March 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson speaks at a press conference during the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton is progressing in a better QB even though his completion % dropped off a little bit this year. He threw 5 less interceptions this past year while raising his average from 7.8 ypa to 8 ypa. His TDs dropped by 2 despite throwing 30 less balls. The Panthers also have a really good staple of running backs with Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and  and Mike Tolbert. However, outside of Steve Smith, the Panthers don’t really have any other WR threats to speak of. Greg Olson is a good target from the TE position. On defense Luke Kuechly is an absolute beast in the middle of that defense. Charles Johnson is an elite pass rusher off of the edge as well. However, they cut Chris Gamble in the offseason and are in some serious need of a new CB. They also don’t have any real talent to speak of at the DT position.

Jan 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) sacks Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Sharrif Floyd – The Panthers have been painfully bad at the defensive tackle position for the last couple years. It hasn’t necessarily shown in the rush defense stats, they were 12th in the league last year, but that has more to do with their outstanding LB core than their DTs. Floyd is already an outstanding run defender which will boost this defense and not make the LBs have to play the run so much. He doesn’t really have any pass rushing moves if he is stopped on his initial burst, but that initial burst is great. He stands up too much at times off the snap which can cause him to be blocked right off the bat. If he can develop some sort of pass rush move he has a very high ceiling.

October 27, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) during warm-ups prior to a game against the California Golden Bears at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Star Lotulelei – Is an absolutely great athlete for his size. He is explosive off of the snap and has great lateral agility and flexibility to get through holes on the line to disrupt plays before they even begin. He is extremely strong and heavy handed to control the offensive lineman when they are locked up. He has an extremely strong upper core and the ability to toss offensive lineman around. He can tend to try and use his athleticism too much which can cause him to be inconsistent at times. He has some health problems right now with a possible heart defect. If that checks out he would be a steal at 14.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In 2010 the Buccaneers were one of the surprise teams in the league when they went 10-6. However, in 2011 they couldn’t follow that success up and seen a dramatic drop in Josh Freemans play and their defense, which caused them to go 4-12. Then last year they rebounded some when they went 7-9. Part of the reason they were 3 games better this season was the key additions they added to their team in free agency and the draft. They signed Vincent Jackson who made the pro bowl and Carl Nicks who is one of the best OGs in the league. In the draft they also added Mark Barron who played well at safety, Doug Martin who made the pro bowl at RB and Lavonte David at LB who was in the running for DROY. Josh Freeman also played better this year. They still had the worst pass defense in the league and they lost some key players in Michael Bennett, Roy Miller and Eric Wright is suspended to begin the year.

Nov 17, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – The Buccaneers were dead last year in passing yards given up per game. They traded Aqib Talib to the Patriots last year and Eric Wright is suspended to start the year. E.J. Biggers also signed with the Washington Redskins this offseason. Xavier Rhodes is a big, strong, physical CB who excels at press coverage. Rhodes has very good ball skills, showing good instincts and is confident that he can make a play on the ball. Is strong in the run game, has the ability to shed blocks and tackle the ball carrier in space. He does get overaggressive in his coverage at times, being too physical down the field which can result in pass interference and illegal contact penalties.

Sep 15, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Trufant – Trrufant has shown that he faster and a better athlete than many thought that he was with his 4.38 40 time at the combine. Trufant also has very fluid footwork and has shown the quickness and ability to drive on the football. He is physical when the ball is in the air and he fights for the ball very well. However, that physical nature doesn’t carry over to the run game. He isn’t very good at wrapping up the ball carrier and doesn’t have elite strength to bring bigger ball carriers down. He is a different type of CB than Rhodes, so it just depends on what type of CB the Buccaneers want.

Jan 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) sacks Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the third quarter of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’3″

Weight:  303 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

2012

2011

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Big, powerful defensive tackle prospect who entered college football with a bang back in 2010, earning a spot on the All-SEC Freshman team. Floyd is a versatile lineman who is not a great pass rusher but certainly knows how to occupy blockers and make plays in the backfield. He has played both defensive tackle as well as on the outside at end, and has been very productive for the Gators, living up to his hype as an All-American prep. So far as a junior, Floyd is lighting it up once again. He is making plays in the backfield and proving that his freshman year was not a fluke. What Floyd does so well is use his hands and quickness off the ball to beat offensive linemen. There is no guarantee that he will be coming out after his junior season, but if you see his name entered into the 2013 crop of players, it’s likely he’ll be a high selection.

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