Congratulations fo the Baltimore Ravens

Super Bowl XLVII Champions

Quick Notes, Combine, Super Bowl

All Prospect Profiles are updated daily as new information becomes available.

A full list of likely Raider targets (including Rd. Value Grades) will be assessed when the Official 2013 NFL Combine Invitee List is made available.  Subsequently, those Rd. Value Grades will be updated as the Combine Numbers reveal themselves.

Congratulations to two of the strongest organizations in the NFL right now: the Baltimore Ravens, and the San Francisco 49ers.  They have built their respective teams from the ground up and have thrived in recent years.  This should be a very, very good Super Bowl, and the Editors here at ORDW pray for a competitive, injury-free game today in New Orleans.

Behind the Shield: 2/2/13

Prospect Profile: CB Tyrann Mathieu - LSU

LSU Tigers Profile

Name:  Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu

Height:  5' - 9"

Weight:  180 lbs.

Class:  Junior (DNP in 2012)

Hometown:  New Orleans, LA

Date of Birth:  May 12, 1992 (20 years old)

High School:  St. Augustine High School

Tigers Career:

2012 Junior Year: Dismissed from the team August 10, 1992 for violating team rules.....vowed to come back the following year but later withdrew from the university a week later and entered a drug rehab program in Houston.....in October was arrested with former LSU teammates for possession of marijuana.

2011 Sophomore Year: MVP of SEC Championship game.... recipient of the Chuck Benarik Award....Heisman Trophy Finalist.....suspended for one game in October for violation of LSU's drug policy.....finished the season with 76 total tackles (59 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 2 interceptions, 9 passes broken up, 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries with 2 touchdowns.....27 punt returns for 421 yards (15.6 average) and 2 touchdowns.

2010 Freshman Year: Defensive MVP of Cotton Bowl as a true freshman.....played in all 13 games with one start, finishing the year with 57 total tackles (34 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 2 interceptions, 7 passes broken up, 5 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.

2011 Sophomore Highlights:

2010 Freshman Highlights:

Strengths:

+ Instincts and football awareness are his top traits

+ Playmaker, from punt returns to returning fumbles for TDs, has a knack for big plays

+ Adept at jumping routes and breaks to the ball effectively; tracks the ball well in the air

+ Ballhawk who always tries to create turnovers 

+ Very competitive and plays with a chip on his shoulder; plays bigger than his size

+ Willing tackler in run support

+ Good blitzer off the edge 

+ Plays well in the spotlight

Weaknesses (-):

- Big red flags after multiple suspensions for drugs and getting kicked off the team

- Lacks ideal measurables at the position

- More quick than fast, displays average straight line speed

- Puts himself in bad tackling positions in run support trying to go for the strip

- Inconsistent technique of squaring up and breaking down in space

- Aggressiveness on the field sometimes leaves him susceptible to double moves and pump fakes

Player Comparison: CB Brandon Carr - Kansas City

NFL Draft Outlook: 

Tyrann Mathieu's stock is a wildcard in the 2013 NFL Draft.  Prior to his ultimate dismissal from LSU and his subsequent drug arrest and rehab, Mathieu was seen by many as one of the top defensive players going into the 2012 college football season.  His play was befitting of his Honey Badger moniker.  NFL scouts and front offices will have to do a lot of homework and interviews to see if Mathieu is a player worth taking the risk on draft day.  Outside of his off-field issues, if Mathieu were 3 inches taller, he would probably been seen as a sure-fire top 15 pick.  Now working with former teammate Patrick Peterson in preparation of the upcoming Combine, Mathieu looks like he's heading in the right direction to repair his image.  In terms of sheer talent, Mathieu is the ultimate competitor who's play can set the tempo for the entire defense.  If he doesn't show that he has the speed to play outside, his future may be playing the slot corner position, which in today's NFL, is on the field the majority of the time.  His penchant for creating turnovers and his football instincts will get him drafted, but where and when he goes will be largely dictated by team interviews.

Raiders Outlook:

Reggie McKenzie has shown in his short time in Oakland, that character plays a big part in the types of prospects he targets.  Having said that, it remains unseen if Tyrann Mathieu's rehabilitation of his image is enough for McKenzie to consider him, even if he is available after the 3rd round.  On the football field, Mathieu has a lot to offer, and if his off-field issues are behind him, he would be a great value pick in terms of talent in the 4th round or later.  His strength as a playmaker is something that would be a welcomed addition to the Raiders defense that was sorely lacking in that department last season.  He is also versatile enough to play multiple positions in the secondary and provide a spark in the punt return game.  The Honey Badger has the potential to easily become a fan favorite in Oakland if everything falls into place. 

Prospect Profile: OG Jonathan Cooper - North Carolina

North Carolina Profile:

Name:  Jonathan Cooper
Height:  6' - 3"
Weight:  295 lbs.
Class:  Redshirt Senior
Hometown:  Wilmington, NC
Date of Birth:  1/19/90 (23 Years Old)
High School:  Hoggard HS





Tar Heel Career:

2012 RSr. Year:  Consensus 1st Team All-American at OG, Outland Trophy Finalist, Consensus 1st Team All-ACC and named ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner, 2012 Lombardi Award Candidate.  Started all 12 games at Left Guard.  Consistently graded out about 85% for every start in 2012, including 10+ knockdown blocks in each effort.  Helped lead RB Giovanni Bernard to over 1200 yards rushing in 2012.  Helped form a pocket for the Tar Heels with a FBS 9th Best Sack Allowance of 0.92 Sacks/Game.

2011 RJr. Year:  Consensus 2nd Team All-ACC at Left Guard, started all 13 games with action in 864 plays from the line of scrimmage.  Graded out at 86% average for the season.  Helped pave the way for RB Giovanni Bernard to a 1000+ yard season, North Carolina's first since 1997.

2010 RSo. Year:  Consensus 2nd Team All-ACC at OG, started all 13 games in the regular season and showed remarkable durability playing a team high 875 snaps.  Led Tar Heels with 55 knockdown blocks, his second straight season of leading UNC in that category.  Showed great progress and consistency as he graded at 80% or higher for the majority of the season.

2009 RFr. Year:  Named to the All-ACC Freshman Team by The Sporting News.  Started 10 games at Left Guard, missing 3 games due to injury, played 579 snaps.  Recorded a 73% Grading throughout the season compiling 40 total knockdown blocks as RFr.

2012 RSr, Year Highlights (#64 playing Left Guard):



2011 RJr. Highlights (#64 playing Left Guard):




2012 Independence Bowl (UNC vs. Missouri): Link

2010 RSo. Year Highlights (#64 playing Left Guard):




Positives (+):
+ Prototypical skill set in a heavy Zone Blocking Scheme
+ Very active feet in pass pro and in space, engages well, uses his hands effectively and works hard to establish and maintain his center on defenders
+ Fundamentally very sound, shifts well laterally and rarely gets beat due to poor positioning, seals open running lanes consistently
+ Excellent on pulls, gets out quickly and into the hole very well, was almost exclusively asked to be QB's personal protector in moving pocket scenarios
+ Demonstrates good communication with center and left tackle on switches, combos and scoops blocks, rarely see Cooper out of place in a pass pro set
+ Does well at the second level, established engagement and centers up quickly quickly, doesn't overpursue and typically blocks the biggest defensive threat
+ Essentially a 4 years starter at LG, very experienced
+ Shows an affinity for getting at defenders' lower half in space and on the backside, eliminating them from plays

Negatives (-):
- Has a couple of injuries in his college career, ankle (2009) and a shoulder surgery that forced him to miss spring ball (2011)
- Will likely be limited to a Zone Blocking Scheme in the NFL, has the frame to add mass and strength to convert to the PBS in the NFL but it will take a little bit of time
- While the 4 years of college experience are a testament to his ability, it is a lot of wear and tear on an interior offensive lineman prior to entering the NFL
- Susceptible to the bull rush if he gets a little lax on his pad level
- Can be pushed and pulled by quicker more explosive defenders

NFL Analysis:
Jon Cooper is clearly one of the best Offensive Line prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft.  He has started for 4 years at Chapel Hill, paving the way for numerous Tar Hell backs to be drafted in recent years.  Cooper had one of the most prolific senior seasons in the ACC as an offensive lineman, and is peaking at the right time.  His athleticism and technique will likely make him a plug and play starter for teams in a Zone heavy scheme early in his career, and depending on his health and willingness to conform, he could add the mass and strength necessary to get into some more Power blocking in the NFL.  A likely mid 1st to early 2nd Round selection, teams like Washington, Cleveland, Green Bay, Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Miami, Seattle, Tennessee and Cooper's hometown favorite, the Carolina Panthers, could all use his services to boost their rushing attacks, and maintain an in-tact passing pocket.

Outlook as a Raider:
If Greg Knapp had demonstrated any competency as an Offensive Coordinator, there would probably be a high chance that Cooper could become a Raider in 2013.  A trade down into the mid/late 1st would definitely add "Coop" to the conversation, with Cooper Carlisle and Mike Brisiel under-performing.  However, with the inclusion of Greg Olson and with Darren McFadden's lack of success in the Zone, it looks more and more like it's full speed ahead in Oakland with the Power Scheme.  Now. while Cooper isn't the most adept in the PBS based on his experiences at UNC, he is still a high quality lineman who demonstrates flash in the Power game and could become one of the better Offensive Guards in the AFC for Oakland should the Raiders not fully convert to a PBS, rather, running a mixed set of looks in Power and Zone.  As a pocket protector, Cooper is a solid player and would definitely help Oakland maintain the pocket for whoever is taking the snaps.

Prospect Profile: C Travis Frederick - Wisconsin

Wisconsin Profile:

Name:  Travis Frederick
Height:  6' - 4"
Weight:  338 lbs.
Class:  Redshirt Junior
Hometown:  Sharon, WI
Date of Birth:  1/1/1991 (22 years old)
High School:  Big Foot HS






Season Summaries:

2012 RJr. Year:  First Team All-Big Ten (Media), Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (Coaches), Academic All-Big Ten.  Started all 14 games at Center for the Badgers, including his second Rose Bowl appearance, this time vs. Stanford.  Made the switch over from playing Left Guard in 2011.  Helped continue to pave the way for RB Montee Ball who is the all time FBS leader in Touchdowns.  The Badgers finished with over 3300 yards rushing on the year, with over 1900 going to Ball.

2011 RSo. Year:  Consensus Second Team All-Big Ten at Left Guard for Wisconsin.  Started all 13 games at Left Guard including the Rose Bowl vs. Oregon.  Wisconsin gained near 3300 yards rushing on the season, and Frederick helped protect Russell Wilson, and helped an OL that only allowed 1.79 sacks/gm.

2010 RS Season:  N/A

2009 Fr. Year:  Played in 5 games and had 4 starts (2 at Center & 2 at Left Guard).  Became the first true freshman in school history to start a season opener on the offensive line for Wisconsin when they played Northern Illinois on 9/5/09.

2012 RJr. Year Highlights (#72 playing Center):




2011 RSo. Year Highlights (#72 playing Left Guard):



Strengths (+):
+ Stout at the point of attack with a tremendous anchoring ability, carries weight well and loves to use it
+ Old school player, will man you up and look to dominate you one on one
+ Outstanding punch and upper body leverage
+ Clearly understands power blocking schemes from Guard to Guard
+ Consistently shows knack for walling off defenders to form running lanes
+ Showed versatility as a LG and C his final two years in Madison
+ Smart kid who transitioned to Center his RJr. year (computer engineering major)
+ Does well in pass pro, rarely overextends or chases
+ Extremely well coached at Wisconsin, the Badger OL pride themselves on running the ball and being dominant, they also sport one of the most extensive alumni fraternities in the NFL 
+ Shows natural teamwork skills on combo and scoop blocks, good off the transfer to 2nd level

Negatives (-):
- Not exceptionally fleet of foot, better in a phone booth
- Pulls are average, struggles getting out in front and delivering a lead block ahead of the ball carrier
- Likely limited to C or possibly RG in the NFL, not overly athletic at all
- Shows decent 2nd level ability, but will likely struggle early if asked to block NFL Linebackers and Strong Safeties who are much faster and explosive than the Big 10

NFL Analysis:
It was a relatively weak Center class in 2013 until Frederick decided to enter early.  Following a long line of Wisconsin linemen (yes, it's cliche but it's true) such as G/C Peter Konz (2012, 2nd Rd. - Falcons), G Kevin Zeitler (2012, 1st Rd. - Bengals), T Gabe Carimi (2011, 1st Rd. - Bears), G John Moffitt (2011, 3rd Rd. - Seahawks), C Bill Nagy (2011, 7th Rd. - Cowboys, now Lions), T Joe Thomas (2007, 1st Rd. - Browns) and G Craig Urbik (2009, 3rd Rd. - Steelers, now Bills) Frederick is continuing the chain as Wisconsin "churns" out another solid mauler.  Frederick, with his smarts, and straight ahead physical nature, will no doubt be a plug and play center for a team in the Power Blocking Scheme.  He also has a full Big 10 season as a LG, but his athletic ability is somewhat limited, so it seems likely he'll fill time immediately at Center and possibly backup at Guard in the NFL.  

Outlook as a Raider:
Oakland and Reggie McKenzie seem very set with Stefan Wisniewski at Center.  However, with the addition of Greg Olson and the re-introduction of the Power Blocking Scheme, an argument can be made that Wisniewski could be moved back to Left Guard, where he thrived in his rookie season (2011).  The Raiders will most likely not get a look at drafting Guard until the high 4th Round where prospects such as Brian Winters and Alvin Bailey could still be available.  2nd Year players Tony Bergstrom and Lucas Nix are still there to plug in, but you wonder if they were brought in for the Knapp scheme only...can they transition to the PBS seamlessly?  Frederick would definitely be an interesting pick for Oakland...who currently sit without a 2nd Round pick (where Frederick is projected)...a trade down and a gained 2nd Round pick will likely be necessary, but perhaps the Raiders might take a shot at him, if available, in the high 3rd.  Regardless, he's a smart, physical inside player that should do nothing but improve the Raiders' run game in 2013 if drafted.

Yes folks, born and raised Wisconsin

Prospect Profile: DT Johnathan Hankins - Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes Profile:

Name:  Johnathan Hankins

Height:  6' - 3"

Weight:  320 lbs.

Class:  Junior

Hometown:  Dearborn Heights, MI

Date of Birth:  January 1, 1992 (21 years old)

High School:  Southeastern High School

Ohio State Career:

2012 Junior Year:  Associated Press 2nd Team All-American.....2nd Team All-Big 10.....finished the season with 55 tackles (22 solo), 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

2011 Sophomore Year: Honorable Mention All-Big 10.....started all 13 games, finishing the season with 67 total tackles (32 solo), 14 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.

2010 Freshman Year: Voted by coaches as outstanding first year player after his freshman season, earning a spot on the defensive line rotation.

2012 Junior Highlights:

2011 Sophomore Highlights:

Strengths:

+ Massive with powerful lower body

+ Disruptive with the ability to collapse the pocket

+ Strong at the point of attack

+ Short area quickness gives him positional advantage

+ Good balance, doesn't get knocked off his feet very much

+ Versatility is a plus....lined up at multiple positions on the DL

+ Seals the hole very well against the run

+ Laterally moves well when engaged against OL in run defense

Weaknesses:

- Conditioning needs improvement; has a sloppy body

- Inconsistent motor

- Lacks pass rush moves

- Needs to improve on tracking the ball when engaged by OL

- Doesn't always use size to his advantage

- Tends to overpursue and is susceptible to cutbacks in run defense

NFL Player Comparison: Ahtyba Rubin Cleveland Browns

NFL Analysis:

Johnathan Hankins is one of the top defensive tackles in the 2013 NFL Draft.  A stout run defender, Hankins is blessed with quick feet for a man his size.  He has shown the versatility to line up as nose tackle, under tackle, and 5 technique defensive end over his career as a Buckeye.  Hankins can be equally effective playing NT in a 3-4 or as a DT in the 4-3.  When double teamed he possesses the ability to tie up multiple OL but when he's on his game he can be a disruptive force.  He has the size and strength to effectively fill the gap and shut down the running lane.  In a deep DT class, Hankins is currently projected to go somewhere between the middle and later part of the 1st round.

Raiders Outlook:

Johnathan Hankins would be considered a reach at the Raiders' current slot with the 3rd pick overall.  Currently Star Lotulelei is the top DT prospect in this draft and is the only one worthy of a top 5 selection.  If the Raiders were to organize a trade down between 15-25, Hankins could be an option based on need and his ability to play in different defensive fronts.  A wide body like Hankins who possesses quickness would add a interior presence that has been sorely lacking in recent years. The biggest knock on Hankins is that he doesn't always play to his ability.  His junior numbers declined after a breakout sophomore campaign and it was surprising that the junior decided to declare early.  If he can play up to his talent level, he could become a premier interior defender in the league, but with that comes a level of bustability.  Adding to that a deep group at the position, with prospects like Sheldon Richardson, Shariff Floyd, Sylvester Williams and Jesse Williams, Hankins' private workouts and combine performance will be vital to where he ultimately lands.

Prospect Profile: DT/NT John Jenkins - Georgia

Georgia Profile:

Name:  John Jenkins
Height:  359 lbs.
Weight:  6' - 4"
Class:  Senior
Hometown:  Meriden, CT
Date of Birth:  7/11/89 (23 years old)
Junior College:  Gulf Coast CC (Mississippi)
High School:  Francis T. Maloney HS


Season Summaries:

2012 Sr. Year:  Started all 13 games (including SEC Championship game vs. Alabama) at Nose Tackle.  2nd Team All-SEC (Coaches).  Had 50 total tackles including 1.0 sacks and 2.0 TFLs.  Consistently double teamed, mammoth Jenkins help Ogletree, Jarvis Jones, Shawn Williams and Cornelius Washington to extremely strong seasons.

2011 Jr. Year:  Played in 14 games coming in as a transfer from Gulf Coast CC in Mississippi.  Logged 28 total tackles with 6.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, 10.0 QB Pressures and an INT in Georgia's Bowl game vs. Michigan State.  Recipient of the Jeff & Stacey Rothenberger Family Football Scholarship.

2009 & 2010 Fr./So. Years (Gulf Coast CC):  Four-star recruit coming out of GCCC, #11 Overall JC player, and #7 DT in the country.  Recorded 41 total tackles and two sacks as a sophomore.

2012 Senior Year Highlights (#6 playing Nose, typically):



Positives (+):
+ Huge body, has the appropriate size for a Nose Tackle in the NFL
+ Good pocket pusher, very active and disruptive inside, especially early in a game
+ Shows good motor and effort in pursuit for a big man
+ Quick in short spaces, can get violent with the ball carrier in sight
+ Has a decent swim move that he needs to use more often
+ Does a good job in screen recognition
+ Consistently demands double teams
+ Does not quit, will fight through any block, even double teams, keeps working to the ball carrier

Negatives (-):
- Not an every down DT in the NFL
- Like all big men, the stamina wanes in the 2nd half, needs to be platooned
- Needs to be more active in using his hands to disengage blocks, he'll lean on a blocker with his massive frame, but when he gets anchored the blockers he faces typically can get their hands inside to hold him in place
- Susceptible to chop blocks
- Questions about his study habits, missed his last Bowl game vs. Nebraska due to academic ineligibility, spent two years in Junior College before qualifying for BCS ball at UGA

NFL Outlook:
Any team looking for a strong Nose Tackle, a true Nose Tackle, this is the guy.  He's not as versatile or explosive as Star Lotulelei or Sheldon Richardson, but he is essentially a different player.  His ability to absorb extra blockers will make him a highly sought after prospect to teams in a 3-4.  With the proper LB corps behind him, and the motor he possesses, he can become a strong cog for defenses looking to shore up their inside defensive presence.

Outlook as a Raider:
An interesting option for Oakland.  While Jenkins' value is not worthy of a No. 3 Overall pick, he is certainly an option if the Raiders engineer a tradedown into the mid to late 1st Round.  Oakland recently acquired former Marshall Nose Tackle Johnny Jones to a Futures Reserve this off-season, so it's possible they're holding on to the notion of having the 3-4 in the playbook.  They clearly are lacking the depth at LB, specifically Inside Linebacker, to fully convert to a 3-4 look as their primary defense, but with Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour and possibly Desmond Bryant all moving on (though it is likely Bryant will get paid and remain a Raider)...the 3-4 would lend itself well to Oakland who only need some help at Nose and LB to make it work.  DT's like Bryant, Bilukidi and Lamarr Houston are prototypical 3-4 DEs...Shaughnessy, Andre Carter and Jack Crawford are more in the 4-3 DE range...though Crawford could convert to 3-4 OLB with his ability in space.  While this option isn't likely for the Raiders, it certainly remains a possibility...and the Raider coaching staff got a very good look at Jenkins at the Senior Bowl.

2013 Senior Bowl: North O vs. South D