Yardbarker: Ciron Black

Brandon Thorn’s 2010 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:53:11 -0500

Last updated: April 28, 2009

1. Seattle - QB Sam Bradford ~ Oklahoma = The Seahawks would need to go ahead and get their quarterback of the future with the first overall pick. Bradford might have been the top pick had he come out in 2009, so it’s pretty much safe to say he’s the frontrunner for #1 overall in 2010.

2. Cincinnati - DE Carlos Dunlap ~ Florida = At 6′6″ 290, Dunlap reminds many of Mario Williams coming out of college. He is just scratching the surface of his potential and in the SEC last year as a sophomore he posted 9.5 sacks & 13.5 TFL.

3. Detroit - S Eric Berry ~ Tennessee = Berry has been called the best safety prospect since S LaRon Landry and could be even better. He runs a sub 4.4 and was a 1st team All-American and SEC defensive player of the year as a sophomore. He also lead the nation in interceptions with seven.

4. Cleveland - OLB/DE Greg Hardy ~ Ole Miss = Cleveland could really need another pass rusher next season. Hardy is one of my top prospects heading into next season, he is an absolute terror off the edge, and is so athletic they line him up at wide receiver in the red zone.

5. Oakland - S Taylor Mays ~ USC = Al Davis won’t be able to pass up on this 6′3″ 230 freakish athlete who was timed at 4.32 at USC, did 26 reps of 225 and posted a 41 inch vertical. Imagine what he’ll do at next year’s combine.

6. Chiefs - WR Arrelious Benn ~ Illinois = I thought Kansas City should’ve taken WR Michael Crabtree to give Head Coach Todd Haley dual threats at receiver, so Benn is the next best thing and will enable the team to have a guy who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

7. Chicago - CB Trevard Lindley ~ Kentucky = The Bears are aging very quickly on defense and could use a corner with shutdown potential.

8. Tampa Bay - DT Gerald McCoy ~ Oklahoma = McCoy is the top defensive tackle prospect heading into next season and could’ve even been a top 20 pick this year.

9. Jacksonville - CB Joe Haden ~ Florida = Haden has been quoted as “the most conditioned player on the entire Gator team” and can almost bench 400 pounds at only 190 lbs. He also has a 38+ inch vertical and he’s 5′11″.

10. San Francisco - OLB Sergio Kindle ~ Texas = Kindle is one of the most talented linebackers to ever attend Texas and has been compared to LB Derrick Johnson. He may or may not slip because of a DUI that he got in 2007.

11. St. Louis - DE Everson Griffin ~ USC = In high school at 6′4″ 270, this guy ran a 4.46 40 yard dash which is just scary. As a freshman he became the first defensive lineman to start at USC in 21 years. He will be a junior next year.

12. Green Bay - OT Bryan Baluga ~ Iowa = A big (6′6″ 315) athletic guy who played guard as well as tackle.

13. Washington - DT Ndamukong Suh ~ Nebraska = An absolute monster in the middle, Suh last season became the first defensive lineman to lead the Cornhuskers in tackles since 1973. At 6′4″ 300 he has an amazing combination of strength and speed.

14. Arizona - WR Dez Bryant ~ Oklahoma State = Assuming the Cardinals are eventually going to get rid of WR Anquan Boldin and not grant him a rich contract, Bryant could come in and give them great playmaking ability. At 6′2″ 210 he has great size, and had 87 catches 1,480 yards, and 19 touchdowns last year as a sophomore.

15. Buffalo - TE Jermaine Gresham ~ Oklahoma = Gresham could’ve been a top 15 pick this year and I was very surprised he returned. At 6′6″ 261 he has incredible size, to go along with very good speed and a deep basketball background.

16. New York Jets - DT/NT Terrence Cody ~ Alabama = Current NT Kris Jenkins will be 31 after next season and has already had a list of injury problems. Cody is 6′5″ 365 lbs. and can dunk a basketball at his current weight. Not only that, he moves incredibly well and can absolutely manhandle people. A player who requires a double team every time.

17. Houston - OLB/DE Jerry Hughes ~ TCU = Hughes is the ideal fit for a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE. At 6′2″ 252, he will remind people of DE Robert Mathis and no one knows Mathis better than Houston.

18. San Diego - OT Ciron Black ~ LSU = Another potential franchise tackle in the NFL, Black almost declared for the draft last year but decided to stay for his senior season. At 6′5″ 320, Black has started 40 consecutive games for LSU and is a two time 2nd team All-SEC selection.

19. Miami - RB Jahvid Best ~ California = Best is one of the most electrifying players in the nation, similar to RB Noel Devine from West Virginia. He will find himself drafted in the 1st or 2nd round somewhere next year if he declares.

20. Denver - ILB Brandon Spikes ~ Florida = After a year of fill in duty ILB Andra Davis will need to be replaced. Spikes is an ideal fit in the 3-4 scheme because of his blitzing ability and underrated coverage skills.

21. Atlanta - OT Trent Williams ~ Oklahoma = Trent Williams is an extremely athletic, big (6′5″300) tackle who could play right or left for Atlanta.

22. Baltimore - OLB George Selvie ~ USF = Baltimore could add another 3-4 outside backer to give some insurance behind LB Terrell Suggs or start opposite him. Selvie is one of the most productive & consistent players in the nation.

23. Minnesota - QB Tim Tebow ~ Florida = The Vikings don’t have an answer at quarterback and would be lucky to get Tebow here. After having one of the greatest careers in college football history, Tebow will work on his mechanics and be a player any NFL general manager would want on their team.

24. New York Giants - ILB Rolando McClain ~ Alabama = LB Antonio Pierce isn’t getting any younger and McClain is a monster hitter who is 6′4″ 255 and was a 1st team All-SEC selection last year.

25. Indianapolis - CB Javier Arenas ~ Alabama = At 5′9″ 200 lbs., Arenas is built like a small house and not only is a solid cover guy, is one of the best return men in the nation.

26. Carolina - DT Marvin Austin ~ North Carolina = The Panthers aren’t strong at defensive tackle and Austin is another very athletic, talented defensive lineman to come out of UNC.

27. New Orleans - TE Rob Gronkowski ~ Arizona = I won’t be surprised if TE Jeremy Shockey wears out his welcome in New Orleans after another injury filled year. Gronkowski is one of the most talented tight ends in the entire country and is 6′6″ 265.

28. Dallas - WR Brandon LaFell ~ LSU = Getting rid of T.O. will prove to be a smart move, but his on the field production won’t be replaced by WR Patrick Crayton or WR Miles Austin. LaFell is a guy who could really come into his own this year and get drafted much higher.

29. Tennessee - RB Jonathan Dwyer ~ Georgia Tech = Tennessee could try and trade RB LenDale White as they were rumored to have been trying to do on draft day. The 6′0″ 235 lb ACC player of the year would be a great replacement.

30. Pittsburgh - S Major Wright ~ Florida = Wright could be the heir apparent to S Ryan Clark, teaming with all-pro S Troy Polamalu this would be a dynamic pair well into the future.

31. New England - C Kristofer O’Dowd ~ USC = The first freshman to start at center in USC history. O’Dowd is an imposing, powerful center who could really excel in the NFL right away.

32. Philadelphia - DE Greg Romeus ~ Pittsburgh = Philadelphia values the offensive and defensive line extremely high in the draft, so expect them to add depth here and take the best player.

Fringe 1st rounder’s - QB Colt McCoy, RB Joe McKnight, RB C.J. Spiller, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Damien Williams, TE Dennis Pita, OT Adam Ulatowski, OT Sam Young, CB Ras-I Dowling, DT Lawrence Marsh, DE Eric Noorwood, OLB Sean Witherspoon, OLB Rennie Curran, S Earl Thomas

2010 NFL Draft: First Look

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:39:24 -0500

These are my top 3 prospects at each position for 2010. * indicates an underclassmen QB Sam Bradford*, Oklahoma Colt McCoy, Texas Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson Charles Scott, LSU LeGarrette Blount, Oregon WR Arrelious Benn*, Illinois Dez Bryant*, Oklahoma State Brandon LaFell, LSU TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma Aaron Hernandez*, Florida Dennis Pitta, BYU OT Bryan Bulaga*, Iowa Trent Williams, Oklahoma Ciron Black, LSU C/OG Kristofer O’Dowd*, C, USC ...

2009 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.1

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:28:07 -0500

The Super Bowl is over and teams have almost completed hiring head coaches so the NFL Draft starts to come into a bigger focus. We already know some of the players who won’t be back with their 2008 team and know what each team needs in terms of players for next season.

Some things have changed since my last mock draft. The full listing of junior and eligible sophomore prospects has become available now and it’s a lot easier to determine who is coming out this year and who might go where in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Let’s take a look at my latest mock draft for the week after the Super Bowl:

1. Detroit Lions-Matthew Stafford-QB-Georgia-With Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford out of the picture, Stafford becomes the number one quarterback in the draft and the Lion’s best choice to start rebuilding.

2. St. Louis Rams-Andre Smith-OT-Alabama-Smith would be the guy who could come in and start to replace aging and often injured Orlando Pace. He definitely has a ton of talent.

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Mark Sanchez-QB-USC-This might come as a surprise to some people but Sanchez has a lot of talent and a lot of opportunity. The Chief’s could really use someone like Sanchez as well.

4. Seattle Seahawks-Michael Crabtree-WR-Texas Tech-Seattle could go for a quarterback here but the need help at the wide receiver position more than they do a quarterback.

5. Cleveland Browns-Aaron Curry-ILB-Wake Forest-The Brows will need someone who can work well as a 3-4 outside linebacker and Curry would work nicely in Mangini’s defense.

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Michael Oher-OT-Ole Miss-Pass protection is key and keeping quarterback Carson Palmer healthy should be a top priority and adding Oher would help.

7. Oakland Raiders-Eugene Monroe-OT-Virginia-The Oakland offensive line is a mess so adding some help at the tackle position would be a step in the right direction.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jason Smith-OT-Baylor-We saw just how bad the Jaguars offensive line was last season so getting help there is a must.

9. Green Bay Packers-Malcolm Jenkins-CB-Ohio State-The Packers had injury issues in the secondary last season and need to get some fresh blood in there. Jenkins is their type of guy.

10. San Francisco 49ers-Everette Brown-DE/OLB-Florida State-The 49ers need to generate a pass rush from their defensive line and Brown, who has excelled at rushing the passer, could be the one that helps them do that.

11. Buffalo Bills-Brian Orakpo-DE-Texas-Buffalo may look to get a wide receiver here but pass pressure is paramount and Orakpo can deliver.

12. Denver Broncos-Rey Maualuga-ILB-USC-The Broncos could use the help and Maualuga can deliver.

13. Washington Redskins-B.J. Raji-DT-Boston College-Getting some pressure on the opposing quarterback has been an issue in Washington. It’s finally time to take care of that by taking Raji here.

14. New Orleans Saints-James Laurinaitis-ILB-Ohio State-The Saints need either a good linebacker or a cornerback to help shore up some of their issues on defense. If Laurinaitis is available, they should take him without a second thought.

15. Houston Texans-Vontae Davis-CB-Illinois-The Texans could use a shut down corner to help out with their pass defense. Davis has potential and could fit in quite nicely.

16. San Diego Chargers-Chris Wells-RB-Ohio State-With LaDanlian Tomlinson’s future up in the air, it’s time the Chargers started looking ahead and with Wells their running game just might get better.

17. New York Jets-Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia-Thomas Jones isn’t getting any younger and a good one two back punch would really be beneficial here. However, the new head coach, defensive minded Rex Ryan, may look to add a defender here.

18. Chicago Bears-Jeremy Maclin-WR-Missouri-The Bears may go a couple different routes here but getting someone with Maclin’s ability and potential would really help their offense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Eben Britton-OT-Arizona-With age a factor on the offensive line, getting Britton would be a huge help at the tackle position.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas)-Duke Robinson-OG-Oklahoma-The Lions need to protect their quarterback and get someone who can be a road grader in the running game. Robinson is their man.

21. Philadelphia Eagles-Brandon Pettigrew-TE-Oklahoma State-The Eagles need someone a little more reliable than Greg Lewis and Pettigrew is one of the best talents at the tight end position in the draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings-Josh Freeman-QB-Kansas State-Sure they have Tavaris Jackson but they might see a much bigger upside to Freeman and take him to build their future upon.

23. New England Patriots-D.J. Moore-CB-Vanderbilt-The departure of Asante Samuel didn’t do anything good for the Patriots so look for them to be in the market for a good cornerback in this draft.

24. Atlanta Falcons-Peria Jerry-DT-Ole Miss-The Falcons can run the ball well enough but they have a hard time stopping the run. Jerry would be an excellent fit for them.

25. Miami Dolphins-Michael Johnson-DE-Georgia Tech-The loss of Jason Taylor did hurt their pass rush so adding a pass rusher should be paramount.

26. Baltimore Ravens-Percy Harvin-WR-Florida-The Ravens desperately need help at the wide receiver position and Harvin should be around for them to pick.

27. Indianapolis Colts-Brian Cushing-OLB-USC-The Colts will look to beef up a bit on defense so look for them to try Cushing at outside linebacker and give their defense a boost.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina)-Ciron Black-OT-LSU-The Eagles could use some help on the offensive line and Black is creeping up many draft boards.

29. New York Giants-Fili Moala-DT-USC-The Giants needed some help on the defensive line even before Osi Umenyiora went out for the season and Moala would be an interesting addition.

30. Tennessee Titans-Darius Heyward-Bey-WR-Maryland-If the Titans had a serious threat in the passing game that would give their offense yet another dimension that may push them over the top. Bey is the kind of player that can be a great game changer.

31. Arizona Cardinals-Shonn Greene-RB-Iowa-If Edgerrin James leaves the Cardinals need to get a good running back and could use a bruiser like Greene.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers-Alex Mack-C-California-The Steelers need to make some adjustments on their offensive line and Mack would be a step in the right direction.

2010 NFL Mock Draft

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:34:32 -0500

1. Lions: Gerald McCoy, DT, OU 2. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, OU 3. KC Chiefs: Brandon Spikes, ILB, UF 4. Seahawks: Colt McCoy, QB, UT 5. Browns: Taylor Mays, S, USC 6. Bengals: Ciron Black, T, LSU 7. Raiders: Dez Bryant, WR, Ok St. 8. Jaguars: Jermaine Gresham, TE, OU [...]

Wednesday Afternoon Draft Headlines

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:52:53 -0500

After nearly two months of back and forth, Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy will officially enter the NFL Draft.

LSU will lose one and keep two others as WR Brandon LaFell will leave school early for the draft, while RB Charles Scott and OT Ciron Black will return to school for their senior seasons.

With Tim Tebow coming back and injuries hurting his stock, will WR Percy Harvin return to the Gators?

USC WR Vidal Hazelton will reportedly transfer to Cincinnati.

2009 Top Offensive Prospects (Draft Eligible)

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:04:43 -0500

QB 1. Mattew Stafford (Georgia/Jr.) -While the Bulldogs may not have lived up to the expectations, Stafford is the best pro-style quarterback in the country. 2. Tim Tebow (Florida/Jr.) -Tebow is a stud, some may say he may not have what it takes to be an NFL quarterback, but I'm not one of those guys. He does what he is asked, his discipline and leadership will carry over to the next level. 3. Colt McCoy (Texas/Jr) -I love what this guy has to offer, he's the second coming of Tony Romo. He still has to polish up his game and coming back to Texas is the best decision he could have made. 4. Mark Sanchez (USC/Jr.) -Sanchez has fell off the radar a bit, but his leadership, and accuracy make him one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. 5. Nate Davis (Ball St./Jr) -To most he's a no name player, on a no name team. But he is putting up huge numbers, can move around in the pocket, and has a rocket arm. RB 1. Chris Wells (Ohio. St/Jr.) -While he has been banged up this year, he is still the best all-around back. He has the size, strength and speed teams love. 2. Javon Ringer (Mich. St./Sr.) -Ringer has been a very pleasant surprise for the Spartan fans. He has exploded this season and has carried the Spartan offense on his back. 3. James Davis (Clemson/Sr.) -Coming into the season, people were expecting huge things from Davis. But the bottom line is the Tigers just aren't that good. Still, Davis has all the tools to be an effective running back. 4. C.J Spiller (Clemson/Jr.) -Spiller is a homerun threat every time he touches the ball. His versatility is what separates him from most backs in the country. 5. Donald Brown (Uconn/Sr.) -While most have never heard of Brown, don't be fooled, he's the real deal. He has good speed and even better vision. WR 1. Darius Heyward-Bey (Maryland/Jr.) -Has the size and tremendous speed that the NFL loves. He can jump over as well as run by almost anyone. 2. Percy Harvin (Florida/Jr.) -Is possibly the biggest homerun threat in college football. When he has the ball in his hands he simply makes big things happen. 3. Juaquin Iglesias (Okla/Sr.) -Has size, speed, and very good hands. He has been the big play receiver for a few years now in the Sooner Offense. 4. Derrick Williams (Penn.St/Sr.) -He came to campus as a big chipper, he is leaving as Mr. Versatility. 5. Brian Robiskie (Ohio. St/Sr.) -Robiskie, is a sure handed receiver who is going to make a very reliable slot receiver. He doesn't have great size, or blazing speed, but he sure knows how to play the game. TE 1. Brandon Pettigrew (Ok.st/Sr.) -This guy is a stud, at 6'6 260 he's got the size, hands, can block, and more importantly can make plays after the catch. 2. Jermaine Gresham (Okla./Jr) -He too has all the tools, he's going to be a real player at the next level. 3. Chase Coffman (Missouri/Sr.) -Coffman has been a favorite target of Chase Daniels for some time now, and for good reason. He's in the mold of Chris Cooley. 4. Travis Beckham (Wis/Sr.) -At one point Beckham may have been the best of the bunch, but injuries have slowed him down this season. He's more of a receiving tight end than anything else 5. Ed Dickson (Ore./Jr.) -Dickson is another Chris Cooley type player, who has the size, and speed to do it all. C 1. Alex Mack (Cal/Sr.) -Mack has been regarded as the top center for sometime, he has the size, power and brains to anchor a line at the next level. 2. Antoine Caldwell (Bama/Sr.) -This guy has been all over the place for the Tide this season, he has the size and athletic ability NFL teams love. 3. Jonathon Luigs (Ark/Sr.) -Here's another guy, who can really move, he gets to the next level and lays the wood. 4. Max Unger (Ore/Sr.) -Unger is a solid blocker in both the passing and running game and also has the size to hold his own against defensive tackles. 5. A.Q Shipley (Penn.St/Sr.) -Regarded by some as the toughest guy in the Big 10, he is similar to Detroit Lions center Dominic Riola. OG 1. Duke Robinson (Okla/Sr.) -This guy is a monster, has the power and feet work to start at the next level. 2. Herman Johnson (LSU/Sr.) -At 6'7 362, he is another mammoth of a man, his feet work could use work, but he's a good in-line blocker. 3. Sergio Render (VT/Jr.) -Has good athletic ability who can make all the blocks 4. Greg Isdaner (WVU/Jr.) -Another good athlete, very good open field blocker. 5. Trevor Canfield (Cinn/Sr.) -Tough as nails guy, with good speed and feet work. OT 1. Michael Oher (Miss/Sr.) -Oher is the hands down best tackle in the country, he was made famous by the book Blind Side. 2. Eugene Monroe (UVA/Jr.) -Moore is not far behind Oher, he has great feet work, and the athleticism teams love in tackles. 3. Andre Smith (Bama/ Jr.) -He is the best lineman on the best team in the country, he's been dominate in both the running game and passing game. 4. Ciron Black (LSU/Jr.) -At 6'5 328, he certainly has the size, he is still raw, but has a lot of room to grow as a player. 5. Phil Loadholt (Okla/Sr.) -At 6'8 340 he is one of the biggest men in college football, while he has the size teams love, he is not very athletic and has trouble with speed rushers.

2010 NFL Draft Prospects: Offensive Tackles

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:14:48 -0500

A pair of SEC linemen, Andre Smith and Ciron Black, headline the 2010 offensive tackle rankings. Check out to see who else is listed. http://walterfootball.com/draft2010OT.php