NFL Draft 2014 Preview (50 page)

Weaknesses:
Has short arms. Lacks elite length and flexibility to bend and flatten. Average instincts and diagnose. Still developing eye discipline. Needs to cultivate a more sophisticated arsenal of pass-rush moves. Leaves some production on the field. Leaves his feet to tackle and slips off the ball carrier. Hit-or-miss run defender. Could stand to improve his upper-body strength and stack-and-shed ability. Average motor — could pursue with more urgency.

Future:
Good-sized, athletic, smooth-moving stand-up player who projects best as a 3-4 right outside linebacker, but could also warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Will or Sam. Is not without flaws, but has unique ability to play up the field, laterally or in reverse.

Draft projection:
Third-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“(Van Noy) has a knack to rush the passer. I see him being more of a nickel, rotational rusher than a full-time starter.”

ILB AVERY WILLIAMSON, #40

KENTUCKY
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Grade: 5.20

Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 246 | Sp: 4.66 | Arm: 32 3/4 | Hand: 9 1/2

History:
Prepped in Tennessee, where he played in two state championship games and was honored as the Outstanding Senior of his graduating class, recognizing academics, character and athletics. Played 12 games in 2010 and was credited with 10 tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks with a pass breakup. Appeared in 12 games in ’11 and collected 49-1.5-0 with an interception and forced fumble. Started at 24 games at middle linebacker and led the Wildcats in tackles his final two seasons — totaled 135-4.5-3 with four pass breakups, an interception and two forced fumbles in ’12; and 102-4-1 in ’13. Team captain.

Strengths:
Good size. Plays with a good, wide base. Very productive tackler. Outstanding personal and football character — works hard, is accountable and commands respect. Smart, understands the game and can make all the calls and on-field adjustments.

Weaknesses:
Average athletic ability and foot quickness — is a step late to the perimeter. Struggles to disengage from blockers once he is locked up. Limited cover range and reactions — is late to recognize and gets sucked up by playaction. Average functional strength. Is not a take-on thumper. His 30 1/2-inch vertical was worst among middle linebackers at the Combine.

Future:
A functional, between-the-tackles run stopper with a chance to make it on the inside of a 3-4 defense where he can patrol the middle. Can be targeted in coverage and will need to make a mark on special teams to stick.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

ILB-SLB JORDAN ZUMWALT, #35

UCLA
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Grade: 5.23

Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 235 | Sp: 4.76 | Arm: 31 1/4 | Hand: 8 3/4

History:
Highly recruited inside linebacker who also played basketball as a California prep. Verballed to Stanford, but signed with UCLA. Played 11 games as a true freshman in 2010 — injuries thrust him into the starting lineup at middle linebacker the final four games and he produced 32 tackles, three for loss and three sacks. Played all 13 games in ’11, starting four (three at weak-side linebacker, one at MLB), and notched 60-6-0 with a pass breakup and an interception. Playing in a 3-4 in ’12 — started 9-of-13 games (five at left inside linebacker, four at left outside linebacker) and totaled 71-8-2 with a pass breakup, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick. Did not play against Colorado after a scooter accident required stitches, leaving him unable to wear a helmet. Started all 13 games in ’13 (12 at LILB, one at LOLB) and registered 93-5 1/2-0 with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Did not bench press at the Combine (left shoulder).

Strengths:
Very competitive with a fiery, on-field temperament. Explosive hitter. Throws his body around recklessly and times up the blitz well (disruptive presence). Is around the ball a lot. Very good football intelligence — lines up teammates and makes adjustments. Versatile and has played all linebacker positions and contributed as a fullback in short-yardage situations. Defensive tone-setter — has a love for the game and it shows. Plays big on big stages — capped his career with co-MVP effort in the Sun Bowl vs. Virginia Tech, when he knocked Logan Thomas unconscious and returned an interception 43 yards.

Weaknesses:
Does not play strong. Mechanical mover. Tight-hipped with average change of direction. Gets outflanked to the corner vs. speed. Average knockback body power — does not strike with thump to drive back ball carriers. Catches too much. Struggles to disengage from blocks when he is locked up. Limited coverage range. Has small hands and a relatively short wing span given his height.

Future:
High-energy overachiever with a special-teams temperament. Stands out most for his competitiveness, effort, versatility and swagger. Brings the feisty type of attitude desired on a Jeff Fisher or Jim Schwartz defense. Will factor immediately on special teams and could work his way into a starting lineup.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“Zumwalt has no pop, can’t run and can’t get off blocks. When you see him in person, his body type is so skinny-looking. It’s not inspiring in any way.”

Defensive Backs

RASHAAD REYNOLDS

BASHAUD BREELAND

MARQUESTON HUFF

JASON VERRETT

KYLE FULLER

HA HA CLINTON-DIX

BRADLEY ROBY

DARQUEZE DENNARD

CALVIN PRYOR

JUSTIN GILBERT

SS MO ALEXANDER, #14

UTAH STATE
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Grade: 5.24

Ht: 6-1 1/4 | Wt: 220 | Sp: 4.54 | Arm: 32 5/8 | Hand: 8 7/8

History:
Birth name is Maurice. St. Louis native who also earned all-state recognition in wrestling and track as a prep. Began his college career at Arizona Western College in 2009, playing in 10 games and recording 81 tackles and two interceptions with 17 1/2 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two forced fumbles. Appeared in 12 games in ’10 and had 98 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception with 19 tackles for loss (for 116 yards), eight sacks and one forced fumble. The 19 tackles for loss ranked second in the NJCAA, while the yards lost total ranked first. Moved on to Utah State in ’11 and played outside linebacker, appearing in 12 games (eight starts) with 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one pass breakup. During the off-season, he punched a teammate in the face after a party (the teammate subsequently underwent emergency surgery) and charges were filed. He was originally facing a second-degree felony, but he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor reduced charge of aggravated assault resulting in bodily injury. After initially being ordered to serve a year in jail, the judge suspended all but 45 days of the jail sentence. He was kicked off the team for the ’12 season but was given a second chance, returning in ’13. He started 13 games at free safety, registering 80 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception with nine tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Missed the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl after undergoing wrist surgery, which also prevented him from bench pressing at the Combine (medical exclusion).

Strengths:
Very good size and movement skills. Covers ground. Has a 38-inch vertical jump. Drops into the box and fits in the run game. Physical tackler. Effective blitzer. Aggressive and energetic. Has special-teams experience.

Weaknesses:
Miscast in deep coverage. Has man-coverage limitations. Lacks foot speed to keep pace with receivers. Inconsistent ball reactions — in position to make plays, but doesn’t. Can be overaggressive and take poor angles. Has tweener traits.

Future:
Big, physical, athletic, converted linebacker who will have to carve a niche as a box defender and special-teams contributor to hold down a roster spot as a reserve safety. Size and aggressiveness will earn him a look in a league increasingly desirous of such traits in the secondary.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.
Scout’s take:
“He’s a converted linebacker who strikes with some thump. He has some intriguing traits. He wouldn’t start for us. He’s a backup, but he has the traits to ascend if he stays (out of trouble).”

RCB RICardo ALLEN, #21

PURDUE
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Grade: 5.05

Ht: 5-9 1/8 | Wt: 187 | Sp: 4.61 | Arm: 30 | Hand: 9 1/4

History:
Also participated in soccer and track as a Florida prep. Started all 12 games at left cornerback as a true freshman for Purdue in 2010, recording 73 tackles, four pass breakups and three interceptions with 3 1/2 tackles for loss and one sack. Led the team in picks and returned a pair for touchdowns, scampering 94 yards vs. Michigan and 35 yards at Michigan State. Made 13 starts at left cornerback in ’11 and posted 79-4-3 with three tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Scored on 37-yard interception return against Minnesota. Blocked a field goal attempt on the final play of the game in the season opener against Middle Tennessee. Returned one punt for seven yards. Tallied 45-4-1 in 13 games (11 starts) in ’12 with four tackles for loss and one sack. Returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown against Marshall. Had one punt return for 25 yards. Started 10 games at left cornerback and two games at nickelback in ’13 and tallied 53-3-6 with four tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble. Team captain. Saw action in all 50 possible games during his Purdue career, finishing with 13 interceptions — the second-highest total in school history.

Strengths:
Athletic with fluid movement skills. Plants and drives with urgency and shows good closing burst. Showed a knack for making plays — returned four of 13 career INTs for TDs). Active and energetic. Durable four-year starter. Solid personal and football character.

Weaknesses:
Undersized — at a physical disadvantage vs. bigger receivers. Limited functional strength — is not equipped to press and or tackle forcefully. Inconsistent run support. Below-average timed speed. Eyes get stuck in the backfield — vulnerable to quarterback manipulation and double moves. Average transitional quickness. Allows too big of a cushion.

Future:
Short, lean-framed, battle-tested corner who lacks exceptional athletic traits and will always have physical limitations, but has enough competitiveness and ball sills to compete for a spot as a reserve.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

SS DION BAILEY, #18 (JUNIOR)

USC
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Grade: 5.20

Ht: 5-11 3/4 | Wt: 201 | Sp: 4.66 | Arm: 32 | Hand: 9 1/2

History:
California native. Redshirted in 2010. During ’11 spring practice, he moved from safety to linebacker, and started 11 games on the strong side — tied for the team lead with 81 tackles and had eight tackles for loss and two sacks with two pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble. Missed one game with a concussion. Was named the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. In ’12, tallied 80-8-1 with five pass breakups, four interceptions and one forced fumble in 13 starts at SLB. In ’13, he missed spring practice while recuperating from off-season shoulder surgery. He also dropped 10 pounds in order to move back to the safety position. Mainly lined up in the nickel position, appearing in 14 games (11 starts) and recording 61 tackles, six pass breakups and five interceptions with 6 1/2 tackles for loss, 1/2 sack and one forced fumble.

Strengths:
Good hands to intercept. Was an impact defender as a redshirt freshman despite playing out of place as an undersized linebacker.

Weaknesses:
Durability is a concern. Has pedestrian speed — struggles to match with slot receivers. Lacks experience in deep coverage. Still developing positional instincts and feel for route combinations. Takes some inaccurate angles. Goes low and misses tackles. Has tweener traits.

Future:
Classic linebacker-safety tweener whose best shot to carve a niche in the pros could come as a nickel linebacker, where he could utilize his ball skills and be used as a blitzer. Will have to make his mark on special teams.

Draft projection:
Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I’m not really sure what to do with him. He’s like a nickel linebacker / safety. He has pretty good ball skills. He doesn’t even start. He starts three-quarters of the time. Against Stanford, he had a pick in the end zone. He’s not a full-time player. I have a hard time comparing him to anyone.”

RCB-KR DEION BELUE, #13

ALABAMA
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Grade: 5.09

Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 182 | Sp: 4.60e | Arm: 31 1/2| Hand: 8 1/8

History:
His last name is pronounced “BLUE.” Alabama native who played defensive back, running back and kick returner in high school. Was a non-qualifier and went to Northeast Mississippi Community College — appeared in eight games in 2010, recording 20 tackles, four pass breakups and zero interceptions with one forced fumble. Had 11 combined kick returns for 223 yards (20.3 average) and one touchdown. Appeared in 10 games in ’11 and posted 24-8-1 with one tackle for loss and one sack. Returned his interception for a 58-yard touchdown. Also returned kickoffs and punts, combining for 33-693-2 (21.0). Finally arrived on the Alabama campus in ’12 and started all 14 games at cornerback for the national champions, recording 40-7-2 with 6 1/2 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Scored on a 57-yard fumble return against Western Carolina. Was hampered most of ’13 by a turf toe injury he suffered prior to the season, which forced him to miss two games. Started 11 contests at cornerback and totaled 20-3-1 with one tackle for loss. Did not work out at the Combine (right turf toe).

Strengths:
Moves fluidly and pedals smoothly. Has short-area quickness to mirror off the line. Good read-and-react skills. Aware in zone. Has special-teams experience as a jammer. Dependable character. Has a professional approach to the game. Competitive and tough — plays hurt and does not shy from a challenge.

Weaknesses:
Has been dinged up and durability is an issue. Size is just adequate — could stand to bulk up and improve functional strength. Has short arms and very small hands. Disadvantaged vs. bigger, stronger receivers. Not explosive. Gives ground at the break point. Loses phase. Minimal ball production. Inconsistent downfield ball reactions. Weak, shoddy tackler.

Future:
Lean, high-cut, press-bail corner with enough field speed, range and competitiveness to compete for a sub-package role. Played hurt as a senior and has desirable intangibles, though he must shore up his tackling and show effectiveness on special teams to give himself a chance.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

RCB BENE BENWIKERE, #21

SAN JOSE STATE
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Grade: 5.18

Ht: 5-10 3/4 | Wt: 195 | Sp: 4.63 | Arm: 30 | Hand: 9 1/8

History:
His name is pronounced “Ben-ay Ben-WICK-urr-rhee.” His cousin, Chris Owens, has played cornerback in the NFL with Atlanta, Cleveland and Miami. Prepped in California, where he won a state championship, played basketball and ran track. Had arthroscopic surgery in high school to repair his right MCL. Played safety in his freshman year at San Jose State in ’10, appearing in 13 games (nine starts) and recording 74 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception with 1 1/2 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Saw most of his action at cornerback in ’11 and appeared in 10 games (two starts), posting 18-3-1 with one-half tackle for loss. Also caught one pass for 11 yards. Played the second half of the campaign with an injured right wrist and underwent arthroscopic surgery after the season. In ’12, played in 13 games (eight starts) and recorded 67-4-7 with 7 1/2 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Began the year seeing action in nickel coverages before starting the last seven games of the season. Tied a school record with a three-interception performance against Louisiana Tech. Scored touchdowns on a 37-yard fumble recovery against New Mexico State and a 47-yard interception return against Idaho. In ’13, totaled 55-11-5 with two tackles for loss and one sack in 11 starts. Missed one game with a concussion. Concluded his career with a school-record 14 interceptions.

Strengths:
Good size. Outstanding leaping ability — posted a 40 1/2-inch vertical jump at the Combine. Excellent ball skills — plays the ball in the air like a receiver. Competes in the air, can highpoint the ball and snag INTs with his hands. Quick to read run and pass. Has special-teams experience, including as a gunner and jammer. Good football intelligence. Demonstrated secondary versatility — has played corner, safety and nickel back.

Weaknesses:
Needs to spend more time in the weight room — pushed 225 pounds just 10 times at the Combine. Could stand to improve his tackling. Below-average timed speed — struggled matching with the explosive vertical speed of Stanford WR Ty Montgomery. Production inflated by lesser competition.