NFL Draft Rumors: Andrew Luck, Justin Blackmon, Whitney Mercilus, Peter Konz, Janoris Jenkins

Andrew Luck

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts help a private workout with Andrew Luck at Stanford yesterday.

Indianapolis actually had several prominent members in attendance. GM Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano, OC Bruce Arians, and QBs coach Clyde Christensen were all there but owner Jim Irsay chose not to be there.

Robert Griffin III turned down an opportunity to workout for both the Colts and Redskins earlier in the week, but all indications suggest that Luck will end up being taken #1 overall.

Justin Blackmon

Charley Casserly NFL.com still sees Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon as the best receiver in this year’s draft class.

“He’s smoother … separates on his routes better,” Casserly said of Blackmon. “I think his hands are better, though Floyd’s hands are good too. And I think his run after the catch is better.”

Michael Floyd has seen his draft stock improve in recent weeks, so there’s some question as to who the better prospect is. The general consensus is that both receivers are not going to be elite receivers in the NFL, but players like Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald aren’t exactly that common in the league, so there’s still a good chance that both of them could be solid players in time.

Whitney Mercilus

Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle believes that Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus will be taken in the first-twenty picks. Zierlein adds that there have been “rumors” circulating that at least two teams are considering the idea of moving up for him.

Mercilus has his issues, but NFL teams have shown a lot of interest in him thus far. Every NFL actually showed up for the Illinois Pro Day and he’s by far the most notable prospect that they have. Pass rusher’s are a premium so it seems like a safe bet that he’ll be taken in the first-round.

Doug Martin

Russ Lande of the Sporting News has Boise State RB Doug Martin rated as #21 prospect in this year’s draft class. Lande believes that he’ll be “late first- or early second-round pick.”

I can’t argue with that. We actually have Martin listed as the #27 best prospect in our Big Board. After Trent Richardson, Martin looks like best bet to be a featured running back in the NFL.

Lande writes that Martin is a “strong, powerful back” that has both “uncommon quickness and big-play ability.”

The fact that RB’s value has been on the decline in recent years would suggest that he’s a long shot to be taken in the first-round, but he could end up being a steal for someone in the second.

Peter Konz

Wisconsin held their pro day today and C Peter Konz was able to increase his bench press total from 18 to 23, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

There was some concern regarding his overall strength after he posted 18 bench presses at the Combine, but this obviously helped to clear this up. Konz is by far the best center in this year’s draft and could make his way into the backend of the first-round.

There were several NFL team’s in attendance for the Badgers Pro Day including: the Giants, Lions, Falcons, Bengals & Ravens.

Ryan Tannehill

Casserly also mentioned that after interviewing 12 NFL teams, the consensus is that Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill is a late first-round pick at best. Casserly adds that he trusts the draft grades from December and January more than what happens in the weeks leading up to the draft.

That’s probably a worthy considering the hype that’s been generated in recent weeks. Tannehill was a fringe first-round pick months ago but many are talking about him making his way into the Top 10 so there’s definitely a bust factor with kid.

Draft Notes

• Iowa State OT/G Kelechi Osemele has already met with the Lions, Dolphins and Falcons (Aaron Wilson)
• Justin Blackmon has visits step up with the Browns, Vikings, Panthers, Buccaneers, Bills, Rams and has already met with the Dolphins (Aaron Wilson)
• Boise State RB Doug Martin will visit the Cowboys and Browns later in the week. He’s already worked out for Browns and met with the Rams. (Aaron Wilson)
• Giants should a lot of interest in Wisconsin G Kevin Zeitler this afternoon. (Tony Pauline)
• Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles will visit with the Cowboys. (Aaron Wilson)
• The Seattle Seahawks have interest in Boston College CB Donnie Fletcher and Boise State S George Iloka. (Tony Pauline)
• Cal OT Mitch Schwartz will visit with the Browns, Falcons, Chiefs. (Aaron Wilson)
• Illinois DB Tavon Wilson will visit with the Chargers, Cardinals, Texans, Buccaneers, Falcons and Colts. (Aaron Wilson)