Don't be concerned if what you read here is contradictory to much of the national media reports. What I’ve done is basically take an educated guess based on 1) my evaluations of the players 2) a combination of what could and should happen.

I put heavier emphasis on team needs as I see them from studying team’s current rosters. There are really no true opportunities to fill needs other than through this draft.

Some rules to live by when it comes to draft time:

Smaller players do not generally go high in the draft.

Small school players do not generally go high in the draft.

Players who missed an entire season due to an injury or a series of injuries do not go high in the draft.

Teams do not have the flexibility to take the best player available as much as they used to because it has become harder and harder to improve one's team through free agency.

No matter how many people at the top deny it, 40-times do matter for WRs and DBs especially in the final analysis, whether it is right or not.

That being said, here goes …

1. St. Louis Rams - QB-Sam Bradford-Oklahoma
Reason- They need a franchise QB and he is the only one in this draft. The NFL is a QB-driven league and the Rams have zero chance of getting better if they do not improve at the most important position. If they make a trade with Cleveland, they must have another QB become the starter and leader of the team for the next decade. Making a trade would take an enormous amount of courage with the chance of being the worst of all-time. A scout I respect told me Bradford is the best QB he has seen since Troy Aikman back in 1989.

2. Detroit Lions - DT-Ndamukong Suh-Nebraska
Reason- They finished dead last in scoring defense and yards allowed. Last year, they went offense (QB and TE) in the first round. They have a head coach who was a defensive coordinator and a general manager who played CB in the NFL for a long time.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT-Gerald McCoy-Oklahoma
Reason- They could trade back to No. 7, if Cleveland has someone worth trading up for. Otherwise, they are stuck and must make a pick. They really have more of a need at DE, but McCoy is simply too good to pass up. Wild card pick - WR-Dez Bryant.

4. Washington Redskins - LT-Trent Williams-Oklahoma
Reason- They like Williams better than Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung for their zone-blocking scheme. He is more athletic. They desperately need a LT to protect new QB Donovan McNabb.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - FS-Eric Berry-Tennessee
Reason- They would like everyone to think that they are going to take an OT, but New England with Scott Pioli did not believe in taking that position this high in the draft. They will do everything they can to trade back, but if not, they will take the FS. They have a couple players who can fill the SS position. They will pick up a TE and an ILB in the 2nd round.

6. Seattle Seahawks - LT-Russell Okung-Oklahoma State
Reason- They need at LT and a pass-rusher at RDE. They have a better chance of getting the DE with their 2nd pick, so they take the OT here. They need a safety and a RB, but these are positions that can be filled later.

7. Cleveland Browns - RB-C.J. Spiller-Clemson
Reason- They want everyone to believe that they are going defense with this pick. Don't believe it. This is the team that traded away their top TE (Kellen Winslow) to Tampa Bay and their top WR (Braylon Edwards) to the Jets last year. They signed the top TE in free agency, along with two veteran QBs, and they already have one good young RB. If they take the top RB, they can be a really strong running team, while their young receivers continue to develop for their veteran QB. They can take a developmental QB in the 2nd or 3rd round. These guys played pretty well on defense at the end of last season. If they do go defense, it will probably be a DE or a NT for their 3-4 defensive scheme.

8. Oakland Raiders - WR-Dez Bryant-Oklahoma State
Reason- He has that Raider edge to him. After all the criticism with last year's first round pick, they need to get a real playmaker to help out whoever plays QB. They have the chance to be a dominant defensive unit right now. They could also go with an OT. You really never know with this organization.

9. Buffalo Bills - OT-Anthony Davis-Rutgers
Reason- They need an OT and a NT. They have a better chance of finding the NT later. They can also look for a TE and a developmental TE in the following couple rounds. After they select a QB, look for them to trade QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Bears for a 2011 pick. The Bears need a veteran backup QB, so it's a real bonus to get one who has already worked for new offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR-Demaryius Thomas-Georgia Tech
Reason- They need a playmaker at the WR position, after cutting Torry Holt and after missing on WR Reggie Williams a few years back. They are probably the team most interested in trading back because they do not have a 2nd round pick.

11. Denver Broncos - ILB-Rolando McClain-Alabama
Reason- They cut Andra Davis this offseason. He will fill the hole next to D.J. Williams inside. He should make an immediate impact for the Broncos at a need position.

12. Miami Dolphins - OLB-Ricky Sapp-Clemson
Reason- He is the most explosive, edge pass rushing OLB for a 3-4 defensive scheme. He will provide consistent pressure off the edge opposite Cameron Wake. They also consider a FS and a NT, but decide that they can get them later in the draft or via free agency.

13. San Francisco 49ers - RT-Bryan Bulaga-Iowa
Reason- He will start immediately at RT for the Niners. They like several of the top CBs, so they take the RT with the first of their two picks.

14. Seattle Seahawks - RDE-Brandon Graham-Michigan
Reason- They are happy to get the best edge pass rusher for a 4-3 scheme in this draft. He also fills a need for them. He had three sacks in the Senior Bowl against a lot of the best competition. He is a first-year starter at RDE, who will get consistent pressure off the edge.

15. New York Giants - DT-Dan Williams-Tennessee
Reason- They have the habit of taking the best player available and do right here. He will replace DT Fred Robbins, who left to go to St. Louis. This is a real value pick.

16. Tennessee Titans - DE-Derrick Morgan-Georgia Tech
Reason- He fills their top need and possesses good value for this pick. They could also start the run on CBs, but in the end, they decide to try and find one later in the draft.

17. San Francisco 49ers - CB-Patrick Robinson-Florida State
Reason- Here begins the run on the CB position. Robinson is the most fluid and best man-to-man coverage player of all the prospects at this position. He is an immediate nickel CB and future starter.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB-Chris Cook-Virginia
Reason- He is a bit of a surprise pick, based on the national media. However, he had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl and possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and strength for the position at the NFL level. With all of the dominant, big WRs in the NFL, you cannot afford to have a smaller CB, especially in the red zone.

19. Atlanta Falcons - DE-Sergio Kindle-Texas
Reason- This is a value pick and an under-the-radar need pick as well. He will take over as the starter at LDE for a very disappointing Jamaal Anderson, who will likely be traded to a 3-4 team at some point during the draft. They could also go after another CB, even after signing CB Dunta Robinson as a free agent. Also, look for them to acquire WLB Derrick Johnson from the Chiefs for a pick next year at some point during the draft.

20. Houston Texans - RB-Ryan Mathews-Fresno State
Reason- They get an every-down, starting RB with this pick. He is a great value due to his running and due pass-blocking skills for the position. He also fills their greatest need. They consider a CB, but decide to get one in the next round.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - DT-Brian Price-UCLA
Reason- He is a great value for this point of the draft. He is an immediate starter inside as a 3-technique DT in their 4-3 defense. They can get a good TE in the next couple round.

22. New England Patriots - DE-Linval Joseph-East Carolina
Reason- They select the closest player to former DE Richard Seymour in this draft. He has the initial quickness, explosion, strength, and growth potential to develop into a top player in the league. He is just raw as a JR coming-out early. They could also look for a pass-rushing OLB in this spot, if they feel confident that they can get Joseph in the next round.

23. Green Bay Packers - OLB-Thaddeus Gibson-Ohio State
Reason- They need a pass-rushing OLB to play opposite of last year's first round pick, OLB Clay Matthews. He is the second-most explosive player in this draft for a 3-4 scheme. He'll play alongside former Buckeye A.J. Hawk in the 3-4 defense for the Packers.

24. Philadelphia Eagles - CB-Kyle Wilson-Boise State
Reason- He fills a need and possesses terrific value for this spot in the draft. He has a chance to start or play the nickel CB position as a rookie.

25. Baltimore Ravens - CB-Devin McCourty-Rutgers
Reason- They are really in desperate need of a good, young CB. They are a very good team with a good mix of veterans and young players. He should be an immediate starter for them.

26. Arizona Cardinals - LT-Charles Brown-USC
Reason- He will be an immediate starter at LT for the left-handed, former Trojan QB Matt Leinart. They may also look into replacing ILB Karlos Dansby, but decide to find an ILB later in the draft.

27. Dallas Cowboys - WR-Arrelious Benn-Illinois
Reason- They need a strong, productive WR to play opposite of WR Miles Austin. He will likely start or play in the slot as a rookie. He has tremendous run-after-catch ability.

28. San Diego Chargers - CB-Joe Haden-Florida
Reason- They need to replace CB Antonio Cromartie in their defense, after his trade to the Jets. Haden will play as their NKL CB immediately in 2010. He is a great value pick in this area of round one.

29. New York Jets - LG-Mike Iupati-Idaho
Reason- He is the top OG on the board. He helps to make their OL even more of a dominant group. They also consider taking SS Taylor Mays here, but decide that they can get a safety later in the draft.

30. Minnesota Vikings - QB-Jimmy Clausen-Notre Dame
Reason- Coach Childress has the ability to think about 2011, because they are a very good team. He will get to sit and watch Brett Favre in 2010 before competing with Tarvaris Jackson to start in 2011. If Favre does retire, then he is the most prepared to compete for a starting QB job in the NFL of the remaining players at this position.

31. Indianapolis Colts - DE-Jerry Hughes-TCU
Reason- If the Colts had a healthy Dwight Freeney coming off the edge in the second half of the Super Bowl, they may have won the game. This player gives them a 3rd starter at DE. He possesses many of the same pass rush skills as their two starters.

32. New Orleans Saints - SS-Taylor Mays-USC
Reason- They find Mays simply too good to pass-up with the last pick of the first round. Taking Mays, allows them to move-on from the older, injured Darren Sharper. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will find ways to utilize him near the line of scrimmage in run support, as a blitzer, and as an underneath zone defender. He won't let him get exposed deep down the field.

Round Two

33. St. Louis Rams - LT-Rodger Saffold-Indiana
34. Detroit Lions - RB-Toby Gerhart-Stanford
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE-Carlos Dunlap-Florida
36. Kansas City Chiefs - TE-Jermaine Gresham-Oklahoma
37. Philadelphia Eagles - FS-Nate Allen-South Florida
38. Cleveland Browns - FS-Earl Thomas-Texas
39. Oakland Raiders - RT-Bruce Campbell-Maryland
40. San Diego Chargers - RB-Jonathan Dwyer-Georgia Tech
41. Buffalo Bills - TE-Rob Gronkowski-Arizona
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR-Carlton Mitchell-South Florida
43. Denver Broncos - WR-Golden Tate-Notre Dame
44. New England Patriots - OLB-Jason Pierre-Paul-South Florida
45. Denver Broncos - OC-Maurkice Pouncey-Florida
46. New York Giants - MLB-Sean Weatherspoon-Missouri
47. New England Patriots - TE-Tony Moeaki-Iowa
48. Carolina Panthers - DT-Lamarr Houston-Texas
49. San Francisco 49ers - DE-Corey Wootton-Northwestern
50. Kansas City Chiefs - ILB-Brandon Spikes-Florida
51. Houston Texans - CB-Perrish Cox-Oklahoma State
52. Pittsburgh Steelers - DE-Jared Odrick-Penn State
53. New England Patriots - CB-Kareem Jackson-Alabama
54. Cincinnati Bengals - TE-Aaron Hernandez-Florida
55. Philadelphia Eagles - RG-Jon Asamoah-Illinois
56. Green Bay Packers - CB-Jerome Murphy-South Florida
57. Baltimore Ravens - NT-Jeff Owens-Georgia
58. Arizona Cardinals - ILB-Donald Butler-Washington
59. Dallas Cowboys - FS-Major Wright-Florida
60. Seattle Seahawks - FS-Morgan Burnett-Georgia Tech
61. New York Jets - DE-Arthur Jones-Syracuse
62. Minnesota Vikings - CB-Joshua Moore-Kansas State
63. Indianapolis Colts - OG-Vladimir Ducasse-Massachusetts
64. New Orleans - QB-Colt McCoy-Texas

Round Three

65. St. Louis Rams - WR-Damian Williams-USC
66. Detroit Lions - WLB-Sean Lee-Penn State
67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WLB-Dekoda Watson-Florida State
68. Kansas City Chiefs - RT-Kyle Calloway-Iowa
69. Oakland Raiders - TE-Jimmy Graham-Miami(FL)
70. Philadelphia Eagles - DT-D'Anthony Smith-Lousiana Tech
71. Cleveland Browns - QB-Tony Pike-Cincinnati
72. Buffalo Bills - QB-Jonathan Crompton-Tennessee
73. Miami Dolphins - NT-Tay Cody-Alabama
74. Jacksonville Jaguars - RB-Dexter McCluster-Mississippi
75. Chicago Bears - CB-Devin Ross-Arizona
76. New York Giants - RB-Jahvid Best-California
77. Tennessee Titans - QB-Tim Tebow-Florida
78. Carolina Panthers - WR-Brandon LaFell-LSU
79. San Francisco 49ers - OLB-Jason Worilds-Virginia Tech
80. Denver Broncos - OG-John Jerry-Mississippi
81. Houston Texans - OG-Mike Johnson-Alabama
82. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR-Mardy Gilyard-Cincinnati
83. Atlanta Falcons - TE-Anthony McCoy-USC
84. Cincinnati Bengals - RB-Montario Hardesty-Tennessee
85. Cleveland Browns - DE-Cam Thomas-North Carolina
86. Green Bay Packers - RB-LeGarrette Blount-Oregon
87. Philadelphia Eagles - QB-John Skelton-Fordham
88. Arizona Cardinals - QB-Levi Brown-Troy
89. Arizona Cardinals - OLB-Jermaine Cunningham-Florida
90. Dallas Cowboys - OC-Matt Tennant-Boston College
91. San Diego Chargers - NT-Al Woods-LSU
92. Cleveland Browns - RT-Ed Wang-Virginia Tech
93. Minnesota Vikings - DT-Geno Atkins-Georgia
94. Indianapolis Colts - TE-Dennis Pitta-BYU
95. New Orleans Saints - WLB-Daryl Washington-TCU
96. Cincinnati Bengals - FS-Myron Rolle-Florida State
97. Tennessee Titans - DT-Tyson Alualu-California
98. Atlanta Falcons - WR-Jacoby Ford-Clemson

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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Hey there, Bucknutters.

Here is a very early look at the top five teams in the Big Ten this coming season. Though I am sure you know the drill based on our past together, please share a comment or two at the bottom and let me know whether you agree/disagree with my assessments.

And let me begin with a statement that could inspire a response or two: The road to the Big Ten championship goes through Iowa City.

IOWA HAWKEYES:

2009 Record: 11-2 (includes 24-14 win vs. Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl)

Big-Ten Record: 6-2 (lost 17-10 vs. Northwestern/lost 27-24 in OT at Ohio State)

New Starters in 2010:

OFFENSE (6) LT, OC, RG, RT, TE, and WR

DEFENSE (3) SLB, MB, and RCB

SPECIAL TEAMS (0)

STRENGTHS:

Returning starter at QB Ricky Stanzi with an experienced backup in QB James Vanderberg.

RB Trio: Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher, Jewel Hampton

WRs and TE: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Marvin McNutt, Allen Reisner

Best DL in the country? They return all four starters on the DL - including first-team All-Big Ten DE Adrian Clayborn.

Best safety tandem in the Big-Ten? Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood combined for nine INTs last season.

WEAKNESSES

Can they replace four starters on the offensive line without losing offensive production? If anyone has proven his ability to develop offensive linemen, it is head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff.

Can they replace the production of former starters MLB Pat Angerer and SLB A.J. Edds?

Can they find a way to escape the desert heat with a win at Arizona in September?

Projected 2010 Regular Season Record: 11-1 (close loss vs. Wisconsin)

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES:

2009 Record: 11-2 (includes 26-18 win vs. Oregon in the Rose Bowl/loss vs. USC 18-15)

Big Ten Record: 7-1 (lost 26-18 at Purdue)

New Starters in 2010:

OFFENSE (2) LT and TE

DEFENSE (5) DE, DT, SLB, SS, and FS

SPECIAL TEAMS (4) PK, PT, KOR, PR

STRENGTHS:

QB Terrelle Pryor (based on his play from the bowl victory and second half of season)

RB tandem with depth (Brandon Saine/Dan Herron)

WR starters: Devier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher

LB combo: Ross Homan and Brian Rolle

CB combo: Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence

Big Ten candidate for Defensive Player of the Year/DL of Year Cameron Heyward (his numbers may not be as good as 2009, because he will likely be double- and triple-teamed on nearly every play this season)

WEAKNESSES:

Can they find someone to be a consistent player at LT? After watching Mike Adams and Andy Miller play last season, there is good reason to be concerned about this position.

Can they find two players to be productive at the safety positions? If Jermale Hines is so good, then why didn't he beat out Anderson Russell in 2009?

Will they miss having Gibson, Denlinger, and Worthington in the DL rotation, especially against the strong running teams like Wisconsin and Iowa?

Can they be productive on special teams with turnover at all of the key positions?

Projected 2010 Regular Season Record: 11-1 (close loss at Iowa)

WISCONSIN BADGERS:

2009 Record: 10-3 (includes 20-14 win vs. Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl)

Big Ten Record: 5-3 (lost 31-13 at Ohio State/lost 20-10 vs. Iowa/lost 33-31 at Northwestern)

New Starters in 2010:

OFFENSE (1) TE

DEFENSE (5) DE, DT, DT, SLB, and FS

SPECIAL TEAMS (0)

STRENGTHS:

Offense: Returning starter at QB and only one new starter in their two TE formation. They have a very strong power run game and dynamic passing attack with a good receiving TE and four senior WRs.

Could RB John Clay be a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year?

Could QB Scott Tolzien be named first-team All-Big Ten?

WR/KOR/PR David Gilreath will be the BEST return man in the Big Ten with a couple game-changing returns.

WEAKNESSES:

Defense: Can they find productive replacements for last year's starters? Can the returning starters show improvement from last season? How will they be able to pressure and sack the opposing QB?

Will they look past an Arizona State team that visits Madison in September?

Projected 2010 Regular Season Record: 11-1 (high-scoring, close loss vs. Ohio State)

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS:

2009 Record: 6-7 (lost 29-27 vs. C. Michigan/lost 33-30 at Notre Dame/lost 41-31 vs. Texas Tech in Alamo Bowl)

Big-Ten Record: 4-4 (lost 38-30 at Wisconsin/lost 15-13 vs. Iowa/lost 42-34 at Minnesota/lost 42-14 vs. Penn State)

New Starters in 2010:

OFFENSE (5) OC, RG, RT, WR, and WR

DEFENSE (4) DE, DT, WLB, and RCB

SPECIAL TEAMS (1) PK

STRENGTHS:

They return starting QB Kirk Cousins, who will have three experienced WRs, three productive TEs, and two young, productive RBs.

MB Greg Jones returns to lead the defense and should make a strong case to win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award.

WR/KOR/PR Keshawn Martin returns as one of the most dangerous return men in the conference.

WEAKNESSES:

How will they handle yet another off-the-field incident that involved several players, who were either dismissed or suspended?

Can they actually be better on the offensive line despite having to replace three starters?

They will be breaking in a new kicker in 2010. How will he respond in close games?

Have they done enough to upgrade the conference's worst pass defense?

Projected 2010 Regular Season Record: 10-2 (close losses vs. Wisconsin and at Iowa)

INDIANA HOOSIERS:

2009 Record: 4-8 (lost 47-7 at Virginia)

BigTen Record: 1-7 (lost 36-33 at Michigan/lost 33-14 vs. Ohio State/lost 29-28 at Northwestern/lost 42-24 at Iowa/lost 31-28 vs. Wisconsin/lost 31-20 at Penn State/lost 38-21 vs. Purdue)

New Starters in 2010:

OFFENSE (3) LT, RG, and TE

DEFENSE (7) DE, DE, SLB, WLB, CB, SS, and FS

SPECIAL TEAMS (1) PR/KOR man

STRENGTHS:

They return starting QB Ben Chappell, who will have three experienced WRs, one experienced TE, and one young, productive RB.

This will be head coach Bill Lynch's fourth season. They are now ready to win some of the close games they lost in 2009.

They should be strong and experienced up the middle with their two returners at DT, in addition to Tyler Repogle moving to the MLB.

WEAKNESSES:

With seven new starters on defense, can they actually be better on defense in 2010? They really cannot be much worse, as they finished near the bottom in nearly every statistical category.

Can they get past their recent history of losing to finally become a winning program?

They will miss the return skills of former Hoosier Ray Fisher on both punts and kickoffs.

Projected 2010 Regular Season Record: 8-4 (close losses at Ohio State, vs. Iowa, at Wisconsin, and at Penn State)

RESPONSE TO A COUPLE OF YOUR COMMENTS:

Ilosufan: WE are going to be terrible on defense next year with all these stiffs. The O-line should be typical as the guards can't get out of their own shadows. Littlefield, you're a tough grader.

Littlefield’s take: After breaking down my tendencies over the past six drafts, you are right that I tend to be about a round/round and a half lower than where players go for other teams in the NFL. I really don't think that I was too hard in my assessment of the 2010 Buckeyes.

Seafus26: You lost me with 'Charley Casserly' as a draft EXPERT. The Texans are still trying to overcome his stupidity. Thanks for top picks like Carr, Babin, Johnson, and on and on. No one misses with top picks more than Chucky Lafferly. Will never get over David Carr instead of Juluis Peppers. My best form of measurement when in doubt or having a tough time chossing between players, who would you rather have on your side when entering a dark alley and expect to come out the other side? We'll have to disagree on Hines and Torrence. The Astros sure that Torrence was athletic enough to invest in. He no longer committted to them should show huge strides with him actually a full time football player for the first time ever this off season. His basically got by on pour talent while filp flopping between sports AND from offense to defense. He now has a home at corner and knows excactly what he has to work on.

Littlefield’s take: Let's take a look at Casserly's last draft with the Texans: 1st Round – DE Mario Williams (he was crucified by the all-knowing media; I think it is fair to say who is the better pro player between Mario and Reggie Bush now; He's also a Pro Bowl player the past two years). 2nd Round – MB DeMeco Ryans (two-time Pro Bowl player, who just signed a huge extension). 3rd Round – OT Charles Spencer (started 2 games as a rookie, before injury; out of the NFL now) 3rd Round - OT-Eric Winston (starter at RT for the past 3 1/2 years) 4th Round – TE Owen Daniels (4-year starter and one-time Pro Bowler) 6th Round – RB Wali Lundy (started 8 games as a rookie; now out of the league) 7th Round – WR David Anderson (back-up WR and special teams player on current roster).

Now before you accuse me of being biased, for the record, I have never even met Charley Casserly. You just have to admire his final draft for Houston, providing the franchise with four starters, including three Pro Bowl players.

I'll be back next week with the bottom six teams in the Big Ten for the 2010 season. And then, I will provide a Mock Draft on the 22nd.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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First of all, I must make an (admittedly tardy) correction to a mistake in last week's posting - which several of you were kind enough to point out. Here is what I meant to write in my initial breakdown of Brandon Saine and his draft status for 2011. Here it is:

“ … Brandon Saine needs to block better and catch the ball MORE.”

Saine has the talent to catch 30-40 balls out of the backfield next season if given the opportunity. I argued for him to have more balls thrown his way last season. His hands are arguably his best quality.

Given their girth, here is my response to some of your comments:

Doc: what about lawrence wilson?

Littlefield: Wilson's draft status will be solely determined by the doctors for each team. He has had so many serious injuries he may be taken off of some draft boards entirely. I am certain he will be a late draft pick or priority free agent for some team this April, provided he passes the team physical.

cpistol: I usually like your posts but you were WAY OFF on some our 2011 guys. Rolle will likely be third or 4th round due to his size (although he's damn good). Bryant Browning would be lucky to go 4th round and seems more like a 5th rounder (late).
NO WAY IN HELL Jermale Hines goes 5th round... He is a top two round talent at safety, PERIOD.. The fact OSU has held him back isnt his falt. He should have been a FULL TIME starter the last two years (playing over Anderson Russell). He will post a great Sr. year and at his size and speed he'll be a highly regarded safety.
NO WAY IN HELL Torrence goes 7th round. Dude, have you looked at his measureables? Do you know the kind of ATHLETE he is? When you have his height, size, and speed and line up at CB for OSU there's now way you go 7th round. He'll go higher than Chekwa GUARANTEED.

Seafus26: I'm inclined to say you're low on Hines once he's healthy and a full time starter but then again you may be right on as reasons stated with being a tweener. However, I do think you'll be way off on Torrence. The kid suprised me immensely this passed year and I think he's just catching his stride. I look forward to a D that includes a hitter and physical corner like D-Torrence with the likes of Moeller and Hines running around aggressively behind Williams and Heyward that will lock up several people up front. Go Bucks. and no matter what michigan STILL SUCKS.

mjbencic: I have no idea on where Torrence might go in the draft, but in reference to Cpistol's comment on height, size, and speed
That's how the Raiders draft and that's why they suck every year. Watch the DB drills at the combine to get a sense as to what they are looking for at a position. Also will depend on whether teams see him as a man-to-man vs. zone guy. If he's running a 4.6 he might be a safety rather than corner.

cpistol: The only people who should be really pushing Saine for carries next yr are Hall, Smith, Martin, and maybe Berry (if he doesn't transfer…and if he gets healthy). Herron should be used for pass blocking and a few token carries. Not that he is awful, but at this point every carry he would get would be better served going to Saine or one of the young guys (who has a much higher ceiling). We've seen this dynamic before where we we waste snaps on a vet that is tapped out (Russell) and stiffle or mask the development of a younger guy (Hines) who could be a much bigger contributor.

edgar38: Saine loses more carries to Herron I am going to be pissed.

Littlefield: Rolle fits as either a MLB or a WLB for a team that runs a 4-3 defensive scheme. He can only be a nickel OLB for a team that runs a 3-4 scheme. We'll have to disagree on him.
After watching another game, I have now downgraded both Boren and Browning to the 5th round. They are not very good athletes for their positions. They will have to work on their lateral quickness and agility this offseason in order to improve their stock.

Hines will be a first-year starter this fall. He is a big guy who has played mostly the nickel CB position near the line of scrimmage thus far in his career. I do not see a tremendous athlete or great speed. He will have this fall to improve his draft stock. Based on his play thus far, I cannot put him higher than the 5th round.
Torrence is a very tight athlete, who consistently bends at the waist in his play. I don't see great athletic ability, explosiveness, or closing ability. He will prove one of us wrong with the way he plays this fall.

And remember: Saine was playing behind Herron in 2009 until Herron hurt his ankle. Herron had more carries than Saine, despite not playing in three games. Hall, Martin, and Berry may take carries away from both Herron and Saine.

We'll see.

And one more thing …

Be careful who you listen to in the national media regarding the draft.

Most of the talking heads in the national media have never worked for an NFL team, much less been a part of a working draft room. Head coaches only get involved in the scouting process after their season ends, after they have fully evaluated the final roster, and after they have evaluated all the potential free agents their team might sign.

And yet there are too many media members and coaches to count speaking about the scouting process ‘with authority.’

Those that provide the best insight are those that have actually run drafts as general managers. I find Charley Casserly and Bill Kuharich to be the most detailed and thorough in their analysis, to name a few.

Please feel free to pass along any ideas or topics for discussion in the comments section. You have all certainly proven yourselves to be very quick to correct me when I am wrong or have made a misstatement – and I appreciate it.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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Greetings, Bucknutters.

Let's take a quick look back at pro day before we look ahead and rank next year’s senior class.

Based on Dave Biddle's story, it does not appear anyone really helped – or hurt – their status at pro day.

I already thought Thaddeus Gibson would be a late first or early second round pick as an OLB for a team running a 3-4 defensive scheme. His 40-times from pro day are more indicative of the speed he plays on the field than the times he put up in Indianapolis.

Kurt Coleman ran well enough to be a mid-round pick. He should be a solid back-up FS and core member of the special teams at the NFL level, but does not possess starter size or ability.

Doug Worthington ran as expected. He should be a rotational player at DE and NT for a team that runs a 3/4 scheme. He may sneak into the fifth round next month.

The questions about Ray Small have nothing to do with his size, speed, or athletic ability. They have to do with his ability to accept coaching, be a team player and show good judgment off the field. If he isn't drafted and doesn't make it in the NFL, he only has to look in the mirror to know why.

Austin Spitler has a chance to be a seventh round pick as an ILB for a team that runs a 3-4 scheme. He will at least be a free agent for a team. He will have the ability to compete to be a back-up ILB/OLB and a core member of special teams.

Rob Rose has a 50-50 chance of being signed as a free agent. There are too many injuries and too little career production to get excited about.

And for all of those Kool-Aid drinkers who believe that Jake Ballard will be drafted in the fourth round, he was unable to workout due to a torn hamstring. It is doubtful any NFL TE coaches will return to Columbus to work him out individually, even if he is healthy before the draft. As I have said repeatedly, he will be a solid free agent signing for a team with the hopes that he could develop into a strong blocker at the point of attach. He is not an NFL prospect due to his pass-catching skills. All the best to Jake for a speedy recovery and a productive pro career.

The ‘next’ Buckeye senior class

While this year's pro day was not very well attended by high-level NFL coaches and personnel people, next year will be a BIG TIME event. Let's take an early look at projecting the Buckeyes for the 2011 NFL Draft:

1. DE Cameron Heyward: Likely a top 10 overall pick and first-year starter at DE for a team that runs a 3-4 defensive scheme. NFL Comparison: Richard Seymour, Oakland.

2. WLB Ross Homan: Likely a high second round draft pick and first-year starter at WLB for a team that runs a 4-3 defensive scheme. NFL Comparison: Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh; Jordan Dizon, Detroit.

3. MLB Brian Rolle: Likely mid-second round draft consideration as a MLB for a team that runs a 4-3 scheme. Does NOT fit for a 3/4 scheme. NFL Comparison: Justin Durant, Jacksonville.

4. LG Justin Boren: Likely a solid third round pick as a three-year starter. NFL Comparison: Dan Buenning, Chicago

5. RG Bryant Browning: Likely a fourth round pick as a three-year starter (one at RT). NFL Comparison: Seth Olsen, Denver.

6. CB Chimdi Chekwa: Likely a fourth round pick as a three-year starter with very average career production. NFL Comparison: Donald Washington, Kansas City.

7. RB Brandon Saine: Likely a late fourth round pick as a two-year starter; needs to block and catch the ball better to gain more value; will likely lose carries to Dan Herron and youngster Jaamal Berry this fall. NFL Comparison: Justin Fargas, Oakland.

8. WR Dane Sanzenbacher : Likely a high fifth round pick due to his ability to compete as either an inside (slot) or outside receiver. Can add more value if he serves as a productive punt returner this fall. NFL Comparison: Brian Hartline, Miami.

9. NT Dexter Larimore: Likely a mid-fifth round draft consideration as a rotational player at NT for a 3/4 defense. Needs to stay healthy in 2010. NFL Comparison: Domata Peko, Cincinnati.

10. SS/NKL Jermale Hines: Likely a late 5th round pick; a bit of a WLB/SS tweener; should be a great special teams player and solid back-up. NFL Comparison: Nate Salley, Carolina.

11. CB Devon Torrence: Likely a high seventh round pick as a backup CB and core special teams prospect; needs to improve his overall flexibility. NFL Comparison: Alan Ball, Dallas.

12. SLB Tyler Moeller: Should return from injury to perhaps be a starter in 2010; he cannot be graded as yet.

Next week, I will break down even further what NFL scouting departments do between now and the draft. Please continue to send your comments and questions. I will answer any reasonable questions and accept suggestions on possible topics to cover in detail.

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Now that the combine is over, what will your NFL hopeful Buckeyes be doing? They will be busy preparing for their pro day next Friday. They will also have the opportunity to schedule workouts with individual coaches from teams throughout the rest of the month.

NFL teams are allowed to bring in as many as 30 college players in April before the 14^th - one week prior to the first day of the draft. Teams are allowed to bring in these players to have another medical check-up and to visit with the coaches one more time.

Generally, NFL teams will have their draft board set by position and round at least one week prior to the beginning of the draft. The decision-makers will then spend the seven days prior running through different scenarios on who might be available for every pick, often performing mock drafts to see how the players at certain positions come off the board.

Here are some brief, general observations about your Buckeyes from the Indianapolis Scouting Combine:

• Thaddeus Gibson: Best suited as an OLB for a 3/4 team. He was really explosive coming out of his stance for his 40-yard dash. His 10- and 20-yard times had to be really good, although his 40-time was nothing exceptional. He confirmed his explosive athleticism and will not be on the board very long in the second round.
• Doug Worthington: Did not run or workout. I am unsure as to why? He did bench press, so it must be a lower body injury.
• Kurt Coleman: Back-up FS and special teams prospect. My initial high fifth round draft grade looks more and more appropriate for him. In the best case scenario, I could see him going in the third round, but that is highly unlikely. He was invisible at the Senior Bowl and injured at the combine. At this point, I just don’t see the exceptional physical qualities needed to develop into a starter at the next level.

Now, on to your comments from my last posting:

Davebucknut: I still disagree with you on Ballard; the guy has made a career at OSU by making ballerinaesqu catches, from T Smith, to Beockman, to Pryor.

I've met him twice and he is a very big, but lean body and the guy has a rediculous vertical leap- or did you not watch the Rose Bowl- besides the TE class is weak this year too IMHO.

I still say Ballard has a great Pro Day and he gets picked 4th to 6th round.

igo4osu: I agree with Davebucknut about Ballard. Kid is a TREMENDOUS athlete — for his size. It's not like we're comparing him to Terrelle Pryor but the kid should have a decent NFL career. We could have done a lot more with him at OSU and better prepared him for a position in the NFL.

osuwells: Ballard not athletic? What?!!?! Turn on this year's Rose Bowl and watch that catch. Turn on last year's Fiesta Bowl and watch that catch. Two obvious displays of freakish athleticism for a guy his size, and great hands. I don't know if he'll be drafted, but that last comment is stupid and not well informed.

Littlefield’s take: Last year, 19 tight ends were drafted but only two from the Big Ten. Beckum was invited to the combine, but Myers from Iowa was not. Beckum was drafted with the last pick of the third round, while Myers was drafted in the late sixth round.

This year, the Big Ten had four TEs attend the combine: Quarless, Moeaki, Graham, Hoomanawanui. Ballard is close to Hoomanawanui in terms of talent and pro potential. He is not even close to being as good as the other three players. I firmly believe he will be a free agent. But he could certainly be a sixth or seventh round pick if a NFL position coach falls in love with his potential to develop as an in-line blocker.

I went back to watch the catch in the fourth quarter against the Ducks in the Rose Bowl. He got about three inches off the ground to make that catch; not exactly a great example of premier athleticism for the position. He would have still caught the ball had he not jumped and just continued to run up the field with his out-stretched arms.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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Greetings, Bucknutters. I’ve been “on assignment” for a while but am back to spread the goodwill and cheer you have been accustomed to in this space.

My focus this time around is to shed some light on what NFL hopefuls are up to right now with the draft combine and NFL Draft looming in the weeks and months ahead.

Your senior and junior prospects who declared early for the draft are busy getting ready for the Indianapolis Scouting Combine, which runs from Feb. 24 - March 2.

By this time, all the players have selected agents and are busy training for the big job interview coming-up. They need to be in the best possible physical shape when they work out in front of every key NFL decision maker. They will also be preparing for interviews in different settings; they need to be ready for one-on-one interviews with position coaches, as well as group meetings in front of as many as 10-12 people in a small room. To make it even more difficult, players have little time to rest throughout the whole time in Indy, largely in order for teams to see how they respond when they're tired and under stressful conditions.

Most players really don't change how teams think about them much. Every year there are some players who show they are extremely knowledgeable about the game, their college offense/defense, and have an honest, realistic assessment of their own strengths and weaknesses moving forward. As a result of their strong performance on and off the field, they cement their draft status and may even move up the draft board a bit. Some players who fit in this category are former Wolverine Jake Long and former Badger Joe Thomas, to name two.

Unfortunately, there are also players who show up out-of-shape, ill-prepared, and borderline delusional about their ability and value to an NFL team. Some are simply naive, yet overconfident. Others are truly ignorant because they have surrounded themselves with cheerleaders who only tell them how great they are. This time also can reveal how poor a job their high school and college has done educating them and providing strong communication skills. It is truly a shame to see how some great athletes are moved along through our education system while wholly unprepared for life in the real world if football does not work out. I thought about naming a few players who really hurt themselves in recent years, but in the interest of not being sued, I will keep those names to myself.

The single most important reason and benefit of and for the combine is every team’s doctors and trainers do a thorough evaluation of every single prospect. Every year, players find out about conditions they didn't know they had, sometimes even possibly saving their lives. It also determines if players have problems that make them too great an injury risk until a certain round in the draft - or makes them completely undraftable. This is always a sour subject in April, when scouts find out a player they love has too much risk medically to draft high enough to be able to get him.

Every year there are players who have legitimate injuries who are simply unable to participate in the workouts. However, there are some players who get very bad advice from their agents and other close family/friends, who fake an injury so as to not workout in front of the entire league. It is really ironic to me; here we have players who have spent most of their lives competing to show how tough and talented they are yet when it comes to competing in shorts among a group of the best of the best in the entire country, some of them shut it down. Make no mistake: Every team notes those players who are afraid to compete with all eyes on them.

Some players and agents make a calculation that if they skip the workout in Indy, they will have more time to prepare for their on-campus pro day workout in March. This is a very dumb decision, especially if the player attends a lower-profile school. The reason is every school has a pro day in March or early April. There are only so many days in the month or five weeks to workout. There are obvious problems with great players at different schools in different parts of the country working out on the same day. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is no place in the country where all the key decision-makers with every NFL team will be in the same place at the same time to watch a player workout. The best plan, in my opinion, is to workout in Indy, and then, if the player is not happy with his performance, he can workout at his pro day and hopefully perform better. Some schools even set-up two days in the month to give their guys another opportunity to do their best.

In order to be a successful NFL player with a long career, one has to be very mentally and physically tough. It is a very long season. No longer are players competing against college kids without a care in the world. Now, players are competing against grown men, many of whom have families, and will do whatever it takes to keep their roster spot. No matter how talented a college player is coming into an NFL locker room, if he is immature, naive, and ill-prepared to work hard to fight for a position on the team, he will fail. Simply look at how many first round draft picks fail. My opinion is it is not often due to a question of talent; more often it is due to poor intelligence, work habits, maturity, and competitiveness. Sometimes teams make mistakes and overvalue a player's talent, especially when they take a player high and then change his position (This is why it is so illogical and ignorant, in my opinion, when people talk about drafting QB Tim Tebow from Florida to play a position he has never player before in his life).

Critiquing Coleman

Safety Kurt Coleman should focus on improving his hip flexibility, change of direction ability, and transition skills as a coverage player. He appears to have a maxed-up, tight body, so he really needs to concentrate on his agility and flexibility. He does not need to simply life weights.

When I write critical things about the pro potential of a Buckeye, I am doing so based on what I see in evaluating the player. I have studied players in all professional leagues (CFL, XFL, AFL, NFL Europe), as well as many colleges across the country, but mainly in the Midwest. I have no bias for or against the Buckeyes. I respect and admire the coaches, players, and support staff who spend countless hours working hard to produce the best product on game days every fall.

Kurt Coleman in action at the Senior Bowl.

As I understand it, this graduating Buckeye class was one of the most successful classes in recent memory. That cannot be taken away from them, nor should it. In order to accurately evaluate a player, one has to be honest about a player's strengths and weaknesses when projecting him as an NFL prospect. By and large, NFL players are the best of the best. There are always exceptions with some players who may lack ideal height, weight, speed, or any other physical or athletic quality, but they generally have enough other dominant traits and compensating factors that allow them to be successful. Every year there are productive college players who simply lack too many necessary physical or athletic skills in order to make and/or be successful playing at the NFL level.

Given this, I did not allow myself to watch Kurt Coleman practice at the Senior Bowl last month. I asked the opinions of other former scouting counterparts currently with NFL teams and several inexperienced scouts affiliated with another media syndicate. The following is a loose compilation what they saw of Coleman in practice:

Safety Kurt Coleman [5-foot-10; 187 lbs.; 29 3/8 inch. Arm; 9 1/8 inch. Hand; clearly a maxed-out frame]

Practice Observations: He's small for an NFL CB, much less when considered as a SS. He did nothing to stand out in any way. He is an overrated player in the media and does not deserve to be considered any higher than the 4th or 5th round. Some guys even thought that he was more likely a 6th or 7th round prospect only.

My Senior Bowl evaluation of Coleman:

He looked small for the SS position, where he aligned during the game. He is a tight athlete who really struggles with his pursuit angles and change-of-direction ability on the move in space and in coverage.

In fairness to him, he really didn't have an opportunity to make a play. It wasn't like he missed a few tackles or blew coverages; he just didn't have any impact at all on defense. When compared to all the other top senior athletes from different schools around the country, he looked to be above average at best in terms of speed, quickness, and range. He showed me a choppy pedal, tight transition, and flat pursuit angles in space. He did play on some special teams units, but again, did not look special in any way.

To me, he clearly has some value as a backup safety and special teams player at the NFL level, but he is definitely not a can't-miss starting prospect. It's possible a team might take him in the late 3rd round but it is more likely that he will be a late 4th through early 6th round draft consideration this April.

Now, on to your comments:

Jimmy77: Jimmy Cordle was a 3=year starter, valuable player for the Bucks, and a good college lineman. The fact that he may not have a pro career does not diminish his contributions at OSU. Go Jimmy. Go Bucks.

Williab22: JC was a team player and bleads Scarlet and Grey… that's good enough for me and I wish him the best toward accomplishing a pro career.

kvs66: I really like Cordle as a person, but I always thought he lacked ability. I am surprised that Doug was rate much higher. Anderson Russell is a bigger joke yet, blowing the texas game and holding the record for dropped "pick sixes". Regardless, I appreciate the effort they all put forth to make the Buckeyes the best they could be with what they had to work with. There is a lot of talent coming up and the NFL will benefit in future seasons with quality OSU talent.

Harry Doyle 2010-01-24 10:02However Cordle has played on the the most successful class in Buckeye history and made his contributions with dignity and effort. Littlefield cleary has stated in the past he does not like Cordle's game or what he brings to the table. 'We've heard it already". 

Harry Doyle: A good article on Cordle - posted by SunsetBeachBuck eye in the front row … about him getting invited to the game - etc. 

"I know I'm not the greatest player in the world, but the center draft class this year is down from other years, and I feel I can be right there with everyone else," he said. "And when you're a three-year starter at Ohio State, you at least get a look."

Littlefield: I couldn't agree more. Cordle had a wonderful college career, and hopefully for his sake, he will have an opportunity to compete for a job at center with an NFL team. In an era with so many prima-donna players in all sports, he is a great example of a team player, for being selfless enough to play out at LT [not his natural position] most of the season, especially after coming back from a severe ankle injury. It's too bad he isn't Canadian, or else he could play for 15 years up in the CFL.

Ohioboy1: I hope Thad gets drafted that high because it makes us look better but Ive been looking at mock drafts and best players per position list and hes listed at like #16 as a rush DE/OLB because of his numbers and the fact that he hasnt really had a break out year…I hope those sites were wrong and he makes a ton of money and and surprises everyone and shows the nation what buckeyes can do

Littlefield: I would truly be shocked if he is still on the board when the 3rd round begins. It doesn't mean I am right, but I sure have a great deal of conviction about my opinion after watching nearly every game over the past two seasons. He has some rare athletic qualities to develop as a pass-rushing OLB for a 3/4 defense at the NFL level. He isn't as strong, but is definitely a more explosive athlete with better speed and quickness than former Wolverine Lamarr Woodley in my opinion.

Davebucknut: I think OSU will have 4 to 5 players drafted.
Gibson
Coleman
Worthington
Ballard- he had low stats, but the kid has awesome size and is more athletic than he was given credit for and everyone knows OSU doesn't throw to the TE so it's not his fault he had low stats.
Wilson- I know he was hurt a lot, but I think he'll get a shot as a 6th or 7th rounder.
Russell (maybe)
Cordle (maybe)
For OSU that is not a high number, but thankfully for us most of our best players are coming back.

Littlefield: I agree with you that most of your best players, excluding Gibson and Coleman, are coming back for the 2010 season. The season looks very, very promising, especially with the development of the most important player at the most important position, QB Terrelle Pryor.

We'll have to agree to disagree on Ballard and Cordle. I believe Ballard has an equal chance of being signed as a free agent TE as he does of some team trying to project and develop him as a RT with a year on the practice squad. And my eyes see a stiff, slow-footed TE in the games I saw. Forgive me, but I couldn't ever call him athletic from what I have seen over the course of his career.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Greetings, Bucknutters, I’m back again. You thought a little negative feedback would scare me away?

After patrolling the sideline for three days in Orlando during East-West Shrine Game practices, I have some observations and updates for you on the two Buckeyes on the team.

Here is what I saw:

Center/guard Jim Cordle:

He was able to work at both center and guard during the practices. He looked much more comfortable playing inside. The fact that he had to play left tackle for the last half of the season is a real indictment of the lack of talent and depth at the position for the Buckeyes.

Jim Cordle snaps the ball to Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka

Here in Orlando, Cordle was clearly overmatched athletically and in terms of strength during practice. After speaking with several of my former counterparts across the league, my evaluation of his ability and pro potential to develop has been confirmed. He may have a chance to be a free agent for a team this April, but he certainly has little chance of being drafted. He is simply too limited athletically to ever show enough improvement and be able to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Defensive tackle/defensive end Doug Worthington:

He had a dominant practice on Tuesday. Despite being a longer-legged guy with marginal lower body flexibility, he showed tremendous strength and power with his bull rush. He has such an advantage with his long arms that he can lock on and then rag doll the guard within a short area along the line of scrimmage.

Worthington has had a solid week at the Shrine Game.

He has some definite value as either a defensive tackle in a 4/3 scheme or as a defensive end in a 3/4 defense. He has the size, strength, instincts, and toughness to serve as a productive 20-25 play role player for an NFL team this fall.

In my mind, Worthington deserves strong draft consideration in rounds 5-7. He definitely helped himself this week.

That's it for now. I will be heading down to Mobile, Ala., on Sunday for three days of Senior Bowl practices. As of right now, I do not see any Buckeyes on the roster. I will report back next week with an evaluation from the sideline if Kurt Coleman gets added to the roster.

Response to some of your comments:

buck_i79: Sounds like there's a lot of people beating you up on here, so I want you to know that I've enjoyed your evaluations this season. Hopefully they continue next year.

Quick question though, not that I'm looking for myself, but how do you even get into the business of being a college scout?

Littlefield: There are many ways. Some are born into it. Many are former players or coaches. Some are just lucky enough to earn an opportunity as an intern, like me. I began as an intern in public relations right out of college back in 1995. Once in the building, I began to volunteer myself in scouting and coaching, mostly making photocopies, etc. I was fortunate to be around successful people, and I was willing to work hard for very little money for basically five full years. Then, I was able to work full-time for three years in pro scouting, followed by six years as a college scout. It is extremely competitive and can be highly satisfying, but is not a way to make money or to have a stable family life.

3296woody: Matt, I'm curious as to how much time is spent by scouts in the lower division's, like DII and DIII. With a guy like Piere Garcon in Indy are there more "looks" there than in the past. I played DIII and although I wouldn't have made the Xmas card list for the janitor of a pro team there is some skilled talent at that level. I realize Garcon might be a "one in a long time" so do they LOOK there or do they only go there based on a player showing up at a free agent camp.

Littlefield: Non-Division I major college athletes are evaluated. However, with roughly 92-93-percent of all NFL players coming from major Division I programs, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of time or money beating the bushes for one Pierre Garcon. For the thousand or more college senior football players who play at the lower levels, maybe five-10 get signed as free agents or are drafted late by a team yearly. A lot of times, players from the major conferences who get into trouble transfer down to lower levels. In that case, you have a player with character or personal problems playing against players with very little talent; it's not exactly cause for celebration or an indication of future success at the highest level of the sport. In general, any player with strong height, weight, speed measurables at the lower levels gets flagged heading into their senior seasons. The very best and most productive get a thorough evaluation by most every NFL team.

tolliver_542: Well Mr. Littlefield. I'm not ticked off as some of these people who want to hang you out to dry with a litter below to catch your last movement. I really didn't take offense to your prediction of a Buckeye Blow-out in the Rose Bowl, but I'm sure you knew what was coming after the way you constructed your Rose Bowl prediction. I still feel like you brought a lot of the animosity on yourself with the 'what the Buckeyes need to do to win' approach followed by a prediction that flew in the face of all that you had said.

All of THAT being said (by me), I am looking forward to your revised draft evaluation of Thad and the rest of the Seniors. Personally, I think this will be the first year in a long time that no Buckeyes will be taken in the 1st round. As good as Kurt is, I suspect his measurables will hurt him. And Thad never had a game that left me feeling like he'd be a 1st round pick WHEN he finally declared (I never had a doubt that he would declare).

I'll read you next time.

Littlefield: Thaddeus Gibson will be either a late first or second round pick this April. With nearly half of all NFL teams now playing a 3/4 defense at least part of the time, he fits as an OLB in that scheme. He has explosive athletic qualities with strong edge pass rush ability. He does not have the sack numbers of former Buckeye Vernon Gholston, but he is a much better pass rusher in my opinion. He gets constant pressure off the edge. He is athletic enough to drop into the flat in zone coverage without stumbling and falling down like some other OLB projections out there. Don't be too hard in your evaluation of this player. He has some rare qualities at a position that is now in more demand than ever in the NFL.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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OK, Bucknutters, for those of us still on speaking terms, here is a look at what NFL teams are doing between now and the NFL Draft to get ready for the annual talent show. I also have some answers to some questions I didn’t get to last time around.

The deadline for junior prospects to declare early is today (1/15) and then all players who do have three days to back out and return to school. The junior list should be complete by the middle of next week. NFL teams will likely have some, but not all, juniors evaluated off game tape by the end of the week. Scouts will have to work hard to gather background information over the next two months so they have been fully evaluated to the extent of the senior prospects.

Last month, early every NFL team met with their college area scouts to put up their initial draft board and player target lists by position. As a staff, they determined who needed additional evaluation in the upcoming all-star games. Next week is the East-West All-Star game and the following week is the Senior Bowl.

Most teams will then meet again for approximately two weeks in order to go over all the college seniors another time before the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The advantage of this process is scouts cannot allow the workouts in Indianapolis to influence their grades. Grades based on football played in pads should not be trumped by workouts in shorts after two or three months off to train. There will also be an initial review of all juniors who declared early. As mentioned above, there will be much more work to be done with the junior prospects through the end of March.

Some teams will bring in their entire college scouting staff for the entire month of April to go over every draft prospect with the coaching staff in great detail. Other teams will bring in their scouts for just a week or so for a quick review to make sure the draft board is set-up appropriately. And then, the draft begins. . .

Response to some of your comments:

Klmbball: I really don't want to read anything more about what Matt Littlefield has to say about predictions or player evaluating.

I spent 7 years playing professional baseball after college. What Matt won't get into with evaluating is the most important thing-you have to be close to the programs and players to determine it.

Once you get to the professional ranks, it's not about speed, size, etc.-except in rare circumstances. It comes down to determination, work ethic and heart. When a player doesn't pan out-it's usually one of these. He is not close enough to the players to write something about them that I will read.

Littlefield: I'm disappointed that you will no longer be reading this blog. I agree with you about the intangibles that determine success or failure in competitive sports. Unless you know someone on the team or directly involved in the program, I guess you will not find the information you are looking for. Good luck.

Grccoins: I still dont get the "blowout" reference to the LSU game I keep hearing. Losing by 2 TDs and outgaining your opponent does not qualify as a blowout. Florida and USC were blowouts (though some horrible refereeing helped USC). LSU and Texas were "losses."

Littlefield: The Buckeyes were down 31-10 mid-third quarter and 38-17 late in the fourth quarter against LSU. That constitutes a blowout in my view. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this. The Texas game was a close loss and obviously the USC loss at home last year was close.

Buckeast: Jimmy the Greek said; it's too unpredictable. But I say that if you do your homework instead of copying what some other knucklehead says you might look like you know what you're talking about. Everyone that said the Bucks would lose big were just wishful thinking … and you, Mr. Littlefield?

Littlefield: My prediction was a result of my own research and opinion. I don't copy anyone else. I am neither a "homer" nor a "hater" of the Buckeyes. I admire and respect their program but try to be completely objective with my analysis every time.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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Let me first say - clearly, emphatically, and unequivocally - that my bowl game prediction was really bad. Secondly, I did not lay out any reasons why I thought the game would finish with that final score. And lastly, I inexcusably put the wrong punter and kicker into the story. That last error will never ever occur again in this space.

I have chosen some of your comments to respond to while at the same time, breaking down the game from my perspective:

Reservemickey: The Bucks are not giving up 48 points and still be able to score 27. We don't give up that many plays. If the Ducks are scoring 48, they have either OWNED the time of possession or we have turned the ball over 5 times. Either way, I'm not sure how one of those two happen and then we still score 27 points.

Every aspect you spoke of seemed to play right into how the Buckeyes play football, yet you give a lopsided score like that. It just doesn't make sense.

Everyone has their opinion though. Mine is just always right :)

Littlefield: I truly believed after watching the Ducks against Arizona and Oregon State this year that they would be too explosive for the Buckeyes secondary.

I did NOT think that the Buckeye CBs or SS (Anderson Russell) would be able to tackle very well on the perimeter and in space downfield, giving the Ducks multiple big-play, quick TDs. They put up 47 points in dismantling the Trojans (I know the Buckeyes have a better defense). Looking back, the Buckeyes should have beaten the Trojans in Columbus – USC was NOT a great team this year...

buckeyefan3: I live in California and see a lot of Pac 10 football. Let's look at the bowls so far… Cal Loses big: Kind of predictable, with their up and down season. Arizona loses big… A team Oregon beat in double OT. Oregon State loses big… A team Oregon barely beat. All 3 teams gave up a lot of points to Oregon. All 3 teams gave up a lot of points in there bowl games.

They were not playing top 10 teams either. We will play our typical run-oriented offense against a very mediocre defense that could not stop Oregon State or Arizona. But the real key is the defense. I really think everyone is underestimating our defense. And I really think we will crush Masoli and the Duck offense… I am seeing something like 23 - 14… Just look at the Pac 10 Bowl scores so far. They tell the real story.

Littlefield: Nice prediction. You made a very detailed and rational case. Maybe you can make the bowl prediction next year.

Nlmoorefield: I am confused by your prediction. The line of scrimmage is where games are won and by your statements above it seems like we have the superior line on both sides. For us to lose by 21 points in your prediction, is it scheme, coaching, or something else?

Littlefield: Both teams I saw against the Ducks played with a 3-man front. I believed that the key to stopping the Ducks was to spread out with them and then tackle very well in space. I was dead wrong ... By the Buckeyes playing a four-man front all game, I believe they disrupted the true core of that Duck offense. They had a few explosive plays on the edge, but not enough, obviously.

Coachjenks: I agree that OSU has a chance to dominate the LOS defensively. In my estimation, it could be similar to the way Nebraska ate Arizona alive last night. What I don't understand is how you can make that observation and then say they should take one of the 4 DLmen off the field by staying in a 3 man front. Why would they do that? I understand making sure you have the personnel groupings on the field that match up with the O, but OSU doesn't need to take a DL of the field to accomplish that. At least not most of the night. 48? I'll believe that when I see it.

Littlefield: You were very astute in your analysis. I should have spoken with you before considering making a prediction.


Buckpak: Matt, you need to do a better job as a scout than what you have done for this piece. Justin Kahut and Johnny Hekker both play for Oregon State, not Oregon. Now fans can and will even question your prediction more. OSU's defense is too good to give that many points. GO BUCKS.

Littlefield: Thank you very much for catching this egregious error … There is no excuse for it. I did not do a good job of proofing my blog before sending it in. I was writing reports on the senior prospects for the Beavers, before switching to the Oregon bowl preview. I know that I am going to make mistakes again in the future, but they won't be due to a lack of proofing, I assure you.

buckuno4511: Can't believe this guy thinks we will get blown even though he writes, "the buckeyes should be able to dominate the line of scrimmage all game." I can't wait to hear all the pundits ADMIT THEY WERE WRONG after our defense controls the game and we win by 10.

Littlefield: The Ducks offense plays fastbreak ball on the perimeter and hits creases fast inside. The Buckeyes defense disrupted everything the Ducks did well in the past by playing four big, strong players up front. In general, most of the Pac-10 plays with undersized, fast defenses and no one has a defensive line like Ohio State. You were right on with your prediction.

I was wrong... Well done.

tolliver_542: Matt, I'm not like some of the other posters on this site who will want to filet you alive for predicting another blow-out with Ohio State on the losing end, here. But, your entire post points to what Ohio State must do to win, and then you pick a 21 point victory for Oregon without explanation. You're opening yourself-up for a massive amount of criticism here.

Littlefield: I thought that the Bucks would be ultra-conservative on offense, like usual, especially when I heard about the Pryor knee injury. I thought they would grind it out, but not score very much early. On defense, I thought they would play tough on early downs, but give up a couple big-play TDs.

Then I thought the "here we go again" feeling would come back, remembering the blowout losses to Florida and LSU in recent years. I thought the Ducks would get to the perimeter and into the secondary for big chunks of yards due to my lack of confidence in the tackling of the DBs in space. I thought the Bucks would score 27 points because I thought the Ducks defense was really not very talented. I also thought there might be some crazy INT, fumble, or kick return TD against the Bucks (almost happened on first pass of night - just like USC game).

The offensive game plan was brilliant because it went against so many strong tendencies. The last time I thought Tressel went in with a plan to be aggressive, Pryor couldn't handle the responsibility and turned it over so many times that they lost to the Boilermakers. As I recall, didn't the defense play with a 3-man front most of that game, too? The defensive linemen were cut down a lot and it allowed for too many cracks for the very mobile Joey Elliott to scramble through, extending drives. Masoli is a much more explosive athlete and a better runner than Elliott.

Just as honest criticism is made when things go wrong, the opposite must be true. The Buckeyes were extremely focused, disciplined, and well prepared for that game. The really scary thing for the rest of the country is just how good this team will be over the next two years. They will really only miss Thaddeus Gibson and Kurt Coleman as players. It looks like three tough games next season: Miami (Fla.) at home and Wisconsin and Iowa on the road.

I think that a 21 point win for the Ducks is possible, but not likely. Granted, I am looking at it through scarlet-colored glasses, but I just don't see this veteran Ohio State defense giving-up 48 points. I definitely see that Ohio State could easily score 21 or fewer points, but I don't see where you get Oregon scoring 48. Could you expound on your score prediction a little bit?

Littlefield: See above.

Seafus26: Mr. Littlefield, can I ask you to provide us with something? Will you go through the rosters and show who has more NFL talent consideration at positions for the next 3 drafts? In doing so I think the ducks take the TE position (because we have nothing after Ballard, Stoneburner looks scared) and maybe running back (but if you consider depth down to Berry we take but those guys won't be playing). That being said is everyone projecting oregon to be so much better in this game due to their scheme, system or let's just say it…coaching ?

Littlefield: I think recent bowl history plays too great a role. I know that I was rooting for the Buckeyes against Florida and LSU, but they didn't fare well. The style of that Duck offense is tough to prepare for and defend against when you're not used to seeing it. It sure helped the Bucks and the Hawkeyes to have a month to prepare for their bowl games this season. If there were only a week to prepare in-season, the outcomes may have been different, who knows?

I believe, in my limited study of the Ducks, that their RBs are much better college players and better pro prospects than the current Buckeye runners. Otherwise, the Buckeyes probably have better prospects at nearly every position, or at least of similar value.

DetroitJim: I'm really dissapointed that you wrote this article… I've been a big fan of your player analyses but this rose bowl preview is going to be a huge hit to your credibility. I do hope you can recover because I like to reference your analysis when debating.

Littlefield: I hope to earn back your credibility and I truly appreciate your feedback. I am really impressed by the passion of Buckeye Nation...

Columbuck: In accordance with your player draft predictions and results of the game, can we expect OSU to have like 8 first rounders come April?

Littlefield: Gibson has a chance to slip into the end of the 1st round in April. He has a rare combination of explosiveness and speed as an OLB projection for a 3/4 defensive scheme like Pittsburgh. The Patriots typically want taller, bigger players for their scheme, but they have to be more flexible if they want to rush the passer better. They haven't drafted or developed an outside pass rusher since Willie McGinest back in 1994.

Whew! That's it for this week. Next week, I will take you all through what happens within a college scouting department over the next three months up until the draft.

As always, feel free to offer a suggested topic that interests you.

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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O.K. Bucknutters, let’s remember what a scout’s job is: provide an honest (and hopefully accurate) evaluation of what is seen. Why do I bring that up? Just re-read this opening after you get to the end.

That being said, here is my preview of the Rose Bowl:

Ohio State Offense:

The Buckeyes will be facing an undersized, aggressive defense in Oregon. The Ducks dog, blitz, and penetrate on nearly every play. That also means if you can block them, there are big plays to be made down field via the ground or the air.

Their front four will be difficult for the Bucks OL to handle due to their speed and quickness. The Buckeyes will have to pound them right up the middle to eventually wear them down late. They may want to shorten down the splits by the offensive lineman in order to lessen the gaps for the Ducks to shoot through.

Pryor will have to get rid of the ball quickly, which opens up the underneath passing games to the TE, RBs, and shallow WR drag/crossing routes. No matter what happens, they have to stick with the running game in order to have a chance. They cannot simply play spread offense and throw every down. They cannot keep up with the Ducks offense. The Ducks defense lacks any great individual talents or collective position group strength, which is why they have to slant, stunt, and blitz a lot to disrupt opposing offenses.

Possible Game Plan?

Switch between having a FB or a slot WR and then run the ball with a combination of Pryor, Herron, and Saine to control the clock. They must take a chance for a big-play down the field to Posey off play-action at least once a quarter. They will need to keep Ballard in to help and whoever the RB is will have to be very quick to pick-up the right man in pass protection.

Ohio State Defense:

The Buckeyes defense will be tested like at no other time during the 2009 season. The Ducks are similar to what Michigan hopes to be someday on offense. They have the most dynamic, multi-threat QB in the entire country in Jeremiah Masoli. He isn't as big as Pryor, but is much more elusive in space.

Masoli is an accurate passer to all fields, which makes him very difficult to defend against. However, he has the bad habit of putting the ball on the ground, so there may be an opportunity for the Bucks to rip the ball/knock the ball out.

To make matters worse they have one of the best RB tandems in the country with LaMichael James and LeGarrette Blount. James has a great combination of speed, quickness, and elusiveness for a man of his size. Blount is a physical and aggressive runner with more speed than you would think possible for such a large man.

Their receivers are good, but not dominant as a group in my opinion. Their offensive line is not very good; the Buckeyes should be able to dominate the line of scrimmage all game. The Ducks will probably try to keep the DL spread-out all game so that they don't get dominated up front.

Possible Game Plan?

Play a lot of three man fronts with Rolle and Homan at linebacker and six DBs in the game. They will have to be able to tackle in space very well to have any chance to win this game. The Ducks will be able to gain yards, but the key is to make the tackle immediately after the catch. They will have to bend, but not break, in order to frustrate the Ducks and hopefully force some turnovers. If the Buckeyes get too aggressive with blitzes, they will open up big-play possibilities for the Ducks.

Ohio State Special Teams:

If Aaron Pettrey returns, that will bring some confidence back to the field goal unit. The punt team will have to punt directionally and force fair catches. Small would have had a big impact on either punt or kick returns but with him gone they are in trouble. The Ducks did allow a 77-yard kickoff return this season.

The Ducks lost their explosive return man in the third game of the season. His replacement, Kenjon Barner, has been nearly as good and he has a 100-yard kickoff return TD this season. Their field goal kicker, Morgan Flint, is very accurate under 50 yards. But their punter, Jackson Rice, has had a punt blocked this season. The Buckeyes may want to go for the block, rather than set up a return in this game.

Prediction:

Oregon 48, Ohio State 27

Matt Littlefield spent the past six years as the Midwest area college scout for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he worked three years in the pro personnel department of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the previous three seasons assisting the coaching staff in St. Louis. Post your questions for Matt in the comments section of this blog!

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