The 2014 Scouting Combine begins Saturday, February 22 — which means it’s time to install some final pre-combine rankings. The combine isn’t a tell-all for players. But it certainly is a key piece to the puzzle.
Below I’ll rank offensive players who fit the Washington Redskins’ areas of need. Factors that go into ranking these players include, but are not limited to:
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Draft range
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Philosophy fit
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Film study
Right Tackles:
1. Morgan Moses, Virginia (6ft 6, 325 lbs) — Fluid athlete. I think he has everything it takes to be a shutdown right tackle.
2. Antonio Richardson, Tennessee (6ft 6, 327 lbs) — They call him “Tiny” but he’s obviously far from that. He’s also very athletic for his size.
3. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State (6ft 3, 339 lbs) — Raw athlete. Probably a better guard prospect than tackle. But he’s capable of playing RT.
4. Seantrel Henderson, Miami (6ft 7, 331 lbs) — This guy has everything it takes to be a great Right Tackle. Only thing he’s lacking is the want-to. He needs to commit himself and stay out of trouble.
5. Jon Halapoli, Florida (6ft 4, 320 lbs) — Missed a couple games in 2013 due to a torn pec. Better player than given credit for and can also play guard.
Guards:
1. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State (6ft 3, 339 lbs)
2. Chris Watt, Notre Dame (6ft 3, 321 lbs) — Won’t wow you as an athlete, but is physical and has some nasty in him.
3. Cyril Richardson, Baylor (6ft 5, 348 lbs) — Big guy with short area quickness. Allows defenders into his body too often. But he’s raw. Would like to see more nasty from him.
4. Jon Halapoli, Florida (6ft 4, 320 lbs)
5. Ryan Groy, Wisconsin (6ft 5, 325 lbs) — Not a great athlete and struggles against quick defensive linemen, but he occupies space.
Wide Receivers:
1. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss (6ft 3, 226 lbs) — People question this guy’s speed, but I can care less what he runs at the combine. The guy played in the SEC, ran a ton of vertical routes and was rarely caught from behind. I think he’s carrying some unnecessary weight. He has a stop and go move on fly routes that’s equivalent to Dwight Freeney’s spin move — it works. Could become a great X-receiver.
2. Paul Richardson, Colorado (6ft 1, 172 lbs) — Interested in his weigh-in. I’d like to see him be a legit 6ft 1 and weigh 190ish lbs. He reminds me so much of a young Chad Johnson because he wins at the LOS with his feet. Its a thing of beauty. He’d also make a good X-receiver, but has to get in a weight room.
3. Allen Robinson, Penn State (6ft 3, 210 lbs) — He has elite skills to create YAC. I’ve had a hard time evaluating him because he’s inconsistent down-the-field. He’s an upright route runner, which affects his speed. He’s also inconsistent when it comes to using his size — attacking the ball in air. If I didn’t know he’s 6ft 3, I wouldn’t know by watching him on film. Think he gives you what Garcon already offers. But somewhat reminds me of Mike Clayton, a former Gruden WR.
4. Davante Adams, Fresno State (6ft 2, 215 lbs) — Dominated at the college level against questionable competition. He attacks the football in-air like no other. But he doesn’t flash much explosion before or after a catch. Can be an unwilling blocker at times.
4. Cody Latimer, Indiana (6ft 3, 215 lbs) — The fact he went to Indiana is sort of a concern. But he’s a guy with an interesting story — basketball was his first love. His mother felt he excelled at football and should play it. He didn’t start playing until his junior year in high school. So he’s raw. From a physical standpoint, he sort of reminds me of Devin Thomas. Mentally, he’s not that guy.
5. Kevin Norwood, Alabama (6ft 2, 197 lbs) — This is a guy who fits the Gruden mold. He high-points the ball and is a savvy route runner. I like him more as a slot WR, but he could add value to the Redskins’ WR corp.
Tight Ends:
1. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech (6ft 5, 260 lbs) — Soft hands. Great after the catch. He’s a guy who lined up mostly in slot and would complement Jordan Reed well. Has some character issues that needs to be addressed.
2. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington (6ft 6, 276 lbs) — More finesse than his size suggests. But is a big guy with good hands and finds holes in zones well. He isn’t that “utility” TE that Jordan Reed is — Austin is more of the traditional inline tight end type. Had DUI incident, but held himself accountable for it.
3. Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State (6ft 3, 267 lbs) — Has some injury concerns, so his medical at the combine will be crucial for him. Is another one of those joker TE’s — I call them utility players. Dominated against low level talent.
4. Richard Rodgers, California (6ft 4, 245 lbs) — Lanky, finesse player who was underutilized in college. I like his potential.
5. Colt Lyerla, Oregon (6ft 5, 250 lbs) — this guy could quite possibly be one of the best, if not the best talent in this deep TE prospect pool. But he probably won’t be drafted due to serious off-field concerns that involves cocaine. This guy has top end talent written all over him but has got to stay out of trouble.
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