Senior Bowl Thread; Current News on Draft Prospects.............

[Dagan81]

I just highlighted a few of the guys the Bears scouts may be looking at this week.

Coples has got the Julius Peppers kind of size and athletic ability and fits the kind of DE the Bears look for to a tee. I doubt he'll last until #19 but it sure would be nice to have a shot at him. To me Coples or one of the LT's (Martin or Adams) would be nice pickup with that pick.

Marvin McNutt and Brian Quick have both been mentioned as attracting attention from the scouts. Both have the size and hands of a good receiver and both look like they're rated as going in rounds 3 or 4 right now but that may change as we get closer to draft day.

It's interesting to note that both Bunting and Bowen have commented on the strength of the linebacker class. Maybe this is the time to shop for a young guy who may be able to grow into any one of the LB spots.

I wouldn't be surprised if Adams is picked in the first round judging by the fact that he started the mock drafts early on in the second round. I don't think that he's top-half first round material as his talent is as little bit raw, but I think he would be definitely a better alternative to Webb at LT simply because of his position in the draft and the fact that he played against better quality competition while he was in college then did Webb.

[Blue Horse-shoe]

Bullshit. The Senior Bowl pits the best seniors in the country against each other, one-on-one and you get to see how their skills, ability, polishing, and general acumen for football measures up to those of their best peers. When there's 11 guys on the field, it's easy for tape to say, "Well guy A was open all day on guy B," but there's always the teams scheme and game plan which casts a cloud over the tape that can really hide a players true ability or lack thereof. It takes guys out of their system, out of their comfort zone and into drills, practice and game situations that they can't hide in.

Then there's always the small-school guys like DRC. The guy was talked about going into it a little bit. He was a nice upside prospect who people thought was worth a mid-rounder on a boom-or-bust low cost pick. Then he shows up at the SB and tears shit up against the big boys. He absolutely played his way into not only the first round, but the MID first round and has proved every bit a good selection - all trades aside. Without that game, he DOES NOT go in the first round based on his outstanding measurables alone because teams question his ability to play against a level competition.

This week means a lot to kids, and there wouldn't be a huge contingency of scouts there if it was all superficial garbage.

Well I said 'much' not all. One on one drills are superficial ( and don't guarantee success ) especially when compared with actual games which are more complicated ( gameplans, down and distance issues etc ) which is why I mentioned who the best football players are - when looking at actual game tape. So we disagree. I'm more into football players and football IQ than measurables ( which are important but not as important as some like to think ).

( By the way : Bunting does complete flip-flops on Alfonso Dennard and Zebrie Sanders a couple of times ... but we're supposed to take this stuff seriously. Meh )

[soulman]

Senior Bowl: South Practice Report Day 3

A pair of defensive backs are starting to move up draft boards. Wes Bunting

January 25, 2012 Print This
2 Comments


Notes from the South practice…

I thought North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins looked a bit rusty yesterday. However, Wednesday he showcased impressive balance off the line in press bail, was consistently able to turn and run, and tracked the football extremely well. He was impossible for the bigger receivers on the South squad to separate from and was as dominant as any defensive back down here this week.
ICONJenkins stole the show Wednesday.


However, not to be outdone was Georgia CB Brandon Boykin. Boykin was again physical off the line today, smooth when asked to re-direct and much more balanced breaking down and closing on the football. He was really able to do a number on North Carolina WR Dwight Jones off the line, re-routing him out of a play before breaking up the pass.

Speaking of North Carolina WR Dwight Jones, no prospect has disappointed me more this week than him. He hasn’t been able to get off the line and beat any kind of jam. He was routinely re-routed significantly vs. smaller corners and looks more like an inside player only.

Texas A&M wide out Jeff Fuller is never going to separate much in the NFL, but he adjusts to the football and can balance himself well when going up to make a play down the field. However, he really struggled catching the football all practice long Wednesday. And for a guy who is going to need to win with corners draped all over him at the next level, having “plus” hands is a must, something he hasn’t shown since his junior year.

On the D-line, Alabama DE Courtney Upshaw again used his combination of strength and leverage to overwhelm on contact as a pass rusher. However, he also did an impressive job turning speed into power on his outside speed rush, dropping his pad level and running his legs through the corner. He’s been a bear to block all week and looks like one of the safer prospects in this year’s draft.

Illinois OL Jeff Allen rebounded with a strong practice today. He played primarily at guard and did a nice job quickly getting off the football, extending his arms and sliding his feet through contact. He will struggle with leverage, but with some development he looks like a guy who can start inside in the NFL. (??? Since when did Illinois players get assigned to the South squad?)

There is no denying the talent of LSU TE Deangelo Peterson. He’s an athletic kid who can run, get down the seam and has the potential to be a mismatch type “off the line Y” in the NFL. However, he’s struggled with attention to detail throughout his entire career, isn’t the cleanest of route runners and will drop the football. Looks like a “boom” or “bust” type guy.

Finally, Florida WR Chris Rainey looks like the most explosive skill guy down here. He’s run by opposing corners a number of times this week and has a “plus” natural burst to his game. Now, he is a bit inconsistent catching the football and is a developing route runner. However, this is a guy who can make plays with the football in space and certainly warrants a draft pick as a potential dynamic sub-package option.


Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting

[soulman]

Maybe the best news here is the performance Courtney Upshaw is putting on. If he versatile enough to play DE he adds another top notch pass rusher to the first round which gives us a better opportunity for one if that's the direction they decide to go.

Since Tice says he can make the line work with Webb at LT provided he cuts down on his mental mistakes and he gets some help I'd say that if he's not blowing smoke that really reduces the chances that we'd draft a LT in the first round.

Edit: NFP Scouting report on Upshaw

COURTNEY UPSHAW OLB, Alabama

• 2011 GRADE: 6.9 HT: 6-2 WT: 265
• Overview

News & Updates

Jan 25

A physically imposing put together linebacker/defensive end hybrid who will stand up and play with his hand on the ground. Displays only average straight-line speed when asked to close from the backside. However, is quicker/more coordinated than fast in tight areas and gets up to speed quickly. Generates a lot of natural power on contact as a tackler. Is long armed, has a snap through his hips into contact and consistently exhibits the power to strike and wrap off his frame. Reads and reacts well in space, deciphers information quickly and doesn't take many false steps trying to find the ball.

He doesn't get much depth in his drop vs. the pass game. Is coordinated and keeps his feet under him, but is tighter in the hips and isn't going to hold up at the next level in space or man consistently.

Is extremely violent/powerful with his hands when attacking downhill. Consistently is able to take on blocks, disengage and make his way toward the football vs. both the run and pass game. Is at his best as a pass rusher standing up. Looks more sudden/shifty laterally off the ball from a two point stance and can win with power on his bull rush, with his hands or side step a block and fight through contact. Plays down in most nickel situations and when run at has the power to anchor at the point vs. SEC offensive tackles. Is violent/coordinated when asked to shed, has a good motor and can disengage consistently and make plays off his frame. Isn't as natural a pass rusher with his hand down at this stage. Is a bit inconsistent getting off the snap on time and is more of a power player only. Does a nice job sitting into his stance, keeping his base down off the football and generating leverage for himself vs. the bull rush. But doesn't do a great job suddenly changing directions and shedding when engaged. Loves to work the club/rip when trying to reach the corner both when down and standing up, can keep himself clean and works hard to close, but again displays only an average burst in pursuit.

Impression: I like him as a 34 outside backer who can play on the strong side, take on linemen at the point and also rush the passer. He's at his best attacking downhill, using his strong hands to disengage and always is around the football. Looks like a year one starter to me at the next level with scheme versatility.



Sounds to me like he's far more of a LDE than a RDE. Seems to be more of a power guy and a good run defender to go along with his pass rush. Not exactly a speed merchant but short area quick.

They see him as a 3-4 SLB but his deficiencies in coverage may make him more natural as a DE. Probably needs to some work on playing with his hand on the ground but Marinelli is the kind of coach who could take his raw skills and coach him up. Just another possibility in round one.

[soulman]

Get Sharp: Senior Bowl North Team standouts

Joe Fortenbaugh, Matt Bowen and Wes Bunting take a look at some of the top players from the North Team following their Day 3 practice.
Joe Fortenbaugh


Episode 50: Senior Bowl Day 3 North Team standouts
Guests: Matt Bowen and Wes Bunting of National Football Post.com
Location: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama


Synopsis: Between Kellen Moore, Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, which quarterback has the best shot at starting in the NFL? Of the four talented running backs on the North Team roster, which one is likely to break out at the next level? Joe Fortenbaugh, Matt Bowen and Wes Bunting discuss that and more in the latest episode of Get Sharp.




Mobile device users CLICK HERE.

Follow Matt Bowen on Twitter: @MattBowen41
Follow Wes Bunting on Twitter: @WesBunting
Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

[Dagan81]

Tice is full of shit if he thinks he can polish the turd that is J'Marcus Webb into something solid. For all the mistakes he makes, he's been in the league now for two years and has had ample opportunity to become a mentally-prepared player. He's not a very bright player, and for all the athleticism that Tice thinks he has, he really is making a mistake if he's not willing to look into drafting Mike Adams at #19 in the first round.

Tice may prove to be a sage when it comes to being an offensive coordinator, but he is no longer the offensive line coach, so he is going to have to defer some of that authority over to whoever is hired to take on those duties.

[soulman]

Tice is full of shit if he thinks he can polish the turd that is J'Marcus Webb into something solid. For all the mistakes he makes, he's been in the league now for two years and has had ample opportunity to become a mentally-prepared player. He's not a very bright player, and for all the athleticism that Tice thinks he has, he really is making a mistake if he's not willing to look into drafting Mike Adams at #19 in the first round.

Tice may prove to be a sage when it comes to being an offensive coordinator, but he is no longer the offensive line coach, so he is going to have to defer some of that authority over to whoever is hired to take on those duties.

Dags some guys can take four or five years to grow into the LT position but I do agree with you that Webb's biggest drawbacks are far more mental than physical. Some games he just doesn't anticipate the DE's moves or adapt to them as the game progresses. That what happened against Allen in that last game. He handled him fairly well the first time the played so Allen looks at the game films, works some new moves and Webb can't step up to the challenge. Maybe be it's learning disability which is why he had to leave Texas for West Bumfuck A&M.

[soulman]

Senior Bowl: North Practice Notes Day 3

Who made their mark Wednesday? Wes Bunting
January 25, 2012 Print This
3 Comments




I got a good look at the linebackers this morning and it might be the strongest position on the North squad…


Arkansas State LB Demario Davis again stood out with his natural foot quickness and athleticism in coverage. He quickly can redirect, finds the football well and has a burst out of his breaks. Plus, he displayed good change of direction skills limiting tight ends in man coverage.


Utah State LB Bobby Wagner was also surprisingly solid in man coverage today considering he’s a guy who was used off the edge routinely on third down in college. He’s a physical kid who did a nice job anticipating routes, was able to sink his hips when trying to change directions and close. He’s isn’t the type of dynamic athlete who is able to get out of his breaks and make plays on the ball, but he understands angles and was able to close quickly in man.
Lavonte David can make plays despite being a bit undersized.


Nebraska LB Lavonte David is a bit undersized. However, he’s a “plus” athlete who can turn and run down the field. He’s loose in the hips, diagnoses plays quickly and always puts himself around the football. In the run game he’s routinely getting early jumps on the actions and knows how to scrape the edge and break down into contact.
Other day three notes…


In the secondary today, Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson showcased the ability to sit into his drop, stay compact with his footwork and quickly get out of his breaks in the deep half when driving on throws. He displayed an initial burst and had some closing range. However, he looks tighter in the hips when asked to turn and run, and doesn’t have a great feel when asked to match-up on the wheel routes out of the backfield. Twice he looked slow to decipher the action and gave up a step when trying to turn and run.


Utah OL Tony Bergstrom is another guy who I have been warming up to this week. He’s limited off the edge as a tackle. However, when kicked inside to guard he showcases a good first step, sits his base down and “fits” well into contact. He isn’t a guy I see as a potential NFL tackle, but as a guard prospect could see him starting at the next level.


On the other hand, Wisconsin OG Kevin Zeitler had a much tougher day. He’s a strong kid who can stick through contact once he gets his hands on you. However, he’s not real comfortable when trying to mirror in space laterally and would routinely get overextended trying to get his hands on defenders. The more space he’s asked to play in the less effective he is in pass protection.


I have to tip my hat to Boise State LB Shea McClellin. The guy has done a nice job this week competing in linebacker drills. Plus, he showcases sneaky fluidity when asked to turn and run down the field with running backs and has a good feel finding the football when lined-up inside. Overall, he’s a versatile kid who will get looks in both a 34 and 43 scheme and should be able to create pressure from a number of spots at the next level.


Wednesday was the best day of practice in my view for Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard. He was physical in press coverage, did a nice job staying in receivers back pockets down the field and competes when asked to go make a play on the football. He still lets opposing wide outs get behind him. However, as a potential cover two guy he should be able to find a home.


It’s been a pretty “blah” week of practice for Missouri TE Michael Egnew. He hasn’t shown much burst off the line from a three-point stance and is tighter when trying to get out of his breaks and separate. Now, he is a big kid, but looks limited in the type of routes he can run at the next level.


Finally, Appalachian State WR Brian Quick finally started to flash a little for me today. He’s a good-looking kid with a big frame and can track the football down the field. Plus, he did a better job dropping his pad level working the comeback and looked more natural catching the football. I still don’t see the guy as a big time NFL receiver who consistently is going to be able to win off the line and separate out of his breaks. But he’s got enough natural talent to create some mismatches at the next level.


Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting
Check out the NFP Draft Page here…

[soulman]

Ranking the Senior Bowl’s Top 10 prospects

And what NFL teams are good fits for each? Wes Bunting

January 26, 2012 Print This
9 Comments





After three days of practice in Mobile Alabama, the NFP ranks the Senior Bowl’s top prospects for the upcoming NFL draft and breaks down which NFL teams are good fits for each.
ICONCoples has been a standout all week.


1. DE Quinton Coples: North Carolina (6-6, 285)
Possesses the ideal build for a defensive lineman and the game really comes easy to him. He showcases the ability to overpower on contact, be sudden laterally and uses his length well to shed. If he can keep his motor running on high, looks like a top-five caliber talent.

NFL Fits…
Bears
Seahawks
Jaguars

2. OT Mike Adams: Ohio State (6-7, 320)
Looks the part of an NFL left tackle. He showcases good length, moves his feet well through contact and exhibits “plus’ range toward the edge for his size. At times gets himself into trouble “catching” defenders at the point, but has the skill set to mature into a good starting NFL left tackle.

NFL Fits…
Chiefs
Bills
Lions

3. DE Courtney Upshaw: Alabama (6-2, 265)
A physical, compact pass rusher who turns speed into power well off the edge and can overwhelm on contact. Plus, has the versatility to play in both a 34 and 43 front at the next level.

NFL Fits…
Bears
Cowboys
Chiefs

4. CB Janoris Jenkins: North Alabama (5-10, 182)
He was simply the most impressive cover man down here this week. Jenkins displays natural fluidity when asked to turn and run, stays low out of his breaks and is a bear to separate from on all levels of the field. Looks like an NFL starter early on in the NFL.

NFL Fits…
Lions
Bengals
Patriots

5. OG Cordy Glenn: Georgia (6-5, 348)
Glenn had some struggles this week at OT. However, when lined-up inside at guard he was downright dominant. He showcased good natural quickness off the ball, was able to extend his arms and control blockers with ease through contact. Looks like a first round caliber guard prospect to me.

NFL Fits…
Steelers
Cowboys
Cardinals
Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting

[soulman]

Ranking the Senior Bowl’s Top 10 prospects

And what NFL teams are good fits for each? Wes Bunting
January 26, 2012 Print This
9 Comments





6. DE Melvin Ingram: South Carolina (6-2, 276)
He’s an impressive pass rusher who can get after the QB in a number of ways. Plus, he’s versatile, as he can be effective from a number of spots and will likely get looks from both 34 and 43 teams.

NFL Fits…
Eagles
Chargers
Packers
ICONBoykin was physical all week.


7. CB Brandon Boykin: Georgia (5-10, 183)
Despite his lack of ideal height, he’s physical off the line, can turn and run, and did a better job as the week went on staying lower when trying to re-direct. He’s a competitor who loves to get into the face of opposing receivers and was a tough guy to separate from all week.

NFL Fits…
Ravens
Browns
Broncos

8. DT Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
He demonstrated the first step to consistently gain leverage at the point working the bull rush, kept his pad level down and displayed the ability to shed through contact. He’s got a slight wiggle laterally as well, but is more of a one-gap guy only who can create penetration inside as either a 43 or 34 guy.

NFL Fits…
Packers
Broncos
Panthers

9. RB Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)
Martin isn't a dynamic size/speed guy, but there aren't many negatives to his game. He plays fast, runs low, is natural through the line of scrimmage and has a skill set somewhat similar to former Alabama RB Mark Ingram. He might fall a bit because he doesn't run overly well, but he has the skill set to start in the league.

NFL Fits…
Bengals
Jets
Buccaneers

10. QB Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State (6-4, 218)
His age will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But, there isn't a throw this guy can't make and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a starter early in his NFL career. Looks like a solid second round type value to me.

NFL Fits…
Redskins
Dolphins
Browns


Check out the NFP Draft Page here...
Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting