DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2013 NFL Season NFL Draft (2013) Past picks scouting profiles

Thought I'd open a thread and post some scouting profiles out of College to see how accurate they were, how much the player has or hasn't developed etc.

I'll keep it simple and just post cbs profiles (from nfldraftscout) but feel free to add from other reputable sites (no, nflcountdown does NOT qualify )....I'll also concentrate on our last 2 Heckert drafts....discuss, add your thoughts and have fun with it, here goes, starting with the 2010 draft:

HADEN

Analysis

Read & React: Typically plays in press or off-man coverage, reading the receiver to gain an advantage on the route. Good straight-line for the deep route. Reacts quickly in zone coverage and when he's facing the quarterback in man coverage. Little wasted motion in closing once he sees the ball in the air.

Man Coverage: Very strong in man coverage. Quick, active hands to provide an initial pop to the receiver in press coverage. Quick feet and loose hips for the transition to run downfield. Good balance and body control to mirror the receiver. Can plant his foot in the ground and explode out of cuts. Good use of hands downfield to prevent separation. Shows a legitimate late burst to close after the ball has been released. Good timing and hand-eye coordination to slap the ball away as it arrives.

Zone Coverage: Smooth, low backpedal out of his stance. Maintains cushion with his backpedal, keeping his eyes alert to receivers in his zone. Changes direction smoothly with no wasted motion. Plays even faster than he has been timed, a credit to his recognition and efficient change-of-direction ability.

Closing/Recovery: Among his best traits. Plants and drives back to the ball very well. Accelerates late and has the body control to contort in space and slap the ball away without drawing a flag. Good straight-line speed to run with any receiver and has a late burst to close if beaten initially. Locates the ball in the air. Good vertical and times his leaps to compete for the jump ball.

Run Support: Reads run and is quick to close toward the line of scrimmage. Evades blocks due to his lateral agility and anticipation and is willing to take on bigger ballcarriers. Understands his role on the edge and approaches it with a workmanlike mentality.

Tackling: Takes good tackle angles, going low against bigger ballcarriers. Isn't an explosive hitter. Grab-and-drag tackler more often than scouts would like, rather than wrapping up securely, but rarely has his tackles broken. Can be dragged a bit by bigger ballcarriers, but gets his man to the ground.

Intangibles: Signed with Florida as a standout prep quarterback and all-around athlete. Originally was expected to play slot receiver, but elected to compete for the starting cornerback position rather than back up Percy Harvin. Team-first player who is a standout special teams player despite his All-American status. Played in 2009 on the punt return, kickoff and punt teams.

WARD

Read & React: Quick to diagnose the action. Closes quickly in run support and is an intimidating hitter over the middle who times his hits just as the ball arrives, resulting in some of his more impressive pass breakups. Aggressive and can be beaten deep over the top against good play-action.

Man Coverage: Former cornerback with experience dropping down to shadow the slot receiver. Bit high in his backpedal. Has to gather himself a bit, but accelerates quickly and has good straight-line speed for safety. Only adequate hands for the interception.

Zone Coverage: Instinctive and experienced in zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and reacts quickly. May lack the speed to cover as a true centerfielder.

Closing/Recovery: Among his better traits. Reads the action and has a quick burst to accelerate. Seems more interested in timing his leap for the violent collision than to go for the interception. Only three career interceptions and never more than one in a season.

Run Support: Despite a lack of preferred size, this is one of Ward's stronger areas; a reason some will view him as a better fit at strong safety rather than free in the NFL. Quick to read run. Good agility to elude blockers, but willing to take them on and shows good, explosive hands to disengage. Can break down in space to make the effective open-field tackle against elusive athletes. Fearless. Will take on and take down the bigger ballcarrier.

Tackling: Explosive hitter who can be a truly intimidating force over the middle and in run support. Closes downhill quickly. Likes to lead with his shoulder and explode into the ballcarrier. Has nearly twice as many forced fumbles (five) as interceptions (three) over his career. Though known for his explosive hits, is also a reliable wrap-up tackler in the open field. Runs through the ballcarrier by bringing his hips. Standout special teams performer on kickoff duty.

Intangibles: Former walk-on approaches each game with a chip on his shoulder. Standout special teams player. Very strong; equaled the program's best power clean lift ever (330 pounds) among defensive backs during 2008 winter testing, in addition to posting the position's top squat mark (495 pounds). Has a history of injury. Missed nearly half of his senior season with an ankle injury. Recurring knee injuries in 2006 which kept him off the field for nearly the entire season despite his earning a starting position as a redshirt freshman. Was dropped by many recruiters due to a season-ending knee injury in 2004.

HARDESTY

Inside: Classic one-cut runner who presses the line of scrimmage and attacks the hole when it is there. Runs a bit upright, but lowers his pad level when in traffic and keeps his feet churning to generate as much positive yardage as possible. Good forward lean. Good vision and has the burst to take advantage of cutback lanes.

Outside: Lacks elite straight-line speed, but can beat the linebacker to the edge and turn the corner. Can stick his foot in the ground and accelerate quickly to get past the initial wave of defenders and get into the open field. Not a naturally elusive runner, but has deceptive speed due to his upright running style and good power.

Breaking tackles: Among his best attributes. Good balance to keep his feet and fight through arm tackles. Very good spin move. Keeps his feet churning in traffic and can sneak through the pile and break away to gain yardage in chunks.

Blocking: Willing pass blocker with the size, strength and technique to face up the oncoming defender. Cognizant blocker who keeps his head on a swivel and looks for someone to hit. Inconsistent effectiveness as a cut blocker as he drops his head and lunges. Good effort downfield. Looks to help out his teammates.

Receiving: Good receiver used on a variety of routes in this offense, including the basic screens and dump-offs, but also more complicated wheels and was even split out wide and used on slants. Reliable hands. Shows the ability to extend, make the reception and secure the ball quickly. Good ball security. Didn't fumble the ball once in 285 touches in 2009.

Intangibles: Characterized as the consummate teammate. Twice voted team captain, including in 2008 when he wasn't a starter. Convinced team to let him play special teams against Wyoming despite his injuries being too much to allow him to suit up as a running back. Surprised and disappointed scouts with his decision to pull out late from the Senior Bowl, but impressed them with his sub-4.5 speed and athleticism at the Combine.

LAUVAO

Positives: Has a massive, thick frame with a thick chest and arms, thighs and calves … Shows good short area quickness and balance for a player his size, displaying the agility to quickly adjust to counter moves … More of a position-&-wall off type of players, using his size effectively to gain movement off the snap … Has developed a strong hand punch to stall the bull rush and uses his hands with great effectiveness to control and sustain … Gets good leg drive and movement, staying low in his pads on run blocks … Is a bit heavy-legged, but has the functional burst to pull and impact on the edge, doing a very good job of sealing up inside … Has enough short area quickness to come out and attack the linebackers in the second level … Has the ability to adjust on the move and shows adequate lateral slide … Flashes a very good hand set and punch to stop the pass rush charge and demonstrates the foot agility to kick and adjust with his lateral slide … Uses his lower-body strength well to drive defenders off the ball and simply engulfs defenders at the point of attack.

Negatives: Lacks explosion coming off the snap and is more of a position/wall-off type of blocker … Lacks the sustained speed to get out quickly to make plays in the second level … Will come out and attack the linebackers, but will fall off some blocks working in space … Better playing inside, where his feet are not exposed to the edge rush (struggled as a tackle to mirror the speed rush moves and could not control and finish as well as he does when working in-line) … Has a good short-area straight-line charge, but struggles to redirect his massive frame due to hip stiffness … Needs to get in better shape, as his excess body fat causes him to labor when moving up field and will wear down as the game progresses … For a player of his size and strength, he should be generating more power at the point of attack (uses his body to lean into the defender rather than explode through his blocks) … Weight room strength fails to translate to the field at times, especially in his pass set … Needs to take better angles as a drive blocker.

Compares To, KYNAN FORNEY, Jacksonville -- Lauvao's immediate value to an NFL team is his versatility. He is one of the strongest drive blockers in this draft class and while he does not have the size to play out on the edge, his power base and trap blocking sills are more likely to see him push for a starting job at left guard within a few years.

MCCOY

Accuracy: Completion percentage benefits from many short throws and receiver screens. Puts those shorter throws where receivers can catch the ball, usually in a position where the receiver can make a play after the catch. Doesn't attempt a high number of intermediate-to-deep throws, although he can throw the intermediate out and the occasional line drive down the seam or sideline. Makes touch throws look easy while in the pocket or on the move but will float deep passes down the middle, often causing his receiver to stop or comeback for the ball.

Arm Strength: Improved arm strength over his career, and now has good zip on underneath patterns and short outs. Only adequate arm strength on deeper throws, although he can sneak a 40-yard rope into the end zone if he spots an open man. Inconsistent spiral on intermediate and longer tosses. Rarely throws into tight spots between defenders.

Setup/Release: Has only adequate height, but stands tall and balanced in the pocket to find passing lanes. Quiet feet when patient in his drop, but usually throws from shotgun. Willing to throw off back foot to get ball to receiver quickly, but that style gets him in trouble when throwing into traffic. Could be a bit more patient to sell ball and pump fakes. Good poise in the pocket and will stand in and take the hit. Inconsistent release, and will wind up at times allowing defenders to break on the ball. Missed throws tend to be high because he gets too anxious and forgets to follow through completely.

Reading Defenses: Intelligent enough to understand what the defense is giving him and take advantage of it. Patient enough to let deep routes develop. Usually throws to first read because he feels where defense is weak. He will take off if first option isn't available instead of going through progressions. Hesitates to make a read on QB sneaks, finding a sliver to get to the marker. Must prove he can survey the field after taking a snap from under center. Not always cognizant of double coverage, and will force throws to make a big play.

On the Move: Moves well inside the pocket, staying calm when pressured. Buys time with his feet, and is able to throw accurately on the run in either direction within 10-12 yards -- although he will lose his spiral. Loses accuracy past that point. Directs receivers into open areas while on the move. Picks up first downs -- and much more -- with his feet by displaying quickness and vision in the open field. Able to evade sackers and run through arm tackles, but is smart enough to slide or find the sideline when needed. Could be more patient looking for receivers downfield instead of tucking and running.

Intangibles: Good intelligence. Quiet leader with positive attitude who doesn't give up during games. Impeccable character. Plays tough; gets hit often whether running the ball and in the pocket but bounces back up. Teammates will play for him. College football's all-time winningest quarterback.

NFL Comparison: Jake Plummer, ex-Cardinals/Broncos

MITCHELL

Release: Gets to top speed much faster than expected for his height, eating up cushion and blowing by corners without great speed. Can hesitate to lull defender to sleep, then accelerate to get separation. Is not pressed much because of his size and speed, but seems comfortable giving a shake and using his hands to free himself from the jam.

Hands: Inconsistent hands and traps the ball against his chest more often than not on short to intermediate throws. Tracks balls over his shoulder, able to secure the catch when stretched out on deep balls or throws to the sideline. Excellent red-zone threat. Better adjusting to high throws than low ones, but can get down to make the grab if given room to do so. Loses concentration on easier passes at times.

Route running: Will round off routes at times, but sinks his hips coming in and out of routes pretty well for a 6-4 receiver. Stop and comeback routes are sudden, a dangerous combination with his potential as a deep threat. Uses a head fake to sell routes. Willing to find holes in zones over the middle.

After the catch: Not many tall receivers are used on quick screens, but his surprising quickness and length allows him to succeed. Turns on the jets after the catch, with his long strides making it difficult for defenders to catch him. Can be elusive on screens but fails to avoid defenders when on a dead run. Height makes him a target to be chopped down in the open field by better corners.

Blocking: Has the desire and length to take defenders out of the play when he knows the run is coming, but a failure to break down and mirror his man allows them to avoid his grasp. Runs hard and extends his arms to keep safeties at bay while blocking for fellow receivers downfield. Resorts to ineffective cut blocks at times despite have the size advantage on the edge.

Intangibles: Tough player who bounces up after the big hit. Confident, well-liked in the locker room who has worked hard to be more than a track star playing football.

2011

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2011?&print_rows=9999

TAYLOR

Pass rush: Though his job is usually not to provide primary pass rush, he can push the pocket with strength and flashes quickness off the snap and a swim move to get past lesser centers. Gives good effort to reach the quarterback if he sits in the pocket too long. Tries violent hands to shed blocks. Not very effective on inside twists, though he can take out the left tackle when twisting outside to free up the defensive end. Once stood up by initial contact, it's tough for him to re-start his rush.

Run defense: Shows excellent strength and mobility as a run defender. Plays with leverage against double-teams and keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. Pushes back his man and spins off single and tandem blocks with balance to make the play. Moves down the line well, stays low despite his height to wrap up shorter backs. Willing and able to reach the sideline, takes deep angles to prevent huge runs. Defeats cut blocks and maintains balance to track down ballcarriers. Gets low in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Does not dominate smaller centers. At his best when used in a rotation.

Explosion: Explodes from four-point stance into blockers, consistently getting push up front. Gets off low and quick near goal line to set the line backwards. Despite his size, flashes the quickness to penetrate the "A" gap. Requires double-teams to keep him out of the backfield.

Strength: Huge frame and upper-body development give him the strength to be a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level. Moves offensive linemen to either side with relative ease when covering two gaps. Forces fumbles with one hand punching at the ball while ballcarrier comes through the hole. Uses leverage to hold the line against double teams.

Tackling: Running backs get swallowed up when crossing his path, and he can separate the ball from a ballcarrier with pure strength. Stays low despite his height and will capture backs from behind if they have not yet hit their stride. Chase and hustle are impressive for his size, will chase backs down the line, help linebackers make stops at the second level, and takes deep angles to chase down running backs 20 yards down the sideline.

Intangibles: Sprained his knee in 2007 preseason at Penn State, losing starting job to future first-round pick Jared Odrick. Charged with felony aggravated assault during a fraternity function at a Penn State student union in October 2007; the charge was eventually dropped. Really turned up his game the second half of 2010; scouts could see that as maturity or wonder if he can maintain that level of play.

Compares to: Kris Jenkins, Jets -- Big and powerful, Taylor projects nicely as an interior player in both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments. If teams are convinced that the off-field concerns that prompted his transfer out of Penn State are a thing of the past, he could wind up a first-round pick.

SHEARD

Pass rush: Hustling power rusher who can be a tough task for right tackles. Nice bull rush, gets under the blocker's pads and pushes them into the backfield. Gives great effort to get to the quarterback, even when he's all but tackled by blockers. Sniffs out misdirection and quick screens to his side; not exceptionally agile in space, but he reads cut blocks well and contains and drops to affect passing lanes. Very active moving and jumping to affect passing lanes if unable to reach the quarterback. Keeps his feet moving after initial contact, but is inconsistent disengaging from the blocks of better linemen. Needs to be more violent with his hands and take advantage of his speed against slower tackles. Only adequate flexibility and change-of-direction agility to turn the corner or be effective on twists. Must learn counter pass-rush moves to get past tackles at the next level; loses his balance and backfield awareness when attempting the occasional spin move.

Run defense: Not the largest strong-side end but maintains leverage to hold the line of scrimmage. Crashes down hard on inside and short-yardage runs, lowers his pads to get leverage against approaching linemen. Tight ends have a difficult time controlling him on the edge, uses strong hands or quickness to contain on his side of the line. Works hard to stay on his feet, get off blocks to stay active and keep containment on plays run towards him.

Explosion: Is not elite in this category, but has adequate speed off the snap for his size when his ears are pinned back on the pass rush. Good pop into his man's numbers on bull rushes. Uses violent hands to knock aside blockers on run plays.

Strength: Plays stronger than his height/weight numbers indicate. Knows how to keep his pads low to get leverage on the edge against the run and bull rush his man into the pocket. Stacks his man and can disengage using violent and strong hands to move inside or outside.

Tackling: Solid, if not explosive, tackler on the edge who makes it difficult for teams to run inside or outside of him. Closes well when coming straight toward the ball, but his stiff hips do not always allow him to break down in space or change direction quickly. Good hustle-and-chase type, makes plays down the line and downfield.

Intangibles: Team leader and captain because of his work ethic and intensity. Worked through a knee injury suffered in the summer of 2009 to play every game last season. Had minor elbow surgery in December 2010 that caused him to miss the team's bowl game. Helped an elderly woman escape from her burning home and received a bravery award. Good student, majoring in forensic sciences. Arrested in July 2010 for involvement in fight; continued to punch the man after police called for him to stop and threw the man through the glass door of a business. Pled guilty to disorderly conduct (originally charged with felony aggravated assault and resisting arrest), was order to apologize, pay medical bills. He was suspended for two weeks and faced internal discipline.

LITTLE

Positives: Has rare body control to contort in space and make the spectacular catch. Shows the ability to extend and pluck the ball outside of his frame. Long strider with good build-up speed, especially considering his size. Can track the ball over either shoulder. Good leaping ability to compete for jump-balls. The experience at running back is clear once he gets the ball in his hands. Good vision to set up blocks. Isn't afraid to cut back into inside traffic. Physical runner who fights for additional yardage. Keeps his feet churning and has a spin move to break free from tackles.

Negatives: Still developing as a route-runner. Has the speed, balance and agility worthy of development, but rounds off his routes and is inconsistent with his spacing. Isn't the physical blocker that his size and athleticism would lead one to believe. Gets in the way and provides some effort as a blocker, but needs to take this part of his job more seriously, especially when blocking the cornerback near the line of scrimmage. Lets too many passes into his chest, resulting in some ugly drops.

CAMERON

Positives: Long, lean muscular frame with prototypical upper- and lower-body shape and proportion. A versatile athlete who has played both wide receiver and tight end at USC. Displays quick, light feet and nice agility to shake defenders and create separation coming out of his breaks. Can stretch the field with good straight-line speed and second gear. A former USC basketball player, Cameron possesses great leaping ability, body control and timing to catch the ball at its highest point. Extends his arms to catch balls thrown outside his frame, and is a natural, soft-handed pass catcher. Turns upfield quickly after the catch and shows good acceleration to pull away from defenders. Could add 15-20 pounds of bulk without sacrificing speed or agility. Aggressive, fearless competitor who isn't afraid of contact. Still developing as a tight end after making the switch from receiver just before the 2010 season.

Negatives: Limited time on the field and late position switch has made it difficult to gauge development. Didn't catch a single pass until his senior season. May need to add some bulk in order to be an effective run blocker and get a consistent release against NFL linemen and linebackers. Inconsistent route-runner who tends to round off his patterns. Iffy run blocker who comes off the line too upright and struggles to seal off his edge.

MARECIC

no profile

SKRINE

Positives: Plays off coverage, press and press-bail. Has change of direction ability to handle nickel spot, as well. Generally low in his backpedal. Closes quickly and is flexible enough to attack plays in front of him as a zone corner. Willing cut or shoulder tackler behind the line of scrimmage, or even when engaged with receiver on a block outside. Good recovery speed, catches receivers down the sideline even after taking a false step on pump fake. Owns hand-eye coordination to knock away passes in front of receivers. Good vertical to battle for jump balls. Gives some kickoff return ability with good straight-line speed and enough elusiveness to make the first man miss to get to the open field.

Negatives: Only adequate size and build for the position. Lacks strength as a tackler, duck-and-swipe at legs on the outside. Aggressive corner who can be fooled on double moves. Loses his balance in transition at times, missing tackles and giving up too many catches. Only fair hands for the interception, needs to improve to be a playmaker. Allows too many receptions, as he gives a lot of cushion to slower receivers. Lacks great vision as a returner, will not bounce them outside as easily at the next level. Must work on ball security.


Pinkston

Pass blocking: Looks more like a left guard than a left tackle, but he is solid in protecting the blind side. Owns a strong initial punch, can be dominant when locking his hands onto ends and extending his arms. Uses his size and length to take quicker rush ends around the pocket. Generally bends his knees and gives very good effort to mirror his man throughout the play. Has extra weight in the middle. Needs to improve the consistency and depth of his kick-slide before taking on quicker rushers. Will let up after first contact, reaching instead of moving his feet, which allows for upfield push on a secondary rush. Protects the inside lane well off the snap, but lacks great footwork to recover on outside-inside pass-rush moves.

Run blocking: Wide-body who looks like a guard and is capable of run blocking like one. Strong enough punch and upper-body strength to turn ends out of the hole or even pancake when his hands are active. Reaches linebackers and blocks well on the move, should be a good fit in a zone system. Uses foot quickness to get in position to seal the edge, his wide frame makes it tough for ends to get around him. Too often throws his body into defenders off the snap, failing to lock his hands.

Pulling/trapping: Fairly mobile for his size; uses his girth to make room for running backs in space. Moves well behind the line and into the second level to negate linebackers in the hole. Struggles to find targets on the run whether getting in front of screen passes or pulling on running plays. Lacks great flexibility to cut-block.

Initial Quickness: Does not often give up penetration, but is inconsistent coming off the ball on run plays and as a pass protector. Too often relies on his strength, instead of quick lateral movement, to mirror defenders off the line. Packs a wallop with his initial punch, though he will lower a shoulder into defensive linemen off the snap on run plays instead of engaging with his hands.

Downfield: Mobile enough to be a factor downfield on screens and run plays, but his inability to hit moving targets consistently limits his effectiveness. Once he's latched on, linebackers and safeties won't be shedding his block because he is strong with active feet after contact. Lacks the flexibility to more than get a hand on inside defenders or adjust on the fly, though a hand is usually enough to keep them out of the play. Has not shown the ability to hit multiple targets in space.

Intangibles: Coaches have challenged his consistency in the past. Stamina is adequate, even with his extra weight. Does not back down from challenges, and is willing to mix it up on the field in defense of himself or his teammates. Injuries have been an issue: torn right labrum before 2008 Sun Bowl, torn left labrum against Michigan State in 2007. Brother, Todd, was a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles as a receiver in 2000.

HAGG

Positives: Very experienced and has a strong frame with adequate bulk and overall size. Breaks on the ball quickly and gets in a position to get a hand on the ball. Is a fluid athlete and possesses the necessary closing burst to recover and track down the ball. Has the range to cover half the field as a deep safety and moves laterally with ease. Is a physical player who relishes opportunities to mix it up against the run. Stays with tight ends and slot receivers and plays with ideal pad level which allows him to change directions without losing acceleration. Takes smart angles to the ball carrier and moves effectively through traffic to make the stop. Is a sure, wrap-up tackler who comes off the edge under control and closes quickly when blitzing. Intelligent prospect shows a knack for making plays in crucial situations. Active and involved in the community.

Negatives: Is late getting into position against the run and does not always diagnose plays in time. Will get caught peeking into the backfield and has a tendency to bite on play action. Allows blockers into his body and does not use his hands effectively when attempting to disengage. Does not get his head around in a hurry and often fails to break up the pass even when he is in position to do so. Fails to explode through the ballcarrier and can be run over. Will play back on his heels when filling a hole and can be beaten in space by quicker, more agile runners. Possesses below average top-end speed for the position and can be run away from. Is a bit of a 'tweener who lacks the necessary quickness to consistently match up in man coverage as well as the necessary bulk and strength to play linebacker.

Colt's profile was spot on...2 years of NFL play and he still is the same player....looks like those guys who said "he is what he is" and that he has little upside left were spot on

Haden, Ward, Taylor, Sheard, Pinkston and Little profiles look pretty accurate too....hopefully that turns out to be the case with Cameron and Mitchell, as those 2 look a bit too lofty right now

Also, just reading the "intangibles" part of those picks, gives you a good picture of what kind of guys the FO prefers

amazing how much Heckert seems willing to risk things on injury history. I guess he feels that if it should be a non-recurring injury then to not weight it as much as other teams might (drafting more weighted on skill than the injury).

Based on this, McCoy sounds like the perfect WCO QB....

I agree, which is why I don't get people that want us to get rid of Colt before next season. He doesn't seem like a primadonna who will pout all season if he's beaten in a competition for the job.

I don't view him much differently than I view Seneca other than he is still young and could get better as he learns the WCO (both would be a bit better with better weapons, obviously). so, no problem with him being our backup.