Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall

Jordan: His arm isn't as strong as I thought it was when he came out. He definately possesses the required arm strength, but his zip isn't nearly as good as it appeared in college. He really didn't develop the way they had hoped last year. With a change in offensive coordinator, this is the year we'll get to see whether he's about to join the elite quarterbacks of this league (whatever that means) or whether he is destined for underachieving. He moves well enough to buy some time and he is tough in the pocket, but his ability to scan the field and hit the open man has been less than stellar. He also has a longer-than-deal delivery. I think he may just be too slow a passer overall to be very effective in this league.
Set Up-6-
Delivery-6-
Read Coverages-4+
Throw Short-5+
Throw Deep-5+
Mobility-6
Leadership-6
Overall Rating: 5.7^
Fred Taylor, RB, Florida

Jordan: Great speed, 4.4 flat and perhaps a little lower. Once he gets into the open field, it’s pretty much over. He has outstanding speed and burst through the hole and he has a good arsenal of moves and power. Will run through tackles at the second level and through the secondary, and shows a knack for following his blockers to big openings in which he can explode through. Has good hands out of the backfield and can turn up-field and make something happen after the catch. One of the most complete backs in the game, and the quietest 1500 yard rusher you’ll ever see. Probably in the top 5 as far as pure talent is concerned and as long as he’s healthy, he’s going to be a big playmaker.
Instincts-7
Inside Running-7
Outside Running-7
Hands/Receiving Skills-6
Block-5
Overall Rating: 7.1
Jimmy Smith, WR, Jackson State, 6'1" 208 LBS, 40 time: 4.46

Jordan: Still has that 4.4 speed and can separate from pretty much any defensive back. Still a top notch route runner. If anything has changed, it’s the quarterback situation. But this guy is still one helluva receiver and should still be considered a possible top 10 guy. His ability to separate and leap and superb hands are what stands out physically. But it’s his naturalness that separates him. He just has the timing aspect down, he knows where to be and he trusts his QB to get the ball to him in a place where only he can catch it. He’s deceptive and then blows past corners when he needs to with the blazing speed he still has. And he’s a strong guy who can push off and get away with it and separate that way. He’s a complete receiver.
Hands-7
Patterns-7
Receive Short-7
Receive Deep-7
Catch In Traffic-7
Run after Catch-6+
Block-5
Overall Rating: 7.1
Reggie Williams, WR, Washington, 6’4” 223 LBS, 40 time: 4.55

Jordan: Big, deceptive, and athletic. Shows tremendous hands, leaping ability, and footwork. Powerfully built and that sort of translates to the field. Knows how to get open and will attack the ball. Extremely physical—in the Michael Irvin mold, perhaps, but without the constant comeback routes to the sideline with Troy Aikman tossing ‘em. But he lacks game breaking speed. He doesn’t show a second gear AT ALL. A lot like David Boston—will time well, but on the field, he runs no better than 4.55. Isn’t very agile or nimble and doesn’t have a lot of moves. Though I haven’t seen enough of him to get a perfect read, I feel he’s a good but overrated prospect. Should be a good NFL wideout, because he produces and seems to have the requisite measurables. But as far as being a game breaker is concerned, I doubt it. But playmaker? Sure…in that Keyshawn Johnson mold, but probably better because he’s just stronger and can jump higher and attacks the ball more intensely.
Brad Meester, C, Northern Iowa, 6'3" 300 LBS

Jordan: For all of the talk about him being their best lineman, I can’t really say much about him because I just never really paid attention. He always seemed solid, but I haven’t seen just what he’s capable of doing according to so many. I’m going to make sure to watch if I ever get a Jaguars game, because if he’s a large reason for Fred Taylor’s success, he’s just ANOTHER center to add to the elite list (which might not even be elite anymore…consisting of Matt Birk, Mike Flanagan, Casey Weigmann, Jeremy Newberry, Kevin Mawae, and Olin Kreutz).
NOT RATED
Vince Manuwai, G, Hawaii

Jordan: Came from a run-and-shoot offense at Hawaii in which they threw the ball over 50 times a game AT LEAST. Very rarely did they run the ball, but when they did, this guy’s tremendous weight room strength translated to the field and scouts took notice. He had an impressive rookie season. He has very strong arms and hands and will drive and work to get movement in the running game; he drives his feet until the whistle. And he can anchor in pass protection. He’s also not horrible pulling as long as he doesn’t have to get out and do a whole lot of pure running. He is very good down the field and hitting second level blocks and he can get out on short traps and open holes. But he’s not the most gifted athlete.
Run Block In Line-6
Run Block On Move-6-
Pass Block-5+
Ability to Adjust-6-
Overall Rating: 6.1^
Mike Pearson, OT, Florida, 6’6” 290 LBS, 40 time: 4.87

Jordan: A good athlete but needs to work on translating it to the football field. Right now, he’s a scrapper, and he allows too much pressure from the blindside. He has never been very strong nor the biggest guy, so that’s been a weakness, but his ability to just wipe out any sort of pass rush in college was what made him such an attractive player for the pros. He hasn’t been awful, but they have certainly looked around for a possible upgrade as it doesn’t seem like he has much potential to improve…unless he finds a way to get stronger. He has above average speed and moves smoothly but doesn’t really show the timing that you want from an NFL offensive tackle. He catches rather than punches, as he doesn’t have enough strength to punch at the NFL level, and when you aren’t aggressive as an offensive lineman, you’re asking for trouble.
Run Block In Line-4+
Run Block On Move-6-
Pass Block-5+
Ability to Adjust-4+
Overall Rating: 5.2^
Maurice Williams, OT, Michigan, 6'5" 310 LBS

Jordan: He has the size, athleticism, and strength to be a top right tackle, and he has been arguably their most consistant offensive lineman (aside from perhaps Meester, who I just don't know about). He does an excellent job of blocking movement, he's definately one of the better pass blocking strong side tackles in the game, and, despite playing a little high, he shows adequate in-line power. He's not really smooth when he has to block in space despite his good athleticism. He just seems too heavy on his feet and doens't really look comfortable, ever, when he's on the move. But he definately is a good right tackle, and certainly Fred Taylor's productivity running over to the right side indicates this.
Run Block In Line-6
Run Block On Move-4
Pass Block-6
Ability to Adjust-6
Overall Rating: 6.1
Chris Naeole, G

Jordan: Strong guard who just doesn’t play with enough leverage. He’s a chest to chest blocker who tries to lock on and engulf and basically hold, but he just doesn’t create a whole lot of creases for running backs. He’s a better pass protector as a result. With his strength, he can just keep his man in front of him and keep him away from the quarterback. He’s definitely a dependable guy, but he’ll obviously never be a devastator. He was an underachiever for many years in New Orleans.
Run Block In Line-6-
Run Block On Move-4+
Pass Block-6
Ability to Adjust-5
Overall Rating: 5.7
John Henderson, DT, Tennessee, 6’7”320 LBS

Jordan: An absolute monster. Huge, strong, powerful defensive lineman who has an absolutely nasty attitude in the middle. Has long arms and will go up and bat balls down at an incredible rate. Plays with excellent leverage even though he’s one of the tallest players in NFL history. Virtually unblockable, even with double teams. With Stroud next to him, he’s just a nightmare. Also an excellent athlete for a man his size, has excellent quickness and explosiveness into the backfield and is a good wrap-up tackler. Will pursue sideline to sideline as well. With he and Stroud in the middle, you just ain’t running on them. They take great pride in swallowing everything up and set the tone for that entire defense.
Recognition-7+
Pursuit-7
Run Defense (POA)-7+
Pass Rush-7-
Overall Rating: 7.2
Marcus Stroud, DT, Georgia, 6'6" 312 LBS

Jordan: To say he’s a beast is an understatement. Plays with an incredible motor and quickness and yet is an immovable object. Works his way off of blocks and to the ball and can just explode into the backfield and blow up plays. Incredible athlete with his speed, quickness, agility, leaping ability, and motor. Has improved his leverage to the point where he can either bull rush offensive linemen or use his arms to drive them back, and then swim, rip, or jerk to separate. At least a few more Pro Bowls are on his horizon, and Henderson should be making it as well. They’re the best DT duo the league has seen in a long time (since Bryant Young/Dana Stubblefield).
Recognition-7
Pursuit-7
Run Defense (POA)-7
Pass Rush-7
Overall Rating: 7.1
Paul Spicer, DE, Saginaw Valley State, 6'4" 287 LBS

Jordan: Overshadowed by Lamar King in college, but he has developed into a far better pro (than King). Very impressive all-around player, has a motor. Really gets after people. Solid against the run, plays with strong leverage and almost like a 3rd DT out there. Gets underneath blockers and makes a lot of plays at or around the line of scrimmage. As a pass rusher, he’s a power sort of guy but he has good quickness. He is quick in disengaging from blocks and going after the quarterback, and I think he could really surprise a lot of people as a complete player this year. They are definitely high on him to not address defensive end at all in the draft. He’s just very solid.
Recognition-7
Pursuit-6
Run Defense (POA)-6+
Pass Rush-6
Overall Rating: 6.4
Reggie Hayward, DE

Jordan: A pure pass rushing defensive end. He has a top-notch initial first step, quickness, long arms, and excellent speed. He has quietly become one of the league's top pure pass rushing ends. Against the run, he plays like he has a lack of size; he won't be a big factor against the run in those situations where he's matched up with a tight end. But he's one of those guys who will show rare strength when he needs it as a pass rusher. He'll be pretty reliable for them for the next several years, and what's surprising is their ends have played better than their tackles the last couple seasons.
Recognition-6
Pursuit-6+
Run Defense (POA)-4
Pass Rush-7
Overall Rating: 6.5
Marcellus Wiley, DE

Jordan: Steroids. He had to have been on them. There's just no other way to explain it. He was absolutely AMAZING in his early days with the Bills and then the Chargers. There was no excuse whatsoever for him not registering double digit sacks every single season. At the very least, 8+. Yet he went from 13 and 10 sack years to 6, and then to back-to-back 3. And the thing is, he didn't sustain any major injuries. Several years ago, he had ridiculous quickness, a tremendous Patrick Kearney-like arsonal of pass rush maneuvers derived from his lightning-quick hands and long arms, and he was one of the game's premier ends. That's obviously no longer the case. He's just a backup/rotational guy who really doesn't do shit. Something happened to him, but I don't know what. He must've been on steroids when he was younger or something.
Recognition-5+
Pursuit-6
Run Defense (POA)-5-
Pass Rush-6-
Overall Rating: 5.8v
Mike Peterson, LB, Florida, 6'1" 230 LBS, 40 time: 4.65

Jordan: Has always been one helluvan athlete. Kind of like Dan Morgan before Dan Morgan, but not anywhere NEAR as cerebral. He has Morgan’s built and speed and athleticism, and he wears a neck brace too. But like Morgan was in college, he’s a real liability at the point of attack. When matched up with a fullback or trying to sift through trash at all, he’s extremely susceptible to getting engulfed by blockers and blown off the ball. He’s a better fit on the weak side in my opinion, and with the drafting of Daryl Smith (MLB, Georgia Tech), that might come to fruition some time in the near future. He’s still a damn good linebacker, though, and a football player most teams would love to have.
Read and React-6-
Pursuit-7
Blitz/Rush-7-
Run Defense (POA)-4
Pass Coverage-6
Tackle-6
Overall Rating: 6.5
Akin Ayodele, LB, Purdue, 6'2" 251 LBS

Jordan: Has 4.5 something speed and is just electrifying when he’s in the open field. Can close in a flash. Hard hitter. Very good at dropping off into coverage. Everything you’d ever want in a finesse linebacker, but the potential problem is; he’s just one of three of them on the field for Jacksonville. Now sometimes, redundancy is a good thing, and it appears as the Del Rio knows exactly what he’s doing. I mean, the #1 run defense in the NFL last year. I don’t think it was a problem. This guy has oodles (nice word) of athletic ability. Obviously, you don’t want him taking on, you want him flying to the ball. The intriguing thing is the Jaguars are going to use him in a lot of 3-4 formations to take advanage of his pass rushing skills, something he demonstrated a lot of in college with the likes of Chike Okeafor and Roosevelt Colvin as other examples of successful or somewhat successful transitions to the NFL from Purdue. He and Peterson can get after QBs, and Spicer will make the perfect 3-4 DE.
Read and React-6-
Pursuit-7+
Blitz/Rush-6+
Run Defense (POA)-4
Pass Coverage-6+
Tackle-6
Overall Rating: 6.5^
Greg Favors, LB

Jordan: I’ve always liked this guy. Excellent athlete with very great good and explosiveness to the football. Terrific in pursuit, makes a lot of plays. A really good finesse linebacker who has played well wherever he has gone. Fluid and a solid tackler who isn’t afraid to charge the backfield and make a tackle for a loss. Can drop off in coverage and play the backs very well. Definitely could have a nice impact in Del Rio’s defense.
Read and React-6
Pursuit-7
Blitz/Rush-6
Run Defense (POA)-4+
Pass Coverage-6
Tackle-6
Overall Rating: 6.3
Jamie Winborn, LB, Vanderbilt, 40 yard dash: 4.49

Jordan: This guy is a tremendous football player WHEN USED PROPERLY. He has one major weakness (his lack of height), so lining him up over the tight end is asking to get him murdered. He's not going to be able to cover or take on guys who are 6'4" or 6'5" (at least) when he's 5'11." He really had trouble playing in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme at the OLB position because of this. The guy is a natural INSIDE linebacker, although he can also play the weakside spot in a 4-3. He has tremendous speed and burst, a relentless attitude, and he goes for the big hit. When he connects, he splatters you. Even when he misses, he's usually flushed the ball carrier so far off his course that someone else is almost always in position to make the tackle immediately after. He is also an outstanding blitzer who can LITERALLY RUN OVER blocking backs and close on the quarterback in a flash. He is aggressive and physical in taking on the fullback, but overwelmed when taking on tight ends who tower over him, as I mentioned before. He has an outstanding feel for the game and will sacrifice his body to make plays, which has kind of taken a toll on him over the years (injuries). The biggest weakness in his game is pass coverage--he tends to be undisciplined in this aspect and thinks he's faster than he really is. Still, the biggest thing with him is that you have to keep him the fuck away from tight ends. You do this, you have a Pro Bowl caliber football player. He's a special player, regardless of whether or not the 49ers, who have managed to make pretty much every one of their draft picks over the last 8 years into busts (that speaks to the coaching, as it's nearly impossible for management to consistently take guys who are HYPED coming out only for them to just not be any good) think that is the case.(
Read and React-6
Pursuit-8
Blitz/Rush-8-
Run Defense (POA)-6-
Pass Coverage-4
Tackle-7-
Overall Rating: 6.9^
Greg C: Positives: Winborn is a legitimate NFL superstar, and is the best defensive player the 49ers have had in a long time. He’s a big time playmaker in run defense, and a blanket in pass defense. Not to mention an explosive pass rusher that requires offenses to shift
their protection schemes to his side. His ability to anticipate the snap and bolt into the backfield (on blitzes) is so perfect, he’s often in the backfield before the offensive line can even get out of their
stances.
But wait, his coverage skills…
You name the man for him to cover, and he’ll shut that guy down. Whether that guy is a running back, tight end, or even a 3rd/4th receiver, he isn’t going to do jack all game if Winborn is covering him. Usually a receiver on a linebacker is a mismatch, but not if the
linebacker is Winborn. On a game versus the Lions, Winborn was covering Az Hakim for most of the game. Winborn broke up one of the only balls thrown to Hakim that game, 20 yards down field. He stayed with Hakim,
stride for stride, 20 yards down field, and broke up the perfectly thrown ball by Harrington. Those are the kinds of plays that demonstrate how fast he is, and how good his coverage is.
Not to mention that Winborn has the Ray Lewis-type of instincts to blow up plays sideline to sideline, when he’s allowed to just roam the field. He's undersized by normal NFL standards (5-11, 225), but his intensity compensates, and he plays a lot bigger than he really is. Instead of tussling with blockers, he’ll bowl right over them, regardless of how much bigger they are. He talks a lot of trash on the field, but he backs it up on every play.
Jamie Winborn is the catalyst of the 49ers defense. After Winborn’s injury in 2003, our pass defense fell from #9 to #19, the run defense fell from #4 to #14, and the overall defensive ranking dropped from #5 to #13.
Negatives: Hasn’t been able to stay healthy over the course of an entire season. I’m confident he will do so this year, though. At least I’m hoping…he’s a real diamond in the rough and is about as indispensable to this defense as anybody.
Read and React - 8
Pursuit - 8
Blitz/Rush - 8
Run Defense (POA) - 7
Pass Coverage - 8
Tackle – 6
Overall rating: 8.0
Rashean Mathis, CB, Bethune Cookman

Jordan: Splendid athlete. Has excellent cover skills, can leap for the ball and shows excellent timing. Good speed, and obviously great hands and hand-eye coordination. A huge playmaking safety in college but his athleticism allowed Del Rio to move him to corner. He should still get 5 picks a year, though, with his ball skills. He’ll go up for it and battle with the receiver to snatch it away.
Key and Diagnose-5+
Man Coverage-6-
Zone Coverage-7-
Hands-8
Run Support-5-
Tackle-5
Overall Rating: 6.1^
Donovan Darius, SS, Syarcuse, 6'1" 214 LBS

Jordan: Always has been a tremendous athlete and a lights out hitter. A big knock-out blitzer. Can annihilate ball carriers and receivers who come across the middle. His problem has been playing the ball over his head. He is slow in transition and doesn’t really show the natural ball-in-air skills you’d want for a safety to recover down the field. But he has excellent speed and is outstanding when he’s up in the box, and makes a big impact as the athletic safety that defenses love to play around with. He’ll come up into the box and he’ll splatter you. He’s a far more athletic version of what the LeRoy Bulter/Robert Griffith class used to be all about but not as football intelligent.
Key and Diagnose-6
Man Coverage-4+
Zone Coverage-6
Hands-6
Run Support-7+
Tackle-8
Overall Rating: 6.8
Deon Grant, FS, Tennessee

Jordan: A natural ball-hawking free safety. Runs well, reads the QB’s eyes, and takes excellent angles to the interception point and has strong hands. Never been much of a tackler—to say it isn’t his forte is an enormous understatement. His best bet is to go low and wrap-up. That’s part of the reason Carolina wasn’t too concerned with losing him. But he brings a needed ballhawk to the center field spot for Del Rio’s defense so that they can keep Rashean Mathis at corner where they love him. He should put up around 6 INTs from this spot.
Key and Diagnose-6+
Man Coverage-5
Zone Coverage-7-
Hands-7+
Run Support-4
Tackle-4
Overall Rating: 6.1