Every year around this time, NFL fans across the country search far and wide for the latest buzz on prospects for the NFL Draft. Everyone wants to know which prospects are seeing their "stock rise" or who is "flying up draft boards". Well, look no further, because every week from now through draft weekend, we will be taking a closer look at which prospects from each position are generating the most buzz. PhiladelphiaEagles.com has reached out to a variety of notable NFL draft analysts to solicit their opinions on which prospects have been under the microscope. With the Combine a week away, let's take a look at each position, and see who is seeing their stock climb at one of the most important parts of the draft process.
Quarterback (Tony Pauline – SI.com):
Ryan Tannehill, 6-4, 222, of Texas A&M has been the talk of the quarterbacks since December. The former wide receiver entered the season with a third-round grade yet improved every aspect of his game; accuracy, decision making and the ability to throw on the move. His combination of athleticism, intellect and growth potential have most believing Tannehill will be a dynamic starting passer in the league once he polishes his game. League insiders feel last April's draft, where many of the quarterbacks were selected much earlier than originally anticipated, handed teams in the top half of this year's round one who need a passer the green light to select Tannehill. But the senior hit a major bump in the road in early January when he broke a bone in his foot during an innocent passing drill. Many now feel Tannehill's hopes of being a top twelve choice are dashed. There's still a lot of conversation and opinion as to where Tannehill will ultimately end up in April's draft.
Our Take: Tannehill certainly proved in 2011 that he's one of the best signal callers in this draft class, and while this injury setback may keep him from working out in front of NFL brass this spring, he is a lock to be one of the first quarterbacks drafted in April.
Running Back (Cecil Lammey – NFL Insider, ESPN Denver):
On film there's a lot to like about Boise State's Doug Martin, 5-9, 219. He's built low to the ground, has good balance, vision, toughness, and is a good receiver out of the backfield. After the college season he was seen by some as an early third-round pick. He continued to impress at the Senior Bowl, where he lived up to what he showed on film. Now many consider him to be a late first- or early second-round pick. Michael Smith, 5-9, 205, was overshadowed at Utah State by fellow draft prospect Robert Turbin but he did a good job of making a name for himself at the Players All Star Classic in Little Rock, AR. He wowed scouts with his initial burst, acceleration through the hole, and multiple moves in the open field. He's a late round prospect or a priority free agent who didn't get invited to the Scouting Combine. His performance on film and at the Players All Star Classic was enough to get him on NFL scout's radar.
Our Take: Martin was absolutely one of the most impressive runners during the week of practice in Mobile, and after a year where the do-everything running back thrived at Boise State, he is clearly one of the more highly sought after rushers in this class. Smith is a player we named as one of our top "Combine Snubs", and should pick up plenty of steam down the stretch as a late-round pick.
Wide Receiver (Josh Norris – Rotoworld):
The versatility to line up and win at multiple receiver positions is very important, especially with coaches implementing a diverse variety of formations. At first glance Baylor's Kendall Wright, 5-10, 190, could be labeled as a slot receiver but his explosion off the line, fluidity out of breaks and quickness to separate at any point of the field break the "small" stigma. Wright's body control to adjust to poor throws with strong hands is outstanding and he's lethal after the catch or as a returner. Marvin Jones, 6-2, 198, was limited as the second receiver at California Berkley but showcased quality skills as a consistent force at the Senior Bowl. He bursts off the line quickly to eat up cushion while running exaggerated and precise routes to create space even against physical corners. Just like Wright, Jones consistently makes acrobatic catches, especially along the sideline. He seems destined for a better pro career.
Our Take: Despite not participating in the Senior Bowl, Wright's name continues to be thrown around as one of, if not the, top receivers in this draft, even ahead of Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon. The Combine could further vault him into that status. Jones was one of the stars in Mobile during Senior Bowl practices, and his abilities as a route runner will secure his place as one of the top wideouts available.
Tight End (Jared Counterman – NFLDraft101.com):
The buzz I'm hearing around the tight end position is all coming from Coby Fleener from Stanford. I was actually told earlier this week that people close to Fleener expect him to run a sub 4.5 forty yard dash at the Combine. Running in that range would obviously be huge for his draft stock. Fleener, 6-6, 244, is a massive guy, and consistently gets behind the defense and down the seam. He possesses elite hands for his position, and is one of the more natural receivers in this draft class. I think he's a high second round pick, somewhere in the 33-45 range when it's all said and done.
Our Take: In an offense that featured the tight end more than maybe any team in college football, Fleener stood out as the guy on the other end of Andrew Luck's passes. His physical tools and overall athleticism will be on display next week in Indianapolis.
Offensive Line (Tommy Lawlor – Scouts Notebook):
Every year there are some players who shine at the Senior Bowl and get people in the NFL Draft community talking. One player who did that this year is California offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz. He was a left tackle at Cal, but mostly played on the right side in Mobile. Schwartz was solid in practice and really came alive in the game. Schwartz, 6-5, 317, is the one blocker who was able to keep top-15 pick Quinton Coples under control. There was one play early in the game when Schwartz actually put Coples on the ground. He is a tough, physical run blocker and is good enough in pass protection that he can be a starting tackle. The interior blocker generating buzz is guard Brandon Brooks, 6-5, 343, from Miami (OH). He had a very strong showing at the Shrine Game. He is a huge blocker who can just overwhelm defenders. Brooks won't appeal to all 32 teams, but those that like to run the ball and want big blockers will covet him.
Our Take: As Tommy stated, both of these players were standouts in their respective postseason All-Star games. Schwartz was a pleasant surprise, and if he can continue to impress in workouts he could see his name called as early as the second round. Brooks, another one of our "Combine Snubs", has the potential to be a mauler and despite not being invited to Indy still has a shot at being a third- or fourth-round pick.
