Oct 27 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive lineman Quanterus Smith (93) rushes against Florida International Golden Panthers offensive tackle Rupert Bryan Jr. (54) in the second half at FIU Stadium. Western Kentucky defeated FIU 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 250 pounds

Drafted By: Denver Broncos (5th round, 146th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  No Combine or Pro Day workout — injured

Career Highlights via WKU athletics site

2011: Named to the second team all-Sun Belt Conference list after leading the Hilltopper defense with 7.5 sacks on the season and finished second with 11 tackles for loss – both career highs…Had double-digit tackles for loss the second year in a row, with losses totaling 100 yards lost…Played in all 12 games, posting 38 total tackles, including 23 tackles of the solo variety…Had two sacks on two different occasions, with the first coming in week four against Arkansas State…Finished the game with five tackles…His second two-sack performance came against Louisiana-Monroe, as he finished with a pair of sacks totaling 15 yards lost, to go along with six total tackles and a career-high four tackles for loss in helping WKU to its fourth consecutive win…Had a sack against Louisiana-Lafayette (10/22/11), to go along with three tackles…Had three tackles or more in five different games and posted tackles for loss in seven games…Posted three tackles on the road against No. 1-ranked LSU as a starter at defensive end…Closed the regular season leading the WKU defense with five total tackles against Troy, including a solo sack for a loss of 10 yards.

2010: Named to Phil Steele’s all-Sun Belt Conference third team at season’s end…Played in all 12 games, drawing 10 starting assignments at defensive end…Ranked fifth on the team with 47 total tackles…Ranked second on the squad with 10.5 tackles for loss, while recording a team-best four sacks…Posted a career and season-high seven tackles against Middle Tennessee, with three of those stops going for loss…Finished with at least four tackles eight times in 11 games…Recorded full sacks against Nebraska, Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana-Lafayette, while assisting on sacks against Indiana and MTSU…Also forced fumbles against ULM and ULL, and recovered a fumble against Indiana…Was credited with pass breakups against both Florida Atlantic and Troy.

2009: Played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman, making two starts…Compiled 12 total tackles on the year, with seven solo stops, including a solo tackle for an 11-yard loss…Saw action in week one on the road at Tennessee…Made first collegiate tackle in the home opener against South Florida, making a solo tackle for a loss of 11 yards…Posted a pair of tackles in week four on the road against Navy…Had one tackle in week five at home against Florida International…Collected two solo tackles in week eight at North Texas…Made first career start in week nine at home against Troy, making one solo stop…Had two tackles in the season finale against Arkansas State.

Scouting Report/Player Notes

As a senior in 2012, Smith led the nation with 12.5 sacks and 1.25 sacks per game before he hurt his knee and had to sit out the rest of the season. This is a dynamic pass rusher from a smaller school who pretty much dominates the competition. He can bend around the edge and has good quickness off the snap, and just a knack for getting pressure on the quarterback. Smith was invited to the Combine, so he had to have gone through intensive medical testing prior to the draft. His upside is immense. At 6’5″ 250 pounds, he has not quite yet filled out his frame, and coming off of an injury, he will likely get under-drafted. The NFL really values players who can get after the quarterback, and this guy can do that. He doesn’t come from an SEC school, but he dominated one. The main game people talk about when you look at this kid’s college game footage is his performance against Alabama, where he had three sacks. The Crimson Tide had one of the best offensive lines I have ever evaluated, including a guy in D.J. Fluker who was drafted by the Chargers as the 11th overall pick, and there were instances when Smith made Fluker look like he was standing in cement. Smith also did work on Cyrus Kouandjio, a sophomore tackle who is projected as one of the best players in the country going into 2012. Needless to say, he put out his best performance against a team that put him on the grid nationally.

The guy simply makes plays working upfield. He is not a run-stuffing defensive end by any means, but he doesn’t have to be. He needs to work on that part of his game and get a little more stout against the run, but on third down, you aren’t going to find too many pass rushers in this draft who are as instinctive at getting to the quarterback as Smith.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Nov 24, 2012; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Crockett Gillmore (10) is tackled by New Mexico Lobos cornerback Freddy Young (17) during the second quarter at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 210 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.50

Bench Press: 19

Vertical Jump: 39.5″

Broad Jump: 129″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.32

Career Highlights (via New Mexico athletics site)

NEW MEXICO: Four-year letterman who has played cornerback and safety … brought a steady influence to the secondary … was one of the biggest and best athletes in the group … had 40 career appearances with 18 starts over his UNM career … his production in 2012 kept rising as the season went along … began 2011 as a starter at safety but stayed active when he came off the bench after week four … excellent leaping ability (39.5-inch vertical) and could make a real impact on defense as he improves his technique and develops in the weight room … the son of former Seattle Seahawks (1984-87) and Indianapolis Colts (1988-90) linebacker Fredd Young…the older Young played at New Mexico State from 1980-83 and in the NFL for seven seasons.

2012 (SENIOR): Recorded 59 tackles (30 solos) to finish tied for fourth on the team, even though he missed two games early because of a shin injury … also had two tackles for loss and his first forced fumble of his career … was active in the season finale against Colorado State, finishing with 11 tackles, including a team-high seven solos … tied for the team lead with 12 total tackles (six solo, six assist) against Nevada on Nov. 17 … set a new personal career-high for tackles in a season following his performance vs. the Wolf Pack … finished third on the team in tackles against Fresno State on Oct. 27 with nine (three solo, six assist) … forced the first fumble of his career against the Bulldogs in the third quarter … made the 100th tackle of his career in the second quarter when he and Matt Raymer teamed up to pull down a Fresno State receiver … tied for third on the team with six total tackles (four solo, two assist) against Air Force on Oct. 20 … assisted on three tackles against Texas State on Oct. 6 … broke up one pass and recorded five tackles (three solo, two assist), including half a tackle for a loss, against No. 24 Boise State on Sept. 29 … missed the Lobos’ game at New Mexico State with an injury … did not play at Texas Tech due to injury … tied for third on the team with three solo tackles against Texas on Sept. 8 and assisted on one other … made three tackles in UNM’s season-opening win vs.. Southern on Sept. 1.

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Athletic freak who emerged as a starter as a senior. Lots of untapped potential. Great special teams player who offers versatility defensively. I think he is a late-round developmental player who can help you immediately on special teams, and develop into a potential rotational player in the secondary. Has played corner and safety in his college career. Really great speed and leaping ability. Really excited about his potential in the NFL.

Exclusive Player Interview

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Sep 17, 2011; Ruston, LA, USA; Houston Cougars defensive back D.J. Hayden (2) during the second half in the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Joe Aillet Stadium. Houston won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 191 pounds

Position Rank: 2nd

Drafted By: Oakland Raiders (1st round, 12th overall)

40 Yard Dash: 4.40

Bench Press: DNP

Vertical Jump: 33.5″

Broad Jump: 120″

Career Highlights (via Houston athletics site)

2012 First Team All-Conference USA
• 2011 Conference USA Defensive Newcomer of the Year
• 2011 Second Team All-Conference USA

Senior (2012): Started the first nine games of the season before suffering a season-ending tear of the inferior vena cava in the heart from a freak collision in practice … earned first team All-Conference USA honors despite the injury … was second on the team with four interceptions and eight pass breakups … returned two of his four interceptions for touchdowns with a 75-yard return at SMU and a 95-yard return vs. UTEP … his TD return vs. UTEP marked his second interception against the Miners as he also picked off a pass at UCLA … also forced a fumble at UCLA and recovered a fumble against UAB … career-high 10 tackles against Louisiana Tech and has back-to-back nine-tackle games against North Texas and UAB.

Junior (2011): Conference USA Defensive Newcomer of the Year … Second Team All-Conference USA … One of the country’s top junior college newcomers and was a shutdown corner for the UH defense … Led the club with 11 passes broken up … Finished fifth on the club with two interceptions … Forced a team-leading five fumbles … Forced a fumble in each of the season’s final five games … Recovered two fumbles … Had eight tackles for loss and a sack … Had 66 tackles, including 52 solo stops … Returned an interception 54 yards for a score at UAB … Had two tackles for loss in the 2012 TicketCity Bowl win against Penn State … Had five tackles, two tackles-for-loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble vs. Rice … Had nine tackles against Marshall and eight stops against Tulsa and Southern Miss.

Junior College: Helped lead Navarro College to the 2010 NJCAA national championship … Played in all 11 games, posting 35 tackles, including 33 solo stops as a sophomore in 2010 … Ranked No. 41 on Rivals.com’s Top-50 Junior College players … Had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown … Registered six passes broken up … Team allowed only 226 yards of total offense, which ranked 12th in the NJCAA and 115 yards passing which was good for 17th nationally … Played in 10 games as a freshman in 2009 with 23 tackles and one TFL … Junior College coach was Nick Bobeck … Chose Houston over Arkansas, TCU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss.

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Aside from a freak injury in early November, D.J. Hayden had a tremendous rise to the top of the CB class in his senior season at Houston. He has good size at 5’11″ 191 pounds and is blazing fast, both on the field and in workouts. What you really notice about him is his elite closing speed. He has great instincts from the cornerback position and makes better plays on the ball than most of the players I’ve evaluated in this class. Has a fiery competitiveness about him that is intriguing to me. Seems to get his teammates fired up with his enthusiasm, especially when he makes a big interception or pass breakup. I love his willingness to take part in the running game, and his willingness also to hit people in general. The injury he suffered in November was a torn vein in his heart, which had pretty much removed him from all draft boards. Then, he overcame the odds and proved to everyone he was healthy and ready to play in the NFL.

This is a guy who has a nose for the ball, and he has a really intriguing competitive drive. I would not be surprised to see him picked in the first round now that he is fully healthy.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Nov 17, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman John Simon (54) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 21-14 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 257 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.62

Bench Press:

Vertical Jump: 34″

Broad Jump: 121″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.42

Career Highlights (via Ohio State athletics site)

Ohio State Overview: John Simon was a leader on and off the field whose efforts were always exemplary … Simon was repeatedly referred to as the heart and soul of the 2012 team by Meyer, and he has the distinction of being only the eighth two-time captain in school history and the first since James Laurinaitis in 2008 and 2009 … he was twice named a semifinalist for the prestigious Lott IMPACT Award and in 2012 he was a finalist for the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bobby Bowden Award … he capped his career by being named the Big Ten Conference’s 2012 Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year Award … he was also named the Big Ten’s 2012 Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year after leading the Big Ten in quarterback sacks (9.0 for minus-73 yards) and ranking second with 14.5 tackles-for-loss, totaling minus-87 yards … his sacks and TFLs each ranked among the Top 25 nationally … those numbers also boosted Simon to No. 7 all-time at Ohio State in both categories, with 20.5 sacks and 43.0 TFLs … he was named all-Big Ten by both the media and the coaches and a third-team Associated Press All-American as both a junior and a senior … in 2012 he was a second-team Walter Camp All-American and was voted as the Ohio State team MVP … a four-year Varsity O letterwinner, Simon played in 50 games and started 37 consecutive games before a knee injury sidelined him for the final game of his senior season, a 26-21 win over Michigan that completed a 12-0 regular season for the No. 4-ranked Buckeyes … during his senior season, Simon tied the school record with 5.0 tackles-for-loss (for minus-24 yards with two sacks and a forced fumble) against Nebraska and was named Big Ten player of the week and national defensive player of the week by the Bednarik, Lott IMPACT and National Performance organizations … he had four quarterback sacks (for minus-36 yards; fourth-most yards lost for a game at Ohio State) vs. Wisconsin … as a junior he had four TFLs against Illinois and he is now the only Buckeye to ever have a five-TFL game and a four-TFL game … Simon’s 87 TFL yards in 2012 rank ninth all-time at Ohio State and his career TFL yardage total of 195 yards ranks sixth all-time in school history … Simon was honored with Ohio State’s Bill Willis Award as the team’s outstanding defensive player as a junior after leading the Buckeyes with seven quarterback sacks and 16 tackles for loss (for minus-59 yards), figures that ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, in the Big Ten Conference … he also accumulated 53 tackles and broke up three passes … he had a career-best 10 tackles in 2011 vs. Indiana … as a true sophomore in 2010 he played in and started all 13 games and was named honorable mention all-Big Ten … he returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown vs. Minnesota … Simon played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2009, recording 16 tackles on the season … coaches honored him with the 1st Year Defensive Player Award.

More on Simon: John, invited to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, is expected to graduate in spring 2013 with his degree in sports & leisure studies … he was a two-time all-state honoree for coach P.J. Fecko at Cardinal Mooney H.S. … state’s Division IV and NE Ohio’s defensive player of the year as a senior when he had 148 tackles, 13 TFLs, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles … helped Cardinal Mooney to three state title games and a regional semifinals appearance … played in the U.S. Army All-American game … member of the National Honor Society and a Cardinal Mooney Ambassador … is the son of Renee and John Simon.

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Simon is a guy that really stands out when you watch Ohio State play, if for no other reason than he is just almost inarguably giving the most effort of any player on the field at any given time. His work ethic on and off the field is, according to Urban Meyer, “Tebowish,” and on the field, he reaps the benefits. He’s not likely to fill up the stat sheet in terms of sacks like some of the top pass rushers will, but he makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and you certainly don’t want to be the guy who gets in his way when the ball is snapped. Last season, he had 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks along with 53 total tackles. He has played both end in the 3-4 and some dropping in coverage as a linebacker. When he goes to the NFL, he can play inside or outside and have upside in both areas, though he’s a little light for a defensive tackle. I really enjoy watching this guy play, and I think he has a bright future in the NFL as a second-fourth round selection.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 203 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.59

Bench Press: DNP

Vertical Jump: 36.5″

Broad Jump: 123″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.27

Career Highlights (via California athletics site)

2012: Preseason Lindy’s First-Team All-American … Preseason Beyond Sport Network (BSN) First-Team All-American … 2011:AFCA First-Team All-American … AP First-Team All-American … D2Football.com First-Team All-American … Don Hansen Second-Team All-American … Daktronics Super Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year … Daktronics First-Team All-Region … Don Hansen First-Team All-Region … PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year … All-PSAC West First-Team … preseason D2Football.com First-Team All-American … started all 13 games at defensive back … finished with 71 tackles (51 solo), 6.0 TFL and eight pass break-ups … led the team and tied for third in PSAC with five interceptions … established career high with 14 tackles (11 solo) and two pass break-ups in season-opener against St. Cloud State … made three stops (all solo) and one blocked punt versus C.W. Post … finished with three tackles (all solo), 1.0 TFL and one interception at East Stroudsburg … collected four stops (two solo), 1.5 TFL and two pass break-ups against Clarion … made two tackles (one solo) and 1.0 TFL at Lock Haven … registered two stops (all solo) and one interception versus Gannon … finished with five tackles (three solo) and one interception at Slippery Rock … posted 11 stops (five solo), 1.5 TFL and one interception against Mercyhurst … collected seven tackles (six solo) with 1.0 TFL at IUP … made five stops (four solo) versus Edinboro … recorded three tackles (two solo) and one pass break-up at Cheyney … finished with six stops (all solo), one interception and one blocked field goal against Elizabeth City State in NCAA Playoffs … posted six tackles (three solo) at Winston-Salem State in NCAA Playoffs … 2010: Football Gazette Third-Team All-Region … All-PSAC West First-Team … played all 12 with 11 starts at defensive back … finished with 60 tackles (28 solo), 12.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks and five pass break-ups … led team and ranked 11th in PSAC in TFL … made seven stops (two solo) with 0.5 TFL in season-opener at Saginaw Valley … collected four tackles (one solo), recovered a fumble and registered a safety at C.W. Post … finished with six stops (five solo) and one pass break-up against East Stroudsburg … recorded five tackles (three solo) with 2.0 TFL and 1.0 sack at Gannon … had eight stops (five solo) with 1.0 TFL and two pass break-ups versus Slippery Rock … made season-high nine tackles (three solo) and 0.5 TFL against IUP … finished with four stops (two solo), 2.5 TFL and 1.0 sack at Edinboro … registered eight tackles (four solo), career-high 4.5 TFL and one pass break-up versus Cheyney … made eight stops (three solo) with 1.0 TFL against Bloomsburg in NCAA Playoffs … member of Cal U AD Honor Roll (Spring 2011) … 2009: PSAC West Freshman of the Year … All-PSAC West Second- Team … appeared in 14 games with eight starts at defensive back … finished with 51 tackles (34 solo), 2.5 TFL, one interception, five pass break-ups, one forced fumble and one blocked kick … made college debut in season-opener versus Saginaw Valley … collected five stops (all solo) with 1.0 TFL against Bloomsburg … blocked and returned a punt for a touchdown at West Chester … posted five tackles (all solo) against Clarion … collected eight stops (five solo) with 0.5 TFL at IUP … recorded five tackles (four solo) and one pass break-up versus Edinboro … finished with five stops (three solo), 0.5 TFL and one interception at Shippensburg in NCAA Playoffs … established season high with 10 tackles (two solo) and 0.5 TFL at Northwest Missouri State in NCAA Semifinals

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Former Kent State transfer has been wildly productive in his time at California (PA), and displayed solid but not great athletic ability and speed at the Combine. He made plays all over the field in his time at college, but it will be interesting to see how he takes to the NFL game. This is a guy with some upside as a special teams player and rotational ability at the safety position. He’s worth a look in the mid-late rounds.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 228 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.49

Bench Press: 23

Vertical Jump: 36.5″

Broad Jump: 127″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.29

Career Highlights (via Richmond athletics site)

2012: First-Team AP All-American … First-Team Walter Camp All-America … First-Team The Sports Network All-American … Second-Team All-American by Phil Steele … Second-Team All-American by Beyond College Sports … First-Team All-CAA … Named The Touchdown Club of Richmond Division I National Defensive Back of the Year … First-Team VaSID All-State … College Sports Madness First-Team All-CAA … First-Team Capital One Academic All-American … CAA Football Scholar Athlete of the Year … 2012 CAA Football All-Academic Team … Named CoSIDA Academic All-District … Team captain … Started all 10 games in which he appeared … Totaled 78 tackles, 5.0 TFL, four interceptions, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four quarterback hurries and nine pass breakups … Named CAA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time on the season after totaling a team-high 13 tackles in shutout win over Rhode Island … Also had 0.5 sacks, two QB hurries and a forced fumble against the Rams … Game-high 12 tackles, seven solo, against No. 4 Old Dominion … Totaled six tackles, including five solo, an interception and three pass breakups in win at Georgia State … CAA Defensive Player of the Week on September 17 … Had eight tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry in victory over Delaware … Eight tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and a quarterback hurry in win over No. 2 James Madison … Seven tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups in Capital Cup win at William & Mary … Totaled five tackles, three solo, and had two interceptions in win at VMI … Totaled a team-high eight tackles, five solo, and a forced fumble in win at Villanova … Ran back second INT 35 yards for first career touchdown … Six tackles at No. 12/13 New Hampshire … Had four tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup in victory over Gardner-Webb … 2013 Senior Bowl Watch List …

2011: CAA Football Academic All-Conference Team … Started all eight games in which he appeared, recording 63 tackles, including 20 solo and 1.5 for loss, a forced fumble, an interception, a QB hurry, and three pass breakups … Registered 14 tackles, including five solo and 1.0 for a loss of two yards, a forced fumble, a QB hurry, and a pass breakup in a victory at Duke … Intercepted a pass for 44 yards to go with seven tackles and a pass breakup against Maine … Had 14 tackles at James Madison … Totaled six or more tackles six times …

2010 (at Georgia Tech): Played in four games and made five tackles … Saw limited action after suffering an injury …

2009 (at Georgia Tech): Started the first three games of the season before being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which caused him to sit out the rest of the season … Was diagnosed after an extremely high heartbeat in the Sept. 17 Miami game … Had 16 tackles and one interception in the first three games of the season … Produced his second career interception and recorded eight tackles in the win over Clemson (Sept. 10) … Recorded six tackles in the season opener vs. Jacksonville State (Sept. 5) …

2008 (at Georgia Tech): A true freshman safety who emerged as a star of the future … An athletic rookie who made an immediate impact … Named second team All-ACC by Rivals … Named honorable mention Freshmen All-America by College Football News … Ranked second on the team and second among all ACC freshmen in tackles (69), including 45 solo tackles, despite starting just three games … his three career starts came against Florida State, Miami and Georgia … Had two forced fumbles, one interception and two pass breakups … One of three true freshmen to play on the defensive side of the ball … Recorded four solo tackles in the Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. LSU (Dec. 31) … Was Tech’s leading-tackler (9) in the win at 13th-ranked Georgia (Nov. 29) … Recorded three solo tackles and a pass break-up vs. No. 23 Miami (Nov. 20) … Earned National Freshman of the Week honors by Rivals.com after his performance vs. Florida State (Nov. 1) … With FSU driving for the go-ahead touchdown and less than one minute remaining, Taylor forced a Seminole fumble near the goal line, securing Tech’s 31-28 win… had his first career interception and returned it 28 yards against the Seminoles … Paced the team with 10 tackles, including eight solo tackles against FSU… tied for a team-high with 11 tackles, including eight solo tackles, plus one pass break-up vs. Virginia (Oct. 25) … Played the majority of the game at Virginia Tech (Sept. 13) and recorded nine tackles … Played close to 50 snaps at Boston College (Sept. 6) … Had six tackles, including three solo tackles, against the Eagles… had an impressive career debut vs. Jacksonville State (Aug. 28) … Recorded three tackles, including two solo tackles, and forced a fumble against the Gamecocks …

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Big, athletic safety prospect with a ton of upside. Prior to leaving Georgia Tech, he looked like one of the up-and-coming stars in college football after being named second team All-ACC in just his Freshman season. As you can see above, he was diagnosed with something called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, and he was forced to miss the rest of the season. He had another injury essentially end his Georgia Tech career in 2010, so he transferred to Richmond for a fresh start, and he emerged as an elite player in 2012 with the Spiders. I’m very intrigued by his overall size and athletic ability, and I think some team is going to be willing to take a shot on him in the middle rounds.

April 14, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Mike James (5) runs the ball as defensive back Ray-Ray Armstrong (26) tries to make the stop during the spring scrimmage game for the University of Miami at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 216 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.69

Bench Press: 18

Vertical Jump: 34.5″

Broad Jump: 116″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.24

Career Highlights (via Miami athletics site)

2010 Second-Team All-ACC Selection

2011 (JUNIOR): Saw action in seven games, earning the start against Duke … Finished the season with 34 tackles (20 solo, 14 assists) … Recorded his lone interception of the season against the Blue Devils … Registered a season-high seven tackles twice, against then-No. 21 Virginia Tech and Duke … Was credited with a fumble recovery against the Hokies. Earned a letter.

2010 (SOPHOMORE): Third on the team in tackles (79) … Recorded a team-high tying three interceptions for the Hurricanes … Recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, a team-high for defensive backs … Scored one of the team’s two defensive touchdowns with a 22-yard interception return against Florida A&M … Recorded nine tackles against both Ohio State and Florida State … Recorded six tackles and forced a fumble against Georgia Tech. Earned a letter.

2009 (FRESHMAN): One of three true freshmen (along with DE Olivier Vernon and CB Brandon McGee) to see significant action on defense for the Canes in 2009 … Played in 10 games (DNP/injury at Wake Forest, vs. Virginia, at North Carolina) … Recorded a career-high seven tackles (four solo, three assists) in win over then-No. 8 Oklahoma … Tallied three tackles in back-to-back weeks at UCF and versus Clemson … Also had a pass break-up at UCF. Earned a letter.

2011 Stats (Dismissed from team in 2012)

Scouting Report/Player Notes

**Dismissed from the Miami football team in 2012**

**Declared ineligible by NAIA**

**Played in only 7 games as a junior**

**Was allowed to participate in Miami (FL) pro day**

**Graduated from University of Miami in 2012**

I have to say, I’m really impressed by Ray Ray Armstrong. He would have been one of the top three or four safeties in this draft if he had continued to play and live up to his potential, but that wasn’t the case. I know Armstrong missed the 2012 season, and played in only seven games the season before that, but this guy has got some skill. If you can get him in the right situation with the right team, I think that could be a huge steal for someone. He has great size, average speed and overall athletic ability, but the guy can hit and he can make plays. Here was my report on him before he was dismissed from the Hurricanes:

Excellent tackler at the safety position who makes plays all over the field. Big hitter who is considered a potential first round prospect by many NFL Draft outlets. He is certainly physically imposing and came to Miami as a highly touted prospect considered an “athlete” and clearly they chose the right spot for him. He really broke out as a sophomore with 79 tackles and three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Armstrong is very, very talented and has great potential as an NFL player. He is pretty much a consensus first team All-ACC heading into the 2011 season, and was second team All-ACC last year despite starting only four games. He should be one of the top safeties on most draft boards heading into the season.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

November 17, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) scores a touchdown past USC Trojans safety Jawanza Starling (29) in the first quarter at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 202 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.56

Bench Press: 17

Vertical Jump: 36″

Broad Jump: 124″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.34

Career Highlights (via USC athletics site)

CAREER: He has 86 tackles and 1 interception in his career. He has 20 career starts.

2012: The veteran Starling will start for his third season at strong safety as a senior in 2012.

2011: Starling started for his second season at strong safety as a junior in 2011 and played solidly. Overall in 2011 while starting 11 games (he missed the Colorado game), he had 48 tackles, including 3.5 for losses, plus 2 fumble recoveries (1 for a TD) and 2 deflections. He injured his ribs and shoulder against Stanford and missed the Colorado game. He won USC’s 2011 Co-Lifter of the Year Award.

He had 1 tackle against Minnesota, 2 tackles versus Utah and Syracuse, 5 tackles and a deflection against Arizona State, 4 tackles against Arizona and 6 tackles (1 for a loss) at California. He had 4 tackles (0.5 for loss) and made a momentum-changing 80-yard fumble return for a TD (USC’s longest scoring fumble return since Zeke Moreno’s 80-yarder at Oregon State in 2000) at Notre Dame. He then had 5 tackles against Stanford, 4 tackles (1 for a loss) and a deflection against Washington, 6 tackles (1 for a loss) and a fumble recovery at Oregon and 9 tackles versus UCLA.

2010: Starling started USC’s first 9 games at strong safety as a sophomore in 2010, then was sidelined the final 4 games with a strained hamstring. Overall in 2010, he had 37 tackles, an interception and a deflection. He had 5 tackles against both Hawaii and Virginia, 4 tackles and an interception at Minnesota, 3 tackles and a deflection at Washington State, 7 tackles against Washington, 5 tackles at Stanford, 2 tackles against California, 5 tackles against Oregon and 1 tackle against Arizona State before injuring his hamstring.

2009: Starling saw limited action as a backup free safety and played on special teams as a first-year freshman in 2009. Overall in 2009 while appearing in 9 games (all but San Jose State, Ohio State, Washington, Arizona State), he had 1 tackle (at California). He strained his hamstring at Oregon and missed the Arizona State game

2012 Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Starling showed pretty average overall athletic ability at the Scouting Combine compared to other safeties, but he had his best collegiate season as a senior and is worth taking a look at in the later rounds. He’s a really well-built kid coming from a good program, and he showed some ball skills in 2012 that weren’t there in previous seasons. T.J. McDonald got all the attention at USC at the safety position, but this guy wasn’t too bad himself. He will have to make his mark on special teams to get a crack at a starting job or job in a rotation in the NFL, but I think his senior season he showed he has a bit of upside.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Feb 26, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Earl Wolff makes a diving catch during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 209 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash: 4.40

Bench Press: DNP

Vertical Jump: 39″

Broad Jump: 134″

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.07

Career Highlights (via North Carolina State athletics site)

Overview: Boundary safety who has been called `the heart of the defense’ by head coach Tom O’Brien, he is tied for the team lead in career games played with 38 … Has 255 career tackles, more than any returning player … Has seven caused fumbles for his career, that ties as the fifth-best mark in school history … Graduated in December after just three-and-a-half years with a degree in sport management.

In 2011: An All-ACC nominee who finished the season ranked second on the team in tackles with 113 … Led the team in tackles versus Wake Forest (10) and Central Michigan (12), he had double-figure tackle totals in five contests … Caused two fumbles against Georgia Tech, three for the year.

In 2010: Ranks third on the team in tackles with 91, he had 14 in the win at North Carolina, including 11 solo stops and a seven-yard sack … Started every game of the season at boundary safety … Pulled down his first career interception in the win at Central Florida … Forced three fumbles in 2010, one of the top marks in the ACC … Led the team in tackles with 15 at East Carolina and tied for the team lead versus Florida State with eight … Named the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Back.

In 2009: Started four games at the boundary safety position … Led the team in tackles against Pitt with 10, while in for just 26 snaps … Ended the season ranked 10th on the squad with 51 tackles … In for a season-high 36 snaps at Wake Forest … Ranked third on the team in special teams tackles.

In 2008: Redshirted the season at defensive back, he was named the defensive scout team player of the week for the South Florida and Miami games.

2012 Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Wolff is the kind of guy who has gone largely overlooked in the draft process but simply makes plays on the football field. He’s not a dynamic playmaker at the safety position, but he’s been a heck of a player for the Wolfpack since he became a full-time starter and all the guy does is find the ball. He has incredible speed and quickness to go along with his collegiate production, and was a 1st-team All-ACC selection as a senior. In a defensive backfield with guys like David Amerson, he’s been passed over when the evaluation of NC State comes, but he was really good at the East-West Shrine practices and even more impressive at the Scouting Combine. I think not only will he get drafted, he’ll make an opening day roster and be able to contribute right away. Could be a valuable special teams player from the word go.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Sep 24, 2011; Lubbock TX, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack running back Duke Williams (20) breaks free from a tackle by Texas Tech Red Raider defensive back Jared Flannel (22) in the fourth quarter at Jones AT

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 203 pounds

Drafted By: Buffalo Bills (4th round, 105th overall)

40 Yard Dash: 4.48

Bench Press: 13

Vertical Jump: 37.5″

Broad Jump: 126″

Career Highlights (via Nevada athletics site)

2012: Will anchor the Wolf Pack’s secondary after earning all-conference honors a year ago … Named to the Preseason All-Mountain West team … Named to Preseason All-MW Second Team by College Football Madness … Named to Preseason All-MW Team by the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook … Named to Preseason All-MW First Team by the Athlon Sports … Named to Preseason All-MW First Team by the Phil Steele … Named to Preseason All-MW Second Team by Lindy’s.

2011: Earned all-conference honors for the first time in his career as he was named to the second team … Started all 13 games and was a force in the secondary … Clinched Nevada’s first win of the season with an interception in the end zone against San Jose State … Recorded an 11-tackle performance in a win over Fresno State … Recovered a fumble against Hawaii … Had 10 tackles against Louisiana Tech … Was third on the team overall with 78 tackles … Named preseason second-team All-WAC by Athlon Sports … Named preseason second-team All-WAC by Phil Steele … Named preseason first-team All-WAC by Lindy’s.

2010: Started 10 games and played in 13 for the Pack … Was third on the team with 74 tackles on the year … Had 4.5 tackles for a loss of 11 yards … Had seven tackles against Cal and recorded his first career interception, which he also returned 30 yards … Set career high with eight tackles against San Jose State and then matched it against Boise State before setting new career high with nine tackles at Louisiana Tech … Second career pick came against San Jose State … Forced a pair of fumbles during the year, against San Jose State and at Idaho … Recorded a tackle in every game that he played in.

2009: Emerged as a true freshman to play in 11 regular season game, including one start at San?Jose State … Played as a key reserve in the secondary as a safety and was a valuable member of the Wolf Pack’s special teams … Recorded 29 tackles on the year, including a career-high eight in a win over Hawai`i.

Career Stats:

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Video Highlights (via YouTube)