pakowitz

Reggie Bush
RB | (5'10", 201, 4.38) | USC

Scouts Grade: 99


Strengths: The most dynamic and explosive playmaker in college football during his last two seasons (2004-'05). Is a versatile weapon. A huge threat every time he touches the ball as a runner, receiver and return specialist. Has exceptional quickness, body control and speed. Shows a rare second-gear in space and will run away from defenders once he reaches the second level. His vision is outstanding. He sees things quickly and has the stop-and-start ability to exploit small creases when they become available. His balance is exceptional. He is a slippery runner who will spin through would-be tacklers and crawl for extra yards at the end of runs. His ability to pivot and hit cutback lanes is outstanding. Lacks bulk but he has impressive natural strength. Has the frame to improve his bulk. He shows a tremendous feel for the passing game. He is a smooth, crafty route runner. Plucks well on the run and will adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Is a deep threat as a receiver; shows the ability to consistently separate. Also is a huge weapon after the catch. Tremendous elusiveness in space. A proven winner that played in three national championship games and won two national championships during three seasons at USC.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Has adequate height but lacks bulk and will need to fill out his frame. Has never carried a full load as a starting running back at the collegiate level. Can he handle the pounding as a 25-carry per game back in the NFL. He is a better outside runner than inside runner. Does not show the ability to push the pile between the tackles. Will be overmatched at the POA vs. some bigger blitzing linebackers in pass pro at the NFL level.

Overall: Bush played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2003, when he rushed for 521 yards and three touchdowns on 90 carries, while chipping in with 314 yards and four TD's on 15 catches. He also averaged 27.3 yards with a touchdown on 18 KOR's. As a sophomore in 2004, Bush rushed for 908 yards and six TD's on 143 carries and had 509 yards and seven Td's on 43 receptions. He also averaged 25.6 yards per KOR and 15.7 yards per PR with two TD's. Bush finished that season fifth in the Heisman voting and also was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pac-10. He had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason and was limited in spring practice but has showed no signs of its affects as a junior in 2005, when he won the Heisman Trophy and was a unanimous first-team All-American. During that season, Bush rushed for 1,740 yards on 200 carries, caught 37 passes for 478 yards, while also averaging 9.9 yards per punt return and 17.6 yards per kickoff return. In total, Bush finished with 2,890 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2005. Bush is the highest rated running back and overall prospect (regardless of position) in the 2006 draft. Bush will need to add some bulk to his frame and there are some concerns regarding his potential to carry a full load at the NFL level. However, Bush is the most dynamic athlete in this class and his versatility is what sets him apart from other top prospects. Even if Bush needs to be eased into a fulltime ball carrier's role as a rookie, he can still remain on the field as a receiver  out of the backfield, in the slot, or split out wide  on passing downs and he also can provide a huge boost in the return game for the team that drafts him. Athletes like Bush do not come along very often, which is why we would have no hesitation selecting him with the first overall pick in 2006.



Roman Harper
S | (5'11", 198, 4.61) | ALABAMA

Scouts Grade: 69



Strengths: Is a tough player with a great motor. Is technically sound and does all the little things right. He has good recognition skills and consistently will get a quick jump on the ball. He reads QB's eyes well and anticipates things quickly. He has impressive ball skills when he's in position to challenge. He also is a big hitter who makes his presence felt in the middle of the field. He fills hard versus the run and hits a lot harder than his frame indicates. Takes good pursuit angles and is a reliable open-field tackler. He has shown versatility playing both FS and SS during the past few seasons. He is a durable and reliable performer. He has developed great leadership skills, is an intelligent football player and picks things up quickly. Is a very good "quarterback in the secondary" and does an excellent job of getting everyone lined up correctly. He has good natural intelligence and can really dissect film. A hard worker on and off the field.

Weaknesses: Lacks any elite physical tools. Possesses just decent size and speed. He has just decent athleticism for the position. Has some matchup limitations in man-coverage. Does not have great height or bulk to match up one-on-one with bigger TE's that can shield him and he lacks the hip-fluidity and quick-twitch athleticism to match up vs. most NFL slot WR's. He has adequate range in deep zone coverage but lacks make up speed to recover from a mistake.

Overall: Harper redshirted in 2001, played mostly as a backup until earning a start at SS in the final game of the 2002 season, and was a fulltime starting SS for the Tide in 2003. After finishing with 111 total tackles in 2003 Harper made the move from SS to FS as a junior in 2004, where he finished with 73 tackles, three interceptions and four passes broken up. Harper started all 12 games as a senior in 2005 and finished with 69 total tackles, 5.5 TFL, a half of a sack and one interception. Harper has tremendous experience having finished his career at Alabama with 38-consecutive starts. Harper lacks any elite physical qualities but there also aren't many glaring weaknesses in terms of his NFL "measurables". He's a big-hitter who also uses his quickness, recognition skills and angles to make up for what he lacks in terms of elite speed and athletic ability. Even though Harper does not project as a future starter, he should still become a solid contributor in the NFL as a versatile reserve DB and on special teams. In our opinion, Harper will earn his money as an early Day 2 draft choice.




Jahri Evans
OG | (6'4", 316, 5.29) | BLOOMSBURG

Scouts Grade: 59

Strengths: Is a massive OL prospect. Has some versatility as a potential OG and/or ROT. Has good height, massive bulk and a wide wingspan. Has a wide base and good lower body strength. Is difficult to get around as an interior pass rusher. He has a quick set and can anchor vs. the strongest of bull rushers when he bends at the knees and shows leverage. He shows decent lateral movement for his size. He can be overwhelming at the POA as a run blocker. He drives his legs, plays with a mean streak and works to finish. He has been durable and reliable.

Weaknesses: Is raw. Comes from the small school level. Has gotten away with poor technique. Needs to improve his angles and footwork as a run blocker. Must improve his leverage consistency and hand placement in pass pro. Also must improve his awareness when it comes to picking up the stunt and blitz. Is big and strong, but lacks explosive upper body power and must continue to improve in the weight room. He is quick but lacks great speed and mobility as a second-level blocker. There are also some questions regarding his mental capacity and ability to pick schemes up quickly in the NFL.

Overall: Evans has been a fulltime starter since his sophomore season in 2003. Over the course of that two-year span prior to his senior season in 2005, Evans helped pave the way for Bloomsburg to lead the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in rushing with 299.4 yards per game (nearly 40 yards more per game than the second place team). He was named to the 2004 Associated Press (AP) Little All-American Football team as a second team selection. The AP Little All-American team consists of players from NCAA Division II and III squads. As a senior in 2005, Evans helped lead the Huskies to an undefeated regular season and a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Championship. He anchored a line that was ranked eight nationally in rushing offense at 284.3 yards per game and was 10th in total offense with 473.4 yards per game. Evans is one of the most unpolished offensive line prospects that we give a "draftable" grade to in this year's class, but his terrific upside and continued improvement are difficult to ignore. His technique is sloppy, he needs to continue to improve his awareness, and he must become more powerful in his upper body. However, Evans is a massive prospect with good short-area quickness and the wide base to win most battles in the "phone booth" when he's in position at the point of attack. Evans played OT at the DII collegiate level but he lacks the athleticism to hold up on an island in the NFL and will need to move inside to OG as a result. Evans is more of a long-term project than anything but his ceiling is high enough to warrant fourth or fifth round consideration in the 2006 draft.


Rob Ninkovich
DE | (6'3", 260, 4.93) | PURDUE

Scouts Grade: 54

Strengths: Plays with a mean streak, plays with good leverage and is physical at the point of attack. Reads keys quickly, has good instincts and rarely gets caught out of position. Takes good angles to the ball and is relentless in pursuit. Squares up to the ball carrier, wraps up upon contact and doesn't miss many open field tackles. Does a good job of anticipating the snap, takes the shortest path to the quarterback and never stops working as a pass rusher. Gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback and has the ball skills to make a play on the ball when gets hands on it. Has some experience lining up at tight end in goal line situations and is versatile. Plays with an excellent motor and should contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Is undersized, can get engulfed at the point of attack and is vulnerable to wearing down if asked to play an every-down role. Lacks ideal lower body strength and has some problems holding ground when teams run at him. Lacks elite range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player despite effort. Lacks ideal closing speed and is going to have problems turning the corner working against NFL tackles. Doesn't have great athletic ability and has problems redirecting inside after starting outside.

Overall: Ninkovich enrolled at Joliet Junior College in Illinois in 2002. He recorded 36 tackles and seven sacks during his freshman season. Ninkovich recorded 95 total tackles and 68 solo tackles in 2003. His 16 sacks set the school's single-season record. He also forced five fumbles and recovered four fumbles that year. Ninkovich transferred to Purdue in 2004 and he appeared in 12 games in his first season with the Boilermakers. He recorded 23 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, nine and a half tackles-for-loss and eight sacks. Ninkovich also lined up at tight end in goal line situations and he caught a touchdown-pass that year. He started five of the 11 games he appeared in during the 2005 season. Ninkovich recorded 48 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks. He also intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble and caught a touchdown-pass. Ninkovich lacks the bulk of an every-down defensive end and he isn't fast enough to move to linebacker but he has the potential to develop into a quality backup end that also contributes on special teams. He is a technician that plays with a non-stop motor and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Ninkovich projects as a fifth or sixth round pick.



Mike Hass
WR | (6'0", 208, 4.61) | OREGON STATE

Scouts Grade: 63


Strengths: He has emerged as one of the most reliable and dangerous receivers in the nation. A tough, savvy, intelligent receiver. He has adequate height and is well built. He shows good moves beating press coverage at the LOS. He's a quicker than fast receiver who seems to consistently find ways to get open deep, despite his lack of good speed. He has a great feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage. He constantly sets defenders up and catches them guessing by using double moves. He has fluid hips and is a subtle route runner. His hands are outstanding. He adjusts to the deep ball as well or better than any WR prospect in this class. He can pluck on the run and he makes the tough catch in traffic. He's not afraid to go over the middle and he will hold onto the ball after taking a big hit. He shows good quickness, vision and awareness after the catch. He rarely makes a mental mistake and he has an uncanny knack for stepping up in clutch situations.

Weaknesses: He lacks ideal NFL "measurables". He has just adequate size and below average speed. He does not show explosive burst or great elusiveness after the catch. He may struggle to get downfield as a vertical receiver in the NFL like he has in college. He does not have experience in the return game and does not show much upside in that capacity.

Overall: Hass redshirted in 2001 and only played on special teams in 2002. Hass began the 2003 season as a backup at split end but quickly was moved to the starting flanker position. He was the team's leading receiver as a sophomore in 2003, when he finished with 44 receptions and averaged 23 yards per reception with seven touchdowns. As a junior in 2004, Hass was once again the team's leading receiver with 1,379 yards and seven TDs on 86 catches. Hass' production as a senior in 2005 was even more impressive, as he led the NCAA in receiving yards per game (139.3) on 90 receptions for the season. Hass is not an explosive athlete and he does not possess ideal top-end speed. In fact, he was neither the biggest nor the fastest receiver even on his own team at Oregon State. However, Hass' hands are exceptional and he has a rare knack for separating from coverage. His route running skills, ability to adjust to the ball in the air and toughness over the middle are what make him so reliable. Hass' lack of NFL "measurables" limit his ceiling and will cause him to slip on draft weekend, but we think he is worth taking a chance on early on Day 2 of the 2006 draft. If nothing else, Hass should emerge as a solid sub-package possession receiver that will give a great effort in everything he does at the NFL level.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc

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pakowitz

trade evaluation:


Saints-Browns
Browns get: 2nd pick of 2nd round (selected LB D'Qwell Jackson).
Saints get: 11th pick of 2nd round (43rd overall, selected SS Roman Harper) and center Jeff Faine.
Scouts Inc. analysis With the addition of Jackson, the Browns have now upgraded two major needs on the defensive side of the ball. Jackson is a versatile player that has the physical tools and mental capabilities to emerge as a starting inside linebacker in the Browns' 3-4 scheme. By sending Faine to the Saints, the Browns can know insert newcomer LeCharles Bentley into the starting center position, which upgrades the interior of the Browns' offensive line.


The Saints acquired their center for the 2006 season from the Browns in Faine. Faine is a solid starter who will upgrade the interior of the Saints' offensive line and allow Jamar Nesbit to move back to guard. Harper is a physical strong safety that is best suited to play near the box due to his lack of speed and athletic skills in deep zones. With the addition of Bryan Scott, acquired in a trade from Atlanta this offseason, plus the presence of last year's second-round pick Josh Bullocks, Harper should contribute in his rookie year as a backup role player with value on special teams.

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papz

Evans sounds like a move to guard is in his future and Matua was still on the board.

pakowitz

Josh (Bernard) Lay
CB | (6'0", 197, 4.47) | PITTSBURGH

Scouts Grade: 51


Strengths: Is a tall cover corner. Has long arms and a wide wingspan. He can match up against bigger WRs on the perimeter. Is at his best when left alone in man-to-man coverage. He is quick and smooth. Has impressive fluidness and quick-twitch athleticism for a taller DC. He doesn't lose much in transition He has good instincts and recognition skills in coverage. Has the height, arm length and leaping ability to challenge the jump ball. Also has very good hands and ball skills. Shows the ability to adjust to the ball in the air and catch over his head. Is dangerous after the catch (see 82-yard INT return for a TD vs. Rutgers in 2004).

Weaknesses: Is tall but lacks ideal bulk and strength. Is not overly physical in coverage. Does not show enough willingness to support the run. Does not fill hard and will avoid mixing it unless he has to. He has good but not elite speed. Might have more trouble turning and running vertically vs. top speed WRs in the NFL. He also has had some minor durability issues, including a nagging hamstring.

Overall: Lay played in 10 games as a nickel cornerback during his true freshman season in 2003. He started four of the nine games he played as a sophomore in 2003. As a junior in 2004, Lay suffered a hamstring injury that limited him a bit and also lingered throughout the season. He finished with 22 tackles, three interceptions and 12 tackles for loss. Lay started all 11 games as a senior in 2005 and finished with 29 tackles, three TFL, 11 PBU and three interceptions. Lay is a tall cover corner with surprisingly fluid hips and smooth athleticism. He has the size, instincts, athleticism and just enough speed to develop into a sub-package contributor at the cornerback position in the NFL. He also could emerge as a good fit in a cover-2 type scheme, but he must get stronger and develop his overall tackling skills. Lay is not the toughest of cornerbacks, he lacks elite speed and he has some durability issues, which will cause him to slip on draft weekend. In our opinion, Lay is warrants consideration in the middle rounds of the 2006 draft

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pakowitz

Marques Colston
WR | (6'4", 224, 4.54) | HOFSTRA

Scouts Grade: 52


Strengths: Possesses excellent size, is a physical short-to-intermediate route-runner that uses wide frame to shield defenders from the ball and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target. Shows good toughness, fights for the ball while it's in the air and isn't afraid to go over the middle. Reads defenses fairly well and generally does a nice job of settling into a soft spot working against zone coverage. Possesses good upper body strength, uses hands fairly well and can get a clean release working against press coverage. Possesses adequate not great speed, is a good leaper that times jumps well and flashes the ability to win jump balls downfield. Possesses good lower body strength, runs with good power and can be productive after the catch.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal explosiveness, doesn't change directions well and has some problems creating quality separation working against man coverage. Lacks elite speed and doesn't show a second gear when tracking the ball downfield. Appears to take plays off at times and is an inconsistent route runner. Appears to lose focus at times, doesn't always catch the ball away from frame and drops some passes that should catch. Lacks the elusiveness to make multiple defenders miss and isn't much of a threat to turn a catch underneath into a long gain. Doesn't always play with a mean streak and isn't a great blocker despite size. Played at a small school and there are some concerns about ability to produce working against a much higher level of competition. Tore ligaments in right thumb in the spring of 2003, red-shirted in 2004 so could recover from shoulder surgery and durability is a concern.

Overall: Colston appeared in nine regular season games during his true freshman season in 2001 and he caught 14 passes for a total of 335 yards and three touchdowns. He started 12 games in 2002 and he caught 47 passes for a total of 614 yards and three touchdowns. Colston started 12 games and he caught 51 passes for a total of 910 yards and seven touchdowns. He underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left shoulder in November of 2003 and while he could have returned for the 2004 season decided to red-shirt that year. Colston started eleven games in 2005 and he caught 70 passes for a total of 975 yards and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball twice for a total of 18 yards. Colston has to improve his footwork and ability to catch the ball with more consistency, which means he has to show improved work ethic and stay healthy. He will never be a great route runner or an explosive threat after the catch. However, he has great size, decent speed and good power, which makes him a potential mismatch on vertical routes and inside the red zone at the next level. As a result, we think Colston warrants consideration in the final two rounds of the 2006 draft.

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pakowitz

Zach Strief
OT | (6'7", 330, 5.41) | NORTHWESTERN

Scouts Grade: 60


Strengths: Is a massive OT prospect. Tall with an impressive wing-span. His size allows him to engulf defenders at the POA in the running game. He continues to improve his strength and technique. He takes solid angles as a run blocker and is much improved in terms of his hand-placement. Actually shows decent quickness in his short-set. Will be able to anchor vs. most bull rushers when he sets properly and with leverage. He has long arms and forces a wide arc in pass pro. He shows the potential to develop into a powerful ROT in the NFL, but must continue to work as diligently in the weight room. He is a high-character player and is considered a good leader on the Northwestern football team. Coaches and teammates speak highly of his attitude and toughness. The type of blue-collar guy that NFL teams should want as reserve developmental types.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal athleticism. Works at playing with leverage but is not a natural knee bender. Lacks natural lateral movement skills and body control. He will struggle versus athletic DE's. He is massive but lacks ideal strength and power. He won't jar defenders with his hand punch or drive defenders off the line with his lower body strength. He has limited range as a second-level run blocker. He lacks the mirror-and-slide capability to match up on an island vs. elite edge rushers in the NFL. His weight and conditioning have been problems throughout his career. Will need to trim down and stay in shape in order to contribute on the next level.

Overall: Strief redshirted in 2001. Started the final three games as a redshirt freshman in 2002 before taking over as a fulltime starter at right tackle as a sophomore in 2003 and a junior in 2004. Strief started 28 consecutive games leading up to his senior season in 2005. As a junior in 2004, he was a consensus second-team All-Big Ten tackle. As a senior in 2005, Strief started all 12 games at the right tackle position and he made his 40th consecutive start vs. UCLA at the Vitalis Sun Bowl. Strief is a mammoth right tackle prospect with great toughness, technique and leadership. He is able to engulf defenders at the collegiate level because of his size, but he lacks explosive power at the point of attack. He's never going to be athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL, but he shows the potential to compete for a starting right tackle job if he can trim down while also improving his power and agility. Overall, Strief is a massive, intelligent, hard-working, blue-collar type lineman that will give a great effort and find a way to make an NFL roster as a mid-round developmental prospect.

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jbutts

I think one huge positive about all of the players that we have taken, can all contribute on special teams.
If we remember, part of our total lack of offense and defense was the fact that our offense started fairly close to its own five yard line, as well as the defense only having a few yards to protect.
So...i see the strategy here...
we draft players that will immediately help us when, not neccessarily as skill guys making touchdowns, but as guys who pin a team at their own five and and block for our friend Michael Lewis and Sir Reggie Bush.

As i have stated in the past we have done a piss-poor job of taking player that can contribute right away in any capacity. now we have guys how are "overacheivers" and "instinctive."

this will immediate make up for some of the lack of talent or experience on our offense and deffense as they will have a shorter distance to go and spend less time on the field.


thats what im hoping for anyways...

LivnaLieTimay

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this draft. Reggie Bush is an A+, I love the pick! I like what we did late in the draft. I also like the 2 trades we worked out, getting 2 starters. We definately drafted good character guys, guys who work hard and overachieve. Overall, I'll give us a B for the draft.

spkb25

with you timay