2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Texas A&M

These are the school’s prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft by status * – denotes 2014 prospect ** – denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Luke Joeckel*, OT, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6. Weight: 306. Arm: 34.28
40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2013): Top-5 Pick.
4/24/13: While Joeckel didn’t blow scouts away at his pro day or the Combine, he didn’t hurt his stock either. Some pundits prefer Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson, but Joeckel is still the heavy favorite to be the first player selected. Scouts told WalterFootball.com that they feel Joeckel is a solid high first-rounder, but not as good of a prospect as the Browns’ Joe Thomas (2007 out of Wisconsin) or the Rams’ Jake Long (2008 out of Michigan).

Joeckel had a superb 2012 season and was a dominant force against elite competition. The junior owned Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier in a rout by Texas A&M. Joeckel moved him around in the ground game, and Lemonier had zero pass pressure going against him. This was just another superb showing against a pass-rusher who could be a first-round pick.

Joeckel had a phenomenal game a week earlier, dominating LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery. It was a complete performance from Joeckel as he shut down Montgomery’s pass rush and moved him out of his gap in run defense. This was yet another statement game from Joeckel against one of the better defensive ends in college football. He played well against Alabama, too.

Joeckel was superb in the first half of the Aggies’ season opener against the Gators. He had some rough moments in the second half in pass protection and was beaten for a sack. Joeckel was close to giving up a few other sacks as well. It was a mildly disappointing performance. Joeckel was otherwise excellent in 2012.

8/23/12: Joeckel started as a freshman in 2010 and, after some early struggles, he finished the season strong. Joeckel did a very good job of protecting the blind side of quarterback Ryan Tannehill last season. Joeckel gave up some pressures against some of the elite pass-rushers he faced, but overall, he did very well for a sophomore.

If Joeckel shuts out some of the elite pass-rushers he is matched up against in 2012 and/or 2013, he probably will be a first-rounder. Joeckel is a strong run-blocker who should continue to improve as a pass-protector as he gains experience. Joeckel has a challenging schedule of speed-rushers this season as the Aggies are playing their first season in the SEC. If the junior plays well against those top defenders, his stock could soar.

Damontre Moore*, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
4/24/13: Recently, scouts told WalterFootball.com that they believe Moore’s off-the-field problems will sink his chances of being a first-round pick. It only takes one team to fall in love with him, but he looks likely to be a second-day selection. A draft-day free fall out of the top-60 picks is very possible.

The 20-year old junior was one of the most consistent pass-rushers in college football in 2012, amassing 12.5 sacks – one of the larger totals in the country. Perhaps even more impressive than that, Moore led his team with 85 tackles – four more than the next closest defender. He had 21 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, a blocked kick and a forced fumble, too.

Moore was moved to defensive end before the season, and he took to the position quickly. Moore has demonstrated ability as a pass-rushing terror, and his speed around the edge is a mismatch against offensive tackles.

Moore picked up 10 tackles and three sacks against Florida in the Aggies’ 2012 opener. He later collected a sack and five tackles against Alabama. The junior was banged up some this season, but played productively through the injuries. Moore had a great game against LSU. He played well despite an injury with 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack and a pass batted.

Moore needs to add more weight to be a 4-3 end in the NFL. That was visible at the Combine when he put up a disappointing total of 12 reps on the bench press. He also ran slowly in the 40. Moore did better at his pro day, but still there are a lot of questions around him.

Scouts told WalterFootball.com that Moore has a lot of off-the-field issues. They believe that he is going to enjoy the lifestyle of the NFL with parties, money and women. They also felt that Moore gets pushed around in run defense at times. However, they said he plays balls to the wall and has natural pass-rushing ability. Figuring out Moore and where to draft him has been a challenge.

8/27/12: Moore was initially beaten out for a starting spot entering the 2011 season. Still, the sophomore worked his way into the lineup and showed his natural pass-rushing skills. He totaled 72 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2011. That exceeded his excellent production as a freshman – 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles.

Moore is a speed-rusher off the edge who combined with Sean Porter to produce a tough Aggies pass rush last season. They saw a lot of pass-rushing opportunities in the pass-happy Big XII, but those should be reduced with Texas A&M now in the more balanced SEC.

Moore is very fast and is adding size. He could push his stock into the first round, but he may be best off to stay for his senior season. Moore was arrested for marijuana possession prior to his sophomore season. His best fit in the NFL would probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M
Height: 5-11. Weight: 215. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/24/13: Scouts told WalterFootball.com that Michael would go on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. They said he has a first-round skill set but will fall because of injuries and off-the-field questions.

Michael did well at the Combine and continued to look the part of a starting running back. His performance in the team interviews was as important as his workout.

Michael played as part of a running back-by-committee approach in 2012. Quarterback Johnny Manziel and running back Ben Malena each received more carries than Michael. He totaled 417 yards on 88 carries (4.7 average) and 12 touchdowns. Michael is a sleeper running back who could surprise in the NFL.

Michael had an outstanding week at the East-West Shrine. He ran with speed, power and good cutting ability. There were a ton of teams showing a lot of interest in Michael, and he helped himself significantly.

8/16/12: Michael is said to be healthy and ready to go for the 2012 season. In 2011 before going down with a knee injury, he outshined teammate Cyrus Gray. Michael led Texas A&M in rushing prior to the injury. He averaged six yards per carry with 899 yards and eight touchdowns. Michael had a massive game of 230 yards rushing and three touchdowns against Arkansas. He is a quick and powerful runner who gets good yards after contact.

Michael was knocked out during the 2010 season, too, breaking his tibia in the eight game. Gray took over and finished the 2010 season strong for Texas A&M, and Michael became a forgotten man in many respects. Still, he had 631 yards rushing with four touchdowns and a five yard per carry average into the eighth game of the season.

Michael had 844 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns as freshman, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He will be the lead back in 2012. Michael is very talented with power and speed, but he has to stay healthy to get drafted.

Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-1. Weight: 229. Arm: 31 7/8. Hand: 9 3/8.
40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
4/24/13: Scouts told WalterFootball.com that Porter has a second-day grade for the 2013 NFL Draft. There were a lot of teams showing interest in him in the form of visits and workouts.

The Aggies changed defensive schemes after 2011, and Porter ended up as a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker, rather than the 3-4 outside linebacker position that he played before. Porter was not used as a pass-rusher very often as a result.

The senior recorded 66 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, four passes broken up and an interception for Texas A&M in 2012. Porter was solid at the Senior Bowl, but was slower than expected at the Combine.

8/29/12: After the Aggies lost Von Miller to the NFL, Porter was looked at to be a replacement in 2011. The junior did an admirable job of replacing Miller. Porter was a dangerous edge-rusher and used his speed to fly around the field. He totaled 79 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Porter played well against good teams and respectable offensive tackles. He recorded five sacks against Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Baylor. All three of those teams have offensive tackles who are well regarded.

Heading into November, Porter had 8.5 sacks and looked poised to compile a total in the teens. However, he had a streak of four games late in the season in which he didn’t record a sack. Porter was still was around the ball in those games, and had quality tackle totals with four tackles for a loss. He ended the season well against Northwestern with six tackles and a sack.

Porter is a seek-and-destroy defender who flies around the field chasing down ball-carriers. His biggest strength is his ability to rush the quarterback off the edge. Porter plays well in space and is not a liability dropping into pass coverage, although he is a much bigger difference-maker rushing the quarterback.

Porter needs to add weight for the NFL. It would be ideal if he could gain 10-20 pounds to hold up on the edge. Porter occasionally gets washed out of plays in run defense when offensive linemen get their hands on him.

Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 8.48.
40 Time: 4.34.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/24/13: Sources told WalterFootball.com that Swope could go anywhere from late in the second round or late in the third round. He had one of the shocking 40 times at the Combine as he was much faster than expected. Swope also looked good in the field drills despite some dropped passes. He struggled with some drops at the Senior Bowl before leaving early with an injury.

Swope had a disappointing start to the season with little production in the first three games. He bounced back with a big day against Arkansas and played well versus LSU. Swope had massive games against Auburn (6-140), Mississippi State (9-121) and Alabama (11-111). The Crimson Tide defense really struggled to defend him downfield. He finished his career with a good outing against Oklahoma (8-104). The senior totaled 72 receptions for 913 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012.

Swope’s playing style is very much in the Wes Welker mold. Swope could be a dangerous slot receiver in the NFL.

8/17/12: Swope was the No. 1 receiver for Ryan Tannehill last year, and produced a superb season. Swope caught 89 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has decent size, but also has underrated speed, making him extremely swift in and out of his breaks. His sudden quickness takes defenses by surprise. Swope is very dangerous after he makes a catch and is capable of taking short passes downfield for big gains.

Swope caught 72 passes for 825 yards and four touchdowns in 2010. He had 19 receptions for 172 yards and a score as a freshman. Swope is a sleeper prospect who could turn out to be a better pro than receivers taken ahead of him.