2012 fs's

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George Iloka Boise St. 6-3 216 4.49

01/25/2012 - 2012 SENIOR BOWL WEDNESDAY: FS George Iloka, Boise State: At nearly 6-4 and 222 pounds, Iloka looks more like a potential linebacker than a free safety, but his athleticism and instincts have been on display all week long. He intercepted a pass during Tuesday's practice, making an impressive diving pick-off of Michigan State's Kirk Cousins in front of Massachusetts' H-back Emil Igwenagu. Iloka is not surprisingly a bit high in his back pedal but he showed surprising agility and burst when asked to drop down and cover receivers when the offense switched to a three receiver set. In a relatively weak year for safeties (outside of Alabama's Mark Barron), Iloka's size, athleticism and experience (40 consecutive starts) stand out. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYdzorboZbI

Not the best vid but he is #8 towards the end.

 

Markelle Martin Oklahoma St. 6-1 198 4.45

Can't find a recent writeup.

He swarms and I think he might be the best talent on their D.

[SpearSrai]

Barron is a ball-hawk that isn't afraid to get his hands dirty... could be a star in the NFL... will probably come off the board long before we pick.

 

Mayock has Harrison Smith of ND #2, George Iloka of Boise #3, Markelle Martin of Ok. State #4, and Janzen Jackson and Antonio Allen of McNeese State and South Carolina, respectively, tied at #5.

 

I've watched limited Iloka footage, but he seems like a solid tackler at the position... will investigate further.

 

I really like what I've seen from Antonio Allen of South Carolina - good hands and ball skills, good tackler... will definitely start in the NFL. A lot of the rankings here will depend on how these guys run at the combine. Any of these guys who run in the 4.4 range will fly up the boards.

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I would like to see more video and writeups on the position.

[yagersports]

Wouldn't be disappointed with a highly regarded safety. We have our thumper in Pollard, but if Reed gets injured do we have someone capable of filling his shoes? Don't get me started on 4th and 20 Nakamura.

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Antonio Allen

South Carolina

6’1″1/2 210

 

Allen, finally ready to take his talents to the next level, was one of the more experienced players in college football. The strong safety played one year at Fork Union Military Academy before transferring to South Carolina and sitting out one year in 2008. He was mostly a full-time starter at safety the rest of the way throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns. Despite missing two games with a hamstring injury in 2010, Allen finished second on the team with 70 tackles (10.5 for loss). He played in 12 of 13 games as a senior and led the Gamecocks with 88 total tackles. Allen was third in tackles for loss (9.5) and and second in solo tackles (55). He also had three interceptions, one sack, three fumble recoveries, and an incredible four forced fumbles.

The Ocala, FL native has great size at 6'1'' and 202 pounds. He has consistent 4.5 speed and has been clocked as fast as 4.48 from that distance. Allen does not have elite speed, so he sometimes struggles in pass coverage and can get beat because he is sometimes over-aggressive. When he gets the ball in his hands, though, he is extremely dangerous. In 2011 he returned both a fumble and an interception for a touchdown, and both of his fumble returns went for at least 25 yards. Quite simply, Allen is a ball-hawk who can pick it off in the air or dislodge it with huge hits. He plays physical and is not afraid to make his way into the backfield. His red flag is questionable straight-line speed and agility, so deep-threat wide receivers can take advantage of him. Look for Allen to be a third-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOPyR-8T0Ic

definately not a center fielder. Not a huge need of his skill set. He looks talented though.

 

 

 

draft scout 3rd

draft 101 3rd

fftoolbox 3rd

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Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin

 

6'0 - 210 lbs.

3/5/12: Henry had 62 tackles with three tackles for a loss, four interceptions and three passes broken up this year. He was solid for the Badgers with big games against Nebraska and Illinois. Henry played well against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship. He did not receive an invite to the Combine or Senior Bowl, but played decently at the East-West Shrine. Henry doesn't look like a starter in the NFL, but he should still be quality depth and a special teams contributor.

 

8/26/11: Aaron Henry is a strong run defender who shows good instincts. He recorded 58 tackles last season with seven passes broken up and one forced fumble. Henry also had two interceptions, and he brought both picks back for touchdowns. It was Henry's first year as a starter, and he could be even better in 2011 now that he has a year of experience.

 

Not the great center fielder. He is an ankle biter of a tackler. he is pretty good.

 

walter 4-6th

draft scout 4-5th

draft 101 4th

 

 

Janzen Jackson, FS, McNeese State

 

5'11 - 188 lbs

Janzen Jackson was formerly with the University of Tennessee. After a run-in with the law, the university decided to release Jackson from the football team. Shortly thereafter, he joined McNeese where his father coached.

Jackson is a great athlete with adequate range. He's not particularly fast, but he has a nice burst when going after the football. He doesn't have straight line speed and is at his best when changing directions or leaping for the ball. Jackson has just enough talent and fluidity to play cornerback as well and could be a career nickel package player.

If he sticks at safety, he'll need to add some bulk and improve his tackling. Jackson too often looks for the showtime, big hit rather than staying fundamentally sound. His immaturity issues push him out of the first two rounds and teams would be wise to remember he didn't stick at Tennessee for a reason. Coaches remained mum on the details, but he had a falling out with the coaching staff after Lane Kiffin left.

 

 

fftoolbox 3rd

draft bible 3rd

draft scout 4th

 

 

 

Eddie Whitley, FS, Virginia Tech

 

6'1 - 195 lbs

 

3/5/12: For 2011, Whitley had 83 tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble and four passes broken up. His run defense looked weak against Miami, Clemson and others. Whitley's stock has declined due to this unimpressive senior season. He has the athletic ability to be more productive, but appears to play tentatively. Whitley did not play in an All-Star game and wasn't invited to the Scouting Combine.

 

8/26/11: Eddie Whitley had a productive junior season with 80 tackles, four tackles for a loss, six passes broken up and two interceptions. It was Whitley's first season as a starter. Whitley projects as a free safety in the NFL.

 

 

fftoolbox 4th

walter 5-7

draft scout 5th

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Trenton Robinson, FS, Michigan State

 

5'10 - 195 lbs

 

 

Man Coverage: Looks like a corner, but doesn't quite move like one. Fair hip fluidity when changing directions, but not enough to adjust to top-notch NFL route-runners. When his feet are moving, stays with slot receivers on double-moves. Lacks recovery speed to catch receivers if he stands still waiting for them to arrive. Needs work on backpedalling to prevent defenders from getting behind him.

Zone Coverage: Teams relying heavily on zone may try him at corner because of size/speed. Picks up crossing routes well from the hash, uses cornerback speed to chase and cut in front of passes when possible. A step late to pick up deep out when corner takes the shallow route, also takes time to recognize comeback route at the first down marker.

Ball Skills: Makes the easy interception, at times with hands away from his frame. Always find the ball quickly enough to at least a hand on it, has nice arm length and gives great effort to rip the ball from the receiver's hands. Short stature, however, will hurt him downfield in jump ball situations against taller, stronger NFL receivers.

Run Support: Not afraid to stick his nose into traffic against the run despite his size. Comes off the edge on run blitzes regularly. Gives all effort to wrap and drag down bigger backs. Does not spend much time in the box. Lacks bulk and size to hold up against lineman inside at the next level.

Tackling: Uses long arms (longer than expected given his height) and speed to track down ballcarriers in the open field. Not a big thumper, but will take his shot if a receiver is trying to make the extra yard. Will leave his feet or duck his head at times, leading to missed tackles against stronger ballcarriers.

Intangibles: Hard-working team leader who has earned the respect of his coaches for his work ethic and gets the most out of his physical gifts. Does not back down from any challenge.

 

He comes up and smacks a guy.

He blew a couple of coverages. I do like what I see though.

 

walter 4-6th

fftoolbox 6th

draft scout 3-4th

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Damien Jackson

Mississippi

6'2 - 210 lbs

Strengths: A tall defensive back with long arms and the room to add bulk and get bigger. A good athlete with good foot quickness. Plays fast and hard. Plays balanced with good body control. Tough run stuffer and aggressive tackler. A violent hitter who doesn?t hesitate to throw his body around. A determined player who wants to be better. Started each of the last two seasons at both free safety and strong safety with solid production (132 total tackles).

Weaknesses: Has a thin, wiry build and lacks bulk on his frame. Has only average speed and explosiveness with limited flexibility. Has choppy footwork and looks stiff in coverage. Struggles to recover after a false step. Struggles when asked to flip his hips and play in reverse and is more of a downhill-type player. Goes for the big hit too much and needs to do a better job wrapping and finishing. Has streaky awareness and plays overaggressive too often, biting on fakes and taking too many chances. Appears to guess a lot. Has suspect ballskills with only 1 career interception with the Rebels

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draft scout 7th

football futures 6th

 

 

 

Brandon Hardin

Oregon State

6'3 - 222 lbs

Hardin is a really interesting prospect to me. He was supposed to be a starting cornerback for the Beavers going into the 2011 season, and according to reports, he was good enough that coaches felt he would contend for All-Pac 12 honors last year. Then, Hardin suffered a shoulder injury in fall camp that put him on the sideline for the rest of the season, and he didn’t play another down.

Obviously, this kid is a physical freak and has a ton of talent. NFL scouts think he is going to make a transition to the safety position, but another former Oregon State player named Brandon Browner (Seahawks) is a starting cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, and a pretty good one at that. He stands at 6’4″ 221 pounds.

The NFL hasn’t really seen this breed of defensive back all that much. Receivers are certainly making the transition to being bigger, faster, and a lot stronger than cornerbacks, so it’s rare that NFL teams find a guy with size, speed, quickness, and good hips, but who knows: Hardin might be one of those gems.

This is a guy I will certainly be keeping my eye on come draft day. He’s got a ton of potential and athletic ability, so if he gets with the right coaching staff, he could be a very nice late-round addition for a team seeking a sleeper in the secondary.

Pros:….really good on special teams…size and athletic ability…a good open field tackler…good instincts…has a good feel for zone coverage…

Cons: a projection at safety, a little stiff in the hips for a cornerback….despite his size isn’t terrific in his technique for a press corner…

 

 

draft scout 6th

with the first pick 6-7th

draft bible 5th

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Brandon Taylor

LSU

6'0 - 195 lbs

 

 

 

A three-year starter at strong safety … Voted one of five permanent team captains for LSU's SEC Championship and national runner-up team in 2011 … Played in 49 games with 33 starts during his career with the Tigers … Capped career with 160 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions … One of the newest traditions at LSU is for the player that best represents what it means to be a Tiger - on and off the field - to wear No. 18 … He was selected by Coach Miles and former No. 18s - Matt Mauck, Jacob Hester, Richard Dickson and Richard Murphy - to inherit that number as a senior in 2011 … One of three members of his family to earn a football scholarship to LSU … His brother Curtis played on LSU's national title team in 2007 and was drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers … Another brother Jhyryn spent two years at LSU before transferring to a junior college in the spring of 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHk0FUmvum0

For the most part he is just there to make tackles. He isn't special.

 

draft scout 4-5th

walter 3-4th

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Tramain Thomas, FS, Arkansas

 

6'0 - 204 lbs

 

ANAYLYSIS

Strengths: Has smooth body control with the fluid ability to plant and redirect in any direction. Plays fast and decisive, arriving to the play with fierce intentions and looks to separate ball from player. Has a knack for creating turnovers with 12 interceptions and six forced fumbles over his career, leading the team in picks each of the past three seasons. Shows good awareness, following the eyes of the quarterback and breaking on the ball with excellent quickness -- jumps routes aggressively to get his hands on the ball. Swarms to the ball and gives up his body in run support. Physical striker and productive tackler. Has good starting experience with 31 career starts, lining up all over the defense. Durable and toughed-out injuries.

Weaknesses: Undersized with a lean frame and little room to get too much bigger -- smaller body type might not be able to hold up at the next level. A one-speed player with ordinary explosion and acceleration. Needs to do a better job breaking down in space and in tight areas -- streaky tackler and falls off ballcarriers too often. Very raw from a technique and instinct standpoint, still learning the nuances of the secondary. Overaggressive, taking too many chances for the big play. Doesn't look comfortable in his backpedal and is better with the action in front of him.

 

 

fftoolbox 5th

draft 101 7th

draftek 7th

 

 

 

 

Tysyn Hartman

Kansas State

6'2 - 206 lbs

 

draft 101 7th

draftek 6th

draft bible 7th

 

 

 

Harrison Smith, 6-2/213

Notre Dame

Strengths: Looks the part with prototypical size and strength for a strong safety ? long arms with a filled-out frame. Extremely strong with natural power to make punishing hits. Physical striker who enjoys contact. Fills the run lanes hard and is a downhill athlete with an aggressive nature at the point of attack. Plays fast and closes in a flash with conviction and determination ? fast in pursuit. Makes plays at all levels of the field and has strong hands to make shoe-string tackles. Read/reacts quickly and does a nice job interpreting the eyes of the quarterback. Big-time competitor and leader, never giving up on plays ? goes hard at full speed. Very active pre-snap and shows natural awareness. Played both linebacker and safety in college with 47 career starts, showing steady improvement over his time in South Bend. Very productive at Notre Dame, leaving as the only player in school history to register more than 200 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 15 pass break-ups over his career ? finished with 307 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 28 pass break-ups.

Weaknesses: An upright athlete who lacks ideal body flexibility and natural explosion to hold up in coverage or space. Has tight hips and struggles to turn and quickly change directions ? plays stiff. Needs to be a more technically-sound tackler, often going for the knockout hit or forced fumble instead of wrapping up ? hits too high and loses leverage, allowing ballcarriers to pick up extra yards. Plays overaggressive and moves too fast for his eyes ? missed tackles in space and over runs plays. Has streaky instincts and doesn?t see things as quick as he needs to. Still has a lot of developing to do. Needs to play under control and disciplined ? too many unnecessary facemask penalties on his record. Has poor footwork and feel in man coverage and is too hands-on when left on an island ? will attract pass interference penalties. Still made too many mistakes as a senior and didn?t register an interception in 2011 after seven pick-offs in 2010.

I just don't see a first or 2nd day pick. He is OK. I like the strip. PRetty decent covering. He is good defending the run.

 

draft scout 2nd

walter 1-2nd

draft 101 5th

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Phillip Thomas

Syracuse

 

5-10 5/8 198

2011 was a rough final collegiate season for Thomas. He started out with a broken jaw in the preseason, but returned to action for Week 1. Thomas totaled 82 tackles with six interceptions, 4.5 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and a forced fumble in just 10 games. Head coach Doug Marrone suspended him for the final two games for violating athletic department rules. His suspension was said to be for a year. As a result, he decided to enter the 2012 draft.

 

Thomas had a quality sophomore season in 2010 with 92 tackles, four tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and one interception. He is a rangy free safety type, but was a disappointment at the Combine with a slower than expected 40 time and an average performance in the field drills.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMKTJSsE_Js

Not a good run stuffer or pass defender.

 

draft 101 UDFA

draftec 4th

walter 3-5th

 

 

 

 

Christian Thompson

South Carolina State

6'0 - 213 lbs

Dude can cover. They really try to stay away from him.

 

 

draft scout 4-5th

draftec 7th

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Justin Bethel

Presbyterian

5'11 - 196 lbs

 

 

Strengths

 

Bethel is a very effective pass and run defender, and is physical when tackling and also when up working on the line of scrimmage in man. He has athletic ability that translates well to reacting to the ball in man, and the explosiveness to come down field and make plays in zone.

Weaknesses

 

There are concerns about the level of competition Bethel faced in college and how much of a learning curve he will have at the next level. He is a smart player but can get caught flat-footed at times in man. He takes false steps off the snap and labors into his back pedal, all things he will need to work on while transitioning into the NFL.

 

 

 

 

draft scout 5-6th

draft 101 UDFA

draftec 5th

[Dunno]

Christian Thompson looks intriguing although the level of competition is a concern.

 

Combine Profile

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That is the thing about small school kids. Sometimes you get a winner late though.

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Trumaine Johnson, FS/CB, Montana

Height: 6-2. Weight: 204

Man Coverage: NFL frame makes it difficult for FCS receivers to make one-on-one plays. Quarterbacks often eat the ball instead of throwing in his direction. Quicker receivers can accelerate past him when near the line, needs to maintain contact to prevent separation. Needs work on using his hands in press coverage, plays mostly off and press-bail to prevent big plays. Relatively fluid and has fair recovery speed for his size but quicker NFL receivers will cause him trouble in transition with double-moves.

Zone Coverage: When playing off, displays ability to quickly close on underneath routes to make the interception or wrap up receivers with his length. Inexperienced in zone, must prove field awareness and quickness to adjust to switch men when needed. Looks a step slow to react to late releases to his side when uncovered.

Ball Skills: Possesses strong hands of former receiver. Makes the easy interception on underthrows or when quarterbacks stare down his man, high-points passes with height and vertical. Strong runner on kick returns, has a bit of shiftiness in the open field. Had issues with dropped interceptions in the past. Does not always find the ball in the air.

Run Support: Takes outside position when uncovered, swipes or wraps ballcarriers coming into his area. Strong enough to rip off pulling lineman blocks, though inconsistent getting off the block or feeling them so he can be moved out of the way by players from the side. Flashes strength and attitude to throw smaller opponents to the ground.

Tackling: Possesses strength and length to be effective preventing yards after the catch or swallowing running backs in the flat. Good hustle across the field to get involved in the play when uncovered. Does not attack ballcarriers or seek out contact as much as scouts would like. Runs past targets in the open field too often instead of breaking down to corral them. Gives effort to knock out gunners on return team when not receiving kickoffs.

Intangibles: Played with a broken bone in his forearm during 2009 season, but missed nine games in 2008-2009 due to injuries and suspension due to alleged fight outside campus fraternity house. Chose Montana over Arizona State and California-Berkeley.

Nice coverage skills. For the most part nice wrap tackling. Big and strong.

 

walter 2-3rd

draft scout 2nd

draft 101 3rd

[thesteelhurtin]

You left off Rontez milles I'm not as dedicated as papa so go check him out they call him the hammer of the gods.

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I am still waiting on the draft mags. I need to get my head into looking hard at the draft. I have been heavy on politics lately.