Interesting:What was your thoughts on Leonard Hankerson? Heard he had a great first day but no mention of him here.
Taking care of his young sonWhere is my man Sig?
sounds like he another good dayInteresting:What was your thoughts on Leonard Hankerson? Heard he had a great first day but no mention of him here.
Interesting:What was your thoughts on Leonard Hankerson? Heard he had a great first day but no mention of him here.
That's the one The smile on his face when I brought that run up was priceless.I like Powell too. He'd probably be more hyped if he was not Kragthorpe'd earlier in his career.I posted about him in the dynasty prospects thread as a player who I thought was being underrated and posted a link to this video -- I assume this is the run that you mentioned earlier in this thread (versus Cincy): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHte388tz4ABrother, I'm right there with you. I think he's terrific and I had the good fortune of interviewing him. He normally doesn't do interviews and when I asked one of the hosts to request an interview on my behalf, he initially declined. But he quickly changed his mind and came over to see me. Knowing he doesn't give out interviews I thanked him for making the exception tonight and told him I wasn't trying to ask him any questions he wasn't comfortable with (I'm not trying to do a cutting edge profile or delve deep into his personal life, I just want to talk about the skill of being a running back with him). He was reserved and shy, but pleasant. When I set up one question by indicating that I wasn't asking him to brag about himself, his body language perked up as if he felt like I understood why he doesn't do interviews (he's very religious). Later in the interview, I asked him to talk to me about what he liked about hitting someone and he was almost boyish (in his reserved way) as he described what it feels like to lower his pads into a player in the hole (he was a safety in high school until he was a senior).I would really appreciate it, if you could keep me posted on Bilal Powell. Just the 3 games I saw him play, I was very impressed. Thanks in advance!!
I didn't see him on Day One, but I will see him Day Two. Can't wait to fill you guys in. I expect him to get on the radar with less knowledgeable people in the media.
Physically, he's what you want from a WR and he has the hands to make an impact. However, he does need more work on routes and on-field awareness than what a lot of folks are advertising. Hankerson was on the South Squad so we didn't see him Day One. I'll tell you that it is the second year in a row that the NFC team (North Squads) run a much better practice for people to watch and evaluate than the AFC team (South Squads).What was your thoughts on Leonard Hankerson? Heard he had a great first day but no mention of him here.
I just finished transcribing a Q&A I taped with Locker that includes questions from other writers. I'm going to post a few questions from it now and we'll post the rest on Draftguys later. We'll link to it when it's ready...MW: A scout recently shared with me that quarterbacking is a lot like acting in the sense that it’s about doing executing by reading and reacting in a way that is convincing to the defenders reading and reacting to you when you’re trying to sell a play and doing a number of things at the same time to achieve that. Part of the growing process to do this well is to learn how to slow things down. Can you talk about that? JL: Especially for us this week as we learn a new offense and go through a new playbook. I think that it’s about making it simple, not making it too complicated and looking at it for what it is and executing it for what is. MW: Take me through your favorite play at Washington. What was it? Show us from your point of view what you’re seeing and how you’re reacting to it as if we had a camera in your head. JL: We ran a play that is called a Spear Concept. It’s basically a post in the boundary, a spear coming across from the other side, a deep-over about 20 yards and then somebody in the flat. So you’re (looking) from post to spear to the flat. We’ve scored a lot of touchdowns on it…it’s difficult for teams to defend. MW: How do you try to sell that play to the defense? JL: It’s usually play action. You’re trying to get the linebackers to bite on the play action fake and hopefully get that spear in behind them and influence the safety with [the intention of hitting the spear] and hopefully getting the post behind them.The Seattle Times is reporting that Locker looked excellent on Day 2. What did you guys see?
Danny O'Neil went to dinner with us last night but the topic of Locker never came up. Rob Rang was at dinner with us as well, and he commented before we left that in the radio spots he did in the Northwest all they want to talk about is Locker. When I see Danny today I'll ask him what he likes about Locker and post it here.Here's the excerpt from our day 2 report about Locker....Jake Locker, Washington: Locker had another inconsistent day Tuesday. He looked good when throwing touch passes to the sideline on out routes of about 7 yards. He hit Titus Young on one of those routes, and the timing could not have been better. However, on deep routes he struggled to throw accurately. The chemistry with Young was lost when he tried to hit the Boise State receiver on a 9-route, and the pass sailed high over his outstretched arms.The Seattle Times is reporting that Locker looked excellent on Day 2. What did you guys see?
I thought he had some Tom Brady in him after watching the SEC Championship last year.Interesting to see that McElroy is doing well.One thing that sets him apart from the other QB's is that he's probably the smartest one there. I understand the "lack of physical skills" thing. It's the reason Bama fans were on his back all of 2009 despite the fact that he led them to the championship.I've seen more than a few people compare him to Tom Brady. But I caution people about doing that. McElroy really needs to work on his accuracy, as he floats passes and misses receivers quite a bit...though he really improved in that area during his Senior year.But I'll be pulling for him. He's got a great mind and I'd love to see him succeed.
Cecil has his spot near the field and makes his observations. I follow RBs and WRs in drills around the stadium and then settle into the end zone seats for the scrimmages. Cecil wrote his comments, I add what I got from practice and write a lede. We talk about what we've seen if there's something tremendously different about our views. So far nothing major has come up yet, but if that happens we'll explain our differences in the analysis so you know.Love the writeups as usual! FYI you sp not demark the WRs from the RBs on the south squad. question - do the three of you collaborate on each player? or are the reports on the individual players done by one of you and then you pit the individual player reports together on one report?
Oh he definetely has a chance to be a starter in the NFL, and he's got the brains to do so...But I think Brady has always been accurate and I question McElroy's accuracy. But then I'm prejudiced.I can't tell you how many "bang my head against the wall" moments I've had where I've seen McElroy overthrow Julio Jones. So many that it turned me off of him for awhile.I thought he had some Tom Brady in him after watching the SEC Championship last year.Interesting to see that McElroy is doing well.One thing that sets him apart from the other QB's is that he's probably the smartest one there. I understand the "lack of physical skills" thing. It's the reason Bama fans were on his back all of 2009 despite the fact that he led them to the championship.I've seen more than a few people compare him to Tom Brady. But I caution people about doing that. McElroy really needs to work on his accuracy, as he floats passes and misses receivers quite a bit...though he really improved in that area during his Senior year.But I'll be pulling for him. He's got a great mind and I'd love to see him succeed.
Granted I only have access to what NFLN is showing me but I have closely watched the offensive lineman since the Bears should be looking at grabbing a couple. Brewer does look like a beast in the run game but he was beaten a few times in the drills and then in scrimmage in pass pro. This morning he is being beat to the outside right into his QB.Senior Bowl practice report: Day 1
By Tony Pauline, TFYDraft.com, Special to SI.com
James Brewer/T/Indiana: Brewer pulled off a dominant performance on the first day of Senior Bowl practice and quickly established himself as the best blocker at the event. He looked big and powerful during morning weigh-ins then played that way in the afternoon. Brewer moves well on his feet and also annihilates opponents once he got his hands on them. He was never beat today and drew praise from coaches on a number of occasions.
Granted I only have access to what NFLN is showing me but I have closely watched the offensive lineman since the Bears should be looking at grabbing a couple. Brewer does look like a beast in the run game but he was beaten a few times in the drills and then in scrimmage in pass pro. This morning he is being beat to the outside right into his QB.Senior Bowl practice report: Day 1
By Tony Pauline, TFYDraft.com, Special to SI.com
James Brewer/T/Indiana: Brewer pulled off a dominant performance on the first day of Senior Bowl practice and quickly established himself as the best blocker at the event. He looked big and powerful during morning weigh-ins then played that way in the afternoon. Brewer moves well on his feet and also annihilates opponents once he got his hands on them. He was never beat today and drew praise from coaches on a number of occasions.
Interesting. Danny's editor must have picked the headline: Jake Locker impressive in second day of workouts at Senior BowlDanny O'Neil went to dinner with us last night but the topic of Locker never came up. Rob Rang was at dinner with us as well, and he commented before we left that in the radio spots he did in the Northwest all they want to talk about is Locker. When I see Danny today I'll ask him what he likes about Locker and post it here.The Seattle Times is reporting that Locker looked excellent on Day 2. What did you guys see?
Here's the excerpt from our day 2 report about Locker....
Jake Locker, Washington: Locker had another inconsistent day Tuesday. He looked good when throwing touch passes to the sideline on out routes of about 7 yards. He hit Titus Young on one of those routes, and the timing could not have been better. However, on deep routes he struggled to throw accurately. The chemistry with Young was lost when he tried to hit the Boise State receiver on a 9-route, and the pass sailed high over his outstretched arms.
Probably. Much more about Locker in the opposite direction of that headlineInteresting. Danny's editor must have picked the headline: Jake Locker impressive in second day of workouts at Senior BowlDanny O'Neil went to dinner with us last night but the topic of Locker never came up. Rob Rang was at dinner with us as well, and he commented before we left that in the radio spots he did in the Northwest all they want to talk about is Locker. When I see Danny today I'll ask him what he likes about Locker and post it here.The Seattle Times is reporting that Locker looked excellent on Day 2. What did you guys see?
Here's the excerpt from our day 2 report about Locker....
Jake Locker, Washington: Locker had another inconsistent day Tuesday. He looked good when throwing touch passes to the sideline on out routes of about 7 yards. He hit Titus Young on one of those routes, and the timing could not have been better. However, on deep routes he struggled to throw accurately. The chemistry with Young was lost when he tried to hit the Boise State receiver on a 9-route, and the pass sailed high over his outstretched arms.
We're having dinner with Lande tonight and I interviewed him for the NY Times. I have about 20-25 minutes to transcribe - very cool stuff. I'll be up late to get it ready for tomorrow.Senior Bowl: Cameron, Young, and Pettis have solid Wednesday workouts
Russ Lande
SN Icon Sporting News
MOBILE, Ala. — After a strong Tuesday, Cal DE Cameron Jordan followed it up with an even better practice on Wednesday, when he was dominant.
He showed the explosive power and strength, excellent hand use and very good athleticism to easily defeat blocks and either pressure the quarterback or get into the backfield to disrupt running plays.
Meanwhile, both Boise State wideouts (Titus Young and Austin Pettis) had a good Wednesday practice. Young continued to separate himself from all the receivers on the North Squad. He and the South’s Leonard Hankerson (Miami, Fla.) are the two best receivers in Mobile, which should put them in position to be late first-round or high second-round picks if they continue to perform at a high level the rest of the spring.
He needs to learn how to use his hands more consistently as a pass receiver. He also seemed to mentally wear down as practices progressed. I think he's a project, but one worth being optimistic about his prospects long-term if he respond to coaching.You mentioned Courtney Smith at the weigh in. He is a freak. Looks like the biggest guy on the team. Having season tickets to South Alabama, I've seen him quite a bit and glad the Senior Bowl decided to make him the first ever participant in the Senior Bowl.Any updates on how he has looked in practice? He was awesome to watch, but I do realize the caliber of competition. Based on looks alone it appears he could have gone to a much bigger program. Size reminds me of former Dolphins wr Orande Gadsden.
McElroy was very accurate deep today and yesterday. His problem is that he lacks the arm of Brady and he won't likely drive the ball on routes that require that velocity to make an on-time throw. I think he can be a productive starter in the right system one day, but he's really more of a reserve capable of good production for reasonable stretches.Oh he definetely has a chance to be a starter in the NFL, and he's got the brains to do so...But I think Brady has always been accurate and I question McElroy's accuracy. But then I'm prejudiced.I can't tell you how many "bang my head against the wall" moments I've had where I've seen McElroy overthrow Julio Jones. So many that it turned me off of him for awhile.I thought he had some Tom Brady in him after watching the SEC Championship last year.Interesting to see that McElroy is doing well.One thing that sets him apart from the other QB's is that he's probably the smartest one there. I understand the "lack of physical skills" thing. It's the reason Bama fans were on his back all of 2009 despite the fact that he led them to the championship.I've seen more than a few people compare him to Tom Brady. But I caution people about doing that. McElroy really needs to work on his accuracy, as he floats passes and misses receivers quite a bit...though he really improved in that area during his Senior year.But I'll be pulling for him. He's got a great mind and I'd love to see him succeed.
Thanks - sorry I hadnt checked in - boy has been sick this week. Im home with Miles, so I probably won't be on the ultimate draft road trip again for at least 3-4 years - missing it, but can't think of a better reason to take a hiatus.Taking care of his young sonWhere is my man Sig?
We miss having Bloom here, too, but understandable.Sigmund Bloom said:Thanks - sorry I hadnt checked in - boy has been sick this week. Im home with Miles, so I probably won't be on the ultimate draft road trip again for at least 3-4 years - missing it, but can't think of a better reason to take a hiatus.anakin said:Taking care of his young sonDeCleater said:Where is my man Sig?
Loved the Q&A with Murray. I appreciate the questions you ask, they provoke very insightful responses. Keep up the good work, everyone!My Q&A with DeMarco Murray
I have a couple of stat corrections in the intro about Murray that the editors will correct this morning (we had an adventure getting Internet access last night at our hotel that involved traveling to a closed parking lot at Hooters to steal WiFi)
Day Two Practice Report
Maybe all RBs sound that insightful, but his answers were very interesting and somehow make me want to upgrade him in my rankings. Strange.Loved the Q&A with Murray. I appreciate the questions you ask, they provoke very insightful responses. Keep up the good work, everyone!My Q&A with DeMarco Murray
I have a couple of stat corrections in the intro about Murray that the editors will correct this morning (we had an adventure getting Internet access last night at our hotel that involved traveling to a closed parking lot at Hooters to steal WiFi)
Day Two Practice Report
Thanks Matt!Day Three's Report: Risers and Fallers
Q&A With Russ Lande
Heading out of Mobile this morning. The rest of the Q&A's will be available at Draftguys in the coming days. We'll post links to them as we turn them around.
Matt - thanks for the work that you and the other FBG staff are doing in scouting the Senior Bowl practices and game! It must be pretty cool to go for a dinner with some of these guys...what an experience!We're having dinner with Lande tonight and I interviewed him for the NY Times. I have about 20-25 minutes to transcribe - very cool stuff. I'll be up late to get it ready for tomorrow.Senior Bowl: Cameron, Young, and Pettis have solid Wednesday workouts
Russ Lande
SN Icon Sporting News
MOBILE, Ala. — After a strong Tuesday, Cal DE Cameron Jordan followed it up with an even better practice on Wednesday, when he was dominant.
He showed the explosive power and strength, excellent hand use and very good athleticism to easily defeat blocks and either pressure the quarterback or get into the backfield to disrupt running plays.
Meanwhile, both Boise State wideouts (Titus Young and Austin Pettis) had a good Wednesday practice. Young continued to separate himself from all the receivers on the North Squad. He and the South’s Leonard Hankerson (Miami, Fla.) are the two best receivers in Mobile, which should put them in position to be late first-round or high second-round picks if they continue to perform at a high level the rest of the spring.
I'm a film guy and from what I have learned, most of the folks that I've met who do similar work on a broader stage also believe that studying film gives you most of the info that you need. I learned the following about these three backs this week:Thanks Matt!Day Three's Report: Risers and Fallers
Q&A With Russ Lande
Heading out of Mobile this morning. The rest of the Q&A's will be available at Draftguys in the coming days. We'll post links to them as we turn them around.
I have been happy with what I have seen and what you guys and many other have written about Powell, Hunter, and Murray. I have felt for a while now that a few, of the many good but great rb's in this draft, would emerge. The question for these three is can they be starting rb's in the NFL versus are they just destined for a #2/rbbc role in the NFL. Going in I thought #2/rbbc/change of pace roles might be all these guys would ever me...now I think that point of view might change.
Has what you have seen altered your view on if any of these 3 can be an NFL starter?