Brooks Reed Scouting Report

The following scouting report by;

Guest Contributor and NFL Draft writer, Fernando Stepensky

Brooks Reed, 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE, Arizona, 6’3 257 lbs

SKILLS:

Strengths: The defensive linemen out of Arizona first burst onto the scene during the 2008-2009 season. He racked up 33 total tackles with 25 of them being solo in that season alone. The season after that (2009-2010), he went downhill, only racking up a total of 20 tackles. In fairness he was plagued with injury during that season and had trouble starting, let alone performing. Logically, he decided to return for his senior season and he made the most of it. He had 47 total tackles, 26 of them solo. The hard work he put in coming into the 2010 season showed, and resulted in another breakout year. He also had scouts everywhere buzzing.

One attribute to his breakout season was his quick explosiveness off the line. Reed posted a solid 1.54 10 yard split and 4.65 40 yard dash. Times snap well and doesn’t get caught offside’s very often. His quick agility off the line gave him time to whip out his favorite weapon, the bull rush!

Brooks' excellent bull rush was tough to contain for many offensive lineman. Even with that, the bull rush isn’t as easy to control as it seems. You need to have excellent positioning, get a great hit on the lineman, and have straight line speed in order to tackle the quarterback or running back. Brooks Reed's bull rush contributed a great deal to his seven sacks this past season.

You can bet that teams will be looking at Reed’s explosiveness and bull rush when deciding whether or not to select him on Draft Day. However, they will be weighing those strengths against the following weaknesses as well.

Weaknesses: Brooks' main weakness that scouts, coaches, and writers alike all agree on is his poor change of direction. The NFL thrives on great running backs who know how to change directions in the blink of an eye, and if Brooks doesn’t work on his change of direction, he is going to be fooled on those run plays. The problem with being weak in change of direction for a defensive lineman is that it contributes to ultimately everything they do. It affects his moves, his ability to fight off blocks, and mainly the ability to have sixty tackles in a season.

One of the main reasons he has a poor change of direction is because of his basic lineman footwork. When he needs to stutter step, he takes long strides, and vise versa. The thing that is effected most by his lack of direction is his ability to simply tackle on run plays. The main way that a runner gets away from you is faking one way and going the other. I feel as though the second Brooks is paired up against someone like Chris Johnson, it's going to result in a touchdown, untouched. One of the sure ways to have a successful career as a defensive lineman is to have a good change of direction, and I feel that if Brooks' works on his footwork, his change of direction will be heavily improved.

Brooks Reed needs to develop a wider arsenal of moves. At the moment, he really only has two: the bull rush and his spin move, which is over-used. Also, as I depicted above, a bull rush is much less effective in the NFL than in the NCAA. Along with his bull rush, his spin move needs to be paranormal to get him passed someone such as Michael Oher. The thing that would get Brooks more sacks and give him more total tackles is expanding his arsenal of moves. With a greater variety, you are less predictable and more likely to get into open space.

ANALYSIS:

Best Fit: The talk with most d-linemen coming out of college is, should they be in a 3-4 or a 4-3. I feel that Brooks Reed will fit better in a 3-4, playing linebacker, than in a 4-3 (which he played in college) at the outside linemen position. Brooks main problem is against bigger offensive linemen and you can bet that the ones in the NFL are much bigger than the ones in the NCAA. He will have much more trouble getting through these linemen unless he works on his weaknesses I depicted above. Changing all those things takes a long time and doesn’t happen overnight. I feel the coaches will see that and try him out at linebacker. Also, the coaches are well aware that he adjusts to a new position quickly, because he changed from full back to linemen in his Freshmen year. I feel the 49ers would be a great fit for the Senior out of Arizona.

X-Factor: Their will be three things that will make or break Brooks. One, his ability to adjust in the case that he is switched to a 3-4 and is put at linebacker. Two, can he improve on his change of direction? Three, will he add a wider arsenal of moves if he remains at the 4-3 outside linemen position? These things ultimately will decide his fate and how successful he will be in the NFL.

Where he will be drafted: Late 1^st to beginning fourth round.

Where he should be drafted: Truly depends on the defense that is being run on the team and whether they feel he can adjust to a new scheme. Not much has been said by the defensive coaches on whether they see him playing linebacker in a 3-4. He should be drafted in the late first purely because he can play more than one position and is a great leader.

NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers. I am not saying he will turn out like him, but he plays very similar to how Clay played coming out of college.

Brooks Reed highlights

Anthony Castonzo Scouting Report

OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, 6'7" 311 lbs.

Positives: Prototypical size, weight and height... Long arms...A good athlete who has quick feet and could move inside to guard if needed... Tons of experience started all four years never missing a game... Smart, tough blue-collar type mentality... Team captain... All the intangibles you look for in an offensive lineman... Comes from a school with a track record of producing top talent at the offensive line.

Negatives: Not a dominate run blocker... Started out playing at 250-260 pounds and put weight on every year but can still stand to add some more weight and strength... Not a flashy guy... May end up being better suited for right tackle.

Best Fit: I think he is smart enough and a good enough player to play for any team in any system. Any team would love to have a guy like Castonzo. But he may be a better fit at right tackle.

X-Factor: When will the tackles start being drafted. Generally when one tackle is drafted there is a run on tackles after that. This year there is no real elite prospects at the tackle position but a team reaching for a Castonzo or Tyson Smith early could set off a run of picks and be good news for Castonzo and company.

Where will he be picked: Top 15 -20. Castonzo maybe one of the safest picks in the draft. No red flags in terms of character. Plenty of time to analyze what he has done on the field as a four year starter, and he comes from a system known for producing NFL talent. He will probably end up in the 15-20 range depending on teams needs.

Where he should be picked: Top 15-20. Castonzo may not have the physical talents of some tackles in past drafts but you know that your going to get a starter from day one, and a guy that will probably come in and be a productive offensive lineman for 10+ years.

NFL Comparison: Bryan Bulaga (Green Bay Packers)

Video:

Marcell Dareus Scouting Report

Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama, 6'3 319 lbs

SKILLS

Marcell Dareus, The 3-4's Top D-Lineman in the 2011 NFL draft

Strengths: One of the most complete prospects heading into the 2011 draft, Dareus provides schematic versatility, elite physical attributes, refined technique, and exceptional intangibles. A 2 year starter and 3 year contributor at Alabama, Dareus began his college career playing mainly nose tackle on third down situations. It was this season in which Dareus developed a solid pass rush ability from the interior defensive line position, as he was counted upon to pressure the quarterback. 

His sophomore season in 2009, Dareus really burst onto the national scene with 33 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 7 quarterback hurries. Dareus showcased an ability to not only rush the quarterback, but also hold the point of attack effectively and anchor versus the run. Dareus' emergence as a dominating d-lineman helped propel the Alabama Crimson Tide to a BCS National Championship victory over Texas. In the game, Marcell Dareus knocked star quarterback Colt Mccoy out for the entirety of the game on the first drive, and went on to win defensive MVP honors for his dominating play. The most memorable moment of the game was Dareus' interception return for a touchdown that displayed a powerful stiff arm and a slick spin move. 

That's a stiff arm if I ever saw one

In 2010, Dareus' junior year, Marcell maintained nearly identical numbers production wise with 33 tackles, 5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hurries. This comes despite being suspended for the first two games of the season, and dealing with a nagging high ankle sprain. Albeit the Crimson Tide did not win the National Championship as the year before, Marcell Dareus showed all the tools necessary to be successful at the NFL level. 

For a 6'3 319 lbs man, Dareus has good explosion off the line of scrimmage and tremendous athleticism. A high intensity player, Dareus can get out in the open field and chase down ball carriers. Plays with a fighter mentality and has heavy hands at the point of attack. Powerful arms provide for an effective swim or rip move off the edge. Has variety of pass rush moves because of his arm and hand usage. Added with his low pad level and leg drive, the skill set of Marcell Dareus will intrigue talent evaluators looking for 3-4 DEs (1 gap and 2 gap), as well as 4-3 teams looking for a 3 technique.

His ability to bend on the edge, combined with his speed and explosiveness, makes Dareus an effective speed rusher as well. When placed in a wide 7 technique in Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, Dareus showed an impressive ability to disrupt the backfield. The short area explosiveness, quick feet, athleticism, and hand usage allow Dareus to beat his man easily and continuously. Placing Marcell Dareus into a 1 gap, 3-4 scheme, an NFL team will fully utilize his athletic and physical attributes. Dareus adds a pass rushing threat from the 5 tech position, and can kick inside on nickel or third down situations as well. Although he does not stunt effectively, Dareus is best matched up on his own (1 on 1), on the outside at DE or on the inside at DT.

As a 2-gap defensive end, Dareus has the ability to hold edge, read, and react to the play. His excellent hand placement helps him shed blocks consistently. Active hands and a strong anchor, afford Dareus time to read and react to the flow of the play. Stout at the point of attack, Dareus even showed a willingness to simply eat up blocks in order to free up other teammates. Rather than running himself out of plays, Dareus maintains gap discipline. Another subtle improvement from his sophomore to junior year, Dareus seemed to "grow up" in terms of football character. By that I mean that Dareus hardly took any plays off, played through injuries, and understood his role and the concepts of Nick Saban's intricate defensive scheme.

Dareus is finally, an impressive specimen at the 3 tech position in a 4-3 defense. With the formerly stated abilities of reading and reacting to flow, active and heavy hands, strong anchor and powerful arms, quick feet and athleticism, followed by short area burst and speed, Dareus makes a compelling case to be the most well rounded player at not only defensive line, but at any position in the 2011 draft. As a 3 technique, Dareus provides a formidable interior pass rushing foe, whose quickness is a matchup problem with guards and centers. He has the size and strength to hold his own inside, but also has the quickness and explosion to take it to a whole new level. Dareus experienced great success in high school likely as a 4-3 DT his senior season, racking up 110 tackles and 20 sacks, so it may not be too far fetched to see him most successful as a 4-3 3 tech. His skill set suggest the ability to kick inside and dominate, and his high school production backs up that claim. 

However violent a player Dareus may be, he is characterized by those around him as a humble, nice guy. Marcell told Pro Football Talk at NBC, "I would describe myself as a nice guy." Nick Saban said on College Football Live on ESPN that as good a player as Dareus is, he's an even better person. Saban's solid resume of producing successful NFL players goes back to how he prepares them mentally on and off the field. Saban stresses the importance of how you need to carry yourself around your peers, but also teaches a complex NFL styled defensive scheme that truly develops young college players' football IQ and knowledge of the game. Dareus' growth on and off the field, as well as understanding of NFL schemes, makes for a smooth transition to the next level.

Weaknesses: Not many holes to Dareus' game, but there are a few concerns I will nitpick at. One, he has a tendency to disappear in games, and two, he lacks the in game stamina you would like out of a game changing defensive lineman. 

The two issues run hand in hand, as his disappearance could be literal (as he played in a rotational defensive front his entire career at Alabama) or just a result of tiring out during the game. At any rate, Dareus needs to show improved stamina or else he could be nothing more than a glorified third down weapon. That would be the worst case scenario and I just cannot imagine that happening. 

A slight worry would be the involvement with an agent during the offseason following Alabama's national championship run, however I feel that Dareus has learned from the mistake and will be much more careful with who he trusts in the future.  

ANALYSIS

Best fit: As stated earlier, I feel he is best suited in a 4-3 scheme as a movable 3 technique. This way you utilize all facets of Dareus' game.

The top 2 teams drafting will both be running 4-3 schemes in 2011 (if there is a season) and the Bills who are drafting third overall, will be running a 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme. Dareus fits well with the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills who pick 1, 2, and 3; more importantly I would be hard pressed to see him fall out of the top 5. Best fit would be Carolina, who had the speed at defensive end, but lacked the girth inside last season. 

X-Factor: How much of a factor will the character and work ethic issues surrounding Nick Fairley be? Fairley, who was much more dominant on tape than Dareus, has the NFL buzzing in a bady way after having missed team meetings, his flight to the NFL combine, and a dinner with the Miami Dolphins. Will a team still gamble early on Fairley and pass up on Dareus? Or will these concerns push Fairley down the board and move Dareus up to the top?

Where will he be drafted: Top 5

Where should he be drafted: Top 3; There are only 3 players I see with #1 overall pick grades- Patrick Peterson of LSU, A.J. Green of Georgia, and Marcell Dareus. Each 3 players would be great fits in Carolina.

NFL Comparison: Warren Sapp (retired), DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders

Marcell Dareus highlights

Marcell Dareus highlights

Vincent Brown Scouting Report

The following scouting report by;
Guest Contributor and NFL Draft writer, Fernando Stepensky

Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State, 5’11 187 lbs

SKILLS

Strengths: Vincent Brown is by far the most underrated player in the draft. Whether it is because of his average size (6’0 195 lbs) or because he doesn’t attend a National Championship winning school (SDSU), the receiver just isn’t getting as much attention as he should.

It is no coincidence that he had 69 receptions in his senior year—this guy definitely knows how to get open and catch the ball. Nonetheless, his best attribute is getting the ball. It starts with his burst off the line; once that gunslinger says, “hike” Vincent goes 100% and gets off the line as if it were on fire. Sometimes his excellent bursts catch DBs off guard, which gives him the separation he needs to catch the ball right from the start.

The thing that is so shocking about him is his intelligence in route running. Earlier this year, in a game against TCU, he had a 50 plus yard TD reception. He ran an out and up route to perfection. This is a good sign because double moves are used often in the NFL. Also, usually wide receivers who have mastered the double move are very successful against the leagues top DBs. The quick difference in his speed caught the DB napping and created separation for the senior. He managed to get the diving reception for a touchdown. The one play embodies what Vincent Brown is all about.

The way he creates separation on a regular basis is depicted above with his off the line burst. Brown also changes speeds so quickly and he has this break/juke in the middle of his routes that absolutely baffle opposing cornerbacks; his footwork plays a large role in this.  His footwork helps him get in and out of his cuts quickly and swiftly. Which is common characteristic in good route runners like him.

Sometimes he does alter his route, because he reads the defense so well. His route running intelligence must be emphasized. He just knows where to go and when to go. His instinct gives him a feel of where to go and the majority of the time, his instinct is right. That is also another aspect of his game that deserves praise, his catch in traffic. It is complicated to explain it in its entirety. It is just that his ability to adjust to the ball in traffic is truly impressive. The overlying point is he is tough and he doesn’t care if there is one defender or if there are 11, around him, he will still catch it.

Vincent Brown’s incredible hands and superb footwork combine to create a great sideline receiver. He showed off his great sideline receiving at his pro day (which I attended) and especially in his games like the one against TCU. His specialty route is the slant and the out/in route. When he does a deep out route to the sideline, it is an almost guaranteed catch.

Combining Vincent’s footwork, intelligence, route running, breaks, big reliable hands, and great toughness make him one of the most prolific receivers in the draft. Although, their has never been a prospect without his share of flaws and weaknesses.

Weaknesses: Vincent has very few flaws when it comes to before the catch. Although, after it gets to 0.2 seconds before the catch and after the catch, the flaws begin to show. His running motion is by all means “awkward”. I was at his pro day and was told by a coach and a scout that his running motion is in fact awkward. They told me, “it doesn’t look natural when he is pumping his arms”. This is something that is of concern because it could greatly affect his already weak speed.

He ran a 4.68 at the combine, which is bad for a receiver, and he ran a 4.53 at his pro day, which is average, nothing too impressive.  An NFL free agent that was scheduled to work out at the pro day (didn’t because of the CBA) told me, “It is all his straight line speed, it just isn’t there.” He quite frankly is right and his coaches knew that coming in to his senior year. Very few times did you see him run a pure streak route. Normally he is given a double move route. That gives him time for separation on his excellent breaks and then, sadly, gives the DB time to catch back up once the streak starts. In the game against Utah this year he created separation just like I depicted and once he caught the ball and had 7 yards of separation, the DB started coming up toward him.

Vincent Brown’s run after the catch ability is another concern talent evaluators have to deal with. As I said his straight line speed and his running motion are awkward, but I am talking about his ball carrier vision. Throughout the tapes I have studied on him, I can always see a better opening than the one he decides to take. In the game against Navy this year he was given a screen, there were three defenders on both sides of him and a hole right between them that was quickly closing. I noticed that without having to pause the tape, he noticed it about 10 yards late when the gap was long gone and he was already on the ground. This continues in many of his games. The NFL is becoming very caught up with YAC (yards after catch) and if he doesn’t improve that aspect of his game he will not have much luck in the NFL.

Speaking of important aspects one must perfect at the wide receiver position before going to the NFL, blocking is key.  A trend you are have been exposed to in recent years is multi versatile players. Basically, the more things that you can do, the more likely you are of succeeding. Something that Vincent needs to work on is his blocking. He blocks pretty well for the first half of the play, but once the running back gets close to him he almost always lets his defender get loose and tackle him. I just don’t see the effort there on his blocks. That is definitely something he needs to improve for two reasons. One, to show me he is committed and gives it 100% on every play(counting running plays). Second, it shows the coaches that they can use him every down either as a receiver or an excellent blocker 

ANALYSIS

Best Fit: He would definitely be best suited on a pass first team, at least for the time being.  Due to his poor blocking on run players, he wouldn’t fit very well on a run first team. Although, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be drafted for one. The chances are high that he will go to a run first or balanced team and then he will be expected to learn blocking well!

Personally, I can see him potentially going to the Bengals, the Vikings, but the best fit could be the Arizona Cardinals.

Either the Cardinals could trade back in the third or draft him in the fourth. However, he seems to fit the team perfectly. They ran the ball a great deal last year (due to terrible quarterbacks), but this year they should have a clear-cut starter that would fit right in with Vincent Brown.

X-Factor: His X-Factor will be his blocking and his route running. That is ultimately going to make or break him. If he is on a team and he resembles his great route running and starts working on his blocking, he could be a great receiver. Blocking and route running will ultimately make or break Vincent Brown.

Where he will be drafted: Middle fourth to late fifth. People are saying that it could be in the sixth or even later, but I feel teams will realize his potential and draft him somewhere in the fourth or fifth. He will be one of those “risers” come draft day.

Where he should be drafted: He should be drafted right where I put he will be drafted. Fourth or fifth round is perfect for him. People do notice his tremendous upside, but the worry of his speed and blocking demotes him to these later rounds. 

NFL Comparison: Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Vincent Brown vs. TCU 

Vincent Brown Draft Preview

Andy Dalton Scouting Report

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU, 6'2 215 lbs

SKILLS

Strengths: The consummate winner, Andy Dalton set a TCU record with 42 career victories as opposed to only 7 losses. 6 of those 7 losses were by 7 points or less, an indication of how the Horned Frogs were almost always in a position to win just about EVERY game Andy Dalton quarterbacked from 2007-2010. A four year starter after being redshirted his true freshman season, Dalton improved his completion percentage, yards per attempt, TD/INT ratio, passer rating, and lowered his sack total in each consecutive year as the chart below shows…

Year	Completion Percentage	Yards per Attempt	TD/INT Ratio	QB Passer Rating	Sack Total
2007	59%	6.63	0.9 (10-11)	118.48	16
2008	59%	7.3	2.2 (11-5)	129.19	14
2009	61%	8.53	2.9 (23-8)	151.83	12
2010	66%	9.04	4.5 (27-6)	166.48	8

Not only did he just win games though, Dalton also led TCU to a bowl game in every season he started as QB (3-1 record in those games). 

Running for a score in TCU's Rose Bowl win vs Wisconsin

Andy Dalton has good size for an NFL starting quarterback (6'2 215 lbs) and despite being criticized for his lack of physical attributes, Dalton showed mobility and toughness throughout his career. He carried the football more than 400 times and lost zero fumbles. Has ability to make people miss moving from within the pocket as well as out in space, while still maintaining control of the ball. 

He has a nice quick release, does a great job of squaring his shoulder to the target and getting the ball out. This can be seen in TCU's quick passing game which is full of screens, bubble routes, and 3 step passing game routes. Dalton's extraordinary anticipation of throwing windows makes him a very accurate passer. His anticipation, high football IQ, and timing with receivers more than makes up for his lack of elite arm strength and velocity. 

In his March pro day, Dalton was said to have been impeccably accurate with the football; all 50 passes were catchable and his velocity impressed a number of the scouts in attendance. 46 representatives from 26 separate NFL clubs were present for the TCU pro-day.

Devoted work ethic, high character kid, and fearless leader, Andy Dalton has the mental makeup that any team would love to have. He wins ball games, motivates his teammates, throws the football accurately, and cuts down on turnovers.

Very similar to Colt Mccoy in that Andy has a strong will and high character; skill set similarities include accuracy, anticipation, and mobility.

Weaknesses: Albeit Dalton has an excellent mental make-up and other important quarterback qualities, this QB lacks elite arm strength and was rarely called upon to throw deep passes outside the numbers and downfield. I will say he displayed nice touch on his deep balls, I do not see the ability to really drive routes 25-30 yards downfield. This combined with his relatively average velocity, makes me believe his draft placement is limited to a west coast offensive scheme.

This next weakness is more of a quirk than anything, but is hardly recognized in scouting community. At times, Dalton will show a similar delivery to Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick, whom I see as a late 1st round talent, has been largely criticized for his awkward and unconventional delivery that I believe stems from his high school pitching days. Kaepernick will pronate his non-throwing left arm while bringing the ball behind his head, creating a strange illusion to film watchers. In a similar fashion, Dalton will do this very thing. Given he doesn't consistently make this mechanical error, Dalton needs to clean up this part of his throwing motion.

Another problem I find is his upright throwing stance lacking strong knee bend and active feet. As I have noted earlier, Dalton has the ability to get out and run, however Dalton is just beginning to show a comfort level necessary within the passing pocket. Dalton has to improve on being more active with his feet in feeling pressure,  sliding to avoid sacks, and get more stride into his throws. That being said, I have to counter this by stating that Andy does a good job with his feet in relation to the base of his throws in that he doesn't have an issue with over striding. 

Finally, the most talked over weakness of all quarterbacks in this draft class, the spread option system. Andy Dalton at TCU ran a spread-run option system that utilized a gun-option effectively, while spitting the ball out to slot receivers in a short, consistent 3 step timing manner. The occasional deep pass was utilized efficiently, and a strong running attack was prevalent. I will say that there are a number of plays evidencing Dalton's ability to go through a progression, however in most of his throws Dalton would catch the snap, simply rock back, and throw a pre-determined read. The pre-snap part of Dalton's game is a strong suit on one hand, nonetheless a majority of the throws Dalton made were fairly simple and easy completions. The biggest thing going forward is getting Dalton comfortable dropping back from center, making reads in that drop, and learning how to get adequate knee bend and foot-action (no pun intended) in order to drive the football downfield. 

ANALYSIS

Best fit: First off the team must be a West coast system. That knocks off quite a few teams, but most teams implementing a WCO in the league today are in need of a QB. Those teams include San Francisco, Minnesota, Seattle, and Washington. 

While all of the previously mentioned franchises likely have a strong interest, as will many other teams looking for serviceable backups, I see the Minnesota Vikings as being the best fit for Andy Dalton schematically and in accordance with the player personnel.

In the best season of Brett Favre's career (statistically), Favre was most effective in throwing the short dump-off or screen routes, completing more passes (126) in attempts from 1-10 yards than any other area on the field. From the film I've seen, Dalton as afore mentioned, was equally effective in the short passing game at TCU. In that 2009 season, the Vikings were a stone's throw from making the NFL's Super Bowl; the reason for such a dramatic dropout in 2010 obviously stems from the lethargic play of Brett Favre. After throwing for 14 TDs and zero picks in attempts 11-20 yards in 2009, Favre threw 4 TDs to 8 interceptions in the same attempt range. Moreover, Favre's TD/INT ratio in 2009 for attempts 1-10 yards was 10/2, while in 2010 the ratio fell to a lousy 5/4.

By bringing in Dalton, the Vikings can actually rebuild the state of the franchise from within. They can wait until round 2, trade down right in front of Seattle, and get Dalton for a much lower price than signing another veteran quarterback or trading for Kevin Kolb once a CBA is met. Dalton has less of the major concerns that the top QBs of this class have, and would be a much safer pick in rounds 2 or 3 depending on the vibe around the league. Dalton teamed with Percy Harvin in the quick hitting passing attack, and Adrian Peterson pounding the running game could bring some life back to a dying Minnesota Vikings offense. In round 1 the Vikings can address glaring needs on defense, draft Dalton on day 2, and possibly draft Dalton's go to man Jeremy Kerley late on day 3. 

X-Factor: Can Dalton overcome the "weak arm" and "spread system quarterback" labels placed upon him? How will these West Coast offense teams address their needs at the quarterback? In my mind, there's no time to wait as long as there's no CBA. If teams draft as differently as I think they will, then Dalton could go higher than expected. 

Where will he be drafted: In the middle portion of the 2nd Round

Where should he be drafted: 3rd Round- There's so much depth across the board on the defensive side, talent-wise, to pass up. Dalton will be drafted much earlier than expected by a West Coast Offense desperate for immediate quarterback help.

NFL Comparison: Colt Mccoy, QB, Cleveland Browns

Andy Dalton vs. San Diego State

Andy Dalton highlight tape

Christian Ponder Scouting Report

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State, 6’2 229 lbs

SKILLS

Ponder has a lot to smile about, regarding the NFL Draft

Strengths: If there was an award for the player with the best Pre-Draft season, then Christian Ponder without a doubt would win. After a season riddled with injuries and seeing his draft stock fall significantly, Christian Ponder showed scouts he still belonged among the top quarterbacks in the 2011 draft. Ponder was the MVP of the Senior Bowl following his strong week of practice, and from all accounts of scouts on field at the combine, was the best thrower in Lucas Dome Field in Indianapolis.



Questions about the health of his arm have been answered by these performances, and Ponder has great momentum heading into his pro day and team interviews.

Ponder’s football IQ is one of his greatest strengths. Playing in Jimbo Fisher’s pro style offense, Ponder was required to make NFL reads and go through a passing progression. His anticipation of throws and poise to allow routes develop as the pocket collapses, are the two things that really stand out with Ponder. I don’t want to mislead anyone because while this is a strength for Ponder, his decision making in 2010 was troubling.

The footwork of Ponder is much more polished than any of the other top 5 quarterbacks, and his excellent 3 step drops make him the perfect WCO QB (“West Coast Offense quarterback). He maintains excellent footwork and composure as the pocket collapses and keeps his eyes downfield. Ponder’s smooth release, tight spiral, and accurate ball placement attest to his solid fundamentals. Christian Ponder has a refined throwing motion for a college QB and generally does a good job of transferring his weight from front to back.

Christian Ponder also has mobility to escape the pocket and pick up yards on the ground. A tough ball player who takes hits, gets up, and makes plays.

ANALYSIS

Ponder is a prototypical WCO QB

Weaknesses: Ponder lacks elite zip on the ball, and his arm strength is not impressive. I will say that he has a “live arm” and is perfect in a West Coast Offense, but I think that he is limited scheme wise. Not to confuse with his quick release, Ponder’s ball doesn’t fire out with a ton of velocity.

Some of the problems arise when Ponder over-strides. The over-striding in intermediate to deep throws causes the ball to sail, and in the NFL those footballs will be intercepted. Will get bouncy at the end of his drops, and his 5 step drop has room for improvement.

Gunslinger mentality can be a positive and negative attribute, and Ponder will force throws that are really unnecessary. He cut down on the touchdown to interception ratio from 2009 to 2010, but still increased his interception total by 1 despite throwing fewer passes in 2010.

Best Fit:  As stated throughout, Ponder would excel in the NFL in a West coast styled offense. His quick release, solid mechanics, and excellent anticipation and footwork in 3-step passing game suit him tremendously well for a WCO.

Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Seattle, and Washington all have west coast style offenses complimentary to Ponder’s skill set; however the best fit I see is with San Francisco 49ers. To me, Ponder is a strong fit in any WCO system.

X-Factor: As I stated with Mallett, the CBA deal will have a lot to do with the quarterback’s draft stock. If teams can’t sign players or trade, then Ponder could go in round 1. That being said, health issues have to be answered and if those are not, then he could fall considerably. I feel he has put those concerns aside and now Ponder fights an uphill battle against more than a handful of first round talents on the d-line.

Where will he be drafted: Second Round

Where should he be drafted: Second Round

NFL Comparison: Matt Hasselback, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Christian Ponder 2009 highlights

Ponder vs. Samford 2010