David Ball, CHI WR (UDFA) (1 Viewer)

[-OZ-]

One of the most intriguing players IMO, Ball was an absolute stud at a lower level. A good human interest story.

The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division 1-AA history, David not only shattered NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's career record of 50 touchdown receptions (Mississippi Valley State, 1981-84), but he also tied Rice's all-time Division 1-AA mark of gaining at least 100 yards receiving in 23 contests. The Atlantic Ten Conference's career record holder with 304 receptions, he just missed in passing another of Rice's national records, as Ball gained 4,685 yards, 8 shy of Rice's total of 4,693. He has caught at least one touchdown pass in 28 games, one short of the Division 1-AA all-time record of 29 by Eric Kimble of Eastern Washington (2002-05).

A two-sport star at New Hampshire, Ball also performed on the track team as a high jumper.

While attending Spaulding High School, Ball compiled 1,100 yards with 14 touchdowns as a senior. He earned All-New England honors as a receiver and also competed in track. Ball won the state high jump and triple jump titles during his last three seasons and captured the long jump title twice. He also lettered on the school's state championship basketball team.

Before enrolling at New Hampshire, Ball spent the 2002 season at Worcester Academy, where he competed in basketball, football and track. He appeared in 11 games, starting twice at split end for New Hampshire in 2003. He caught 38 passes for 486 yards (12.8 avg) and four touchdowns, adding 7 yards on a reverse.

In 2004, Ball earned All-All-American, All-Atlantic Ten Conference and ECAC All-Star first-team honors. He ranked second in the NCAA Division I-AA ranks in receiving yards per game (125.3), third in total receiving (1,504 yards) and sixth in receptions per game (7.2). He broke the UNH record for most receptions (81), receiving yards (1,504) and receiving touchdowns (17).

Ball was a consensus All-American first-team selection, adding All-Atlantic Ten honors as he finished seventh in the voting for the Walter Payton Award. He led Division 1-AA in touchdown receptions with 24, a UNH record, and placed fourth in receiving yards per game (119.3). He broke his own school single-season records with 87 receptions and 1,551 receiving yards. He also recorded more than 100 receiving yards in eight games.

While his yardage total decreased in 2006, he still ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 7.2 receptions per game. He ranked 12th nationally and second in the conference with an average of 85.7 yards per game receiving. He led the team with 93 receptions for 1,144 yards (12.0 avg) and 13 touchdowns while also recording one assisted tackle.

In 49 games at New Hampshire, the split end started 34 times. He owns virtually every school and Atlantic Ten Conference career receiving record, and several Division 1-AA marks. He had 304 receptions for 4,685 yards (15.4 avg) and 58 touchdowns. Ball added 11 yards on four carries (2.8 avg) and also recorded two tackles.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has excellent leaping ability and soft hands to reach and extend for the ball outside his frame … Has marginal playing speed, but shows outstanding agility and balance competing for the ball … Not fast, but is able to elude second level defenders with his body control … Times his leaps and uses his track skills to win most jump ball battles … Hard worker in practices and shows good field awareness to locate and settle into the soft areas on the field … Does a very good job with his head fakes to set up the defender and much like Ricky Proehl (Colts), he is savvy enough to sneak past his opponent and get open when working underneath … Best when working in the short-to-intermediate areas and could be more effective as a slot receiver at the next level … Gets his feet down when working along the sidelines and does a nice job of adjusting and coming back for the ball on the quarterback scramble … Will make proper adjustments in his routes to get open … Uses his hands with force to get a good push off the jam and does an effective job of screening defenders off the ball … Has the hands and body control to get to the pass on controlled routes and slants … Has the hand/eye coordination to look the ball in and shows enough touch to pluck and snatch … Natural hands catcher who is good at securing the ball before turning upfield … Uses his body adjustment skills and leaping ability to go up and over the defender to reach the ball at its high point … Has excellent focus to make the acrobatic catches with defenders all over him … Will not hesitate to take a punishing hit if it means he can get to the ball … Can extend, reach low or behind to make the grab … No receiver in college maintains relationship with the ball in flight like Ball, as he seems to block out the oncoming tackler and shows no flinch going vertical to make the tough catch in a crowd … Strong runner after the catch who can easily run through cornerbacks that fail to wrap him up … Even without good timed speed, he gains positive yardage after the catch by fighting hard to move the chains and shows good forward lean … His body control and hip snap leaves lethargic defenders grasping at air … Needs to improve his overall strength, but he gets good hand placement and pad level to block and sustain along the line … Goes after second level defenders with a vengeance and can deliver a jarring open field cut block … Uses his frame well to shield the ball from defenders … Is best when catching the ball in stride, as he has an array of moves to separate.

Negatives: While Ball shows good strength to break tackles after the catch, he has marginal overall muscle tone, especially in his arms (very thin) … Smooth-skinned athlete with adequate thigh and calf thickness … Gets to top speed with a rolling start, but lacks suddenness or explosion to immediately beat the cornerback on his initial surge … Has very good hands and determination to get to the ball, but tends to take soft angle cuts and rounds his breaks while lacking the functional quickness to elude (relies more on moves to separate than acceleration) … Sets up defenders well, but will generally lose the foot race in the open … Does well academically, but will struggle with a complicated playbook and needs more than several reps to retain … Can settle underneath and has good hip snap, but will take false steps, negating his change of direction agility … Struggles to gain separation on deep routes and is more effective working underneath … Has had recent problems with left patella tendonitis and further medial evaluation might be required … Good cut blocker, but lacks the upper body strength and hand punch to prevent the bigger defenders from pushing him back into the pocket when blocking in-line.

Compares To: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona … Ball is nowhere near as fast or strong as Fitzgerald, but both maintain incredible focus going after the ball and making body adjustments to reach the pass at its high point. Ball has the natural hands that let him get to balls that are nearly impossible to catch. If he only had speed, he'd rank among the position's elite.

He sounds like a good kid and a hard worker. Didn't have any college scholarship offers, but lit up the Div 1-AA stage. Bad measurables, but can you measure heart?He has the best hands of any WR in this year's draft, but he went undrafted due to his physical attributes.

I expect to see him in Chicago this year, I just hope he gets some playing time. I won't ever try to call "the next Colston" or anything like that, but I'd like to see him succeed.

Thoughts?

 

[Biabreakable]

I really like this guy also.

Key thing for him is going to be getting stronger I think and tough enough to take the big hit and hold on to the ball and be fearless. His lack of speed means he is going to have to be more physical with defensive backs. He does have great hands and is more natural as a reciever (thanks I think to repetition from great work ethic) than probobly any of the great WRs from this class. He has sick agility also and should be able to use that to get seperation with crisp route running.

I am thinking Ricky Proehl here for a comparison but with possibly greater upside.

With Mushin getting older and the other Bear WR having injury issues I think the opportunity is there for Ball to work his way into the offense. I see him as possibly a slot WR at least at 1st and possibly a 3rd down move the chains type specialist. If he can make consistent 1st downs especialy in clutch situations that could earn him a role in the offense that could be built upon in time.

I think much of his chances to stick with the team rest on making some critical plays for the Bears as I don't see him being a special teams demon. Maybe I am wrong as he does seem to have good work ethic to possily earn a spot on coverage teams. But I think he is going to have to get a lot stronger to ultimatly make it long enough for the Bears to find a role for him.

 

[Mapmaker]

Doesn't this kid seem to have quite similar qualities to Bears P/S WR Mike Hass ?? ... whether either get serious consideration/opportunity and take full advantage of it this summer is really the question, not their proven talent in leagues other than the NFL.

Scout.com Player Evaluation:

STRENGTHS

Competitiveness

Courage

Hands and Concentration

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Downfield Threat

Route-Running Skills

A player who lacks measurables but makes up for it with intensity and effort. Courageous receiver who puts himself in position at key junctures in the game, and is willing to sacrifice his body to make the catch. Not a deep threat, but a very nice second or third receiever as his career develops.

OSU: Hass left Oregon State as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 3,924 yards, third all-time in the Pac-10 Conference...as a senior he was selected to the Walter Camp Foundation All-America team, won the Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top receiver) and was a first team ESPN.com and Associated Press All-American...two-time first team All-Pac-10...also earned Associated Press Third Team All-American as a junior...his 1,532 yards receiving as a senior marked a new conference record...ended his career with a school record 220 receptions and shares the school record for career touchdowns receiving with 20...he broke the school record with 86 receptions in 2004 and followed that up with a record breaking 90 in 2005...co-team captain as a senior...started 35 games for his career, including 34 straight...had 19 100 yards plus receiving games for his career...the first receiver in Pac-10 history with three 1,000-plus yards seasons...owns the OSU record with 14 receptions in a 2004 game at Arizona State and has the Reser Stadium (OSU’s home) record of 11 receptions in games vs. Boise State, Arizona and Arizona State – all in 2005...played in 2002, mainly on special teams...finished his career with three games of 200-plus yards receiving – 208 at USC (2003), 225 vs. Stanford (2003), and 293 at Boise State (2004)...originally a walkon who was awarded a scholarship in 2003.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Doesn't this kid seem to have quite similar qualities to Bears P/S WR Mike Hass ?? ... whether either get serious consideration/opportunity and take full advantage of it this summer is really the question, not their proven talent in leagues other than the NFL.

Similar, but Hass is built more like an RB and can't do the damage Ball can do in the air. Ball is wiry, and a great leaper. He can hang in the air and has the body control to make the big play. They both run excellent routes and have tremendous natural hands (Ball's are exceptional, among the best I've ever seen). Both also lack true separation speed. Ball went undrafted, but he shouldn't have. I think he's a legit 4.55-4.6, but he's been hurt since the Shrine Game and hasn't been able to run that for the scouts - Jon Abbate went undrafted for similar reasons.

Ball should at least make the practice squad. Hester becoming an offensive player does hurt his chances of making the roster. Mumu, Berrian, Bradley, and Davis make 4, so Hester might be taking up the spot that Ball and Hass would have been battling for... then again, maybe they'll carry 6? we'll see...

Either way, I'll be surprised if Ball gets cut.

Short Interview We Did with Ball at the Shrine Game

 

[Bri]

You can't read enough good things about this guy. It's hard to imagine some other undrafted free agent having a better shot at making an NFL team than him.

Berrian stepped up his play alot last year. Muhsin has been especially good as the ol' veteran to work with the youngsters. I'm not sure the Bears have anyone else at WR that they wouldn't part with. I think Ball picked the right team to go to. He could conceivably climb the depth chart real quick if his game translates to the NFL level.

As a UDFA you have to get noticed. You get only a few chances to succeed. If you stink you walk, if you do well with them you get more chances. They do not get anywhere near the amount of chances to show what they can do as the casual NFL fan thinks. I'm betting Lovie is praising his work ethic or his hands real quick and that's the start of it all. He's gotta catch Lovie's eye, then I'll start getting excited about him. Until then, he's just one of many UDFA in Bears camp.

It's a huge jump from New Hampshire to the NFL so the odds are against him but he is a real intriguing prospect.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

It's a huge jump from New Hampshire to the NFL so the odds are against him but he is a real intriguing prospect.

Just ask the Bears 5th round pick and fellow Wildcat Corey Graham (who has already signed a contract)

 

[KellysHeroes]

Didn't Ball have a bad combine day.. a lot of Drops if I remember correctly.

 

[Chunky Soup]

Per the Bears' message board:

David Ball is so slow, he gets wiplash from continental drift......

David Ball is so slow he's still watching the NFL Draft.

David Ball is so slow, it took him two hours to watch 60 minutes.

Great fan support, eh?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Didn't Ball have a bad combine day.. a lot of Drops if I remember correctly.

He had some drops on NFL day at the Shrine Game too - nerves, not technique.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Didn't Ball have a bad combine day.. a lot of Drops if I remember correctly.

He had some drops on NFL day at the Shrine Game too - nerves, not technique.

So he drops when it matters the most

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Didn't Ball have a bad combine day.. a lot of Drops if I remember correctly.

He had some drops on NFL day at the Shrine Game too - nerves, not technique.

So he drops when it matters the most

He'll calm down. When I talked to him in Houston, he seemed genuinely overwhelmed, like the reality of the whole thing was just setting in.

 

[Warpig]

It's a huge jump from New Hampshire to the NFL so the odds are against him but he is a real intriguing prospect.

I'm pretty sure the jump from Mississippi Valley State to the NFL was quite a leap for Jerry Rice as well. It would be nice to see him achieve some level of accomplishment on the NFL level.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Not like the Bears have a very talented reciever pool.

Once Mussy is gone, it will be wide open. I have a feeling that Hester may surprise,

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Per the Bears' message board:

David Ball is so slow, he gets wiplash from continental drift......

David Ball is so slow he's still watching the NFL Draft.

David Ball is so slow, it took him two hours to watch 60 minutes.

Great fan support, eh?

Yeah, this is the best indication of future value.I'm sure the message boards for every team are riddled with lots of inflammatory "why did we get this guy" messages.

 

[-OZ-]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it?

If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR.

I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

 

[Biabreakable]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it? If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR. I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

Ball had I believe the best 3 cone time of any player in the draft this year. If not it was #2 to Wolfe by a nano-second.I don't think agility is his problem and Ball is faster through the breaks than the rest of this awesome WR class. Which to me is truly impressive.

 

[-OZ-]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it?

If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR.

I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

Ball had I believe the best 3 cone time of any player in the draft this year. If not it was #2 to Wolfe by a nano-second.I don't think agility is his problem and Ball is faster through the breaks than the rest of this awesome WR class. Which to me is truly impressive.

6.94 three-cone drill.Group 6 (RB) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Garrett Wolfe Northern Illinois 6.69

2. Ahmad Bradshaw Marshall 6.70

3. Antonio Pittman Ohio St. 6.84

4. Brian Leonard Rutgers 6.88

5. Chris Henry Arizona 6.96

6. Ramonce Taylor Texas 6.98

7. Kenny Irons Auburn 7.00

8. Brandon Jackson Nebraska 7.00

9. Marshawn Lynch Cal-Berkeley 7.05

10. Jason Snelling Virginia 7.06

Group 5 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Steve Smith Southern Cal 6.68

2. Ryne Robinson Miami-Ohio 6.71

3. Drew Stanton Michigan St. 6.77

4. Jared Zabransky Boise St. 6.78

5. Paul Thompson Oklahoma 6.81

6. Laurent Robinson Illinois St. 6.83

7. Rhema McKnight Notre Dame 6.84

8. Ryan Moore Miami-Fl 6.87

9. D'juan Woods Oklahoma St. 6.89

10. Chansi Stuckey Clemson 6.91

Group 4 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Anthony Gonzales Ohio St. 6.54

2. Johnnie Lee Higgins UTEP 6.62

3. Chris Davis Florida St. 6.66

4. Dallas Baker Florida 6.69

5. Dwayne Bowe Louisiana St. 6.81

6. John Beck Brigham Young 6.82 - how did he get in here?

7. Yamon Figurs Kansas St. 6.85

8. Aaron Fairooz Central Arkansas 6.89

9. Reggie Ball Georgia Tech 6.90

10. Steve Breaston Michigan 6.90

 

[Biabreakable]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it?

If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR.

I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

Ball had I believe the best 3 cone time of any player in the draft this year. If not it was #2 to Wolfe by a nano-second.I don't think agility is his problem and Ball is faster through the breaks than the rest of this awesome WR class. Which to me is truly impressive.

6.94 three-cone drill.Group 6 (RB) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Garrett Wolfe Northern Illinois 6.69

2. Ahmad Bradshaw Marshall 6.70

3. Antonio Pittman Ohio St. 6.84

4. Brian Leonard Rutgers 6.88

5. Chris Henry Arizona 6.96

6. Ramonce Taylor Texas 6.98

7. Kenny Irons Auburn 7.00

8. Brandon Jackson Nebraska 7.00

9. Marshawn Lynch Cal-Berkeley 7.05

10. Jason Snelling Virginia 7.06

Group 5 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Steve Smith Southern Cal 6.68

2. Ryne Robinson Miami-Ohio 6.71

3. Drew Stanton Michigan St. 6.77

4. Jared Zabransky Boise St. 6.78

5. Paul Thompson Oklahoma 6.81

6. Laurent Robinson Illinois St. 6.83

7. Rhema McKnight Notre Dame 6.84

8. Ryan Moore Miami-Fl 6.87

9. D'juan Woods Oklahoma St. 6.89

10. Chansi Stuckey Clemson 6.91

Group 4 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Anthony Gonzales Ohio St. 6.54

2. Johnnie Lee Higgins UTEP 6.62

3. Chris Davis Florida St. 6.66

4. Dallas Baker Florida 6.69

5. Dwayne Bowe Louisiana St. 6.81

6. John Beck Brigham Young 6.82

7. Yamon Figurs Kansas St. 6.85

8. Aaron Fairooz Central Arkansas 6.89

9. Reggie Ball Georgia Tech 6.90

10. Steve Breaston Michigan 6.90

There is another time that was much much faster. I switched computers or I would bring it up for ya but I lost that file.. maybe its still in my email archives though..Edit - yep found it. Ball posted a 6.59 in another workout.

 

[Serenity Now]

It's a huge jump from New Hampshire to the NFL so the odds are against him but he is a real intriguing prospect.

Just ask the Bears 5th round pick and fellow Wildcat Corey Graham (who has already signed a contract)

Jerry Azumah is also a UNH alum.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

He won't even make the flippin' team, and if he does he'll be nothing more than a practice squad player.

He didn't even get drafted for cripes sake.

He's a poor man's Justin Gage, and the Bears let him walk.

 

[Bri]

He won't even make the flippin' team, and if he does he'll be nothing more than a practice squad player.He didn't even get drafted for cripes sake.He's a poor man's Justin Gage, and the Bears let him walk.

LOL let's revisit this in a few months

 

[Biabreakable]

He won't even make the flippin' team, and if he does he'll be nothing more than a practice squad player.He didn't even get drafted for cripes sake.He's a poor man's Justin Gage, and the Bears let him walk.

LOL let's revisit this in a few months

I wonder if any Saints fans said this last year about Colston?And the Saints WRs were more formidible than what the Bears have to offer although I do think there are some close correlations Mush/Horn Stallworth/Berrian Henderson/Hester.

 

[Bri]

He won't even make the flippin' team, and if he does he'll be nothing more than a practice squad player.He didn't even get drafted for cripes sake.He's a poor man's Justin Gage, and the Bears let him walk.

LOL let's revisit this in a few months

I wonder if any Saints fans said this last year about Colston?And the Saints WRs were more formidible than what the Bears have to offer although I do think there are some close correlations Mush/Horn Stallworth/Berrian Henderson/Hester.

Grid will probably cover his comment if Gage starts for the Titans

 

[-OZ-]

There is another time that was much much faster. I switched computers or I would bring it up for ya but I lost that file.. maybe its still in my email archives though..Edit - yep found it. Ball posted a 6.59 in another workout.

Got a link? I love this kid, so anything along those lines will put a smile on my face. As I said before, I'm not expecting much, but hoping for a good career from him.

 

[-OZ-]

He won't even make the flippin' team, and if he does he'll be nothing more than a practice squad player.He didn't even get drafted for cripes sake.He's a poor man's Justin Gage, and the Bears let him walk.

LOL let's revisit this in a few months

I wonder if any Saints fans said this last year about Colston?And the Saints WRs were more formidible than what the Bears have to offer although I do think there are some close correlations Mush/Horn Stallworth/Berrian Henderson/Hester.

henderson is a lot better WR than Hester. Bradley might = Henderson...

 

[mlball77]

As a Bears fan, I hope he is legit, if even only a decent possession WR in the next couple of years.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Are you guys the same ones raving about 'All World' rookie WR and the nation’s top collegiate receiver with the 2005 Fred Biletnikoff Award last offseason?

Fact be told, 'your guy' David Ball will be battling it out with collegiate phenom (and Nawlins bust) Mike Hass for that final roster spot.

At 6'1" and about 205 lbs, their size is about the same.

 

[-OZ-]

Are you guys the same ones raving about 'All World' rookie WR and the nation’s top collegiate receiver with the 2005 Fred Biletnikoff Award last offseason?

Fact be told, 'your guy' David Ball will be battling it out with collegiate phenom (and Nawlins bust) Mike Hass for that final roster spot.

At 6'1" and about 205 lbs, their size is about the same.

(Grid's rookie drafts haven't finished yet)

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Oooh boy... that changes my mind.

You should see ME in Tecmo Bowl 1987. I don't have the bad grainy film and awful Canadian music to go along with it, but David Ball couldn't hold my banana hammock.

Maybe he's a visionary using a Canadian act for his music. He'll make a helluva CFLer.

 

[Biabreakable]

There is another time that was much much faster. I switched computers or I would bring it up for ya but I lost that file.. maybe its still in my email archives though..Edit - yep found it. Ball posted a 6.59 in another workout.

Got a link? I love this kid, so anything along those lines will put a smile on my face. As I said before, I'm not expecting much, but hoping for a good career from him.

Sorry I dont have a link to the workout. This info was compiled by someone else who compiled the best times from all workouts into one word document. So you would have to ask him where he got that time from.If interested then PM me and I will send you the document and the guys addy.FWIW

 

[-OZ-]

Oooh boy... that changes my mind.You should see ME in Tecmo Bowl 1987. I don't have the bad grainy film and awful Canadian music to go along with it, but David Ball couldn't hold my banana hammock.Maybe he's a visionary using a Canadian act for his music. He'll make a helluva CFLer.

:X I stand by my comment in post #28.

 

[stevegamer]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it?

If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR.

I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

Ball had I believe the best 3 cone time of any player in the draft this year. If not it was #2 to Wolfe by a nano-second.I don't think agility is his problem and Ball is faster through the breaks than the rest of this awesome WR class. Which to me is truly impressive.

6.94 three-cone drill.Group 6 (RB) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Garrett Wolfe Northern Illinois 6.69

2. Ahmad Bradshaw Marshall 6.70

3. Antonio Pittman Ohio St. 6.84

4. Brian Leonard Rutgers 6.88

5. Chris Henry Arizona 6.96

6. Ramonce Taylor Texas 6.98

7. Kenny Irons Auburn 7.00

8. Brandon Jackson Nebraska 7.00

9. Marshawn Lynch Cal-Berkeley 7.05

10. Jason Snelling Virginia 7.06

Group 5 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Steve Smith Southern Cal 6.68

2. Ryne Robinson Miami-Ohio 6.71

3. Drew Stanton Michigan St. 6.77

4. Jared Zabransky Boise St. 6.78

5. Paul Thompson Oklahoma 6.81

6. Laurent Robinson Illinois St. 6.83

7. Rhema McKnight Notre Dame 6.84

8. Ryan Moore Miami-Fl 6.87

9. D'juan Woods Oklahoma St. 6.89

10. Chansi Stuckey Clemson 6.91

Group 4 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Anthony Gonzales Ohio St. 6.54

2. Johnnie Lee Higgins UTEP 6.62

3. Chris Davis Florida St. 6.66

4. Dallas Baker Florida 6.69

5. Dwayne Bowe Louisiana St. 6.81

6. John Beck Brigham Young 6.82

7. Yamon Figurs Kansas St. 6.85

8. Aaron Fairooz Central Arkansas 6.89

9. Reggie Ball Georgia Tech 6.90

10. Steve Breaston Michigan 6.90

There is another time that was much much faster. I switched computers or I would bring it up for ya but I lost that file.. maybe its still in my email archives though..Edit - yep found it. Ball posted a 6.59 in another workout.

I should hope so, since that's Reggie Ball with the 6.90 from the combine. Let the David Ball hype continue.

 

[-OZ-]

Is a 4.66 really that slow? Or is the concern more his size and agility and not having great speed to make up for it?

If he can run great routes and catch the damn ball, while I wouldn't expect any YAC, he could be a good slot WR.

I guess I'm just surprised that no team took a chance on him. But he wouldn't be the first UDFA to succeed.

Ball had I believe the best 3 cone time of any player in the draft this year. If not it was #2 to Wolfe by a nano-second.I don't think agility is his problem and Ball is faster through the breaks than the rest of this awesome WR class. Which to me is truly impressive.

6.94 three-cone drill.Group 6 (RB) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Garrett Wolfe Northern Illinois 6.69

2. Ahmad Bradshaw Marshall 6.70

3. Antonio Pittman Ohio St. 6.84

4. Brian Leonard Rutgers 6.88

5. Chris Henry Arizona 6.96

6. Ramonce Taylor Texas 6.98

7. Kenny Irons Auburn 7.00

8. Brandon Jackson Nebraska 7.00

9. Marshawn Lynch Cal-Berkeley 7.05

10. Jason Snelling Virginia 7.06

Group 5 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Steve Smith Southern Cal 6.68

2. Ryne Robinson Miami-Ohio 6.71

3. Drew Stanton Michigan St. 6.77

4. Jared Zabransky Boise St. 6.78

5. Paul Thompson Oklahoma 6.81

6. Laurent Robinson Illinois St. 6.83

7. Rhema McKnight Notre Dame 6.84

8. Ryan Moore Miami-Fl 6.87

9. D'juan Woods Oklahoma St. 6.89

10. Chansi Stuckey Clemson 6.91

Group 4 (WR) -- Top 10 Results: Three Cone

1. Anthony Gonzales Ohio St. 6.54

2. Johnnie Lee Higgins UTEP 6.62

3. Chris Davis Florida St. 6.66

4. Dallas Baker Florida 6.69

5. Dwayne Bowe Louisiana St. 6.81

6. John Beck Brigham Young 6.82

7. Yamon Figurs Kansas St. 6.85

8. Aaron Fairooz Central Arkansas 6.89

9. Reggie Ball Georgia Tech 6.90

10. Steve Breaston Michigan 6.90

There is another time that was much much faster. I switched computers or I would bring it up for ya but I lost that file.. maybe its still in my email archives though..Edit - yep found it. Ball posted a 6.59 in another workout.

I should hope so, since that's Reggie Ball with the 6.90 from the combine. Let the David Ball hype continue.

1 - Who is hyping David Ball? 1 person voted stud, 5 votes for great player, that's 6%. I started this thread hoping to get some discussion revolving an intriguing prospect who has an outside chance of success and who has been an underdog most of his life. 2 - Why are you bringing up Reggie Ball? It appears you can't tell the difference between 6.90 and 6.94 (neither can the naked eye, except this is in print)

 

[Sleeper 43]

Hands seem VERY nice but hes gonna get rocked making some of those catches in the NFL. He "looked slow" all 40 times aside which concerns me.

 

[ratbast]

Ive seen him play many times. Speed is his issue, ability and attitude are not. I truly thought he'd be drafted and obviously believe CHI made a wise signing. His combine was horrific with hammy or groin issues. His senior bowl week was reportedly phenominal and had led some to believe he would go in 4th or 5th round. His vertical is much better than he executed at the combine.

UNH runs a no huddle O. The QB Ricky Santos was lastyear's Payton award winner (Best in 1-AA). They beat NWestern and Rutgers (i think).

Ball will be missed as he obviously was a fan fave. If he doesnt make the roster he will play for someone someday. If his career progresses very well he has the ability to follow a similiar path of NEs Troy Brown but will play more like Denver's Ed McCaffry. These comparisons are his top capabilities.

His hands, heart and ability to find a hole in the coverage are going to be his greatest strengths.

Santos and Ball were usually the best players on the field. IMHO Chicago stole him.

crossing my fingers.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

RON Santo can run faster than David Ball.

 

[Bri]

RON Santo can run faster than David Ball.

bear fan bashing bear seem weird to anyone else?

 

[-OZ-]

So he's been pretty quiet this preseason. Finally got 4/40 in the last game.

Is he going to make the roster, or are we looking at a practice squad player here?

 

[Scottish Revenge]

So he's been pretty quiet this preseason. Finally got 4/40 in the last game.Is he going to make the roster, or are we looking at a practice squad player here?

Ball had an absolutely amazing one-handed TD catch that they ruled out of bounds, and a couple plays later Hass had an equally amazing diving TD catch over a corner that counted, FWIW

 

[PsychoMan]

So he's been pretty quiet this preseason. Finally got 4/40 in the last game.Is he going to make the roster, or are we looking at a practice squad player here?

Ball had an absolutely amazing one-handed TD catch that they ruled out of bounds, and a couple plays later Hass had an equally amazing diving TD catch over a corner that counted, FWIW

I was at that game. BOTH of those catches were awesome!

 

[Scottish Revenge]

So he's been pretty quiet this preseason. Finally got 4/40 in the last game.Is he going to make the roster, or are we looking at a practice squad player here?

Ball had an absolutely amazing one-handed TD catch that they ruled out of bounds, and a couple plays later Hass had an equally amazing diving TD catch over a corner that counted, FWIW

I was at that game. BOTH of those catches were awesome!

Hey me too!

 

[Nookular Power]

So he's been pretty quiet this preseason. Finally got 4/40 in the last game.Is he going to make the roster, or are we looking at a practice squad player here?

Word on the street is Hass gets the 6th WR spot, and Ball makes the practice squad (assuming he's not plucked by someone else). Read as much recently at chicagosports.com...if I can relocate the article, I'll post.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Ball has some of the best hands you will ever see. He catches EVERYTHING.

 

[BroadwayG]

Ball has some of the best hands you will ever see. He catches EVERYTHING.

 

[RonnieBrown23]

Being from NH, I was disapointed Ball wasn't drafted at all. It says alot that when opposing teams were geared up to stop him and he still burned them without having great speed.

I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a look after this year learning the NFL game on someone's practice squad. He was passed over by better "athletes" in the draft, but he'll make teams wish they would have taken a flier on him when it is all said and done.

 

[-OZ-]

CHICAGO BEARS-Released DT Antonio Garay, RB Josh Allen, WR David Ball, DE Copeland Bryan, DT Tory Collins, S Tyler Everett, DB Greg Fassitt, DE Chris Frome, WR Drisan James, QB Chris Leak, OT Mark LeVoir, TE Fonel Mines, DB Tim Mixon, G Anthony Oakland, TE Brett Pierce, G Tyler Reed, S Andrew Shanle, LB Danny Verdun Wheeler and OT Steven Vieira (injured). Placed RB Quadtrine Hill and DE Dan Bazuin on injured reserve.

 

[imeimex]

He will be put on the practice squad, if no one picks him up. He has already ok'ed it with the Bears GM. Obviously no link yet, as they are waiting to see if he clears.

 

[Bri]

Jets signed him so he'll probably be in their camp next summer, FWIW

 

[The Man With No Name]

The Bears must have liked Brandon Rideau better than Ball. He was originally signed by the Browns in 2005 and was awesome in preseason games but released before the season to the dismay of me and many others I know. The Bears grabbed him and still have him.

I knew Ball was supposed to have the best hands of any wr eligible for the draft in 2007. Hands aren't everything, he must be really slow or have some other problems not to at least be on an active roster.

Hmm.

 

[Bri]

The Bears must have liked Brandon Rideau better than Ball. He was originally signed by the Browns in 2005 and was awesome in preseason games but released before the season to the dismay of me and many others I know. The Bears grabbed him and still have him.I knew Ball was supposed to have the best hands of any wr eligible for the draft in 2007. Hands aren't everything, he must be really slow or have some other problems not to at least be on an active roster.Hmm.

Rideau was just signed by them IIRC. We don't know about Ball. Lovie wasn't candid with us, possibly showing him a degree of respect. He dropped the first pass in practice/camp then nothing for a few days and Lovie was laying it on thick. Not a whole lot after that.Going to the team that gave Chrebet a shot is probably the right move for Ball.