Matt Forte You Tube (1 Viewer)

[Wildman]

Wright,

Not that this You Tube clip is much better than the McFadden piece, but check out some of the lateral moves on this guy and the first run they show of him against LSU

1st run--Miss State had one of the better rushing defenses in the country this year...good SEC defense that you like. Nice example of speed around the corner.

2nd run--This was an example of what I termed in your McFadden analysis as a stutter step. Both this one and the McFadden used a move to set up another move.

3rd run--This is better example of a run displaying good vision, because he had to make a move to the hole behind the LOS and then a second move in the LOS to exploit the entire lane. Both moves were decisive, quick, and in tighter lanes than anything you showed with McFadden.

4th run--Not a great angle to really discussing anything here except he made a nice cut at the LOS and then in the second level...once again another fast SEC defense with 3 All-Americans on it.

5th run--I think this is an interesting display of 2nd level power because he didn't have the 12-yard running start with no cuts that McFadden had in his. Yes Forte got tackled, but he gained extra yards after the contact as well.

6th run--Decent patience to set up the blocks and cut back to the inside, nothing extremely special on this run. It was well-executed by the line. Except I'll note if I'm correct about the S Carolina tape with McFadden, Forte has far more players to account for when making his cut than Dmac on your example.

7th run--This run is a very good example of setting up 2nd and third level blocks. Watch him make a cut through the initial hole, making a defender reach for air and set up his lineman's block in the secondary as they get to the left has. Maybe he gets caught by an SEC defense on this play, but If Forte can consistently break 8-10 yard runs with more narrow gaps than what I saw on the McFadden highlight (and other film I seriously studied and not these football version of porno tapes we have here) then I'd be happier with him than Dmac...

8th run--Did you see the plant and cut in the hole to elude the safety in the hole? Now that's the type of lateral movement I'm talking about. This is not the most dramatic example, but that's different than a stutter step.

11th screen pass vs. Army-There's a more dramatic example after he catches the screen and makes a lateral cut to the left. That's a plant and cut!

12th SMU--some nice open field running past the 1st level of the defense with much more traffic to contend with. I don't care if you run a 4.19 40. you're not going to out run traffic like that.

13th--This is a more NFL-worthy run. This is the kind of run I'd see from Addai and Bradshaw in school. I saw this also from Forte versus LSU this year. Make the penetrating defender miss behind the LOS, still get to the hole and burst through. This one was more subtle than others I've seen, but his cut to the left just as he reaches the LOS is something that not all backs do very well, but need to do so at the pro level. Ricky Watters was very good at this. So is LT, Gore, MJD, Barber III, etc. Oh yeah, that reminds me...I thought the same of Barber III coming out as I do about a guy like Forte--same type of skills. Forte just as more speed...

14th-- This is probably as much about poor tackling as it is effort, but he keeps his legs moving and this is something criticize Dmac for when hit or wrapped at the first level of the defense. Sure he keeps his legs moving after 10-20 yard head starts, but most backs do. I'm talking entering the line like Forte here. Travis Henry is very good at keeping his legs moving when wrapped up. Sure he gets caught from behind, but who cares? It's 1st and goal at the 1 yard line!

16th--Good balance to get hit in the knees and thighs and still stay upright. That's real balance there.

I like this runner. I've been mentioning him since November/December. I think he'll be one of the RB better prospects in this class if he stays healthy and a regular starter within 3 years. Someone on draft day will be gushing about landing him in the 2nd-4th round.

This is the stuff I analyze in my Rookie Scouting Portfolio but in far more detail and more compartmentalized by subject (vision, speed, elusiveness, power, balance, blocking, receiving, etc). They all have more subcategories so you get to see the subtle differences with what makes one players combination of skill sets appealing compared to another. It's not weighted too much on power or speed or elusiveness. But if you show serious deficiencies with one of these or another category it will knock down their score.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Looks like Ryant Grant's stride.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

 

[ThePittbully]

I live in New Orleans (not a huge tulane fan) but I did watch alot of this kid this year and I REALLY like him. I was high on him before the combine, but Im even higher on him now

 

[Warpig]

He's not the smoothest runner, but he does have some moves. I can see him as a future workhorse in the NFL.

 

[Neo]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

Bad posting....I just put in an order thanks to his recent posts!

 

[FUBAR]

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

Bad posting....I just put in an order thanks to his recent posts!

Dammit!

 

[Wildman]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

I'll take that as a compliment. You guys all do great work. Plus, you may like it even more if McFadden and Mendenhall turn into the next big things at the RB position

 

[Wildman]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt. :(

Bad posting....I just put in an order thanks to his recent posts!

Dammit!

Ah come on...don't you want to see me make more per hour than a rickshaw driver in the far east while I'm busting my butt on this for the past three years? I might be able to upgrade to IDPs and extra set ups to get game film.

 

[az_prof]

It is true that these tapes are probablyput together by agents, but still you can see some good qualities in his running style: lateral movement; quick burst; doesn't go down on first contact; leg drive; enough speed to get outside. Put it together with his optimum size and his good combine and we are looking at a second or third round NFL pick who could be very good in the NFL. I see him as a mid-round first round rookie pick in dynasty depending on the outcome of the NFL draft.

 

[Wildman]

It is true that these tapes are probablyput together by agents, but still you can see some good qualities in his running style: lateral movement; quick burst; doesn't go down on first contact; leg drive; enough speed to get outside. Put it together with his optimum size and his good combine and we are looking at a second or third round NFL pick who could be very good in the NFL. I see him as a mid-round first round rookie pick in dynasty depending on the outcome of the NFL draft.

Definitely. Some are just better made than others. This one had more over the top shots where you can see the entire line of scrimmage and how the blocks are developing.

 

[massraider]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.

Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.

I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

 

[EBF]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

 

[massraider]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

I was unaware he was being talked up that highly. I was thinking he was ranked around 8-10 among RBs. Taking a look at www.drafthistory.com, and the number of backs that go in the 1st two rounds, I think some talent is gonna be there at the end of the 3rd. It might be an interesting discussion as to which backs people think will drop.Forte ran great at the combine, but, like Ray Rice, he never struck me as a burner. I think his lack of home run speed may drop him a little.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

Bad posting....I just put in an order thanks to his recent posts!

Dammit!

Ah come on...don't you want to see me make more per hour than a rickshaw driver in the far east while I'm busting my butt on this for the past three years? I might be able to upgrade to IDPs and extra set ups to get game film.

LOL, your success is very well deserved. But I thought rickshaw drivers made a lot of money as long as the customer got a happy ending?

 

[Wildman]

I think I liked it better last year when you weren't posting here and no one bought the RSP, Matt.

Bad posting....I just put in an order thanks to his recent posts!

Dammit!

Ah come on...don't you want to see me make more per hour than a rickshaw driver in the far east while I'm busting my butt on this for the past three years? I might be able to upgrade to IDPs and extra set ups to get game film.

LOL, your success is very well deserved. But I thought rickshaw drivers made a lot of money as long as the customer got a happy ending?

LOL!!! I thought that happened in massage parlors. I'll have ask some of the rowdies from my home board about that...

 

[dmac37]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

How were his receiving skills in college and how do they project in the NFL?

 

[JAA]

This year is such a deep class, it reminds me of the 04 draft where there were lots of good backs and you were curious as to where each would go. This would eventually lead where each would be drafted. I think players like Forte, Rice, Slaton, etc are going to be these backs that move up fantasy charts based on where they go.

 

[mdog1967]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

I was unaware he was being talked up that highly. I was thinking he was ranked around 8-10 among RBs. Taking a look at www.drafthistory.com, and the number of backs that go in the 1st two rounds, I think some talent is gonna be there at the end of the 3rd. It might be an interesting discussion as to which backs people think will drop.Forte ran great at the combine, but, like Ray Rice, he never struck me as a burner. I think his lack of home run speed may drop him a little.

I like what I saw in that video, however I would like to see him square his shoulders up a little quicker on those outside runs. Does not look real smooth, but great cutback and seems to have good RB vision. Reminds me of a Young Raw LT. NO waisted effort, does not go down on first contact (see Brandon Jackson for that).P.S. Already pre-ordered the RSP from Matt.

 

[EBF]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

How were his receiving skills in college and how do they project in the NFL?

I don't know. That isn't something I've done my homework on.

 

[Chaos Commish]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

How were his receiving skills in college and how do they project in the NFL?

I don't know. That isn't something I've done my homework on.

Well, Tulane switched from a spread offense (Mewelde tore that up, btw), to a WC approach. He caught 32 balls in 12 games and in the two games I have he looks a little uncomfortable with the route running role but with nice hands. He drops an easy one against LSU, a subpar performance with an unfortunate fumble, way too much dancing and or hesitating, a nice catch and run and an impressive run or two. His catch is fluid enough that the drop isn't bothering me now as much as it did that day. Tulane really gave LSU a scare, leading most of the first half before falling apart in the 2nd, and Forte's fumble and drop and dancing were part of the breakdown. My note on Forte that early in the season said "misses too many opportunities". He did have his moments against that defense, but overall seemed over his head compared to McFadden who tore that defense to shreds.In another thread I mention waking up this morning and watching RBs side by side. I have LSU vs Tulane and Arkansas and did side by side analysis. This approach works better for wine and tequila tasting, btw, but it just solidified how much I like McFadden. Dude is on a special level, imo. I also have Tulane vs East Carolina. Construx and I discussed this in PMs yesterday, and I am coming around on Forte with you guys. I thought Johnson looked better that day. They both had 23-25 carries and they both go over 120 yards, but Johnson was electric, Forte hesitant and missing opportunities again. Oddly, it appears I saw two of his least impressive performances. My biggest concern with him is him being slow to get going. He's not explosive with his first step. Once moving there's decent burst. Shaun Alexander ran this way. Back to his hands though. He shined in the Senior Bowl practices. Couple that with a 32 catch season in a pro style west coast offense and I think receiving is a + for Forte. When I say I am drafting an RB at 1.10, Forte would certainly be one of the guys I take before any WR in this draft.Matt, when I look at those highlights I see 4 or 5 runs where Forte does fine, but I think McFadden is off to the races while Forte is doing impressive things in traffic. McFadden plays in the carpool lane, like Peterson.I think I am just a little higher on this class as a whole than most. You think Mendenhall and McFadden will be disappointments. I think they both have Pro Bowl talent. I feel the same way about Stewart. I wasn't bagging on Stewart in his dedicated thread. I was explaining why I prefer the others. Stewart may be the best ball toting talent in this draft, but my hunch he makes a career of sharing the ball makes me slide the other two above him. It's no big deal really. I/we have to separate them somehow and that is where I draw a line between them. It's a tough call and an interesting situation to say the least. Situation will be everything. I still think Carolina did the right thing taking DeAngelo ahead of Addai. Addai is in a great offense with virtually no competition. I think Williams would have done even more with that situation than Addai has done. There is no way to prove this belief one way or the other so it isn't really worth debating. Some agree, some don't, so what. The impact of situation is so strong sometimes someone who is wrong in analysis can appear to be right. This is what is causing me to step away from most debate sooner than in the past. When I do engage, like Stewart vs McFadden, or Cutler vs Leinart, or Ginn vs the world, it is usually because I am seeking discussion and information on a situation I am not 100% on. I never joined AD, Bush or Young debates because I felt they were silly. McFadden Stewart Mendenhall is a good debate. I wouldn't engage if I was 100% certain of my opinion. I take a macro approach (compared to your micro approach) to grading prospects while feeding my NCAAF addiction. I'm just looking for talent that I think translates; sort of separating the wheat from the chaff based on playmaking ability. I cannot remember a class of RBs (over the last 20 years) with such a nice harvest. The fruit hasn't been picked yet, but it's low hangin' easy pickins as far as I can tell.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

If he winds up in a ZBS my optimism would skyrocket.

Physically, there are several prospects better than him, but I think his rush instincts are at the top of the class. I doubt he winds up as a 1st round rook pick, as I think there's a chance he winds up going late 3rd or later.

I know people are talking him up now, but there's a lot of backs in this draft.

I heard he was considered a possible second round pick prior to the combine. After running in the 4.4 range, he stands a real chance of being a top 60 pick. Forte has one thing that few other second tier backs in this draft have: legitimate workhorse RB size. That should help his draft stock.

How were his receiving skills in college and how do they project in the NFL?

I don't know. That isn't something I've done my homework on.

Well, Tulane switched from a spread offense (Mewelde tore that up, btw), to a WC approach. He caught 32 balls in 12 games and in the two games I have he looks a little uncomfortable with the route running role but with nice hands. He drops an easy one against LSU, a subpar performance with an unfortunate fumble, way too much dancing and or hesitating, a nice catch and run and an impressive run or two. His catch is fluid enough that the drop isn't bothering me now as much as it did that day. Tulane really gave LSU a scare, leading most of the first half before falling apart in the 2nd, and Forte's fumble and drop and dancing were part of the breakdown. My note on Forte that early in the season said "misses too many opportunities". He did have his moments against that defense, but overall seemed over his head compared to McFadden who tore that defense to shreds.In another thread I mention waking up this morning and watching RBs side by side. I have LSU vs Tulane and Arkansas and did side by side analysis. This approach works better for wine and tequila tasting, btw, but it just solidified how much I like McFadden. Dude is on a special level, imo.

I also have Tulane vs East Carolina. Construx and I discussed this in PMs yesterday, and I am coming around on Forte with you guys. I thought Johnson looked better that day. They both had 23-25 carries and they both go over 120 yards, but Johnson was electric, Forte hesitant and missing opportunities again. Oddly, it appears I saw two of his least impressive performances. My biggest concern with him is him being slow to get going. He's not explosive with his first step. Once moving there's decent burst. Shaun Alexander ran this way.

Back to his hands though. He shined in the Senior Bowl practices. Couple that with a 32 catch season in a pro style west coast offense and I think receiving is a + for Forte. When I say I am drafting an RB at 1.10, Forte would certainly be one of the guys I take before any WR in this draft.

Matt, when I look at those highlights I see 4 or 5 runs where Forte does fine, but I think McFadden is off to the races while Forte is doing impressive things in traffic. McFadden plays in the carpool lane, like Peterson.

I think I am just a little higher on this class as a whole than most. You think Mendenhall and McFadden will be disappointments. I think they both have Pro Bowl talent. I feel the same way about Stewart. I wasn't bagging on Stewart in his dedicated thread. I was explaining why I prefer the others. Stewart may be the best ball toting talent in this draft, but my hunch he makes a career of sharing the ball makes me slide the other two above him. It's no big deal really. I/we have to separate them somehow and that is where I draw a line between them. It's a tough call and an interesting situation to say the least.

Situation will be everything. I still think Carolina did the right thing taking DeAngelo ahead of Addai. Addai is in a great offense with virtually no competition. I think Williams would have done even more with that situation than Addai has done. There is no way to prove this belief one way or the other so it isn't really worth debating. Some agree, some don't, so what. The impact of situation is so strong sometimes someone who is wrong in analysis can appear to be right. This is what is causing me to step away from most debate sooner than in the past. When I do engage, like Stewart vs McFadden, or Cutler vs Leinart, or Ginn vs the world, it is usually because I am seeking discussion and information on a situation I am not 100% on. I never joined AD, Bush or Young debates because I felt they were silly. McFadden Stewart Mendenhall is a good debate. I wouldn't engage if I was 100% certain of my opinion.

I take a macro approach (compared to your micro approach) to grading prospects while feeding my NCAAF addiction. I'm just looking for talent that I think translates; sort of separating the wheat from the chaff based on playmaking ability. I cannot remember a class of RBs (over the last 20 years) with such a nice harvest. The fruit hasn't been picked yet, but it's low hangin' easy pickins as far as I can tell.

Excellent job, CC.Especially loved the bolded part. With rookies getting deals with 3 years or longer, situation is a HUGE impact.

 

[Wildman]

The area Pasquino put in bold is kind of funny. I'm not sure whether that was an implication that if/when someone is right about something that you're opposing that that person will still be wrong or just a way of saying we'll never truly know either way. I'll take it as the latter despite it would be more if it were the former.

I'm not sure I agree with situation is everything, but I may be in the minority. It's a lot in fantasy football. It isn't when you're just looking purely at talent. When it's time for me to give my analysis on impact players at the rookie situation, sure I rate players differently than I do in pre-draft. Still, I like to point out that I don't change my complete view on whether the guy has talent and how much compared to someone else.

I agree it's a great pool of talent and seems to be cyclical in nature as other NFL starters begin to see the twilight of their careers. There will probably be significant turnover at the RB position in 2-3 years and I believe we'll see a return to the late 90s era of 10 strong fantasy backs...

Too bad you're not willing to watch the tape with EBF, Construx, and me. I thought it would give us a chance to learn different things from each other's observations. But I'm sure time can be a factor that you just might not have...nice chatting about this though.