NFL Executive questions Ebron's toughness (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Per Rotoworld / source ESPN New York - source http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/35648/sunday-notes-would-jets-embrace-sam?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

An anonymous AFC executive wonders if North Carolina TE Eric Ebron is tough enough to catch the ball over the middle.
"I don't think he's tough enough to run down the seam and catch the ball in the middle," the executive said. "Is he a great athlete? Yes. Does he have good hands? Yes. Can he catch the ball in traffic? I don't think so." Ebron is viewed as the top tight end in the 2014 draft and is expected to be a mid-to-late

 

[JohnnyU]

Sounds to me like someone wants to spread bad things in hopes that he drops to their team.

 

[Donnybrook]

Like this for example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1bcCWyeDf4c#t=88

 

[lod01]

Sounds to me like someone wants to spread bad things in hopes that he drops to their team.

Exactly. How tough do you have to be in the 2014 NFL? Not very since you can't hit people across the middle without getting a penalty.

 

[fatness]

Sounds to me like someone wants to spread bad things in hopes that he drops to their team.

The closer we get to the draft, the more intentional misinformation is spread (by teams and agents). Every year.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Can't wait until we get Nawrocki's Bridgewater scouting report. Should be a ball.

 

[msudaisy26]

Right now it sounds like the guy is going to be a mid to late first rounder, so one of those AFC teams picking at the top of the second are spreading rumors trying to get him to slip. Houston or Jacksonville?

I hope it comes out who said this and if they do draft him he tells them hell no I am not playing for you. I doubt it will happen but I just seen the Bo Jackson 30 for 30 and he did it to Tampa after they burned him.

 

[ghostguy123]

at this point I have no idea why these scouts or whoever say stupid stuff like this to try and mislead other scouts. None of them listen to each other from other teams, and no idea why they think anyone would.

 

[domvin]

Like this for example:

I dont think that is that difficult of a catch. Certainly not a catch splitting two defenders down the seam.

 

[RandyDB]

Like this for example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1bcCWyeDf4c#t=88

If I were a GM, after watching that video, I would hope someone else drafts him before me.

 

[domvin]

I certainly get the aspect of releasing information to bring a guys stock down, and thats most likely the case here. Toughness is not something thats real tangible. Its not speed or strength that is easily measured.

He is the concensus number 1 TE this year, he bested Vernon Davis as the all time receptions leader at TE...

My knocks on him are clearly effort, physicalness, subpar blocking, disengaging, tips off routes too easily.

Effort. Looks disinterested out there at times. Like hes not giving maximum effort on every play. On low thrown balls, he has trouble dipping low, sliding down to cradle the ball. Lumbering at times.

Blocking. Not real physical engaging the defender in run blocking. Again, either efort or not overly physical. Especially for a 270 pound guy. You can lump lack of physicalness in here.

Disengaging. Struggles getting off blocks and disengaging off of jams.....even by cornerbacks. For a guy that big, he shoulsbe tossing cbs away.

Tips off routes too easily. Out of his stance, footwork, you can tell what route he is starting to run by his body position, and footwork. Gets pushed off his route often, by smaller dbs.

He had good hands. Real good hands in the games I watched him. Occasional drop.

I see why others like him, he is a good athlete with nice hands, but I dnont think hes the second coming of Graham or gronk.

Value wise, Id rather take Niklas or ASJ.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

That's a good breakdown right there, although you're about 25 lbs heavy on his weight. He doesn't even approach 270.

 

[domvin]

Yikes, I meant to type 250. Not sure why I ....I have him at 250

 

[Fullback Fro]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1865396/eric-ebron

STRENGTHS: Smooth, gliding athlete with easy acceleration to speed past defenders in coverage and finish. Agile feet and dangerous after the catch to create with quick cuts to make defenders miss.

Quick release off the LOS with route fluidity and natural flexibility. Smooth adjustments to pluck the ball with his hands away from his body - large catching radius. Physical when he wants as a blocker with strong initial power at the point of attack. Very good toughness and plays unintimidated and confident. Good football awareness and plays alert.

Versatile experience lining up in-line, but mostly in the slot - also plays on special teams coverage. Still far from his ceiling.

WEAKNESSES: Still developing his body with room to add bulk and get stronger. Still learning how to use his size to his advantage. Needs to show more authority in his routes and is too easily redirected - needs to be more physical in this area to match up in tight spaces.

Needs to be more aggressive and strong at the catch point, especially in contested situations. Has his share of focus drops and needs to be more consistent finishing catches. Good length, but won't overwhelm defenders in the run game. Blocking technique needs developing - somewhat untested as an in-line blocker. Room to refine and sharpen his routes. Right shoulder injury in 2013.

COMPARES TO: Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers - Freaky athletic specimens, both Ebron and Davis move like wide receivers, but have the size and length of tight ends to create mismatches in coverage.

--Dane Brugler (1/7/14)

 

[pizzatyme]

Unless it's a named source, I'd dump it in the trash immediately. Honestly, I feel like it's irresponsible journalism to report it in the first place.