2010 NFL Draft: The Denver Broncos Draft Selections from Rounds 4-7

To wrap up the final day of the Draft, we have the Broncos final four picks.  Mostly depth picks, though I think we found a couple of gems in Perrish Cox and Eric Olsen.  

The trade at the end of the draft surprised me.  I think at least one of the two guys would have been there to pick up as CFA's, but I can't fault McDaniels or Xanders going after two guys they felt would fill depth needs on this football team.

Welcome to the NFL rookies.

CB, Perrish Cox

Perrish Cox

Knee Jerk: We finally picked up the corner I had been pining for since the second round.  Yay.

After Jerk: Cox had been sliding down draft boards from his initial 2nd-3rd round grade. Falling to a late 3rd, early 4th grade. The Broncos picking him up in the fifth is excellent value. He has the size to match up well against the bigger, slower wide receivers, though I doubt he'll ever be able to match up against top flight talent.

Here is what CBSSports had to say about Perrish Cox the prospect:

Overview

After a U.S. Army All-American prep career in Waco, Cox made an immediate impact for the Cowboys. He returned the opening kickoff of the 2006 season for a touchdown, becoming the first 'Poke true freshman to do that since Barry Sanders in 1988.

That season Cox made 24 tackles and two interceptions, then followed it up with another solid campaign in 2007, when he started the last eight contests. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 by league coaches in 2008 after putting together his second consecutive season with two interceptions and eight pass breakups. Cox capped off his career in Stillwater with a first-team all-conference senior year in which he led the nation in passes defended per game (1.73, four interceptions, 15 pass breakups).

Simply looking at Cox's size, straight-line speed and statistics, including his return skills (six career touchdowns) leads one to believe he could be a top-40 pick. But questions about his maturity, tackling, and technique against top-flight receivers might cause him to fall further than expected.

Analysis

Read & React: Recognizes routes and diagnoses whether the receiver is the primary read by reading body language. Alert to swing passes in the flat in zone coverage. Reads receiver screens, avoids the block and closes to make the play near or behind the line. A step slow attacking in his zone or to chase plays, and will take poor angles to the ball.

Man Coverage: Should flourish as a press cover corner at the next level. Smooth hip transition from backpedal. Best in press coverage, using his length and size to neutralize the receiver, but could be more consistent getting his hands on jersey at the line. Keeps contact with receiver downfield to prevent separation. Has height and vertical leap to win jump balls. Often forces quarterback to look in another direction. Will lose his balance and footing on double moves. Likes to be physical downfield and must be more disciplined in this area.

Zone Coverage: Smooth pedal for his height and usually stays low. Maintains cushion for a few steps. Changes direction easily to shadow receiver. Can knock receiver off a route before letting him go to the safety. Keeps eyes in the backfield to make play on short throws or runs. Will come off his man to give help behind him when the ball is in the air.

Closing/Recovery: Good arm length to knock away passes after recovering, will take the ball out of receivers' hands during the catch. Must learn to read receivers' eyes and turn for the ball in man. Can accelerate to the ball in front of him, but has only adequate recovery speed if beaten off the line or on double moves. Only average hands for the interception, and will drop catchable passes.

Run Support: Willing in run support, displaying the toughness to get after a ballcarrier. Maintains outside leverage to keep running backs from getting the corner. Despite his height and well-developed upper body and leg builds, does not stand up against or get off downfield blocks from larger receivers very well. Uses his speed to run around blocks on receiver screens.

Tackling: Closes on receivers well when playing off, and will wrap the legs or waist to secure the tackle immediately after the catch. Has the strength to lift and plant receivers when tackling with squared shoulders. Drops his head when tackling in the open field, however, leading to missed tackles.

Intangibles: Started to take on a leadership role in the secondary as a senior, but his maturity is under question again after missing curfew before the Cotton Bowl and later tweeting about it. Good work ethic in the weight room, although it does not always translate on the field. Has three children. Arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license in September 2009. Solid kickoff returner with necessary size and speed but must improve his vision to find open lanes and hit them hard instead of dancing; he will not get the corner against NFL special teams coverage units. Needs work on his blocking when in tandem return formation.

Career Notes

A starter at cornerback who is closing in on several milestones in the return game and is a returning All-American in that category … Needs just 110 kickoff return yards to set the Big 12 career record … Already holds the OSU record in that category with 2,155 yards … That yardage total is second among all active NCAA players … Has held down a starting corner spot for the past two seasons … A 2006 first-team Freshman All-America pick by Rivals.com in the return game, second-team all-Big 12 by Associated Press and honorable mention all-Big 12 by the coaches as a return specialist … Also a member of The Sporting News Big 12 all-frosh team … During the 2007 season, he was one of just three players in America with a punt return and kickoff return for a touchdown … A 2007 honorable mention all-Big 12 selection as a kick returner by the league coaches … Has five returns for scores in his career (four kickoffs and a punt) … Leads all active NCAA players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns.

2009 Season

Cox was number one in the nation in 2009 when it came to passes defended, breaking up fifteen and intercepting four. He also made 36 total tackles, including one for a loss in helping lead the Cowboys to a 9-and-3 mark in the regular season. Cox is also the Big 12's all-time leader in kickoff return yardage. This season, Cox averaged 20.9 yards per kickoff return and 10.4 yards per punt return. He also had a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown.

2008 Season

Honorable mention All-Big 12. Finished the season with 32 tackles, eight pass break-ups and and two interceptions … Opened the season with a bang, returning his first kickoff of the season 90 yards for a touchdown against Washington State … Had a season-best five tackles against Troy, Missouri and Texas Tech … Broke up passes against Houston, Texas A&M, Missouri, Baylor, Iowa State, Colorado and Oklahoma (2) … Had two tackles vs. Texas A&M, Iowa State and Houston … Picked off a pass against the Cyclones as well … Had a tackle for a loss at Texas Tech … Along with the 90-yarder at Washington State, he had a 57-yard kickoff return against Texas A&M and a 52-yarder at Texas … Closed the regular season with a 90-yard kickoff return for a score against Oklahoma … Against Oregon, he blocked a field goal, recorded an interception and had a 43-yard kickoff return.

2007 Season

Started the last eight games of the regular season at corner … Tied for second on the team with two interceptions while breaking up eight passes … Credited with 42 tackles as a sophomore … Took a kickoff back 52 yards in the season opener at Georgia … Had a career-long 67-yard punt return to set up a touchdown in Oklahoma State's 42-6 win over Florida Atlantic and had a 20-yard punt return against the Owls … Picked off a pass in the end zone at Troy and broke up a pass against the Trojans as well … Logged five tackles in the Cowboys' 49-45 win over Texas Tech … Made his first defensive start of the season in the victory over the Red Raiders … Scored his first special teams touchdown of the season when he took a punt back 49 yards for a touchdown in the Cowboys' 39-3 win over Sam Houston State … Matched a career high with seven tackles against Sam Houston State and broke up a career-best three passes in that win over the Bearkats as well … Recorded four tackles and matched a career high with three passes broken up at Texas A&M … Picked off a Sam Keller pass in OSU's 45-14 win over Nebraska in Lincoln … Returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and logged six tackles in OSU's dramatic 41-39 win over No. 25 Kansas State … His 98-yard return in that game was the longest of his career, tied for the fourth-longest return in school history and was the longest for an OSU player since Barry Sanders took a kick back 100 yards for a touchdown in 1988 … Made six tackles against Texas … Recorded two tackles and broke up a pass against Kansas … Had five stops at OU … Finished third in the Big 12 and No. 25 nationally with 11.1 yards per punt return … Averaged 21.5 yards on 31 kickoff returns.

2006 Season

Missed the Oklahoma game and the Independence Bowl with injury but still ended the season No. 14 nationally and second in the Big 12 in punt returns (12.8 yards per try) and No. 35 nationally in kickoff returns (23.8 yards) … Became the first Cowboy since Barry Sanders to open a season with a kickoff return for a touchdown when he went 96 yards against Missouri State … Had six returns that set up OSU scores, including a 49-yard return of a quick kick at Arkansas State, a 25-yard punt return against Florida Atlantic, a 63-yard punt return at Kansas State, a 39-yard kickoff return at Kansas, a 39-yard kickoff return vs. Nebraska and a 57-yard kickoff return against Baylor … Had 24 tackles on defense while breaking up five passes … Had interceptions against Missouri State (returned for 21 yards) and Baylor … Had a season-high seven stops against the Bears.

High School

Was a standout on both sides of the football … As a senior, recorded 27 tackles and led the team with nine interceptions … Had a quarterback sack … As a receiver, had 47 catches for 670 yards and 12 touchdowns … Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game and was listed as a Scout.com national top-100 player … Other honors included first-team Class 4A all-state and first-team all-Central Texas … District 16-4A MVP … First-team all-district as both a defensive back and a kick returner … Dallas Morning News top-100 prospect.

Personal

Born Jan. 10, 1987 … Son of Carolyn and Perrish Cox, Sr. … Undecided on a major.

C, Eric Olsen

Eric Olsen

Knee Jerk: I doubt many recall, but early on I promoted Eric Olsen over any other center - which I ended up recanting as we got closer to the draft. Still, I was happy with the selection. 

After Jerk: I wasn't big on Dustin Fry being our only depth at center. I didn't completely buy into the McD smokescreen that Chris Kuper or Seth Olsen were going to play center. 

We've got excellent depth at the position now, even if they are a couple of rookies. The offensive line is now stacked with young, talented players.

Here is what CBSSports had to say about Eric Olsen the prospect:

Overview

Feisty and aggressive is the best way to describe Olsen's play in the trenches. His versatility and powerful frame helped him dominate bull rushers, no matter where he plays on the field. His ability to play all three interior positions has talent evaluators comparing him to the Jacksonville Jaguars' Brad Meester.

Called by the UND the finest lineman in the program, Olsen lived up to that reputation moving into the starting lineup during his sophomore season. He answered the call at right offensive guard for the final six games of the 2007 season, started all year at left guard during the 2008 campaign and anchored the front wall for 12 starts as the team's center during his senior year.

At Brooklyn Polytechnic Prep, Olsen was named the 2005 New York Gatorade Player of the Year. Lining up at left offensive tackle and defensive end, the three-year starter blocked for an offense that featured a 1,000-yard rusher in each of those seasons. Throughout his career, he never allowed an opponent to register a quarterback sack.

The team compiled a 5-3 record during his senior season, as Olsen recorded 53 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2005. As a junior, he was selected the team's Outstanding Offensive Player. He also excelled in lacrosse, scoring 50 goals during his junior season, as the team captured the league title.

When he enrolled at Notre Dame in 2006, Olsen had to bide his time with the second unit, but managed just under 21 minutes of action through eight games as an offensive guard. The following season, he played in all but the one (Purdue) contest. After being used mostly on special teams and with the second unit, he emerged as the team's starter at right guard for the final six games.

Olsen was on the move again in 2008, taking over the left guard slot, as he started all 13 games. He was the team's most consistent blocker the first half of the season, but the entire front wall hit a rough patch in the second half. He would revive his game in time for the Hawaii Bowl, where he graded a season-high 98% for blocking consistency. He finished his junior campaign delivering nine touchdown-resulting blocks while coming up with 82 knockdowns.

As a senior, Olsen was named team captain and again shifted positions, as the coaching staff felt the Irish aerial game would succeed with their best lineman in the middle of the front wall. The Guardian of the Year Award winner (given annually to the team's top offensive lineman) allowed just one quarterback sack on 447 pass plays. He produced 84 knockdowns and had nine touchdown-resulting blocks, as Notre Dame improved its passing attack, ranking fifth in the nation (323.5 yards per game) after finishing 34th nationally the previous season (245.38 yards per game).

Analysis

Pass blocking: Strong anchor and good knee bend. Can mirror after initial contact against tackles. Likes to punch defenders when helping guards, knocking them to the ground at times. Keeps his man on the ground once he falls. Struggles with quickness and recovery, reaching and bending at the waist to pick up late blitzers and twists. Accurate shotgun snap with his head up facing the line. Sells run block fake on bootlegs.

Run blocking: Good drive blocker who pushes his man downfield. Keeps feet moving after first contact but will overextend and lacks flexibility to sustain against slippery quicker defenders. Also strong enough to turn his man out of the hole. Stays on first block too long at times, allowing linebackers to penetrate before he can get to them.

Pulling/trapping: Foot speed and change of direction abilities are not elite and has a bit of extra weight in the middle, but gives good effort to get around the line when pulling or trapping in front of run plays. Best when hitting stationery targets; will miss adjusting to oncoming defenders.

Initial Quickness: Gets hands up quickly into his man's jersey after the snap, even when man-up against nose tackles. Good initial punch, but it's not enough to knock his man back.

Downfield: A bit heavy-footed moving to the linebackers, but almost always finds a target to hit. Will go after two, three or four players downfield, playing through the whistle. Effective cut blocker downfield.

Intangibles: Charlie Weis called Olsen the line's "heart and soul." Durable lineman who fights through pain. Smart enough to make line calls. Plays with a nasty streak - knows his toughest opponent and goes after him all game long.

Career Notes

Olsen appeared in 44 games for the Fighting Irish, starting his final 31 games (six at right guard in 2007; 13 at left guard in 2008; 12 at center in 2009) … During his last two season, the lineman registered 166 knockdowns, 18 touchdown-resulting blocks and eight downfield blocks … He was penalized just once during his final 1,731 plays and allowed only four quarterback sacks and four pressures combined on 894 pass plays during his junior and senior seasons.

2009 Season

All-American honorable mention and All-Major Independent first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Recipient of the Guardian of the Year Award at the Notre Dame football banquet, given annually to the team's top offensive lineman … .Served as one of four team captains … Started all 12 games at center, allowing only one quarterback sack through 447 pass plays … Was the major reason that QB Jimmy Clausen had time to lead an aerial attack that placed fifth in the nation with an average of 323.5 yards per game … Notre Dame also finished eighth nationally in total offense (451.75 yards per game), as they averaged 30.08 points per game … The center delivered 84 knockdown blocks, nine touchdown-resulting blocks and four blocks downfield … Was penalized just once on 848 offensive snaps … Graded 85% or better for blocking consistency in seven games, including a season-best 93% in a fierce battle vs. the Southern California swarming defense … Produced a string of three-straight games where he did not allow his blocking assignments to record any tackles (vs. USC, Boston College and Washington State).

2008 Season

Olsen started all 13 games at left offensive guard, registering 82 knockdown blocks to go with nine touchdown-resulting blocks and four downfield blocks … Provided solid pass protection as the Irish averaged 245.38 aerial yards per game … Allowed just three quarterback sacks on 447 pass plays … Also made 61 appearances on special teams

Graded 85 percent or better for blocking consistency in four contests, including a season-best 92 percent vs. Hawaii.

2007 Season

Olsen played in all but the Purdue game … Relegated to second unit duty and 59 snaps on special teams during the first half of the season, he started the final six games of the schedule at right offensive guard, earning his first collegiate starting assignment in the Boston College clash … The Notre Dame offense struggled all season, finishing dead last in the major college ranks (119th) with an average of just 242.25 yards per game … The front wall also gave up a nation-high 58 sacks for losses totaling 415 yards (4.83 sacks per game) … Olsen had a 7-yard kickoff return vs. Duke.

2006 Season

Olsen saw limited action in his first season at Notre Dame … The reserve offensive guard logged 20:45 minutes of playing time in eight games.

Agility Tests

Campus: 5.22 in the 40-yard dash … 1.77 10-yard dash … 3.08 20-yard dash … 4.78 20-yard shuttle … 8.07 three-cone drill … 29-inch vertical jump … 7'9" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 35 times … 32 1/2-inch arm length … 9 1/2-inch hands.

High School

Attended Brooklyn (N.Y.) Polytechnic Prep Country Day School, playing football for head coach Craig Jacoby … Named the 2005 New York Gatorade Player of the Year … Lining up at left offensive tackle and defensive end, the three-year starter blocked for an offense that featured a 1,000-yard rusher in each of those seasons … Throughout his career, he never allowed an opponent to register a quarterback sack … The team compiled a 5-3 record during his senior season, as Olsen recorded 53 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2005 … As a junior, he was selected the team's Outstanding Offensive Player … Excelled in lacrosse, scoring 50 goals during his junior season, as the team captured the league title … Attended Notre Dame's 2005 summer football camp.

Personal

Industrial Design major, enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters … Son of Joanne and Andrew Olsen … Born 6/16/88 … Resides in Staten Island, New York.

Syd-Quan Thompson

Syd'Quan Thompson

Knee Jerk: Who?

After Jerk: Another corner who had slid down the draft. Projected to go in the fifth or sixth rounds, he was a good value late in the 7th. He has some special teams return skills, but his size and speed may be a problem if he is asked to match up outside.

I think he'd fill in nicely as a nickel back in obvious passing situations. He has excellent man coverage skills and plays with physicality beyond his small stature.

Plus he played high school ball in my backyard(Sacramento).

Here is what CBSSports had to say about Syd'Quan Thompson the prospect:

Overview

Thompson is a feisty competitor who has been a staple in the Cal defense for years. He's provided the Golden Bears with a lockdown defender in the secondary the past four seasons and holds the school record with 52 career starts. Despite his size, he is a physical player who challenges any receiver he faces. He has a knack for getting in between receivers and the ball, setting a school record with 36 pass deflections.

The most surprising aspect of Thompson's game is his willingness to help out in run support. The aggressive cornerback is a solid open-field tackler who holds the edge and consistently prevents runners from gaining yards on the outside. He's not afraid to take on lead blockers or come up and hit running backs. His 258 career tackles (166 solos) tie for eighth on the school's all-time record list, a rare feat for a cornerback.

Thompson's physical and disciplined play makes him an ideal fit in a heavy zone-oriented defensive scheme or in a nickel role playing vs. the slot. He's very instinctive, reacts quickly, and has shown great durability for a smaller defender with his kind of aggressive play.

Thompson enjoyed a stellar prep career at Grant Union High School (Sacramento, Calif.). He was presented with California's Junior "Mr. Football Award" by CalHiSports.com in 2003 and earned first-team All-Metro League and All-State while rushing for 950 yards and 18 touchdowns and catching 15 passes for 360 yards (24.0 avg) and four scores. On defense, the cornerback registered 79 tackles and five interceptions.

As a senior, Thompson led his team to a playoff berth and a 9-2 overall record while earning second-team All-Metro honors from the Sacramento Bee. The two-way standout rushed for 1,136 yards and 13 touchdowns, and collected over 70 tackles and two interceptions. He was named a Prep Star and Super Prep All-American, and was invited to play in the Cali-Florida Bowl, an annual matchup between all-stars from California and Florida.

Thompson was given a four-star rating from Scout.com, who listed him as the nation's 13th-best cornerback prospect. Rivals.com also gave him a four-star rating, ranking him as the 13th-best athlete prospect in the country and the 21st-best prospect in California. He narrowed his decision to Arizona, California, Kansas State, Oklahoma, and UCLA before ultimately signing with the Golden Bears.

Thompson enrolled at Cal in 2005 and retained eligibility by redshirting his first season. The following year, he started all 13 games after Tim Mixon went down with a knee injury in the preseason and was honored as the team's Most Valuable Freshman. He finished sixth on the team with 60 tackles, while adding an interception, two fumble recoveries and two pass deflections.

He earned Pac-10 All-Freshman honors from The Sporting News. In the team's regular-season finale vs. Stanford, Thompson put Cal's first points of the day on the board by returning a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown, helping the Golden Bears to a 26-17 victory.

In 2007, Thompson again started all 13 games and finished fourth on the team with a career-high 78 tackles, including six tackles for loss, one interception with a 38-yard return, one forced fumble and a team-high 10 pass deflections.

Thompson had a breakout junior season in 2008, again starting all 13 games and earning first-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors. The cornerback made 70 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and registered team-high with four interceptions returned for 128 yards and 14 pass deflections. He set a new school record and ranked fifth nationally with 18 total passes defended.

Cal's Most Valuable Defensive Back Award winner also set a school game-record with a Pac-10 season-high 108 yards in interception returns off of two picks vs. Washington State, including a 90-yard return that tied for the fifth-longest in school history. He earned Pac-10 Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Colorado State when he returned five punts for a Pac-10 season-high 131 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown return.

Thompson returned as a senior with lofty expectations after being named to the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Award (top defensive player), Chuck Bednarik Award, (top defensive player), Thorpe Award (top defensive back) and the Lott Trophy (top defensive impact player of the year).

The shutdown corner started all 13 games for the fourth season in a row, setting a new school record for career starts, and earned first-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors while collecting 50 tackles, four tackles for loss, a team-high ten pass deflections and one interception which he returned 38 yards.

Analysis

Positives: Has a lean, muscular frame with long limbs, large hands and room to add more bulk … Has a very good feel for the receiver through route progression, doing a good job of shadowing and trailing in man coverage … Physical press corner who has the strength to get even the bigger receivers off their route with his initial jam … More explosive playing downhill than when running down field, but compensates for a lack of great speed with above average backpedal technique, as he plants-&-drives with authority to stay on the hip of the receiver … shows very good eyes reading the backfield and is alert to secondary receivers switching off in the deep zone … Combative leaper who times his jumps well to get to the ball at its high point … Gets good depth in his pass drops and is quick to handle the switch-off when working in the zone … Shows good balance and smooth feet coming out of his backpedal … Has the loose hips needs to move laterally and comes out of his breaks with no wasted steps … Crisp in his plant and drive, taking good angles to the ball and demonstrates explosive power when impacting running backs turning the corner … Makes good adjustments on the move and shows natural hands securing the ball on the interception … Hard hitter who plays with good urgency, demonstrating the change of direction skills to slip through trash and make plays in backside pursuit … Capable on the corner blitz, doing a nice job of dipping under the shoulder of an offensive lineman to disrupt the backfield … Very comfortable in off-man coverage and might be a nice fit for a nickel package, as he generates good force behind his hits and shows very good sideline awareness … Has very good hand placement skills, as he is able to jolt a receiver during the route's progression without getting flagged for interference.

Negatives: Has just adequate timed speed, and seems to lack that second gear needed to recover when a receiver eats up the big cushion he allows … Does a good job of tracking the ball in flight, but needs to use his hands better to reach around and over the receiver in attempts to deflect the pass … Better in zone than man coverage, as he does not have the recovery speed to when the receiver gets behind him (quarterbacks capitalize on his big cushion by pushing the ball in front of him on short routes) … Hits with good power, but tends to attack the legs of his opponent rather than make the wrap tackle … When he goes so low to make the hit, he will sometimes duck his head, allowing the long-legged receivers to sidestep and elude (also prone to taking a stiff-arm when he loses sight of the opponent when going low before making the tackle).

Career Notes

In 52 games at Cal, Thompson started every contest at cornerback, setting a new school record for career starts … Thompson recorded 258 tackles (166 solos) with 2.0 sacks for 17 yards, and 20.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage for losses of 65 yards … His 258 tackles tie Donnie McCleskey (2002-05) for eighth on Cal's all-time list behind David Ortega (525, 1986-89), Hardy Nickerson (501, 1983-86), Jerrott Willard (469, 1991-94), Ron Rivera (336, 1980-83), Eddie Walsh (288, 1980-83), Steve Hendrickson (286, 1985-88), and Majett Whiteside (268, 1985-88) … Deflected 36 passes, setting a new school record, and intercepted seven others for 204 yards in returns (29.14 avg) … His 43 total passes defended broke the previous school record of 35 by Chidi Iwuoma (1997-00) … Defended 18 passes in 2008, tying a school record set by Harrison Smith (2004) and Darian Hagan (2008) … Set a new school record with 108 return yards on two interceptions vs. Washington State in 2008 … Also forced one fumble and recovered two others, returning them for 18 yards and one touchdown … Returned 36 punts for 389 yards (10.80 avg) and one touchdown, and one kickoff for fifteen yards … His career average of 10.8 yards per return ranks eighth in school history behind DeSean Jackson (16.7, 2005-07), Paul Keckley (12.9, 1946-48), Jemeel Powell (12.7, 1999-02), Tim Mixon (12.68, 2003-05), Jerry Bradley (12.5, 1964-66), Carl Van Heuit (11.1, 1949-50) and Bill Main (11.0, 1946-48) … His average of 12.3 yards per punt return in 2008 ranks seventh on the school's single-season record list.

2009 Season

First-team All-Pac-10 Conference selection by the league's coaches … Named to the preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's best defensive player by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club, the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the top defensive player in college football, the Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive back, and the Lott Trophy, awarded to college football's defensive IMPACT (integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, and tenacity) player of the year … Also named to the watch list for the Lowe's Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Award. Candidates are selected based on their overall achievements focusing on the "Four C's" of classroom, character, community and competition … Named team's Most Valuable Back on Defense and received the team's Ken Harvey Award, presented to a player showing special academic commitment and improvement … Also named one of 22 national winners of the Academic Momentum Award as part of the Scholar-Baller Program, in conjunction with the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS). After a period on academic probation following his first year at Cal, Thompson's GPA improved to 2.995 during the spring of 2009 … Started all 13 games and ranked seventh on the team with 50 tackles (35 solos), including four stops for losses of six yards … Intercepted one pass, returning it 38 yards, and led the team with 10 pass deflections including three on third downs … Ranked fifth in the Pac-10 with an average of 0.85 passes defended per game … On 19 running plays he was involved in, the opposition gained 131 yards (6.89 ypc) and four first downs, including two third-down conversions and one third-down stop … Made 30 tackles after receptions for 299 yards (9.97 avg) and 14 first downs, including six third-down conversions and another on fourth-down, and eight third-down stops … Posted five of his hits inside the red zone including one on a goal-line play … College Football Performance Awards Defensive Back Performer of the Week Honorable Mention vs. Arizona (11/14).

2008 Season

All-Pac 10 Conference first-team selection … Started all 13 games, setting the school season-record while ranking fifth in the nation with 18 passes defended, including 14 break-ups and intercepted four passes for 128 yards in returns … Recorded 70 tackles (41 solos) with a pair of sacks and 7.5 stops for losses of 26 yards … Ranked fourth in the Pac-10 and 21st nationally with a 12.28-yard average while bringing back 28 punts for 344 yards, which included a 73-yard return for a touchdown vs. Colorado State … received Cal's Andy Smith Award for having the most Big playing time and also received the Most Valuable Defensive Back Award.

2007 Season

Started all 13 games, finishing fourth on the team with a career-best 78 tackles (55 solos), including six stops for losses of 24 yards … Returned an interception 38 yards and broke up ten other tosses … Also caused one fumble.

2006 Season

The Sporting News Pac-10 Conference All-Freshman selection after starting and playing in all 13 games … Was honored as the team's Most Valuable Freshman, finishing the season sixth on the club with 60 tackles (35 solos), while adding 2.5 stops for minus 9 yards, an interception, two fumble recoveries that he advanced for a total of 18 yards and a touchdown, as he also posted two pass break-ups … Became a starter after Tim Mixon went down with a knee injury in the preseason.

Recorded five tackles in his college debut at Tennessee … had his first TFL (0.5) in his first home game vs. Minnesota and his first career pick (along with six tackles) two weeks later vs. Arizona State … picked up his first fumble recovery the next week at Oregon State and another 0.5 TFL vs. Oregon … matched the six tackles (all solo) and recorded his first career pass breakup at Washington State, recorded seven tackles vs. UCLA and then registered a season-high eight vs. USC … Collected a tackle behind the line of scrimmage and a pass breakup vs. Arizona … returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown during the second quarter of his first Big Game vs. Stanford to give the Golden Bears their first touchdown.

2005 Season

Red-shirted as a freshman.

Agility Tests

Campus: 4.75 in the 40-yard dash … 1.65 10-yard dash … 2.72 20-yard dash … 4.26 20-yard shuttle … 11.27 60-yard shuttle … 6.73 three-cone drill … 33-inch vertical jump … 9'9" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times … 31-inch arm length … 9 3/8-inch hands.

Combine: Could not complete drills due to right shoulder and right hamstring strains.

High School

Attended Grant Union High School (Sacramento, Calif.), playing football for head coach Mike Alerghini … Two-way standout who was a three-time All-State performer … Voted California's Junior "Mr. Football Award" in 2003 by CalHiSports.com … As a junior, rushed for 950 yards with 18 touchdowns, caught 15 passes for 360 yards (24.0 avg) and four touchdowns, and registered 79 tackles and five interceptions to earn first-team All-State and All-Metro League … Also returned five punts and one kickoff for a touchdown … Led his team to a 9-2 record and a playoff berth as a senior while collecting over 70 tackles and two interceptions on defense … Rushed for 1,136 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 46 yards on offense … Participated in the Cali-Florida Bowl, an annual contest between all-stars from California and Florida … Earned All-America honors from Prep Star and Super Prep … Prep Star placed Thompson on its Dream Team Top-100, while Super Prep ranked him as the 17th-best defensive back in the country and the 13th-best player in California … Rated the 11th-best cornerback in the nation by ESPN.com … Scout.com gave him a four-star rating, ranking him as the 13th-best cornerback prospect in the country and listing him as the fifth overall player on its West Hot 100 … Given a four-star rating from Rivals.com, who ranked him as the 13th-best athlete prospect in the nation and the 21st-best prospect from California … Narrowed his decision to Cal, Arizona, Kansas State, Oklahoma, and UCLA before signing with the Golden Bears.

Personal

Social Welfare major … Named one of 22 national winners of the Academic Momentum Award as part of the Scholar-Baller Program, in conjunction with the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS). After a period on academic probation following his first year at Cal, Thompson's GPA improved to 2.995 during the spring of 2009 … Parents are David and Patty Thompson … Born 2/07/87 … Resides in Sacramento, California.

DE/OLB Jammie Kirlew

Jammie Kirlew

Knee Jerk: It's hard to have a knee jerk when you don't fully expect a guy to make it through training camp.

After Jerk: I hope the guy will find a role on special teams, but with 53 slots available - his only hope might be the practice squad.

Here is what CBSSports had to say about Jammie Kirlew the prospect:

Overview

Playing in the shadow of teammate Greg Middleton, Kirlew (whose first name pronounced JAY-me) has put together an excellent career in Bloomington through hard work and determination. In fact, in both 2008 and 2009 he was named the Hoosiers' team Most Valuable Player.

Kirlew's production over the past two seasons has also put him in the conversation for the Ted Hendrick Award. He made 74 tackles, 19.5 for loss and 10.5 sacks as a junior and 62, 15.5, 6.5 in 2009 -- he also forced five fumbles, recovering three this fall. He was no wallflower early in his career, either, making five TFLs as a redshirt freshman and 57-14.5-5 as a first-year starter in 2007.

Although Kirlew isn't the biggest, fastest or most fluid defensive player in this draft, his motor and excellent character will endear him to scouts looking for a Robert Mathis-type pass rushing end for their team.

Analysis

Pass rush: Gives consistent effort during the play and throughout the game, attacking the quarterback until he releases the ball. Can beat tackles with power or speed; gets under their pads to knock them off balance or under the outside shoulder to turn the corner. Inside/outside spin move is effective in pass rush and to get off blocks outside.

Run defense: Plays low and in an athletic position to break down in space and stand his ground against pulling linemen or blocking fullbacks. Not great change-of-direction skills and must improve his flexibility and quick-twitch movement to switch to linebacker. Needs to use violent hands more consistently to defeat running back cut blocks and disengage from tackles. Aware of his containment responsibilities on the edge, maintains outside leverage to force play to the linebackers.

Explosion: Gets out of his stance and upfield quickly in passing situations. Has some pop getting into his man's chest when playing the run, but isn't big enough to knock him back.

Strength: Strong, well-built upper body with the ability to bull rush and also the hands to shed on the outside using leverage against taller tackles. Also strong in the lower half but still lacks bulk; can be handled easily in space by linemen and blown off the line by tackle-tight end combos.

Tackling: Explosive tackler who brings it hard every play. Good burst to the ball and has length and strength to wrap up ballcarriers and quarterbacks in the backfield. Will miss tackles in space with average change of direction ability. Active inside and hustles downfield to either sideline to make plays. Not an efficient running motion; arms far away from his side as he goes to the ball.

Intangibles: Team captain. High effort and character player who is a leader in the locker room and the community. Named to the AFCA Good Works team and nominated for the Lowes Senior CLASS Award and the Wooden Cup, awarded to a college and professional athlete making the greatest positive influence on the lives of others.

Career Notes

Graduated with degrees in SPEA management and public financial management in December 2009. The two-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time team MVP closed out his career tied for third on the Hoosiers' career sacks list with 23 and second on the career tackles for lost list with 52.5. Kirlew played in 48 career games with 41 starts. He collected 220 tackles, 152 solo, with nine forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.

Voted second team All-Big Ten by the conference coaches and media … named Indiana's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree … named to the 11-player Allstate AFCA Good Works Team … one of 10 finalists for the ARA Sportsmanship Award, a semifinalist for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and a candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award … named to the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch Lists … second team All-Big Ten selection Received honorable mention All-Big Ten from the league's coaches and media … also a third team All-Big Ten selection by Phil Steele's magazine … collected the team's Anthony Thompson MVP Award for the second straight season … Academic All-Big Ten selection.

2009 Season

Team captain started all 12 of the team's games … led the team with 6.5 sacks (52 yards), 15.5 tackles for loss (77 yards), five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries … finished fifth on the Hoosiers with 62 tackles and third with 49 solo stops … closed the year in the top 10 in the Big Ten in four major statistical categories … was seventh in the league and tied for 24th nationally in tackles for loss, seventh in the conference in sacks, second in the Big Ten and tied for sixth nationally in forced fumbles and second in the Big Ten and tied for 15th nationally in fumble recoveries … had four multi-TFL games, which pushed career total to 15 … made at least one sack in six contests and one tackle for loss in 10 games … forced two fumbles, one at the IU 6-yard line, and recorded nine solo stops and one sack in victory over Illinois … posted eight solo tackles, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries the following weekend at Northwestern … collected seven stops, six solo, two TFLs, and forced and recovered a fumble on the same play at No. 23 Michigan.

The next weekend vs. No. 9 Ohio State, recorded one sack (21 yards), forced a fumble and netted five tackles … carded 1.5 sacks (10 yards), three tackles for loss (12 yards) and five stops in win over Western Michigan … made 2.5 TFLs (16 yards), one sack and forced a fumble in triumph at Akron … corralled five stops, one sack (seven yards) and two tackles for loss (nine yards) at Virginia … recovered a crucial fourth-quarter fumble at the Hoosier 5-yard line and added one TFL in season-opening victory over Eastern Kentucky … wrapped up career with six tackles and a sack vs. Purdue … recovered a fumble at No. 7 Iowa and garnered a tackle for loss vs. No. 19 Penn State … selected a first team All-Big Ten defensive lineman by Athlon Sports, Lindy's and Sporting News preseason magazines … rated the eighth-best defensive end in the country by Lindy's … selected a game captain five times.

2008 Season

One of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award … voted first team All-Big Ten by the conference media and second team by the league's coaches … honorable mention SI.com All-American … second team Rivals.com All-Big Ten … received the team's Anthony Thompson MVP Award, collected the team's outstanding defensive lineman award and named the team's defensive player of the year … Academic All-Big Ten selection. Finished the season with 10.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, both ranked fourth on Indiana's single-season list … second in the Big Ten and tied for 14th nationally in sacks and third in the league and sixth nationally in tackles for loss … paced the conference during league play only in tackles for loss and shared third in sacks … tied for fourth on IU's career tackles for loss chart with 37.0 and sits a half-sack out of fifth place with 16.5 career sacks … 19.5 tackles for loss most by a Hoosier since current Chicago Bear Adewale Ogunleye's 21.0 in 1997 … appeared in all 12 games with 10 starts, primarily at right end, and has started 30 of the last 32 games … finished second on the team with 74 tackles and shared the team lead with 53 solo stops … also forced a pair of fumbles and recovered one … led all Big Ten defensive linemen in tackles (23rd overall) … recorded three multi-sack games and seven multi-tackle for loss contests to push career totals to four and 11, respectively … reached three tackles for loss three times … posted at least one-half TFL 10 times and one-half sack on eight occasions … 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss to go along with a game-high 10 tackles, seven solo, at Minnesota … set a career mark with nine solo stops with one sack (24 yards), three tackles for loss and one forced fumble in win over No. 22 (BCS) Northwestern … collected two sacks and six tackles in the season opener vs. Western Kentucky and two sacks and five stops against Wisconsin … notched a career-best 11 tackles and forced a fumble at No. 7 (AP) Penn State … finished with three tackles for loss and four stops against Michigan State … recovered a fumble and netted a half-sack at Illinois … had six tackles, two for loss, and a sack vs. Central Michigan … contributed one sack, two TFLs and four tackles against Iowa … seven tackles, four solo, and added a half-sack against Murray State.

2007 Season

Played and started all 13 games for the Hoosiers at left defensive end and contributed heavily to the team's school record 42 sacks (tied for eighth nationally) … finished second on the team with 12.5 tackles for loss and third with 4.5 sacks … collected 57 tackles, 34 solo, in addition to two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … had a career game with nine tackles, six solo, 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss at Iowa … the 3.5 sacks were the third-highest single-game total in Hoosier history and the 4.5 tackles for loss were the fourth-highest single-game total in IUlore … set a new career high with 10 tackles at Northwestern … seven solo stops marked a career best and carded one tackle for loss in the Insight Bowl against Oklahoma State … made three tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack against Indiana State … contributed four tackles, one for loss, against Illinois … added three tackles, 0.5 for loss, against Minnesota … posted four tackles, one for loss, and forced a fumble at Wisconsin … made five tackles, three for loss, and broke up a pair of passes against Ball State … made four tackles against Purdue … Academic All-Big Ten selection.

2006 Season

Recorded a strong debut season for the Hoosiers, making 27 tackles, including five for loss … named Freshman All-Big Ten by Sporting News … played in 11 of IU's 12 games and started the final seven at left end … in IU's decisive win over Michigan State, he added five tackles, 1.5 for loss, and posted a sack … carded his first career forced fumble and recovered it for his first career fumble recovery at top-ranked Ohio State … in his first career start, had a career-high four tackles at Illinois … Academic All-Big Ten selection.

2005 Season

Redshirted the 2005 season.

High School

A second team all-state pick as a senior tight end and defensive end at Cypress Creek High School … earned all-county recognition as a junior with 105 tackles on defense and six touchdowns on nine receptions … member of the school's first district champion basketball team … among the Orlando Sentinel's top 100 football prospects in the state as a senior.

Personal

Born on May 12, 1987, Jammie Leonard Kirlew is a computer science major.