Today's draft watch games include Matt Ryan... - Page 9

Coogs · 12-28-2007, 12:57 PM

December 28, 2007:

Boston College vs Michigan State; Champs Sports Bowl; 5 PM et; ESPN… A pretty good case can be made that this afternoon’s Champs Sports Bowl match-up between Boston College and Michigan State has as much talent for the 2008 draft as any contest on the early bowl schedule. BC QB Matt Ryan (#12, 6-5, 235), for example, has been one of the major rising stars of the upcoming draft class; indeed, there are teams around the league that would make the Ryan the first player off the board at the position ahead of the likes o Louisville’s Brian Brohm and Andre’ Woodson of Kentucky. And Ryan could very well be joined in this Year’s opening round by rugged OT Gosder Cherilus (#77, 6-6, 320) and CB DeJuan Tribble (#27, 5-9, 190), although the latter won’t play because of an injury. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ senior class also has plenty of depth including the RB duo of Andre Callender (#32, 5-10, 205) and L.V. Whitworth (#30, 5-11, 222), All-America FS Jamie Silva (#44, 5-11, 205), DE Nick Larkin (#57, 6-3, 255), MLB Jolonn Dunbar (#40, 6-0, 225) and WR Kevin Challenger (#84, 5-9, 185).

Michigan State could also have an impact on the early going at the 2008 draft if junior WR Devin Thomas (#5, 6-1, 215) who doesn’t get that much in the way of national pub, but has been as productive as any receiver in the country this fall. Indeed, Thomas, who runs in the 4.50 range for the 40, caught 76 passes for 1,200 yards this fall and averaged a healthy 28.1 yards per KO returns. The Spartans also have one o college football’s most versatile players in TE Kellen Davis (#80, 6-5, 255) who also plays along the defensive line. MSU also features a big offensive line including OT Pete Clifford (#75, 6-6, 320), OG Mike Gyetvai (#66, 6-6, 310) and C John Masters (#54, 6-3, 285) who combine to clear the road for RBs Javon Ringer (#23, 5-9, 205), an explosive junior pile driving Jehuu Caulcrick (#30, 5-11, 255). Meanwhile, the Spartans defense isn’t as strong as the offense and won’t be helped by the act that star DE Jonal St. Dic won’t play because of academics, although steady MLB Kaleb Thornhill (#41, 6-0, 240), DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (#99, 6-3, 290), DE Ervin Baldwin (#51, 6-2, 270), and safeties Nehemiah Warrick (#3, 6-1, 210), Travis Key (#13, 5-10, 185) and junior Otis Wiley (#21, 6-1, 210) are solid second-tier types.

Houston vs Texas Christian; Texas Bowl, 8 PM ET; NFL Network… If speed is the name of the game, then pro scouts will be tuned when Houston plays TCU in the Texas Bowl as the Cougars feature two of the fastest players in the country as both WR Donnie Avery (#2, 5-10, 190) and RB Anthony Aldridge (#22, 5-9, 175) run close to 4.3 for the 40. And both have translated that speed into terrific productivity on the field. Avery, who doubles as an outstanding KO return man who averaged over 28 yards a return this fall, for example, had 81 catches this season for over 1,300 yards. For his part, Aldridge, who is smallish by current NFL standards, had over 2,000 yards in total offense this season including 1,600 yards on the ground and another 400 plus on 41 receptions; Aldridge also scored 19 times this season. Meawnhile, Avery combines with rangy WR Jeron Harvey (#9, 6-5, 215) to give the Cougars one of the better 1-2 punches at the position in college football. Other Cougars to watch include OG Jeff Akeroyd (#77, 6-3, 295), junior DE Phillip Hunt (#53, 6-2, 250), LBs Brendan Pahula (#3, 6-2, 240) and Trent Allen (#41, 6-1, 245) and safety Rocky Schwartz (#20, 5-10, 200).

The player under the microscope in the Texas Bowl though, will be TCU DE Tommy Blake (#97, 6-2, 255). Blake came into the season rated as one of the top pass-rushers in the country, but ended up sitting out much of the year dealing with some personal issues. If on his game, though, Blake combines with fellow DE Chase Ortiz (#93, 6-2, 255) to give the Horned Frogs a dangerous outside pass rush. TCU also has a pretty good KR in SS Brian Bonner (#6, 5-10, 200), while FS David Roach (#27, 6-1, 215) and OLB David Hawthorne (#46, 5-11, 225) are solid. And if the offense stalls, the horned Frogs have one o the country’s most accurate PKs in Chris Manfredini (#44, 5-9, 165).

Maryland vs Oregon State; Emerald Bowl; 8:30 PM ET; ESPN… Which team wins this year’s Emerald Bowl may come down to who wins the head-to-head battle between star Oregon State RB Yvenson Bernard (#26, 5-9, 205), a slasher with over 3,700 career rushing yards, and Maryland junior MLB Erin Henderson (#1, 6-2, 236), the more athletic younger brother of Vikings’ LB E.J. Henderson. Bernard runs behind a huge offensive line anchored by OGs Roy Schuening (#67, 6-3, 320) and junior Jeremy Perry (#62, 6-3, 315) who was considered the top player at the position prior to the season but played little because of a leg injury. The Beavers also have a very experienced defensive front sevens which starts al seniors including DEs Dorian Smith (#93, 6-3, 260) and Jeff Van Ostrow (49, 6-3, 265) and LBs Derrick Doggett (#45, 6-3, 210), Alan Darlin (#46, 6-0, 255) and Joey Larocque (#44, 6-1, 220). For good measure, Oregon State also has one of the better kickers in the nation in PK Alex Serna (#13, 5-8, 170).

If LB Henderson decides to stay in school for the 2008 season, the Terps’ best prospect for the upcoming draft should be emerging DT Dre Moore (#92, 6-4, 315), a rugged run stuffer with enough quickness to post 6.5 sacks this season. The Terps will also feature one of college football’s better 1-2 senior punches at RB in Lance Ball (#44, 5-9, 225) and Keon Lattimore (#21, 5-10, 225), while TE Joey Haynos (#880, 6-7, 260) is a decent blocker and improving receiver. Meanwhile, veteran OG Andrew Crummey (#63, 6-4, 305) is a solid interior blocker. The most intriguing Maryland prospect, though, may ultimately be redshirt sophomore WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (#8, 6-1, 205) who is still learning the nuances of the position, but is a former track star who may very well be the fastest player in college football.

ChiefaRoo · 12-28-2007, 07:52 PM

Hmmm, I like the idea of a Rothlisberger type of a QB. Big, accurate with just enough speed to buy time or get the first if the middle opens up. Is Ryan that guy? If not, I like the idea of taking a stud DT.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefaRoo

Hmmm, I like the idea of a Rothlisberger type of a QB. Big, accurate with just enough speed to buy time or get the first if the middle opens up. Is Ryan that guy? If not, I like the idea of taking a stud DT.

That's a decent comparison I guess. Ryan can move just enough, I don't think he has the pure physical talent Roethlisberger does but I think he's better in other facets.

This is probably going to be our only chance to take a franchise QB, right now I say we make the pick and ride with it. You hit on it you just put yourself in position to be good for a long time.

**the Talking Can** · 12-28-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefaRoo

Hmmm, I like the idea of a Rothlisberger type of a QB. Big, accurate with just enough speed to buy time or get the first if the middle opens up. Is Ryan that guy? If not, I like the idea of taking a stud DT.

i don't see any similarities between Ryan and Rothlisberger...two different QBs...imo

Coogs · 12-28-2007, 08:14 PM

After watching the game, I am not sure what to think about Ryan. He was surrounded by bad talent. But he made some good plays as well as some bad plays.

Kind of sounds right about where we are with Croyle. He has bad players around him. He makes some good play as well as some bad plays.

I guess I wouldn't be upset if we took Ryan, but by the same token, I wouldn't be upset if we fix the parts around Croyle either.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 08:15 PM

The Chiefs bad players are in no comparison to the bad players BC has, some of those guys are brutal.

I question if BC could win a game without Matt Ryan.

Coogs · 12-28-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

The Chiefs bad players are in no comparison to the bad players BC has, some of those guys are brutal.

I question if BC could win a game without Matt Ryan.

They were ranked 2nd at one time.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-28-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

I guess I wouldn't be upset if we took Ryan, but by the same token, I wouldn't be upset if we fix the parts around Croyle either.

I would because it would be a lateral move, because if a superstud is available hell yeah I'd take him but Ryan's good but isn't an Earth shattering NFL badass sure thing.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

They were ranked 2nd at one time.

I know, which is shocking because in many ways they are a 1 man team, on offense anyway.

I don't think it's a lateral move just because I think Ryan can play 16 games...

Coogs · 12-28-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

The Chiefs bad players are in no comparison to the bad players BC has, some of those guys are brutal.

I question if BC could win a game without Matt Ryan.

IIRC, the "roll tide" gang has said Croyle sort of had crap around him too, but he willed the to a 10-1 record or so.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-28-2007, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I know, which is shocking because in many ways they are a 1 man team, on offense anyway.

I don't think it's a lateral move just because I think Ryan can play 16 games...

If I'm picking in the top 5, I'm looking for John Elway caliber QBs that are studs in every possible category for playing the position and this year their aren't any.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

IIRC, the "roll tide" gang has said Croyle sort of had crap around him too, but he willed the to a 10-1 record or so.

Well Matt Ryan isn't made of glass...Like I said I don't think Croyle is untalented. I just think he's better suited as a backup because of his horrendous durability, I don't think he'll ever be able to play 16 games.

If this was madden his durability rating would be like a 15.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

If I'm picking in the top 5, I'm looking for John Elway caliber QBs that are studs in every possible category for playing the position and this year their isn't any.

And the guys next year are worse...those QB's are rare...I think Ryan is worth it because I think he can be developed into a top notch guy.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-28-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

And the guys next year are worse...those QB's are rare...I think Ryan is worth it because I think he can be developed into a top notch guy.

This is where we differ, because I believe that Croyle could develop into that also. Again I'm looking for world-beater at the Top 5 position, and Ryan's good but he'll need help.

Mecca · 12-28-2007, 08:33 PM

If you can give me any reason to believe Brodie Croyle can be a dependable starter I'd love to hear it....I don't think he'll ever play 16.

Coogs · 12-28-2007, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Well Matt Ryan isn't made of glass...Like I said I don't think Croyle is untalented. I just think he's better suited as a backup because of his horrendous durability, I don't think he'll ever be able to play 16 games.

If this was madden his durability rating would be like a 15.

I wonder if Ryan will be able to hold up as well. Rothlisberger goes out from time-to-time nearly every season. A couple of times tonight, Ryan rolled right into a tackle, and wasn't able to avoid it. And he got belted from the right side once that I saw while looking left right away. Didn't seem like he picked the guy up out of his periphial (sp) vision at all.

The guy has talent as well. That was easy to see. And maybe you are correct about next years crop as well. But just maybe there is some junior out there that will declare early that has the physical tools that Ryan has.

Maybe somebody like Freeman from Kansas State has a bust out year. He is built about like those guys.

12-28-2007, 12:57 PM
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $-2105651	Today's draft watch games include Matt Ryan... December 28, 2007: Boston College vs Michigan State; Champs Sports Bowl; 5 PM et; ESPN… A pretty good case can be made that this afternoon’s Champs Sports Bowl match-up between Boston College and Michigan State has as much talent for the 2008 draft as any contest on the early bowl schedule. BC QB Matt Ryan (#12, 6-5, 235), for example, has been one of the major rising stars of the upcoming draft class; indeed, there are teams around the league that would make the Ryan the first player off the board at the position ahead of the likes o Louisville’s Brian Brohm and Andre’ Woodson of Kentucky. And Ryan could very well be joined in this Year’s opening round by rugged OT Gosder Cherilus (#77, 6-6, 320) and CB DeJuan Tribble (#27, 5-9, 190), although the latter won’t play because of an injury. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ senior class also has plenty of depth including the RB duo of Andre Callender (#32, 5-10, 205) and L.V. Whitworth (#30, 5-11, 222), All-America FS Jamie Silva (#44, 5-11, 205), DE Nick Larkin (#57, 6-3, 255), MLB Jolonn Dunbar (#40, 6-0, 225) and WR Kevin Challenger (#84, 5-9, 185). Michigan State could also have an impact on the early going at the 2008 draft if junior WR Devin Thomas (#5, 6-1, 215) who doesn’t get that much in the way of national pub, but has been as productive as any receiver in the country this fall. Indeed, Thomas, who runs in the 4.50 range for the 40, caught 76 passes for 1,200 yards this fall and averaged a healthy 28.1 yards per KO returns. The Spartans also have one o college football’s most versatile players in TE Kellen Davis (#80, 6-5, 255) who also plays along the defensive line. MSU also features a big offensive line including OT Pete Clifford (#75, 6-6, 320), OG Mike Gyetvai (#66, 6-6, 310) and C John Masters (#54, 6-3, 285) who combine to clear the road for RBs Javon Ringer (#23, 5-9, 205), an explosive junior pile driving Jehuu Caulcrick (#30, 5-11, 255). Meanwhile, the Spartans defense isn’t as strong as the offense and won’t be helped by the act that star DE Jonal St. Dic won’t play because of academics, although steady MLB Kaleb Thornhill (#41, 6-0, 240), DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (#99, 6-3, 290), DE Ervin Baldwin (#51, 6-2, 270), and safeties Nehemiah Warrick (#3, 6-1, 210), Travis Key (#13, 5-10, 185) and junior Otis Wiley (#21, 6-1, 210) are solid second-tier types. Houston vs Texas Christian; Texas Bowl, 8 PM ET; NFL Network… If speed is the name of the game, then pro scouts will be tuned when Houston plays TCU in the Texas Bowl as the Cougars feature two of the fastest players in the country as both WR Donnie Avery (#2, 5-10, 190) and RB Anthony Aldridge (#22, 5-9, 175) run close to 4.3 for the 40. And both have translated that speed into terrific productivity on the field. Avery, who doubles as an outstanding KO return man who averaged over 28 yards a return this fall, for example, had 81 catches this season for over 1,300 yards. For his part, Aldridge, who is smallish by current NFL standards, had over 2,000 yards in total offense this season including 1,600 yards on the ground and another 400 plus on 41 receptions; Aldridge also scored 19 times this season. Meawnhile, Avery combines with rangy WR Jeron Harvey (#9, 6-5, 215) to give the Cougars one of the better 1-2 punches at the position in college football. Other Cougars to watch include OG Jeff Akeroyd (#77, 6-3, 295), junior DE Phillip Hunt (#53, 6-2, 250), LBs Brendan Pahula (#3, 6-2, 240) and Trent Allen (#41, 6-1, 245) and safety Rocky Schwartz (#20, 5-10, 200). The player under the microscope in the Texas Bowl though, will be TCU DE Tommy Blake (#97, 6-2, 255). Blake came into the season rated as one of the top pass-rushers in the country, but ended up sitting out much of the year dealing with some personal issues. If on his game, though, Blake combines with fellow DE Chase Ortiz (#93, 6-2, 255) to give the Horned Frogs a dangerous outside pass rush. TCU also has a pretty good KR in SS Brian Bonner (#6, 5-10, 200), while FS David Roach (#27, 6-1, 215) and OLB David Hawthorne (#46, 5-11, 225) are solid. And if the offense stalls, the horned Frogs have one o the country’s most accurate PKs in Chris Manfredini (#44, 5-9, 165). Maryland vs Oregon State; Emerald Bowl; 8:30 PM ET; ESPN… Which team wins this year’s Emerald Bowl may come down to who wins the head-to-head battle between star Oregon State RB Yvenson Bernard (#26, 5-9, 205), a slasher with over 3,700 career rushing yards, and Maryland junior MLB Erin Henderson (#1, 6-2, 236), the more athletic younger brother of Vikings’ LB E.J. Henderson. Bernard runs behind a huge offensive line anchored by OGs Roy Schuening (#67, 6-3, 320) and junior Jeremy Perry (#62, 6-3, 315) who was considered the top player at the position prior to the season but played little because of a leg injury. The Beavers also have a very experienced defensive front sevens which starts al seniors including DEs Dorian Smith (#93, 6-3, 260) and Jeff Van Ostrow (49, 6-3, 265) and LBs Derrick Doggett (#45, 6-3, 210), Alan Darlin (#46, 6-0, 255) and Joey Larocque (#44, 6-1, 220). For good measure, Oregon State also has one of the better kickers in the nation in PK Alex Serna (#13, 5-8, 170). If LB Henderson decides to stay in school for the 2008 season, the Terps’ best prospect for the upcoming draft should be emerging DT Dre Moore (#92, 6-4, 315), a rugged run stuffer with enough quickness to post 6.5 sacks this season. The Terps will also feature one of college football’s better 1-2 senior punches at RB in Lance Ball (#44, 5-9, 225) and Keon Lattimore (#21, 5-10, 225), while TE Joey Haynos (#880, 6-7, 260) is a decent blocker and improving receiver. Meanwhile, veteran OG Andrew Crummey (#63, 6-4, 305) is a solid interior blocker. The most intriguing Maryland prospect, though, may ultimately be redshirt sophomore WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (#8, 6-1, 205) who is still learning the nuances of the position, but is a former track star who may very well be the fastest player in college football.
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12-28-2007, 07:52 PM	#121
ChiefaRoo MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Austin,TX Casino cash: $3937505	Hmmm, I like the idea of a Rothlisberger type of a QB. Big, accurate with just enough speed to buy time or get the first if the middle opens up. Is Ryan that guy? If not, I like the idea of taking a stud DT.
Posts: 11,953

12-28-2007, 08:14 PM	#124
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $-2105651	After watching the game, I am not sure what to think about Ryan. He was surrounded by bad talent. But he made some good plays as well as some bad plays. Kind of sounds right about where we are with Croyle. He has bad players around him. He makes some good play as well as some bad plays. I guess I wouldn't be upset if we took Ryan, but by the same token, I wouldn't be upset if we fix the parts around Croyle either.
Posts: 21,898

12-28-2007, 08:15 PM	#125
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-562950	The Chiefs bad players are in no comparison to the bad players BC has, some of those guys are brutal. I question if BC could win a game without Matt Ryan.
Posts: 115,293

12-28-2007, 08:33 PM	#134
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-562950	If you can give me any reason to believe Brodie Croyle can be a dependable starter I'd love to hear it....I don't think he'll ever play 16.
Posts: 115,293