NFL Draft Class of 2010 How They're doing.......

Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for
the pleasure of strangers.” – Merle Kessler


Defensive backs, linebackers, and Ndamukong Suh headline early rookie reviews. Last year, rookie receivers were impressive with their ball catching skills and run after catch ability. In 2010, defensive backs were drafted to cover those dynamic receivers. TJ Ward (Browns), Nate Allen (Eagles), Eric Berry (Chiefs), Morgan Burnett (Packers), Earl Thomas (Seahawks), and Cody Grimm (Bucs) are safeties who have been instinctive in their run support and coverage. Hitting, within the new NFL Guidelines, has also been in their job description. Corners Alterraun Verner (Titans), Kareem Jackson (Texans), Devin McCourty (Patriots), Chris Cook (Vikings), Joe Haden (Browns), Patrick Robinson (Saints), Perrish Cox (Broncos), and Kyle Wilson (Jets) have all shown positive signs in one of the leagues’ toughest positions. Detroit’s Suh has 4 ½ sacks in six games and has been a sideline to sideline beast in the run game.(Suh added 2 more sacks in the Redskin game for a total of 6 1/2 plus a fumble recovery TD) Teammate Jahvid Best has been the most impressive rookie back. Sam Bradford has been nothing short of amazing, leading the Rams to three wins in seven games, all the while adjusting to a bevy of new receivers, offensive line reconstruction, and Steven Jackson’s back issues.

Undrafted Rookie: LeGarrette Blount, Running back Tampa Bay Bucs

LeGarrette Blount was signed by the Titans as a free agent and was claimed by Tampa Bay on waivers and made their 53 man roster.
The burly downhill runner tallied two touchdowns and 119 yards for the Bucs in their win over Arizona. What the 2010 OURLADS' DRAFT GUIDE said about Blount:

Blount, LeGarrette Oregon 6004 241 4.72

Had zero starts for the Ducks. Physical running back that plays in a spread offense. Strong runner that has good speed and is not easy to bring down. More of an upright runner that can get downhill with good vision and running instincts. Determined straight ahead runner. A goal-line type back that can muscle his way into the end zone. Gains yards after initial contact. Gives effort and finishes his runs with power. An aggressive back that doesn’t shy away from contact. Flashes some shiftiness in the open field. Athletic enough to hurdle low cutting defensive backs. Had 17 touchdowns in 2008, alternating with Jeremiah Johnson. A junior college transfer, he was suspended in February 2009 for missing conditioning workouts and academic class work. Was suspended from 9/4/09 to late November after fight in Boise State game. A high maintenance back with talent. OSR:19/28. Third/fourth round. (A-33 1/2, H-10, BP-19, SS-4.50).

Undrafted Rookie: Barry Turner, Defensive end, Chicago Bears

Barry Turner is one of several undrafted rookies that made a 53 man roster that OURLADS' rated as a draftable player. What the 2010 OURLADS' DRAFT GUIDE said about Turner:

Turner, Barry Nebraska 6033 254 4.74

Two-year starter. A fast twitch high motor player that was a part of that strong Cornhusker defensive front. Productive edge rusher that can get bigger and play in a 4-3 or rush the passer from a 3-4 scheme. Works to finish the plays. A right place at the right time guy. Controls the opponent with strong hands. Can play the run at him or string it out to the sideline. Doesn’t stay blocked. Uses his hands to separate and get to the ball. Good awareness of double team. Good tackler to stop ball carrier in his tracks. Good hip and knee flex to bend and play low. Injury history including shoulder surgery and a broken leg. Not a Combine invitee. Had 115 career tackles, 34 for loss, and 21 sacks. Had a 27.5/VJ and 9-3/BJ. Sixth/seventh round. (A-33 3/8, H-9 1/4, BP-16, 10-1.66).

Undrafted Rookie: Brandon Lang, Defensive end, San Diego

Brandon Lang is one of several undrafted rookies that made a 53 man roster. OURLADS' rated him as a draftable player. What the 2010 OURLADS' DRAFT GUIDE said about Lang:

Lang, Brandon Troy 6036 260 5.05

Two-year starter. Very productive in college. Did not jump out with any special skills in practices or in the Senior Bowl game. Was 35th out of 35 ends in the Combine workouts. Short arms and small hands. Ran a slow 40 for his position. His edge speed from the left side at the Combine correlated with his pass rush productivity in college. He has an explosive first step. Struggles with the run right at him. When he sees the ball he goes to get it, but has average instincts. Needs to improve his functional upper and lower body strength. Good lateral quickness. Doesn’t stay blocked. Quick to shed. Gets his hands up to rush the passer. Doesn’t give up on the play. Has run through a back to make a sack. Plays high and leaves his legs exposed. Needs more consistency in his game. Plays better than he tests. Has 147 career tackles, 38 1/2 for loss, 24 1/2 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. Edge speed:left 1.89, right 2.17. OSR:35/35. Sixth/seventh round. (A-32, H-8 1/2, BP-20, 10-1.68).

Undrafted Rookie: Danario Alexander,WR, St.Louis Rams

Danario Alexander is one of several undrafted rookies that OURLADS' rated as a draftable player. The former Missouri Tiger was signed off the practice squad and caught 4 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in the recent win over the San Diego Chargers. What the 2010 OURLADS'DRAFT GUIDE said about Alexander:

Alexander, Danario Missouri 6045 221 4.59

Started 16 games over his career. Injured in a Senior Bowl practice. Ultra productive senior year. Big horizontal target that can make plays down the field. Good leaping ability. Fights for extra yards after catch. Flashes a quick upfield burst after snatching a bubble screen. Plays big in big games. Makes plays. Long strider that picks up speed as he goes vertical. Experienced route runner that can get open in zone or man coverage. However, he needs more route refinement. Can make the great catch to keep a drive going. Plucks the ball and plays with confidence. Has an injury history. May or may not be drafted. Did not work out at the Combine because of knee surgery. In 2009 he had 113 catches for 1781 yards, 15.8 average, and 14 touchdowns. Fourth/fifth round. (A-34 3/4, H-10, VJ-DNP, SS-DNP).

Undrafted Rookie: Kevin Haslam, Offensive Tackle, Jackonville Jaguars

Kevin Haslam is one of several undrafted rookies that OURLADS' rated as a draftable player and made NFL rosters. What the 2010 OURLADS' Draft Guide said about Haslam:

Haslam, Kevin Rutgers 6046 304 5.65

Two years as a full-time starter. Stays square with a good base in pass protection. Can shadow and mirror pass rusher. Pushes the rusher up the field. Works to bend his knees as a pass protector and run blocker. Efficient as a zone run blocker. Will make a team because he can play both guard and tackle. Versatile. Athletic in his movement. Struggles with power at him. Position wall off blocker. Efficient on combo blocks to the second level. Sixth/seventh round. (A-33 1/2, H-9 1/4, BP-24, 10-1.89).

UNDRAFTED ROOKIE: Keiland Williams,Washington Redskins

Keiland Williams is one of several undrafted rookies that made a 53 man roster. OURLADS' rated as a draftable player. What the 2010 OURLADS' DRAFT GUIDE said about Williams:

Williams, Keiland LSU 5107 233 4.51

Started three games over career. Was a reserve for Charles Scott. Broke his ankle in the fourth quarter of the Mississippi game (11/23/09) and was lost for the year. Good cutback vision. Big back with good speed. Never the “guy” at LSU, was always in a rotation. Has wear left on his tires. Catches the ball in his hands. Passes the look test. More power than elusive. Good quickness, agility, and balance in the open field. Has talent. Unknown if he can hold up if he is counted on to carry the load. Will contribute on kickoff return special teams. Career rushing marks include 299 carries for 1699 yards, 5.6 average, 17 touchdowns, along with 28 catches for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns. Did not work out at the Combine due to left ankle fracture. Seventh round/priority free agent. (A-30, H-8 3/4, BP-16, SS-DNP).