North Observations
Two days in and we already have someone whom should walk away from this week a clear cut winner. That's offensive lineman Mike Iupati of Idaho. He definitely looks the part at 6-5 and weighing in at 325, but it's his long arms and his ability to get them extended that has a lot of teams excited. Entering the week, he was a lesser known prospect, whom had some buzz with a strong bowl performance, but also was going up against inferior talent. Now, up against some of the best Seniors in the draft, he's been nothing short of superb, especially in one on one drills. The knock on him is whether or not he can convert to left tackle. If he can, he's probably a lock to go in the top 20, but even if he can't, enough teams are likely sold on him as one of the best guard prospects in recent memory.
Another North player helping himself is Boise State's corner Kyle Wilson. Wilson, while a little undersized, is very physical at the line of scrimmage and uses his hands well in press coverage. He has the best coverage skills of any corner at Mobile. He's positioning himself to be a potential first-round pick with his week.
Receiver Mardy Gilyard, tight end Ed Dickson and defensive end Brandon Graham are also players helping themselves that are worth mentioning. Graham, has an impressive first step out of his stance. His explosiveness will definitely entice teams picking in the latter half of the first-round. He'll get looks at outside linebacker in the 3-4 too, which can only bump up his value. Gilyard, has been impressive in handling press coverage, but his hands are going to turn some teams off. Still, I think he's making a push to be the No. 3 receiver in this draft. Dickson is proving to be one of the most athletic tight ends probably in this draft. He's been a matchup problem for several defensive backs. I think he's climbing draft boards with his current showing.
An interesting battle to who the best linebacker of the North squad is something that will probably be talked about more as the week goes on. Both Sean Weatherspoon and Daryl Washington impressed in one on one blocking drills versus runningbacks. Weatherspoon, particularly, plays with an aggressive style.
Quarterback Tony Pike, doesn't have a quick release and for someone his size, his arm isn't as strong as you'd hope for. He's had an up and down week. Offensive Lineman Sam Young and Zane Beadles seem to be hurting their stock. Young probably projects to be a right tackle, but even then, he's struggling especially against bull rushers. Beadles, has been overpowered on more than one occasion and will likely have a hard time matching up against some of the bigger interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
South Observations
Dexter McCluster is an all-purpose player that will fly up draft boards in the coming months. He reminds me of a lighter version of Minnesota's Percy Harvin. In fact, there basically the same player when you minus the weight difference. McCluster, will help some team as a receiver, return man, and he can lineup in the backfield. He's the most explosive player on either roster and I'm predicting he'll be the Senior Bowl MVP. I can't see him getting out of the 2nd round. He's too much of an asset.
Another player that has really stood out in my opinion is interior offensive lineman, Jeff Byers. The former Southern California Trojan, doesn't overwhelm anyone with his size, but he's been solid in one on ones and his technique is impressive. He'll get looks in a zone scheme, but at 6-3, his frame is big enough for him to bulk up. He's definitely going to be on a few teams' radar.
A player a lot of people were excited to see was Southern California safety, Taylor Mays. Mays, definitely looks the part, but he hasn't really stood out. He also could be liability in man to man coverage, as he doesn't look comfortable at all when lining up on a receiver. Still, he has all the tools to be an all-pro safety. Someone just needs to coach him up.
Louisiana State tackle, Ciron Black, was once considered a potential first-round pick, but his stock has dropped throughout the season. He's a big tackle and that's where he played in college, but I think his best spot might be inside at guard. His best asset is obviously his power and he might be able to utilize that better inside.
Terrence Cody of Alabama is big. How big? He's about 370. He's definitely a prototype 3-4 nose tackle, but his weight is going to turn a lot of teams off. He'll need to shed at least 20 pounds. Despite potential weight problems, I think at the very least, he's a second-round pick.
Tebow Watch
After a rough first day, according to many, Tebow seems to be settling in better. He's basically everything scouts figured he'd be, which isn't necessary a good thing though. Yes, you'll hear about how he has bad mechanics, questionable accuracy, and whether or not he can adjust to a pro offense. Yet, the talent is there. I think he's kind of got a "sneaky" strong arm and he definitely has the leadership qualities to play quarterback. People will nitpick him, but keep in mind, he's a major project and that's not a secret to anyone. He won't be an NFL starting quarterback for at least two years. His transition is going to take time, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.
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