College Players The Eagles Are Interested In

[NGM]

From Rivals.com

Ten Underrated, Ten Overrated
By NFL Draft Staff – Rivals.com

Despite intense scouting, film study, Combine workouts, Pro Days and all-star games front-office personnel still hit and miss with NFL Draft picks.

Some high draft picks have had disappointing careers because of injuries. Others just never make it.

On the flip side, some late picks have gone on to star in several Pro Bowls. Even undrafted free agents can turn into future gems (see Rod Smith, Priest Holmes and Antonio Gates).

The key to a successful draft is being savvy enough to find a diamond in the rough like Mark Clayton or Richard Dent (both eighth-round picks) and being lucky enough to avoid selecting the next Ryan Leaf (No. 2 pick overall in 1998).

The examples we have below aren't that extreme, but scout and NFL Draft expert Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com has identified the 10 most overrated and 10 most underrated players in the 2006 Draft.

Ten Underrated Prospects
1. Will Blackmon - CB - Boston College
This guy moved to wide receiver as a senior to help his club, hurting his overall development on the corner. Earlier in his career he performed at a very high level at cornerback. He carries a definite starting NFL grade there. He is the most miscast player in recent memory and a prospect with a big upside and fast learning curve once he settles back at the cornerback spot.
2. Daryn Colledge - OT - Boise St.
A tough, sound technician, Colledge completed a fine career at left tackle where he started more than 50 games. While he played well at the Senior Bowl and we rate him a definite top-50 player and early NFL starter, he has not received the attention of the top prospects. He has the physical and mental skills to play a long time in the league.
3. Mark Anderson - DE - Alabama
This strong, rugged defensive end may be the most underrated defender in recent years. He was a key part of the tough Tide defense. He has well-developed skills as both a pass rusher and run stuffer. He can play either side, and scouts are sitting on this guy hoping he slides to the third round. With the demand on ends for the 4-3 scheme, he could be gone in the mid-second round.
4. Joe Klopfenstein - TE - Colorado
Big, athletic tight end who completed a fine career in the Big 12 and shows well-developed receiving skills and fast-improving blocking talent. He has the athleticism to be an early NFL starter and would give a club a fine weapon with the ability to be a vertical threat. He may slide to the third round in this deep class and be one of the draft's best values at that point.
5. Mike Degory - OC - Florida
Degory is a big, physical center who has not received much attention this offseason after a fine SEC career that included more than 50 starts. He tested out only average at the NFL Combine, though not that far below top center prospect Nick Mangold of Ohio State. He has an early NFL starting grade and could be a major steal on the late first or early second day of the draft with the talent, intangibles and technique to have a long NFL career.
6. LeKevin Smith - DT – Nebraska
A strong defensive tackle who was a fine performer on the Nebraska front line since his freshman season. He is stout against the run with the ability to play in any scheme. He also shows a good bull rush to push the pocket and pressure the passer. He is well-developed and should help immediately in a three-tackle rotation with a starting grade fairly early in his pro career.
7. Roman Harper - S - Alabama
This tough veteran safety was a key performer for the Tide's highly rated defense over the past three seasons. He is a big hitter with the speed to go sideline to sideline. He is also a developed cover man with the well-rounded skills to be an every down starter early in his career.
8. DeMario Minter - CB - Georgia
Minter is a tough, savvy cornerback who had a fine senior season and postseason but has not received much attention in this deep defensive back class. He has fine size with very good ball instincts and the ability to match up and battle big receivers. He will probably go late on the first or early in the second day where he has the potential to be a major steal.
9. Wali Lundy - RB - Virginia
A compact senior tailback who was very productive over his career. He has struggled with nagging injuries that have hurt his final grade because clubs are questioning his durability. He has produced against top competition and may be among the best goal-line runners in recent memory. He probably falls to the late rounds where he could be a major steal - we belive he carries an NFL starting grade.
10. Charles Gordon - CB - Kansas
This quick junior cornerback/return specialist failed to impress at the NFL Combine and has fallen through the cracks in this quality class. He is a playmaker with fine instincts and the ability to match up in coverage. He is also dangerous as a punt returner and could be one of the best bargains in this class if he falls to the second day of the draft.

Ten Overrated Prospects
1. Charlie Whitehurst - QB - Clemson
Whitehurst is a big, strong-armed passer who is high on many lists but carries only a marginal starting grade here. He is not very accurate and his decision making has been suspect throughout his career. He probably will go in the top 100 selections but is a definite reach there.
2. Greg Eslinger – OC - Minnesota
This mobile senior was a four-year starter in the Big Ten and won numerous awards for his fine play. He is a sound technician with fine footwork but has only marginal size and short arms, which causes problems with big tackles in single assignments. He could surprisingly fall to the second day of the draft and is best suited for zone blocking schemes like the Falcons, Broncos and Vikings.
3. Thomas Howard – LB- UTEP
A fast, athletic linebacker who tests out as well as any prospect in this draft class, Howard's production was decent but did not match his athletic ability. His lack of big plays is a concern. His inability to initially read the play properly does not put him in a position to consistently make the impact play. His athleticism may get him selected in the top 50, but that would be a definite reach.
4. Parys Haralson – DE - Tennessee
Haralson is a quick, smallish edge rusher who had a fine final season and good Senior Bowl performance. He has marginal size for end in a 4-3 scheme and has rarely played standing up. He is quick off the ball - which allows him to win early on the down - but whether he can beat NFL-caliber tackles remains to be seen. He has struggled when top tackles get their hands on him early, and he fails to show good secondary moves.
5. Abdul Hodge – LB - Iowa
This tough, productive senior linebacker put up incredible tackle numbers over his Big Ten career. He is a savvy linebacker but did not impress at the NFL Combine like other highly regarded defenders. He carries a starting grade but is not a top-60 prospect, although he could be part of a run on linebackers on the first day.
6. Darrell Hunter – CB – Miami (Ohio)
A big, athletic cornerback who played at a fairly high level over his long career. His instincts and his ability to make the big play are suspect despite those numbers. He failed to impress at the Senior Bowl against top competition, though he tested out well at the NFL Combine. He will probably be selected in the first day of the draft, but his level of development is questionable and he will have to step up to compete for playing time even as a role defender.
7. Will Allen - OG - Texas
Allen is a big, physical guard who has been a stalwart on the Texas line over the past three years. He is only an average athlete and did not live up to his press clippings at the Senior Bowl or NFL Combine. He will fall to the late rounds as a result and carries only a marginal starting grade with development.
8. Michael Robinson – WR – Penn St.
This college quarterback will have to make a position switch to play at the next level. He has played running back and wideout but has not developed fully at any position - which will limit his early playing time. He has a long learning curve to compete for a starting job and will be limited to a role player as receiver and runner with the option to throw the ball. He may become a fine role player, but he will need some time to refine his skills and is not a top 150 prospect.
9. Kyle Williams - DT - LSU
A tough, sound technician who was a productive defender for the Tigers. He often got the most out of his average athleticism. His instincts and good functional strength allowed him to beat most college blockers. His marginal size and average athletic ability may hinder him as a pro. He likely be limited to only a backup role despite fine production in college.
10. Anwar Phillips – CB – Penn St.
Phillips is an agile cornerback who was part of the tough Penn State defense in recent years. He performed well in the Nittany Lions' system, playing mainly zone coverage over his career. He has good size but only marginal speed and athletic ability. He needs the right scheme to be effective. He can be exploited in man coverage, especially in the deep game where his recovery speed is suspect.

Penn State Rules.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

I don't know why anyone would consider Anwar any good in the first place.  Zemaitis has some game, though.

[Drunkmasterflex]

I was watching the PSU/FSU Orange Bowl game today on DVD (first time I got to see the game)  and I was not all that impressed with Bunkley.  PSU was able to run directly up the gut without much difficulty, it reminds me too much of what the Eagles have been doing for the past few years.  They need to get a fat boy in there next to Patterson.

[Feva]

8. DeMario Minter - CB - Georgia
Minter is a tough, savvy cornerback who had a fine senior season and postseason but has not received much attention in this deep defensive back class. He has fine size with very good ball instincts and the ability to match up and battle big receivers. He will probably go late on the first or early in the second day where he has the potential to be a major steal.

I agree here.  He was consistent as hell all year at UGA... never getting beaten for the big play.  He's got good size (6'0", 198) and he's "tested" by playing in the SEC.

If the Eagles are actually looking for a DB as a possible replacement for Hood... and he's still there on Day 2, I'd love to see them use one of those 4th rounders on him.  If that were to happen... I agree with the article that we'd probably be stealing him.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

He sounds like a poor man's Champ Bailey.

[Feva]

Y'know... that's actually a pretty good description of him.

He's one of those guys who isn't very weak anywhere... and his "bust potential" is pretty low IMO.  I think he'll be a solid CB at the least... but he has the tools and potential to be damn good.  I think in the 4th round (where Kiper had him going as well)... that's great value.

He's also one of those high character guys who's very receptive to coaching so you know he gives Andy a stiffy.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Demario Minter
CB | (5'11 ^1/2", 190, 4.52) | GEORGIA

Scouts Grade: 71

Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height and is well built. He has very good speed. Shows solid balance and body control. Is a smooth athlete. Shows quickness in his pedal and good burst out of it. He has very good closing quickness. Will bat down a lot of passes at the last second. He has the quick-twitch athleticism to mirror quicker WR's double moves. He has very good recognition skills and takes few false steps. Rarely gets caught guessing and does a very good job of protecting himself from getting beat deep. He fills hard versus the run and knows how to use his hands to keep off of blocks. Is a solid open-field tackler with adequate-to-good strength.

Weaknesses: He is sound but not flashy. Is not much of a playmaker when the ball is in the air. Not overly aggressive. Protects himself from giving up the big play but doesn't make enough big plays of his own. His ball skills are poor and he doesn't challenge receivers enough. He did not have an interception as a fulltime starter in 2004 and his only two career interceptions came as a senior. He also has a character alert; suspended for two games in 2003 after arrested for marijuana possession.

Overall: Minter served as a reserve cornerback during his true freshman season in 2002 and moved to a sub-package role with one start in all 12 games played as a sophomore in 2003. Minter took over as a fulltime starter as a junior in 2004, finishing with 51 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss and 10 passes broken up. Minter started all 13 games as a senior in 2005 and finished with 48 tackles, 3.5 TFL, nine PBU and two interceptions. Minter does not have great playmaking skills and he's not an overly flashy player. He also has some character concerns that will scare some teams off. However, he has kept his nose clean over the course of the last two years (2004-'05) and he made more big plays as a senior. Minter has the size, speed, athleticism, experience and tackling skills to contribute immediately as a sub-package defensive back and on special teams in the NFL. We also believe that he has a solid NFL future as a No. 2 or No. 3 cornerback in the NFL. Minter could be off the 2006 draft board before the end of the first day.

Is it just me, or do his weaknesses seem kind of lame?  Are they trying to say that he's not good because he'd rather cover his man than take a risk and go for the pick?  Ha!

[Feva]

Exactly.  Without looking it up, his weaknesses sound a lot like they could be used to describe Sheldon Brown.  Sound but not flashy... not overly aggressive... low INT numbers (because he gets less balls thrown his way), etc.  Sounds like they're reaching to me.  Minter's got a "high floor" IMO for the pros... unless he just falls apart... he'll be a quality NFL CB.

Forgot about his ganja bust though...


It also reminds me of most of Bobby Carpenter's breakdowns where the only weakness they come up with is that he broke his leg.

[PhillyPhanInDC]

KFFL:

Eagles | Team to attend J. Lewis workout
Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:10:36 -0700

The Washington Post reports the Philadelphia Eagles will attend the workout being held Thursday, April 20, by George Mason basketball player Jai Lewis. He has spent four days training with Walt Cline, Velocity Sports Performance's director of athlete development, and former NFL TE Leonard Stephens. In the morning, Lewis will fill out paperwork and take written tests, including the Wonderlic. In the afternoon, he will be weighed and measured; will be tested in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and standing broad jump; and will perform agility and position drills for tight ends and linemen.

[PhillyandBCEagles]

I was watching the PSU/FSU Orange Bowl game today on DVD (first time I got to see the game)  and I was not all that impressed with Bunkley.  PSU was able to run directly up the gut without much difficulty, it reminds me too much of what the Eagles have been doing for the past few years.  They need to get a fat boy in there next to Patterson.

BC pounded it down the middle on FSU all day as well.  Bunkley doesn't do anything for me.

[goeagles99]

Interesting comments in that PFW article.  I don't agree with all the scouts, but enjoyed reading the various opinions. 

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Scouts Inc details the players with character concerns:

Winston Justice, OT, USC (First)
Justice was arrested and sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor count of solicitation of prostitution in July of 2003. Unfortunately, his problems with the law didn't end there. He was also charged with three misdemeanor counts of exhibiting a replica firearm in March of 2004. The court sentenced him to 60 days of electronic monitoring as well as three years probation, and the school's Student Affairs Department suspended him for two semesters as a result.

Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State (First)
An incident in June 2005 involving his girlfriend has raised some concerns about Sims' character. Police arrested him for domestic battery and resisting arrest without violence that day. He pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of disorderly conduct in August.

Jimmy Williams, DC, Virginia Tech (First)
There's no questioning Williams' upside. He is fast, strong and versatile enough to line up at safety in certain situations. The problem is he might never realize that awesome potential because he doesn't give his best effort on every snap. He is an arrogant player who relies on natural ability far too much.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (First)
Holmes has avoided off-the-field problems, but his ego and faith in his natural ability have hindered his progress and raised concerns about his willingness to listen to coaching.

LenDale White, RB, USC (First)
There have always been questions about White's dedication to training and his ability to keep his weight down. A poor performance at the combine has only intensified those concerns.

Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (First/Second)
Georgia suspended Pope for the Louisiana-Monroe game for violating team rules. There are also questions about his work ethic and willingness to get better.

Max Jean-Gillies, OG, Georgia (Second)
Jean-Giles has had problems keeping his weight down and there are questions about his dedication to training. There are also concerns he won't work hard once he signs a lucrative contract.

Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (Second)
Wroten's draft stock took a hit when he was pulled over for speeding and the police found marijuana in the car. While a felony charge of marijuana possession with the intent to distribute eventually was dismissed, he was not allowed to play in the Senior Bowl and teams will still have questions concerning the incident.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Central Florida (Third)
In 2004, the police arrested Marshall for trespassing and resisting arrest following an incident at a Denny's restaurant. Central Florida suspended him for a game as a result. In addition, Marshall's arrogance and penchant for taking plays off has hindered his progress.

Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma (Third)
While he has since undergone counseling and hasn't been involved in any off-the-field problems, Dvoracek was involved in several alcohol-related incidents during his first four seasons at Oklahoma. In fact, Oklahoma dismissed him from the team after he started the first two games of the 2004 season. He returned to play for the Sooners in 2005.

Dee Webb, DC, Florida (Third)
Webb purchased four guns in February of 2006 and police confiscated all four as part of an investigation about gun shots fired into an adjacent apartment. While a Florida teammate admitted to firing the shots and there's no reason to believe Webb will be arrested at this point, police found several guns legally stored at Webb's apartment.

Demario Minter, DC, Georgia (Third)
Police arrested Minter and four other Georgia football players, charging them with marijuana possession in 2003. In exchange for getting the charges dropped, he performed one year of community service and was placed on probation for one year. He served a two-game suspension at the beginning of the season.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Reggie McNeal, QB/WR, Texas A&M (Third/Fourth)
McNeal is a developmental prospect who needs to either show vast improvement at quarterback or move to receiver to make it in the NFL. That's why his ego and rumors about him openly voicing his opinion in the locker room are concerning.

A.J. Nicholson, OLB, Florida State (Third/Fourth)
Nicholson was charged with two separate alcohol-related offenses within a one-year span leading up to his senior season in 2005. One incident involved him resisting arrest after police tried to kick him out of a Tallahassee night club for disorderly conduct and drinking violations. The police had to subdue him with a Taser gun. In addition, police questioned Nicholson and Florida State suspended him for the 2006 Orange Bowl after a 19-year-old woman accused him of sexually assaulting her. However, charges were not filed.

Tim Jennings, DC, Georgia (Third/Fourth)
Jennings was one of the Georgia players involved in Minter's incident. In exchange for getting the charges dropped, he also performed one year of community service and was placed on one year's probation. He was suspended for the first two games of the 2003 season.

Bernard Pollard, DS, Purdue (Fourth)
Purdue suspended Pollard for three days during its 2005 training camp after he got into a verbal altercation with head coach Joe Tiller. There are concerns about his ability to control his emotions.

Anwar Phillips, DC, Penn State (Fourth)
In November 2002, a female student accused Phillips of assaulting her on campus and the school expelled him for two semesters. In addition, he was arraigned on charges of sexual assault and indecent aggravated assault. However, it's important to note that a jury acquitted Phillips of the charges in August of 2003.

Kedrick Golston, DT, Georgia (Fourth/Fifth)
While he was trying to break up a bar fight involving one of his teammates, Golston was arrested and charged with simple battery of a police officer, obstruction of a police officer and disorderly conduct in April of 2005. As a result, Georgia suspended him for the season opener.

Domata Peko, DT, Michigan State (Fifth)
Peko fled the scene when police officers found him urinating in public in May 2005. He later pled guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Adam Stenavich, OG, Michigan (Fifth)
In November 2004, police arrested Stenavich for disorderly conduct in his hometown in Wisconsin. He cursed and screamed at officers who were called to escort him out of a night club because an employee supposedly caught him urinating on the floor. Stenavich eventually paid a fine for the offense.

Reuben Houston, DC, Georgia Tech (Fifth)
Houston has been arrested for driving without a license twice, but those two infractions are overshadowed by a June 2005 arrest for his involvement in a California-based marijuana distribution operation. He pled guilty to charges of conspiracy and intent to distribute 92 pounds of marijuana following the arrest. In April 2006, he was sentenced to nine months probation.

Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State (Fifth)
Unlike many other players on this list, Webb has stayed out of trouble off the field. However, character is still a concern because he seems overly arrogant and rubs some people the wrong way. Webb does not work very hard, takes plays off and does not like to work the middle of the field.

Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech (Fifth/Sixth)
Perhaps no other player will be hurt by his past transgressions more than Vick. Virginia Tech suspended him for the James Madison game after he violated team policies in 2003. He was convicted on three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in May of 2004, and Virginia Tech suspended him for the entire season. Vick was also charged with reckless driving and marijuana possession in July 2004.

In January 2006, Virginia Tech dismissed him from the team because of his character issues. Police arrested and charged him with three counts of brandishing a firearm a week after his dismissal. In addition, he has been cited for nine driving offenses since 2002. As if his off-the-field problems don't raise enough concerns, he stomped on the left calf of a Louisville defender during the 2006 Gator Bowl.

McKinley Boykin, DT, Mississippi (Sixth)
In March 2005, police arrested and charged Boykin with simple assault/domestic violence. The charges were dropped eventually because his girlfriend refused to pursue them. In addition, he has had some problems controlling his emotions on the field.

Brad Butler, OT, Virginia (Sixth/Seventh)
Concerns surrounding Butler's character shouldn't hurt him as much as many of the other players on this list. However, Virginia suspended him a game for throwing a questionable chop block during the Boston College game.

Chris Hawkins, DC, Marshall (Seventh)
Hawkins started his collegiate career at North Carolina, but a violation of team rules stemming from a fight with a teammates ended with his dismissal from the team. He then transferred to Marshall.

Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU (Seventh)
In June 2004, police arrested Oliver for simple assault after he got into an altercation with the mother of his son.

Larry Dibbles, DT, Texas-Austin (Seventh)
Police arrested Dibbles and three of his teammates for possession of marijuana in May 2003. The charges were dropped because the arresting officer performed an illegal traffic stop before searching the car where the marijuana was found.

Mike Imoh, RB, Virginia Tech (Seventh/FA)
Virginia Tech suspended Imoh for the first three games of the 2004 season after he pled no contest to three counts of contributing to the delinquency of minor in May of that year.

Manase Hopoi, DT, Washington (Seventh/FA)
Though charges were never filed, police arrested Hopoi for assaulting a security guard during a nightclub brawl in March 2004.

Albert Toeaina, OT, Tennessee (Seventh/FA)
There's a lot to like about Toeaina's aggressiveness, but he's had some problems controlling his emotions. Tennessee suspended him for the 2005 season finale after he cursed, spit and threw his helmet at a cameraman when the Volunteers played Vanderbilt.

Rashon Powers-Neal, FB, Notre Dame (Free Agent)
Powers-Neal pled guilty to a fourth-degree driving-under-influence charge during his senior year, and Notre Dame suspended him for most of the season consequently.

[MURP]

Eagles | Team conducted pre-draft visit with J. Bloom
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 21:29:24 -0700

Mike Prisuta, of the Tribune-Review, reports the Philadelphia Eagles previously conducted a pre-draft visit with Colorado WR/KR Jeremy Bloom.

[MURP]

Eagles | Team worked out N. Turnbull
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:58:22 -0700

The Miami Herald reports Florida International S Nick Turnbull has worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles.