Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency PublicationRodney Hudson Highlights ACC Honorees
Photo - OG Rodney Hudson - Florida St.
Florida State senior left guard Rodney Hudson headlines a list of eight players recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Players of the Week, announced Monday by the ACC. Hudson registered two knockdown blocks while not missing an assignment or drawing a penalty in 62 snaps as the Seminoles topped rival Miami, 45-17. He helped FSU rack up 298 rushing yards, which marked the fourth-straight game with at least 200 yards on the ground, a feat not accomplished at FSU since 1995.
Hudson is joined by teammate Greg Reid, the specialist of the week selection. Georgia Tech’s Anthony Allen and NC State’s Russell Wilson were named co-offensive backs of the week. The Wolfpack earned two honors on the week as Brandan Bishop was tabbed defensive back of the week. North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick and Virginia Tech’s Bruce Taylor were this week’s co-defensive line honorees, while Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins was recognized as the rookie of the week.
Offensive Lineman - Rodney Hudson, Florida St - Sr., 6-2, 282
The Seminoles’ offensive lineman paved the way for another big performance by the FSU offense, which piled up 471 total yards in the 45-17 victory over Miami. Hudson matched his season-high by earning a grade of 94 percent (92 run/96 pass), which included two knockdown blocks. He did not register a missed assignment or draw a penalty in 62 snaps while leading a running attack that piled up 298 yards on just 40 carries (7.4 ypc). It was the fourth consecutive time that the Seminoles racked up 200+ rushing yards. FSU last matched that feat in 1995. In addition to paving the way for the ground attack, Hudson played a significant role in holding Miami’s pass rush in check. Miami came into the game second in the nation in sacks and was held in check for the first time this season.
Rodney Hudson Scouting Report - Draft Insiders' Pro Prospect Preview
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1. Rodney Hudson - 6’2” 290 lbs. - Florida St
Athletic senior guard is coming off an outstanding junior season when he displayed fine power and agility on the inside. He will be a three year starter and has been a fine blocker throughout his career grading out consistently high. He is a well develop pass blocker who displays the footwork to slide easily and the power to anchor vs the bull rush. He uses his quickness, bulk and toughness to stop speed rushers with the talent to handle counter moves. He plays with fine strength and nastiness with the ability to bend his knees easily and get fine leverage and power to utilize his size to the fullest. He also projects as a pro center, though few snaps in that role as a collegian.
He has responded with a strong start of his final season and instrumental in the FSU 5-1 record.
Offensive Back of Week - Anthony Allen - Georgia Tech- RB, Sr., 6-0, 229
Allen rushed for a Georgia Tech career-high 195 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries Saturday in the Yellow Jackets’ 33-21 win over Virginia. Allen, who eclipsed 1,000 yards for his two-year Tech career, had the second-most rushing yards in the Paul Johnson era. He helped the Yellow Jackets pile up 477 yards on the ground, which is the sixth-highest mark in conference history, and the most since 1981. Allen has five career touchdowns in two games against the Cavaliers.
Frank Coyle is a longtime consultant for the Senior Bowl. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in college team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.
Derek Sherrod's Scouting Report - Draft Insiders' Pro Prospect Preview - Over 300 Pro Prospect Scouting Reports - Available Now
Photo - Derek Sherrod - Miss St.
OT Derek Sherrod - 6’6” 300 lbs. - Mississippi St
Agile senior left tackle has performed well protecting the Bulldog’s passers' blindside vs tough SEC defenders. He has continued to develop with experience, displaying fine balance and agility to match up with speed rushers. He lacks the power to play a physical game and relies on finesse to win most confrontations. He has performed well in pass protection, showing good hand use and fine footwork to slide laterally and adjust to secondary moves. He needs work as a drive blocker to move a defender off the line better, especially from a technique and strength standpoint. He looks to impress vs top competition that could move him up significantly.
Sherrod ranks in our top 10 offensive tackles at one of the deepest positions for the NFL Draft 2011. He is on our Senior Bowl invitation list for the premier All-star Classic in January 2011.
Frank Coyle is a longtime consultant for the Senior Bowl. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in college team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.
The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday as they travel to Gainesville to take on the #22 Florida Gators. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (CT) and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
RB C.J. Spiller and OT Russell Okung Complete First Round Signees
Photo - C.J Spiller - Bills (Clemson)
NFL Rookie First Round Signings
Overall Pk / Player / Pos/ Team / Status / Contract / Guaranteed
1. Sam Bradford - QB - St. Louis - Signed / 6 years, $78 million ($50M)
2. Ndamukong Suh - DT - Detroit - Agreed / 5 years, $68 million ($40M)
3. Gerald McCoy - DT - Tampa Bay - Signed / 5 years, $63 million ($35M)
4. Trent Williams - OT - Washington - Signed / 6 years, $60 million ($36.75M)
5. Eric Berry - SS - Kansas City - Signed / 6 years, $60 million ($34M)
6. Russell Okung - OT - Seattle - Signed / 6 years, $58 million ($29 M)
7. Joe Haden - CB - Cleveland - Signed / 5 years, $50M million ($26M)
8. Rolando McClain - LB - Oakland - Signed / 5 years, $40 million ($23M)
9. C.J. Spiller - RB - Buffalo - Signed / `5 years, $37 million ($21M)
10. Tyson Alualu - DE - Jacksonville - Signed / 5 years, $28 million ($17.5M)
11. Anthony Davis - OT - San Francisco - Signed / 5 years, $26.5 million ($16M)
12. Ryan Mathews - RB - San Diego - Signed / 5 years, $25.65 million ($15M)
13. Brandon Graham - DE - Philadelphia - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
14. Earl Thomas - SS - Seattle - Signed / 5 years, $21.1 million ($12.32M)
15. Jason Pierre-Paul - DE - N.Y. Giants - Signed / 5 years, $20.05 million ($11.629M)
16. Derrick Morgan - DE - Tennessee - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
17. Mike Iupati - G - San Francisco - Signed / 5 years, $18.25 million ($10.8M)
18. Maurkice Pouncey - C - Pittsburgh - Signed / 5 years (financial terms undisclosed)
19. Sean Witherspoon - LB - Atlanta - Signed / 5 years, $17.5 million ($10.5M)
20. Kareem Jackson - CB - Houston - Signed / 5 years, $16.3 million ($13.35M)
21. Jermaine Gresham - TE - Cincinnati - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
22. Demaryius Thomas - WR - Denver - Signed / 5 years, $15.5 million ($9.35M)
23. Bryan Bulaga - OT - Green Bay - Signed / Terms undisclosed
24. Dez Bryant - WR - Dallas - Signed / 5 years, $11.8 million ($8.3M)
25. Tim Tebow - QB - Denver - Signed / 5 years, $11.25 million ($8.7M)
26. Dan Williams - DT - Arizona - Agreed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
27. Devin McCourty - CB - New England - Signed / 5 years, $13.2 million ($7.825M)
28. Jared Odrick - DT - Miami - Signed / 5 years, $13.07 million ($7.13M)
29. Kyle Wilson - CB - N.Y. Jets - Signed / 5 years, $13 million ($7M)
30. Jahvid Best - RB - Detroit - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
31. Jerry Hughes - DE - Indianapolis - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
32. Patrick Robinson - CB - New Orleans - Signed / 5 years (terms undisclosed)
NFL Supplemental Draft 2010
Pro Prospects Supplemental Preview – Free Issue for Full Subscribers this week
Photo - RB Harvey Unga - BYU
The NFL will conduct the Supplemental Draft 2010 this Thursday, July 15th for players who rescind their remaining college eligibility. This draft has been a short process since 1977 that considers special situations for players that are at least three years removed from high school. All 32 teams can participate in this process with four prospects entered for the selection draft. At least one prospect should be selected on Thursday – runner Harvey Unga of BYU. We will have a Free issue of the Supplemental for full subscribers this week. Last summer, the Redskins used a #3 pick on DE Jeremy Jarmon of Kentucky.
Prospects Entering NFL Supplemental 2010 Draft
RB Quentin Castille - Northwestern St
RB Vaness Emokpae - Truman St
RB Harvey Unga - BYU
DT Joshua Brent-Price - Illinois
Seattle Seahawks - Grade A
Photo - Seattle's Golden Tate - Notre Dame
The Seahawks had the best draft class in the league and the best in their history. They chose OT Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. He gives them a highly developed left tackle after the retirement of veteran Walter Jones. He carries a rookie starting grade and is an NFL ready lineman who has Pro Bowl talent. With their other 1st round selection, they chose safety Earl Thomas, a highly developed defender. Thomas can play in all the sets with highly developed coverage skills and sure tackling to win a starting job in camp. On the 2nd round, they selected wideout Golden Tate, a well-rounded and developed playmaker. He gives them a young playmaker for an offense that lacks big plays. He carries an early NFL starting grade and is a complete prospect with a huge upside in this offense. With two 4th round picks, they selected corner Walter Thurmond and DE E.J. Wilson. Thurmond is a fast smallish cover man who fell off an early ’09 season injury. He was great value here and should be able to get on the field at midseason. DE Wilson has a burst off the edge to fill a situational pass rushing role. He needs to get stronger to compete for starting time. On the 5th round, they chose safety Kam Chancellor, a big physical defender with good range and tackling skills. On the 6th round, they chose TE Anthony McCoy, a former player for HC Pete Carroll. McCoy has a huge upside but must settle into this offense and develop his fine skill set. He was an excellent late gamble. With two 7th round picks, they chose DE Dexter Davis and TE Jameson Konz. Davis is a quick edge pass rusher who can be an effective situational defender and probably early in his career. Konz is a hybrid athlete with H back skills and capable of lining up at wideout, tight end and fullback that gives this offense a flexible weapon. He gives them a flexible performer for their passing game and carries a definite make it grade.
Seattle
1 6 Russell Okung - OT - Oklahoma St
1 14 Earl Thomas - S - Texas
2 60 Golden Tate - WR - Notre Dame
4 111 Walter Thurmond - CB - Oregon
4 127 E.J. Wilson - DE - North Carolina
5 133 Kam Chancellor - S - Virginia Tech
6 185 Anthony McCoy - TE - Southern Cal
7 236 Dexter Davis - DE - Arizona St
7 245 Jameson Konz - TE - Kent St
Baltimore Ravens - Grade A
The Ravens had a strong draft class and were able to address their biggest needs on their defense and add a few offensive weapons. With their 1st round pick, they moved out of the first round for a #2 and #3 picks. They were shocked to find LB Sergio Kindle still available late in the middle of round two. He is a well developed backer and capable of starting early in his pro career. It was a great move to add draft choices and select a defender who fits their scheme very well. With their own #2 pick, they choose NFL Terrence Cody, a premier nose tackle for their front line. He is a super wide body who clogs the middle very well and gives them a big body for their line rotation. On the 3rd round, they selected TE Ed Dickson, a versatile quick performer who is fine addition for their offense. He is a fine receiver with good movement skills to fill a few holes in this offense. He needs some work as a blocker, but is adequate currently. On the 4th round, they chose another TE in Dennis Pita, a well-developed pass catcher who can play a key role in the passing game as a rookie. He has intriguing upside to play immediately. With two 5th round picks, they chose WR David Reed and DT Art Jones. Reed is a good athlete who runs well and has the instincts and toughness the Ravens seek in a prospect. He figures to help on special teams and has the athleticism to play in multiple sets. Jones is a quick mobile tackle who is coming off a late career knee injury. He is a quick tackle who can win early on the down and gives them a playmaker for their tackle rotation. He was excellent late value. With their 6th round pick, they drafted OT Ramon Harewood, a huge prospect with a nice combination of skills. He has fine skills but is a raw football player and will benefit from experience and a pro weight room regiment. He is a talented prospect with makeup to be a major surprise in time and an excellent late gamble.
Baltimore
2 43 Sergio Kindle - LB - Texas
2 57 Terrence Cody - DT - Alabama
3 70 Ed Dickson - TE - Oregon
4 114 Dennis Pitta - TE - Brigham Young
5 156 David Reed - WR - Utah
5 157 Art Jones - DT - Syracuse
6 194 Ramon Harewood - OT - Morehouse
Top 100 Pro Prospects for the 75th NFL Draft
Top 255 Pro Prospects are available in the Update Report (19 pgs.) Update Report also has a Complete 7 Round Mock Draft /Special Sections / Rising & Falling Prospects /Sleepers /Small College Prospects /Special Teams Specialists
Photo - Safety Eric Berry - Tennessee
Final Value Board – April 22nd -
* underclassmen
1. Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska
2. * Sam Bradford - QB - Oklahoma
3. * Gerald McCoy - DT - Oklahoma
4. * Eric Berry - FS - Tennessee
5. Russell Okung - OT - Oklahoma St
6. * Derrick Morgan - DE - Georgia Tech
7. C.J. Spiller - RB - Clemson
8 * Earl Thomas - S - Texas
9. * Rolando McClain - LB - Alabama
10 Trent Williams - OT - Oklahoma
11. * Joe Haden - CB - Florida
12. * Bryan Bulaga - OT - Iowa
13 Sergio Kindle - LB - Texas
14 * Jimmy Clausen - QB - Notre Dame
15. * Jason Pierre-Paul - DE - South Florida
16 Kyle Wilson - CB - Boise St
17 Mike Iupati - OG - Idaho
18 * Dez Bryant - WR - Oklahoma St
19 Brandon Graham - DE - Michigan
20 Devin McCourty - CB - Rutgers
21 Dan Williams - DT - Tennessee
22 * Anthony Davis - OT - Rutgers
23 Sean Weatherspoon - LB - Missouri
24. * Kareem Jackson - CB - Alabama
25. * Everson Griffen - DE - Southern Cal
26 Taylor Mays - S - Southern Cal
27. * Carlos Dunlap - DE - Florida
28 Jared Odrick - DT - Penn St -
29 * Ryan Mathews - RB - Fresno St
30 * Bruce Campbell - OT - Maryland
31 Patrick Robinson - CB - Florida St
32 * Jermaine Gresham -TE - Oklahoma
33. * Maurkice Pouncey - OC - Florida
34. * Demaryius Thomas - WR - Georgia Tech
35 Charles Brown - OT - Southern Cal
36. * Golden Tate - WR - Notre Dame
37. Jerry Hughes - DE - TCU
38 Terrence Cody - DT - Alabama
39. * Rob Gronkowski - TE - Arizona
40 * Brian Price - DT - UCLA
41 Daryl Washington - LB -TCU
42. Tyson Alualu - DT - California
43 Nate Allen - FS - South Florida
44 * Jahvid Best - RB - California
45 * Arrelious Benn - WR - Illinois
46. Ricky Sapp - LB - Clemson
47. Eric Decker - WR - Minnesota
48. Corey Wootton - DE - Northwestern
49. Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
50 * Jason Worilds - DE - Virginia Tech
51 * Linval Joseph - DT - East Carolina
52 * Damian Williams - WR - Southern Cal
53 Perrish Cox - CB - Oklahoma St
54. Donald Butler - LB - Washington
55. Jerome Murphy - CB - South Florida
56. Rodger Saffold - OT - Indiana
57. Koa Misi - LB - Utah
58. Lamarr Houston - DT - Texas
59. * Thaddeus Gibson - LB - Ohio St
60 * Chad Jones - S - LSU
For the Remaining Top 100 Pro Prospects click on next page
Small College Prospects for the NFL Draft 2010
Photo - Vladimir Ducasse - UMass
'The Dirty Dozen' - Top 12 Small College Players
Every NFL club scouts the nation in hopes of landing the next great sleeper prospect in the NFL Draft. The small college ranks has supplied many NFL Hall of Fame prospects over the past fifty years with a litany of stars like receiver Jerry Rice, running back Walter Payton and QBs Tony Romo and Doug Williams from the Grambling and Jackson St. programs across the nation. This year's class will produce several players in the top 100 picks. There should be as many as 20-25 draft selections over seven rounds. It is an interesting group with several blue chip prospects mainly along the offensive line and in the secondary. This year’s group of small college pro prospects ranks among the better classes of the past decade and is especially deep at offensive tackle. The highest rated small college prospect is LB OL Vladimir Ducasse who completed an excellent postseason after a fine stay at UMass. Defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah of Indiana (Pa) carries an NFL starting grade after a strong college career. He ranks among the top defenders from the lower level in recent drafts. The secondary and offensive should provide many draft selections overall in the NFL Draft 2010 once again and the small college ranks should be well represented over the three days. Both the offensive and defensive lines will supply NFL starters while the wide receiver position may provide a few highly regarded prospects.
Note: In recent years, our highest rated small college players were QB Joe Flacco and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and both were chosen in the first round. Each has performed brilliantly over their early careers and key performers in their clubs strong annual playoff berths.
The Dirty Dozen - Top 12 Small College Players For the NFL Draft
1. Vladimir Ducasse - OT - UMass
Big mobile lineman completed an excellent small college career starting at left tackle over his late career. He projects to both tackle and guard with an early starting grade on the inside. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop into an NFL starter and is a good athlete with fine footwork and athletic ability. He can be one of the real gems in this class and is similar to the Saints OG Jahri Evans who I loved coming out for the NFL Draft ’06. He is our #1 small college prospect with the talent to start, but needs vital time to settle into a system and position. Within a short time, he could be the biggest bargain in this class on the middle rounds.
2. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah - CB - Indiana (Pa)
Fast athletically gifted small college defensive back had a tremendous postseason that has elevated his stock into the early rounds. He had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine that moved him into the top 100 prospects. He carries an NFL starting grade at cornerback off his fine measurables, skills set and fine postseason efforts. He probably plays in the nickel package early in his career with incredible upside as a starting corner. Blue chip small college corner and an excellent return specialist who should win those roles immediately in his career.
3. Austin Lane - DE - Murray St (Ky)
Tall angular mobile lineman was a dominating performer against a lower level of competition. Though he was not really tested at the lower level, he performed well vs top competition and grades a middle round grade for the NFL Draft. He showed some promising skills with long arms, good footwork, size, bulk and overall strength. He showed the ability to stack with the burst to get into the backfield or chase to the perimeter. He also played outside at end and could project to the strongside spot in both schemes and maybe best suited for the three-man front. He looks like a solid two-way defender at end in 3-4 scheme.
4. Jared Veldheer - OT - Hillsdale (Mi.)
Huge left tackle prospect had a strong finish to his career that earned him honors annually. Jared is a long armed mobile tackle who opened some eyes over the latter part of his career. He is a legit starting tackle prospect with tremendous size, reach, height, footwork and mobility. He usually plays with sound technique in many aspect of play and is one of the biggest sleepers in this class. He could become a real gem in the right situation with further development and refinement of his excellent physical package and skill set. Major sleeper with the talent to become a starting pro tackle with further development and critical time to refine his skill set.
5. Andre Roberts - WR - Citadel (S.C.)
Fast agile small college receiver had an impressive postseason that has him moving up the rankings. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at just under 5’11” and 195 lbs and ran a fast 4.46 time with a 36” VL and a 10' BJ in a fine workout in addition to a good effort at the Senior Bowl that a small college prospect needs to impress scouts. He has shown the separation speed to get behind the secondary and make the big play. He displays very good hands, fine body control to track and adjust to the ball in flight and has been able to get deep and hit the home. Athlete with an excellent combination of size, speed and receiving skills to be a huge surprise in the right offense and fine middle round pick with intriguing upside.
6. Jeromy Miles - S - UMass
Talented small college defensive back completed an outstanding career at the lower level earning CAA honors since his sophomore season. Jeromy is a fine athlete who was a dominant performer at his level of competition making plays in coverage with his speed, quickness and instincts. He has good measureables including size, speed and toughness for the position. He has the skill set to develop further but needs to settle into a defense that allows him to learn a system and more sophisticated coverage vs pro style passing games. He may need some time but could be a huge surprise after settling into a pro scheme. Top-flight special teams defender.
7. Arthur Moats - LB - James Madison (Va.)
Quick rangy senior defender had another strong performance for the tough JM program that earned him first team CAA honors. He has the size, speed, instincts and toughness to convert to the backer role in the 3-4 scheme. He has established himself as a pro prospect using his fine functional strength and quick hands to perform well in both pass and run defense with the ability to hold the point of attack and chase in pursuit. He is one of the better physical specimens among edge rushers in this class with long arms to go with his good speed and fine functional strength. He has the athletic and mental aptitude to make the adjustment up as an attack linebacker and maybe sooner than most think. He has the skill set to be a huge surprise and start fairly soon in his career and be a factor off the edge.
8. James Ruffin - DE - Northern Iowa
Rangy athletic defender completed an impressive finish to his career with a strong performance. He is one of the real hidden gems in this class after a strong career that drew attention from scouts after seeing his fine triangle numbers. He has been timed in sub 4.6 time that would rank with any 4-3 end in this class. He has the speed off the edge to pressure the passer and will warrant a late selection in this draft class. He may be limited to a situational role, but he has the skills to play a key role in passing situations.
9. Clay Harbor - TE - Missouri St.
Mobile small college tight end has improved every season and completed his career with a strong performance including the NFL Combine. He has a quick burst off the line with fine hands and run after the catch ability to be an immediate factor in a pro passing game. He has the talent to fill a few roles including the H back and fullback spots in addition to the tight end positions. He has proven to be a reliable receiver with top hands and the ability to make yardage after the reception. He shows good speed to give a club a threat in the deeper zones. At the NFL Combine, he run a sub 4.7 time with 30 reps and a fine 40” VL and 10’ BJ in an excellent overall workout. Excellent middle round value with the upside potential to become a starter in time.
10. John Skelton - QB - Fordham U (N.Y.)
Strong armed senior QB was impressive over his late career that probably earns him a late draft selection. He displays all the physical talent to become a pro starting QB with a good live arm and the strength and fine throwing technique to earn a #3 role. He has a good delivery and mechanics that allows him to make a quick release to deliver the ball in excellent timing. He has a live arm and gets the ball into tight windows with fairly good accuracy. This guy could be one of the hidden gems of this QB class. He has all the talent and intangibles to become a potential pro starter with development. With time to develop as a passer and learn an offense, he is prospect who is capable of moving up the depth charts over time.
11. Tony Washington - OT - Abilene Christian (Tx.)
Big mobile tackle completed an excellent small college career and shows the skill set to develop into an NFL starting linemen. He can play either tackle spot with the size, bulk, reach and footwork to earn a starting grade in time. He has shown all the necessary physical tools to develop and is a very good athlete with fine footwork and athletic ability. He can be one of the real hidden gems in this class and has NFL starting talent. His serious off the field problems cost him a high grade by most NFL teams, but he could be a major sleeper with the talent to start if given vital time to mature settle into a system.
12. Abe Koroma - NT - Western Illinois
Strong mobile lineman completed a fine career at the lower level after starting at Penn St. Abe will likely be a late round draft selection with the demand for nose tackles and his versatility to play in either front line. He has a wide frame, good functional strength and technique with a strong chance to start as a pro. He has a powerful base with quickness off the snap and sound use his hands to separate from blockers. He is similar to the Tank Johnson in size, athleticism, versatility and experience. Tough, durable lineman with experience in both front line schemes and the talent level to compete for a starting job at some point in his career. Marginal top 250 prospect probably falls to late in the draft off some off the field problems.