!!! THE OFFICIAL 2011 NFL 4th-7th ROUND DRAFT PICKS THREAD!!!

[oldschooler]

[url="http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/04/30/previewing-rounds-4-7/"][size="5"]Previewing Rounds 4-7[/size][/url]
[b] 9:12 am, Apr 30, 2011 | Written by [email="jreedy@enquirer.com"]jreedy[/email]



[/b]The final four rounds start at noon with each team having five minutes to make a selection. The Bengals have the fourth pick in the fourth round (101st overall), third pick in the fifth (13th overall), second pick in the sixth (167th overall) and fourth and 45th selections in the seventh (207th and 246th overall).

The future quarterback-receiving combination of Andy Dalton to A.J. Green is set, now its time to address some other areas of concern.


[b]Bengals Needs[/b]
[b]Safety:[/b] Inexperience, a lack of depth and two free agents who have started a combined 44 games the past three seasons make this a bigger need. It is thought though to be a draft class lacking in depth. Oklahoma's Quinton Carter, Clemson's DeAndre McDaniel, Rutgers' Joe Legefeld, Iowa's Tyler Sash, Florida's Ahmad Black, North Carolina's Da'Norris Searcy, West Virginia's Robert Sands are worth keeping an eye on.

[b]Offensive Line:[/b] With right guard Bobbie Williams entering the final year of his contract and concerns at right guard and tackle, head coach Marvin Lewis has made no secret that they will be looking for help. Among players to watch — OT/OG Marcus Cannon (TCU), OT James Brewer (Indiana), OG/OT Clint Boling (Georgia), OT Jason Pinkston (Pitt), C/OG Kris O'Dowd and OG Steve Schilling (Michigan).

[b]Running Back:[/b] Cedric Benson is an unrestricted free agent. While there remains a good chance that he will re-sign, it would benefit them to draft someone with the same running style, especially with durability issues about Bernard Scott. They were hoping that Kansas State's Daniel Thomas was going to be there in the third round, but according to the Miami Herald's Jeff Darlington, the Dolphins had Thomas targeted all along and made a trade to grab him late in the second round. Players to watch — Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington), Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State), Jordan Todman (UConn), Alex Green (Hawaii) and Derrick Locke (Kentucky).





(Click the link for the entire article)


[url="http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/04/30/previewing-rounds-4-7/"]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/04/30/previewing-rounds-4-7/[/url]

[Jason]

I want Tyler Sash and Marcus Cannon today.

[akiliMVP]

Clint Boling in round 4

[oldschooler]

With the fourth through seventh rounds upcoming, it's time to take a look at the best players left on the board for whatever reason. This is less a "value list" (which is why you see Adam Froman instead of Ricky Stanzi) and more a list of the guys whose tape I liked the most among the remaining players. Here are the top 10 players left in offense; we'll have a list of defenders presently.

[b]Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor[/b]

The obvious comparison is [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5448/"][color="#0069aa"]Michael Vick[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5448/news"](notes)[/url], but Taylor reminds me more of [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6446/"][color="#0069aa"]Seneca Wallace[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6446/news"](notes)[/url] at the draft prospect level — a potential option quarterback who's a bit more stubborn about the aspects of pure quarterback play. He's still learning the finer points of the position, but Taylor absolutely has an NFL arm and the capacity to throw all the way up the route tree — that's the most underrated aspect of his game. A potential NFL starter with a patient quarterback coach and in the right system.

[b]Louisville QB Adam Froman[/b]

An unfinished gem, Froman was an un-recruited Wing-T quarterback in high school and got two years in at Lousville — one season in pro-style, and one in more of a spread offense. Hasn't played a full season set against major competition, but has good basic mechanics, a very solid arm, and absolutely startling speed as a runner.

[b]Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter [/b]

Hunter really hit my radar at the Senior Bowl, when I saw his determination to hit the hole hard and excel in the blocking drills. He doesn't have the energy after contact that [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8832/"][color="#0069aa"]Ray Rice[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8832/news"](notes)[/url] does, but he reminds me of Rice in his patience and ability to read and blast through gaps. A very shifty runner in space who can catch out of the backfield, Hunter will make an NFL team happy in a running back rotation.

[b]Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones[/b]

One of the biggest risers in recent weeks. A foot injury robbed Jones of a start in the FCS Championship game, all the postseason bowls, and the combine drills, but he just tore up his pro day with sub-4.3 speed and ridiculous cuit quickness on the bag drills. Injury and fumbling issues dog him, but you could be looking at the next [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8850/"][color="#0069aa"]Jamaal Charles[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8850/news"](notes)[/url] here.

[b]Abilene Christian WR Edmond Gates[/b]

Gates might not be quote as explosive against more elite competition, but he certainly displayed the skills to tear up the defenders he did face. An elite basketball player in high school, Gates took his athleticism to the football field a bit late (he'll be 25 years old in June), but those wondering if he can repeat the success of ex- Abilene Christian speedster [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9404/"][color="#0069aa"]Johnny Knox[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9404/news"](notes)[/url] could very well be pleasantly surprised.

[b]Hawaii WR Greg Salas[/b]

Another player who hit my radar at the Senior Bowl because of his ability to extend his body and make the tough catch in traffic. Salas isn't a quick-cut guy, and he played a lot in the slot in an offense that hasn't produced a lot of NFL talent, despite its overall dynamism. But any team looking to get a tough guy over the middle, who can adjust to option routes and make the splash play downfield, would do well to pick Salas up quickly on Day 3.

[b]Arkansas TE [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6776/"][color="#0069aa"]D.J. Williams[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6776/news"](notes)[/url]
[/b]
A real surprise to be available in the late rounds. His Senior Bowl week had me going back to his game tape and marveling at his hands — Williams may have the best pure hands of any receiver regardless of position in this draft class. [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/24834/"][color="#0069aa"]Lance Kendricks[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/24834/news"](notes)[/url], who went to the Rams in the second round, proved that NFL teams aren't necessarily discounting the "move" tight end as an offensive weapon, so I'm at a loss to explain this one. Wiliams could have massive sleeper potential.

[b]Louisville OT Byron Stingily[/b]

Like his old quarterback Adam Froman, Stingily came from junior college and is still learning the little things at his position. But he's got optimal size (6-foot-5, 313 pounds), has the athleticism to make the kick-step and proper arc in pass protection, and just needs the benefits of the right coaching program.

[b]Virginia Union OT David Mims[/b]

Huge sleeper upside pick here. I watched three Virginia Union games with overhead angles, and was impressed by Mims' size, strength, and second-level speed. Played at 350 pounds at VU, and the competition he faced had no answer for him. Mims has trimmed down to about 330 pounds and has been working with Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz. He projects very well as a power right tackle in the [url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8526/"][color="#0069aa"]Stephon Heyer[/color][/url][url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8526/news"](notes)[/url] mold.

[b]Slippery Rock C Brandon Fusco[/b]

Fusco is an agile, practiced player with second-level quickness and solid inline strength. Though he didn't always dominate the Division II opponents he faced, his pre-draft excellence will have him on an NFL roster sooner than later.





[url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Last-day-value-picks-on-offense-indicate-depth-o?urn=nfl-wp1669"]http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Last-day-value-picks-on-offense-indicate-depth-o?urn=nfl-wp1669[/url]

[oldschooler]

[b]Virginia Union OT David Mims

[/b]Huge sleeper upside pick here. I watched three Virginia Union games with overhead angles, and was impressed by Mims' size, strength, and second-level speed. Played at 350 pounds at VU, and the competition he faced had no answer for him. Mims has trimmed down to about 330 pounds and[b] has been working with Hall-of-Famer Anthony Munoz.





[/b]

[oldschooler]

[size="5"][b]Best Available By Position[/b]
[/size]Posted on: April 30, 2011 4:03 am



Scouts will tell you they earn their money on the final day of the draft.

Sometimes it's less about finding that small-school gem or underutilized player from a larger program and more about taking chances on talented players with character, injury or consistency issues.

The Buccaneers found a fourth-round bargain last year in receiver Mike Williams, as did New England in tight end Aaron Hernandez, both of whom had second-round talent but fell because of character concerns.

Iowa's Christian Ballard may be the best available talent on the board due to a positive drug test at the scouting combine and inconsistent play on the field, while injury issues took Eastern Washington speed back Taiwan Jones (always seemingly nicked up) and Indiana teammates tackle James Brewer (foot) and receiver Tandon Doss (groins) out of the running for the top 97 selections.

Building depth through the late rounds is what allows teams to survive injuries to the starters picked in the top 100 over the last handful of drafts. Along with Williams and Hernandez, 10n other fourth-to-seventh round picks started at least half of his team's games in 2010, and many others look as though they will be contributors for quite some time.

The "best of the rest" still waiting to hear their names called at the Radio City Music Hall lectern are listed below by position. Each position is given a grade based on the talent available to teams as they make their decisions on whom to take a chance on late in the proceedings.

Quarterbacks
Grade: Above-Average

It was expected that Iowa's Ricky Stanzi would be the eighth quarterback selected in this draft, but most thought he would hear his name called in the third round. Though his arm strength is average and decision-making is questionable, he has enough size, athleticism and upside to be taken fairly early Saturday. Look for a lot of quarterbacks to be picked in the late rounds, both because there are a lot of intriguing late-round finds available this year and because teams will not be able to sign them to free agent contracts after the draft as in years past because of the lockout.

1. Ricky Stanzi (Iowa) 6-4/223/4.87/4
2. Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech) 6-1/217/4.47/4-5
3. Greg McElroy (Alabama) 6-2/220/4.84/5
4. Pat Devlin (Delaware) 6-3/225/4.81/5-6
5. T.J. Yates (North Carolina) 6-3/219/5.06/6
6. Adam Froman (Louisville) 6-4/220/4.56/6-7
7. Nathan Enderle (Idaho) 6-4/240/5.12/6-7
8. Taylor Potts (Texas Tech) 6-4/218/5.00/6-7
9. Josh Portis (California (PA)) 6-3/211/4.59/7
10. Scott Tolzien (Wisconsin) 6-2/212/4.92/7
11. Adam Weber (Minnesota) 6-1/209/4.73/7
12. Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M) 6-5/251/4.75/7

Running Backs
Grade: Above-Average

The depth of this year's class of running backs, primarily due to a dozen draftable underclassmen, will be felt on Saturday. It would not have been surprising if three of the backs listed below would have been picked in the third round, but teams knew there was enough talent available in the later rounds that they could attack other roster holes in the top 97 selections. A couple of starters and several regular contributors will come out of the group listed below.

1. Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State) 5-07/199/4.46/4
2. *Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington) 6-0/196/4.35/4
3. *Jordan Todman (Connecticut) 5-09/203/4.40/4-5
4. Bilal Powell (Louisville) 5-11/207/4.54/4-5
5. *Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State) 5-06/196/4.59/4-5
6. Delone Carter (Syracuse) 5-09/222/4.54/5
7. Roy Helu (Nebraska) 6-0/219/4.40/5
8. *Jamie Harper (Clemson) 5-11/233/4.53/5-6
9. *Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh) 5-07/193/4.56/5-6
10. Johnny White (North Carolina) 5-10/209/4.50/6
11. Derrick Locke (Kentucky) 5-08/188/4.37/6-7
12. Da'Rel Scott (Maryland) 5-11/211/4.40/6-7
13. Evan Royster (Penn State) 6-0/212/4.65/7
14. Anthony Allen (Georgia Tech) 6-1/228/4.56/7
15. Noel Devine (West Virginia) 5-08/179/4.45/7
16. Mario Fannin (Auburn) 5-10/231/4.37/7
17. Allen Bradford (Southern Cal) 5-11/242/4.53/7
18. Damien Berry (Miami) 5-10/211/4.58/7
19. Chad Spann (Northern Illinois) 5-08/201/4.52/7
20. Brandon Saine (Ohio State) 5-11/220/4.40/7

Fullbacks
Grade: Average

Owen Marecic, Henry Hynoski and Shaun Chapas are the true fullbacks in this draft, but Clay and Havili might have the best chance of being drafted early because of their versatility. NFL fullbacks need to be receivers and runners more than blow-up blockers in most systems, and both of those players have those type of skills.

1. Charles Clay (Tulsa) 6-3/245/4.69/4
2. Stanley Havili (Southern Cal) 6-0/227/4.64/4-5
3. Owen Marecic (Stanford) 6-1/248/4.87/5
4. Anthony Sherman (Connecticut) 5-10/242/4.74/5-6
5. *Henry Hynoski (Pittsburgh) 6-0/257/5.06/6-7
6. Shaun Chapas (Georgia) 6-2/247/4.87/7
7. Preston Dial (Alabama) 6-2/238/4.83/7

Wide Receivers
Grade: Above-Average

A late run at the cornerback position crowded out talented players like Edmond Gates, Greg Salas and Denarius Moore, while mediocre senior seasons hurt Niles Paul, Dwayne Harris, Terrance Toliver and Ronald Johnson. Tandon Doss' groin injuries concerned scouts, as well. But in the fourth, fifth or sixth round, teams will find a slew of future No. 2 and 3 receivers that help build depth. Returners like Paul, Harris, Jeremy Kerley and Cecil Shorts have a chance to make an impact on special teams while they learn the intricacies of the NFL passing game.

1. Edmond Gates (Abilene Christian) 6-0/192/4.31/4
2. Greg Salas (Hawaii) 6-1/210/4.53/4
3. *Tandon Doss (Indiana) 6-2/201/4.62/4
4. Denarius Moore (Tennessee) 6-0/194/4.43/4-5
5. Niles Paul (Nebraska) 6-1/224/4.45/4-5
6. Dwayne Harris (East Carolina) 5-10/203/4.53/5
7. Jeremy Kerley (TCU) 5-10/189/4.56/5
8. Terrance Toliver (LSU) 6-4/212/4.52/5-6
9. Ronald Johnson (Southern Cal) 5-11/199/4.46/5-6
10. Dane Sanzenbacher (Ohio State) 5-11/182/4.56/5-6
11. Cecil Shorts III (Mount Union) 6-0/205/4.50/6
12. Stephen Burton (West Texas AM) 6-1/221/4.50/6
13. Ryan Whalen (Stanford) 6-1/202/4.53/6
14. *Darvin Adams (Auburn) 6-2/190/4.56/6-7
15. Ricardo Lockette (Fort Valley State) 6-2/211/4.34/6-7
16. Jeff Maehl (Oregon) 6-1/190/4.56/6-7
17. Aldrick Robinson (Southern Methodist) 5-10/184/4.35/6-7
18. Andre Holmes (Hillsdale) 6-4/210/4.51/6-7
19. Armon Binns (Cincinnati) 6-3/209/4.50/7
20. Kris Durham (Georgia) 6-5/216/4.46/7
21. Demario Ballard (Western Oregon) 6-6/219/4.50/7
22. Courtney Smith (South Alabama) 6-4/223/4.65/7
23. Chris Matthews (Kentucky) 6-5/218/4.57/7
24. Marshall Williams (Wake Forest) 6-1/188/4.56/7
25. Lestar Jean (Florida Atlantic) 6-3/215/4.61/7
26. Jimmy Young (TCU) 6-0/204/4.50/7
27. Jock Sanders (West Virginia) 5-06/181/4.50/7
28. *DeAndre Brown (Southern Miss) 6-6/233/4.59/7
29. Kealoha Pilares (Hawaii) 5-10/199/4.42/7

Tight Ends
Grade: Below-Average

Scouts considered this one of the weaker tight end classes in recent memory, and the fact only two went in the top 97 picks (Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph and Wisconsin's Lance Kendricks) backed up that claim. I believe two of the top four still on the board will make major contributions as rookies.

1. Luke Stocker (Tennessee) 6-5/258/4.68/4
2. Jordan Cameron (Southern Cal) 6-5/254/4.53/4
3. D.J. Williams (Arkansas) 6-2/245/4.59/4-5
4. Virgil Green (Nevada) 6-3/249/4.54/5
5. Julius Thomas (Portland State) 6-5/246/4.64/5-6
6. Andre Smith (Virginia Tech) 6-4/270/4.80/6
7. Lee Smith (Marshall) 6-6/266/4.94/6
8. Schuylar Oordt (Northern Iowa) 6-6/261/4.63/6-7
9. Collin Franklin (Iowa State) 6-6/256/4.72/7
10. Weslye Saunders (South Carolina) 6-5/267/4.96/7
11. Zach Pianalto (North Carolina) 6-3/256/4.78/7
12. Daniel Hardy (Idaho) 6-4/249/4.78/7
13. Ryan Taylor (North Carolina) 6-4/254/4.79/7

Offensive Tackles
Grades: Below-Average

It was clear from the start of the all-star season that teams looking for an immediate starter at tackle needed to jump on them in the top 40 picks. Even the four tackles picked in the second and third round have significant issues, and may not have been top 100 picks in deeper drafts. Derek Newton and Byron Stingly have some upside, however, as do small-schoolers David Mims, Johnny Culbreath and Trevis Turner; two of those talented but raw prospects will be thrown into the mix as rookies, just like 2010 seventh-round right tackle J'Marcus Webb was for the Bears last fall.

1. Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh) 6-3/317/5.39/4
2. James Brewer (Indiana) 6-6/323/5.21/4
3. Lee Ziemba (Auburn) 6-6/317/5.50/4-5
4. DeMarcus Love (Arkansas) 6-4/315/5.18/5
5. Derek Newton (Arkansas State) 6-5/311/5.00/5
6. Byron Stingily (Louisville) 6-5/313/4.96/5-6
7. Marcus Cannon (TCU) 6-5/358/5.26/5-6
8. Chris Hairston (Clemson) 6-6/326/5.38/6
9. Derek Hall (Stanford) 6-4/308/5.56/6-7
10. David Mims (Virginia Union) 6-8/331/5.35/6-7
11. Willie Smith (East Carolina) 6-5/310/5.40/7
12. D.J. Young (Michigan State) 6-5/307/5.18/7
13. Johnny Culbreath (South Carolina State) 6-5/322/5.04/7
14. Byron Bell (New Mexico) 6-5/339/5.40/7
15. Trevis Turner (Abilene Christian) 6-7/333/5.40/7
16. Kevin Hughes (Southeast Louisiana) 6-4/302/5.31/7
17. Josh Davis (Georgia) 6-7/313/5.50/7

Offensive Guards
Grade: Average

Clint Boling and Stephen Schilling both have the talent to be long-time NFL players, but lacked the athleticism and consistent tape to be considered top 100 caliber at a position where teams find a lot of starters in the middle rounds. Expect those two, along with two or three others, to receive significant playing time in 2011 and beyond.

1. Clint Boling (Georgia) 6-5/308/5.28/4
2. Stephen Schilling (Michigan) 6-4/308/5.18/4-5
3. David Arkin (Missouri State) 6-5/300/5.31/5
4. Zach Hurd (Connecticut) 6-7/316/5.28/5-6
5. Andrew Jackson (Fresno State) 6-5/299/5.27/6
6. Keith Williams (Nebraska) 6-4/318/5.28/6-7
7. Maurice Hurt (Florida) 6-3/318/5.39/6-7
8. Ray Dominguez (Arkansas) 6-4/334/5.45/7
9. Caleb Schlauderaff (Utah) 6-4/305/5.18/7
10. Daniel Kilgore (Appalachian State) 6-3/308/5.28/7
11. Justin Boren (Ohio State) 6-3/309/5.40/7
12. Julian Vandervelde (Iowa) 6-2/301/5.12/7

Centers
Grade: Average

No one expected more than a couple of pivot men (Florida's Mike Pouncey, Penn State's Stefen Wisniewski) to be picked Thursday or Friday night. There are a couple of future starters in this group, however, because of their toughness or athleticism inside.

1. Kris O'Dowd (Southern Cal) 6-4/304/5.12/4
2. Brandon Fusco (Slippery Rock) 6-4/306/5.18/4-5
3. Jason Kelce (Cincinnati) 6-3/280/4.89/5-6
4. Zane Taylor (Utah) 6-3/309/5.52/6
5. Tim Barnes (Missouri) 6-4/300/5.17/6-7
6. Jake Kirkpatrick (TCU) 6-2/300/5.32/6-7
7. Alex Linnenkohl (Oregon State) 6-2/304/5.36/7
8. Zach Williams (Washington State) 6-3/309/5.18/7
9. Ryan Bartholomew (Syracuse) 6-1/302/4.93/7
10. Kevin Kowalski (Toledo) 6-3/300/5.05/7

Defensive Ends
Grade: Below-Average

Ballard's positive drug test and inconsistent film caused him to drop out of the top 100 despite his excellent athleticism and potential. He could be a Ray Edwards-type steal in the fourth round for a team willing to take a reasonable chance on his talent. The rest of this group looks like two-down players or wave pass rushers, even if some (Ugo Chinasa, Eddie Jones, Cheta Ozougwu) end up moving to linebacker.

1. Christian Ballard (Iowa) 6-4/283/4.75/4
2. Pernell McPhee (Mississippi State) 6-3/278/4.91/4
3. Pierre Allen (Nebraska) 6-4/273/4.78/4
4. Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh) 6-5/264/4.79/4-5
5. Ugo Chinasa (Oklahoma State) 6-5/264/4.63/4-5
6. Cliff Matthews (South Carolina) 6-4/257/4.81/5
7. Brandon Bair (Oregon) 6-6/276/4.92/5-6
8. Ricky Elmore (Arizona) 6-5/255/4.88/6
9. Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma) 6-2/262/5.14/6-7
10. Markus White (Florida State) 6-4/266/4.86/6-7
11. Eddie Jones (Texas) 6-2/258/4.75/7
12. Ryan Winterswyk (Boise State) 6-4/268/4.96/7
13. Lazarius Levingston (LSU) 6-4/292/4.93/7
14. Cheta Ozougwu (Rice) 6-2/247/4.84/7
15. Marc Schiechl (Colorado School of Mines) 6-2/252/4.67/7

Defensive Tackles
Grade: Above-Average

The strength of this group early on allowed some talented players to fall into the fourth round. Jerrell Powe and Ian Williams shouldn't last long on the board because they are very intriguing nose tackle prospects, while Cedric Thornton, Lawrence Guy and Martin Parker will make their impact as pass rushers in the right system. Chris Neild, Sealver Siliga and Anthony Gray will play as rookies on the nose, making this as strong a group as you could expect to see on a draft Saturday.

1. Jerrell Powe (Mississippi) 6-2/335/5.25/4
2. Ian Williams (Notre Dame) 6-1/319/5.21/4
3. Cedric Thornton (Southern Arkansas) 6-3/309/5.25/4-5
4. *Lawrence Guy (Arizona State) 6-4/305/4.96/5
5. Martin Parker (Richmond) 6-2/303/4.95/5
8. Chris Neild (West Virginia) 6-2/319/5.06/5-6
6. Ollie Ogbu (Penn State) 6-1/298/4.85/6
7. David Carter (UCLA) 6-5/297/5.05/6
9. *Sealver Siliga (Utah) 6-2/305/5.38/6-7
10. Corbin Bryant (Northwestern) 6-3/297/5.10/7
11. Anthony Gray (Southern Miss) 5-11/330/5.18/7
12. John Graves (Virginia Tech) 6-3/286/5.09/7
13. Zach Clayton (Auburn) 6-2/299/4.85/7

Inside Linebackers
Grade: Below-Average

The fact that late risers like Georgia's Akeem Dent and North Carolina State's Nate Irving went higher than expected Friday night, in addition to some teams projecting many of these players as outside 'backers, makes it clear how weak this class really is. Colin McCarthy, Quin Sturdivant, Greg Jones and Jeff Tarpinian all have a chance to stay inside at the next level in a Tampa-2 or similar system where size is less important than speed to handle coverage in the middle of the field. Teams looking for a 4-3 thumper won't find much here from which to choose.

1. Colin McCarthy (Miami) 6-1/238/4.59/4
2. Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina) 6-1/241/4.63/4
3. Casey Matthews (Oregon) 6-1/231/4.79/4-5
4. Greg Jones (Michigan State) 6-0/242/4.75/4-5
5. Chris White (Mississippi State) 6-3/240/4.74/5
6. Mario Harvey (Marshall) 5-11/257/4.46/5-6
7. Mike Mohamed (California) 6-3/239/4.65/6
8. Jeff Tarpinian (Iowa) 6-2/235/4.56/6-7
9. Josh Bynes (Auburn) 6-1/240/4.80/7
10. Nick Bellore (Central Michigan) 6-1/245/4.84/7

Outside Linebackers
Grade: Average

Though the linebacker class in general is below average, the fact that potential 3-4 rush 'backers Sam Acho and Chris Carter are still on the board makes this section of the draft at least average at the top. K.J. Wright could fit inside or outside in the 3-4, while Ross Homan, Lawrence Wilson and Brian Rolle are all chasers who also have a chance to start if the opportunity arises due to their athleticism and instincts. With late-round finds Adrian Moten, Jabara Williams, Markell Carter and D.J. Smith available, there could be some surprises popping up from this list within a couple of years.

1. Sam Acho (Texas) 6-2/262/4.67/4
2. K.J. Wright (Mississippi State) 6-3/246/4.75/4
3. Chris Carter (Fresno State) 6-1/248/4.58/4
4. Ross Homan (Ohio State) 6-1/240/4.66/4-5
5. Lawrence Wilson (Connecticut) 6-1/229/4.71/5
6. Brian Rolle (Ohio State) 5-10/229/4.53/5
7. Adrian Moten (Maryland) 6-2/228/4.53/5-6
8. Doug Hogue (Syracuse) 6-3/235/4.62/5-6
9. Mark Herzlich (Boston College) 6-4/244/4.91/5-6
10. J.T. Thomas (West Virginia) 6-1/241/4.65/6
11. Jabara Williams (Stephen F Austin) 6-2/228/4.60/6-7
12. Jeremiha Hunter (Iowa) 6-1/239/4.77/6-7
13. Markell Carter (Central Arkansas) 6-4/252/4.76/6-7
14. Bruce Miller (Central Florida) 6-1/254/4.81/7
15. Scott Lutrus (Connecticut) 6-2/241/4.68/7
16. *Thomas Keiser (Stanford) 6-3/261/4.87/7
17. Quentin Davie (Northwestern) 6-4/232/4.72/7
18. D.J. Smith (Appalachian State) 5-11/239/4.75/7

Cornerbacks
Grade: Above-Average

The run on cornerbacks late in the third round may continue into the fourth, as the top seven prospects below all have a strong chance to be at least valued nickel backs early in their careers. The rest of the group all has a chance to contribute on special teams, or more, if they can improve their technique, step up their games after coming from small schools or prove they have gotten past maturity issues.

1. Davon House (New Mexico State) 6-1/200/4.44/4
2. Chimdi Chekwa (Ohio State) 6-0/191/4.38/4
3. Jalil Brown (Colorado) 6-1/204/4.52/4
4. *Brandon Burton (Utah) 6-0/190/4.50/4-5
5. Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech) 5-10/192/4.53/4-5
6. Brandon Hogan (West Virginia) 5-10/192/4.43/4-5
7. Chykie Brown (Texas) 5-11/190/4.49/5
8. Buster Skrine (Tennessee-Chattanooga) 5-10/186/4.37/5
9. Cortez Allen (Citadel) 6-1/197/4.50/5-6
10. Anthony Gaitor (Florida International) 5-10/177/4.48/5-6
11. Richard Sherman (Stanford) 6-3/195/4.54/6
12. Ryan Jones (Northwest Missouri State) 5-11/198/4.48/6
13. Chris L. Rucker (Michigan State) 6-1/195/4.55/6-7
14. Byron Maxwell (Clemson) 6-0/202/4.43/6-7
15. Kendric Burney (North Carolina) 5-09/186/4.71/7
16. Justin Rogers (Richmond) 5-11/180/4.45/7
17. Josh Thomas (Buffalo) 5-10/191/4.46/7
18. Loyce Means (Houston) 5-10/177/4.47/7

Safeties
Grade: Below-Average

The safety class joins tight ends as being considered the least talented groups in the draft. Tyler Sash and Quinton Carter could have easily gone in the third round, however, and Ahmad Black is one of the more instinctive players in the draft despite his lack of size and speed. Look for at least two of the top eight players listed here to start as rookies in 2011 - because teams often find out some of the players without great physical attributes become leaders in training camp.

1. *Tyler Sash (Iowa) 6-0/211/4.62/4
2. Quinton Carter (Oklahoma) 6-1/208/4.57/4
3. Da'Norris Searcy (North Carolina) 5-11/223/4.55/4
4. Ahmad Black (Florida) 5-10/184/4.70/4
5. DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson) 6-0/217/4.63/4-5
6. *Robert Sands (West Virginia) 6-4/217/4.53/4-5
7. Deunta Williams (North Carolina) 6-2/205/4.53/5
8. *Jerrard Tarrant (Georgia Tech) 6-0/204/4.57/5
9. Jeron Johnson (Boise State) 5-10/212/4.51/5
10. Jermale Hines (Ohio State) 6-1/219/4.61/5-6
11. Joe Lefeged (Rutgers) 6-0/210/4.42/6
12. Shiloh Keo (Idaho) 5-11/219/4.74/6
13. Mark LeGree (Appalachian State) 6-0/210/4.49/6-7
13. Eric Hagg (Nebraska) 6-1/209/4.62/6-7
14. Mistral Raymond (South Florida) 6-1/194/4.62/6-7
15. Chris Prosinski (Wyoming) 6-1/201/4.42/7
16. *Will Hill (Florida) 6-1/202/4.64/7
17. Mana Silva (Hawaii) 6-1/206/4.44/7
18. DeJon Gomes (Nebraska) 6-0/208/4.50/7

Specialists
Grade: Below-Average

The lockout may hurt these players more than anyone, as teams may decide to grab another quarterback or regular position player instead of having to bid against other teams in the free-agent frenzy coming down the pike when football begins in earnest. Alex Henery should be drafted fairly high because of his leg strength and accuracy from distance, but it's possible he could be the only one selected.

1. Alex Henery (Nebraska) 6-2/177/4.87/4-5
2. Kai Forbath (UCLA) 5-11/197/4.78/6-7
3. Chas Henry (Florida) 6-3/219/4.85/6-7
4. Ryan Donahue (Iowa) 6-2/193/4.90/6-7
5. Josh Jasper (LSU) 5-10/174/5.06/7
6. Dan Bailey (Oklahoma State) 6-0/193/4.92/7
7. Jake Rogers (Cincinnati) 6-2/213/5.06/7
8. Danny Aiken (Virginia) 6-5/244/5.09/7
9. Reid Forrest (Washington State) 6-0/189/4.71/7
10. Matt Bosher (Miami) 6-1/208/4.78/7







[url="http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/28946847"]http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/28946847[/url]

[Bengals1181]

LMAO did anyone else see that the Jets draft pick yesterday is up for a possible 20 years in prison? WTH.

[|BlackJesus|]

[b]Looking for ...

(K) Alex Henery, (T) Marcus Cannon, (T) James Brewer, (T) Lee Ziemba, (G) Zach Hurd, (DE) Pierre Allen, (DE) Greg Romeus, (LB) K.J. Wright, (DT) Jerrell Powe, (RB) Jacquizz Rodgers, (RB) Delone Carter, (RB) Roy Helu Jr., (QB) Ricky Stanzi, (WR) Tandon Doss, (WR) Niles Paul, (WR) Ricardo Lockette, (WR) Tori Gurley, (WR) DeAndre Brown[/b]

[JC]

Kris o'dowd or taiwan jones in 4!!!!!! Jaquizz would be cool to me too!

[Bengals1181]

I'd love to get Greg Romeus today to finish off the Fisher Price Package.


Romeus, Dunlap, Atkins, MJ, Moch, BJ


Pass Rush to the extreme.

[#22]

I want Luke Stocker.

[Elijah15]

[quote name='#22' timestamp='1304176618' post='989090']
I want Luke Stocker.
[/quote]
Why in the world would u get a fucking Tight end??....

[sois]

Bengals have Coffman and Gresham. They need one more somewhere. Kelly seems done to me. That injury was tough.

[BBR]

[quote name='Missya15' timestamp='1304176781' post='989093']
Why in the world would u get a fucking Tight end??....
[/quote]

If they didn't need a QB so bad, I would have loved Kyle Rudolph in the 2nd. Hell, I would have considered even with the need at QB.

I think Kelley is real close to retiring and a good replacement for him would be nice.

[Elijah15]

[quote name='BBR' timestamp='1304178474' post='989116']
If they didn't need a QB so bad, I would have loved Kyle Rudolph in the 2nd. Hell, I would have considered even with the need at QB.

I think Kelley is real close to retiring and a good replacement for him would be nice.
[/quote]
Than drafting gresham would have been pointless,thank god you arent calling the shots

[JC]

Lol. I guess it was poitnless when the pats took two tight ends last year who turned out to be their two best receiving options..

We need a in line blocker. Stocker could do that. DJ williams could be a good hybrid for us. You can never have too many offensive weapons

[texbengal]

[quote name='JC' timestamp='1304179361' post='989125']
Lol. I guess it was poitnless when the pats took two tight ends last year who turned out to be their two best receiving options..

We need a in line blocker. Stocker could do that. DJ williams could be a good hybrid for us. You can never have too many offensive weapons
[/quote]

Agree, and another good in-line blocker who may go later is Lee Smith of Marshall.

[Elijah15]

[quote name='JC' timestamp='1304179361' post='989125']
Lol. I guess it was poitnless when the pats took two tight ends last year who turned out to be their two best receiving options..

We need a in line blocker. Stocker could do that. DJ williams could be a good hybrid for us. You can never have too many offensive weapons
[/quote]
We are not the patriots,remmeber that

[Jason]

Too early for a TE.

Lee Smith in 6 or 7. Good blocker, and solid hands. Not a downfield threat, but a Reggie Kelley type of player.

[scharm]

[quote name='Missya15' timestamp='1304176781' post='989093']
Why in the world would u get a fucking Tight end??....
[/quote]
Because they need them

[JC]

[quote name='Missya15' timestamp='1304179897' post='989137']
We are not the patriots,remmeber that
[/quote]
Thanks for informing me. I almost forgot.

[Jason]

We're on the clock!

[Jason]

Bills got Searcy. Good athlete. I was considering him in my last mock.

[texbengal]

Thought Seattle might take a shot at Stanzi. Wonder if Buffalo will?

Hope Bolling goes to Cincinnati... I hear the Cowboys really like him.

[Jason]

Clint Boling!

Good deal.