Brandon on sports's Blog

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

The first three rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft are now in the books and rounds 4-7 are tomorrow starting at 12 noon. I have given you my top 100 prospects going into the draft, then I gave you my top 32 going into 2 and 3, and now I will give you the top remaining prospects left on my original board of 100.

Listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturday morning from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as Chris Marshall and myself recap the NFL Draft and preview the NBA playoffs. Feel free to call in 267-519-1111.

I have Lamar Miller as the 31st ranked prospect in the draft, a possible late 1st to early second round selection. But he's still on the board after three rounds...check this list out and see who else is available going into rounds 4-7.

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

64. Alemda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St.

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

84. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft was last night and there were some surprises. Here is top 32 rated players left on my board going into the second and third rounds:

Janoris Jenkins is arguably the best cover corner in this draft, while in the SEC, he shut down the likes of Julio Jone, A.J. Green and Reuben Randle in 2010. His off the field issues has him still on the board going into rounds two and three.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

25. Courtney Upshaw DE?OLB 6-2 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St.

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 295lbs Cincinnati

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43. Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

49. Alshon Jeffrey 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St.

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

This year’s group of corners is a talented group of players, I see about 4-6 of them to be off of the board in the first two rounds. Here is the list of my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for in later rounds.

1. Morris Claiborne 5-11 188lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great technique, smooth hips, great footwork, and ball skills. Isn’t the athlete that his former teammate Patrick Peterson is, but he has better natural corner skills. He is able to be left on an island by himself and he can handle top flight WR’s on his own. Also has Kick and Punt Return Skills as well.

Weaknesses: Is kind of thin, but seems to have a frame that he can add good weight to. Is willing to tackle in the run game, but I would like to see better form with his tackling. I’ve seen him duck his head down often to tackle players.

Grade: Top 3-5 pick

2. Janoris Jenkins 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

Strengths: Is a shade behind Claiborne when it comes to natural cornerback skills and ability. He’s that good. Was a three year starter and one of the best corners in the SEC before being kicked off the team. Is equally effective in press man coverage or off of the line. Has great anticipation skills, similar to that of Asante Samuel. Has experience running kickoffs and punts, returned 3 for TD’s this past season.

Weaknesses: His off the field troubles are what’s keeping him from being drafted in the top 15 of this draft. It’s the only thing that’s scares teams and has him going in the 2nd or third round.

Grade: Mid First round

3. Stephon Gilmore 6-0 190lbs South Carolina

Strengths: Is a good press coverage corner, uses his long arms to his advantage at the line of scrimmage and displays good hips and footwork. Has great speed and catch up speed. Is a willing tackler in the run game. Has been a starter from day one as a true freshman.

Weaknesses: Isn’t as good when playing off then when he’s in press or right at the line of scrimmage. Can get sloppy with his technique at times and get beat with double moves.

Grade: Mid First Round

4. Dre Kirkpatrick 6-2 185lbs Alabama

Strengths: Very physical corner, is at his best when playing zone coverage. Instincts and play recognition has gotten better from sophomore to junior seasons. Is a good tackler, not afraid to put a hat on a ball carrier and deliver a blow. He will be a perfect fit on a team with a zone based scheme. He really reminds me of Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears.

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a man corner. Doesn’t display the natural man cover ability, hips, and footwork. Doesn’t have great hands or ball skills, drops potential interceptions or knocks balls down instead of going for the pick.

Grade: Late First round

5. Casey Hayward 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

Strengths: Does a great job reading the quarterback and playing the ball in zone coverage. He’s at his best in the zone, would be a fit for a team that runs a lot of cover 2 and 3. Isn’t a knockout artist, but he’s a willing tackler.Gets his hands on a lot of passes.

Weaknesses: Isn’t great in man coverage, has problems keeping up with elite speed downfield. Doesn’t have great change of direction skills and gets beat often.

Grade: Mid 2nd round pick

Next 5: Trumaine Robinson 6-2 204lbs Montana, Josh Robinson 5-10 199lbs UCF, Josh Norman 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina, Brandon Boykin 5-9 182lbs Georgia, Ron Brooks 5-10 190lbs LSU

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Nowadays with the passing game being so big in the NFL, having a safety that can cover man to man at times and in zone is key to having an elite defense. This year’s class of safeties is more top heavy, I expect two at the most to get picked in the first two rounds of the draft. As always I will give you my top 5 and and additional 5 to look out for.

1. Mark Barron 6-1 211lbs Alabama

Strengths: The total package at safety. Clearly the best prospect at his position on the board. Has great size, speed and agility. Is a fearless hitter, will knock out defenders coming across middle or will take on a running back head on in the hole. Has the instincts you look for from a safety. Will do a great job matching up with tight ends in coverage due to his strength and size.

Weaknesses: Can struggle in man coverage against smaller and quick WR’s.

Grade: Top Ten pick

2. Harrison Smith 6-1 215lbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Big time hitter, great playing up in the box and stopping the run. Has good cover skills, does a nice job man to man on TE’s. Has played some strong side linebacker during his time in college as well. Can come right in and start at strong safety from day one. Has the instincts and experience to do so.

Weaknesses: Would like to see him make more plays on the ball then he did in his final season. Has okay agility, but not good enough to man up with slot receivers.

Grade: Late first round

3. Brandon Taylor 5-11 202lbs LSU

Strengths: One of my favorite players in this draft, he is going to be a real good pick for a team in possibly the early third round. He is a perfect fit for a team who runs a cover two or cover 3 based scheme. Makes up for what he lacks in quickness with smarts, pre-play reads, and great instincts. He brings the ruckus when he hits a ball carrier, very physical presence on the field.

Weaknesses: Lacks the elite speed two be kept back as a single high safety in the NFL. Is more effective in zone coverage then man to man. His hips and change of direction ability isn’t good enough to play a lot of man coverage.

Grade: Late second-Early third round

4. Antonio Allen 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

Strengths:  Is at his best playing in the box near the line of scrimmage, played the rover position in the Gamecocks defense. Is a good blitzer, shows good timing and finds the open lane to get pressure on the QB. Is effective against the run, does a nice job making tackles one on one against ball carriers. I can see him playing Strong Safety in the NFL in the box or playing 1/2 of the field in a cover 2 scheme.

Weaknesses: Can be exposed in man coverage, is best suited in the zone. Lacks top level speed. Has been beat on two separate occasions on flea flickers, he got caught looking in the backfield.

Grade: 4th round

5. Markelle Martin 6-0 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths:  Will be a free safety at the next level, has the range and speed to play a one high role. Got his hands on plenty of balls during his final season, but dropped more then he caught(3 INT’s). Is a willing tackler, does a good job of wrapping up and bringing the ball carrier down.

Weaknesses: His man to man coverage skills need work. Needs to use better angles when pursuing the ball in the air.

Grade: 4th round

Next 5: George Iloka 6-4 225lbs Boise State, Charles Mitchell 5-11 202lbs Miss St., Brandon Hardin 6-3 222lbs Oregon St., Kelcie McCray 6-2 202lbs Arkansas St., Justin Bethel 5-11 200lbs Presbyterian

Next up: Top 5 Cornerbacks

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Here is the list of my top outside linebackers in the 2012 draft. Some fit as Will linebacker(weakside in a 4-3), some a Sam Backer(Strong side in a 4-3) and some can play the Strong Side stand up linebacker in a 3-4 base.

1. Lavonte David 6-0 235lbs Nebraska

Strengths: Very instinctive linebacker, reads run vs the pass quickly and makes plays. Does a nice job of slipping under and between blocks to make tackles in the run game. Is excellent in pass coverage whether it’s man or zone, has the ability to make tackles in space on a regular basis. Will be a “Will” linebacker in the 4-3. Does a good job covering RB’s out of the backfield.

Weaknesses: Can get blown up at the point of attack by tight end’s and fullbacks in the run game. Has good cover skills, but tight ends have an advantage in jump ball situations because of his height.

Grade: Late 1st-Early 2nd round

2.Shea McClellin 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

Strengths: Has nice size to play the strong side linebacker in a 3-4 and 4-3. Has a body type similar to that of former NFL pro bowler Willie McGinest , and similar skills. Has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons in college and shows the ability to get to the QB.

Weaknesses: For a player his size, he should be better at the point of attack in the run game. Is blown off the ball way too often for my liking. Just like other DE’s making the conversion to linebacker, can he cover?

Grade: 2nd round

3. Ronnell Lewis 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

Strengths: Lined up at defensive end for the Sooners and is attempting to make the transition to OLB, whether in a 4-3 or 3-4. Has good strength at the point of attack, holds the edge well, uses his hands to disengage blockers and make plays.

Weaknesses: Can he make the transition to playing a traditional linebacker position. He has good numbers in the 40 and agility drills, but does that translate to the field? He’s shown some pass rush ability, but not at a elite level. Will he show the awareness and cover skills to play in zone and man against tight ends and running backs?

Grade: 3rd round

4. Nigel Bradham 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

Strengths: Is at his best when covered by the defensive line and allowed to flow and make plays. Has elite speed and agility and uses it in pass coverage, does a nice job covering his zone and sticking with backs on pass routes. At times he shows great football instincts and the ability to figure out the play and blow it up.

Weaknesses: For his weight, he doesn’t  take on and defeat blocks as he should. He also loses play discipline at times and is out of position when a team runs a counter or reverse.

Grade: Mid 3rd round

5. Zach Brown 6-1 244lbs UNC

Strengths: Is one of the best athletes overall in the draft. Ran track at UNC and set the school record in the 60 meter dash at his size. His all the physical abilities to be a playmaker at the next level.  Is exceptional at making plays in the open field against the pass.

Weaknesses: Lacks the natural instincts at the linebacker position. At times he’s like a chicken with it’s head cut off out there on the field. Used his speed to make up for it in college, but won’t get away with it in the NFL. Get killed at the point of attack when taking lead blocks.

Grade: Late 3rd- Early 4th round

Next 5: Bruce Irvin 6-3 245lbs West Virginia, Sean Spence 5-11 230lbs Miami, Keenan Robinson 6-3 242lbs Texas, Travis Lewis 6-1 248lbs, Demario Davis 6-2 235lbs Arkansas St.

Next up: Top 5 Safeties

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsRadioSports

Now its time for my list of top inside linebackers. We have different players who fit into different schemes and some who can play anywhere.This group isn’t a deep group at all to be honest, but here is my top 5 rated guys and an additional 5 to look out for as well.

1. Luke Kuechly 6-3 242lbs Boston College

Strengths: A sure tackler during his 3 years at BC, has good instincts and deciphers the play quickly, which makes up for some of his physical deficiencies. Is very good in zone pass coverage, I can see him fitting perfectly in a Tampa 2 scheme or maybe as a weakside ILB in the 3-4.

Weaknesses: Has trouble taking on and defeating blocks at the point of attack. He would rather slip the blocks instead. While he’s made plenty of tackles at BC, he hasn’t made many big plays(forced fumbles, big hits, plays behind the line of scrimmage).

Grade: Mid first round

2. Dont’a Hightower 6-2 265lbs Alabama

Strengths: Plays with an controlled violence that I love. Exceptional ability to diagnosis the play and hits it like man possessed. Played in a 3-4 at Alabama and was coached by one of the greatest defensive minds in football, Nick Saban. He’s ready to come in a start from day one. He spent time on 3rd downs rushing the passer as well, but I see him more as a MLB in a 4-3 and a perfect fit as a ILB on the strong side of  a 3-4.

Weaknesses: Lacks top level speed, can be exposed in pass coverage man to man by scat backs and athletic tight ends. I’m not sure if he’s a three down player at ILB, teams may use him to rush the passer a little bit.

Grade: Late first round

3. Mychal Kendricks 5-11 240lbs Cal

Strengths: Is at his best in open space, and on third downs in pass coverage. He has good speed and range, when blockers are kept off of him, he will make plays sideline to sideline. Plays with

Weaknesses: Gets swallowed up in traffic and doesn’t take on and defeat blocks well. To be effective, he will need to be in a system in which the DT’s keep him clean. Can get caught out of position when teams run counter plays.

Grade: 3rd round

4. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

Strengths: Phsically imposing player, I know he ran slow at the combine, but if you watch the game tape, he plays much faster on the field. When his head is on straight, he displays the natural instincts and ability to see the play and hit it like a bat out of hell. Has good sideline to sideline range and is a knockout artist, can force fumbles and make plays behind the backfield.

Weaknesses: He has a bad temper and allows it to get the best of him. Plays with no discipline too often and has been pulled off of the field for it. Physically and talent wise, he’s the best ILB in the draft, but he’s a head case and showed up out of shape at the combine and has dropped greatly.

Grade: Late 3rd to early 4th round

5. Audie Cole 6-4 248lbs N.C. State

Strengths: A three year starter with good production at the middle linebacker position. Has good play recognition and instincts which has him around the ball at all times. A fit as a ILB in a 3-4 and will a good special teams player as well.

Weaknesses: Below average speed and explosiveness. Not an a powerful tackler for a man his size. Gets exposed in open space against RB’s and TE’s after the catch.

Grade: 5th round

Next 5: Bobby Wagner 6-0 241lbs Utah St., James-Micheal Johnson 6-1 241lbs Nevada, Emmanuel Acho 6-2 238lbs Texas, Ryan Baker 5-11 232lbs LSU,  Najee Goode 6-0 244lbs

Next Up:Top 5  Outside Linebackers