Wednesday February 08, 2012 - 9:54 AM Draft Tip Sheet: Small-school corners again intriguing options
By Len Pasquarelli | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
It's been a few years since a cornerback from a really small football program was chosen in the first round; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State was probably the last one when Arizona selected him in 2008.
But the draft annually includes several corner prospects from smaller schools in the seven rounds, and this year doesn't figure to be any different.
The various college all-star games in recent weeks included cornerbacks from such far-flung places as Cal-Poly (Asa Jackson), Louisiana-Lafayette (Dwight Bentley), Furman (Ryan Steed), Presbyterian (Justin Bethel), Albion (Chris Greenwood), North Alabama by way of Florida (Janoris Jenkins) and a few others. For the most part, the challenge of displaying one's abilities against players from the bigger "football" schools, and in front of a crowd of NFL scouts, didn't dramatically affect the performances of any of the smaller-program coverage players.
Jenkins, who transferred to North Alabama after being dismissed from the Florida squad after multiple marijuana-related infractions, is probably the only one of the group with first-round potential. But NFL teams are always looking for coverage players, even more so in this era of the pass, so it's likely that all the small-college players who attended the various all-star games will have the opportunity to play at the NFL level.
Five decades ago, in large part because of the passing background of the schools and their conferences, the old AFL in particular unearthed solid corners at small schools. Now all teams scout those schools -- even with the decline in influence of historically black colleges and universities -- for cornerback prospects, it seems.
"For whatever reason," said New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese, "those schools tend to fall between the cracks. It's not because we don't scout them, because we do. But those schools and the cornerback position ... they don't get as much attention. But teams know those places and, by the end of the (evaluation) process, they know the players, too. Hey, everyone is looking for corners."
The coverage defenders from the smaller schools are certainly aware of that.
Said Jenkins: "Maybe it wasn't the SEC, but I found out there are good receivers at every level, and you still have to play the game the same way. I mean, covering is covering, right?"
Two of the four cornerbacks on the New England roster, Kyle Arrington and Antwaun Molden, were small-school products, the former from Hofstra and the latter from Eastern Kentucky. Neither was drafted by the Patriots, but both of them played significant roles for the 2011 team, and acknowledged during the week preceding Super Bowl XLVI that the size of the school doesn't matter if you've got cover skills.
"The way the game is played now, they'll find you," said Arrington, who despite being waived four times previously before hooking up with the Pats, tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (seven) in 2011.
"Maybe some of us don't have as much technique yet," said Bentley, who performed pretty well in Senior Bowl practices, displayed decent hips and good closing speed and projects as a middle-round choice. "But I think the thing you have to have is good instinct ... and that has nothing to do with the size of the school."
• RG3, Workout Warrior: Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III was in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl festivities last week, and was religious about working out every day.
"One of the things I made sure I asked about my hotel was whether or not it had a really good (exercise) room," Griffin, who was housed at one of the top downtown hotels, told The Sports Xchange. "I'm taking nothing for granted. (I've) got to work every day. No days off. This is serious stuff."
Griffin said he liked the city, and insisted he would have "no problem at all" sitting behind Peyton Manning for a year or two.
"It'd be like learning from the master," Griffin said.
Both Griffin and Stanford star Andrew Luck, the presumptive top overall pick, said they had yet to sit down formally yet with Indianapolis officials. New Colts general manager Ryan Grigson insisted the team has yet to settle on a choice, and seemed to counter the contention of Colts owner Jim Irsay that Indianapolis has already decided it will choose a quarterback with the top pick.
• There has been a defensive tackle chosen among the top 10 names off the board in each of the past five drafts, and Michael Brockers of LSU and Penn State's Devon Still could extend that streak this season. Scouts seem to differ about which of the tackles at this point rates as the premier prospect at the position but they agree that both will almost certainly be chosen in the top half of the first round.
The consensus seems to be that Still might be the better interior rusher, with a little bit quicker first step, but Brockers clearly has his admirers, as well. And the former LSU star might be the better all-around inside player.
"Two great players and great kids," said one personnel director last week. "It's just a matter of personal preference."
• At least two teams, Buffalo and Miami, will transition from the 3-4 to the 4-3 in 2012, and personnel people agreed the switches could impact the way the two clubs draft in April. The feeling was that Buffalo perhaps had an edge in personnel ready for the conversion, but that the Bills and Dolphins still had some work to do, and that their drafts would reflect the change. The same could be true for Indianapolis, which, despite the contention of team officials and new coach Chuck Pagano, appears ready to move to a 3-4 front.
• Marijuana possession charges against Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, filed the middle of last month, have been dropped. Regarded as a first-round prospect by many, Kirkpatrick maintained his innocence in the matter, and now won't have to deal with the legal ramifications from the situation.
What the former Crimson Tide standout will confront, however, are questions about the incident from league scouts at the combine in two weeks. Even after the dismissal of the charges, several general managers/personnel directors told The Sports Xchange this week the original charges are fair game during combine interviews in Indianapolis.
Alabama coach Nick Saban, who is close to several NFL coaches and personnel departments, has pretty much vouched for Kirkpatrick and his character.
"But that won't save him from the inquisition," one NFC personnel director said.
• Quick kicks: Neither Luck nor Griffin has decided yet, so they said, if they will throw at the combine workouts. ... Of the record 65 underclass players who petitioned for inclusion in the 2012 draft, all but 10 have been officially invited to the combine workouts ... The fact that so many cornerback prospects are a bit undersized -- Jenkins, for instance is under 5-feet-10 -- is a bit worrisome to scouts. Said one general manager: "There are some absolute monsters (at wide receiver) in the league, and, in a perfect world, you'd probably want some bigger (cornerbacks)." ... Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden has demonstrated good arm strength but his lack of movement skill is almost as problematic for some scouts as his advanced age (28) ... Stanford linebacker Shayne Skov, a prospect for the 2013 draft, was arrested last week on DUI charges. The team's leading tackler in 2010, Skov missed all but three games in 2011 because of an ACL injury but was still viewed as a solid prospect for next year ... Four franchises have four choices each in the top 80 picks of the draft ... It likely won't affect the manner in which powerhouse agency Octagon Worldwide conducts negotiations, but somewhat overshadowed by the Super Bowl was the fact that the Denver Broncos recently hired veteran player representative Michael Sullivan as their director of football administration. Sullivan will negotiate all of contracts and also monitor the salary cap and compliance for the Broncos.
• The last word: "I think every competitor wants to play every down, every play. So, of course, who wouldn't want to start?" -- Luck, in Indianapolis last week for Super Bowl XLVI web page
Diamonds in the rough emerging in film study Posted on: February 4, 2012 1:50 pm
Over the past few weeks, my fellow NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler and I have been working around the clock to finish up the 300+ player profiles we'll be offering here and for Lindy's NFL Draft Magazine.
While that time has left me unable to keep up the blog with the frequency I would have liked it has opened my eyes to a few lower rated prospects that haven't been receiving the attention their play warrants.
Here are the names of five prospects whose play forced me to re-evaluate where we've been ranking them...
QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State: I was disappointed to see Osweiler leave after his junior season as he remains a raw prospect. However, he possesses a strong, accurate arm and much better athleticism than most would reasonably expect given his huge frame (6-7, 240). There has been so much talk about which quarterback is likely to follow up Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin. For my money, that player has been (and remains) Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. But in the race to follow Tannehill, Osweiler has the physical skill-set to lead ahead of next group, including Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, the two most impressive quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl.
CB Ryan Steed, Furman: With a very strong week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, Steed has been receiving a great deal of positive attention lately. I went back to his junior (as well as senior) film to make sure that the consistency I saw there matched up to his play against lesser competition. Steed is athletic, instinctive and possesses very good ball skills. If he runs in the 4.4s as I expect, he's not just a top 75 guy he might push the Alfonzo Dennard, Leonard Johnson and Stephon Gilmores of the world for a run as a late first round candidate.
DL/LB Brett Roy, Nevada: Roy played out of position for the Wolfpack, lining up at defensive tackle despite weighing in the 260-270 pound area throughout his career. He has a toned, well-distributed build that isn't going to be able to handle adding the 30+ pounds of "good" weight most teams require at defensive tackle in the NFL. He does, however, show the instincts, lateral agility, vision and open field tackling skills to potentially make the conversion to linebacker for 3-4 clubs. Roy plays to the whistle. I watched him pursue Boise State RB Doug Martin 50+ yards downfield, demonstrating the never-say-die mentality that could help him a roster spot and time to develop.
TE Cory Harkey, UCLA: The traditional tight end is quickly being replaced by hybrid receivers but there are still spots available for blocking specialists. That is precisely what Harkey provides. Harkey caught just one pass as a senior, despite starting all 14 games for the Bruins. He shows the size (6-4, 262), strength, tenacity and technique teams are looking for as an in-line blocker, however, and was invited to the Combine despite his less than impressive catch total...
TE Andrew Szczerba, Penn State: The previous four players I mentioned were all among the players who made the initial invitation list to the Combine. Szczerba did not make this list, though after scouting him in person at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, I believe he has the size, soft hands and blocking skills to warrant a closer look. Szczerba lacks straight-line speed and after missing the entire 2010 season after undergoing back surgery, is a huge medical question mark. In my opinion, these questions, coupled with the 6-5, 265 pound Szczerba starting all 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2011, simply provide all the more reason why teams should get a chance to look him over in Indianapolis. web page
Quote: QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State: I was disappointed to see Osweiler leave after his junior season as he remains a raw prospect. However, he possesses a strong, accurate arm and much better athleticism than most would reasonably expect given his huge frame (6-7, 240). There has been so much talk about which quarterback is likely to follow up Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin. For my money, that player has been (and remains) Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. But in the race to follow Tannehill, Osweiler has the physical skill-set to lead ahead of next group, including Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, the two most impressive quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl.
I've only seen him in 2 games, but he looked like DA to me. I definitely agree with the author; this guy should have stayed for his senior year
Osweiler is a basketball player and a pretty athletic one at that. He and DA are not comparable. DA has a cannon and Osweiler does not. Osweiler can however hit the broad side of a barn if he wanted to.
Wow. Talk about getting his receivers McCoyed. In almost every one of his downfield passes, the receiver had to either stop or come back for the ball. The only time he hit someone in stride was when he dumped off to a RB before they crossed the LOS. He does have size and athletecism.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. - John Muir
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
He threw about half of his passes to WRs on screens. He threw most of his other passes within 10 yards of the LOS. He never really went deep.
Now this is just one game, and I haven't really paid a whole lot of attention to him, so it could just be that it is one game, but I'm not terribly overwhelmed by him. I don't see anything that really stand out about him.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Quote: He threw about half of his passes to WRs on screens. He threw most of his other passes within 10 yards of the LOS. He never really went deep.
Now this is just one game, and I haven't really paid a whole lot of attention to him, so it could just be that it is one game, but I'm not terribly overwhelmed by him. I don't see anything that really stand out about him.
Agreed. Even his accuracy on the behind the l.o.s. was suspect.
i watched him a few times. he completely fascinated me in the Missouri game. he was throwing the ball all over the field, he was running when nothing was open and completely eviscerated their defense. and yes, he was throwing downfield.
he looked like a 6'8" Steve Young.
the next time I saw him was Oregon and he was doing all the checkdown nonsense, they weren't rolling him out and he completed folded with any little sense of pressure.
i saw the AZ game too and he was completely up and down in that one. he'd make some nice throws and then be completely off the mark. felt like I was watching DA (and all they did was throw. he must have finished with 70 attempts or so).
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if we draft him in the 6th round, then I wouldn't mind. he definitely has some intriguing talent. but, he needed to go back for another year and refine his skills. a shame that RichRod ended up there and basically played that hand for him.
I thought Osweiler's accuracy was pretty good...he was 25/32 for 223 yds and 2 tds...Arizona State whipped USC 48 to 22.
Some mentioned it, but I will say it again, the QB is not calling the plays. I would be surprised if he is not taken before the 4th round begins. He has climbed a bunch on most draft boards.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Quote: He threw about half of his passes to WRs on screens. He threw most of his other passes within 10 yards of the LOS. He never really went deep.
Now this is just one game, and I haven't really paid a whole lot of attention to him, so it could just be that it is one game, but I'm not terribly overwhelmed by him. I don't see anything that really stand out about him.
He's big. I'll give him that. Maybe a late round pickup but that's all I'm seeing.
"Let people think this is a dumpster fire," - Mike Pettine
Must read and when you read the comments about the "next level players" outside the top 20, you'll know why I don't like the value of our 22 and 37 all that much....I really want us to move 1 of those picks for a future 1st and a mid rounder in this draft...some of my favs in that range get good reviews though (Sanu, Curry and Gilmore....interesting tidbit on Gilmore btw)
THE NEXT LEVEL (30)
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: 5-10, 196. Four-year starter. "Fast, explosive," one scout said. "He's a dynamic guy with the ball in his hands. More explosive than Greg Jennings. Not as fluid." Finished with 302 catches for 4,004 (13.3) and 30 TDs.
Rueben Randle*, WR, Louisiana State: 6-3, 210. Deep threat on the weak side. "He didn't have Matt Flynn or JaMarcus Russell throwing to him," one scout said. "He had Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. He's a very good athlete trapped in a very poor passing attack." Finished with just 97 catches for 1,634 (16.8) and 13 TDs. "Huge upside," another scout said. "He really came on this year. He's a faster guy."
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: 6-3, 220. "He's a tall guy and makes plays," one scout said. "He won't run extremely well." Four-year starter with 271 catches for 3,686 (13.6) and 37 TDs. Involved in three alcohol-related incidents that worries some teams. "He drank, he got popped and he's remorseful now," another scout said. "I don't think it will happen again. When you talk to him you like the kid."
Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State: 6-3½, 220. Three-year starter with 202 catches for 3,418 (16.9) and 31 TDs. "He made a lot of big-time catches for App State," one scout said. "He's a big guy who will catch. There's only one problem I have. When he played against Florida and Georgia he didn't do anything." Also scored just 8 on the Wonderlic test.
Alshon Jeffery*, WR, South Carolina: 6-3, 216. Highly effective in the red zone. "Excellent hands and just an outstanding athlete," one scout said. "Big and physical. He will be a definite No. 2 and he has No. 1 potential." Finished with 183 catches for 3,042 (16.6) and 23 TDs. "He plays the game really hard, but he doesn't do anything else hard," another scout said. "He thinks he's entitled. I don't think he trains well."
Mohamed Sanu*, WR, Rutgers: 6-2, 211. Versatile receiver who plays faster than he times. Showed up at the combine 15 pounds lighter than expected, pleasing some scouts. "Great hands," one scout said. "He's a strong run after the catch guy. He will run fast enough." Three-year starter with 210 catches for 2,263 (10.8) and 12 TDs.
Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford: 6-6, 247. Probably the best of a weak class of tight ends. "He's Todd Heap," one scout said. "He will run 4.51. He's awesome. He could go late first or early second. He has a history of back issues that must be checked." Four-year player with 96 catches for 1,543 (16.1) and 18 TDs. "More of an athlete," another scout said. "Not a blocker. Straight line. Got great hands. He wasn't even the best (tight end) on their team."
Jonathan Martin*, T, Stanford: 6-5, 312. Comparable athletically to Matt Kalil and Riley Reiff, according to one scout. "Smart and competitive," the scout said. "Definitely has to get stronger. The guy from USC (Nick Perry) wore him out. That's what bothers me." Three-year starter at LT in a pro offense. "He's a project," another scout said. "He's big and has some short-area athletic ability. But he's not strong, not tough, doesn't give very good effort. He gets beat a lot."
Bobby Massie*, T, Mississippi: 6-6, 316. Surprised some teams by declaring a year early. "Nobody went to Ole Miss to watch Bobby Massie this year," one scout said. "Nobody knows who he is, but he's going to rise up the charts. He played right tackle there but he has good feet and could end up being a left tackle." Started 29 of 37 games. "Massie isn't as physical as Derek Sherrod, but he's a pretty good pass blocker," another scout said. "There's something missing. He's not a killer. That bothers me a little bit, but I do like his ability."
Mike Adams, T, Ohio State: 6-7, 323. Played just nine games his first two seasons because of injuries and then sat out first five games of 2011 on an NCAA suspension. "He has first-round ability, but I don't trust him," one scout said. "He's got talent and is immense, but he really isn't strong." Gargantuan hands (11 inches). "He played left tackle and can be a right tackle," another scout said. "He actually can play guard. He's got upside." Scouts have major reservations about his character.
Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State: 6-4, 311. Junior-college player who ended up having to play two years at Division II Midwestern State, located in Wichita Falls, Texas. "He's one of the most intriguing guys at the position," one scout said. "Dominating at his level. Talented. Big. Flexible." Compared by one scout to Larry Allen, who played at Sonoma State (Calif.) before building a Hall of Fame career for Dallas. "Yeah, but I wouldn't say he's as physical as Larry Allen was," the scout said. "Probably not the brightest bulb on the tree, but he's a pretty good player. Now he's blocking Division II guys, not Division I guys. And then he was supposed to play in the Senior Bowl but didn't." Quiet, withdrawn personality.
Cordy Glenn, G-T, Georgia: 6-5½, 345. Four-year starter. "He's not a left tackle," one scout said. "But he may be the first guard to go. If you watch him at guard, once guys get on him they don't get off. Inside, he does have feet." Doesn't always play hard. "I think he can play tackle, but there is no way I'd draft him in the first or second round," another scout said. "He has ability but he's got to watch his weight. He's got talent, but in the Senior Bowl I thought he looked bad at guard. He waist-bends."
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M: 6-4, 221. Played under coaches Mike Sherman and Tom Rossley, starting 25 of 49 games after being redshirted as a freshman. "He's got some flashes of brilliance," said one scout. "His arm is average. He made stupid decisions in critical situations that hurt him." Aggies blew leads in all six defeats this season and then the coaches were fired. "He killed himself with all those late-game collapses," another scout said. "A lot of it wasn't his fault, but you want him to win those games to cement himself. But he's got ability."
David Wilson*, RB, Virginia Tech: 5-10, 206. Three-year player with just 16 starts in 40 games. "He's a tough, downhill guy who weighs 200 pounds," one scout said. "He can catch. He's not afraid to block, but who's he going to block? I just worry about his size and durability. He's had the pleasure of playing in back of two other backs last year so he didn't get beat up all the time." Rushed for 953 yards in his first two seasons before exploding for 1,709 in 2011.
Whitney Mercilus*, DE, Illinois: 6-4, 261. Didn't become a starter until 2011 and then broke out with 16 sacks. "He's a teaser," one scout said. "I don't know why he came out. He looks like a 4-3 DE to me. He doesn't do anything special." Trying to provide for his Haitian immigrant parents. "I think there's a degree of stiffness that will limit him," another scout said. "He's got the measurables and production. I just want to see him move like an athlete."
Nick Perry*, DE, Southern California: 6-3, 271. Played with his hand down for the Trojans unlike Clay Matthews, who almost always played standing up. Some scouts think he can play LB and others don't. "He's an undersized 4-3 DE," one scout said. "He's not as powerful as Trent Cole. He tries to finesse his way around guys." Two-year starter with 21½ sacks. "He wore out Stanford's junior left tackle (Jonathan Martin)," another scout said. "He and Clay Matthews didn't play the same way. He's tall and linear built. Yeah, he can rush the passer."
Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: 6-4, 279. Three-year starter who was lost for the season in Game 5 last fall with a torn pectoral muscle. "All about football," one scout said. "War daddy. Tough guy. Good enough athlete to play 5-technique (3-4 DE). Strong hands. Plays with pride. He's got some stiffness, but he's got enough flexibility to squeeze and control and go laterally and make plays." Finished with 20 sacks. "He does have a lot of sacks but he got a lot of them when (Ndamukong) Suh was there," another scout said. "He does play hard, I'll tell you what. This guy chases the ball all the time."
Vinny Curry, DE-OLB, Marshall: 6-3, 266.Three-year starter with 26½ sacks. "Very, very talented football player," one scout said. "He may have a chance to stand up and be an outside linebacker. He's tough. The guy plays hard." Moved around rather well at the Senior Bowl when the coaches gave him a chance to play standing up.
Jerel Worthy*, DT, Michigan State: 6-2, 308. Often compared to DT Phil Taylor, who went 21st to Cleveland last year and had a successful rookie season. "He's got a ton of ability," one scout said. "He could be first round without any question. You just worry about guys that have ability and play lazy for most of their career. Because when they make money they're usually not very good. He's that kind of guy." Three-year starter with 12 sacks. "I didn't want to like the guy," another scout said. "But you know what? Guy's a pretty good player. He needs to be more consistent, but when he turns it up he can rush the passer."
Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: 6-2, 314. Three-year starter with 4½ sacks. "Short and square," one scout said. "Fits the 4-3 as a DT. I thought he was OK, not great. Kind of a meat and potatoes interior player." Hails from a program that seems to worry a lot of personnel people. "Those Clemson guys don't translate to the NFL very good," another scout said. "They just don't play well in the NFL."
Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut: 6-4, 299. Probably best-suited to play 3-technique in a 4-3. Just doesn't seem stout enough to resist the run as a 3-4 DE. "He's more of a run-around guy," one scout said. "He's a better athlete than Brandon Thompson, but Thompson is stronger. He's got great ability, but he's soft. He can't fight through adversity. When (expletive) gets tough, he can't finish it out." Started 41 of 49 games, finishing with 11½ sacks. "He's such an underachiever," another scout said. "He doesn't play up to his ability, but it's there. I think he gets overdrafted because of it."
Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington: 6-2½, 348. Made himself a lot of money with a terrific week at the Senior Bowl. "You can't single-block him," one scout said. "He's athletic for his size." Started 42 of 50 games, finishing with 7½ sacks. "He's very much like Paul Soliai of the Dolphins," another scout said. "He is a true space-eater. He didn't play like that (the Senior Bowl) all year. He did have a good Senior Bowl, he really did. He's got a big (expletive) and great big thick thighs on him."
Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson: 6-4, 259. Displayed major improvement as a senior when he posted 10½ of his 17½ sacks. "He's another teaser," one scout said. "He's got ability. But he's a lot of fluff is what I think." Seems capable of playing in 3-4 or 4-3 schemes. "Clemson always (expletive) me up," another scout said. "I don't trust those guys there."
Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: 6-1, 244. Has run 40 yards in 4.45 seconds, making him the speediest LB in the draft. "Unbelievably talented player," one scout said. "Can run like the wind. Underachiever. Those guys shut it down this year. Those guys are treated with kid gloves down there." Didn't become a full-time starter until 2011 when he had 13½ tackles for loss, 5½ sacks and three interceptions. "In the Senior Bowl he was physical," another scout said. "That's the first time I ever saw that. He (usually) runs around blocks."
Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: 5-10, 191. Three-year starter at Florida (eight interceptions) before being kicked out of school for drug and other transgressions. "It's pretty hard to get kicked out of Florida," one scout said. "That should be your first red flag. Then your second should be that he got kicked out of a game at North Alabama. Your third red flag, he's not hanging out with good people." Surfaced at North Alabama, where coach Terry Bowden collects transfers. "He's a very smooth athlete," another scout said. "Easy first round if he stays at Florida and does what he's supposed to do. You're drafting an Asante Samuel type that can catch the ball, play off coverage, smooth and fluid athlete. He hasn't proved much."
Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: 5-10, 203. "He can press and play off," one scout said. "He needs to get a little stronger. He plays the game fast. He's got consistent speed. He doesn't hand-eye track like athletes do." Three-year starter with only four interceptions. "He can do everything, but he's short," another scout said. "I have a hard time with that."
Stephon Gilmore*, CB, South Carolina: 6-1, 195. Started all 39 games of his three-year career, intercepting eight passes. "He looks good," one scout said. "Wish he was a little better tackler. I got a few questions about him, but I'd take him over Jenkins without even a blink." Mentored by Sheldon Brown, a cornerback for Philadelphia and Cleveland. "Good size, very good athlete and can cover," another scout said. "He didn't have a great year this year, but he's a definite second if not first round."
Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia: 6-0, 187. His father, Frank, was a rugged little press CB for the Browns for nine years. "Other than Claiborne he's probably the smartest of all of them as far as instincts and awareness," one scout said. "I scouted his dad. He could possibly go first round. Depends how he runs." Played extensively for four seasons and intercepted 13 passes. "He's a consummate professional," another scout said. "He's an ideal Cover 2 corner. He kind of plays the game like his dad did. Speed, or lack thereof, will be his issue."
Cliff Harris*, CB, ex-Oregon: 5-10, 180. Kicked off the team in early December after being cited for marijuana possession. He already had been suspended at the time of his arrest. "He's at the combine and he will run 4.4," one scout said. "He may have the best ball-tracking skills of anybody in the draft. He's very gifted athletically. Very gifted punt returner. He's a very talented football player, but he's just freaking immature."
Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame: 6-1½, 212. "He represents the leprechaun in the shiny gold helmet," one scout said. "His dad is a plastic surgeon. He's pretty good." Started mostly at LB for two years before starting the final two years at safety. "He's tough and very smart," another scout said. "He will be a little limited in some coverages. Late third round at best."
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
I agree with much of what is in here but there are things that are just flat out wrong. Dont know which scouts he has been talking to but I bet some were former browns scouts because they suck.
He wouldnt take Cordy Glenn in the first or 2nd round.
Kenny Wright not as fluid as Greg Jennings?
Jonathon Martin is a project?
Mike Adams as a guard? The guy can't get low enough in his stance to be a guard, I mean thats simple stuff, they should know. Hell, I dont think he can play RT.
I dont see Curry as a 3-4 OLB, he lacks the hips to play in space.
Tannehill has an average arm? He has a better arm than Luck and RG3.
Dennard is one of the stronger dbs in this draft, no idea what he was talking about.
WE will just have to agree to disagree but I will say this, I thought most of the higher rated OL really didnt help themselves at the combines. I thought Martin, Decastro, Mike Adams and Reiff really didn't do much to impress and seperate themselves from the mid level guys. They hurt themselves.
I thought Glenn and Kalil looked like the cream of the first round OL crop.
BTW believe we had a sig bet even though we never settled on a sig. :P
Hey what do you think about the kid from Cal Swartz. I am a huge fan for the RT only prospect?
Quote: I agree with much of what is in here but there are things that are just flat out wrong. Dont know which scouts he has been talking to but I bet some were former browns scouts because they suck.
Yeah, there were a lot more head scratchers in there in addition to the ones you posted.
I don't know who thinks that "good footwork" would be Bobbie Massie's big selling point -- there was a reason he was an RT at Ole Miss, and it's because his hips are really stiff....great recognition, good leader on the line --- but really really stiff.
Also agreed on Jonathan Martin, I still have him as a 10-15 guy and would be very happy if he was around at 22.
Mourg, there's always "1 scout" who wouldn't select a 1st round player in the first 3 rounds...I mean, I wouldn't draft J.Jenkins or Adams in the top 100 too...all it takes is 1 team with a pressing need that just sees the talent and "potential"
My point with this list was that this class is really weak for "day 1"-ready players....people around here will be disappointed if they think they can get players at Taylor and Sheard level at #22 and #37...there are some, sure but this class is full of underachievers with "potential" and little production as soon as late 1st, that's alarming
Adams and Glenn should be top 10 picks with their talents...but aren't for a reason, Reiff and Martin aren't more talented..in fact they're less talented but just played better and, more importantly for an OL, they were more consistent....guys like Martin and Reiff normally are your late 1st/2nd rounders: overachieving, consistent but with limited ceiling....in this draft they go higher because there aren't enough "sure thing" 1st rounders
Glenn IS over-weight and probably reminds scouts of M.Jean-Gilles, who I think also played at Georgia, was atheltic for his weight etc, was a top 50 pick by the Eagles and who totally flopped...this guy played close to 400 pounds and now barely got it under 350 for his big payday...would you trust this guy millions of dollars and hope he stays in shape?
Jenkins, Z.Brown, Floyd, Adams etc...this class is so deep with underachievers or character red flags, who "should" be better but simply weren't...and it propelled guys like Kuechly (Laurianitis clone) or K.Wright (a slot guy/2nd WR...when were D.Jackson or Wallace drafted?) into the top 15-20, who normally are late 1st to 2nd rounders and THEN after the top 50 the flyers on those underachievers start....there's just a lack of 10 to 20 solid 1st rounders in this draft imho and a big pool of "meh", "risk" or developmental talent that really starts late 1st and goes well into the 4th
If this was last year's draft I would be much more reluctant to throw all those picks at the Rams for a QB, but this year I just don't see the "normal" value of picks 22 and 37...I really want to trade out of them in some way, maybe keep 1 but the other I'd either use to go get a QB or just punt into next year and hope for more value
I do this draft process for almost 10 years now and this really is shaping up as a weak class at the top...it almost reminds me of the Edwards-class...this class is MUCH better in the top 5-10, but outside of it, they're similar
Strange thing is, I really like a lot of players in this draft but most aren't day 1 ready and most are mid to late round guys...while this draft lacks at the top, it is fairly deep in the middle to late rounds...it'a good draft to have multiple mid/late rounders and comp picks, there's the value of this draft imho
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
Quote: this class is MUCH better in the top 5-10, but outside of it, they're similar
U got that right...Actually u could stop at the Top 5...
Quote: My point with this list was that this class is really weak for "day 1"-ready players....people around here will be disappointed if they think they can get players at Taylor and Sheard level at #22 and #37...there are some, sure but this class is full of underachievers with "potential" and little production as soon as late 1st, that's alarming
And that's exactly why we shouldn't waiver one bit on using this ammo to go get u know who...
But try and get thru some peoples thick heads...
I liken this to the Cavs taking Thompson at 4 this year...In 2012 he wouldn't sniff the Top 12...He just happened to be one of the Best Available this year...In a weak draft...
THIS is the year to make our move on the QB...And if we let it get by us we're screwed...And I want NO PART of Holcomb II...
The rams need a left tackle. They are going to get Bradford killed without upgrading that o-line. They really need to concider this with any thoughts of moving down. Can they get the second best left tackle at 6, and is he worth that pick? Kalil appears to be the real deal for a left tackle, and we all know how hard it is to find one. I think the vikes will be very happy to take Kalil at #3 to protect Ponder. When it all shakes down, i would not be surprised to see the rams stand at 2, and take the left tackle that they need to protect their franchise QB.
Quote: Fisher loves DTs and he can get Brockers or Poe easy enough at 6. They have holes everywhere.
However, he took the Rams job because they have a QB in place. If he wanted to go get his own QB, then Miami was in a much better overall condition from top to bottom, and he almost certainly would have gone there.
I cannot see him taking this job, because of this QB, and then not supporting him high in this draft. I cannot imagine Rams management hiring someone who wasn't going to do so.
The Rams already have Steven Jackson at RB. They are set there. They desperately need help at OL and WR. I think that they are going to want the top players at one of those positions if they move down. I have a hard time seeing them dropping down to 6, and then being happy if Richardson is the clear cut best available player remaining on their board. That could well be a failed trade, no matter how much future value they receive.
JMESLHO
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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