Gil Brandt's Top 100

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  • PSU_dropout43
    Starter
    • May 2009
    • 820

    Gil Brandt's Top 100

    [url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e75a7b/article/on-ability-alone-these-are-top-prospects-of-2011-nfl-draft?module=HP_spotlight"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... _spotlight[/url]

    Tier 1
    Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 276
    Can get after the quarterback. Had 15.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2010. Has very good speed for position.

    Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama
    Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Had 4.5 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2010. Never takes a play off.

    Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn, 6-5, 300
    Only played two years at Auburn after spending first two years at junior college. Had 11.5 sacks for Tigers in 2010.

    Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri, 6-4, 235
    Two-year starter. Mobility a strength. Completed 63.4 percent of his passes in 2010. Works best out of the shotgun.

    A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia, 6-3, 212
    Was suspended four games in 2010 by NCAA for sale of a bowl jersey. Still finished with 57 catches and nine TDs.

    Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M, 6-2, 240
    Led the nation in sacks as a junior and even had 10.5 last year despite an early-season injury.

    Cam Newton*, QB, Auburn, 6-5, 245
    Only a one-year college player, but he passed for 30 TDs and ran for 20, with a 66.1 completion percentage.

    Patrick Peterson*, DB, LSU, 6-0, 215
    Very good return man. Able to cover the pass and play strong against the run.

    Robert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 254
    Missed the entire 2010 season after violating NCAA rules. In 2009, he had 11 sacks.

    Tyron Smith*, OT, USC
    He's a natural fit at right tackle. Has long arms and is very athletic for his size.

    Tier 2
    Akeem Ayers*, OLB, UCLA, 6-4, 249
    Had four sacks and two INTs in 2010. Has speed and can blitz or play in space.

    Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6-4, 285
    Only had 3.5 sacks last year, down from the year before. Watch the Penn State film to see him at his best.


    Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College, 6-7, 308
    He started all four years for the Eagles. Played left guard at the Senior Bowl.

    Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 215
    Injured and shared time in 2010. A good inside runner, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season.

    Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama, 6-4, 211
    Able to return kicks. Had 78 catches for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

    Cameron Jordan, DE, California, 6-4, 283
    Father, Steve, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 years. Cameron had 5.5 sacks in 2010.

    J.J. Watt*, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 279
    Transferred from Western Michigan, where he played TE. Seven sacks in 2010. Shined against Ohio State.

    Aldon Smith*, DE, Missouri, 6-5, 260
    Missed some games with injuries last season. In 2009, he had 11.5 sacks.

    Jimmy Smith*, DB, Colorado, 6-2, 205
    Tall and has long arms. Has good speed. Why no interceptions in 2010?

    Nate Solder, OL, Colorado, 6-9, 315
    High school tight end, who moved to OT after his freshman year at Colorado. Has great feet and long arms.

    Tier 3
    Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 205
    Four-year college player, two-year starter. Had five INTs in 2009, but none in 2010.

    Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin, 6-7, 327
    Four-year starter. Can he play left tackle in the NFL? Or is he only a right tackle?

    Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6-4, 263
    Lacks the size (weight) as a defensive end, but he has quickness. Had 12.5 sacks in 2010.

    Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois, 6-3, 300
    Had 63 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010. Was named All-Big Ten Second Team.


    Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6-3, 230
    Very athletic with good speed. Needs to improve his accuracy.

    Ryan Mallet*, QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238
    Has a very strong arm. Threw 32 TD passes in 2010, completing 64.7 percent of his passes.

    Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida, 6-5, 315
    Brother, Maurkice, made Pro Bowl as rookie with Steelers. Mike stayed a fourth year with Gators.

    Kyle Rudolph*, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 253
    Only played six games last year. Had 28 catches and three touchdowns. Lots of upside.

    Torrey Smith*, WR, Maryland, 6-0, 202
    Has outstanding speed. Named All-ACC First Team. Had 67 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2010.

    Muhammad Wilkerson*, DT, Temple, 6-5, 295
    Very good production. 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Lots of upside.

    Tier 4
    Allen Bailey, DL, Miami, 6-4, 285
    Has speed for his position. Seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2010. All-ACC Second Team.

    Jonathan Baldwin*, WR, Pittsburgh,6-5, 224
    Had 53 catches and five touchdowns in 2010. Was named All-Big East First Team.

    Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina, 6-3, 235
    Can play the run or play in space. Good special teams player, too.

    Cam Heyward, DT, Ohio State, 6-5, 288
    Played well in the Sugar Bowl. Made move inside to tackle. His father, "Ironhead" Heyward, played in the NFL.

    Mikel Leshoure*, RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
    Had a fantastic season in 2010, with 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total TDs (17 rushing, three receiving).

    Rahim Moore*, DB, UCLA, 6-1, 196
    All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Has good range and good ball skills.

    Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State, 6-1, 311
    Good inside pass rusher. Had six sacks in 2010. All-Pac 10 First Team selection.

    Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor, 6-4, 337
    Transferred from Penn State. Needs to improve stamina. Was named All-Big 12 Second Team.

    Aaron Williams*, DB, Texas, 6-1, 192
    Has the height every scout looks for. No INTs last season. All-Big 12 Second Team selection.

    Martez Wilson*, OLB, Illinois, 6-4, 240
    Had 112 tackles in 2010. He's an athletic player. All-Big Ten Second Team selection.

    Tier 5
    Marvin Austin*, DL, North Carolina, 6-3, 310
    Did not play in 2010. Has skills, but needs consistent effort. Big risk, but could be big reward.

    Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU, 6-6, 350
    A massive man with long arms. Needs to keep weight down. Two-time All-Mountain West First Team selection.

    Jurrell Casey*, DL, USC, 6-1, 300
    All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Inside player with pass rush skills.

    Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
    Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.

    Kenrick Ellis, DL, Hampton, 6-5, 336
    A transfer from South Carolina. Has off-the-field issues. Good vs. the run.

    Justin Houston*, LB, Georgia, 6-3, 254
    All-SEC First Team selection. Had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Can he play in space?

    Jerrell Jernigan, WR, Troy, 5-9, 190
    Might be the fastest player in the draft. Can return kicks. Had 84 catches and 11 total TDs in 2010.

    Greg Little, WR, North Carolina, 6-3, 220
    Ineligible in 2010. Has played RB before. Had 62 catches in 2009. A strong receiver.

    Tyler Sash*, SS, Iowa, 6-1, 210
    Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Had 13 INTs the past two years. Fine athlete.

    Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 205
    Injuries a question mark, but he has skills. Ten TDs in 2010. Had a very good 2009 season.

    Tier 6
    Brandon Burton (DB, Utah), James Carpenter (OL, Alabama), Orlando Franklin (OL, Miami), Brandon Harris (DB, Miami), Rodney Hudson (OL, Florida State), Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State), Christian Ponder (QB, Florida State), Derek Sherrod (OL, Mississippi State), Daniel Thomas (RB, Kansas State), Titus Young (WR, Boise State).

    Tier 7
    Clint Boling (OL, Georgia), Marcus Gilbert (OL, Florida), Ben Ijalana (OL, Villanova), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma), Johnny Patrick (DB, Louisville), William Rackley (OL, Lehigh), Robert Sands (DB, West Virginia), Jabaal Sheard (DL, Pittsburgh), K.J. Wright (LB, Mississippi State).

    Tier 8
    Quinton Carter (DB, Oklahoma), Randall Cobb (WR, Kentucky), Andrew Dalton (QB, TCU), Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami), Jarvis Jenkins (DL, Clemson), Drake Nevis (DL, LSU), Kelvin Sheppard (LB, LSU), Shane Vereen (RB, California), D.J.Williams (TE, Arkansas).

    Tier 9
    Christian Ballard (DL, Iowa), Jeremy Beal (LB, Oklahoma), Mason Foster (LB, Washington), Edmund Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin), Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska), Jason Pinkston (OL, Pittsburgh), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Da'Norris Searcy (DB, North Carolina), Daniel Ziemba (OL, Auburn).

    Tier 10
    Sam Acho (LB, Texas), Darvin Adams (WR, Auburn), Curtis Brown (DB, Texas), Delone Carter (RB, Syracuse), Chimdi Chekwa (DB, Ohio State), Marcus Gilchrist (DB, Clemson), Brandon Hogan (DB, West Virginia), Dontay Moch (LB, Nevada), Jonas Mouton (LB, Michigan), Brooks Reed (DL, Arizona), Jordan Todman (RB, Connecticut).
    Woman: "Sir, what have you given us?"
    Benjamin Franklin: "A Republic, madam, if you can keep it."

    [youtube:razli5ow]KFXuGIpsdE0[/youtube:razli5ow]
  • aggiebones
    Pro Bowler
    • Jan 2009
    • 1427

    #2
    Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

    I discount someone that tiers skill levels in groups of 10s.

    It should be in groups of talent level. Tier 1 with 6, tier 2 with 13, tier 3 with 20. Something with random sets like that. We can't get a real read on who he rates where.

    Comment

    • Dee Dub
      Hall of Famer
      • Jan 2010
      • 4652

      #3
      Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

      Originally posted by aggiebones
      I discount someone that tiers skill levels in groups of 10s.

      It should be in groups of talent level. Tier 1 with 6, tier 2 with 13, tier 3 with 20. Something with random sets like that. We can't get a real read on who he rates where.
      How can you discount a former NFL GM/Director of player personnel and scouting?

      I think it is too early to be more specific. The combine plays a huge part in grading. And Gil Brandt understands that.
      Steelers 2015 Draft???....Go Freak! As in....

      1-Bernardrick McKinney MLB Mississippi State 6 ft 5 250 4.5 40 yard dash

      Comment

      • aggiebones
        Pro Bowler
        • Jan 2009
        • 1427

        #4
        Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

        ageism

        Comment

        • hawaiiansteel
          Legend
          • May 2008
          • 35648

          #5
          Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

          Gil Brandt was spot on with his evaluation of Maurkice Pouncey last year, calling him one of the best center prospect to come out in a long, long time.

          meanwhile, we had lots of posters here on this Board calling Maurkice a reach for the Steelers.

          I think I'll go with Brandt's evaluations...

          Comment

          • Blockhead
            Backup
            • Feb 2011
            • 298

            #6
            Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

            Originally posted by aggiebones
            I discount someone that tiers skill levels in groups of 10s.

            It should be in groups of talent level. Tier 1 with 6, tier 2 with 13, tier 3 with 20. Something with random sets like that. We can't get a real read on who he rates where.
            That's simply not true. The majority of the grades come from scouting and film study. The combine is just to confirm beliefs and personally interview canidates. I have heard some executives say the combine is about 10% of their final grade.

            Comment

            • JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
              Hall of Famer
              • May 2008
              • 3937

              #7
              Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

              Brandt has tiered his Top 100 for some time. The top talent evaluators in the media for the past several years in the draft process have been Mayock, Brandt, and then Kiper....In that order. Brandt may be getting up there in age, but he still is getting it done. I'll tell you how much respect I have for him....When I saw he had Curtis Brown graded in his tier 10...I pulled him as my 2nd round pick in my mock and replaced him with Dowling.

              Grant it things might get shuffled a little after the combine and workouts...But these are the guys who are watching film, seeing the workouts, talking to these players, scouts, coaches...And guess what...Owners, GMs, and coaches talk to Mr. Brandt for his advice. That's respect.

              To his ranking, I would really like to see why he graded Brandon Harris in tier 6 (picks 50-60) and yet Mayock still has him in his Top 5. That is interesting.

              Comment

              • hawaiiansteel
                Legend
                • May 2008
                • 35648

                #8
                Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                Originally posted by JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                I'll tell you how much respect I have for him....When I saw he had Curtis Brown graded in his tier 10...I pulled him as my 2nd round pick in my mock and replaced him with Dowling.
                for my money, Rick Gosselin is the best talent evaluator.

                also, did you read where Brandt grades Dowling as a safety prospect rather than as a CB?

                Tier 5

                Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
                Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.

                Comment

                • JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                  Hall of Famer
                  • May 2008
                  • 3937

                  #9
                  Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                  Originally posted by hawaiiansteel
                  Originally posted by JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                  I'll tell you how much respect I have for him....When I saw he had Curtis Brown graded in his tier 10...I pulled him as my 2nd round pick in my mock and replaced him with Dowling.
                  for my money, Rick Gosselin is the best talent evaluator.

                  also, did you read where Brandt grades Dowling as a safety prospect rather than as a CB?

                  Tier 5

                  Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
                  Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.

                  You can keep that money...Never a fan of Gosselin.


                  I read that. Steelers could use both. But I believe Dowling fits the Steelers system as a CB.

                  Comment

                  • Blockhead
                    Backup
                    • Feb 2011
                    • 298

                    #10
                    Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                    Originally posted by hawaiiansteel
                    Originally posted by JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                    I'll tell you how much respect I have for him....When I saw he had Curtis Brown graded in his tier 10...I pulled him as my 2nd round pick in my mock and replaced him with Dowling.
                    for my money, Rick Gosselin is the best talent evaluator.

                    also, did you read where Brandt grades Dowling as a safety prospect rather than as a CB?

                    Tier 5

                    Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
                    Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.
                    Gosselin isn't a talent evaluater. He's a media guy that gathers info throughout the draft process. The only worthwhile thing about the draft that he writes is his final mock draft or final 100 as it is based on info he gathers from talking to people in the league.

                    Comment

                    • hawaiiansteel
                      Legend
                      • May 2008
                      • 35648

                      #11
                      Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                      Originally posted by JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                      You can keep that money...Never a fan of Gosselin.

                      I love Gosselin's Top 100 Prospects and his final mock drafts, they are as accurate as any of the other ones you'll find out there.

                      I would rather listen to Gosselin than Mel Kiper. he thought Jimmy Clausen was a sure-fire 1st round QB last year when anyone who has ever seen Clausen play knows he sucks...even Todd McShay got that one right.

                      Comment

                      • JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                        Hall of Famer
                        • May 2008
                        • 3937

                        #12
                        Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                        Originally posted by hawaiiansteel
                        Originally posted by JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                        You can keep that money...Never a fan of Gosselin.

                        I love Gosselin's Top 100 Prospects and his final mock drafts, they are as accurate as any of the other ones you'll find out there.

                        I would rather listen to Gosselin than Mel Kiper. he thought Jimmy Clausen was a sure-fire 1st round QB last year when anyone who has ever seen Clausen play knows he sucks...even Todd McShay got that one right.

                        Putting out a mock doesn't make you an evaluator. Gosselin is a writer. There is no argument I could here that will make me take the print of a writer over a guy around the game in some shape or the other.

                        I agree with you about Kiper...He gets anoying.

                        Funny you mention that because Gosselin had Clausen going to the Vikings in the 1st of his final mock.

                        Hell, I picked 8 players out of the top 10 players. Of course I got Aluala wrong and I didn't have McClain going that high. Gosselin only had 6 out of the 10....Maybe you should start putting your money on me?

                        Comment

                        • grotonsteel
                          Hall of Famer
                          • Jul 2008
                          • 2810

                          #13
                          Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                          well he has rated Jimmy Smith higher than Prince Akumara(sp chk) which i completely agree with.

                          I believe Jimmy Smith is a better CB than Prince.

                          Also he confirms what i was thinking about Ras-I-Dowling. He thinks he is a safety at next level. I really need to see Ras-I-Dowling 40 time at the combine.
                          Steelers Draft 2015
                          Rd 1: Devante Parker - WR/ Kevin Johnson - CB
                          Rd 2: Danielle Hunter -OLB
                          Rd 3: Steven Nelson - CB
                          Rd 4: Derron Smith - S
                          Rd 5: Henry Anderson - DE
                          Rd 6: Wes Saxton - TE
                          Rd 7: Deon Simon - DT

                          Comment

                          • hawaiiansteel
                            Legend
                            • May 2008
                            • 35648

                            #14
                            Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                            Originally posted by grotonsteel
                            Also he confirms what i was thinking about Ras-I-Dowling. He thinks he is a safety at next level. I really need to see Ras-I-Dowling 40 time at the combine.



                            I also want to see Dowling's 40 time before I jump on the bandwagon. if he runs fast he most likely will never make it to our 2nd round pick and if he runs slow then he might be there for our 3rd round selection.

                            Comment

                            • JUST-PLAIN-NASTY
                              Hall of Famer
                              • May 2008
                              • 3937

                              #15
                              Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

                              Originally posted by grotonsteel
                              well he has rated Jimmy Smith higher than Prince Akumara(sp chk) which i completely agree with.

                              I believe Jimmy Smith is a better CB than Prince.

                              Also he confirms what i was thinking about Ras-I-Dowling. He thinks he is a safety at next level. I really need to see Ras-I-Dowling 40 time at the combine.
                              That rating could have Smith at #20 & Prince at #21 so not much of a drop off if any.

                              I'm interested to see what Dowling runs at combine in his cones. If he runs low 4.5s with solid cones, I think he still plays CB if he shows good hips in position drills. At 6'2" with a 38" plus vertical...You won't see a 4.4 difference 4.5 on the field. What you will see if the physicality he brings when in bump and if a WR can't get a free release...Doesn't matter if he is Mike Wallace...QB doesn't have enough time to get an accurate vertical throw.

                              Next questions is his health. Is he 100% for the combine. That's a question I'm asking in the interview before the workouts. So come his Pro-Day or Private workouts I'm asking him the same question.

                              Of course if he's running high 4.5s & low 4.6s and putting up cone times like Ss & LBs...Well you know the saying....If it looks like a duck? But even on tape, he's value at the end of the 2nd at FS for the Steelers.

                              Comment

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