NFL Draft 2014 Preview (61 page)

Future:
Good-sized, press-man corner with developing instincts and enough cover skill to warrant a chance to develop.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

LCB JAYLEN WATKINS, #14

FLORIDA
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Grade: 5.15

Ht: 5-11 1/2 | Wt: 194 | Sp: 4.41 | Arm: 30 5/8 | Hand: 9 5/8

History:
Brother, Sammy, was a star receiver at Clemson and projects as a top-10 pick. Jaylen was a highly recruited Florida native who also ran track in addition to playing cornerback and quarterback. Had surgery on his left quadriceps in April 2010. Appeared in 10 games as a true freshman in the fall, mostly as a gunner on punt returns, and recorded eight tackles, one pass breakup and zero interceptions. Missed spring practice in ’11 after hernia surgery before posting 34-5-0 with one tackle for loss in 13 games (eight starts, including the last six) during the fall. Started 11-of-13 games at CB in ’12 and tallied 39-8-3 with one tackle for loss. Returned his first career interception 26 yards for a score against Kentucky. In ’13, registered 52-7-0 with two tackles for loss in 12 games — made six starts at safety and three at CB. Hurt his right Achilles at the Senior Bowl, and did not do positional drills at the Combine (medical exclusion).

Strengths:
Nice size and strength for a cornerback (22 benchpress reps at the Combine). Excellent speed. Good fluidity and movement skills. Alert in zones. Flashes some playmaking ability. Versatile — lined up as a corner, safety and nickel defender and played on all special teams.

Weaknesses:
Thin-framed, small-boned and short-armed with minimal muscular development. Lacks ideal size and strength for a safety and quickness and burst for a corner. Average press strength to re-route receivers. Allows separation at break points — late to transition out of his pedal. Too grabby. Selective hitter -- shows up in spurts. Not a physical tackler. Tends to propel his shoulder into ball carriers and needs to do a better job securing tackles.

Future:
A fluid, loose-hipped, versatile cover man who projects to a No. 3 or No. 4 corner in the pros, Watkins could most ideally fit in the slot, with enough physicality to defend the run and fine short-area cover skills to match up with shifty receivers.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

RCB LAVELLE WESTBROOKS, #18

GEORGIA SOUTHERN
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Grade: 5.27

Ht: 5-11 1/2 | Wt: 186 | Sp: 4.63 | Arm: 32 3/8 | Hand: 9 3/4

History:
Also competed in long-jump and triple-jump as a Georgia prep. Appeared in 13 games with seven starts as a true freshman in 2010, posting 32 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions with three tackles for loss and one sack. Totaled 60-3-1 with one tackle of loss in 13 games with 12 starts at safety in ’11. Did not play in the season opener vs. Samford. Started 12 of his 13 games played at cornerback in ’12 and tied for the team in lead in pass breakups after posting 43-7-2. Scored his first career touchdown with a 72-yard interception return against Samford. Made 10 starts in ’13 and logged 32-7-2 with one tackle for loss and one sack and didn’t play in season finale win at Florida (undisclosed injury).

Strengths:
Nice arm length and press strength. Efficient pedal. Good plant and drive. Aggressive jumping routes when he sees it. Functional in run support — leverages the field and takes good angles. Good closing speed. Solid, face-up tackler.

Weaknesses:
Size is just adequate. Not an explosive athlete. Short-area quickness is lacking. Green instincts. Loses phase in transition. Average production on the ball. Faced marginal competition and could struggle adjusting to the speed of the pro game.

Future:
Adequate-sized, shuffle-and-bail corner who shed weight to convert from safety to cornerback. Has length and moldable tools, but will require patience.

Draft projection:
Fifth to sixth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I put him late in the fifth. One of his negatives is the long speed. He has length and is decent in run support. You see acceleration and close down hill. He has decent hips. I would like to see him a little bit more balanced and under control and a better tackler in space. Others have put him a lot higher. I’ve heard as high as the third (round) on him (in the fall).”

Specialists

PK CHRIS BOSWELL, #9

RICE
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Grade: 5.09

Ht: 6-2 1/4 | Wt: 185 | Sp: 5.10e | Arm: 31 1/4 | Hand: 8 5/8

History:
The Texas prep kicked in the U.S. Army Bowl and was perfect on all 172 extra point attempts in high school. Also lettered in baseball and soccer. Redshirted in 2009 before taking over placekicking duties, connecting 11-of-17 field-goal attempts, with a long of 50, and 41-of-44 point-after tries in ’10. Handled six kickoffs for a 54.0 average and one touchback. Led the team in scoring with 82 points in ’11 after hitting on 17-of-21 FG attempts, with a long of 54, and 31-of-32 PATs with 59-63.1-14 on kickoffs. Connected on 23-of-29 FGs, tying the school-record with a 57 yarder, and 45-of-47 PATs with 80-63.8-49 on kickoffs in ’12. Hit 5-of-6 FGs against SMU, including three over 50 yards. Set school records for field goals made and total points (114) while leading the nation with six made field goals over 50 yards. In ’13, he connected on 14-of-21 FGs, with a long of 56, and 47-of-49 PATs while kicking off 79-64.2-57. Finished career with 359 points, two shy of the school record. Had four blocked field goals in his career (three in ’10 and one in ’13).

Strengths:
Very good leg strength to convert consistently beyond 50 yards, with 13 career 50-yard-plus field goals. Consistently drives the ball through the end zone on kickoffs. Has proven he can handle pressure. Works at his craft. Confident approach. Outstanding career production — Rice career record-holder in many categories. Four-year starter.

Weaknesses:
Marginal rise, lift and hang-time on kickoffs. Tends to line the ball with a low trajectory. Could stand to hasten his approach (8 career missed extra-point attempts). Has a quirky follow-through.

Summary:
Tall, right-footed, 3-by-2 kicker with NFL starter-caliber leg strength and kickoff potential.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

P STEVEN CLARK, #30

AUBURN
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Grade: 4.85

Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 231 | Sp: 5.15e | Arm: 31 3/4 | Hand: 9

History:
The Missouri prep was an all-state punter, who also played tight end and defensive end. As a freshman in 2010, booted nine punts for 34.9-yard average with a long of 42 and two dropped inside the 20-yard line. Was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award in ’11 and led the SEC with 33 punts inside the 20-yard line after totaling 72-40.8-L58-33. Recorded 70-39.8-L54-15 in ’12. Graduated in May and played the ’13 season as a graduate student, booming 56-42.6-L58-26. During the year, he began using more of an Aussie punt, which travels end over end and bounces back toward the punter. Had only 22 of 207 career punts returned (10.6 percent) and didn’t have a punt blocked.

Strengths:
Outstanding size. Very good ball control, accuracy and placement. Good hang time. Fields the ball cleanly and adjusts well to off-target snaps. Works hard and studies his craft. Handles pressure well. Very durable — has never missed a game.

Weaknesses:
Ball does not explode off his foot. Does not drive the ball for distance. Can improve touch-to-toe times and speed up get-off (three-step punter). Has short arms. Average athlete. Limited in coverage.

Summary:
Big-bodied boomer who is most effective on a short field where he can kick with accuracy, control and generate great hang time.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

PK-P ANTHONY FERA, #4

TEXAS
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Grade: 4.95

Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 211 | Sp: 5.10e | Arm: 31 | Hand: 9 1/8

History:
The Texas prep was an Under Armor All-American before redshirting at Penn State in 2009. Punted 46 times for a 41.4-yard average with a long of 74 (career high) and 13 dropped inside the 20-yard line and partially handled kickoff duty with 34 kicks for a 68.2-yard average and 15 touchbacks in ’10. Was arrested in June ’11 and pleaded guilty to charges of purchasing alcohol for a minor and disorderly conduct. Led the Nittany Lions with 82 points in the fall after connecting on 14-of-17 field goals with a long of 46 and all 20 PATs, while handling kickoffs (45-65.2-10) and punts 64-42.0-L69-18. Following the Jerry Sandusky scandal, he was granted immediate eligibility for ’12 by the NCAA to transfer to Texas without being forced to sit out a season and wanted to be closer to his mother who has MS. Had a very difficult first season at Texas, connecting on 2-of-4 FGs with a long of 42 and 23-of-25 PATs in only six contest. Missed the first four games after suffering a groin injury during fall camp, the Kansas State game with a hip injury and didn’t play against TCU and Oregon State. Had a great bounce back campaign in ’13 as he was a consensus All-America selection and a finalist for the Lou Groza Award after booming punts 75-40.7-32 and connecting on 20-of-22 FGs with a long of 50 and 45-of-46 PATs.

Strengths:
Fine accuracy, placement and hang-time as a punter. Consistently accurate field-goal range inside 40 (did not miss as a senior) and shows range beyond 50. Has experience on big stages. Versatile.

Weaknesses:
Average lift and rise as a kicker. Lacks ideal leg strength as a kickoff specialist.

Summary:
Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Showed significantly improved accuracy as a senior and can compete for a job in a camp.

Draft projection:
Free agent.

PK ZACH HOCKER, #18

ARKANSAS
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Grade: 4.60

Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 189 | Sp: 5.00e | Arm: 30 1/8 | Hand: 8 5/8

History:
Also punted as an Arkansas prep. Connected on 16-of-19 field-goal attempts with a long of 51 and all 56 extra point tries for a team-leading 104 points in 2010. Broke the school record for points by a kicker in ’11 with 118 after making 21-of-27 FGs with a long of 50 and 55-of-57 PATs. Also kicked off 93 times for a 67.8-yard average with 40 touchbacks. Made 11-of-18 FGs with a long of 46 and all 32 PATs while also kicking off (58-64.7-39) in ’12. Hit on 13-of-15 FGs with a career long of 54 and all 28 PATs in addition to kicking off (50-63.2-34) in ’13. Also punted seven times for a 45.7-yard average with a long of 77 and one inside the 20-yard line. Led the Razorbacks in scoring each season and holds school records for points by a kicker (354), FG percentage (77.2), PATs made (171), PAT attempted (173) and field goals (61).

Strengths:
Good leg speed. Consistently converted beyond 50 (3-4 as a senior) and has enough velocity to hang the ball on kickoffs. Well-grounded and humble.

Weaknesses:
Thinly built and undersized. Does not possess a powerful leg. The ball does not explode off his foot (rise). Struggled to handle pressure early in his career.

Summary:
Soccer-style kicker whose leg strength and accuracy seemed to be weakening heading into his senior season, with diminished accuracy and range. Rebounded to make his senior season his best. Could warrant consideration in a camp.

Draft projection:
Free agent.

LS MARCUS HEIT, #63

KANSAS
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Grade: 5.10

Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 258 | Sp: 4.91 | Arm: 31 3/8 | Hand: 9 7/8

History:
Redshirted in 2009. Played in 12-of-13 games in 2011; and all 12 in each of ’12 and ’13. Was perfect on all 363 snaps during his college career.

Strengths:
Good size. Functional ball velocity. Very good accuracy and ball placement. Is tough and will play through pain. Works at his craft.

Weaknesses:
Has very short arms. Marginal weight-room strength. Average athlete. Limited coverage speed and body control to break down in the open field and secure tackles. Marginal tackle production. No position versatility.

Summary:
Functional college long-snapper capable of competing for a job. Lacks any standout traits and limited coverage skill and overall athletic ability could reduce his chances.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

P TOM HORNSEY, #43

MEMPHIS
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Grade: 5.00

Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 221 | Sp: 5.05e | Arm: 31 | Hand: 9 1/8

History:
The native of Australia played tennis and Australian Rules Football as a prep. Spent the 2009-2010 year attending ProKick Australia learning the fundamentals of punting before coming to the States. Booted 80 punts for a 42.7-yard average with a long of 63 and 24 inside the 20-yard line during his first taste of American football in ’10. Led the nation and set the school record for number of punts in ’11 after booming 95-42-L66-23. In ’12, produced 60-43.4-L63-25 and had right knee surgery (torn meniscus) in May. Won the Ray Guy Award in ’13 after recording 62-45.2-L79-29 and was the American Athletic Conference’s Co-Special Teams Player of the Year. Was a threat during his career on fake punts, converting all four of his attempts with three rushes for 62 yards and completed a 61-yard pass. Is 25-years-old.

Strengths:
Very good leg strength. Catches cleanly and approach is very consistent. Drives the ball for distance and is capable of flipping the field. Very good hang time. Handles pressure and the elements well. Works at his craft. Experienced, four-year starter. Serves as the holder on FGs and PATs.

Weaknesses:
Very short arms and small hands. Could stand to hasten his delivery and generate better rise — the ball does not explode off his foot. Accuracy and placement leave room for improvement. Overaged and will be a 25-year-old rookie. Very limited tackler.

Summary:
A right-footed, two-step, strong-legged Aussie punter who is still learning how to apply his craft, Hornsey showed consistent improvement throughout his career and made his senior season his best. Has upside to earn a job.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

P RICHIE LEONE, #15

HOUSTON
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Grade: 4.95

Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 211 | Sp: 5.05e | Arm: 31 3/4 | Hand: 8 7/8

History:
The Georgia prep was an all-state selection. As a true freshman in 2010, punted 35 times for a 41.4-yard average with a long of 63 and 12 inside the 20-yard line while also kicking off 59 times for 64.5-yard average and seven touchbacks. Booted 51-41.1-L63-15 and kicked off 35-63.5-5 in ’11. Led Conference USA in punting average in ’12 after booming 60-45.5-L77-18 and kicking off (71-62.7-25). In ’13, recorded 73-43.2-L65-34 punting and 78-63.5-37 on kickoffs. Was the place kicker for the first seven games, connecting on 11-of-17 field-goal attempts with a long of 40 and all 32 extra point attempts.

Strengths:
Outstanding leg strength — drives the ball. Works at his craft. Experienced, four-year starter. Outstanding production. Can handle kickoffs.

Weaknesses:
Small hands and short arms. Tightly wound, limited athlete. Could speed up delivery and get-off times — too methodical and long in his approach. Nonfactor in coverage.

Summary:
Big, strong-legged, powerful punter capable of booming the ball with good hang, distance and accuracy. Has the tools to earn a starting job and serve as an emergency kickoff specialist.

Draft projection:
Free agent.

P CODY MANDELL, #29

ALABAMA
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Grade: 5.09

Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 216 | Sp: 4.84 | Arm: 31 1/8 | Hand: 9 3/4

History:
The Louisiana prep originally accepted an offer from Tulane but was not academically eligible and the scholarship was pulled. Enrolled at Alabama as a preferred walk-on in 2010 and became the starter, booting 41 punts for a 39.2-yard average with 13 inside the 20-yard line to earn Freshman All-SEC honors. Totaled 39-39.3-L52-11 in ’11. Boomed 50-44.3-L61-19 as a junior in ’12 and 39-47.1-L63-15 in ’13. Graduated.

Strengths:
Very good size. Good hands — adjusts well to the ball. Efficient touch-to-toe times. Works at his craft. Demonstrated ability to handle the elements. Solid coverage safety outlet — has enough athletic ability to tackle. Experienced, four-year starter in the SEC — has played on the biggest of stages and shown he can handle pressure.

Weaknesses:
Inconsistent follow-through and drive. Ball does not explode off his foot. Does not consistently drive the ball.

Summary:
Hardworking former walk-on has shown improvement every season and has the leg strength, focus and precision to become a field-flipping weapon in the pros.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

P PAT O’DONNELL, #16

MIAMI (FLA.)
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Grade:
4.95

Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 220 | Sp: 4.90e | Arm: 32 1/2 | Hand: 9 3/4

History:
Was a three-year letterwinner in track and football as a Florida prep. Began his collegiate career at Cincinnati and punted in three games in 2009, recording seven punts for a 37.9-yard average with a long of 50 and two punts inside the 20-yard line, before redshirting with an undisclosed injury. Booted 52.41.9-L61-16 in ’10. Was a first-team All-Big East selection in ’11 after logging 63-43.8-L76-26 punting and 61 kickoffs for a 64.2-yard average and seven touchbacks. In ’12, booted 59-41.8-L65-23 and 75-63.4-36 on kickoffs. Graduated from Cincinnati and transferred to Miami (Fla.) for his final season in ’13. Set the Canes single-season record with a 47.1 yard per punt average after recording 53-47.1-71-19 and 79-63.1-37 on kickoffs. Was also the holder on field goals and extra point attempts. Did 23 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Combine — more than six tight ends, 19 running backs, 21 defensive linemen and all 37 wide receivers.