List of 2014 Combine Invites, and Snubs plus Top 3 Stock Risers and Sinkers

[NYJetsVets91]

First off, I want to say how ridiculous it is that they snubbed Brett Smith from Wyoming. Smaller schools never get the respect they deserve, and Smith is a 2nd-3rd round prospect. With that being said, as always there wasn't only one deserving prospect who was snubbed. First though, here is a list of all the 2014 combine invites by position: 

 

Quarterbacks

 

Blake Bortles, Central Florida 
Tajh Boyd, Clemson 
Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville 
Derek Carr, Fresno State 
David Fales, San Jose State 
Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois 
Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois 
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M 
AJ McCarron, Alabama 
Zach Mettenberger, LSU 
Stephen Morris, Miami 
Aaron Murray, Georgia 
Tom Savage, Pittsburgh 
Connor Shaw, South Carolina 
Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech 
Keith Wenning, Ball State 
Jeff Mathews, Cornell 
Bryn Renner, North Carolina 
Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M

 

Running backs

 

Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky 
Dri Archer, Kent State 
George Atkinson, Notre Dame 
Kapri Bibbs, Colorado State 
Alfred Blue, LSU 
Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona 
J.C. Copeland (FB), LSU 
Tim Cornett, UNLV 
Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State 
Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State 
David Fluellen, Toledo 
Devonta Freeman, Florida State 
Tyler Gaffney, Stanford 
Marion Grice, Arizona State 
Ryan Hewitt (FB), Stanford 
Jeremy Hill, LSU 
Carlos Hyde, Ohio State 
Storm Johnson, Central Florida 
Henry Josey, Missouri 
Tre Mason, Auburn 
Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern 
Trey Millard (FB), Oklahoma 
Adam Muema, San Diego State 
LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State 
Silas Redd, USC 
Bishop Sankey, Washington 
Lache Seastrunk, Baylor 
Charles Sims, West Virginia 
Jerome Smith, Syracuse 
Lorenzo Taliaferro, Coastal Carolina 
De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon 
Terrance West, Towson 
James White, Wisconsin 
James Wilder, Florida State 
Andre Williams, Boston College 
Damien Williams, Oklahoma

 

Wide receivers

 

Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin 
Davante Adams, Fresno State 
Odell Beckham, LSU 
Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State 
Chris Boyd, Vanderbilt 
Corey Brown, Ohio State 
John Brown, Pittsburg State 
Martavis Bryant, Clemson 
Isaiah Burse, Fresno State 
Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest 
Brandon Coleman, Rutgers 
Kain Colter, Northwestern 
Brandin Cooks, Oregon State 
Damian Copeland, Louisville 
Mike Davis, Texas 
Bruce Ellington, South Carolina 
Quincy Enunwa, Nebraska 
Mike Evans, Texas A&M 
Shaq Evans, UCLA 
Bennie Fowler, Michigan State 
Austin Franklin, New Mexico State 
Jeremy Gallon, Michigan 
Ryan Grant, Tulane 
Matt Hazel, Coastal Carolina 
Robert Herron, Wyoming 
Cody Hoffman, BYU 
Josh Huff, Oregon 
Allen Hurns, Miami 
Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State 
TJ Jones, Notre Dame 
Jarvis Landry, LSU 
Cody Latimer, Indiana 
Marqise Lee, USC 
Marcus Lucas, Missouri 
Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt 
Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss 
Kevin Norwood, Alabama 
Walt Powell, Murray State 
Tevin Reese, Baylor 
Paul Richardson, Colorado 
Allen Robinson, Penn State 
Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma 
Willie Snead, Ball State 
Josh Stewart, Oklahoma State 
Devin Street, Pittsburgh 
L'Damian Washington, Missouri 
Sammy Watkins, Clemson 
Albert Wilson, Georgia State

 

Tight ends

 

Jace Amaro, Texas Tech 
Rob Blanchflower, Massachusetts 
Trey Burton, Florida 
Anthony Denham, Utah 
Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State 
Eric Ebron, North Carolina 
C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa 
Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State 
Xavier Grimble, USC 
Nic Jacobs, McNeese State 
Marcel Jensen, Fresno State 
Reggie Jordan, Missouri Western State 
A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State 
Colt Lyerla, Oregon 
Arthur Lynch, Georgia 
Jake Murphy, Utah 
Jordan Najvar, Baylor 
Troy Niklas, Notre Dame 
Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin 
Richard Rodgers, California 
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington 
D.J. Tialavea, Utah State

 

Offensive linemen

 

Matt Armstrong ©, Grand Valley State 
Joel Bitonio (OT), Nevada 
Russell Bodine ©, North Carolina 
Conor Boffeli (G), Iowa 
Justin Britt (OT), Missouri 
Dakota Dozier (OT), Furman 
Kadeem Edwards (G), Tennessee State 
Matt Feiler (OT), Bloomsburg 
Cameron Fleming (OT), Stanford 
Zach Fulton (G), Tennessee 
Ryan Groy (G), Wisconsin 
Jon Halapio (G), Florida 
Jonotthan Harrison ©, Florida 
Seantrel Henderson (OT), Miami 
James Hurst (OT), North Carolina 
Gabe Ikard ©, Oklahoma 
Gabe Jackson (G), Mississippi State
Ja'wuan James (OT), Tennessee 
Wesley Johnson (OT), Vanderbilt 
Cyrus Kouandjio (OT), Alabama 
Tyler Larsen ©, Utah State 
Charles Leno (OT), Boise State 
Taylor Lewan (OT), Michigan 
Brandon Linder (G), Miami 
Corey Linsley ©, Ohio State 
Spencer Long (G), Nebraska 
Luke Lucas (OT), Kansas State 
Marcus Martin ©, USC 
Zack Martin (OT), Notre Dame 
Jake Matthews (OT), Texas A&M 
Jack Mewhort (OT), Ohio State 
Morgan Moses (OT), Virginia 
Matt Paradis ©, Boise State 
Matt Patchan (OT), Boston College 
Antonio Richardson (OT), Tennessee 
Cyril Richardson (G), Baylor 
Weston Richburg ©, Colorado State 
Greg Robinson (OT), Auburn 
Michael Schofield (OT), Michigan 
Anthony Steen (G), Alabama 
James Stone ©, Tennessee 
Bryan Stork ©, Florida State 
Xavier Su'a-Filo (G), UCLA 
Travis Swanson ©, Arkansas 
Brandon Thomas (OT), Clemson 
Trai Turner (G), LSU 
Billy Turner (OT), North Dakota State 
John Urschel (G), Penn State 
Chris Watt (G), Notre Dame 
David Yankey (G), Stanford

 

Defensive linemen

 

Jay Bromley (DT), Syracuse 
Ryan Carrethers (DT), Arkansas State 
Will Clarke (DE), West Virginia 
Jadeveon Clowney (DE), South Carolina 
DeAndre Coleman (DT), California 
Scott Crichton (DE), Oregon State 
Aaron Donald (DT), Pittsburgh 
Kony Ealy (DE), Missouri 
Dominique Easley (DT), Florida 
Kasim Edebali (DE), Boston College 
Justin Ellis (DT), Louisiana Tech 
IK Enemkpali (DE), Louisiana Tech 
Ego Ferguson (DT), LSU 
Dee Ford (DE), Auburn 
James Gayle (DE), Virginia Tech 
Ra'Shede Hageman (DT), Minnesota 
Taylor Hart (DE), Oregon 
Kerry Hyder (DT), Texas Tech 
Jackson Jeffcoat (DE), Texas 
Timmy Jernigan (DT), Florida State 
Anthony Johnson (DT), LSU 
DaQuan Jones (DT), Penn State 
Howard Jones (DE), Shephard 
Zach Kerr (DT), Delaware 
Demarcus Lawrence (DE), Boise State 
Aaron Lynch (DE), South Florida 
Eathyn Manumaleuna (DE), BYU 
Cassius Marsh (DE), UCLA 
Kareem Martin (DE), North Carolina 
Josh Mauro (DE), Stanford 
Daniel McCullers (DT), Tennessee 
Tevin Mims (DE), South Florida 
Zach Moore (DE), Concordia (Minn.) 
Jonathan Newsome (DE), Ball State 
Louis Nix III (DT), Notre Dame 
Jeoffrey Pagan (DE), Alabama 
Tenny Palepoi (DT), Utah 
Mike Pennel (DT), Colorado State-Pueblo 
Kelcy Quarles (DT), South Carolina 
Kaleb Ramsey (DE), Boston College 
Caraun Reid (DT), Princeton 
Michael Sam (DE), Missouri 
Chris Smith (DE), Arkansas 
Marcus Smith (DE), Louisville 
Shamar Stephen (DT), Connecticut 
Ed Stinson (DE), Alabama 
Will Sutton (DT), Arizona State 
Robert Thomas (DT), Arkansas 
Khyri Thornton (DT), Southern Mississippi 
Stephon Tuitt (DE), Notre Dame 
George Uko (DE), USC 
Brent Urban (DT), Virginia 
Larry Webster (DE), Bloomsburg 
Ethan Westbrooks (DE), West Texas A&M 
Chris Whaley (DT), Texas 
Kerry Wynn (DT), Richmond

 

Linebackers

 

Jerry Attaochu (OLB), Georgia Tech 
Anthony Barr (OLB), UCLA 
Lamin Barrow (OLB), LSU 
Chris Borland (ILB), Wisconsin 
Carl Bradford (OLB), Arizona State 
Jonathan Brown (ILB), Illinois 
Preston Brown (ILB), Louisville 
Max Bullough (ILB), Michigan State 
Khairi Fortt (ILB), California 
Jeremiah George (ILB), Iowa State 
Anthony Hitchens (OLB), Iowa 
Adrian Hubbard (OLB), Alabama 
Andrew Jackson (ILB), Western Kentucky 
Christian Jones (ILB), Florida State 
Devon Kennard (OLB), USC 
Chris Kirksey (OLB), Iowa 
Boseko Lokombo (OLB), Oregon 
Khalil Mack (OLB), Buffalo 
James Morris (ILB), Iowa 
C.J. Mosley (ILB), Alabama 
Trent Murphy (OLB), Stanford 
Kevin Pierre-Louis (OLB), Boston College 
Ronald Powell (OLB), Florida 
Trevor Reilly (OLB), Utah 
Ryan Shazier (OLB), Ohio State 
Prince Shembo (OLB), Notre Dame 
Shayne Skov (ILB), Stanford 
Yawin Smallwood (OLB), Connecticut 
Telvin Smith (ILB), Florida State 
Tyler Starr (OLB), South Dakota 
Jordan Tripp (OLB), Montana 
Uani Unga (ILB), BYU 
Kyle Van Noy (OLB), BYU 
Avery Williamson (ILB), Kentucky 
Jordan Zumwalt (ILB), UCLA

 

Defensive backs

 

Mo Alexander (SS), Utah State 
Ricardo Allen (CB), Purdue 
Dion Bailey (SS), USC 
Deion Belue (CB), Alabama 
Bene Benwikere (CB), San Jose State 
Nat Berhe (SS), San Diego State 
Tre Boston (SS), North Carolina 
Bashaud Breeland (CB), Clemson 
Terrence Brooks (FS), Florida State 
Deone Bucannon (SS), Washington State 
Travis Carrie (CB), Ohio 
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS), Alabama 
Ross Cockrell (CB), Duke 
Aaron Colvin (CB), Oklahoma 
Chris Davis (CB), Auburn 
Darqueze Dennard (CB), Michigan State 
Pierre Desir (CB), Lindenwood 
Ahmad Dixon (SS), Baylor 
Brandon Dixon (CB), Northwest Missouri State 
Jonathan Dowling (SS), Western Kentucky 
Antone Exum (CB), Virginia Tech 
Kyle Fuller (CB), Virginia Tech 
E.J. Gaines (CB), Missouri 
Phillip Gaines (CB), Rice 
Justin Gilbert (CB), Oklahoma State 
Demetri Goodson (CB), Baylor 
Dre Hal (CB), Vanderbilt 
Victor Hampton (CB), South Carolina 
Marqueston Huff (FS), Wyoming 
Bennett Jackson (CB), Notre Dame 
Kendall James (CB), Maine 
Stanley Jean-Baptiste (CB), Nebraska 
Dontae Johnson (CB), North Carolina State 
LaMarcus Joyner (CB), Florida State 
Kenny Ladler (FS), Vanderbilt 
Nevin Lawson (CB), Utah State 
Isaiah Lewis (SS), Michigan State 
Craig Loston (SS), LSU 
Dexter McDougle (CB), Maryland 
Keith McGill (CB), Utah 
Terrance Mitchell (CB), Oregon 
Jabari Price (CB), North Carolina 
Calvin Pryor (FS), Louisville 
Loucheiz Purifoy (CB), Florida 
Keith Reaser (CB), Florida Atlantic 
Ed Reynolds (FS), Stanford 
Rashaad Reynolds (CB), Oregon State 
Marcus Roberson (CB), Florida 
Bradley Roby (CB), Ohio State 
Daniel Sorensen (FS), BYU 
Dez Southward (FS), Wisconsin 
Vinnie Sunseri (SS), Alabama 
Jemea Thomas (CB), Georgia Tech 
Brock Vereen (FS), Minnesota 
Jason Verrett (CB), TCU 
Jimmie Ward (SS), Northern Illinois 
Todd Washington (CB), Southeastern Louisiana 
Jaylen Watkins (CB), Florida 
Lavelle Westbrooks (CB), Georgia Southern

 

Specialists (Kickers & Punters)

 

Chris Boswell (K), Rice 
Steven Clark (P), Auburn 
Anthony Fera (K), Texas 
Zach Hocker (K), Arkansas 
Tom Hornsey (P), Memphis 
Richie Leone (P), Houston 
Cody Mandell (P), Alabama 
Pat O'Donnell (P), Miami (Fla.) 
Cairo Santos (K), Tulane 
Marcus Heit (LS), Kansas State

 

Biggest Snubs:

 

QB: Brett Smith - Wyoming

RB: Zach Bauman - North Arizona

WR: Chandler Jones - San Jose State

FB: Jay Prosch - Auburn

TE: Ted Bolser - Indiana

OL: Danny Kistler - Montana

DE: Chaz Sutton - South Carolina

DT: Calvin Barnett - Oklahoma State

LB: Morgan Breslin - USC

CB: Walt Aikens - Liberty

S: Denicos Allen - Michigan State (Allen mostly played linebacker in college but is projected to be drafted as a hybrid safety)

K: Nate Freese - Boston College

P: Kirby Van Der Kamp - Iowa State

LS: Trevor Gillette - Rice

 

Honorable Mention: James Franklin - QB - Missouri, Kenny Guiton - QB - Ohio State, Tommy Rees - QB - Notre Dame, Brendan Bigelow - RB - California, Alex Amidon - WR - Boston College, Eric Ward - WR - Texas Tech, Kevin Danser - OL - Stanford, Ben Gardner - DE - Stanford, Walker May - DE - Vanderbilt, Bruce Gaston - DT - Purdue, DeDe Lattimore - LB - South Florida, Shaquille Richardson - CB - Arizona, Sean Parker - S - Washington.

 

Now for the top 3 risers and sinkers who were given combine invites for each position:

 

QB: 

 

Risers:

1) Blake Bortles - Central Florida: I believe Bortles will be the first QB drafted in the 2014 draft; he has better intangibles than Terry Bridgewater, and Manziel isn't nearly as good as every makes him out to be i.e. Casserly's film flaws, and his "undraftable performance at the end of the 2013 season."

2) Zach Mettenberger - LSU: I think Mettenberger can't be confined to just a game manager because he offers more than just that, but I'd say he's the best game manager type QB in the draft for a more conservative offense. I think he has potential to be 2nd to 3rd rounder.

3) Jimmy Garoppolo - Eastern Illinois: I've heard lots of comparison to Tony Romo, which I think is ridiculous. Just because they're from the same school doesn't make them similar, they have different throwing styles and this kid doesn't choke like Romo. I think he's a solid early to mid 2nd rounder.

4* Brett Smith - Wyoming: Obviously, Smith wasn't given an invite but I believe he will shine at regional combines and his Pro Day. When all is said and done I believe he will have anywhere from a 2nd to 4th round value.

 

Sinkers: 

1) Johnny Manziel - Texas A&M: Manziel is overrated. He will be injured quicker than RG3 and just isn't ready for the NFL. On top of that he has one of the worst attitudes of any QB I've seen come into the draft, daring Houston to pass on him. This kid thinks he's god's gift to earth, he'll learn his lesson soon when he is passed on and is the 3rd QB to be drafted rather than the 1st or 2nd.

2) Terry Bridgewater - Louisville: I think Bridgewater is good enough to be the 1st QB taken, but I like Bortles just a little more. I believe Bridgewater will be taken 5th overall as opposed to Bortles being taken 3rd.

3) Tajh Boyd - Clemson: Boyd reminds me a lot of Terrelle Pryor, and I don't think he'll ever really be a successful starter in the NFL. He broke out for a bit last year and then died down again at the end of the season. Boyd's stock has already fallen a bit, and I don't see that changing. I say he is a 6th or 7th rounder. 5th at best.

 

RB:

 

Risers: 

1) Ka'Deem Carey - Arizona: I know he is projected as the top RB to go off the boards and he is projected to go mid 2nd, but I think he'd be worthy of a 30th, 31st, or 32nd pick at least an early 2nd. I mean his last 2 seasons he had 3,814 rushing yards, and 42 rushing touchdowns. He's a next level breakout talent.

2) Jeremy Hill - LSU: I know this kid is young, declaring eligible as a sophomore but he has great intangibles, he is a power back who can also catch out of the backfield. He has 2156 rushing yards, 28 TDs, and over 250 receiving yards his rookie and sophomore campaign. He's projected to be a 2nd to 3rd rounder, I think he'd be a great value pick early 3rd.

3) Storm Johnson - Central Florida: 1,139 rushing yards, 14TDs rushing, and 260 receiving yards, and 3 TDs receiving in his senior year. He is projected to go 6th or 7th I say he hops up to 5th or 6th.

 

Sinkers:

1) Carlos Hyde - Ohio State: I believe Hyde is a great move-the-chains, in-between-blocks runner but he lacks break away speed and drops wide open passes too often. He is projected to be a 2nd rounder I see him more as a mid 3rd.

2) Antonio Andrews - Western Kentucky: Andrews is projected to be either a 5th or 6th rounder, he just isn't consistent enough to be a 5th I see him as more of a 6th or 7th rounder.

3) Tyler Gaffney - Stanford: Gaffney did have a very impressive breakout year his senior year, but his commitment to football is shaky at best, having left the football program to do a year in baseball. Every year other than his senior year was sub-par. I see him also as a 6th or 7th rounder.

 

WR: 

 

Risers: 

1) Mike Evans - Texas A&M: I think Evans will easily be the 2nd WR to come off the board not far behind Watkins. Only coming off his Sophomore year, he will have to prove his worth at the combine. With 2,499 yards receiving and 17 TDs in his 2 years he has the stats and skills to back it up. I could see him going 10th overall.

2) Jordan Matthews - Vanderbilt: Matthews finished his Senior campaign with 1,477 yards receiving and 7 TDs. In his career he has 3,759 receiving yards, 24 receiving TDs, 115 rushing yards on 9 carries with 1 rushing TD. Matthews was by far the best WR out of the senior class this year. He has great hands, and can really do it all. Honestly I believe he has more value than Kelvin Benjamin who is projected to go in the 1st when Matthews is projected to go in the 2nd in my opinion it should be the other way around.

3) Robert Herron - Wyoming: Herron is essentially a RB turned WR which is a rarity. Herron had nearly 250 yards rushing his Freshman year. His Senior year he had nearly 1,000 yards receiving, and 9 TDs. This goes to show Herron can be a dual threat catching the ball, and running on reverses and other gadget plays possibly the wildcat. Herron is projected to be a 2nd-3rd round pick. I see him as a mid to late 2nd rounder, maybe early 3rd.

 

Sinkers: 

1) Kelvin Benjamin - Florida State: There are too many young kids or underclassmen declaring for the draft these days, players like Benjamin would benefit greatly from another year or two in college. Benjamin did explode in his Senior year with 15 TDs but barely made it to 1,000 yards receiving. I just don't think Benjamin has honed his skills well enough to be worthy of a 1st round pick. I see him has a mid to late 2nd maybe even early 3rd.

2) Odell Beckham Jr. - LSU: Beckham is too raw to be given a 1st-2nd round grade. I think he should have stayed for his Senior year since he was on the upswing. in 3 years of football he only produced 12 TDs, I see Beckham as a 2nd to 3rd rounder.

3) Josh Huff - Oregon: Huff is another example of a player who exploded in their Senior year, I do like Huff but he isn't a true 3rd rounder pick. I think his stock will fall slightly to a 4th rounder.

 

TE:

 

Risers: 

1) Eric Ebron - North Carolina: I know there are many doubters of Ebron's ability and the comparisons to Vernon Davis but I think Ebron is a game changing talent and whoever drafts him won't regret their decision to spend a 1st rounder on him. I think Ebron could even go as high as 7 or 10 to Tampa Bay or Buffalo, both teams are looking for a top tier TE.

2) Troy Niklas - Notre Dame: Niklas spent a lot of time playing with 2013 draft pick Tyler Eifert. I think he could get a higher draft stock by deciding to stay another year but I still believe he's good enough to be a mid 2nd round pick. Niklas had nearly 500 yards receiving and 5 TDs his Sophmore year, and is a solid blocker on the end of the line.

3) Jordan Najvar - Baylor: Najvar is one of the best blocking TEs in the draft and is underrated because of his lack of production in the passing game. Najvar only has 311 receving yards and 4 TDs in his 3 years combines only averaging about 100 yards and a TD per season. Najvar would be a solid 5th or 6th round investment as a blocking TE for run plays.

 

Sinkers:

1) Jace Amaro - Texas Tech: Amaro is projected to be a late 1st to early 2nd. I believe Amaro should be drafted as a WR and not a TE seeing as he usually isn't on the line when he lines up, it's normally outside. On top of that, he is a weak blocker on the edge. He can be a game breaker downfield, but I'd only invest a late 2nd rounder to early 3rd on him.

2) Crockett Gillmore - Colorado State: Gillmore is another example of a pretty solid receiving TE, but lacks the proper blocking skills to be a versatile TE. Gillmore is projected to be a 4th or 5th rounder I say mid to late 5th.

3) Joe Don Duncan - Dixie State: Duncan has moderate production as a pass catcher but is a bit sluggish after catching the ball, I say he is worthy of a 6th-7th rounder.

 

OL:

 

Risers:

1) Jake Matthews - Texas A&M (OT): I think Jake Matthews is this year's Eric Fischer. I think he could go 1st overall, and has separated himself from the other offensive lineman in this draft class.

2) Greg Robinson - Auburn (OT): A close second, this offensive tackle class has shades of last year's class. Robinson is an underclassman, but a hell of a mauler and worthy of a top 10 pick.

3) Weston Richburg - Colorado State ©: In my opinion Richburg should be the top rated center over Travis Swanson. I think he'll be an early to mid 2nd rounder.

 

Sinkers: 

1) Cyrus Kouandijo - Alabama (OT): There are quite a few offensive tackles worthy of a 1st rounder this draft, but I don't think Kouandijo quite cuts it. He is a little too inexperienced being an underclassman. He does merit a 2nd rounder though.

2) David Yankey - Stanford (OG): I think Xavier Su'a-Filo out of UCLA deserves to be the 1st ranked OG over Yankey, I say he is a mid to late 2nd rounder in this class.

3) Jack Mewhort - Ohio State (OT): Mewhort is projected to be a 2nd rounder, I think he is more of a 3rd to 4th round pick, there are too many highly rated OTs in this class.

 

DL:

 

Risers:

1) Marcus Smith - Louisville (DE): I think when all is said and done Smith will be a late 2nd early 3rd round product. He was ranked as low as a 5th rounder a few months ago. Smith had 15 sacks his senior year. that's 5 times as many as Jadeveon Clowney who some have going 1st overall.

2) Louis Nix - Notre Dame (DT): I believe Nix could go as high as 14th overall. He is a dominant force up the middle and a great run stuffer. Reminds me a little of Sheldon Richardson.

3) Stephon Tuitt - Notre Dame (DT): Imagine if a team managed to draft both Nix and Tuitt? Then converted Tuitt to a DE. That'd be interesting. Chances are that won't happen though since I think Tuitt could be a late 1st or a early to mid 2nd. Nix and Tuitt both turned heads at Notre Dame, and I see both of their stock rising.

 

Sinkers:

1) Jadeveon Clowney - South Carolina (DE): You can't have only 3 sacks and expect your draft stock not to fall. I think Clowney could fall all the way to 6th overall, maybe even lower. I'm not saying I don't think he can be an immediate starter, and contribute but it will be bumpy at first for Clowney.

2) Michael Sam - Missouri (DE): Unfortunately I do think Sam's stock will fall after coming out and announcing he is gay. I think the pure fact that he will bring so much attention and possibly instability to a locker room that many GM's won't be willing to gamble on him. I think Sam could fall to the 5th round possibly even lower.

3) Will Sutton - Arizona State (DT): I think Sutton's stock will fall slightly due to lack of motivation. I think Sutton will fall to late 3rd round.

 

LB: 

 

Risers:

1) Khalil Mack - Buffalo (OLB): I'd love to see Mack Stay in NY and go to either the Bills or the Jets. There's no way he will fall to the Jets, but it's possible he could go to the Bills at 9 and I see that as a good spot for him. Mack is the best linebacker in this year's class inside or outside. Mack had 100 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 TDs his Senior year.

2) Anthony Barr - UCLA (OLB): I think Barr is a close second to Mack, I see him going to the Giants at 12.

3) Jeremiah Attatchou - Georgia Tech (OLB): I think it's pretty obvious the OLB class is stronger than the ILBs this year. Attatchou is easily Bworth of a 2nd rounder. 

 

Sinkers:

1) C.J. Mosley - Alabama (ILB): I do think Mosley deserves to go in the 1st round, but I think he'll go more towards the end of the 1st round rather mid to early 1st.

2) Kyle Van Noy - BYU (OLB): Brigham Young isn't really a great producer of defensive players, more often than not they don't live up to their hype. I think he will be a late 2nd rounder or early 3rd.

3) Preston Brown - Louisville (ILB): Brown had moderate production, and had 3.5 sacks his Senior year. He just wasn't as much of a presence as a 5th round would merit. I say 6th or 7th.

 

DB:

 

Risers:

1) Justin Gilbert - Oklahoma State (CB):  Gilbert had 7 INTs in his senior year, 3 more than Darquez Dennard who is projected to be the 1st CB to go. I think Gilbert will be the 1st CB off the board.

2) Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix - Alabama (FS): Clinton Dix is the top safety in this year's class. I think it's a possibility he could go to the Jets at 18, but he will probably go earlier. I'd say top 15.

3) Tre' Boston - North Carolina (FS): Right now Boston is projected to be a 7th rounder or a UFA, but I've gotten a ton of flak for having us taking him in the 7th round, I watched some film on him and after a good performance at the combine he could go as high as 6th maybe even 5th round.

 

Sinkers:

1) Marqueston Huff - Wyoming (FS): I have 3 Wyoming players on this list because I've actually watched them pay first hand for almost every single game this previous season. Huff had 2 INTs and 6 passes defended, while he is a good raw talent I think he'll slip to the 6th round.

2) Craig Loston - LSU (SS): I think Loston will slip to the 4th round, and have a mediocre showing at the combine.

3) Ross Cockrell - Duke (CB): I can't remember the last time I heard Duke producing a high caliber CB or even any position player. I think he'll fall to 5th or 6th round.

I'm only going to do one each for the specialists since there are only about 3 kickers and punters who received invites.

 

K:

 

Riser:

Chris Boswell - Rice: By far the best kicker eligible for the draft. He had 89 points his Senior year.

 

Sinker:

Cairo Santos - Tulane: Santos is the last kicker projected to be drafted. I believe he will be a UFA.

 

P:

 

Riser:

Pat O'Donnell - Miami: I don't think O'Donnell is the best eligible punter for the draft, but he is the best punter attending the combine. I think he will be a 6th-7th rounder.

 

Sinker: Steven Clark - Auburn: Clark is projected to be a 7th rounder, He'll most likely be a UFA.

 

LS:

Marcus Heit - Kansas State: Heit is the only long snapper with an invite to the combine.

 

I spent a few hours looking at footage and scouting reports to make these projections for the combine. Let me know what you think, thanks guys. Enjoy.

[HessStation]

Jared Abbrederis = underrated

[joewillie78]

Risers QB: Jeff Mathews GO BIG RED!

[Il Mostro]

Jared Abbrederis = underrated

 

 

If Abbrederis can get separation against NLF defenses, he has everything else you could possibly want in a receiver.  Could be a real steal.

[NYJetsVets91]

Jared Abbrederis = underrated

 

I like Abbrederis as well, I think he could be a mid 2nd to early 3rd.

[SenorGato]

Hill shouldn't get THAT much credit for being a sophomore RB declaring for the draft. He's 21. Terrell Suggs was 20 when drafted as a junior. Not really a knock either...He reminds me a whole lot of a young Michael Turner as a runner. Similar build, size, and both have surprising speed and burst. 

 

I think Carey is going to be a star. 

 

I'm starting to get Clinton-Dix. After Sammy Watkins and Carey there aren't really 1st round caliber players I've locked into as great fits for this team. Carey probably/maybe won't even go in the first. Clinton-Dix is getting there.

 

I think it's worth a chuckle that Pryor is the best safety prospect from Louisville since Kerry Rhodes unless I'm forgetting someone.

[BurnleyJet]

I like Storm Johnson, he can catch and run, we need a dynamic 3rd down back. I think he fits the bill, Plus we could pick him up with one of our late comp picks.

[SenorGato]

Not really looking at DTs this year but I think both the ND guys are going to be excellent. I want to see what those two and Hageman do at the combine. 

[T0mShane]

Didn't Carey beat the sh*t out of his girlfriend?

[Gastineau Lives]

Didn't Carey beat the sh*t out of his girlfriend?

 

I don't know, but as long as it wasn't his boyfriend, his draft stock should be alright.

[LAD_Brooklyn]

I disagree with the "Sinkers" at WR. What does young kids declaring have to do with Benjamin? I'm guessing your unaware that he's 23 years old and it would be best that he declare despite having 2 more years of eligibility. Also he was just sort of eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving. You also have to place into consideration that he didn't participate in as many snaps as the other top WRs as he barely played in the 2nd half of games therefore his productivity could have been greater. Beckham Jr. Has done a good job in his LSU career. He contributed right out of the gate and has gotten better as his role increased. But with his QB declaring I don't see where it benefits him in staying another season.

But I'm just nitpicking and overall you did a great job in placing this together.

[joewillie78]

I disagree with the "Sinkers" at WR. What does young kids declaring have to do with Benjamin? I'm guessing your unaware that he's 23 years old and it would be best that he declare despite having 2 more years of eligibility. Also he was just sort of eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving. You also have to place into consideration that he didn't participate in as many snaps as the other top WRs as he barely played in the 2nd half of games therefore his productivity could have been greater. Beckham Jr. Has done a good job in his LSU career. He contributed right out of the gate and has gotten better as his role increased. But with his QB declaring I don't see where it benefits him in staying another season.

But I'm just nitpicking and overall you did a great job in placing this together.

Beckham to me also has the advantage of being a return guy, so that makes him a bit more flexiable than Benjamin, but I agree, Benjamin is a big bodied, physical receiver who will be great in the red zone. Would I be disappointed at either at #18? Absolutely not.

[BroadwayJoe12]

Hill shouldn't get THAT much credit for being a sophomore RB declaring for the draft. He's 21. Terrell Suggs was 20 when drafted as a junior. Not really a knock either...He reminds me a whole lot of a young Michael Turner as a runner. Similar build, size, and both have surprising speed and burst. 

 

I think Carey is going to be a star. 

 

I'm starting to get Clinton-Dix. After Sammy Watkins and Carey there aren't really 1st round caliber players I've locked into as great fits for this team. Carey probably/maybe won't even go in the first. Clinton-Dix is getting there.

 

I think it's worth a chuckle that Pryor is the best safety prospect from Louisville since Kerry Rhodes unless I'm forgetting someone.

 

Turner comparison is a good one, very similar styles of running. Only real difference is that Hill's got about 4+ inches on him.  I remember talking to Jif about all the sophomore backs and how even though Gurley is a stud, Hill's been my favorite for a bit.  I know I ride the LSU homer-wagon hard, but Beckham, Hill and Mettenberger are three of my favorite prospects at their respective positions. 

[NYJetsVets91]

I disagree with the "Sinkers" at WR. What does young kids declaring have to do with Benjamin? I'm guessing your unaware that he's 23 years old and it would be best that he declare despite having 2 more years of eligibility. Also he was just sort of eclipsing 1,000 yards receiving. You also have to place into consideration that he didn't participate in as many snaps as the other top WRs as he barely played in the 2nd half of games therefore his productivity could have been greater. Beckham Jr. Has done a good job in his LSU career. He contributed right out of the gate and has gotten better as his role increased. But with his QB declaring I don't see where it benefits him in staying another season.

But I'm just nitpicking and overall you did a great job in placing this together.

 

That is a good point on Benjamin... I didn't know he was 23. It could go either way if he stayed for another year, He could be even more integrated into the offense and put up better numbers I'd like to see him hit 1.5k yards since there are so many WRs in this draft class with 1,000 plus yards receiving. Although, 15 TDs is a beastly number. As far as Beckham Jr. goes, I know his stock with the Jets soared when we hired McGaughey as our special teams coach; apparently he has a soft spot for Beckham Jr. so I could see him as a possibility for the Jets.

[SenorGato]

Didn't Carey beat the sh*t out of his girlfriend?

 

http://www.kvoa.com/news/police-report-details-ka-deem-carey-s-alleged-domestic-dispute/

 

T0mSaint...though realistically it's a bit of a turnoff that this even exists.