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Jerious Norwood - Future Starter or Scatback? (1 Viewer)

SammyJankis

SammyJankis

Footballguy
All along my sleeper RB candidate this year was Jerious Norwood, formerly of Mississippi State, now with the Falcons. I kept my intentions to draft him silent, made a move to acquire a rookie pick in our draft and selected him.

Why am I so high on Norwood? Consider:

- Ran for 5.9 yards a carry in the tough SEC on a Mississippi State team that only won three games.

- Speed just a notch below Reggie Bush.

- Most that have seen him play rave about him.

- Has drawn raves in Falcons camp.

- Duckett likely gone in 07. Dunn is over 30.

- Great one cut runner, perfect for Falcons system.

- Been compared to Eric Dickerson by coaching staff.

But why are others done on him? Well...

- He's a bit undersized at 6-0, 203.

- Has the build of a WR more than a RB.

- Dunn, Duckett still around.

- Been compared to Ronnie Harmon by coaching staff. My PFW draft mag said he was a virtual clone of Tatum Bell and you see how that's worked out.

Here's a good article on Norwood:Norwood Article

At Mississippi State last season, Jerious Norwood ran between the tackles, around the ends, and under the radar.

Despite his 1,180 yards rushing (a 5.9-yard average), the Bulldog star hung around until the third round of the NFL draft -- for which the Atlanta Falcons should be eternally grateful.

Norwood's problem was that he played for a mediocre team, although that actually makes his statistics even more impressive. Competing in arguably the toughest conference in the country and operating behind an overmatched offensive line, the 6-0, 203-pound senior scored six touchdowns on the ground and caught two touchdown passes. He also returned four punts for a 10.9-yard average.

A weightroom warrior in Starkville, Norwood possesses both inside muscle and outside speed (4.4 over 40 yards at the Indianapolis combine). And with the Falcons, he'll also have another ex-Bulldog (Justin Griffith) blocking for him.

All of which raises questions about the role of fifth-year Falcon RB T.J. Duckett. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Norwood has already made a strong bid to become the Falcons' third-down back, trumping Duckett with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and his knack (rare in a young player) of picking up blitzes.

Given that, there is some talk that the Falcons may try to move Duckett to another team. That might be premature. Starting running back Warrick Dunn (5-9, 182) had trouble operating inside the red zone, scoring only three times in 2005. Duckett, despite far fewer yards, had eight touchdowns -- and at 6-0, 245, he could still be valuable as a Jerome Bettis/Zack Crockett style banger from close range.

Shifting Duckett to fullback isn't really an option, because Griffith is one of the best at that position in the NFC.

At any rate, having three backs of this caliber not only gives Atlanta more flexibility, but an insurance policy behind Dunn. The Florida State product has proved surprisingly durable over the last two seasons, starting all 32 games, but he was prone to injury in earlier years and is now 31.

Norwood has not yet been signed, but neither have any of the other drafted rookies. He participated in spring drills, and team general manager Rich McKay said he doesn't see any problems reaching an agreement.
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So anyone see Norwood play? What do you think, can he be a quality starter in the Falcon's offense or is he doomed to scatback status?
 
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From the Blogger back in June. (This is from an AJC article that has since expired):

FBG Thread

Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Jerious Norwood continues to impress this off-season, particularly with his ability to pick up blitzes and his receiving skills. His strong performances are continuing to fuel rumors that running back T.J. Duckett might be traded by the team.
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Here's one more FBG Thread that contains the text of an AJC article no longer around:
Falcons RB Norwood shows speed

D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

5/14/2006

Flowery Branch — Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom knows better than anybody what it's like to see Jerious Norwood scooting around practice at near warp speed.

"It was a joy to watch him practice every day because it never looked like work," said Croom, a former longtime NFL assistant. Norwood, whom the Falcons selected in the third round (79th overall) of the NFL draft, created a buzz at the team's first minicamp with the grace and speed that he's flashed in drills.

The defensive players, because they are not in pads, are supposed to touch a runner and let him go on. Norwood is whizzing by so fast, he's getting more turned heads than touches.

"You can tell that he's got a second gear," running backs coach Ollie Wilson said. "The reason we got him was because of his speed and physicalness."

The Falcons were not pleased with T.J. Duckett's production at backup halfback last season. Also, Duckett is in the last year of his contract and starting halfback Warrick Dunn turned 31 in January.

The Falcons fielded trade offers for Duckett during the draft, including one from Pittsburgh. Despite the trade talk and the drafting of Norwood, Duckett, a first-round pick in 2002 (18th overall), remains upbeat.

"That's the nature of the game," Duckett said. "You're always looking to get better, which keeps you on top of your game because someone's always at your heels. Someone is always looking to take your spot, but that's the NFL. That's life."

Even Duckett has noticed Norwood's play.

"He's good, real quick," Duckett said. "But he's got to learn. It takes time, but he looks good."

If the drafting of Norwood lights a fire under Duckett, the Falcons won't be disappointed.

"It would be natural that he probably feels some motivation to really turn it up a notch," Falcons coach Jim Mora said. "Not that he has another notch to turn it up. I don't think that T.J. is ever a guy that goes on the field and not given his all. I'm sure he's thinking about it. That's what you want."

Norwood, who was the eighth running back selected in the draft, turned in the fastest time at the NFL scouting combine. He ran 40 yards in 4.33 seconds.

"I just got down and ran," Norwood said. "I said my prayers and rolled on with it."

At Mississippi State, Norwood was the offense. Despite being the focal point for defenses each week in the rugged SEC, he still ran for more than 1,000 yards as a junior and senior.

"I feel like I'm more of a scatback," Norwood said. "I'll do what it takes to get the job done, run somebody over or shake somebody."

Croom coached running backs for most of his NFL coaching career from 1987 to 2003, including three years as an offensive coordinator. He had stints in Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, San Diego, Detroit and Green Bay.

"Jerious is very similar to a guy in San Diego like Ronnie Harmon, but he's probably a better inside runner than Ronnie was," Croom said. "He's not quite as good of a receiver that Ronnie was, but a better inside runner. That's probably the closest guy; their body types are very similar."

Harmon was mostly a third-down back who averaged 4.5 yards per carry and caught 581 passes in his 13-year career.

"They hardly threw to me coming out of the backfield," Norwood said. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to catch the ball out of the backfield here."

Norwood's comfort level is high because he ran in a pro-style offense at Mississippi State. Croom took Green Bay's version of the West Coastoffense to Starkville, and it's similar to the Falcons' version.

"I talked to Sly before we drafted him, and even a lot of the terminology is the same," Wilson said. "Anytime a rookie can come in and have a little familiarity with what's going on, it's a plus for him."
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Talent and opportunity will fall in line next season. The kid has dropped into a great situation and, if he proves himself through this camp and season, one would think that he can compete for the starting gig as soon as 2007.

 
It seems like Norwood could indeed find himself in a good situation next year (or this if Dunn gets hurt). That said, the only thing I'd be concerned about is that unless Norwood really shows something, the team could draft or sign via FA a bigger name next year.

Still clearly worth stashing away though for little risk/potential high reward.

 
But why are others done on him? Well...

- Has the build of a WR more than a RB.
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I do like him, but this is something that worries me. He is very thin in the hips and legs. And because it's the bones that are structured thinly (if you will), it's not like he can really add muscle there, IMHO. There are a number of reasons why a thin lower body is bad for a running back, like balance issues and power issues, that make it undesireable. I'm just not sure he is quick enough to offset the deficiencies caused by not having as good of balance or breaking as many tackles. Now, I've only seen him twice. But I read that same negative on him in several draft guides as well. I would guess he becomes a scatback.
 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.

 
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I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.

 
he cannot displace Dunn this year but the kid sounds like he will be very good in two years if they stick with their offensive philosophy.

I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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:thumbup: I just don't think he has the body type to put much muscle on. Something you see all the time in college. Kids that were good and decent sized in HS just don't have the bone structure to put on enough mass to compete in college.

 
But why are others done on him? Well...

- Has the build of a WR more than a RB.
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I do like him, but this is something that worries me. He is very thin in the hips and legs. And because it's the bones that are structured thinly (if you will), it's not like he can really add muscle there, IMHO.
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I've watched a lot of film on Norwood and I was about to post basically what Construx posted here. From watching his tape, he just does not look like he has the size to take the punishment in the NFL. Height and weight issues are not what I am looking at. Watching Warrick Dunn makes one a believer in his ability to take punishment. I don't find such comfort with Norwood.Scouts have said that Norwood can run strong and he's a workout warrior. Those are positives. But I think he'll be relegated to backup duty as a pro and Dunn's eventual replacement is not currently on the Atlanta roster. An injury to Dunn, however, could provide an opportunity to Norwood.

 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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:thumbup: I just don't think he has the body type to put much muscle on. Something you see all the time in college. Kids that were good and decent sized in HS just don't have the bone structure to put on enough mass to compete in college.
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If he can follow instructions from a professional nutrionalist; medical staff and strength coach, then he strongly increase his odds of bypassing this issue. I work with a guy that played at MSU. Their sports sciences staff is average to below average, as compared to the dominant schools in the SEC or D1. Before I write Norwood off I would like to see how or what he does under professional supervision and care.

 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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Which is why I thought he was a good fit for the Falcons zone blocking scheme, the same one imported from Denver. Bell was selected by Denver as a good fit in this scheme. Brown wants to get traded to Denver.Did he ever have injury problems in college? If memory serves from the stats in my PFW draft guide, this guy carried the ball a lot in college and I don't remember many injuries.

 
One last tidbit. Here's FBG's write-up by Cecil Lammey. This is from late october 05. (This is not in the premium section):

Jerious had a tremendous high school career where he racked up over 8,000 yards rushing at Brandon High School. He was named Mississippi player of the year after his stellar senior season. He was a highly touted recruit that also saw some limited time at QB. He was also a track standout on the prep level, as well as playing baseball and basketball. Norwood has a wicked skill set that will translate fantastically to the NFL. First up is his game-breaking speed. He has been clocked in the high 4.4 range and has a powerful stride. The thing that stands out the most is his instincts. Norwood has had some good games against some tough competition in the SEC. He consistently knows where the cutback lanes are and his is very adept at setting up defenders in the 2nd level. He is a hard runner that is best running in the open field. That doesn't mean he can't excel in between the tackles. He is a determined runner that only needs the smallest of creases to break off a big gain.Jerious Norwood has a good shot at being a star RB in the NFL. He has a good work ethic and all the natural talent in the world. He has been bothered by some ankle injuries during his college career, but none of his injuries have been serious. Jerious has made the most of his opportunities at the college level, and should continue that trend in the pros. I am very excited to see where Norwood lands in the NFL. He could be a combine standout and his value could skyrocket. I fully expect him to become a big time player at the next level
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I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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:thumbup: I just don't think he has the body type to put much muscle on. Something you see all the time in college. Kids that were good and decent sized in HS just don't have the bone structure to put on enough mass to compete in college.
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If he can follow instructions from a professional nutrionalist; medical staff and strength coach, then he strongly increase his odds of bypassing this issue. I work with a guy that played at MSU. Their sports sciences staff is average to below average, as compared to the dominant schools in the SEC or D1. Before I write Norwood off I would like to see how or what he does under professional supervision and care.
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Of course. I don't think anyone is writing him off or anything. But if Sammy's question is What are the possible downsides, I think his body frame is a downside. Yes the Falcons S&C staff will be much better than at MSU, but they can't make his hips wider. This type of thing happens all the time with linemen who have narrow shoulders. They may be big/strong enough in HS and possibly college. But without the frame to get big enough, they won't succeed in the NFL.
 
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One last tidbit. Here's FBG's write-up by Cecil Lammey. This is from late october 05. (This is not in the premium section):

Jerious had a tremendous high school career where he racked up over 8,000 yards rushing at Brandon High School. He was named Mississippi player of the year after his stellar senior season. He was a highly touted recruit that also saw some limited time at QB. He was also a track standout on the prep level, as well as playing baseball and basketball.

Norwood has a wicked skill set that will translate fantastically to the NFL. First up is his game-breaking speed. He has been clocked in the high 4.4 range and has a powerful stride. The thing that stands out the most is his instincts. Norwood has had some good games against some tough competition in the SEC. He consistently knows where the cutback lanes are and his is very adept at setting up defenders in the 2nd level. He is a hard runner that is best running in the open field. That doesn't mean he can't excel in between the tackles. He is a determined runner that only needs the smallest of creases to break off a big gain.

Jerious Norwood has a good shot at being a star RB in the NFL. He has a good work ethic and all the natural talent in the world. He has been bothered by some ankle injuries during his college career, but none of his injuries have been serious. Jerious has made the most of his opportunities at the college level, and should continue that trend in the pros. I am very excited to see where Norwood lands in the NFL. He could be a combine standout and his value could skyrocket. I fully expect him to become a big time player at the next level
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I agree with Cecil's assessment, but the bolded part is what I'm talking about. There is a lot less open space in the NFL game. It's hard enough for a RB to adjust, but one with a possible issue due to a thin lower body? Well, we will just have to see. :D
 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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:thumbup: I just don't think he has the body type to put much muscle on. Something you see all the time in college. Kids that were good and decent sized in HS just don't have the bone structure to put on enough mass to compete in college.
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If he can follow instructions from a professional nutrionalist; medical staff and strength coach, then he strongly increase his odds of bypassing this issue. I work with a guy that played at MSU. Their sports sciences staff is average to below average, as compared to the dominant schools in the SEC or D1. Before I write Norwood off I would like to see how or what he does under professional supervision and care.
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Of course. I don't think anyone is writing him off or anything. But if Sammy's question is What are the possible downsides, I think his body frame is a downside. Yes the Falcons S&C staff will be much better than at MSU, but they can't make his hips wider. This type of thing happens all the time with linemen who have narrow shoulders. They may be big/strong enough in HS and possibly college. But without the frame to get big enough, they won't succeed in the NFL.
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No, I totally agree with your initial assessment. My point was that people will be quick to make a determination about someone's human tangibles prior to them having an opportunity to work with trained personnel or maturing, while not placing any or enough value on where the kid played/trained. For example, W. Dunn, while at FSU, was backed by a sciences staff that at that time was on par with NFL franchises. In some instances it was better than some NFL franchises. That coupled with his talent level put him above the curve and ahead of his peer group. His environment and those in it made a tremendous difference in the leap between where he was and where he went. Hope that makes sense. I am just curious to see what type of results or change could be made in Norwood over a season with the Falcons. Really a gut call but I like the kid and where he landed.

 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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:thumbup: I just don't think he has the body type to put much muscle on. Something you see all the time in college. Kids that were good and decent sized in HS just don't have the bone structure to put on enough mass to compete in college.
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If he can follow instructions from a professional nutrionalist; medical staff and strength coach, then he strongly increase his odds of bypassing this issue. I work with a guy that played at MSU. Their sports sciences staff is average to below average, as compared to the dominant schools in the SEC or D1. Before I write Norwood off I would like to see how or what he does under professional supervision and care.
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Of course. I don't think anyone is writing him off or anything. But if Sammy's question is What are the possible downsides, I think his body frame is a downside. Yes the Falcons S&C staff will be much better than at MSU, but they can't make his hips wider. This type of thing happens all the time with linemen who have narrow shoulders. They may be big/strong enough in HS and possibly college. But without the frame to get big enough, they won't succeed in the NFL.
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No, I totally agree with your initial assessment. My point was that people will be quick to make a determination about someone's human tangibles prior to them having an opportunity to work with trained personnel or maturing, while not placing any or enough value on where the kid played/trained. For example, W. Dunn, while at FSU, was backed by a sciences staff that at that time was on par with NFL franchises. In some instances it was better than some NFL franchises. That coupled with his talent level put him above the curve and ahead of his peer group. His environment and those in it made a tremendous difference in the leap between where he was and where he went. Hope that makes sense. I am just curious to see what type of results or change could be made in Norwood over a season with the Falcons. Really a gut call but I like the kid and where he landed.
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:goodposting: I do like him too and I am rooting for him. I just see some danger signs in his body frame which could lead to decreased effectiveness in the NFL. Be interesting to compare someone like him with Maurice Drew and Darren Sproles who are very short, but have huge, wide lower bodies.

 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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Do you feel the same way about Bush? They have the same/similar height/weight ratio.
 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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Do you feel the same way about Bush? They have the same/similar height/weight ratio.
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I think Bush looks a lot more solid, whereas Norwood looks lanky. I think there's a clear difference when watching highlights of these two.I like Norwood. I think he's going to be a good player in the NFL. I just don't see him as someone who will ever be more than a RB2-4 for FF purposes.

 
I still say he's too skinny. I think he's a little overrated right now and I have a hard time imagining him as anything more than one half of a 1-2 punch.
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Do you feel the same way about Bush? They have the same/similar height/weight ratio.
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It isn't height and weight. It's build. Can be a big difference and I think that it is in this case.
 
FYI - Norwood signed his deal today. Not that he was expected to be a holdout, but I'm glad he'll be in camp from day one.

 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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Chris Brown is actually a very decent comparison. He and Norwood both look like WRs playing RB.
 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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He reminds me of Robert Smith, I'm hoping to grab him with one of my second round picks in my dynasty league.
 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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He reminds me of Robert Smith, I'm hoping to grab him with one of my second round picks in my dynasty league.
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He does? How so?
 
I don't think anyone pimped him harder than me in the run up to the draft, and I admitted it was kool-aid. I never read Cecil's October opinion, but I felt the same way at the same time. Possible future star in the works and under the radar.

I think it was EBF and Bri who "talked me down" based on his appearance and some scout talk about him being an RB in WR clothing. I regret backing down, but it's always safer to go south on a prospect if your intention is to make the right call, so I did. I never, and still don't, consider Joseph Addai a better prospect. So, I'm still pretty high on Norwood. Norwood faired better with less against similar competition and proved more durable. Durabitlity seems to be the big concern here, and I think it's something you cannot judge by appearance.

He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 205, his exact height is 5-11 3/8s (closer to 5-11 than 6-0). He showed up at the combine at 210, ripped and blazing fast. He's built like and runs like a combination of skinny Marcus Allen and skinny OJ Simpson. Really, I cannot remember seeing someone "appear" like OJ in the open field the way Norwood does. It's the same bent knee, slouched back, long legged, long striding, feet never get more than a few inches off the ground, style. His highlight reel has several runs that looks Simpson like. It doesn't look like he's going as fast as the people he's running past. I'm not saying he is comparable to OJ anymore the Q is comparable to Barry, so don't go there. Just similar styles.

Chris Perry could be a nice feature back for the right team. He isn't getting the opportunity. That's the kind of thing that worries me more than durability. Norwood seems like a tough cookie to me, and he is above average at avoiding the big hits. Norwood will mature as a man and get a little bulkier. They all do. Will do well enough to be featured some day? I have no idea. He has great hands. Not good hands. Great hands. He seems a little slow mentally, and I don't know if that will be a drawback or not. Because of the stride, he doesn't have the suddenness of Drew or Calhoun, but he packs more wallop and breaks more tackles. It's good to hear he's a hard worker. He's my first round pick in Z30, and I traded away from Maroney to target him (and a bunch of other picks). I think the talent to be featured is there. It's just about opportunity. .02

 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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He reminds me of Robert Smith, I'm hoping to grab him with one of my second round picks in my dynasty league.
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He does? How so?
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Smith was a little taller but they have similiar frames and build. Smith was not muscular in any since of the imagination. I believe he was about 6-2, 213. They both are pretty fast and have similiar running styles. But this is just my opinion. I plan on stashing him just in case he turns out to be something, if not, then no big deal.

 
People are :banned: down the Colts situation and pimping Addai. Actually I'd argue the Falcons are a better situation. A run first, denver style offense. Edge is a HOF RB, probably a top 15-20 RB EVER. Edge wasn't a product of the system. He was the system.

If Norwood was drafted by the Broncos, people would have taken him 3rd/4th in rookie drafts. Sure the Falcons aren't the Broncos, but they aren't far behind. If the Falcons had a RB that could handle the load, handle the short yardage, handle the goal line, he'd get 20-22 carries a game no question. They only use Duckett out of need, not because he's that good, or they want RBBC.

As someone else stated, I have Norwood ranked ahead of Addai. Better college career, on a worse team, and he's more of a workout freak then Addai is. Add in Addai's inability to beat out Broussard for a starters job, and when he got it by default he ended up getting hurt, add in the fact ATL has a better rush offense, I'd take Norwood over Addai in a heartbeat.

 
I don't think anyone pimped him harder than me in the run up to the draft, and I admitted it was kool-aid. I never read Cecil's October opinion, but I felt the same way at the same time. Possible future star in the works and under the radar.

I think it was EBF and Bri who "talked me down" based on his appearance and some scout talk about him being an RB in WR clothing. I regret backing down, but it's always safer to go south on a prospect if your intention is to make the right call, so I did. I never, and still don't, consider Joseph Addai a better prospect. So, I'm still pretty high on Norwood. Norwood faired better with less against similar competition and proved more durable. Durabitlity seems to be the big concern here, and I think it's something you cannot judge by appearance.

He weighed in at the Senior Bowl at 205, his exact height is 5-11 3/8s (closer to 5-11 than 6-0). He showed up at the combine at 210, ripped and blazing fast. He's built like and runs like a combination of skinny Marcus Allen and skinny OJ Simpson. Really, I cannot remember seeing someone "appear" like OJ in the open field the way Norwood does. It's the same bent knee, slouched back, long legged, long striding, feet never get more than a few inches off the ground, style. His highlight reel has several runs that looks Simpson like. It doesn't look like he's going as fast as the people he's running past. I'm not saying he is comparable to OJ anymore the Q is comparable to Barry, so don't go there. Just similar styles.

Chris Perry could be a nice feature back for the right team. He isn't getting the opportunity. That's the kind of thing that worries me more than durability. Norwood seems like a tough cookie to me, and he is above average at avoiding the big hits. Norwood will mature as a man and get a little bulkier. They all do. Will do well enough to be featured some day? I have no idea. He has great hands. Not good hands. Great hands. He seems a little slow mentally, and I don't know if that will be a drawback or not. Because of the stride, he doesn't have the suddenness of Drew or Calhoun, but he packs more wallop and breaks more tackles. It's good to hear he's a hard worker. He's my first round pick in Z30, and I traded away from Maroney to target him (and a bunch of other picks). I think the talent to be featured is there. It's just about opportunity. .02
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:goodposting: THat's some fine analysis. Am excited about Norwood. I targeted the #11 in my rookie draft specifically to get him. I think he has a good chance to boom. If he busts, well.... BPA on the board at the time was Santonio Holmes.

I like that he was durable and can catch (didn't do much at Mississippi state, but has good hands). The knock on Norwood was his blocking, but have read two reports that were glowing about Norwood's blocking in minicamp.

 
People are :banned: down the Colts situation and pimping Addai. Actually I'd argue the Falcons are a better situation. A run first, denver style offense. Edge is a HOF RB, probably a top 15-20 RB EVER. Edge wasn't a product of the system. He was the system.
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I don't understand the Addai love. I think Maroney and Williams are locks to have solid pro careers, with Maroney being my top FF back. I don't like Addai at all. He looks like a great RB, but doesn't play like one. A better athlete than football player IMO.Bush I like, but something about him screams "proceed with caution" about him.I think Norwood is a guy worth rolling the dice on. Not a sure thing, but if he achieves what he is capable of, will greatly exceed his ADP.
 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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He reminds me of Robert Smith, I'm hoping to grab him with one of my second round picks in my dynasty league.
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Norwood sounded pretty well-spoken the only time I heard him interviewed, but he's no Robert Smith.
 
Norwood will need to bulk up significantly if he ever wants to be the primary ball carrier.

Reminds me of Tatum Bell/Chris Brown.
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He reminds me of Robert Smith, I'm hoping to grab him with one of my second round picks in my dynasty league.
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I was happy he slipped to me in the 3rd in my dynasty. I also got Deangelo in the 1st. :boxing:
 
07/29 Ledger Enquirer Article on Norwood

Three days into the Atlanta Falcons' training camp, rookie running back Jerious Norwood looks like a quick learner.

On Friday, Norwood wasn't ready for a big hit from safety Chris Crocker. He was leveled by the hit and later had to leave practice.

On Saturday, as Norwood was running out a play, Crocker again approached and lowered his shoulder for a hit. This time, Norwood was ready, as he also lowered his pads and ran through the hit.

"It's a lesson learned," Norwood said. "I've got to learn to keep my pad level down. There's always something to learn here."

Norwood, a third-round pick from Mississippi State, said Crocker's hit was not the reason he left Friday morning's practice.

"I dehydrated," he said. "It wasn't because of the hit. I've been hit plenty of times. I've got to keep the fluid pumping. It's real humid out here."

Norwood returned for Friday night's practice, the first session in full pads, and again for Saturday's practice.

Norwood, listed at 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds, is more easily compared with Falcons starter Warrick Dunn than bulky backup T.J. Duckett. Like Dunn, Norwood has great speed and quick cuts.

Norwood also has made an early impression with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

"I think he's a good back," said Falcons linebacker Ed Hartwell. "I think he will make a great running back in the future, coming up behind Dunn. He's a real shifty guy. He knows how to play off his blocks and make things happen."

Added Hartwell: "I'm curious to see how much playing time he will get."
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A little bit more Norwood hype (as a good dynasty prospect anyways) from today's AJC:

Rookie tailback Jerious Norwood also has been impressive but veteran T.J. Duckett, who reported to camp in top shape, has put up more than a tough fight for the backup tailback spot, Mora added.
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Duckett, who is in the last year of his contract and has been mentioned in trade talks, has run with authority and consistency, but Norwood has breakaway speed and a running style that is tailor-made for the Falcons offense, Mora said.

"He's got that one cut-and-go ability you like in this zone scheme," Mora said of Norwood. "I've been impressed with the way T. J. has played and practiced. He's going after it."
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"a running style that is tailor-made for the Falcons offense". I like the sound of that.....

 
Yahoo Sports Falcons Observations

You might not see him a great deal this season, but running back Jerious Norwood looks like he has the goods to be the next big-time rusher from the middle rounds of the draft. He'll have to get slightly bigger and stronger to prove he can be a featured back, but the third-round pick out of Mississippi State clearly has the one-cut-and-go ability to flourish in the Falcons' blocking scheme.

During one practice, Norwood took a handoff and bounced it off the right side of the line, where it appeared cornerback Jimmy Williams had him bottled up. But by the time Williams had taken a half step in the wrong direction, Norwood had planted his foot and bolted past him untouched. Williams slapped his hands together and exclaimed, "That [expletive] is fast!" to a chorus of laughter from teammates.
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RAIDERNATION said:
Great thread, Sammy. This guy was definitely flying under my radar.I hope your faith in him is rewarded someday. :banned:
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We'll see. In rookie drafts, after the top 9 go, you'll usually find owners very luke warm on Chad Jackson and Santonio Holmes. After 11 picks, you can generally offer darn near anything and acquire the pick. The bottom line is that in rookie drafts Norwood can be acquired on the cheap. I think the risk-reward ratio on this guy is excellent.
 
Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin were at Falcons camp today. They asked just about all of their guests about Norwood, since he impressed both Tim and Pat greatly when they were watching him practice.

Warrick Dunn: "This guy needs reps and needs to learn, but he can be great."

Jim Mora: "He runs upright, like Eric Dickerson. Not to compare him to Dickerson, but their styles are similar. The one thing this offense lacked was a home run hitter. Dunn picks holes nicely, and he gets what he can after that, but he's almost 32. Norwood can take it all the way, and we loved what we saw of him on film. He's a perfect fit for our one-cut scheme. I'm excited to see him play."

Billy Devany (Personnel guy): "I love this kid. He's gonna be a 3rd down back, he's gonna be a kick returner, and he's gonna be a difficult matchup when we line him up as a slot receiver. He's gonna be great for us."

High praise indeed. Everyone who watches him comes away very impressed.

Now we just have to make this thread go away so that nobody in my league sees it. ;)

 
#@%&$!? said:
How about Norwood's outlook for this year? Any chance he'll overtake Duckett on the depth chart?
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That's a difficult question because they fill different roles. It's more a case of hoping that Dunn goes down to be able to see Norwood on all downs with the exception of inside the 5, which should still be Duckett's job.I think a nice strategy is to take Dunn in the area of his ADP is, then grab Norwood later on.
 
i am a dunn/ducket owner and didn't get him in my rookie draft he was gone and i had no 1st rder :wall:

i have since offered s.moss for him and was turned down...

 
SammyJankis said:
Yahoo Sports Falcons Observations

You might not see him a great deal this season, but running back Jerious Norwood looks like he has the goods to be the next big-time rusher from the middle rounds of the draft. He'll have to get slightly bigger and stronger to prove he can be a featured back, but the third-round pick out of Mississippi State clearly has the one-cut-and-go ability to flourish in the Falcons' blocking scheme.

During one practice, Norwood took a handoff and bounced it off the right side of the line, where it appeared cornerback Jimmy Williams had him bottled up. But by the time Williams had taken a half step in the wrong direction, Norwood had planted his foot and bolted past him untouched. Williams slapped his hands together and exclaimed, "That [expletive] is fast!" to a chorus of laughter from teammates.
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Laughed my *$$ off when I read the part in bold. I just picked up Norwood off waivers. He went undrafted in our supplemental. I am officially at the bar and drinking the Norwood :banned: .
 
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Not that I am drinking Norwood-berry Kool-Aid, but I did have to pass on an offer I got for him today.

Steven Heiden for Jerious Norwood.

Hmmm, that was a tough one not to jump all over Heiden's potential. I may end up regretting that move.

 
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