#23 CB Kyle Wilson
Wilson is an athletic versatile player that has immediate value giving depth to the secondary as well as contributing as a return specialist. He is aggressive to go after the ball as a coverage defender as well as fielding punts and kicks. Wilson understands angles and how to leverage the ball that may fit best in combination zone schemes. He shows good vision and instincts to find a crease as a punt returner. Wilson lacks great top end speed but shows excellent quickness and hips to be effective as a nickel defender. He is a willing run support player but isnt physical and needs to improve in this phase of the game. Wilson is a good football player that should contribute in a rookie season and eventually vie for a starting position.
Strengths
Wilson is a fast-twitch corner who possesses tremendous athleticism. Hes a durable performer who did not miss any games while at Boise State. Instinctual player who displays great anticipation in pass coverage. Possesses impressive ball skills. Also a candidate to help out in the return game, which only increases his value. Did nothing but produce for the Broncos.
Weaknesses
Only possesses average size and can have trouble dealing with bigger receivers. Wilson is willing but inconsistent in run support and misses some tackles. Despite impressive ball-skills, he needs to get his head turned around when in man coverage and locate the ball better in the air.
#56 OT Jared Veldheer
Recognized as on the best linemen in Division II - named 1st Team AFCA All-American, 1st Team AP Little All-American and Gene Upshaw finalist. Great student (3.0 GPA Bio) and recognized team leader in the weight room and on the field - his efforts led to Hillsdale's first-ever play-off appearance and first play-off win in 2009. Declined Valero Cactus Bowl invitation to play in Texas vs. The Nation bowl game where he wowed scouts during the week and whom some called 'the best offensive lineman there.
Strengths
Dominating size and athletic ability at left tackle. 10.125 inch hands and huge frame reminiscent of Jonathan Ogden. Plays to the whistle. Good footwork and blocking mechanics allow him to get to the defender quickly. Frame will allow him to get even bigger. Self-report of 4.87 and 4.94 40 times (summer, '09). Demonstrates good flexibility for such a large body.
Weaknesses
Upright pass-blocker who will need to improve as he faces elite competition. Has been able to dominate on strength alone in D-2; may need some time to adjust to next-level defender's speed.
#87 OLB Jason Worilds
Jason Worilds came into his own during 2008 when he became a full-time starter, tallying 62 tackles including 18.5 for loss. He had 8 QB sacks as well. His 2009 season wasn't nearly as productive with only 49 tackles and 11 TFL (4.5 sacks), but he received increased attention and played with a nagging shoulder injury. Worilds had another year of eligibility remaining (took a medical redshirt in 2006), but chose to enter the draft early.
Strengths
Worilds is a very explosive player, with outstanding get-off at the snap. He has surprising strength and power at the point of attack and adds a variety of effective pass-rush moves (swim, spin, club). Hard-working player who will pursue a play from behind and doesn't give up. As an edge rusher, he can flatten out and gain the edge even against long-armed and quick-footed tackles. Worilds is a sure tackler and changes direction very well for a man his size.
Weaknesses
Undersized to continue at the DE position... may be better suited to move to OLB in a 30 front defense. Doesn't have much experience dropping into coverage, which would be necessary with a move to the second level. Despite his strength, he gets pushed around too much at the college level. Has an injury history to be aware of now.
#123 RB Joe McKnight
McKnight is an elusive ball carrier that knows how to set up his blockers and does not need a huge lane to run through. He enjoyed his first full season staying healthy in 2009 and declared early to take advantage of that. He finishes his runs off better than youd expect for someone his size. He is not a power back but does know how to dip his pads to run through arm tackles and will attack tacklers with an explosive burst. He shows a good burst through the hole and while he has good speed to threaten deep he will get run down from behind at times. He can be an effective receiver both out in the flats as well as downfield.
Strengths
McKnight has elite quickness and agility for the running back position. Has good speed in the open field. Shows impressive vision, waits for the play to develop, finds the cutback lane. Very competitive with the ball in his hands and plays with the attitude of a bigger back. Was productive in college. Exhibits a natural feel setting up blockers.
Weaknesses
McKnight has enough height but lacks the bulk and thick build of an every down back. Doesnt possess the natural strength to be consistently effective between the tackles. Dealt with some minor injuries in college while sharing the load. Blocking could use some polish. Isnt a true power runner.
#155 SS Myron Rolle
Rolle has great size and strength for the safety position but lacks great burst, lateral agility and change of direction in coverage. He does have good instincts and vision off the hash and likely his best fit is in two deep zone coverage schemes. Rolle tends to play high in his peddle and is a bit stiff in his hips. He is a solid run support defender filling the alley but not a "hammer" as a tackler. Myron missed the entire 2009 football season due to studying in Oxford (Rhodes scholarship) but will prepare to enter the 2010 NFL draft.
Strengths
Rolle has outstanding size and strength for the safety position and maintains an incredibly high conditioning level. Plays with terrific intelligence and shows good instincts coming up in run support and against the pass in zone coverage. Is a highly-competitive and productive player who was very durable in college.
Weaknesses
Rolle missed entire 2009 collegiate season studying in Oxford (Rhodes scholarship), raising questions about his long-term desire to play football. Is only an average overall athlete for the position, who showed some hip stiffness in college but answered some questions in this area at the Senior Bowl
#170 WR Danario Alexander
Alexander is a huge WR with adequate straight-line speed and good ball skills, especially when going over the middle and catching the ball in traffic. He is competitive to the ball when covered and should have an immediate impact as a red zone receiver at the next level. He still needs work on his route running skills as he will telegraph his moves at times. He is more than just a willing blocker and has shown the kind of work ethic and competitiveness to make you think he could develop into a quality receiver at the next level.
Strengths
Ultimate tough-guy WR has overcome three major knee surgeries to become Missouri's top target. Was once ahead of Jeremy Maclin on the depth chart before injury woes. Great hands. Very athletic and can both sky (reported 46" vertical) and dive to the turf to make tough catches. Great body control allows him to adjust to poorly thrown balls. Deceptive speed and can break away from defenders; almost lulls them to sleep. Very strong and tough to tackle. Turns upfield quickly to pick up yardage, and runs well after the catch. Team player who blocks and leads by example.
Weaknesses
Knee injury history. Played in a spread offense for the Tigers and will have to adjust to the nuances of the NFL game, particularly escaping press coverage off the line. Not a burner.
#194 DE Brandon Deaderick
Deaderick was a productive three-year starter for the Alabama defense. He has good size and strength with just average athleticism for the position. He doesn't have great initial quickness and struggles some to change directions in space. He flashes a powerful punch to control blockers and is an instinctive player as blocking schemes unfold. He is a quick reactor and feels pad pressure well to restrict running lanes. He is a solid tackler in a confined area but again can be inconsistent in space. Deaderick is a solid defender who has the tools to contribute as a backup in his rookie season and eventually could push for a starting position.
Strengths
Deaderick possesses prototypical size for a 3-4 defensive end. Uses a strong punch to get lineman on their heels, reads fast and has a nose for the ball. Powerful bull rusher who can collapse the pocket and get after the quarterback. Natural leader who was productive in a pro scheme at Alabama.
Weaknesses
Average athlete who struggles to slide down the line and make tackles in space. Lacks adequate initial quickness and will not consistently get inside blockers with his hands at the next level. Does not have the speed to be an edge rusher and has a limited pass-rush package with too few counter moves
#231 QB Zach Robinson
Robinson is a two-year starter that has shown the ability to lead his team and put points on the scoreboard, but is not a classic pocket passer that can make all the throws needed for the next level. He has adequate arm strength but compensates with a live arm that allows him to get the ball out quickly and does not give defenders a lot of time to get a jump on his throws. He needs work on going through his progressions and looking defenders off and will force too many passes causing more interceptions than he should throw. He is athletic and can extend the pocket or throw the ball on the move but will likely never be more than a second or third quarterback on an NFL team.
Strengths
Robinson is a high-character player. Exhibits impressive mental toughness in terms of preparation off the field and grit on the field. Displays a live arm at times to make difficult throws. Is very accurate in the short passing game. Robinsons an athletic signal-caller, who can avoid the pass rush, scramble to buy extra time and pick up yardage with his feet.
Weaknesses
Has adequate height but does not possess enough bulk for the next level. Arm strength is good but raw. Throwing mechanics could use some polish as he can take too long to deliver the ball at times. Not very experienced reading coverages in a pro-style system. Will get locked into a single receiver