Note: Mock Monday on NNR 6 PM on The Bill Smith Radio Show. Join us.
DE – 1 Jadeveon Clowney South Carolina – My highest rated D player in more than 8 years.
2 Dee Ford Auburn – Strictly a 43 DE that needs work on run D. Good pass rusher.
3 Trent Murphy Stanford – Another 43 only guy that needs work on stopping the run.
4 Kony Ealy Missouri – Versatile 43 guy that needs to add weight to play on a 34 D.
5 Scott Crichton Oregon State – 2nd round value that can play in either a 43 or 34 D.
Under the radar – Larry Webster Bloomsburg – Small school guy that is outstanding at pass rush.
DT – 1 Aaron Donald Pittsburgh – Perfect 3 technique DT that will be a high priority in the draft.
2 RaShede Hageman Minnesota – Big guy that can take a double and still stuff the run.
3 Timmy Jernigan Florida State – Pass rushing DT that can handle the run as well.
4 Stephon Tuitt Notre Dame – High effort guy that a run stopper will push the pocket a little.
5 Louis Nix Notre Dame – One of the few NT guys in the draft that will stop the run.
Under the radar – Jamie Meder Ashland – 3 technique guy that is better than a 7th round value.
OLB – 1 Khalil Mack Buffalo – Dominates all levels of college & will be a great pro.
2 Ryan Shazier Ohio State – Super fast and athletic guy that can cover or rush the passer.
3 Kyle Van Noy Brigham Young – Pass rusher with good instincts in coverage.
4 Telvin Smith Florida State – High effort guy that can play outside or inside.
5 Anthony Barr UCLA – Athletic guy that doesn’t make enough plays & has a lot to learn.
ILB – 1 C.J. Mosley Alabama – Great against the run but does not rush the passer well.
2 Shayne Skov Stanford – Tough vs the run and can cover.
3 Chris Borland Wisconsin – Too short but makes all the plays against the run and pass.
4 Max Bullough Michigan State – Great against the run and can provide pass rush as well.
5 Preston Brown Louisville – Rose quickly this season but doesn’t make enough plays.
CB – 1 Darqueze Dennard Michigan State – Great tackler that can play press man or zone well.
2 Kyle Fuller Virginia Tech – Can play any spot in the backfield. Good against run or pass.
3 Jason Verrett TCU – Too short but can highpoint the ball. Great ball skills.
4 Bradley Roby Ohio State – Had a bad 2013 but has the physical talent to play in the NFL.
5 Justin Gilbert Oklahoma State – Solid cover guy that won’t tackle. Not a cover 2 guy.
S – 1 Calvin Pryor Louisville – Plays the run and pass equally well. Can play FS or SS.
2 Hasean Clinton-Dix Alabama – True center fielder with good instincts and tackles well.
3 Jimmie Ward Northern Illinois – Big hitter that can cover with good ball skills.
4 Terrence Brooks Florida State – Great ball skills but can support the run as well.
5 Lamarcus Joyner Florida State – Attacks the run and passer but covers well. Forces TO well.
That is what I think. Tell us what you think.
NOTE: Check out the live News, Notes and Rumors show on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 6 PM Eastern on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. On Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, former NFL scout Kelron Sykes and I talk NFL draft with just a little Indians and Cavs thrown in. The archive is available on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.
Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. Follow him on twitter @NNRonDSN to get the schedule of Special News, Notes and Rumors broadcasts. You can hear the previous shows on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/ and the live show Mondays at 6 PM Eastern time on .
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