2010 Rookie Draft Picks, Looking Ahead! (1 Viewer)

[EBF]

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma - I'm really not impressed with his burst or lateral movement. I think he's a big, lumbering target whose straight line game won't translate to the NFL level. He's comparable to Greg Olsen in some respects. He's not a terrible player. He's just not nearly as good as advertised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH4lRMr4Nc

This analysis is almost hysterical....I'm sorry EBF, and I don't mean to poke fun at you here, but c'mon man, open your eyes here. You say that Gresham is a big, lumbering target who doesn't show good lateral agility nor burst and then proceed to post a link that absolutely dispels about everything you said in your analysis.......This kid has tremendous athleticism, including agility (sidestepping several would-be tacklers in the vid as well as pulling away from guys in traffic, i.e, burst), especially for a big guy, remember, this is 6'5" or greater and 260 lbs.....In the video, do you not see him getting separation easily on LBs, as well as DBs, and catching very smoothly with his hands + piling up major RAC?......We can mark this one down right now.....Gresham is a CAN'T MISS STAR in the NFL...not just a Pro Bowler, but ALL-PRO...

Gresham is big and he has good straight line speed, but he's neither quick nor shifty. From what I've seen he has one move: catch the ball, run in a straight line, and crash into anyone who gets in your way. That works in college against inferior athletes, but I don't think it will work in the NFL.I watched the highlight reel again to see if I missed anything. Aside from one nice move near the goal line against Nebraska, I didn't see him show any lateral quickness. When I watched his games last year I came away with the impression that he was just a big guy who can run fast in a straight line. Nothing I've seen since then has changed my opinion.

 

[kremenull]

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma - I'm really not impressed with his burst or lateral movement. I think he's a big, lumbering target whose straight line game won't translate to the NFL level. He's comparable to Greg Olsen in some respects. He's not a terrible player. He's just not nearly as good as advertised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH4lRMr4Nc

This analysis is almost hysterical....I'm sorry EBF, and I don't mean to poke fun at you here, but c'mon man, open your eyes here. You say that Gresham is a big, lumbering target who doesn't show good lateral agility nor burst and then proceed to post a link that absolutely dispels about everything you said in your analysis.......This kid has tremendous athleticism, including agility (sidestepping several would-be tacklers in the vid as well as pulling away from guys in traffic, i.e, burst), especially for a big guy, remember, this is 6'5" or greater and 260 lbs.....In the video, do you not see him getting separation easily on LBs, as well as DBs, and catching very smoothly with his hands + piling up major RAC?......We can mark this one down right now.....Gresham is a CAN'T MISS STAR in the NFL...not just a Pro Bowler, but ALL-PRO...

Gresham is big and he has good straight line speed, but he's neither quick nor shifty. From what I've seen he has one move: catch the ball, run in a straight line, and crash into anyone who gets in your way. That works in college against inferior athletes, but I don't think it will work in the NFL.I watched the highlight reel again to see if I missed anything. Aside from one nice move near the goal line against Nebraska, I didn't see him show any lateral quickness. When I watched his games last year I came away with the impression that he was just a big guy who can run fast in a straight line. Nothing I've seen since then has changed my opinion.

OK! I think I see the problem then. If you're expecting a guy of this size to be "cat' quick, elusive as a waterbug, and change directions like Barry Sanders, then OK, I agree. He isn't that.But isn't the TEs primary objective to move the chains. No need to try and dance, dodge, nor duck defenders when you're working the middle of the field. Catch it and turn it up field, that's what he's supposed to do. And from what I've seen, nobody is doing it better than this kid as he also makes big plays. Look at his ypr. It's not just the system, although sure, it does help. But don't you also think that NFL teams implement facets of their systems to best utilize their best playmakers. This kid can flat-out play. Check his high-school highlight reel, which you probably have. He will be a load to defend with his combination of size/athleticism/hands/speed.....I dunno man, I'm all aboard this one and I don't think there is a surer bet at the skill positions for next year's draft than Gresham....

HS reel (Gresham jersey #2)

 

[jurb26]

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma - I'm really not impressed with his burst or lateral movement. I think he's a big, lumbering target whose straight line game won't translate to the NFL level. He's comparable to Greg Olsen in some respects. He's not a terrible player. He's just not nearly as good as advertised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH4lRMr4Nc

This analysis is almost hysterical....I'm sorry EBF, and I don't mean to poke fun at you here, but c'mon man, open your eyes here. You say that Gresham is a big, lumbering target who doesn't show good lateral agility nor burst and then proceed to post a link that absolutely dispels about everything you said in your analysis.......This kid has tremendous athleticism, including agility (sidestepping several would-be tacklers in the vid as well as pulling away from guys in traffic, i.e, burst), especially for a big guy, remember, this is 6'5" or greater and 260 lbs.....In the video, do you not see him getting separation easily on LBs, as well as DBs, and catching very smoothly with his hands + piling up major RAC?......We can mark this one down right now.....Gresham is a CAN'T MISS STAR in the NFL...not just a Pro Bowler, but ALL-PRO...

Gresham is big and he has good straight line speed, but he's neither quick nor shifty. From what I've seen he has one move: catch the ball, run in a straight line, and crash into anyone who gets in your way. That works in college against inferior athletes, but I don't think it will work in the NFL.I watched the highlight reel again to see if I missed anything. Aside from one nice move near the goal line against Nebraska, I didn't see him show any lateral quickness. When I watched his games last year I came away with the impression that he was just a big guy who can run fast in a straight line. Nothing I've seen since then has changed my opinion.

OK! I think I see the problem then. If you're expecting a guy of this size to be "cat' quick, elusive as a waterbug, and change directions like Barry Sanders, then OK, I agree. He isn't that.But isn't the TEs primary objective to move the chains. No need to try and dance, dodge, nor duck defenders when you're working the middle of the field. Catch it and turn it up field, that's what he's supposed to do. And from what I've seen, nobody is doing it better than this kid as he also makes big plays. Look at his ypr. It's not just the system, although sure, it does help. But don't you also think that NFL teams implement facets of their systems to best utilize their best playmakers. This kid can flat-out play. Check his high-school highlight reel, which you probably have. He will be a load to defend with his combination of size/athleticism/hands/speed.....I dunno man, I'm all aboard this one and I don't think there is a surer bet at the skill positions for next year's draft than Gresham....

HS reel (Gresham jersey #2)

I hate Oklahoma, but I've said for over a year now that Gresham is going to be an elite NFL prospect. I really don't know what EBF is looking at here. Then again, I ask myself that same question on a lot of prospects.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech - It's hard to get a read on this guy because he plays in a triple option offense and rarely sees the football thrown his way. However, I'm intrigued by his potential. He has an NFL frame and resembles a better version of Patrick Turner. He's still an enigma to me and I want to see more burst and explosiveness before I really start hyping him, but I'll be following his progress closely next season.

The biggest thing I'll disagree with on EBF is the rarely sees the football thrown his way. That's not true. We don't throw it a whole lot but when we do most of them are going his way. His 39 receptions were more than the leading receiver had for Miami, Va Tech, or NC State in the ACC too.He won't ever run a great 40 but has the ability get deep and make plays. He's just not a burner. Another thing NFL scouts will love about him is not only his willingness to go downfield and block but his ability to do it too.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech - It's hard to get a read on this guy because he plays in a triple option offense and rarely sees the football thrown his way. However, I'm intrigued by his potential. He has an NFL frame and resembles a better version of Patrick Turner. He's still an enigma to me and I want to see more burst and explosiveness before I really start hyping him, but I'll be following his progress closely next season.

Gets down the seam against Al Groh's defense. That defense along with LSU and VT were the ones that defended us the best last season.

 

[Moonlight_Graham]

youtube NOT = game film

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

youtube NOT = game film

Who said it was?

 

[Moonlight_Graham]

youtube NOT = game film

Who said it was?

Some treat it as if it is.

 

[EBF]

youtube NOT = game film

youtube = helpfulandyoutube = the only "game film" you can find on players online

 

[EBF]

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma - I'm really not impressed with his burst or lateral movement. I think he's a big, lumbering target whose straight line game won't translate to the NFL level. He's comparable to Greg Olsen in some respects. He's not a terrible player. He's just not nearly as good as advertised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH4lRMr4Nc

This analysis is almost hysterical....I'm sorry EBF, and I don't mean to poke fun at you here, but c'mon man, open your eyes here. You say that Gresham is a big, lumbering target who doesn't show good lateral agility nor burst and then proceed to post a link that absolutely dispels about everything you said in your analysis.......This kid has tremendous athleticism, including agility (sidestepping several would-be tacklers in the vid as well as pulling away from guys in traffic, i.e, burst), especially for a big guy, remember, this is 6'5" or greater and 260 lbs.....In the video, do you not see him getting separation easily on LBs, as well as DBs, and catching very smoothly with his hands + piling up major RAC?......We can mark this one down right now.....Gresham is a CAN'T MISS STAR in the NFL...not just a Pro Bowler, but ALL-PRO...

Gresham is big and he has good straight line speed, but he's neither quick nor shifty. From what I've seen he has one move: catch the ball, run in a straight line, and crash into anyone who gets in your way. That works in college against inferior athletes, but I don't think it will work in the NFL.I watched the highlight reel again to see if I missed anything. Aside from one nice move near the goal line against Nebraska, I didn't see him show any lateral quickness. When I watched his games last year I came away with the impression that he was just a big guy who can run fast in a straight line. Nothing I've seen since then has changed my opinion.

OK! I think I see the problem then. If you're expecting a guy of this size to be "cat' quick, elusive as a waterbug, and change directions like Barry Sanders, then OK, I agree. He isn't that.But isn't the TEs primary objective to move the chains. No need to try and dance, dodge, nor duck defenders when you're working the middle of the field. Catch it and turn it up field, that's what he's supposed to do. And from what I've seen, nobody is doing it better than this kid as he also makes big plays. Look at his ypr. It's not just the system, although sure, it does help. But don't you also think that NFL teams implement facets of their systems to best utilize their best playmakers. This kid can flat-out play. Check his high-school highlight reel, which you probably have. He will be a load to defend with his combination of size/athleticism/hands/speed.....I dunno man, I'm all aboard this one and I don't think there is a surer bet at the skill positions for next year's draft than Gresham....

HS reel (Gresham jersey #2)

Maybe it's not reasonable to expect a 260 pound guy to show much quickness. Gates is no waterbug and he's had a great career. However, I watched some of Gresham's games last year and never felt he was anything more than a big guy with good straight line speed who capitalized on inferior competition. He didn't stand out to me in the same way that Keller, Winslow, and Shockey did. We'll see how he fares at the next level. He's being touted as a potential top 15 pick, but he's not someone I'll be targeting.

 

[millertyme1]

Oof JP

Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans has torn his ACL, and he'll miss the 2009 season.This is a huge blow for Evans and the Hokies. Ryan Williams and freshman David Wilson now become top fantasy candidates heading into the season. We are liking what we are hearing out of Wilson so far. Source: Hokie Sports

 

[EBF]

Ouch. I thought he was a little overrated anyway, but that's a tough beat.

 

[tdmills]

Ouch. I thought he was a little overrated anyway, but that's a tough beat.

They can't be the favorite in the ACC now....I feel bad for Beamer.

 

[jurb26]

Ouch. I thought he was a little overrated anyway, but that's a tough beat.

They can't be the favorite in the ACC now....I feel bad for Beamer.

Tech has great depth at RB. This will be a blow, but nothing monumental. Tech has a true freshman (Think his name is Williams) who has been blowing people away. They've also got at least 2 other RBs that would make quality starters.

 

[Rodeojones]

.

 

[BoulderBob]

RB

1. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh*

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech*

3. Chris Wells, Ohio State

4. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

5. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma*

6. Jahvid Best, Cal*

7. Derrick Washington, Missouri*

8. Evan Royster, Penn State*

9. Charles Scott, LSU

10. Kendall Hunder, Oklahoma State*

11. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon

12. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech**

13. Joe McKnight, USC*

14. Caleb King, Georgia**

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

McCoy and Wells may actually stay which could make things real interesting atop this class. I'm guessing Spiller is gone this year. Alot of the rest of this list is a crapshoot, but some of these names will remain atop the list of RBs for 2010. Even if McCoy, Wells, Spiller, Murray, and Scott declare for '09, the depth here looks solid. Guys like Glen Coffee (Alabama), Javarris James (Miami), P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), Keiland Williams (LSU), Ben Tate (Auburn), Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State), Mikell Simpson (Virginia) also have decent pro prospects.

Has Stafon Johnson really fallen this far off the radar?

I would take him over a lot of the guys on that list. Johnson will get a shot in the NFL. He just doesn't have hype right now because he's not putting up gaudy stats.

Draft Scout is a pretty good source of info and they currently list him as RB6 in the 2010 crop. He'll be a factor.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...0&genpos=RB

Agreed...Stafon Johnson will be a starter in the NFL(I'd wager more than a pretty penny on that), a rich man's Rudi Johnson if he reaches his full potential. USC simply has 3-5 other backs that will play on Sunday as well...coach Pete may have over-recruited! This run, sorry if it has already been posted, showed me all I needed to know about his "shimmy" abilities that all "good" NFL RB's need. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAZePWptydk

He will be a day one pick come April 2010, you can take that to the bank. Perfect size, amazing vision, decent hands, shimmy(nice word, eh), maybe Matt Forte-ish. Nothing too flashy, but a damn good back.

I've watched every game of Rejus Benn's career, and even though his QB Juice Williams is more of a RB than a QB, the man impacts the game on every play in a very good way. Excellent blocker/hands/feet/etc, pretty much everything you want out of a #1 WR in the NFL. Tune in the next time the Illini are on national TV, and just watch how Benn is used, it's pretty entertaining. I'm not sure he will be the #1 WR off the board, but he is going in round 1, probably in the top 15.

 

[EBF]

RB

1. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh*

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech*

3. Chris Wells, Ohio State

4. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

5. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma*

6. Jahvid Best, Cal*

7. Derrick Washington, Missouri*

8. Evan Royster, Penn State*

9. Charles Scott, LSU

10. Kendall Hunder, Oklahoma State*

11. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon

12. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech**

13. Joe McKnight, USC*

14. Caleb King, Georgia**

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

McCoy and Wells may actually stay which could make things real interesting atop this class. I'm guessing Spiller is gone this year. Alot of the rest of this list is a crapshoot, but some of these names will remain atop the list of RBs for 2010. Even if McCoy, Wells, Spiller, Murray, and Scott declare for '09, the depth here looks solid. Guys like Glen Coffee (Alabama), Javarris James (Miami), P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), Keiland Williams (LSU), Ben Tate (Auburn), Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State), Mikell Simpson (Virginia) also have decent pro prospects.

Has Stafon Johnson really fallen this far off the radar?

I would take him over a lot of the guys on that list. Johnson will get a shot in the NFL. He just doesn't have hype right now because he's not putting up gaudy stats.

Draft Scout is a pretty good source of info and they currently list him as RB6 in the 2010 crop. He'll be a factor.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...0&genpos=RB

Agreed...Stafon Johnson will be a starter in the NFL(I'd wager more than a pretty penny on that), a rich man's Rudi Johnson if he reaches his full potential. USC simply has 3-5 other backs that will play on Sunday as well...coach Pete may have over-recruited! This run, sorry if it has already been posted, showed me all I needed to know about his "shimmy" abilities that all "good" NFL RB's need. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAZePWptydk

He will be a day one pick come April 2010, you can take that to the bank. Perfect size, amazing vision, decent hands, shimmy(nice word, eh), maybe Matt Forte-ish. Nothing too flashy, but a damn good back.

I like the Forte comparison. They're not clones, but they have a similar overall profile. Great at nothing. Good at everything. I think Johnson has a chance to be a quality player in the NFL. I don't see superstar upside, but he can surprise given his current lack of hype.USC's backfield is definitely a good place to look for NFL talent. I think Allen Bradford has a chance to be someone who "comes out of nowhere" to make an NFL team down the road. Same goes for Broderick Green, who just transferred to Arkansas for the 2009 season. Both of those guys have the potential to make the NFL. They were just unlucky (or unwise) to be stuck on a stacked team.

 

[mcintyre1]

Continuing my personal Roy Helu watch, news out of camp is that #2 RB (and other half of the committee) Quinten Castille has been dismissed from the team for violating team rules. This leaves Helu as the only experienced back on the roster, and increases his chances of seeing a lot of carries. The current #2 is true freshman RB Rex Burkhead from Texas.

 

[kremenull]

RB

1. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh*

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech*

3. Chris Wells, Ohio State

4. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

5. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma*

6. Jahvid Best, Cal*

7. Derrick Washington, Missouri*

8. Evan Royster, Penn State*

9. Charles Scott, LSU

10. Kendall Hunder, Oklahoma State*

11. LeGarrette Blount, Oregon

12. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech**

13. Joe McKnight, USC*

14. Caleb King, Georgia**

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

McCoy and Wells may actually stay which could make things real interesting atop this class. I'm guessing Spiller is gone this year. Alot of the rest of this list is a crapshoot, but some of these names will remain atop the list of RBs for 2010. Even if McCoy, Wells, Spiller, Murray, and Scott declare for '09, the depth here looks solid. Guys like Glen Coffee (Alabama), Javarris James (Miami), P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), Keiland Williams (LSU), Ben Tate (Auburn), Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State), Mikell Simpson (Virginia) also have decent pro prospects.

Has Stafon Johnson really fallen this far off the radar?

I would take him over a lot of the guys on that list. Johnson will get a shot in the NFL. He just doesn't have hype right now because he's not putting up gaudy stats.

Draft Scout is a pretty good source of info and they currently list him as RB6 in the 2010 crop. He'll be a factor.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...0&genpos=RB

Agreed...Stafon Johnson will be a starter in the NFL(I'd wager more than a pretty penny on that), a rich man's Rudi Johnson if he reaches his full potential. USC simply has 3-5 other backs that will play on Sunday as well...coach Pete may have over-recruited! This run, sorry if it has already been posted, showed me all I needed to know about his "shimmy" abilities that all "good" NFL RB's need. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAZePWptydk

He will be a day one pick come April 2010, you can take that to the bank. Perfect size, amazing vision, decent hands, shimmy(nice word, eh), maybe Matt Forte-ish. Nothing too flashy, but a damn good back.

I like the Forte comparison. They're not clones, but they have a similar overall profile. Great at nothing. Good at everything. I think Johnson has a chance to be a quality player in the NFL. I don't see superstar upside, but he can surprise given his current lack of hype.USC's backfield is definitely a good place to look for NFL talent. I think Allen Bradford has a chance to be someone who "comes out of nowhere" to make an NFL team down the road. Same goes for Broderick Green, who just transferred to Arkansas for the 2009 season. Both of those guys have the potential to make the NFL. They were just unlucky (or unwise) to be stuck on a stacked team.

Speaking of kids who transferred out from the USC RB logjam, what do you guys think of Emmanuel Moody, Florida RB (Jr.)? A future NFL player, starter?

 

[kremenull]

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

Taken from aposuli's rankings, this kid looks like a nice sleeper who is quite far under the radar right now. May be the kind of player who makes a pretty decent to big push up the rankings seemingly out of nowhere. I'm not quite ready to give him the ringing endorsement, but he is intriguing.

 

[Balco]

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

Taken from aposuli's rankings, this kid looks like a nice sleeper who is quite far under the radar right now. May be the kind of player who makes a pretty decent to big push up the rankings seemingly out of nowhere. I'm not quite ready to give him the ringing endorsement, but he is intriguing.

Loved what I saw of him in the Fresno State-Rutgers game.Here is the blurb from my Scouting Post:

RYAN MATTHEWS, RUNNING BACK (5'11 210) SOPHOMORE (#21)

Stats: 26 carries 163 yards (6.3 avg) 3 tds; 1 catch 20 yards

The real deal. Hits the hole hard and aside from one play, won't bounce the ball to the outside until he gets past the first wave of defenders. Runs a bit upright. Tremendous balance, always falls forward when he is tackled. Reads blocks well, sees the hole and accelerates through it. Deceptive speed. Workhorse, gets better with more carries. Nose for the end zone. Definitely one to watch.

 

[TheWheel]

This topic is kind of silly. You won't be able to predict what any of these players are going to do professionally. Sorry but which team a player is drafted to is just as important as the player themselves. There are very few shoe-in skill position players that aren't a risk. There aren't any Calvin Johnson's in college right now. Also consider that the most talented players usually go to the most dysfunctional teams. I will guarantee you that come the end of the season 50% of these lists will be inaccurate and that 50% of these predictions will be flatout wrong. That is just the nature of the game.

Also, this idea that a player is to small to play professionally is a misnomer. There are just as many players of an ideal size that fail professionally.

 

[MAC_32]

Real curious to see how Derrick Washington does as the focal point of the offense. With Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and Chase Coffman gone can he be similarly productive? or was he a product of the talent around him? I think he's the former, and am very bummed I missed him in my college draft earlier this week.

 

[MAC_32]

This topic is kind of silly. You won't be able to predict what any of these players are going to do professionally. Sorry but which team a player is drafted to is just as important as the player themselves. There are very few shoe-in skill position players that aren't a risk. There aren't any Calvin Johnson's in college right now. Also consider that the most talented players usually go to the most dysfunctional teams. I will guarantee you that come the end of the season 50% of these lists will be inaccurate and that 50% of these predictions will be flatout wrong. That is just the nature of the game. Also, this idea that a player is to small to play professionally is a misnomer. There are just as many players of an ideal size that fail professionally.

I think the best way to gain an advantage over your competition is to actually watch these guys play and monitor their progress in college. With all the information available online these days it's tough to gain any sort of advantage, I think this is the best way to do it, and develop your own opinion about players. Sure, rankings now will be night and day come January and again come April but there's nothing wrong with a starting point/baseline. Rankings are meant to be fluid, rankings that are not are usually bad rankings.

 

[kremenull]

This topic is kind of silly. You won't be able to predict what any of these players are going to do professionally. Sorry but which team a player is drafted to is just as important as the player themselves. There are very few shoe-in skill position players that aren't a risk. There aren't any Calvin Johnson's in college right now. Also consider that the most talented players usually go to the most dysfunctional teams. I will guarantee you that come the end of the season 50% of these lists will be inaccurate and that 50% of these predictions will be flatout wrong. That is just the nature of the game. Also, this idea that a player is to small to play professionally is a misnomer. There are just as many players of an ideal size that fail professionally.

Well. I apologize (somewhat) in advance here but I'm going to make a couple of assumptions. Since you just registered recently, and more importantly, by your very first two statements of your reply, you sound like a "newbie". Listen my man, when guys are putting down their analysis and evaluations in this thread, and similar threads, you best believe there are guys who at least kind of know what they're talking about. Now just because YOU might not be able to project players in college to the pro game doesn't mean others can't to some degree of accuracy. Of course nobody knows for certain how these players will pan out in the end. If it was certain, wouldn't guys keep the information to themselves, bottle it up, and sell it to the highest of bidders, such as NFL franchises. But for some of us, after years of doing this, is it possible that we may have insights as to what to look for that does translate to the pro game to give a prospect a chance to some degree for success at the highest level? And that "degree" may be different depending upon the player and his attributes. And since you mentioned Calvin Johnson in your post, believe it or not there were some people who did predict greatness for this kid at some point in his college career. And speaking just for me on this one, I absolutely had no doubts about Calvin early on during his final season at GT. Before that, I knew he had special physical gifts, but early on during his last season I saw the light come on and that he was dominating his peers. So to say that there is not a Calvin in college right now and to also state that where you go plays a vital role in a player's outcome, I'd say that those statements are not necessarily true. Special players will succeed no matter where they go, situation is irrelevant to the elite talents, ala Calvin, Peterson, LT, and Faulk, amongst many others.But anyway, if you stick around in this thread and the Shark Pool forum, you just may learn something from guys in here. That's if you're serious about fantasy football, and dynasty format, in particular.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Well said Kremenull. This forum is not just about the cold, hard facts. This is not only a news forum, but a discussion forum. We get a lot of advice, help and excercise by discussion and disagreement here and it's all welcome to me. "That's silly" doesn't help anybody much, and you may as well tell all the staff the same thing about their projections and rankings of NFL players since it's all speculation anyways. The coaches' gameplans are silly too, since they don't know what will happen on Sunday. Take a pill guy, and absorb some of what people have to say here.

 

[tdmills]

I think it also makes us aware of prospects during the season that the "experts" aren't showing us....for example Donald Brown, Matt Forte, Kevin Smith type players.

The more I watch Jahvid Best, the more I think he will be a great RB in the NFL....much more than a Demarco Murray. He has that IT factor where he makes plays happen.

 

[awesomeness]

15. Ryan Matthews, Fresno State*

Taken from aposuli's rankings, this kid looks like a nice sleeper who is quite far under the radar right now. May be the kind of player who makes a pretty decent to big push up the rankings seemingly out of nowhere. I'm not quite ready to give him the ringing endorsement, but he is intriguing.

Loved what I saw of him in the Fresno State-Rutgers game.Here is the blurb from my Scouting Post:

RYAN MATTHEWS, RUNNING BACK (5'11 210) SOPHOMORE (#21)

Stats: 26 carries 163 yards (6.3 avg) 3 tds; 1 catch 20 yards

The real deal. Hits the hole hard and aside from one play, won't bounce the ball to the outside until he gets past the first wave of defenders. Runs a bit upright. Tremendous balance, always falls forward when he is tackled. Reads blocks well, sees the hole and accelerates through it. Deceptive speed. Workhorse, gets better with more carries. Nose for the end zone. Definitely one to watch.

Watching some clips of him, he does look good. Can change directions on a dime, good quickness, keeps his feet moving all the time, good stiff arm. He's definitely someone i have my eye on now. Hopefully he'll be able to stay healthy this year, and hopefully he'll get some more targets in the receiving game. Only 8 receptions in a year and a half isn't very good, although he got very good yardage on the receptions he did have. Granted it could just be Fresno State's gameplan that's the reason for so few targets.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Lagarrette Blount punches a Boise St player after the game. This dude might have just ruined his career.

 

[Multiple Scores]

Lagarrette Blount punches a Boise St player after the game. This dude might have just ruined his career.

Not only that, he had to be restrained from jumping into the crowd and starting a fight, was gonna pull a Ron Artest, even after being restrained he was still acting like an utter fool. Oregon should kick him off the team, there is no place in college football for thugs like this.

 

[EBF]

Well he was probably only the 4th-5th best draft eligible RB in the Pac-10 anyway.

On that note I'll be at the Cal game on Saturday, so I should get a good look at Best if my level of sobriety permits. I'm starting to come around on his prospects. I still think his size/durability might prevent him from being a workhorse, but he's a legit athlete and football player. I see some Leon Washington or Warrick Dunn potential there.

 

[kremenull]

Well he was probably only the 4th-5th best draft eligible RB in the Pac-10 anyway.

On that note I'll be at the Cal game on Saturday, so I should get a good look at Best if my level of sobriety permits. I'm starting to come around on his prospects. I still think his size/durability might prevent him from being a workhorse, but he's a legit athlete and football player. I see some Leon Washington or Warrick Dunn potential there.

I see some Barry Sanders potential.......

 

[humphrp]

TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma - I'm really not impressed with his burst or lateral movement. I think he's a big, lumbering target whose straight line game won't translate to the NFL level. He's comparable to Greg Olsen in some respects. He's not a terrible player. He's just not nearly as good as advertised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH4lRMr4Nc

This analysis is almost hysterical....I'm sorry EBF, and I don't mean to poke fun at you here, but c'mon man, open your eyes here. You say that Gresham is a big, lumbering target who doesn't show good lateral agility nor burst and then proceed to post a link that absolutely dispels about everything you said in your analysis.......This kid has tremendous athleticism, including agility (sidestepping several would-be tacklers in the vid as well as pulling away from guys in traffic, i.e, burst), especially for a big guy, remember, this is 6'5" or greater and 260 lbs.....In the video, do you not see him getting separation easily on LBs, as well as DBs, and catching very smoothly with his hands + piling up major RAC?......We can mark this one down right now.....Gresham is a CAN'T MISS STAR in the NFL...not just a Pro Bowler, but ALL-PRO...

Gresham is big and he has good straight line speed, but he's neither quick nor shifty. From what I've seen he has one move: catch the ball, run in a straight line, and crash into anyone who gets in your way. That works in college against inferior athletes, but I don't think it will work in the NFL.I watched the highlight reel again to see if I missed anything. Aside from one nice move near the goal line against Nebraska, I didn't see him show any lateral quickness. When I watched his games last year I came away with the impression that he was just a big guy who can run fast in a straight line. Nothing I've seen since then has changed my opinion.

OK! I think I see the problem then. If you're expecting a guy of this size to be "cat' quick, elusive as a waterbug, and change directions like Barry Sanders, then OK, I agree. He isn't that.But isn't the TEs primary objective to move the chains. No need to try and dance, dodge, nor duck defenders when you're working the middle of the field. Catch it and turn it up field, that's what he's supposed to do. And from what I've seen, nobody is doing it better than this kid as he also makes big plays. Look at his ypr. It's not just the system, although sure, it does help. But don't you also think that NFL teams implement facets of their systems to best utilize their best playmakers. This kid can flat-out play. Check his high-school highlight reel, which you probably have. He will be a load to defend with his combination of size/athleticism/hands/speed.....I dunno man, I'm all aboard this one and I don't think there is a surer bet at the skill positions for next year's draft than Gresham....

HS reel (Gresham jersey #2)

This is probably not new news for many, but Grisham is out for at least Oklahoma's opener against Brigham Young with a knee injury of unknown severity.link.

There is a great deal of speculation that he will miss the entire season. No link to confirm, but be aware.

 

[humphrp]

Lagarrette Blount punches a Boise St player after the game. This dude might have just ruined his career.

Not only that, he had to be restrained from jumping into the crowd and starting a fight, was gonna pull a Ron Artest, even after being restrained he was still acting like an utter fool. Oregon should kick him off the team, there is no place in college football for thugs like this.

Just heard on ESPN news that Blount is suspended for the remainder of the season

 

[Cookiemonster]

Lagarrette Blount punches a Boise St player after the game. This dude might have just ruined his career.

Not only that, he had to be restrained from jumping into the crowd and starting a fight, was gonna pull a Ron Artest, even after being restrained he was still acting like an utter fool. Oregon should kick him off the team, there is no place in college football for thugs like this.

Just heard on ESPN news that Blount is suspended for the remainder of the season

Welcome to the UFL, Blount.

 

[offdee]

Just heard on ESPN news that Blount is suspended for the remainder of the season

Blount was a 3rd/4th rounder type of talent anyways. Now probably will be a 5th/6th round hope for the best type of pick (if drafted at all)

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Well he was probably only the 4th-5th best draft eligible RB in the Pac-10 anyway.On that note I'll be at the Cal game on Saturday, so I should get a good look at Best if my level of sobriety permits. I'm starting to come around on his prospects. I still think his size/durability might prevent him from being a workhorse, but he's a legit athlete and football player. I see some Leon Washington or Warrick Dunn potential there.

Have a great time. Picked him up almost as an afterthought in a league that allows some college keepers.

 

[kremenull]

Lagarrette Blount punches a Boise St player after the game. This dude might have just ruined his career.

Not only that, he had to be restrained from jumping into the crowd and starting a fight, was gonna pull a Ron Artest, even after being restrained he was still acting like an utter fool. Oregon should kick him off the team, there is no place in college football for thugs like this.

Just heard on ESPN news that Blount is suspended for the remainder of the season

Just watched the video. What a dumba##.....This kid quite possibly blew his chance at an NFL career.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

One of my leagues just added a rule that allows us to draft college players -- sort of like a farm roster in fantasy baseball.

So this thread will help. Thanks for the discussion.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Had Blount low to begin with (behind Keiland Williams).

He deserved to be suspended for the season. He'll probably blow up to 270-280 and go undrafted.

 

[dschuler]

Walter Football 2010 WR Rankings

1. Arrelious Benn

2. Damian Williams

3. Dez Bryant

4. Brandon LaFell

5. Golden Tate

6. Mark Dell

7. Marshawn Gilyard

8. Eric Decker

9. Dezmon Briscoe

10. Jordan Shipley

http://walterfootball.com/draft2010WR.php

Williams over Bryant is loco. There are many other things wrong with this list, but that's the most glaring bit of insanity.

I agree. Dez Bryant is the most talented receiver I have seen in college in quite some time.

 

[jurb26]

Walter Football 2010 WR Rankings

1. Arrelious Benn

2. Damian Williams

3. Dez Bryant

4. Brandon LaFell

5. Golden Tate

6. Mark Dell

7. Marshawn Gilyard

8. Eric Decker

9. Dezmon Briscoe

10. Jordan Shipley

http://walterfootball.com/draft2010WR.php

Williams over Bryant is loco. There are many other things wrong with this list, but that's the most glaring bit of insanity.

I agree. Dez Bryant is the most talented receiver I have seen in college in quite some time.

Come on, the Bryant hype is getting out of hand....

 

[corpcow]

I look at Draft Scout too, and that same service has Best ranked 2nd behind Dwyer for 2011 and ahead of Murray, Royster, and McKnight. I see most of those RBs coming out in 2010 instead of 2011 however.

Draft Scout

FWIW, I don't think much of Murray, Royster, and McKnight as NFL prospects. McKnight can make it as a situational back. The other two are pretty overrated IMO. Dwyer and Spiller are the only 2010 eligible backs who look like strong bets for the first round right now.

Johnson is my personal pick for the #3 spot. He doesn't have the hype of some of the flashier backs like Best and Murray, but I think his power/vision/footwork game will translate well to the NFL.

There's a long way to go before the 2010 draft though. These guys still have a full season to play and they have to go through the combine/pro day testing.

I will preface this by saying I watch, but don't really follow college football - and I haven't really "scouted" any of these guys yet... but after watching a few DeMarco Murray highlights I really wasn't impressed. He strikes me as kind of awkward and lanky and seems to run upright. Now, I recognize that he IS pretty fast, but I think because of his height and running style it doesn't appear that way. He certainly didn't strike me as agile or that he had the ability to change direction well, but again who knows what I saw in terms of those highlights.

 

[jurb26]

I look at Draft Scout too, and that same service has Best ranked 2nd behind Dwyer for 2011 and ahead of Murray, Royster, and McKnight. I see most of those RBs coming out in 2010 instead of 2011 however.

Draft Scout

FWIW, I don't think much of Murray, Royster, and McKnight as NFL prospects. McKnight can make it as a situational back. The other two are pretty overrated IMO. Dwyer and Spiller are the only 2010 eligible backs who look like strong bets for the first round right now.

Johnson is my personal pick for the #3 spot. He doesn't have the hype of some of the flashier backs like Best and Murray, but I think his power/vision/footwork game will translate well to the NFL.

There's a long way to go before the 2010 draft though. These guys still have a full season to play and they have to go through the combine/pro day testing.

I will preface this by saying I watch, but don't really follow college football - and I haven't really "scouted" any of these guys yet... but after watching a few DeMarco Murray highlights I really wasn't impressed. He strikes me as kind of awkward and lanky and seems to run upright. Now, I recognize that he IS pretty fast, but I think because of his height and running style it doesn't appear that way. He certainly didn't strike me as agile or that he had the ability to change direction well, but again who knows what I saw in terms of those highlights.

Exactly what highlights are you watching? Murray plays tonight on national TV and should be fully healthy. I'd encourage you to watch the game because from your description above I don't think you were watching the same player.

 

[corpcow]

I will preface this by saying I watch, but don't really follow college football - and I haven't really "scouted" any of these guys yet... but after watching a few DeMarco Murray highlights I really wasn't impressed. He strikes me as kind of awkward and lanky and seems to run upright. Now, I recognize that he IS pretty fast, but I think because of his height and running style it doesn't appear that way. He certainly didn't strike me as agile or that he had the ability to change direction well, but again who knows what I saw in terms of those highlights.

Exactly what highlights are you watching? Murray plays tonight on national TV and should be fully healthy. I'd encourage you to watch the game because from your description above I don't think you were watching the same player.

I will watch tonight. THe highlights I saw were here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNi6MsnP2Fc...re=channel_page

Upon watching again, there were a few nice moves he had and showed pretty good vision... but again it seems like many of those were running in a straight line kind of moves - e.g., the move around 1:16 in that video.

 

[jurb26]

I will preface this by saying I watch, but don't really follow college football - and I haven't really "scouted" any of these guys yet... but after watching a few DeMarco Murray highlights I really wasn't impressed. He strikes me as kind of awkward and lanky and seems to run upright. Now, I recognize that he IS pretty fast, but I think because of his height and running style it doesn't appear that way. He certainly didn't strike me as agile or that he had the ability to change direction well, but again who knows what I saw in terms of those highlights.

Exactly what highlights are you watching? Murray plays tonight on national TV and should be fully healthy. I'd encourage you to watch the game because from your description above I don't think you were watching the same player.

I will watch tonight. THe highlights I saw were here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNi6MsnP2Fc...re=channel_page

Upon watching again, there were a few nice moves he had and showed pretty good vision... but again it seems like many of those were running in a straight line kind of moves - e.g., the move around 1:16 in that video.

Murray battled injuries all year last season. You need to watch some 2007 footage. This guy makes sick cuts and can change direction at almost full speed. He does run a bit high but he is electric none the less.

 

[EBF]

Thoughts from the USC vs. San Jose State first half:

- USC is once again using a RBBC. The big surprise was the early appearance of Allen Bradford. He was the second RB in the game (after McKnight). He eventually ripped off a long TD run where he broke through a hole and showcased his deceptive long speed. I've been intrigued by this guy for a while. He has a stocky NFL frame and a skill set that reminds me of Travis Henry. He probably would've been a bigger factor last year, but injuries held him back. I've long thought that this USC backfield might yield a couple gems and Bradford could be one of those guys. Remember that Chauncey Washington managed to get drafted despite being invisible for his first 3 or 4 years at USC. Bradford could follow that example. He's definitely a player to monitor this season.

- The USC coaching staff remains enamored with Joe McKnight. He never looks all that good, but they continually try to showcase him. He's fast and he has good potential as a receiver. He's nowhere near as good as Reggie Bush was in a similar role though. He's small and he usually goes down on first contact. Despite his speed, it's rare to see him make a great juke. He's only really good at exploiting existing lanes, not at creating his own. I see him as a third down back in the NFL.

- Stafon Johnson was the third RB in the game, but he possibly looks like the best prospect of the bunch. He showed a nice burst today and picked up 7-9 yards on two runs where the other backs on the roster probably would've gone down for a minimal gain. He had a nice run to set up his second short TD, spinning out of a would-be backfield tackler and making a sharp upfield cut.

- CJ Gable has been the odd man out today. I've long felt that he was the worst pro prospect of USC's RB because of his bad frame.

- Not much to say about the pass catchers today since their opportunities have been limited. TE Anthony McCoy is one of the better pro prospects on USC's offense. He had a bad fumble today after a catch-and-run. WR Damian Williams has great vertical speed and will continue to be a featured part of this attack, but I'm down on his NFL prospects.

 

[EBF]

Well just as I was talking trash about McKnight he broke a long run and showed some wiggle.

I still think Bradford and Johnson might be the guys to watch here for our purposes.

 

[Balco]

Well just as I was talking trash about McKnight he broke a long run and showed some wiggle.I still think Bradford and Johnson might be the guys to watch here for our purposes.

I will be breaking down McKnight v. Ohio State next week, but from what I saw of him last year, he is an outside rusher. Didn't really like contact inside. Looking forward to seeing how he does.

 

[Balco]

I will preface this by saying I watch, but don't really follow college football - and I haven't really "scouted" any of these guys yet... but after watching a few DeMarco Murray highlights I really wasn't impressed. He strikes me as kind of awkward and lanky and seems to run upright. Now, I recognize that he IS pretty fast, but I think because of his height and running style it doesn't appear that way. He certainly didn't strike me as agile or that he had the ability to change direction well, but again who knows what I saw in terms of those highlights.

Exactly what highlights are you watching? Murray plays tonight on national TV and should be fully healthy. I'd encourage you to watch the game because from your description above I don't think you were watching the same player.

I will watch tonight. THe highlights I saw were here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNi6MsnP2Fc...re=channel_page

Upon watching again, there were a few nice moves he had and showed pretty good vision... but again it seems like many of those were running in a straight line kind of moves - e.g., the move around 1:16 in that video.

Murray battled injuries all year last season. You need to watch some 2007 footage. This guy makes sick cuts and can change direction at almost full speed. He does run a bit high but he is electric none the less.

I liked what I saw of Murray last year, but I fear his upright running style is going to subject him to alot of tough hits. He was lightning quick and show excellent vision cutting off blocks.