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Below are the notes and measurements from the scouting combine. I am also including my personal take on the note supplied from the combine. I have watched every game these young men have played in since joining the WVU team and agree or disagree with some of the assessments. I will also say how if at all they could help out the Steelers. Hope someone finds it helpful.
Devine, Noel: RB, 5-08, 179 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Devine can be a human highlight film, but his diminutive stature may limit his ability to make an impact at the next level. Quicker than fast, he is always at full speed and has plenty of wiggle to make defenders miss in the open field. He is also an asset in the passing game with reliable hands and terrific short area quickness. His size will prevent him from being a load back at the next level, however, given the success of smaller backs like the Patriots' Danny Woodhead, he could be an effective change-of-pace back. Overall, Devine will likely be a Day 2 selection unless teams are scared off by his difficult past.
Strengths
Devine is an electric back capable of going the distance on every carry. Displays very good vision and patience, finds running lanes quickly, and reaches top speed in an instant. Possesses reliable hands and is a nightmare to tackle in the open field due to excellent change of direction skills.
Weakness
Does not have the size to be an every-down running back in the NFL. Lacks the lower body strength to battle for tough yards up the middle and will not break many tackles at the next level. Stumbles frequently because he runs with an exaggerated forward lean. Has character concerns.
My Take
Noel has shown zero signs of any character concerns since becoming a Mountaineer. He had a troubled past in high school due to both of his parents dying from aids when he was young. He bounced from family member to family living where he could. He overcame adversity that no one should ever have to face.
Noel will not be an every down back at the next level. He carried the team this year and was paid for it with injuries. Toe and ankle injuries plagued him starting in the LSU game and continuing the rest of the season. He has amazing change of direction. Some moves that reminded me of Barry Sanders. That is a strong comparison, but put on tape from the WVU Maryland game from his freshman year. Amazing! Good hand out of the backfield. He would be a good mid round selection for a team that has a good running back in play but needs a 3rd down back. He is so so in the blitz pickup. Could use some development in that area.
I would take him as a replacement if we let Moore walk.
Hogan, Brandon: DB, 5-10, 189 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Hogan is a talented, but troubled cornerback with multiple run-ins with the law in the past year. On the football field, Hogan has excellent vision in zone coverage and could be an asset as an extra cornerback in nickel and dime situations at the next level. He is also fearless in run support and is a sound tackler. Despite having a nose for the football, Hogan struggles to track the ball in the air and has less than adequate hands. His poor ball skills will be exposed by bigger stronger wide receivers in man coverage. Overall, Hogan is a mid-round talent, but he may slip due to character concerns.
Strengths
Hogan is a quick footed corner with adequate size. Maintains good position in zone coverage and shows a knack for finding the ball. Fiery player that diagnoses fast, fills quickly and looks to deliver a good pop in run support. Very good tackler that consistently wraps up the ball carrier.
Weakness
Does not possess the top end speed necessary to recover once he is beat. Lacks the ball skills necessary to be a playmaker at the next level. Loses momentum in transition and can be a liability in man coverage. Struggles to disengage from blockers in run support. Has major character concerns.
My Take
Agree with everything that has been stated and have some additional things to add not listed. Missed the bowl game 3 years ago against UNC for "undisclosed health reason". It never did come out why he missed the game. The next year he was arrested for DUI and suspended from the team. This year he was arrested again for DUI and suspended again for one game. The boy has a drinking problem at WVU. Imagine that. Drinking is one thing. But getting behind the steering wheel while drunk is completely moronic. I can say the first one was a mistake but twice is just idiotic. Issues with judgment.
Character concerns aside he was the second best corner on the team this year. 3 INT 37 tackles. His tackles were down this year but you can argue why that is. Number 1 team against the run could mean there wasn't a lot of RBs making it to the second level this year. He is strong in run support and a good zone corner. Man coverage isn't his strong point. He will get beat deep due to a lack of elite speed. Factor in that he tore his ACL in the last regular season game and did not participate in the bowl game due to the injury I would pass on him. Word is he would have been academically ineligible for the bowl game this year if he wasn't injured. Character concerns and injuries should be an easy pass for the steelers. He will be a Nickle or Dime at the next level. We need an elite CB.
Neild, Chris: NT, 6-02, 319 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Neild is a run-stopping defensive tackle who could contribute in a defensive line rotation at the next level. He is stout with a strong lower half and is very difficult to move out of running lanes. He also has very active hands to keep blockers from getting inside and flashes the lateral range to make plays outside of the tackle box. However, he lacks explosion off the line and is very raw as a pass rusher. Neild possesses natural leverage and is an asset against the run and he will likely be a middle round pick.
Strengths
Neild is tall enough with a thick lower half. Plays with good leverage and clogs up running lanes. Delivers a powerful initial punch and possesses very heavy active hands to shed blocks. Flashes a powerful bull rush. High effort kid that fights to the whistle and finishes plays.
Weakness
Not the quickest kid off the ball and poor foot speed prevents him from making plays in the backfield. Will not be able to play nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Lacks a repertoire of pass rushing counter moves and does not have a closing burst to get after the quarterback. Will not make tackles in space.
My Take
Nield anchored our run D for a couple years. We had the number 1 run stuff D this year and were top 5 scoring D. We gave up 23 points this year in our Bowl game. The most we gave up all season. He doesn't have the moves to be an elite DT but he is a run stuffing fool and has played in a 3-3 or 3-4 his whole college career. He is a true NT that will fit our system. He would be a good replacement for Hoke if he isn't retained in the offseason. Mid round selection that I would take in a heartbeat. Kid is tough nosed and a hard worker.
Sanders, Jock: WR, 5-06, 181 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Sanders is a drastically undersized slot receiver and return prospect who does not possess elite athleticism or big-play potential. Displays burst and quickness but doesn't always translate into his route-running and separation skills which still need improvement. Flashes run-after-the catch ability but doesn't have great make-you-miss. Is sure-handed and willing in traffic but is a tough target to hit and idles down while making the catch. Shows good effort in the running game and works hard to overcome lack of size but has off-field character flags. Sanders isn't a refined prospect and doesn't have a high ceiling. Potential late-round selection.
Strengths
Sanders possesses good speed. Explodes off the line and has good quickness. Displays good hands and toughness over the middle. Can be a threat after the catch and on receiver screens. Willing to block despite lack of size. Tough, competitive player. Has return experience.
Weakness
Severely lacks height and bulk. Vulnerable to press coverage at the line. Not an overly fluid route-runner, rounds off routes, and gathers in and out of his breaks. Tiny catch radius. Not a consistent vertical threat and doesn't have great open-field ability. Has off-the-field issues and character needs to be investigated.
My Take
Another Mountaineer with character concerns. He, like Hogan was kicked off he team after multiple DUI arrests. He was kicked off the team before his...Junior year I believe for a full 4 months. He was allowed back on the team after completing judge ordered classes and community service. He is a midget by NFL standards and I don't see him doing anything at the next level. I would pass on him, even after all he has done for WVU. I wish him well but I don't believe he has he size or skill for the next level.
Sands, Robert: FS, 6-05, 221 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Sands is a well-rounded safety prospect with rare size, good speed, and a physical mentality and could become an excellent starter in the NFL. Can erase the deep half and hold up in centerfield. Makes a lot of plays on the ball with his range, large frame and good hands. On-field awareness is solid but still developing. Tough player who fills quickly in run support, will take on blockers, and supplies an intimidating presence over the middle in coverage. Main flaw is a lack of short-area quickness and fluidity in man coverage. Sands could hear his name called early on Day 2.
Strengths
Sands is a tall, rangy, high-cut safety. Speed is better-than-average. Covers a lot of ground after reaching top speed. Can play the point or deep half. Huge catch radius and good hands to pull down the tough interception. Willing, aggressive and productive in run support and coverage over the middle. Sure-tackler. Displays solid awareness.
Weakness
Like most high-cut athletes, suffers from some hip stiffness. Struggles a bit in transition. Not a good matchup against shifty slot receivers in man coverage. Instincts and ability to jump routes are adequate but still improving. Struggles to break down and make tackles in space at times.
My Take
Sands was our all star in the secondary this year. His range was amazing along with his size. Measuring in at 6'5 he can see over the line and look right into the QB's eyes and reads well. He had a bit of a down year in comparison to past years due to a shoulder injury that he played through. He would consistently make a tackle and run off the field in pain because of his shoulder, only to come back a play or two later and make another play. Tough kid that played through the pain, good tackler and great range. Good matchup against big tight ends going down the middle. Will have issues with small quick slot recievers but should be the highest WVU player picked this year. 2nd to 3rd round at my guess. Would be good to sit behind Clark for a year or two and then take over.
Thomas, James: LB, 6-01, 241 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Thomas is an undersized linebacker, but he has the speed and athleticism to develop into a quality reserve in a Tampa 2 system. He has a great closing burst, but gets blown out of the play in run support too often and lacks the upper body strength to consistently shed blocks. He excels in pass coverage, as he has great awareness and range in zone and the hip fluidity to stick with running backs and tight ends in man. Thomas is a fundamentally sound tackler that can also contribute on special teams and should be a later round pick.
Strengths
Thomas is a speedy 'backer with good length. Possesses the range to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. Shows a smooth back pedal and gets into sound position in coverage. Flashes the closing burst to jump crossing routes and break up passes. Sound tackler that consistently wraps.
Weakness
A moment slow reacting to the play and can get caught out of position. Lacks the bulk to take on blocks at the next level and gets overwhelmed in phone booth situations. Takes poor pursuit angles at times and struggles to wade through traffic. Inconsistent footwork limits his explosive first step. Not an effective blitzer.
My Take
The assessments are pretty spot on. JT was our best LB this year. Great in coverage but will be a back up at the next level. Could continue our LB special team player role and be a solid backup but won't be a full time starter on our team. Later round pick at best, most likely a free agent pickup.
Devine, Noel: RB, 5-08, 179 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Devine can be a human highlight film, but his diminutive stature may limit his ability to make an impact at the next level. Quicker than fast, he is always at full speed and has plenty of wiggle to make defenders miss in the open field. He is also an asset in the passing game with reliable hands and terrific short area quickness. His size will prevent him from being a load back at the next level, however, given the success of smaller backs like the Patriots' Danny Woodhead, he could be an effective change-of-pace back. Overall, Devine will likely be a Day 2 selection unless teams are scared off by his difficult past.
Strengths
Devine is an electric back capable of going the distance on every carry. Displays very good vision and patience, finds running lanes quickly, and reaches top speed in an instant. Possesses reliable hands and is a nightmare to tackle in the open field due to excellent change of direction skills.
Weakness
Does not have the size to be an every-down running back in the NFL. Lacks the lower body strength to battle for tough yards up the middle and will not break many tackles at the next level. Stumbles frequently because he runs with an exaggerated forward lean. Has character concerns.
My Take
Noel has shown zero signs of any character concerns since becoming a Mountaineer. He had a troubled past in high school due to both of his parents dying from aids when he was young. He bounced from family member to family living where he could. He overcame adversity that no one should ever have to face.
Noel will not be an every down back at the next level. He carried the team this year and was paid for it with injuries. Toe and ankle injuries plagued him starting in the LSU game and continuing the rest of the season. He has amazing change of direction. Some moves that reminded me of Barry Sanders. That is a strong comparison, but put on tape from the WVU Maryland game from his freshman year. Amazing! Good hand out of the backfield. He would be a good mid round selection for a team that has a good running back in play but needs a 3rd down back. He is so so in the blitz pickup. Could use some development in that area.
I would take him as a replacement if we let Moore walk.
Hogan, Brandon: DB, 5-10, 189 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Hogan is a talented, but troubled cornerback with multiple run-ins with the law in the past year. On the football field, Hogan has excellent vision in zone coverage and could be an asset as an extra cornerback in nickel and dime situations at the next level. He is also fearless in run support and is a sound tackler. Despite having a nose for the football, Hogan struggles to track the ball in the air and has less than adequate hands. His poor ball skills will be exposed by bigger stronger wide receivers in man coverage. Overall, Hogan is a mid-round talent, but he may slip due to character concerns.
Strengths
Hogan is a quick footed corner with adequate size. Maintains good position in zone coverage and shows a knack for finding the ball. Fiery player that diagnoses fast, fills quickly and looks to deliver a good pop in run support. Very good tackler that consistently wraps up the ball carrier.
Weakness
Does not possess the top end speed necessary to recover once he is beat. Lacks the ball skills necessary to be a playmaker at the next level. Loses momentum in transition and can be a liability in man coverage. Struggles to disengage from blockers in run support. Has major character concerns.
My Take
Agree with everything that has been stated and have some additional things to add not listed. Missed the bowl game 3 years ago against UNC for "undisclosed health reason". It never did come out why he missed the game. The next year he was arrested for DUI and suspended from the team. This year he was arrested again for DUI and suspended again for one game. The boy has a drinking problem at WVU. Imagine that. Drinking is one thing. But getting behind the steering wheel while drunk is completely moronic. I can say the first one was a mistake but twice is just idiotic. Issues with judgment.
Character concerns aside he was the second best corner on the team this year. 3 INT 37 tackles. His tackles were down this year but you can argue why that is. Number 1 team against the run could mean there wasn't a lot of RBs making it to the second level this year. He is strong in run support and a good zone corner. Man coverage isn't his strong point. He will get beat deep due to a lack of elite speed. Factor in that he tore his ACL in the last regular season game and did not participate in the bowl game due to the injury I would pass on him. Word is he would have been academically ineligible for the bowl game this year if he wasn't injured. Character concerns and injuries should be an easy pass for the steelers. He will be a Nickle or Dime at the next level. We need an elite CB.
Neild, Chris: NT, 6-02, 319 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Neild is a run-stopping defensive tackle who could contribute in a defensive line rotation at the next level. He is stout with a strong lower half and is very difficult to move out of running lanes. He also has very active hands to keep blockers from getting inside and flashes the lateral range to make plays outside of the tackle box. However, he lacks explosion off the line and is very raw as a pass rusher. Neild possesses natural leverage and is an asset against the run and he will likely be a middle round pick.
Strengths
Neild is tall enough with a thick lower half. Plays with good leverage and clogs up running lanes. Delivers a powerful initial punch and possesses very heavy active hands to shed blocks. Flashes a powerful bull rush. High effort kid that fights to the whistle and finishes plays.
Weakness
Not the quickest kid off the ball and poor foot speed prevents him from making plays in the backfield. Will not be able to play nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Lacks a repertoire of pass rushing counter moves and does not have a closing burst to get after the quarterback. Will not make tackles in space.
My Take
Nield anchored our run D for a couple years. We had the number 1 run stuff D this year and were top 5 scoring D. We gave up 23 points this year in our Bowl game. The most we gave up all season. He doesn't have the moves to be an elite DT but he is a run stuffing fool and has played in a 3-3 or 3-4 his whole college career. He is a true NT that will fit our system. He would be a good replacement for Hoke if he isn't retained in the offseason. Mid round selection that I would take in a heartbeat. Kid is tough nosed and a hard worker.
Sanders, Jock: WR, 5-06, 181 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Sanders is a drastically undersized slot receiver and return prospect who does not possess elite athleticism or big-play potential. Displays burst and quickness but doesn't always translate into his route-running and separation skills which still need improvement. Flashes run-after-the catch ability but doesn't have great make-you-miss. Is sure-handed and willing in traffic but is a tough target to hit and idles down while making the catch. Shows good effort in the running game and works hard to overcome lack of size but has off-field character flags. Sanders isn't a refined prospect and doesn't have a high ceiling. Potential late-round selection.
Strengths
Sanders possesses good speed. Explodes off the line and has good quickness. Displays good hands and toughness over the middle. Can be a threat after the catch and on receiver screens. Willing to block despite lack of size. Tough, competitive player. Has return experience.
Weakness
Severely lacks height and bulk. Vulnerable to press coverage at the line. Not an overly fluid route-runner, rounds off routes, and gathers in and out of his breaks. Tiny catch radius. Not a consistent vertical threat and doesn't have great open-field ability. Has off-the-field issues and character needs to be investigated.
My Take
Another Mountaineer with character concerns. He, like Hogan was kicked off he team after multiple DUI arrests. He was kicked off the team before his...Junior year I believe for a full 4 months. He was allowed back on the team after completing judge ordered classes and community service. He is a midget by NFL standards and I don't see him doing anything at the next level. I would pass on him, even after all he has done for WVU. I wish him well but I don't believe he has he size or skill for the next level.
Sands, Robert: FS, 6-05, 221 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Sands is a well-rounded safety prospect with rare size, good speed, and a physical mentality and could become an excellent starter in the NFL. Can erase the deep half and hold up in centerfield. Makes a lot of plays on the ball with his range, large frame and good hands. On-field awareness is solid but still developing. Tough player who fills quickly in run support, will take on blockers, and supplies an intimidating presence over the middle in coverage. Main flaw is a lack of short-area quickness and fluidity in man coverage. Sands could hear his name called early on Day 2.
Strengths
Sands is a tall, rangy, high-cut safety. Speed is better-than-average. Covers a lot of ground after reaching top speed. Can play the point or deep half. Huge catch radius and good hands to pull down the tough interception. Willing, aggressive and productive in run support and coverage over the middle. Sure-tackler. Displays solid awareness.
Weakness
Like most high-cut athletes, suffers from some hip stiffness. Struggles a bit in transition. Not a good matchup against shifty slot receivers in man coverage. Instincts and ability to jump routes are adequate but still improving. Struggles to break down and make tackles in space at times.
My Take
Sands was our all star in the secondary this year. His range was amazing along with his size. Measuring in at 6'5 he can see over the line and look right into the QB's eyes and reads well. He had a bit of a down year in comparison to past years due to a shoulder injury that he played through. He would consistently make a tackle and run off the field in pain because of his shoulder, only to come back a play or two later and make another play. Tough kid that played through the pain, good tackler and great range. Good matchup against big tight ends going down the middle. Will have issues with small quick slot recievers but should be the highest WVU player picked this year. 2nd to 3rd round at my guess. Would be good to sit behind Clark for a year or two and then take over.
Thomas, James: LB, 6-01, 241 West Virginia
OVERVIEW
Thomas is an undersized linebacker, but he has the speed and athleticism to develop into a quality reserve in a Tampa 2 system. He has a great closing burst, but gets blown out of the play in run support too often and lacks the upper body strength to consistently shed blocks. He excels in pass coverage, as he has great awareness and range in zone and the hip fluidity to stick with running backs and tight ends in man. Thomas is a fundamentally sound tackler that can also contribute on special teams and should be a later round pick.
Strengths
Thomas is a speedy 'backer with good length. Possesses the range to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. Shows a smooth back pedal and gets into sound position in coverage. Flashes the closing burst to jump crossing routes and break up passes. Sound tackler that consistently wraps.
Weakness
A moment slow reacting to the play and can get caught out of position. Lacks the bulk to take on blocks at the next level and gets overwhelmed in phone booth situations. Takes poor pursuit angles at times and struggles to wade through traffic. Inconsistent footwork limits his explosive first step. Not an effective blitzer.
My Take
The assessments are pretty spot on. JT was our best LB this year. Great in coverage but will be a back up at the next level. Could continue our LB special team player role and be a solid backup but won't be a full time starter on our team. Later round pick at best, most likely a free agent pickup.
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