Brandon Jackson (GB Packers) (1 Viewer)

[Billy1x]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

Except for learning to block he should be able to start Game 1.

 

[_4_]

Can this guy outrun ANYBODY?? I have never before seen a highlight reel where the subject gets run down on every play.

 

[mcintyre1]

I'll probably take him late in my startup dynasty. Mostly due to homerism.

 

[mcintyre1]

Can this guy outrun ANYBODY?? I have never before seen a highlight reel where the subject gets run down on every play.

He's more quick than fast. Not everyone is a burner, and not everyone needs to be. Also, I think you're exaggerating a bit much here. Probably 80% of the guys who catch him had the angle on him, and he does outrun a few people.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Thought he looked pretty good. RBBC more than likely though.

 

[tribecalledjeff]

looks to me like a combination of huge holes and shoddy tackling. color me not impressed.

 

[switz]

This guy is SO overrated. I can't wait to see people draft him far above his value thinking he only has Morency as competition. Morency will be the starter. And all the Morency naysayers look pretty silly after GBs draft.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Knowing what we know now, does anyone think Wynn is going to compete here? Or is he definitely behind Morency/Jackson? Wynn was a pretty big guy for being able to run in the 4.4s!

 

[switz]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

He goes down pretty much every time on the first touch. And that's not even against pro calibre players.OK, later in the vid he breaks a few tackles. He looks like he's a decent receiver out of the backfied. I disagree with him being a one cut and go guy though. I still don't think he's any better thaqn a 2nd stringer in the NFL.

 

[mcintyre1]

looks to me like a combination of huge holes and shoddy tackling. color me not impressed.

You can think this if you want, but as a Husker homer, I'd like to let it be known that our O-line is TERRIBLE. He did not get the benefit of quality uglies in the trenches.Is there a highlight video of a player in existence that DOESN'T feature shoddy tackling? It's part of what makes a highlight play, especially in college.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

He is NOT a one cut and go runner and I don't think that Green Bay is a good spot for him if they are still a zone blocking, one cut running team. He is a guy that is always looking for the backside cuts. Although he doesn't dance behind the line, he does like to use hesitation moves and cuts in the 2nd and 3rd levels. I think he's a really good RB, but the GB running scheme is not a good fit for him, IMO.

Edit to add that I was shocked GB didn't take Pittman with this pick because he IS a very good one cut, downhill runner. He would have been a better fit for the system, although he may not be as talented as Jackson. Surprising pick to me.

 

[mcintyre1]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

Did we watch the same video? How about that shovel pass against Texas where he avoids 4 tacklers and picks up a block for the score?

Or against Louisiana Tech where he cuts back to make 1 defender miss, follows his blocks, runs through two tackles and spins into the endzone while the last guy drags him down? Oh, he and he only had 3 carries in that game.

Or against Kansas State where he jukes two defenders and throws down a third as he is ridden out of bounds?

Or against Kansas where he flattens their star LB? The LB was paralyzed for two hours after that hit, no joke.

I would say he went down on first contact on around 50% of the plays on this tape, which might seem high, but you have to consider a few things:

1. Jackson is not a power back. He makes his living on vision, cuts, and jukes. Occasionally he throws a fairly potent stiff-arm, but he's not generally going to rail over people.

2. Jackson was coming off of shoulder surgery at the start of the year and started 4th on the depth chart. He worked and fought his way into the lead back role. In Nebraska's first game of the year, Marlon Lucky got 13 carries, Cody Glenn got 13 carries, and Kenny Wilson got 15 carries, and Jackson got 3 for 36 yards and a score.

By the end of the year against Colorado, Jackson had 34 carries for 142 yards and a score, plus 6 receptions for 42 yards and another score.

My point is, Jackson had to prove himself to the coaches before he was given the lead role, so the maker of this tape probably had to include some plays that would normally be removed from the tape of a guy who started the year as the feature back.

 

[zed2283]

Looks to me like he's got pretty good vision and good moves in the hole.

 

[Iceman56751]

I own Morency in a dynasty league.

I think Brandon Jackson looks like a heavier Ahman Green - and runs the same.

He might be nice for them - underrated pick.

 

[BLOX]

Packer fans should love the play at 2 minutes. That little shovel pass he takes to the house.

Man, this guy finds the hole quick. This is exactly the back the Packers have been looking for. I like Morency, but this guy is a great fit.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

Good post. One other point I wanted to make about the going down easy question: When I reviewed this tape for Draftguys (shameless plug), I noticed that he made a number of hesitation or slide moves at the 2nd level that left him off balance and made him more susceptible to being knocked down easily. Of course, a tackle is a tackle, but if he can learn not to make as many of those moves in the pros, or adjust his weight better when he does, I think he's solid enough to avoid a lot of the easy tackles you saw.

 

[EBF]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

 

[betterthanyou]

He reminds me of Edge, not a burner but quick with good vision. One of his knocks in the scouting report says he has questionable hands but in the video he catches some screens, a shovel and a circle route for TDs. I hope the kid can block.

 

[switz]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

 

[switz]

He reminds me of Edge, not a burner but quick with good vision. One of his knocks in the scouting report says he has questionable hands but in the video he catches some screens, a shovel and a circle route for TDs. I hope the kid can block.

He is nothing close to Edge.

 

[wannabee]

I know that many experts will disagree, but the following is the NFL.com bio for Brandon Jackson. The injuries and the comparison are what stood out to me. Here is the link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/jackson_brandon

Brandon Jackson

Height: 5-10

Weight: 210 Position: Running Back

College: Nebraska

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange



OVERVIEW

Entering the 2006 season, the Cornhuskers were searching through a slew of candidates to replace Cory Ross as their starting I-back. After Jackson underwent surgical procedures on both shoulders during his last two offseasons, the coaching staff was just hoping he would log some playing time during the season.

Little did they realize last August that by the end of the season, Jackson would emerge as the breakaway threat the Huskers desperately sought. Brought along slowly in the first five games, gaining 154 yards in the process, Jackson took over the starting role against Iowa State and went on to amass 835 yards on the ground in his final nine contests.

At Horn Lake High School, Jackson was chosen as the Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Coaches Association two consecutive years and was an all-region and all-state selection. He was named to the Dandy Dozen by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, signifying the top 12 players in the state of Mississippi. Jackson also received all-metro honors in the Memphis area his junior and senior years, and was Horn Lake's MVP as a senior. He played in the Mississippi-Alabama all-star game.

Jackson rushed for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns for Horn Lake in 2003, helping the team to a 6-6 record and a trip to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs (largest class). He also had 200 receiving yards and one touchdown reception. As a junior, he rushed for 1,783 yards and 28 touchdowns, and made 20 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. His performance helped Horn Lake to a 10-3 record and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs.

Jackson lettered four times in track, and had a career-best of 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters. He was sixth at state in the 100 as a senior, and helped the 4x200-meter relay team finish third at state in 2004, while aiding the 4x100 relay team's fourth-place state finish. He was also part of the 4x400-meter relay team that was second at the Class 5A state meet in 2003.

Jackson was the first Nebraska signee from Mississippi since current Philadelphia Eagle running back Correll Buckhalter in 1997, choosing the school over offers from Mississippi State and Memphis. He played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2004, ranking fifth in the Big 12 with 17 kickoff returns for 359 yards (21.1 average). He also finished second on the team with 85 carries for 390 yards (4.6 avg.) and six touchdowns.

April surgery on his shoulder did not improve his condition, and Jackson struggled with the injury throughout the 2005 season. Even though he played in nine games, he was limited to 52 yards on 18 rushing attempts (2.9 avg.). He added 63 yards on six kickoff returns (10.5 avg.) and also had a 5-yard reception.

Even though he saw limited action through the first five games of 2006, Jackson went on to earn All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors. He ranked fifth in the conference with an average of 70.64 yards per game rushing, as he led the team with 989 yards and eight touchdowns on 188 chances (5.3 avg). He showed excellent receiving skills, making 33 catches for 313 yards (9.5 avg) and a pair of scores. He also totaled 157 yards on nine kickoff returns (17.4 avg.).

In 33 games at Nebraska, Jackson started 11 contests. He carried 291 times for 1,431 yards (4.9 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. He gained 318 yards with a pair of scores on 34 receptions (9.4 avg.) and scored 96 points. He also returned 32 kickoffs for 579 yards (18.1 avg.), finishing with 2,328 all-purpose yards, an average of 70.55 yards per game.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a compact, well-defined frame with good chest development, thick thighs and calves and deceptive burst to get out on the perimeter … Cuts sharply and changes directions suddenly … Makes quick decisions on the move, showing the field vision to locate soft areas on the field … Consistent in finding the cut-back lanes and changes direction well, showing the quick feet to side-step trash and break into the second level … Picks up defensive coverage well and is able to see the small cracks and explode through the holes … Even when he doesn't have the luxury of open lanes, he is capable of sinking his pads, redirecting and bouncing wide … Better when working along the perimeter, as he needs room to shift, and displays the balance and body control, along with forward lean, to pick up valid yardage after the initial hit … Aggressive inside runner with the weaving ability to pick-and-slide through traffic, doing a nice job of maintaining balance running through the pile and will keep his feet on the move … When he bounces to the outside, he can generate that accelerated second gear to separate from defenders upfield … Releases off the snap and gets into his routes smoothly in passing situations, showing marked improvement fielding the ball outside the framewor … Falls forward with good body lean and shows a good slide step to make the initial tackler miss … Can get to the corner, cut and break free down the sideline, building to top speed nicely … Runs at the low pad level you look for in a back (doesn't have to gear down to shift) … Has enough valid speed to be split wide in passing situations and is quite effective on swing routes … Lacks pop in his hips, but will face up as a blocker … Showed better patience waiting for his line to create rush lanes in 2006 than he did in the past … Shows no hesitation attacking the crease once he locates it, and has the field intelligence to avoid running into spots … Could use more upper body power, but can deliver a good stiff arm and has the proper pad level to bounce off tackles … Won't explode into tacklers, but has the leg drive to move the pile … One of his better assets is his ability to plant, drive and redirect, showing ease of movement to get past the second level … Has good hip swerve, head fakes and spin moves to set up and elude single tacklers … Knows how to shield the ball from defenders when working in the short-area passing game and has become a proficient underneath receiver due to his natural hands and ability to locate the soft areas in the zone … Can also provide emergency duty as a kickoff returner.

Negatives: Size is a bit of a drawback, as he has short legs that make it tough for him to simply run over tacklers in tight quarters … While he has good acceleration, he is not really explosive (4.55-second 40-yard dash at the Combine), and along with his short legs he can be run down by defenders in his attempts to go the distance (needs to set up his moves rather than try to enter a foot race) … Has a penchant for carrying the ball exposed working his way up field, and while this has not been much of a problem, he needs to protect the ball better … Has a history of shoulder problems that warrant further medical evaluation … Stamina might be an issue, as he runs hard early in games but tapers off late … Good receiver out of the backfield, but has had several costly drops as he prefers to absorb the ball rather than reach and pluck for it at its high point (poor timing on his leaps).

Compares To: J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals … With only one season of heavy rush load work, Jackson is still a work in progress, but he shows he is a decent underneath receiver with some value as a return specialist … He appears to be very capable of breaking a game open with his speed, but while he flashes brilliance, he also disappears for long stretches on the field, making him appear to be better as a change of pace back than a featured runner … With two shoulder surgeries in two years, his durability is another concern.

INJURY REPORT

2005: Underwent shoulder surgery after April camp.

2006: Underwent additional shoulder surgery (other shoulder/undisclosed) in fall camp.

AGILITY TESTS

Campus: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash … 36-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-1 broad jump.

Combine: 4.55 in the 40-yard dash … 1.56 10-yard dash … 2.62 20-yard dash … 4.14 20-yard shuttle … 11.47 60-yard shuttle … 7.0 three-cone drill … 37-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-2 broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Horn Lake (Miss.) High School, playing football for head coach Larry Gann … Chosen as the Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year by the Mississippi Coaches Association two consecutive years and was an all-region and all-state selection … Named to the Dandy Dozen by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, signifying the top 12 players in the state of Mississippi … Also received all-metro honors in the Memphis area his junior and senior years, and was Horn Lake's MVP as a senior … Played in the Mississippi-Alabama all-star game … Rushed for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns for Horn Lake in 2003, helping the team to a 6-6 record and a trip to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs (largest class) … Also had 200 receiving yards and one touchdown reception … As a junior, he rushed for 1,783 yards and 28 touchdowns, and made 20 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns … His performance helped Horn Lake to a 10-3 record and an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs … Lettered four times in track, and had a career-best of 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters … Sixth at state in the 100 as a senior, and helped the 4x200-meter relay squad finish third at state in 2004, while aiding the 4x100 relay team's fourth-place state finish … Also part of the 4x400-meter relay team that was second at the Class 5A state meet in 2003.



PERSONAL

Sociology major, earning 2004 Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll recognition … Volunteer speaker for the 2005 Fall Break Tour of Excellence … Son of Barbara Jackson … Born Oct. 2, 1985, in Chicago, moving to Mississippi in 1996 … Resides in Horn Lake, Miss.

 

[Biabreakable]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

Did you form this opinion before watching him based on the idea and attitude that he is SO overrated?Because it doesen't sound like you are watching the same thing as I and other people are seeing.

Out of the 20-30 runs on this tape I think he only goes down to the 1st defender twice. He is always either making the 1st defender miss or breaking a tackle. That is a very nice combination that honestly only some of the best Rbs have. The ability to leave defenders grabing air or to just run through them. He gains yards after contact consistently.

I also would not call him a one cut back. He is the opposite of that. He is always shifting and making cuts. That is why he makes defenders miss tackles on him. It is hard to get squared up on a guy who is always shifting and juking like Jackson is. He has some good vision also finding small creases to explode through.

I don't see what is overrated about him at all when you consider the Rbs that were taken before him in the 2nd round. Obviously the Packers did not want to wait any longer to get this guy who should be able to do a lot of good things for them.

I suggest some objectivity. This guy has more game than SOD did.

 

[football fan]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...058/PKRFeatures

 

[Chaos Commish]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo. People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

 

[switz]

One cut back. One thing to note is that he doesn't dance at all. He picks his spot, cuts, and goes.

Hardly. Smith didn't lack game. His problem was drugs. If you think Smith didn't have game, you are a terrible RB talent evaluator.

 

[switz]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo. People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

 

[switz]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...058/PKRFeatures

Nice editorial by the writer:

Brandon Jackson, who never was a full-time starter in his three years at Nebraska, will have the first crack at replacing Ahman Green as the Green Bay Packers' starting tailback.

same article:

"If one individual can carry the load, has proven himself to carry the load, then we'll go that way,'' McCarthy said of Jackson becoming the full-time starter. "But if not, we'll go by situations, back-by-committee, however you want to label it.

 

[betterthanyou]

QUOTE(Biabreakable @ Apr 29 2007, 09:23 PM)

I suggest some objectivity. This guy has more game than SOD did.

"Hardly. Smith didn't lack game. His problem was drugs. If you think Smith didn't have game, you are a terrible RB talent evaluator."

Where is SOD now? He couldn't even make our CFL team.

I never said that he was as good as Edge, only that his running style reminds me of Edge.

 

[switz]

QUOTE(Biabreakable @ Apr 29 2007, 09:23 PM) I suggest some objectivity. This guy has more game than SOD did."Hardly. Smith didn't lack game. His problem was drugs. If you think Smith didn't have game, you are a terrible RB talent evaluator."Where is SOD now? He couldn't even make our CFL team.I never said that he was as good as Edge, only that his running style reminds me of Edge.

Ricky Williams failed at the CFL too... Smith's problem was drugs. Not talent.

 

[Guapote]

... Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

Waited four years and still haven't seen that. World of talent, but seemingly no interest in working hard. The guy had one great run against Miami early in his career and spent the rest of his time at UF never living up to that single carry. Spent way too much time in Myer's doghouse as well (and Zook's before that). I hope he decides he wants to compete and does well, but I'll believe it when I see it. Wynn wasn't nearly as good (overall, not talking measurables) as Ciatric Fason, and he's not exactly tearing it up in Minnesota. Granted, Wynn wasn't particularly healthy this year, but he was beat out by a wide receiver as the primary ball carrier for the Gators. Good luck to him, hope for his sake and Packers that he gets it together, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[EBF]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo. People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

Vernand Morency pro day/combine:40 - 4.673 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 33.5"BJ - 9'20 yard shuttle - 4.12 secondsBrandon Jackson combine (results averaged): 40 - 4.573 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 36.5" BJ - 9'11" 20 yard shuttle - 4.16 seconds Looks like Jackson has a little bit of an edge in terms of sheer athletic ability. That doesn't mean he's the better player, but it's another factor to consider. Not buying the Wynn hype. He's more intriguing than the average 7th round RB, but at the end of the day he's a classic case of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Those guys haven't fared too well in recent seasons. When you have a handful or marginal talents, you might not really have anything. Not sure if any of these guys have the goods to be long-term starters.

 

[Bojang0301]

This will be RBBC, but please stop dissing Jackson cause you have a man crush on Morency.

 

[switz]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo. People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

Vernand Morency pro day/combine:40 - 4.673 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 33.5"BJ - 9'20 yard shuttle - 4.12 secondsBrandon Jackson combine (results averaged): 40 - 4.573 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 36.5" BJ - 9'11" 20 yard shuttle - 4.16 seconds Looks like Jackson has a little bit of an edge in terms of sheer athletic ability. That doesn't mean he's the better player, but it's another factor to consider. Not buying the Wynn hype. He's more intriguing than the average 7th round RB, but at the end of the day he's a classic case of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Those guys haven't fared too well in recent seasons. When you have a handful or marginal talents, you might not really have anything. Not sure if any of these guys have the goods to be long-term starters.

EBF, do you have a link? Not questioning the numbers you threw out, but I would love to see where all the old combine numbers are available to peruse.

 

[switz]

This will be RBBC, but please stop dissing Jackson cause you have a man crush on Morency.

And stop hyping Jackson because you don't have Morency.

 

[EBF]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo.

People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

Vernand Morency pro day/combine:40 - 4.67

3 Cone - 7.02 seconds

VJ - 33.5"

BJ - 9'

20 yard shuttle - 4.12 seconds

Brandon Jackson combine (results averaged):

40 - 4.57

3 Cone - 7.02 seconds

VJ - 36.5"

BJ - 9'11"

20 yard shuttle - 4.16 seconds

Looks like Jackson has a little bit of an edge in terms of sheer athletic ability. That doesn't mean he's the better player, but it's another factor to consider.

Not buying the Wynn hype. He's more intriguing than the average 7th round RB, but at the end of the day he's a classic case of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Those guys haven't fared too well in recent seasons.

When you have a handful or marginal talents, you might not really have anything. Not sure if any of these guys have the goods to be long-term starters.

EBF, do you have a link? Not questioning the numbers you threw out, but I would love to see where all the old combine numbers are available to peruse.

I have some of them saved somewhere, but I got those numbers on Morency from this link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/morency_vernandIt jives with my memory. I don't recall him doing very well in workouts at all.

 

[Bojang0301]

This will be RBBC, but please stop dissing Jackson cause you have a man crush on Morency.

And stop hyping Jackson because you don't have Morency.

LOL, I do have Morency in three out of five leagues. So, you know what they say about assuming.

 

[switz]

I have some of them saved somewhere, but I got those numbers on Morency from this link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/morency_vernand

It jives with my memory. I don't recall him doing very well in workouts at all.

Wish there was a better resource for combine info Anyway, unintentional absence?

CAMPUS: 4.67 in the 40-yard dash.

COMBINE: Player did not participate in the 40-yard dash or 60-yard shuttle agility tests at the Combines (own choice), claiming to be suffering from a left hamstring pull … 4.12 20-yard shuttle … 7.02 three-cone drill … 33½-inch vertical jump … 9-foot broad jump … Bench presses 225 pounds 19 times … 31¾-inch arm length … 8 7/8-inch hands.

I had thought the reason Morency dfell in the draft was due to questions about durability.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

This will be RBBC, but please stop dissing Jackson cause you have a man crush on Morency.

And stop hyping Jackson because you don't have Morency.

I don't know many owners who feel envious of that who have Morency. Honestly, the only people I've seen pimp Morency are Morency owners. For the record, I don't expect to own either Morency OR Jackson. And yeah, I'm a Packer fan, so I've seen Morency play. Looks like he has talent, but needs to stay healthy. I question whether or not he's durable enough to carry a full load.

 

[Bojang0301]

Oh and FWIW, I think these two will complement each other well and both should have some good value going into next year.

 

[switz]

This will be RBBC, but please stop dissing Jackson cause you have a man crush on Morency.

And stop hyping Jackson because you don't have Morency.

LOL, I do have Morency in three out of five leagues. So, you know what they say about assuming.

Wasn't directed at -you- personally... as I'm sure you're post wasn't directed at -me- personally... otherwise you'd be assuming I had Morency, and... you know what they say about assuming.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Vernand Morency pro day/combine:40 - 4.673 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 33.5"BJ - 9'20 yard shuttle - 4.12 secondsBrandon Jackson combine (results averaged): 40 - 4.573 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 36.5" BJ - 9'11" 20 yard shuttle - 4.16 seconds Looks like Jackson has a little bit of an edge in terms of sheer athletic ability. That doesn't mean he's the better player, but it's another factor to consider.

Those numbers are a terrible measure of athleticism. That's why I mentioned the other sports which tell you about hand eye coordination and so much more as far as being a natural athlete. These days these kids are ever more prepared to give a better broad jump. I find it interesting but not a measure of athleticism. It is a measure of a broad jump. Also Morency was still recovering from injuries that offseason. He ran sub 4.5 in private workouts for Houston, iirc. Tenacious D may remember the deal. He wrote volumes on Vernand back in the day.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Fwiw, I do not own Morency, but I think he may be a buy low based on the misguided love of an underachieving back in a weak class.

 

[EBF]

Those numbers are a terrible measure of athleticism.

I disagree with that. I've paid pretty close attention to combine numbers for three or four years running. By and large, the RBs who post the best numbers at the combine are among the best prospects at the position. Sometimes you get a Frank Gore (terrible combine/great player) or a Chris Henry (great combine/terrible player), but you might be surprised how well the overall results correlate with draft position and eventual success. RB is not a complicated position. There's really no learning curve. It's merely a matter of physical talent and natural instincts. You can't measure instincts, but the combine drills are a pretty good indicator of physical talent.

 

[qimqam]

He is NOT a one cut and go runner and I don't think that Green Bay is a good spot for him if they are still a zone blocking, one cut running team. He is a guy that is always looking for the backside cuts. Although he doesn't dance behind the line, he does like to use hesitation moves and cuts in the 2nd and 3rd levels. I think he's a really good RB, but the GB running scheme is not a good fit for him, IMO.Edit to add that I was shocked GB didn't take Pittman with this pick because he IS a very good one cut, downhill runner. He would have been a better fit for the system, although he may not be as talented as Jackson. Surprising pick to me.

I agree ... I didn't see a one cut RB in this highlight film but I am thoroughly impressed with his shiftyness and his yards after contact.

 

[Biabreakable]

This guy is SO overrated. I can't wait to see people draft him far above his value thinking he only has Morency as competition. Morency will be the starter. And all the Morency naysayers look pretty silly after GBs draft.

Pretty sure you are saying verbatum that Jackson is so overrated. Not sure how I would be confused about your statement here. Seem pretty clear. But keep back-pedaling.I bring up SOD to make a point as I know that might get your attention. A lot of people doubted Smiths talent much like I am hearing you doubt Jacksons.In regards to this being a weak Rb class I have to disagree. If it is such a weak class of Rbs as we have been hearing the talking heads say all offseason then why were 8 Rbs picked on the 1st day? Especialy when there was so much talented depth available at other positions. Most notably DE Corner Safety and WR as well as some high quality offensive linemen. 3 more Rbs drafted in the 4th round including the start of the round with Bush.FYI 2006 Rb class had 8 Rbs drafted 1st day with 3 more in round 4 (perhaps best Rb class in past decade)2005 Rb class had 9 Rbs drafted 1st day + 5 in round 4 (very deep Rb class Morency was Rb 7)2004 Rb class had 5 Rbs drafted 1st day + 2 in round 42003 Rb class had 5 Rbs drafted 1st day + 6 in round 42002 Rb class had 7 Rbs drafted 1st day + 3 in round 42001 Rb class had 10 Rbs drafted 1st day + 3 in round 4So based off of Rbs drafted this class looks at least average imo and does not deserve to be called weak by comparison to other draft classes.To say that you cannot compare players from one draft class to another while at the same time calling one draft class weak makes absolutly no sense because your allready making that comparison.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Those numbers are a terrible measure of athleticism.

I disagree with that. I've paid pretty close attention to combine numbers for three or four years running. By and large, the RBs who post the best numbers at the combine are among the best prospects at the position. Sometimes you get a Frank Gore (terrible combine/great player) or a Chris Henry (great combine/terrible player), but you might be surprised how well the overall results correlate with draft position and eventual success. RB is not a complicated position. There's really no learning curve. It's merely a matter of physical talent and natural instincts. You can't measure instincts, but the combine drills are a pretty good indicator of physical talent.

I don;t think you understand my point about the word "athleticism" because I don't disagree with what you are saying above but you seem to think I do. Athleticsim by definition isn't 40 times and broad jumps to me. It is soo much more. That's all, EBF. I would argue the two backs in debate here (Vernand and Brandon) are better athletes than a stiff but incredibly strong kid like Chris Henry. Sprinters are very powerful, they jump very far and very high, but that doesn't equal better "athlete" to me. I dominate a world class sprinter on the basketball court, because he isn't much of an athlete. London Fletcher is an amazing athlete who would beat me like a drum on the hoops court.

The numbers are a great guide for separating players in tiers (or over-reacting in Tennessee) and sure they tell us about strength and ability to compete at the next level, but that's not athleticism. Measure hand eye coordination, footwork, vision, body control etc. along with the numbers and now we talk athleticism. Morency is a tremendous all around athlete. Jackson isn't. Anyway, the healthy Morency measured better too. I'll find it.

I guess the disconnect is that I considerr Larry Fitzgerald a great athlete, but Troy Williamson not so much. It's probably just a different way of looking at or defining those numbers. I don't think they equal athleticism. I have a broader respect for that word. When I see "suspect hands" I think bad athlete because catching the ball is part of a person's overall athleticism.

Thus, Morency greater athlete than Jackson, imo.

 

[kylechoffman]

This guy is SO overrated. I can't wait to see people draft him far above his value thinking he only has Morency as competition. Morency will be the starter. And all the Morency naysayers look pretty silly after GBs draft.

I tried to unload Morency in Zealots - couldnt do it and glad I didnt. Im interested in hearing more on jackson for redrafts and such though.

 

[Biabreakable]

He's a better athlete than Morency and he was picked higher. He'll figure heavily into the starting RB picture for the Packers.

This years draft class was very very weak at RB, which is why some lesser talented RBs got drafted higher than better talented RBs in previous year's drafts. Draft position is only a measurable criteria amongst players drafted the same year. Morency is a better RB.

Morency is the superior athlete. He was drafted by MLB, and he was a stud point guard in high school. He has great hands too. As wiggly as Brandon is, Morency is moreso and just as strong if not stronger. Morency was a beast at OSU when healthy and Tatum Bell got out of his way. I watched him go over 300 yards in one game. Brandon Jackson doesn't have that kind of juice, imo. People are going to be convinced to move early on Jackson, and that's fine with me because I don't have such early picks. I'm all for fresh legs, but this rookie has his work cut out for him and Deshawn Wynn merely needs to dedicate himself to be the better RB.

Vernand Morency pro day/combine:40 - 4.673 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 33.5"BJ - 9'20 yard shuttle - 4.12 secondsBrandon Jackson combine (results averaged): 40 - 4.573 Cone - 7.02 secondsVJ - 36.5" BJ - 9'11" 20 yard shuttle - 4.16 seconds Looks like Jackson has a little bit of an edge in terms of sheer athletic ability. That doesn't mean he's the better player, but it's another factor to consider. Not buying the Wynn hype. He's more intriguing than the average 7th round RB, but at the end of the day he's a classic case of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Those guys haven't fared too well in recent seasons. When you have a handful or marginal talents, you might not really have anything. Not sure if any of these guys have the goods to be long-term starters.

I don't have Morency pro day numbers but I do have Jacksons:40 - 4.413 Cone - 7.00 secondsVJ - 37" BJ - 10' 2" 20 yard shuttle - 4.14 seconds FWIW

 

[switz]

This guy is SO overrated. I can't wait to see people draft him far above his value thinking he only has Morency as competition. Morency will be the starter. And all the Morency naysayers look pretty silly after GBs draft.

Pretty sure you are saying verbatum that Jackson is so overrated. Not sure how I would be confused about your statement here. Seem pretty clear. But keep back-pedaling.

You're right. It wasn't in the post you initially replied to, and I had forgotten typing it. But no back pedalling. I just didn't recall saying 'overrated.' Gotta love the overuse of backpedalling by you. I think in every thread you disagree with someone you accuse them of backpedalling.

I bring up SOD to make a point as I know that might get your attention. A lot of people doubted Smiths talent much like I am hearing you doubt Jacksons.

Actually, the argument on Smith was NOT about talent, but rather character. Go back and read the threads on this board, or go back to the draft gurus. IT was character, character, character. NOT talent.,

In regards to this being a weak Rb class I have to disagree. If it is such a weak class of Rbs as we have been hearing the talking heads say all offseason then why were 8 Rbs picked on the 1st day? Especialy when there was so much talented depth available at other positions. Most notably DE Corner Safety and WR as well as some high quality offensive linemen. 3 more Rbs drafted in the 4th round including the start of the round with Bush.

The answer lies in the question. The difference in talent between RB3-and RB11 was so negligible, and the teams did not have a consensus list as to which RB was rated higher, that many teams took "their" RB maybe higher than they would in another draft, thinking theirs was the last of the decent RBs. Most, if not all, scouts have said this is a weak RB class.

FYI 2006 Rb class had 8 Rbs drafted 1st day with 3 more in round 4 (perhaps best Rb class in past decade)2005 Rb class had 9 Rbs drafted 1st day + 5 in round 4 (very deep Rb class Morency was Rb 7)2004 Rb class had 5 Rbs drafted 1st day + 2 in round 42003 Rb class had 5 Rbs drafted 1st day + 6 in round 42002 Rb class had 7 Rbs drafted 1st day + 3 in round 42001 Rb class had 10 Rbs drafted 1st day + 3 in round 4So based off of Rbs drafted this class looks at least average imo and does not deserve to be called weak by comparison to other draft classes.

The number of RBs in a clasee doesn't make it strong or weak, it's the acliber of those RBs. And as your list points out, RBs tend to fall in a certain pattern at draft time, REGARDLESS of their talent, because they are only measured against their own class.

To say that you cannot compare players from one draft class to another while at the same time calling one draft class weak makes absolutly no sense because your allready making that comparison.

Huh? You are missing the point completely. To say 2007 pick 32 is = to 2006 pick 32 is ridiculous. The level of talent in drafts is not always equal. And comparing a class of RBs to another class, does not equal comparing specific RBs in different classes.Here's an example: You have two pools of numbers...Pool 1 - 1,3,4,8,9,11,15Pool 2 - 3,5,6,7,12,17,22You have the same number of numbers in each pool, but their values are different. Of course the top number in each pool is better than the next number in each pool, but is the difference equal? Would you say the third number in each pool was equal? If I was to say each number represented a check, which pool would you say had more value?

 

[a_rackowski]

Packer Brass also seems to think Jackson is excellent at picking up the blitz. If you need a rookie RB to start, and you have a hall of famer back there, this is no minor skill.