Prospect Profile: TE Jordan Reed - Florida

Florida Gators Profile:

Name:  Jordan Reed

Height:  6' - 3"

Weight:  243 lbs.

Class:  RJr.

Hometown:  New London, CT
Date of Birth: ???

High School:  New London High School

Gators Career:

2012 Redshirt Junior Year: 2012 All-SEC First Team (Media), 2nd Team (Coaches).....led the Gators with 45 receptions for 559 yards (12.4 yards per catch) with 3 touchdowns. 

2011 Redshirt Sophomore Year: Gained 307 yards on 28 catches and 2 touchdowns.....17 of those catches being good for first down.

2010: Redshirt Freshman Year: Played in 12 games with 4 starts....playing multiple positions, amassing 326 yards rushing on 77 carries for 5 touchdowns.....threw for 252 yards, with 26 completions on 46 attempts (56.5%) with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception for a QB rating of 119.7.....caught 6 passes for 79 yards (13.3 YPC) and 1 touchdown.

2012 RJr. Highlights:

Strengths:
+ Very fluid athlete with great body control
+ Natural pass catcher with soft hands
+ Deftly skilled runner after the catch
+ Has a good feel for getting open vs. zone coverage
+ Can be a legitimate downfield threat
+ Makes the tough catch in tight coverage

Weaknesses:
- Doesn't possess ideal height and bulk at the position
- Needs to work on inline blocking
- Isn't the well-rounded TE that fits into any NFL offense
- Questionable durability

NFL Player Comparison: TE Aaron Hernandez - NE Patriots

Analysis:

Jordan Reed's early entry into the 2013 NFL Draft has made the tight end class deeper with talent and depth.  Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz are widely seen to be the top 2 tight end prospects, but Reed isn't far behind.  Where he lacks the traditional height and bulk of the other two, Reed could be seen by some as being far more explosive.  More of a bulked up wide receiver than a tight end, Jordan Reed is a threat to make plays after the catch.  He fits the group of downfield threats at the position like Jared Cook and Jermichael Finley.  But the player Reed compares best to is another former Gator and current Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez based off their similar skill sets.  Like Hernandez, Reed could pose a mismatch problem against opposing defenses by playing as a flex TE in the slot, too strong for DBs and too fast for LBs.  He can create plays in space and take a short pass for long gains.  His blocking skills are likely to improve with refined technique, but he'll never be a strong inline blocker.  He currently projects between the 2nd and 3rd round.

Draft Outlook for Oakland:

The Raiders got some production at the tight end position last season from Brandon Myers.  The numbers were inflated due to former OC Greg Knapp's offense.  Myers is also a free agent this offseason and his agent could point to his production when it comes to contract negotiations.  Even if Myers were to come back at an affordable price, he's not the type of receiving threat that opposing offenses would gameplan for.  Jordan Reed's addition to the Oakland roster would give the offense flexibility and add a dimension that creates matchup problems.  There is an outside shot that Reed could still be available with the current 3rd round pick the Raiders hold, and even with so many holes at other positions of need, Reed's talent might be too enticing for Reggie McKenzie to pass up.

Prospect Profile: DE Datone Jones - UCLA

UCLA Profile:

Name:  Datone Jones

Height:  6' - 4"

Weight:  275 lbs.

Class:  Senior

Hometown:  Compton, CA

High School:  Compton High School

Date of Birth:  July 24, 1990 (22 years old)

Bruins Career: 

2012 Senior Year: 2nd Team All-Pac 12.....started 14 games, finishing the season with 62 total tackles (45 solo), 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles and 2 blocked kicks/punts....also had a reception for a TD on offense.

2011 Junior Year: Started all 14 games, finishing the season with 41 tackles (23 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 pass breakups.

2010 Medical Redshirt: Sat out entire season with a right foot fracture during fall camp.

2009 Sophomore Year: Started all 13 games, finished the season with 30 tackles (12 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 3 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles.

2008 Freshman Year: Appeared in 10 games with 2 starts as a true freshman.....made All Pac-12 Freshman Team, finishing the season with 15 tackles.

2012 Senior Highlights:

Strengths:
+ Possesses prototypical size
+ Excellent length and long wingspan
+ Hybrid player can play inside or outside; versatility to play multiple defensive fronts
+ Has a good repertoire of pass rush moves
+ Disruptive penetrator and good in pursuit
+ Strong hands, uses arm length to disengage OL to make plays
+ Good at keeping his head up and locating the ball carrier

Weaknesses:
- Needs to develop more consistency
- Pad level needs to stay low; has a tendency to stand upright on contact vs OL
- Is more quick than fast; doesn't display pure speed to turn the edge vs pass
- Hand placement can be inconsistent
- A bit of a 'tweener

NFL Player Comparison: DE Antonio Smith Houston Texans

Analysis:
Datone Jones was the leader of an underrated UCLA defensive unit that really blossomed under new head coach Jim Mora.  Jones was a key cog in the Bruins defensive line, moving up and down the line to create mismatches against opposing offenses.  He may not be known to many outside of the Pac-12, but Jones could be drafted before the end of the 2nd round based on his skill set and potential.  Jones was coming into his own playing next to former Bruins DT Brian Price and LB Akeem Ayers, but that growth was stunted when he broke his foot going into his junior year.  After sitting out the year, Jones spent the next year rounding back into shape before he had a very solid senior season.  If he can gain an additional 10 to 15 pounds, he could move inside as a 4-3 UT to take advantage of his quickness and length.  He could take advantage of that quickness to penetrate the inside and be used in stunts.  Jones' best fit in the NFL could ultimately be as a  3-4 DE if he can learn to be a consistent anchor on the outside against the run.

Raiders Draft Outlook:

Jones is an unheralded DE prospect who could surprise a lot of people by leap-frogging more well known players come April.  The Raiders could use more than 1 new DE on the roster next season.  Matt Shaughnessy is a free agent and even if re-signed, has not shown he can stay healthy enough to be  consistent on the football field.  Lamarr Houston will be a starter on one side, irregardless of the defensive scheme.  Jones is also versatile enough to play in any defensive front.  Unless Jones falls into the 3rd round or engineer a trade down for added Day 2 picks, the Raiders will likely miss out on a very good defensive prospect who could be an even better pro than he was in college.

Prospect Profile: FS Kenny Vaccaro - Texas

Texas Longhorns Profile:

Name:  Kenny Vaccaro

Height:  6' - 1"

Weight:  218 lbs.

Class:  Senior

Hometown:  Brownwood, TX

Date of Birth:  January 1, 1990 (23 years old)
High School:  Early High School

Longhorns Career:

2012 Senior Year:  Pro Football Weekly First Team All-American....2nd team All-American....started all 13 games, finishing the season with 96 tackles (59 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 3 QB hurries and 2 forced fumbles.

2011 Junior Year:  First Team All-Big 12....played in all 13 games, finishing the season with 71 total tackles (46 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, 2 sacks and 5 QB hurries.

2010 Sophomore Year:  Appeared in all 12 games, starting 6.....finished the season with 54 total tackles (42 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked kick/punt.

2009 Freshman Year:  Played in all 13 games as a true freshman at safety and special teams, logging 18 total tackles (13 solo), 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked kick/punt.

2012 Senior Year Highlights:

2011 Junior Year Highlights:

Strengths:
+ Possesses ideal size and speed at the position
+ Displays great range
+ Above average quickness and acceleration
+ Adept at playing both safety positions
+ Makes good reads and jumps routes
+ Plays with reckless abandon; intense competitor rubs off on teammates
+ Has fluid hips at the position;  can flip and run against WRs
+ Good at covering TEs, especially off the line of scrimmage
+ Solid tackler and a big hitter; comes up quick in run support
+ Very good on special teams

Weaknesses:
- Questionable straight-line speed
- Aggression sometimes works against him; tendency to overpursue
- Isn't much of a playmaker in pass coverage
- Sometimes takes bad angles
- Whiffs on tackles trying to go for the big hit instead of using his fundamentals

NFL Player Comparison: S Ryan Clark Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis:
Kenny Vaccaro is a versatile safety who some consider to be the top prospect in a deep class.  Vaccaro's always around the ball and plays the game fast.  He utilizes his strength to jam and re-route slot receivers and tight ends at the line of scrimmage.  Vaccaro plays the game with an edge and brings a physical presence to the secondary.  He thinks fast and is quick to diagnose plays in front of him.  He needs to work on making more plays in pass coverage and honing his instincts.

Draft Outlook:
Vaccaro's current draft stock ranges anywhere as high as the middle of the 1st round to as low as somewhere in the 2nd round.  Though that takes Vaccaro out of the current Raiders' draft range, he could be a consideration if the team were to acquire a 2nd round pick.  He's a hard hitter who can bring a physical aspect to a secondary that is lacking any sort of identity.  Like current Steelers safety Ryan Clark, Vaccaro can get a defense fired up with a big hit.  The Raiders have had a hard time in recent years covering the opposition's TE, but Vaccaro could change all of that.  He's very good at using his strength to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and can play off their hip pocket in coverage. Vaccaro's 40 time in his private workouts will be vital to his draft stock.  If Vaccaro can show that he has the speed to make plays down the field, he could be the complete package at the next level.

Prospect Profile: DE Alex Okafor - Texas

Texas Profile:

Name:  Alex Okafor
Weight:  6' - 4"
Weight:  265 lbs.
Class:  Senior
Hometown:  Pflugerville, TX
Date of Birth: 2/8/91 (nearly 22 years old)
High School:  Pflugerville

Stats (Regular Season):

Year	G/GS	TT(Solo)	TFL	Sacks	INT	PBU	FF	FR	QBP	High
2009	14/0	22(10)	2.0-5	0.0-0	0	0	1	0	6	4/2x
2010	12/8	30(14)	4.0-34	2.5-34	0	0	1	0	13	7/KSU
2011	13/13	58(26)	14.0-49	7.0-36	0	3	2	1	17	8/3x
2012	12/11	60(37)	12.0-58	8.0-51	0	1	3	0	18	13/KU
Total	51/32	170(87)	32.0-146	17.5-121	0	4	7	1	54	13/KU

High Games:

Tackles:  13 vs. Kansas (Sr.)
Tackles For Loss:  3 vs. Kansas State (Jr.)
Sacks: 4.5 vs. Oregon State in the 2012 Alamo Bowl (Sr.)
QB Pressures:  4, two times, last at Oklahoma State (Sr.)
Fumbles forced:  2, two times, last vs. West Virginia (Sr.)

2012  Senior Highlights:



2011 Junior Highlights:

Positives (+):

+ Long arms and good frame
+ Relentless motor
+ Good at keeping his eyes in the backfield/locating the ball
+ Able to drop in coverage
+ Quick first step in 2-point stance
+ Strong
+ Pretty fast/quick for his size
+ Intelligent (seems to understand his role(s) and the offense he's playing)
+ Capable of using speed and power moves to beat his man
+ Shows ability to attack outside and inside

Negatives (-):
- Struggles against the run (especially in 4-3)
- Limited backside pursuit
- Tends to take bad angles in the run game
- No "elite" athleticism or speed
- Lacks the elite closing burst of other pass rushers
- Struggles getting off his blocks against bigger OL

Analysis:

Okafor needs to play in a 3-4 as a stand up pass rushing OLB to play at his highest potential. While standing up, his pad levels are better and he plays with more leverage, overall power and aggressiveness.  His quickness seems doubled in the 2-point stance compared to a 3 or 4 point stance.  Seems to struggle sometimes with technique as far as using his hands (more so when his hand is in the dirt) and is almost always taken out of the play if a O-lineman gets his hands on him.  If he can't get to the QB he'll get his hands up or try to strip the ball.  Another important thing that Okafor shows he is capable of is playing hard the whole game - constantly close enough to make the QB uncomfortable even when he's not getting home.

Honestly, when watching him line up with his hand(s) in the dirt and then standing up it's almost feel like I'm watching a different player.  When standing his first step is so much quicker and his ability to get to the QB is all around better.  Okafor's strengths are definitely rushing the passer but he looks fluid dropping into coverage the few times he was asked to.  His struggles in the run game usually occur because of two of his negatives listed above:  1) His struggles against bigger Offensive Linemen and 2) His bad angles when approaching the RB.  Unless he can fix these problems, which, one feels, are both things that could be fixed by working on his overall strength, technique, and probably watching more film.

While Okafor would have the most success in a 3-4, it's not meant to say that he would be useless in a 4-man front.  Instead, that scheme would just not put him in the position to play at his best.  Though regardless of the scheme he will need to work on run stopping ability to be the best DE or OLB he can be.

Raiders Outlook:

Okafor's likely draft position seems to be on the rise and could very well be a mid-first round selection following a great year and Bowl performance.  Much like the other DEs that have been profiled so far, Okafor seems like the type of pass rusher Raider DC Tarver would love to have in his arsenal of weapons to get after the QB with, as he can line up in different fronts and still make the QB uncomfortable.  With the Raiders lacking a 2nd round pick and the possible lack of a trade down far enough to select Okafor it seems unlikely that Reggie McKenzie will be in a good position to bring Okafor and his talents to Oakland.

Prospect Profile: OT/OG Dallas Thomas - Tennessee

Tennessee Profile

Name:  Dallas Treymell Thomas
Height:  6' - 5"
Weight:  310 lbs.
Class:  RSr.
Hometown:  Baton Rouge, LA
Date of Birth:  10/30/89 (23 years old)
High School:  Scotlandville



Rocky Top Career Notes:

2012 (RSr. Season):  Started all 12 games at Left Guard.  2nd Team All-SEC (Coaches and Media).  3rd Team All-American (CBSSports.com).  Earned Tennessee Volunteer Fourth Quarter Award during spring of 2012 for adding intangible values to team.  Helped block for an offense that was 20th in the country at 476 yards/gm.  Part of offensive line that was 4th in the country in sacks/gm at only 0.67 sacks/gm.  

2011 (RJr. Season):  Started all 12 games at Left Tackle.  Part of an offensive line that was 3rd in the SEC in sacks allowed at 1.5 sacks/gm.

2010 (RSo. Season):  Started all 13 games at Left Tackle.  Assisted Tennessee's Tauren Poole to a SEC best 6 games at 100+ rushing yards.  Earned Tennessee Volunteer Harvey Robinson Award as Tennessee's surprise player of the 2010 spring practice period.

2009 (RFr. Season):  Played 13 games on special teams primarily on the field goal and extra point units.

2012 Highlights (#71 Left Guard - RSr. Season):



2011 Highlights (#71 Left Tackle RJr. Season):



Strengths (+):
+ Technique and consistency, uses his hands and shifts his feet very well
+ Very sound pass blocker, doesn't chase stunts and keeps defenders' hands off of his pads
+ Strong puller, light on his feet and gets to the second level quickly, sticking to blocks
+ Versatility, has experience as a LG for one season and LT for 2 full seasons, all in the SEC
+ 3 years of starting experience, helped block for one of the top offenses in the country
+ Recovers quickly to maintain blocks he misses at first

Weaknesses (-):
- Can get bull rushed, needs to work on adding some weight and strength to maintain anchor
- Little to no experience blocking on the right side of the line
- Lunges on occasion and will get pushed aside by very aggressive defenders
- Will lose his leg drive in the run game after initial push, has to work on consistently finishing blocks

Analysis:
Dallas Thomas if one of the better overall offensive linemen in the 2013 NFL Draft.  He has 3 full seasons of starting experience in the SEC on the left side of the line.  His consistency, health, technique and ability to lead by example have helped him earn a 2nd Round grade as of right now.  His interviews will no doubt push him into the top 40 of the 2013 Draft class after Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews have announced they're returning to Michigan and Texas A&M, respectively.  Most likely a plug and play LG or perhaps RT in the NFL immediately.

Outlook as a Raider:
Raiders do not currently own a 2nd Round pick, so the trade down scenario is on of Oakland were to land Thomas.  He's projected any where from late-1st Round to mid-2nd Round.  While the Raiders will most likely be looking for defensive playmaker(s) early in the Draft, a selection of Thomas would be good to help solidify an offensive line that is still in rebuild mode.  Veterans Cooper Carlisle, Mike Brisiel, Willie Smith and Khalif Barnes are all on the 'phase out' list it seems.  Reggie McKenzie is also a graduate of the University of Tennessee...it is widely believed that he has a love for WR Justin Hunter, so if McKenzie were indeed looking for Vols to plug onto the O Line, provided there's a trade down, Thomas would make a lot of sense as they look of new starters at LG and RT.

Prospect Profile: OT Menelik Watson - Florida State

Florida State Profile:

Name:  Menelik Watson
Height:  6' - 6"
Weight:  320 lbs.
Class:  Junior
Hometown:  Manchester, Great Britain
Date of Birth:  12/22/88 (24 years old)
Junior College:  Saddleback JC (Mission Viejo, CA)
High School:  Burnage 


College Career Notes:

2012 (Jr. Season):  Started 12 of 12 games at Right Tackle for the Seminoles.  Named Honorable Mention All-ACC by the Media and Coaches.  

2011 (So. Season):  Started 8 of 11 games for SCC at Offensive Tackle and played 3 games at Defensive End.  Was considered 4 star recruit coming out of JC and No. 19 JUCO Prospect Overall before choosing FSU over Auburn, Oregon, Cal, Oklahoma and Rutgers.

2010 (Fr. and RFr. Seasons):  Moved to America after training at the CDA Basketball Academy in Spain most of his youth.  Signed with Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY and played there for two years.  Emerged as a team captain as a forward/center, averaging 4.7 pts/3.3 boards per game.

2012 Highlights (#71 Right Tackle - Junior Season):







2011 (So. Season Highlights - Saddleback JC):



Strengths (+):
+ Outstanding athleticism, comes from a heavy basketball background
+ Lean physique with good conditioning, plays fast in the 2nd half
+ Shadows pass rushers well, does not overextend, shifts well side to side and stays square consistently
+ Has solid drive in the run game, leg drive is pretty good
+ Big upside as he is still learning the game, outstanding promise
+ Second level blocking is above average, moves very well in space
+ Phenomenal workout numbers, expected to be clocked around 4.7 at the 2013 NFL Combine
+ Not penalty prone, coached well under Rick Trickett (Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran)

Weaknesses (-):
- Raw game at the college level, got away with a lot with his outstanding athleticism
- Can initiate contact a bit high in the run game
- Will occasionally lunge in pass pro, getting beat by swim moves
- Still has a lot to learn, will need some time to develop
- Probably limited to a ZBS at the NFL level immediately, possibly PBS at OG with his strength

Analysis:
It was a bit of a surprise seeing the high potential Menelik Watson declare early for the NFL draft...but given that Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews were returning to school, it probably felt like an opportune moment.  Watson is the epitome of athleticism in an offensive tackle.  Possessing rare movement skills, the "Dancing Bear" skills, as well as the strength and conditioning to possibly be a dominant run blocker in the NFL, Watson is going to be a hot commodity as a developmental offensive lineman at the next level.  Still learning the game, he projects at Right Tackle early in the NFL, most likely in a Zone Blocking Scheme, but with added bulk and work he could become a tackle or guard in a Power Blocking Scheme if he displays the toughness to do so.  What is evident are his pass pro skills which are above average, possibly good enough to man the blind side, but given his experience in Tallahassee at Right Tackle he'll have his work cut out for himself upgrading while in the NFL.  Projected a Day 2 pick, possibly an early Day 3 pick.  Look for a pickup somewhere in the No. 70-to No. 110 range. 

Outlook as a Raider:
While it's clear Oakland is looking for upgrades at Right Tackle, LG and RG...Watson still projects more as a project to develop.  When Watson runs the fastest time at the Combine for an offensive lineman the "He's going to Oakland in the First Round" jokes will start.  However, Al, rest his groundbreaking soul, is gone, and Reggie is the new sheriff in town.  Solid plug and play guys are really needed in Oakland right now with Cooper Carlisle likely set to retire or retreat to a backup role and Willie Smith and/or Khalif Barnes likely to be moving on next season.  2012 Rookies Tony Bergstrom and Lucas Nix should be in the mix, but a guy like Watson would certainly push the envelope at Camp.  It's unclear to call the need on the OL until Oakland chooses their next Offensive Coordinator.  The word "EXPLOSIVE" is continuing to be used by Dennis Allen which will mean a lot of pass pro, and some unique play designs.  Watson is a dynamite athlete and can block in space, in fact he might be one of the few, if not only, Offensive Lineman in this draft who can get out in front of a Darren McFadden or Mike Goodson screen pass and make an effective block out in front of the running path.  Plays in space and pass pro are Watson's big upside, so that should make him an attractive 3rd or 4th Round option for Oakland this April...two rounds that Oakland could be looking to trade down in and gain more picks so they can afford to take guys like Watson while still grabbing their much needed defensive playmakers as the Oakland Draft develops.

Prospect Profile: OG Alvin Bailey - Arkansas

ARKANSAS PROFILE:

Name:  Alvin Bailey
Height:  6' - 5"
Weight:  312 lbs.
Class:  RJr.
Hometown:  Broken Arrow, OK
Date of Birth:  8/26/91 (21 years old)
High School:  Broken Arrow




College Career Notes:

2012 RJr. Year:  Started all 12 games at OG.  Helped lead newcomer RB Dennis Johnson to over 750 rushing yards in only 137 rushing attempts.  Helped anchor an OL that ranked 3rd in SEC in sacks allowed (1.58/gm) behind Mississippi State and Tennessee.

2011 RSo. Year:  Started all 13 games at OG.  Named 2nd Team All-SEC (Associated Press and Coaches).  Helped block for an offense that broke 16 game/season offensive records.  Helped lead RB Knile Davis to over 1300 yards rushing in 204 attempts.

2010 RFr. Year:  Started all 13 games at OG.  Named to FWAA All-American Team and the SEC All-Freshman Team.  Helped block for QB Ryan Mallett and RB Knile Davis in a record season for Arkansas that broke 24 game/season offensive records.  Benched over 400 lbs. and squatted 590 lbs.

2012 (#67 OG - RJr. Film):

Pass Pro


Run Blocking


2011 (#67 OG - RSo. Film):

Pass Pro


Run Blocking



2010 (#67 OG - RFr. Film):

Pass Pro

Run Blocking


Strengths:
+ Overall, a strong upper body and good athlete who moves well in space and laterally
+ Isn't prone to holding or grabbing
+ Above average second level blocker, gets to the point of attack quickly
+ Good balance in pass pro, disciplined, doesn't chase away from the boomerang pocket
+ Raises game appropriately, strong competitor
+ Phenomenal punch from upper body, can move defenders laterally with raw upper body power
+ Tenacious with his blocks, seeks to finish, and hates getting beat

Weaknesses:
- Can get too high in pass protection
- Will over-rely on upper body strength
- Needs to improve leg drive and using his lower body effectively
- Can reduce his blocking technique to lunging late in the game
- Could stand to increase his stamina, needs to improve technique and consistency late in the game

Analysis:
Bailey is a seasoned starter and quality OG prospect who has only recently decided to enter the NFL draft, no doubt being influenced by Tyler Wilson's graduation.  Coming from the high octane offense that the Razorbacks have engineered over the past few years, Bailey has spearheaded a potent passing and rushing attack with his blocking skills up front.  He plays and has played LG and RG almost interchangeably due to the demand on the Offensive Line in Fayetteville.  Overall, Bailey's game is very strong.  While a natural for the zone blocking scheme, with some work on his base and his leg drive, Bailey possesses the strength and athleticism to be a quality LG or RG in a Power Blocking Scheme as well.  This makes him a very attractive mid-Round option at OG for any team looking to improve their depth along the offensive line.  Tyler Wilson, Ryan Mallett, Dennis Johnson and the oft-injured Knile Davis all owe a lot of success to Bailey and the work he has done up front.

Outlook as a Raider:
It is widely believed that if Oakland does not trade down they will almost certainly take a defensive playmaker at No. 3 Overall.  These players include Damontre Moore, Star Lotulelei and Bjoern Werner.  There is a "Chance" that the Raiders might go all out on the Lines and go after a kid like Warmack, but at No. 3 Overall, the value isn't quite there for an OG in the 1st Round.  Now, Bailey is a strong, versatile prospect with the ability to fit into most schemes.  Oakland is currently without an offensive coordinator and has just fired the ZBS crazy Greg Knapp.  Bailey fits most all schemes and shows good prowess in pass blocking.  He is an attractive option for the Raiders in the high 3rd Round, or perhaps in the high 4th Round.  A solid late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection of Bailey would help solidify the OG position which will likely involve veteran Mike Brisiel (RG), soon to be 2nd year player Tony Bergstrom (LG and RG) and the upcoming 2nd year player Lucas Nix.  Stefan Wisniewski is currently playing Center, and some believe he should be moved back to his natural position of LG should the Raiders go back to the PBS...while it's nice in theory, the current regime seems intent on seeing the wise and wily 2nd generation Wisniewski to continue making the calls up front.  We'll see where OL plays into the 2013 NFL Draft for Oakland.  Clearly, they need help at OG and they need to find someone to bookend the Right Side, but it is likely they'll focus on rebuilding a defense that is set to lose a number of free agents in the 2013 offseason.

Prospect Profile: DE Barkevious Mingo - LSU

LSU Profile:

Name:  Barkevious "KeKe" Mingo

Height:  6' - 5"

Weight:  240 lbs.

Class:  RS Junior

Hometown:  West Monroe, LA

Date of Birth:  October 4, 1990 (age 22)
High School:  West Monroe High School

College Statistics & Notes:

2012 RS Junior Year: 2012 All-SEC 2nd Team (Coaches and Media).....started 13 games, finishing the season with 38 tackles (21 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss (41 TFL yards), 4.5 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.

2011 RS Sophomore Year: AP 2011 All-SEC 2nd Team.....played in 14 games with 4 starts, finishing the season with 46 tackles (21 solo), 15 tackles for loss (93 TFL yards), 7 sacks, 11 QB hurries, 2 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.

2009 RS Freshman Year: All SEC Freshman Team....played in all 14 games with 1 start, finishing the season with 35 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss (41 TFL yards), 2.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 6 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles.

2012 (RS Junior Year Highlights):

2011 (RS Sophomore Year Highlights):

Strengths:

+ Possesses rare physical tools

+ Potential ceiling is very, very high

+ Freakish athleticism for his size

+ Elite quickness and acceleration

+ Explosive first step off the snap

+ Good body-bend and flexibility off the edge rushing the QB

+ Has a good spin move

+ Displays good pad level off his stance when russing the passer

+ Can drop back and play in space as a 3-4 OLB

+ Hard worker and is an emotional leader

Weaknesses:

- Very raw as a football player

- Needs to gain 10-15 lbs to his frame and increase upper body strength

- Gets caught out of position on misdirection plays

- Liability against the run; teams can run right at him and bigger OL engulf him

- Needs to learn how to disengage blockers more efficiently

- Needs improvement on technique and hand placement

- Doesn't have a variety of pass rush moves

Analysis:

Barkevious Mingo has very rare tools for a DL prospect but he's extremely raw.  At this point in his development, he's more of a naturally gifted athlete than he is a football player.  He solely relies on his athleticism and quickness to product on the football field.  2012 was a down year statistically for Mingo, but he also lacked the motor he displayed the year before.  Mingo's stock could skyrocket at the Combine, where he's expected to showcase his elite physical ability.  Mingo will probably start off as a situational pass rusher while he works to build his strength and mature physically.  With proper coaching to refine his technique, Mingo has the potential to become one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.

NFL Player Comparison: LB Bruce Irvin Seattle Seahawks

Raiders Outlook:

Even with a down year, Barkevious Mingo currently projects as a top 10 pick in the 2013 NFL draft.  The Raiders rank second to last in sacks in 2012 and pass rush help is clearly a huge area of need.  Mingo's talent could go a far way improving those numbers in 2013.  Though he wasn't as productive as current Seahawks DE/LB Bruce Irvin in college, Mingo presents a much higher upside.  His first step is elite and not too many players his size and length display his quickness and acceleration.  The big question that he'll have to answer with his pre-draft workouts is his upper body strength.  His immense potential will only be limited by his lack of strength at the next level.  Mingo has the versatility to play some OLB in the 3-4 defense if the Raiders make the transition, but in order for him to be productive as a 4-3 end, he needs to add 20 lbs to his frame.  Mingo is the type of prospect Al Davis coveted in the draft.  Ultimately it will be Mingo's enormous upside the Raiders would be drafting, hoping the coaching staff can mold him into a consistent force.