Risers and Fallers - Offense

The workouts in Indy for the players at positions on the offense have been completed and we have the opportunity to look at some guys who made an impact to their draft status with their work at the combine.


Stocks on the Rise 

Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Although most of the chatter in Indy has been about Heisman Trophy winner, RG3, Kirk Cousins did a very good job helping his stock.  He participated fully in the drills and workouts, and he made it pay off for him.He ran an official 4.93 which is not bad for a QB.  He will never be confused with Cam Newton, but he is not a rock in the pocket either.  Cousins looked very good throwing the ball too which is really where he made his mark.  Coming into the combine, Cousins was rated as the 9th best QB on my board and a solid mid round guy.  Now, he moves up two spots to 7, and has himself in the discussion with names like Foles, and Osweiler as a second/third round signal caller.

Ronnie Hillman, RB, SDSU

Coming into Indy, I had Ronnie Hillman as an afterthought.  I suspected that he would be a late round draft pick for a team looking for depth at back, but more likely help on special teams.  After watching his performance in Indy, I have gone back to look at some Hillman footage again.  After this second look, my opinion on his prospects have improved.  I see him as a 3/4, and he projects better as a pro back than a guy like Chris Rainey.  In addition, Va Tech's David Wilson solidified himself as the number 2 back on my board, and Boise State's Doug Martin, showed he can be an every down back.

Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

As a Yellow Jacket, Stephen Hill had a reputation as a superb athlete, but there always seemed to be something missing from his game.  The combine was the ultimate set to be the ultimate stage for him to showcase himself.  He did not disappoint.  His athletic performance was spectacular, and he catapulted himself into a second round grade with his showing.  Alshon Jefferies from South Carolina also has a lot riding on this weekend, and I was happy to see him show up.  He appeared lean, and looks like he is taking this next step in his career seriously, which will most certainly help his cause.  He has solidified himself a first round grade.  Michael Floyd also had a good weekend and has himslef as the number 2 WR on my board.

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Matt Kalil arrived in Indy with a top 5 overall grade, so there seemed more a chance he could be a Faller rather than a riser.  He rose.  1 month ago it looked like he had a slight lead over Riley Reiff and Jonathan Martin for top tackle honors.  He widened that gap considerably and I think cemented himself the honor of being one of the first three names called at Radio City.





Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

At the end of the college football regular season, I pegged Glenn as 3rd rounder.  I did not see him playing tackle at the next level, so the move inside I though may cost him.  Just kidding.  After this weekend, Glenn has solidified his position as a 1st round Guard, a rarity in NFL circles.  He has all of the makings of a 12 year starter/cornerstone to an NFL o-line.  David DeCastro from Stanford solidified his position as the top interior lineman on the board.  In fact, he is a borderline top ten overall talent right now on my board.

David Molk, C, Michigan

Before the combine started, Molk was rated as the second best center on my board.  Coming out that position has not changed.  How can he be a riser then?  He has closed the gap significantly on the top center on my board, Peter Konz.  Molk was a beast on the bench press and he seems to have all of the tools you want in a center.  This Wolverine should hear his name called before the end of round 2.  With a strong pro day, he could garner himself some 1st round consideration.




Stocks Falling












Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

With a limited resume available for scouts to digest, Osweiler came into Indy as one of the guys folks were most anxious to see throw.  Someone however, gave him some very poor, and ultimately costly advice, telling him instead to sit it out.  With a 6'7" frame, he could have gone a long way to answering some of the questions about him with a strong performance.  Instead, he finds himself falling further behind Brandon Weeden, and he saw Kirk Cousins catch him from behind.



Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

Prior to the combine, there were three TEs with low first round grades.  Charles was one of them, and he had what could have been the best upside of them all.  After the combine, there are no TEs with round 1 grades, and Charles took the biggest fall.  It was expected he would shine in the drill, considering he is a converted receiver.  He did not.  He struggled bringing the ball into his frame, and this was noticed.  He did bench well, but he doesn't show a lot of other skills to make one think he will be a good blocker at the next level.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

What an awful weekend for Adams.  In my last mock he had a solid 1st round grade, and projected to be in demand at the middle to bottom of round 1 in April.  Then came the bench press and an uber-disappointing 19 reps.  At tackle in the NFL you have to be strong.  19 reps will not cut it.  Then he compound the disappointment by struggling in position drills, and not doing well on interviews either.  Mike Adams, meet the 3rd round.FSU's Zebrie Sanders also hurt his draft stock with a poor performance in Indy.