Senior Bowl Updates - Page 5

Archie Bunker · 01-22-2007, 04:21 PM

From rotoworld

Rutgers FB/H-Back Brian Leonard wants to play tailback in the NFL.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock says Leonard dropped 12 pounds between the season and the Senior Bowl to get fit. The Eagles have already been mentioned as having interest in Leonard as a possible change of pace.

Troy Smith measured in at an even 6-0 at the Senior Bowl.

Many were concerned that Smith might measure 5-11 or even 5-10, so this is a solid height for him as he tries to prove himself first-day worthy.

Louisville DT Amobi Okoye measured in at 6-2/287 at the Senior Bowl.

The 19-year-old was listed in the 300-pound range in college, so the weight is down but he reportedly looked like a rock. A certain first-day pick, Okoye may need to play the three technique early in his pro career.
Source: buffalobills.com

**DaKCMan AP** · 01-26-2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donkhater

He has good enough hands. What do you want a team of Chris Horns? Mike Nolan compared him to Colston from NO. I don't know about you, but I'd like a player like Colston on this team. If he is a hard worker, his hands will improve.

I would hope so. He dropped MANY catchable balls this year.

This is a draft deep with WRs and I'd rather have a Calvin Johnson (obviously no chance), Jarrett, Sidney Rice or Robert Meachem early or grab a guy later (Steve Smith, Courtney Taylor, Jason Swayne, Paul Williams, etc.

It's JMO that Bowe wont ever live up to his 1st round billing and I think we can find much better value with our pick. Of the 1st round WRs I'm not high on Bowe or Ted Ginn Jr.

Brock · 01-26-2007, 08:58 AM

MOBILE, Ala. -- -- The practices are finished and NFL scouts, coaches and general managers are long gone. All that's left is to play the game. Yet even before the ball is officially kicked off, the script on which players came out of the '07 Senior Bowl as winners or losers has already been written.

Ten Prospects Who Exceeded Expectations

1. Amobi Okoye/DL/Louisville: Okoye was the talk of the town this week. Weighing in at a chiseled 287-pounds, he displayed tremendous quickness and athleticism from the first practice. Okoye, a bright and articulate 19-year-old, also interviewed well for the teams that spent time with him.

2. Adam Carriker/DL/Nebraska: Another front four player who was tough to block, Carriker elevated his draft stock significantly. Displaying a combination of strength and intelligence, he also came across well during interviews.

3. Dwayne Bowe/WR/LSU: The big pass catcher separated himself from the rest of the group and distinguished himself as the top senior receiver in the country.

4. David Irons/CB/Auburn: Irons capitalized on a terrific senior campaign with a great showing in Mobile. He was consistently applauded by coaches for his cover skills, hard work and ability to learn new defensive systems.

5. Michael Griffin/S/Texas: Displaying an array of talent in centerfield, Griffin made an impact every day at practice. His ball skills in coverage were outstanding as was his play defending the run.

6. Brandon Mebane/DT/California: The stout defensive tackle was unblockable for most of the week. Displaying tremendous quickness, he showed pass rush moves scouts were not aware he had.

7. Ryan Kalil/C/USC: The Trojan blocker looked great on the pivot. Holding his own against bigger opponents, he showed a lot of unexpected skill blocking in motion.

8. Aundrae Allison/WR/East Carolina: Allison impressed scouts from the first day he stepped on the field. Catching everything thrown in his directions, he also got deep behind defenders with consistency.

9. Mason Crosby/PK/Colorado: Crosby regularly put his field goals through the uprights from 50-yards or longer with plenty of room to spare.

10. Antonio Johnson/DT/Mississippi State: The big tackle showed-off his athleticism all week. More impressively, he consistently made plays up the field, something that was lacking in his college career.

Five Prospects Who Failed to Meet Expectations

1. Ryan Harris/OL/Notre Dame: Continuing what was a poor senior season, Harris was beaten regularly in Mobile. At one point he was chastised by Jon Gruden for allowing a sack on Thursday.

2. Marcus McCauley/CB/Fresno State: Another who struggled in '06, McCauley was beaten with regularity all week. His performance during Thursday's no pads practice was not good.

3. Patrick Willis/MLB/Mississippi: Willis gave good effort all week and looked strong in the box. Problem was he struggled making plays out to the sidelines or in reverse. He does not resemble the first-round talent many have pinned him to be.

4. Quentin Moses/DE/Georgia: The Bulldogs pass rusher checked in much lighter than expected at 249 pounds and was handled all week by blockers. During interviews, Moses did not come off as a confident individual.

5. Troy Smith/QB/Ohio State: While Smith was accurate with his short and intermediate passes, his long throws were off. Smith did not display the ability to drive the deep pass and was rarely on the mark downfield.

Senior Bowl Notes: NFL scouts are not enamored with the overall talent of this year's senior class but they were reasonably happy with the players on hand in Mobile. This years group could match the number of first-round picks which came out of last year's game; 14. The Senior Bowl is the place where the unemployed and underclassmen come to look for job interviews. Larry Coker, the recently released coach from the Miami Hurricanes, was at practice all week hoping to catch on with an NFL team. Florida Gator defensive back Reggie Nelson, who declared for the draft soon after the national title game, interviewed with several teams right through Wednesday.

Chiefnj · 01-26-2007, 09:20 AM

Brock,

Where was that from?

It's funny because other sites rave about Willis and others said Smith looked at QB.

Brock · 01-26-2007, 09:25 AM

Oops, here's the link.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...owl/index.html

**DaKCMan AP** · 01-26-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

MOBILE, Ala. -- -- The practices are finished and NFL scouts, coaches and general managers are long gone.

This is what's wrong with scouting, IMO. Practice habits are important, but game performance should trump all other measureables.

Chiefnj · 01-26-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

This is what's wrong with scouting, IMO. Practice habits are important, but game performance should trump all other measureables.

I don't think there is much to tell from the game. Both sides are limited in what they can do. IIRC, no blitzing, etc.

**DaKCMan AP** · 01-26-2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

I don't think there is much to tell from the game. Both sides are limited in what they can do. IIRC, no blitzing, etc.

I understand that, but it should be more telling of true game performance than practice. Hell, at least they'll HIT.

Archie Bunker · 01-26-2007, 10:02 AM

Here's a little story on Willis...

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunhera...s/16549781.htm

Willis making a big splash
Ole Miss linebacker among many players trying to make waves at Senior Bowl
By LARRY HOLDER
lholder@sunherald.com

MOBILE - Scouts from the Kansas City Chiefs approached former Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis after a practice session this week at the Senior Bowl.

The Butkus Award winner and two-time All-American answered every question about as polite as any potential first-round draft pick could possibly respond.

A litany of "yes, sir" and "thank you, sir" continuously flowed from his vocal chords without a hint of rehearsal. Willis was genuinely courteous to everyone he conversed with following one of the most important practices of his soon-to-be professional career.

As respectful as he was to the slew of NFL scouts this week, Willis was equally as gracious to his Southeastern Conference opposition during his four years with the Rebels. Sure, at first he'd hammer the ball carrier to the ground, but he was willing to give a helping hand to his dazed foe.

A mixture of tenacity and genteelness has pro scouts and general managers marking his every move as he's slated to go in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

"I'm lucky to be in this situation and you can't take anything for granted," Willis said. "A year ago, people didn't think I could come back for my senior year and have just as good, if not a better season than I did my junior year.

"I'm very fortunate and this is a great opportunity to show what I can do in front of all the coaches and scouts. Being here will definitely help me for the draft."

Hovering in the background this week has been San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach Mike Singletary, former Chicago Bears great and one of the NFL's best middle linebackers.

Willis said the coaching staff realizes the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has a nose for the football. With the Hall of Fame player tutoring him this week, Willis is absorbing every and any piece of advice Singletary has to offer.

During one drill, one coach barked at Willis to get his hands up. He listened. The next play, Willis outwrestled an offensive lineman with ease. Note taken.

"They just wanted me to use my hands more," Willis said. "They know I can get to the ball and they know I can make plays. There comes a point in time where you've got to go in there at linemen and connect with them. Everyone would be able to see me connect with a lineman and just get rid of of and not necessarily hit him. They want to see me force them out and shoot them off. That's been the biggest thing."

Willis said his best assets he wants to showcase this week are speed and his ability to scour from sideline to sideline. He also hopes to dispel any perceived weaknesses he may possess.

"The one thing I try to portray is that I'm an all-around player and that I'm not just one dimensional," Willis said. "I can do more than just play the run or play the pass."

Willis' draft stock hovers anywhere from the middle to the late first round. He's already perking the interest from 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, who will coach the South squad Saturday afternoon.

"Willis has a done a very good job," Nolan said. "He's a very active guy. He's a guy I came down here with a little bit of knowledge of, just from a name standpoint. I certainly have not watched any film of him prior to getting here.

"I've already noticed he's got a good nose for the ball and he's a physical player, covers a lot of ground, he's a sideline to sideline guy. He looks to like he's probably got a very good career ahead of him.

"Last year, we coached some very good linebackers in this game. In fact, one of them was the (NFL) Defensive Rookie of the Year from Alabama, DeMeco Ryans, and last year he did a nice job during the week Initially, Willis has caught my eye a good bit in the short time we've had practicing the last two days."

htismaqe · 01-26-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

Brock,

Where was that from?

It's funny because other sites rave about Willis and others said Smith looked at QB.

I find that interesting as well.

For instance, Scott Wright has opened almost EVERY report with a sentence on how Troy Smith is far and away the best QB there...

eazyb81 · 01-26-2007, 11:21 AM

That SI report is a bit eye-opening, considering Scott Wright and Sigmund Bloom have both raved about Willis this week, saying he was far and away the best LB in Mobile.

I've been following Scott for years now, and he really knows his stuff.

htismaqe · 01-26-2007, 01:25 PM

According to NFL Draft Countdown, the Chiefs talked to Okoye and Palko on Thursday...

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-26-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I find that interesting as well.

For instance, Scott Wright has opened almost EVERY report with a sentence on how Troy Smith is far and away the best QB there...

Kiper was a little bit down on Smith's performance at the Sr. Bowl, saying that he was very erratic in passing drills...

This is FWIW, anyway.

htismaqe · 01-26-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Kiper was a little bit down on Smith's performance at the Sr. Bowl, saying that he was very erratic in passing drills...

This is FWIW, anyway.

Here is the opening to Scott Wright's Thursday morning practice report:

As he has been all week Ohio State's Troy Smith was once again the top quarterback on the North roster, showcasing a great arm by throwing 20 yard ropes and also what appeared to be strong hands.

Just goes to show you that you can't really trust any ONE site...

htismaqe · 01-26-2007, 01:34 PM

Here's another example of conflicting/confusing reports, and what's bad about this is that it came from the SAME SITE.

Scott Wright's Thursday afternoon report:
Up front Tony Ugoh of Arkansas continues to struggle while Joe Staley of Central Michigan continues to impress by looking strong and powerful.

Scott Wright's Wednesday afternoon report:
Up front Tony Ugoh of Arkansas has long arms, redirects well, plays with good leverage and is athletic enough to pull effectively. Joe Staley of Central Michigan has feet that are unparalleled and he extends his arms well but he is not overly stout at the point and will get pushed backwards by powerful defenders.

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-26-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

According to NFL Draft Countdown, the Chiefs talked to Okoye and Palko on Thursday...

with a sinister grin Good! Good!

01-22-2007, 04:21 PM
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1688978	Senior Bowl Updates From rotoworld Rutgers FB/H-Back Brian Leonard wants to play tailback in the NFL. NFL Network's Mike Mayock says Leonard dropped 12 pounds between the season and the Senior Bowl to get fit. The Eagles have already been mentioned as having interest in Leonard as a possible change of pace. Troy Smith measured in at an even 6-0 at the Senior Bowl. Many were concerned that Smith might measure 5-11 or even 5-10, so this is a solid height for him as he tries to prove himself first-day worthy. Louisville DT Amobi Okoye measured in at 6-2/287 at the Senior Bowl. The 19-year-old was listed in the 300-pound range in college, so the weight is down but he reportedly looked like a rock. A certain first-day pick, Okoye may need to play the three technique early in his pro career. Source: buffalobills.com
Posts: 6,194

01-26-2007, 08:58 AM	#62
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	MOBILE, Ala. -- -- The practices are finished and NFL scouts, coaches and general managers are long gone. All that's left is to play the game. Yet even before the ball is officially kicked off, the script on which players came out of the '07 Senior Bowl as winners or losers has already been written. Ten Prospects Who Exceeded Expectations 1. Amobi Okoye/DL/Louisville: Okoye was the talk of the town this week. Weighing in at a chiseled 287-pounds, he displayed tremendous quickness and athleticism from the first practice. Okoye, a bright and articulate 19-year-old, also interviewed well for the teams that spent time with him. 2. Adam Carriker/DL/Nebraska: Another front four player who was tough to block, Carriker elevated his draft stock significantly. Displaying a combination of strength and intelligence, he also came across well during interviews. 3. Dwayne Bowe/WR/LSU: The big pass catcher separated himself from the rest of the group and distinguished himself as the top senior receiver in the country. 4. David Irons/CB/Auburn: Irons capitalized on a terrific senior campaign with a great showing in Mobile. He was consistently applauded by coaches for his cover skills, hard work and ability to learn new defensive systems. 5. Michael Griffin/S/Texas: Displaying an array of talent in centerfield, Griffin made an impact every day at practice. His ball skills in coverage were outstanding as was his play defending the run. 6. Brandon Mebane/DT/California: The stout defensive tackle was unblockable for most of the week. Displaying tremendous quickness, he showed pass rush moves scouts were not aware he had. 7. Ryan Kalil/C/USC: The Trojan blocker looked great on the pivot. Holding his own against bigger opponents, he showed a lot of unexpected skill blocking in motion. 8. Aundrae Allison/WR/East Carolina: Allison impressed scouts from the first day he stepped on the field. Catching everything thrown in his directions, he also got deep behind defenders with consistency. 9. Mason Crosby/PK/Colorado: Crosby regularly put his field goals through the uprights from 50-yards or longer with plenty of room to spare. 10. Antonio Johnson/DT/Mississippi State: The big tackle showed-off his athleticism all week. More impressively, he consistently made plays up the field, something that was lacking in his college career. Five Prospects Who Failed to Meet Expectations 1. Ryan Harris/OL/Notre Dame: Continuing what was a poor senior season, Harris was beaten regularly in Mobile. At one point he was chastised by Jon Gruden for allowing a sack on Thursday. 2. Marcus McCauley/CB/Fresno State: Another who struggled in '06, McCauley was beaten with regularity all week. His performance during Thursday's no pads practice was not good. 3. Patrick Willis/MLB/Mississippi: Willis gave good effort all week and looked strong in the box. Problem was he struggled making plays out to the sidelines or in reverse. He does not resemble the first-round talent many have pinned him to be. 4. Quentin Moses/DE/Georgia: The Bulldogs pass rusher checked in much lighter than expected at 249 pounds and was handled all week by blockers. During interviews, Moses did not come off as a confident individual. 5. Troy Smith/QB/Ohio State: While Smith was accurate with his short and intermediate passes, his long throws were off. Smith did not display the ability to drive the deep pass and was rarely on the mark downfield. Senior Bowl Notes: NFL scouts are not enamored with the overall talent of this year's senior class but they were reasonably happy with the players on hand in Mobile. This years group could match the number of first-round picks which came out of last year's game; 14. The Senior Bowl is the place where the unemployed and underclassmen come to look for job interviews. Larry Coker, the recently released coach from the Miami Hurricanes, was at practice all week hoping to catch on with an NFL team. Florida Gator defensive back Reggie Nelson, who declared for the draft soon after the national title game, interviewed with several teams right through Wednesday.
Posts: 47,314

01-26-2007, 09:20 AM	#63
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	Brock, Where was that from? It's funny because other sites rave about Willis and others said Smith looked at QB. __________________ "I always tell (the assistant coaches), 'Make it simple, 'cause I'm stupid,'" Edwards said. "This ain't computer football." Herm Edwards, 3-20-07 Q: Herm, back on December 25th you were asked if Trent Green was your starter going into next season and you said, ‘yeah, why wouldn’t he be?’ Have you changed your mind on that? EDWARDS: No, I have not.” (1-11-07)
Posts: 6,811

01-26-2007, 09:25 AM	#64
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	Oops, here's the link. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...owl/index.html
Posts: 47,314

01-26-2007, 10:02 AM	#68
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1688978	Here's a little story on Willis... http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunhera...s/16549781.htm Willis making a big splash Ole Miss linebacker among many players trying to make waves at Senior Bowl By LARRY HOLDER lholder@sunherald.com MOBILE - Scouts from the Kansas City Chiefs approached former Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis after a practice session this week at the Senior Bowl. The Butkus Award winner and two-time All-American answered every question about as polite as any potential first-round draft pick could possibly respond. A litany of "yes, sir" and "thank you, sir" continuously flowed from his vocal chords without a hint of rehearsal. Willis was genuinely courteous to everyone he conversed with following one of the most important practices of his soon-to-be professional career. As respectful as he was to the slew of NFL scouts this week, Willis was equally as gracious to his Southeastern Conference opposition during his four years with the Rebels. Sure, at first he'd hammer the ball carrier to the ground, but he was willing to give a helping hand to his dazed foe. A mixture of tenacity and genteelness has pro scouts and general managers marking his every move as he's slated to go in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. "I'm lucky to be in this situation and you can't take anything for granted," Willis said. "A year ago, people didn't think I could come back for my senior year and have just as good, if not a better season than I did my junior year. "I'm very fortunate and this is a great opportunity to show what I can do in front of all the coaches and scouts. Being here will definitely help me for the draft." Hovering in the background this week has been San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach Mike Singletary, former Chicago Bears great and one of the NFL's best middle linebackers. Willis said the coaching staff realizes the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has a nose for the football. With the Hall of Fame player tutoring him this week, Willis is absorbing every and any piece of advice Singletary has to offer. During one drill, one coach barked at Willis to get his hands up. He listened. The next play, Willis outwrestled an offensive lineman with ease. Note taken. "They just wanted me to use my hands more," Willis said. "They know I can get to the ball and they know I can make plays. There comes a point in time where you've got to go in there at linemen and connect with them. Everyone would be able to see me connect with a lineman and just get rid of of and not necessarily hit him. They want to see me force them out and shoot them off. That's been the biggest thing." Willis said his best assets he wants to showcase this week are speed and his ability to scour from sideline to sideline. He also hopes to dispel any perceived weaknesses he may possess. "The one thing I try to portray is that I'm an all-around player and that I'm not just one dimensional," Willis said. "I can do more than just play the run or play the pass." Willis' draft stock hovers anywhere from the middle to the late first round. He's already perking the interest from 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, who will coach the South squad Saturday afternoon. "Willis has a done a very good job," Nolan said. "He's a very active guy. He's a guy I came down here with a little bit of knowledge of, just from a name standpoint. I certainly have not watched any film of him prior to getting here. "I've already noticed he's got a good nose for the ball and he's a physical player, covers a lot of ground, he's a sideline to sideline guy. He looks to like he's probably got a very good career ahead of him. "Last year, we coached some very good linebackers in this game. In fact, one of them was the (NFL) Defensive Rookie of the Year from Alabama, DeMeco Ryans, and last year he did a nice job during the week Initially, Willis has caught my eye a good bit in the short time we've had practicing the last two days."
Posts: 6,194

01-26-2007, 11:21 AM	#70
eazyb81 The Illuminati Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: the road less traveled Casino cash: $10004900	That SI report is a bit eye-opening, considering Scott Wright and Sigmund Bloom have both raved about Willis this week, saying he was far and away the best LB in Mobile. I've been following Scott for years now, and he really knows his stuff.
Posts: 12,033

01-26-2007, 01:25 PM	#71
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $10269900	According to NFL Draft Countdown, the Chiefs talked to Okoye and Palko on Thursday...
Posts: 100,022

01-26-2007, 01:34 PM	#74
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $10269900	Here's another example of conflicting/confusing reports, and what's bad about this is that it came from the SAME SITE. Scott Wright's Thursday afternoon report: Up front Tony Ugoh of Arkansas continues to struggle while Joe Staley of Central Michigan continues to impress by looking strong and powerful. Scott Wright's Wednesday afternoon report: Up front Tony Ugoh of Arkansas has long arms, redirects well, plays with good leverage and is athletic enough to pull effectively. Joe Staley of Central Michigan has feet that are unparalleled and he extends his arms well but he is not overly stout at the point and will get pushed backwards by powerful defenders.
Posts: 100,022