Tribal Warfare
01-22-2011, 11:19 PM
Draft Dish: Oregon's Maehl displays NFL credentials (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-01/2011-nfl-draft/story/draft-dish-oregons-maehl-displays-nfl-credentials)
Russ Lande SN Icon Sporting News
ORLANDO, Fla. — With East-West Shrine practices finished for the week—players had light workouts in shoulder pads and shorts on Thursday—here are the prospects who have helped themselves the most:
Oregon WR Jeff Maehl. Maehl’s thin frame raises durability concerns, but he showed he has what it takes to play in the NFL. He is a deceptively good athlete and was consistently able to run sharp, precise routes. Maehl (6-0, 181) He disguised his routes well, got in and out of breaks quickly and was consistently able to get separation.
Though he dropped some passes this week, we don’t question his hands. In Oregon’s pass-happy offense, he not only caught the ball consistently but showed the ability to make great catches.
North Carolina DT Marvin Austin. Before Austin (6-3, 305) arrived in Orlando, there were questions about what kind of shape he would be in after he didn’t play this season due to a suspension. At Tuesday’s practice, he wasn’t dominant but flashed the combination of size, speed and strength that excites NFL teams. Then on Wednesday, he was a wrecking ball. He dominated the 9-on-7 drills and manhandled opponents in one-on-one drills.
Although his weight was fine, it was clear that his endurance had been affected by being away from the game. He wore down at the end of each practice. Still, Austin showed the tools and competitiveness NFL teams had hoped to see in him, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him start to climb draft boards and get second-round consideration.
UCLA DE/DT David Carter. Carter (6-5, 297) definitely helped himself with very strong practices. Entering the week, he was viewed as a limited athlete who made most of his plays through effort and hustle. But he showed improved quickness and athleticism in practices. He displayed the agility and pass-rush skills to defeat linemen, whether lined up inside or out.
He also showed the strength and hands to jolt and drive offensive linemen backward with an aggressive bull rush. He was consistently able to defeat run blocks and make plays against the run. Not only did Carter prove he is a strong, athletic prospect, but he showed he has the tools to be a good 3-4 end, which will help his draft value.
Richmond CB Justin Rogers. Entering the week, Rogers (5-11, 183) was seen as a good small- school corner who carried questions about whether he had the quickness, athleticism and speed to make the jump to the NFL. He answers those questions emphatically by showing he was the best cornerback on the field.
He displayed very quick feet and excellent ability to plant, drive and close fast on passes in front of him. He also exhibited the ball skills to consistently break up passes. He has smooth, fluid athleticism and loose hips, which enable him to turn and run with receivers without losing a step. Although he has good speed, he didn’t show the elite speed that causes cornerbacks to fly up draft boards.
Fresno State LB Chris Carter. Carter (6-1, 246) showed he was the best linebacker all week. He displayed the quickness and athleticism to be solid in coverage as well as excellent range. He gets started toward the ball very quickly and has the top-end speed to chase down plays sideline to sideline. In one-on-one pass-rush drills, he showed the agility and skills to pressure quarterbacks consistently.
Russ Lande SN Icon Sporting News
ORLANDO, Fla. — With East-West Shrine practices finished for the week—players had light workouts in shoulder pads and shorts on Thursday—here are the prospects who have helped themselves the most:
Oregon WR Jeff Maehl. Maehl’s thin frame raises durability concerns, but he showed he has what it takes to play in the NFL. He is a deceptively good athlete and was consistently able to run sharp, precise routes. Maehl (6-0, 181) He disguised his routes well, got in and out of breaks quickly and was consistently able to get separation.
Though he dropped some passes this week, we don’t question his hands. In Oregon’s pass-happy offense, he not only caught the ball consistently but showed the ability to make great catches.
North Carolina DT Marvin Austin. Before Austin (6-3, 305) arrived in Orlando, there were questions about what kind of shape he would be in after he didn’t play this season due to a suspension. At Tuesday’s practice, he wasn’t dominant but flashed the combination of size, speed and strength that excites NFL teams. Then on Wednesday, he was a wrecking ball. He dominated the 9-on-7 drills and manhandled opponents in one-on-one drills.
Although his weight was fine, it was clear that his endurance had been affected by being away from the game. He wore down at the end of each practice. Still, Austin showed the tools and competitiveness NFL teams had hoped to see in him, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him start to climb draft boards and get second-round consideration.
UCLA DE/DT David Carter. Carter (6-5, 297) definitely helped himself with very strong practices. Entering the week, he was viewed as a limited athlete who made most of his plays through effort and hustle. But he showed improved quickness and athleticism in practices. He displayed the agility and pass-rush skills to defeat linemen, whether lined up inside or out.
He also showed the strength and hands to jolt and drive offensive linemen backward with an aggressive bull rush. He was consistently able to defeat run blocks and make plays against the run. Not only did Carter prove he is a strong, athletic prospect, but he showed he has the tools to be a good 3-4 end, which will help his draft value.
Richmond CB Justin Rogers. Entering the week, Rogers (5-11, 183) was seen as a good small- school corner who carried questions about whether he had the quickness, athleticism and speed to make the jump to the NFL. He answers those questions emphatically by showing he was the best cornerback on the field.
He displayed very quick feet and excellent ability to plant, drive and close fast on passes in front of him. He also exhibited the ball skills to consistently break up passes. He has smooth, fluid athleticism and loose hips, which enable him to turn and run with receivers without losing a step. Although he has good speed, he didn’t show the elite speed that causes cornerbacks to fly up draft boards.
Fresno State LB Chris Carter. Carter (6-1, 246) showed he was the best linebacker all week. He displayed the quickness and athleticism to be solid in coverage as well as excellent range. He gets started toward the ball very quickly and has the top-end speed to chase down plays sideline to sideline. In one-on-one pass-rush drills, he showed the agility and skills to pressure quarterbacks consistently.