his blocks.
The Numbers: Over his final season, he played in 13 games with 250 carries for 1400 yards for a fine 5.6 yard average with 16 TDs and 33 receptions for 392 yards and 2 TDs. In ’07, he played in all 13 games with 248 carries for 1334 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 20 receptions working with a young passer Matt Stafford. Over his career, he averaged a fine 5.5 yard average per carry and totaled 53 receptions.
The Skinny: Well rounded young playmaker with the ability to be a fine NFL feature back and an immediate impact performer. He has produced in big game situations over his career and wants the ball in critical situations. He has proven up to the challenge vs the best competition in the SEC. Quick tough versatile back with well rounded skills to become an NFL star and impact as a rookie. He combines the size and power to run inside and fine speed and running skills to get outside consistently and make the corner. At the combine, he ran 4.54 and 4.56 times with 25 reps in the lifting. He added a 35.5” VL and a 9’7” BJ. He was impressive in the agility and positional drills with a 6.84 three cone and 4.27 short shuttle to complete a good workout. Highest rated feature back with a top 20 grade in a deep group that has the makings of an excellent overall class. Young athlete is one of underclassmen who entered this January to form a special group of runners. Tough workhorse back with the package to become a top NFL runner. Clubs like the Texans, Jets, Eagles and the Bills interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top 20 Pick

Detroit Lions - 0-16 - Head Coach - Jim Schwartz - 1st Year

Key Team Needs: 1. QB 2. OT 3. CB 4. DT 5. LB
Photo - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia

1. Quarterback - The Lions would have to be overwhelmed to pass on Matthew Stafford with the first overall selection. They still have young QBs Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky and they could be part of trade moves after the draft process begins. Stafford gives them a franchise type passer, though one that should sit most or all of his 1st season.

2. Offensive Tackle - The Lions have savvy veteran LOT Jeff Backus and young vet OT Gosder Cherilus penciled in as the projected starters. They may address it with their #1 pick with blue chip tackle Eugene Monroe on the board. They could go for Eben Britton with the 21st overall selection. If they pass on the first round, they hope to address this in the early 2nd round with William Beatty at the 33rd overall selection.

3. Cornerback - The Lions have only marginal talent here and will most likely address this position at least once early in the process. They love Darius Butler and Alphonso Smith in the 1st round and D.J. Moore in the 2nd round. Their secondary has been sub par for a decade and needs to add top cover men in the early rounds. With their 3rd round selections, they could entertain corners Macho Harris, Mike Mickens and Chris Owens. They will probably address the secondary twice over the early rounds.

4. Defensive Tackle - The Lions traded vet Cory Redding for backer Julian Peterson. It was a sound move but leaves a pressing need on the inside. They love DT Peria Jerry with their second top pick, the 20th overall selection and Ziggy Hood with their #2 pick (33rd overall). They could opt for DT Corvey Irvin, Fili Moala and Alex Magee with all expected to be available in the 3rd round.

5. Linebacker - Lions have addressed this area fairly early in recent years with minimal success except for the addition of Pro Bowler Ernie Sims. They could draft both a Mike and Sam prospect fairly early in the process. They like James Laurinaitis very much and he could be available at the 33rd overall selection. On the outside, they like Clay Matthews and Clint Sintim in the 2nd round position. They also like Tyron McKenzie on the 3rd round for the SAM spot.

Insiders’ Insights
The Lions have five of the top 82 selections and can address a few major areas with premier prospects. This is a pivotal draft class after a disastrous decade under former GM Matt Millen. They could trade one of their young passers Stanton or Orlavsky after selecting Matt Stafford for another top 100 selection. They have many needs, but can address several key areas over the top three rounds. They have several key defensive needs that have to be addressed if they expect to compete for the playoffs. They hope to add a bookend LOT in the later first early 2nd round area to develop with Stafford. They also want to add a pass rushing DT will a prime selection. They could address this position early with Jerry and Hood highly coveted prospects. Their offensive line may add a few prospects both left tackle and an interior blocker. Both the linebacker and secondary units will probably be addressed fairly early with one of their top 4-5 picks.

1st Round Pick - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia - Well developed QB can be a franchise type leader.
Alternate Pick - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest - Most developed prospect in this draft class.

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QB Mark Sanchez #6 - 6’2” 225 lbs. - Southern Cal - Sp. 4.9 - Hindu Theory - Matt Cassel
Athletic strong armed junior QB has developed quickly over his short Pac 10 career while earning conference honors over his final performance. Mark surprisingly entered this draft class after basically just one season as the Trojan starting QB. Though he has enormous potential as a pro, he was a surprising addition to this class. His decision to turn pro was probably influenced by this year’s weak group of senior passers. He will most likely earn a high draft ranking on upside potential despite his limited playing experience. He is an above average athlete who has a very good arm and a quick compact delivery that allows him to deliver the ball with excellent velocity, good timing, touch and fine accuracy. He has progressed quickly in all aspects of play since starting at times as a sophomore while subbing for the injured John David Booty. He is a quality passer with fine measureables, including a very strong arm with adequate footspeed that allows him to escape from heavy pass pressure. He can make the quick proper read and deliver the ball into tight spots in the intermediate and short zones. He is an average runner, but shows the ability to throw effectively on the move as well as move quickly within the pocket. He has a very good arm that the pro scouts seek in a prospect with the ability to drive the ball down the field and drop the ball into holes in coverage. As a junior, he made fewer mistakes and made fast progress for a prospect with such limited playing experience. At times, he attempts to do too much to lead his offense that leads to mistakes and turnovers. He is an accurate thrower with the touch to deliver all the passes, and showed fast improvement especially in the deep game over his late career. He displays a live arm with enough mobility and the touch and timing to make the big throws that the position demands. Over his career, he improved his accuracy despite limited playing time. He has a fine delivery and setup with the quick release and follow through to complete the pass. He has the arm to make all the throws and is very effective on the shorter and intermediate routes, leading the receivers nicely to run after the catch. He delivers the ball with good velocity and accuracy with the toughness to hang in the pocket and make the difficult throw. He is very competitive, hard working and shows the ability to direct an offense. As a junior, his decision-making and maturity improved further, though he still needs pocket development and reps in reading coverage.
The Numbers: As a junior, he completed 241 of 366 pass attempts for a 65% for 3207 yards with 34 TDs and 10 picks in 13 starts. During his sophomore season, he started just 3 games and threw for 695 yards with a 60% completion rate with 7 TD passes and 5 picks while backing up John David Booty. Over his career, he made only 16 starts with the great majority of his production over his final performance. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.93 time with a 32.5” VJ, 9’8” BJ and nice agility drills. In the passing drills, he showed a strong arm with the timing and touch to make all the throws. He is similar to the former Trojan Matt Cassel in size, AA and upside potential.
The Skinny: This guy looks like a possible top ten prospect off his overall talent and value of the position. He has the arm, mobility and smarts to earn a pro starting grade but only after extensive development. He is a fine prospect with definite NFL starting talent and upside to become a top flight leader. He should move up fairly fast on the depth charts after development. He has the physical and mental talent to be a fine NFL starter with outstanding upside as a passer, but must refine all aspects of the position to be ready for the pro game. Probable early pick in the 1st round with the Jaguars, 49ers and Seahawks all interested. Top 10 prospect with the skill set to be a fine pro leader in time, but he is not ready for prime time playing time early in his career.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

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Bengals and Titans awarded maximum Four Compensatory Draft Picks

A total of 32 compensatory choices in the 2009 NFL Draft have been awarded to 16 teams, including four each to Cincinnati and Tennessee, the NFL announced on Monday.
Under terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.
The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four. The 32 compensatory choices announced will supplement the 224 choices in the 7 rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25-26. This year, the compensatory picks will be positioned within the third through seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost. Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula.
One club this year (Arizona) will receive a compensatory pick even though it did not suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents last year. Under the formula, the compensatory free agents Arizona lost were ranked higher than the ones it signed by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance.
Thirty compensatory picks were awarded to clubs based upon the compensatory pick formula. By rule, two additional choices were awarded at the end of the seventh round to bring the total number of compensatory selections to 32, equaling the number of NFL clubs. The two additional picks were awarded to Detroit and Kansas City based upon the 2009 draft selection order. (Note: St. Louis and Kansas City finished 2008 with identical records. St. Louis chooses second in all odd rounds and Kansas City chooses second in all even rounds.

NFL Awards 32 Compensatory Picks
Round/ Pick/ Overall Selection/ Team
3 - 33 - 97 - New England
3 - 34 - 98 - Cincinnati
3 - 35 - 99 - Chicago
3 - 36 - 100 - N.Y. Giants
4 - 33 - 133 - San Diego
4 - 34 - 134 - San Diego
4 - 35 - 135 - Tennessee
4 - 36 - 136 - Indianapolis
5 - 33 - 169 - Pittsburgh
5 - 34 - 170 - New England
5 - 35 - 171 - San Francisco
5 - 36 - 172 - Dallas
5 - 37 - 173 - Tennessee
6 - 33 - 206 - Tennessee
6 - 34 - 207 - New England
6 - 35 - 208 - Dallas
6 - 36 - 209 - Cincinnati
7 - 33 - 242 - Tennessee
7 - 34 - 243 - Washington
7 - 35 - 244 - San Francisco
7 - 36 - 245 - Seattle
7 - 37 - 246 - Chicago
7 - 38 - 247 - Seattle
7 - 39 - 248 - Seattle
7 - 40 - 249 - Cincinnati
7 - 41 - 250 - Jacksonville
7 - 42 - 251 - Chicago
7 - 43 - 252 - Cincinnati
7 - 44 - 253 - Jacksonville
7 - 45 - 254 - Arizona
7 - 46 - 255 - Detroit
7 - 47 - 256 - Kansas City

Top 50 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2009
* underclassmen - Rating mid Feb. - Pre-NFL Combine ‘09

Photo - Aaron Curry - Wake Forest

1. * Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia
Talented junior QB has big time ability to develop into a special NFL starter in his pro career.

2. * Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech
Gifted young receiver has the special athletic package to become a premier NFL playmaker.

3. Aaron Curry - LB - Wake Forest
Instinctive senior linebacker combines the total package including speed, instincts, quickness, mobility and power to be a rookie NFL starter in either defensive scheme.

4. * Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
Huge junior left tackle completed his outstanding short career, displaying great footwork and power for the outside.

5. Brian Orakpo - DE - Texas
Explosive edge rusher has the fast first step and power to pressure the passer off the edge and make big plays.

6. * Mark Sanchez - QB - Southern Cal
Strong armed junior QB has the talent to develop into a special NFL starter in his pro career with the ability to drive the ball down the field and make all the throws.

7. Eugene Monroe - OT - Virginia
Nimble senior left tackle is a well developed prospect with the combination of massive size, fine footwork and power to carry a rookie starting grade on the outside. He did not play in Senior Bowl.

8. B.J. Raji - DT - Boston College
Massive defender is a force on the inside with the ability to hold the point, stuff the run and push the pocket. His performance at the Senior Bowl moves him into the top 10-15 prospects entering combine.

9. Jason Smith - OT - Baylor
Athletic senior left tackle shows well developed skills including top athleticism, footwork, technique and body control for the demanding outside position. He opted out of the Senior Bowl.

10. * Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri
Big play junior wideout/ returner has been a game changer since his freshman season in his Big 12 career. He combines top speed, quickness and natural running skills in both key roles.

11. Rey Maualuga - LB - Southern Cal
Explosive middle linebacker had a strong ‘08 performance, showing power and speed with sideline to sideline playmaking ability. He is capable of playing in either pro scheme.

12. * Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia
Quick young tailback is one of the talented runners in this class with natural skills to be an early NFL feature back and fill all the key roles for the position.

13. * Everette Brown - DE - Florida St
Explosive junior edge rusher completed an impressive final season where he was a difference maker who commanded special attention from an offense especially in passing situations.

14. Michael Oher - OT - Ole Miss
Mobile senior left tackle combines the package of size, athleticism, agility and toughness to be a blue chip pro prospect. He should be a rookie NFL starter with the LOD to be a premier young left tackle.

15. * Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois
Athletic junior cornerback has blue chip talent including the size, recovery speed, quickness, instincts and quick reactions to develop into a top pro cover man with some development.

16. * Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
Fast junior receiver/ returner has shown big play ability in several roles with the talent to be a major difference maker that will command an early selection in April.

17. Malcolm Jenkins - CB - Ohio St
Physical cornerback has the combination of size, speed and experience to play any coverage scheme, showing the instincts, range and ball skills to be a rookie starter especially in a cover two scheme.

18. Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal
Mobile athletic senior linebacker has performed well, showing a high level of development to start as a rookie in either pro scheme.

19. Alphonso Smith - CB - Wake Forest
Tough savvy cornerback shows well developed skills for the position, combining keen instincts with fine AA, recovery speed and the intangibles to compete for a rookie NFL starting job.

20. * Chris Wells - RB - Ohio St
Fast powerful junior has the speed, strength and quickness to run both inside and outside with the burst to make the big play. He lost some time in ‘08 with leg injuries that will be evaluated in the offseason.

Larry Fitzgerald 2004 Scouting Report

Photo - Larry Fitzgerald - Cardinals

The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald set a new NFL playoff record this postseason with 30 receptions for 546 yards and 7 TDs including 2 scores in their Super bowl loss. Despite the Steelers' last minute heroics, Fitzgerald set a new NFL postseason for the record books with an incredible overall performance breaking Jerry Rice's twenty year record. Fitzgerald's performance in the Super bowl totaled 7 catches for 127 yards and 2 TDs including what appeared to be a late 4th quarter game winning score on a 64 yard TD reception.
Draft Insiders called him the best of a generation in the class of Jerry Rice and Randy Moss among modern day receivers. He has developed exceptionally quick as a pro and certainly ranks with the two NFL greats despite just completing his 5th NFL season.

Larry Fitzgerald College Scouting Report from Draft Insiders '04 Yearbook
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1. * Larry Fitzgerald #1 - 6'3" 225 lbs. - Pittsburgh - Sp. 4.45 Rating 95
Gifted third year sophomore finished an excellent career in the Big East, setting a number of NCAA, school and conference receiving records in the process. Larry is a special athlete who was a dominant performer in the Big East over his two seasons as a collegian. He combines great size, quickness, speed and playmaking ability that should allow him to be the next impact receiver to enter the NFL. He won the Biletnikoff Award as college football's top receiver this past season, as well as first team Big East honors. He is a well-built athlete with fine speed and outstanding leaping skills that have allowed him to dominate any cornerback he has faced in college. He combines excellent hands and rare body control with outstanding separation speed and the fine running skills to break any completion. He makes the acrobatic catch look routine and several of his catches in the end zone were as good as any in recent memory. He displays a rare combination of speed, quickness, leaping skills and hands. He has the frame to out muscle any corner and the combination of his initial quickness and good functional strength should allow him to beat the jam consistently. He was not challenged often at the line of scrimmage with the bump-and-run and will have to prove he can escape at the line, but he has the talent to accomplish that. He understands the use of body positioning to shield off defenders when going up for the ball and his ability to hang in the air is “Jordanesque". He will make the tough catch in a crowd and hold on to the ball despite the big hit. He has outstanding leaping ability and is capable of out jumping any defender. He has top speed with the extra gear to get deep and make the big play without world-class speed numbers. He runs a great slip screen, fade pattern and skinny post that is virtually impossible to defend, sometimes even with double coverage. He ranks with Randy Moss and Jerry Rice as the premier receivers of the past few decades. They combine all the talents to be special as an NFL receiver. He is very similar to Moss in many ways, though he lacks the special speed of the Viking Pro Bowl receiver. He also has elusiveness after the catch with the power and cutting skills to change directions quickly fast and maintain top speed. His big play ability and overall maturity may allow him to provide as much impact as any receiver over the past decade as Moss.
The Numbers: Major impact receiver completed a great short two-year career. During the ‘03 season, he caught 92 passes for 1672 yards with 22 TDs and a fine 18.2-yard average. He set a new NCAA record with a TD reception in 18 straight games, while making at least one TD catch in all 12 regular-season games which ended in his career finale in the Continental Tire Bowl loss to Virginia. As a freshman, he caught 69 passes for 1005 yards and 12 TDs with an average per catch of 14.6 yards. He scored a TD in his final six games that season and 8 of his last 9 contests.
The Skinny: Premier blue chip prospect with the talent to be a major impact performer early in his career. He may be the rookie with the ability to make the fastest contribution next season. His well-developed tremendous receiving skills, including excellent body control, leaping ability and terrific hands will merit him an early NFL starting job. At the combine, he did not workout. His outstanding talent will fit into any type of offense, especially the vertical game where his ability to separate deep and outmuscle defenders give him a chance to become a top-flight performer almost immediately. He wants the ball in big situations and defies double coverage to consistently deliver in those situations. He will not get out of the top two to four picks regardless of any trades. Special talent with the rare level of development to be an early Pro-Bowler performer despite only two seasons at Pittsburgh. He should be among the NFL's premier receivers within a short period. Best overall talent in this class with Raiders or Cards likely clubs.
Draft Projection: 1st Round -Top Two Pick

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