Hill is so raw...he ran exactly 1 "route" in College, he will need at least 2 seasons to "hopefully" develop into a WR....a better looking Carlton Mitchell imho and very comparable to Demaryius Thomas, who after 2 seasons has 54 catches and 834yds and 6 TDs...he was overdrafted too on potential alone
Both are GT projects that "might" boom in their 3rd or 4th seasons, after they've have learned what they missed to learn in 3-4 years in College...that is: to actually play their position...so what good is it for the team that drafts them in the top 50 or top 30 when their 1st productive season comes in their last contract year? You can find WR everywhere in the draft, so I think it's pretty stupid to draft a high ceiling project in the top 3 rounds at this position...I'm ok with gambling on Carlton Mitchell's in round 6....but please don't do that earlier
I have Sanu over both Floyd and Hill...while he hasn't their ceiling, it's because he's just a better all around WR than Hill right now and doesn't have the off field crap of Floyd, sometimes "ceiling" or "upside" is just a nice way to say "he isn't there yet"...Sanu was loved by coaches and is a team player...sometimes people over-think stuff...Sanu is a perfect fit for this Offense, he's a more polished version of Little (both played RB and are tough after the catch guys) with all the intangibles which is a plus at WR, where so many talented kids are rah-rah/showboat guys
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
Agreed - not sure quite where the Stephen Hill love comes from?
Can anybody explain what separates Hill, from say - Tommy Streeter? Hill's combine numbers were slightly superior (but really only slightly) -- his film is worse. I know his offense held him back, I know he can make the spectacular play.
But Calvin Johnson played a year in that same offense (correct me if I'm wrong) - and nobody doubted his ability to run routes or transition to a normal offense, it was obvious from the bit of game film that did exist. Hill certainly has upside -- but he is so far behind any other receiver in the first two rounds right now.
EDIT: I want to add in - you try to compare Hill to Floyd and it just gets ridiculous. The ONLY thing in Hill's favor is 1" (in height), and 0.1 seconds (in 40 yard dash time), and 3" of vertical leap -- in every other conceivable category, Floyd is light years ahead of Hill.
Quote: EDIT: I want to add in - you try to compare Hill to Floyd and it just gets ridiculous. The ONLY thing in Hill's favor is 1" (in height), and 0.1 seconds (in 40 yard dash time), and 3" of vertical leap -- in every other conceivable category, Floyd is light years ahead of Hill.
In terms of off the field issues, Hill is light years ahead of Floyd.
Quote: Fourth round , pick 100 , the Browns take Greg Childs . Arkansas !
I like Childs.. but I wouldn't take him.. Those patellar tendon injuries can have some long term affects on ones game (ala Gary Baxter). I think people are still enamored with him from his pre-injury highlights.
Quote: Saw this regarding Burfict, in the Tannehill thread, and thought I would bring it over to this thread:
Quote: His play dropping off is up for argument
No. It's not up for argument. He played undisciplined, dumb football for most of the season. He was a complete non-factor in many games.
Ask yourself why? Why did a guy that was a top 10 pick a year ago and scrutinized(justly I might add) all of a sudden disappear his final year? If you can catch lighting in a bottle you have the best LB in the draft as far as talent and Tenacity ON THE FIELD. I don't care about combine numbers or any of that crap..The guy made plays that changed games..He was a force that struck fear into the opponent. It is up for argument and has been by people more in the know than you and I. He was playing with one hand behind his back..
"Going from 4-12 to 6-10 isn't good enough. I believe we are going to be better than that. We're going to be a lot better than that." - Mike Holmgren (3/15/12)
Quote: Saw this regarding Burfict, in the Tannehill thread, and thought I would bring it over to this thread:
Quote: His play dropping off is up for argument
No. It's not up for argument. He played undisciplined, dumb football for most of the season. He was a complete non-factor in many games.
Ask yourself why? Why did a guy that was a top 10 pick a year ago and scrutinized(justly I might add) all of a sudden disappear his final year? If you can catch lighting in a bottle you have the best LB in the draft as far as talent and Tenacity ON THE FIELD. I don't care about combine numbers or any of that crap..The guy made plays that changed games..He was a force that struck fear into the opponent. It is up for argument and has been by people more in the know than you and I. He was playing with one hand behind his back..
Mayock thinks he is not even worthy of a draft pick ... I think that might be stretching the truth a little bit, but the bottom line is that he tested near or at the bottom in every drill at the combine for LBers.
He doesn't show good awareness or instincts for the position either.
All of this is highly troubling for a kid who was so highly thought of coming out of high school.
He doesn't show good awareness or instincts for the position either.
All of this is highly troubling for a kid who was so highly thought of coming out of high school.
I don't care about the combine..and I am sure most GMs don't either. The mental part is what scares them off and I do not agree with your assessment..but its one mans opinion against another. Mayock thought Jamarcus was a great QB, the minute I care what Mayock thinks I know my brain has stopped functioning properly.
Vontaze Burfict, 6-3/250
Inside Linebacker
Arizona State
Vontaze Burfict Scouting Report By Charlie Campbell
Strengths: Sideline-to-sideline speed Quickness to the hole Fabulous closing speed Tough run defender Has the ability to take on and shed blocks Good instincts Tackling technique Ideal size Plays with shear violence Hard hitter Quick feet Strong pass defender Understands zone concepts Adept at reading quarterback's eyes Gets good depth in his zone drops Fabulous blitzer Plays with a mean streak Ability to produce game-changing plays Driven competitor
Weaknesses: Underwhelming junior season Overly aggressive at times Consistently draws penalties Needs more self control At his size, could get stiff as he ages
Summary: Vontaze Burfict has been one of the most high-profile and discussed players in college football over the past three seasons. All of that stems from his physical, violent style of play.
Burfict has produced plenty of highlight-reel hits where he knocks opponents silly. His splash plays from flying around the field like a heat-seaking missile and blowing up offensive players has captivated many fans. Alternately, Burfict has plenty of lowlights with late hits, punches, facemasks and headbutts. All of that has earned Burfict a bad reputation with the officials, as a plethora of 15-yard penalties have been called on him the past three years.
As a freshman in 2009, Burfict made an impact with 69 tackles (40 solo) with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five passes broken up. Burfict then had 90 tackles (54 solo) with 8.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles the following year. Burfict was a first team All-American. He was an excellent run defender who intimidated opposing players through his violent play.
Burfict didn't play the same this past season, however, and as a result, wasn't as productive. He seemingly restrained his play to try to avoid penalties, yet was still flagged. For the season, the junior had 69 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, three passes broken up and an interception. He was benched for the majority of his final two games. Combining that with a coaching change, Burfict decided to skip his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL Draft. He entered the 2011 campaign as a potential top-16 pick, but now looks like one of the final selections of the first round.
Burfict looks like a perfect fit as a Mike (middle) linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He has the speed and instincts to reach the perimeter while also being able to make tackles in the tackle box. In a 3-4, Burfict has the size and strength to play the inside while being a good blitzer on the edge or the inside. NFL sources who know Burfict well from coaching him have told WalterFootball.com that he is not a bad guy; just ultracompetitive, and as a result, can be overly aggressive during games. After an ugly year trying to restrain himself, Burfict should be told to go all out. The team that drafts him should just accept enduring some penalties in exchange for having an intimidating playmaker in the middle of its defense.
"Going from 4-12 to 6-10 isn't good enough. I believe we are going to be better than that. We're going to be a lot better than that." - Mike Holmgren (3/15/12)
Look, I don't care if you guys like him or not..I am not here to try to sell him to you. He's not for everyone and I get that. I know he has things he needs to learn how to control and some can and some can't. He is not a problem off the field as some of you advocate getting a guy with three Alcohol related incidents but frown on a guy that makes a difference in the game..yes positive too. I like him, If you watch his tape, any tape please tell me he plays slow..He plays fast and has Natural instincts if you know what you are looking at. I would go to war every Sunday and feel confident that he can stop anyone when he wants to. That is my opinion and I don't care what Mayock or Walter or anyone says...Like Mourg and some of you with a Tannehill at 4 pick..Burfict in round 4 is a steal and if you can harness it, you have a 10 year LB like Lewis. My bad that I go against the grain..actually makes me feel good because put in the right situation and in a position to make an impact he will be the biggest impact LB in this draft and for a team that is sorry against the run year in and year out, this is a guy that could change that. JMHO
"Going from 4-12 to 6-10 isn't good enough. I believe we are going to be better than that. We're going to be a lot better than that." - Mike Holmgren (3/15/12)
Quote: At the end of the day, Hill and Jeffery will be the 2 best WRs. I am really starting to think that one of those will be our pick 22.
I'm on the Richardson @ 4 / Hill @ 22 bandwagon at the moment . . .
Jeffery's work ethic seems as much a red flag as Floyd's off the field in my eyes . . .
Jeffery told Mayock he'll never see 230 again.. so i believe him.
I like Jeffery, but he has gotten thick.
If he made 230 pounds at 21-22-23 years old, I'll bet a large amount he'll see it again. Maybe no time soon, but he'll see it again. Life dictates you will gain weight between say 30 and 45.....it's going to happen.
For athletes it's even worse. They are accustomed to eating 3500-4500 calories a day due to the amount of activity. Once that stops, the eating habits are formed.....it doesn't take long to add on 50 lbs at 3500 calories a day.
Then add in a slower metabolism as you get older and it is what it is.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Quote: At the end of the day, Hill and Jeffery will be the 2 best WRs. I am really starting to think that one of those will be our pick 22.
I agree Mourg although I don't think you can leave Blackmon out, I think he will have a great career. I know it is not a popular idea but I would have zero problem going back to back with Hill and Jeffrey at 22 and 37 if we went Richardson at 4. I would be fine with Jeffrey, Hill, Little as our first three receivers and Norwood in the slot. The cost of Mediocre WR on the Market makes a 1st contract WR with great talent a precious commodity. This offense would be loaded with talent and a Shwartz could be added at 67.
Last edited by LOYALDAWG; 04/01/1207:48 PM.
"Going from 4-12 to 6-10 isn't good enough. I believe we are going to be better than that. We're going to be a lot better than that." - Mike Holmgren (3/15/12)
I didn't point a finger at you and if you thought so or if I came across that way it is because I was preloading an argument based on past responses. My opinion means squat and I have no problem with that. My friend is a scout for the Bills and when I brought up his name he gave me a look.. I get it..but this is a guy that I think could make a difference and be that intimidator that we have lacked forever and help give teams someone to worry about with him and Ward roaming the middle of the field. He would give us an identity and teeth we have lacked..For a 4th, to me it's a no brainer.
"Going from 4-12 to 6-10 isn't good enough. I believe we are going to be better than that. We're going to be a lot better than that." - Mike Holmgren (3/15/12)
Monday April 02, 2012 - 12:59 PM Small-school wideout works his way into pro day sensation
By Frank Cooney | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
When Huntingdon College wide receiver Cody Pearcy decided last Christmas he needed money to pay for a personal trainer, he knew it would not be gift-wrapped under the tree. To get it, he would need to do what he has always done -- work for it.
So while carrying a full academic load the Montgomery, Ala., school, he worked weekends as a roofer and saved as much of his allowance as possible until he could hire Alex Aucoin of Warehouse Performance in Montgomery.
Their goal was to have Pearcy as ready as possible to perform for NFL scouts at a March pro day workout. They had three and a half weeks. The result shocked everybody as Pearcy, an unknown athlete from a little-known school, turned in one of the best pro football workouts of this century.
It included great numbers in the well-known events, such as 4.31 seconds in 40 yards, 44 inches in the vertical jump and 10 feet, six inches in the broad jump. He also had a 20-yard split time of 2.43 seconds, a 20-yard shuttle of 3.76 seconds and did the three-cone agility drill in 6.67 seconds.
Pearcy was not among the elite athletes invited to the NFL's scouting combine in February. If he managed the same results there, he would have been the star of the event, this year or any year.
Since 2000, 4,638 players have been invited to the combine. Pearcy's 20-yard split and 20-yard shuttle times would tie for third best. His vertical jump would tie for sixth best and his 40-yard time would tie for 11th best.
And suddenly Pearcy is far from unknown. The videos of his workout gained a cult following on YouTube as news traveled fast among football fans and draftnicks. Data from that workout piqued the interest of NFL teams who previously didn't know his name. On Thursday he worked out for the Indianapolis Colts, one of eight teams that quickly scheduled time to see him in person.
"Yes, sir, I know there are no guarantees, so I am just happy they are looking at me," Pearcy told NFLDraftScout.com. The "Sir" is a constant in his speech and a direct reflection of how he was raised.
"I'm grateful I was able to get some training because I learned a lot from Alex," he said. "Everything came together just right. All of my results at the pro day workout were life bests."
At a little over 5-10 and 161 pounds, Pearcy knows he must continue to make a big impression. But at the very least he should be invited to some teams' training camp for a closer look. Or if a team is impressed enough by his workouts and game tapes, there's an outside chance somebody will draft him.
Pearcy is rated as a priority free agent by NFLDraftScout.com, meaning he should expect to be signed as a free agent as soon as the draft ends. If, of course, he isn't selected in the draft.
At Huntingdon College, a small Methodist school in Montgomery that only established a football program in 2003, Pearcy made a statement as a junior when he caught 51 passes for 1,078 yards -- more than 21 yards per catch -- and a dozen touchdowns. Last season, playing also as a returner and defensive back, Pearcy caught 46 passes for 766 yards and eight more scores.
His athletic ability was evident at Glenwood High in his hometown of Phenix City, Ala., about an hour's drive from Montgomery. He starred on back-to-back AISA State championship basketball teams, one AISA State Championship soccer team and was the football team's Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He was also on the golf team.
But there was nothing to indicate he could turn in an elite performance in a pro day workout. Well, nothing except Pearcy's belief in himself.
"I knew I was improving on my own each year, but felt if I just had a little training I might get some really good results," he said.
Aucoin, who has trained hundreds of athletes, said there didn't seem to be anything special about Pearcy when he showed up in search of training.
"He looked like a normal kid off the street, but as soon as he moved you could tell he had a lot of firepower and needed direction," Aucoin said. "He is much stronger than he appears. He is wound tight and ready to explode."
But even during training Aucoin did not see the types of marks Pearcy managed at the pro day.
"We timed him at the end of workouts, so he was not fresh," Aucoin said. "And our 40-yard run is a little longer than 40 yards, by about a foot and a half, so they have more incentive to improve their time. I think he did a 4.45 on our 40-plus."
Cody did have a few believers before the newsworthy workout -- his parents, sister and older half brother.
"He was a born athlete, always very fast," said Mike Pearcy, Cody's father. "He played baseball and soccer when he was young because his mother didn't want him getting hurt in football. But we convinced her it was OK when he was about in the eighth grade."
Mike, himself raised "as a military brat," and Cody's mother, Cynthia -- known as Deanie by friends and family -- runs a tight ship at home. As long as Cody and his younger sister Casey carry a full academic load and get good grades in college, they get a small allowance to get by. If they want something extra, they need to work for it.
"Our children know there are no free rides," Mike Pearcy said. "They earned academic scholarships to pay half their tuition and we help as long as they do their part. Casey is getting ready to go to dental school. And I believe in Cody and support him, but if he doesn't make it, he will have a business degree and he has always known how to work.
"He was 13 years old when he first went to work for a friend in the roofing business. If he wanted something he worked for it. Last year it was a used bass boat. This year, it was to do his best to get a shot at pro football. We know it's a million to one shot, this pro football. If he makes it, that's great. We're already proud of him, regardless." web page
Browns' draft strategy should be crystal clear About the Author Mike Wilkening mwilkening@pfwmedia.com Senior editor
By Mike Wilkening
So the Browns didn't get get the No. 2 overall pick from St. Louis. What to do?
My suggestion? Grin and bear it. And grin some more, because they can help themselves considerably with the No. 4 overall pick.
Assuming the Colts take QB Andrew Luck No. 1 and the Redskins, who trumped the Browns' package for the Rams' No. 2 pick, select QB Robert Griffin III, the Browns will be in prime position to garner either Alabama RB Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon. It is quite possible both players could be available should the Vikings, selecting third, themselves stand pat and take an offensive tackle, perhaps USC's Matt Kalil, the consensus top player at his position.
I prefer Richardson. The Browns need playmakers at both positions. Either would help.
Richardson has received a 7.00 grade from PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki. Only Luck (8.50) has a higher grade, and Luck and LSU CB Morris Claiborne are the only players rated higher than Richardson in this draft. Blackmon received a 6.60 grade, placing him sixth in Nawrocki's rankings — and just a tenth of a point lower than the well-regarded Griffin III, whom Cleveland had in its sights when it tried to trade up for the Rams' No. 2 pick.
Credit the Browns for making an offer for the Rams' pick. Even though they missed out on Griffin III, it is the boldest move they have made since Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert became the club's decision makers. While the Browns got shut out, running back and wide receiver are clear needs, and here the Browns are, in prime position to address those needs.
There will be some sentiment that the No. 4 pick should not be used on Richardson, with the sentiment that running backs can be found in any round. But Richardson is no ordinary prospect, and he is regarded as far and away the top player at his position.
If the Browns have medical concerns about Richardson, who had his left knee scoped in February, then I could understand them passing. However, if Richardson gets a clean bill of health, he strongly merits consideration at that spot. In February, Dr. James Andrews told ESPN.com that Richardson's knee surgery "was about as minor and routine as you can get."
The Browns passed on a difference maker for their offense last April when they traded out of the No. 6 overall pick for a package of draft picks from Atlanta, which selected Alabama WR Julio Jones.
Jones, for the record, received a 6.70 grade from Nawrocki — the same as Griffin III and three-tenths of a point behind Richardson, his former teammate. He also racked up nearly 1,000 yards receiving as a rookie despite missing three games. Atlanta gave up quite a bit for Jones, but he appears worth it, and as I have noted, the Falcons really didn't give up as much as it appeared, considering the high cost of adding veteran WR talent.
It is clear that the Browns want to build via the draft. They have been value-minded participants in free agency in the Holmgren-Heckert era, which is to say they have not been active at all on the high end of the market. Six days into free agency, the Browns have not added any QB, WR or RB help whatsoever, and they lost their best rusher, Peyton Hillis, to Kansas City.
Perhaps the Browns do not believe this is the time for the organization to be spending big for veteran free agents. We could go on and on about the virtues of drafting well. Look no further than Pittsburgh and Baltimore, who have built strong, long-lasting cores with draft picks.
If the Browns are going to be bargain shoppers, not blue-chip seekers, in free agency, then the draft is all the more important for them. And it would be hard for the Browns to justify not adding the best possible offensive player when their name is called in Round One. They have ranked no better than 29th in points scored in each of the last four seasons.
With all the 6th & 7th rd. picks we got I wouldn't mind using one of them on him. That depends, I guess, unless H&H have a boatload of picks they want to use already in mind.
Dawginit since Jan. 24, 2000 Member #180 You can't fix yesterday but you can learn for tomorrow #GMSTRONG
I want to do it as a Cleveland Brown because that's who I am.”
Claiborne gives birth to a four on the Wonderlic Posted by Mike Florio on April 3, 2012, 7:18 AM EDT
The NFL has kept the Wonderlic results under tighter wraps than usual this year. Or maybe the media has had enough other things to keep itself occupied.
Regardless, the first eye-opening score has leaked from the 2012 edition of the 50-question Wonderlic test. Per multiple league sources, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne scored a four.
Yes. A four. Out of 50.
Six years ago, quarterback Vince Young initially got a six. Re-scoring of the test bumped it to a seven. A next-day Mulligan moved it to 13.
Finally, Young has someone at whom he can point and laugh.
The joke, however, continues to be on anyone who thinks that all college athletes are also students. Plenty of them aren’t. They’re minor-league football players who have no choice but to wait at least three years until they get a shot at joining the NFL.
How else can anyone explain a person who presumably has found a way to avoid failing out of college getting such a low score on a basic intelligence test?
And that gives rise to a more important question. What did LSU actually do to keep Claiborne from failing out of school?
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.
Isn't this what you want from your corner? He makes a bad play, it won't rattle him because he will have forgotten it by the next snap. Also how many times do you hear coaches tell their corners, Don't Think, React!!
I'm not going to lie, I would have a somewhat tough time with some of the math questions. I am just not a math guy. I'd get the answers eventually, but it would take me a lot longer than average people, I'm guessing.
Now, the verbal and reading stuff I'd breeze through.