Senior Bowl Practice Today

[RuthlessBurgher]

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.

When I read your post, I thought Rainey gave up football for track, so why would he be at the Senior Bowl practices? But then I looked it up and it was Demps instead. Got my Gator RB's all confyoozled.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

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.

I wonder if the Vikings staff (who has the 35th pick, right around where Curry is projected) covet him as a pass-rushing DE opposite Jared Allen, and are playing him solely as a 4-3 DE for selfish reasons...if they also gave him a shot as a 3-4 OLB in these practices, it increases number of teams who might take a shot at him early, and there might be a 3-4 team that would pick him prior to pick 35, and they don't want that to happen.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Scout Talk: Senior Bowl

by Dan Pompei
Jan 29, 2012


As usual, the Senior Bowl practices last week helped separate prospects in the eyes of NFL scouts. Here is what NFL front office men were talking about after they returned from Mobile Ala., last week.

Quarterbacks—The player who clearly stood out at this position was Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State. His arm strength was very good comparatively. It helped that he seemed to pick up the offense quickly. He could be a second round pick, and one scouting director even said if Weeden were 22 instead of 28, he’d be a first round pick. NFL teams also liked what they saw of Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson, even though he measured in at 5-10. The lack of arm strength Kellen Moore showed will not help his draft stock.

Running backs—This group did not leave a major impression, but two players created a little buzz. The first was Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead, whose versatility appeals to NFL teams. The other was Florida’s Chris Rainey. He’s probably a down the line guy at 5-8, 178, but he partook in some of the receiver one-on-one drills and looked decent. He has some potential as an offensive weapon who can line up in different places.

Wide receivers—Wideouts often make a big impression on Senior Bowl week, but that didn’t happen this year. A few scouts agreed Jeff Fuller of Texas A&M was disappointing. He had trouble separating and catching, and his stock remains on the decline. A number of the receivers flashed. Among them, according to front office men, were Cal’s Marvin Jones, Arizona’s Juron Criner, Ohio State’s Devier Posey, Arkansas’ Joe Adams, Appalachian State’s Brian Quick and Houston’s Patrick Edwards.

Tight end—Alabama’s Brad Smelley has been on the rise all year, and he continued to help his stock at the Senior Bowl by getting open and catching the ball well. For a player who wasn’t on anyone’s radar in the preseason, Smelley has come quite a long way. Missouri tight end Michael Egnew was a little disappointing.

Offensive line—None of the offensive linemen really lit it up. Best of the bunch, according to a couple evaluators, was Ohio State’s Mike Adams. He clearly was the most gifted blocker in Mobile, though scouts still have some questions on him. One player who helped his stock is Jeff Allen from Illinois. His competitiveness and effort left an impression. Two others who had good weeks were Ohio State’s Mike Brewster and Baylor’s Philip Blake. Less encouraging were the showings of Florida State’s Zebrie Sanders and Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler.

Defensive line—There was more talent at this position than any other. North Carolina’s Quinton Coples solidified himself as a top 10 pick and clearly was the class of the group. Two others who helped themselves and may have become solid first rounders were Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw and South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, whose versatility makes him a fit for any kind of defense. Teams that use a three man front came away very impressed with Ta’amu Alameda of Washington. No way he gets out of round two. In one-on-one pass rush drills, Kendall Reyes of Connecticut showed surprising athleticism for his size.

Linebackers—Emmanuel Acho from Texas had a decent week, even showing some pass rush ability. There still is some question as to whether or not he is an inside linebacker or outside linebacker for 3-4 teams, however. North Carolina’s Zach Brown also impressed scouts with is speed and explosiveness. Nebraska’s Lavonte David flashed.

Safeties—Harrison Smith of Notre Dame had a pretty good week, but scouts still have some concern about him playing the deep middle. His interviews were strong. George Iloka of Boise State also did pretty well. Dequan Menzie of Alabama played some safety and corner, but NFL teams still aren’t sure what he is.

Cornerbacks—North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins confirmed what everyone already knew—that he has first round talent. He was the best corner in the game. I got mixed reviews on Nebraska’s Alfonzo Dennard. One scout said he moved more like a running back than a corner. Cal Poly’s Asa Jackson had a chance to really help himself, but didn’t capitalize. He looked better on tape than he did at Senior Bowl practices. Dwight Bentley of Louisiana-Lafayette had a good week, competing well. Scouts loved the athleticism Georgia’s Brandon Boykin showed, but he didn’t cover all that well. His instincts and ability to react remain question marks.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-3115.html"]http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP ... -3115.html[/url]

[papillon]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Sounds like the scouts weren't impressed with this year's seniors overall.

Pappy

[Dee Dub]

Re: Senior Bowl Practice Today

Sounds like the scouts weren't impressed with this year's seniors overall.

Pappy

This is from Dan Pompei of SI. I wouldnt listen too much to what he has to say. We heard all week from Heath Evans, Charles Davis, and Mike Mayock that Cordy Glenn was dominant. And Pompei has no mention of him what so ever?