Welcome to The 3-4, a website dedicated to NFL analysis, predictions and recent events. We wrote 32 extensive team previews and will be writing about all things football throughout the year. We will be scouting players off game tape, evaluating them, predicting NFL and NCAA games, and much more! If you would like us to write about something in particular, let us know!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Week 9: NFL Draft Stock Watch for 2011

Each and every week, on Wednesday nights, I will update The 3-4 readers on movements within my Big Board. Previous week's performances will dictate which players are labeled, stock up/down.

Stock Up


Andrew Luck
In what fielded the most scouts all season long, the Luck-Locker matchup proved to be very one sided. Luck was poised and firm with every throw made, and even flashed his mobility and explosiveness on the ground. The total package as advertised, Luck sits comfortably atop The3-4’s draft rankings.



Janoris Jenkins
The first play lined up against A.J. Green, Jenkins jumped a curl route and intercepted Aaron Murray. After having been fairly quiet all season long after a huge opening game against Miami  (Ohio), Jenkins proved to scouts that he is a legitimate top 15 draft candidate. 

Rodney Hudson
His technique at the guard position is unquestionably the best in terms of next April’s 2011 draft, and Hudson has shown an ability to really get out and block on the second level. Although his strength is average at best, he more than makes up for those deficiencies with his swift feet and good leverage. Hudson is the best guard prospect and should be regarded as a low 1st round to high 2nd round draft pick.

Roy Helu
Helu showcased incredible one-cut ability and straight line explosiveness; he is a solid zone blocking scheme running back, similar to an Arian Foster.  Climbing rankings in boards across the league, Helu has soft hands, runs with good pad level, and has top end speed.



Daniel Thomas
Continues to show his ability in a big way, as he seems to gain strength as the game wears on. Runs with same amount of power in 4th quarter as he does in the first, great endurance. All-purpose back, soft hands, body control for a big back, definitely can fit in with an NFL team as a 3rd down or goal line back.



Gabe Carimi
I waited and waited until I saw Carimi begin to play to his potential, consistently punishing defenders in the run game. Carimi is the best run blocking lineman (right tackle or guard prospect), in my opinion for the 2011 NFL Draft. His tendency to bend in pass-pro, as well as tightness at times in his slide step keep him low in the 1st round, nevertheless Carimi is a top end lineman.

Stock Down
Ras-I Dowling
He’s been hurt, hasn’t played. Even when he was healthy, his play has been questionable. Not displaying the ball-skills necessary for a 1st round corner. Has the tools and technique, just isn’t a gamechanger.



Blaine Gabbert
After his impressive outing against OU, Gabbert seemed to revert to his 2009 ways. Losing confidence in the pocket as well as his footwork, Gabbert was hurt by a lack of separation on the part of his receivers. Although Gabbert is out of the top 32 at this point, don’t be surprised if he jumps right back in my list and others come next April. His physical talents are unquestionable and the potential is there, he was just dealing with an enormous amount of pressure from Nebraska's front seven.




Jake Locker
Broken ribs and another disappointing performance leaves Locker on the outside looking in. At the start of the season Locker was a definite top 5 overall draft pick. Now ¾ of the way through the 2010 season, Locker is a mid to late 1st Round draft pick at best. 

*Noteable additions to Big Board: Gabe Carimi, Rodney Hudson, Rahim Moore, Demarcus Love

*Noteable dropoffs from the Big Board: Ryan Broyles, Greg Jones, Ras-I Dowling, Blaine Gabbert

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