The-Mainboard.com 2011 NFL Draft Initial Top Safties
List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson.
1. FS Rahim Moore, UCLA
-Going into the year it is a three horse race for the top safety in this class between Williams, Moore and McDaniel. I tend to prefer Moore a bit over the other two with his ball skills. He isn't as big as the others, however has a great ability to play the ball while it is in the air. His recovery speed is outstanding and can get to the ball quickly as soon as he sees where the quarterback is going. Due to this he is arguably the biggest playmaker amongst the three when it comes to interceptions. His hands are outstanding as well which isn't surprising as amassing the amount of interceptions he has that is pretty much a given. The main concern with Moore is his size. He is only 6'1 and 200 pounds which shows on film. He isn't as physical as one would like and doesn't have the killer instinct when going to make a tackle. This is something to watch as a guy like McDaniel may be more attractive if Moore can't bulk up throughout the year.
2. S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
-McDaniel is probably the biggest freak at the safety position that is eligible to declare for the 2011 draft. He isn't quite the athlete that Taylor Mays was but does trump Mays as a pure safety. McDaniel displays an excellent ability to diagnose plays early and thus he is able to get the proper jump on the ball and is able to attack the ball rather than play catch up. In addition to his ability to play the ball, McDaniel is a versatile safety as well. Given his size, he not only has the ability to play back and play centerfield well but also has the ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage. He does display above average tackling skills for a safety and isn't afraid to play closer to the line either. Although the 2009 season was a tremendous season for McDaniel, he decided to stay in school which was probably the right decision on his part. He is certainly a preseason first rounder and instead of being a fringe first rounder, if he is able to duplicate his 2009 season he has the ability to sky rocket and put himself in a position to be the first safety off of the board come next April.
3. S Deunta Williams, North Carolina
-Williams is the a big physical safety who is a former receiver and the ability to play the ball shows on film. He is outstanding at reading the quarterback's eyes and seeing a play develop. With his speed and ability to do those items, it makes him very dangerous as a centerfielder in the secondary. He shows great ability to get the ball at its highest point and being a former receiver, it certainly doesn't come at any surprise. When he makes an interception, he does have the speed to make a highlight and bring the ball back a considerable distance. The main concern for Williams in evaluation will be how he develops technique wise in his backpedal. Often times on film, he is slow coming out of his backpedal which is going to hurt him at the next level more than it does now. He is able to get away with it at the college level due to his excellent recovery speed much like Dowling but NFL receivers will make him pay if he doesn't improve upon that weakness. Overall Williams is an outstanding playmaker and definitely among the top group when it comes to safeties eligible for next season's draft.
4. S Mark Barron, Alabama
-Barron makes the fourth Alabama member to be ranked among the top 46 for me. Barron is an intriguing prospect for me. He came out of high school playing offense but was moved to the secondary for Alabama. Barron is much like DeAndre McDaniel in terms of the physical nature he has. He is big at 6'2 and roughly 215 pounds and reports are has continued to get stronger this offseason. With his physical nature, much like McDaniel he has the ability to take out every level of the field. He can go up in the box when needed and make a play to prevent a play from developing or can stay back and be an outstanding centerfielder. He has excellent athleticism for the position and his vertical jump should blow scouts and other prospects away at the NFL combine next February. He does have an excellent burst when attacking a ball and doesn't hesitate if he is able to recognize a play quickly. If there is one true weakness it would be probably be his long range speed. It is above average but isn't elite which could knock his stock down slightly. Either way he is a fantastic all around safety and is poised for a big 2010 season for the Crimson Tide.
September 9, 2010
September 7, 2010
TMB College Football Top 25
The-Mainboard Top 25
Dropped Out: North Carolina, Oregon State
Others receiving votes: Stanford - 38, Arizona - 33, Michigan - 32, Oregon State - 29, BYU - 28, North Carolina - 27, Houston - 25, Cincinnati - 13, Clemson - 11, Kansas State- 4, Rutgers - 4, Texas Tech - 4, California - 3, Missouri - 2, Oklahoma State - 2
The-Mainboard Top 25 poll is comprised of 27 self-proclaimed college football experts. The poll has equal representation across the major conferances, representatives from mid-majors and voters spread across the country.
Discuss these ranking with the pollsters here
| Rank | Team | Record | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (22) | 1-0 | 668 | |
| Ohio State (3) | 1-0 | 638 | |
| Boise State (2) | 1-0 | 630 | |
| TCU | 1-0 | 538 | |
| Texas | 1-0 | 535 | |
| Iowa | 1-0 | 515 | |
| Oregon | 1-0 | 504 | |
| Nebraska | 1-0 | 490 | |
| Florida | 1-0 | 484 | |
| Miami | 0-0 | 406 | |
| Oklahoma | 1-0 | 406 | |
| Wisonsin | 1-0 | 366 | |
| Florida State | 1-0 | 291 | |
| Virginia Tech | 0-1 | 279 | |
| Georgia Tech | 1-0 | 269 | |
| Arkansas | 1-0 | 232 | |
| Penn State | 1-0 | 204 | |
| Southern Cal | 1-0 | 197 | |
| Georgia | 1-0 | 188 | |
| Utah | 1-0 | 169 | |
| LSU | 1-0 | 148 | |
| Auburn | 1-0 | 144 | |
| South Carolina | 1-0 | 86 | |
| West Virginia | 1-0 | 56 | |
| Pittsburgh | 0-1 | 48 |
Dropped Out: North Carolina, Oregon State
Others receiving votes: Stanford - 38, Arizona - 33, Michigan - 32, Oregon State - 29, BYU - 28, North Carolina - 27, Houston - 25, Cincinnati - 13, Clemson - 11, Kansas State- 4, Rutgers - 4, Texas Tech - 4, California - 3, Missouri - 2, Oklahoma State - 2
The-Mainboard Top 25 poll is comprised of 27 self-proclaimed college football experts. The poll has equal representation across the major conferances, representatives from mid-majors and voters spread across the country.
Discuss these ranking with the pollsters here
September 2, 2010
TMB Preason All-American Team
The-Mainboard All-American Team
Offense
Defense & Special Teams
List was compiled by vote of seven self-proclaimed college football experts. 7 votes means the player was elected unanimously.
Offense
| Postion | Player | Votes | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kellen Moore | 3 | Boise State | |
| Ryan Williams | 6 | Virginia Tech | |
| Mark Ingram | 5 | Alabama | |
| Michael Floyd | 7 | Notre Dame | |
| A.J. Green | 6 | Georgia | |
| Jonathan Baldwin | 5 | Pittsburgh | |
| Kyle Randolph | 6 | Notre Dame | |
| Mike Pouncey | 5 | Florida | |
| Rodney Hudson | 6 | Florida State | |
| Stefen Wisniewski | 3 | Penn State | |
| Anthony Castonzo | 7 | Boston College | |
| Gabe Carimi | 3 | Wisconsin |
Defense & Special Teams
| Postion | Player | Votes | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Quinn | 7 | North Carolina | |
| Adrian Clayborn | 6 | Iowa | |
| Jared Crick | 4 | Nebraska | |
| Stephen Peae | 3 | Oregon State | |
| Von Miller | 6 | Texas A&M | |
| Quan Sturdivant | 5 | North Carolina | |
| Greg Jones | 4 | Michigan State | |
| Patrick Patterson | 6 | LSU | |
| Prince Amukamara | 4 | Nebraska | |
| Rahim Moore | 6 | UCLA | |
| DeAndre McDaniel | 7 | Clemson | |
| Kai Forbath | 5 | UCLA | |
| Drew Butler | 5 | Georgia |
List was compiled by vote of seven self-proclaimed college football experts. 7 votes means the player was elected unanimously.
September 1, 2010
Athlon's Top 50 College Football Head Coaching Jobs
Athlon’s Top 50 College Football Head Coaching Jobs
Ranked based on attractiveness of the position from a coaching perspective factors included tradition, facilities, location from a recruiting perspective and money.
1. Texas
2. USC
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5. Ohio State
6. Oklahoma
7. Florida State
8. Georgia
9. LSU
10. Michigan
11. Penn State
12. Notre Dame
13. Miami, Fla.
14. UCLA
15. Oregon
16. Tennessee
17. Nebraska
18. Texas A&M
19. Virginia Tech
20. Auburn
21. Clemson
22. West Virginia
23. North Carolina
24. Washington
25. Wisconsin
26. South Carolina
27. Oklahoma State
28. Michigan State
29. Pittsburgh
30. Iowa
31. Colorado
32. Ole Miss
33. Arkansas
34. California
35. South Florida
36. BYU
37. Missouri
38. Arizona State
39. Georgia Tech
40. Utah
41. Louisville
42. Boise State
43. Arizona
44. Texas Tech
45. Virginia
46. Illinois
47. Rutgers
48. Kentucky
49. Stanford
50. North Carolina State
I don't 100% agree with the list, but interesting none-the-less.
Ranked based on attractiveness of the position from a coaching perspective factors included tradition, facilities, location from a recruiting perspective and money.
1. Texas
2. USC
3. Florida
4. Alabama
5. Ohio State
6. Oklahoma
7. Florida State
8. Georgia
9. LSU
10. Michigan
11. Penn State
12. Notre Dame
13. Miami, Fla.
14. UCLA
15. Oregon
16. Tennessee
17. Nebraska
18. Texas A&M
19. Virginia Tech
20. Auburn
21. Clemson
22. West Virginia
23. North Carolina
24. Washington
25. Wisconsin
26. South Carolina
27. Oklahoma State
28. Michigan State
29. Pittsburgh
30. Iowa
31. Colorado
32. Ole Miss
33. Arkansas
34. California
35. South Florida
36. BYU
37. Missouri
38. Arizona State
39. Georgia Tech
40. Utah
41. Louisville
42. Boise State
43. Arizona
44. Texas Tech
45. Virginia
46. Illinois
47. Rutgers
48. Kentucky
49. Stanford
50. North Carolina State
I don't 100% agree with the list, but interesting none-the-less.
NFL Draft Preview - Top 10 Most Underrated
Part I - Players Ranked 1 - 16
Part II - Players Ranked 17-32
Part III - Players Ranked 33-48
Part IV - Players Ranked 49-64
NFL Draft Preview - Top 10 Most Overrated
List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson. Discuss the rankings with Neal by clicking here
1. CB Davon House, New Mexico State
-Many like to compare him to another small school CB out of last year's draft in Boise State's Kyle Wilson. Wilson was an extremely physical cornerback but lacked the ideal size allowing him to drop to the Jets. House is a bigger corner who shouldn't be limited the by the infatuation over size by the NFL. He is a bit raw but his physical tools can't be denied and another very strong campaign should vault him into the discussion with the other top cornerbacks in this upcoming draft.
2. DT Jurrell Casey, Southern California
-Some have began to jump on his bandwagon but still somewhat of an unknown to most who don't follow this stuff religiously. Going into the summer I had Nick Perry as the best defensive underclassmen on USC's roster, however that is not the case after reviewing a few USC games. Casey is very quick out of his stance and shows a very good ability to shed blockers and penetrate up the field to disrupt the passing game. With 4-3 defensive ends being somewhat of a rare commodity these days, Casey will surely attract many suitors come next April. He is picture perfect for the position and his pass rushing ability is tremendous. His potential downfall right now would be the lack of strength against the run and that is what separates him from the more complete 4-3 DTs like a Suh or McCoy from last year.
3. DE/OLB Nick Perry, Southern California
-In a year where there is a bit of a cloud atop the best 3-4 OLBs, Perry finds himself in an interesting position. Outside of Robert Quinn and Von Miller there is no third guy yet to emerge. Perry has all the tools you want in a 3-4 OLB with not only possessing the proper pass rushing skills but also having the athletic ability to cover space as well. He is seen right now as a mid to late 2nd rounder possibly even pushing into the third round, however I have no doubt that will change after another year of being the go to edge rusher with Everson Griffen now being in the NFL.
4. OT Nate Potter, Boise State
-Most draft fanatics have heard about Nate Solder of Colorado, Anthony Castonzo of Boston College and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin however the tackle that should begin to rise up boards is Potter. He reminds me quite a bit of Ryan Clady who was drafted in the first round from Boise by the Broncos. It is always tough to evaluate offensive tackle prospects in lower tier conferences, however it appears that Potter is certainly the real deal.
5. DE Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
-Wolfe is a 4-3 DT, however is intrigue on the next level in my estimation lies in the 3-4 at the end position. Wolfe shows a great ability to take on blockers and being strong enough to hold the point of attack. I don't see the real value in him being a 4-3 tackle at the next level, however teams searching for an end may not find a better value than Wolfe who very well could see a Jared Odrick type rise during the 2010 season.
6. OLB Adrian Robinson, Temple
-Much like Perry, Robinson is a very intriguing fit for the 3-4 OLB spot in the NFL. He reminds me a bit of Larry English from Northern Illinois who was selected by the Bears. He is an undersized pass rusher who feasts on inferior competition. Hopefully for Robinson he isn't taken by a 4-3 team and is allowed to develop as a 3-4 OLB where he can thrive in future years.
7. DE Cameron Jordan, California
-Jordan is much like Derek Wolfe in terms of NFL projection. I like him a lot at a 3-4 end and feel he is going to command a lot of suitors in next year's draft. He is very strong up front and can anchor any line. I feel as if teams such as the Jets and Cowboys will be very attracted to Jordan next year as he seems like the prototypical 3-4 end and is underrated coming into the year much like Tyson Alualu was last year coming into the year.
8. DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
-Worthy has begun to get some national publicity over the past few months but probably not the credit he deserves up to this point being probably the most valuable piece to the Michigan State defense. He is both a great pass rusher as well as being able to anchor the line. He can work well in either a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 end or even possibly a nose tackle although I feel as if he would be wasted in that position. Most MSU fans are probably hoping for an NFL lockout in 2011 as if there isn't and Worthy produces like most expect him to, there is a very real possibility he leaves after this year.
9. WR Austin Pettis, Boise State
-In what is sure to be a great class for wide receivers this upcoming year if there is no lockout in 2011, Pettis is likely to get overshadowed by the top group of underclassmen set to come out. However he is a very complete receiver who doesn't standout in one area but just does everything very well. He likely won't be a first rounder barring a lockout, however there is no doubt any team that can land him in the second round will be getting a very sound receiver overall.
10. RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
-The RB crop this year leaves a lot to be desired after Ryan Williams and Mark Ingram and Thomas is one who should be able to breakout with a strong 2010 campaign. Thomas is an extremely dynamic runner who burst onto the scene last year for Kansas State and hasn't been getting his due overall by many sites. After watching him more he should definitely be squarely in the second round with the potential to sneak into the later part of the first round.
Part II - Players Ranked 17-32
Part III - Players Ranked 33-48
Part IV - Players Ranked 49-64
NFL Draft Preview - Top 10 Most Overrated
List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson. Discuss the rankings with Neal by clicking here
1. CB Davon House, New Mexico State
-Many like to compare him to another small school CB out of last year's draft in Boise State's Kyle Wilson. Wilson was an extremely physical cornerback but lacked the ideal size allowing him to drop to the Jets. House is a bigger corner who shouldn't be limited the by the infatuation over size by the NFL. He is a bit raw but his physical tools can't be denied and another very strong campaign should vault him into the discussion with the other top cornerbacks in this upcoming draft.
2. DT Jurrell Casey, Southern California
-Some have began to jump on his bandwagon but still somewhat of an unknown to most who don't follow this stuff religiously. Going into the summer I had Nick Perry as the best defensive underclassmen on USC's roster, however that is not the case after reviewing a few USC games. Casey is very quick out of his stance and shows a very good ability to shed blockers and penetrate up the field to disrupt the passing game. With 4-3 defensive ends being somewhat of a rare commodity these days, Casey will surely attract many suitors come next April. He is picture perfect for the position and his pass rushing ability is tremendous. His potential downfall right now would be the lack of strength against the run and that is what separates him from the more complete 4-3 DTs like a Suh or McCoy from last year.
3. DE/OLB Nick Perry, Southern California
-In a year where there is a bit of a cloud atop the best 3-4 OLBs, Perry finds himself in an interesting position. Outside of Robert Quinn and Von Miller there is no third guy yet to emerge. Perry has all the tools you want in a 3-4 OLB with not only possessing the proper pass rushing skills but also having the athletic ability to cover space as well. He is seen right now as a mid to late 2nd rounder possibly even pushing into the third round, however I have no doubt that will change after another year of being the go to edge rusher with Everson Griffen now being in the NFL.
4. OT Nate Potter, Boise State
-Most draft fanatics have heard about Nate Solder of Colorado, Anthony Castonzo of Boston College and Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin however the tackle that should begin to rise up boards is Potter. He reminds me quite a bit of Ryan Clady who was drafted in the first round from Boise by the Broncos. It is always tough to evaluate offensive tackle prospects in lower tier conferences, however it appears that Potter is certainly the real deal.
5. DE Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
-Wolfe is a 4-3 DT, however is intrigue on the next level in my estimation lies in the 3-4 at the end position. Wolfe shows a great ability to take on blockers and being strong enough to hold the point of attack. I don't see the real value in him being a 4-3 tackle at the next level, however teams searching for an end may not find a better value than Wolfe who very well could see a Jared Odrick type rise during the 2010 season.
6. OLB Adrian Robinson, Temple
-Much like Perry, Robinson is a very intriguing fit for the 3-4 OLB spot in the NFL. He reminds me a bit of Larry English from Northern Illinois who was selected by the Bears. He is an undersized pass rusher who feasts on inferior competition. Hopefully for Robinson he isn't taken by a 4-3 team and is allowed to develop as a 3-4 OLB where he can thrive in future years.
7. DE Cameron Jordan, California
-Jordan is much like Derek Wolfe in terms of NFL projection. I like him a lot at a 3-4 end and feel he is going to command a lot of suitors in next year's draft. He is very strong up front and can anchor any line. I feel as if teams such as the Jets and Cowboys will be very attracted to Jordan next year as he seems like the prototypical 3-4 end and is underrated coming into the year much like Tyson Alualu was last year coming into the year.
8. DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
-Worthy has begun to get some national publicity over the past few months but probably not the credit he deserves up to this point being probably the most valuable piece to the Michigan State defense. He is both a great pass rusher as well as being able to anchor the line. He can work well in either a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 end or even possibly a nose tackle although I feel as if he would be wasted in that position. Most MSU fans are probably hoping for an NFL lockout in 2011 as if there isn't and Worthy produces like most expect him to, there is a very real possibility he leaves after this year.
9. WR Austin Pettis, Boise State
-In what is sure to be a great class for wide receivers this upcoming year if there is no lockout in 2011, Pettis is likely to get overshadowed by the top group of underclassmen set to come out. However he is a very complete receiver who doesn't standout in one area but just does everything very well. He likely won't be a first rounder barring a lockout, however there is no doubt any team that can land him in the second round will be getting a very sound receiver overall.
10. RB Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
-The RB crop this year leaves a lot to be desired after Ryan Williams and Mark Ingram and Thomas is one who should be able to breakout with a strong 2010 campaign. Thomas is an extremely dynamic runner who burst onto the scene last year for Kansas State and hasn't been getting his due overall by many sites. After watching him more he should definitely be squarely in the second round with the potential to sneak into the later part of the first round.
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