Part 4 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.

6. OLB Sergio Kindle, #2
(6-4, 235, 4.7 E) Texas

Highly competitive, long-limbed, explosive hybrid rush linebacker with good hip snap and power in his hands to control blockers. Good instincts and functional playing strength. Ragdolls tight ends and rips off blocks, although he could develop more counters as a pass rusher. Is tight-hipped and a bit straight-linish and not fluid moving in coverage, tending to play upright, but can get depth in his drops and shows awareness reading the quarterback. Lined up all over the field as a junior instead of just being turned loose to rush the passer as he is slated to do as a senior at defensive end. Has an explosive first step and knocks the snot out of ballcarriers on contact. Could line up as a defensive end or "Sam" linebacker in a 4-3 defense in the pros, but likely will attract the most interest as a rush linebacker in a "30" front, where he would be able to concentrate on what he does best: getting after the quarterback with minimal coverage responsibilities. Character questions will be called into question after multiple run-ins with the law, having been charged with a DWI as a sophomore, which left him suspended for the first three games in 2007, and having run his car into a building in the early-morning hours during July 2009, which could potentially force him to miss some time early as a senior. Not as big, strong or powerful as Chargers 2005 first-round pick Shawne Merriman, but has the physical tools to make a similar impact if he can stay focused. Top-15 talent.

Projected round: 1

5. OLB Sean Weatherspoon, #12
(6-1, 246, 4.5e) Missouri

Instinctive, fast-flowing weak-side linebacker with a great nose for the ball and an exceptional football-playing temperament. Makes plays all over the field (see Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern) and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (see Illinois). Breaks down well in space and can secure open-field tackles. Plays a bit upright and has some hip tightness that appears to restrict his movement, but still shows outstanding range and agility. Explosive hitter. Lined up inside at times and has the strength to take on blocks and play in the middle. Also possesses the speed to easily blanket the field on the outside and excel in coverage. Closes fast to the ball and is explosive on contact. Excellent balance — is seldom on the ground. Times up blitzes well and has very good finishing speed. Football IQ, intangibles and character are all outstanding. Well-respected team captain and vocal on-field leader. The most freakish linebacker to come out of the draft since Patrick Willis, Weatherspoon should make an immediate impact in the NFL and possesses "special" traits. Top-10 talent.

Projected round: 1

4. OT Russell Okung, #76
(6-6, 300, 5.3 E) Oklahoma State

Gigantic, long-levered, strong and powerful base blocker with enough athletic ability and foot quickness to handle the left side and all the power desired on the right. Can be more consistent using his hands, but when he unloads, he can strike with great force and once he gets his hands on defenders, they are done. Is a $25 cab ride to get around and is effective walling off defenders. Surges off the ball as a run blocker and can generate movement. Quick enough to hook and seal defenders but tends to play tall and is too susceptible to inside counters. Will bend at the waist, limiting his lateral agility, and can be late to react to the blitz. Still relatively raw and has not put it all together and figured out how good he can be. But Okung possesses the size, arm length, balance, power and work habits to anchor an offensive line for a long time. A first-round cinch.

Projected round: 1

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.