Now that the NFL season is officially over, it's time to transition in to a season where optimism rules no matter what team you follow. Yes, the off-season is upon us.
Over the next three months I'll be heading up the draft coverage here at WGR Sports Radio 550, which will include big boards, positional rankings, mail bags, mock drafts, player profiles, and much much more. So as we get started with "Quest for a Quarterback," I encourage you to make WGR550.com your home for draft coverage this off-season.
Also, for all the quarterback talk you can handle, take a listen to WGR's Draft Podcast featuring Brian Koziol, Jon Koziol and myself.
Starting with today, I'll be outlining the need to know prospects heading in to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on February 25. These are the top five prospects college football has to offer:
1) DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6'4", 300 lbs.)
Suh is the ultimate example of what going back for a senior season can do for your draft stock. Marvin Austin of North Carolina would have been a lock for the first round, but elected to go back to school for his senior season in order to "become the next Suh." Ndamukong Suh's tape speaks for itself. He dominates one-on-one blocking attempts. He dominates double team attempts. He offers versatility for whichever scheme ultimately drafts him. He can plug the hole on a run and provide ample pressure on the quarterback on passing plays. Suh is everything you could want out of a defensive tackle. It will be a major shocker if he is not a member of the St. Louis Rams next season.
2) S Eric Berry, Tennessee (5'11", 203 lbs.)
If anyone was looking for the next game changing safety, it's a good bet Eric Berry is that type of guy. He possesses as many Ed Reed-esque qualities as Ed Reed himself. He's tremendous in reading a play and has excellent hands. He gets his nose dirty in stopping the run, also doubling as a complete tackler. Berry's speed is out of this world. When he catches an interception, he makes those chasing him look like they're in slow motion. Just an instinctive player that will be in the league for a very, very long time. I've got Berry rated almost right on par with Nebraska's Suh. A complete prospect.
3) DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (6'4", 297 lbs.)
I read a scouting report that said "where McCoy lacks in strength to Suh, he makes up for in explosiveness." That statement couldn't be more dead on. McCoy is a towering and hulking defensive tackle prospect, who is incredible at penetrating the offensive backfield. On pass plays, he forces the pocket over to one side and limits the decision making for the quarterback. At the same time, he also speeds up the read of the QB which forces that player to possibly make a questionable decision. In the run game, McCoy fires through the line and meets the ball carrier head on. McCoy is the type of talent that can't be ignored.
4) OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6'5", 300 lbs.)
The premiere left tackle in the 2010 draft class. Okung has been in the lineup for Oklahoma State for a good part of four seasons, and he's been dominant. For those unfamiliar with the Oklahoma State offense, they run a "spread." I use quotations, because they run out of the spread it seems more than any other spread based team in the country. Okung excels at pull blocking in the run game and controlling his defender. In pass blocking, Okung digs in at his position. You'll read the term "anchor" from me a lot when it comes to pass blocking. That simply means the player sets up a good and balanced position that allows the player to control the rushing defender. Okung is very, very good at anchoring and has great feet for a big man. He's able to keep up with the speed rushers and has the size to take on the bull rushers.
5) CB Joe Haden, Florida (5'11", 190 lbs.)
Joe Haden was one of the most prized recruits coming out of high school three years ago. When Florida landed him, they immediately plugged him in to the starting lineup. His first season, he struggled mightily. Then the light went on for Haden. His sophomore year was borderline dominant. He mirrored any receiver he lined up against, he had the speed and instinct to jump a route and make an interception, and he was better than your average corner in run support. Haden is by far the top cornerback prospect, possessing everything you'd want out of a top draft pick at that position.
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