DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Senior Bowl Practices and Game thread

Here's some info from the weigh-in on the DLinemen at the game.



Player College Height Weight

Cliff Avril Purdue 6030 252
Notes: Looked rangy and really athletic.

Kentwan Balmer North Carolina 6044 308
Notes: Looked good and carries his weight well.

Titus Brown Mississippi St. 6025 239
Notes: Was not cut and maybe a little soft.

Red Bryant Texas A&M 6046 326
Notes: Extremely large and very thick.

Bruce Davis UCLA 6025 241
Notes: Real thin and rather ordinary.

Chris Ellis Virginia Tech 6042 260
Notes: Tall, rangy and pretty solid.

Sedrick Ellis USC 6007 308
Notes: Looked big, stout and very solid.

Andre Fluellen Florida St. 6017 285
Notes: Was bigger and thicker than expected.

Wallace Gilberry Alabama 6024 263
Notes: Had a solid frame and long arms.

Marcus Harrison Arkansas 6026 310
Notes: Looked really big and thick.

Lawrence JacksonUSC 6043 261
Notes: Big but was not overly impressive.

Jason Jones Eastern Michigan 6057 272
Notes: Big with long arms and carries weight well.

Kendall Langford Hampton 6053 275
Notes: Large and impressive with long arms.

Trevor Laws Notre Dame 6007 297
Notes: Stoud, solid and built like a fire hydrant.

Dre Moore Maryland 6041 307
Notes: Two words: Man Boobs.

DeMario Pressley North Carolina St.6032 300
Notes: Solid but frame may be meaxed out.

Darrell Robertson Georgia Tech 6037 247
Notes: Looked really rangy and athletic.

Jeremy Thompson Wake Forest 6043 264
Notes: Real impressive. Cut and carries weight well.

* Heights are listed in 1/8th of inches.

You can see the other positions Here .

Heres some players the Browns showed interest in according to NFL Draft Countdown.

QB Joe Flacco
WR Lavelle Hawkins
S Thomas DeCoud
WR Eddie Royal
C John Sullivan
OT Kirk Barton
P Mike Dragosavich
K Alexis Serna

Link

Unless Kirk Barton falls to the 2nd day (which he wont) I wouldn't pick him. We don't need o-line that high.

Monday's North practice reports

January 21, 2008
Senior Bowl - Monday North Practice
Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

After all of the talk about players dropping out of the game and heights/weights it was finally time to get on the field and play some football. The North team is being coached by the Oakland Raiders and they kicked things off with a relatively light practice, opting for shells rather than full pads. Things started off slow and they basically walked through some plays and stretched for the first fifteen minutes or so but after that things began to pick up. Here is a look at what happened and who stood out today.

• Two of the most impressive players on the field today both happened to be USC Trojans. Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis was practically unblockable, blowing by Chad Rinehart on one play and being very disruptive in the backfield all afternoon. He also received a lot of praise from the coaching staff. Meanwhile his college teammate Keith Rivers, who drew a lot of praise from Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Rivers looked quick and explosive moving both forward and laterally and even made a nice play in coverage twenty yards downfield against Kellen Davis.

• UCLA's Bruce Davis worked with the linebackers today and while you could tell he has a lot to learn he certainly didn't embarrass himself either.

• At wide receiver Adarius Bowman of Oklahoma St. did not look good and he struggled with drops all day. Early on he had to change cleats on the sidelines and something may have been bothering him because he never seemed to get comfortable. New Mexico's Marcus Smith was very energetic but he also dropped some balls today and after each one he made himself do pushups as punishment.

• Virginia Tech wideout Eddie Royal showed good change of direction skills and made a lot of big plays. Cal's Lavelle Hawkins looked really smooth, running excellent routes and just seeming to get open a lot. He also caught a nice touchdown pass against Terrell Thomas in 1-on-1's.

• Purdue's Dorien Bryant was real quick out of his breaks but Kansas State's Jordy Nelson was not and seemed to be doing everything a step slower than everyone else. On a positive note Nelson does adjust to the ball well.

• At quarterback nobody really blew the doors off the stadium but USC's John David Booty was the best of the bunch. Booty has a terrific delivery and throwing motion and really leads his targets well. Delaware's Joe Flacco needs to work on speeding up his drops but he had some moments and held his own despite playing against better competition than he's used to. Michigan's Chad Henne really throws a nice all but he didn't necessarily stand out.

• Iowa cornerback Charles Godfrey started off great, sticking with some smaller, quicker wideouts, but later in the practice he struggled a bit and gave up some completions.

• Michigan's Shawn Crable looks the part and stands out physically but he appeared to be a little awkward in his movements at times. Virginia Tech's Xavier Adibi was very active in 7-on-7's while UNLV's Beau Bell showed good range to the sideline and in coverage.

• USC tight end Fred Davis looked awfully short standing next to guys like Kellen Davis and Martin Rucker but he did make a nice catch in traffic and had the best day of the bunch.

• Indiana's Tracy Porter isn't known for a physical style of play but he played Adarius Bowman tough despite a drastic size difference and was able to stay in the hip pocket of most of the wideouts he was matched up against.

• USC offensive tackle Sam Baker displayed good use of his hands and nice footwork. He especially stood out in pass protection against speed rushers.

• Offensive guard Roy Schuening is stout at the point of attack and has good awareness.

• It was tough for the running backs to stand out in a practice like this but East Carolina's Chris Johnson was shifty and showcased his ability to make people miss. Justin Forsett also displayed good speed and elusiveness on a long run.

• North Carolina St. defensive tackle DeMario Pressley drew some positive notice from the coaching staff and showed good upper body strength and leverage, although he has a ways to go when it comes to footwork.

• West Virginia fullback Owen Schmitt was used extensively as a receiver out of the backfield and he did well. He's isn't graceful but he got the job done and even dragged Thomas DeCoud behind him on one play.

• Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws didn't look great in positional drills but he made at least one standout play, pushing Drew Radovich into the backfield and batting down a pass with authority.

• Michigan safety Jamar Adams really casts an imposing figure on the field and he delivered a big hit in 7-on-7's late in the practice.

• Eastern Michigan defensive end Jason Jones had a very nice day and seemed to be in the opponents backfield a lot.

• Not only is Nebraska offensive tackle Carl Nicks one of the most physically impressive players in Mobile but he did a good job of stonewalling Chris Ellis in 11-on-11's and showcased a physical and sometimes nasty demeanor.

• North Dakota St. punter Mike Dragosavich did a decent job of punting out of his own end zone but was a little inconsistent as well.

• Tom Zbikowski, Dorien Bryant and Eddie Royal worked as the punt returners.

There were a number of standout performances today but if I had to single out a couple of guys on each side of the ball Sedrick Ellis and Keith Rivers would easily be the defensive picks while Carl Nicks and Lavelle Hawkins would get the nod on offense. It was a good first day overall and there should be some excellent matchups throughout the rest of the week, especially between the offensive and defensive linemen. So day one for the North is officially in the books and things should only get better once they put on the full pads start hitting.

Link

Monday's South practice reports

Senior Bowl - Monday South Practice
Colin Lindsay
Great Blue North Draft Report

The South team held its first practice before a relatively big crowd in Fairhope. However, because the practice was not in full pads it was hard to get a read on many of the players. It also didn’t help that the schedule practice included a lot of stretching and individual positions drills which may have been a solid coaching approach, but meant that for long stretches not much was really happening. It also didn’t help that practice was held in cool and windy conditions that may have affected the passing and kicking to some extent.

When the players did get down to some serious business, it appeared that the South defense was ahead of the offense. Certainly none of the three South QBs - Colt Brennan of Hawaii, Kentucky’s Andre’ Woodson and Erik Ainge of Tennessee - had afternoons that that they will necessarily want on their pro job applications. Brennan did really gun the ball at times and showed nice touch on the very short stuff, but he really had to wind and step into medium and deep passes. He was also really leaning into many of his throws such that the release point appeared to be very low. As a result, many of Brennan’s throws were wild high or wide. On the other hand, Kentucky’s Woodson looked more like a prototype pocket passer with a high release point and an easy motion. Like Brennan, though, Woodson wasn’t all that accurate, although he was 5-for-5 passing in a seven on seven drill. We didn’t get quite as good a read on Ainge, who worked in a couple of drills with other units while Brennan and Woodson were working pure passing drills; however, the former Vols’ star, a late replacement for Louisville QB Brian Brohm, wasn’t that accurate either when he did get to throw the ball.

It probably didn’t help the QBs grade that the South receivers, for the most part, didn’t do a particularly good job getting open and struggled to catch the ball at times. The major exception was Florida WR Andre Caldwell, who was one of the top players on the field. Caldwell made some excellent moves to get open - in particular he left Alabama CB Simeon Castille, who otherwise had a pretty solid session, in his wake on a stop-and-go route - caught everything that came his way, and just looked like he wanted the ball out there. At the same time, massive Tennessee TE Brad Cottam also made a couple of tough catches in the seam in 7-on-7 drills. Cottam, who goes almost 6-8 and is over 270 pounds looks more like an offensive lineman, used his size to screen off defenders, showed decent mobility and good concentration hauling in the ball.

On the other hand, Louisville WR Harry Douglas really looked out of sorts. Douglas was very slow coming out of his breaks and had the ball bounce off his hands too many times, while Texas WR Limas Sweed looked a half step slow. Speedy Donnie Avery of Houston also didn’t catch the ball all that well, but did show plenty of quickness into and out of breaks. Rangy Alabama WR D.J. Hall, a long-strider without much bulk, struggled to beat press coverage, but did make one nice catch in traffic over the middle in a 11-on-11 drill.

While the South receivers need to pick up the pace, the defensive secondary came to play this afternoon. Indeed, the most impressive player on the field today may have been little known Tennessee State DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The 6-1, 180-pound Rodgers-Cromartie isn’t necessarily the most physical DB, but he is a long strider with fluid hips who can really turn and run and change direction. Rodgers-Cromartie made the defensive play of the day when he cut off a route, stepped in front of a receiver and picked off the intended pass. Interestingly, while nominally a CB, Rodgers-Cromartie, was lining up at FS for the South squad today. Troy CB Leodis McKelvin, another emerging player, also showed quick feet and good flexibility moving in both directions; McKelvin was particularly comfortable when back-peddling. Meanwhile, the Tide‘s Castille and LSU CB Chevis Jackson, neither of whom is real big or fast, battled all afternoon and showed good quickness and instincts; both broke well on the ball and had a couple of pass breakups. Same for Auburn CB Patrick Lee who was physical and quick. On the other hand safeties Marcus Griffin of Texas and D.J. Wolfe of Oklahoma looked a little stiff at times.

This and that… Sans pads there wasn’t any real tackling but the ‘hit’ of the day nonetheless came courtesy of Georgia Tech LB Phillip Wheeler who lowered a shoulder into and deposited Kentucky RB Rafael Little on his posterior. ‘Non-hit’ of the day belonged to an otherwise unidentified South defensive linemen who grabbed at Tulane RB Matt Forte and came away with a handful of shorts that ended up around Forte’s knees. What is the old saying: no harm no foul! For the record, Forte, known as a tough 220-pounder, was surprisingly quick, as was Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice, although again there wasn’t any tackling. Before practice began one of the 49ers’ coaches was schooling Kentucky QB Andre’ Woodson, who took just about every snap at UK out of a shotgun, in the finer points of the footwork involved in dropping back into the pocket.. In the past, the North and South flipped the morning and afternoon practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. This year, though, the North will go in the morning both days, while the South will practice in the afternoons. Not sure if it is part of the plan, but there are always more people attending the South practices and it should be easier for those folks to get to the afternoon workouts.

Link

Gilberry driven to keep succeeding
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
01.23.2008

MOBILE, Ala. -- The story of Big Sav's Broil, an event that's become a Senior Bowl tradition for the Savage family and now the Browns organization as well, started with a bunch of football guys counting on Big Sav -- Phil Savage, Sr. -- to cook them a meal.

That event took place for the 13th time here Wednesday in a tent just outside Ladd-Peebles Stadium and featured old friends, plenty of stories and a catered seafood buffet.

But Big Sav isn't the only guy at this week's Senior Bowl who gave up cooking for a better gig at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

And nobody, full stomach or just digging in, is smiling wider than Wallace Gilberry.

NFL-types here this week know Gilberry as a high-motor pass-rusher from the University of Alabama and nearby Bay Minette. One of those NFL people watching Gilberry this week is another hometown boy, Browns general manager Phil Savage, who usually knows most of the Mobile-area prep stars from his annual free football camp he puts on each summer.

But Gilberry never attended Camp Savage when he was in high school, mostly because Gilberry never thought of himself as good enough to do so. And by the time Gilberry wrapped up his high school career at Baldwin County High School, he wasn't good enough, at least in the eyes of Division I college recruiters.

"It's an amazing story," Savage said.

He was a good player with some Division II offers, but he'd accepted none of them by graduation. When another player dropped out of the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, Gilberry jumped at the chance to accept an offer to play in the game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

But there was a catch. Gilberry's employer, IHOP, the International House of Pancakes, in Daphne wasn't going to be flexible with his schedule. To play, he had to quit.

Good decision. Gilberry dominated that all-star game, accepted a scholarship to Alabama and now, five years later, he's playing in Mobile's biggest game and preparing to play football for a living.

"Maybe someday I'll own that IHOP," Gilberry said.

Don't rule it out.

"I never knew Wallace back then, but I did know his story," Savage said. "He had a big night in the all-star game, had 3 or 4 sacks and Alabama signed him as an afterthought.

"He had a productive career there. The thing about him is he's not going to overwhelm you with his height or his speed, but he has great heart. He has a knack for rushing the passer. He gets in the right position to make plays."

After a redshirt year at Alabama, Gilberry (6-foot-3, 263) developed into a three-year starter at defensive end who three times led the Crimson Tide in tackles for loss and capped an improbable run with 11 sacks last season. The guy who once hoped he'd someday make it to manager at IHOP -- he's serious about that -- is now first-team All-SEC and playing in the Senior Bowl.

"Camp Savage, early in high school, it just wasn't my time back then," Gilberry said. "I wasn't JaMarcus Russell. I never thought I was an NFL player. I looked up to those guys."

Now, kids all over Alabama look up to him. He played end in a 3-4 scheme last fall, but he thinks he best fits as a 4-3 end in the NFL.

That's not to say he wouldn't give the 3-4 a shot, either as an end or as an outside linebacker. As he told a scout after Tuesday's South team practice, "anything to play football."

"He told me he'd give linebacker a shot if we asked him to," Savage said. "He told me he'd have to get polished, but he'd give it a shot. He'd give anything a shot. I think he could try standing up, play special teams, whatever he's asked.

"He's just an all-out effort kind of kid."

"If there's a challenge, I'm going to step to the plate," Gilberry said. "You need somebody to do something? I'll be the first one to do it.



/www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=8150

"God has blessed me with great coaches and with great opportunities. I have to keep making the best of them." <a href="/www.clevelandbrowns.com/article.php?id=8150" target="_blank">link</a>



I wonder if Phil see`s another Wimbley type player from Gilberry

If any of you get the chance, go to WTAM's site and listen to savage from this morning,,,

Pretty interesting

Where at on their site?? Can ya post a link to the page that it is on or something?

Found it:
Browns page: http://www.wtam.com/pages/Browns.html

Direct Link to the Audio file

Can someone break down what Savage said?

They key on the practices to see the one on one drills..

The part that was interesting to me was when he was asked about the contract status of Lewis and DA.. he said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that as we get closer to March 1st, things will get done...

I said something like that the other day when someone was complaining about Lewis and DA not having deals in hand yet.. and they were saying that it was signaling something..(don't remember what exactly)

As for a contract extension for RAC, he said that he and Linta (RAC's agent) have talked and he is sure that something will get done.

In other words, he's working on it.

he talked a little about how the coaching staff and the scouting staff were all sitting around for dinner on either tuesday or wed evening.. He mentioned that he couldn't wait for the day when the coaching staff wasn't down there with them because they had to stay behind to get the team ready for a playoff game or even the Superbowl... Kinda nice to know that they, as an organization, haven't lost touch with the goal...

Good stuff.. Savage is smooth, but believeble,, I like the way he works.

Scouts interested in more than speed
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
01.24.2008

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Browns' scouts and coaches have seen almost 100 top draft prospects up close this week.

They've talked to many of them, too. And that part of the entire draft process shouldn't be dismissed.

"In one short interview, guys can make a lasting impression," area scout Chisom Opara said. "The really good ones tend to exude a certain confidence that you can feel. It's a genuine confidence, and they're eager to show it.

"We're going to invest a lot into each draft pick. We need to know we're picking guys who are worth it."

As the Browns narrow their focus over the next six weeks to a pool of players they really want -- not just ones they're watching -- they'll look more closely at each player as a person. They want to make sure they're drafting players who can handle the demands of the NFL on and off the field, represent themselves and the organization well and handle the amount of information that's going to be thrown at them by coaches and coordinators beginning the second they arrive for rookie minicamp in May.

The Browns' scouts conducted interviews with 50-80 players here this week. They did a similar number of interviews at other all-star games the last two weeks, and at next month's NFL Scouting Combine the Browns will submit a list of 60 prospects they'll get to interview for 15 minutes.

Teams want to know about a player's background, his personality, his work ethic and his goals on and off the field. There are dozens of questions the team has to answer before committing a precious draft pick -- and thousands upon thousands of dollars -- to someone whose adult life is really just beginning.

That's why the Browns' prospect interview form, the one each scout used this week at the Senior Bowl, has plenty of room for information. It's also why each scout answers this question before submitting the form.

Does this prospect carry himself like a football player?

It might be the most important question of all.

"When I watch the Senior Bowl practices, a lot of times I can tell who the leaders are," area scout Bob Welton said. "When I talk to the player after practice, I want that thought to be reinforced."

The personal interaction makes the Senior Bowl is so important. Area scouts who have been on the road all season get another look at players they've previously scouted and a first look at players they've heard about. Coaches get their first in-person look and have the area scouts handy to ask initial questions about players who stand out.

And if there's a question about, say, a player's work ethic or an off the field incident? The Browns get an answer directly from the source.

"A lot of these kids we're talking to for the first time, and that's huge," Welton said. "We know about them on paper, we've seen them on film and here at the Senior Bowl we've been able to watch how they practice.

"To talk to them, see how they respond and hear how they answer questions -- tough questions and standard questions -- really helps paint a picture. If there's a question about a kid's past or his attitude, I want to see how he answers that question directly."

The prospect information form starts with the basics, including the player's height and weight, his hometown and high school, his agent's name and the times and locations of any pro day workouts he's set.

In many cases the background information is already filled out by Senior Bowl time; a player who played for two or more years at a major college has already been seen and graded by multiple scouts, and anything significant -- a transfer during his college years, a major injury, his status as a student or a team leader -- is already listed.

"The entire scouting process goes back to the spring, and in some cases further than that," Opara said. "We know how they look on film, and from going to the campuses we hear things -- good and bad -- about the guy's grades, his personality, how well he's liked. Interviewing these guys personally really is the final piece."

On the back of the form are some interview guidelines; basic things that should be asked about football, a player's personal life, his college experience as a whole and any physical or injury issues that may exist.

In some cases, the scouts find certain questions highlighted when they receive the forms.

"If he has something to hide," Welton said, "we can usually tell."

"If there's something serious out there, it's going to come up," Opara said. "We want the player to be honest. Guys know it's not in their best interest to make us dig for it. If they're forthcoming about it, we take note of that."

Scouts scramble to conduct these interviews in the sea of humanity on the field at Ladd-Peebles Stadium after each Senior Bowl practice. It's not always possible to get 10-15 minutes with a player, so sometimes phone numbers are exchanged.

And sometimes, the impressions made aren't the right ones.

"I went up to interview a kid here last year, but he kept talking to his agents and had no problem making me wait," Welton said. "Then when he did talk to me, he kept his helmet on. I had no idea if he was looking at me or being honest with me."

That's an impression Welton didn't forget as the draft process unfolded. But the scouts say they have had more positive experiences than anything else, and as the NFL leaves Mobile over the next few days, important contacts have been made.

"We want to hear good, confident answers," Opara said. "We want guys who are excited about playing in the NFL. If a guy can fit with the Browns, we can tell that. And that sometimes can push a guy that's on the fence onto the draft board." link

Breaking down the Senior Bowl
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
01.25.2008

A look at the top performers at this week's Senior Bowl practices and a preview of Saturday's Senior Bowl game (4 p.m., NFL Network)...

The practice field work is done, and all that's left of Senior Bowl Week 2008 is the game itself. Though most of the practice work Monday-Wednesday was done at full speed, the game is the players' only chance for full-contact action.

And the players want to win. They've developed bonds with their teammates over the course of the week and will be pulling for each other Saturday. The front seven players will especially be excited to finish plays without letting up.

The Browns have been watching the front seven players very closely, and they've seen some good ones. Here's what to watch for Saturday...

NORTH DEFENSE: Collectively the most impressive unit in Mobile this week, the defense is led by USC teammates Sedrick Ellis and Keith Rivers. The front seven has been thinned by some injuries, but the North side is far from short on talent. Defensive ends Cliff Avril of Purdue, Lawrence Jackson of USC, Jason Jones of Eastern Michigan and Chris Ellis of Virginia Tech should be able to provide pass rush off the edge, with Ellis and Notre Dame's Trevor Laws collapsing the middle.

Rivers, Virginia Tech's Xavier Adibi and Penn State's Dan Connor at linebacker should be able to contain the South running game, while UCLA's Bruce Davis will play mostly as a linebacker after an outstanding college career at defensive end. Indiana's Tracy Porter is the North's top cornerback, and Notre Dame's Tob Zbikowski can finish a strong week at safety. The status of Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable and safety Jamar Adams is unknown due to injury.

SOUTH DEFENSE: This group is pretty good up front, too, starting with Maryland's Dre Moore, Florida State's Andre Fluellen and Texas A&M's Red Bryant inside and a speedy linebacking corps led by LSU's Ali Highsmith and Georgia Tech's Phillip Wheeler. Wheeler's college teammate, Gary Guyton, was a late Senior Bowl addition who also had an impressive week, and South Florida's Ben Moffitt is always around the ball.

The strength of the South's defense is in the secondary, where Troy's Leodis McKelvin is the leader of a very athletic group. With McKelvin, Auburn's Patrick Lee, LSU's Chevis Jackson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State -- who played mostly at safety -- the North offense could find big plays in the passing game hard to come by. The secondary will be even better if the South can create some pass rush with Alabama's Wallace Gilberry, Wake Forest's Jeremy Thompson and another Georgia Tech player who's probably a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, Darrell Robertson.

NORTH OFFENSE: The two most impressive quarterbacks this week, Joe Flacco of Delaware and Chad Henne of Michigan, have the luxury of having a pretty impressive group of pass catchers, too. No one really kept up with Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech and Lavelle Hawkins on Cal all week, and that's not even to mention Jordy Nelson of Kansas State and a tight end group that includes USC's Fred Davis, Michigan State's Kellen Davis and Martin Rucker of Missouri.

Running backs Justin Forsett of Cal and Chauncey Washington of Cal should find some holes running behind an offensive line that includes Sam Baker of USC, Mike Pollak of Arizona State, Ohio State's Kirk Barton, Gosder Chelius of Boston College and Carl Nicks of Nebraska. Forsett showed great quickness and an extra gear throughout this week; if there's going to be a highlight-reel run Saturday, he'll likely be the one to provide it.

SOUTH OFFENSE: The South has speed burners at wide receiver in Donnie Avery of Houston and Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State, but the quarterbacks -- Erik Ainge of Tennessee, Andre Woodson of Kentucky and Colt Brennan of Hawaii -- struggled for most of the week. They'll need solid protection from a line that's led by Vanderbilt's Chris Williams to get the ball downfield and try for big plays.

Tulane running back Matt Forte headlines a group that also includes LSU's Jacob Hester, Arkansas' Petyon Hillis, Georgia Tech's Tashard Choice and Kentucky's Rafael Little. The South has some solid tight ends, too -- Kentucky's Jacob Tamme is a good receiver, while Auburn's Brad Cottam is a big target and good blocker at 6-foot-8 -- and will also use Florida's Andre Caldwell and Louisville's Harry Douglas in the passing game.

X-FACTORS: The South has the game's best kicker, Brandon Coutu of Georgia, if it comes down to a field goal. But the North has more home-run hitters on offense (Royal, Hawkins, Forsett) and more depth on the defensive front. The South interior offensive linemen who struggled to block Moore and Fluellen all week won't find things any easier against Ellis, and the North still has plenty of linebacker talent even without Crable and UNLV's Beau Bell.

BREAKING IT DOWN: Forte and Choice should have some success running, but it's hard to imagine them sustaining it against the North linebackers. On the other side, Forsett should create some big plays and open things up for Henne and Flacco in the passing game.

Factoring in the ever-present possibility of dropped snaps and special teams breakdowns that come with the territory in an all-star game setting, anything can happen. But it's hard to imagine the South can outscore the North without the help of turnovers and short-field situations.

THE PICK: North wins a low-scoring game. link

Browns eyeing Senior Bowl MVP

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes

Staff Writer

Monday, January 28, 2008

The Dayton Daily News reported on Wednesday that the Cleveland Browns had entered contract negotiations with representatives for veteran RB Jamal Lewis in an attempt to keep the runner in a Browns uniform.

Lewis revitalized his career this past season in Cleveland rushing for 1,304 yards and nine touchdowns. He played a larger part in the Browns' success this season and the team nearly made it to the playoffs. Lewis will likely be rewarded for his efforts, but that will depend on him and his agent.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the organization will not overpay for Lewis, who turns 29 years old in August and has a history of injury problems. There are some speculations that Lewis could receive anywhere from a three to five-year incentive-laden deal to remain in Cleveland.

Whatever the case may be, members of the organization remain optimistic that a deal can be reached before the free agent period begins. If not, the team is believed to have a backup plan in place and it could evolve around the draft.

The Browns kept a watchful eye on Tulane RB Matt Forte throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

Forte was a solid performer and was deemed the best running back on display in Mobile.

Forte lived up to the title when he was voted MVP of Saturday's game after rushing for 59 yards on eight carries. He had an additional 38 yards in receiving to help the South team defeat the North.

Forte was the nation's second leading rusher this season rushing for 2,200 yards, but had been a virtual unknown until now.

The 6-foot-1, 221-pound bruiser is viewed as a scaled- back version of Lewis with speed, but still offering the same type of rugged running style.

Forte is a big, strong back with powerful leg drive to move the pile and quick feet. Very nimble for a guy his size. He has deceptive speed and good peripheral vision to make cutback runs. He's a very decisive runner who doesn't shy away from contact and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

One Browns scout said after practice that Forte is almost a carbon copy of Lewis in terms of size and ability. He said Forte is a very intriguing prospect and definitely is one to watch throughout the draft process. The Browns met with the running back twice in Mobile.

Whether the Browns sign Lewis or not they have a need for running back and Forte could be the heir apparent.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/browns/2008/01/28/ddn012808bigc2.html

Quote:

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Forte is a big, strong back with powerful leg drive to move the pile and quick feet. Very nimble for a guy his size. He has deceptive speed and good peripheral vision to make cutback runs. He's a very decisive runner who doesn't shy away from contact and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

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He sounds perfect to me... but if he is indeed that, there is no way in hell that he is still on the board when we pick at #53.

With all the other talent at RB, you never know.

Berry Berry interesting. I'm not familiar with him... it will be interesting to watch.

Agreed, Prpl.

I'm afraid our defensive needs and lack of first round pick are seriously hurting our shot at this guy.

Of course Phil can work some magic . . .

Here is a compilation and breakdown I put together quickly of who has been on the Browns radar at the Senior Bowl, using Scott Wrights info, day by day:

Day 1:
Joe Flacco - QB
Lavelle Hawkins - WR
Thomas DeCoud - S
Eddie Royal - WR
John Sullivan - C
Mike Dragosavich - P
Kirk Barton - OT
Alexis Serna - K

--

Day 2:
John David Booty - QB
Gosder Cherilus - OT
Peyton Hillis - FB
Jacob Hester - RB
Harry Douglas - WR
Darrell Robertson - OLB
Early Doucet - WR
Steve Justice - C
Mike McGlynn - OG
Chris Johnson - RB
Eddie Royal - WR
Andre Caldwell - WR
Philip Wheeler - ILB
Brandon Coutu - K

--

Day 3:
Barry Richardson - OT
Dre Moore - DE
Cole Bennett - TE
Fred Davis - TE
Terrence Wheatley - CB
DeMario Pressley - DE
Mike Pollak - C
Cliff Avril - OLB
John David Booty - QB
Oniel Cousins - TE
Colt Brennan - QB
Ali Highsmith - ILB
Jordy Nelson - WR
Kellen Davis - TE

--

Day 4:
Red Bryant - DT
Dexter Jackson - WR
Kellen Davis - TE
Marcus Smith - WR
Eddie Royal - WR

-----------------------------
-----------------------------

Main Focus (# of interviews):
Eddie Royal - 3
Kellen Davis - 2
John David Booty - 2

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Positional breakdown (approx):
QB - 3
WR - 8
TE - 4
RB - 2
FB - 1
OT - 3
OG - 1
C - 3
DT - 1
DE - 2
OLB - 2
ILB - 2
CB - 1
S - 1
K - 1
P - 1


-----------------------------

Plus Phil has talked to these guys ..
Wallace Gilberry OLB
Matt Forte RB

From the little I've read about him, I'm intrigued about Red Bryant. I'm wondering how much of a risk he'd be w/ the injury he had. Not sure how long ago it was.

Can anyone give me some info? It's easy to be lazy w/ all the experts here.

and by "experts" you really mean "know-it-alls" right?

Here is the Scouts Inc form on him:

Strengths: Shows good initial quickness for size, aggressive and makes the occasional play in the backfield. Plays with a mean streak, shows good upper body strength and can shed blocks quickly though a little inconsistent in this area. Has excellent size and can anchor when teams run at him. Flashes an effective rip move and shows a good not great motor when rushing the passer. Gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback, times jumps well and excels at tipping passes. Blocked an extra-point attempt last year, blocked a kick in 2004 and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal closing speed and doesn't always get there when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Takes too long to change directions, doesn't show a wide variety of pass rush moves and doesn't force offensive linemen to redirect in pass protection. Though flashes the ability to collapse the pocket, doesn't always get under blocker's pads, doesn't always drive legs once in position and is an inconsistent bull rusher at this point. Doesn't always use hands to protect legs and really struggles to get over cut blocks. Lacks ideal range and isn't going to make many plays in pursuit. Has some problems locating the ball carrier and gets caught out of position at times. Is coming off a season-ending knee injury and durability is a concern.

Overall: Bryant arrived at Texas A&M in 2003 and was redshirted. Over the next three seasons (2004-'06) he started 30 of the 32 games he suited up for registering 81 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Bryant missed the final four contests in 2006 after sustaining a season-ending knee surgery that required surgery. Bryant doesn't have ideal closing speed or athletic ability but he has the quickness, size and toughness to develop into an excellent interior run stuffer if he can stay healthy and sharpen his technique.


* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.


http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11782

I like him.

jc

I'm surprised - IIRC, some teams are looking at Forte as a possible FB.

Edit: I was right, see below:

Here's his draft profile:

Strengths:
Has excellent size...Real versatile...Tough and physical...Very good blocker...Great vision and instincts...Runs hard and with power...Does a nice job in short-yardage situations...Good hands and he can catch the ball out of the backfield...Productive.

Weaknesses:
Lacks great timed speed and quickness...Needs to get stronger...A 'tweener who may not have a true pro position...Is not explosive or a big play threat...Won't be a traditional lead blocker...Not real elusive...Has some durability / health concerns.

Notes:
Father played football for the Green Wave from 1975-77 and was a captain..Older brother, Bryan, played football at McNeese State...Suffered a season-ending knee injury as a junior...Named the Tulane Male Student-Athlete of the Year in '07...Ran for over 2,000 yards as a senior...Could realistically project to either running back or fullback at the next level...Nice all-around weapon..A poor-man's Brian Leonard

Link

People were looking at him as a FB because they didn't know if he was fast enough to be a RB. He played against top talent at the Senior Bowl and looked fast enough, so more teams are starting to look at him as a RB. A slow 40 time at the combine could push him back to FB though. Aren't many FB who put up more than 2000 yards rushing in a single year though. We'll see.

I want him or kevin smith.

He is like a young Bettis.....maybe a little smaller.......the same some viewed Bettis as FB.....he isn't the kind of guy who is going to break many 65 yard runs....maybe some 25-30 yard runs.......plus a bunch 15 yarders.

Long runs are great.....but 3-4 15 yard runs works pretty good too.

There are several ways to 1600 yards.

Kinda reminds me of William Green running. We all know how that turned out.

Red Bryant
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 324 | 40-Time: 5.15

Strengths:
Has outstanding size and a huge frame with long arms...Very strong...Stout at the point of attack...He can occupy multiple blockers...Gets a good push up the middle and is able to collapse the pocket...A surprisingly good athlete...Does an excellent job of getting his hands up...Team leader and captain..Has a bunch of experience.

Weaknesses:
Is not much of a pass rusher...Lacks elite speed and quickness...Wears down too easily...Inconsistent and disappears from the action too often....Has some trouble shedding blockers...Needs to use his hands better...Range is limited..Repertoire of moves is almost nonexistent..Motor runs hot and cold..May have durability issues.

Notes:
First name is Joseph...Was a four-year starter...Tore the ACL in his right knee late in the 2006 season...Physical marvel with a rare blend of size and athleticism...He has the physical tools but may lack the disposition needed to be great..A possible 3-4 nose tackle...He'll need to land in the right situation to maximize his potential.

From NFL Draft Countdown

Thanks 66!

Still don't know. The weaknesses make him look like a risk in the 2nd round, but for all I know, he'll be gone by the time we pick. Seems like the weaknesses listed for nearly every single player almost make them look like risky picks though.

What's the general consensus on the D-Line players that should be still available by the time we pick in the 2nd? (assuming Phil doesn't get us back into the 1st ) Good enough that we should be drafting D-Line, or will the BPA philosophy dictate we take some other position?

Its a week year for DTs so we'll most likely end up drafting the BPA unless Phil can uncover a gem. A guy who played DE in college but will probably be an OLB in the pros to watch is Bruce Davis from UCLA. He supposedly looked good at the Senior Bowl while playing the OLB position, so maybe Phil looks at him in the 2nd. Also this is deep draft for WRs so while its not a big need don't be surprised if our 2nd or 3rd rnd pick is a WR.