ACC: David Wilson
Earlier this morning we looked at who in the Atlantic Division has the most to prove. The Coastal Division is up next:
1. Duke coach David Cutcliffe. It’s time for Cutcliffe to prove his program is still heading in the right direction, and the most obvious way for him to do that is to lead the Blue Devils to a bowl game. Cutcliffe will be entering his fifth season in Durham, and while he’s been painfully close to a breakthrough winning season -- losing eight games over the past two years by seven or fewer points -- he will ultimately be judged by the win column.
2. North Carolina. The Tar Heels have to prove they can run Larry Fedora’s new offense. They have to prove they can run defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s new 4-2-5 scheme. But most of all, they have to prove that once again, they can overcome change and the NCAA. There is no bowl game to play for this year. They’ll have to prove they can find their own motivation.
3. Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh. It will be the third season in Groh’s 3-4 scheme, and Georgia Tech fans are looking for more improvement from the group. That could be tough to come by, considering the Jackets have to replace two starters up front.
4. Miami quarterback Stephen Morris. We learned this spring that Memphis transfer Ryan Williams can and will challenge Morris. With Morris sidelined this spring with a back injury, Williams had his chance to shine -- much like Morris has had his opportunities at the expense of former starter Jacory Harris. It’s up to Morris to reassert himself as the leader of the offense.
5. Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Yes, all of the hype is around who will be the next great running back after the early departure of David Wilson, but they’ll all be going nowhere fast if the guys up front don’t get it together. The good news for the Hokies is that this group had a good spring. The key now is to build upon that in summer camp.
6. Virginia’s secondary. This group has to replace three starters from a year ago and more than 90 combined career starts. The Hoos will depend on young players this year, and Demetrious Nicholson, who has 13 starts, is now the veteran of the group.
1. Duke coach David Cutcliffe. It’s time for Cutcliffe to prove his program is still heading in the right direction, and the most obvious way for him to do that is to lead the Blue Devils to a bowl game. Cutcliffe will be entering his fifth season in Durham, and while he’s been painfully close to a breakthrough winning season -- losing eight games over the past two years by seven or fewer points -- he will ultimately be judged by the win column.
2. North Carolina. The Tar Heels have to prove they can run Larry Fedora’s new offense. They have to prove they can run defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s new 4-2-5 scheme. But most of all, they have to prove that once again, they can overcome change and the NCAA. There is no bowl game to play for this year. They’ll have to prove they can find their own motivation.
3. Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh. It will be the third season in Groh’s 3-4 scheme, and Georgia Tech fans are looking for more improvement from the group. That could be tough to come by, considering the Jackets have to replace two starters up front.
4. Miami quarterback Stephen Morris. We learned this spring that Memphis transfer Ryan Williams can and will challenge Morris. With Morris sidelined this spring with a back injury, Williams had his chance to shine -- much like Morris has had his opportunities at the expense of former starter Jacory Harris. It’s up to Morris to reassert himself as the leader of the offense.
5. Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Yes, all of the hype is around who will be the next great running back after the early departure of David Wilson, but they’ll all be going nowhere fast if the guys up front don’t get it together. The good news for the Hokies is that this group had a good spring. The key now is to build upon that in summer camp.
6. Virginia’s secondary. This group has to replace three starters from a year ago and more than 90 combined career starts. The Hoos will depend on young players this year, and Demetrious Nicholson, who has 13 starts, is now the veteran of the group.
2011 overall record: 11-3
2011 conference record: 7-1 (1st, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 3; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Logan Thomas, WR Marcus Davis, C Andrew Miller, DE James Gayle, DE J.R. Collins, DT Derrick Hopkins, DT Antoine Hopkins, ILB Bruce Taylor, ILB Tariq Edwards, OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, CB Kyle Fuller, S Antone Exum
Key losses
WR Danny Coale, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Chris Drager, LT Andrew Lanier, RT Blake DeChristopher, RG Jaymes Brooks, LG Greg Nosal, RB David Wilson, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: David Wilson (1,709 yards)
Passing: Logan Thomas* (3,013 yards)
Receiving: Danny Coale (904 yards)
Tackles: Antone Exum* (89)
Sacks: James Gayle* (7)
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley (3)
Spring answers
1. Logan Thomas: The ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks in 2012, and Thomas is among the top returners. He accounted for 30 total touchdowns last season and threw for more than 3,000 yards. He is the unquestioned leader and centerpiece of the Hokies' offense, and a strong season could result in a handshake from Roger Goodell at Radio City next April.
2. Defensive line: This unit has the potential to be the best in the conference, as it will play eight or nine men on a regular basis and be the foundation for a defense among the best in the ACC. This group led the conference in sacks a year ago and has looked every bit as capable this spring of doing that again in 2012.
3. Security: The Hokies were faced with a similar position last season, only the exact opposite: Loads of offensive talent came back and the defense had some uncertainties. Virginia Tech still reached the ACC title game and a BCS bowl, extending its nation-best streak of 10 or more wins to an eighth straight season. Entering his 26th season and first as the longest-tenured FBS coach, Frank Beamer has an established track record and knows how to get the most out of his pieces. The hard part right now is finding them on offense.
Fall questions
1. Who will replace David Wilson? Wilson is off with the Giants, a first-round draft pick following a campaign in which he ran for more yards than any running back in Virginia Tech history. Michael Holmes figures to be the No. 1 back entering preseason camp, with J.C. Coleman pushing him for time. The Hokies welcome three new backs this fall, along with Tony Gregory, who missed spring while recovering from knee surgery.
2. Who will protect the newcomer? Holmes or any of his fellow backfield mates won't have the chance to accomplish anything replicating Wilson's production if they don't get the chance. The Hokies return just one starting offensive lineman from last season and will have to adjust quickly if the offense wants to resemble last year's.
3. Secondary help. Second-team all-ACC corner Kyle Fuller is back, along with leading tackle Antone Exum. Sophomore Detrick Bonner has moved from cornerback to free safety, sophomore Kyshoen Jarrett is now at safety and Exum is now at corner. Secondary coach Torrian Gray likes to build versatility, but he will have his hands full trying to replace Eddie Whitley (graduation) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (draft).
2011 conference record: 7-1 (1st, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 3; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Logan Thomas, WR Marcus Davis, C Andrew Miller, DE James Gayle, DE J.R. Collins, DT Derrick Hopkins, DT Antoine Hopkins, ILB Bruce Taylor, ILB Tariq Edwards, OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, CB Kyle Fuller, S Antone Exum
Key losses
WR Danny Coale, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Chris Drager, LT Andrew Lanier, RT Blake DeChristopher, RG Jaymes Brooks, LG Greg Nosal, RB David Wilson, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: David Wilson (1,709 yards)
Passing: Logan Thomas* (3,013 yards)
Receiving: Danny Coale (904 yards)
Tackles: Antone Exum* (89)
Sacks: James Gayle* (7)
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley (3)
Spring answers
1. Logan Thomas: The ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks in 2012, and Thomas is among the top returners. He accounted for 30 total touchdowns last season and threw for more than 3,000 yards. He is the unquestioned leader and centerpiece of the Hokies' offense, and a strong season could result in a handshake from Roger Goodell at Radio City next April.
2. Defensive line: This unit has the potential to be the best in the conference, as it will play eight or nine men on a regular basis and be the foundation for a defense among the best in the ACC. This group led the conference in sacks a year ago and has looked every bit as capable this spring of doing that again in 2012.
3. Security: The Hokies were faced with a similar position last season, only the exact opposite: Loads of offensive talent came back and the defense had some uncertainties. Virginia Tech still reached the ACC title game and a BCS bowl, extending its nation-best streak of 10 or more wins to an eighth straight season. Entering his 26th season and first as the longest-tenured FBS coach, Frank Beamer has an established track record and knows how to get the most out of his pieces. The hard part right now is finding them on offense.
Fall questions
1. Who will replace David Wilson? Wilson is off with the Giants, a first-round draft pick following a campaign in which he ran for more yards than any running back in Virginia Tech history. Michael Holmes figures to be the No. 1 back entering preseason camp, with J.C. Coleman pushing him for time. The Hokies welcome three new backs this fall, along with Tony Gregory, who missed spring while recovering from knee surgery.
2. Who will protect the newcomer? Holmes or any of his fellow backfield mates won't have the chance to accomplish anything replicating Wilson's production if they don't get the chance. The Hokies return just one starting offensive lineman from last season and will have to adjust quickly if the offense wants to resemble last year's.
3. Secondary help. Second-team all-ACC corner Kyle Fuller is back, along with leading tackle Antone Exum. Sophomore Detrick Bonner has moved from cornerback to free safety, sophomore Kyshoen Jarrett is now at safety and Exum is now at corner. Secondary coach Torrian Gray likes to build versatility, but he will have his hands full trying to replace Eddie Whitley (graduation) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (draft).
Our series continues today with the Hokies, who return just one full-time starter from a strong offensive line in 2011.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Virginia Tech: C Andrew Miller
2011 stats: Miller started all 14 games as a junior last season, playing more than 900 snaps, including every single one in nine games.
What he means to the Hokies: The Hokies' line last season paved the way for David Wilson to notch the most single-season rushing yards in school history. It returns just one full-time starter from that line. As The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter notes, Miller accounts for all 14 starts that Virginia Tech returns up front this season, whereas last year that number was 164. The offense is expected to undergo growing pains -- as is any that is forced to replace that much of its foundation -- but it does return a potential NFL quarterback in Logan Thomas, along with what is expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. If the Hokies want to continue their reign near the top of the conference, they will need key people to step up on offense, which starts with the line. Having a returning man in the middle who also happens to be a senior is an invaluable commodity, as Miller can hold the line together and help bring along the new starters.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Virginia Tech: C Andrew Miller
2011 stats: Miller started all 14 games as a junior last season, playing more than 900 snaps, including every single one in nine games.
What he means to the Hokies: The Hokies' line last season paved the way for David Wilson to notch the most single-season rushing yards in school history. It returns just one full-time starter from that line. As The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter notes, Miller accounts for all 14 starts that Virginia Tech returns up front this season, whereas last year that number was 164. The offense is expected to undergo growing pains -- as is any that is forced to replace that much of its foundation -- but it does return a potential NFL quarterback in Logan Thomas, along with what is expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. If the Hokies want to continue their reign near the top of the conference, they will need key people to step up on offense, which starts with the line. Having a returning man in the middle who also happens to be a senior is an invaluable commodity, as Miller can hold the line together and help bring along the new starters.
Anyone stay up for that Clippers comeback? Wow.
- NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas compares new Panther Luke Kuechly to Dan Morgan.
- Stephen Hill was a fan favorite at Radio City, Jane McManus writes on ESPNNY.com.
- RecruitingNation looks at the top uncommitted linebackers,
some of whom FSU and Miami are after. - The New York Post's Steve Serby sits down with new Jet and former Tar Heel Quinton Coples.
- Former Virgina Tech running back and Giants first-round pick David Wilson keeps going and going, Jorge Castillo writes in the Newark Star-Ledger.
Despite a 6-6 season in 2011, Miami led all ACC schools with six players getting selected during this past weekend's NFL draft. The ACC as a whole had 31 players selected, the third most among all conferences, behind the Big Ten (41) and, yes, the SEC (42).
NC State had five players taken, the second most among ACC schools. Neither the Hurricanes nor the Wolfpack had any players taken in the first two rounds. Duke and Maryland both had zero players drafted.
Luke Kuechly, as expected, got the ball rolling for the conference Thursday night, when the Panthers took the former Boston College inside linebacker ninth overall. I was a little surprised to see Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, projected by many as a late first-rounder, fall all the way to the Jets at No. 43.
Here's a school-by-school breakdown of the draft, followed by a round-by-round breakdown:
Miami: 6
NC State: 5
Clemson: 4
FSU: 4
Wake Forest: 4
Virginia Tech: 3
UNC: 2
Georgia Tech: 1
Virginia: 1
Boston College: 1
FIRST ROUND
No. 9, Panthers: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
No. 16, Jets: DE Quinton Coples, UNC
No. 31, Giants: RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
SECOND ROUND
No. 38, Jaguars: DE Andre Branch, Clemson
No. 43, Jets: WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
No. 52, Titans: OLB Zach Brown, UNC
THIRD ROUND
No. 64, Colts: TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson
No. 69, Bills: WR TJ Graham, NC State
No. 72, Dolphins: DE Olivier Vernon, Miami
No. 86, Steelers: LB Sean Spence, Miami
No. 93, Bengals: DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
No. 94, Giants: CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
FOURTH ROUND
No. 96, Rams: WR Chris Givens, Wake Forest
No. 97, Dolphins: RB Lamar Miller, Miami
No. 100, Browns: WR Travis Benjamin, Miami
No. 105, Bills: OLB Nigel Bradham, FSU
No. 113, Cowboys: OLB Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest
No. 115, Titans: CB Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
No. 117, 49ers: G Joe Looney, Wake Forest
FIFTH ROUND
No. 144, Bills: T Zebrie Sanders, FSU
No. 163, Packers: OLB Terrell Manning, NC State
SIXTH ROUND
No. 152, Cowboys: WR Danny Coale, Virginia Tech
No. 176, Jaguars: CB Mike Harris, FSU
No. 187, Jets: S Josh Bush, Wake Forest
No. 198, Ravens: WR Tommy Streeter, Miami
No. 200, Eagles: G Brandon Washington, Miami
SEVENTH ROUND
No. 210, Vikings: ILB Audie Cole, NC State
No. 225, Seahawks: DE JR Sweezy, NC State
No. 237, 49ers: DE Cam Johnson, Virginia
No. 239, Giants: DT Markus Kuhn, NC State
No. 241, Packers: T Andrew Datko, FSU
NC State had five players taken, the second most among ACC schools. Neither the Hurricanes nor the Wolfpack had any players taken in the first two rounds. Duke and Maryland both had zero players drafted.
Luke Kuechly, as expected, got the ball rolling for the conference Thursday night, when the Panthers took the former Boston College inside linebacker ninth overall. I was a little surprised to see Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, projected by many as a late first-rounder, fall all the way to the Jets at No. 43.
Here's a school-by-school breakdown of the draft, followed by a round-by-round breakdown:
Miami: 6
NC State: 5
Clemson: 4
FSU: 4
Wake Forest: 4
Virginia Tech: 3
UNC: 2
Georgia Tech: 1
Virginia: 1
Boston College: 1
FIRST ROUND
No. 9, Panthers: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
No. 16, Jets: DE Quinton Coples, UNC
No. 31, Giants: RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech
SECOND ROUND
No. 38, Jaguars: DE Andre Branch, Clemson
No. 43, Jets: WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
No. 52, Titans: OLB Zach Brown, UNC
THIRD ROUND
No. 64, Colts: TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson
No. 69, Bills: WR TJ Graham, NC State
No. 72, Dolphins: DE Olivier Vernon, Miami
No. 86, Steelers: LB Sean Spence, Miami
No. 93, Bengals: DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
No. 94, Giants: CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
FOURTH ROUND
No. 96, Rams: WR Chris Givens, Wake Forest
No. 97, Dolphins: RB Lamar Miller, Miami
No. 100, Browns: WR Travis Benjamin, Miami
No. 105, Bills: OLB Nigel Bradham, FSU
No. 113, Cowboys: OLB Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest
No. 115, Titans: CB Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
No. 117, 49ers: G Joe Looney, Wake Forest
FIFTH ROUND
No. 144, Bills: T Zebrie Sanders, FSU
No. 163, Packers: OLB Terrell Manning, NC State
SIXTH ROUND
No. 152, Cowboys: WR Danny Coale, Virginia Tech
No. 176, Jaguars: CB Mike Harris, FSU
No. 187, Jets: S Josh Bush, Wake Forest
No. 198, Ravens: WR Tommy Streeter, Miami
No. 200, Eagles: G Brandon Washington, Miami
SEVENTH ROUND
No. 210, Vikings: ILB Audie Cole, NC State
No. 225, Seahawks: DE JR Sweezy, NC State
No. 237, 49ers: DE Cam Johnson, Virginia
No. 239, Giants: DT Markus Kuhn, NC State
No. 241, Packers: T Andrew Datko, FSU
Three ACC players chosen in first round
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
8:00
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
One of the NFL draft's biggest surprises came right before the curtains closed at Radio City.
The New York Giants took Virginia Tech running back David Wilson with the 32nd and final pick Thursday night, giving the ACC three players taken in the draft's first round.
To the surprise of no one, Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly was the first conference player off the board, going No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers. North Carolina end Quinton Coples followed seven picks later, going to the New York Jets at No. 16.
The reigning ACC player of the year, Wilson figures to be the Giants' replacement for Brandon Jacobs, who departed in the offseason. New York finished last in the league on the ground in 2011.
"That, but also we’re looking at the fact that Brandon [Jacobs] is no longer here and we do have to try to balance that out," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "We believe that you do have to have multiple runners or at least two that can effectively take the field at any time and this young man we thought was one of those that can be a big play threat."
Wilson, who who set a school record with 1,709 rushing yards in 2011, became the Hokies' ninth first-round pick and the seventh during coach Frank Beamer's tenure. Beamer has had 83 of his former players drafted.
Kuechly became BC's 19th first-round pick, and after winning the Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Lott Impact Trophy, he is thought of as one of the surest things of this draft class.
Coples became the Tar Heels' 20th first-round pick and their second defensive end in two years to be taken on Day 1. Jets coach Rex Ryan served as an honorary tackle to block against Coples last month at UNC's pro day.
"They knew I could get to the quarterback and help this team get to the Super Bowl," Coples told ESPN Radio. "It's good to be a Jet. I'm just going to go out there and be the best pass-rusher I can be."
The ACC figured to have at least three players taken on Thursday, but Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill was expected to be among them. Instead, the receiver will likely be an early pick Friday. He is one of Todd McShay's top five players still on the board.
The New York Giants took Virginia Tech running back David Wilson with the 32nd and final pick Thursday night, giving the ACC three players taken in the draft's first round.
To the surprise of no one, Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly was the first conference player off the board, going No. 9 to the Carolina Panthers. North Carolina end Quinton Coples followed seven picks later, going to the New York Jets at No. 16.
2012 NFL Draft
Rd. 1: April 26, 8 p.m. ET
Rd. 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m. ET
Rd. 4-7: April 28, Noon ET
Radio City Music Hall
New York City
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"That, but also we’re looking at the fact that Brandon [Jacobs] is no longer here and we do have to try to balance that out," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "We believe that you do have to have multiple runners or at least two that can effectively take the field at any time and this young man we thought was one of those that can be a big play threat."
Wilson, who who set a school record with 1,709 rushing yards in 2011, became the Hokies' ninth first-round pick and the seventh during coach Frank Beamer's tenure. Beamer has had 83 of his former players drafted.
Kuechly became BC's 19th first-round pick, and after winning the Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Lott Impact Trophy, he is thought of as one of the surest things of this draft class.
Coples became the Tar Heels' 20th first-round pick and their second defensive end in two years to be taken on Day 1. Jets coach Rex Ryan served as an honorary tackle to block against Coples last month at UNC's pro day.
"They knew I could get to the quarterback and help this team get to the Super Bowl," Coples told ESPN Radio. "It's good to be a Jet. I'm just going to go out there and be the best pass-rusher I can be."
The ACC figured to have at least three players taken on Thursday, but Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill was expected to be among them. Instead, the receiver will likely be an early pick Friday. He is one of Todd McShay's top five players still on the board.
It's NFL draft eve, and it's the last Wednesday before the event, meaning one last chance for our team of analysts to predict how this weekend will unfold.
Mel Kiper and Todd McShay reveal their final draft boards, and each has a mock , with McShay and the rest of the Scouts Inc. team going seven rounds full .
Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, naturally, tops the list, going No. 5 to the Buccaneers. North Carolina end Quinton Coples is next off the board at No. 19, to the Bears, with wideout Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech going two spots later to the Bengals.
How do the rest of the ACC's draft-eligible players stand? Let's take a look:
ROUND 2
No. 36, Buccaneers: RB David Wilson (Virginia Tech)
No. 50, Bears: OLB Zach Brown (UNC)
No. 58, Texans: DE Andre Branch (Clemson)
No. 59, Packers: RB Lamar Miller (Miami)
ROUND 3
No. 64, Colts: DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)
No. 68, Buccaneers: CB Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech)
No. 72, Dolphins: OT Zebrie Sanders (FSU)
No. 76, Texans: TE Dwayne Allen (Clemson)
No. 80, Cardinals: DE Olivier Vernon (Miami)
No. 82, Titans: WR Chris Givens (Wake Forest)
No. 91, Ravens: G Joe Looney (Wake Forest)
No. 95, Raiders: DE Cam Johnson (Virginia)
ROUND 4
No. 100, Browns: OLB Nigel Bradham (FSU)
No. 124, Bills: OLB Sean Spence (Miami)
No. 125, 49ers: CB Chase Minnifield (Virginia)
No. 128, Vikings: OLB Terrell Manning (NC State)
No. 129, Raiders: OLB Kyle Wilber (Wake Forest)
No. 130, Ravens: WR Danny Coale (Virginia Tech)
ROUND 5
No. 154, Jets: WR Tommy Streeter (Miami)
No. 157, Falcons: WR TJ Graham (NC State)
No. 159, Steelers: G Brandon Washington (Miami)
No. 162, Saints: CB Coty Sensabaugh (Clemson)
ROUND 6
No. 176, Jaguars: DT Marcus Forston (Miami)
No. 178, Bills: ILB Audie Cole (NC State)
No. 188, Broncos: DE Rennie Moore (Clemson)
No. 191, Bengals: WR Travis Benjamin (Miami)
No. 197, Packers: OT Andrew Datko (FSU)
No. 205, Browns: G Antoine McClain (Clemson)
ROUND 7
No. 209, Rams: WR Dwight Jones (UNC)
No. 240, Steelers: DE Matt Conrath (Virginia)
No. 242, Jets: TE George Bryan (NC State)
No. 243, Packers: RB Davin Meggett (Maryland)
No. 245, Browns: DT Markus Kuhn (NC State)
No. 250, Chargers: CB Donnie Fletcher (BC)
Here's a breakdown by school of the 37 ACC players that Scouts Inc. thinks will be drafted:
Miami: 7
Clemson: 6
NC State: 5
Virginia Tech: 3
UNC: 3
Virginia: 3
Wake Forest: 3
FSU: 3
BC: 2
Georgia Tech: 1
Maryland: 1
Duke: 0
Mel Kiper
and Todd McShay reveal their final draft boards, and each has a mock , with McShay and the rest of the Scouts Inc. team going seven rounds full .
Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, naturally, tops the list, going No. 5 to the Buccaneers. North Carolina end Quinton Coples is next off the board at No. 19, to the Bears, with wideout Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech going two spots later to the Bengals.
How do the rest of the ACC's draft-eligible players stand? Let's take a look:
ROUND 2
No. 36, Buccaneers: RB David Wilson (Virginia Tech)
No. 50, Bears: OLB Zach Brown (UNC)
No. 58, Texans: DE Andre Branch (Clemson)
No. 59, Packers: RB Lamar Miller (Miami)
ROUND 3
No. 64, Colts: DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)
No. 68, Buccaneers: CB Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech)
No. 72, Dolphins: OT Zebrie Sanders (FSU)
No. 76, Texans: TE Dwayne Allen (Clemson)
No. 80, Cardinals: DE Olivier Vernon (Miami)
No. 82, Titans: WR Chris Givens (Wake Forest)
No. 91, Ravens: G Joe Looney (Wake Forest)
No. 95, Raiders: DE Cam Johnson (Virginia)
ROUND 4
No. 100, Browns: OLB Nigel Bradham (FSU)
No. 124, Bills: OLB Sean Spence (Miami)
No. 125, 49ers: CB Chase Minnifield (Virginia)
No. 128, Vikings: OLB Terrell Manning (NC State)
No. 129, Raiders: OLB Kyle Wilber (Wake Forest)
No. 130, Ravens: WR Danny Coale (Virginia Tech)
ROUND 5
No. 154, Jets: WR Tommy Streeter (Miami)
No. 157, Falcons: WR TJ Graham (NC State)
No. 159, Steelers: G Brandon Washington (Miami)
No. 162, Saints: CB Coty Sensabaugh (Clemson)
ROUND 6
No. 176, Jaguars: DT Marcus Forston (Miami)
No. 178, Bills: ILB Audie Cole (NC State)
No. 188, Broncos: DE Rennie Moore (Clemson)
No. 191, Bengals: WR Travis Benjamin (Miami)
No. 197, Packers: OT Andrew Datko (FSU)
No. 205, Browns: G Antoine McClain (Clemson)
ROUND 7
No. 209, Rams: WR Dwight Jones (UNC)
No. 240, Steelers: DE Matt Conrath (Virginia)
No. 242, Jets: TE George Bryan (NC State)
No. 243, Packers: RB Davin Meggett (Maryland)
No. 245, Browns: DT Markus Kuhn (NC State)
No. 250, Chargers: CB Donnie Fletcher (BC)
Here's a breakdown by school of the 37 ACC players that Scouts Inc. thinks will be drafted:
Miami: 7
Clemson: 6
NC State: 5
Virginia Tech: 3
UNC: 3
Virginia: 3
Wake Forest: 3
FSU: 3
BC: 2
Georgia Tech: 1
Maryland: 1
Duke: 0
Mel Kiper took a different approach Wednesday to potential NFL Draft outcomes, listing who he would pick if he were selecting for each team in Rounds 1-3, then compiling those players into a "best possible" scenario for each franchise.
The tally revealed 14 players from ACC schools in the first three rounds, and, to change things up a bit, we'll list them here in order of the selection Kiper has them going to their respective teams.
No. 9, Panthers: LB Luke Kuechly (BC)
No. 12, Seahawks: DE Quinton Coples (UNC)
No. 38, Jaguars: WR Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech)
No. 45, Cowboys: OLB Andre Branch (Clemson)
No. 46, Eagles: LB Zach Brown (UNC)
No. 51, Eagles: TE Dwayne Allen (Clemson)
No. 53, Bengals: CB Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech)
No. 60, Ravens: OLB Terrell Manning (N.C. State)
No. 63, Giants: RB David Wilson (Va. Tech)
No. 65, Rams: RB Lamar Miller (Miami)
No. 69, Redskins: OT Zebrie Sanders (FSU)
No. 84, Falcons: DE Olivier Vernon (Miami)
No. 86, Steelers: DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)
No. 93, Patriots: WR Chris Givens (Wake Forest)
Kuechly has moved up a spot to No. 9 on Kiper's 25-man Big Board this week, and Coples has dropped a spot to No. 15.
On Todd McShay's 32-man draft board, Kuechly is up three spots to No. 7, Coples is down five spots to No. 14 and Hill has moved in at No. 30. Branch rounds out the ACC contingent at No. 31, having dropped two spots.
then compiling those players into a "best possible" scenario for each franchise.
The tally revealed 14 players from ACC schools in the first three rounds, and, to change things up a bit, we'll list them here in order of the selection Kiper has them going to their respective teams.
No. 9, Panthers: LB Luke Kuechly (BC)
No. 12, Seahawks: DE Quinton Coples (UNC)
No. 38, Jaguars: WR Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech)
No. 45, Cowboys: OLB Andre Branch (Clemson)
No. 46, Eagles: LB Zach Brown (UNC)
No. 51, Eagles: TE Dwayne Allen (Clemson)
No. 53, Bengals: CB Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech)
No. 60, Ravens: OLB Terrell Manning (N.C. State)
No. 63, Giants: RB David Wilson (Va. Tech)
No. 65, Rams: RB Lamar Miller (Miami)
No. 69, Redskins: OT Zebrie Sanders (FSU)
No. 84, Falcons: DE Olivier Vernon (Miami)
No. 86, Steelers: DT Brandon Thompson (Clemson)
No. 93, Patriots: WR Chris Givens (Wake Forest)
Kuechly has moved up a spot to No. 9 on Kiper's 25-man Big Board this week,
and Coples has dropped a spot to No. 15.
On Todd McShay's 32-man draft board, Kuechly is up three spots to No. 7,
Coples is down five spots to No. 14 and Hill has moved in at No. 30. Branch rounds out the ACC contingent at No. 31, having dropped two spots.
Mel Kiper Jr.'s fourth mock draft Wednesday goes two rounds , with Clemson and North Carolina each featuring two players, the most among ACC schools.
Kiper has the Tar Heels' Quinton Coples going 12th to the Seahawks and Zach Brown going 46th to the Eagles. The Tigers have a pair of second-rounders in Andre Branch (42nd, Dolphins) and Dwayne Allen (51st, Eagles).
Boston College's Luke Kuechly is projected to be taken the highest among ACC players, with Kiper slating him for the 11th pick, which belongs to the Chiefs. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill is the last first-rounder from the ACC (30th, 49ers).
Kiper has the Ravens selecting North Carolina State's Terrell Manning with the 60th pick and the Giants wrapping up the second round by selecting Virginia Tech's David Wilson.
Kuechly and Coples are the only ACC players on Kiper's 25-man Big Board, coming in at Nos. 7 and 13, respectively. Coples and Kuechly are Nos. 9 and 10 on Todd McShay's 32-man draft board , with Branch coming in at No. 29.
Coples and Branch have each dropped from one spot, to Nos. 2 and 5, among defensive ends this week in Kiper's top-5s by position. South Carolina's Mel Ingram has unseated Coples as the top end. Manning dropped from third to fourth among outside linebackers, and Miami's Brandon Washington is no longer among the top guards after coming in at No. 5 a week ago. The rest of the ACC contingent remains unchanged from a week ago.
, with Clemson and North Carolina each featuring two players, the most among ACC schools.
Kiper has the Tar Heels' Quinton Coples going 12th to the Seahawks and Zach Brown going 46th to the Eagles. The Tigers have a pair of second-rounders in Andre Branch (42nd, Dolphins) and Dwayne Allen (51st, Eagles).
Boston College's Luke Kuechly is projected to be taken the highest among ACC players, with Kiper slating him for the 11th pick, which belongs to the Chiefs. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill is the last first-rounder from the ACC (30th, 49ers).
Kiper has the Ravens selecting North Carolina State's Terrell Manning with the 60th pick and the Giants wrapping up the second round by selecting Virginia Tech's David Wilson.
Kuechly and Coples are the only ACC players on Kiper's 25-man Big Board
, coming in at Nos. 7 and 13, respectively. Coples and Kuechly are Nos. 9 and 10 on Todd McShay's 32-man draft board , with Branch coming in at No. 29.
Coples and Branch have each dropped from one spot, to Nos. 2 and 5, among defensive ends this week in Kiper's top-5s by position
. South Carolina's Mel Ingram has unseated Coples as the top end. Manning dropped from third to fourth among outside linebackers, and Miami's Brandon Washington is no longer among the top guards after coming in at No. 5 a week ago. The rest of the ACC contingent remains unchanged from a week ago.Four from Clemson highlight McShay mock
March, 28, 2012
Mar 28
5:00
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Four Clemson players appear among the first two rounds of Todd McShay's latest mock draft , highlighting the contingent of 11 ACC players.
McShay has Chandler Jones and Andre Branch going 27th and 28th to the Patriots and Packers, respectively, and he has Brandon Thompson and Dwayne Allen going 47th and 50th, to the Jets and Bears.
Five former ACC players appear in the first round of McShay's latest mock draft, led by Boston College's Luke Kuechly, slated 11th to the Chiefs. North Carolina's Quinton Coples is at No. 12, to the Seahawks.
Georgia Tech wideout Stephen Hill is slotted in at No. 30, to the 49ers.
North Carolina's Zach Brown (36th, Buccaneers), Miami's Lamar Miller (53rd, Bengals), Virginia Tech's David Wilson (57th, Broncos) and Florida State's Zebrie Sanders (58th, Texans) round out the ACC pool among McShay's first two rounds.
Kuechly is seventh on McShay's 32-man draft board, and Coples is ninth. Both appear in the same spots on Mel Kiper's 25-man Big Board . Branch is 22nd and Hill is 31st on McShay's board.
Kiper had no changes among ACC players from last week to this week in his top-5 by position rankings.
, highlighting the contingent of 11 ACC players.
McShay has Chandler Jones and Andre Branch going 27th and 28th to the Patriots and Packers, respectively, and he has Brandon Thompson and Dwayne Allen going 47th and 50th, to the Jets and Bears.
Five former ACC players appear in the first round of McShay's latest mock draft, led by Boston College's Luke Kuechly, slated 11th to the Chiefs. North Carolina's Quinton Coples is at No. 12, to the Seahawks.
Georgia Tech wideout Stephen Hill is slotted in at No. 30, to the 49ers.
North Carolina's Zach Brown (36th, Buccaneers), Miami's Lamar Miller (53rd, Bengals), Virginia Tech's David Wilson (57th, Broncos) and Florida State's Zebrie Sanders (58th, Texans) round out the ACC pool among McShay's first two rounds.
Kuechly is seventh on McShay's 32-man draft board
, and Coples is ninth. Both appear in the same spots on Mel Kiper's 25-man Big Board . Branch is 22nd and Hill is 31st on McShay's board.
Kiper had no changes among ACC players from last week to this week in his top-5 by position rankings
.
"Mad Men" is back. It's going to be a good day.
- Duke's Cooper Helfet is hoping offseason work with Peyton Manning pays off in the NFL, Steve Wiseman writes in the Durham Herald-Sun.
- The Washington Post's Mark Giannatto looks at who will replace David Wilson at Virginia Tech this season.
- Rijo Walker is transitioning to safety this spring at Virginia, Norm Wood writes in the Daily Press.
- Jimbo Fisher is upbeat as FSU opens spring ball, Coley Harvey writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
- The Charleston Post and Courier's Travis Sawchik lists the most valuable Clemson Tigers.
Quinton Coples remains Mel Kiper's top defensive end prospect , Luke Kuechly is still his top linebacker and Lamar Miller and David Wilson round out the analyst's top running backs available in next month's draft.
Clemson's Andre Branch is once again the No. 4 defensive end, though the pool of top pass-rushers could see some movement in the coming month.
The rest of the ACC lineup remained unchanged from last week:
, Luke Kuechly is still his top linebacker and Lamar Miller and David Wilson round out the analyst's top running backs available in next month's draft.
Clemson's Andre Branch is once again the No. 4 defensive end, though the pool of top pass-rushers could see some movement in the coming month.
Coples has the best frame to hold up as a 4-3 defensive end among the group, but hasn't run away. [Melvin] Ingram is closing and had a good week in Indy. Branch has the size and athleticism to move to 3-4 outside linebacker. [Nick] Perry has been very good in the draft process, though I can see some teams asking him to stand up as a pass-rusher in a 3-4. It just depends on where he lands.
The rest of the ACC lineup remained unchanged from last week:
- Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill (No. 4 receiver)
- Clemson's Dwayne Allen (No. 2 tight end)
- Miami's Brandon Washington (No. 5 guard)
- North Carolina State's Terrell Manning (No. 3 outside linebacker)
- Florida State's Shawn Powell (No. 3 punter)
Our series continues today with the Hokies, who have a major hole to fill following the early departure of one star to the NFL and an injury behind him.
OUT: David Wilson. Wilson declared for the NFL Draft following a 2011 campaign that earned him both ACC player of the year and offensive player of the year honors. A starter in all 14 games, Wilson played more than 700 snaps on offense and another 51 on special teams, rushing for a school-record 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns on 290 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 122.1 rushing yards per game. He added 21 catches for 126 yards and a score, and he led the Hokies with 22 kick returns for 415 yards, netting 2,253 all-purpose yards. His seven straight 100-plus yard rushing games were the most under coach Frank Beamer, and his 10 total tied Ryan Williams' ACC record from 2009. He finished his Virginia Tech career with 2,662 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He is one of the top running back prospects in this year's draft.
IN: J.C. Coleman and Michael Holmes. Coleman is an early enrollee and Holmes is a redshirt freshman, and the duo will be options 1 and 2 this spring as Tony Gregory recovers from surgery on his knee. Coleman, an ESPNU three-star prospect and the No. 9 player out of the state of Virginia, rushed for 1,488 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Oscar Frommel Smith High School despite missing three games with an ankle injury. Holmes was Virginia's No. 41 player and an ESPNU two-star prospect a year earlier after rushing for 2,877 yards on 372 carries at Harrisonburg High School.
OUT: David Wilson. Wilson declared for the NFL Draft following a 2011 campaign that earned him both ACC player of the year and offensive player of the year honors. A starter in all 14 games, Wilson played more than 700 snaps on offense and another 51 on special teams, rushing for a school-record 1,709 yards and nine touchdowns on 290 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 122.1 rushing yards per game. He added 21 catches for 126 yards and a score, and he led the Hokies with 22 kick returns for 415 yards, netting 2,253 all-purpose yards. His seven straight 100-plus yard rushing games were the most under coach Frank Beamer, and his 10 total tied Ryan Williams' ACC record from 2009. He finished his Virginia Tech career with 2,662 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He is one of the top running back prospects in this year's draft.
IN: J.C. Coleman and Michael Holmes. Coleman is an early enrollee and Holmes is a redshirt freshman, and the duo will be options 1 and 2 this spring as Tony Gregory recovers from surgery on his knee. Coleman, an ESPNU three-star prospect and the No. 9 player out of the state of Virginia, rushed for 1,488 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior at Oscar Frommel Smith High School despite missing three games with an ankle injury. Holmes was Virginia's No. 41 player and an ESPNU two-star prospect a year earlier after rushing for 2,877 yards on 372 carries at Harrisonburg High School.
Nigel Bradham did not need to participate in timed speed drills Wednesday to leave the biggest impression at Florida State's pro day.
With a strong Senior Bowl and impressive combine numbers -- a 4.65 40-yard dash, 24 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press, a 37-inch vertical -- Bradham's draft stock has risen since his final game in a Seminole uniform, and he did not drop any balls thrown his way in position-specific drills performed in front of scouts from 27 NFL teams and one CFL team.
"From what I was just told, I've helped my stock a lot," Bradham said, according to the Orlando Sentinel. "It's pretty much just showing what I can do. Getting out of breaks and showing my quickness and speed."
Bert Reed led a group of four former FSU players who ran a sub 4.65 40 Wednesday, timing in unofficially at 4.46. Antwane Greenlee's 21 reps on the bench press led all former Seminoles, and Mike Harris' 36 inches were the best on the vertical jump.
Virginia Tech running back David Wilson told reporters Thursday that he ran his 40 in the 4.35-4.40 range, an improvement from his 4.49 40 at the combine. The Hokies did not release numbers from their pro day.
Eleven players worked out in front of scouts from 11 different teams at Maryland's pro day Wednesday, while Virginia hosted 17 former players and scouts from all 32 NFL teams and one CFL team for its pro day Thursday. Times for players from either school were unavailable.
With a strong Senior Bowl and impressive combine numbers -- a 4.65 40-yard dash, 24 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press, a 37-inch vertical -- Bradham's draft stock has risen since his final game in a Seminole uniform, and he did not drop any balls thrown his way in position-specific drills performed in front of scouts from 27 NFL teams and one CFL team.
"From what I was just told, I've helped my stock a lot," Bradham said, according to the Orlando Sentinel. "It's pretty much just showing what I can do. Getting out of breaks and showing my quickness and speed."
Bert Reed led a group of four former FSU players who ran a sub 4.65 40 Wednesday, timing in unofficially at 4.46. Antwane Greenlee's 21 reps on the bench press led all former Seminoles, and Mike Harris' 36 inches were the best on the vertical jump.
Virginia Tech running back David Wilson told reporters Thursday that he ran his 40 in the 4.35-4.40 range, an improvement from his 4.49 40 at the combine. The Hokies did not release numbers from their pro day.
Eleven players worked out in front of scouts from 11 different teams at Maryland's pro day Wednesday, while Virginia hosted 17 former players and scouts from all 32 NFL teams and one CFL team for its pro day Thursday. Times for players from either school were unavailable.
Luke Kuechly headlines all ACC players on Mel Kiper's and Todd McShay's draft boards this week, coming in at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.
The Boston College linebacker jumped two spots on Kiper's 25-man Big Board and one spot on McShay's 32-man draft board , and he is immediately followed by North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples on each board.
Andre Branch jumped six spots on McShay's board, to No. 20.
Both Kuechly and Coples are No. 1 in Kiper's top-5 players by position.
Miami's Lamar Miller and David Wilson of Virginia Tech come in at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, among Kiper's top 5 running backs. In McShay's nickel package, Miller and Wilson are the Nos. 2 and 3 backs, respectively. McShay examines potential destinations for the top running backs in this year's draft class and places a priority on ball security, with Miller checking in very favorably in that department.
As for the rest of the ACC contingent cracking Kiper's position rankings this week ...
The Boston College linebacker jumped two spots on Kiper's 25-man Big Board
and one spot on McShay's 32-man draft board , and he is immediately followed by North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples on each board.
Andre Branch jumped six spots on McShay's board, to No. 20.
Both Kuechly and Coples are No. 1 in Kiper's top-5 players by position
.
Miami's Lamar Miller and David Wilson of Virginia Tech come in at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, among Kiper's top 5 running backs. In McShay's nickel package
, Miller and Wilson are the Nos. 2 and 3 backs, respectively. McShay examines potential destinations for the top running backs in this year's draft class and places a priority on ball security, with Miller checking in very favorably in that department.
As for the rest of the ACC contingent cracking Kiper's position rankings this week ...
- Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill (No. 4 receiver)
- Clemson's Dwayne Allen (No. 2 tight end)
- Miami's Brandon Washington (No. 5 guard)
- Clemson's Andre Branch (No. 4 defensive end)
- North Carolina State's Terrell Manning (No. 3 outside linebacker)
- Florida State's Shawn Powell (No. 3 punter)
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
