Part 1 of 5

The NFL draft is more than seven months away, but Pro Football Weekly personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki has already invested months of work in the player evaluation process. This year, PFW is proud to introduce the latest product in its line of pre-draft periodicals — the Draft Newsletter series. For $24.95, you will receive four Nawrocki-authored newsletters that are designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings as they relate to the NFL draft — including the most-respected player reports and rankings available anywhere.

To give you a taste of what you will receive when you subscribe to this wildly popular new product, we are releasing some of the 222 scouting reports that appear in the first installment of the newsletter. We are counting down the top 15 senior prospects, so be sure to check back daily for the latest player reports.

The numbers in parentheses after each player indicate height, weight and 40-time — "E" means height, weight and speed are estimated or from an outside source; "e" means only the 40-yard-dash time is estimated or from an outside source.

15. ILB Brandon Spikes, #51
(6-3, 250, 4.75 E) Florida

Very instinctive, long-limbed linebacker with excellent eyes and anticipation. Is very quick to read his keys, diagnose plays and get downhill. Understands cutback responsibilities and plays with discipline. Athletic ability is better than average — trips over his own feet and shows little burst to close to the ball — and not characteristic of elite talent. Better football player than athlete who consistently makes plays because of his instincts, being in the right place at the right time. Rarely fooled by misdirection and quick to fill on draws. Good hand use to shed block — slippery through traffic. Plays with high energy and brings emotion to the field. Lines up on the edge at times in third-down/passing situations and will rush with his hand on the ground (see Mississippi) — uses his hands well, shows some pass-rush moves and keeps working to come free. Times up the blitz well and timing compensates for his lack of burst — can close to the quarterback. Runs through contact and is a secure, reliable tackler. Hits with some thump, but will dip his head and miss some tackles. Is alert in zone coverage, but lacks ideal foot speed and lateral agility to man up quick backs and carry tight ends down the field. A bit tight-hipped and leggy and can play tall and struggle some breaking down in the open field, although he usually runs through contact. Has limited weight-room strength and could improve functional football playing strength as he can be knocked off balance too easily. Would rather run around than run through a blocker, but fits with the proper shoulder and can take on fullbacks and constrict running lanes. Possesses the overall length highly desired in a rush linebacker and could potentially warrant some looks there, having shown pass-rush capabilities. Versatility is a plus, but best pro position likely will come inside in a 3-4 front. Respected, vocal team leader. Overall character will require closer scrutiny and could affect his value.

Projected round: 1-2

14. DE Greg Hardy, #86
(6-4, 260, 4.5 E) Mississippi

Very quick-handed, fluid moving, disruptive edge rusher with natural rush instincts and freakish athletic ability — very easily bends, dips and takes the corner. Closes fast to the ball. Excellent take-off speed and burst. Plays well on his feet and is a secure tackler in space. Can play with power and control blockers. Physically is a supremely gifted pure pass rusher, but character questions, mental make-up and a lingering foot injury all cast a dark cloud on whether he ever will realize his potential. Can easily fit into multiple fronts, play on his feet on first and second downs and move in space on third. Has the potential to line up as a rush end or linebacker. Versatility is a big plus. Character, however, will require close scrutiny and the team that drafts him will require a coach who can handle playing the role of part-time psychologist to maximize his talents. Is an undependable, free-spirited, attention-seeking loner who makes too many excuses and lacks mental toughness. Marches to the beat of his own drum and is too easily distracted. Relies too much on his natural talents and does not practice or prepare like a pro. If he can be controlled, he could be a pass-rushing force. History of (right) foot injuries dates back to high school, however, and a car accident on July 11 reaggravated the injury that had required a screw to be inserted and limited him much of his junior season. He is expected to be fully recovered for his senior season. Will never be easy to coach or connect with and could become even more problematic with a major payday. Is not a criminal and a team could justify taking a shot on his immense talent if they have a patient, demanding position coach. A first-round talent with borderline reject character and injury concerns that could affect his draft value considerably.

Projected round: 1-2

13. QB Tim Tebow, #15
(6-3, 245, 4.8 E) Florida

An iron-willed, extremely determined, highly competitive southpaw thrower who is expected to have more opportunities to operate from underneath center in more of an NFL-style passing game as a senior. Built like a linebacker with rare strength for the position, Tebow has excelled as a power runner because of his strong hips, take-no-prisoners attitude and mental fortitude. He is as accomplished as any quarterback in college football history entering his senior season, having already won two national championships and the Heisman Trophy, yet possessed enough humility to return to school. Has a high pain threshold, but a history of injuries to his right, non-throwing shoulder might invite closer scrutiny. As a passer, he is very strong-armed with a quick release. However, his decision-making and pocket awareness could improve, as he has not played in a sophisticated passing game, struggles to locate secondary receivers and has shown a tendency to escape the pocket too early instead of reading the field. His accuracy, ball placement and field vision could improve and he too often becomes flustered when his first read is taken away. At the worst, Tebow could become a great H-back, but his exceptional leadership qualities and strength of character could allow him to develop into a functional NFL quarterback. With improved footwork, anticipation and decision-making, he could warrant serious first-round interest. If he does not adapt under new QB coach Scot Loeffler, he may warrant interest as a wildcat quarterback with position versatility. Regardless of where he plays, Tebow is a winner with toughness, competitiveness and leadership qualities to improve a team.

Projected round: 1-2

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the first issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.