Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 12

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson

Week 12: 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

Titus Young/Austin Pettis (Boise St.)

Both of Kellen Moore’s top wideouts have NFL caliber speed, route running ability, ball skills, and hands. Pettis has a bigger frame and excels across the middle of the field, while Young is slighter leaner and more of a deep threat. Titus Young and Austin Pettis could work their ways into Day 2 at this point, and they are certain to provide whichever team that drafts them with production and promise.

Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)

With the emergence of Wisconsin’s smash-mouth offense over the past two months, Gabe Carimi has vastly improved his draft stock. Carimi instead of being just a mammoth run blocker, seems to have improved his pass blocking techniques, looking more fluid and balanced protecting QB Scott Tolzien’s backside.

J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)

Another Wisconsin high-riser, Watt isn’t your typical hard nosed, blue collar end. Watt works with great hand useage off the end, stays disciplined on the end, and also shows an improved jump off the line of scrimmage. A potential early second and definite third round pick.

Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)

Clayborn after dropping down boards has brought his stock back up with his strong play in recent weeks. Forcing constant pressure, forcing turnovers, making plays in both passing and running game, Clayborn is a great fit as a 4-3 strongside or weakside DE, with the possibility of also playing in a 1 gap 3-4 scheme. Clayborn last week kept Ohio State from running the ball, while also creating a consistent pass rush. Clayborn will no doubt be a top 20 pick, top 15 pending on the draft order.

Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)

Last season when I watched Terrell Pryor, I saw an athlete; an athlete playing the quarterback position. This season more than ever, his progression as a quarterback (not an athlete) has been very evident. A quarterback with extreme athletic potential, Pryor, with one more year refining his skills, could develop into a solid NFL starter and pro-bowler with the talent he has. Pryor looks comfortable in the pocket, his footwork isn’t sketchy, and he is throwing with improved accuracy. Needs more big-time wins in clutch situations, but for the most part is a poised player, with playmaking ability.

Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

One of the more under the radar receiver prospects in the year’s coming draft, McNutt seems to always come up with the big catch or big play. Not extremely explosive, McNutt uses good body control and positioning, along with intelligent route running abilities to expose defenses and make catches. McNutt could go as high as the 4^th round in the 2011 Draft.

Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)

Finally healthy and showing the burst we saw his freshman year, Williams could be a Day 1 running back prospect with a strong finish to the season, and a solid pro day. The weak running back class allows for two or three quick risers, and Williams could be one of those.

Stock Down

Mark Ingram (Alabama)

Stamina issues? Ingram was winded after the first drive against Georgia State…The duo of Trent Richardson and Ingram is formidable in college football, but now NFL scouts probably wonder what kind of toll Ingram’s sophomore season put on his legs, as well as his ability going forward having undergone a knee surgery. Ingram without a doubt should be the first running back taken, however it is not inconceivable if he is not.

Jake Locker (Washington)

Its difficult to play quarterback when everytime you drop back to pass, you have to run for your life! Locker has a terrible offensive line, thus leading to poor footwork, but that isn’t what scouts are most concerned about. What is concerning is the lack of visible improvement throughout his college career, improvement from the past season under Steve Sarkisian, and his poor accuracy. Locker is falling and falling, and could see himself in the 2^nd round, as was the case with phenom Jimmy Clausen.

Cameron Heyward (Ohio State)

Lack of impact, blown off the ball by double teams, may not actually be the best fit as a 3-4 2 gap DE due to lack of 300+size, and not consistent enough a pass rusher to be a 4-3 or 3-4 1 gap defender. Still however is powerful player, plays through the whistle, and sets a hard edge. Workhorse player similar to a Richard Seymour, but less of a pass rusher and more of a run stopper. Still 1st Round talent but has room to move up.

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson

Week 11: 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

Jordan Todman

What Todman lacks in size, he more than acquits for with his between the tackles running strength, first step quickness, and downfield ball carrier vision. A true running back in the sense of necessary traits, Todman tore up a pretty good Pitt defense that was returning their best player Greg Romeus from injury. Keep an eye out for this junior running back, who with a good pro day might have some valuable draft stock.

A.J. Green

I had the opportunity to fly out this past weekend and watch the Auburn-Georgia rivalry game at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. I was so excited to finally get to see Green in person, and wanted to see if he truly qualified as a top 5 draft prospect. Green did not disappoint. He’s more built/filled in when you see him in person; his arm length combined with hand strength allows him to get any pass within reason; and he is an intelligent route runner who understands how to expose a defense. A consistent deep threat, Green gave Auburn’s secondary fits, and also provided some magic for a hard fought loss on Georgia’s side.

Nick Fairley

The next player I was excited to see when I flew out to Auburn, was Nick Fairley. Fairley looked bigger than advertised, and also played up to that size. He has a knack for getting to the qb; he is very disruptive and a constant worry for offensive coordinators. Fairley has rare explosiveness off the snap for a big man, and is firm at the point of attack due to his very strong upper body; a high rising talent that deserves to go within the top 10 for sure.

Gabe Carimi

Wisconsin’s 83-20 drubbing of Indiana was constructed behind the stout blocking of highly touted LT Carimi. We all knew he could run block like he has done all season, however in this game he showed improved awareness in pass pro, as well as improved technique. Good to see from this talented prospect who will work his way up even further after his combine and pro-day.

Cameron Jordan

I keep hearing comparisons to last years surprise top ten pick and former Cal teammate Tyson Alualu, when I hear of Cameron Jordan. I don’t see it though…Jordan is much better. A polished 3-4 DE, Jordan has explosiveness that not many DE’s possess, combined with a good understanding of his role and responsibility within Cal’s system. Jordan will undoubtedly be a top 10 pick, barring any major setbacks

Jon Baldwin

I hate his lack of effort blocking in the run game, but love his downfield ball tracking skills. At 6’5 225 lbs, Baldwin reminds me of a young Plaxico Burress; with time and good coaching Baldwin could evolve into an elite NFL weapon. His pro-day and combine will be important, in order to gage his lateral quickness and true route running skills.

Leonard Hankerson

Built like former Miami Hurricane and now NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Hankerson at 6’3 215 lbs could be the most prototypical of all the WRs in this year’s coming draft. A playmaker who can stretch the field, Hankerson does a little bit of what all the other WRs in this class can do; snag poorly thrown balls, go vertical on opponents, garner multiple coverage, and run good routes. Not an elite talent, but a dependable one for sure. Looking to break the bottom of the 1^st round.

Ryan Kerrigan

A guy I have been high on all season long, Ryan Kerrigan continued his impressive play against the Michigan Wolverines with 5 and a half tackles for loss and 4 sacks. My vote for the potential steal of next years draft, Kerrigan has the talent backed up by a solid senior year of production; Top ten pick in my mind who has shown it all.

Stock Down

Greg Romeus

Once again, the injury bug bites the very talented Greg Romeus. Out for the season with a torn ACL, Romeus will now depend solely upon the combine and pro-day if even that. The long road to recovery begins now for the talented prospect.

Marcel Dareus

Although he will garner a top 15 pick, Dareus reminds me of former LSU DE Marcus Spears. Overrated by ESPN analysts because of exposure due to a BCS title win. He is no doubt a hell of an athlete, it’s just the mistakes he makes that drive scouts crazy. He’s a very good 3-4 DE prospect possibly a 4-3 interior, however I can name 15-20 guys I would draft ahead of this guy.

Brandon Burton

After receiving hype before the TCU game, the talk of Burton breaking into the 1^st seem to have all but died after a follow-up loss to Notre Dame. I have yet to scout Burton, but what I’m hearing is that his play may be a result of weak opponents. Still, Burton is a physical corner that can get out and run, two things scouts look for. What I would like to see is his back pedal and ball skills.

*Noteable additions to Big Board: Jon Baldwin and Leonard Hankerson

*Noteable dropoffs from the Big Board: Daniel Thomas and Jake Locker