Category: Draft

Listing the Top 37 SEC Players Eligible for 2012 NFL Draft


During the 2011 NFL Draft 37 players from the SEC heard their name called by NFL teams, 10 in the first round alone. 51 total seniors from SEC schools have been invited to participate in the four different post season all-star games. Underclassmen are already preparing for this year’s NFL Combine by hiring strength and fitness instructors to help them display their athletic abilities.

 

How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?

 

Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.

 

*Denotes underclassman

 

Running Backs:

*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama

Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.

 

Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Chris Rainey, Florida

FBBroderick Green, Arkansas

 

 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina

Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.

 

Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.

 

*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia

Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.

 

Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.

 

Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas

Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.

 

Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.

 

Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas

Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.

 

Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Greg Childs, Arkansas

*Reuben Randle, LSU

 

Offensive Linemen:

Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia

Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.

 

He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

C Ben Jones, Georgia

OG Will Blackwell, LSU

C William Vlachos, Alabama

OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

 

Linebackers:

*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama

Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.

 

Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama

Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.

 

Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.

 

Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt

Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

 

Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

 

Defensive Linemen:

Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina

Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.

 

He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.

 

*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU

A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.

 

He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.

 

Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama

Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle.  His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.

 

Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.

 

*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State

There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.

 

NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.

 

Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas

Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.

 

Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee

DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt

 

Defensive Backs:

*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama

Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.

 

Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.

 

His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.

 

*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU

Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.

 

Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.

 

*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State

Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.

His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt

SS Mark Barron, Alabama

FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

Razorbacks Keep Seven of Eleven 2011 Major League Baseball Draftees


The 2011 Major League Baseball deadline for draftees to sign passed at 11:59 p.m. EST Monday. After the deadline passed, the Razorbacks lost four recruits, who were top draft picks, to professional teams.

 

The Arkansas recruits who signed were:

Brandon Nimmo 1st round 13th overall by the New York Mets (Cheyenne, Wyoming)

Michael Fulmer 1st round 44th overall by the New York Mets (Deer Creek, Oklahoma)

Dillion Howard 2nd round 67th overall by the Cleveland Indians (Searcy, Arkansas)

Greg Bird 5th round 179th overall by the New York Yankees (Grandview, Colorado)

 

The seven recruits drafted that will join the 2012 team are:

OF Joe Serrano Cincinnati Reds 12th round 385th overall

RHP Connor Costello Cincinnati Reds 16th round 505th overall

RHP Brian Anderson Minnesota Twins 20th round 628th overall

RHP Chris Oliver Baltimore Orioles 27th round 815th overall

RHP Greg Milhorn Detroit Tigers 29th round 917th overall

LHP Mark Reyes Baltimore Orioles 46th round 1,385 overall

INF David Masters Arizona Diamondbacks 50th round 1,504 overall

 

Current Players Unsigned:

Trent Daniel, a junior left handed pitcher, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 23rd round but will return to play for the Hogs.

 

2010 Razorbacks Who Signed Professional Contracts:

James McCann Detroit Tigers

Collin Kuhn Chicago White Sox

Kyle Robinson Chicago White Sox

Geoffrey Davenport Cleveland Indians

The Los Angeles Dodgers Sign 2011 First Round Draft Pick


Stanford University pitcher Chris Reed (a graduate of Cleveland High School in Reseda) signed with the Dodgers on Friday. Reed, a junior left-handed pitcher, was the 16th overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft and the only first round selection for the Dodgers.

Reed was an honorable mention All-PAC 10 pitcher with a record of 6-2 with 9 saves in 29 games as a reliever for the Cardinal with one start. He tallied a 2.56 ERA with 52 strikeouts. As a team, the Stanford pitching staff finished the 2011 season ranked 47th in NCAA Baseball with a 3.45 ERA.

Stanford had five players drafted in the 2011 draft. Of the five Stanford players drafted only one player, junior left-handed pitcher Brett Mooneyham a 38th round selection and 1,147th overall player selected by the Washington Nationals, remains unsigned.

Reed was the 19th player out of 50 first round selections to sign a Major League Baseball deal.

The Dodgers have successfully signed 4 of their top 5 2011 draft picks to date. Right-handed pitcher Ryan O’Sullivan of Oklahoma City, a fourth round selection, remains unsigned.

Moneyball


If you haven’t seen any of this summer’s blockbuster movies yet chances are you haven’t seen the trailer for Moneyball; and you’re missing out. Moneyball is based off the 2003 best selling book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis which chronicles the early failures and success of the Oakland Athletics after team owner Walter Haas Jr. died in 1995.

After Walter Haas Jr.’s death in 1995 the Oakland A’s were bought and operated by Stephen Schott and Ken Hoffman. Haas Jr. was a team owner known to spend money on the A’s team payroll to get top talent. From the time Haas took over as the owner of the A’s in 1980 until his death, the A’s won five American League West titles and appeared in three consecutive World Series (1988, 1989, and 1990); winning the World Series in 1989 against the San Francisco Giants. Schott and Hoffman were not interested in spending money on the team’s payroll and only allowed the A’s management staff to spend, in the grand scheme of baseball, very little money on the team’s payroll. Thus “moneyball” was invented as a necessity for the A’s to compete in modern baseball.

The term “moneyball” refers to a sabermetric principle applied to baseball and the player’s statistical achievements. The primarily stats used are on-base percentage and slugging percentage with the thought that those stats lead to more runs scored. Then General Manager of the A’s (1983-1997), Sandy Alderson (now General Manager of the New York Mets), developed a cost effective approach to attaining players needed to compete in Major League Baseball based upon a player’s offensive production and financial value of that player on the open market in free agency. Alderson is credited for rebuilding the A’s farm system during the 1980’s and adding players to the team as needed based off the sabermetric system; moneyball = low cost free agent players + calling up minor league talent from one’s farm system, with a hopeful end product of a successful MLB season.

Moneyball places a heavier emphasis on drafting college talent that is thought to be more proven and polished over high school talent that is still raw and unproven. In 1998 Alderson took an executive vice president for baseball operations position in Major League Baseball’s front office, leaving the development of moneyball to his successor, Billy Beane.

The movie focuses on Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, and Peter Brand’s (Jonah Hill) attempts to change the way baseball executives approach filling out a competitive major league team year after year with financial limitations. Moneyball should prove to be an underdog’s dramatic look inside the mathematics and statistics of baseball followed with the success of the Athletics. Moneyball will be released in theatres September 23.

Just to Clarify

Since the A’s last trip to the World Series in 1990 they have made the playoffs four times (2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006), only winning one playoff series in a 2006 ALDS series sweep of the Minnesota Twins. The A’s had the misfortune of playing the New York Yankees, Major League Baseball’s antithesis of moneyball, in two dramatic ALDS series in 2000 and 2001. Who can forget Derek Jeter’s unbelievable relay toss along the first base line to Jorge Posada at home to stop the A’s from scoring?

To put this in “moneyball” terms the $41 million payroll of the A’s went the distance with the $125 million payroll of the Yankees in 2002.

To put another twist on the movie and the moneyball approach, the budget for Moneyball was $47 million, $6 million less than the A’s 2002 total team payroll.

The A’s 2010 opening day team payroll was $51.6 million. The A’s payroll is the third lowest payroll in MLB topping the San Diego Padres ($37.7 million) and Pittsburg Pirates ($34.9 million). The New York Yankees lead MLB with a payroll over $206 million.

Notes of Interest

Billy Beane was a highly recruited baseball, football, and basketball player while in high school at Mount Carmel High in San Diego, California.

Stanford recruited Beane to play baseball and football hoping he would eventually replace, then starting quarterback, John Elway.

Beane was the 23rd player drafted in the first round of the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft by the New York Mets. He signed with the Mets for $125,000.00.

The Mets thought so highly of Beane they placed him in Class-A ball while placing their top pick, and the number one overall pick of the 1980 draft, Darryl Strawberry, in Rookie ball.

Beane played for 6 years in MLB as an outfielder for the Mets, Twins, Tigers, and A’s compiling a career .219 average on 66 hits with 29 RBIs.

He was on two teams that won the World Series; 1987 Twins and 1989 A’s. He was not on the post season roster for either team.

The A’s have not finished above .500 since 2006.

Billy Beane was made a 10% owner of the Oakland Athletics in 2005 by new team owner Lew Wolff. (Maybe that’s why the A’s really have not spent any money on the team’s payroll, the team’s payroll is now coming out of Billy’s pocket!)

2011 Major League Baseball Draft; First Round Updates


Pitchers were the hot picks for Major League Baseball’s First Round Draft Monday night. 19 pitchers were selected out of 33 picks, 13 right handed pitchers and 6 left handed pitchers. The Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamond Backs were able to stockpile talent as they had 3 and 2 picks respectively in the first round. The D-Backs took advantage of their 3rd and 7th pick drafting two right handed pitchers.

The state of California produced 6 first round draft picks including #1 pick UCLA right handed pitcher Gerrit Cole made by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cole is considered a workhorse pitcher with great size, 6’4” 220 lbs, and a great fastball that stays in the mid-90s and tops out at 100 mph. Despite control issues and a disappointing season statistically, 6-8 with a 3.31 ERA in 16 starts, the Pirates feel they can correct some of his mechanics and make him into a top-line MLB pitcher. Cole was the 28th pick of the first round by the New York Yankees in the 2008 draft before enrolling at UCLA. Cole’s teammate RHP Trevor Bauer was the third pick of the draft by the Seattle Mariners.

Danny Hultzen was the second pick of the draft. The junior LHP from the University of Virginia is considered a strikeout artist, ranking second nationally during the 2011 season. Many mock draft boards predicted Seattle would take 3B Anthony Rendon.

College football fans may recognize the name Bubba Starling. He signed a national letter of intent to play at Nebraska this season. Nebraska had the 15th ranked recruiting class, according to rivals.com. Sterling was a four star recruit, ranked 6th nationally at quarterback, rated as the 119th best player in the nation, and second best prospect inKansas.

Arkansas Razorback signee, Brandon Nimmo, was the 13th draft pick in the first round by the New York Mets. Nimmo is a high school OF from Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Arkansas signee Michael Fulmer was the 44th player drafted in the compensatory round by the New York Mets.

The University of Connecticut had two players drafted in the first round; George Springer and Matt Barnes. Connecticut only had one previous player selected in the first round of the MLB Draft.

 

First Round Picks:

  1. RHP Gerrit Cole, PIT
  2. LHP Danny Hultzen, SEA
  3. RHP Trevor Bauer, ARI
  4. RHP Dylan Bundy, BAL
  5. OF   Bubba Starling, KC
  6. 3B    Anthony Rendon, WAS
  7. RHP Archie Bradley, ARI
  8. SS    Francisco Lindor, CLE
  9. SS    Javier Baez, CHC
  10. 2B   Cory Spangenberg, SD
  11. OF   George Springer, HOU
  12. RHP Taylor Jungmann, MIL
  13. OF    Brandon Nimmo, NYM
  14. RHP Jose Fernandez,FLA
  15. LHP Jed Bradley, MIL
  16. LHP Chris Reed, LAD
  17. 1B    C.J. Cron, LAA
  18. RHP Sonny Gray, OAK
  19. RHP Matt Barnes, BOS
  20. LHP Tyler Anderson,COL
  21. RHP Tyler Beede, TOR
  22. 2B     Kolten Wong, STL
  23. RHP Alex Meyer, WAS
  24. RHP Taylor Guerrieri, TB
  25. RHP Joe Ross, SD
  26. C      Blake Swihart, BOS
  27. RHP Robert Stephenson, CIN
  28. LHP Sean Gilmartin, ATL
  29. SS     Joe Panik, SF
  30. SS     Levi Michael, MIN
  31. OF    Mikie Mahtook, TB
  32. SS    Jake Hager, TB
  33. LHP Kevin Matthews,TEX

 

The Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies did not have picks in the first round.

Round Two of the draft begins Tuesday morning at noon EST. Major League teams will select through round 30 on Tuesday and then pick through round 50 on Wednesday.