As usual it will take a few years before we can issue final judgement on the 2013 version of the NFL draft, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t already stood out for several reasons.

With three of the top four overall picks going on offensive tackles (Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher to the Chiefs No. 1; Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel to the Jaguars No. 2; and Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson to the Eagles No. 4), the 2013 draft will be remembered for its depth on the offensive line, not to mention a distinct lack of it at some notable positions.

Take quarterback for instance, a position has gone first overall in 11 of the previous 14 years, including a year ago, when three of them were taken in the first eight picks, all solid NFL starters in 2012.

This year, however, only one quarterback was taken in the first round, Florida State’s E.J. Manuel who went to the Bills with the 16th overall pick, and only three QBs total were taken in the first three rounds.

And it wasn’t just the quarterbacks that most teams shied away from early on, with no running backs taken in the first round for the first time since the early 1960s.

As for who were the winners and losers in this year’s draft? Only time will tell for sure, although most observers like what the Vikings did, trading up to add a third first-round pick and apparently getting value for all three, choosing defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

Floyd in particular could prove to be one of the best picks of the draft, with many experts rating him as the top defensive player in this year’s class and the best value overall in the opening round.

The Ravens, Rams, Steelers, 49ers and Packers each also seemed to fill their needs with solid picks over the three days.

The top defensive pick was Oregon’s Dion Jordan, who went No. 3 to the Dolphins, who traded up with the Raiders to grab the pass-rushing linebacker in what was the biggest surprise move on the opening day. Some draft experts believe the move was a stretch, although the Dolphins see him as the next Jason Taylor. Like with many of this year’s picks, we won’t know for sure about that one anytime soon.

Among the other big stories from this year’s draft was much-talked about Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, who dropped out of the first round to the Chargers at 38th overall, while the Raiders received plenty of praise for taking Houston corner D.J. Hayden with the 12th overall pick, something we don’t always say about the Raiders when it comes to first-round draft picks.

ROUND 1

HGT:  6-0     WGT: 190

YR: Sr       Pos: S

Notables:

• 2012: 105 tac, 5.5 tfl, 1 int, 9 pbu, 3 ff
• Second-Team All-Mountain West

Pros:

• Solid height
• Consistently productive year after year
• Shows very raw athleticism on the field
• High energy player with an aggressive nature
• Exudes confidence on the field
• Game changer
• Comfortable in his back pedal (gets on his heels at times but not often)
• Good range
• Good ball skills
• Comfortable making tackles in the open field
• Very good at filing the lane quickly against the run
• Great lateral quickness
• Good read and react skills (with exception of some play action)
• Plays with ideal knee bend and posture
• Fairly adequate in man to man on the college level(although technique does need to improve)

Cons:

• Needs to add bulk and strength without losing a step
• Needs to learn to have more control when attacking
• Not a fundamentally sound tackler
• Doesn’t show the awareness you want out of a safety from play to play
• Didn’t play against top tier competition
• Needs become more consistent in man to man (balance isn’t there)
• Past off the field issues

 Thoughts:

Duke Williams is one of those players that made a lot of plays on film that jumps off the screen at you. There is much more to like about Duke than to criticize. One of the main things will keep him from getting drafted as highly as he should is his thin frame. Can he bring down bigger stronger ball carriers on the next level? This is something that can be improved upon, but he could possibly lose a step adding bulk. His raw track speed and good lateral quickness allows him to have some of the best range of any safety in this year’s draft. I like a prospect like Duke because I believe the few inadequacies he has are not hard to improve upon if he works at it, and the he already has those natural attributes that you can’t teach. Put into the right scheme with the right coach he could be a very good player. Duke is one of those players that will probably be a steal for some team in the later rounds.

HGT: 6-0     WGT: 208

YR: Sr     POS: S

Notables:

• 2010 : 64 tkl, 3.5 tfl, 2 ff, 3 int, 9 pbu
• 2012:  84 tkl, 12 tfl, 4 sac, 4 ff, 8 int (3 for TDs), 5 pbu

 Pros

• Coming off arguable the most productive year of any safety entering the draft
• The ability to see run and come down quickly
• Plays fairly well in the box
• Exceptional ball skills
• Better than most safeties in man to man coverage
• Adequate ability to cover TEs and slots
• Looks comfortable in all coverages
• Shows good aggression when coming on blitzes
• Knows when to jump a route to make a play
• Knows how to roam effectively when having the free or spy assignment
• Good in space

Cons

• Doesn’t have great range
• Plays too high at times, especially when having to back pedal
• Footwork and balance need improvement
• Would like to see more aggression on a consistent basis
• High tendency to arm tackle
• Seems to shut down before the play is over giving up yards at times
• Didn’t perform the same against better competition
• Not as effective as you may need him to be in the run game

Thoughts

Thomas has the on field production and the accolades to go along with it. When watching the film I would like to see the fundamentals and skill set to match the on field production. Thomas’s great vision in zone and playing free in man coupled with his adequate man to man coverage skill makes him one of the best coverage safeties in this year’s draft. One of the flaws that may limit him is he doesn’t have great range. Where I am more critical of Thomas’s skill set is in the run game. I would like to see more aggression from Thomas on consistent basis. He showed it in some games, and in others he didn’t His ability to fight off blocks is lackluster at times. There were plays on film where Thomas stops hustling before the play ended which resulted in more yardage by the opposing team. He doesn’t have much of an issue filling a lane, but he has the tendency to arm tackle too often. Thomas’s film against the weaker opponents on their schedule this year was better than the film against the tougher opponents. Thomas has an upside, but he needs to get better in the above mentioned areas to be productive on a consistent basis on the next level.

See Thomas in action  http://youtu.be/u7R24OSpXVI

#73 Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

 HGT: 6-3 WGT: 297

In 3 seasons as a Florida Gator, Sharrif Floyd appeared in 36 games with 26 starts. Floyd racked up 115 career tackles, 26 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, three blocked field goals and a forced fumble. According to University of Florida’s Sports Information Department, Floyd’s three career kick/punt blocks is tied for fifth in school history. Floyd’s solid showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, has left plenty of scouts “buzzing” about the former Gator.

PROS:

 Very Good all around athleticism. Very explosive first step. Gets a great jump on the snap count. Good lateral agility and balance, is able to work through bodies on the ground. Shows the ability to deliver a blow with his hands and consistently displays good all around hand placement. Shows good hand violence when swiping away the hands of blockers. Has a great motor and plays hard. Seems like late in games he is still chasing and pursuing, his effort never drops off, which is a testament to his conditioning. Really good short area closing speed on ball carriers. Excels at line movements and stunts by using his quickness and hands. Floyd is a very good pass rusher with an above average skill-set of pass-rush moves. Lines up as a 3-technique and 5-technique. Does a great job of maintaining half-man leverage. When lined up as the 3-tech, he use quick hands to gain control and a quick swim to beat blockers. Is most effective vs. the run when he uses quickness and is able to shoot gaps and get up field by flipping his hips to get skinny and then get vertical. Is able to work through slide pass-protection by flipping his hips and ricocheting off of blockers. When lined up at the 5-tech, shows he is most effective when uses a quick punch and a fast escape move, often uses the dip and rip to turn the corner on offensive tackles. Shows the ability to string out plays to the sideline. Seems to have natural instincts and great feel for his position, whether at the 5 or the 3. Does a good job of getting his hands up in the vision line of the quarterback.

CONS:

 Undersized for an interior defensive lineman, must add bulk. Has very short arms for his size (31-3/4). I question his overall strength. Plays with high pad level and regularly exposes his chest and allows blockers in to his frame. These factors really stand out to me when you turn on film and watch Floyd vs. the run-game. Floyd struggles far to often at the point of attack in the run game, which can not happen as an interior defensive lineman. When he doesn’t win with quickness, Floyd is easily driven off the ball. Double teams either drive him down field or bury him. His lack of arm length generates problems with him creating and maintaining separation, especially when he lines up as a 5-technique vs. longer-limb offensive tackles, this has lead to Floyd struggling to disengage off of blocks. Must improve vs. the cut block, lunges and is soft with his hands, must bend to beat the cut.

NOTES:

Sharrif  Floyd’s explosive 1^st step paired with his hands, motor and ability to rush the passer is truly rare for a guy that weighs 297 pounds, which is why scouts are intrigued with him. Those factors alone make him and elite pass-rushing defensive tackle, but what scares me the most is that Floyd is a liability vs. run. Another question is, what is Floyd? Is he a 3-tech or a 5-tech? Because of his arm length, he may struggle at the 5-tech vs. NFL tackles and to ask him to bulk-up to well over 300lbs may take away his quickness and make him slower off the ball as a 3-tech. These factors can mean boom or bust for Floyd. I personally think that his ability as a pass-rusher will allow him to be a rotational/package defensive lineman early on in his career until he fully develops and benefits from NFL coaching.

#54 Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

HGT: 6-3 WGT: 323

Jesse Williams is one of the more recognizable former members of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Originally from Australia, Williams came to Alabama via Arizona Western Junior College in the spring of 2011. As a Junior in 2011, Williams started all 13 games and helped Alabama win a BCS title. In 2012 Williams started 12 games (missed WKU game due to injury) and earned 2nd team All-SEC honors on the way to helping the Crimson Tide win its 2^nd consecutive National Championship. Williams finished his career with 60 tackles; 7 tackles for a loss; 1.5 sacks and 7 QB hurries, in two seasons as a member of the Crimson Tide.

PROS:

Jesse Williams has ideal size for the nose tackle position. Possesses great upper strength. Has a quick and powerful get-off that he uses to penetrate in to the backfield and knock blockers back on their heels. Is able to keep pads low on initial get-off. Jolts blockers with a solid blow delivery from his heavy hands. Is able to swipe and club defenders by when they get to his shoulder. Has shown a quick swim off the line to beat blockers in the run game. Good, not great, initial short area quickness. Plays with great effort and pursues down field when he is fresh. Shows the ability to defeat the cut block with with heavy hands and doesn’t waste time on the ground when he does get cut. Solid at the point of attack against the run. Shows flashes of stalemating and splitting double teams. Is able to explode out and be disruptive in short yardage situations. Because of his strength, Williams is able to push the pocket in passing situations. Very good bull rush. Does a decent job of getting his hands up in throwing lanes when he can not reach the passer.

CONS:

Average athleticism with average lateral movement. Lacks body control. Williams has short arms (32 in) for a guy of his stature. Has trouble maintaining separation through extension and disengaging off of blocks. Needs to improve at keeping half-man leverage. Must develop his hand placement. Not much of a threat as a pass-rusher, doesn’t possesses escape moves. Would like to see Williams develop more of a pass-rush arsenal set-up off his bull rush. Struggles on long drives and with fast tempo teams, must improve stamina. Plays with inconsistent pad-level, pads tend to rise when he gets tired. At times exposes his chest and allows blockers in to his frame. Carries too much weight in his mid-section, needs to re-shift weight and develop his lower body. Relies on his strength far more than technique. At times drops his head on his get-off and is not able to see plays develop, this has led to him missing tackles in the backfield, this has also led to him ending up on the ground more than you would like to see. At times looks lost, which stems from a lack of football experience, was only introduced to football at 15 years old. Lacks instincts and block recognition, which leads to him guessing wrong and not being able to make more plays that are right in front of him. Does not have the big time statistical production you would like to see from early-round guys.

NOTES:

Jesse Williams is an ideal fit in a 2-gap scheme. Williams’ quick get-off, heavy hands and elite upper body strength, are all tools that will help him make the transition to the NFL as a 3-4 nose tackle. In my opinion, I think Williams possesses some tools and has showed flashes, but never fully put it together at Alabama, which is evident by his underwhelming statistical production. Williams is a raw talent in many aspects, that still will excite teams because of his strength at the P.O.A. I believe, with NFL coaching (On the field/Strength & Conditioning) Williams will develop in to a solid player.

YR :    SR                             Pos:    CB

 Notables:

• 2012 First Team All Pac -12
• 45 Straight Starts

 Pros

• Good size
• Natural instinct you can’t teach
• Knows how to be active with his hands in coverage
• Great ball skills
• Knows how to get off of WR blocks
• Fluid hips
• Shows good awareness when in zone coverage
• Good footwork
• All around fundamentally sound
• Very good in press coverage
• Not afraid to stick his nose in and make a tackle
• Rarely allows a WR to get separation
• Great straight line speed

Cons

•  At times uses his hands too much which will result in penalties on the next level
• Strays away from technique at times and relies on natural abilities
• Didn’t see much off man coverage out of him
• Gambles at time when you shouldn’t

 Thoughts

Trufant comes from a family of professional of players which I believe has something to do with his natural instincts that you can’t teach. To me he seems to be the most comfortable at the cornerback position than all of the other CB prospects in this year’s draft. He has good enough size and the speed to go with it. He is a natural when it comes to making plays on the ball. He knows how to use his hands very well when in coverage. Trufant has very good hips, and the quickness to go with it allowing him to break on balls very well. Because of his natural abilities and confidence, I think he strays away from technique and fundamentals at times which will get you beat on the next level. There isn’t much to dislike about Trufant’s game and after evaluating the film he seems to be the most polished of all the corners coming out in this year’s draft.

 Watch Trufant in action! (Links to his highlights below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvGoOZdl_Zs

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#20 Demetrius Sumler, RB, Central Washington

(University of Colorado Transfer ’06-’09)

HGT: 5-10 WGT: 225

It is not often a College football player is able to step away from the game for 2 full seasons and come right back in and have success, but that is exactly what former University of Colorado Running Back, Demetrius Sumler, did in 2012. Sumler was a highly recruited RB coming out of high school who rushed for almost 5,700 yards and 67 touchdowns in his career at Cathedral Catholic HS in San Diego. Sumler then signed a National Letter of intent to play for Colorado. He would use the 2006 season as a redshirt year. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 he was a part time starter. Much like the state of Colorado’s program during that time Sumler’s role was all over the place and was expanded and reduced back and forth. Following the 2009 season, Sumler decided to forego his senior season of competition at Colorado and focus on graduating so that he could transfer to another school for a better opportunity to compete. After missing 2 full seasons, Sumler had completed his degree and ended up at Division II program, Central Washington University. In 2012, Sumler started 9 of 11 games for Central Washington and carried the ball 212 times for 1,108yds and 15 touchdowns. He would haul in 26 receptions for 228yds & 3 more touchdowns.

 PROS:

Demetrius Sumler has an all-around stout built, very thick through the legs. Runs with good power. Sumler shows explosiveness hitting the hole. Plays with great agility, is able to stop on a dime and duck under would-be tacklers. Shows the ability to be elusive enough to stutter-step in the hole and make defenders miss him in 1 on 1 situations. Excellent job of setting up blocks. Shows good patients to allow blocks to happen and holes to open up, often is able to fit right behind blockers and explode through. Has excellent vision and understands the zone scheme, is able to square shoulders up and get vertical and able to stick his foot in the ground for cutback. Not afraid of contact, tough down hill runner who breaks arm tackles. Understands when he needs to stick his head down and get tough yards. Always seems to either bounce off or fall forward after contact. Shows the ability to be an effective pass-protector, keeps defenders off-balance by throwing cut-blocks and collisioning defenders to stop their charge. Gets in to a rhythm as the game goes on and he gets more touches. Has good hands and is able to catch the ball out of the back field. Takes care of the football, with over 500 touches in his career at Colorado and Central Washington, Sumler has only fumbled 2 times.

 CONS:

Sumler took 2 full seasons off of competition (2010 & 2011). Has not played against elite competition since 2009. On tape, you just don’t see him break long runs very often. Although he is explosive hitting the whole, doesn’t seem to maintain/ have the top end speed you would like to see. Would like to see Sumler run with lower pad level, often takes some big hits as a result of exposing himself. Although it has not been a problem, Sumler holds the ball away from his body when trying to escape defenders, would like to see him put the ball away in traffic. Would like to see him use his off hand to stiff-arm or swipe defenders away.

 NOTES:

Sumler truly has a story of perseverance! Like I said It is not often players can step away from the game for 2 full seasons and come back and have success. Sumler was not a Combine invite and will need to have an outstanding pro day to intrigue some teams to take a closer look.The odds are, Sumler may not get drafted, but I think that Sumler’s tough, powerful running style, his ability to pass-protect and his willingness to play special teams like he did at Colorado, gives him a legitimate shot at making an NFL roster.

#54 Nick Becton, OT, Virginia Tech

HGT: 6-5 WGT: 323

Nick Becton started all 13 games at left tackle for the Hokies in 2012, after splitting time with Andrew Lenier in 2011. In Becton’s 1^st year as a full-time starter he graded out at the 90% or better range in every game except vs Florida State (83%). Even though Becton was only a full-time starter for 1 season, he still managed to record over 40 knockdown blocks in his career.

PROS:

Becton has good size, and has a long frame with long arms. Has good, not great, athleticism. Has good feet and the agility to mirror defenders. Shows quickness and strength at the point of attack against defensive ends. Is able to engage and stay on his blocks. Shows he has the quickness and technique to reach and seal edge defenders. Takes good angles to the 2^nd level which allows him to, not finish, but occupy defenders. Does a good job of cutting defenders down on quick throws and when he is on the back side of run. Shows he has good instincts to pick up blitzers and stunts he sees early enough. Has a pretty good punch and has good hand placement. Shows he can lockout and anchor against the bull rush. Plays with a good base, is able to widen his base in the run game and to sit on the bull. Painter gets in to his pass set very quickly and locks comfortable kicking. He uses his long arms and agility to run speed rushers over the top of the pocket.

CONS:

Never really shows explosiveness on tape. Must continue to work on playing with more knee bend and not allow defenders to get under him, there were multiple times in short yardage situations where he got stood-up and knocked back. At times false steps when asked to run block vs tight/head-up shades. Once engaged with defenders, needs to consistently accelerate his feet to finish blocks. Would like to see him drop his hips and be more physical when blocking at the 2^nd level. At times will over set, must work on the consistency of his pass-sets. Has trouble getting his shoulders back around and coming off on delayed line stunts and blitzes. Needs to be more patient in pass protection, drops his head and lunges while trying to deliver a knock out punch vs speed rushers, this makes him susceptible to quick in side moves.

 NOTES:

Nick Becton does a lot of things good, but at this point does nothing great. Teams have to consider his good size and athleticism when evaluating his upside. I think Becton, with the development of his skill-set, the right system and coaching, will develop in to a serviceable offensive lineman that a team can get in the late rounds.