Looking Back At My Draft Grades

It is difficult to really reflect on a draft until at least three years out, but we are going to try to look at my draft grades from last year in this post. All of my draft grades can be found before the section that I discuss so they are there for your reference.

AFC East
I gave the Bills a B for their draft class and I think that is a solid grade still today. They gave up way too much to move up to get Sammy Watkins in a deep receiver class. He was outperformed by Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Odell Beckham Jr. yet the Bills moved up to nab him and don't have a 1st rounder this year as a result. However, their pick of Seantrel Henderson was magnificient as I stated at the time.Henderson was picked in the 7th round and started all 16 games. Great value for Buffalo with that pick.
I said the Dolphins reached on Juwan James and James had a decent rookie season. He started all 16 games and turned out to be a solid round 1 selection or at least it appears that way right now. However, Billy Turner who I said was the Dolphins best pick, has yet to make a start. The draft class is still pretty weak, but James has been better than I thought. I would put their best pick as Jarvis Landry if I were filling this out today.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl and had a decent draft class. I gave them a D+ which was probably a bit harsh. However, I said their best pick was Bryan Stork which is not really arguable. Stork was a starter for the Pats at Center and a key piece of the Super Bowl run. The real value in this class will be decided though when Brady hangs up his cleats and it becomes Garoppolo's team.
Finally, I raved about the Jets class and especially Calvin Pryor. He was good, but not great and was not the defensive rookie of the year as I imagined. However, he still has a lot of potential and I am excited about that pick still. Not much else came out of this draft class though and I think I may have been a little too bullish about it.

AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens had one of the best drafts around. I firmly stand by the fact that their draft was quite good. Timmy Jernigan who was their best pick according to me had a fine rookie season.Terrance Brooks was playing well prior to his injury. Brooks and Jernigan were not full time starters as expected, but great picks. CJ Mosely was a starter as expected and performed even better than I thought he would. Mosely had 133 tackles and was the runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. My most accurate prediction about the draft for the Ravens though was that undrafted free agent James Hurst was an absolute steal. If they re-did the draft he would go in the first 15 picks. Hurst was the starting left tackle for the Ravens and on one of the best lines in the entire NFL. Hurst was a superstar all year for Baltimore.
Hurst's college teammate Russell Bodine was the best pick for the Bengals as I stated last year. Bodine was a 16 game starter for Cincinnati and helped lead them to the playoffs. Eventhough their 1st round pick provided very little last year, Cincinnati had immediate returns from this class that rivals any team. Jeremy Hill was great for the Bengals and I'd rate this draft even higher if I did it today. However, I still hate the AJ McCarron pick.
The Browns draft was worse than I thought. I had it at a C+, but I'd change it to a D- today. It didn't swing the right way and Johnny Manziel was an absolute disaster as predicted. They also did not keep either of the Noles that they signed. The good news for Cleveland is that they got great value out of signing the undrafted Connor Shaw.
As always, the Steelers had a very solid draft. Their best pick was Martavis Bryant not Stephon Tuitt as I predicted. Well that is for last year at least, Tuitt could develop into quite the player. During the 2014 season though, Bryant caught 8 touchdowns. He wasn't selected until the 4th round either. Their season went as I expected out of their draft picks, just very solid all around. Nothing spectacular, but quite solid.

AFC South
I had the Houston Texans draft listed as being spectacular and Louis Nix was a big reason why. However, Nix ended up having his 3rd knee surgery and did not play a game. It appears that NFL teams did their homework with Nix and his knee and that is why he fell. Jadeavon Clowney's injury also impacted this draft class a great deal, but it was a solid class. The book is still open on what Tom Savage can do, Sua Filo looks like he can be a decent guard, CJ Fiedorowicz caught a TD, Alfred Blue had a 100 yard game and 3 touchdowns, and Jay Prosch had 5 starts.
Donte Moncrief does seem to be the best player in what was a weak draft for the Colts. Jonathan Newsome and Jack Mewhort were also solid as rookies. However, there is nothing spectacular in this class by any means.
Telvin Smith was not only the best pick by the Jaguars, but the best pick of the entire draft. What incredible value Smith provided and I would bump up their entire draft because of it. Telvin Smith had 104 tackles in what was a spectacular rookie season. Blake Bortles still has plenty of time to develop and has 3000 yards passing, but didn't do anything special as a rookie. The second best pick the Jaguars had was another ACC guy in Luke Bowanko. The Virginia product started 14 games for the Jags and did a good job at center. That was an impressive class the Jags had.
Taylor Lewan disappointed for the Titans and only started 6 games. He leaves a lot to be desired on the line and it looks like I may have overrated the youngster. If not for finding a solid QB in the 6th round this draft would have been a disaster. The emergence of Zach Mettenberger as the starter could save this class. Mettenberger had a QB rating of 83.4 last season and will likely be the Titans starter in 2015.

AFC West
I think the Broncos had a quite weak draft and stand by my below average grade. Roby was solid, but the rest was disappointing. Wasting a 2nd rounder on Cody Latimer with all the depth at WR in the last draft was a huge miscalculation. He was not and is not a top 15 receiver in that draft for me. How did he go in Round 2?
De'Anthony Thomas only got 14 rushing attempts in 2014, but turned those attempts into 113 yards and just may have been the Chiefs top pick in 2014. The biggest reason I believe that has nothing to do with Thomas and more to do with the junk around him.
Khalil Mack had a really solid rookie season for Oakland, but not a top 5 season. He was not their best pick as I stated. It appears that they may have found their QB though which skyrockets this class. Derek Carr threw for 3200 yards and 21 touchdowns and appears to be a solid guy for Oakland. If Carr turns into a franchise QB, than this class was fantastic. Either way, he appears to be the 2nd best QB of this class (some say the best) and was great value in the 2nd round. Carr was easily their best pick. The Raiders also found a starting guard in Gabe Jackson. Solid draft from Oakland especially if Carr and Mack pan out.
I raved last year about the Chargers selection of Jeremiah Attaochu. He had a great debut as well, but then virtually disappeared the remainder of the season. Quite disappointing. Jason Verrett likewise did nothing as a rookie. It is hard to give a team an above average grade when their first two picks do virtually nothing over the season. This draft class as far as production was probably the worst as rookies. I gave them a B, but they were awful. Hopefully, they produce more this season for the sake of their fans.

NFC East
Zach Martin being picked by the Cowboys allowed them to have the best offensive line in the entire NFL and helped them win the division. It was a fantastic selection as I pointed out at the time. As a whole I was unfair to the rest of this draft because the trade to get Demarcus Lawrence was so bad. It was just that bad. Each of the picks they traded to get up to take Lawrence are and will continue to be better pros than him. However, this was a solid draft in some spots. I vastly underrated Anthony Hitchens who had a decent rookie season for one.
When the Giants selected Odell Beckham Jr., I stated that he would be one of 4 fantastic rookie receivers along with Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Sammy Watkins. It seemed to me that picking between them was like splitting hairs and I was right about that. Each was quite productive, but it was Beckham that was Rookie of the Year. He was also the guy that ended up with one of the best catches in NFL history. You won't remember much else about that Giants class, but you can't complain about the Beckham pick.
Marcus Smith compiled 0 stats for the Eagles in 2014 so based on last year it is difficult to justify him as being the best pick by the team. It seems though that it was just a weak team draft overall. The bright spot had to be Jordan Matthews and his 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. Matthews will likely be the Eagles #1 WR in 2015.
Although I would say it was a poor roster decision Morgan Moses only started 1 game in 2014. Based on that season, it is difficult to justify him as their best pick. I would have to say that Bashaud Breeland was the top Redskins rookie. Breeland played a pretty darn good corner for Washington and was a great pick in the 4th round. I talked about how I liked that pick at the time, but I thought the Moses pick was slightly better. I may have slightly overrated this class, but I still have high hopes for Moses and stand by the fact that Breeland and Seastrunk were fantastic selections.

NFC North
The Chicago Bears had a solid draft last year and I predicted that it would be that way. Their top pick according to me was Brock Vereen and he had a solid rookie season. Vereen ended up starting 4 games and made some plays for the Bears as their 4th round pick. Their first round pick Kyle Fuller was also quite good and he was able to make 14 starts. Fuller played a solid corner for the Bears last season. Charles Leno also got a start for the Bears despite being a 7th round selection.
I thought Travis Swanson would start from Day 1 and was a fantastic selection for Detroit. He was a solid selection in round 3, but he made 5 starts and not 16 as I anticipated. Ebron was a bit of a reach and did not produce much. It will be interesting to see what he does in the future. I had Detroit's draft at a C- and that seems about right. With Swanson's struggles I think my assessment is even more accurate that this draft was below average.
I raved about the Packers selection of Jared Abbrederis in Round 5, but he played 0 snaps in 2014. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was a solid pickup and made an immediate impact as expected. Richard Rodgers proved to be good value as I said and his 2 touchdown grabs as a rookie to go with 5 starts show signs of promise. Linsley was even better value as a 16 game starter out of Round 5. The C proved to be the strongest pick of the draft to date. I also stated Bradford was good value and he accumulated no stats
The Vikings draft depends on the success of Tedy Bridgewater, but the early returns are good and they got him at a great spot. David Yankey was not their best pick based on early returns as he didn't see the field. McKinnon got lots of PT early because of the Adrian Peterson disaster last year. Anthony Barr had a very solid rookie season just as expected.

NFC South
I gave the Falcons a top 10 draft grade because overall they picked quite well. Jake Matthews was the safest pick in the draft as I said at the time and started 15 games. He will be a great tackle for them for years to come and was clearly their top selection. Their second pick Ra'Shede Hageman was a huge disappointment in year 1 though and had virtually 0 production. Former FSU RB Devonta Freeman played in all 16 games and caught a TD, as well as rushing for a TD. Freeman has a bright future in Atlanta. Prince Shembo started 3 games at LB and recorded 59 tackles as a high value 4th rounder.
At pick 28 Kelvin Benjamin was the best value in Round 1. Well unless Tedy Bridgewater develops that is. Benjamin had 78 catches for 1,008 yards and 9 touchdowns despite erratic quarterback play. He proved what I was saying about the top receivers having very little seperating them and was tremendous value for Carolina. Kony Ealy had 4 sacks and an INT and looks to gain even more playing time in 2015. Trading down to get him was a fantastic idea. 3rd round pick Trai Turner had 9 starts. 4th round safety Tre Boston had 5 starts. 5th round corner Bene Benwikere had 6 starts. The majority of their selections ended up starting which is why this draft was rated in the top 3. I'd go so far as to say because this team easily had the best draft in the division they were able to repeat as NFC South Champs. The rookies made the difference in the division race.
Before injury himself for the season, Brandin Cooks may have been on pace for a Rookie of the Year campaign. The future is bright for Cooks. I said though that New Orleans' best pick was Ronald Powell the former Gator linebacker. Powell only recorded 2 tackles and showed why you should never trust a UF football player. Other than Cooks this draft had zero production and through year 1 would have to be graded lower than the C+ grade I gave it.
Finally, Jameis Winston's future home in Tampa. Mike Evans did not disappoint at all in his rookie season. He was as good as I said he was and caught 12 TD passes. Evans also had 68 catches for 1,051 yards. Not only was he the Bucs top choice, but he may have been the best receiver in a loaded class. Sefarian Jenkins caught 2 TDs and shows promise. I was also intrigued by Charles Sims who provided very little help. In 2014 the Bucs did nothing to address their weaknesses along the offensive line or at QB and it showed. However, that lack of addressing QB will work to their advantage when they select Mr. Winston at the end of the month.

NFC West
Not taking Bridgewater in Round 1 was a colossal mistake for the Arizona Cardinals. Had Tedy been the QB and not Ryan Lindley, they would have won the Super Bowl IMO. Pittsburgh State receiver John Brown did have a solid rookie year to save a weak draft for the Cardinals. He had 48 catches for 696 yards and 5 touchdowns.Bucannon had a decent rookie season in being selected over Bridgewater as he had 9 starts. However, he wasn't the impact in Round 1 that several other players could have been. This draft goes down as a major missed opportunity for Arizona.
I said that I thought the 49ers reached in each of the 1st two rounds. Their first pick Jimmie Ward spent the majority of the year injured and confirmed my suspicions that he was a reach. Carlos Hyde will be the top back in San Francisco and I like that he is in fold, but I still think it was a reach. The reason I say it was a reach is I hate when backs are selected before round 3 unless it is an absolute game changer like Adrian Peterson. Carlos Hyde is not that level in my opinion. I thought that Marcus Martin was their best pick and moving forward that appears to be true. Martin started 8 games and the best competition he had for their top pick was Chris Borland who just retired.
The Seattle Seahawks had one of the worst drafts last year according to my grades, but they performed better than I thought in year 1. Seattle of course was still able to make the Super Bowl for 1. While I was right that Richardson was an awful selection, this class had several contributors. Justin Britt was a 16 game starter on the offensive line and he was selected in Round 3. However, their top pick according to me in Cassius Marsh only recorded 5 tackles in his rookie season.
Finally, comes the St. Louis Rams who I said had a top 3 draft. This draft looks like the very best after a year. The Rams got 12 starts out of Greg Robinson. Aaron Donald was Defensive Rookie of the Year. LaMarcus Joyner had 40 tackles and a start in the defensive backfield. Tre Mason had 765 yards and 4 touchdowns and looks like the back of the future. EJ Gaines had 15 starts despite only being a 6th round selection. Gaines looks like one of the best values of the entire draft following a tremendous rookie season and is St. Louis's best pick from last year's draft. None of the 7th round selections worked out, but the Rams picked up 5 starters for 2015 in this draft. The team did a great job.

Now, I will give some input on this draft and especially its top player as this year's draft approaches in the coming weeks.

-Noland

NFC West Draft Grades

This is my last divisional draft recap. The NFC West which is currently the top division in football added a bit more talent.

Arizona Cardinals

1(27) Deone Bucannon  (SS, Washington State)

2(52) Troy Niklas (TE, Notre Dame)

3(84) Kareem Martin (DE, North Carolina)

3(91) John Brown (WR, Pittsburg State)

4(120) Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech)

5(160) Ed Stinson (DE, Alabama)

6(196) Walt Powell (WR, Missouri State)

Best Pick: Ed Stinson

Where he was picked, Stinson provides a great value as a 5 technique. Unlike others, I am not a big fan of Arizona's draft either so being one of two picks I liked helps Stinson.

Summary: The Cardinals got great value with Stinson in round 5 and with Martin in Round 3. However, I am not a fan of the rest of their draft at all. They reached on Brown who is small and doesn't run great routes. They picked Brown solely on speed in a loaded wide receiver class. They also reached hard on Logan Thomas who I just don't see it on. Notre Dame's history on tight ends makes me hopeful about Niklas, but he's very slow. He's a good blocking tight end which makes him a good day 3 selection, but I think 2nd round is a little high in this draft. Bucannon had good size and speed, but not sure about him as a first rounder. Didn't hate the draft, but it was below average for me.

Grade: D+

Undrafted Free Agents

Zach Bauman (RB, Northern Arizona)
Jonathan Brown (LB, Illinois)
Glenn Carson (LB, Penn State)
Chandler Catanzaro (K, Clemson)
Tim Cornett (RB, UNLV)
Bruce Gaston (DT, Purdue)
Kelvin Palmer (OT, Baylor)
Kelsey Pope (WR, Samford)
Justin Renfrow (DT, Miami)
Brendon Sermons (DB, UCLA)
Kevin Smith (WR, Washington)
Anthony Steen (OG, Alabama)
Corey Washington (WR, Newberry)
Todd Washington (CB, Southeastern Louisiana)

Steen was one of only three good signings by Arizona. He will make the 53 man roster and likely be an eventual starter for the Cardinals. It was surprising that he lasted to free agency.
Corey Washington has fantastic kick return ability and is big and athletic. He is another free agent that will make the Cardinals out of camp and contribute this season.
Todd Washington is the 3rd signing. He will likely make an NFL roster or the 49ers practice squad. He has a lot of ability and tested well even with a toe injury. This guy has a lot of talent.

San Francisco 49ers

1(30) Jimmie Ward (SS, Northern Illinois)

2(57) Carlos Hyde (RB, Ohio State)

3(70) Marcus Martin (C, USC)

3(77) Chris Borland (LB, Wisconsin)

3(100) Brandon Thomas (OG, Clemson)

4(106) Bruce Ellington (WR, South Carolina)

4(129) Dontae Johnson (CB, North Carolina State)

5(150) Aaron Lynch (DE, South Florida)

5(170) Keith Reaser (DB, Florida Atlantic)

6(180) Kenneth Acker (DB, Southern Methodist)

7(243) Kaleb Ramsey (DT, Boston College)

7(245) Trey Millard (FB, Oklahoma)

Best Pick: Marcus Martin

Another center selected that was the best pick for their team. I must be a fan of instant starters that can help their team out. That is exactly what Martin provides. He has the ability to instantly enter a lineup and produce. He is a powerful guy that is a great run blocker and great fit for San Francisco.

Summary: I don't like picking a runningback in the 2nd round, but who they got and how they play, it works for the 49ers. They reached in round 1 too, but other than those first two picks, this was a very average draft for the 49ers. Martin was the highlight of the draft for me.

Grade: C-

Undrafted Free Agents
Morgan Breslin (OLB, Southern California)
Asante Cleveland (TE, Miami)
Dillon Farrell (C, New Mexico)

Kory Faulkner (QB, Southern Illinois)
Fou Fonoti (OT, Michigan State)
LJ McCray (S, Catawba)
Shane Skov (ILB, Stanford)

Founoti is a solid tackle and I think he will stick somewhere. San Francisco doesn't need much help at tackle, but he could compete for a backup position and push somebody. If he doesn't cut it in San Francisco, look for Fonoti to latch on somewhere else. Miami would be a great fit for Fonoti.
McCray has kick returning ability and is said to be an asset on special teams. He went to the alma mater of the 49ers defensive line coach which is likely how they found him and got him signed. This guy will be very interesting to watch. Although the 49ers are deep at safety, I like his chances as a special teams player to start out.
Skov was projected by many as a 3rd round pick and ranked by many as the 3rd best inside linebacker in the entire draft. How he didn't get drafted blows my mind, but the 49ers smartly jumped all over signing him. This guy is a fantastic signing that provides instant depth at the position. While the 49ers have one of the best, if not the best linebacking corps in the country, Skov adds to the talent at the position. I still look for Skov to make the team despite the talent at linebacker in San Francisco. The additions of Borland and Skov certainly help out with the horrible injury to Novorro Bowman. One man's misery is another man's opportunity and the injury improves Skov's chances of making the team and an early impact.

Seattle Seahawks

2(45) Paul Richardson (WR, Colorado)

2(64) Justin Britt (OT, Missouri)

4(108) Cassius Marsh (DE, UCLA)

4(123) Kevin Norwood (WR, Alabama)

4(132) Kevin Pierre-Louis (LB, Boston College)

5(172) Jimmy Staten (DT, Middle Tennessee State)

6(199) Garrett Scott (OT, Marshall)

6(208) Eric Pinkins (DB, San Diego State)

7(227) Kiero Small (FB, Arkansas)

Best Pick: Cassius Marsh

There are concerns for Marsh off the field which is one of the reasons he is a 4th rounder, but its worth a shot in the 4th round. Pete Carroll is not afraid to take a chance on a kid and he did it with Marsh. He is a good fit for them as a situational pass rusher and he doesn't have to play right away. If it works out great, if not no harm done. A decent risk to take in Round 4.

Summary: Seattle is used to having their drafts under Carroll questioned and this is another example. However, they seem to work out. I am one that hasn't questioned their drafts until now. I am among the haters this year because I just don't see contributors in this draft class. There is some potential with Norwood, Pierre-Louis, and Marsh in the middle rounds, but they reached more than once.

Grade: D

Undrafted Free Agents
Dion Bailey (S, Southern California)
Brock Cole (LB, Montana)
Chase Dixon (TE, Central Arkansas)
Garry Gilliam (OT, Penn State)
Bronson Irwin (OG, Oklahoma)
Jackson Jeffcoat (DE, Texas)
Jimmy Legree (CB, South Carolina)
Demonte McAllister (DT, Florida State)

Keith Price (QB, Washington)
Andru Pulu (DT, Eastern Washington)

Jeffcoat has a great shot at making Seattle's roster and would have been a 4th round pick in most drafts. The depth of this draft really hurt Jeffcoat as did Texas' season. However, he is a good player. A little to slow for linebacker and a little too small for a traditional defensive end role, Jeffcoat is a tweener, but in Seattle he will be a situational pass rusher and will be a great fit for that. If he can add some speed or size, watch out.
McAllister didn't get much playing time this past year because FSU had Timmy Jernigan at nose and they also had Jaccobbi McDaniel. However, eventhough Jernigan was one of the best players in this draft, it doesn't mean McDaniel and McAllister are scrubs. All three can play pretty well. The Seahawks are going to love McAllister and he will provide some depth.

St. Louis Rams

1(2) Greg Robinson (OT, Auburn)

1(13) Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)

2(41) Lamarcus Joyner (DB, Florida State)

3(75) Tre Mason (RB, Auburn)

4(110) Maurice Alexander (SS, Utah State)

6(188) EJ Gaines (DB, Missouri)

6(214) Garrett Gilbert (QB, Southern Methodist)

7(226) Mitchell Van Dyk (OT, Portland State)

7(241) Christian Bryant (DB, Ohio State)

7(249) Michael Sam (DE, Missouri)

7(250) Demetrius Rhaney (C, Tennessee State)

Best Pick: Lamarcus Joyner

Joyner is the guy the Rams wanted in this draft. He fills a huge need by providing desperately needed secondary help. Most of all though the Rams wanted his playmaking ability and were not shying away because of his size. He is the 3^rd best Seminole in this draft (behind Benjamin and Jernigan) and the has a knack for the big play. He dominated Clemson and their star player Sammy Watkins. His two turnovers early turned that game into a rout quickly. Above, one of those plays is pictured. This guy just makes plays.

Summary: The Rams got three starters with their first three picks and added a guy that will contribute highly to their running game with their next selection. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander started by the end of the season either. 5 contributors for years to come is fantastic. All the other picks are just gravy on top if they pan out. I like EJ Gaines too. That guy could end up being another contributor down the road. Great draft for the Rams and the 3^rd best overall in my opinion. They were the 3^rd team to separate themselves from the group.

Grade: A

Undrafted Free Agents
Alex Bayer (TE, Bowling Green)
Jarrid Bryant (CB, South Dakota)
Avery Cunningham (S, Central Michigan)
Austin Franklin (WR, New Mexico State)
Deantre Harlan (DT, Bacone)
Aaron Hill (LB, Minnesota)
Kadeem Jones (FB, Western Kentucky)
Emmanuel McCray (OT, Mississippi)
Johnny Millard (LB, California Poly)
Marcus Roberson (CB, Florida)
Abasi Salimu (OT, Nicholls State)
Jamaine Sherman (WR, East Texas Baptist University)
Trey Watts (RB, Tulsa)
Ethan Westbrooks (DT, West Texas A&M)
Tavarius Wilson (LB, North Alabama)

Bayer will push for a roster spot because there is nobody beyond the top three, but he is unlikely to win the 3rd tight end job.
Even as the Gator hater that I am, it is shocking that Roberson is available. I had him rated as a 5th rounder and CBS Sports had him rated as a 3rd rounder. Many mocks had Roberson being picked on Day 2, so to see him last all the way through day 3 is rather surprising. Solid move by the Rams to swoop him up.
The Rams didn't draft a wide receiver and have issues with Kenny Britt and Stedman Bailey making them need improved depth at wideout. Step in Austin Franklin who although undersized can run routes and has decent speed. Another great pickup. Sherman has better size and could also be a good fit, but is unproven against solid competition being from such a small school.
Avery Cunningham and Jarrid Bryant are unlikely to make the team, but they add desperately needed competition in the secondary.
Unless Lance Kendricks moves from tight end to fullback, expect Kadeem Jones to be lining up at fullback for St. Louis. He is the most likely besides Franklin to make the team and could easily start day 1.
It is shocking that McCray was not drafted out of Mississippi. The Rams have 4 capable tackles, but many reports have two of those tackles bumping down to guard to start. That move will leave St.Louis thin behind the starters and makes McCray a perfect fit as a backup tackle. This also gives Salimu a decent chance to make the team.

-Noland

FSU's Top 10 Returning Players

During Athlon Sports coverage of FSU yesterday, they ranked FSU's best returning players. I will post their list here along with my list and why I picked who I picked.

Athlon's Picks
10. Christian Jones LB
9. Dustin Hopkins K
8. Timmy Jernigan DT
7. Rashad Greene WR
6. LaMarcus Joyner S
5. Greg Reid CB
4. Bjoern Werner DE
3. EJ Manuel QB
2. Xavier Rhodes CB
1. Brandon Jenkins DE

My Picks
10. Devonta Freeman
9. Nick Moody
8. Christian Jones
7. Rashad Greene
6. EJ Manuel
5. Timmy Jernigan
4. LaMarcus Joyner
3. Bjoern Werner
2. Xavier Rhodes
1. Brandon Jenkins

I took Greg Reid out of my rankings because I think he is too much of an all or nothing player. Reid does not play assignment football and struggles in pass coverage 1 on 1. He has a lot of big play capability, but he gets beat in coverage far too often. Without Bradham though we can afford a player like Reid on defense. I also took Dustin Hopkins off my list because as good as he is, he is a kicker and kickers don't belong in the top 10. Other than maybe Sebastian Janikowski.

The #1 and #2 spot on each list is identical. Brandon Jenkins is clearly the best Seminole football player and was MVP of spring practice. Jenkins has a chance to be a top 10 pick in April and is an All-American candidate. The guy is poised for a monster year. Xavier Rhodes has the same potential and is expected to be one of the top DBs in the country. It is easy for those two.

EJ Manuel is lower on my list because I didn't put him high just because he is a QB. Based on his performance so far I can't put him higher than our defensive standouts. An argument can be made that Rashad Greene can be ahead of him as well due to his awesome freshman season. It is more like T-6 for me there instead of 6 and 7.

Bjoern Werner was an absolute animal last year and was an easy choice for me at #3. With him and Jenkins I legitimately believe we have the best DE duo in the country. Name one better. Go ahead. Timmy Jernigan was a stud last year as a freshman and is my pick to have a breakout season. With those two studs at defensive end, who is going to block this defensive line? Good luck.

Lamarcus Joyner is one of the most underrated players in the country. He had a great year last year in his first season at safety and it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect him to do even better. This is another legit NFL guy.

Christian Jones had a great year last year and is now the leader of the linebacker corps. As Athlon said, Jones is poised for a breakout season and will likely be a key figure on their defense. Also, Jones wears #7. You remember the other Christian who was #7? CJ7 anyone?

Nick Moody hits harder than anyone on the team. He seems to fire everyone up. I think this guy will make it happen this year.

I posted about the 5'8 runningback earlier today, but I am a fan of Devonta Freeman. He will likely lead the Noles in rushing again this season.

-Noland