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Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama Overview Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama typically has built its program with highly regarded high school recruits. In the case of Williams, the Crimson Tide went the junior college route. Williams, who grew up playing rugby and basketball in Brisbane, Australia, only took up football at the age of 15. Once he joined the sport, however, it became obvious that his combination of size, power and athleticism could result in big things. Coaches from the University of Hawaii quickly recognized his talent when they were in Australia performing at a clinic and they got Williams, then 16 years-old, to commit to their program. It was soon discovered that Williams was missing an English and math class. Rather than spend another year in the classroom so that he could play at Hawaii, Williams elected to go to Western Arizona Community College. There, he quickly proved himself to be a man amongst boys, posting 76 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks over two seasons (18 games) and quickly earning recognition as one of the elite JUCO prospects in the country. He eventually chose Alabama over LSU, Oklahoma State, Southern California, Arkansas, Oregon State, Mississippi and Tennessee. In his first season with the Tide in 2011, Williams started all 13 games as a five-technique defensive end, posting 24 tackles, including four tackles for loss and half a sack. Due to his agility, Williams was moved inside to defensive tackle on passing downs. He transitioned to nose guard in 2012, putting together a second-team All-SEC season. Williams anchored the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation playing the zero-technique position he took over during spring practice. He has even seen some snaps on offense in goal-line situations as a lead fullback and with his rugby background, he hopes to get his hands on the ball. At 6-3, 320, he has the muscle and agile feet to line up in any defensive scheme. Analysis STRENGTHS: Has a naturally wide frame with relatively short limbs, giving him the low center of gravity conducive to holding up at the point of attack. Possesses unbelievable weight-room strength (600 pound bench press) that translates well onto the football field due to his use of leverage and surprisingly good technique considering the fact that he's a relative neophyte who only took up the game at age 15 and has played just four seasons of football in the United States. Has improved his use of hands over his two seasons at Alabama and has developed into a cognitive defender capable of reading the action, shedding the block with heavy, active hands and making the tackle in the hole. Has the length to play outside as a five-technique defensive end, a role in which he initially played during his junior season with the Tide before sliding inside to the nose as a senior. Good phone-booth quickness and plays hard, competing to the whistle. Also served as Alabama's short-yardage fullback in 2012, a testament to his power and aggression. An ascending talent with passion and work ethic to improve. WEAKNESSES: Bit of a one-trick pony as Williams does not possess the quickness or the agility to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Must do a better job of protecting his knees as he is susceptible to cut blocks. Too often raises his pad level at the snap, negating some of his power and making him all the more vulnerable to cuts, as he possesses only moderate flexibility. Has to do a better job of getting his hands up in passing lanes as he rarely gets home as a pass rusher (just three passes broken up in 25 career starts at Alabama). Plays with good effort but lacks lateral agility and struggles to knock down ballcarriers with any room to maneuver. COMPARES TO: Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots -- Like the Patriots' run-stuffing nose guard, Williams isn't going to pressure the quarterback often but his size and strength will make him a force in the middle. University of Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams is a very thick prospect with a well-balanced game. He does not have many glaring weaknesses and can contribute both against the run and pass. Williams is quick in short spaces and really gets after the action. Finds himself in the mix and fights for position until the whistle. Not physically dominant, but he can impose his will on guys if he can get good hand placement. Williams is an average athlete and may not ever grow into anything more than a rotational player. Needs to bring high energy late in games and usually starts far better than he finishes. He'll need to add muscle to his lower half. Strong upper body can overpower defenders with the proper leverage. Must lose baby fat and add more muscle to really push blockers into the backfield. Good snap anticipation. Still new to the game of football after growing up in Australia. Decent ceiling as he continues to learn the finer techniques. Very good tackler when someone gets in his zone. Really explodes into the ball-carrier and can punish opponents if he has any forward momentum. Williams projects as a second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist When considering raw athleticism and size, SMU Mustangs defensive lineman Margus Hunt may have the highest potential in the 2013 draft class. Hunt is a huge prospect with limited football experience that should hear his named called in the first two days of the draft. Hunt was born in Estonia and will be 26 years old at the start of next season. He has only been playing football since his freshman year in 2009 and has a decorated background in track and field (shot put and discus). Lots of hype entering senior year and struggled at times with defenses really keying on him. Needs to get better against the run by staying low with his pad level. Can be driven off the ball. When pass-rushing, he does a great job of hitting the gaps by contorting his body through tight spaces. Will regularly get into the backfield although he is not a strong finisher when given an opportunity to bring down the ball-carrier. Elite talent at blocking kicks with his huge wingspan and height. Tremendous speed for a player his size (4.7 40-yard dash). At his best when he focus his pursuit downhill, extend his arms to take on blockers and disrupt the backfield. Hunt projects as a second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Overview The NFL loves upside, and few prospects possess more of it than Hunt, a gold medal-winning track and field athlete and native of Estonia who has only been playing football since 2009. Possessing an extraordinary combination of size and explosiveness, Hunt became the first junior athlete to ever win both the shot put and discus gold medals the same year, accomplishing both feats at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing. He moved to Dallas to train with SMU's world-renowned track and field coach Dave Wollman just in time to see the university drop the program. Rather than move again, Hunt elected to try football. The game didn't initially come easy to Hunt. Despite playing in 13 games in 2009, he recorded just eight total tackles. He nearly doubled the SMU record, however, by blocking an eye-popping seven kicks in his first season, coming within one of tying the NCAA single-season record. Hunt blocked three more kicks in 2010 and saw his production jump in every other category, as well, notching 45 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in his second year of playing. Though Hunt's stops behind the line of scrimmage would rise as a junior (7.5, including 3.0 sacks) and senior (11.5 including 8.0 sacks), Hunt's ascent hasn't been as consistent as scouts might have envisioned after his first two years. The 45 overall tackles he posted as a sophomore remain his single-season career high. Characterized by CBS' Bruce Feldman as the biggest athletic "freak" in college football, Hunt possesses the extraordinary upside to warrant early consideration. After four years in the game, however, he remains a better athlete than football player, and ranks as one of the bigger boom-or-bust prospects of the 2013 draft. Analysis STRENGTHS: Certainly looks the part. Possesses a long, tapered build with room for additional muscle mass. Boasts a surprisingly quick first step and gains ground efficiently due to his long strides. Closes quickly on the ballcarrier due and can provide a thump on arrival. Naturally powerful defender who can simply bull-rush his opponent deep into the pocket. Big, strong and reasonably active hands to fight through blockers' attempts at grasping a hold of him. Good hand-eye coordination and times his leaps well to aid in his kick-blocking prowess. Has emerged as a player the offense must account for on virtually every snap and yet remains a better athlete than football player, which speaks to his exciting upside. WEAKNESSES: Highly inconsistent. Has a tendency to make a splashy play and then disappear for long periods of the game. Struggles with pad level and can get blown off the ball against the run because he loses the leverage battle. Like a lot of taller defensive ends, Hunt is stiff in his upper body and he struggles to re-direct when attempting to break down and tackle agile ball-carriers. Can be eluded and has a tendency to lunge at ball-carriers as a result, leading to some ugly whiffs. Doesn't get his hands into passing windows as much as he should considering his height and kick-blocking prowess. Has only seven passes defended in 53 games. Inconsistent effort in downfield pursuit. COMPARES TO: Corey Wootton, DE, Chicago Bears -- Wootton was a productive player at Northwestern who slid on draft day due to injury concerns. Optimistic talent evaluators preached patience as Wootton had shown the length, power and surprising speed to be successful once he acclimated to the NFL and healed sufficiently. While the concern with Hunt lies with his relative inexperience and inconsistency, the team that gambles on Hunt could be similarly rewarded with a future standout.

Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina Height: 6-3. Weight: 320. Projected 40 Time: 5.19. Projected Round (2013): 1-2 Overview Even with the firing of head coach Butch Davis nearly two years ago, the defensive line talent (Davis' specialty) continues to flow out of Chapel Hill. Davis and his staff recruited Williams out of Coffeyville Junior College, where he starred despite playing just one season of high school football. In his sophomore season at the JUCO, level Williams recorded 52 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and five blocked kicks. He immediately established himself as a standout once at UNC, starting all 13 games for the Heels and recording similar numbers despite the jump in competition (54 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks). With opponents often shifting their protections to defend him in 2012, Williams' overall tackle numbers dipped to "just" 42 stops. Utilizing his unique combination of cat-like quickness and a lethal swim move, Williams emerged as one of the more dangerous big-play interior defenders in the country as a senior, however, earning First Team All-ACC honors from both coaches and the media with a career high 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Stout enough to control the action on the nose and quick enough to intrigue teams as a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle, Williams boasts clear first-round talent. But with consistency a concern, teams could be hesitant to gamble considering the depth at the position in the 2013 draft. Analysis STRENGTHS: Possesses a naturally large, thick build. Possesses a very quick first step and a lethal swim move (both arms, if necessary) to slip past interior linemen. Varies his burst off the snap, lulling his opponent into relaxing and can make the explosive tackle behind the line of scrimmage before the ball-carrier has had time to make his first cut. Good strength for the bull rush. Has the strength to rip his arms free to disengage and shows a quick, closing burst. Very good strength for the drag-down tackle as ballcarriers attempt to run by him. Versatile. Asked to line up on the nose, defensive tackle and even out wide, showing the ability to hold up to double-teams. Improving awareness versus screens, draws. Good pursuit to the edge. Has only played football for five years and appears to be an ascending player. WEAKNESSES: Struggles with consistency. Can make the flashy play and then disappear for long stretches. Relies on his swim move to slip past the defender but has only average flexibility, which forces him to turn his back to "get skinny." When doing so, Williams often loses sight of the ball, actually helping his opponent create easy lanes, at times. Lack of ideal flexibility and awareness is also evident against cut-blocks, as he is often knocked to the ground and has only average quickness in getting back up to get himself back into the play. While he shows good pursuit to the edge, Williams loses steam quickly and doesn't give much effort downfield. COMPARES TO: Gerard Warren, DT, New England Patriots -- Like the 12-year veteran of the NFL trenches, Williams possesses precisely the combination of size, power, and burst to dominate the middle. The question for scouts will be if he has the work ethic to dominate consistently. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina University of North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams has overcome adversity to become one of the premiere talents in the nation. After bouncing in and out of high school, Williams found his way in junior college before making a name for himself with the Tar Heels. Williams is an well-built prospect that does well to gain penetration into the backfield. Technique is a bit inconsistent, yet he moves very well laterally and can take away running lanes. Not a huge player that can consistently handle double teams. At his best in one-on-one situations where he can rip, swim, and adjust his feet to make a play on the ball. Can get a bit reckless, frustrated, and out of control in his pursuit when trying to gain ground. Tries to stay on assignment but sometimes gets caught pushing into the backfield when he needs to protect his lane. Williams has a good motor but stamina is a concern late in games. He will need to learn how to bring consistent effort from start to finish. Williams currently projects as a late first to early second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

HE is teh greatest DC of the last generation. There is no debate there. He has changed a great deal over the yrs. He really does get the most out of the parts he is provided.

http://russellstreetreport.com/breaking-down-the-early-reports-on-flaccos-new-deal/?fb_action_ids=10200508263486352&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200508263486352%22%3A263342293800639%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200508263486352%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Leach only played in I think 42% of the snaps. He really is not that important.

Chris Faulk*, OT, LSU Height: 6-6. Weight: 325. Projected 40 Time: 5.19. Projected Round (2013): 2-4 Overview Overshadowed by all of the talent on the defensive line coming out of LSU in recent years was the development of Faulk as one of the best-looking pro prospects on the offensive line in the entire country. The baby-faced Faulk might not look the part of today's NFL left tackle, but he played the part well in 2011 - his first full season as a starter after earning the nod at right tackle in LSU's final two regular-season games as a redshirt freshman. However, Faulk's ascension was curtailed by a season-ending torn ACL suffered in practice following the 2012 season opener. He then surprised many by opting to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. Despite his less-than-ideal frame, Faulk has demonstrated surprising agility and the length necessary to perform well in the SEC, earning second-team all-conference honors in his first season at left tackle. His play, in fact, was so impressive that he ranked No. 24 on Rob Rang's Big Board entering the 2012 season. Although Faulk isn't likely to challenge Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel as the top pass blocker in the 2013 draft, his surprising leap to the NFL makes the offensive tackle class one of this year's top position groups. STRENGTHS: Very smooth out of his stance. He eases to his left, latches on with strong hands and has the lateral agility and balance to sustain blocks in pass protection. He possesses long arms and surprising flexibility to reach speed rushers. Shows the ability to handle speed rushers when left one on one, rarely allowing any pressure off the edge. He is physical and determined as a run blocker, coming off the ball with good pad level and consistently driving his opponent off the ball. WEAKNESSES: Besides just his health, however, scouts will also want to make sure Faulk is in shape, as the 6-6, 335-pounder has carried more weight across his middle than most of today's relatively svelte offensive tackles. Worth noting that Faulk was protected often in 2011 with a tight end. COMPARES TO: Andrew Whitworth, LT, Bengals -- Faulk certainly doesn't have the body type normally associated with dominant blind-side pass protectors in today's NFL. That said, neither does Whitworth, a 6-7, 330-pound former LSU standout who developed into one of the league's better left tackles for the Bengals. Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri Height: 6-5. Weight: 300. Projected 40 Time: 5.25. Projected Round (2013): 7-FA Overview There is nothing sexy about Fisher's game despite playing the all-important left tackle spot in one of the nation's most prolific offenses. But all he's done for every game Missouri has played the past three years, since winning in pre-season camp as a true freshman, is keep his quarterback's backside clean. He was named the team's freshman of the year and earned Freshman All-American honors by protecting veteran quarterback Chase Daniel all 14 games of the 2008 season. Over the next two seasons, new passer Blaine Gabbert received the benefit of Fisher's solid play in all 26 games the team played. He received honorable-mention All-Big 12 recognition after both his sophomore and junior campaigns. Missouri's quick passing game and wide line splits are very offensive line-friendly, but Fisher's hustle and strength would have allowed him to succeed in any system. Teams looking for a sturdy, underrated pass protector on the blind side in the mold of long-time Green Bay Packer Chad Clifton may value Fisher in the early rounds of the draft; scouts could also see him as a starter on the right side, or possibly guard, at the next level. Analysis Pass blocking: Solid pass protector who plays with a wide base. Lacks a fluid, quick kick-slide but does not get beaten outside. Flashes quickness to down-block and still pushes wide rushers or late blitzers around the pocket. Cuts down ends quickly and thoroughly on quick passes to his side. Gives too much ground against bull rushes, is always moving backwards and must anchor more quickly against NFL ends. Overextends to sustain at times instead of punching and recoiling. Inconsistent recovery speed, may struggle there at the next level. Used as tight end on unbalanced line. Run blocking: Good strength as run-blocker on the edge, displays power and footwork to direct oncoming defenders out of running lanes. Gets after his man and stays on the block through the whistle, resetting his hands and moving his feet. Almost always in two-point stance in Missouri's pass-blocking scheme, looks naturally strong and quick with his hand down. Pulling/trapping: Not asked to trap or pull in Missouri's pass-blocking scheme. Looks to have enough foot speed to trap inside if moved to guard, has aggression and willingness to sustain to knock out linebackers in his path. May have difficulty, however, doing more than get hand on inside targets due to average agility and flexibility. Initial Quickness: Possesses adequate speed getting out of his two-point stance. Does not lose initial contact battle very often, but technique must be perfect to stay with quicker NFL ends. Capable reach-blocker, can direct quick tackles past the ballcarrier. Downfield: Used in front of receiver screens, hits multiple targets and will sustain once latched on. Lacks the quickness to adjust to quicker defenders in space, will lunge and miss. Intangibles: Media-friendly talker. Came to Missouri as a hard worker and has only continued to improve in the weight room and practice field. Gives full effort every play on the field.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/04/ed-reed-hasnt-heard-from-ravens-cant-imagine-playing-elsewhere/

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/02/ultimately-ravens-got-flacco-for-seven-years-127-3-million/

I don't have a Lax stick.

I was wondering if it was just me.

He is going to take a monster deal when some sucker team offers it.

It is going to be super back loaded.

Sean Considine gotta agree. Ed Dickson 3rd round tender. Dannell Ellerbe He is the big one. If he gets some crazy deal you have to let him go. James Ihedigbo At the right price. Arthur Jones 3rd round tender. Ma'ake Kemoeatu Seeya. Paul Kruger He is gone. Bryant McKinnie I think he can be had at a very reasonable price. Dennis Pitta #1 tender. Ed Reed Seeya. Cary Williams Enjoy that big contract.

I think that the squealers should be looking to move on from Ben soon. It is only so long that he can take the beatings he does.

Baltimore Ravens: Walter Stewart, DE/OLB, Cincinnati The Ravens seem like the type of team to take a chance on someone like Walter Stewart - a possible first-round talent who has major back-related issues that nearly forced him into retirement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9QcWcCPDrI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrBc_PdopCI I really like this as a pick in the 5th. He gets the the QB and holds his ground on the edge.

Baltimore Ravens: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU The Ravens suddenly have glaring issues at cornerback. Lardarius Webb tore an ACL for the second time in his career, while Cary Williams is a free agent. The Ravens have taken a chance on another troubled cornerback, so they'll consider Tyrann Mathieu. In the 4th would be a steller spot to get Honey Badger.

Baltimore Ravens: Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech The Ravens take chances on players like Da'Rick Rogers. If Rogers stays out of trouble, he could be a solid weapon for Joe Flacco. The expensive Anquan Boldin will be entering his contract year and will have to be replaced soon. Looks OK but I just don't see WR as any kind of need in this draft.

Baltimore Ravens: D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina Jason La Canfora recently reported that some of Ed Reed's teammates believe that he won't be back with the Ravens next year. Reed's an impending free agent, so he may move on with Ray Lewis also leaving. If that happens, Baltimore will obviously be looking for a new safety this offseason. Color me not impressed. I would play Christian Thompson over this guy.

http://walterfootball.com/draft2013_1.php Baltimore Ravens: Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State This pick is all about figuring out which player will fall to the Ravens. Ozzie Newsome frequently scoops up plummeting prospects, and there's no reason to believe that this year will be any different. The tumbling prospect could easily be Johnathan Hankins because he looked sluggish at the Combine and consequently ran slowly. Terrence Cody is a bust. He was playing behind Ma'ake Kemoeatu in his third season. Kemoeatu is a 34-year-old free agent, so the Ravens may want to bring in a new nose tackle this offseason. He eats lots of double teams. He ends up on the ground a little much. Looks to be a solid replacement for Cody.

Of the 3 I would say Ellerbee. I would let Kruger and Reed leave.

OK. The big question is the details.

I don't see Ozzie taking the risk with Honey Badger in the first round. Way to many red flags on him.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/02/getting-sixth-year-on-flacco-deal-was-a-win-for-ravens/