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

Originally Posted by soulman

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.

I've never been one to believe that a guy who ranks outside of the first round would be of any use at the LT position without a lot of seasoning. With the sands in the hourglass descending to the bottom as we speak, the Bears simply don't have time to wait on Webb to develop, even though Tice still does insist that he can be a solid OT. One of the things, in my opinion, that a OT should be able to control fairly early on are the mental things, like false starts and holds, that are easy to control simply by not committing the fouls. There were times last year that I have to give Webb credit for looking really good at the LT position, but that was during the first 2/3 of the season. I think Cutler made the offensive line look good because of his mobility, a trait that was absent largely with Hanie who, even though he could move around in the pocket, didn't have the footwork to elude pass rushers, and therefore got sacked a lot in the last six games of the season.

We have to look at other options. Drafting Mike Adams is one that I'm starting to like more and more the more I read about him. At the very least, he could come in and give Webb some competition at LT. I personally think he would beat out Webb simply because he was taught at a football factory like Ohio State the finer points of blocking, whereas Webb couldn't cut it at Texas and wound up transferring to West Texas A&M. From what I've read in reports about Adams, he seems to have instincts, which Webb doesn't appear to have. But I'm resigned to the fact that we will probably have to settle with Webb for another season. That's the Bear way of doing things -- half-assed and half--baked.

An inside look at the Senior Bowl playbook

A base route scheme we saw on the field in Mobile. Matt Bowen
January 26, 2012 Print This
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Click here for the entire Inside the Playbook series.
Click here to read Wes Bunting's Top 10 Senior Bowl prospects.


As the NFP begins to wrap up its coverage of the Senior Bowl from down in Mobile, let’s take some time to talk the Xs and Os of the playbook these rookie prospects are working with. There are only two coverages you will see in the secondary: Cover 1 (man-free) and Cover 3 (3-deep, 4-under zone shell). No blitzes, Cover 2 or Cover 4 (quarters). Base football that allows scouts to grade the talent on the field.


Today, let’s take a look at Cover 3 vs. the base Curl-Flat combo that we saw throughout the week on the field. First, check out the NFL route tree. A numbering system used to identify individual route stems that are listed in this graphic.

Now, transition the Curl (4) and Flat (1) to the field vs. a base 4-3 defensive front (only play 4-3 fronts in Mobile) playing a 3-deep look in the secondary.


Personnel: Regular (Weak I): 2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB
Route Scheme: Curl-Flat
Coverage: Cover 3

Coaching points


CB technique: The CB’s in Cover 3 will align in an off-man position and play to their free safety help in the middle of the field. As a deep outside third player, you will match any vertical route stem and drive downhill on the curl from an outside shade.


Curl-to-Flat players: This is the underneath zone technique for the strong safety (SS) and the Will backer (W) in the 4-3 “Over” front. “Buzz” to the curl at a 45-degree angle from your initial alignment. The SS will drop to the closed (strong) side of the formation with the Will playing to the open (weak) side. Once they are threatened in the flat (Y, F), both players will widen to hold the edge of the coverage.


WR stem: A straight vertical release (on top of the numbers) to expand the “cushion” (distance between WR and CB) vs. a deep third player. With every route (outside of the 3-step game) breaking at a depth of 12-15 yards, the WR wants to push the CB deep, chop his feet and come back downhill to the football.


QB’s route progression: The QB two has primary reads. Both the SS and Will work to hold off the curl on their initial “buzz” drop. However, once they have to widen to the flat, the curl becomes the No.1 option for the QB. Read deep to short and come back down to the flat if the SS or Will want to hang on the curl. As a final read, the QB can check down to the RB (R) in the middle of the field.


The depth of the playbook will dramatically increase for QBs Brandon Weeden, Nick Foles, Kirk Cousins, etc. once they get into an NFL training camp this summer. However, the Senior Bowl is all about technique, talent and overall skill sets. Line up, produce and show NFL scouts, GMs and coaches that you have the ability to play at the pro level.


Stay with the NFP for daily NFL Draft coverage.
Follow me on Twitter: @MattBowen41

For several weeks, Alfonzo Dennard was a guy that was being touted as a potential pick in the first round for the Bears. If what your scouting report says is true, soul, he might be the ideal type of player for the Cover Two.

Originally Posted by Dagan81

For several weeks, Alfonzo Dennard was a guy that was being touted as a potential pick in the first round for the Bears. If what your scouting report says is true, soul, he might be the ideal type of player for the Cover Two.

Could be but you wouldn't make him the first pick over a pass rusher. If Tice is willing to live with Webb and we get the WR we need in FA then DE comes to the front of the line and there are at least 3 and maybe 4 DE's with 1st round potential. I posted the top three above and the fourth is Mercilus.

Smith turning heads at Senior Bowl

Irish defensive back might be good fit for Bears at either safety spot

Scouts are calling Notre Dame's Harrison Smith the best safety at the Senior Bowl. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune photo)

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 8:29 p.m. CST, January 26, 2012




MOBILE, Ala. — One NFL scout referred to Harrison Smith as a potential second-round pick. Representatives from at least four different teams called him the best safety prospect at the Senior Bowl. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said Smith looked "absolutely shredded'' while measuring in at 6 feet 13/4 and 212 pounds.

Although Smith appreciated the high praise, the former Notre Dame standout refused to let it go to his head.

"All I can do is put my best foot forward, show them who I am and what I can do," he said. "That's really all I can do through the next two months.''

One of Smith's first meetings during Senior Bowl week was with Bears' Midwest scout Jeff Shriver. The Bears have identified safety as a position of need, although many believe rookie free safety Chris Conte has a bright future.

As for Smith, he could contribute on special teams immediately and play either safety spot.

"I'm very comfortable dropping down, playing the deep middle or half the field," Smith said. "And covering tight ends.''

The Bears have selected a safety in seven consecutive drafts. Only two — third-rounders Major Wright and Conte — remain on the roster. Craig Steltz, a fourth-round pick, is a free agent this offseason.

Quite a catch? Speaking of Notre Dame, some have projected the Bears to select former Irish receiver Michael Floyd with the 19th overall pick of the first round. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes that's a good possibility.

"He's a big, good-looking, first-round wide receiver,'' Mayock said. "A lot depends on what he runs at 224 pounds at the combine. He could be right in that (No. 19) area.''

Mayock, who was the color analyst for Notre Dame games on NBC, was surprised the 6-foot-3 Floyd decided not to play in Saturday's Senior Bowl.

"I wish he was here,'' Mayock said after one of the Senior Bowl practices this week. "If your name is not Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State), who's the next best receiver in this draft?

One source said Floyd was concerned about tweaking a hamstring before the combine after having some hamstring issues in the past. (Another reason to shy away from Floyd in the first round. It's time we stopped drafting guys with a history of injuries)

High praise: Cardinals general manager Rod Graves had Jason Licht on his staff for the 2008 season.

Licht, who had a second interview for the Bears' general manager position Thursday, was a personnel executive for Graves when the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl.

"Jason did an outstanding job for us,'' Graves said during a break at the Senior Bowl practices.

Graves, who used to work for the Bears, declined to discuss Licht's role in detail with the interview process ongoing.

Licht moved from the Cardinals to his current position as the Patriots' pro personnel director.

Add on: Former Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins has been added to the South roster after Alabama receiver Marquis Maze suffered a hamstring injury. (Why are Illinois players on the South team?)

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23


Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

Smith turning heads at Senior Bowl

Irish defensive back might be good fit for Bears at either safety spot

Scouts are calling Notre Dame's Harrison Smith the best safety at the Senior Bowl. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune photo)

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 8:29 p.m. CST, January 26, 2012




MOBILE, Ala. — One NFL scout referred to Harrison Smith as a potential second-round pick. Representatives from at least four different teams called him the best safety prospect at the Senior Bowl. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said Smith looked "absolutely shredded'' while measuring in at 6 feet 13/4 and 212 pounds.

Although Smith appreciated the high praise, the former Notre Dame standout refused to let it go to his head.

"All I can do is put my best foot forward, show them who I am and what I can do," he said. "That's really all I can do through the next two months.''

One of Smith's first meetings during Senior Bowl week was with Bears' Midwest scout Jeff Shriver. The Bears have identified safety as a position of need, although many believe rookie free safety Chris Conte has a bright future.

As for Smith, he could contribute on special teams immediately and play either safety spot.

"I'm very comfortable dropping down, playing the deep middle or half the field," Smith said. "And covering tight ends.''

The Bears have selected a safety in seven consecutive drafts. Only two — third-rounders Major Wright and Conte — remain on the roster. Craig Steltz, a fourth-round pick, is a free agent this offseason.

Quite a catch? Speaking of Notre Dame, some have projected the Bears to select former Irish receiver Michael Floyd with the 19th overall pick of the first round. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes that's a good possibility.

"He's a big, good-looking, first-round wide receiver,'' Mayock said. "A lot depends on what he runs at 224 pounds at the combine. He could be right in that (No. 19) area.''

Mayock, who was the color analyst for Notre Dame games on NBC, was surprised the 6-foot-3 Floyd decided not to play in Saturday's Senior Bowl.

"I wish he was here,'' Mayock said after one of the Senior Bowl practices this week. "If your name is not Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State), who's the next best receiver in this draft?

One source said Floyd was concerned about tweaking a hamstring before the combine after having some hamstring issues in the past. (Another reason to shy away from Floyd in the first round. It's time we stopped drafting guys with a history of injuries)

High praise: Cardinals general manager Rod Graves had Jason Licht on his staff for the 2008 season.

Licht, who had a second interview for the Bears' general manager position Thursday, was a personnel executive for Graves when the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl.

"Jason did an outstanding job for us,'' Graves said during a break at the Senior Bowl practices.

Graves, who used to work for the Bears, declined to discuss Licht's role in detail with the interview process ongoing.

Licht moved from the Cardinals to his current position as the Patriots' pro personnel director.

Add on: Former Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins has been added to the South roster after Alabama receiver Marquis Maze suffered a hamstring injury. (Why are Illinois players on the South team?)

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23


Copyright © 2012, Chicago Tribune

Whatever Maycock says, it must be true! lol

Breaking down the DB talent in Mobile

A list of prospects that stood out from my perspective. Matt Bowen

January 27, 2012 Print This
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Click here to check out the NFP’s Draft Page.
Click here for a look at the Xs and Os of the Senior Bowl.


On Monday, NFL scouts called this an “average” class of defensive backs at the Senior Bowl. But after watching three days of practice in Mobile, I saw some talent that can be developed at the pro level. Here is a list of names to keep an eye on throughout the draft process.

ICONJanoris Jenkins improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl this week.
- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: There was a buzz from NFL scouts I talked to on the transfer from Florida. Solid change of direction skills, can play from an off-position and will use his hands at the line of scrimmage in a press-man alignment.


- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: I was impressed with Dennard because he was the most physical CB on the field this week. Might be targeted as a Cover 2 corner in the draft, but he did show some ability in one-on-ones to play the ball. Plus, he had WRs looking to hide during “stalk block” drills. Dennard can hit.


- George Iloka, FS, Boise State: Size (6-3, 222), range and ball skills. What you want to see from a deep middle of the field safety. Needs to polish his man-coverage skills from a technique standpoint, but if he tests well at the Combine, he could rise up draft boards.


- Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma: I thought Fleming’s play improved with each practice. The Sooners’ CB began to trust his eyes, drive on the ball and open his hips to turn on the deep ball. Wasn't perfect with his technique, but did show some recovery speed. The way I see it, Fleming was the top CB on the North roster.


- Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame: I’m not sold that Smith can play the deep middle of the field on a consistent basis, but as SS in the box or coming off the numbers in Cover 2, the Notre Dame product fits well. Didn’t give ground in one-on-ones vs. the TEs, used his leverage and showed some solid technique. Immediate special teams contributor that should develop into a starter.

(If he doesn't fit the description of a typical Bears draftee at Safety I don't know who does. This guy should be in navy and orange, no doubt about it, lol)

- Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette: An active player that is around the football—and he wants to challenge receivers. Quick with his hands on the initial punch in a press-position and will drive on inside breaking routes with clean cuts from his backpedal. Might not have ideal size outside the numbers, but he caught my eye because he came to Mobile to compete.


Others to watch…
- Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
- Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State
Follow me on Twitter: @MattBowen41

Senior Bowl Stock Watch

Five up and five down from the week. Wes Bunting

January 27, 2012 Print This

1 Comment





Stock on the rise…


SS George Iloka: Boise State (6-3, 216)
He’s a gifted athlete who can play in the deep half, get early jumps on the football and close with authority. Now, at 6-3 he’s going to get a bit leggy out of his breaks at times, but he has the size and athleticism needed to cover the mismatch tight ends in the NFL.
ICONRainey has that track build.


OLB Demario Davis: Arkansas State (6-3, 230)
He jumped out on tape at me this year and did the same all week in Mobile. He’s a tough backer with natural quickness, sees the action well and has a “plus” first step. He displays natural range/fluidity in coverage and if he can learn to quiet his feet a bit, he possesses the type of explosive element to his game to win in both the run and pass game.

OG Tony Bergstrom: Utah (6-6, 315)
I wasn’t a big fan of Bergstrom coming into the game. However, watching him at guard this week, I thought he did a nice job sinking his hips and extending his arms into contact, while displaying the anchor and fluidity to mirror. He was one of the best blockers on the North squad and looks like a potential starting caliber guard to me.

WR Chris Rainey: Florida (5-9, 174)
He's a narrow framed athlete, but exhibits natural running ability and can consistently make defenders miss. Needs to add some girth, but he can catch the football underneath, create something out of nothing with the ball in his hands and was the most explosive straight-line athlete down here this week, outpacing even the fastest corners on the South squad at times.

DT Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
Thompson didn’t receive quite the love of some of the other higher profile defensive linemen this week. However, he was explosive off the snap, was able to consistently gain leverage in both the run and pass game and overwhelm through contact. You know what you’re getting from him and he’s one of the safer defensive line prospects in the class.


Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting