Senior Bowl Practice Today

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Great stuff hawaiiansteel!! Thanks. Call me crazy but like I said two months ago, I think Lavonte David could play inside in a 3-4. Yes he is a bit undersized but he is so athletic. What he would bring in pass coverage, side line to side pursuit, and blitzing up the middle would make up for his lack of size.

[BigRob]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

2012 Senior Bowl: Tuesday North Practice Report

North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole is a little stiff. He probably would fit best as an inside linebacker in the 3-4.

After the individual period, the linebackers went to a one-on-one scrimmage against running backs, fullbacks and tight ends in blitz protection. Overall the linebackers have the advantage in this drill, but there were players who stood out on both sides of the ball. Here is a scorecard of some of the one-on-one action:

...the other linebacker to really standout was Cole. He beat Polk with a swim move, dodged Ewing with a jab step, and defeated Ohio State running back Boom Herron with a power swim move. Cole lost a rep to Missouri tight end Michael Egnew when he rode him around the pocket.

Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner shed a block from Boise State's Doug Martin before getting to the marker. Wagner bull rushed through Polk for a victory.

Nevada linebacker James-Michael Johnson had a resounding win when he ran over Herron on one rush. Johnson also had wins against Ewing and Igwenagu.

[url="http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2012practice4.php"]http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbow ... ctice4.php[/url]

I think all of these ILB'ers offer greater value than taking one with the 1st pick.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

2012 Senior Bowl: Tuesday North Practice Report

North Carolina State linebacker Audie Cole is a little stiff. He probably would fit best as an inside linebacker in the 3-4.

After the individual period, the linebackers went to a one-on-one scrimmage against running backs, fullbacks and tight ends in blitz protection. Overall the linebackers have the advantage in this drill, but there were players who stood out on both sides of the ball. Here is a scorecard of some of the one-on-one action:

...the other linebacker to really standout was Cole. He beat Polk with a swim move, dodged Ewing with a jab step, and defeated Ohio State running back Boom Herron with a power swim move. Cole lost a rep to Missouri tight end Michael Egnew when he rode him around the pocket.

Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner shed a block from Boise State's Doug Martin before getting to the marker. Wagner bull rushed through Polk for a victory.

Nevada linebacker James-Michael Johnson had a resounding win when he ran over Herron on one rush. Johnson also had wins against Ewing and Igwenagu.

[url="http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2012practice4.php"]http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbow ... ctice4.php[/url]

I think all of these ILB'ers offer greater value than taking one with the 1st pick.

Again I disagree. Hightower (3-4 at Alabama), has a chance to come in and start right away and make an immediate impact and these others you may not get a return on them for their first couple of years.

How is that great value?

[BigRob]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

[url]http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/2012-senior-bowl-tuesday-north-practice-notes.html[/url]

It was the first day of full pads here at the Senior Bowl, and as expected, it was a GREAT day for scouting the north squad that has some outstanding talent across the board, per usual at the Senior Bowl.

I really focused on the quarterback, receiver, defensive backs today, but I did also get some great battles on the offensive/defensive line plus some intrigue in the linebacker drills.

The Biggest Winners today were: Kirk Cousins, Marvin McNutt, George Iloka, and Bobby Wagner.

Quarterbacks
-I'll start off by partially starting to admit defeat on Kellen Moore of Boise State. I was hopeful that his arm would be a bit more impressive overall, but he seems destined for a subpar week. He, like Nick Foles, relied a lot on their rhythm and receiver-connection in college, Moore mostly because he needed that timing to hide his lack of arm strength. He seems to be throwing off his backfoot at times to get the ball out quickly on quick-outside routes, and when he tries to deliver a strike in the mid-field, he really needs to rock back and get his whole body into it. His pass seemed to float far too much, he was short and off-timed (from his lack of arm) all day. Hopefully he'll get better, but he did NOT look like a draft-pick quarterback today.

-Russell Wilson flashed to me a bit today, and what's most intriguing about him is that his throwing release point is so high for his size. He throws the ball at more of a 6'1-6'2 height, so that may reduce the issue there. He also seemed to "place" the ball very well, accurate putting the ball out in front of the receiver. But, he didn't really drive the ball down the field well, which should be seen even more in team drills when he tries to throw across the middle.

-The clear cut best passer on the North squad today and likely all week is and will be Kirk Cousins of Michigan State. I had him rated as the 2nd best quarterback here, after Brandon Weeden, and today he really showed why I really like his potential as a possible starter in the NFL. He showed some great velocity on the outside, not short arming passes and just letting the ball fly with some better-than-expected arm strength that cut the wind very well. His release was faster than I thought to, likely had that shored up before this event. He looks to me like probably a 30-50 draft selection range quarterback based off film and now during these practices early on.


Running Backs
-Best part of the running back drills today was the pass blocking drills, which despite all five runing backs showing that skill on film, only Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing was consistently holding his ground and mirroring well against initial quick rushes. Chris Polk consistently ducked his head and lost battles, and Isaiah Pead and Dan Herron were bull rushed conssitently. Doug Martin didn't do a whole lot either.

-Dan Herron and Doug Martin both did, however, looked explosive through the hole in team drills and really get to their top speed quickly. I do like Dan Herron based off of his film this year, and I think he's maybe a Top 10 back in this draft. Today, in terms of explosion, he didn't look far behind Doug Martin, but it's a long week ahead of us.


Wide Receivers
-Brian Quick of Appalachian State and Marvin McNutt of Iowa are two of the better "ball grabbers" in this draft, meaning they shoot their hands up quickly and forcefully well and don't just let the ball come to them, likely because both have the length and played with some suspect-armed quarterbacks in their time. However, Quick had 4 drops (thanks to Joe Everett of [url="http://www.RookieDraft.com"]www.RookieDraft.com[/url] for helping me keep track), which is a concern. McNutt on the other hand didn't drop a pass I say all day. The hands concerns aren't huge with me because if the hand size is big enough and he doesn't short arm receptions, it could just be a bad day or an uncomfortable thing, but it's for sure something to track all well.

-I had heard Marvin Jones of California looked great yesterday (I was at the other practice on Monday), so I was eager to see what he was made of. But after talking with Optimum Scouting's Mark Dulgarian a little further and watching him today, he didn't jump out like I was expecting. He did catch the ball away from his body well and did show some quick twitch stop-start in routes at times today, but he could be more of a one day wonder this week.

-Gerrell Roinson and DeVier Posey both were body catching at times today, and both finished with two drops. But both got vertical pretty well and showed some downfield separation skills today, which both showed on film as well.


Tight Ends
-Didn't the tight ends do a whole lot today, but I thought Michael Egnew held his own against speed rushers in blocking drills today, but needs to fire his hands up with much more aggression and power if he hopes to be any sort of blocker. Also, UMass's Emil Igwenagu, who I already saw a whole week off last week, doesn't seem to be getting to his flat routes as a fullback, but again, not a lot to glean from tight ends today.


Offensive Linemen
-Coming into this week, I wasn't all that high on Mike Adams, and so far he's struggled with exactly what I saw on film. He does use his hands very well and once he locks on and engages, he's rarely beaten to the edge or bull rushed. But when he doesn't lock on early, he's very suceptible to counter inside rushes and overall quicker rushes. I think he'll struggle mightily against quicker 3-4 outside linebackers in the NFL as a left tackle. And overall, he doesn't seem to be explosion, aggressive or willing to drive block down field. As an offensive tackle, I NEED to see that. That's why I'm unsure if he play the right side in the NFL.

-Mike Brewster, also of Ohio State had some fierce battles with Mike Martin. When he did win those battles, he showed some very good inside hand placement and repositioned his hands well against the powerful Martin. He does struggle to stay low and not let rushers get undeath, however. He told me that he'll only be playing center this week due to Senior Bowl injuries.

-Kelechi Osemele is looking much better than expected at right tackle. He's a massive human being, but he's been able to hold his ground very well and overpower pass rushers consistently. He's not a left tackle-pass blocker and I'll be curious to see how he'll consistently hold up against the 3-4 speed rushers on the North sqaud. So far, so good for Osemele.


Defensive Linemen
-Kendall Reyes was the most surpring defensive tackle that played well to me. On film he didn't really show a lot of versatility in his rushes and really was a power only guy. So far in today's practice, he's been using that power rush ability to punch, push, then dip under or swim over guys much better than expected. We'll see how he looks tomorrow and more in deep drills, but it was a surprisingly good day for Reyes.

-Vinny Curry flashed a bit today, but maybe his most notable rush to me is when he lost his balance on an outside edge low rush, further having my concerns about his actual balance and flexibility. He'll REALLY need to show that ability to be a do-it-all type rusher and some natural 3-4 outside linebacker ability. He did tell me though that teams are primairly looking at him as a 4-3 defensive end, however.

-Jack Crawford of Penn State showed some powerful punch and rip moves today, showing off some powerful hands and entire upper half. He has flashed on film the last three years but wasn't able to string together a few good games in a row to be a Top 3 round prospect. If he can flash all four major practices and in the game this week, however, he could really start to live up to some team's loft expectations from his earlier career.


Linebackers
-The clearcut most athletic linebacker here was Bobby Wagner of Utah State. He was very quick, smooth, and by far the most balanced in quick linebacker drills, and showed some great initial burst and quick rush moves in pass rushing drills. He didn't always show great explosion or power on film, so I'm curious to see if he can drive through traffic this week. But he sure looked the part based on drills and vs. the running backs today.

-James Michael Johnson was a bit stiff and high today in his quick linebacker drills (the same ones Bobby Wagner wowed in), and doesn't look like he transitions well in his breaks cleanly, a concern I had from film. He did show great power and some natural rush moves in pass rushing drills today however. He has the power and size of a great inside linebacker, no question, but he'll need to show a complete game to be a top three rounder. '

-Audie Cole of NC State was far more fluid and smooth as an athlete than I thought he would be. He wasn't anything outstanding or rare, but if he can move like that in drills, it shows he's more than just a very tall, lanky, somewhat position-less linebacker and could really develop into something. Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David was so forceful today in drills, vs. running backs, and in team play today. It's hard not to really like him on film because he's got great reactions, explosions well, and continously is around the ball.


Defensive Backs
-Let me start by saying that I have never been a big fan of Alfonso Dennard because he's only a physical, short area guy. He was beat deep a lot again today on some longer, smooth deep receivers today. He's going to struggle all week long because he needs to be able to get his hands on guys early and often to be successful. He struggled with that today once again.

-Asa Jackson of Cal Poly had a rough day today, as he struggled to stay tight in man coverage and didn't stay low and fluid in his transitions. I think it was more of a sloppy day technique-wise for him, but based on talking with him about his passion for the game and to get better, I think he'll only get better this week.

-Leonard Jackson showed some really good stuff today in staying tight with the receiver, getting physical at the line of scrimmage, and closing on quick comeback or out routes well. But he was beat deep a handful of times today and it really looks like his lackluster heigh-speed combination is really going to hurt him this week.

-George Iloka utilized his length well today, as he covered the middle seam tight end route well and actually closed downhill and came up with an interception today on a 7 yard out route by the tight end. This could be the start of a fantastic week for Iloka.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

I am watching today's practice and am impressed with Cordy Glenn and Zebrie Sanders. They say Sanders struggled yesterday versus Quinton Coples but today he was doing pretty well versus him. And whoever gets NT Brandon Thompson, whether it be late first round or early second round, is going to get a very tenacious football player. Also you can say the same about Courtney Upshaw. He has an impressive bull-rush.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

2012 Senior Bowl: Tuesday Rumor Mill

By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell

Georgia guard/tackle Cordy Glenn was a topic of discussion with some scouts today. The consensus scouts have is that Glenn has to be a guard at the next level. Glenn played left tackle as a senior with the Bulldogs, but it doesn't sound like he is being viewed as a possible tackle at the next level on either side of the line. Scouts told me today that Glenn does have the mobility to play in a zone blocking scheme. Even though the 6-foot-5, 346-pound Glenn fits nicely in a power man blocking scheme, they also believe he has the quickness and athleticism to be a zone blocker. That flexibility helps Glenn to appeal to more teams. Right now he looks like a potential pick in the second half of the first round.

Word is that the Cleveland Browns have serious interest in Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams. He has been inconsistent in Mobile, and that was his track record with the Buckeyes. Still, Adams plays a position with a high demand, and at the Senior Bowl he has also taken reps at right tackle. Cleveland could target Adams with their second first-round pick (from Atlanta) to upgrade their right side and replace veteran Tony Pashos. Adams could be a good bookend on the other side from Joe Thomas.

[url="http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2012rumors2.php"]http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2012rumors2.php[/url]

[Slapstick]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Lavonte David is about 225 lbs.

Larry Foote's playing weight as a starter in the Steelers D was about 230 lbs...

David could play inside...

[Shawn]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

It doesn't surprise me at all that McNutt is struting his stuff. He is the most undervalued WR in this draft. First round talent...no doubt in my mind he should be a late first round early second round guy. I suspect a team will catch on and he will be gone before 40.

[steelsnis]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

From Mike Prisuta's Twitter:

OSU OT Mike Adams impressing at Senior Bowl but also drawing Marcus Gilbert comparisons. Scout: "(Adams) needs to prove he loves football..."

[grotonsteel]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

From Mike Prisuta's Twitter:

OSU OT Mike Adams impressing at Senior Bowl but also drawing Marcus Gilbert comparisons. Scout: "(Adams) needs to prove he loves football..."

I read on some website that Cleveland Browns are very much interested in Mike Adams for their RT position.


P.S: Thanks HawaiianSteel for the Senior Bowl Updates..

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Lavonte David is about 225 lbs.

Larry Foote's playing weight as a starter in the Steelers D was about 230 lbs...

David could play inside...

I agree and he could add 10lbs. What he brings will off-set for lack of size.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Heath Evans the former NFL FB who is at the Senior Bowl practice just said on the NFL Network that Cordy Glenn has owned, Quinton Coples, Courtney Upshaw, and Melvin Ingram.

If he falls past 18 I think the Steelers should trade up to get him. I have been saying it for the past 4 plus months this guy is the real deal. And he is a legitimate LT.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Whew!!! Chris Rainey can fly. He is beating everyone he is going against. Being sued as both RB and WR. I am beginning to think he may not be there in the 6th as I have in my sig.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

2012 NFL Draft Blog

last updated: 01/25/12
***

Day 3 Practice Notes: North.

Sunny and warm conditions at Ladd Peebles Stadium for Wednesday morning's full pad practice. A decent breeze flowed across the stadium from end zone to end zone, close your eyes it feels like you are on the beach. Well it would, if not for all the frantic shouting, whistles, air-horns, and body slams.

How to succeed at the Senior Bowl, Rule 4: Quarterbacks, pull the trigger, please. Scouts didn't travel all these miles to see you tuck and run.

TRENCH POSITIONS:

Iowa State offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele had an up-and-down day. Initially, defenders were getting the better of him in drills, and he lost his balance. But after some coaching, Osemele came back and had several lockdown performances. Osemele is raw but has rare athletic gifts for a player of his bulk. When he stays over his base he plays with strength and is tough to move. He is a solid second or third round pick, with upside to start, probably not right away however.

Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford was a force all day long. He ran over linemen in the Pit drills and created penetration in the team portion of practice. Crawford excels at using arm extension to create separation from blockers and he also aggressively uses smart hand placement. Crawford also displayed a non-stop motor on the outside. Crawford is probably on the cusp of top 100 selections, and can firm that grade up with good track performances.

Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry had an excellent overall day. Curry has an array of pass rush moves: he can swim, rip, push-pull and also blow by his blocker around the edge. Curry has a nice first step and plays with strength setting the edge. One thing to note, Curry was not used in linebacker drills and is likely a 4-3 hand in the dirt defensive end all the way. Other sites have this player projected to the 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker, this is probably wishful thinking. He fits one gap schemes well (for example the Minnesota Vikings, who are coaching this North squad). Curry is a likely second round pick, possibly sneaking into the late first pending workouts.

Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner is an exceptional coverage player, and showed sideline to sideline speed sticking with running backs and tight ends during drills. He has the attributes to be a three down linebacker in the league. Wagner can be overwhelmed filling against the run and needs to improve his stoutness. Wagner is a possible top 100 pick, pending workouts.

Nevada linebacker James-Michael Johnson excels inside the box. He is extremely stout against the run and does a good job diagnosing the play. Johnson can be exploited in pass coverage, however and he might be a two-down run specialist at the next level. However he does offer blitz potential and could be better off rushing the passer than trying to cover in passing situations. Johnson looks to be an interesting late round target in the draft.

Arkansas State linebacker Demarrio Davis shows quickness to fill the hole and stuff run plays. He also has enough speed to get to the outside and stick with underneath coverage. Linemen have trouble finding him and getting their hands on him in run blocking. Davis is slightly undersized however and this could hurt his stock, limiting his appeal to only one-gap defenses. Davis is a possible late round pick, with upside to go in the mid rounds if he runs well.

Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David is a speedster at the linebacker position and extremely physical when making the tackle. David excels in pursuit and stretching run plays out to the sideline. David lacks the bulk for two-gap defenses but could be an excellent weak-side backer for 4-3 teams. David has incredible production on film and because of that, is a possible top 100 pick, pending workouts.

SKILL POSITIONS:

Boise State running back Doug Martin has been very good all week long. Martin broke a long run in the first rep of team drills. He has explosion and burst through the hole, but also shiftiness and vision to find open space. Martin is stocky and can be tough to bring down. On the downside it?s questionable if this player has the extra gear to outrun N.F.L. defenses, and that question can be answered on the track. The coaches are using him at kick returner, and that bodes well for his long speed. Martin is a solid second or third round pick, with upside to crack the late first, pending workouts.

Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins had a very solid day of practice. He throws a nice sharp ball and has the strength to deliver the ball outside the numbers. Cousins shows accuracy on routes over the middle, and does a good job putting the ball in stride, where the receivers can make yards after the catch. Cousins is a likely mid round pick and likely backup initially.

Washington running back Chris Polk is a tough runner and excels inside the tackles. Polk delivers blows to the defenders, stays low, and is a chore to tackle. On the downside, he appears to lack the elite speed needed to break the long gain but could be a grinder in a run-first tandem. Polk is a likely late round pick with potential to go in the mid rounds with good workouts.

Cal wide out Marvin Jones has been a consistently high performer all week. He makes all the grabs and runs sharp routes, quickly in and out of cuts. The quarterbacks know they can rely on Jones, and he is seeing increased targets. Jones was somewhat of a sleeper prior to this week but the word is clearly out and has elevated his stock to top 100 status, pending workouts.

Iowa wide out Marvin McNutt is a larger receiver who had a pretty good day. He has the size to overpower the defenders in man coverage and get off the line against the jam. McNutt has big, sure hands, and today he excelled in a variety of routes. A particular strength of his game is presenting a big target for crossing and out routes. McNutt probably lacks the elite speed to be a high draft pick, but could be a productive security blanket type target in the mid rounds.

Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith is a sure tackler and showed good range getting around the field. Smith excels against the run and can support the line with speed. Smith needs to do a better job of diagnosing the play and his change of direction could be improved. Smith is a likely late round target at this time.

[url="http://www.draftdaddy.com/blog/nfldraft.htm"]http://www.draftdaddy.com/blog/nfldraft.htm[/url]

[steelblood]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Lavonte David is about 225 lbs.

Larry Foote's playing weight as a starter in the Steelers D was about 230 lbs...

David could play inside...

I agree and he could add 10lbs. What he brings will off-set for lack of size.

Yes, I want to draft David! He would be awesome!

Remember Farrior admitting that he finished a few seasons ago at 215? And, that he regularly plays at 225 (despite his listed weight)?

David is a compact athlete. He is very well built. He would be undersized, but he hits hard. He is a playmaker and would be good on third down and would force a bunch of fumbles.