Pro Football Draft Network | 2012 Pro Football Draft Analysis

PFDN evaluates the performance of the more promising senior and eligible underclassmen prospects for the next draft:

WR DeVier Posey, Ohio State, Senior: The Buckeyes’ most dangerous player caught 3 passes for 58 yards (19.3 per) and 1 touchdown (a 43-yarder).  However, Posey easily could have had two more long touchdowns and additional receptions, but his freshman quarterback was off-target.  Posey displayed a fine double-move and was open over the middle and down the sideline multiple times (including late in the game for what should have been a dramatic game-winning touchdown). 

Michigan was very aware of Posey and kept a safety in his area.  This created problems in coverage for them at times and Posey still had his share of opportunities.  The Ohio State receiver has good size and can get downfield.  His 43-yard touchdown reception off of a well-run post pattern gave Ohio State a 24-23 lead at halftime.  He also gave effort in the blocking department.  DeVier Posey had an impressive game in a major rivalry battle.  He should be able to keep building his 2012 NFL Draft stock after being suspended for most of the 2011 regular season.

RB Dan Herron, Ohio State, Senior: The Wolverines were finally able to bottle-up Herron this year.  Herron rushed for only 37 yards on 15 carries (2.5 per) with 1 touchdown.  He added 1 reception for 6 yards.  Herron missed some cutback lanes and also does not have exceptional speed or power.  He runs hard, but “Boom” is not a special back with a bright future in the NFL.

LT Mike Adams, Ohio State, Senior: Adams cost his team a safety when he was called for holding on an end zone pass.  He was beaten cleanly to the outside and had to hold.  However, for most of the game Adams was very solid in pass protection and used his hands and long arms to steer the Michigan defensive end where he wanted him to go.  The Ohio State left tackle moves well for his size (6’ 6” and 310 lbs) and was able to get out in space on plays to the outside.  Adams did a decent job run blocking, but was not dominant. 

C Mike Brewster, Ohio State, Senior: Ohio State’s leading rusher against Michigan was their quarterback, Braxton Miller (16 carries for 100 yards, 6.2 per and 1 touchdown).  Miller found some room to run, but the base run attack went nowhere.  Brewster was unable to consistently open holes or drive Michigan defensive tackles (such as, Mike Martin) off of the line of scrimmage.  Brewster can be out-leveraged and did not show a powerful lower body. 

DE John Simon, Ohio State, Junior: Simon has had a very good season.  He used his intensity and hustle to try to rally a beat-up Ohio State defense to slow down the Michigan offense.  Simon finished with 7 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack.  Simon easily beat a running back who tried to cut him and when Denard Robinson rolled his way the Ohio State defensive end made the sack.  Simon is comfortable rushing from a two or three-point stance.  He displayed excellent pursuit on outside running plays.  Simon was used to spy on Denard Robinson at times and this reduced his pass rushing opportunities.  He also drew some double-teams from the Michigan offensive line.  Simon gave his all, but the Ohio State defense was unable to stop Michigan’s offense on this afternoon.  John Simon is a true junior and is undersized (6’ 2” and 270 lbs) for an NFL defensive lineman.  It will be interesting to see if he returns to Ohio State for his senior year.

DT Mike Martin, Michigan, Senior: The fireplug of a defensive tackle tallied 6 tackles and helped limit Ohio State’s running game.  Martin is well conditioned and was active throughout the game, including the 4^th quarter.  He has a knack for getting under the opposing offensive lineman’s pads and then making the run stop after a short gain.  Martin struggles defeating the double-team when pass rushing.  He tends to get wired to blockers when pass rushing and can be slow to disengage.  Mike Martin is a terrific college defensive tackle, but his short, squat frame likely will limit his effectiveness at the professional level.

C David Molk, Michigan, Senior: The leader of the Michigan offensive line had a fine game.  Molk opened holes in the running game and stood his ground in pass protection.  The scrappy center is tough, has a low center of gravity and understands angles.  However, Molk lacks a big frame (6’ 1 ½” and 285 lbs) and cannot play another position.  Molk reminds PFDN of former Penn State center, A.Q. Shipley, who did not pan out in the NFL.

TE Kevin Koger, Michigan, Senior: Koger led the Wolverines in receptions with 4 for 40 yards (10.0 per).  His late 4^th quarter short touchdown catch was a big play in the game.  Koger’s best catch was when he used his sneaky speed to beat the safety on a 26-yard pass down the seam.  Koger has decent size and is a solid blocker.  He can make an NFL team as a 2^nd tight end and figures to be a late round draft pick.