NFL Draft Rumors: Ryan Tannehill, Zach Brown, Quinton Coples, Chris Rainey, Amini Silatolu

Ryan Tannehill

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes that he’s convinced that the Vikings’ #3 overall pick “will legitimately be in play over the next few weeks.”

Minnesota has made it pretty clear that they’re looking to move down in this years draft but in order for that to happen, they’re going to need team’s like the Browns and Dolphins to start showing some very serious interest in Ryan Tannehill. Other prospects like Justin Blackmon, Matt Kalil and Morris Claiborne are clearly the best available players at their respective positions, but it seems unlikely that anyone would make the move up for either of them.

Cleveland is sitting at #4, so a move up for Tannehill wouldn’t exactly net the Vikings the kind of draft picks that they’re looking for. If Miami shows serious interest in trading up, the Vikings could really walk away with a great return for the #3 pick, but it’s hard to say that the Dolphins are that serious about drafting Tannehill at this point in time. Maybe Mike Sherman can change that.

Zach Brown

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt mentions that UNC LB Zach Brown is a “great athlete” but adds that there are still some question marks about his overall competitiveness.

That’s not the only thing that’s concerning about Brown. He has shown some very poor tackling technique at times and his football instincts have also been questioned. If there’s one guy that really stood as a “workout warrior” it would have to be Brown. He’s done nothing expect meet all of expectations regarding his speed and athleticism, but that’s not always what translates into a solid a NFL linebacker.

Quinton Coples

Brandt also mentioned that DE Quinton Coples “probably solidified his status as a top-10 draft pick.”

Coples is a very impressive prospect that was shown the ability to be a super-star defensive end, but his motor and overall hustle have been questioned throughout the draft process. Still, this kids’ upside is too high to pass on, so I’d have to agree with Brandt that he’ll most likely be taken in the top-ten picks.

Chris Rainey

Florida RB Chris Rainey not only showcased his speed during his Pro Day, but he also worked out at wide receiver, according to Gil Brandt.

Brandt adds that Rainey “showed good pass-catching skills” and he believes that he’ll end up being taken in the third-round.

The success of players like Darren Sproles and Percy Harvin has really helped pave the way for third-down backs that are capable of being being used in a multitude of ways. Rainey will still have to wait for LaMichael James to be taken, but he could really end up being one of the sleepers picks of this years draft.

Amini Silatolu

Russ Lande of the Sporting News sees Midwestern State G Amini Silatolu as a top-32 selection.

There’s no doubt that Silatolu has been a fast rising prospect in the past month, so the idea can’t be completely ruled out. We have him going to the Chiefs at #44 in the second-round of our most recent 2012 NFL Mock Draft.