FROM WES BUNTING:
With the start of the NFL Combine this week, team executives are now putting the finishing touches on their draft boards and position rankings. Not much has taken place the past week, and there hasn’t been much change to the overall rankings. But with the draft season getting into full swing, things aren’t likely to stay that way. Here are the National Football Post’s weekly rankings of the top 10 players at each position.
NFP readers should make sure to register for the “Pick Five for 85” contest to guess the five fastest players at the Combine. Here’s a cheat sheet to help get you started.
Cornerbacks (in no particular order),
Darius Butler, Connecticut
Vontae Davis, Illinois
Domonique Johnson, Jackson State
Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina
Bruce Johnson, Miami
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Third Down Backs
Full Backs
Wide Receivers
Slot Receivers
Possession Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards
Centers
4-3 Defensive Ends
3-4 Defensive Ends
Nose Tackles
Three-Technique Tackles
4-3 Outside Linebackers
3-4 Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Free Safeties
Strong Safeties
Wes of your ILBs who played a 4-3 in college, who most easlily will adapt to playing in a 3-4?
So does this ranking mean that Cushing would not be a good OLB in a 3-4 alignment?
Wes, what if we already registered on NFP? Do we have to re-register to do the Pick 5 for 85?
B_O_R:
I will get to that in the coming weeks, but I appreciate the enthusiasm.
spud: I think their power and ability to take on and shed blocks would serve them well in a 3-4
Rey Maualug
Frantz Joseph
Andrew:
Absolutely not, Cushing is one of the most versatile prospects in the draft and has the ability to play inside or outside in a 3-4 or outside in a 4-3. I just really like him outside in a 4-3.
JT: Just put in your name and pick, I don't think you need to re-register.
Mr. Bunting:
Thanks for the updated rankings...
How much has the injury affected Travis Beckums ranking? I see as a potential steal. From the big 10 games I saw I though he was a much better player than Dustin Keller and he had a solid rookie year. Where round and/or teams would be interest in him?
I am not a Lions fan, but if I was them I would not be able to justify selecting Stafford #1 overall. Historically, offensive lineman, such as Joe Thomas and Clady the last 2 years, can be pro-bowlers immediately. You build from the lines out (offensive line & defensive line). They have a real chance to start building their foundation for the future, and go after a QB next year, or go for Freeman in round 2 this year.
Wes - I started paying attention to the NFP because of the incredible insight of Michael Lombardi. I read pretty much everything he puts out as he is far-and-away the best NFL resource around. I am happy to say that your column has provided me with an excellent draft resource which has no equal. So, thank you for that.
With that said, I constantly wonder if we can take these lists one step further. Specifically, I wonder about these cookie cutter ratings of players. Its always 8 of the same 10 players in the top 10 of every list. When I look at WRs, I have a feeling that a guy like Percy Harvin is just too small to be a franchise WR (but then back off that stance because he is so dangerous) or DHB might drop too many balls to be a real player but I can't seem to find a source willing to break the mold and make the call. My ability to evaluate a college player is questionable at best, and in any event it is far inferior to yours, so what I would really love to see is your analysis of which players you would take (or wouldn't take) on your team and why. In coming to this conclusion, it would be incredibly valuable if you could provide a breakdown of what strengths you believe will assure success or flaws you believe will likely be fatal to the player at the next level.
Thank you.
As a USC fan, I always thought that Fili Moala was best served as a 3-Tech Tackle in a 4-3. After watching him play along side Sedrick Ellis in 2007 and then seeing him having to take the double teams in 2008 I believe that what "did USC in" was the lack of a true experienced NT that would anchor the line and allow Fili to rush the QB. Why do you believe differently?
Wes I got a couple players I want to ask if you have looked at that I like for day two picks.
CB Glover Quin CB, New Mexico
Victor Butler DE/OLB, Oregon State, Do you think he can make the change to a 3-4 OLB?
Andrew Hartline OT, Central Michigan
Bear Pascoe TE, Fresno State
And Sammie Lee Hill, do you think he can play NT in the 3-4 and maybe both NT and DE.
LEE ROBINSON FROM ALCORN STATE
LEE........... ROBINSON
GREAT PICK UP FOR ANYONE
LEE ROBINSON
Really enjoy reading NFP.
Could you tell us who you think the best blocking tight ends are,, As these could be used as H-Back/Fullback.
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Feb 17, 2009
08:30 AM
Wes,
Thank you for the effort to keep things current. For some feedback, why no crossover between rankings with similar skills/body types?
Paul Kruger demonstrated positional flexibility in the Sugar Bowl, standing up as a 3-4 OLB and going knuckle down as a 4-3 DE.
Several of the players you have listed as either Centers or Guards have proven capable of playing either position.
Depending on the system, Sean Smith might play CB or S.
Jarron Gilbert would seem to be attractive to both 3-4 teams at DE, and 4-3 teams as a 3-technique.