Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals have made the playoffs in back to back years for the first time since 1982. However, they still haven’t won a playoff game since 1990. Andy Dalton made some strides from year one to year two but he also took some steps back as well. He has to show some improvement this year or the Bengals may consider looking for a QB elsewhere. On offense they still have some needs. They need a change of pace back to compliment BenJarvus Green-Ellis. They also need either Marvin Jones or Mohamed Sanu to step up and take over than #2 WR spot opposite A.J. Green, though I think Sanu is better suited for the slot. On defense they need a safety to play opposite Reggie Nelson and a weakside linebacker who can play in coverage. Defensive end, while not a huge need, will probably be looked at if someone falls seeing that Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson are both free agents next year.

Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) plays defense during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Brown – Weakside lineback is a huge need for the Bengals. If you look at the playoff game last year you see that Rey Maualuga can’t play in coverage at all. He is much more suited as a strongside linebacker which would open up the middle for Vontaze Burfict. Plug in Arthur Brown on the weakside and suddenly your linebacker core becomes much better. Brown has his limitations, mainly his size, but he plays much bigger than he actually is. He is very instinctual and physical despite his size. He diagnoses plays as well as anyone in this draft and almost always takes his first step in the right direction. Very good sideline to sideline speed which helps him have the ability to cover RBs, TEs and crossing WRs. He can play in the Nickel and play in coverage, which is important to the Bengals because they played over 50% of their snaps in the nickel last year.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) intercepts a pass in the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Alec Ogletree – Ogletree is a former safety who can come in and take over the weakside linebacker position. His coverage skills are as good as any linebacker in this draft. He has elite speed and can make a play anywhere on the field. Arrives violently when he comes in to make a big hit. Is really quick around the edges, often hitting the running back in the backfield for a loss. At times was the most impressive player on that loaded Georgia defense. He does need to add some muscle to his frame, but that shouldn’t be a problem with an NFL strength program. Also needs to get better against the run. Has character concerns with a suspension for drugs at Georgia and a DUI just before the combine.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears jumped out of the gate to a 7-1 start and were being seen as Super Bowl contenders. Then injuries came and plagued them and they only went 3-5 down the stretch, missing the playoffs. Jay Cutler suffered a concussion in a loss to the Texans and some key defenders got injured. protecting Jay Cutler better this season has to be the Bears main priority. They signed Jermon Bushrod, but he wasn’t an elite level tackle while in New Orleans with those great guards on the line with him. The Bears also need to draft a replacement for Brian Urlacher. Alshon Jeffery should take over the #2 WR role this year, but they could still use some more weapons for Cutler.

Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) plays in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB

Jonathan Cooper – The Bears have to protect Jay Cutler better this year. They signed Jermon Bushrod in the offseason expecting him to be their starting LT and bringing in Cooper would be another huge step in making that line respectable. Cooper is an extremely athletic guard who can move as well left as he can right. With a team that likes to get the ball in Matt Fortes hands in a number of ways, including the passing game, a guard who can get upfield with him is necessary. Cooper gets to the 2nd level as well as any guard in recent memory. He isn’t as strong as Chance Warmack and can tend to get pushed back by bigger, stronger DTs.

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Menelik Watson – Even though the Bears signed Jermon Bushrod, I don’t think an offensive tackle is out of the question here. Watson can come in and play right tackle from day 1. He is still raw, but is an amazing athlete and an explosive player. Watson is also an insurance policy in case newly signed Bushrod doesn’t play as well as hoped. Watson has an explosive first step and good quickness and mobility. Is flexible and has a powerful punch against defenders. Gets to the 2nd level very well. Is still raw with limited playing experience and because of this his footwork still needs some work.

Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants coach Jim Coughlin speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants are as hot and cold as a team can be since Tom Coughlin got there. They either get on a hot streak and go deep into the playoffs or then inexplicably fall apart and implode at the end of the season. This past season it was the 2nd one when they started 6-2 and then went 3-5 down the stretch. The Giants have lost some key cogs from their team of the past few years. Osi Umenyiora signed with the Falcons, Chase Blackburn signed with the Panthers, they cut Ahmad Bradshaw among others. Corey Webster didn’t play very well at all last year and the linebacker play was really bad. They re-signed Keith Rivers and signed Dan Conno,r but neither are good options as starters. As always, the Giants will look at pass rushers who fall in the draft to them.

Oct 22, 2011; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) lines up against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Kansas State won the game 59-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Brown – Arthur Brown is very physical, instinctive player who possesses excellent key and diagnose skills. Is an explosive player who possesses active hands and can quickly slip blocks and make plays. Plays with great leverage and bending at the knees, getting under the pads of would be blockers. Shows good balance in avoiding blocks. Shows outstanding sideline to sideline speed. Is fluid in coverage, showing the athleticism and intelligence to be a good coverage man in the NFL. Is good at blitzing as well as coverage. Doesn’t have the size you want from your linebackers. May not be the playmaker you want at LB,  seeing as he has only gotten 3 interceptions and forced zero fumbles in his career. He does however play much bigger than his size.

January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) during the second half of the Capital One bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Georgia defeated Nebraska 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Alec Ogletree – Ogletree is a former safety who showed his range off last year, making plays all over the field on a defense that might have had the most talent in the country. Has terrific sideline to sideline speed. Shows the ability to catch players from behind and make plays on the opposite side of the field. Shows great quickness around the edge, great at making plays in the backfield. Is good in coverage and has plenty of experience there, being a former safety. Needs to get better at filling holes against the run and tackle with better pad level. Needs to get stronger in the NFL. Has some off the field issues with the suspension while at Georgia and getting a DUI just before the combine.

Oct 13, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) gets set on defense against Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Kansas State defeated Iowa State 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 241 pounds

Position Rank: 2

Drafted By: Baltimore Ravens (2nd round, 56th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.67

Bench Press:  21 reps

Vertical Jump:  32.5″

Broad Jump:  116″

2012 Statistics

Career Highlights (via Kansas State athletic site)

- 2012 All-America and All-Big 12 Candidate
- Bednarik Award Candidate
- Butkus Award Candidate
- Walter Camp Award Candidate
- Rotary Lombardi Award Candidate
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Candidate

A very talented player who stepped up and became not only a team leader but also one of the top linebackers in the Big 12… A Preseason All-American and First Team All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon… Rated the nation’s fourth-best inside linebacker heading into 2012 and named a Preseason All-Big 12 player by Lindy’s… A two-time team captain.

2011: Earned honorable mention All-America honors from Sports Illustrated… Named First Team All-Big 12 by the league’s coaches, Associated Press, Kansas City Star, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Rivals.com, while he was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year by the league’s coaches, Associated Press, Kansas City Star, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and ESPN.com… Was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award and was named to the watch lists for the Nagurski and Butkus Awards… Named the Midseason Defensive Player of the Year by ESPN.com and a first team midseason All-American by Phil Steele… Recorded a team-leading 101 tackles, including 9.5 for loss at two sacks… Was the first Wildcat to reach the 100-tackle mark since Brandon Archer in 2006… Finished eighth in the Big 12 in total tackles… Led team with seven tackles in season opener against Eastern Kentucky, including a half sack, and came back with a career-high 12 tackles, including a career-best 2.0 TFLs against Kent State… Registered six tackles, including a half TFL at Miami… Led team with eight tackles, including 1.5 sacks, against No. 15 Baylor… Recorded the first interception of the year on Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III, which led to the game-winning field goal… It was the only second-half interception thrown by Griffin III all year… Earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following the game against BU… Tallied at least five tackles in each of the final nine games, including a career-high tying 12 against Iowa State… Set new career best in solo tackles against the Cyclones with nine… Made six spots, including two for losses, in the Cotton Bowl.
2010: Sat out after transferring from the University of Miami.

2009 (Miami): Played in all 12 regular season games and the Champs Sports Bowl… Registered 13 tackles, including a half tackle for loss and recovered one fumble… Had three stops at South Florida and two tackles against both Florida A&M and Central Florida… Recovered fumble came at Wake Forest.

2008 (Miami): Played in 11 games as a freshman, mostly on special teams but saw some action at linebacker against Duke… Had four tackles on the year.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Brown is one of the top playmakers in the country at the linebacker position, and after sitting out the 2010 season (transferred from Miami) he came out in 2011 and had a huge year for the Kansas State Wildcats. Now he leads an upstart K-State defense that ranks in the top 10, and looks to be one of the top potential linebackers in the class of 2013. He doesn’t have elite size, but he moves around really well for a smaller linebacker. He led the Wildcats in tackles with 101 in 2011 and also added 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, as well as an interception. He should be a top 96 pick come April, but teams will have to do some background checks on him as far as maturity is concerned. He has good speed and range, and while he’s not overly big, he is pretty tough and has a nose for the ball. He has the look of a starter at outside linebacker in the NFL.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

October 20, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Chris Harper (3) runs after a pass reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Kansas State Wildcats won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’1″

Weight:  229 pounds

Drafted By: Seattle Seahawks (4th round, 123rd overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.45

Bench Press:  20

Vertical Jump:  35.5″

Broad Jump:  9’8″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.26

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Harper led the Wildcats in receiving as a junior with 40 catches for 547 yards and five touchdowns, and is a former transfer who is making a big impact on this team. He has excellent overall size, and as a former quarterback is pretty smart about route running. He’s improving his overall game and comfortability at the receiver position. Does a good job using his size to win one-on-one battles, and while he’s not really a fast receiver he definitely is capable of making big plays. Snatches the ball well and is a pretty reliable receiver. Won’t be one of the first players taken at his position, but definitely has some of the most upside in the later rounds.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Nov 17, 2012; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein (7) throws a pass before the game against the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears beat the Wildcats 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Height:  6’5″

Weight:  226 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash:  N/A

Bench Press:  N/A

Vertical Jump:  N/A

Broad Jump:  N/A

20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Klein is a really interesting prospect. He’s kind of similar to Tim Tebow, but Tebow was a more prolific passer in college and Klein is more of a runner. He is a former wide receiver and you’ll probably want to find a spot for him on your football team if you can afford it. He’s having a pretty good year passing the ball, and like Tebow, all Klein does is win football games, one way or another. In 2011, he had over 1,100 yards rushing including 27 rushing touchdowns, and threw for 13 more. He has transitioned to being more of a passer as a senior, and if he can continue to improve in that area, he can elevate his draft stock. His stock will be pretty dependent upon what he shows teams at the Combine and at his pro day in terms of overall athletic ability. If he’s just a power running quarterback, he may have to sneak on an NFL roster as a tight end/h-back.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Oct 27, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Angelo Pease (8) carries the ball during a 55-24 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-US PRESSWIRE

The 24th ranked Cowboys are trying to play the role of spoiler, just one year removed from having their BCS National Championship hopes spoiled. If they are going to ruin K-State’s season, they are going to have to do it with a steady diet of big plays from running back Joseph Randle, one of the best running backs in the country.

Kansas State’s Collin Klein is a Heisman candidate who is showing NFL scouts they are going to want him on their team. This is yet another big game for him to prove he is a playmaker and a legitimate Heisman front-runner.

We have a list of the top prospects for both teams here at NFL Mocks:

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Kansas State Wildcats

Here is a preview of what you’ll be getting from those comprehensive overviews:

4 Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Senior  6’1″ 233

Brown is one of the top playmakers in the country at the linebacker position, and after sitting out the 2010 season (transferred from Miami) he came out in 2011 and had a huge year for the Kansas State Wildcats. Now he leads an upstart K-State defense that ranks in the top 10, and looks to be one of the top potential linebackers in the class of 2013. He doesn’t have elite size, but he moves around really well for a smaller linebacker. He led the Wildcats in tackles with 101 in 2011 and also added 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, as well as an interception. He should be a top 96 pick come April, but teams will have to do some background checks on him as far as maturity is concern. He has good speed and range, and while he’s not overly big, he is pretty tough and a playmaker. He has the look of a starter at outside linebacker in the NFL.

Oct 13, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein (7) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Kansas State defeated Iowa State 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE

Kansas State vs. West Virginia is a huge game involving two big time college football quarterbacks, potentially two guys on very different NFL tracks. Mountaineer QB Geno Smith is arguably the top prospect right now in most draft circles, and K-State’s Collin Klein is almost a draft afterthought, though both guys are competing for a Big 12 title and spot in the national championship.

There are some big time prospects in this game outside of the two quarterbacks, and NFL Mocks has the coverage. Here is a full report on our top prospects for West Virginia and Kansas State, as well as a little taste of both posts.

7 Collin Klein, Quarterback/Athlete, Senior  6’5″ 225 pounds

Klein is a really interesting prospect. He’s kind of similar to Tim Tebow, but Tebow was a more prolific passer in college and Klein is more of a runner. He is a former wide receiver and you’ll probably want to find a spot for him on your football team if you can afford it. He’s having a pretty good year passing the ball, and like Tebow, all Klein does is win football games, one way or another. In 2011, he had over 1,100 yards rushing including 27 rushing touchdowns, and threw for 13 more. He has transitioned to being more of a passer as a senior, and if he can continue to improve in that area, he can elevate his draft stock. His stock will be pretty dependent upon what he shows teams at the Combine and at his pro day in terms of overall athletic ability. If he’s just a power running quarterback, he may have to sneak on an NFL roster as a tight end/h-back.

12 Geno Smith, Quarterback, Senior 6’3″ 214 pounds

Smith is one of the top senior quarterbacks in his class. He doesn’t lack any particular trait you look for in a quarterback prospect, except for the fact that his offense is almost overly pass oriented and he doesn’t have a ton of experience from under center. He has the ability to make plays with his legs and can hit all the throws. In Dana Holgorson’s offense, he really thrived as a junior throwing for 4,385 yards, 31 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He had a pass efficiency rating of 152.6 this past season, so he is very careful with the ball. He has had a couple of elite receivers to throw to over the last two seasons, and that should help him be even more productive as a senior. He has really good footwork, and a quick, low release which can at times get knocked down at the line of scrimmage because he appears to release the ball right around his ear or slightly below. Sometimes he doesn’t go through all of his progressions and will settle for his first read, which is normally okay but he will need to work through some things as he progresses as a player. Smith has the ability to fit the body into tight windows, and when he hits his groove he can get really hot. Leads an explosive aerial attack, which will translate well to the NFL. Really productive player who I think has a chance to be a Pro Bowl caliber player at the NFL level.

Sep 22, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) celebrates with fans after defeating Oklahoma Sooners 24-19 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

4 Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Senior  6’1″ 233

Brown is one of the top playmakers in the country at the linebacker position, and after sitting out the 2010 season (transferred from Miami) he came out in 2011 and had a huge year for the Kansas State Wildcats. Now he leads an upstart K-State defense that ranks in the top 10, and looks to be one of the top potential linebackers in the class of 2013. He doesn’t have elite size, but he moves around really well for a smaller linebacker. He led the Wildcats in tackles with 101 in 2011 and also added 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, as well as an interception. He should be a top 96 pick come April, but teams will have to do some background checks on him as far as maturity is concern. He has good speed and range, and while he’s not overly big, he is pretty tough and a playmaker. He has the look of a starter at outside linebacker in the NFL.

7 Collin Klein, Quarterback/Athlete, Senior  6’5″ 225 pounds

Klein is a really interesting prospect. He’s kind of similar to Tim Tebow, but Tebow was a more prolific passer in college and Klein is more of a runner. He is a former wide receiver and you’ll probably want to find a spot for him on your football team if you can afford it. He’s having a pretty good year passing the ball, and like Tebow, all Klein does is win football games, one way or another. In 2011, he had over 1,100 yards rushing including 27 rushing touchdowns, and threw for 13 more. He has transitioned to being more of a passer as a senior, and if he can continue to improve in that area, he can elevate his draft stock. His stock will be pretty dependent upon what he shows teams at the Combine and at his pro day in terms of overall athletic ability. If he’s just a power running quarterback, he may have to sneak on an NFL roster as a tight end/h-back.

3 Chris Harper, Wide Receiver, Senior  6’1″ 234 pounds

Harper led the Wildcats in receiving as a junior with 40 catches for 547 yards and five touchdowns, and is a former transfer who is making a big impact on this team. He has excellent overall size, and as a former quarterback is pretty smart about route running. He’s improving his overall game and comfortability at the receiver position. Does a good job using his size to win one-on-one battles, and while he’s not really a fast receiver he definitely is capable of making big plays. Snatches the ball well and is a pretty reliable receiver. Won’t be one of the first players taken at his position, but definitely has some of the most upside in the later rounds.

24 Nigel Malone, Cornerback, Senior (JUCO transfer)  5’10″ 180 pounds

Smallish cornerback with great ball skills and an evolving skill set. Not an overly flashy cornerback prospect, but looks like he could really flourish in a Cover 2 scheme as a ballhawk and playmaker on the back end, though he could get burned at times by bigger receivers. Former juco transfer came to KSU in 2011 and had seven interceptions, including one taken back for a touchdown. Doesn’t have great overall bulk and can get pushed around at times, but he’s certainly a fiery player who has a nose for the ball and good hands to make plays when the ball is in his area. He was an All-American and All Big 12 selection as a junior, so he’s definitely flying under the radar for some, but a nice prospect. He could be a solid mid-round pick when all is said and done. Solid overall tackler and will give his best effort on every play.

Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette has battled injuries, but he has a great work ethic. He played only nine games this season and had eight sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. I will be really interested to see how he attacks this Kansas State offense, which features a ton of running from the quarterback position and Colin Klein.

Bequette has a couple of really good linebackers playing behind him in junior Alonzo Highsmith and senior Jerry Franklin. Franklin is a really underrated prospect at 6’1″ 245 pounds and leading the team with 93 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and a fumble returned 94 yards for a touchdown.

Kansas State has a linebacker of their own in Arthur Brown who could make an impact on this game. Brown leads the team with 95 tackles and has 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks as well.

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