2014 Senior Bowl Thread (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Draft buzz continues to build around QB Jimmy Garoppolo

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Jimmy Garoppolo, quick and compact

01:25 – Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's most impressive asset is his quick feet and quick release, analyst Mike Mayock says.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd says the Raiders have shown more interest in him than any team at this week's Senior Bowl.
It'd certainly be an interesting fit. Boyd is a projected second- to early third-day draft choice with a big arm and plus athleticism. The Raiders dabbled with the read-option when Terrelle Pryor played in 2013. Knocks against Boyd include his accuracy and size, as he measured in at 6-foot 3/4 and 222 pounds Monday. Reports out of Mobile indicate Boyd has struggled in practice.

Related: Raiders

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Multiple reports out of Mobile this week agree Fresno State QB Derek Carr has been easily the Senior Bowl's most impressive quarterback.
The 2014 Senior Bowl quarterback turnout isn't overwhelming, especially after Alabama's A.J. McCarron dropped out, but this is notable nonetheless. A first-round possibility, Carr should be severely outperforming the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Logan Thomas, Stephen Morris, and David Fales. We're a little surprised Clemson's Tajh Boyd isn't having a better week.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

 

[Faust]

Senior Bowl Notes: Tuesday

 

[3C's]

Hopefully my daughters friend can turn some heads. http://www.seniorbowl.com/player-view.php?p=443&squad=South

Caught at least one eye.

Last one on the page. http://scoutsnotebook.com/2014/01/20/senior-bowl-notes-day-1/

"One of the guys who hasn’t gotten much press coming out of a small school is Lorenzo Taliaferro from Coastal Carolina, and he showed up to play today. He ran and caught the football well and found space in a South defense during practice that didn’t allow too many holes to open."

 

[3C's]

Hopefully my daughters friend can turn some heads. http://www.seniorbowl.com/player-view.php?p=443&squad=South

Caught at least one eye.

Last one on the page. http://scoutsnotebook.com/2014/01/20/senior-bowl-notes-day-1/

"One of the guys who hasn’t gotten much press coming out of a small school is Lorenzo Taliaferro from Coastal Carolina, and he showed up to play today. He ran and caught the football well and found space in a South defense during practice that didn’t allow too many holes to open."

Now we're talkin:

Mike Mayock from NFL Network just said Lorenzo Taliaferro from Coastal Carolina was his Senior Bowl player of the day.

 

[JaxBill]

Quarterbacks

-Jimmy Garoppolo edged Derek Carr for quarterback of the day on the South squad. He has the quickest set-up and release of all the Senior Bowl quarterbacks, which is actually an advantage and a disadvantage in an all star setting. Garoppolo doesn’t get ideal depth in his drop backs (a very fixable issue), which affected the timing with his receivers during the first half of practice. However, he adapted and by the time 7 on 7’s were underway, and showed much better timing with his wideouts for the remainder of practice.

-David Carr’s velocity, especially in the gusty wind, was once again impressive. There really is no competition in terms of arm strength among the South quarterbacks. Looking elsewhere, Carr looked very athletic in an escape drill in which quarterbacks must drop back and spin out of trouble before rolling out and hitting a 12 yard out on the move. His habit of dropping his back shoulder and fading away, however, was magnified in this drill. His accuracy inconsistencies stem from these types of mechanical issues that have plagued him for much of his college career.

-David Fales had quite the challenge set up for him with the practice conditions today. He actually wasn’t awful throwing the football but it kept coming off his hand awkwardly and the wind certainly affected his accuracy a bit more than the other quarterbacks. Fales is an above average athlete but next to Carr and Garoppolo, he moves noticeably slower in everything he does. Much credit goes to Fales for competing this week but it’s not exactly an ideal set up for a guy whose timing, touch, and anticipation are his best throwing qualities.

Running Backs

-Keep an eye on Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews as a back who could have an early impact for an NFL team. He was easily the best back from both squads during blitz pickup drills, showing the strength to absorb contact and riding defenders away from the quarterback. He caught the ball well again today and showed patience and burst in the team session. The Hilltopper does all the little things but he must continue prove to teams that he’s beyond the fumbling issues he had in college.

http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/2014-senior-bowl-tuesday-south-practice-notes.html

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Quarterbacks

-Jimmy Garoppolo edged Derek Carr for quarterback of the day on the South squad. He has the quickest set-up and release of all the Senior Bowl quarterbacks, which is actually an advantage and a disadvantage in an all star setting. Garoppolo doesn’t get ideal depth in his drop backs (a very fixable issue), which affected the timing with his receivers during the first half of practice. However, he adapted and by the time 7 on 7’s were underway, and showed much better timing with his wideouts for the remainder of practice.

-David Carr’s velocity, especially in the gusty wind, was once again impressive. There really is no competition in terms of arm strength among the South quarterbacks. Looking elsewhere, Carr looked very athletic in an escape drill in which quarterbacks must drop back and spin out of trouble before rolling out and hitting a 12 yard out on the move. His habit of dropping his back shoulder and fading away, however, was magnified in this drill. His accuracy inconsistencies stem from these types of mechanical issues that have plagued him for much of his college career.

-David Fales had quite the challenge set up for him with the practice conditions today. He actually wasn’t awful throwing the football but it kept coming off his hand awkwardly and the wind certainly affected his accuracy a bit more than the other quarterbacks. Fales is an above average athlete but next to Carr and Garoppolo, he moves noticeably slower in everything he does. Much credit goes to Fales for competing this week but it’s not exactly an ideal set up for a guy whose timing, touch, and anticipation are his best throwing qualities.

Running Backs

-Keep an eye on Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews as a back who could have an early impact for an NFL team. He was easily the best back from both squads during blitz pickup drills, showing the strength to absorb contact and riding defenders away from the quarterback. He caught the ball well again today and showed patience and burst in the team session. The Hilltopper does all the little things but he must continue prove to teams that he’s beyond the fumbling issues he had in college.

http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/2014-senior-bowl-tuesday-south-practice-notes.html

He's back!

 

[Faust]

Twitter:

TonyPauline

Zach Martin/Notre Dame looking really good at left tackle. One of the few lineman to slow down Aaron Donald.

‏@MattBowen41

Pitt DT Aaron Donald works hard in 1-on-1 pass rush. Quick off the ball & he uses his hands on contact. Counter moves + power.

‏@Eric_Edholm

Aaron Donald is just showing off now. Another strong effort today

@Eric_Edholm

Robert Herron isn't big, but he's shifty and decisive in route running and after the catch.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Vanderbilt senior WR Jordan Matthews was "spectacular" at Tuesday's Senior Bowl practice, according to NFL.com's Chase Goodbread.

Matthews was upset with himself for dropping some passes on Monday, and he made up for it the next day. "He will go into the briar patch, take his hits and keep on ticking," NFL Media analyst Charles Davis said after Tuesday's practice. "I never worry about that part with him. Obviously, people are going to want to know what he runs (at the combine). All in all, I think he's a big-time prospect. Let's face it: How many quarterbacks threw to him at Vanderbilt? Try to name them all. Yet everyone knew he was coming each week in the SEC." Matthews remained after practice to work on red-zone throws with Derek Carr. He's a coach's dream.


Source: NFL.com

A Packers scout called Clemson QB Tajh Boyd "not draftable" due to his performance during Senior Bowl practices.

Ouch. It's a harsh indictment, but it won't move the needle on Boyd's draft stock much. Boyd is a polarizing prospect because he possesses elite attributes (displays spectacular pocket movement to find throwing lanes, releases from multiple platforms, has good arm talent and athleticism) and noticeable weaknesses (subpar accuracy, sub-optimal size, and inconsistent decision-making). He's still a second-round possibility.


Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[lod01]

Rotoworld:

Clemson QB Tajh Boyd says the Raiders have shown more interest in him than any team at this week's Senior Bowl.
It'd certainly be an interesting fit. Boyd is a projected second- to early third-day draft choice with a big arm and plus athleticism. The Raiders dabbled with the read-option when Terrelle Pryor played in 2013. Knocks against Boyd include his accuracy and size, as he measured in at 6-foot 3/4 and 222 pounds Monday. Reports out of Mobile indicate Boyd has struggled in practice.

Related: Raiders

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

The Raiders are so stupid.

 

[Faust]

High 5: Dee Ford, Derek Carr building momentum at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Dee Ford, Aaron Donald lead top linemen at Senior Bowl

 

[lod01]

Quarterbacks

-Jimmy Garoppolo edged Derek Carr for quarterback of the day on the South squad. He has the quickest set-up and release of all the Senior Bowl quarterbacks, which is actually an advantage and a disadvantage in an all star setting. Garoppolo doesn’t get ideal depth in his drop backs (a very fixable issue), which affected the timing with his receivers during the first half of practice. However, he adapted and by the time 7 on 7’s were underway, and showed much better timing with his wideouts for the remainder of practice.

-David Carr’s velocity, especially in the gusty wind, was once again impressive. There really is no competition in terms of arm strength among the South quarterbacks. Looking elsewhere, Carr looked very athletic in an escape drill in which quarterbacks must drop back and spin out of trouble before rolling out and hitting a 12 yard out on the move. His habit of dropping his back shoulder and fading away, however, was magnified in this drill. His accuracy inconsistencies stem from these types of mechanical issues that have plagued him for much of his college career.

-David Fales had quite the challenge set up for him with the practice conditions today. He actually wasn’t awful throwing the football but it kept coming off his hand awkwardly and the wind certainly affected his accuracy a bit more than the other quarterbacks. Fales is an above average athlete but next to Carr and Garoppolo, he moves noticeably slower in everything he does. Much credit goes to Fales for competing this week but it’s not exactly an ideal set up for a guy whose timing, touch, and anticipation are his best throwing qualities.

Running Backs

-Keep an eye on Western Kentucky’s Antonio Andrews as a back who could have an early impact for an NFL team. He was easily the best back from both squads during blitz pickup drills, showing the strength to absorb contact and riding defenders away from the quarterback. He caught the ball well again today and showed patience and burst in the team session. The Hilltopper does all the little things but he must continue prove to teams that he’s beyond the fumbling issues he had in college.

http://www.optimumscouting.com/draft/articles/2014-senior-bowl-tuesday-south-practice-notes.html

He's back!

Sadly he really is back. Derek Carr is a David Carr clone.

 

[Faust]

AJ McCarron said medical reasons kept him out of Senior Bowl

By Mike Huguenin

College Football 24/7 writer

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron said he skipped the Reese's Senior Bowl on the advice of doctors because his body needed rest.

McCarron told al.com that he battled through numerous injuries during the 2013 season, including toe, shoulder and hamstring injuries.

He had been criticized for bypassing the Senior Bowl, which is played in his hometown of Mobile, Ala. He had been seen as a "healthy scratch," meaning there was no known medical reason for him to skip the event.

"When it came time to decide, I asked the advice of our team doctors, who are some of the best in the country," McCarron said. "They said I should stay out of the game and get my body back to 100 percent healthy."

McCarron said that while his shoulder does not require surgery, fatigue had been an issue since midseason.

"I jammed my shoulder when I was diving for the pylon against Tennessee," he said. "Structurally, there was never anything wrong, but since then I've been fighting a sore shoulder that just got more tired each week."

McCarron said he had undergone three weeks of rehabilitation and said he was cleared Tuesday to begin full workouts.

Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.

 

[Faust]

For Aaron Murray, height isn't long and short of it at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Twitter:

Bucky Brooks ‏@BuckyBrooks

Keep an eye on @WVUfootball RB Charles Sims. He is versatile RB in 2014 class. He's being compared to Matt Forte pic.twitter.com/spq4KhzEPh

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting

#SeniorBowl North Practice winners today: RB Charles Sims, WR Josh Huff, OT Jack Mewhort, DT Aaron Donald, LB Chris Borland, CB Pierre Desir

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting

#Wyoming's WR Robert Herron separates off press very well despite being 5'9. Winning cons in 1v1 now. Quick throughout route too #SeniorBowl

 

[Faust]

2014 Senior Bowl: Under-the-radar defenders highlight North practice

 

[Bob Magaw]

High 5: Dee Ford, Derek Carr building momentum at Senior Bowl

This is exactly what scouts said Carr needed to do after the underwhelming bowl game.

 

[Faust]

Aaron Donald earns another comparison to Geno Atkins

 

[Faust]

Senior Bowl stock watch: Winners and losers, plus more Chiefs interviews

 

[Whitney26]

The "Weigh-In" results from the NFLPA game were elusive, but I finally got a copy tonight. Here's a link for the NFLPA, Shrine and Senior Bowls for anyone interested:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1joYN_VMFgPR3Tq854NiWF8tU5t9HwGrb1YVcbr2gCt8/pub

 

[EBF]

The "Weigh-In" results from the NFLPA game were elusive, but I finally got a copy tonight. Here's a link for the NFLPA, Shrine and Senior Bowls for anyone interested:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1joYN_VMFgPR3Tq854NiWF8tU5t9HwGrb1YVcbr2gCt8/pub

Didn't hear much about Troy WR Eric Thomas during the practice week, but he looks like a quality day 3 sleeper to me.

6'0.375" 214 is a nice height/weight for him.

 

[Whitney26]

The "Weigh-In" results from the NFLPA game were elusive, but I finally got a copy tonight. Here's a link for the NFLPA, Shrine and Senior Bowls for anyone interested:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1joYN_VMFgPR3Tq854NiWF8tU5t9HwGrb1YVcbr2gCt8/pub

Didn't hear much about Troy WR Eric Thomas during the practice week, but he looks like a quality day 3 sleeper to me.

6'0.375" 214 is a nice height/weight for him.

The hands (10 5/8) are ridiculous. I wish there was more tape available.

 

[Faust]

2014 Senior Bowl: OLBs Attaochu, Van Noy step up to pressure

 

[Faust]

Senior Bowl Notes: Wednesday

 

[Faust]

Stanford's Trent Murphy a disappointment at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Jared Abbrederis having big week he needed at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Wisconsin's Chris Borland compared to Zach Thomas

 

[Faust]

Charles Sims' background as receiver draws links to Matt Forte

 

[JFS171]

Here's some highlights of Robert Herron… would be interested to hear what others see in him. I was impressed watching him in the 1v1s in practice this week… just seemed very solidly built, even if he's not very tall. Always gets off the jam well, quick through the route, and just looks like a player to my eyes (which admittedly aren't very well trained). Getting some buzz this week in Mobile.

Herron's a guy I wouldn't mind on my team in the mid rounds… curious to see how he does at the combine, assuming he's invited. He looks pretty shifty and speedy.

 

[Xue]

He's much closer to Steve Smith than Brandin Cooks is. His best 100M time is 10.50, so I expect him to run a high 4.3x.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Northwestern WR Kain Colter has withdrawn from the Senior Bowl to undergo ankle surgery, and will be sidelined 8-12 weeks.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the surgery is related to a "pre-existing" cartilage injury. Colter is making the conversion from quarterback. Rotoworld's Josh Norris believes Colter flashed natural receiving skills in Mobile, and kept defensive backs off balance. Norris expects Colter to be drafted "closer to where Armanti (Edwards) was taken" than Denard Robinson's position. Edwards was the No. 89 pick of the 2010 draft. Shoelace was No. 135 last April.


Source: Chicago Tribune

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Nebraska CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste was listed as one of Todd McShay's most impressive defensive players during Senior Bowl week.

Utah corner Keith McGill, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland, and Auburn defensive end Dee Ford were also included in that list. Jean-Baptiste has everything the NFL looks for in terms of frame and length, but he does not get physical with receivers at this point in his development. An NFL team could change that, however.


Source: Todd McShay on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Derek Carr most impressive QB in Senior Bowl practices

 

[Faust]

Tight ends Lynch, Gilmore shine in red-zone drills at Senior Bowl

By Dan Greenspan

College Football 24/7 writer

Take away the pads for Thursday's final practices at the Reese's Senior Bowl and it gives the pass catchers a chance to show their stuff, especially in one-on-one red-zone drills. But it can also result in a serious case of buyer beware.

"In the scouting community, we call this Thursday practice the 'Matt Jones practice,'" NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. "There's a lot that can be earned today."

Jones, the former Arkansas quarterback, dominated at the goal line in the 2005 Senior Bowl and caught the eye of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones was drafted with the 21st pick in the first round, but was out of the league after four uninspired seasons.

The format should exist to benefit bigger, more physically-gifted receivers like Cody Hoffman of BYU (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and Jordan Matthews of Vanderbilt (6-3, 206), at least in theory, but tight ends Arthur Lynch from Georgia and Crockett Gilmore of Colorado State stood out. Lynch demonstrated impressive body control, while Gilmore's impressive hands came through with a couple of difficult grabs.

At the other end of the size spectrum is Oklahoma's Jalen Saunders (5-9, 157), who showed off his tremendous quickness.

Matthews and Hoffman have similar builds, but Jeremiah gives a clear edge to the SEC career leader in numerous receiving categories.

Matthews, who had a couple of nice TD catches in red zone drills Thursday, was named the Reese's Senior Bowl Player of the Day.

"When you look at Matthews, he looked more loose, more fluid coming in and out (of his breaks)," Jeremiah said. "Matthews every now and then will surprise you -- he has got a little extra gear and will sneak by you."

Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.

 

[Faust]

Western Kentucky RB Antonio Andrews fighting label as fumbler

 

[Faust]

While Derek Carr thrived, Adrian Hubbard struggled

By Bucky Brooks

NFL Media analyst

Excerpts:

Buzz-worthy» Fresno State QB Derek Carr: There is no doubt that Carr is one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. He displays A-plus arm talent, while exhibiting outstanding athleticism and movement skills within the pocket. Additionally, Carr plays with the kind of confidence that coaches covet in a gunslinger. This has been the book on Carr for the past two years since he emerged as one of the most productive players in the country. Yet, some scouts are still undecided on whether Carr can cut the mustard as a franchise quarterback at the next level. Speaking to an NFC East scout familiar with Carr's game, he told me that the senior's shaky performance against USC revealed some of the pocket poise and awareness flaws that some evaluators have found troublesome. In that performance against the Trojans, Carr struggled to make pinpoint throws from a muddied pocket. In addition, he didn't exhibit the poise to work through his progressions to hit his second or third options in the route concept. To his credit, Carr has been outstanding in workouts throughout the week, displaying the decisiveness, athleticism and arm talent to make big plays at the next level. He has picked apart defenses with tight-rope throws to all areas of the field. If Carr can continue to play at a high level on Saturday, while also exhibiting the confidence and poise to thrive against pressure, he can squelch some of the questions that are slowing his ascension up draft charts.

» West Virginia RB Charles Sims: The running back position remains a key component of elite offenses, particularly when feature backs possess the skills to be an effective three-down player. That's why scouts are clamoring over the skills of Sims. The 6-0, 213-pound playmaker is a former wide receiver trapped in a running back's body. Sims is a natural route runner out of the backfield, with terrific hands and ball skills. He routinely shook free from defenders in 1-on-1 and team drills as a receiver out of the backfield, Additionally, Sims displayed outstanding vision, balance and body control running the ball between the tackles on downhill plays. Although he is a bit of a glider with the ball in his hands, Sims' smooth running style and natural receiving skills remind me of Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte. When I pitched that comparison to an AFC executive, he agreed with my assessment and told me that he thinks Sims could be a difference maker in a wide-open offense. An NFC college scouting director pegged Sims as a DeMarco Murray clone, with the kind of explosiveness to ignite an offense that places a premium on getting the ball to the running back in a variety of ways.

» Saginaw Valley State WR Jeff Janis: If you're looking for a small-school talent to follow in the run up to the draft, I would suggest keeping an eye on Janis. The 6-3, 218-pound pass catcher has quietly emerged as one of the standouts from a talented cast of receivers in attendance. Janis has worked free from defenders using clever stems and head fakes at the top of routes. He has shown surprising separation quickness out of his breaks, creating enough space for his quarterbacks to squeeze in throws with defenders in close proximity. When I talked to an AFC executive about Janis, he threw out a Jordy Nelson comparison based on the Saginaw Valley State star's frame, athleticism and footwork. The executive went on to tell me that the big-bodied receiver hasn't appeared intimidated by the big stage, which is critical for small-school players making the jump to the NFL.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Auburn DE Dee Ford has reportedly been a "terror" in Senior Bowl practices.

One of the nation's top pass rushers this past season, Ford measured in at a hair over 6-foot-2, 243 earlier in the week and has drawn raves from Senior Bowl teammates. "His first step is amazing," observed Virginia's Morgan Moses, a highly touted offensive tackle. Ford projects as a 3-4 outside rush linebacker or sub-package down linemen early in his NFL career. He should be a top-50 pick.


Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl was highly intrigued by Alabama WR Kevin Norwood during Senior Bowl week.

Weidl called Norwood a "strong route runner" with "natural hands," adding "there's a place for him at the next level." Norwood was obviously overshadowed by Amari Cooper for the last two years and also took a back seat to Alabama's running game, but he could wind up being a better pro than college player.


Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman impressing at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

20 Things I Think I Think About the Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald received the 2014 Senior Bowl's most dominant practice player award.
Incredibly disruptive from the interior despite a 6-foot-1, 288-pound frame and 31 3/4-inch arms, Donald earned the 2013 Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski, and Outland Trophies in addition to ACC Defensive POY. "He's short in stature by NFL standards and doesn't maybe have all the measurables," said Senior Bowl North Squad coach Mike Smith, "but he's one of the more explosive guys we have." It's worth noting Bengals All-Pro DT Geno Atkins measured 6-foot-1, 293 coming out of Georgia. That precedent can't hurt Donald's chances of warranting a top-15 selection in May's draft.

 

[Faust]

Senior Bowl talent level down, but could feature six 1st-rounders

 

[Faust]

Five players with the most riding on Senior Bowl performance

 

[Donnybrook]

Five players with the most riding on Senior Bowl performance

Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

The NFL scouting community has been buzzing about Carr's potential as a franchise quarterback since his emergence as a standout playmaker the past two seasons. He has lit up the Mountain West Conference for 9,086 yards and 87 touchdowns against only 15 interceptions. Most impressively, he has displayed a lively arm to match his superb athleticism and improvisational skills. Yet, some scouts still question his poise and composure within a muddied pocket. This was one of his biggest flaws that I discovered when I studied his 2012 tape (junior season), and it reappeared in a disappointing showing against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. With another opportunity to show his wares against a squad with NFL-caliber players at every turn, Carr needs to show scouts that he can deliver pinpoint throws with defenders in close proximity. In addition, he must show coaches that he has the poise to work through his progressions to find an open receiver with the pocket crumbling around him. If he can withstand the pressure, while making a few accurate throws downfield, Carr could leave the Senior Bowl rated as the top senior quarterback in the draft.

I have to say Bucky nailed down the issues with Carr. Unfortunately, he might have less than 15 minutes of game time to show these attributes. It will be hard for me to feel comfortable with him if my team takes him.

 

[Faust]

Five players with the most riding on Senior Bowl performance

Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

The NFL scouting community has been buzzing about Carr's potential as a franchise quarterback since his emergence as a standout playmaker the past two seasons. He has lit up the Mountain West Conference for 9,086 yards and 87 touchdowns against only 15 interceptions. Most impressively, he has displayed a lively arm to match his superb athleticism and improvisational skills. Yet, some scouts still question his poise and composure within a muddied pocket. This was one of his biggest flaws that I discovered when I studied his 2012 tape (junior season), and it reappeared in a disappointing showing against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. With another opportunity to show his wares against a squad with NFL-caliber players at every turn, Carr needs to show scouts that he can deliver pinpoint throws with defenders in close proximity. In addition, he must show coaches that he has the poise to work through his progressions to find an open receiver with the pocket crumbling around him. If he can withstand the pressure, while making a few accurate throws downfield, Carr could leave the Senior Bowl rated as the top senior quarterback in the draft.

I have to say Bucky nailed down the issues with Carr. Unfortunately, he might have less than 15 minutes of game time to show these attributes. It will be hard for me to feel comfortable with him if my team takes him.

Derek Carr not first-round lock despite big week at Senior Bowl

 

[Faust]

Jared Abbrederis pulls out of Senior Bowl with injury

 

[Faust]

10 potential Jaguars from Senior Bowl Senior Bowl preview: Potential Jets targets