By: Carrington Caul
Atlanta Falcons (Record: 13-3) (Playoff Appearance: 2nd rd L vs. Green Bay (48-21)
The Falcons didn’t really come into this draft with a lot of needs and that’s a great thing for an organization that just means that either you had a good season or nothing was too bad and certain position needs depth. That can basically sum up the Falcons season, when you’re 13-3 and you win your conference championship, get a first week bye in the playoffs, and have the 2nd best record out of the whole league. The only thing the Falcons really needed improvement on; was Defense but it wasn’t a glaring need mostly just needing depth.
1)Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
When your 13-3 you can afford to make the moves that the Falcons made to get Jones, giving up your 1st, 2nd, 4th round picks of this year draft and your 1st and 4th in next year draft to get your #2 receiver. Julio Jones to me was the best WR in this year draft even though most scouts had him behind A.J. Green. I think this is the 2nd best move of the 1st round behind Nick Fairley in Detroit. When it comes to this position there is more to it than running up the field and catching a ball, you have to be good at run blocking I mean let’s be honest you not going to touch the ball every play. Julio is the best receiver when it comes to blocking the only thing you can ask from his to work on running cleaner routes and catching the ball with his hands. He has the tendency to let the ball hit him in the chest before he grabs it with his hands. Coming to the Falcons with Roddy White and Matt Ryan is only going to prove to others that he is the best receiver in this year class. (Personal Grade: A+)
2)Akeem Dent (LB, Georgia)
Dent is an athletic player but he doesn’t match up well in man-to-man coverage but he is a monster in the run defense. Dent won’t let a ball runner get past him, he knows how to wrap up players and bring them down. Gives 110% every time he touches the field; can be a solid back up behind the starter and will eventually move him into a starting role. (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State)
Rodgers is an excellent complimentary to Michael Turner almost like Peanut Butter & Jelly. Rodgers is an explosive quick short guy that can hit the holes or hit the outside, once he gets through it’s hard to catch him and bring him down. You have to love his work ethic, even though he’s 5’5 he plays with the heart of a 6’5 player. Expect him to be used in special teams, trick plays and game changing plays. (Personal Grade: B+)
4)Matt Boshel (P, Miami)
Bosher has the skill sets and versatility to contribute as a punter but he can also be used a place kicker or kickoff specialist. (Personal Grade: B-)
5)Andrew Jackson (OG, Fresno State)
Jackson durability is a question coming into the league, he will probably either become a practice squad player or a reserved played who can come off the bench and add depth to the offensive line that protects one of the best QB in the league. (Personal Grade: B-)
6)Cliff Matthews (DE, South Carolina)
Matthews was projected to be a 4th or 5th rd pick and to slip to the Falcons in the 7th round is an excellent steal and value pick. Matthews is a player who has tremendous upper body strength and active and quick hands that can see him in the backfield a lot. He also adds depths to a position that is important in this league. Expect him to grow into a solid starting DE. (Personal Grade: B+)
Atlanta did a great job in this draft picking up starters, key contributors, and depth players. This draft can only help a team that only lost 3 games last season, expect the Falcons to contend for a Super Bowl run this season. This is a deadly team that just got better.
OVERALL GRADE: A-
By: Carrington Caul
New Orleans Saints (Record: 11-5) (Playoff Appearance: 1st Rd L vs. Seattle (36-41)
New Orleans didn’t have too many needs coming into the draft except for help on D-Line and adding depth at a few other positions. This is basically the same team that won the Super Bowl in the 09 season and was trying to make a run for it this past season.
1)Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
This could possibly be the 2nd biggest steal of the first round behind Prince Amukamara. Nobody expected Jordan to last past the top 15 picks of the draft but to fall the New Orleans at 24 was perfect for the Saints. Their biggest need was possible DE and they found a solid pro-bowl caliber with Jordan. He will work in their scheme and can be explosive off the line with his active hands and below pad level style of play. (Personal Grade: A-)
2)Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)
The Saints made some trades and jumped back into the 1st round 4 picks after their first pick and grabbed Mark Ingram this was an excellent pick for the Saints and Ingram. The question with Ingram would be where he was going to go to, no team really had a priority RB need except for maybe Miami but they still have Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Even though the Saints are a balanced team they ranked 28th last season in rushing mostly because they never had a healthy back the whole season. Ingram is a powerful between the tackles type runner and pairing him with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can be deadly, compare them to the 2008 Giants. (Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw) (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Martez Wilson (LB, Illinois)
Wilson has tremendous talent and was once considered a last 1st to early 2nd round pick but dropped off into the 3rd round because he didn’t have a strong pro day, he has some medical concerns, and sometimes seems undisciplined. Giving the proper coaching and maturity he can become a solid starter on this defense, probably will contribute immediately. (Personal Grade: B)
4)Johnny Patrick (CB, Louisville)
The pick of Patrick was kind of a shock because this is a defense with enough depth at CB but you can never have too many WR’s and CB’s in this league. Patrick is a ball hawk and is very good at jumping routes; he needs work though on his consistency and aggression in the run defense. Expect to see him on special teams and maybe a little corner with the deep packages and if somebody goes down. (Personal Grade: B-)
5)Greg Romeus (DE, Pittsburg)
This is a pick that you love in the 7th round; Romeus was considered a late 1st early 2nd round pick before tearing his ACL. If he gets healthy and can play at his full potential he is a steal in the late rounds, if he doesn’t its ok because there wasn’t a big investment placed on him. He probably won’t play this season but he adds depths to a position they felt they needed to address. (Personal Grade: C)
6)Nate Bussey (LB, Illinois)
Bussey is a depth player who probably will be on practice squad this season unless he can work his way to special teams play. You can probably expect to see him on special teams for his whole career unless somebody gets injured. (Personal Grade: C-)
The Saints traded away a lot of their picks so thank god they had a great first four picks. That basically made their draft one if the best without a lot of picks, but then remember they had 11 wins and will be back into Super Bowl contention.
OVERALL GRADE: A-
By: Carrington Caul
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Record: 10-6) Playoff Appearance (No Playoff Appearance)
The Buccaneers goals going into the Draft was to bolster the defense and get a few weapons on offense and overall have a solid draft that can help contribute some way in the organization, and looking at the way the draft we down you can only say: Mission Complete.
1)Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa)
Clayborn is a powerful, fast DE that has fast and active hands that help him get into the backfield, he has a strong work ethic and never quits on a play. He can get below the pad level and make it hard for any offensive lineman to keep him at bay. And when you’re playing in the NFC South this is every defensive coach dream player. (Personal Grade: B+)
2)Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson)
Right before the combine Bowers was considered the #1 overall draft pick, that was before he didn’t work out and people were kind of skeptic about his knee. Even after his pro day workout he was still considered a top 10-15 pick, so to grab him in the 2nd round after picking Clayborn in the first is a steal. Bowers is a 1st round caliber player and we KNOW that he will produce in the NFL we just don’t know how long he will last. Bower lead the country in solo sacks last season(16) he’s fast and strong and know how to uses his hands. With Clayborn on the opposite side of the line this can be a dangerous combo. (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Mason Foster (LB, Washington)
Foster will probably contribute on special teams and maybe rotate with the LB’s in certain situations. He isn’t fundamentally sound enough yet to be a starter but he will add depth for the weak side. (Personal Grade: B-)
4)Luke Stocker (TE, Tennessee)
The Buccaneers really wanted a tight end because they have nothing behind the fragile Kellen Winslow Jr. Luke Stocker could have been a second-round pick, so this is a value selection. However, I don't like the fact that Tampa surrendered a fourth in 2012 to jump up 12 spots. (Personal Grade: C)
5)Ahmad Black (SS, Florida)
Black is a nice acquisition to a kind of weak secondary but he will add depth and over time probably work himself into a starting position. He can cover the field, has great instincts off of the ball and can make solid and hard hits but he won’t be a Sean Taylor type of Safety. (Personal Grade: B-)
6)Allen Bradford (RB, USC)
Honestly this is a bit of a reach; Bradford probably would have been there in the 7th round and maybe even as an undrafted free agent. But the Buccaneers wanted to bring in a complimentary back that can be a change-of-pace type back but he still was a reach. (Personal Grade: C-)
7)Anthony Gaitor (CB, Florida International University)
Gaitor will compete for the 2nd CB position, he is a solid starter but he won’t be a Revis or Cromartie but he will be solid to a defense that is going through a youth movement and trying to rebuild. (Personal Grade: B)
8)Daniel Hardy (TE, Idaho)
Hardy is coming off of a season ending injury and he isn’t one of the fastest players, but he will contribute on special teams and he will be a good 2 & medium or 3 & long where he can use his hands. (Personal Grade: B-)
Overall the Buccaneers are like the Carolina Panthers, they’re rebuilding and bringing in a youth movement 09 they only won a handful of games and last season jumped to a 10-6 record. Expect them to continue to build and get better and this could possibly be a dangerous conference this season and many more.
OVERALL GRADE: B
By Carrington Caul
Carolina Panthers (Record:2-14) (Playoff Appearance: No Playoff Appearance)
As I write this article I try not to be biased to the fact that this is a team that I heavily support. With that being said except for a few questionable moves I feel like the Panthers had a solid draft, they picked players in their area of need that they think that can come in and contribute and be key players to what they want to do in the future, and that’s all that you can ask for.
1)Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)
I think we all knew coming down to the last few days and even weeks of the draft that the Panthers were settling in on picking Newton with the overall pick of the draft. The pick is understandable I can see that, Newton will be the face of the franchise, a large face on a new youth movement, the money he can bring besides ticket sales, all that is understandable and at the end of the day you have to realize that this is a business and it goes beyond what happens on the field week in and out. But when it comes to Newton on the field you have to ask is this the best pick and obviously they think so because they selected him. We all know that Newton is athletic, fast, strong armed and an offensive monster when he has the ball in his hands. What we don’t know is can he learn how to read the defenses and make the reads like Brady & Manning, can he improve his footwork so that when he throws he’s using the right mechanics. This is what we are all waiting for, and honestly if Cam WILL work as hard as he’s be known to I have NO doubt that he will be good in this league (Personal Grade: B+)
2)Terrell McClain (DT, University of South Florida)
This is a pick that will go under the radar with most people but he will be an impact with the Panthers immediately, he takes up a lot of space which will allow a lot of one on one’s for the LB’s that Coach Rivera said he wanted. He will plug the whole and give a lot of help to a run defense that was ranked 23rd last season. This pick will also help the D-line rotation they will use to help keep some of the bodies fresh and effective especially against a conference that can pass and run. (Personal Grade: B-)
3)Sione Fua (DT, Stanford)
Fua will be one of the rotational players for that defensive line that needed a boost, he can be a solid player and has great talent but he lacks that burst to really be effective against the upper echelon offensive lineman. But everything that’s wrong with him is correctable, first he needs to condition and get into better shape. He takes plays off when he should be on the field, also a good coach that can help him with his bust off the line and the usage of hands. He has the potential to be a solid starter on this team with a little work (Personal Grade: C)
4)Brandon Hogan (CB, WVU)
This could possibly be the biggest sleeper of the draft, yes Hogan has some off the field issues, yes he has ACL damage to his knee but when this kid plays seriously he is the type of player that can change the game. He will be a factor in the passing game, running game, and return game. Hogan is a natural athlete, don’t believe me? Look at the positions he played since high school. He was recruited in high school as a QB and his numbers weren’t bad at all once he came to WVU he made the switch to receiver and played that for his freshman year and spring of his sophomore year. Fall of his sophomore year he made the transition to CB and started, once he realizes that he has to mature and to honor and respect his craft this kid will be a heck of a ball player. (Personal Grade: B+)
5)Kealoha Pilares (WR, Hawaii)
I can understand this pick but I don’t agree with it, Pilares was ranked as the 206th player on the board; he was a bit of a reach. If you wanted to find some weapons for Cam, Jimmy, or whoever was going to be throwing the ball, you could have done better. A 5th round pick that you could have gotten in the 6th or probably the 7th but this is some depth to the position and he will probably help contribute on ST (Personal Grade: C-)
6)Lawrence Wilson (LB, Connecticut)
You have to love this pick and to get him in the 6th is great value for a player who was projected 4-5th round player. He brings depth to the LB corps, also speed and a wide range on the field he will probably see the majority of his playing time on special teams before he actually gets a role on the defensive side. With the proper coaching he can also be a solid rotational player and perhaps starter but expect him to put on 10-15lbs (Personal Grade: B-)
7)Zachary Williams (OL, Washington State)
Nothing special about this pick really except the fact that he adds depth to a thin offensive line, with coaching and improving of technique he has the ability to be a solid back up center/guard if any starter goes down (Personal Grade: C-)
8)Lee Ziemba (OL, Auburn)
Ziemba is a tough, strong, and fast enough lineman that he can actually compete for the starting spot on right tackle, an excellent pick for the panthers who not only found a solid value pick in the last round but he brings fresh legs on the o-line that we seen plagued with injuries last season. If he plays to his potential and the rest of the line stays healthy we can see the panthers back to the running game they had in 08-09 (Personal Grade: B)
OVERALL GRADE (B)
I think the Panthers have put themselves in the position where they can start contending for an NFC South conference championship and playoffs contention. They still remain a draft or two from competing for a Super Bowl
By: Carrington Caul
#1 Seed (Chicago Bulls) vs #8 Seed Indiana Pacers
The Overview: Indiana fired head coach Jim O’Brien at the end on January and placed assistant coach Frank Vogel as the Interim head coach. Vogel stepped in and lead them to 20-18 record as the head coach and a 37-44 overall record which allowed them to clinching their first playoff berth since the 2006 season.
Meanwhile the Chicago Bulls have the chance to finish the season with the best record currently at 61-20 and the more than likely MVP PG Derrick Rose who is averaging 25.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 7.8 APG who have also completed their first 60 win season since the 97-98 season and also clinched the #1 in the Eastern Conference for the first time since Michael Jordon retired.
The Series: The Bulls finished the season with a 3-1 advantage against the Pacers only losing the last game of the series against the Pacers 115-108 in which MVP leading candidate Derrick Rose scored 42 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Meanwhile 2nd year player Tyler Hansborough finally stepped into his mold and scored 29 points, 12 rebounds and 2 steals.
The Prediction: This isn’t a easy sweep for Chicago but they should finish the series in 5-6 games. the Pacers have a very solid team that is missing one or two pieces but can play very hard every night and never give up. If they get the Hansborough that can have double-doubles every night they will challenge the Bulls which means like 95% of the time Derrick Rose will have to carry this team through the series.
ESPN's very own Andy Katz released the early rankings for next college basketball season, if you want to check out the page directly you can go here
Watching Connecticut celebrate Monday night at Reliant Stadium was yet another reminder that the hottest teams, in the most advantageous matchups -- not the most talented -- are the ones to pick for the national championship on Selection Sunday.
Butler fit the criteria as well, although few could have predicted how the Bulldogs would escape games against Old Dominion and Pitt.
But picking the preseason top 25 is another matter. Projecting next season's top teams so soon after the national championship simply proves a quick snapshot of where teams may end up. Nothing more, nothing less.
We don't know when the coaching carousel will end and we don't know for sure which underclassmen will jump to the NBA draft. The deadline to declare is April 24. The deadline to withdraw is May 8. So you can be assured we will have another one of these shortly thereafter.
Until then, consider this merely a first crack at the top 25 for 2011-12. If nothing else, perhaps it'll provide a glimmer of anticipation as we begin the mourning period after the passing of another college basketball season -- and wait another seven months until the start of the new one.
So without further ado, here are my first rankings. Feel free to let me know where I went wrong (or right?) in the comments section.
1. Kentucky
Even if freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones leave for the NBA, this Final Four team still returns a bevy of quality players and one of the sport's top recruiting classes in years, led by Michael Gilchrist and Anthony Davis. The Wildcats are now a consistent title contender, and likely will be for as long as John Calipari remains in Lexington.
2. North Carolina
Tyler Zeller and John Henson have decided to return to North Carolina, and now the Tar Heels await word from Harrison Barnes on whether he will stay in school or enter the NBA draft. If all three come back, North Carolina will almost certainly be No. 1 in my next top 25. Kendall Marshall will start the season at the point and will be one of the best in the country. Because of that, expect to see the UNC you saw in the second half of the season, not the first.
3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes will return the best big man in the country, Jared Sullinger (he's adamant about it and I believe him). Aaron Craft is back at the point and William Buford as the sharpshooter. Ohio State is once again the Big Ten's best and there's no reason to believe it won't again contend for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
4. Texas
Keep in mind, this ranking projects Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson to remain in Austin. If one (or both) leaves, Texas won't stay in this spot. Although there would still be a lot to like about the Longhorns, especially sophomore-to-be Cory Joseph and another elite recruiting class. This is the team to beat in the new 10-team Big 12. If Hamilton and Thompson return, we're talking a legit national-title contender.
5. Connecticut
The Huskies are likely to lose soon-to-be graduate Kemba Walker, but Jeremy Lamb isn't ready for the NBA so the Huskies better hope he doesn't get tempted. Alex Oriakhi returns to anchor the inside and Shabazz Napier is only going to get better. I'm convinced Jim Calhoun returns to coach his defending national champs. And then there is the outside shot that the Class of 2012's top player, Andre Drummond, graduates early and chooses UConn.
6. Duke
The Blue Devils do lose Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler and will most likely see Kyrie Irving declare. But Duke adds a top recruiting class as usual and it's likely going to be the Austin Rivers Show next season in Durham with Doc's son controlling the ball. That backcourt with Rivers, Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry will shoot the lights out. If Irving somehow returns, then the Devils climb. But even if not, it's hard to believe this program will fall far.
7. Syracuse
This team started to figure itself out late in the season, but then faded in the final few minutes against Marquette in the NCAA tournament. But like Louisville (see below), the majority of the team returns at every key position and a stellar recruiting class hits campus. There's no reason to doubt Syracuse will be right in the thick of the Big East title chase from start to finish -- not to mention a Final Four contender.
8. Louisville
The Cardinals taught me a lesson this past season: Don't dismiss the ability to collectively come together under Rick Pitino. Louisville's style of play was disruptive for everyone in the Big East and the team greatly exceeded expectations. Preston Knowles is a big loss, but the core returns and is joined by freshmen Wayne Blackshear and Chane Behanan, among others. This time the Cards won't sneak up on anybody. We already know how good they'll be.
9. Memphis
Whether or not Josh Pastner was seriously sought after for some of these high-profile openings is a matter of debate. But Memphis and Pastner know they are a good match for each other. The Tigers shouldn't see any major defections from a team that won the Conference USA tournament and pushed Arizona to the brink in the Dance. This is how it should be under a new regime: A super recruiting class carries a team into the NCAAs, develops momentum late and then comes back to take another step, joined by another super recruiting class.
10. Arizona
This might be too low for the Wildcats, but this is based on an assumption that Derrick Williams will declare for the draft and be one of the top five picks. If for some reason he returns, then the Wildcats are in my next top five. Williams can affect the game that much. But he wasn't alone last season. Sean Miller had quite a complementary crew and added even more with a productive class to make the Wildcats the team to beat in the new Pac-12.
11. Vanderbilt
The Commodores were a disappointment again in the NCAA tournament and couldn't find a consistent stride in conference play. But if the scoring wings of Jeffery Taylor and John Jenkins are back and Festus Ezeli continues his upward trajectory, then the Dores should be the top challenger to Kentucky in the SEC. Kevin Stallings wasn't tempted to bolt for a potentially more profitable gig in the Big 12 either, which is a plus.
12. Kansas
KU simply doesn't fade away. Ever. So even with the possible departures of Big 12 Player of the Year Marcus Morris, his brother Markieff and Josh Selby, the always-talented Jayhawks get the benefit of the doubt here. Kansas could survive the hit as long as Thomas Robinson sticks around. Bill Self just added Ben McLemore to the recruiting class and the continued development of players like Travis Releford will be enough to keep this program nationally relevant.
13. Wisconsin
The Badgers do lose Jon Leuer, but Wisconsin will have back the top guard in the Big Ten in Jordan Taylor, who proved this past season that he can carry this team on his back (remember the defeat of No. 1 Ohio State?) and can score in bunches. And Mike Bruesewitz should shine in more of a starring role for the Badgers. We learned long ago never to discount a Bo Ryan-coached Wisconsin team in the Big Ten race. And we will not do so this year.
14. Marquette
The Golden Eagles were the Big East's 11th team in the field of 68, but also one of two left standing in the Sweet 16. One of the main reasons Buzz Williams decided against going back to his roots in Big 12 country is that he has a team that can compete for the Big East top five with the majority returning and Jimmy Butler the only major loss.
15. Xavier
Chris Mack was a hot coaching-carousel candidate after leading the Musketeers to another Atlantic 10 title. But he's a Xavier alum and a Cincinnati guy through and through. He'll again be with the top player in the league in Tu Holloway and the Musketeers return enough to make one believe they will once again take the A-10.
16. Michigan
Darius Morris is flirting with the NBA draft, but if he comes back and joins Tim Hardaway Jr., the Wolverines will have one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Michigan finished strong and was within one possession of beating Duke after destroying Tennessee in the NCAA tournament. This Michigan team was unselfish and learned to play under John Beilein. Look for more of the same in 2011-12.
17. UCLA
The Bruins lost Tyler Honeycutt to the NBA draft, but Malcolm Lee is likely to return after testing the waters. Big man Josh Smith is back and he'll have help inside with North Carolina transfers David and Travis Wear eligible to give Smith more room to operate. The Wear twins can do the dirty work for Smith and allow him more freedom to score. There's little doubt UCLA will compete for the Pac-12 title.
18. Butler
The Bulldogs won't have Matt Howard on the roster and lose Shawn Vanzant, as well. And if Shelvin Mack jumps to the NBA, the team will be gutted a bit. But Brad Stevens has worked wonders the past four years and there's no reason to doubt him now. If Mack decides to return, this team will have to be in the top 20 again -- especially with the rise of soph-to-be Khyle Marshall.
19. Pittsburgh
The Panthers are in a cycle in which they lose three seniors, but then add a strong recruiting class. Ashton Gibbs will likely come to his senses and return rather than stay in the NBA draft. If he does, then Pitt retains one of the more experienced guards in the country and will be just fine. The rest of the crew is more than serviceable and Jamie Dixon's team is always right there in the Big East race.
20. Alabama
The run to the NIT title game was no fluke. Alabama finished 12-4 in conference play and has the core of its team back with Tony Mitchell leading the charge for coach Anthony Grant. Arkansas brings in a top recruiting class and Mike Anderson will have the Hogs in the mix, but the SEC West has to run through Tuscaloosa for the foreseeable future.
21. Texas A&M
The Aggies are never a sexy pick in the preseason, but Mark Turgeon has the program on solid footing as there is always another player ready to take over the lead role. Khris Middleton will continue to be a rising star in the Big 12 and Texas A&M will continue to be a tough out. The additions of Jamal Branch and Elston Turner certainly won't hurt the cause.
22. Cincinnati
Let's not forget the Bearcats quietly put together 26 wins this past season and now will return their top four scorers from a team that lost to the eventual national champion in the NCAA tournament. Add in Mick Cronin's top-flight recruiting class, led by Shaquille Thomas, and Cincy has the goods to compete for a top-four spot in the Big East.
23. Florida
The Gators have to drop a bit with the losses of Chandler Parsons, Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin. Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker are back to give UF an experienced backcourt and the additions of freshman Bradley Beal and transfer Mike Rosario will make it one of the top groups in the country. The return of Patric Young means the Gators will have a talented but young front line. Florida will increasingly get better during the season and challenge for second in the SEC East.
24. George Mason
VCU was a senior-laden crew that got hot late in the season, but that could've easily been the Patriots -- and might be next season. George Mason does lose one key senior in Cam Long, but returns Ryan Pearson and a host of others who can keep GMU atop the Colonial and ahead of CAA upstarts like Drexel. Jim Larranaga's crew will certainly be one to watch throughout the season.
25. Missouri
The hire of Frank Haith isn't popular among the fan base, but don't forget the new coach inherits a senior-laden team from Mike Anderson. Assuming the players stay -- Kim English and Laurence Bowers are testing the waters -- the Tigers should be a tournament team in his first season. The bigger chore for Haith comes this summer in trying to secure longer-term commitments for a slew of scholarships opening up in 2012.
Five more to keep an eye on
Gonzaga
The Zags will have some company in competing for the WCC title with BYU. But the Cougs will take a step back without Jimmer Fredette and Saint Mary's won't be the same without Mickey McConnell. Gonzaga loses Steven Gray but has a new WCC star in Marquise Carter and will once again hover right around the top 25.
Florida State
The Seminoles probably will lose Chris Singleton and there's no questioning his overall talent. But surprisingly, the Noles were able to make the Sweet 16 without Singleton being a major factor. Leonard Hamilton always has his team among the best defensive groups in the country and there's still plenty of talent in Tallahassee. Don't count out FSU.
Wichita State
Gregg Marshall decided against leaving the Shockers because Wichita State continued to pay him at market value and he knows he has a team that could do some damage if it gets into the NCAA tournament. Wichita won the NIT and returns nearly every key player. The Shockers will be the pick to win the Missouri Valley and a team no big boy will want to play.
California
Mike Montgomery did a stellar job with the Bears in a transition season, even after losing a top recruit in Gary Franklin, who decided to transfer midseason. Freshman Allen Crabbe turned out to be a star and the majority of the surprising team returns. The Bears should be a Pac-12 contender from the outset.
New Mexico
The Mountain West will go through a transition period as San Diego State is gutted by graduation and the likely departure of Kawhi Leonard, UNLV loses senior leadership and coach Lon Kruger and BYU heads off to the West Coast Conference. But the Lobos only lose point Dairese Gary and have a solid post in Drew Gordon and a rising MWC star in Kendall Williams. Steve Alford stayed put because he knows he has a squad ready to win a league title.
Also considered: Temple, Harvard, Purdue, West Virginia, Washington, Villanova
Andy Katz is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
Follow Andy Katz on Twitter: @ESPNAndyKatz
By:Carrington Caul
1)Carolina Panthers (2-14)
Cam Newton (QB, Auburn)
It’s hard for me not to put Alabama’s DT Marcell Dareus right here, but we need to look at the facts right now. Fact number one: John Fox is the type of coach that believes that you build your team around your defense, and you have a solid quarterback to manage the offense. The game has changed and we are in a League where it’s QB driven and you have to be more balanced with the ability to attack in the air, rather than being conservative.
Fact number 2: Cam Newton has a lot of upsides, he has a strong arm, he is very athletic, and he has the ability to move outside the pocket and make plays with his feet. He’s a project player than can either be one of the biggest busts or biggest prizes. He has too much potential and skill set for you to pass up at the number one offense. Fact number three: the coaches have already stated they want to make Carolina an east coast version of San Diego Chargers seeing how their head coach and offensive coordinator is both from the Chargers they want somebody that can make the throws and bring a passing game like Phillip Rivers and that person right now is Cameron Newton.
2)Denver Broncos (4-12)
Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama)
In my opinion, Dareus to me is the best player in the draft. He also is the safest pick along with Patrick Peterson. The Broncos defense which never made a serious impact in the past season, needs some work. Darius’ ability to rush the passer and stop the run, along with the elite players on defense can turn this team around.It also might be a possibility that the Broncos could go with Gabbert. John Fox is the new head coach in Denver this season and the last time Fox had the number two pick of the draft he grabbed defensive lineman Julius Peppers.
3)Buffalo Bills (4-12)
Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri)
The Bills definitely love QB Cam Newton, DT Marcell Dareus, CB Patrick Peterson, but they have to find an answer on the offensive side at the quarterback position and that answer right now is Blain Gabbert. They would love for Cam Newton to fall to them at number three, but unless they are trading up to get in the first spot, Newton won’t be there at the third pick and the next best thing is Blain Gabbert.The positives about Gabbert are: he will be able to become a solid player in the future, probably needing grooming to get him ready for that position. He has the best footwork between the top two quarterbacks, and more NFL ready than Newton. However the thing that holds Gabbert back is his ceiling is a lot lower than Newton’s. Gabbert can be a pro-bowl QB, with 3,500-4,000 yard seasons if he is in the right offense with the right weapons. But it’s not Buffalo.
4)Cincinnati Bengals (4-12)
Da’Quan Bowers (DE-Clemson)
I’m expecting the Bengals to trade up to possibly draft either Newton or Gabbert. It is possible that they will trade back some picks to get Ryan Mallet in the later 1st round, as pick up some extra picks to help them continue to build the program. Bowers stock has dropped a little after pushing back workout dates further and further. In turn, causing people to question if his knee is really 100% , and will he be able to produce on the next level. His pro day didn’t help with reports stating he looked winded and not his usual explosiveness that allowed him to lead the nation in sacks (15.5) in 2010. But even with all the questions, teams will do their research to make sure his knee is really ok. If everything goes the way it’s supposed to I can’t see Bowers dropping out of the top-10.
5)Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
Von Miller (LB, Texas A&M)
The Cardinals need a play maker on the defensive side of the ball that can make an impact and Miller is that player. He can play in a 4-3 or 3-4, he has a high football IQ, has great instincts and is also a natural playmaker. The Cardinals might also look to grab Peterson with this pick but I think Miller will get the selection.
6)Cleveland Browns (5-11)
A.J. Green (WR, Georgia)
Colt McCoy started and played in 8 games this season. He had a shaky season plagued by injuries and was also overwhelmed at the fast paced NFL level. But he showed glimpses that he could be the franchise QB for this organization but to do that he will need a target. That’s where Green comes in. He’s a solid player that has a big body that can take some hits. Green also is a great route runner and natural catcher with his hands. McCoy, Green, and Hills are a good offense to build around.
7)San Francisco 49’ers (6-10)
Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)
Peterson is the best player in the whole draft; he’s also the safest pick of the draft so it’s kind of hard to imagine him sliding down to 7th especially when every team in the top 10 can use him. Peterson is a freak of nature at 6’0, 219LBS and runs a 4.34, his hands are large, and he’s quick with great instincts and a shut down type of corner. The reason why Peterson’s stock will drop is because he stated he doesn’t want to return Kickoffs in the NFL. Mainly wanting to be just a CB but occasionally doing Punt Returns a lot of teams were looking at him for his dual threat. Peterson will automatically start when he comes in and will make the 49’ers defense a lot better and with Patrick Willis this could be a great defense in no time.
8)Tennessee Titans (6-10)
Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn)
The Titans at the 8th spot are a perfect example of drafting the best player available. They really need a defensive lineman but that’s not their top 3 needs (QB, LG, ILB) but with Fairley sitting here at the 8th spot you are getting the best person available and your also filling a need. There will be a lot of QB’s, O-Line, and LB’s in the later rounds so why not go for the best player. At the beginning of this offseason 96% of all mock drafts had Fairley as the Top-3 pick. Once Andrew Luck decided he wasn’t entering the draft 98% of all mock drafts had Fairley as the overall top pick. But his stock dropped after a shaky combine performance and also a lot of questions surrounding a player that had only one breakout year.
Fairley will instantly bring a solid run stop and pass rusher presence to the middle of this defensive line. As long as they fill some other needs on the defensive side this could be a great defense next season.
9)Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin)
Watt is a great relentless pass rusher that will play till the end of the whistle. He will be spectacular as a DE in a 3-4 defense as a 5 technique; Watt also brings vocal leadership with strong hands and good footwork. At 6’5 290LBS having Watt at DE and Sean Lee at LB this could be a greedy fast paced defense that can get in the backfield in a hurry.
10)Washington Redskins (6-10)
Robert Quinn (DE, UNC)
The Redskins will lose Andre Carter in the offseason and if they didn’t he’s 32 years old. In the NFC East you are looking at probably the best conference for D-linemen; New York Giants (Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Barry Cofield, Jason Pierre-Paul) Dallas Cowboys (DeMarcus Spears, Jay Ratliff, Stephen Bowen) Philadelphia Eagles (Brandon Graham, Mike Patterson, Trent Cole) the Redskins have no D Line depth like the rest of the conference. Quinn will come in and bring that fast pass rush, also able to stop the run on the edges. He will become an instant impact on a struggling Redskins defense.
11)Houston Texans (6-10)
Aldon Smith (DE, Missouri)
Smith is a player that can play either 3-4 or 4-3 also has the ability to line up in the LB position if he has to. He is an excellent pass rusher with tremendous talent that the Texans will need if they want to compete for the conference title. Smith also has great footwork and quick hands that he uses well to get himself in the backfield.
12)Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
Cameron Jordan (DE, California)
Jordan is another pass rusher that does what he needs to do to get himself in the backfield. A solid player that you can build a defensive line around, very coachable and has a high football IQ.
13)Detroit Lions (6-10)
Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
Amukamara is a greedy, savvy, ball hawk CB, and that is exactly what the Lions need on their struggling defense. He can cover in any type of package and makes great plays off of instincts and hardly ever gets beat on the deep ball. He is a selfless player that can be a leader on the defense that will need leadership.
14)St. Louis Rams (7-9)
Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
Julio Jones is a scary player, 6’3, 220LBS and ran a 4.39 at the combine with a fractured foot that he didn’t even know was fractured. Jones is a great route runner and can make the perfect sticks in his footwork. Arguably the best receiver in this year’s draft, his stock dropped for the reason that a lot of times he catches off his body more than his hands and also does double catches. If he can work on that, Julio Jones and Sam Bradford can be a serious combination for years to come.
15)Miami Dolphins (7-9)
Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama)
The Dolphins not only get the best RB in the draft at 15, but they also get their biggest need in the first round. Ingram is a small, powerful, and fast player with the ability to power himself through defenders or cut back and make them miss. It also seems like the perfect fit for Ingram offensive wise. He will remind a lot of fans of a stronger version of Ricky Williams when he was in his prime.
16)Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue)
Kerrigan is a workhorse-type pass rusher whose game is compared to Aaron Kampman, who would line up at the other end spot. He has good footwork and good hand movements that can get him in the backfield to touch the QB. He’s a coachable player with tremendous upside; also a good fit for what the Jaguars are trying to do defensively.
