Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 11

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Cam Newton, Jon Baldwin, Jimmy Smith and Leonard Hankerson

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Allen Bailey, Daniel Thomas, Rahim Moore, and Jake Locker

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

MNF: Redskins Perspective

Players to Watch

S LaRon Landry - Landry has become one of the best safeties in the NFL this year. He is a big hitter, does an excellent job at blitzing the and seems to always be around the ball. He leads the team the team in tackles and definitely brings an intimidation factor in the secondary.

WR Anthony Armstrong - The Redskins have been searching for another receiver to emerge to help take some pressure off of WR Santana Moss. Armstrong comes from a small division II school (West Texas A&M) and has been playing arena football for the past 3 years, he finally got a chance in the NFL this year and has shined starting the last four games. He is averaging 21.6 yards per catch and finally given the Redskins another receiving option.

OLB Brian Orakpo - It is a hard transition switching from being a down linesman to a linebacker, but Orakpo so far has done a great job of adjusting to his new role. Orakpo has 5 sacks in the last 4 games and they need him to have a big game tonight and get some pressure on Vick.

Key Matchup: CB DeAngelo Hall vs WR DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin- Hall has gotten back to his pro-bowl form this year leading the NFL in interceptions and passes defended to go along with 63 tackles. He has been dominate at times and has single handedly won the game against the Bears. Hall will most likely be matched up against the Eagles two young fast receivers and will have his hands full tonight. This match-up will be key to winning this game. The Redskins are 31st in pass defense so they are going to need a big game out of Hall and the rest of the secondary.

Why the Redskins Will Win- McNabb will be motivated. McNabb has taken a lot of criticism some of it has been well deserved. I think with a big contract under his belt (just signed a 5 year $78 million), he is going to come out on national TV with everyone watching and prove his critics wrong and show that he is worth the money. McNabb knows what it is like to be benched, in 2008 he was benched by Andy Reid when he was on the Eagles. The next game McNabb came out and responded by throwing for 4 touchdowns and blowing out the Cardinals. I would not be surprised to see that happen again. Another big reason is that Eagles QB Michael Vick has been flawless throwing for 7 TDs and 0 interceptions and a QB rating of 105.3. When he was at Atlanta Vick's QB rating was generally around 75 (a high of 81) so I think he is going to come back to reality sooner rather than later.

Prediction: Redskins 24 Eagles 17

MNF: Eagles Perspective

Players to Watch

QB Michael Vick- One of the most excited players in the game, he gets another chance at beating the Redskins after he left the 1^st game with a rib injury that kept him out for 3 weeks. He showed against the Colts last week that his MVP-type season through his first 4 weeks was no fluke. Perhaps most impressive about Vick’s resurrection is that he has no interceptions so far on the year, and his completion percentage is over 60%, two things that have plagued Vick previously. Vick will continue his more balanced approach to quarterbacking, and look for a big game for him through the air against the league’s 2^nd worst passing defense.

WR DeSean Jackson- The speedy receiver had one of his best games last week and will try to put together back-to-back 100 yard receiving games for the 2^nd time this year. As mentioned before, the Redskins are vulnerable to the pass, which is great news for one of the greatest young receivers in the league.

CB Asante Samuel- The consistent veteran is once again a nightmare for opposing QBs and has 5 interceptions in his last 5 games. McNabb just received a 5 year contract extension with Washington for $78 million and Samuel will make McNabb earn it tonight. Santana Moss receives a lot of targets from McNabb, so look for Samuel to try to jump some routes.

Key Matchup: LeSean McCoy vs. Albert Haynesworth- It’s easy to forget the Eagles’ young running back in an offense full of exciting players, but McCoy is crucial to Andy Reid’s style of offense. Averaging 4.7 ypc, McCoy’s success has opened up the passing game for the Eagles, and is also an excellent option on screens. Haynesworth has shown improvement every week, but if McCoy is able to pound in through on the ground against him, look for the entire Eagles offense to have a big game.

Why the Eagles Will Win- The Eagles likely would have won the first matchup if it weren’t for the injury to Vick. Philadelphia has far more talent on both sides of the ball and their playmakers are healthy. They have been playing good football as of late, while the bye will not be able to solve the problems the Redskins experienced in their loss to the Lions. McNabb was lucky to get one win against his former team, but will find that the Eagles are just too good a team to beat twice.

Prediction: Eagles 31, Redskins 17

Troy Smith is legit

Why did it take so long for someone to give Troy Smith a chance to start? 17/28, 356 yards, and a touchdown in an overtime victory. He may not have all the physical tools, but he knows how to win and he is just a gamer. You've got to be excited if you are 49ers fan, even though they are 3-6, the NFC West is still wide open.  If they can go on a little run they could still end up getting into the playoffs.

This is pretty unbelievable:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d81c1aac7/Jaguars-Hail-Mary-is-answered

I know you are taught to knock the ball down, but in hindsight, with no one around you, it may have made more sense to just catch the ball. I feel really bad for the Texans defense and their fans, that is a heartbreaking way to lose a game.

NFL Predictions: Week 10 NFL Picks

Date & Time	Favorite	Spread	Underdog
11/14 1:00 ET	At Indianapolis	-7	Cincinnati
11/14 1:00 ET	At Jacksonville	-1.5	Houston
11/14 1:00 ET	Tennessee	-1.5	At Miami
11/14 1:00 ET	Minnesota	-1	At Chicago
11/14 1:00 ET	At Buffalo	-2.5	Detroit
11/14 1:00 ET	NY Jets	-3	At Cleveland
11/14 1:00 ET	At Tampa Bay	-7	Carolina
11/14 4:05 ET	Kansas City	-1	At Denver
11/14 4:15 ET	At San Francisco	-6	St. Louis
11/14 4:15 ET	At Arizona	-3	Seattle
11/14 4:15 ET	At NY Giants	-13.5	Dallas
11/14 8:20 ET	At Pittsburgh	-4.5	New England

Monday Night Football Point Spread

11/15 8:35 ET	Philadelphia	-3	At Washington

College Football: Week 11 Pick'em

Last Week's Win/Loss: 5-5

Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 60-30

#13 Iowa at Northwestern

Alex's pick: Iowa

Why: Dan Persa has been playing at an extremely high level this season, leading Northwestern to a 6-3 record; nevertheless a 2-3 conference record and an inability to win big games has stuck as a label. I think they give Iowa a strong performance, but the improved offense of the Hawkeyes will be the center point of attention. Iowa by 10

Kansas State at #20 Missouri

Alex's pick: Missouri

Why: Kansas State's inability to pass the football will make the game that much easier for the Mizzou D. Daniel Thomas lacks the burst to create running lanes for himself and benefits from tiring down a defensive front, gaining steam towards the latter portion of games. The probem this week is the rotational D-Line which Missouri implements and the stacked fronts the KSU Wildcats will face. Missouri starts out in a flurry, but behind Daniel Thomas they come close to taking the lead. Missouri by 6 

Penn State at #8 Ohio State

Alex's pick: Ohio State

Why: Defense wins this game for the Buckeyes, as they are set to "tee off" on the freshman quarterback carousel from Penn State. Jim Tressel has noticeably picked up on more aggressive playcalling and the offense is benefiting. TP throws for 350 and Ohio State wins. OSU by 21

#16 Virginia Tech at North Carolina

Alex's pick: North Carolina

Why: North Carolina's defense is really starting to gel, and I feel if they can pressure Tyrod Taylor into early mistakes, that the improved rushing attack can maintain an early lead. Matchup to watch is Va. Tech WR Jarrett Boykin vs. UNC CB Kendric Burney. Top end skill position players that will likely see the other all afternoon. Boykin has height advantage, however Burney has extremely good ball skills. UNC by 3

Georgia at #2 Auburn

Alex's pick: Auburn

Why: One of two upset alert picks I have this week; I will be in attendance for this game at Jordan Hare Stadium! Very excited to see 2 possible top 2011 NFL prospects on both teams; A.J. Green WR of Georgia, Nick Fairley DT of Auburn, and obviously Cam Newton QB of Auburn. Interested to see whether or not he plays, but Im positive that this team rallies the troops behind Cam, and Auburn fans witness a Georgia Bulldog beatdown. Yet with all the distractions, it is VERY possible for an upset. Auburn by 17

San Diego St. at #3 TCU

Alex's pick: TCU

Why: Another on upset alert, I am interested to see how TCU follows up their domination of formerly #5 ranked Utah. Primed for a letdown, head coach Gary Patterson won't let pride sink in and destroy TCU's national championship hopes...TCU by 21

#23 TAMU at Baylor

 Alex's pick: Baylor

Why: After letting me down in a BIG way last week, Im going to stay with the Bears. Coming off his worst start this season, I feel Robert Griffen III will light it up. His ability to stretch the pocket with his feet should limit the sack opportunities of TAMU, who are solely reliant upon stud OLB Von Miller. If Baylor tailors blitz pickups to cover up Miller, then I would not be surprised if Griffen carves up an Aggie defense. Baylor by 13

#17 Mississippi State at #11 Alabama

Alex's pick: Alabama 

Why: Coming off a painful loss to LSU, Alabama and Coach Nick Saban will show resiliency in this matchup of top 20 ranked SEC opponents. A lot depends on the health of RB Trent Richardson, as he has been heavily relied upon this season. Mark Ingram needs to up his game this week as well; Ingram has been somewhat ineffective the last couple of weeks and will need to open up the PA passing attack for Greg McElroy. Bama by 16

#12 Oklahoma State at Texas

Alex's pick: Oklahoma State

Why: Former MLB player Brandon Weeden's ability to step in and command this high flying offense, is the main reason to why OSU is set to be the Big 12's BCS Bowl bid. Justin Blackmon is as big for this offense as any other WR in the nation, and will be tested against a talented secondary. Kendall Hunter and the run game will be the X-Factor for the game. OSU by 19

USC at #18 Arizona

Alex's pick: USC

Why: Matt Barkley and the USC Trojans are starting to play up to their abilities, and have begun to win close games. If this one is within a TD heading into the 4th quarter, USC will win. The stable of running backs allow for fresh legs every series, and Arizona's D-Line is suspect against the run. USC by 7

Rex Ryan dresses like brother Rob Ryan

This guy is ridiculous...Even though he's the head coach of the Jets, you have to love him.  He does what he wants and he entertains.



Here is a good Rex Ryan speech... Discusses his team's priorities and points out the fact that his players were eating cheeseburgers before a game (PROFANITY).  Of course he has to finish with a joke in there.




AND, a picture of the two Rob Ryans.

What to watch for this weekend...

2010 NFL Mid-Season Awards

Team Mid-Season Awards

AFC - Most Surprising - Oakland Raiders (5-4)

The Raiders really have turned it around and are currently on a three game winning streak, their first in eight years. This is a talented team that is able to win the close games and also blow teams out.

NFC - Most Surprising – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)

The young guys on the Buccaneers have really stepped it up. They should be a dangerous team for a long time.

AFC - Over Hyped - Cincinnati Bengals (2-6)

A very talented team, but they have underwhelmed even with the new additions on offense. They were a playoff team last year because of their top 10 rushing offense and rushing defense. This year they are in the bottom half of the league in both rushing and stopping the run.

NFC- Over Hyped- San Fransisco 49ers (2-6)

The Obvious pick is the Dallas Cowboys, but I'm sick of hearing about them. The 49ers are in the weakest division in the NFL and are very talented team. They have really disappointed this year, once they figure out their quarterback situation I think they will be a great team.

Player Awards

MVP – QB Phillip Rivers

The Chargers record is only 4-5, but Rivers has literally done everything he can to help them win games. Rivers is on pace to break Dan Marino's single season yard passing record of 5,084 yards (record that has not be broken for 26 years) and also leads the NFL in 19 TD passes. I expect the Chargers to have a winning record by the end of the season, and Rivers to get the MVP. Runner up: QB Peyton Manning

Offensive Player Of the Year – TE Antonio Gates

9 TDs 663 yards and 16.6 yards per catch for a tight end? Those are impressive stats for a full year, and Gates has only played 8 games. What is even more impressive is that Gates has been slowed by injuries, and he has still been unreal for the first half. Runner up: RB Arian Foster

Defensive Player of the Year – LB Clay Matthews

This is an obvious pick. Matthews has simply dominated already racking up 10.5 sacks and constantly putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Runner up: CB DeAngelo Hall

Offensive Rookie of the Year – QB Sam Bradford

You have to give Bradford a lot of credit for stepping onto a pretty bad team and playing really well. So many young quarterbacks in the past have gone on bad teams and taken a beating (JaMarcus Russell, Alex Smith, David Carr, Joey Harrington) and digressed. Bradford is playing the hardest position on one of the worst teams and has played extremely I think you have to give him the ROY. Runner up: Mike Williams

Defensive Rookie of the Year – DT Ndamukong Suh

Usually rookie defensive lineman struggle in their rookie season. Suh has not missed a beat, he has come in and not only been the best rookie, but has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. He is scary. Runner up: S Eric Berry

Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 10

Rank (PR)	Stock Change	Name	College	Position	Height	Weight
1. (1) = 0		Andrew Luck*	Stanford	QB	6’4	235 lbs
2. (2) = 0		Patrick Peterson	LSU	CB	6’1	225 lbs
3. (3) = 0		A.J. Green*	Georgia	WR	6’4	210 lbs
4. (4) = 0		Da’Quan Bowers*	Clemson	DE	6’4	280 lbs
5. (6) = +1		Prince Amukamara	Nebraska	CB	6’1	205 lbs
6. (7)= +1		Robert Quinn*	UNC	DE	6’4	267 lbs
7. (8)= +1		Ryan Kerrigan	Purdue	DE	6’4	263 lbs
8. (5)= -3		Adrian Clayborn	Iowa	DE	6’4	285 lbs
9. (9)= 0		Ryan Mallet*	Arkansas	QB	6’6	260 lbs
10. (10) = 0		Cameron Jordan	California	DE	6’4	283 lbs
11. (18) = +7		Nick Fairley*	Auburn	DT	6’4	298 lbs
12. (11) = -1		Janoris Jenkins*	Florida	CB	5’11	184 lbs
13. (15) = +2		Stephen Paea	Oregon St.	DT	6’1	311 lbs
14. (14) = 0		Derek Sherrod	Miss. St.	OT	6’6	305 lbs
15. (13) = -2		Marcel Dareus*	Alabama	DT	6’4	305 lbs
16. (0) = 0		Anthony Castonzo	BC	OT	6’7	308 lbs
17. (17) = 0		Akeem Ayers*	UCLA	OLB	6’4	255 lbs
18. (18) = 0		Julio Jones*	Alabama	WR	6’4	220 lbs
19. (25) = +1		Von Miller	TAMU	OLB	6’3	243 lbs
20. (26) = +6		Jake Locker	Washington	QB	6’3	230 lbs
21. (12) = -9		Mark Ingram*	Alabama	RB	5’10	215 lbs
22. (23) = +1		Cameron Heyward	Ohio St.	DE	6’5	288 lbs
23. (19) = -4		Bruce Carter	UNC	OLB	6’3	235 lbs
24. (24) = 0		Allen Bailey	Miami	DE	6’4	285 lbs
25. (21) = -4		Demarco Murray	Oklahoma	RB	6’1	207 lbs
26. (22) = -4		Demarcus Love	Arkansas	OT/OG	6’5	315 lbs
27. (27) = 0		Daniel Thomas	Kansas St.	RB	6’2	230 lbs
28. (NA) = NA		Drake Nevis	LSU	DT	6’2	285 lbs
29. (29) = 0		Rahim Moore*	UCLA	S	6’1	196 lbs
30. (30) = 0		Nate Solder	Colorado	OT	6’9	315 lbs
31. (28) = -3		Gabe Carimi	Wisconsin	OT/OG	6’7	327 lbs
32. (32) = 0		Rodney Hudson	FSU	OG	6’2	282 lbs

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Drake Nevis

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Marvin Austin