NEW YORK (AP) - A brief scouting report on some of the top offensive players available at each position in the NFL draft, which will be held May 8-10 in New York.
QUARTERBACKS: Intriguing group of talent with no one a lock to be an early first-rounder.
JOHNNY MANZIEL, Texas A&M (5-foot-11¾, 207 pounds). 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was one of most exciting and productive players in college football history. How well his game, which featured plenty of spectacular but unscripted plays out of the pocket, translates to NFL is big question. Mechanics and recognition of defenses need work and size is not ideal, but athleticism and competitiveness are enticing.
Projection: First round
BLAKE BORTLES, UCF (6-5, 232). Blossomed into one of college football’s best quarterbacks last year, leading Central Florida to the most successful season in the history of the program. Has drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger because of his combination of size and mobility. Some questions about his ability to throw deep accurately after playing in an offense that featured many short passes and quick throws.
Projection: First round.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, Louisville (6-2, 214). Three-year starter who took over as freshman and helped Louisville to consecutive double-digit win seasons in his final two years. Solid mechanics, reads field well, stays disciplined under pressure and has shown willingness to play hurt. Relatively small frame and lack of high-end arm strength are question marks which could keep him from being first quarterback taken.
Projection: First round.
DEREK CARR, Fresno State (6-2, 214). Brother of 2002 first overall draft pick David Carr. Threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in a season three times. Quick feet and quick release, helps him get rid of ball fast and avoid pressure. Good athlete. Forces throws and size is not ideal.
Projection: Middle-late first round.
Other early-round possibilities: AJ McCarron, Alabama; Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois; Zach Mettenberger, LSU; Tom Savage, Pittsburgh.
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RUNNING BACKS: Not a glamour position any more, there is good chance none will be taken in first round. That should make for good value picks later.
CARLOS HYDE, Ohio State (6-0, 230). After serving three-game suspension, returned to have huge senior season, averaged 7.3 yards per carry. Runs with power, has quick feet and excellent size. Good hands and solid blocker. Lacks breakaway speed and there are some questions about conditioning.
Projection: Possible late first round.
Other early-round possibilities: Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona; Tre Mason, Auburn; Bishop Sankey, Washington; Andre Williams, Boston College; Jeremy Hill, LSU.
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WIDE RECEIVERS: May be deepest position in draft. Expect about half-dozen first-round picks and plenty of talent left over for second and third days.
SAMMY WATKINS, Clemson (6-1, 211). Spectacular freshman and junior seasons, sandwiched around so-so sophomore year when he was hampered by suspension and injury. Clemson’s career leader in receptions (240) and yards receiving (3,391). Big-time speed and good hands. Runs tough and with power after catch. There’s not much to complain about, maybe better route running, but that goes for most receivers coming into NFL.
Projection: Top 10.
MIKE EVANS, Texas A&M (6-5, 231). In two seasons playing with Manziel, Evans had 151 catches, 2,499 yards and 17 touchdowns. Huge, Calvin Johnson-type receiver, though he doesn’t quite have Megatron speed. Was nearly impossible for college cornerbacks to stop one-on-one on deep balls. Lack of separation speed is likely difference between him being first receiver off board and second or third. But he shouldn’t have to wait long.
Projection: Top 15.
BRANDIN COOKS, Oregon State (5-10, 170). Won Biletnikoff Award as nation’s best receiver last year, when he set Pac-12 records with 128 catches for 1,730 yards. Very fast (legit 4.4 in 40-yard dash), but not just undersized deep threat. Has good quickness to separate from defenders in middle of field and make tacklers miss. Plays physical despite size, but that size is still far from ideal.
Projection: Middle-late first round.
ODELL BECKHAM, LSU (5-11, 198). Broke LSU’s single-season record with 2,315 all-purpose yards last season. Tough and skilled receiver and excellent return man.
Reliable hands. Strong and quick after the catch. Tough to tackle. Plays bigger than 5-11. Doesn’t have blazing speed or great size, but if you watched him play you might have a hard time noticing that.
Projection: Middle-late first round.
KELVIN BENJAMIN, Florida State (6-5, 240). Blossomed last season with 54 catches for 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns, including winning score in BCS championship game against Auburn. Huge and an irresistible red-zone weapon. Hands fall into needs-improvement category and he is not a burner. But fast enough considering his size.
Projection: Late first round.
MARQISE LEE, USC (6-0, 192). After huge sophomore season (118 catches and 1,721 yards), Lee fell off last year as junior (57 for 791). Injuries were a problem. Inconsistent play at quarterback for USC was another. He also just didn’t play well. At his best, Lee looks like future star. Runs smooth routes, catches with ease and always seems to be open. His measurables - size and speed - are not great, and coming off lackluster season he could slip out of first round.
Projection: Possible late first round.
Other early-round possibilities: Davante Adams, Fresno State; Donte Moncrief, Mississippi; Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt; Allen Robinson, Penn State; Jarvis Landry, LSU; Cody Latimer, Indiana.
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TIGHT ENDS: One lock first-rounder and a handful of big athletes that have teams thinking they might land the next Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski.
ERIC EBRON, North Carolina (6-4, 250). Breakout junior season with 62 catches for 973 yards, breaking ACC record for yards by tight end held by Vernon Davis at Maryland. Exceptional athlete, combining size, speed, quickness and sticky hands. Blocking needs work and needs to play at his best more consistently, but could be next matchup nightmare tight end in NFL.
Projection: Top 15.
JACE AMARO, Texas Tech (6-5, 265). Was most productive tight end in college football last season, going for 106 catches and 1,352 yards in Texas Tech’s spread offense, where he often lined up as slot receiver. Set FBS record for yards by tight end. Good athlete with potential to be impossible to defend. But numbers were helped by system that used him a lot; still raw in many areas.
Projection: Possible late first round.
Other early-round possibilities: Troy Niklas, Notre Dame; Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington; C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa.
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OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Solid group, though there’s big drop-off after top few players.
GREG ROBINSON, Auburn (6-5, 332). Two-year starter at left tackle who became dominant player as junior last year. Checks all boxes with size, athleticism and power. Potential top-five pick, though pass blocking technique needs some work.
Projection: Top 10.
JAKE MATTHEWS, Texas A&M (6-5, 308). Son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. Became starter during freshman season. Played right tackle as sophomore and junior and moved to left as senior after Luke Joeckel moved on to NFL. Strong and technically sound. Only question: will be a top-notch pro or merely good?
Projection: Top 10.
TAYLOR LEWAN, Michigan (6-7, 309). Started 39 games at left tackle in final three seasons at Michigan and was team captain. Good balance, speed and quickness. Needs to fill out in lower body. Not an overpowering blocker.
Projection: Top 15.
ZACK MARTIN, Notre Dame (6-4, 308). Started 39 games and was two-time team captain. Reliable, tough, sound and consistent blocker. Might be better suited to playing guard because of size.
Projection: Late first round.
Other early-round possibilities: Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA; Joel Bitonio, Nevada; Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama; Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State; Antonio Richardson, Tennessee.
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