Here is an in-depth prospect preview from Buffalo Bills Draft. They give a quick look at 26 different prospect to watch in this SEC epic.

In an article on SI.com, writer Andy Staples tells us why the LSU-Alabama game is so meaningful to so many people.

What would a weekend of college football be without some commentary from new Yahoo! Sports writer Pat Forde, formerly of ESPN? You don’t have to find out.

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Alabama vs. LSU All-Access Pass: Everything You Need to Know About the Matchup - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Is West Viringia in for an upset when they play Marshall this weekend (Picture source chrisgosset.com)

NFLmocks and it’s sister site www.withtheifrstpick.com have decided a weekly Q and A session where we alternate asking each other questions about the upcoming college football games.

This week I interviewed Ty MacDonnel.

1). What’s the Game you’re most looking forward to this weekend, first as a fan and second as an amateur scout?

A The game I am most looking forward to this weekend from both a scouting perspective and as a fan is the LSU/Oregon game on Saturday night.  Both teams have the talent to compete for the National Championship in January, but a loss will most likely prevent one of them from doing so.  I am also a fan of Oregon’s running back LaMichael James and I am anxious to see how he develops this year and where he is graded as a prospect come April.  This should be a really great match up for him as LSU as a very fast defense and it should be an exciting game to kick the season off with.  Also, from a scouting perspective I will have my eye on Georgia/Boise State on Saturday night as well.  That could also be another great game and I cant believe that NCAA scheduled the two best games of the week at the same time on Saturday night.  Thank God for DVR!

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Three and Out: College Football Questions that Need Answers for this Weekend - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Tamba Hali was one of the best pass rushers in the league last year (pictures source kccheifsblog.com)

Even though I personally don’t believe it’s never too early to grade a draft most experts will tell you it takes three to five years to get an accurate assessment of what a draft class can be. So I thought I’d take a look back at the five previous drafts (excluding 2011′s N.F.L. draft) to see how the players are progressing. I”ll assign a grade to each year and one overall.

2006

1st Round: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State

2nd Round: Bernard Pollard, DB, Purdue

3rd Round: Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama

5th round: Marcus Maxey, CB, The U

6th Round: Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State, Tre’ Stallings, G Mississippi

7th Round: Jarrad Page, DB, UCLA

We’ll skip the first round pick for now since that’s clearly the prize of this draft. In the second round the Chiefs selected Bernard Pollard. While with the Chiefs Pollard had two pretty good years (number wise). Pollard had 90 tackles in one year and 98 in the next with 8 passes defensed and three interceptions. He departed from the Chiefs a year later, and went to the Texans where he’s had consecutive years of more than a 100 tackles. He’s not a great cover guy, but can really play the run.  This past year with Houston 111 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Good pick, unfortunately he wasn’t long for the Chiefs.

Brodie Croyle still remains on the Chiefs as a backup quarterback. He’ll never be a big time starter in the league, but is an ok backup.

Neither Tre Stallings or Marcus Maxey made it past 2007 with the Chiefs. Jeff Webb didn’t make it past 2008. Jarrad Page the 7th round pick was another story though. He still remains on the Chiefs roster and even had a start this year. He’s no Nnadmi Asmougha, but is a great pick for a 7th rounder, the majority of players from that round aren’t on teams three years later and often not even more than a season.

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Kansas City Chiefs: Five Year Draft Recap and Grades - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Fansided Is Looking For Editors (and Writers) For Some of their College Blogs: Nebraska Cornhuskers and more - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

The Cardinals sure do miss Kurt Warner. predominantlyorange.com

1^st Round 5^th Pick- Patrick Peterson, LSU, CB

Yes the Cardinals do need a quarterback and Blaine Gabbert is likely to still be on the board, but I think the Cardinals would rather resort to going after a veteran quarterback in trading market like a Kevin Kolb or a free agent like Donovan McNabb. Patrick Peterson could easily help out a disappointing secondary that has talent, but seems like they have not reached to where they could be. Peterson could be the best player on the board let alone in this year’s draft. The Cardinals will not and should not pass up Patrick Peterson.

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Arizona Cardinals 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Could the Cardinals trade down? - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Multimedia.FoxSports.com

If you didn’t know who Terrence Toliver was in the middle of last season, odds are you did if you watched the 2011 Cotton Bowl between Louisiana State University and Texas A&M when the former LSU Tiger wide receiver hauled in 5 passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-24 win at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. Toliver was named the most outstanding offensive player for his performance. He put up his best numbers during his junior season in 2009, catching 53 passes for 735 yards and three touchdowns. In 2010, his numbers dropped off a bit, with 579 yards receiving but increasing his touchdown receptions with five. He also had at least two receptions in every game as a senior. Although he didn’t put up as big of numbers as some of the other wide receiver prospects entering the 2011 draft, he has proven himself to be a consistent receiver against quality competition in the SEC. However, he will need to improve in some areas of his game to have success in a different level of competition that is the National Football League. Here is a closer look at Toliver, including his strengths and weaknesses.

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Scouting Report: LSU Wide Receiver Terrence Toliver - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Patrick Peterson taken from 2.bp.blogspot.com

LSU corner Patrick Peterson just might be the most overrated player at any position in this year’s draft class. I have always taken a lot of heat for my opinion of Peterson, but hear me out.

NFL Traits

Physical Ability

Peterson is one of the most physically gifted corners I have ever seen. He is really tall (6’1), he has a whole lot of bulk (maybe even too much at 212lbs), and he is extremely fast (4.42 40 yard dash). He is an extremely fluid athlete, and he possesses natural change of direction skills that allow him to cover even the best of route runners. He also is has extremely long arms that allow him to deflect a lot of passes. He also is a very good tackler and solid run stopper.

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Patrick Peterson- 2011 Draft Scouting Report - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

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Updated Big Board: 2/02/11 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

I really don’t get to involved with mocking past the 1st round but I wanted to give it a shot.  Below is what I feel could happen on day two of the 2011 NFL draft.

33. New England Patriots (Via Carolina) – Mikel Leshoure, RB Illinois
- The Pats addressed the defense in round 1 and now they steal with Leshoure.  He has the ability to be a true force in the Patriots offense.

34. Buffalo Bills – Colin Kaepernick, QB Nevada
- There are some offensive linemen still left on the board but Kaepernick represents a player with a ton of upside.  His skill set fits exactly what Head Coach Chan Gailey looks for in a quarterback.  The presence of Fitzpatrick will provide Kaepernick the time he needs to develop.

35. Cincinnati Bengals – Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
- Benson is a free agent and even if he returns the Bengals need someone to give him rest.

36. Denver Broncos – Drake Nevis, DT LSU
- The Broncos defensive line is shaping up nicely with the additions of Bowers and now Nevis.

37. Cleveland Browns – Corey Liuget, DT Illinois
- The Browns are following Denver’s lead and adding Liuget will help with the pass rush.

38. Arizona Cardinals – Ben Ijalana, OT Villanova
- The Cardinals offensive line has been an issue and Ijalana has a lot of upside.

39. Tennessee Titans – Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
- It’s hard to believe Mallett falls to the 2nd round but here he is landing with a team I feel could pull the trigger on him in round 1.

40. Dallas Cowboys – Mike Pouncey, G/C Florida
- Dallas has issues across the offensive line and Pouncey is a versatile player that can play guard or center.  I feel he has the athletic ability to possible bounce outside and play tackle.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: 2nd Round - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

The Senior Bowl week has resulted in several prospects seeing a big jump in their draft stock.  This week features a few of those prospects making their debut in our mock draft.  One surprise is Ryan Mallett falling out of the 1st round mainly because I was unable to find a good fit from him.  I could see the Titans making a move for him if they go in that direction.  Check back tomorrow as we mock the 2nd round of the draft! Please be sure to check out DCsports report for a great mock draft database.

Nick Fairley- DT- Auburn

I am firmly on-board the Nick Fairley hype train.  Fairley will be a great complement to a defensive line that features an emerging Charles Johnson.  Ron Rivera will love the way that Fairley can penetrate the pocket and wreak havoc.

Da’Quan Bowers- DE- Clemson

John Fox and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are likely to make the switch to a 4-3 defensive scheme.  Bowers is worthy of this pick due to his ability to rush the passer but also hold strong against the run.  The duo of Bowers and Dumervil will give offensive coordinators nightmares.

Patrick Peterson- CB- LSU

There is going to be a ton of buzz following the combine after Peterson runs a stellar 40 yard dash.  Peterson is not just an athlete, he can be a true shutdown corner which is becoming increasing more valuable in the NFL.  The Bills have a lot of needs but Peterson represents the best value at this pick.  A name that will get a lot of attention at this spot will be Von Miller but the recent struggles of Aaron Maybin may stop the Bills from pulling the trigger on Miller.

AJ Green- WR- Georgia

It appears more and more likely that both Chad Ochocinco and T.O. will not be returning which leaves a major void at the wide receiver position.  Adding Green will allow the Bengals fans to quickly forget the controversial Ochocinco.  Green has the skill level and talent to be considered for the top 0verall pick!

Blaine Gabbert- QB- Missouri

The Cardinals are desperate for a quarterback and need to go in that direction with this selection.  While I don’t feel comfortable selection any of the quarterbacks this early the Cardinals don’t have a choice.  Gabbert is the top quarterback on my board and has a ton of upside, however, he needs time to develop.  Arizona would be wise to use this selection to get their quarterback of the future and then use free agency to get a short term fix.

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Updated 2011 NFL Mock Draft: 1/31/11 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football