lee909

Kevin Rodgers, QB, Henderson State
Particulars: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Buzz: Rodgers has been a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy -- which goes to the top player in Division II -- in each of the past two seasons. Last season, he threw for 4,807 yards with 40 TDs and 12 picks, and completed 68.95 percent of his passes. He threw for 4,002 yards and 41 TDs in 2012. He has thrown for at least 400 yards nine times in the past two seasons and has 18 300-yard games in that span. Rodgers, who already has graduated and is working on his MBA, holds school records for passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Fans will get a chance to see Rodgers on the CBS Sports Network on Sept. 18, when Henderson State (which is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas) plays host to Southeastern Oklahoma.

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

lee909

Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary
Particulars: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Buzz: McBride will be a three-year starter for the Tribe and is coming off a season in which he had 63 receptions for 801 yards and five TDs. McBride also served as the Tribe's kick returner and averaged 27.5 yards per return. He has 15 TD receptions in the past two seasons and runs well for a guy his size (he has been clocked sub-4.4 in the 40).

lee909

Cole Manhart, OT, Nebraska-Kearney
Particulars: 6-foot-6, 300 pounds
Buzz: Manhart will be a three-year starter at left tackle for the Lopers, a Division II program. Manhart is big, strong -- he can squat 500 pounds -- and plays with a mean streak, but he's also nimble enough to play H-back in what Nebraska-Kearney calls its "hammer package." Manhart was one of four Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association players named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association last season; two of the other first-team members -- Pittsburg State wide receiver John Brown and Lindenwood cornerback Pierre Desir -- were taken in the 2014 NFL Draft. Manhart was the only unanimous selection on last season's All-MIAA first team.

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

lee909

David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
Particulars: 6-foot-3, 225 pounds
Buzz: Johnson is heading into his third season as a full-time starter for the Panthers; he was a part-time starter as a redshirt freshman in 2011. Scouts like his size and speed combo (he has been clocked in at sub-4.5 seconds in the 40). Johnson also is proficient as a receiver, but his main talent is as a runner; he will run behind a good offensive line this fall and should easily top 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season.

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

lee909

Bryan Bennett, QB, Southeastern Louisiana
Particulars: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Buzz: Bennett's name should be familiar to fans, especially to those who follow the Pac-12: He was the quarterback Marcus Mariota beat out to earn the starting job at Oregon in 2012. Bennett was Mariota's backup that fall before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana last season. The junior threw for 3,165 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 1,046 yards and 16 touchdowns (a single-season school record) for the Lions last fall. Bennett, who led the Lions to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, was the Southland Conference Player of the Year. Scouts will be looking to see if he can improve his accuracy this fall; he completed 61 percent of his passes last season

"Two receivers to the left, Garcon to the right. Manning in the shotgun, puts Collie in motion. Looks in his direction...it's picked off! It's picked off! It's Tracy Porter again! He's runnin' free! He's gonna go all the way!

jeanpierre

Ryan Griffin is better than y'all realize...

jeanpierre

Premium should be on getting speed at the linebacking position; if we're moving to a 3-4 base...

Linemen in a 3-4 or usually mammoth two-gap types that tie up two offensive linemen allowing sizeable, quick linebackers to attack and force turnovers...

You can get big, strong steady types in rounds 3-5...

Three down linebackers are now gone by the mid third round; though exceptions happen (i.e. Vontaze Burfict), I'd really focus on getting at least two linebackers by the fourth round...

hagan714

I agree JP but it is just so hard to give this child any more toys when he does not have a clue as to how to use the ones he has already.

jeanpierre

Hagan, on defense?!?

Other than the secondary, we have no talent in the front seven...

Hell, I'd argue the backups have more talent than the starters who are only starting because of their salaries...

halloween 65

JP, I got to disagree here, not saying your totally wrong but with Hicks and Jordan playing each side of a stud NT that looks like a good mix up front. With Harelson, Lofton, JR. and drafting a stud ILB and another late round swing man for up front(good run-stuffer) I think we will be stong against the run as well as getting pressure on passing downs and with that the secondary could look like All-Pro's. I might look at it a little different than what you look at it but I think 3 players in the draft along with a few good FA and we could have a he!! of a stout 3-4 D. I just don't know if we will draft this way?