Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle D.J. Fluker (76) reacts on the sidelines against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Alabama beat Michigan 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears coaches and scouts aren’t just in Indianapolis for the famous shrimp cocktail; they’re busy evaluating talent.  They set up a face to face with meeting with DJ Fluker, the massive offensive tackle who’s considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects.   (more…)

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te’o

Linebackers

I can’t think of a positional group that is asked to be more versatile or do more than linebackers.  From rushing the passer to covering the deep middle and sideline to sideline, linebackers have to do it all.  Teams will have their own criteria based on the scheme they run and their individual needs.  (more…)

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback is hurried by LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Ends

In the golden age of passing, there is no position more coveted besides quarterback than defensive end.  Teams need to pressure the quarterback and that usually relies on great defensive ends.  Similar to defensive tackles, there are many different ways that teams can go in scouting defensive ends depending on their scheme.  (more…)

September 8, 2012; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) scores a touchdown ahead of Southern Utah Thunderbirds defensive back Tyree Mills (6) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 50-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

You can’t seem to have too many quality wide receivers.  Passing attacks in the NFL are changing the game and teams are looking for the next AJ Green or Julio Jones to provide an immediate impact.   In years gone by, one might have to wait a few years for a wide receiver to develop into a productive player, but those days are gone.  Teams expect results quickly.  (more…)

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

The emergence of the passing game has really devalued the running back position.  Gone are the days of packing the first round full of ball carriers.  Teams put more priority on wide receivers and pass catching tight ends or defenders to rush the quarterback than they do on running the rock.  Sure, MVP Adrian Peterson ran the Vikings to the playoffs, but he’s a once in a decade kind of talent.  I don’t think there are any Peterson’s in this draft class.  (more…)