Priced Out of the Citi

The countdown continues and our number sixteen prospect in college football is…

Offensive Tackle Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (Senior):

The Skinny: The Badgers are well known for supplying big uglies to the NFL and Carimi is the next in line, a potential first round pick. He possesses prototypical size at 6’7” and 325 pounds, with the ability to be dominant blocker in both the passing and rushing attacks. In the rushing game, the soon to be senior is capable of setting the edge with seal blocks to get his back around the corner or leading the way with powerful drive blocks. When he gets his 325 pounds going Carimi can really push defenders back and overpower them—when he gets some momentum, it’s over. The All-Big

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Here’s a look at the top senior defensive end prospects entering the 2011 season:

Allen Bailey, Miami – A physical specimen, expectations have been set extremely high for Bailey, who is entering his first full year at defensive end. He previously played defensive tackle but switched to end during the final five games of last season—he did not register a sack in that stretch. At nearly 300 pounds, he has been timed in the 4.65-range and possesses a 40” vertical jump! Bailey is destined for round one.

Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh – One of the best pure pass-rushers with his hand in the dirt, Romeus often commands double-team attention. In addition, the reigning Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year is also effective against the run. With prototypical size and

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The countdown continues and our number fifteen prospect in college football is…

Cornerback Prince Amukamara, Nebraska (Senior):

The Skinny: While Ndamukong Suh deservedly got most of the attention for Nebraska’s run to the Big XII Championship game, to think the Cornhusker defense was simply a one-man show would be a huge mistake. Cornerback and soon-to-be-senior Prince Amukamara was a key cog as well, one blessed with the tools to develop into an exceptional NFL player. The first team All-Big XII performer uses his exceptional size, burst, length, fluidity, quickness and instincts to get the job done. While he lacks top-notch long speed, Amukamara possesses exceptional footwork and quickness which, when combined with his stellar hip fluidity, gives him the ability to stop and go without losing momentum.

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The Dolphins have reportedly agreed to trade OG Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just two years ago, the veteran guard signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Miami. In order for the deal to consummated, Smiley has to pass a physical, which according to sources, may not be a formality.

Mancini’s Take: Was Smiley worth the money he received in the free agent market back in 2008? His talent would indicate that he is, but his litany of shoulder and leg injuries paint a different picture. There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old lineman is a difference-making pulling guard and drive blocker. In fact, Smiley did show signs of becoming a consistent force during the early part of his tenure with the Fish, but he hasn’t been able to shake the injury-prone label that he’s been carrying with him since his days with the San Francisco 49ers. The Jaguars can certainly

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The Dolphins have reportedly agreed to trade OG Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just two years ago, the veteran guard signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Miami. In order for the deal to consummated, Smiley has to pass a physical, which according to sources, may not be a formality.

Mancini’s Take: Was Smiley worth the money he received in the free agent market back in 2008? His talent would indicate that he is, but his litany of shoulder and leg injuries paint a different picture. There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old lineman is a difference-making pulling guard and drive blocker. In fact, Smiley did show signs of becoming a consistent force during the early part of his tenure with the Fish, but he hasn’t been able to shake the injury-prone label that he’s been carrying with him since his days with the San Francisco 49ers. The Jaguars can certainly

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From Examiner.com:

While their former classmates take it easy, some of the best football players from historically black colleges and universities, as well as other small colleges, are sweating on the playing field in Greensboro, North Carolina today and tomorrow.

The inaugural HBCU-Small College Pro Football Combine may be their last best hope of getting an invitation to an NFL training camp or better yet a free agent contract.

More than 48 players will run the 40, bench press, do vertical jumps and pull-ups, and run around the field for agility drills at North Carolina A&T University. They’ll do this, all for the benefit of scouts from 13 NFL franchises, looking to find that one last gem that escaped notice in last month’s NFL draft.

The invitation-only combine was organized by former NFL Pro Bowler Gene Washington and former North Carolina A&T professor Mark

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Here’s a look at the top senior defensive tackle prospects entering the 2011 season:

Cameron Heyward, Ohio State – Playing primarily at defensive end last season, Heyward led all defensive lineman in the nation with 46 tackles. His versatility allows him to move around up front, as he is able to play every position along the defensive line. Heyward has noted that he will work on getting stronger and faster this season. He is a consensus top-ten pick and projects as an ideal 3-4 end at the next level.

Marvin Austin, North Carolina – The 300-pounder has the size to be dominant but has struggled with consistency during his Tar Heels career. Austin is stout against the run—he does an outstanding job of fending off blockers and fighting through

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For the second time in consecutive weeks, Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton will reportedly skip organized team activities. A message sent out by Crayton’s agent, Fred Lyles, Sunday night confirmed that he wouldn’t be in attendance. Sources indicate that the veteran wide out is seeking a trade.

Mancini’s Take: Crayton’s obviously feeling squeezed. The presence of rookie Dez Bryant means that the 30-year-old veteran would have to take a backseat to the likes of Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Bryant and the emerging Kevin Ogletree. While an argument can be made that the mediocre Crayton isn’t as bad as Williams, the slot receiver isn’t good enough to take such bold action. He should let his play do the talking and earn himself a bigger role on the field. But, that’s always been the problem with Crayton; the man likes to talk. All that talking didn’t do him an ounce of good two

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For the second time in consecutive weeks, Dallas wide receiver Patrick Crayton will reportedly skip organized team activities. A message sent out by Crayton’s agent, Fred Lyles, Sunday night confirmed that he wouldn’t be in attendance. Sources indicate that the veteran wide out is seeking a trade.

Mancini’s Take: Crayton’s obviously feeling squeezed. The presence of rookie Dez Bryant means that the 30-year-old veteran would have to take a backseat to the likes of Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Bryant and the emerging Kevin Ogletree. While an argument can be made that the mediocre Crayton isn’t as bad as Williams, the slot receiver isn’t good enough to take such bold action. He should let his play do the talking and earn himself a bigger role on the field. But, that’s always been the problem with Crayton; the man likes to talk. All that talking didn’t do him an ounce of good two

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