Elite, Blue Chip & Red Chip Prospects by Brooks

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000160229/article/2013-nfl-draft-tiers-elite-prospects-blue-chips-and-red-chips

I like this kind of break down. Don't agree with one or two of these (K.Allen). But, I do like the breakdown overall.

Would be interesting to hear other's thoughts on this or their own breakdown.

Early on, before the Austin craze, I really liked the prospect of Warmack or Cooper in round 1. They are plug & play types who I think will be stellar for years to come. If you want something certain, they are pretty much near the top. I would not be disappointed with either of those.

All Brooks work below:
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Elite prospects
These players should earn Pro Bowl recognition early in their careers and rank among the top five players at their respective positions within two or three years.

1) Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
2) Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
3) Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
4) Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
5) Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Blue chips
These prospects are regarded as difference-makers based solely on their talent. They should start as rookies and make immediate contributions to their respective teams.

1) Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
2) Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
3) Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
4) Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
5) Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
6) Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah, DE, BYU
7) Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
8) Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
9) Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
10) Keenan Allen, WR, Cal
11) Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
12) Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
13) Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
14) Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
15) Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

The blue-chip class is established through film study and workouts. Scouts spend a significant amount of time determining whether each prospect has the requisite critical factors (traits like athleticism, football intelligence, explosiveness and production) to develop into a difference-maker. Blue-chip players dominated the college competition, for the most part, while exhibiting the traits that traditionally translate into long-term success at the NFL level.

Red-chip players, on the other hand, demonstrate several blue-chip qualities and characteristics but lack the consistent profile of their blue-chip counterparts. Whether it's because of sub-standard physical dimensions and athleticism or inconsistent on-field performance, players in the red-chip category are regarded as being a notch below elite. In the right system, however, they could emerge as Pro Bowl players. Several of these prospects will hear their names called in the first round, though scouts across the league are divided in their opinions as to their pro potential.

Red chips

These players should contribute as part-time players initially but should be starters by the end of the season. Additionally, they should be key contributors on special teams and provide timely playmaking in their designated roles.

1) Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
2) Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
3) Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
4) Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
5) Eric Reid, S, LSU
6) Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
7) Matt Elam, S, Florida
8) David Amerson, CB, N.C. State
9) Robert Woods, WR, USC
10) Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
11) Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
12) Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
13) Matt Barkley, QB, USC
14) D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
15) EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
16) Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State
17) Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
18) DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
19) Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
20) Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

 

Good question. I presume it's just counting but I don't know for sure.