The scouting process becomes even more difficult when attempting to assess players projecting to new positions in the NFL. The proliferation of 3-4 defensive scheme principles and the Wildcat offense only further muddle the consensus value of prospects on draft boards.
Many small or slight defensive ends playing against larger offensive tackles with their hands down end up moving to linebacker (for 3-4 or 4-3 teams) at the next level. Slow corners may only have value to teams primarily using zone schemes, or could move to safety if physical enough to handle the switch.
On offense, left tackles without great lateral movement move to the right side or left guard, if they have the requisite strength. Right tackles lacking athleticism move inside, as well. Larger, slower tailbacks become fullbacks and smaller in-line tight ends become H-backs. Athletic quarterbacks like Antwaan Randle El, Brad Smith and Julian Edelman have also made the move to receiver at the next level.
This year's draft class has as many players potentially switching positions as any group in recent memory. One of last week's risers was Brandon Graham, currently harassing quarterbacks at defensive end but likely moving to linebacker if drafted by a 3-4 team like his former Michigan teammate, Lamarr Woodley, did for the Steelers. Other top defensive ends such as Greg Hardy (Ole Miss), Jerry Hughes (TCU), Ricky Sapp (Clemson) and Willie Young (N.C. State) could be on some teams' boards as ends, others as linebackers.
Last April, undersized West Virginia quarterback Pat White was an early second-round pick because of his ability to throw and run the ball from the Wildcat formation. Florida QB Tim Tebow could be the next beneficiary of this new offensive wrinkle, with his toughness as a runner and ability to throw the ball downfield. If he shortens his delivery during postseason workouts, he could be drafted much higher than most project at this time because of that toughness and his leadership skills.
There's a fine line between being a versatile player and being labeled a 'tweener, someone who really doesn't fit perfectly in any position. This week's Risers and Fallers are all potentially moving to a new position, and only time will tell which category they fit in.
Risers and Fallers - Chad Reuter -- (Updated 11/2/2009)
He led the Tigers with 71 tackles from the strong safety spot in 2008, but coaches moved Coleman to strong-side linebacker because of his speed and secure tackling. He has held up his end of the bargain as a senior, racking up 52 tackles (including five in their 42-0 win over Tulane on Saturday night), five for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Unless he can bulk up to 230 pounds or so, it's likely Coleman will slide back to safety as a rookie. But unlike many safeties who get moved to linebacker in college, Coleman's coverage skills are more than adequate to play as an in-the-box safety at the next level.
Entering the season, 2008 first-team All-Big East TE Nate Byham was expected to be QB Bill Stull's security blanket. Dickerson has taken that title, however, catching 32 passes for 332 yards and nine scores (Byham has 6-76-0). Two weeks ago, he went 5-58-1 in the big win vs. South Florida. The former receiver has grown into his 6-2, 230-pound frame. He's listed as a fullback but is really more of a positional blocker (but an effective one) than a pounder. His receiving skills will give him a chance to play either as a fullback or motion tight end, depending on the system his new team runs.
Schofield had a relatively quiet three-tackle day against Purdue in the Badgers' 37-0 blowout, but throughout the contest he showed the toughness, speed and strength that have him among the national leaders in tackles for loss (16.5) and sacks (6.5). His ability to punch and disengage from tackles on the edge make him a pass rush terror as a defensive end, but the 6-2, 248-pound senior is likely to move back to the linebacker spot where he started his career at UW. Schofield's closing speed, agility in coverage and strength make him a perfect fit standing up for either a 3-4 or 4-3 team.
This former Gator sprinter has been a top-notch return specialist during his career, gaining more than 3,000 return yards. But he just hasn't been as productive in 2009, possibly due to surgery he had on right foot last spring. His 20-yard punt return Saturday was his longest of the season, but he is only averaging 5.1 yards return and managed only 61 all-purpose yards on three returns, a rush and a reception in Florida's win over Georgia. Some may compare him to LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona's successful seventh-round pick from last year, but James does not play as strong as the former Pitt back. Too small to be a receiver, if James is not strong enough to get carries it will be tough for him to hear his name called next April.
No one doubts Lewis' toughness or ball skills (three interceptions in 2009, eight career), but teams aren't sure he's best as a cornerback in the NFL. At 6-2, 205 with average speed (4.52 40-yard dash) and a bit stiff in the hips, Lewis may have to shift to free safety. In fact, a Georgia Tech team not known for its passing attack got one score through the air against Lewis in Vandy's 56-31 loss, as he was not quick enough to stay with up-and-coming junior WR Demaryius Thomas. Fortunately, Lewis is physical enough to make the change and is a fairly solid tackler when plays are front of him. Whether he is strong enough to handle manning up on pro tight ends or bringing down running backs like Ronnie Brown and Adrian Peterson has yet to be determined.
Although USF pulled out the 30-19 upset win against West Virginia to stop a two-game losing streak, Selvie's performance was not as productive as scouts would like. His one tackle was for loss, and it came three minutes into the contest. Selvie still has the good burst off the snap that garnered him All-American honors as a sophomore. But his thin frame and inability to get off blocks will probably cause a position shift to linebacker and keep him from being the first-round pick everyone expected him to be two years ago. Even with junior DE Jason Pierre-Paul getting attention on the other side of the line, Selvie has managed only three sacks this season.
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Anyone else think Tebow should be on this list? He really isn't showing he has the abilities to be drafted as a QB. If he wants to be a QB, he'll be drafted mid to late 2nd round, but if he comes out as an athlete or whatever they call it (ATH), then
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