Archive for January, 2010

2010 NFL Draft: DE Scouting Reports

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

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1.Carlos Dunlap, Florida (6-6/285)
Dunlap is a freak of nature in the Julius Peppers mold. He is stout enough to play 3-4 DE, but is ideally suited to a 4-3 rush DE. His physical gifts, however, mask his laziness and lack of work ethic in developing new moves. If he is properly motivated, he will be great. If not, he could easily be a big mistake.

Pros: Athleticism, Speed, Frame
Cons: Motor, Work Ethic, Off-Field Issues
Verdict: 1st Round

2. Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4/270)
Morgan is a highly productive lineman that can play at right or left end. He isn’t good enough in coverage at this point to play anything but 4-3 DE — teams that envision him as a 3-4 OLB should stay away. Teams need to let Morgan do what he does best: set the edge, and apply pressure to the QB.

Pros: Athleticism, Speed, First Step
Cons: Playing in Space, Agility
Verdict: 1st Round

3. Everson Griffen, USC (6-3/270)
Griffen is a tough guy to evaluate. There are plays that make you think Top 10 talent, but there is lots of tape with Griffen loafing and getting dominated. Griffen is a versatile prospect though, having the skills to play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB, as he has great agility, balance and speed. He will need some coaching wherever he plays, as he doesn’t read plays very well yet.

Pros: Athleticism, Speed, Agility
Cons: Motor, Awareness
Verdict: 1st Round

4.Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida (6-6/260)
Although Pierre-Paul is still a very raw and inexperienced football player, teams will covet him for his ability to disrupt the offense on their side of the line of scrimmage. He still needs to up his repertoire of pass-rush moves, but his outstanding athleticism allows him to survive without them. Pierre-Paul has the versatility to play 3-4 OLB on the strong or weak side as well as DE.

Pros: Versatility, Speed, Athleticism
Cons: Raw
Verdict: 1st Round

5. Brandon Graham, Michigan (6-1/265)
Graham plays the game hard every play and loves to compete. His pass-rush repertoire is without equal in the college game. Graham can play a bit in coverage, so will get a look from some 3-4 teams needing someone to play OLB or maybe SILB. Graham is relatively short, so will get engulfed at times by huge linemen.

Pros: Motor, Versatility, Pass Rush, Hands
Cons: Size
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

6. Greg Hardy, Ole Miss (6-4/270)
Hardy had a sudden presence on the football field. He gets to the quarterback so quickly, that teams that want Hardy to play 3-4 DE will have a tough time assigning him to coverage duties. Hardy’s relentless pass-rush will be a great fit for a team needing a right end, as Hardy is better with a hand on the ground. Hardy could improve his ability to set the edge, get stronger, and show teams that he can stay healthy.

Pros: First Step, Explosive, Speed
Cons: Size, Strength, Injury History
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

7. Corey Wootton, Northwestern (6-7/280)
Wootton will be a great 3-4 DE if he can show that he is fully recovered from a knee injury that hampered him in the early part of the season. When 100%, Wootton is a disruptive force on the line, setting the edge well against the run. Wootton isn’t a huge sack guy, but does apply consistent pressure to the QB.

Pros: Versatility, Strength, Agility
Cons: Injury History,
Verdict: 2nd Round

8. Jermaine Cunningham, Florida
(6-3/250)
Cunningham is built like a prototypical rush end that isn’t horrible against the run. His quickness/agility allows him to run at linemen from a variety of angles. He has had some injury/off-field issues, but those seem to be in the past.

Pros: Agility, Speed
Cons: Strength, Off-Field Issues
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round


2010 NFL Draft: DT Scouting Reports

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

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1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6-4/300)
Suh embarrassed linemen on a weekly basis during the college season — only being bested by Texas Tech’s Brandon Carter. His incredible balance and functional strength make him a nightmare to block one on one. Can disrupt both the run game and the passing game. Will fit best as a 4-3 DT.

Pros: Speed, Strength, Technique, Motor
Cons: None
Verdict: Top 3

2. Gerald McCoy (6-4/300)
McCoy is a near-equal for the talented Mr. Suh. He really has no holes in his game, while being able to disrupt offensive plays seemingly at will. Has a good repertoire of pass-rush moves. Will be a great 4-3 DT.

Pros: Speed, Strength, Technique, Motor
Cons: None
Verdict: Top 5

3. Dan Williams, Tennessee (6-2/325)
Able to win at the point of attack due to his sheer power, Williams hasn’t developed a good set of rush-moves. He is constantly doubled on run plays, but is still able to get in on tackles. Best suited for the 3-4 NT position, but could play 4-3 DT.

Pros: Size, Strength, Anchor
Cons: Moves, Motor
Verdict: 1st Round

4. Brian Price, UCLA (6-2/300)
Price is an enigma. He is absolutely dominant for stretches of a game, but then will disappear. Often times, he can out-quick an OL and disrupt the play, but if the blocker latches on, Price just goes along for the ride. He will have to up his ability to shed those blockers in the NFL. Could play either 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE.

Pros: Disruption, Quickness, Strength
Cons: Consistency, Shedding
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

5. Jared Odrick, Penn St. (6-4/295)
Probably will find he fits best as a 3-4 DE, but he will need to add a little bulk. The bulk will help him stand firm against the run, although his upright technique sometimes hurts him their too.

Pros: Motor, Speed, Disruption, Hands
Cons: Off-Field
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

6. Terrence Cody, Alabama (6-4/370)
Mount Cody is a huge man that will anchor well against the run and demand a double team. Probably only a two-down player, as Cody doesn’t generate much of a rush. Gets winded easily, and will need rotation. Best suited as a 3-4 NT.

Pros: Size, Anchor
Cons: Motor
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

7. Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6-4/295)
Though best suited as a 3-4 DE as he has trouble keeping his 295 pounds, Jones could also be an option for a 4-3 DT spot. Jones is a disciplined player that can firm up well against the run. He disrupts run plays on a consistent basis.

Pros: Strength, Disruption
Cons: Size, Injury History
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

8. Vince Oghobaase, Duke (6-5/305)
Vince is a big man that plays like he was 30 pounds lighter. He needs to improve his ability to shed blockers and make secondary plays. Could play as a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE.

Pros: Size, Agility
Cons: Shedding
Verdict: 3nd-4th Round

9. Tyson Alualu, California (6-2/295)
Alualu is a good fit for a 4-3 DE, but he could be used in sub-packages for a 3-4 team. Tyson just doesn’t quit on plays, and disrupts due to his sheer will. Has a good bull rush, but could use a better repertoire of moves.

Pros: Motor, Quickness
Cons: Length, Size
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round

10. Geno Atkins, Georgia (6-1/295)
Atkins is a player that has trouble wrapping up in the run game, although he does manage to put pressure on the QB consistently. Not tall enough for some scouts.

Pros: Pass-Rush, Quickness
Cons: Tackling, Size
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round


2010 NFL Draft: OT Scouting Reports

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

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1. Russel Okung, Oklahoma State (6-4/305)
This year’s can’t cant miss prospect at the left tackle, Okung is a bit undersized. He doesn’t let that hurt him, as his technique and strength more than make up for any bulk issues. Will anchor a team’s blindside for the next five years.

Pros: Strength, Technique
Cons: None
Verdict: Top 10

2. Bruce Campbell, Maryland (6-7/310)
An athletic freak, Campbell really doesn’t have any weaknesses. Teams will love his ability to make blocks downfield, and rarely lets a DE get the best of him.

Pros: Size, Strength, Feet, Technique
Cons: None
Verdict: 1st Round

3. Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (6-6/315)
After going through some thyroid issues, Bulaga took a game or two to regain his stride. His Orange Bowl performance against Derrick Morgan was dominating, showing he can run-block and protect with the best of them.

Pros: Size, Strength, Technique, Experience, Mobility
Cons: None
Verdict: 1st Round

4. Anthony Davis, Rutgers (6-6/325)
Davis is a beast in all aspects of the game, but his technique and balance fades as the game goes on. With some improved conditioning, Davis will be a pro-bowl caliber OT in the league.

Pros: Size, Strength, Initial Punch
Cons: Motor
Verdict: 1st Round

5. Charles Brown, USC (6-5/295)
Played with the best at USC, and can really block well on outside runs. Moves well, but will need to build and use his strength more at the next NFL.

Pros: Mobility, Speed
Cons: Strength, Balance
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

6. Trent Williams, Oklahoma (6-5/305)

A speedy guy that has trouble with close-quarters quickness, Williams is a guy were not as high on as most. Plays with leverage, but just doesn’t have the feel for the game that we want from a top-tier OT.

Pros: Speed, Strength
Cons: Quickness
Verdict: 1st-2nd Round

7. Ciron Black, LSU (6-5/327)
Black excelled at both run and pass blocking as a junior, but his play tailed off as a senior. His technique got sloppy, and the competitor we saw last year, wasn’t present. Good Senior Bowl.

Pros: Size, Motor
Cons: Technique
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

8. Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale (6-7/325)
Veldheer has been able to dominate on his athletic ability at Hillsdale College, but he does have the technique to hold up at the next level. He does get a bit upright in pass-protect (limited footage that we’ve seen), but we feel that he will get coached out of that sooner rather than later.

Pros: Size, Strength, Mobility
Cons: Experience, Weak Opponents
Verdict: 2nd-4th Round

9. Chris Marinelli, Stanford
Marinelli is a RT that will boost the run production of a line, with some expense to the pass-protection. His technique isn’t crisp, often letting ends get under his pads. Great against speedy, finesse ends, but susceptible to the bull-rush.

Pros: Run-Blocking, Strength
Cons: Bull-Rush
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round

10. Jason Fox, Miami (6-7/320)
Fox is great in pass-protection, rarely giving up a sack during his tenure at the U. Will need to use the strength he has with more efficiency in the run game.

Pros: Size, Experience
Cons: Strength
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round

11. Kyle Calloway, Iowa (6-7/315)
Calloway uses everything he has to the best of his ability, coming from the Kirk Ferentz o-line academy. His feet occasionally will get heavy though, and allow quick DE’s to get around him. Might be suited well for guard in the NFL.

Pros: Strength, Technique, Experience
Cons: Feet, Speed
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round


NFL Draft: Trade Value Chart

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

The NFL Draft Trade Value Chart can be used to determine whether NFL Draft trades are of equal value.



2010 Patriots Big Board

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Check out or 2011 NFL Draft Big Board.

The 2010 Patriots Big Board ranks the NFL Draft prospects that seem to fit the Patriots system, team needs, and have a realistic chance of being available at pick #22 or within reasonable trading distance.

Updated: 4/11/10

1. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama (Previous: 1)
3-Down backer that has the football IQ that Belichick desires. Great frame and athleticism compliment his amazing instincts. As true as a can’t miss prospect as you will see.

2. Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan (Previous: 2)
Graham hates to lose and works every down to make sure that his team is in a position to win. Great motor compliments his quick first step and impressive balance. Could play 3-4 OLB or a situational DE in the 4-3.

3. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/OLB, USF (Previous: 3)
Very raw hybrid prospect that has athleticism to spare. Will continue to improve by honing his technique and expanding his rush-move repertoire.

4. Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State (Previous: 4)
Odrick is a talented one-gap penetrator that could be coached up to play the 5-technique. Very quick first step and good functional strength.

5. Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas (Previous: Unranked)
Watch his junior tape, when Brian Orakpo was still around, and you wonder why he isn’t a top 10 pick. Watch his senior tape, sans Orakpo, and you wonder how he is a 1st rounder. Loads of talent.

6. Joe Haden, CB, Florida (Previous: 6)
Haden is an incredibly talented corner that will not make it to #22. His physical play, great instincts, solid coverage and ball skills would make it worth it to trade up for him, no matter if he runs a 4.4 or 4.5 forty.

7. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (Previous: 7)
We have concerns about Morgan ever being able to play 3-4 OLB, but his pass-rush skills are hard to ignore. Playing as a situational 4-3 DE or pure 3-4 rush end for a year would allow Morgan time to develop into a three-down 3-4 OLB.

8. Maurkice Pouncey, OL, Florida (Previous: 8)
Pouncey is a blocker that would give the Patriots lots of versatility in the interior line.  Pouncey could play either guard spot and center, which is a premium position in a 3-4 division.

9. Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU (Previous: Unranked)
Conversion prospect whose biggest issue is his lack of ideal size, being a couple of inches shorter (6-1) than the Patriots like. Violent tackler with a good first step in his pass-rush.

10. Carlos Dunlap, DE/OLB, Florida (Previous: 5)
Even with his off-field issues, Dunlap has a rare breed of athleticism, speed, and versatility. Dunlap compares well to Mario Williams and Julius Peppers in every area but motor and motivation. Did not interview well at the NFL Combine. It wouldn’t surprise me to have Dunlap in the top 3 players on the Patriots board, or to be off it completely.

Just Missed:
Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho


2010 NFL Draft: OG/C Scouting Reports

Monday, January 11th, 2010

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1. Mike Iupati, Idaho (6-6/330)
Iupati is an amazing athlete that can dominate the interior of the line of scrimmage. I haven’t seen this gifted of a guard in a while. He rarely loses at the point of attack, and is smart enough to read blitzes and stunts.

Pros: Run/Pass Blocking, Athleticism, Size, Footwork
Cons: Quick DT’s
Verdict: 1st Round

2. Vlad Ducasse, UMass (6-5/330)
Ducasse is an OG that could end up playing RT as well in the NFL. He hasn’t played a ton of top-level football, so he will have some catching up to do.

Pros: Size, Initial Punch, Versatility
Cons: Inexperience, Weak Opponents
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

3. Mike Johnson, Alabama (6-5/305)
Johnson has held up well at multiple positions against the best college defenders. He is a great run blocker, but his lateral movement hampers him at times in pass protection.

Pros: Initial Punch, Run Blocking, Versatility
Cons: Pass Blocking, Feet
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

4. Jon Asamoah, Illinois (6-5/315)
It is tough to get a good read on Asamoah, as the rest of his Illini line was just putrid. Taken in isolation, Asamoah shows that he has the skills to be a pro-bowl caliber guard if he continues his development. We look forward to seeing him in the Senior Bowl, to see what he does with some competent linemates.

Pros: Speed, Feet, Initial Punch, Pass/Run Blocking
Cons: Weak Supporting Cast
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

5. Matt Tennant, Boston College (6-4/285)
Tennant is the best Senior center, showing that he can excel on a passing team with Matt Ryan, and a running team without Ryan.

Pros: Instincts, Line Calls
Cons: Initial Punch
Verdict: 2nd-3rd Round

6. Roger Saffold, Indiana
Coming Soon!

7. Mitch Petrus, Arkansas (6-4/305)
Petrus had the pleasure of blocking for Felix Jones, Darren McFadden, and now Ryan Mallet. He has great feet and mobility and solid hands, although sometimes he can lose his balance on stunts and blitzes, negating his strength advantage.

Pros: Mobility, Feet
Cons: Technique
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round

8. Brandon Carter, Texas Tech (6-6/345)
Carter is the slightly insane looking guy that shut down Ndamukong Suh. He is a real big, strong guy, whose technique could use a little polish.

Pros: Size, Strength
Cons: Technique, System Experience
Verdict: 3rd-4th Round


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