Senior Bowl's Top 10 prospects
After three days of practice by players in Mobile Alabama, the NFP ranks the Senior Bowl's top prospects for the upcoming NFL draft and breaks down which NFL teams are good fits for each.
1. DE Quinton Coples: North Carolina (6-6, 285)
Possesses the ideal build for a defensive lineman and the game really comes easy to him. He showcases the ability to overpower on contact, be sudden laterally and uses his length well to shed. If he can keep his motor running on high, he looks like a top-five caliber talent.
NFL Fits: Bears, Seahawks, Jaguars
2. OT Mike Adams: Ohio State (6-7, 320)
Looks the part of an NFL left tackle. He showcases good length, moves his feet well through contact and exhibits "plus" range toward the edge for his size. He gets himself into trouble at times by "catching" defenders at the point, but he has the skill set to mature into a good starter at left tackle.
3. DE Courtney Upshaw: Alabama (6-2, 265)
He's a physical, compact pass rusher who turns speed into power well off the edge and can overwhelm on contact. Plus, has the versatility to play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 front at the next level.
NFL Fits:Bears, Cowboys, Chiefs
4. CB Janoris Jenkins: North Alabama (5-10, 182)
He was simply the most impressive cover man down here this week. Jenkins displays natural fluidity when asked to turn and run, stays low out of his breaks and is a bear to separate from. Looks like an NFL starter early on in the NFL.
NFL Fits:Lions, Bengals, Patriots
5. OG Cordy Glenn: Georgia (6-5, 348)
Glenn had some struggles this week at OT. However, when lined-up inside at guard he was downright dominant. He showcased good natural quickness off the ball, and was able to extend his arms and control blockers with ease through contact. Looks like a first-round caliber guard prospect.
NFL Fits:Steelers, Cowboys, Cardinals
6. DE Melvin Ingram: South Carolina (6-2, 276)
He's an impressive pass rusher who can get after the QB in a number of ways. Plus, he's versatile, as he can be effective from a number of spots and will likely get looks from both 3-4 and 4-3 teams.
NFL Fits:Eagles, Chargers, Packers
7. CB Brandon Boykin: Georgia (5-10, 183)
Despite his lack of ideal height, he's physical off the line, can turn and run, and did a better job as the week went on staying lower when trying to redirect. He loves to get into the face of opposing receivers and was a tough guy to separate from all week.
NFL Fits:Ravens, Browns, Broncos
8. DT Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
He demonstrated the first step to consistently gain leverage at the point working the bull rush, kept his pad level down and displayed the ability to shed through contact. He has a slight wiggle laterally as well, but is more of a one-gap guy only, who can create penetration inside as either a 4-3 or 3-4 guy.
NFL Fits:Packers, Broncos, Panthers
9. RB Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)
Martin isn't a dynamic size/speed guy, but there aren't many negatives to his game. He plays fast, runs low, is natural through the line of scrimmage and has a skill set somewhat similar to former Alabama RB Mark Ingram. He might fall a bit because he doesn't run overly well, but he has the skill set to start in the league.
NFL Fits:Bengals, Jets, Buccaneers
10. QB Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State (6-4, 218)
His age (28) will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But, there isn't a throw this guy can't make and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a starter early in his NFL career. Looks like a solid second-round type value.
NFL Fits:Redskins, Dolphins, Browns
Wes Bunting is a draft analyst for National Football Post. You can follow him on Twitter, and check out all of NFP's draft coverage here.
