Prospect Profile: DE Tank Carradine - Florida State

Florida State Profile

Name:  Cornellius "Tank" Carradine

Height:  6' - 4"

Weight:  274 lbs.

Class:  Senior

Date of Birth: February 18, 1989 (24 yrs old)

High School:  Taft High School

Hometown:  Cincinnati, OH

Seminoles Career

Senior Year:  Stepped into the starting lineup after Brandon Jenkins had a season-ending injury in the opening game....lead the team in tackles (80) before he got hurt....still finished the season as the 2nd leading tackler on the team....47 solo tackles (33 assisted), 13 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 9 QB hurries and 1 forced fumble in 12 games played.

Junior Year:  Transferred from Butler Junior College....played in all 13 games as a rotational DE behind Bjoern Werner....had more total tackles than Werner (38 vs. 37).....8 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 1 QB hurry.

Butler Junior College:  26 sacks in two years of junior college football....signed with Florida State as the best DE JC prospect....was the top DE prospect in the Midwest out of high school.

2012 Senior Highlights

Strengths

+ Looks the part, chiseled with an ideal 4-3 frame and long arms

+ Very quick off the edge with good body bend and flexibility

+ Possesses raw strength and has the ability to set the edge as an anchor

+ High motor and rarely gives up on plays....makes his way toward the ball

+ Very active with a good nose for the ball as shown by his volume of tackles at his position

+ Good recognition skills and keeps his eyes on the ball 

+ Plays with good pad level

+ Mixes it up using quickness and strength; has a good bull rush

+ Has all of the physical tools to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL

Weaknesses

- Comeback from ACL injury is a concern; injury occurred in November

- Needs to improve in run support

- Raw and still learning the position

- Needs to be better anticipating the snap; is a step slow

- One year starter

NFL Player Comparison: DE Justin Tuck New York Giants

Draft Analysis

Had it not been for the late season injury to Carradine's knee, he would have been considered by some scouts to be a better draft prospect than fellow Seminoles DE and projected top 10 pick Bjoern Werner.  It could be argued that Carradine benefitted from playing opposite Werner this season, but the same could be said about Werner.  Carradine has, in my opinion, the best set of tools of all of the base 4-3 DE prospects in the upcoming draft.  Blessed with natural strength and agility, Carradine uses his quickness and high motor to bend the edge rushing the quarterback.  He is still a bit raw and stiff as a player, but his learning curve for improvement has been impressive on a talent-laden roster at Florida State.  He has shown to be a hard worker on and off the field.  If he can increase his pass rushing repertoire and develop better snap anticipation, Carradine could develop into one of the better pass rushers in the NFL.

Raiders Outlook

If Carradine finished out the season healthy and participated in the offseason festivities, he very well could be in the mix at the current #3 slot for the Raiders.  He has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher the Raiders have desperately lacked since Derrick Burgess.  His injury and the uncertainty for immediate availability at the start of the season could impact his draft position.  The ideal scenario would include the Raiders trading down from #3 and gaining a 2nd and 3rd round pick in return.  Carradine could be available if given that scenario.  Most of all, Tank Carradine fits the type of football player Reggie McKenzie is looking to fill the roster with.  With the loss of Desmond Bryant and the imminent loss of Matt Shaughnessy would suggest that the Raiders will draft a DE to develop.  Drafting someone like Carradine would be more than just that.  He would represent a true draft day value who could become one of the league's better young pass rushers if he gets back to pre-injury form.

Prospect Profile: LB Zaviar Gooden - Missouri

Missouri Profile

Name:  Zaviar Gooden

Height:  6' - 1"

Weight:  234 lbs.

Class:  Senior

Hometown:  Pflugerville, TX

High School:  Pflugerville High School

Tigers Career

2012 Senior Year: 61 total tackles (36 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception (1 TD), 2 passes defended

2011 Junior Year: 80 total tackles (54 solo), 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defensed

2010 Sophomore Year: 85 total tackles (50 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble

2009 Freshman Year: 30 total tackles (21 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

2012 Senior Highlights

Strengths:
+ Freakishly athletic, with explosive speed and quickness
+ Plays sideline to sideline
+ Very good in man coverage
+ Has fluid hips and drops back like a big safety
+ Stays on the hip pocket of TEs for the most part
+ Uses his vertical speed to turn and run against even speedy slot WRs
+ Can use his hands to shed blocks against the run
+ Flows well in traffic to the ball in run support
+ Understands his assignments and doesn't freelance; plays with good discipline

Weaknesses:
- Is a bit undersized at the position, has a maxed out frame
- Can get swallowed up by larger OL when he isn't active with his hands
- Still raw in coverage, sometimes takes false steps
- Needs work in zone coverage
- Not a huge playmaker
- Needs to be stronger in run support

Combine Performance:

40 Yard Dash: 4.47 secs*
Bench Press: 27 rep*s
Vertical: 34"
Broad Jump: 131"*
3 Cone Drill: 6.71 secs*
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.18 secs*
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.28 secs*
* Top Performer

NFL Player Comparison: LB Zach Brown - Tennessee Titans

Draft Analysis
Prior to the Combine, one of my personal choices as a sleeper pick was Zaviar Gooden from Missouri.  Gooden is a fleet-footed LB prospect that is one of the best cover players at his position in this year's draft.  Because he didn't have a strong final year, Gooden is (or should I say was) under the radar of many teams.  Gooden, as expected, blew up the Combine and had killer numbers.  His potential is great but at this juncture, Gooden is more athlete than football player.  If he can learn the nuances of the position, he could develop into a starter in the league.  His specialty is in coverage, and in today's pass happy NFL, Gooden's skill set would come very handy against H-Backs and move TEs that are trending.  Gooden needs to maintain his weight at the next level since he has maxed out his frame.  Though he is a willing in run support, that weight will keep him from getting ragdolled by NFL linemen.

Raiders Outlook
Before the Raiders lost their best linebacker, they needed help at the position, so finding talent in the draft is crucial.  Kaluka Maiva is a very under-rated signing (in my opinion) and Maiva will be a capable fill-in as Wheeler's replacement.  Even then, a guy with Gooden's ability and upside would go far in helping to improve a unit that needs as much help as the Raiders do in the secondary.  The only knock on Gooden as a fit for the Raiders is that he is strictly a 4-3 WILL.  If the team plays stretches at a time in the 3-4, Gooden would not be a good fit.  The name of the game is upgrading the roster and increasing the talent pool, and Gooden would be a good mid-round steal.

Free Agency 2013 (Raider News)

Raiders lose out to AFC Rival Kansas City in attaining the services of top FA CB Sean Smith (formerly of Miami).  Signed a 3 year deal today for the Chiefs.

Post Signing Q&A:
Kaluka Maiava - Link

Jason Hunter - Link

DT/NT Pat Sims (Cincinnati), OLB Kaluka Maiava (Cleveland) and DE Jason Hunter (Denver) have all been signed.  OR Link



Bengals DT Pat Sims currently meeting with Oakland...

CBs...Keenan Lewis, Antoine Cason...linked to Oakland with possible visits in the coming days...

Bears LB Nick Roach set to meet up with Raiders...

Raiders release WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, FS/CB Michael Huff and DE Dave Tollefson...

Browns LB Kaluka Maiava will visit Raiders...

Raiders extended and offer for Sean Smith, a bunch of other teams have made offers as well, including some serious contenders...

Pro Days Continue

Great Resource Right Here:  Link (CBS Sports)

Scheduled Raider Visits: 3/12/13

Check out Draft Ace for all Official Visits with this List

...
Add OT Luke Joeckel from Texas A&M to the list.  He came yesterday on Saturday, 3/9.  Widely considered the best prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, Joeckel could easily be a Chief or a Jaguar before the Raiders pick at No. 3, however, should both of those teams go a different route the Raiders will do their due diligence.  Link

These are just getting started but as of right now C Eric Kush from California (PA), will meet with Oakland.  Kush is also scheduled with Tennessee.

Prospect Profile: DT/NT Brandon Williams - MSSU

Missouri Southern State Profile

Name:  Brandon Williams

Height:  6' - 1"

Weight:  335 lbs.

Class:  RSr.

Hometown:  Kirkwood, MO

High Schools:  Rockwood Summit HS & Harmony Prep (Cincinnati, OH)

Date of Birth:  2/21/89 (24 years old)

MSSU Lions Career:

2012 (RSr. Season):  Named All-American by four different selection committees (Coaches, AP, Beyond Sports Network and Daktronics).  MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.  Named Daktronics Regional POTY as well as Beyond Sports Network DPOTY.   Finished his career recording his 27th career sack, the most in Missouri Southern State history.  Tallied 68 total tackles on the season, 31 solo, 37 assisted, including 16.5 TFLs and 8.5 sacks.  Added 2 PBUs, 8 QBHs, 5 FFs and 1 safety.

2011 (RJr. Season):  Played in 9 of 10 games for the Lions.  Unanimous All-MIAA selection while also being named All-Region and All-American.  Lived in opposing teams' backfields with 16 TFLs including 8.0 sacks.  Finished with 35 total tackles, 19 solo and 16 assisted.  Added 5.0 PBUs and 3 QBHs.

2010 (RSo. Season):  Had an explosive, breakout season with 50 total tackles including 17.0 TFLs and 9.0 sacks.  Added 3.0 PBUs, 6 QBHs and 1 Forced Fumble.

2009 (So. Season):  Sat out with medical redshirt.

2008 (Fr. Season):  Tallied 38 total tackles in his freshman season, 14 solo and 24 assisted.  Had 3.0 TFLs and 1.5 sacks, added 4 PBUs and 1 QBH.

2012 Highlights (#66 - RSr. Season):

Strengths (+):
+  Massive in the upper body, thick and broad
+  Strong, heavy hands
+  Consistently shows strength and leverage to shove blockers into the backfield
+  Does well to keep blockers off his inside pads
+  Played versatile DL role for MSSU, lining up from 0 to 5 technique
+  Very active down the line of scrimmage for a big man, shows relatively quick feet
+  Closes pretty well, does well in small spaces to get to ballcarriers
+  Tips passes and disrupts passing lanes consistently
+  Consistently dominated at the DII level of play, nearly unblockable
+  Demands double teams frequently
+  Great effort, always in pursuit, pretty good stamina
+  Strong showing at Senior Bowl Week, played up to the competition well
+  Flashes a nice spin move when he sets it up properly
+  By all accounts a devilishly hard worker, who has molded himself into a NFL level talent

Weaknesses (-):
-  Not overly stout of haunch, can get pushed around at times vs. the power running game
-  Is not superior in terms of athletic talent, lacks some quick twitch abilities seen in top NFL pass rushers on the inside
-  Needs more urgency and consistency in fighting off blocks
-  Gets caught in his typical bull rush a little to often, needs to develop moves and get a little more crafty
-  Will not chase down many ball carriers, lacks any decent straight line speed
-  Missed 2009 season due to injury, 5 years in DII ball, now 24 years old

NFL Draft Analysis:
Mr. Williams did himself nothing but favors after the week of work he put in at the Senior Bowl.  He showed more than enough to hang with the big boys of the NCAA, especially considering the strength of the Offensive Line in the 2013 NFL Draft.  As a small school prospect you want to see total domination at the level of competition by any potential DII prospect.  Williams wreaked havoc on opposing offenses during his time in Joplin, a city which has been devastated by tornado activity in recent years.  His obvious plug and play in the NFL position will be manning the nose in a 3-4 package, but he has enough athleticism to get by in a 4-3 inside.  He carries so much mass and power for a 6' - 1" frame that he shapes up as the ideal nose guard candidate in late Day 2 consideration.

Outlook as a Raider:
Certainly, if the Raiders are looking for more 3-4 looks then they need to find some consistency at the nose tackle position.  Williams is a likely target in the high 3rd Round for Oakland if they are looking for more 3-4 sets.  Kelly, Seymour and possibly Desmond Bryant could all be gone by the start of training camp, so adding depth along the Defensive Line is critical for Oakland this off-season.  While Williams is a small school prospect, Oakland is no stranger to grabbing talent from the DII/FCS ranks.  Some cases in point would be current Top 10 Left Tackle Jared Veldheer who came from Hillsdale College.  OG Kevin Boothe who started every game for the Giants last season was originally drafted by Oakland out of Cornell back in 2006.  DT Grady Jackson out of Knoxville (1997 Draft), OL Gene Upshaw from Texas A&I (1967), Art Shell from Maryland State (1968), Southern Mississippi's Ray Guy (1973), Villanova's Howie Long (1981)...yes, long list.  Adding a hard nosed, no-nonsense kid like Williams would help bolster what is already a strong, young group of defensive linemen in Houston, Bilukidi, Crawford and Shaughnessy who will continue to grow together as a unit.

Prospect Profile: DE/OLB John Simon - Ohio State

Ohio State Profile

Name:  John Simon

Height:  6' - 1"

Weight:  257 lbs.

Class:  Senior

Hometown:  Youngstown, OH

High School:  Cardinal Mooney HS

Date of Birth:  ??? (reported as 22 years old)

Career at The Ohio State University:

2012 Senior Year:  Started 11 of 12 games for Ohio State, missing the finale vs. Michigan with a knee injury.  Team Captain (2nd time), only 8th player in Buckeye history to twice be named Team Captain.  Urban Meyer called Simon the "heart and soul" of the 2012 Team.  Twice named a semi-finalist for the Lott IMPACT Award, and was a finalist for the 2012 Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Bobby Bowden Award.  Was named Big Ten Conference's 2012 Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year.  Ranked first in Big Ten with 9.0 sacks and second with 14.5 TFLs.  Media and Coaches named him all-Big Ten.  Third Team Associated Press All-American and Second Team Walter Camp All-American.  Finished the season with 44.0 total tackles, 22 solo, 22 assisted and also added 4.0 PBUs.

2011 Junior Year:  Played and started in all 13 contests for the Buckeyes.  Named third team Walter Camp All-American, and AP/Coaches All-Big Ten.  Named Ohio State "Bill Willis Award" winner as teams' most outstanding defensive player.  Finished his junior season with 53 total tackles, 31 solo and 22 assisted, added a whopping 16.0 TFLs coupled with 7.0 sacks.  Also notched 3.0 PBUs.

2010 Sophomore Year:  Played and started in all 13 games for Ohio State.  Named honorable mention All-Big Ten.  Had a huge 30 yd. fumble recovery for a TD vs. Minnesota.  Notched 41 total tackles, 22 solo and 19 unassisted, had 8.5 TFLs and 3.0 sacks.  Added 2.0 PBUs. 

2009 Freshman Year:  As a true freshman Simon played in all 13 games.  He totaled 16 tackles, 7 solo and 9 assisted.  Had 4.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and 1 PBU.  Named Ohio State Coaches' Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.

2012 Senior Year Highlights:

2011 Junior Year Highlights:

Positives (+):
+  Clearly demonstrated leadership qualities while at Ohio State, twice named Team Captain, only 8th OSU player to ever be named Team Captain twice
+  Strong, 100% effort at all times, finishes games, excited to play football
+  Demonstrates a knack for getting through blocks and finding the football
+  Instincts and tenacity
+  Gets to the QB in a hurry in a lot of one-on-one situations
+  Excels at an inside swim move, flashes a good spin
+  Versatile pass rusher, lined up on both sides and even inside
+  Sheds and show fundamentals vs. the run
+  Extremely tough, works hard in practice, leads by example

Negatives (-):
-  Missed his last college game after suffering an injury to his right knee
-  Recently had shoulder surgery
-  Needs to develop his other pass rushing moves besides the inside swim, especially his rip move
-  Sometimes comes off the snap very, very slow, perhaps to set up his blocker better in space, or to read the play better on the edge
-  Struggled in coverage when trying LB drills at the Senior Bowl, might not fit a 3-4 effectively
-  Can't really be described as overly explosive or athletic in any facet of his game

NFL Draft Outlook:
John Simon was a perennial monster in the Big 10 coming into his Senior season.  He didn't disappoint as he was named Big Ten DPOTY, despite missing The Game v.2013.  Simon brings a great deal of experience, leadership and production off the edge.  That combination is the kind of thing GMs and Head Coaches love to fill their rosters with.  Simon is sort of a tweener, though he played most of his career on the edge as a 4-3 pass rusher.  While in Mobile, he was worked out as a LB and he looked incredibly green.  However, under the guidance of current Raider DC Jason Tarver, Simon picked up the coaching very quickly and, even if just by little bits and pieces, started looking more comfortable in various drop back sets as a LB in space.  Teams in a base 4-3 will likely look at Simon as a 3rd or 4th Round priority edge rusher.  Simon has added bonus because he's solid against the run.  He shows toughness, tenacity and the ability to motivate those around him and will likely be a mid/late Day 2 Prospect.

Outlook as a Raider:
Reggie McKenzie and Raider Nation love guys like John Simon.  He's the proverbial try hard, die hard man on the field who raises the game of those around him.  Obviously, with the Raider staff getting a long look at John Simon in Mobile, they definitely have had a good amount of exposure to John Simon and what he could bring to Oakland.  Tarver is known to be a guy who likes "Multiples", and whether or not Simon can do what he has to as a 3-4 OLB might determine if McKenzie pulls the trigger on Simon in the high 3rd or high 4th Rounds.  Oakland could kick Lamarr Houston back inside and let Simon supplement the depth out on the edge, either at DE or as a 3-4 OLB close to the line of scrimmage.  Simon is definitely a prime target for the Raiders late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.  They need on the field leaders (something Rolando McClain never was) and guys who will lead by example.

Latest Raider Draft News (3.3.13)

THANKS TO RAIDER CENTRAL (YouTube) FOR CUTTING THESE TOGETHER!

LET'S GO OAKLAND!

Prospect Profile: DT Sharrif Floyd - Florida

Florida Gator Profile:

Name:  Sharrif Floyd
Height:  6' - 3"
Weight:  297 lbs.
Class:  Junior
Hometown:  Philadelphia, PA
High School:  George Washington HS
Date of Birth:  May 28, 1992 (20 years old)

Career at the Swamp:

2012 Junior Year:  Started all 13 games for UF.  Named 1st Team AP & Coaches All-SEC.  Sporting News 3rd Team All-American.  Phil Steele Postseason All-SEC 1st Team.  Became first Gator Defensive Lineman to earn All-American honors since 2001.  46.0 Total Tackles with a team leading 13.0 TFLs.  Also had one forced fumble and blocked two kicks.  Had a huge Bowl game vs. Louisville notching 2 sacks (-12 yards)

2011 Sophomore Year:  Started final 11 games of the season at Defensive End.  Tied for the team lead with 4 QBHs.  46 Total Tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 Sacks, 1 PBU and 1 Blocked Kick.

2010 Freshman Year:  Named All-SEC Freshman 1st Team.  23 Total Tackles, 10 solo, 13 Asst., 6.5 TFLs.  Floyd was ranked a 5 star recruit coming to UF out of High School.

2012 Senior Year Highlights:



2011 Sophomore Year Highlights:



Strengths (+):
+ Disruptive, is one to get penetration and create havoc in the backfield
+ Draws blockers in and sets up a good swim move when he wants to
+ Gets a lot of double teams, helps free up the Linebackers
+ Shows good short area closing speed
+ Is one to fight through blocks, demonstrates leverage
+ Typically keeps blockers' hands off his body, sometimes stands them up and sheds, sometimes dips his shoulder into their chest and keeps his outside arm free
+ Demonstrates versatility, 4-3 DT, 3-4 DE
+ Good Athleticism for a big man, moves well in space
+ Reads the ball well against the run, stands solo blockers up and sheds efficiently
+ Has decent stamina, better than most DL in the 2013 NFL Draft
+ Gives good effort, will chase down ballcarriers behind him downfield
+ Will Muschamp coached at UF (same as Lamarr Houston)

Weaknesses (-):
- Measured in with relatively short arms (31 3/4"), this allows some blockers to bring him in close and hold him inside around the chest (Floyd does get held a lot in the wash)
- Doesn't demonstrate much effectiveness on stunts
- Will sometimes let double teams stand him up and drive him back too quickly, needs to work on anchoring more and stand his ground
- Limited sample size, only played extensively for a couple of years, playing some 3-4 DE as a Sophomore and some 4-3 DT as a junior
- Still very young at 20 years old, has some learning to do

Draft Analysis:
At Draft Seasons' beginning, Floyd was thought of as a nice Day 2 prospect, an athletic defensive lineman with upside because he's so young.  Recently, his Draft Stock has soared with various talent evaluators talking him up heavily, including Mike Mayock who has him ranked as the #1 Defensive Tackle in the 2013 NFL Draft.  The talk isn't all hype, Floyd is a good player, and like a lot of the players in this draft, Floyd is just that, good...not dominant.  However, with his disruptive nature and athleticism he is and should be a highly sought after Defensive Lineman atop the 1st Round in April.

Outlook as a Raider:
The talk with the No. 3 pick right now is heavy with Sharrif Floyd to Oakland.  This is all for good reason.  With Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly likely on their way out in the coming weeks, and with the recently arrested Desmond Bryant on the open Free Agent block, Oakland could be looking at a huge hole to fill on the inside of their base 4-3 defense.  A switch to the 3-4 or a 3-4 hybrid could help remedy these issues by adding Nose Tackle talent and LB talent.  Players like Lamarr Houston (who can also play inside if needed) and young gun Christo Bilukidi have showed tremendous promise and both show strong versatility just like Floyd.  If the Raiders make the move to get more athletic on the edge and find a big man or two to man the 0 Technique, Floyd might be out of the mix, however, he still remains a very strong, young player who has the versatility to add depth at multiple positions in various fronts for Jason Tarver.