Draft Talk - April 17, 2011

• -          Reports show that Cam Newton seems to have taken the lead for being the number one pick by the Panthers. Coach Ron Rivera says he is convinced that Newton is worthy of the number one pick and also convinced of his arm and mechanics.
• -          Marcell Dareus will not get past Denver at #2 say many analysts who say the Broncos are in love with this guy and new coach John Fox’s main priority is upgrading the defensive line
• -          Dallas has been linked to USC OT Tyron Smith with the #9 pick, as Cowboys staff sees him as a great lineman at the next level. They need someone to protect Tony Romo.
• -          Colts worked out Nevada’s QB Colin Kaepernick, while Patriots worked out QB Jake Locker. Both franchises have future Hall of Fame QBs who are getting to the final stages of their careers and may be looking for a QB to develop in the next few years.
• -          Locker also said to be highly coveted by the Vikings who have the 12^th pick and may draft him, as reports say he will get drafted by pick 16 of the Jaguars
• -          One guy slipping is Clemson DE DaQuan Bowers, whose knee concerns, out of shape, and poor measurable at his pro day could potentially even drop him out of the first round. I do, however, feel he will be drafted in at least the late first round, as he was widely considered to be the possible first pick of the draft earlier in the offseason
• -          Guys I scouted this week: RB Ryan Williams of VT, who has size concerns at 5’9, but is built stockier and has a bit of power to complement his patience and decisiveness to hit the hole when he sees it. Only problem is that he lacks breakaway speed. Could be a starting RB if he stays healthy – injury history with torn hamstring. Unproven with only one great year – his freshman year, as he came out after his sophomore season.
• -          OT Ben Ijalana of Villanova – built like a mauling lineman in the mold of Jason Peters. Dominated the lower division 1 level and has the potential to be a fantastic pass blocker. Needs to work on recognizing blocks in the run game quicker in order to be solid in this area at the next level.
• -          OT/G Orlando Franklin of Miami looks like a bust. Potential second round pick, but consistently got beat in pass protection by speedier DE’s and didn’t hold up all that well in the running game either.
• -          OT Derek Sherrod of Mississippi St. impressed me with his size and ability to pass protect. He really was able to isolate his opposition in the passing game, but like Ijalana has some work to do in the run game. Should be a first round pick and be a solid contributor quickly.