Three really good mid-rounders, and three I hate. - Page 13

Direckshun · 01-30-2014, 01:15 PM

Just because. Midrounders are anything from low-3rds to 5th round.

I LIKE:

OT/G Joel Bitonio, Nevada -- At this point, he's looking more like a guard, since he played there all of the Senior Bowl. However, Bitonio played extremely well at the Senior Bowl, ending up one of my Top 10 players from that week. Bitonio (6'4", 307 lbs) is a very, very athletic tackle who could crawl into the 2nd round if that athleticism translates to a sub-5.0 40 time, which I honestly think it will. He looks like a great zone blocker at guard, but I honestly think he can play tackle -- he played Anthony Barr to a standstill. Blocked for the NCAA's 2nd most rush yards, and held excellent protection at left tackle for the Wolf Pack.

DE/DT Dominique Easley, Florida -- I absolutely adore Easley. Extremely high effort, high-athleticism guy who absolutely never quits. He can push back against bigger OLs, and penetrate, penetrate, penetrate. The big question is -- where do you put him. He played everywhere in Florida's 4-3, but 280 lbs is pretty light for defensive tackle in the NFL, even at undertackle. He's a little on the short side (6'2") but powerful enough for DE in the 4-3, but he played primarily at DT for the Gators, so he's a project there. As for the 3-4... I hate him on the edge in a two-point stance. His first step is far too valuable to take him out of the three-point. So he'd have to play DE in our system, making him purely a passrush specialist. I don't know if that'd be worth the 3rd we'd have to spend to get him, but I really want him on our roster. He's 1st round talent, coming off a terrible ACL tear.

TE Xavier Grimble, USC -- I think Grimble is going to pleasantly surprise everybody. His numbers in college were hampered by the great talent he played with and the injuries he suffered, but here's what we do know: Grimble is a fast, athletic, big (6'5", 255) tight end with good hands. His performance at the Combine could endear him to a lot of people, if he holds his own in blocking drills and looks sharp getting in and out of the cuts in his routes.

I DON'T LIKE:

S Ahmad Dixon, Baylor -- Bernard Pollard 2.0. If you want big hits, he's an option. But even with those big hits, Dixon (6'0", 205) isn't that great in the run game, and he's disasterous in the passing game. He doesn't break down for tackles at all, and will throw his shoulder instead of wrapping up. His coverage will be passable on backs out of the flat, but he will struggle keeping up with NFL caliber TEs and god help him against WRs. More of a strong safety. No discipline. Had an assault charge on him over the offseason.

ILB/OLB Lamin Borrow, LSU -- Can somebody tell me why anybody thinks anything of this guy? He's consistently rated as a mid-rounder but aside from his rangey speed, I don't see why. He's not good in coverage. He can't shed blocks. He doesn't make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He's fast but not especially so. He's not especially big (6'2", 232). He's just a guy. He's not a difference maker, wasn't in college, and won't be in the NFL. Blah.

OLB Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State -- A great athlete with a good motor, but undersized. He has some experience standing up, but he really struggled against the scant NFL talent he went up against. The best player he played all year was Bitonio, and he avoided him most of the game. The few meetings these players had was soundly won by Bitonio. He's just too undersized to play in a three-point stance in a 4-3, so he'd have to occupy some Von Miller role as an OLB in that setup, but he has almost no experience in coverage. I think Lawrence will be a valuable special teamer, nothing more.

Mugsy · 03-09-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

S Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama -- I've been looking at some teammates over the past couple days who have been overshadowed by their high-1st-round teammates, and Sunseri's the latest. Whereas the Crimson Tide let HaHa Clinton-Dix roam all over the field, they typically let Sunseri hang back in either single-high or double-high to theoretically take away the deep ball. The problem: Sunseri never took away the deep ball. There are fewer safeties I've watched tape on this Draft season that take worse angles, and are worse in coverage than Sunseri. Opposing QBs regularly bombed away on the Crimson Tide as Sunseri looked downright lost, especially as a single-high guy where he routinely undercut routes rather than taking the top off. You see this against A&M, you see it against Virginia Tech, you see it against Oklahoma. Now consider that virtually every Alabama DB that's come out under Saban has never lived up to their Draft season potential. Sunseri is, to me, undraftable; I'd maybe look at him as a UDFA. But probably not even then. Avoid.

I disagree. I like Sunseri. He made some really big plays for Alabama. He was having a very good year before he got hurt and lost for the season. If he had stayed for his senior season he would have a been a first or second day pick for sure. Because of the injury, he will probably be a third day pick but don't be surprised if he goes on the second day. He's definitely getting drafted and I am sure the draft analysts gave him a good projection. Otherwise, he'd have stayed for his senior year. He's one of those guys that is going to get some buzz in late April imo. He's going to be a good special teamer at the very least and that's pretty much par for the course when it comes to the 4th-7th rounders.

Mugsy · 03-10-2014, 07:22 AM

I watched Sunseri against Texas A&M and Virginia Tech again this morning. As far as the A&M goes, you gotta look at what he was being asked to do. His primary responsibility in that game is spying on Manziel. He is looking for him to run on 75% of the plays. He missed one tackle because he took a bad angle in that game against the running back. However, that is very rare for him. He is good against the run. I'm not sure where you get that.

The Virginia Tech game is representative of what you will get from him each week. He was really good against the run, really good on special teams, he excels at man coverage, and plays both safety spots. He is really a good fundamental tackler. He is also a field general out there and excels at reading offenses and positioning teammates. Every time Dorsey talks about Kendrick Lewis, that is what he raves about. There is a good chance we will draft Sunseri imo.

Direckshun, no offense but I think you may have focused in a little too much on the A&M game and missed what Saban was asking him to do for most of that game. I encourage you to watch the Virginia Tech game again.

I watched the Cockrell tape again this morning to. You are right about his run defense. He is not strong in this area. I think I got to caught up in coverage skills. However, I do think he can transition to man and would make a good nickel. The problem is that it's obvious he is not going to be very good on special teams and we will need a CB who can do that. I doubt they take on a project corner that can't play special teams.

Direckshun · 03-10-2014, 10:36 AM

Alrighty. I'll give it another look, and return to this thread with my thoughts.

But I don't know.

Mugsy · 03-10-2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Alrighty. I'll give it another look, and return to this thread with my thoughts.

But I don't know.

He's far from perfect but he is solid imo.

On a side note, the fact that he was Bama's field general and not Ha Ha is interesting. Dorsey really did admire Lewis a lot for his ability in that role. It kind of makes me think he would pass on Ha Ha if he values it that much....

Saccopoo · 03-10-2014, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mugsy

He's far from perfect but he is solid imo.

On a side note, the fact that he was Bama's field general and not Ha Ha is interesting. Dorsey really did admire Lewis a lot for his ability in that role. It kind of makes me think he would pass on Ha Ha if he values it that much....

You know, after his rookie season, I had high hopes for Lewis. Perhaps he's not the guy for this type of defense, which really requires a free/back safety with a lot of range and length.

But, on a side note, **** the field general shit. If you are getting destroyed on passing, it doesn't matter if you are football's version of Erwin Rommel or not.

Mugsy · 03-11-2014, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

But, on a side note, **** the field general shit. If you are getting destroyed on passing, it doesn't matter if you are football's version of Erwin Rommel or not.

I hear you.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 11:12 AM

ILB/OLB Jordan Tripp, Montana -- Tripp's skillset will only really translate to a very specific kind of role in the NFL. You're talking about a good-sized OLB in the 4-3 (and maybe a WILB in some 3-4 schemes) at 6'3", 234, with very good speed and athleticism for a linebacker (4.58 40, 37" vertical with 10' broad jump). But Tripp is not a heat-seeking missile at the line of scrimmage. He's not a thumper in any way, and really his work at the line of scrimmage is really sloppy -- he gets washed in with the trash nearly every time. He can't get to the QB, and he plays with approximately zero power. But where Tripp excels is in space, as his great athleticism would suggest. He'll need work in coverage, but he has the tools to be very good there. He plays very smart on off tackle runs, keeping gap integrity, and he can truly play sideline-to-sideline. Tripp's gifts will get him drafted, but he will be a special teamer for a year or two while he gets stronger and his coverage technique down. But if your scheme puts your OLBs in space, in coverage, and on slot receivers, Tripp's a really solid midround option.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 11:49 AM

DT Ego Ferguson, LSU -- Unlike Anthony Johnson, Ferguson's soft teammate at the same position in this year's draft, Ferguson is an incredibly tough, strong player with 1st round abilities. If the right staff lands Ferguson and places him in the right system, he can be Pro Bowl caliber talent. Ferguson might potentially have some versatility at the 3-4 DE spot, but at 6'3", 315 lbs with only 32" arms, he's more suited at the NT position, or more aptly, as a run-clogging DT in the 4-3. Ferguson has zero passrush other than a standard (but sometimes-overwhelming) bullrush, but his leverage and get-off in the run game is second-day quality. He struggled against Mississippi State's Gabe Jackson, who is more polished than he is, but he has beat up OL all year otherwise, bursting into the backfield, collapsing the pocket, and two-gapping extremely well. If Romeo Crennel was still the DC for this team, Chiefs fans would likely groan at yet another LSU DL who will be a non-impact yet sturdy two-gapper, but that's exactly what Ferguson will bring. He's said to be athletic, but I don't see it -- this is a phone booth player if there ever were one. In a normal draft year, he'd be 3rd round quality with the upside of a typical 1st rounder.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 12:07 PM

RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, Coastal Carolina -- Watching Taliaferro (pronounced "tala-ferro") is like watching two different RBs. On some plays, he is an untackle-able force (6'0", 229 lbs) that drives his legs through defenders. Other plays, he's a total wet noodle. That discrepancy can be linked to a single, critical factor: his get-off is really sorry. He timed in the low 1.6s in his 10 yard split at the Combine, but he looks like he's in the 1.7s on the field. His starting speed is downright sorry, but his eventually speed/power ratio goes up the longer he's able to run without defenders stacking him up. Taliaferro, as a result, will require a good OL for him to make any noise whatsoever in the NFL. He ran in the 4.5s at the Combine, but this guy is purely a between-the-tackles guy. He has good hands in the receiving game, but he's not a sharp route-runner at all. The Chanticleers also never (read: never) asked him to stay into block, either, which is something he'll have to learn from scratch in the NFL. I think Taliaferro's an UDFA with promise, but I wouldn't spend a pick on him with his limitations.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 12:20 PM

DT Shamar Stephen, Connecticut -- Shamar Stephen is a lesson in "if you're only going to do one thing, do it as well as you can." Stephen is a bear to move off the point of attack in the run game. He is a block of granite in the heart of the DL, and at 6'5", 309, he has the body and apparent strength to take on multiple blockers without giving as much as a yard. He looks like he'd be a great candidate as a two-down DL. The problem, however, is that the NFL prefers players who do more than just one thing, and that's where Stephen completely falls short. He is one of the worst athletes in this draft -- he ran a 5.25, which is about 3-4 NT level, with a horrific 10-yard get-off of 1.81. His strength and power could be exposed at the next level by quicker guards who can get into him before he's set. I think Shamar's complete lack of skills outside of clogging the phone booth will land him as a UDFA worth gambling on. I don't know what he offers that can't be passed on in the draft.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 12:45 PM

RB David Fluellen, Toledo -- I'm not sure if Fluellen is draftable, as he carries an injury red flag and he doesn't really pop to me on tape. Here's what I do see: against inferior competition, Fluellen has a suprising number of elusive moves for a 5'11, 224 lbs guy. At least that's what he weighs in as, because he looks more like he's 6'1", 210 on tape. He's long and thin, and whereever he's carrying that extra weight, it's not in his legs, which at 224 you'd hope would be thick trunks for power. But not only has Fluellen skipped a few leg days, he doesn't use them very well in powering through holes. He's an athletic, upright runner with good game speed but zero passblocking experience and recurring ankle injuries. I'd avoid.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 01:01 PM

TE A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State -- If there is a guy in this draft I don't know what to make of, it's Leonard. Watching his tape is maddening: you expect a tight end kicked out of the Florida Gators program (domestic abuse) to be more powerful, speedier, and just more explosive than everybody else on a field full of inferior football players. You look at his Combine numbers and you're blown away: a 4.50 40, ridiculous athleticism, and seemingly great hands on the field. But his tape... oy. His blocking is atrocious: he gets driven by linebackers and can't engage or sustain blocks. His routes are lazy and his first step off the line of scrimmage is terrible. He has great straight line speed but zero quickness or elusiveness. And you just hate the guy. But then he catches a 60 yard bomb with a corner struggling to keep up, and you wonder... can this guy be developed? Do you even want to try?

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 01:16 PM

ILB Avery Williamson, Kentucky -- This draft has a few ILBs who are far better in space than they are mixing it up at the line of scrimmage, and Avery Williamson is one of those players. What sets Williamson apart from most of them is that he's sporting an NFL-caliber physique (6'1", 248) while still retaining tons of speed (high 4.5s in the 40), and extreme productivity in the SEC. Williamson is not a punishing hitter, but he can make big hits on occasion, and he does make a lot of 5-yard tackles that would have been 15-yarders if he had not held his position. And he looks like he could be outstanding in coverage -- he seems to be pretty good now with a roof. And he has a frame that could add extra muscle if he elected to. Williamson put up 135 tackles this past year, and any tape on him suggests he's always around the ball. I think he's a solid midrounder for a team looking for LB depth this year; he could go as high as the 4th if a team thinks he looks like an eventual starter, as he does to me.

Direckshun · 03-12-2014, 01:29 PM

DE/DT Bruce Gaston, Purdue -- The first, second, and third thing that pops on tape when Gaston plays is his motor. Gaston has a relentless motor that never shops churning, even when his team is getting beat like a drum as he faces double-teams all game. That's something that not a lot of the DL in this year's draft have, and it's damn near impossible to coach into somebody. Gaston played primarily DE in the Boilermakers' 3-4 defense, even though his size (6'2," 318) suggests he'd be better losing about fifteen pounds and moving inside. Playing DE in the 3-4 isn't beyond Gaston who, despite some pretty shoddy technique against both the run and the pass, plays very stout and with great explosion against the pass, his full potential often obscured as opponents double-team him regularly. A team will have to work on his technique, but I think he'd be really interesting as a developmental undertackle in a 4-3. Late round pick.

**DaKCMan AP** · 03-12-2014, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

CB Marcus Roberson, Florida -- Roberson has a lot of work that needs to be done, as well as one major red flag. The most important thing here is the red flag: Roberson clocked a 4.61 at the Combine, and 4.6 is around the time I start to believe that CBs are undraftable; I think it's very likely Roberson falls like a rock. Roberson does sport a good 6'0" frame, however, with room to bulk up and get stronger (which he desperately needs, because he is simply not very strong and is going to get pounded by NFL WRs, blockers, and RBs). Roberson also shows poor technique in press man, which is the Chiefs predominant defensive scheme, but looks a lot cleaner in off man, but his lack of speed will scare off all man-coverage teams. But he's a good and willing tackler, which may suit him best for Cover 2 defenses. Really, Roberson's saving grace is his punt returning, where he looks like a really strong talent. Maybe a zone team rolls the dice on him in the late rounds.

Wasn't Joe Haden clocked at 4.65 at the combine?

01-30-2014, 01:15 PM
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	Three really good mid-rounders, and three I hate. Just because. Midrounders are anything from low-3rds to 5th round. I LIKE: OT/G Joel Bitonio, Nevada -- At this point, he's looking more like a guard, since he played there all of the Senior Bowl. However, Bitonio played extremely well at the Senior Bowl, ending up one of my Top 10 players from that week. Bitonio (6'4", 307 lbs) is a very, very athletic tackle who could crawl into the 2nd round if that athleticism translates to a sub-5.0 40 time, which I honestly think it will. He looks like a great zone blocker at guard, but I honestly think he can play tackle -- he played Anthony Barr to a standstill. Blocked for the NCAA's 2nd most rush yards, and held excellent protection at left tackle for the Wolf Pack. DE/DT Dominique Easley, Florida -- I absolutely adore Easley. Extremely high effort, high-athleticism guy who absolutely never quits. He can push back against bigger OLs, and penetrate, penetrate, penetrate. The big question is -- where do you put him. He played everywhere in Florida's 4-3, but 280 lbs is pretty light for defensive tackle in the NFL, even at undertackle. He's a little on the short side (6'2") but powerful enough for DE in the 4-3, but he played primarily at DT for the Gators, so he's a project there. As for the 3-4... I hate him on the edge in a two-point stance. His first step is far too valuable to take him out of the three-point. So he'd have to play DE in our system, making him purely a passrush specialist. I don't know if that'd be worth the 3rd we'd have to spend to get him, but I really want him on our roster. He's 1st round talent, coming off a terrible ACL tear. TE Xavier Grimble, USC -- I think Grimble is going to pleasantly surprise everybody. His numbers in college were hampered by the great talent he played with and the injuries he suffered, but here's what we do know: Grimble is a fast, athletic, big (6'5", 255) tight end with good hands. His performance at the Combine could endear him to a lot of people, if he holds his own in blocking drills and looks sharp getting in and out of the cuts in his routes. I DON'T LIKE: S Ahmad Dixon, Baylor -- Bernard Pollard 2.0. If you want big hits, he's an option. But even with those big hits, Dixon (6'0", 205) isn't that great in the run game, and he's disasterous in the passing game. He doesn't break down for tackles at all, and will throw his shoulder instead of wrapping up. His coverage will be passable on backs out of the flat, but he will struggle keeping up with NFL caliber TEs and god help him against WRs. More of a strong safety. No discipline. Had an assault charge on him over the offseason. ILB/OLB Lamin Borrow, LSU -- Can somebody tell me why anybody thinks anything of this guy? He's consistently rated as a mid-rounder but aside from his rangey speed, I don't see why. He's not good in coverage. He can't shed blocks. He doesn't make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He's fast but not especially so. He's not especially big (6'2", 232). He's just a guy. He's not a difference maker, wasn't in college, and won't be in the NFL. Blah. OLB Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State -- A great athlete with a good motor, but undersized. He has some experience standing up, but he really struggled against the scant NFL talent he went up against. The best player he played all year was Bitonio, and he avoided him most of the game. The few meetings these players had was soundly won by Bitonio. He's just too undersized to play in a three-point stance in a 4-3, so he'd have to occupy some Von Miller role as an OLB in that setup, but he has almost no experience in coverage. I think Lawrence will be a valuable special teamer, nothing more.
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03-10-2014, 07:22 AM	#182
Mugsy Banned Join Date: Mar 2014 Casino cash: $10004900	I watched Sunseri against Texas A&M and Virginia Tech again this morning. As far as the A&M goes, you gotta look at what he was being asked to do. His primary responsibility in that game is spying on Manziel. He is looking for him to run on 75% of the plays. He missed one tackle because he took a bad angle in that game against the running back. However, that is very rare for him. He is good against the run. I'm not sure where you get that. The Virginia Tech game is representative of what you will get from him each week. He was really good against the run, really good on special teams, he excels at man coverage, and plays both safety spots. He is really a good fundamental tackler. He is also a field general out there and excels at reading offenses and positioning teammates. Every time Dorsey talks about Kendrick Lewis, that is what he raves about. There is a good chance we will draft Sunseri imo. Direckshun, no offense but I think you may have focused in a little too much on the A&M game and missed what Saban was asking him to do for most of that game. I encourage you to watch the Virginia Tech game again. I watched the Cockrell tape again this morning to. You are right about his run defense. He is not strong in this area. I think I got to caught up in coverage skills. However, I do think he can transition to man and would make a good nickel. The problem is that it's obvious he is not going to be very good on special teams and we will need a CB who can do that. I doubt they take on a project corner that can't play special teams. Last edited by Mugsy; 03-10-2014 at 07:59 AM..
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03-10-2014, 10:36 AM	#183
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	Alrighty. I'll give it another look, and return to this thread with my thoughts. But I don't know.
Posts: 59,693

03-12-2014, 11:12 AM	#187
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	ILB/OLB Jordan Tripp, Montana -- Tripp's skillset will only really translate to a very specific kind of role in the NFL. You're talking about a good-sized OLB in the 4-3 (and maybe a WILB in some 3-4 schemes) at 6'3", 234, with very good speed and athleticism for a linebacker (4.58 40, 37" vertical with 10' broad jump). But Tripp is not a heat-seeking missile at the line of scrimmage. He's not a thumper in any way, and really his work at the line of scrimmage is really sloppy -- he gets washed in with the trash nearly every time. He can't get to the QB, and he plays with approximately zero power. But where Tripp excels is in space, as his great athleticism would suggest. He'll need work in coverage, but he has the tools to be very good there. He plays very smart on off tackle runs, keeping gap integrity, and he can truly play sideline-to-sideline. Tripp's gifts will get him drafted, but he will be a special teamer for a year or two while he gets stronger and his coverage technique down. But if your scheme puts your OLBs in space, in coverage, and on slot receivers, Tripp's a really solid midround option.
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03-12-2014, 11:49 AM	#188
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	DT Ego Ferguson, LSU -- Unlike Anthony Johnson, Ferguson's soft teammate at the same position in this year's draft, Ferguson is an incredibly tough, strong player with 1st round abilities. If the right staff lands Ferguson and places him in the right system, he can be Pro Bowl caliber talent. Ferguson might potentially have some versatility at the 3-4 DE spot, but at 6'3", 315 lbs with only 32" arms, he's more suited at the NT position, or more aptly, as a run-clogging DT in the 4-3. Ferguson has zero passrush other than a standard (but sometimes-overwhelming) bullrush, but his leverage and get-off in the run game is second-day quality. He struggled against Mississippi State's Gabe Jackson, who is more polished than he is, but he has beat up OL all year otherwise, bursting into the backfield, collapsing the pocket, and two-gapping extremely well. If Romeo Crennel was still the DC for this team, Chiefs fans would likely groan at yet another LSU DL who will be a non-impact yet sturdy two-gapper, but that's exactly what Ferguson will bring. He's said to be athletic, but I don't see it -- this is a phone booth player if there ever were one. In a normal draft year, he'd be 3rd round quality with the upside of a typical 1st rounder.
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03-12-2014, 12:07 PM	#189
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, Coastal Carolina -- Watching Taliaferro (pronounced "tala-ferro") is like watching two different RBs. On some plays, he is an untackle-able force (6'0", 229 lbs) that drives his legs through defenders. Other plays, he's a total wet noodle. That discrepancy can be linked to a single, critical factor: his get-off is really sorry. He timed in the low 1.6s in his 10 yard split at the Combine, but he looks like he's in the 1.7s on the field. His starting speed is downright sorry, but his eventually speed/power ratio goes up the longer he's able to run without defenders stacking him up. Taliaferro, as a result, will require a good OL for him to make any noise whatsoever in the NFL. He ran in the 4.5s at the Combine, but this guy is purely a between-the-tackles guy. He has good hands in the receiving game, but he's not a sharp route-runner at all. The Chanticleers also never (read: never) asked him to stay into block, either, which is something he'll have to learn from scratch in the NFL. I think Taliaferro's an UDFA with promise, but I wouldn't spend a pick on him with his limitations.
Posts: 59,693

03-12-2014, 12:20 PM	#190
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	DT Shamar Stephen, Connecticut -- Shamar Stephen is a lesson in "if you're only going to do one thing, do it as well as you can." Stephen is a bear to move off the point of attack in the run game. He is a block of granite in the heart of the DL, and at 6'5", 309, he has the body and apparent strength to take on multiple blockers without giving as much as a yard. He looks like he'd be a great candidate as a two-down DL. The problem, however, is that the NFL prefers players who do more than just one thing, and that's where Stephen completely falls short. He is one of the worst athletes in this draft -- he ran a 5.25, which is about 3-4 NT level, with a horrific 10-yard get-off of 1.81. His strength and power could be exposed at the next level by quicker guards who can get into him before he's set. I think Shamar's complete lack of skills outside of clogging the phone booth will land him as a UDFA worth gambling on. I don't know what he offers that can't be passed on in the draft.
Posts: 59,693

03-12-2014, 12:45 PM	#191
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	RB David Fluellen, Toledo -- I'm not sure if Fluellen is draftable, as he carries an injury red flag and he doesn't really pop to me on tape. Here's what I do see: against inferior competition, Fluellen has a suprising number of elusive moves for a 5'11, 224 lbs guy. At least that's what he weighs in as, because he looks more like he's 6'1", 210 on tape. He's long and thin, and whereever he's carrying that extra weight, it's not in his legs, which at 224 you'd hope would be thick trunks for power. But not only has Fluellen skipped a few leg days, he doesn't use them very well in powering through holes. He's an athletic, upright runner with good game speed but zero passblocking experience and recurring ankle injuries. I'd avoid.
Posts: 59,693

03-12-2014, 01:01 PM	#192
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	TE A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State -- If there is a guy in this draft I don't know what to make of, it's Leonard. Watching his tape is maddening: you expect a tight end kicked out of the Florida Gators program (domestic abuse) to be more powerful, speedier, and just more explosive than everybody else on a field full of inferior football players. You look at his Combine numbers and you're blown away: a 4.50 40, ridiculous athleticism, and seemingly great hands on the field. But his tape... oy. His blocking is atrocious: he gets driven by linebackers and can't engage or sustain blocks. His routes are lazy and his first step off the line of scrimmage is terrible. He has great straight line speed but zero quickness or elusiveness. And you just hate the guy. But then he catches a 60 yard bomb with a corner struggling to keep up, and you wonder... can this guy be developed? Do you even want to try?
Posts: 59,693

03-12-2014, 01:16 PM	#193
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	ILB Avery Williamson, Kentucky -- This draft has a few ILBs who are far better in space than they are mixing it up at the line of scrimmage, and Avery Williamson is one of those players. What sets Williamson apart from most of them is that he's sporting an NFL-caliber physique (6'1", 248) while still retaining tons of speed (high 4.5s in the 40), and extreme productivity in the SEC. Williamson is not a punishing hitter, but he can make big hits on occasion, and he does make a lot of 5-yard tackles that would have been 15-yarders if he had not held his position. And he looks like he could be outstanding in coverage -- he seems to be pretty good now with a roof. And he has a frame that could add extra muscle if he elected to. Williamson put up 135 tackles this past year, and any tape on him suggests he's always around the ball. I think he's a solid midrounder for a team looking for LB depth this year; he could go as high as the 4th if a team thinks he looks like an eventual starter, as he does to me.
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03-12-2014, 01:29 PM	#194
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	DE/DT Bruce Gaston, Purdue -- The first, second, and third thing that pops on tape when Gaston plays is his motor. Gaston has a relentless motor that never shops churning, even when his team is getting beat like a drum as he faces double-teams all game. That's something that not a lot of the DL in this year's draft have, and it's damn near impossible to coach into somebody. Gaston played primarily DE in the Boilermakers' 3-4 defense, even though his size (6'2," 318) suggests he'd be better losing about fifteen pounds and moving inside. Playing DE in the 3-4 isn't beyond Gaston who, despite some pretty shoddy technique against both the run and the pass, plays very stout and with great explosion against the pass, his full potential often obscured as opponents double-team him regularly. A team will have to work on his technique, but I think he'd be really interesting as a developmental undertackle in a 4-3. Late round pick.
Posts: 59,693