NFL Draft Scott Piolli's Top 10 Underclassmen

Deberg_1990 · 01-28-2013, 08:11 AM

According to Peter King...

I asked former Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, who was in the midst of finalizing the club's preliminary draft board when fired early this month, to examine the record 73 underclass players who declared for the draft and pick the top 10, in his mind. His view of the junior board:

First of all, Jan. 28 is a dangerous time to commit to "top players" in any category, particularly underclassmen. There is still a lot of work to do before we know who and what these players are. Sometimes players look better with less information. NFL rules don't allow teams to officially scout underclassmen during fall campus visits, and scouts can't comment publicly on them either. When scouts go into school visits in the fall, they are not allowed to ask questions about underclassmen when speaking with coaches, trainers and any other support staff. Obviously, scouts and team officials with relationships with coaches or other school officials might glean some information regarding the players prematurely, but the understanding is clear on campuses: We're there to scout the fourth-year players, not anyone younger.

So you might ask, "Well, how do you have an idea about how the underclassmen will be rated so soon after they've declared?" I'll give you an example. I went to Tallahassee this year to scout Florida State prospects. Four other Chiefs' scouts were on campus as well during the year. We all watched tape, and we watched practice. When it comes to defensive end Bjoern Werner, for instance, we obviously saw him stand out on tape and in person. So it's not difficult to understand why he's so highly regarded by NFL teams: Watching Florida State, Werner's production jumps out at you.

This draft may have a record number of underclassmen, but it may not be the quality that people are expecting. How I see the top 10 juniors now, keeping in mind the fact-finding on them will be ongoing for the next three months before the draft:

1. Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M. Strong candidate for the first overall pick. Three-year starter at left tackle in the Big 12 and never red-shirted. A true height-weight-speed prospect who plays with good athleticism and body control. Will play early while he develops better hip and core strength. Good teammate too.

2. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama. One of the youngest players in the draft (20), but a very experienced corner from the best-coached DB group in the country. Milliner has the flexibility, intelligence and experience to play outside corner and also line up in the slot. Should contribute on special teams early in his career.

3. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida. Also 20, Floyd is a strong, athletic defensive lineman who, at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, has position and scheme versatility. Good competitor and tough player against the run and pass. Not great sack numbers, but consistently disruptive in the pass rush, and the type of player who makes those around him better by making the offense concentrate so much on stopping him.

4. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State. Born in Germany, Werner learned football while at a Connecticut prep school as an exchange student. Played just two prep years before signing with Florida Stats. Two-year starter at left end in FSU's base and sub packages who shows surprising natural instincts, good hand strength and athletic ability. Pretty impressive to see he had 13 sacks in the ACC in the 2012 season.

5. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State. At 6-3 and 335, he still has the athleticism to line up at multiple positions on the line -- not just at the nose. Active and instinctive, and showed improvement from 2011. Very good player versus the run that needs to continue to improve his every-down consistency.

6. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama. Low-mileage rusher (355 carries in three seasons with the Tide) who played behind two outstanding backs early in his career (Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson). Averaged 6.8 yards per rush in his college career behind an offensive line better than some NFL lines. Good receiving skills, and a willing blocker. He should be an every-down back in the NFL.

7. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia. Began his college career at USC in 2009 and transferred closer to home after suffering a neck injury his true freshman year. Highly instinctive and productive college player, but at 6-3 and 241, could be a tough positional fit. Dominated certain games (Florida), disappeared in others (Alabama).

8. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal. Originally committed to Alabama out of HS, but decided to join his QB brother Zach to play together at Cal. Allen is a big (6-3, 210), savvy and highly competitive WR who has played the slot and outside. Lacks top speed, but is very natural and quick. In a WR class that appears to lack elite players, he may be the best.

9. Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia. Tremendously talented athlete at 6-3 and 232, and should be an every-down NFL inside 'backer or middle 'backer. Has the skill and ability to contribute immediately all defenses as well as special teams. Jumps off the tape and could have the most upside of any underclassman in the draft. But some off-the-field issues will need to be studied before giving him a final grade.

10. Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State. Three-year starter who was hampered this season by a knee injury that he played through. Good height-weight-speed prospect at 6-6 and 255 who right now is more receiver than blocker. I'm high on his ability to produce as an offensive tight end right now in the more wide-open NFL offenses. He's what we call an "F-type'' tight end, a receiver who can play off the line probably more productively than as a blocker right now.

Pioli will be doing some work for NBC Sports Network at the Super Bowl

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl...#ixzz2JHNrynsK

Strongside · 01-28-2013, 08:13 AM

It's a nice feeling to know that his list no longer means jack shit.

**notorious** · 01-28-2013, 08:16 AM

Is anyone surprised his top 5 contains 3 D linemen and a LT?

Thank God that cancer is gone.

**mdchiefsfan** · 01-28-2013, 08:16 AM

We would've taken Joekel with Pioli at the helm, while letting Albert walk. Thank God that asshat is gone.

ChiefMojo · 01-28-2013, 08:17 AM

If we don't take a QB at #1, I'd much rather take Milliner at the top than Joeckel. Milliner would give us a excellent CB opposite of Flowers which is a big need!

Btw guys there is probably a strong possibility Joeckel is at the top for Dorsey also.

Three7s · 01-28-2013, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

Is anyone surprised his top 5 contains 3 D linemen and a LT?

Thank God that cancer is gone.

And no QB, big surprise.

I guess Geno, Glennon, and Wilson couldn't be included since they're seniors and this is the all-junior list, however.

**notorious** · 01-28-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three7s

And no QB, big surprise.

I guess Geno, Glennon, and Wilson couldn't be included since they're seniors and this is the all-junior list, however.

Monday morning fail for me.

Bewbies · 01-28-2013, 08:25 AM

Do they ask Matt Millen for his top draft picks anymore? Why do they ask Pioli?

**the Talking Can** · 01-28-2013, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdchiefsfan

We would've taken Joekel with ***** at the helm, while letting Albert walk. Thank God that asshat is gone.

yes and yes

**the Talking Can** · 01-28-2013, 08:27 AM

king rides pioli's cock more than cassel

Marco Polo · 01-28-2013, 08:30 AM

I don't get making a list of just under-classmen. Why not include overall Top 10?

Three7s · 01-28-2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewbies

Do they ask Matt Millen for his top draft picks anymore? Why do they ask *****?

Peter King will probably quote his dumb ass until the day he dies.

BFFs for life.

Chiefshrink · 01-28-2013, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefMojo

If we don't take a QB at #1, I'd much rather take Milliner at the top than Joeckel. Milliner would give us a excellent CB opposite of Flowers which is a big need!

Btw guys there is probably a strong possibility Joeckel is at the top for Dorsey also.

I agree.

Barret · 01-28-2013, 08:35 AM

The ONLY advice that would have any actual merit that would come from Scooter ***** is "How to Rape a Franchise 101"

FloridaMan88 · 01-28-2013, 08:40 AM

Fat Scott has started his comeback tour in full force.

He is scheduled to be on Dan Patrick's radio show tomorrow which means he is probably making the media rounds during Super Bowl week.

Hopefully someone in the media will ask him about what went down in KC (namely the Arrowhead Anxiety article he has refused to comment on).

01-28-2013, 08:11 AM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $2154454	Scott Piolli's Top 10 Underclassmen According to Peter King... I asked former Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, who was in the midst of finalizing the club's preliminary draft board when fired early this month, to examine the record 73 underclass players who declared for the draft and pick the top 10, in his mind. His view of the junior board: First of all, Jan. 28 is a dangerous time to commit to "top players" in any category, particularly underclassmen. There is still a lot of work to do before we know who and what these players are. Sometimes players look better with less information. NFL rules don't allow teams to officially scout underclassmen during fall campus visits, and scouts can't comment publicly on them either. When scouts go into school visits in the fall, they are not allowed to ask questions about underclassmen when speaking with coaches, trainers and any other support staff. Obviously, scouts and team officials with relationships with coaches or other school officials might glean some information regarding the players prematurely, but the understanding is clear on campuses: We're there to scout the fourth-year players, not anyone younger. So you might ask, "Well, how do you have an idea about how the underclassmen will be rated so soon after they've declared?" I'll give you an example. I went to Tallahassee this year to scout Florida State prospects. Four other Chiefs' scouts were on campus as well during the year. We all watched tape, and we watched practice. When it comes to defensive end Bjoern Werner, for instance, we obviously saw him stand out on tape and in person. So it's not difficult to understand why he's so highly regarded by NFL teams: Watching Florida State, Werner's production jumps out at you. This draft may have a record number of underclassmen, but it may not be the quality that people are expecting. How I see the top 10 juniors now, keeping in mind the fact-finding on them will be ongoing for the next three months before the draft: 1. Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M. Strong candidate for the first overall pick. Three-year starter at left tackle in the Big 12 and never red-shirted. A true height-weight-speed prospect who plays with good athleticism and body control. Will play early while he develops better hip and core strength. Good teammate too. 2. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama. One of the youngest players in the draft (20), but a very experienced corner from the best-coached DB group in the country. Milliner has the flexibility, intelligence and experience to play outside corner and also line up in the slot. Should contribute on special teams early in his career. 3. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida. Also 20, Floyd is a strong, athletic defensive lineman who, at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, has position and scheme versatility. Good competitor and tough player against the run and pass. Not great sack numbers, but consistently disruptive in the pass rush, and the type of player who makes those around him better by making the offense concentrate so much on stopping him. 4. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State. Born in Germany, Werner learned football while at a Connecticut prep school as an exchange student. Played just two prep years before signing with Florida Stats. Two-year starter at left end in FSU's base and sub packages who shows surprising natural instincts, good hand strength and athletic ability. Pretty impressive to see he had 13 sacks in the ACC in the 2012 season. 5. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State. At 6-3 and 335, he still has the athleticism to line up at multiple positions on the line -- not just at the nose. Active and instinctive, and showed improvement from 2011. Very good player versus the run that needs to continue to improve his every-down consistency. 6. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama. Low-mileage rusher (355 carries in three seasons with the Tide) who played behind two outstanding backs early in his career (Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson). Averaged 6.8 yards per rush in his college career behind an offensive line better than some NFL lines. Good receiving skills, and a willing blocker. He should be an every-down back in the NFL. 7. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia. Began his college career at USC in 2009 and transferred closer to home after suffering a neck injury his true freshman year. Highly instinctive and productive college player, but at 6-3 and 241, could be a tough positional fit. Dominated certain games (Florida), disappeared in others (Alabama). 8. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal. Originally committed to Alabama out of HS, but decided to join his QB brother Zach to play together at Cal. Allen is a big (6-3, 210), savvy and highly competitive WR who has played the slot and outside. Lacks top speed, but is very natural and quick. In a WR class that appears to lack elite players, he may be the best. 9. Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia. Tremendously talented athlete at 6-3 and 232, and should be an every-down NFL inside 'backer or middle 'backer. Has the skill and ability to contribute immediately all defenses as well as special teams. Jumps off the tape and could have the most upside of any underclassman in the draft. But some off-the-field issues will need to be studied before giving him a final grade. 10. Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State. Three-year starter who was hampered this season by a knee injury that he played through. Good height-weight-speed prospect at 6-6 and 255 who right now is more receiver than blocker. I'm high on his ability to produce as an offensive tight end right now in the more wide-open NFL offenses. He's what we call an "F-type'' tight end, a receiver who can play off the line probably more productively than as a blocker right now. Pioli will be doing some work for NBC Sports Network at the Super Bowl Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl...#ixzz2JHNrynsK
Posts: 66,914

01-28-2013, 08:13 AM	#2
Strongside Mahomes or GTFO Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: KC Casino cash: $4824282	It's a nice feeling to know that his list no longer means jack shit. __________________
Posts: 13,234

01-28-2013, 08:16 AM	#3
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $1065884	Is anyone surprised his top 5 contains 3 D linemen and a LT? Thank God that cancer is gone.
Posts: 85,931

01-28-2013, 08:16 AM	#4
mdchiefsfan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Casino cash: $2183904	We would've taken Joekel with Pioli at the helm, while letting Albert walk. Thank God that asshat is gone.
Posts: 10,777

01-28-2013, 08:17 AM	#5
ChiefMojo Happy, Happy, Happy!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $10004935	If we don't take a QB at #1, I'd much rather take Milliner at the top than Joeckel. Milliner would give us a excellent CB opposite of Flowers which is a big need! Btw guys there is probably a strong possibility Joeckel is at the top for Dorsey also.
Posts: 2,283

01-28-2013, 08:25 AM	#8
Bewbies Ith Fuhtbawl Time Join Date: Apr 2010 Casino cash: $9999900	Do they ask Matt Millen for his top draft picks anymore? Why do they ask Pioli?
Posts: 10,085

01-28-2013, 08:27 AM	#10
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10012208	king rides pioli's cock more than cassel __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

01-28-2013, 08:30 AM	#11
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $4888908	I don't get making a list of just under-classmen. Why not include overall Top 10?
Posts: 2,530

01-28-2013, 08:35 AM	#14
Barret Still Lurking Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: East Texas Casino cash: $2993790	The ONLY advice that would have any actual merit that would come from Scooter ***** is "How to Rape a Franchise 101"
Posts: 1,064

01-28-2013, 08:40 AM	#15
FloridaMan88 Mahomes: We Are All Witnesses Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $1302906	Fat Scott has started his comeback tour in full force. He is scheduled to be on Dan Patrick's radio show tomorrow which means he is probably making the media rounds during Super Bowl week. Hopefully someone in the media will ask him about what went down in KC (namely the Arrowhead Anxiety article he has refused to comment on).
Posts: 43,332