Matt Waldman
Footballguy
According to Cowboys beat writers, the best-looking WR in training camp after a couple of days is Sam Hurd.
Who is Hurd?
He's a four-year veteran signed as an un-drafted free agent from Northern Illinois during the Parcells regime. Although not drafted, he was signed to a pretty sizeable contract for a player with such a lowly status. As we've figured out, Bill Parcells has a very good eye for second-day picks and Hurd was one of those players.
Why should I pay attention?
Although the Cowboys intend to use a lot of two-WR sets and run the ball a ton, Hurd is a late-round pick who could garner opportunities to produce just enough to have bye-week, injury value. Roy Williams has all-world ability, but if he goes into a shell once again, Hurd could easily vault from the No. 5 option to the No. 2 or No. 3 option in this passing attack.
Why does he have the edge for the No.2 spot
Because Hurd is frankly one of the five best blocking receivers I have studied on film since I began watching film for my Rookie Scouting Portfolios in 2006. The Cowboys want to pound the ball this year, which I believe will drop Romo's productivity out of the top 10, but Hurd's blocking is going to help get his RB teammates some huge runs. Hurd was renown for his work habits in college and he's a great example of a player where "slow and steady wins the race" when it comes to development and growth.
Why does he have fantasy upside?
Although he had some dropsies earlier in his career, it was not a problem for him in college. He was physical, good in traffic, and ran well after the catch. I find that most players eventually show the same talents in the pros that they showed in college. The dominance might not be there, but you don't often see completely different skill sets show up or go away from college to pro. Hurd should make a decent red zone option and reliable player over the middle.
Attached you will find my 2006 Rookie Scouting Portfolio profile and checklist on Sam Hurd. This was my first year writing this publication so the game film detail isn't as strong as I made it in future seasons. I had Hurd listed as a project in my reports section for the WR position:
Sam Hurd, Northern Illinois: Hurd was one of the most impressive receivers I saw on film
this year. This doesn’t make him a great NFL prospect, but it shows he knows how to play the
game. He’s tough over the middle and has a knack for getting deep. He catches the ball with
his hands, and is one of the most tenacious blocker at the position in this draft class. He has
NFL size, and no one on his college squad outworks him. His 40-yard and short shuttle times
were unimpressive, but he has the body control, hands, and heart to work his way onto a
roster.
SamHurd.pdf
Who is Hurd?
He's a four-year veteran signed as an un-drafted free agent from Northern Illinois during the Parcells regime. Although not drafted, he was signed to a pretty sizeable contract for a player with such a lowly status. As we've figured out, Bill Parcells has a very good eye for second-day picks and Hurd was one of those players.
Why should I pay attention?
Although the Cowboys intend to use a lot of two-WR sets and run the ball a ton, Hurd is a late-round pick who could garner opportunities to produce just enough to have bye-week, injury value. Roy Williams has all-world ability, but if he goes into a shell once again, Hurd could easily vault from the No. 5 option to the No. 2 or No. 3 option in this passing attack.
Why does he have the edge for the No.2 spot
Because Hurd is frankly one of the five best blocking receivers I have studied on film since I began watching film for my Rookie Scouting Portfolios in 2006. The Cowboys want to pound the ball this year, which I believe will drop Romo's productivity out of the top 10, but Hurd's blocking is going to help get his RB teammates some huge runs. Hurd was renown for his work habits in college and he's a great example of a player where "slow and steady wins the race" when it comes to development and growth.
Why does he have fantasy upside?
Although he had some dropsies earlier in his career, it was not a problem for him in college. He was physical, good in traffic, and ran well after the catch. I find that most players eventually show the same talents in the pros that they showed in college. The dominance might not be there, but you don't often see completely different skill sets show up or go away from college to pro. Hurd should make a decent red zone option and reliable player over the middle.
Attached you will find my 2006 Rookie Scouting Portfolio profile and checklist on Sam Hurd. This was my first year writing this publication so the game film detail isn't as strong as I made it in future seasons. I had Hurd listed as a project in my reports section for the WR position:
Sam Hurd, Northern Illinois: Hurd was one of the most impressive receivers I saw on film
this year. This doesn’t make him a great NFL prospect, but it shows he knows how to play the
game. He’s tough over the middle and has a knack for getting deep. He catches the ball with
his hands, and is one of the most tenacious blocker at the position in this draft class. He has
NFL size, and no one on his college squad outworks him. His 40-yard and short shuttle times
were unimpressive, but he has the body control, hands, and heart to work his way onto a
roster.
SamHurd.pdf
