James 'Boomer" Grigsby (not hating on the player) Analysis on him from CBSSportsline

[royr17]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/520856

ANALYSIS
Boomer is a bit undersized and will have to operate in a 4-3 defense in the pros, or possibly move to weak-side linebacker to take advantage of his foot speed. Grigsby would be best served operating in a system that will cover him up and let him roam free. He is a much better performer making plays on the move, as he does not always use his hands effectively to prevent blockers from getting into his exposed chest and stonewalling him on the play. He lacks natural hands for the interception and while he will make the effort, his small hands make him fight to secure the ball.

Blessed with exceptional quickness, for some reason this avid weightlifter's strength does not always translate to the football field. He has the speed to string plays wide, but when asked to face up he struggles to shed. He just seems to lack the size with bulk to hold up at the point of attack at times. He has very good lateral agility and reads the full flow of the ball well. He is very instinctive making reads and is alert to blocking schemes.

He has a great closing burst and good range vs. the run. Grigsby also does a good job of avoiding blocks on the move, which allows him to angle and take the shorter route to the ball carrier.

On the run, he is capable of taking proper angles to the ball and using his speed to slip through trash and make tackles in the backfield. He is more of an arm tackler, leading to a lot of missed hits as the bigger runners are able to slip off his shots. Boomer is a powerful tackler, but needs to improve his hand usage in order to gain good leverage. He seems to run around blocks too often and while he has good lateral agility, looks a little stiff in his hips when having to redirect.

Against the inside run, his weight room strength does not translate to the field. He has trouble shedding at times and can get pushed around working inside the box. He is a good wrapup tackler who can generate pop, but sometimes looks soft taking on the lead block and needs to bring his feet and explode into the ball carrier better. He is more of a move-oriented tackler, as he does not make many tackles head-on, but can wrap and drag the opponent down.

His pass coverage skills, especially in one-on-one situations are lacking. He seems to be late reacting to the receiver's moves and lacks the size to reroute tight ends. He needs to get better hand placement in pass protection and must do a better hob of getting to the drop point when playing in the zone.

As a pass rusher, he lacks any type of moves to be consistent here. He fails to avoid blockers on the inside blitz, but shows suddenness when coming off the edge and having a clear lane. His strength in the weight room could be better featured if only he'd face up more on tackles. Right now, I do not see him being an every down player, as he has marginal pass drop agility and is prone to reading fakes and biting on play action in pass coverage. He needs to learn better zone coverage responsibilities, as Boomer is not always in the right spot in his pass drop.

I like his athletic ability and think he will contribute on the next level, but doubt if he will ever come close to matching his collegiate statistics. Some teams might be considering him as a strong safety, as they feel he has reached maximum size growth potential. But with his pass coverage difficulties, it would be tough to make a position change at this time.

[ROYC75]

IMHO, I see the Chiefs using this guy on the outside as a backup and keeping Rich on the inside as a backup, but that's just me.

Youth movement.

[redbrian]

Originally Posted by trndobrd

In the meantime, there are going to be some sore Mondays for opposing special team players.

The Chiefs better stock up on helments.

Went to high school with a kid like this, not near as big but he played special teams for MU back in the mid 70's. The guy went thru a lot of helments.

[ct]

Seems a realistic evaluation, although as pointed out isn't consistent. Arm tackler or powerful tackler?

The stiff in the hips is more a reflection to not an instinctive route defender, maybe just hasn't been utilized enough in pass coverage to get a feel for what a receiver is gonna do. Or maybe he's just not good in this area.

This is pretty much what we need to expect from Boomer. He can be an immediate contributor on ST, to use his natural athletic ability and fierce attitude. Anything beyond that on defense, he's got a lot of development to focus on.

However, I hope as everyone else does, that he can surprise everyone, and provide a good push for playing time in TC.

[siberian khatru]

He's a 5th-round pick. Like virtually every 5th-rounder, he's got flaws. Because of that, many 5th-rounders don't make it; few become genuine stars. I don't know what the big deal is, debating his merits before he's even had a practice.

He's got some athletic ability and some nice intangibles. He could be an immediate contributer on ST, something we need. Anything over that is gravy. If he gets cut, it will be a disappointment, but it won't make him different than a whole bunch of other guys in the 5th. I'm pretty sure the Chiefs drafted him with an eye on ST first, and as a developmental LB second. Gary Stills went in the third, and I think they had higher hopes he'd be a pass-rusher. Instead, they got a very good ST player who can occasionally fill-in on D. He's a valuable guy so long as his salary doesn't get out of whack.

I'm pulling for him, but I'm not predicting success or failure.

[KCTitus]

The real question is, how often will he get called for 'block in the back' on special teams. If it's less than once per game, he's got a good shot of taking away someone's playing time.

[redbrian]

Originally Posted by coryt

Seems a realistic evaluation, although as pointed out isn't consistent. Arm tackler or powerful tackler?

The stiff in the hips is more a reflection to not an instinctive route defender, maybe just hasn't been utilized enough in pass coverage to get a feel for what a receiver is gonna do. Or maybe he's just not good in this area.

This is pretty much what we need to expect from Boomer. He can be an immediate contributor on ST, to use his natural athletic ability and fierce attitude. Anything beyond that on defense, he's got a lot of development to focus on.

However, I hope as everyone else does, that he can surprise everyone, and provide a good push for playing time in TC.

Boomer will be on ST for the next 2 to 3 years, and sent to NFLE for development.

Originally Posted by KCTitus

The real question is, how often will he get called for 'block in the back' on special teams. If it's less than once per game, he's got a good shot of taking away someone's playing time.

That's painful.

[ROYC75]

Originally Posted by KCTitus

The real question is, how often will he get called for 'block in the back' on special teams. If it's less than once per game, he's got a good shot of taking away someone's playing time.

Ya think ?

But will he make a tackle the 1st time his feet hit the field in a game ?

[ExtremeChief]

Originally Posted by KCTitus

The real question is, how often will he get called for 'block in the back' on special teams. If it's less than once per game, he's got a good shot of taking away someone's playing time.

[KCTitus]

Originally Posted by ROYC75

Ya think ?

But will he make a tackle the 1st time his feet hit the field in a game ?

Are we talking exhibition game or actual game?

[ROYC75]

FWIW, if both Scanlon and Boomer is on the team and both active, both will see the field on ST's.

Bank on it.

[ROYC75]

Originally Posted by KCTitus

Are we talking exhibition game or actual game?

Actual game .........

The very 1st time Rich was on the field, he made a tackle on ST's.

He had 2 / 1 / 2 last year.......

2 tackles
1 assist
2 blocks in the back

[yoswif]

The analysis sounds like Boomer would make a good candidate for Gun's ROLB, much like Bell and Anthony Davis.

[KCTitus]

This analysis also missed one thing that our favorite LB has that Boomer doesnt...a contract. So, for right now, he's safe.

[the Talking Can]

Scanlon eats corn.