Quarterback Matt Barkley during a visit to a USC fall practice before the 2008 USC Trojans football season and his senior year in high school. He is making the traditional USC Trojan "V" for victory hand sign. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Anthony”Mini-Kiper” Carillo -contributing writer/reporter-Football Reporters Online

1)     Quarterback Matt Barkley USC

Matt Barkley is going to be a 4 year starter at USC, which is more than Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinhart can say. Barkley has fantastic arm strength arm strength and great accuracy as well. He runs a west coast offense at USC which will help him transition over to the NFL.

NFL COMPARSION-Matt Cassell

2)     Running back Marcus Lattimore South Carolina

Lattimore is an absolute work horse. He can smash it up between the tackles, and he has the breakaway speed to get to the next level. Lattimore will be an instant success in the NFL, and with the right offensive line he will become an all-pro in no time.

NFL COMPARSION-Adrian Peterson

3)     Offensive Tackle Taylor Lewan Michigan

Lewan is a big tackle with long arms and a lot of upper body strength. He needs to work on his footwork a little bit, but at the end of the day he will blossom into a dominant left tackle for whatever team takes him.

NFL COMPARSION-Jake Long

4)     Running Back Montee Ball Wisconsin

Montee Ball is a very elusive runner who is very agile and can make instant cuts and get up the field. He also has great hands for a running back so he is also a threat in the passing game. He was a first team all-american last season and look for him to be even better as he puts on a few pounds of muscle and gets even faster and more elusive.

NFL COMPARSION-Ryan Matthews

5)     Wide Receivers Robert Woods USC

Woods is a great receiver who can jump through the roof and stretch the field. He has great hands and runs crisp clean routes. He will need to work on getting physical off the line of scrimmage but he is going to be a pro bowler within the first few years he is in the league.

NFL COMPARSION-Santonio Holmes

6)     Running Back Knile Davis Arkansas

Davis is powerful as well as speedy. The only questions surrounding his draft stock is how he bounces back from his leg injury he had last year. If he can bounce back and have a stellar season, some team would be glad to take him because he is a playmaker and will be a spark for whatever offense he goes to.

NFL COMPARSION-Shonne Green

7)     Offensive Tackle/Guard Barrett Jones Alabama

Jones is a big powerful lineman who has great technique. He has a sturdy base and can get off blocks and move to the next level quickly. A very explosive lineman who also has great hands and good lower body strength.

NFL COMPARSION-David Diehl

8)     Quarterback Tyler Wilson Arkansas

Wilson is a quarterback with a very powerful arm and great pocket awareness. Do not be surprised if Wilson shoots up and challenges Barkley for the top quarterback spot after this season. He is a talented quarterback who will excel at the next level.

NFL COMPARSION-Phillip Rivers

9)     Wide Receiver Marquess Wilson Washington State

Wilson shatter almost all the receiving records at WSU, and he is going to be an impact player in the NFL. With a tall lanky frame he is a great red zone threat due to his height, and he has great hands to be able to make the tough catches.

NFL COMPARSION-Larry Fitzgerald

10)  Running back Joseph Randle Oklahoma State

Randle is a fast running back who has great field vision and can make defenders miss. He played in a run and shoot offense at Oklahoma State but he will definitely be able to transition into a NFL running back. He also is a great pass catcher so he can be used almost as a slot receiver.

NFL COMPARSION-Felix Jones

11)  Quarterback Landry Jones Oklahoma

Landry Jones is a big, strong armed quarterback that can move in the pocket and deliver the football wherever the ball needs to be. He also has great field vision and great accuracy.

NFL COMPARSION-Sam Bradford

12)  Offensive Tackle DJ Flukner Alabama

Flukner is a big tackle at 6’6’’, and can move very well for his size. He has long arms and he keeps his feet moving through blocks. He has great hands and upper body strength. A very explosive player, he can work off his blocks and move to the next level quickly.

NFL COMPARSION-Ryan Clady

13)  Wide Receiver Tayvon Austin West Virginia

A short, shifty receiver who makes plays in open space and in an absolute burner. He can stretch the field and get the ball at its highest point. He can take a five yard pass and make one or two moves and turn it into a seventy yard touchdown.

NFL COMPARSION-DeSean Jackson

14)  Wide Receiver Keenan Allen California

Allen is a great receiver with good size to be physical at the line of scrimmage. He has good hands and has the necessary speed to out run defenders. The one thing he needs to work on is sharpening up his route running and coming out of breaks clean.

NFL COMPARSION-Dwayne Bowe

15)  SLEEPER PICK-Running back Rex Burkhead Nebraska

Burkhead is a great running back that teams will pass on solely because of his size, but in reality he is going to be a great compliment running back in the NFL. He is powerful, elusive and fast and would be a great third down running back or a great option for the screen game, almost just like how the Patriots use running back Danny Woodhead.

NFL COMPARSION-Danny Woodhead

New York Jets logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By David Levy-Fan Experience Reporter-Football Reporters Online

It appears fans of  HBO’s  Hard Knocks will not be able to get up close, personal, and behind all the scenes of the New York Jets this training camp.

According to Dennis Wasznak of the Associated Press, the Jets have reportedly turned down HBO’s offer:

A person familiar with the decision said the team decided to not participate in the hit HBO show this year after being approached by the cable network about appearing again.

Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez and company were big stars and drew huge ratings two years ago—the last time the show aired—but the Jets opted to pass on doing it again this summer, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because neither the team nor the cable network had announced the decision.

This past Tuesday night on The Jets Zone on Blog Talk Radio I said this was the best decision the team could have made.

When you consider the three ring media circus that has already surrounded the franchise, the media frenzy and questions that came up when “backup” QB Tim Tebow was traded for, another Darelle Revis situation, and the locker-room problems the Jets had last season, the last thing they need are more cameras and eyes on the team as they go through training camp.

From a football perspective, the show would be a serious distraction. The report states the reason for turning the show down is the fact that they have a new offensive coordinator in Tony Sparano, and that makes perfect sense. Sporano is going to have his hands full with a new defense and getting used to the Jets.  The last thing he needs is his focus taken off the team.

Unfortunately, the Jets’ decision is a football fans loss when it’s all said and done.  .

The show would have been a must-watch had the Jets been the focus.

Fans of great reality TV will suffer, because it appears the Jets have made the smart and logical move for the first time in a while.  With 1,001 cameras already on them they did not need HBO’s as well.

They’ll be better for it, and the rest of us will be stuck hoping for anybody but the Jaguars.  That is not a knock on Jacksonville, just not the drama some fans were looking for.

(Eds. Note: as of this posting on Fri-5/17 we still have no word from HBO which team will in fact be the stars of this season’s Hard Knocks, although rumors abound that Jacksonville is set to accept the offer for this season)

Wilson sporting goods brought their “Factory” to the NFL Shop’s “pop up” store to NYC for NFL Draft week, and I have to say I was impressed at the dedication and workmanship of the folks who put the time into making each football. Yes folks, even though there are machines involved in the process, it’s still a “hand to hand” station to station process. I was also surprised to learn that each ball passes a quality control process that rivals many appliance and electronic companies. Our Fan experience reporter/videographer David Levy and I watched the entire process from start to finish(see video below) and after it passed over all the stations it gets a laser etchng process with the NFL teams‘ name that the ball will be shipped to(780 Balls for each team per season are made, not including special orders for each team. (See Photos of my sample)

“Giants” ball). we were also treated to a great Interview with Kevin Murphy, Wilson’s General Manager of American Football and Wilson’s PR staffer Molly Wallace. We Hope we have conveyed the work ethic and dedication that goes into creatiing each football.

To us, everyone who is is involved in producing footballs for Wilson is dedicated to their work. Those of us who are football fanatics are grateful that all this hard work goes into making a ball.

Click Here for video of our Interview wth the Production staff.

Click Here for the Interview with Kevin Murphy

Special thanks to our fan experience reporter David Levy for The Video

and to Sixto Gallgeo for the video editing.

Junior Seau (Photo credit: Dave Sizer)

Stage as seen from the 2nd floor balcony. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By David Levy-Fan Experience Reporter-Football Reporters Online

The NFL Draft means something to everyone, in their own way.

For the teams, it is a chance to obtain those missing pieces of a puzzle that was the Super Bowl last season.  Others looking for fresh, young blood to rejuvenate a team to push its way back into contention.  But to everyone involved in football, it is four days that could change the course of a teams season.
To the fans, everyone takes it differently.  To the casual football fan, it is a couple of days where teams pick college players in order to fill positions on their team.  To the frenzied fan of a team, the opportunity to retool and find some fresh faces to add to the veterans who can get the job done.  But to the die hard fan of the draft, it is a lot more.

The die hard fan plays out the draft the same way Robert Byrne and Bobby Fischer play a chess match.  All the players are lined up by position.  Moves thought out carefully.  Reacting to your opponent.  Thinking ahead to gain an advantage.  Studding statistics.  Know the advantage before a move is made.  The die hard fan knows these moves.

But to everyone, it is a look into what could be the future of a franchise or someone looking to keep their dream alive.

The draft is a magical time.  A time where any fan can see a potential hall of famer be named to their team of destiny.  A moment in time where a fan stops to imagine hearing their own name announced as a draft selection.  Draft day brings us one step closer to seeing how these new gladiators of the gridiron match up to their veteran counterparts.

Maybe its fitting the draft takes place in New York. A city where people come to from all over the globe to capture their dream. They come to see where their future lies. A city that has delivered to so many can now deliver to them.

Football fans will converge at Radio City Music Hall for four days to not just see who gets drafted, but to immerse themselves in the NFL experience.  Fan events, player interaction, and bickering between other fans makes this a precursor of a season to come.  Groundwork to be laid as to whose fans will have bragging rights next year.

You can ask any fan how they feel about the draft.  Everyone will mention at least one great signing and complain about 99 others.  Those are fans, that is what they do.  Fans are the best market research to let a sports franchise know how it is doing.  You can hear them loud and clear after each and every draft selection.  The teams conscience.

Every fan has some part of the NFL calendar they look forward to.  Some wait all year for the draft.  Why?  It is the official day where collegiate athletes become professional football players.  The NCAA to the NFL.  A transition.  The new breed that pushes the progression of football just one more notch on the game’s time-line.

The start of the 2012 season begins on Thursday.  The first major event on the NFL calendar for the new season.  Every franchise waiting, patient for their turn to select that next great player to represent their franchise.  The new face of the team marketing machine that entices fans like a circus ringleader.  To get you to cheer for the greatest game on earth.

And we do.

Not just because of that.  It’s the memories.  Being able to share that experience with others to smile and laugh about later.  Giving that next generation the lesson needed to stay educated on how the NFL draft works.  The Draft has become an event onto itself.  The Draft at Radio City is like the Allman Brothers coming to the Beacon Theater.  You know it is coming every year.  Planning ahead to make the necessary arrangements.

This is a big week for those players looking to be selected by the professional team of their choice.  Some fans looking to see if they predicted the same selection as their favorite team.  The anticipation could be a little more than some can bear.  But with fans from every team in attendance this week, it will be a week those players looking for a new home will not forget.  If the teams make a bad move, the fans will never let them forget.  So, are you ready?

By JP Fox-Contributing Writer/Radio Host-Football Reporters Online

As we know, the Dallas Cowboys have had problems in the past few years with finishing games. If it weren’t Tony Romo making a critical error (or two) late in the game, it was the defense’s poor ability to hold onto a lead. Coming into draft season, this is a critical year for Jerry Jones and company to hit a home run in the draft to make sure the team takes the next step. With Tony Romo turning 32 years old by the time April 26th rolls around, the Boys need to make a move soon before the window of opportunity closes on the chance of success with a franchise QB.

Let’s take a look at the position by position breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys draft needs and the chances of them going after that position in the draft:

QB: Very low chance

Like I mentioned, Tony Romo is entering his age 32 season. He just had one of his best statistical seasons of his career and honestly doesn’t look like he is about to slow down now. In the final 9 games of this past season, Romo put up 20 touchdowns compared to only 3 interceptions. He also lost two fumbles. So a 20:5 TD:turnover ratio was a great run by Romo. But in the final 5 games of the season, the Boys again struggled in December with a horrible 1-4 record, resulting in an 8-8 record and missing the playoffs. Starting QB is not the problem with the Cowboys. If the Cowboys are going to target this position come draft time, it’ll be late in the draft for a developmental guy. Stephen McGee hasn’t matured enough to be relied on as a true #2 QB and that’s disappointing since the Cowboys spent a 4th round pick on him hoping he’d eventually be that guy. I fully expect the Boys to target a veteran QB in free agency to hold down the back up position while they possibly bring in somebody else to push McGee out of a job entirely.

RB/FB: Very Low chance

DeMarco Murray was a 3rd round pick in the 2011 draft and broke onto the season in the St.Louis Rams game in week 7. In that game, Murray broke the franchise’s all-time single game rushing record with 253 yards. He ended the season with just below 900 games which ended in week 14 with an ankle injury. Murray is thought to be 100% by the time OTA’s and training camp roll around. With Murray and Felix Jones as the backup, the Boys are in a good place at the running back position right now. The flashes of brilliance by rookie Phillip Tanner also has the Boys in good shape at the third running back spot. Also, starting fullback Tony Fiammetta will be brought back after he burst onto the scene as a more than reliable pass and run blocker. The Boys will not spend a draft choice on either of these positions.

WR/TE: Low chance

At wide receiver, the Cowboys have pro-bowler Miles Austin and on-the-verge of super stardom playmaker Dez Bryant at the starting positions. #3 WR Laurent Robinson is a free agent but it’s expected the Cowboys will go all in on trying to bring him back after he burst onto the scene with 11 TD’s this past season. If they bring him back, the Cowboys will be set at the position. After those three, the Cowboys have several younger players that they are on and won’t need to spend a draft choice to crowd the field when it comes to players competing for the #4-6 WR positions. If anything, they’d target a guy who can be a return specialist since the Boys haven’t had that type of player since Deion Sanders. Dez Bryant will only be playing WR from here on out. At tight end, Jason Witten is on his way to the Hall-of-Fame. Backup John Phillips had his season end abruptly with a knee injury. In the preseason, Phillips was probably the most impressive player on the entire roster. With Martellus Bennett expected to move on in free agency, the Boys don’t have a set in stone guy for the #3 spot. If the Cowboys are going to go after a guy at the TE position, I believe it’ll be in rounds 5-7 to be the #3.

Offensive Line: High Chance

With the 9th overall pick in the 2011 draft, the Cowboys spent it on OT Tyron Smith. Smith ended up starting at right tackle and graded out as one of the best tackles in the entire NFL. Smith will flip-flop positions with Doug Free. Free is better suited to play right tackle anyway, and he looked lost last season protecting Romo’s blind-side. He’ll be back at his natural position while Smith, who is only 21 years old, will be at left tackle. The problem with the OLine is inside. The Cowboys flip-flopped two-three players last season at center. Two of those players were undrafted and inexperienced. Also, at guard, the Cowboys had old-timers Kyle Kosier, Montrae Holland, and Derrick Dockery rotating at times. Also, Bill Nagy was called on at times to play. Jerry Jones really fooled himself thinking the Boys were set on the interior offensive line with the mixture of low-round/undrafted players and long-time veterans. I expect the Cowboys to definitely focus on OG early in the draft. Names to remember with that 14th overall pick: Stanford Guard David DeCastro, Georgia OL Cordy Glenn, Wisconsin OL Peter Konz.

Defensive Line: Medium-High Chance

Jay Ratliff is manning the NT position. Each and every offseason, people say that Ratliff needs to be moved to defensive end. Why? I’m not completely sure. The guy has made multiple pro-bowls at the NT position. But at his age and the beating he’s taken, it might now be time to move him outside where he could create mismatches. If the Boys decide to do that, they could target a NT early on in the draft, probably in the 2nd round. If Ratliff stays inside, the Boys could also target a guy that can play 3-4 DE. The Cowboys have Marcus Spears and Kenyon Coleman at the DE positions. Two above-average players but they definitely can be upgraded, It’s a definitely possibility that they target a guy in round 1 that can be versatile in also playing up at 3-4 OLB. DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, and Victor Butler all have experience with the Cowboys playing DE on some downs while also standing up at other times. Quinton Coples, DE/OLB, from North Carolina is a possibility in the 1st round.

Linebacker: Medium Chance

All-Pro DeMarcus Ware is at OLB and that wont change any time soon. At the other OLB position, Anthony Spencer just received the teams’ franchise tag. The $8.8 million cap number is pretty high for a player that is not near elite status. But on the flip side, the Cowboys coaches/personnel value Spencer’s run-stopping ability, his ability to drop into coverage, and also to get to the Quarterback. He’ll most likely be retained on that 1 year salary if no long-term deal is reached. 2010 2nd round draft pick Sean Lee developed into possibly one of the teams best defensive players while becoming the #1 MLB. With him at one spot, and the likely departure of veterans Bradie James and/or Keith Brooking, the Boys will likely turn to 2011 2nd round pick Bruce Carter to take over alongside Lee. Having Ware and Spencer on the outside, with two young guys in the middle, the Cowboys LB’s could be the most underrated part of the team and end up being the most valuable. The backups are another story. The Cowboys have several younger players that they put high value on. Orie Lemon, Alex Albright, and Victor Butler are guys the Cowboys see as potential contributors to the team. Aside from the starting 4 and those 3, the Cowboys could choose to use a draft pick or two on either OLB and/or ILB. No high draft pick will be used on this position but for depth purposes, it’s a definite possibility.

Secondary: Very high chance

Here’s where things get pretty bad for the Cowboys. Starting cornerbacks Terence Newman and Michael Jenkins both underachieved last season. Newman turned into a way below average cornerback who just looked old and washed up. I expect the Cowboys to cut him before free agency starts on March 13th. Jenkins dealt with multiple injuries this past season while not showing the ball skills that made him a pro bowler just a few years ago. The Cowboys will bank on a bounce-back season from him. Orlando Scandrick is the 3rd corner on the roster and isn’t all that bad, but only when he plays in the slot. Jenkins will be back as a starter and Scandrick, who signed an extension during this past season, will be back to man the slot CB positon. If the Cowboys target one of the top CB’s on the market, such as Cortland Finnegan or Brandon Carr (as they are expected to do), the need for a CB in round 1 will go out the window. But even if the Boys do end up with one of the big names, that doesn’t get that position out of the woods. Beyond Jenkins and Scandrick, there is absolutely no depth. Draft picks need to be used, in whichever rounds, to add depth to a poorly manned position. At safety, the Cowboys have Gerald Sensabaugh locked up to be the strong safety. With Abram Elam likely moving on in free agency after 1 underwhelming season in Dallas, safety could be a top priority for the Cowboys come Day 1 and Day 2 of the draft. They definitely need a ballhawk in the secondary, something they haven’t had since the beginning of Roy Williams’ career. Alabama safety Mark Barron should be a name that’s kept in mind.

Kicker/Punter: Very Low Chance

Kicker Dan Bailey, undrafted last season, converted 32 of 37 FG’s and proved to be a good kickoff specialist as well. He’ll be the teams kicker from here on out while most likely pushing David Buehler completely out of a job, as he was only valuable on kickoffs anyways. Punter Mat McBriar was one of the best punters in the NFL for some time before hurting his plant foot during the season. He is a free agent come March 13th. I expect the Cowboys to attempt to re-sign him. If they decide not to, or are unsuccessful in bringing him back, the Cowboys are very high on rookie Punter Chris Jones. Jones punted in two games and averaged just about 43 yards per punt. He was undrafted last season and the Cowboys may have found something in him.

With all of that said, and without factoring in free agency, which can blow up everything I just said, the biggest needs for the Cowboys will be:

Cornerback, Safety, Interior Offensive Line, and Defensive Line

The least area for concern for the Cowboys will be:

QB, RB, WR, LB

Jerry Jones needs to do his homework and make sure that the team drafts players that fit specific needs. No more of the best player available nonsense. The Super Bowl Champs reside in their division and the Cowboys need to take the necessary steps to get over the hump.

A two-time National Champion out of Alabama, Richardson is one of the most complete Backs to come into the Draft in recent years. He’s a big-game player with terrific vision and balance; and while his speed is not great, it is good enough. Richardson is hard to bring down, and protects the football well. Due to his lack of speed, he can sometimes be tracked down in the open field. His long term durability could be an issue, too, because of his punishing running style. The bottom line is Richardson is physically mature and NFL ready. Look for him to be the first Running Back taken in Round One.

2. Lamar Miller, R-So. Miami (FLA). 5’11”, 215 # … 4.40-C

Miller is one of the fastest players in the Draft, regardless of position. He has big play ability and can accelerate quickly once he gets through the hole.  He seems to get better and stronger as the game goes on. Still rough around the edges having only played two years at Miami, he possesses tremendous upside. Miller can also play on special teams as he returned kicks, including an 88 yarder for a touchdown his freshman year vs. Ohio State. The bottom line is he’s a big play waiting to happen, and of drafted by the right team could be a star in the league for a long time.

3. David Wilson, Jr. VA Tech. 5’10”, 205 # … 4.49-C

Wilson is strong and very athletic. The 2011 ACC offensive player of the year has elite speed and good balance. He runs through arm tackles with ease. He can also return kicks. Needs to work on his pass protection and catching. Bottom line is Wilson has the potential to play in this league for a long time. Depending on a team’s need, he could go late in the first round, but the second or third round is more likely.

4. Doug Martin, Sr. Boise St. 5’9”, 220 # … 4.55-C

A rare fifth year senior, Martin had a very successful career at Boise State. Running for over 2400 yards in his Junior and Senior seasons. Martin has good power and shows good instincts. He’s got a high football IQ and has good hands out of the backfield as well as being a high character individual. Bottom line is whoever drafts Martin is going to get a very good football player and even better person.

5. Chris Polk, Sr. Washington. 5’11”, 225 # … 4.57-C

The solidly built Polk has excellent vision and good feet. He’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield as well. Polk protects the football well, and is good in pass protection. He has average speed and can do a better job of protecting himself at the point of contact to cut down on the punishment. The bottom line is Polk will contribute early wherever he goes, he would be a nice third down back to start his career.

6. LaMichael James, Jr. Oregon. 5’9”, 190# … 4.45-C

The three-time Pac 10/12 rushing champ and two-time Player of the Year just simply produces. A deceptive runner, James is very good at running between the tackles. He’s very elusive and has tremendous cutback ability. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield and will stick his nose in to pass protect as well. Lacks ideal size and has durability issues after dislocating his elbow in mid-October of this year. The bottom line is James would be a good fit for a team looking for a second or even third back. A homerun hitter, if you will. Think Darren Sproels.

7. Cyrus Gray, Sr. Texas A&M. 5’10”, 200# … 4.447-C

A third down type of back, Gray shows good balance and vision and has quick feet. He has soft hands out of the backfield and showed great character and leadership in his four years as an Aggie. Gray isn’t the fastest player, is indecisive at times and has average power.  Bottom line is Gray is very versatile and would be a nice change of pace Back in the league.

8. Isaiah Pead, Sr. Cincinnati, 5’10”, 195 # … 4.47—C

Gaining over 3000 yards while a Bearcat, Pead has speed to burn. He can go the distance anytime he touches the ball. A good receiver out of the backfield Pead can be very dangerous in space. Not the best in pass protection, he also lacks size. A bit immature at times, needs to work on his character. The bottom line is Mr. Pead would be a nice complimentary Back, a nice homerun threat to have.

9. Bernard Pierce, Jr. Temple, 6’, 218 # …4.49-C

Rush for almost 1500 as a Junior and over 3500 in his career for the Owls, Pierce has excellent size and good vision. Good at cutting back against the grain and shows good bursts through the hole. Pierce is a hard runner who runs well between the tackles. He does lack power and had very little receiving production while at Temple. The bottom line is Pierce could end up starting in this league for the right team. He would be ideal in a zone-blocking scheme.

10. Vick Ballard, Sr. Mississippi State, 5’10”, 215 # … 4.65-C

After two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, Ballard gained over 2100 yards for the Bulldogs. He runs hard and with patience. He’s good in pass protection and has good hands. He’s very effective between the tackles. He does lack break-away speed and runs a little stiff. The bottom line is Ballard will be a nice Second Back in the league and will definitely help a team early.

11. Ronnie Hillman, R-So. San Diego State, 5’9”, 190 # …4.45-C

Hillman was a highly productive Back running for over 3200 yards as an Aztec. He’s got great vision and shows good balance. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield. He does lack elite speed and burst and needs to improve in pass protection. The bottom line is Hillman has a chance to be a nice change of pace Back in the league.

12. Edwin Baker, Jr, Michigan State, 5’9”, 210 # … 4.53-C

After gaining over 1200 yards as a Sophomore for the Spartans, Baker’s production fell off his Junior year, leaving some to speculate whether he should have stayed for his Senior year. Has an NFL-ready build and is a hard runner with good burst. A patient runner, Baker reads his blocks very well. He does lack that extra gear to break long runs and doesn’t protect the ball well (9 career fumbles). The bottom line is Bake will be a nice Second Back to give a breather to the Feature Back.

13. Chris Rainey, Sr. Florida, 5’8”, 180 # … 4.45-C

Rainey did it all for the Gators; rushing, receiving, special teams, you name it. He’s an explosive runner with elite speed, has excellent hands out of the backfield and can probably even be used as a slot Receiver. Can return both kicks and punts. He does however lack ideal size and had some off the field issues while at Florida.

14. Robert Turbin, Jr. Utah State, 5’10”, 220 # … 4.50-C

Turbin gained over 2800 yards his Junior and Senior years as an Aggie despite tearing an ACL in between. He has good speed and stout body. Punishes defenders at the point of contact. He protects the football well and is a good pass catcher. Durability is an issue because of his knee and he didn’t play against the best competition.

15. Dan “Boom” Herron, Sr. Ohio State, 5’9”, 210 # … 4.66-C

Gained over 2800 yards in a roller coaster career as a Buckeye. Herron has quick feet and shows good instincts. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and uses his body well after the catch. He does lack breakaway speed and his off the field issues became well-known while at Ohio State.

16. Terrance Ganaway, Sr. Baylor, 5’11”, 240 #… 4.67-C

Pounded his way to over 1500 yards rushing his Senior year at Baylor. Has good quicks, despite his big, powerful frame. He’s a downhill runner, whose punishing at the point of contact. Had only one productive year at college, and his pass catching and pass protection could use some work.

17. Marc Tyler, Sr. USC, 5’11”, 230 # …4.76-C

The son of former NFL Running Back Wendall Tyler, Marc is powerfully built and already has an NFL body. Good at changing direction, and is a good receiver out of the backfield. He’s also good at pass protection. Has below-average speed and goes down a little too easy, given his size. Had some character issues while at USC.

18. Darrell Scott, Jr. South Florida, 6’, 235 #… 4.73-C

Head a good year as a Bull, after two unproductive and disappointing seasons at Colorado. He’s a strong runner who’s good between the tackles. He’s a patient runner with good vision. Finishes runs off good. Lacks ideal speed, and struggles in the passing game. Has some trouble picking up the blitz.

19. Brandon Bolden, Sr. Mississippi, 5’11, 220 #

Bolden had a nice four-year career at Ole Miss. He has good feet and finishes runs well. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield, and can be elusive. Doesn’t have great speed, but is a good runner in the open field. His pass protection needs work and he has some durability issues, mainly an ankle injury that limited him to ten games his Senior year.

20. Ryan Houston, Sr. North Carolina, 6’1”, 245 #

Houston’s a big Back in the mold of Brandon Jacobs. Can play some Full Back but is more of a Tail Back. He powers through arm tackles and can definitely move the pile. His blocking and pass protection could use a little work. Had some off the field issues that were well-documented while at North Carolina.

21. Tauren Poole, Sr. Tennessee, 5’10”, 210 #

A solid, compactly built runner, Poole followed his 1000 yard Junior season with a somewhat disappointing Senior season as a Volunteer. He;s a good runner between the tackles with good pad level. He’s got average speed and is not very elusive. Had some attitude problems his Senior season.

22. Adonis Thomas, Sr. Toledo, 5’9”, 185 #

Thomas rushed for over 2000 yards and caught over 60 passes his final two years for the Rockets. A versatile Back with decent speed, he works well in space and is hard to bring down. A bit under-sized, Thomas needs to work on his pass protection as well.

23. Lennon Creer, Sr. Louisiana Tech, 6’, 220 #

Gained over 2000 yards in his two years at LA Tech after spending his first two years at Tennessee. Creer shows patience, has good vision and some speed. Has good hands, having caught over 40 passes at his two years at LA Tech. Always seemed to have some sort of nagging injury throughout his college career.

24. Rodney Stewart, Sr. Colorado, 5’6”, 175 #

Stewart had a nice, productive career while playing for the Buffalos. He could hide behind blockers due to his small frame. Has some speed and is very quick which makes him hard to stop in the open field. Lacks ideals size as mentioned before, and has trouble picking up the blitz.

25. Antwon Bailey, Sr. Syracuse, 5’6”, 200 #

Bailey figures to be a good third down Back in the NFL. He has good hands and always runs hard. He;s not afraid of sticking his nose in, in pass protection either. He’s a bit under-sized and is not the fastest.

26. Davin Meggett, Sr. Maryland, 5’8”, 220 #

The son of former ProBowl returner Dave Meggett, Davin is a completely different player than his father. Davin is more of a Power Back who is quick and built low to the ground. Has deceiving power for his size. Good hands and good vision. Lacks elite speed and unlike his father, does not play on special teams.

27. Alfred Morris, Sr. Florida Atlantic, 5’10”, 220 #

Morris had an outstanding career while playing for the Owls, rushing for over 3500 yards. Can play both Tail Back and Full Back, and is a physical runner who isn’t afraid of contact. An unselfish player, Morris will do whatever is asked of him. Doesn’t possess great speed and will have to put on some weight to be an NFL Full Back, which is what he projects to be.

28. Jermaine Thomas, Sr. Florida State, 5’11”, 185 #

An elite prospect out of high school, Thomas had an average career while at Florida State. He possesses some big play ability and has good hands out of the backfield. He has good speed and is dangerous in space. Not the biggest of guys, Thomas often played injured in college. Could see time as a #3 Back and special teams contributor at the next level.

29. Bobby Rainey, Sr. Western Kentucky, 5’7”, 210 #

Rainey did it all for the Hilltoppers in his final two years, running for over 3300 yards, scoring 28 touchdowns and catching 65 passes. He’s a hard runner, with good vision and has good instincts. He doesn’t possess ideal size or speed.

30. Cody Johnson, Sr. Texas, 5’11”, 260 #

A versatile runner, Johnson will be asked to do a bit of everything at the next level. He’s a good goal line Back, having scored 36 career touchdowns as a Longhorn. Hard to bring down, Johnson also possesses good hands and is good in pass protection. Johnson has NFL Full Back written all over him.

By Anthony “Mini-Kiper” Carillo-Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1)    Matt Kalil-Southern California/6’7’’/306 Lbs./4.99 40/30 Bench Reps/Junior

Kalil is the top tackle prospect in this year’s draft after anchoring the USC offensive line for two years. He has great upper body strength and has excellent feet. He has great hands and is has no problem getting off the blocks and moving to the next level in the run game. He will be a great player in the NFL and will anchor an offensive line for years to come.

2)    Riley Reiff-Iowa/6’6’’/313 Lbs./5.23 40/23 Bench Reps/Junior

This tackle is a powerful blocker and excels in pass protection. He is a fluid runner who can seal the edge on run plays, as well as explode to the linebacker level and pick up blocks in the run game.  He is a durable player who uses his hands perfectly and will be an instant upgrade to any team that picks him up.

3)    Johnathan Martin-Stanford/6’5’’/312 Lbs./5.29 40/Junior

Martin only missed two games in his whole Stanford career, which means he is a very tough player. He carries his weight very well and has great technique. He is an excellent pass blocker and is an aggressive blocker against the run. One thing he will need to work on is staying balanced on his feet in the run game, and he needs to get more explosive off the ball when going against the top NFL pass rushers.

4)    Mike Adams-Ohio State/6’7’’/323 Lbs./5.40 40/19 Bench Reps/Senior

Adams has a good frame and just-good enough footwork to not get beat at the collegiate level. He employs a decent pass set to get back and anchor himself against the bull rush, and has the footwork to shuffle and keep his feet chopping when blocking to drive a man downfield in the run game. His big-game experience playing so many years and games at Ohio State helps his value.

5)    Nate Potter-Boise State/6’6’’/303 Lbs./5.36 40/22 Bench Reps/Senior

Potter is quick off the ball and can sustain blocks in the run game. He has excellent strength and balance, which helps him with his technique. He is good to get up the field and onto the second level and play with guards, which will make him valuable to also play guard. Potter needs to work on his explosiveness off the ball.

6)    Zebrie Sanders-Florida State/6’6’’/320 Lbs./5.41 40/28 Bench Reps/Senior

Sanders is very athletic who can hold his own in the run game, but he excels as a pass blocker by using his hands and size. He has good feet and is very smooth in movements and pass sets. He has good agility and can get his body on defenders up field in the screen game. He is an average explosive player, but needs to work on those impact blocks and really moving people off the line.

7)    Mitchell Schwartz-California/6’5’’/318 Lbs./5.45 40/23 Bench Reps/Senior

This tackle plays with great technique, and he is an effective pass rusher by sitting back and letting the eager pass rushers come to him, and then he uses his hands and technique to move them to the side. He needs to work on his flexibility because he is a little stiff coming out of his stance.

8)    Brandon Mosley-Auburn/6’6’’/314 Lbs./5.21 40/30 Bench Reps/Senior

Mosley is great as mirroring his defenders to wall them off in the pass game. He is a violent blocker, but he needs to work on a lot of things since he has not played the position for long. He also has played in a spread offense at Auburn so he will need some time to transition into a normal NFL offense.

9)    Tony Bergstrom-Utah/6’5’’/313 Lbs./5.27 40/32 Bench Reps/Senior

He has great hands and is great movement in space. He looks natural in his pass sets and his kick steps are fast and he gets himself positioned to take on rushers quick. He is not explosive almost weak tackle. He needs a lot of help in the run game and needs to learn how to get off the ball quickly.

10)  Jeff Allen-Illinois/6’4’’/307 Lbs./5.28 40/26 Bench Reps/Senior

Allen has shown that he is a very versatile player and can play both tackle and guard. He has decent footwork in pass sets, and also has great steps when he is asked to pull down the line. He is a good shield blocker and is not a flashy blocker, but you will rarely see a defender get around him. He is a solid and strong blocker; a kind of blocker that a lot of teams in the NFL want.

11) Matt Reynolds-BYU/6’5’’/302 Lbs./5.37 40/25 Bench Reps/Senior

Great run blocker who can move quickly and has great leg drive. He is very explosive off the ball but gets slower moving up the field.

12) Matt McCants-UAB/6’6’’/308 Lbs./5.52 40/17 Bench Reps/Senior

A very good positional blocker who has great, flexible hips. He is a good pass blocker and is very athletic.

13) Andrew Datko-Florida State/6’6’’/315 Lbs./5.23 40/Senior

Fast off the line of scrimmage and quick to his blocks. He can struggle sometimes in the pass protection, but excels in the run blocking game.

14) Tom Compton-South Dakota/6’5’’/314 Lbs./5.11 40/20 Bench Reps/Senior

Quick off the ball and uses the right angles to get upfield and onto the second level of blockers, but he needs to work on his balance in the pass game.

15) Lamar Holmes-Southern Miss/6’5’’/323 Lbs./5.41 40/22 Bench Reps/Senior

Great natural strength and can stand his ground. He can move his feet well for his size and mirror the quicker rushers, but has a habit of stopping his feet after contract.

16) Donald Stephenson-Oklahoma/6’6’’/312 Lbs./4.94 40/19 Bench Reps/Senior

Quick out of his stance, and has great feet and excellent lateral movement, but lacks strength despite his big 6’6’’ frame.

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17) Marcel Jones-Nebraska/6’6’’/320 Lbs./5.67 40/13 Bench Reps/Senior

18) Dustin Waldron-Portland State/6’5’’/305 Lbs./5.34 40/29 Bench Reps/Senior

19) Jeff Adams-Columbia/6’6’’/306 Lbs./5.18 40/19 Bench Reps/Senior

20) John Cullen-Utah/6’5’’/297 Lbs./5.34 40/23 Bench Reps/Senior

21) Landon Walker-Clemson/6’5’’/301 Lbs./5.18 40/Senior

22) Markus Zusevics-Iowa/6’5’’/303 Lbs./5.08 40/Senior

23) Mike Ryan-Connecticut/6’5’’/319 Lbs./5.38 40/Senior

24) James Carmon-Mississippi State/6’6’’/334 Lbs./5.43 40/Senior

25) Josh Oglesby-Wisconsin/6’7’’/338 Lbs./5.80 40/22 Bench Reps/Senior

26) Chandler Burden-Kentucky/6’4’’/315 Lbs./5.06 40/Senior

27) Bradley Sowell-Mississippi/6’7’’/316 Lbs./5.26 40/Senior

28) Bryce Harris-Fresno State/6’6’’/300 Lbs./5.27 40/Senior

29) Blake DeChristopher-Virginia Tech/6’5’’/305 Lbs./5.10 40/Senior

30) Trevor Olson-Northern Illinois/6’6’’/302 Lbs./5.29 40/Senior

Grade: A-

This is probably the strongest class of offensive linemen overall in a few years, and no one sub-group shows that level of talent more then the guards in this draft class.

Mr. DeCastro is possibly the most complete player in the group, and could probably play any position on the line except left tackle.  He is also the one of the few players that fits both a man on man and a zone-type blocking scheme, which is a huge plus for the team drafting him. He might be the second lineman off the boards on draft day 1. Some of the “glossy” publications like to rank Guards and Centers together, but we prefer to rate them in separate sections as they are different positions.

1)   David DeCastro-Stanford (Jr.) 6’5.0”-312lbs. 40-5.22  Bench-34 reps-Gr. 6.5

A dominating, punishing run blocker, as well as a very good pass protection blocker. Also pulls and traps very well. Highly mobile for his size, but could stand to add a little bit of lower body strength. Can be a success in any scheme. Will also block down field as much as 8 yards off the line, while successfully engaging targets. Rarely gets beat in pass coverage assignments. Would be even better if he gained 7 or 8 pounds, but could stay where he is and remain effective. We’d be surprised if he fell past the middle of the 1^st round.

2)   Cordy Glenn-Georgia 6’ 5.5”-346 lbs. 40-5.15(comb.) Bench-31 reps-Gr. 6.4

Cordy played mostly tackle for the Bulldogs, but will move to guard at the next level. Needs to drop some weight to increase his foot speed, but extremely physically strong and sound technically as a lineman. Has exceptionally long arms and big hands, and is strong at the point of attack. Very strong lower body as well, but could play “meaner” at times, and should keep his arms up more often. Could get tired early at times when double teamed by defensive players. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Glenn at the next level.

3)   Amini Silatolu-Midwestern St. (Tx.) 6’3.5” 324lbs. 40-5.45 Bench 30-Gr. 6.1

Impressive D-II lineman who is on the rise despite not being classified as “elite” by some scouts and “broadcast experts.” Played left tackle in college but moves inside to guard as a pro simply because of height. Has very good strength but some though he played “weaker” when he was 10-12 pounds lighter. We really like his “engine” and his energy level, but is still a little rough around the edges and shows this at times. Could be appealing to teams looking for a player who plays both inside and outside positions.

4)   Kevin Zeitler-Wisconsin 6’3.85” 315lbs 40-5.38 Bench 32-Gr. 6.0

One of several All-Americans in the 2011 season for the Badgers, Zeitler is one of the premier linemen in this draft. Possesses a great work ethic, and is strong both in weight training and on the field. A powerful blocker who controls his opponents at the first level and has great balance. Can sometimes have difficulty targeting and connecting with opponents downfield. Also has a history of ankle injuries, which have kept him out of games, most recently in the 2010 season. Can excel even more next to the right center and with good line coaching at the pro level.

5)   Kelechi Osemele-Iowa State 6”6” 333 lbs 40-5.36 Bench 32(comb.) Gr.5.8

Although Kelechi played tackle most of his career many teams see him moving inside to guard, so we rank him here.  Possessing both strength and size, he has the upside potential to dominate at either guard or tackle. Some see him as a late first round selection but low to mid-second round is more probable a location for him to be drafted since he is coming off ankle problems. Work well in both pass protection and run blocking in the line of scrimmage zone, but has trouble finishing off blocks downfield. Would like to see him develop a tougher mental edge.

6)   Brandon Brooks-Miami (Ohio) 6’4.57” 352 lbs  40-4.99 Bench 36 Gr. 5.7

A man who’s stock is on the rise off a fabulous pro day, Brooks is not without a few shortcomings though.  He is a strong blocker with solid drive power and physical strength, and can manhandle opponents easily from either the guard or tackle spot. He does have an issues with “heavy footed-ness” and  has a weight vs. workout issue(when he works out less, he gains weight!).

His average agility is also an issue, as is his lack of meanness at times on the field. Still, we see him being drafted mid to late 3^rd round.

7)   Joe Looney-Wake Forrest 6’ 3.25” 310lbs. 40-5.02 Bench 26 Gr. 5.55

Mr. Looney is a prototypical athletic inside offensive lineman who “short pulls” well and finishes blocks with consistency. Joe is a young man of character and a leader on and off the field, and does not pose behavioral concerns that some players do. He is also versatile and can play center and long snap if needed. The only issue here is how much he has recovered from a 2010 Ankle injury which limited him to 10 games that year and continued to hamper him in ’11 even though he started all 13 games for the “Demon Deacons”

8)   Tony Bergstrom-Utah 6’5.5” 315lbs 40-5.3 Bench 32(comb.) Gr.5.50

A Great Zone/Position Blocker who works well in confined space, Tony also has great lateral movement. A tough, hard nosed player who gives 110% at all times, Tony’s only drawbacks are his age (26) and his trouble with more athletic DL’s. He can project to either Tackle or Guard at the next level, but will have to work on “physicality” to compensate for his short wingspan. Very coachable, so could have a long career if able to stay healthy.

9)   Andrew Tiller-Syracuse 6’ 5” 350lbs 40-5.5 Bench 16(Comb.) Gr. 5.3

Tiller had a weak combine showing, but has the ability to be a better then average run blocker in a man on man blocking scheme and can be taught to zone block. Can overpower defensive linemen with his positioning skill. Does not show explosiveness off the line and has problems in pass protection assignments. Has the size and base strength to become a good NFL player but needs to improve on his footwork and lateral movement. If he is taught to pull effectively he could be around a long time in the league.

10)                   Senio Kelemente-Washington 6’3.25” 302lbs 40-5.20 Bench 28 Gr. 5.25

A converted Defensive Tackle, Senio also missed some games his freshman year due to an MCL (Right Knee). A fine young man and a talented player with strong character. I like what he shows on tape despite being undersized for the Tackle spot in the pros, he will settle in at guard (left) and be successful because he is athletic and mobile, which moved him up on our position board. Only needs work on his technical and to gain a few pounds to be a success in the position.

National Football League Draft (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Bobby “Blackjack” Guarente-Talking Football Live Host/ Special Contributor-FRO

When given the task to write about the New York Giants’ first 2 draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the first thing that came to mind was something that my on-air broadcast partner on Talking Football LIVE had said.  To paraphrase the words of Anthony “Big T” Guarente, “My God, our New York Giants have just won the Super Bowl and we weren’t even that good.”   That’s the beauty of the greatest sport in the world, where on ANY given Sunday, ANY team can win.  Well, that and having the genius of Head Coach Tom Coughlin at the helm and GM Jerry Reese rolling snake-eyes on free-agent pick-ups and those not picked up.

Heading into the NFL Draft though, the team on top of the world has some glaring holes to fill.  On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants need depth and a potential starter at Running Back.  The Big Man, Brandon Jacobs is now the enemy,  “I Gotta Ring” viral sensation Andre Brown is out for 4 games with a league suspension and even the current stud, Ahmad Bradshaw will be resting most of the off & preseason due to his ankle/feet.  With the running game itself being sub-par in 2011, you have to think maybe the Offensive Line needs some new life.  RT Kareem McKenzie has already been shown the door.  Can LT Warren Beatty not only reclaim his LT spot but at least be as good as his replacement David Diehl (who by the way, quietly is going to be remembered as an all-time Giant)?  Where will Diehl end up if moved again?  He’s obviously one of the top linemen so he should still be starting somewhere.  I know Big T was never a huge fan of last year’s main free-agent grab, C David Baas but as we all snickered at Reese’s assessment of Kevin Boothe, the guy simply played lights out when forced into play.

Lastly, are we content with what we have at the slot Wide Receiver position now that Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham is gone?   I personally have no faith in who we have on the roster now (Jernigan, Barden).  On the defensive side of the ball, there is some concern at Strong Safety as Kenny Phillips just hasn’t been himself after serious knee surgery 2 years ago so I see that position as one of need.  There is also the question of the depth at Defensive Tackle.  Marvin Austin hasn’t played a down of football in 2 years though is still thought of as a first round talent.  I don’t see the veteran back-ups returning here i.e. Rocky Bernard, Jamie Kennedy so maybe some younger depth here is necessary.  Though we lost fan favorite Dave Tollefson to free agency, I think the signing of LB Keith Rivers will allow Mathias Kiwanuka to get back to more for a DE rusher.

I did a very random sampling of various sports/football related websites to get a feel of the who the experts (CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated, USA Today) and guys like you and me (Bleacher Report, NFL Draft Geek) thought the Giants would draft in these spots.  I was quite surprised that many sites had at least 2 rounds predicted!  Overall, 15 websites were reviewed and 24 opinions given.   The overwhelming majority choice was Stanford TE Coby Fleener (7 picks) over OT Mike Adams of Ohio State (3 picks).  I was surprised by this because after the signing on Martellus Bennett, I do not think Tight End is a need at this point, at least not with our first pick.  The only other players picked multiple times (2) were OL Jonathan Martin (Stanford) and LB Dont’ae Hightower (Alabama).  The players picked just once underscore the needs of the G-Men as listed above:  DT Devin Still (Penn State), DE/OLB Nick Perry (USC), RB’s Doug Martin (Boise St.)/Lamar Miller (U. of Miami) and WR Kendal Wright (Baylor).  With those sites (6) that also predicted Round 2 of the NFL Draft, the offensive side of the ball was dominant with RB Chris Polk (Washington) the only player picked twice along with Boise’s Martin, TE Orson Charles (Georgia) and OT Michael Schwartz (Cal).  An interesting choice by a CBS Sports staffer was local stud WR Mohamed Sanu also in Round 2.  Having watch Sanu play many times in person last year for TFL, I think he would be an awesome addition to the G-Men as that slot/WR3 as he catches everything.  In summary, look for the G-Men to add much needed depth at RB, WR, OL and DT.  My dream duo would be some sort of combination of RB (Doug Martin) and WR (Sanu/Wright)) while Big T likes OT Mike Adams in the 1^st and RB Martin in the 2^nd.  But as we all know, predicting the NFL Draft is just as difficult as winning Power Ball!

Eds. Note: Mr. Reese again held a pre-draft presser and gave away little indication of What NY would do at #32 or with any other pick.