Spike
Footballguy
If we're talking Tiki towards his last few years, when he'd shed the fumbling issues, I'd be happy with that if I had the 1.01 pick.
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[DYNASTY] 2011 Top 20 Rookies (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter EBF
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The Real Hipster Doofus
Footballguy
I would be happy with that production, but in no way are the two similar type of players.If we're talking Tiki towards his last few years, when he'd shed the fumbling issues, I'd be happy with that if I had the 1.01 pick.
jurb26
Footballguy
Agreed, Ingram doesn't resemble Barber very much at all IMO. He's far more like D. Williams. I think the best comparison is E. Smith, though I hate comparing these guys to all time greats.I would be happy with that production, but in no way are the two similar type of players.If we're talking Tiki towards his last few years, when he'd shed the fumbling issues, I'd be happy with that if I had the 1.01 pick.
Hoss_Cartwright
Footballguy
Yes, Ingram is compared to E Smith in a lot of articles and I agree with them for the most part.
Concept Coop
Footballguy
I see the Barber comparison - he has also been likened to Emmitt.
Faust
MVP
The Shutdown 40: #12 - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner started his collegiate career at Florida, where he played in five games in 2007 and redshirted in 2008. However, it was obvious that Tim Tebow was the Gators' quarterback of the future, so Newton transferred to Blinn College in Texas, led the Buccaneers to the 2009 NJCAA national championship, and transferred to Auburn in time for the 2010 season. In just one year with the Tigers, Newton dominated with some crazy numbers – 1,473 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on just 264 carries, and 185 completions in 280 passing attempts for 2,854 yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
Newton ended his collegiate career with Auburn's narrow national championship-grabbing win over the Oregon Ducks, but he also carries controversy with him. Questions about his arrest for possession of a stolen laptop and stories about his father's involvement in his career blur the picture, but the Cam Newton that shows up on game tape is one of the more intriguing draft prospects in recent years.
Pros: On quarterback draws, Newton shows a command of play-action, and he hits gaps very quickly. Extremely impressive burst in the open field – he has a second gear that he can turn on at any time. Glides past defenders like a big receiver more than a running back – his size (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) speaks to that. Uses his quick feet to redirect in space before defenders can catch up to his moves. Nifty footwork in the pocket; Newton doesn't fall apart before rolling out like a lot of more mobile quarterbacks.
Throwing motion is over the top, but there is a slight lag that will need to be worked out. Newton's superior rushing skills makes play-action devastating in the Auburn offense and makes him particularly tough to deal with in the Pistol formation. Obviously, he's great when throwing on the move – he keeps his looks downfield as he extends the play. Newton has a huge arm and can make every throw. He has good arc on bombs and outstanding velocity on stick throws.
Cons: As a thrower, Newton doesn't always spring back in his dropbacks to optimal throwing setup, leading to inaccurate arm throws. Used to taking one read before throwing or running – perhaps two at most – leading to questions about the time it would take to get him prepared to play in a multiple-read offense.
Conclusion: Newton has a few fixable mechanical issues. He doesn't have any obvious idiosyncrasies to his game; no odd motions and his upfield speed is a wonder to behold. The real questions about Newton come from the things one can't always see on the field – football I.Q., ability to make every read consistently, and ability to take snap after snap under center.
These are the same questions that have dogged every option quarterback trying to transition to a pro-style offense, but Newton has advantages that his predecessors didn't. First, while most spread-offense quarterbacks had noodle arms, Newton can air it downfield as well as any quarterback at any level. Second, with the number of shotgun snaps increasing by over 300 percent in the last decade, those quarterbacks who played in these types of offenses aren't doomed.
In 2008, current Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey employed the Pistol offense with former college spread quarterback Tyler Thigpen to great effect, and in 2009, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger ran the triple option with Vince Young at quarterback – the result was an incredible offense in which running back Chris Johnson gained over 2,000 yards on the ground. If Newton finds himself on an NFL team (like Buffalo, which would be by far his best fit as long as Gailey's still there), he could reinvent the position of quarterback in the NFL by becoming the first read-and-run field general to succeed year after year.
Newton is as talented as any quarterback of this type has ever been. But who will meet him halfway, and is he ready for the transition?
NFL Comparison: Vince Young, (formerly) Tennessee Titans
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner started his collegiate career at Florida, where he played in five games in 2007 and redshirted in 2008. However, it was obvious that Tim Tebow was the Gators' quarterback of the future, so Newton transferred to Blinn College in Texas, led the Buccaneers to the 2009 NJCAA national championship, and transferred to Auburn in time for the 2010 season. In just one year with the Tigers, Newton dominated with some crazy numbers – 1,473 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on just 264 carries, and 185 completions in 280 passing attempts for 2,854 yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
Newton ended his collegiate career with Auburn's narrow national championship-grabbing win over the Oregon Ducks, but he also carries controversy with him. Questions about his arrest for possession of a stolen laptop and stories about his father's involvement in his career blur the picture, but the Cam Newton that shows up on game tape is one of the more intriguing draft prospects in recent years.
Pros: On quarterback draws, Newton shows a command of play-action, and he hits gaps very quickly. Extremely impressive burst in the open field – he has a second gear that he can turn on at any time. Glides past defenders like a big receiver more than a running back – his size (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) speaks to that. Uses his quick feet to redirect in space before defenders can catch up to his moves. Nifty footwork in the pocket; Newton doesn't fall apart before rolling out like a lot of more mobile quarterbacks.
Throwing motion is over the top, but there is a slight lag that will need to be worked out. Newton's superior rushing skills makes play-action devastating in the Auburn offense and makes him particularly tough to deal with in the Pistol formation. Obviously, he's great when throwing on the move – he keeps his looks downfield as he extends the play. Newton has a huge arm and can make every throw. He has good arc on bombs and outstanding velocity on stick throws.
Cons: As a thrower, Newton doesn't always spring back in his dropbacks to optimal throwing setup, leading to inaccurate arm throws. Used to taking one read before throwing or running – perhaps two at most – leading to questions about the time it would take to get him prepared to play in a multiple-read offense.
Conclusion: Newton has a few fixable mechanical issues. He doesn't have any obvious idiosyncrasies to his game; no odd motions and his upfield speed is a wonder to behold. The real questions about Newton come from the things one can't always see on the field – football I.Q., ability to make every read consistently, and ability to take snap after snap under center.
These are the same questions that have dogged every option quarterback trying to transition to a pro-style offense, but Newton has advantages that his predecessors didn't. First, while most spread-offense quarterbacks had noodle arms, Newton can air it downfield as well as any quarterback at any level. Second, with the number of shotgun snaps increasing by over 300 percent in the last decade, those quarterbacks who played in these types of offenses aren't doomed.
In 2008, current Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey employed the Pistol offense with former college spread quarterback Tyler Thigpen to great effect, and in 2009, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger ran the triple option with Vince Young at quarterback – the result was an incredible offense in which running back Chris Johnson gained over 2,000 yards on the ground. If Newton finds himself on an NFL team (like Buffalo, which would be by far his best fit as long as Gailey's still there), he could reinvent the position of quarterback in the NFL by becoming the first read-and-run field general to succeed year after year.
Newton is as talented as any quarterback of this type has ever been. But who will meet him halfway, and is he ready for the transition?
NFL Comparison: Vince Young, (formerly) Tennessee Titans
Last edited by a moderator:
Faust
MVP
The Shutdown 40: #10 - Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The top draft prospect quarterback listed on many boards, Gabbert was also one of the most heavily recruited high school quarterbacks in recent years, choosing to stay close to home after a standout career at Parkway West High in Ballwin, Mo. In his two full seasons and five extra games as a true freshman, Gabbert established himself as a team leader and potentially great pro quarterback. Questions persist regarding certain schematic and mechanical adjustments to the NFL, but the more you watch Gabbert on tape, the easier it is to become convinced that he'll do what's needed to be productive at the highest level.
In 30 games for the Tigers, Gabbert completed 527 passes in 876 attempts for 6,388 yards, 39 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He also ran 208 times for 465 yards and seven touchdowns and took 43 sacks.
Pros: Played in the shotgun at Missouri, but Gabbert – like Joe Flacco – seems to have the tools to transcend the easy negative categorizations automatically given to spread offense quarterbacks. Looks comfortable in three-, five-, and seven-step drops, sets up very well mechanically for the throw. He has no problem making intermediate stick throws (18-25 yards) under pressure or when rolling out; his arm doesn't lose velocity when he's on the move. Keeps his eyes downfield when running.
Gabbert has excellent anticipation when throwing any kind of crossing route – he generally throws his receivers open. Can throw hard on a line and will get the ball into tight windows – he has already developed this extremely valuable skill. Sells play-action reasonably well the few times he's asked to do so. Throws darts underneath with a nice, compact motion; his delivery gets a little out of hand on longer throws at times. Big enough (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) to absorb hits in the pocket or on the run, though he'll be told by his coaches to live to fight another day on certain types of plays at the next level.
Cons: His last five games are points of concern. Gabbert completed just 53 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Needs to tighten up a delivery that can get long and sloppy at times. Occasionally makes inaccurate arm throws, a common problem with spread quarterbacks (Cam Newton does the same thing).
Can read across the field, but it's a little frantic – so many of his college formations were trips, quads and stacks to one side. He's used to having the advantage with those sets and he tends to use motion to create time to find open receivers instead of sitting in the pocket and using progressions. Has arm strength enough to throw across his body, but such throws are generally inaccurate at this point. Not a pure runner in the traditional spread style – tends to be slow to get up to speed and is blocky on the run and in space.
Conclusion: When Andrew Luck decided to stay at Stanford, Gabbert benefited more than anyone else. He's closest to success in a pro-style (heavy on the shotgun) offense because he's got command of different types of intermediate throws, and he's got the kind of arm strength that can be honed by the right kind of coaching. Add in his excellent mobility and ability to roll out of the pocket and make every throw with both feet on the ground, and Gabbert looks more and more like an exceptional pro prospect.
He'll have to learn the things spread quarterbacks don't do that often – snaps under center, play-fakes and play-action – but like Flacco before him, Gabbert is far more than a spread offense washout. He's more mobile than Flacco, and Flacco has a better arm, but it's a decent comp for that reason alone.
NFL Comparison: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The top draft prospect quarterback listed on many boards, Gabbert was also one of the most heavily recruited high school quarterbacks in recent years, choosing to stay close to home after a standout career at Parkway West High in Ballwin, Mo. In his two full seasons and five extra games as a true freshman, Gabbert established himself as a team leader and potentially great pro quarterback. Questions persist regarding certain schematic and mechanical adjustments to the NFL, but the more you watch Gabbert on tape, the easier it is to become convinced that he'll do what's needed to be productive at the highest level.
In 30 games for the Tigers, Gabbert completed 527 passes in 876 attempts for 6,388 yards, 39 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He also ran 208 times for 465 yards and seven touchdowns and took 43 sacks.
Pros: Played in the shotgun at Missouri, but Gabbert – like Joe Flacco – seems to have the tools to transcend the easy negative categorizations automatically given to spread offense quarterbacks. Looks comfortable in three-, five-, and seven-step drops, sets up very well mechanically for the throw. He has no problem making intermediate stick throws (18-25 yards) under pressure or when rolling out; his arm doesn't lose velocity when he's on the move. Keeps his eyes downfield when running.
Gabbert has excellent anticipation when throwing any kind of crossing route – he generally throws his receivers open. Can throw hard on a line and will get the ball into tight windows – he has already developed this extremely valuable skill. Sells play-action reasonably well the few times he's asked to do so. Throws darts underneath with a nice, compact motion; his delivery gets a little out of hand on longer throws at times. Big enough (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) to absorb hits in the pocket or on the run, though he'll be told by his coaches to live to fight another day on certain types of plays at the next level.
Cons: His last five games are points of concern. Gabbert completed just 53 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and four interceptions. Needs to tighten up a delivery that can get long and sloppy at times. Occasionally makes inaccurate arm throws, a common problem with spread quarterbacks (Cam Newton does the same thing).
Can read across the field, but it's a little frantic – so many of his college formations were trips, quads and stacks to one side. He's used to having the advantage with those sets and he tends to use motion to create time to find open receivers instead of sitting in the pocket and using progressions. Has arm strength enough to throw across his body, but such throws are generally inaccurate at this point. Not a pure runner in the traditional spread style – tends to be slow to get up to speed and is blocky on the run and in space.
Conclusion: When Andrew Luck decided to stay at Stanford, Gabbert benefited more than anyone else. He's closest to success in a pro-style (heavy on the shotgun) offense because he's got command of different types of intermediate throws, and he's got the kind of arm strength that can be honed by the right kind of coaching. Add in his excellent mobility and ability to roll out of the pocket and make every throw with both feet on the ground, and Gabbert looks more and more like an exceptional pro prospect.
He'll have to learn the things spread quarterbacks don't do that often – snaps under center, play-fakes and play-action – but like Flacco before him, Gabbert is far more than a spread offense washout. He's more mobile than Flacco, and Flacco has a better arm, but it's a decent comp for that reason alone.
NFL Comparison: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Faust
MVP
The Shutdown 40: #9 - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Alabama receiver Julio Jones, who made an impact with the Crimson Tide from his time as a true freshman in 2008 through his junior season in 2010. In three full seasons and 39 games, fighting through injuries in his final two years, Jones amassed 2,604 yards and 15 touchdowns on 176 receptions in an offensive system that was fairly run-heavy. He also ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts, returned 12 punts for 130 yards, and seven kickoffs for 162 yards. Jones is a player for whom stats don't tell the whole story – and that's true on the good and bad sides.
Pros: Has the size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and toughness to be a nightmare after the catch and a dynamic blocker. Thick and muscular player who uses a lethal combination of jukes and stiff-arms to get upfield after catching short passes. Will not go down upon first contact, especially on deep passes where his adversaries are defensive backs – it will take at least one form tackle to take him down when he's going full-speed, and probably more. Will accelerate in intermediate areas and just bowl people over. Surprising second-level burst for such a physical player. Has no fear when it comes to crossing routes in heavy traffic; he'll instigate contact in those situations more often than not. Will make the tough catch with defensive backs draped on him, especially in the end zone. Good downfield blocker. Tough player who has proven an ability to not only play through injury, but play well.
Cons: Jones has always been an inconsistent hands catcher, leading to more drops than his talent should allow. It's an odd trait considering how his hands seem to get better the more he's under threat to take a hit. And though he can impress with his short-area speed, he's not a true downfield burner – he'll have to take a little off and set himself on jump balls – though he could excel in the right kind of vertical offense. Doesn't yet run tight cuts in short areas, but he's improved greatly as a route-runner through his Alabama career. Physical style and injury history would seem to be a worrisome combination against better and stronger defenders at the next level.
Conclusion: Jones would have put up much more prolific numbers in an offense that was more pass-friendly, but he didn't help himself with an inconsistent ability to catch the ball. At the same time, his toughness, determination to make more out of plays after the catch, and willingness to do the little things, added value beyond the numbers. Jones has the pure athleticism to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, and after working out a few technical kinks and adjusting to more complex coverages, his future should be very bright.
NFL Comparison: Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
By Doug Farrar
We continue our series with Alabama receiver Julio Jones, who made an impact with the Crimson Tide from his time as a true freshman in 2008 through his junior season in 2010. In three full seasons and 39 games, fighting through injuries in his final two years, Jones amassed 2,604 yards and 15 touchdowns on 176 receptions in an offensive system that was fairly run-heavy. He also ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts, returned 12 punts for 130 yards, and seven kickoffs for 162 yards. Jones is a player for whom stats don't tell the whole story – and that's true on the good and bad sides.
Pros: Has the size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and toughness to be a nightmare after the catch and a dynamic blocker. Thick and muscular player who uses a lethal combination of jukes and stiff-arms to get upfield after catching short passes. Will not go down upon first contact, especially on deep passes where his adversaries are defensive backs – it will take at least one form tackle to take him down when he's going full-speed, and probably more. Will accelerate in intermediate areas and just bowl people over. Surprising second-level burst for such a physical player. Has no fear when it comes to crossing routes in heavy traffic; he'll instigate contact in those situations more often than not. Will make the tough catch with defensive backs draped on him, especially in the end zone. Good downfield blocker. Tough player who has proven an ability to not only play through injury, but play well.
Cons: Jones has always been an inconsistent hands catcher, leading to more drops than his talent should allow. It's an odd trait considering how his hands seem to get better the more he's under threat to take a hit. And though he can impress with his short-area speed, he's not a true downfield burner – he'll have to take a little off and set himself on jump balls – though he could excel in the right kind of vertical offense. Doesn't yet run tight cuts in short areas, but he's improved greatly as a route-runner through his Alabama career. Physical style and injury history would seem to be a worrisome combination against better and stronger defenders at the next level.
Conclusion: Jones would have put up much more prolific numbers in an offense that was more pass-friendly, but he didn't help himself with an inconsistent ability to catch the ball. At the same time, his toughness, determination to make more out of plays after the catch, and willingness to do the little things, added value beyond the numbers. Jones has the pure athleticism to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, and after working out a few technical kinks and adjusting to more complex coverages, his future should be very bright.
NFL Comparison: Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
shader
Footballguy
I guess we'll see at the combine if he runs a 40.
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
What does that bring his weight down to?
mlball77
Footballguy
I don't know for a fact, but ESPN's player page for Ingram lists him at 5-10, 215 lbs. So, is he now down to 205 lbs?
He's at 212 now. DraftScout had him at 215 also. So, apparently he gained 7 lbs before he lost the 10.
mlball77
Footballguy
Andy Dufresne
Footballguy
It's my completely uneducated opinion that, in general, if a running back is somewhere over 210 lbs then he's big enough.
A lot depends on a particular team's style, for sure, but that rule is just "in general".
A lot depends on a particular team's style, for sure, but that rule is just "in general".
Faust
MVP
The Shutdown 40: #4 - A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
We continue our series with Georgia receiver A.J. Green, regarded by most as the best receiver prospect in this draft class. In three seasons and 31 games with the Bulldogs, Green caught 158 passes for 2,542 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also ran the ball seven times for 105 yards. From his true freshman year, Green dominated to an unusual degree, grabbing 56 receptions for 963 yards and eight touchdowns.
He never had a 1,000-yard season for Georgia, just missing out due to injury and suspension - he missed the first four games of the 2010 season after he sold his Independence Bowl jersey to an agent. So he had to "make do" with 49 catches for 771 yards and nine touchdowns in his junior year. Based on his game tape, it won't be too tough to extrapolate Green's what-ifs to NFL potential.
Pros: Displays a ridiculous vertical leap in tight coverage to grab passes, especially in the end zone - extends his arm up and can bring the ball in one-handed even with a defender trying to disrupt him, which makes him play even "taller". Excellent straight-line speed and he cuts very well; hard to match on slants and posts. Tracks the ball in stride from full speed and keeps his eye on the ball to make the tough over-the-shoulder catch.
Extends his hands to grab the pass and brings the ball to his chest quickly as he's turning to get upfield. Has no qualms about going over the middle and into a defender's area; will lay out on these plays if necessary. Plays through contact and looks to get upfield even when he's wrapped up. Sits in zone very well and can glide past defenders to extend the play. Shows a burst to productivity on receiver screens. Not afraid to be physical; will get a stiff-arm out and fight for extra yards. Has an excellent concept of routes.
Cons: Not an especially strong player; at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he could probably gain 10 pounds without losing any of his downfield speed. Can't generally just blast by cornerbacks at the line, though he does have an array of moves to get past press coverage. His ability to break past more physical corners displaying aggressive moves and tight coverage at the line may be a slight concern at the next level.
Conclusion: Green has already been compared to Randy Moss in some quarters, and while that's a bit extreme, it's true that he possesses a rare combination of skills that should see him succeeding very quickly at the NFL level. With his ability to jump, get downfield as much with agility as speed, and use his hands to snatch the ball in the tightest spaces, another comparison comes to mind - especially if Jones gains a few pounds. Green isn't nearly as physical as Johnson, but many of the attributes line up well enough to make Jones a sure top-five pick.
NFL Comparison: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
We continue our series with Georgia receiver A.J. Green, regarded by most as the best receiver prospect in this draft class. In three seasons and 31 games with the Bulldogs, Green caught 158 passes for 2,542 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also ran the ball seven times for 105 yards. From his true freshman year, Green dominated to an unusual degree, grabbing 56 receptions for 963 yards and eight touchdowns.
He never had a 1,000-yard season for Georgia, just missing out due to injury and suspension - he missed the first four games of the 2010 season after he sold his Independence Bowl jersey to an agent. So he had to "make do" with 49 catches for 771 yards and nine touchdowns in his junior year. Based on his game tape, it won't be too tough to extrapolate Green's what-ifs to NFL potential.
Pros: Displays a ridiculous vertical leap in tight coverage to grab passes, especially in the end zone - extends his arm up and can bring the ball in one-handed even with a defender trying to disrupt him, which makes him play even "taller". Excellent straight-line speed and he cuts very well; hard to match on slants and posts. Tracks the ball in stride from full speed and keeps his eye on the ball to make the tough over-the-shoulder catch.
Extends his hands to grab the pass and brings the ball to his chest quickly as he's turning to get upfield. Has no qualms about going over the middle and into a defender's area; will lay out on these plays if necessary. Plays through contact and looks to get upfield even when he's wrapped up. Sits in zone very well and can glide past defenders to extend the play. Shows a burst to productivity on receiver screens. Not afraid to be physical; will get a stiff-arm out and fight for extra yards. Has an excellent concept of routes.
Cons: Not an especially strong player; at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he could probably gain 10 pounds without losing any of his downfield speed. Can't generally just blast by cornerbacks at the line, though he does have an array of moves to get past press coverage. His ability to break past more physical corners displaying aggressive moves and tight coverage at the line may be a slight concern at the next level.
Conclusion: Green has already been compared to Randy Moss in some quarters, and while that's a bit extreme, it's true that he possesses a rare combination of skills that should see him succeeding very quickly at the NFL level. With his ability to jump, get downfield as much with agility as speed, and use his hands to snatch the ball in the tightest spaces, another comparison comes to mind - especially if Jones gains a few pounds. Green isn't nearly as physical as Johnson, but many of the attributes line up well enough to make Jones a sure top-five pick.
NFL Comparison: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I'm sorry, but this is just absurd. Johnson is taller, bigger, faster and better than Green. There is literally no intelligent comparison to be made between the two.
BigTex
Don't mess with Texas
Draft 2011: Combine Preview
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/37402/60/draft-2011-combine-preview
A few notes:
Spotlight on the Stars
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/37402/60/draft-2011-combine-preview
A few notes:
Spotlight on the Stars
Jerrel has some serious skills set, he's my dark-horse in this draft. He's short but this guy has IT! Plus in his years at Troy he did NOT fumble one time.
Hoss_Cartwright
Footballguy
I can't remember where I was but I was at one site where there was a down arrow by his name. Do you know of any reason why his stock might be dropping in some eyes?
BigTex
Don't mess with Texas
He had an ankle injury in December and had to pull out of the Senior Bowl. If he was 2 or 3 inches taller, he'd be mentioned in the top 3 with Green and Jones. He's a stud and I'm sure we'll hear more about him.
Hoss_Cartwright
Footballguy
What round is he projected?
thriftyrocker
Footballguy
Jernigan is project 2nd round.
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
I thought AJ Green was supposed to be fast?
jurb26
Footballguy
Fast yes. Burner no.4.48 is plenty of speed for a guy his size. Green's strength is his body control, hands and ability to create separation.
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
But those are Julio Jones' strengths too, and he's faster and can jump farther and higher. AJ probably has better hands, but I've always thought these two were closer together than some think. Didn't see anything to change my opinion. I think Green is a little overrated and Jones is a little underrated.
Penguin Bites
Footballguy
Can't argue with anything you're saying but would stress that Green's hands are much, much better than Jones'.
Kitrick Taylor
Footballguy
Bob McGinn, one of the best NFL writers out there, did a draft prep article today. He's got great connections throughout the NFL with GMs and long time scouts. He listed AJ Green and Julio Jones among the top 13 prospects in this draft. Here's what the scouts had to say. (Note that this is before they ran today.)
A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia: 6 feet 3½ inches, 211 pounds. Three-year starter. "There's a gap between him and Julio Jones," one scout said. "Green is faster and catches the ball more consistently." Finished with 166 catches for 2,619 yards (15.8) and 23 TDs. Served four-game suspension in 2010 for selling a jersey. "He's damn good," another scout said. "Thing that scares me, I don't know if he can physically sustain. I don't see that innate physical toughness."
Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama: 6-4, 220. Power receiver with good, not great speed. "He doesn't have super, super speed but I think he has sneaky speed," one scout said. "He can get on a DB pretty quick. He's a big guy and will block. He will drop some balls." Three-year player with 179 catches for 2,653 (14.8) and 15 TDs. Played much of final season with broken hand. "I think he's tough and he perseveres," another scout said. "He's so dang strong and big. And he is competitive."
A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia: 6 feet 3½ inches, 211 pounds. Three-year starter. "There's a gap between him and Julio Jones," one scout said. "Green is faster and catches the ball more consistently." Finished with 166 catches for 2,619 yards (15.8) and 23 TDs. Served four-game suspension in 2010 for selling a jersey. "He's damn good," another scout said. "Thing that scares me, I don't know if he can physically sustain. I don't see that innate physical toughness."
Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama: 6-4, 220. Power receiver with good, not great speed. "He doesn't have super, super speed but I think he has sneaky speed," one scout said. "He can get on a DB pretty quick. He's a big guy and will block. He will drop some balls." Three-year player with 179 catches for 2,653 (14.8) and 15 TDs. Played much of final season with broken hand. "I think he's tough and he perseveres," another scout said. "He's so dang strong and big. And he is competitive."
jurb26
Footballguy
Jones doesn't translate the numbers he posted today on the field very well. Green plays better than the numbers he posted. I agree, Jones is better than most people think. The guy got a bad rep due to underperforming in 2009 when he was battling injuries all year. Both are elite talents. Green is simply better IMO and seems to be getting graded a lot higher by most scouts as well. Green and Jones have been 1 & 2 in my mind for a while. I know many didn't have him there but I'm guessing they will now. I think there is going to be some overreaction to his performance today. A lot of people are probably going to move him to #1 and I think that would be a mistake. Green was the clear #1 prior to today and still should be. Maybe Jones closed the gap a bit with an insane performance but the on-field performance of Green should keep him comfortably in the #1 spot.
EBF
Footballguy
Green has always struck me as being closer to Reggie Wayne and Sidney Rice than Randy Moss. His physical tools aren't really that overwhelming, but he's a fluid athlete and he catches the ball very well. My one concern is that he lacks the physical trump cards that some top NFL receivers have. He's not very strong and he's not exceptionally explosive. He's a tall finesse receiver without great speed. I don't think it will be a death sentence though. Green was a good player in college and we've seen guys like Rice and Wayne thrive in recent years with a similar skill set. I have said all along that Green is overrated. I don't see him as being worthy of a top 5 NFL draft pick, but he's certainly a first round talent.
As for Julio, he was an inconsistent college player despite his tools. There's a little bit of a Roy Williams vibe to him, but he's a much better athlete than Williams. I see him as a guy who will be a solid starter in the NFL despite his inconsistency simply because his physical ability is top shelf. I would say he's comparable to Dwayne Bowe or Braylon Edwards in terms of the results we'll see. He does have a very high ceiling if everything clicks.
I have felt in recent months that the gap between Jones and Green was largely imaginary. I think they both have similar value. Jones is a better athlete. Green is a better receiver. It would be a tough decision between the two of them at 1.02. We'll see which NFL teams they land on. That might influence my final rankings.
As for Julio, he was an inconsistent college player despite his tools. There's a little bit of a Roy Williams vibe to him, but he's a much better athlete than Williams. I see him as a guy who will be a solid starter in the NFL despite his inconsistency simply because his physical ability is top shelf. I would say he's comparable to Dwayne Bowe or Braylon Edwards in terms of the results we'll see. He does have a very high ceiling if everything clicks.
I have felt in recent months that the gap between Jones and Green was largely imaginary. I think they both have similar value. Jones is a better athlete. Green is a better receiver. It would be a tough decision between the two of them at 1.02. We'll see which NFL teams they land on. That might influence my final rankings.
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BeTheMatch
Footballguy
If Green went to Cleveland and Jones when to St. Louis, I think I'd move Jones ahead of Green. In dynasty, I try not to pay too much attention to the current situation of a team, but since i have the two rated very closely, I would be comfortable letting the situation dictate the choice for me.
shader
Footballguy
I've said it all along. Julio Jones is an animal. He's Terrell Owens 2.0. He will outwork AJ Green, is more physical, is faster and more imposing. AJ Green played on more of a passing offense. When Alabama finally started passing the ball deep in Jones' career, he started putting up insane numbers.
Jones spent much of the 2009 season blocking for Mark Ingram, which led to many calling him "overrated".
He also shed the "bad hands" image in 2010, as he rarely dropped balls and made some amazing, spectacular catches.
His ceiling is much higher than AJ Green's, and I think the Reggie Wayne comparison for AJ Green is dead on.
Jones spent much of the 2009 season blocking for Mark Ingram, which led to many calling him "overrated".
He also shed the "bad hands" image in 2010, as he rarely dropped balls and made some amazing, spectacular catches.
His ceiling is much higher than AJ Green's, and I think the Reggie Wayne comparison for AJ Green is dead on.
jurb26
Footballguy
Fixed that sentence for you.I agree that Jones in a great WR in the mold of TO... possibly more physically gifted than TO as a matter of fact.
I don't particularly like the Green/Wayne comparison though. I see Green's game more in line with a guy like Fitz, only he's much bigger. His strength is getting in and out of his breaks to create separation, great body control to "box out defenders" and make the catch, an uncanny ability to high point the ball (he may not have a sick vertical like Jones but he gets every inch out of it by timing his jumps well and being in the right position) and his hands.
Regardless of which comparison you prefer, I'm not sure how a guy who is like Wayne has a much lower ceiling than a guy like TO.
Spike
Footballguy
This is my concern also. Can his physical game translate to the NFL where the guys he'll try to physically dominate as he did in college are much bigger, stronger and tougher. I think he'll have to adapt his game slightly (or become stronger/tougher).
eaglesfan7
Footballguy
There is a report that Julio Jones worked out through the combine with a foot fracture and will now have surgery to have a pin inserted in his foot. What a beast!
BigTex
Don't mess with Texas
Fixed that sentence for you.I agree that Jones in a great WR in the mold of TO... possibly more physically gifted than TO as a matter of fact.
I don't particularly like the Green/Wayne comparison though. I see Green's game more in line with a guy like Fitz, only he's much bigger. His strength is getting in and out of his breaks to create separation, great body control to "box out defenders" and make the catch, an uncanny ability to high point the ball (he may not have a sick vertical like Jones but he gets every inch out of it by timing his jumps well and being in the right position) and his hands.
Regardless of which comparison you prefer, I'm not sure how a guy who is like Wayne has a much lower ceiling than a guy like TO.
Let me also add that Ingram had 1,000 after contact yds. If Julio was blocking him in 2009 then he's a horrible blocker. I don't know how many times I saw Ingram and Trent got hit behind the line only to break a long one.
BigTex
Don't mess with Texas
Agreed, he has moved up most boards in the recent days.
Kimbo Slice
Footballguy
Evan Silva via Twitter.'eaglesfan7 said:
Hoss_Cartwright
Footballguy
I thought he already had this done.
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
AJ Green got a 10 on the Wonderlic. Anyone know what Julio Jones got?
BeTheMatch
Footballguy
Yikes. A couple of brainiacs.
Zimm
Footballguy
WR's always score low on the wonderlic haha....I think they compare AJ Green to the wrong Johnson, I believe he is more like Andre Johnson but not quite as physical. I don't really think you can compare anyone to Calvin's ability. As for Julio i see him falling between Terrell Owens and Dwayne Bowe/Braylon Edwards. (I know he's much faster than Braylon)
Chimp Magnet
Footballguy
Gawd. I should prolly try and trade him before his stupid catches up to him.
Kendall Hunter nows seems like a lock to be a 2nd round pick.
I picked up PFW's draft preview and then found out they did it before the SuperBowl. Some of the rankings are crazy but it is nice to have an opinion just from the game tapes before all the combine and marketing agents start polluting things. They are very high on him as well.
I picked up PFW's draft preview and then found out they did it before the SuperBowl. Some of the rankings are crazy but it is nice to have an opinion just from the game tapes before all the combine and marketing agents start polluting things. They are very high on him as well.
wiscstlatlmia
Footballguy
Kimbo Slice
Footballguy
Will you be updating this list prior to the draft EBF?
daveR
Footballguy
Nice to see you're a FBG, Kimbo! What happened to Shogun???
Kimbo Slice
Footballguy
Refuses to fight with ATT....
