Top 50 Players for the 2014 NFL Draft (#26 - #50)
26. DION BAILEY - SS 6-0 210 rJr. USC
Recruited as a DS out of H.S. to OLB at USC and now back to SS for 2013. He has excelled at
OLB both against the run and against the pass and his awareness and playmaking ability should
allow him to excel at SS. Strong tackler who also had four interceptions and five PBU's from his
OLB position, numbers as a DS would project him as a high draft choice.
27. COLT LYERLA - TE 6-41/2 245 Jr. Oregon
Really athletic receiver type who can split out or play in line and is a deep threat from
wherever located.
28. ANTONIO RICHARDSON - LOT 6-6 332 Jr. Tennessee
Developing LOT who still has some technique issues but did well vs. Jadeveon Clowney in 2012.
29. DAVID YANKEY - OG 6-5 312 rJr. Stanford
Played LOT in 2012 where he was voted best OLineman in conference by Pac-12 DLineman. Is
moving to his natural OG position in 2013, where coaches have said, "best pulling OG in country."
Technically sound plus versatility are attributes, and would be ideal for playoff contending team
as could fit in wherever and immediately. No grooming or training required.
30. A.J. JOHNSON - MLB/OLB 6-2 240 Jr. Tennessee
Has the size and ability to play any LB position. Has proven to be very strong against the
run but will have to show that he can also pass drop and defend against the pass.
31. DONTE MONCRIEF - WR 6-11/2 224 Jr. Ole Miss
Is also a member of the "Freak Athlete" club and has also been freakish as a WR.
32. JASON VERRETT - CB 5-91/2 178 Sr. TCU
This guy is as good as just about any player in the country at his position but his lack of size
places his durability into question. Based upon ability alone, he would be drafted much higher.
33. LAMIN BARROW - OLB 6-11/2 232 rSr. LSU
Has played ILB but his quickness and speed would prove valuable on the edge and, in fact,
LSU has moved him to WLB for 2013. And while he didn't get that much attention with Kevin
Minter, B. Mingo, Sam Montgomery, Eric Reid and Bennie Logan also on the defense, he did
manage to rack up 107 total tackles with 7.5 TFL, five PBU and more, and I look for him to use
his 4.56 speed to gain national attention this year.
34A. ALLEN ROBINSON - WR 6-21/2 205 Jr. Penn State
Good size, speed, ball catching ability and production. Dependable WR with size and speed
who has also been used as a kick returner, which shows that he has speed and running ability.
34B. MIKE EVANS - WR 6-4 225 rSoph Texas A&M
Good size, speed, ball catching ability and production. Isn't really a burner and many of his
receptions are contested, which indicates he can be covered. Gets tie with Robinson
however, as Evans has 4.47 speed and averaged 13.5 yds. on 83 receptions
while Robinson has his 4.43 speed and averaged 13.2 yds. on 77 receptions.
35. AARON COLVIN - CB 5-111/2 182 Sr. Oklahoma
Led Sooners in total tackles in 2011 and was third in 2012 and also can cover and play the
ball. Good awareness and stands out in TV games that I have seen, but it has been claimed that
he is inconsistent and he too is not the biggest.
36. YAWIN SMALLWOOD - MLB/ILB/OLB 6-2 244 rJr. UCONN
He jumps out at you from his MLB position when you watch UConn play. Has size, speed,
awareness, athleticism and playmaking ability to play any LB position. Has shown some pass
defense ability but would like to see more as he seems to have an attack mentality.
37. TAYLOR LEWAN - LOT 6-61/2 304 rSr. Michigan
Prototype size/speed for the position along with All-American and All-Conference honors. He
surprised people by returning for his senior season. And while he did pretty well vs. Jadeveon
Clowney in Michigan's bowl game, his lateral foot quickness, COD and adjusting to inside
moves are a work in progress as was evident in the Northwestern game. Much to work with
however, as he has shown some nastiness, has good attitude and is team leader. He could
improve from this ranking for LOT or be considered for ROT or OG.
38. SHAYNE SKOV - MLB/ILB 6-21/2 244 rSr. Stanford
In 2010 he led the Cardinal in tackles and tied for the team lead in TFL and PBU, was brilliant
in their bowl game, went down with knee injury in 2011, came back to lead in tackles again
in 2012 but didn't show the explosion that he had before. Spring reports indicate that the
explosion is back and if so, could vault into the first round. He too, like Smallwood, should show
more on pass defense as an attack mentality would also apply to Skov.
39. GABE JACKSON - OG 6-3 335 rSr. Mississippi State
Physically dominant and space eater who can anchor on pass blocking.
40. KA'DEEM CAREY - RB 5-10 198 Jr. Arizona
Outstanding runner and pass receiver and while his 4.43 forty doesn't match Lache Sistrunk's
4.34, Carey has so far proven to be more of a workhorse and pass receiver than the other
RBs. Can run between the tackles and turn the corner and was nation's leading rusher and
1st Team All-American in 2012 but has had some off the field issues to be considered.
41. SCOTT CRICHTON - DE 6-3 260 rJr. Oregon State
Since the name of the game is "get the QB" (sorry Commissioner, I didn't mean it that way),
this is what Crichton does best as being honored 1st Team All-Pac 12 last year in a
conference loaded with good DE's. Probably would be best in a 4/3 defense with OLB in
a 3/4 a possibility.
42. KAREEM MARTIN - DE 6-5 265 Sr. North Carolina
Ideal size and speed for a 4/3 DE and was 2nd Team All-ACC in 2012 and was productive
with four sacks, 11.5 TFL and eight QB hurries but at times looked more like a terrific athlete
(which he is), than a player with good football techniques. Improvement in those techniques
instead of just relying on his natural athleticism will elevate his draft stock.
43. LACHE SISTRUNK - RB 5-9 210 rJr. Baylor
His explosive breakaway speed resulted in an average of 7.7 yards per carry but that was
on a limited basis and he only had nine pass receptions so we need to see more; BUT this year
he again will be splitting time with another good RB, in Glasco Martin. Is he a situational RB
only? David Wilson, former 1st round pick of the NY Giants, is listed at 5-9, 205 and Lache could
be compared to him.
44. JEOFFREY PAGAN - DE 6-31/2 290 Jr. Alabama
Backup on national championship team in 2012, he displayed strength and pass rushing ability
and is on the verge of a breakout campaign. Size, speed and quickness to play DE in a 4/3
or 3/4, he was highly rated out of H.S. and now gets a chance to prove his mettle.
45. JACKSON JEFFCOAT - OLB 6-4 245 Sr. Texas
No. 2 rated recruit coming out of H.S., he has been limited by injuries and while he plays DE
at Texas, his size, agility and 4.58 forty would make him an ideal OLB in any scheme.
46. TRE BOSTON - FS 6-0 205 Sr. North Carolina
Size, speed and athleticism for the position.
47. JACE AMARO - TE 6-41/2 257 Jr. Texas Tech
Was on his way to standout season in 2012 but then missed five games with a rib injury. He
averaged 16.4 yards per catch on 25 receptions and played on special teams. His 4.5 speed
as a TE makes him a real weapon either flexed out or from the traditional TE spot.
48. MIKE DAVIS - WR 6-1 193 Sr. Texas
Another highly rated H.S. player who hasn't garnered national attention to date, he still
managed to use his 4.43 speed for 57 catches, 16.5 yds. per catch and seven TDs. He is
acrobatic, can high point the ball and go after it in traffic and expected improvement from
QB David Ash could propel Davis onto the national stage.
49. CAMERON FLEMING - ROT 6-51/2 318 rJr. Stanford
Ideal size and 4.80 forty (best of all OTs) and was Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 in 2012
and pre-season 1st Team All-Pac 12 in 2013 and he has that "Stanford thing" going for him.
I selected him over LOT prospects Cameron Erving, Seantrel Henderson and Morgan Moses
as teams still do use ROT's and with his measurable might even be a possibility at LOT.
50. ANTONE EXUM - CB 6-0 224 Sr. Virginia Tech
One of my favorite players so I had to mention him. After a terrific 2012 season and MVP
of the Russell Bowl, he went down with an ACL in a pickup basketball game. He later claimed
that he played the season on a weak knee, which eventually gave out. Since the injury occurred
in January of 2013, he may not get much playing time this year but he really stood out in the
Virginia Tech games that I saw as is attested to by his five interceptions and 16 passes broken
up even while carrying 224 pounds.
QUARTERBACKS - The difference of opinion on the QB's eligible for the 2014 draft is startling as
after Teddy Bridgewater there is absolutely no agreement for 2 thru 10, so I will mention some
of the more prominent ones who will be watched closely this season.
TAJH BOYD - QB 6-0 225 rSr. Clemson
Can throw deep, take a beating (LSU), and still hang tough, and can use his legs to buy time,
extend plays and also keep the chains moving. Clemson uses him on QB draws which is one
way that Johnny Manziel has also been used, although not recommended in the NFL.
Lack of height and some inconsistency are the negatives.
A.J. Mc CARRON - QB 6-2 214 Sr. Alabama
Has been labeled a "game manager" while others have claimed that he can make all the NFL
throws. The naysayers claim that he doesn't have the strongest arm, while not taking into
account that he played the last six games of 2012 with three broken ribs, which popped in and
out and prevented him from throwing in practice during this period. He can throw deep with
some accuracy, but I would like to see more zip on his short and intermediate throws. Alabama
still lists him at 6-4 but his actual height is 6-2, and with a slight build, this mitigates against
his draft desirability. He has been considered the best in the nation at the check-down pass,
which would be a small consideration if he can't show that he can make all the other throws.
AARON MURRAY - QB 6-01/2 210 Sr. Georgia
Despite the Drew Brees comparisons, he has been criticized for his lack of height (some passes
have been batted down at the LOS) and that he can't win the big ones, but wasn't Peyton
Manning criticized while at Tennessee for not being able to beat Florida? Well, that lack of
height hasn't prevented him from throwing for over 3,000 yards for three straight years and in
the toughest conference in the country. He was second in the nation to McCarron in passing
efficiency and led the nation in yards per completion with 15.63. Actually Devin Gardner of
Michigan was higher, but he had limited throws. As Georgia ended up at about Alabama's
four yard line as the clock ran out, if Aaron had had another seven seconds or so people might
be talking about him and A.J. McCarron a little differently.
STEPHEN MORRIS - QB 6-11/2 215 Miami
Has become the hot prospect after shining during spring practice and then at the Manning
Passing Academy during the summer. Scouts now consider him to have the strongest
Arm, or at least one of the strongest arms, improved accuracy, rush avoidance and run ability.
He has the 2013 season to improve upon his 2012 completion percentage of 58.2 and his
passing efficiency rating of 138.07.
There are too many others to mention here as this is a very deep QB class but I do want to
mention my sleeper QB in BRENDON KAY, 6-4 233 from Cincinnati who could be a
surprise entrant into the QB stakes.
