So far your University of Louisville Cardinals have done very well in the NFL draft. 3 first round selections for the Cards are the most ever in one year. No more than 1 had ever been taken in round one in the history of the program. Calvin Pryor (18) Marcus Smith (26) and Teddy Bridgewater (32) now give the Cards 11 players to be drafted during the first round. Preston Brown was taken on day 2 as the ninth pick of the third round. So as historic and successful as this draft has already been for UofL, will we hear any names on day 3? I say yes. Who is still available to be selected? Will they be drafted? I will update this all day during the draft to tell you just who made it. Here are the guys still available for selection. Good luck and Go Cards!
Damian Copeland
Height: 5’11
Weight: 184
Arm Length: 31 3/8″
Hands: 9″
Combine Achievements:
Vertical Jump- 40.0 (2nd Overall)
3 Cone Drill- 6.53 (1st Overall)
20 Yard Shuttle- 3.90 (2nd Overall)
60 Yard Shuttle- 10.84 (2nd Overall)
NFL Combine Video:
Highlights:
NFL expert Nolan Nawrocki gives you his insight on the players (via NFL.com)
Overview
Florida prep. Redshirted in 2009 when he suffered a broken foot. In ’10, caught eight balls for 113 yards (14.1-yard average) and zero touchdowns, but was limited to eight games (torn meniscus). Lost his 2011 season while nursing a hamstring injury. Started 25-of-26 games the next two seasons and was the Cardinals’ leading receiver both years — produced 50-628-2 (12.6) in ’12 and 58-780-5 (13.4) in ’13. Did not start against Miami in Russell Athletic Bowl when he gave way to a two-tight end formation. Graduated and was granted a sixth year of eligibility but elected to leave school. Injured his left thumb during NFL Scouting Combine drills.
Analysis
Strengths
Makes good adjustments to the ball and has a fairly wide catching radius. Runs with urgency after the catch and carries a swagger. Solid production — two-time team-leading receiver. Has a 40-inch vertical jump and recorded the best three-cone time (6.53 seconds) of any receiver at the combine.
Weaknesses
Limited functional strength to escape tight press coverage. Lacks a feel for coverage to beat zones. Can be fazed by traffic — will alter his routes and make some concentration drops. Not a nuanced route runner and creates little separation with savvy — gears down out of his breaks and gives up break points. Struggles to escape man coverage. Not creative after the catch. Soft blocker — does not finish. Durability was a considerable issue early in his college career (missed 17 games with knee, foot and hamstring injuries).
Draft Projection
Round 7-Priority free agent
Bottom Line
Runs a lot of simple digs, slants and bubble screens and is effective as a short-area, stationary target when he has free releases. Could compete for a job in the slot.
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Senorise Perry
Height: 6’0
Weight: 206
Arm Length: 31 1/2″
Hands: 9 1/2″
NFL Pro Day Video:
2013 Highlights:
Once again NFL expert Nolan Nawrocki:
Analysis
Strengths
Good acceleration. Flashes the ability to bounce outside and has long speed to pick up big gainers when he breaks free. Functional short receiver. Willing blocker and special-teams player with speed to contribute in the pros — has experience covering and returning kicks. Helped himself at his pro day — posted sub-4.4 40, 37-inch vertical jump and 6.89-second three-cone drill. Competitive, tough and hardworking.
Weaknesses
Lacks ideal bulk for the position. Average eyes and instincts. Lacks elusiveness to string moves together. Limited run strength — not a powerful pile mover or robust tackle breaker. Average career production (shared carries). Needs to improve technique in pass protection. Could require extra reps to grasp complex concepts.
Draft Projection
Priority free agent
Bottom Line
Fast, linear, one-cut perimeter slasher best-suited for a zone scheme. Never established himself as a feature back, though his speed and special-teams ability will give him a chance to compete for a roster spot.
Overview
Three-time first-team All-Conference. Played in all 52 games in career, starting the final 51. First Louisville player since Ronnie Ghent (2000-03) to earn all-conference honors 4 times. 2013: Started all 13 games. 1 INT, 1 sack vs. Rutgers. 2012: Started all 13 games. 10 tackles, FF vs. Kentucky. 2011: Started all 13 games. 10 tackles, FF at West Virginia. 10 tackles, FF at Connecticut. 5 tackles, INT at South Florida. 2010: Big East Newcomer of the Year. Second-team All-Big East. Played all 13 games, starting final 12. 2009: Redshirted. High School: Two-star prospect (Rivals) out of Georgia. Team captain as a senior.
Analysis
Strengths
Plays under control with a balanced pedal. Alert in zone coverage. Plays the ball well in front of him and will go up to get it. Functional playing range — can interchange. Experienced, four-year starter with good overall production. Good football intelligence. Has proven to be very durable (despite light frame). Has a 37-inch vertical jump and quick 6.99-second three-cone drill time.
Weaknesses
Thinly built with the frame of a cornerback. Minimal striking power. Not aggressive supporting the run and is often a tick late to arrive. Marginal ball skills — just four career interceptions as a four-year starter. Tends to play tall and gets caught flat-footed. Not natural with his back to the ball. Average transitional quickness — can be exposed in man coverage. Poor 40-yard-dash time.
Draft Projection
Undrafted free agent
Bottom Line
A smart, quietly competitive, nondescript, interchangeable safety with a cautious playing temperament. Benefited from playing alongside standout Calvin Pryor in a defense that did not require as much back-end responsibility.
Awesome post.