2014 NFL Draft chatter/rumors/news

[Honoring Earl 34]

http://blogs.ourlads.com/2014/03/03/offensive-thoughts-post-combine/

 

[Number19]

O'Brien at Pitt watching QB Tom Savage

...

Kind of wondering why OB would be in Pittsburg scouting a QB expected to be a very late round selection, if not a FA. But Pittsburg is not that far from the Buffalo Bulls pro day tomorrow. Crennel should be there also.

 

[beerlover]

Kind of wondering why OB would be in Pittsburg scouting a QB expected to be a very late round selection, if not a FA. But Pittsburg is not that far from the Buffalo Bulls pro day tomorrow. Crennel should be there also.

Bortles > Mathews > Savage

all three fit what OB is looking to develop.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Bortles > Mathews > Savage

all three fit what OB is looking to develop.

Which is?

What has OB himself actually said?

Smart?

 

[mussop]

Donald is an insanely explosive gap penetrator off the snap. He excels in one-on-one situations because he's quicker than the guy across from him and strong enough to disengage. He gets upfield fast and makes plays. You're talking about taking him out of those kind of situations (that he excels in) and putting him in situations where he has no experience. Playing OLB? Playing ILB? The biggest flaw in his game is his weakness against double teams and he's going to be a 3-4 DE? Running a fast 40 or doing a bunch of bench reps doesn't suddenly make him capable of playing certain positions.

You don't take a guy with an explosive first step and inside penetrating ability and move him off the ball or to the edge. You like the guy and want him on the Texans. No issue with that, I love the guy. But he doesn't fit with the presumed defense RC is going to run. You're trying to square peg him into the system because you like him. This is the same kind of thing that ruined Glenn Dorsey's career.

You can find ways to implement a guy like him into your scheme, but not at the cost of a 1st-2nd round pick. Do you really want to use a high pick on a sub-package and situation specific player or do you want to use it on an every down starter?

This is a scouting report on Hali.

Positives: Has a relentless motor and explosive quickness in pursuit … Shows good leg drive and lower body strength to plant, drive and redirect with no loss of acceleration … Has a sudden burst into the backfield and can slip off an offensive tackle's outside shoulder with his quickness off the edge … Shows the valid speed to pursue ballcarriers into the second level … Stays low in his pads to slip past some trash … All-out hustler who plays until the whistle … Solid wrap-up tackler who takes good angles in pursuit and uses his hands well to lock on, drag down and make the hit … Has a good understanding of blocking schemes and is an explosive hitter when he beats a block … Has the long arms needed to reach out, lock on and get a piece of the ballcarriers when chasing along the perimeter.

Negatives: Lacks ideal size and his frame is at maximum growth potential … Does not have the upper body strength to stack and control … Size issues come into play when working in-line, as bigger blockers simply engulf him and when trying to shoot the inside gaps, he can be ridden out by a strong lead block (see 2005 South Florida and Cincinnati games) … Gets into the backfield quickly, but sometimes over-pursues the play due to his reckless abandon (needs to play with better control) … Beats the blocker around the edge, but has to be more active with his hands to combat counter moves and double teams … Relies more on his burst and quickness to get to the quarterback, failing to use an array of pass rush moves (effective rip, but struggles with club moves and rarely uses a swim) … Does not have the loose hips or pass drop agility to possibly make a move to linebacker.

Hali lacks ideal size and is close to maximum growth potential on his frame. However, he has good lower body muscle definition to generate a strong base and a big bubble. He does not have good upper body muscle tone and has to rely on his outstanding initial burst and explosion to defeat blockers coming off the edge rather than generate a power charge. His best asset is his pursuit speed and agility. He shows good balance on the move and is very active with his hands to combat low blocks at his legs.

Hali is a disruptive force in the backfield. He has the ability to explode past blockers when he stays low in his pads and comes off the snap with good urgency. He has good instincts and awareness to locate the ball and knows where the quarterback is. He flows to the ball well in backside pursuit and has the sustained speed to attack ballcarriers along the perimeter.

He is better vs. the pass than the run, as he sometimes generates poor hand placement, which lets blockers get into his chest to lock on. He has a good change of direction burst from the outside, but gets washed out by the bigger linemen when trying to get through inside trash, thus the move from tackle to end two years ago. Still, he is very competitive and rarely will you ever see him shut down on a play, even when beaten.

His lack of size causes him problems trying to play off double teams, but he has the flexibility to escape with his lateral moves. With his long arm length, he needs to do a better job of protecting his upper body from getting stymied on initial contact, but he lacks the strength to be effective winning battles vs. the larger offensive tackles.

Hali is best when given room to roam. He has an excellent closing burst and the redirection skills to make plays working down the line. He shows very good acceleration when dropping off to level two and showed in 2005 that he greatly improved his pass rush burst and rip-and-swim moves. He is an all-out hustler who can make plays in space on a consistent basis. He gets a quick push off the snap and while he certainly needs to shed better, he comes off the edge with good urgency.

In the past, Hali would burst into the backfield and get too reckless in his pursuit, getting taken out of the play. He showed better angles shooting the gaps as a senior, but his size and lack of upper body strength still make him a liability working around the pile. When he moves inside as a situational pass rusher, offensive tackles are quick to engulf him.

His all-out hustle will make him a very effective edge rusher, but only if given a free lane to the quarterback. Considering that offensive linemen are bigger, stronger and more physical at the pro level, a team will have to strongly consider if Hali is worth using a first-round draft pick on. He might be best served playing in obvious passing situations only. With little room for additional growth on his frame, "what you see, is what you get" here.

Tell me that doesn't sound like they are describing Donald. Minus a few of the negatives.

Here is what Roc did with Hali in KC.

Summary: When Romeo Crennel took over the defense in Kansas City, he wisely schemed Hali to match up against the open side where he exceled at Penn State, and it led to a surge in production that has carried into his sixth season. What he lacks in speed he compensates for with his relentless pursuit and effort. A versatile performer, Hali moved from defensive tackle to end in college and proved he could transition to OLB in the Chiefs' new defense, traits that endeared him to a new regime and led to a whopping extension in the offseason.

Now tell me what Hali had coming out that Donald doesn't. Donald is faster and uses his hands better and is stronger. He had better numbers in every single event they did at the combine. I think Crennel would use him exactly like he did Hali in KC. I know it won't happen but I have no doubt Donald could do it and do it well.

 

[beerlover]

quick cut to the chase - from a source bout close as I can find to OB both in New England & Penn State.

http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/03/nfl_draft_2014_blake_bortles_i.html

1. Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida: Of all the quality attributes Bortles has — size, athleticism, arm strength — familiarity is his biggest asset to the Texans. O’Brien’s mentor, George O’Leary, tutored Bortles at UCF, and together they soundly beat O'Brien's Penn State team last season. Bortles’ flaws are largely correctable, which fit right in with O’Brien’s strengths as a coach. Bortles has Pro Bowl potential with that kind of tutelage.

guess this would count as chatter/rumors/news

damn you Texain.

anyway Bortles is currently graded as #5 prospect overall & 2nd QB after Bridgewater according to NFLDRAFTSCOUT. 6-5 232

actaully I see that he has Savage graded just ahead of Mathews, 13th & 16th QB's respectively, so should have reversed the arrows. Savage is 6-4 228 Mathews 6-4 223. Both posses the frame, intelligence & arm OB likes. Just saying those last two may go sooner than expected & that the Texans will be the ones pulling the trigger. As for Bortles, Smith has to prove his mettle & maximize the #1 overall selection value, so I'm thinking a trade down with Cleveland, Oakland or Atlanta may be in the offing.

 

[infantrycak]

Both posses the frame, intelligence & arm OB likes.

If OB likes arm strength I am not sure why Bortles would be high on his list, although I guess he could figure it is fixable.

 

[aussie_texan]

so the texans have met with bortles, mettenberger, savage and now a rumour comes out about us looking at brock osweiler. all are above 6.5 interesting???

 

[thunderkyss]

This is a scouting report on Hali.

Positives: Has a relentless motor and explosive quickness in pursuit … Shows good leg drive and lower body strength to plant, drive and redirect with no loss of acceleration … Has a sudden burst into the backfield and can slip off an offensive tackle's outside shoulder with his quickness off the edge … Shows the valid speed to pursue ballcarriers into the second level … Stays low in his pads to slip past some trash … All-out hustler who plays until the whistle … Solid wrap-up tackler who takes good angles in pursuit and uses his hands well to lock on, drag down and make the hit … Has a good understanding of blocking schemes and is an explosive hitter when he beats a block … Has the long arms needed to reach out, lock on and get a piece of the ballcarriers when chasing along the perimeter.

Negatives: Lacks ideal size and his frame is at maximum growth potential … Does not have the upper body strength to stack and control …

Tell me that doesn't sound like they are describing Donald. Minus a few of the negatives.

Biggest difference to me is that Donald is an inside player. I think there should be some drop off when you're taking a DE & converting him to OLB, even if he'll be primarily rushing the QB.

There should definitely be a hit when converting a guy from DT to OLB.

 

[Number19]

Bortles > Mathews > Savage

all three fit what OB is looking to develop.

We are not going to get any solid information from the Texans as to what their draft strategy will be. All we have are clues. Scouting prospects expected to go that deep, likely a third day pick, shows that the organization definately is considering options other than a QB at 1-1. But beyond this, which is not unexpected, is the clue that we may not take QB until the third day.

 

[Playoffs]

[IMGwidthsize=450]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bh5yxKsCIAA3hSx.jpg[/IMG]
Scouts getting together to coordinate official times

Knox Bardeen ‏@knoxbardeen

Dee Ford has not looked good in passing drills. Looked lost covering seam route twice. Didn't turn his hips well or catch the ball

Brad Biggs ‏@BradBiggs

#49ers and #Texans both put Eastern Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo through private workout already today at NU

Mike Loyko ‏@NEPD_Loyko

According to Auburn Officials Dee Ford ran a 4.59 in the 40 today... improves to a 4.53 40 on his 2nd run

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline

Early word from Auburn: Chris Davis/CB-RS 40.5 inch vertical & Dee Ford 29 reps on bench...Told former Auburn DB Demetruce McNeal working out

Jeff Reynolds ‏@ReynoldsJD

Jim Harbaugh and Bill O'Brien are together today -- well, in the same place. Where? Northwestern, but star attraction is Jimmy Garopollo

Jeff Reynolds ‏@ReynoldsJD

Dee Ford weighed in at 244 pounds Tuesday at Auburn's pro day. Clearly pushing for OLB designation.

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris

Robinson 5 lbs lighter. RT @wareagleextra: A few measurements/weights:
Tre Mason: 5-8 and a half, 205
Greg Robinson: 6-5, 327

Rob Rang ‏@RobRang

Buffalo's Khalil Mack ran 4.55 today for approx 20 teams. Browns' Pettine, Raiders' McKenzie, Bills' Whaley among them http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24467537/pro-days-buffalos-mack-runs-453-455 …

Ryan McCrystal ‏@Ryan_McCrystal

Surface/Wind may seem like a minor influence but when we're talking the difference between 4.50 and 4.45, it plays a huge role.

Many schools have players run on surfaces that tend to time faster than in Indy. Some also run outdoors w/ the wind.

As we enter Pro Day season, remember to take all 40 times with a giant grain of salt. Not all running surfaces/conditions created equal.

Another sleeper working out today: Isaiah Crowell @ Alabama State.. former top RB recruit at UGA, kicked out after felony weapons charges

Notable players working out today: Khalil Mack (Buffalo), Jimmy Garoppolo (@ Northwestern's Pro Day), Greg Robinson, T.Mason & Dee Ford (Auburn)

Today's Pro Days: Alabama State, Auburn, Buffalo, Eastern Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, Slippery Rock, SMU

 

[Playoffs]

Six Plays That Make Me A Fan Of WR Odell Beckham’s Game

2014 NFL Draft: Hageman, Moncrief And Savage Lead Pro Day Circuit's Day One

Horrific knee injury didn't ruin Henry Josey's career-it made him better than ever



.

 

[thunderkyss]

Rob Rang ‏@RobRang

Ryan McCrystal ‏@Ryan_McCrystal

Jimmy Garoppolo (@ Northwestern's Pro Day)

Northwestern?? odd.

 

[beerlover]

If OB likes arm strength I am not sure why Bortles would be high on his list, although I guess he could figure it is fixable.

What was Tom Brady velocity coming out of College compared to Blake Bortles?

PRO DAYS
Aaron Donald validates dominant combine workout
Gil Brandt
By Gil Brandt |
Published: March 3rd, 2014 | Tags: Aaron Donald, Devin Street, Pittsburgh, Tom Savage

Representatives from 30 NFL teams — including new Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien, as well as Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur — gathered at Pittsburgh’s pro day on March 3, where 10 players worked out indoors on FieldTurf.

Fast-rising 2014 NFL Draft prospect Aaron Donald (6-foot-1, 287 pounds) stood on his impressive numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, had 35 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, registered a 32-inch vertical jump and 116-inch broad jump, and drew rave reviews for his performance.

Donald only went through field drills and looked very good, showing fluid movement and substantiating the performance he displayed at the combine.

There were two other players from Pitt at the combine, and here is how their pro days transpired:

Tom Savage, QB (6-4, 225) — Savage stood on his numbers from the combine, and only threw at the pro day. Savage displayed velocity on his throws, which were all to receiver Devin Street

 

[infantrycak]

What was Tom Brady velocity coming out of College compared to Blake Bortles?

[/B]

Don't know and don't care much. I always thought the arm knock on Schaub was overplayed, but right now Bortles is closer to Schaub than to Mallett/Flacco. As I said, he may be able to improve it like Brady did.

 

[DX-TEX]

Northwestern?? odd.

Eastern Illinois doesn't have a pro day. Not exactly a hot bed for potential NFL prospects

 

[Playoffs]

To finish up from yesterday, I’m told Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage was very impressive throwing the ball, connecting on most of the 100+ passes he tossed. As I posted on twitter, Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien requested Savage throw a few specific sprint out passes at the end of the workout. I’m told to date Savage has six private workouts on his schedule.

http://walterfootball.com/proday.php

2014 NFL Draft: Texans, 49ers work out Garoppolo

Mike Loyko ‏@NEPD_Loyko

Pro day times are more important for players haven't posted a number yet or ones that I think had something go wrong with their combine #'s

The next time a prospect runs a slower 40 time at their pro day than the Combine will be the first. I'll note it, but many variables

Michael Schottey ‏@Schottey

Numerous media outlets at the Auburn pro day are pointing out Colts obvious interest in Tre Mason’s workout.

 

[Texian]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24458767/nfl-draft-pro-day-schedule

 

[aussie_texan]

.

Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida (COM)
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (COM)
Dee Ford, DL, Auburn (COM)
Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota (SR)
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (COM)
Jack Mewhort, OL, Ohio State (SR)
Stephen Morris, QB, Miami (SR)
Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (COM)
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana (SR)

Updated list of player meetings. bolded are new entrants

Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida (COM)
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (COM)
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (COM)
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (COM)
Dee Ford, DL, Auburn (COM)
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois (PRO)
Demetri Goodson, DB, Baylor (COM)
Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota (SR)
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M (COM)
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (COM)
Jack Mewhort, OL, Ohio State (SR)
Stephen Morris, QB, Miami (SR)
Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (COM)
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana (SR)

SR - Senior bowl
COM - combine
PRO - Pro day

 

[mussop]

Updated list of player meetings. bolded are new entrants

Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida (COM)
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (COM)
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (COM)
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (COM)
Dee Ford, DL, Auburn (COM)
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois (PRO)
Demetri Goodson, DB, Baylor (COM)
Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota (SR)
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M (COM)
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (COM)
Jack Mewhort, OL, Ohio State (SR)
Stephen Morris, QB, Miami (SR)
Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (COM)
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana (SR)

SR - Senior bowl
COM - combine
PRO - Pro day

Don't see Clowney on there. Hmmm.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

What was Tom Brady velocity coming out of College compared to Blake Bortles?

[/B]

Can't tell you coming out of college, but in April 2009, this amazing video was generated:

ESPN’s “Sport Science” feature [VIDEO] uncovered the football throwing speed of one leading quarterback when it tested New Orleans Saint Drew Brees against an Olympic archer to see which could more accurately hit the bull’s eye on an archery target. In the process of hitting the bull’s eye on each of his first 12 tries, Brees threw at 52 mph. The ball had a launch angle of 6 degrees and spun at 600 rpm. Aerodynamic forces kept the nose of the ball moving right on target, with the ball displaying the optimal and necessary three small wobbles for five spins of the ball. Brees creates speed on the ball by what he calls the “kinetic chain”: power that rises from his feet to his hips, shoulder and finally throwing arm. Brees demonstrated how the index finger comes off the ball last, giving it its final push.

 

[infantrycak]

Can't tell you coming out of college, but in April 2009, this amazing video was generated:

Drew's throwing is impressive but they shouldn't have mucked it up with a fake archery comparison. Olympic archery is shot at 86.4 yds not 20.

 

[Playoffs]

Big day for Pro Days today...

Arkansas
Central Michigan
Fordham
Miami OHIO
Mississippi State
New Mexico State
Northern Arizona
Texas A&M
Wisconsin

A total of 20 NFL teams gathered in Madison, Wis. to see 10 Badgers prospects work out indoors on FieldTurf. A defensive backs coach from the Philadelphia Eagles and a linebackers coach from the Baltimore Ravens were on hand for the workout.

Borland, LB (247 pounds) - Borland ran the 40-yard dash in 4.84 and 4.87 seconds. He had a 35-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. He moved really well in the positional drills, a lot better than his times would indicate. He displayed really good anticipation, which was a hallmark of his college career. Borland will be a very interesting player in terms of where he’ll get selected in the draft.

Abbrederis, WR (he didn’t get measured or weighed) - Abbrederis...worked out great, having a pro day that was classified as “great.” One of the Oakland Raiders scouts on hand for the pro day threw passes to Abbrederis, who ran good routes, displayed good speed and caught the ball well.

James White, RB (206) - White...caught the ball well, but otherwise had the sort of workout that would indicate he’s more of a backup than a starter at the NFL level.

Ryan Groy, G (320) - Groy... had a good workout in the line drills.

Jacob Pedersen, TE (238) - Pedersen ran the 40 in 4.87 and 4.89 seconds. He also caught the ball well from the Raiders scout on hand to play quarterback in the passing drills.

Dezmen Southward, FS (6-foot-0 7/8, 212) - Southward... ran the 40 in 4.41 and 4.38 seconds... He had a 42-inch vertical jump and a 10-4 broad jump... had a 4.41-second short shuttle, a 11.50 60-yard long shuttle, and three-cone drill in 6.73 and 6.50 seconds.

2014 Pro Days: Jake Matthews draws crowd at Texas A&M workout

Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein

Jake Matthews is just incredibly fluid in all of his movement and change of direction drills. Rams OL coach (Boudreau) working him out.

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris

Per Gil, TB, CAR and MIN are the three. RT @Rotoworld_Draft: Billy Turner has three team visits scheduled

 

[Playoffs]

Bryan Broaddus on Bridgewater/Ealy/Kelvin Benjamin

One of the questions I keep getting asked is not so much about the best players, but guys with some red flags or concerns.

As I work my way through these players for the upcoming NFL Draft, there are always several highly thought of prospects that if I were running a draft for a club that I would not consider for one reason or another...

 

[TexansFTW]

Bryan Broaddus on Bridgewater/Ealy/Kelvin Benjamin

He was never going to like anyone not named Blake Bortles or Zach Mettenberger no matter what they did on the field in 2013.

 

[Playoffs]

The Alabama team doctor says OT Cyrus Kouandjio's surgically-repaired knee "shouldn't affect his ability to play in the NFL in the short term."

Leaving the door open for longevity concerns, of course. Kouandjio was diagnosed with an arthritic knee stemming from a "failed" college surgery, and several teams failed him on Combine medical exams. Kouandjio tore his ACL and MCL as a freshman and has minor cartilage wear in the knee. Once a projected top-20 pick, the 6-foot-7 tackle ran the slowest forty at the Combine (5.59) and is likely staring at a major draft-day slide. Mar 5 - 2:31 PM
Source: NFL.com

Ummm...

 

[thunderkyss]

The Alabama team doctor says OT Cyrus Kouandjio's surgically-repaired knee "shouldn't affect his ability to play in the NFL in the short term."


Ummm...

Robinson is looking much better @ 1-1

 

[Playoffs]

Clemson Pro Day LIVE here: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id/1750644/Clemson-Pro-Day

Stevie #^&*&%#%#ing Football with Sammy Watkins

Pro Day list for Thursday: Clemson, Nebraska, Cincinnati, TCU, Illinois, Arizona, Alcorn State, Furman, Jackson State

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline

Scouts raving about Sammy Watkins pro-day...one claiming "best pro-day workout I've ever seen from a receiver": http://walterfootball.com/proday.php

Matt Miller ‏@nfldraftscout

Despite needing shoulder surgery, TCU's Jason Verrett did 19 reps of 225 today. Matches how physical he plays on film.

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris

Bashaud Breeland's unofficial forty time at Clemson's pro day was 4.55.

 

[thunderkyss]

2014 NFL.com Draft grades.

1. 7.5 JaDeveon Clowney
2. 7.0 Sammy Watkins
3. 6.7 Greg Robinson
4. 6.7 Khalil Mack
5. 6.7 Jake Matthews
6. 6.6 Anthony Barr
7. 6.5 Cj Mosley
8. 6.4 Eric Ebron
9. 6.4 Kelvin Benjamin
10. 6.4 Blake Bortles
11. 6.3 Justin Gilbert
12. 6.3 Teddy Bridgewater

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Pretty impressive numbers.

Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine because of a tweaked hamstring. At his Friday Pro Day, he tweaked it again at the end of the run.

And yet he still covered the 120 feet in 4.36 seconds. Unofficially.

Yes, a linebacker ran the 40 in 4.37 seconds. And he weighed 237 pounds, more than the scouts expected.

“I feel like I can gain 10 more pounds if I had to,” Shazier said, via Cleveland.com. “I feel good right now.”

At the Scouting Combine, Shazier also sprang 42 inches in the vertical jump, more than anyone.

link

 

[_King_]

Now that's an athletic mofo.

There's some talent in this draft for sure. Lot-o-freaks.

 

[Playoffs]

Now that's an athletic mofo.

There's some talent in this draft for sure. Lot-o-freaks.

[IMGwidthsize=600]http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/shazier.jpg[/IMG]

 

[steelbtexan]

He was never going to like anyone not named Blake Bortles or Zach Mettenberger no matter what they did on the field in 2013.

Just like your not going to like another QB not named Bridgewater.

You must not read many other posts. Broaddus top QB is Brett Smith. I can understand how this can happen with all of your Bridgewater mental masturbation.

 

[Playoffs]

Ryan Mallett threw at Arkansas' Pro Day


Chris Mortensen ‏@mortreport

A handful of evaluators have greater confidence re: Buffalo LB Khalil Mack than Jadeveon Clowney. Mack's skills, consistency & versatility

* Blake Bortles' stock has taken as wild of a swing as I've ever seen in a three-week span. Heading into the combine, Bortles was largely touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick.

Now? Team scouts aren't as in love with him after seeing him in person. Bortles could still go first overall, but that is based more on need than talent.

* The league-wide reaction to Khalil Mack's pro day was expected, but still impressive. One team scout I spoke with following Mack's 4.55-second 40-yard dash said he doesn't expect the attacking University of Buffalo edge-defender to make it out of the top five picks.

* Everyone loves sleeper quarterbacks, and one name to keep in mind is Tom Savage from Pitt. With 30 NFL teams represented at the team's pro day (many to see defensive tackle Aaron Donald), Savage wowed teams with his big arm and footwork. A late-to-middle-round project at the position, Savage's stock is on the rise.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1983364-2014-nfl-draft-matt-millers-scouting-notebook


Purdue offensive tackle Kevin Pamphile is generating buzz as an ascending draft prospect

The athletic 6-foot-4 1/2, 311-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.92 and 4.94 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.69 seconds. He had a 32-inch vertical leap and a 9-foot broad jump, also bench pressing 225 pounds 25 times.

According to one NFL scout that attended the workout, Pampile "looked very athletic and fluid in his movement skill and positional work. He had a great day and really helped himself."

Pampile has several upcoming private workouts scheduedl.

Among the teams displaying interest in Pampile: the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars.

 

[TexansFTW]

Broaddus top QB is Brett Smith.

Even worse.

I said before I'd get behind Blake Bortles, but I'd be incredibly disappointed with passing on TB.

 

[Playoffs]

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris

Ran an "official" 4.66 at the Combine RT @EdwardLewisBSR: #UCLA LB Anthony Barr ran a 4.45 40 out here at the Pro Day today.

Can you say fast surface, itchy trigger finger???

Yawin Smallwood did not run but participated in position drills. Smallwood, whom I'm told has been struggling with a bad hamstring for more than a month, ran just one forty at the combine, timing an official 5.01s electronically and a hand-timed best of 4.99s.

Jordan Zumwalt posted a 4.61,

Max Bullough checked in at 245 at his Pro Day, posting a 4.69 forty-time

 

[_King_]

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris
Can you say fast surface, itchy trigger finger???


...

That's why I don't really even pay attention to pro day 40's or if a guy was injured or didn't participate at the combine I'll add time to their pro day 40.

Not that the 40 is the b.a.e.a, but it's still a nice tool to use..

 

[Playoffs]

On the Clock: Q&A with former Texas A&M WR Mike Evans

You vs. Richard Sherman ... who wins that battle?

ME: ...I'm going to pick myself (in that matchup). I look forward to that day...

 

[Playoffs]

A few scouts on hand for Alabama's Pro Day

March 12 Pro Days: Alabama, Boston College, Colorado, Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Marshall, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rutgers, South Dakota, USC


P. Schrager ‏@PSchrags

I just asked Saban about Cyrus K's medical reports at combine. Saban is adamant that he's spoken to NFL several teams. Not one failed him.

 

[Playoffs]

2014 NFL Draft: Highlighting Prospects Who Aren't Getting Enough Hype

...highly skilled prospects seem to slip through the cracks as media and NFL personnel alike try to peg the best of the bunch.

Some prospects become household names before they even strap on an NFL helmet. Other guys manage highly successful collegiate careers, yet somehow seem to be lost in the shuffle.

It’s hard to say why certain guys get a first-class seat while others are left behind on the annual hype train headed straight for Radio City Music Hall.

Whatever the case may be, this list is a tribute to a few of those who were left scratching their head back at the train station while other names are quickly infused into our daily vernacular.

You may not be completely familiar with these prospects now, but before the sun sets on their careers years from now, you most likely will be...

 

[bah007]

2014 NFL Draft: Highlighting Prospects Who Aren't Getting Enough Hype

Shaquil Barrett will be a steal for somebody in the 6th or 7th round. I'd move him inside and put him next to Cushing. He could really do some damage from inside.

 

[Playoffs]

March 13: Emporia State, Idaho, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Samford, UNLV, Washington State, Western Michigan


Welker/Edelman potential replacement...

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline

New England Patriots presently working out Robert Herron 1-on-1 at Wyoming pro-day...

 

[Playoffs]

Shaquil Barrett will be a steal for somebody in the 6th or 7th round. I'd move him inside and put him next to Cushing. He could really do some damage from inside.

Shaquil Barrett, OLB (6-1 3/8, 251) - Barrett - the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year for 2013 - ran the 40 in 4.78, 4.74 and 4.73 seconds. He had a 29-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-5 broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.42 seconds and the three-cone in 6.90 seconds. He performed 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

 

[TexansFTW]

Shaquil Barrett, OLB (6-1 3/8, 251) — Barrett — the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year for 2013 — ran the 40 in 4.78, 4.74 and 4.73 seconds. He had a 29-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-5 broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.42 seconds and the three-cone in 6.90 seconds. He performed 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

His numbers seem pretty sorry to me. Pretty weak too for a Linebacker. All good though, if you're a gamer, you're a gamer and if Bah007 thinks there is a chance he can contribute late I definitely won't dismiss him.

Gonna need to get quicker and stronger though if he wants to compete on STs until he's ready to be molded into an NFL LB.

 

[bah007]

His numbers seem pretty sorry to me. Pretty weak too for a Linebacker. All good though, if you're a gamer, you're a gamer and if Bah007 thinks there is a chance he can contribute late I definitely won't dismiss him.

Gonna need to get quicker and stronger though if he wants to compete on STs until he's ready to be molded into an NFL LB.

He's not a fantastic athlete, which is why I think he would be better served to move inside in the NFL. I don't think he's an edge rusher. But he's a football player. Some guys just have it when the pads are on. I don't think he'll ever be an All Pro or anything. But he'll give you more than you expect from a 6th/7th rounder.

When I watched Colorado St to check out Bibbs, this kid just jumped out on every single defensive series.

 

[badboy]

I had mocked Tom Savage in 7th but he may slide to UDFA. Big boy with some skills & IIRC changed schools twice but once was new coach changed to different O style.

 

[WolverineFan]

I had mocked Tom Savage in 7th but he may slide to UDFA. Big boy with some skills & IIRC changed schools twice but once was new coach changed to different O style.

Savage has impressed some people. Wouldn't be shocked if someone took a shot at him in the 5th or 6th round.

 

[beerlover]

Savage has impressed some people. Wouldn't be shocked if someone took a shot at him in the 5th or 6th round.

If he is truely franchise material that just needs developled he could easily go higher than that just look how far Bortles has climbed :kubepalm:

 

[Playoffs]

But he's a football player. Some guys just have it when the pads are on.

That's what I see. Nose for the ball, read/react, good tackler... quicker in pads than his times indicate, plays to the whistle. Nick pick up, 00.

 

[Playoffs]

The Notebook: Timmy Jernigan has the power

The Florida State defensive tackle powered through college football, but it'll take more than muscle to make it at the next level. Retired NFL defensive end Stephen White takes a closer look at Jernigan's future in the pros...