For the better part of the past two seasons, those of us looking ahead to the 2013 Draft have had Bjoern Werner slotted as a top fifteen talent in his class. But after an underwhelming performance at the Combine, many mock drafts across the country now have Werner slipping to the end of the first round. More than a few have him falling out of the first round altogether.

Will Werner see those predictions realized on Thursday? Or will the Florida State product hear his name called far earlier than many experts now think he will?

The depth at nearly every position stands as the true strength of this year’s 2013 NFL Draft class. In this “Pass-Take” article, I’ll be highlighting a few players that I’d pass on early for higher value picks later in the draft. 

A for instance from last season’s draft would be, “I’ll pass on Ryan Tannehill in the top 10 overall and take Russell Wilson in the third round.” With the idea that equal value and production can be attained by waiting a round or two (or three in some cases), here we go...

Every year, the NFL draft features prospects whose values may differ greatly from team to team based on each team’s needs, schemes, and philosophies.  A prospect may carry a third-round grade with one team while another team grades him out as a first-rounder.  Sometimes, this is a result of poor scouting but most of the time grade variance is a result of teams’ unique needs.  The most successful drafting teams have a keen awareness of the types of players that suit their system best and are willing to take some players earlier than other teams would based on their potential to thrive in their scheme. 

Last year, West Virginia’s Bruce Irvin was considered a second or third round prospect by most, but Seattle took him with the 15^th overall pick.  Why?  He fit perfectly in Pete Carroll’s defense as a “joker” pass rusher.  He’s now a vital cog for Seattle’s defensive line, making them one of the most dynamic pass-rushing units in the NFL.

There are even a handful of NFL superstars who many consider “scheme specific” players.  Arian Foster, undrafted out of Tennessee in 2009, went on to become the best zone running back in the NFL. Mike Wallace came into the league as a 3^rd round speedster who specialized in taking tops off defenses on extended plays while outrunning defenses on quick hit plays. So who are this year’s top “niche” players in the 2013 NFL draft crop?  Here is a list of players who have outstanding skill sets for specific schemes.

In the most unique “niche” in sports media, the NFL Draft “community” is an ever-growing group of evaluators, mock drafters, and NFL fans. I’ve had the privilege of being able both heavily involved in the NFL Draft media as well as converse and/or meet some of the best and the brightest in the “draft media”. 

In an attempt to give these talented non-NFL evaluators their credit as well as give fans of the draft a chance to learn about their favorite follows, I’ve tried to give each evaluator some background info. I consider myself friends of all the guys mentioned on here, and ALL of their opinions should be held in high regard. I haven't included some "top media" because you likely either already know them AND/OR I haven't had the ability to interact/meet them myself.

That all being said, here are my scouting reports on the guys providing YOU with scouting reports this draft season.

As with any position, evaluating the scheme fit of linebacker prospects is both crucial for teams and often times difficult for the average fan. Why is Manti Te'o suited better for a 3-4? What sort of player will Jarvis Jones be at the next level?

As we've done for several other position groups, we'll help you out and compare some of the top linebacker prospects to players you've watched every Sunday afternoon.

In a unique approach to “Mock Drafts”, I’ve done the entire 1^st round of the 2013 NFL Draft going strictly by our board  and my valuation of team needs.

Though it may be a bit “unexpected” with many picks, keep in mind three things: 1.) I’m a needs-focused drafted. 2.) We have four first round grades on quarterbacks. And 3.) Every team, just like us and other online scouting teams, have wildly different boards.

With that, enjoy!

Evaluating defensive line prospects may involve more projecting than any other defense. Is a prospect X a defensive end in 3-4, or is he better suited to play inside for a 4-3? Is prospect Y a defensive end, or should he play standing up at the next level?

Comparing these defensive linemen to players already in the NFL can help with those projections. What positions will this class of defensive linemen be playing in the NFL?

Comparing NFL Draft receivers to pro counterparts is generally very difficult for multiple reasons.

For one, a player could be morphed drastically by the offensive system he develops into. Two, football IQ and ability to adapt to the NFL-level of separation is a major factor in receiver development.

On average, around 25-30 non-FBS players are selected in the NFL draft. Generally, the first goes off the board somewhere in the second round, and then more start coming off the board by the 4th and 5th round.
 
In our final edition of the small school rankings, we have 34 prospects with draftable grades and 100 players ranked in total.

The head of the class features Terron Armstead and Da'Rick Rodgers, but get to know Mike Catapano, Armonty Bryant, Dax Swanson, Lamar Mady, and Ryan Spadola

Evaluating the 2013 crop of quarterbacks has been no easy task, both for those inside and outside of the NFL. Some feel it’s a poor class. Some (such as myself) are optimistic that this class could produce anywhere from four to seven future NFL starters.

However, after thoroughly evaluating each of these quarterbacks, I’ve come up with some NFL comparison for these future NFL passers. While not perfect, that can add to evaluations in projecting just what these young quarterbacks may become in the NFL.