Month: May 2012

Garrett Lindholm

stevenlourie Interviews

Today at The Football Fan Spot we have Tarleton State kicker and NFL Draft Prospect Garrett Lindholm. With a reputation for a strong leg, after hitting a 64 yarder last year and hitting 3 of 4 from 60 at his Pro Day, as well as nailing 47 touchbacks on 141 tries in the last 2 years, Lindholm could be the first kicker off the board in the 2010 NFL Draft, though he’ll have to beat out guys like Leigh Tiffin and Brett Swenson for the honor. His 64 yard field goal is tied for the 3rd longest field goal made in NCAA history. Today, he is here to tell us about his game and his Pre-NFL Draft experience.

The Football Fan Spot: First, a little bit of background stuff, when did you start playing football?

Garrett Lindholm: I began playing football in the seventh grade, but I wasn’t good enough to be the kicker. So, I ended up playing running back and corner back.

TFFS: Who did were some of your favorite players to watch as a kid? Favorite team to watch?

GL: Like most Texas kids I grew up watching the Cowboys and fell in love with the star players for Dallas like Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Irvin, etc..

TFFS: When did you first realize that you had a really good shot at the NFL?

GL: I always thought I would make it to the NFL, even as a little kid because I was faster and more competitive than the older kids I played with. My Mom has a recording of me saying I’m going to play football in the NFL when I was around 5. Ever since then, my mind hasn’t changed, but the position I thought I’d be playing has.

TFFS: I hear a lot about how kickers are often disrespected by their teammates for not being tough and not having to go out and get hit or hit someone. Has anything like that ever happened to go and if so, what was that like?

GL: I would say it’s mostly the Offensive linemen who gripe the most about kickers because they are only jealous that they aren’t kickers. I’m not your average kicker though; I work hard every day and am just as fast and strong as most the guys on the team. Plus, I made 15 to 20 touchdown saving tackles since I’ve been here on kickoffs alone.

TFFS: You made 3 of 4 kicks from 60 yards out at your Pro Day and that got the scouts really talking. Could you hit those type of kicks when you were say a freshman or sophomore or did your leg strength improve significantly over the course of your college career?

GL: Distance hasn’t ever been a problem for me; it’s just controlling and making the right contact that matters now. Yes, I could have made those kicks my freshman year, but my leg has increased in strength as well. Other players watched me make a 74 yarder and hit the cross bar twice in a row from 75 my freshman year as well.

TFFS: Which, if any, NFL teams have contacted you up to this point? Which teams sent scouts to your Pro Day?

GL: I’ve been blessed to have been contacted by a lot of teams. Our personal Pro Day only had one scout from the Dallas Cowboys, but at North Texas I think there was 17 scouts from 13 different clubs in attendance.

TFFS: A lot of the things I hear around the league about kickers are this: They’re all the same. They’re unpredictable. They’re not important. What’s your reaction to this?

GL: I wouldn’t say they are all the same, because each kicker is very different from technique, skill, or how they handle the psychologically tough situations. If you have a quality kicker, they shouldn’t be unpredictable at all, but expected to make every kick in any condition. You can ask any of my old teammates if they think kickers are important and I think they would say, “Yes, for sure.”

TFFS: How familiar you are with the other kickers in this draft class, as you are coming from a small school? How would you compare yourself to them?

GL: I have met a lot of this year’s draft prospects and have seen the rest on TV, but the good thing about kickers is the level of competition doesn’t matter. If you can kick, you can kick! I try not to compare myself to the other guys because if I do my best and train like I have since high school then it shouldn’t matter. I would like to think I match up pretty well with the best of them though.

TFFS: Switching from you to your former team, what is one thing about Tarleton State football that you believe the common football fan aught to know?

GL: That we are a scrappy team who never gives up and the score doesn’t matter in the end, but what does matter is who/what you played for (our teammates and our school).

TFFS: Interesting question, how good are you at soccer? I know what a kicker does and what a soccer player does are not exactly the same, but do those skills translate?

GL: I am actually a very talented soccer player and I had the opportunity to play in college, but passed it up to play football. I think most good kickers now days started off as soccer players. So, yeah the skill must translate.

TFFS: Have you ever played another football position on any level?

GL: I played outside linebacker, corner, and safety on defense and running back and receiver in high school. I mostly started at safety in high school, but would drop down in passing situation to linebacker to mirror the tail back. I didn’t play much offense, but was the punt returner and backup kickoff returner.

TFFS: Have you ever had to hit a game winner in college and if so, what was the outcome and what was that like?

GL: I hit one game winner last year with 3 seconds from 55 yards. To me it was just another kick and I had full faith in my snapper and holder, because they were the best. It was pretty exciting because we came back in the fourth quarter when nobody thought we could. It was pretty awesome to watch it sail between the uprights as time expired.

TFFS: As a football fan, are you a fan of particular kickers in the league? I just find it interesting to see if a kicker has a difference experience of being an NFL fan because, you know, you don’t exactly see people at the mall or wherever wearing Jay Feely or Shayne Graham jerseys.

GL: I’m a fan of each and every kicker, because they are where I want to be. I enjoy watching Jay Feely and Garrett Hartley kick because they look and kick similar to me, but watching Billy Cundiff kick from feet away in person made me want to be more fluid like him because he makes it look effortless. Maybe if I get in the NFL I could hopefully persuade some fans to wear my jersey.

TFFS: One final question, if an NFL GM were standing right in front of you and asked you, why should we draft you, what would you say to him?

GL: I promise to work hard day in and day out to get better each day and I am willing to listen to coaches and learn from others so that I can better my craft. I won’t have issues on or off the field that would bring bad news to the organization and plus I can kick touchbacks and game winning field goals in pressure situations. I hit a 64 yarder as time expired to send a game to overtime in the first round of the playoffs.

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Garrett Graham Scout

stevenlourie Uncategorized

 

 

Tight End

Wisconsin

6-3 246

40 time: 4.73

Draft board overall prospect rank: #137

Draft board tight end rank: #7

Overall rating: 63*

                4/15/10: Garrett Graham was a fairly productive tight end in his career at Wisconsin, but he has one major flaw, his size. He has ranged everywhere from 234 pounds to 246 pounds this draft Pre Season, so I wouldn’t count him as a true 246 pounder and even that is pretty small. He’s not a very good blocker, as could be expected of someone of his size. However, he does have very solid hands and decent, though not great, speed. He caught 121 passes for 1492 yards and 16 touchdowns in his 3 seasons at Wisconsin, despite not starting until this year. He spent his first two years splitting time with Travis Beckum at tight end, Beckum being the undersized tight end of Wisconsin last year who was drafted in the 3rd round by the Giants last year. I hate to compare prospects to NFL players from the same school but Graham and Beckum are extremely similar in terms of their size and skills set, though Beckum was more productive in his college career. For that reason, Graham will not be drafted in the 3rd like Beckum was, or even in the 4th. Graham could be a solid H-back in the NFL, though I can’t see him being any other type of tight end. He lacks good athleticism, but he has great hands, runs great routes, and uses his body well and controlled when catches the ball. He’ll probably be a mid to late 3rd day pick, meaning 5th or 6th round, in the 2010 NFL Draft.

NFL Comparison: Travis Beckum

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here

Gabe Carimi Scot

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Offensive Tackle/Guard

Wisconsin

6-7 314

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #24

Draft Board Overall Offensive Tackle Rank: #3

Rating: 83 (Late 1st)

40 time: 5.12

2/19/11: Gabe Carimi might be the best pure right tackle prospect to come out in a while. He’s not athletic enough or quick enough to play left tackle and be matched up with the opponent’s best pass rusher every week, but what he does well is run block and he does it extremely well. In a way, he’s like a run blocking savant.

He doesn’t quite have the same measurable as Willie Colon, who measures in at 6-3 rather than Carimi’s 6-7, but they are very similar players. Colon gives up 6-8 sacks per year as a right tackle, but he’s so good as a run blocker that you deal with it. Colon is probably the best pure run blocker in the league and Carimi was the best pure run blocker in college football last year, for Wisconsin, whose strong line and running game allowed them to dominate the Big 10.

He overpowers everyone and plays with amazing leverage despite the tall frame. Most elite run blockers are 6-3, 6-4, while Carimi is 6-7. He has a strong lower body though and uses that to get great leverage, the way Jon Runyan, who was perennially the best right tackle in the league, when he was with the Eagles, before retiring (and becoming elected to congress as a republican from New Jersey). Runyan also was 6-7.

Carimi could also move inside to guard, but his value is as a right tackle, where he won’t be overwhelmed with the opponent’s best pass rusher every week, but can still focus on doing the most damage possible as a run blocker. He should get drafted in the late first, where teams like the Eagles, Ravens, Seahawks, Patriots, Bears, Steelers, Falcons and Saints all need offensive line help, but are good enough to use a first rounder on a luxury pick, which is what a right tackle really is.

NFL Comparison: Jon Runyan

 

Furman/Florida

stevenlourie Uncategorized

1st quarter
11:55: Steed makes a tackle after Jeff Demps made two guy miss on a short catch.
8:31: Forcier leads a touchdown drive on the game’s opening series for Furman, but don’t give him too much credit. The drive featured good runs on all 6 plays, no passes.
7:30: Forcier with his first throw, dumps off on a roll out, a little inaccurate, but taken in stride for a first down and a solid gain.
5:48: Forcier hits an open receiver over the middle for a 30 yard gain and touchdown.
5:37: Chris Rainey draws pass interference.
5:23: John Brantley shows an NFL caliber arm on a pretty deep ball against tight coverage.
4:27: Rainey with a great block on a blitzing linebacker, good pickup and instincts to go to other side of pocket to pick up the blitz, allows Brantley to throw another touchdown.
3:38: Forcier with a nice throw over the middle to the tight end against tight coverage for a first.
2:26: Forcier finds a receiver for another first down, good read and decision making.
2:01: Passing touchdown by Furman, but not Forcier, by a receiver on a trick play after a pitch.
0:36: Brantley with a bad decision, almost picked.
2nd quarter
14:53: Forcier rolls out, nothing happening open downfield, scampers out of bounds after a small gain.
14:32: Forcier can’t convert 3rd and 4 on a quarterback draw.
11:51: Steed helps in coverage on tight end, Jordan Reed, who is having a great game, still a completion. Steed gets tackle after.
9:58: Forcier dumps it short for a few.
9:05: Forcier with a good throw to the outside from the opposite hash, could have been a bit more accurate, ball not quite perfect in stride, good play by defense to stop them short of the sticks on 3rd down.
8:03: Forcier throws a dart on the run for a solid gain downfield, right on the money 15+ yards or so. 7-7 so far.
7:35: Forcier almost makes a great deep completion on the run, throws a good ball under pressure, gives receiver a chance at a play, tough, but catchable ball, dropped deep.
6:48: Forcier had nothing open downfield, help a bit too long, takes a sack on 3rd down, puts out of field goal range. Jaye Howard in on a combined sack.
5:50: Brantley with another NFL caliber throw, accurate deep against Steed, DeBose makes good play after the catch to take it to the house, 80 yards, a quick strike. Good throw by Brantley, but better play by DeBose to catch it against tight coverage. DeBose has also burned Dre Kirkpatrick and Morris Claiborne for long touchdowns this year. The speedy sophomore has a great future.
4:09: Forcier throws medium over the middle, just a little high, catchable, but tough, needs to be a little bit more accurate on a short to intermediate throw. Furman still picks up 5 on an off sides penalty.
3:52: Forcier on a designed run, or at least what looks like one, nothing happening, he should stop running.
3:08: Brantley with another great deep throw, this one on Ryan Steed again for a 26 yard touchdown. The last touchdown play was more on the receiver, this one was all Brantley and his arm.
2:55: Forcier inaccurate on a pass in the flat. Leaves it high, receiver can’t catch it.
2:10: Forcier incomplete on a shovel pass on 3rd down, don’t get the decision on 3rd and 10.
1:55: Steed eventually makes the open field tackle, but not after a huge gain on the ground by Rainey.
0:46: Sneed thrown on in the end zone, inaccurate, receiver only able to get one hand on it.
3rd quarter
14:46: Forcier complete short for a few.
11:57: Forcier scrambles for a few after play action.
10:22: Forcier just overthrows guy in the end zone, still put it in the only place possible where the defensive back couldn’t get it.
10:04: Forcier throws short of sticks on 3rd down and goal, can’t convert after catch.
7:59: Sneed forces the ball carrier out of bounds.
7:34: Sneed gets a tackle on the outside.
6:05: Forcier with another good throw on the run against sideline, good job by receiver keeping feet in bounds.
5:07: Forcier can’t convert 3rd and 1 on a naked bootleg, Furman gets first down anyway on Howard off sides. 
4:36: Forcier throws with a hand in his space, inaccurate downfield.
4:17: Forcier with a poor gain on a quarterback carry.
4:00: Forcier throws on 3rd and 16 short to a guy with no chance to convert.
1:17: Forcier overthrows receiver on sideline, seems to be leaving too many balls high.
0:56: Brantley with another good deep throw to Andre DeBose for another quick strike touchdown, not on Sneed this time. 
4th quarter
12:54: Forcier throws a pick six.
12:05: Forcier picks up a few on a scramble, not enough to convert 2nd and 6.
10:49: Forcier incomplete deep.
9:52: Forcier complete over the middle, receiver does well after catch over the middle.
7:33: Forcier incomplete on the run on 3rd and 19.
5:56: Forcier can’t quite complete an intermediate pass, tough catch for receiver, could have been caught, but needs to make a more accurate throw.
5:11: Forcier scrambles, buys time, completes a pass on the run, great play by the receiver on the sideline.
4:39: Forcier hangs in pocket, goes through progressions, find an open receiver.
4:05: Forcier with another pick six, just an inaccurate short throw. Terrible.
3:48: Forcier taken out of game down 54-32.
0:00: The game featured two fringe draftable quarterbacks, Furman’s Chris Forcier and Florida’s John Brantley. Forcier started out great in this one, completing his first 7 passes and leading small school Furman to a 22-7 early lead over heavily favored Florida. He displayed a good arm, but was supported by a good running game early, but once Florida’s offense woke up, Forcier started to struggle finishing 14 of 26 for 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 pick sixes.
Forcier was a heavily recruited player out of High School and part of a good football family, but transferred to Furman because he wasn’t being played at UCLA. He had a great senior season in which he completed 64.1% of his passes for 9.8 YPA, 23 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. This was his game to display himself as a potential draftable prospect to pro scouts and I don’t think he did so. He had some nice throws, but struggled once he started facing some adversity. He also displayed poor accuracy on short to intermediate passes, even on some that were completed. He left a lot of balls high and displayed poor pocket presence, taking a sack that knocked them out of field goal range and throwing way short of the sticks on several separate third and longs. I don’t think he can be drafted.
Brantley, on the other hand, had a much better game completing 16 of 28 of 329 for 4 touchdowns and no picks, showing great deep accuracy and arm strength all game. Based on this game tape, I’d say he’s worth a late round flier, but you have to remember this was just Furman. During an injury riddled senior season, Brantley completed 60.0% of his passes for an average of 8.5 YPA and 11 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. As a junior, his first year as a starter, he was worse, completing 60.8% of his passes for 6.3 YPA and 9 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He might not be worth a draft pick either, but he was better than Forcier.
Brantley did do a good job of throwing on one of the tape non-FBS cornerbacks, Furman’s Ryan Steed. Steed, a potential mid rounder or even day 2 pick, had a showcase game against Florida here, but allowed 2 touchdowns and 3 catches. One of the passes was over the middle on Florida’s sophomore tight end Jordan Reed, who finished with 4 catches for 56 yards and a score. On the first touchdown, he had good coverage on Andre DeBose, but DeBose, who also burned Kirkpatrick and Claiborne for long touchdowns, made a great play on the ball and broke free for a 80 yard touchdown. On the 2nd touchdown, he was just beat deep. The 5-11 186 pounder did not impress me and will need a good pre-draft season to go any higher than the late rounds.
Forcier was supported by a good running game, which is why this game was so close, even closer until two late Forcier pick sixes. Furman ran for 233 yards and 2 scores on 45 yards, despite Forcier rushing for just 2 yards on 8 carries, including the one sack. Forcier is not fleet of foot, but ran too often. Florida’s run defense couldn’t stop small school Furman’s, which looks bad on Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard, the top senior on Florida’s defense. Howard has not impressed me in any of his games and though he did get on a combined sack in this one, he looks like a late rounder to me as 4-3 nose tackle. The 6-3 305 pounder had 65 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks on the season.

 

Spotlight #1: Furman CB Ryan Steed

Spotlight #2: Furman QB Chris Forcier 

1st quarter

11:55: Steed makes a tackle after Jeff Demps made two guy miss on a short catch.

8:31: Forcier leads a touchdown drive on the game’s opening series for Furman, but don’t give him too much credit. The drive featured good runs on all 6 plays, no passes.

7:30: Forcier with his first throw, dumps off on a roll out, a little inaccurate, but taken in stride for a first down and a solid gain.

5:48: Forcier hits an open receiver over the middle for a 30 yard gain and touchdown.

5:37: Chris Rainey draws pass interference.

5:23: John Brantley shows an NFL caliber arm on a pretty deep ball against tight coverage.

4:27: Rainey with a great block on a blitzing linebacker, good pickup and instincts to go to other side of pocket to pick up the blitz, allows Brantley to throw another touchdown.

3:38: Forcier with a nice throw over the middle to the tight end against tight coverage for a first.

2:26: Forcier finds a receiver for another first down, good read and decision making.

2:01: Passing touchdown by Furman, but not Forcier, by a receiver on a trick play after a pitch.

0:36: Brantley with a bad decision, almost picked.

2nd quarter

14:53: Forcier rolls out, nothing happening open downfield, scampers out of bounds after a small gain.

14:32: Forcier can’t convert 3rd and 4 on a quarterback draw.

11:51: Steed helps in coverage on tight end, Jordan Reed, who is having a great game, still a completion. Steed gets tackle after.

9:58: Forcier dumps it short for a few.

9:05: Forcier with a good throw to the outside from the opposite hash, could have been a bit more accurate, ball not quite perfect in stride, good play by defense to stop them short of the sticks on 3rd down.

8:03: Forcier throws a dart on the run for a solid gain downfield, right on the money 15+ yards or so. 7-7 so far.

7:35: Forcier almost makes a great deep completion on the run, throws a good ball under pressure, gives receiver a chance at a play, tough, but catchable ball, dropped deep.

6:48: Forcier had nothing open downfield, help a bit too long, takes a sack on 3rd down, puts out of field goal range. Jaye Howard in on a combined sack.

5:50: Brantley with another NFL caliber throw, accurate deep against Steed, DeBose makes good play after the catch to take it to the house, 80 yards, a quick strike. Good throw by Brantley, but better play by DeBose to catch it against tight coverage. DeBose has also burned Dre Kirkpatrick and Morris Claiborne for long touchdowns this year. The speedy sophomore has a great future.

4:09: Forcier throws medium over the middle, just a little high, catchable, but tough, needs to be a little bit more accurate on a short to intermediate throw. Furman still picks up 5 on an off sides penalty.

3:52: Forcier on a designed run, or at least what looks like one, nothing happening, he should stop running.

3:08: Brantley with another great deep throw, this one on Ryan Steed again for a 26 yard touchdown. The last touchdown play was more on the receiver, this one was all Brantley and his arm.

2:55: Forcier inaccurate on a pass in the flat. Leaves it high, receiver can’t catch it.

2:10: Forcier incomplete on a shovel pass on 3rd down, don’t get the decision on 3rd and 10.

1:55: Steed eventually makes the open field tackle, but not after a huge gain on the ground by Rainey.

0:46: Sneed thrown on in the end zone, inaccurate, receiver only able to get one hand on it.

 

3rd quarter

14:46: Forcier complete short for a few.

11:57: Forcier scrambles for a few after play action.

10:22: Forcier just overthrows guy in the end zone, still put it in the only place possible where the defensive back couldn’t get it.

10:04: Forcier throws short of sticks on 3rd down and goal, can’t convert after catch.

7:59: Sneed forces the ball carrier out of bounds.

7:34: Sneed gets a tackle on the outside.

6:05: Forcier with another good throw on the run against sideline, good job by receiver keeping feet in bounds.

5:07: Forcier can’t convert 3rd and 1 on a naked bootleg, Furman gets first down anyway on Howard off sides.

4:36: Forcier throws with a hand in his space, inaccurate downfield.

4:17: Forcier with a poor gain on a quarterback carry.

4:00: Forcier throws on 3rd and 16 short to a guy with no chance to convert.

1:17: Forcier overthrows receiver on sideline, seems to be leaving too many balls high.

0:56: Brantley with another good deep throw to Andre DeBose for another quick strike touchdown, not on Sneed this time.

4th quarter

12:54: Forcier throws a pick six.

12:05: Forcier picks up a few on a scramble, not enough to convert 2nd and 6.

10:49: Forcier incomplete deep.

9:52: Forcier complete over the middle, receiver does well after catch over the middle.

7:33: Forcier incomplete on the run on 3rd and 19.

5:56: Forcier can’t quite complete an intermediate pass, tough catch for receiver, could have been caught, but needs to make a more accurate throw.

5:11: Forcier scrambles, buys time, completes a pass on the run, great play by the receiver on the sideline.

4:39: Forcier hangs in pocket, goes through progressions, find an open receiver.

4:05: Forcier with another pick six, just an inaccurate short throw. Terrible.

3:48: Forcier taken out of game down 54-32.

0:00: The game featured two fringe draftable quarterbacks, Furman’s Chris Forcier and Florida’s John Brantley. Forcier started out great in this one, completing his first 7 passes and leading small school Furman to a 22-7 early lead over heavily favored Florida. He displayed a good arm, but was supported by a good running game early, but once Florida’s offense woke up, Forcier started to struggle finishing 14 of 26 for 166 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 pick sixes.

Forcier was a heavily recruited player out of High School and part of a good football family, but transferred to Furman because he wasn’t being played at UCLA. He had a great senior season in which he completed 64.1% of his passes for 9.8 YPA, 23 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. This was his game to display himself as a potential draftable prospect to pro scouts and I don’t think he did so. He had some nice throws, but struggled once he started facing some adversity. He also displayed poor accuracy on short to intermediate passes, even on some that were completed. He left a lot of balls high and displayed poor pocket presence, taking a sack that knocked them out of field goal range and throwing way short of the sticks on several separate third and longs. I don’t think he can be drafted.

Brantley, on the other hand, had a much better game completing 16 of 28 of 329 for 4 touchdowns and no picks, showing great deep accuracy and arm strength all game. Based on this game tape, I’d say he’s worth a late round flier, but you have to remember this was just Furman. During an injury riddled senior season, Brantley completed 60.0% of his passes for an average of 8.5 YPA and 11 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. As a junior, his first year as a starter, he was worse, completing 60.8% of his passes for 6.3 YPA and 9 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He might not be worth a draft pick either, but he was better than Forcier.

Brantley did do a good job of throwing on one of the tape non-FBS cornerbacks, Furman’s Ryan Steed. Steed, a potential mid rounder or even day 2 pick, had a showcase game against Florida here, but allowed 2 touchdowns and 3 catches. One of the passes was over the middle on Florida’s sophomore tight end Jordan Reed, who finished with 4 catches for 56 yards and a score. On the first touchdown, he had good coverage on Andre DeBose, but DeBose, who also burned Kirkpatrick and Claiborne for long touchdowns, made a great play on the ball and broke free for a 80 yard touchdown. On the 2nd touchdown, he was just beat deep. The 5-11 186 pounder did not impress me and will need a good pre-draft season to go any higher than the late rounds.

Forcier was supported by a good running game, which is why this game was so close, even closer until two late Forcier pick sixes. Furman ran for 233 yards and 2 scores on 45 yards, despite Forcier rushing for just 2 yards on 8 carries, including the one sack. Forcier is not fleet of foot, but ran too often. Florida’s run defense couldn’t stop small school Furman’s, which looks bad on Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard, the top senior on Florida’s defense. Howard has not impressed me in any of his games and though he did get on a combined sack in this one, he looks like a late rounder to me as 4-3 nose tackle. The 6-3 305 pounder had 65 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks on the season.

 

Fullbacks 2012

stevenlourie News

Updated 4/4/12

QB RB FB WR TE OT G C DE RLB DT NT 3-4 DE OLB MLB CB S K P

Scoring System 

100 Once in a decade prospect 
95-99 Elite talent 
90-95 Solid top 10 pick 
85-90 Solid first round pick 
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 
65-70 3rd-4th round pick 
60-65 4th-5th round pick 
55-60 5th round pick 
50-55 6th round pick 
45-50 7th round pick 
40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 
<40 No NFL Future 

 

1. Rhett Ellison (USC) 57

2. Bradie Ewing (Wisconsin) 53

3. Brad Smelley (Alabama) 52

4. Drake Dunsmore (Northwestern) 51

5. Cody Johnson (Texas) 46

 

 

Fullbacks 2011

stevenlourie News

 

Updated 4/20/11

QB RB FB WR TE OT G C DE RLB DT 3-4 DE NT MLB OLB CB S K P

Scoring System 

100 Once in a decade prospect 
95-99 Elite talent 
90-95 Solid top 10 pick 
85-90 Solid first round pick 
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 
65-70 3rd-4th round pick 
60-65 4th-5th round pick 
55-60 5th round pick 
50-55 6th round pick 
45-50 7th round pick 
40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 
30-40 Career practice squader 
20-30 No NFL future 
0-20 No football future 

 

1. Charles Clay 57 (Tulsa)

2. Owen Marecic 54 (Stanford)

3. Henry Hynoski 52 (Pittsburgh)

4. Anthony Sherman 51 (Connecticut)

5. Stanley Havili 46 (USC)

6. Shaun Chapas 44 (Georgia)

 

 

 

Frostee Rucker Browns

stevenlourie Uncategorized

 

Frostee Rucker was the other situation run stuffing 4-3 end from Cincinnati who signed elsewhere today (Jonathan Fanene). Like Fanene, Rucker is slightly above average against the run and well below average as a pass rusher. 12 million over 3 years made a little sense for Fanene because he seems like a better fit in a 3-4, but the Browns run a 4-3 and they still paid 20 million over 4 years for Rucker. I don’t really think he’s any different than incumbent left end Jayme Mitchell. Both should just be situational players and they still need another pass rusher through the draft. I guess when the Browns said they weren’t going to spend big money this offseason, they meant they wouldn’t spent big money unless the player sucked.

Grade: F

 

Fresno State/Utah State

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Spotlight #1: Utah State MLB Bobby Wagner

Spotlight #2: Fresno State DT Logan Harrell 

1st quarter

14:47: Harrell pushed back and can’t disengage on a run play.

13:21: Harrell gets pressure up the middle.

13:14: Harrell run at, can’t disengage, pancaked.

12:20: Harrell overanxious on a screen, screener able to score on a big play against a blitz.

11:30: Wagner blitzes, nothing happening.

9:35: Wagner blitzing, shows good instincts to turn around quickly on a run and make a tackle, albeit after the first down is allowed.

7:42: Harrell creates a pile on a stop for a short gain.

6:42: Harrell gets into the backfield on a set up screen, good instincts to stay at home on a screen play.

6:11: Harrell pancaked.

5:52: Wagner with good sideline to sideline speed to get a tackle on the opposite side of the field.

4:08: Wagner gets pressure on a blitz.

3:58: Harrell gets in on a tackle.

0:57: Wagner fooled on a fake, tackles the running back instead.

0:12: Wagner takes a bad angle on a pretty big run allowed.

2nd quarter

14:43: Wagner in on a tackle on a pretty big gain on an outside run.

14:13: Wagner in on a tackle up the middle on a run.

13:34: A run out an opposite gap, good speed by Wagner to chase him down from behind.

8:49: Harrell gives chase on a roll out. Nice speed for a defensive tackle.

8:42: Harrell with a powerful spin to beat one guy, but another blocker picks him up.

8:32: Harrell in on a short tackle.

7:14: Wagner on a tackle on an outside run, could have been a little stronger, back is able to drag him a little.

4:48: Harrell is able to get pressure and a hit on the quarterback.

2:07: Harrell unblocked into the backfield, can’t do anything with it, has to chase the back from behind for a short gain.

1:26: Harrell pushed off the snap big time on a run.

0:12: Wagner on a solo tackle for a short gain up the middle.

3rd quarter

14:47: Wagner tripped up by a fallen guy in the backfield while trying to get pressure.

12:36: Robert Turbin with yet another huge run. He’s at 9 carries for 108 yards on the game. The junior running back does it all. He had 207 carries for 1296 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, along with 30 catches for 418 yards and 5 touchdowns. This year, coming into this game, he has 93 carries for 599 yards and 10 touchdowns with 5 catches for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s also reportedly a very good pass protector. He’s 5-10 215 with solid speed. Look for him to be playing on Sundays someday.

11:33: Harrell in on a tackle for little to no gain.

8:42: Wagner on a nice outside tackle.

7:53: Wagner throws off a running back block on a blitz and gets pressure,

6:16: Harrell disengages, but a broken tackle.

5:02: Harrell able to get a tackle in space after a gain of 6 yards.

3:20: Harrell into the backfield, but run is into the opposite gap.

2:48: Harrell creates a pile on the line, but it’s an outside run.

2:14: Harrell lets the quarterback run past him after he gets push on the line. Poor instincts.

4th quarter

14:00: Wagner able to get pressure, isn’t tripped up by the back.

11:55: Wagner juked out on a ball carrier reversing field, can’t catch it.

11:27: Harrell in on a pressure on a play where Fresno State gets a strip sack.

9:12: Wagner taken down on a cut block on 4th down, Fresno State converts.

7:54: Harrell run at, stopped for no gain.

6:32: Harrell with a tackle for little to no gain after shedding a block, stuffs back on a shovel pass, not fooled, 3rd down stop.

3:36: Logan Harrell with a pass deflection at the line.

3:28: Harrell gets into the backfield, pressure, quarterback escapes, good chase, forces bad throw.

3:22: Harrell showing the nice spin move again into the backfield.

1:27: Harrell muscles his way up the middle and brings the quarterback down for a sack. Powerful play.

0:00: Bobby Wagner had a solid game as a 3-4 middle linebacker for Utah State with 8 tackles. He has 89 tackles, 5 for a loss, 3 sacks, and a pick on the season in 7 games. At 6-1 230, he’s too small to stay inside in a 3-4 at the next level and he really showed his lack of size in this game at times. That size will cut it in the WAC, but he’ll have to be an outside linebacker in a 4-3 in the pros.

He’s got solid sideline to sideline ability and is a good blitzer when he has space, but he doesn’t fight off bigger blocks very well. He struggles when offensive linemen get into the 2nd level and block, but when he has space, he’s a good fundamental tackler with nice instincts and great technique. He looks like a mid to late round pick as a 4th or 5th linebacker in a 4-3 and a special teamer.

As for Logan Harrell, he had some nice flashy plays and he’s really shown himself to be a stat stuffer on the season. He has 49 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 5 sacks in 8 games. However, at 6-2 275, it’s unclear what position he’ll play at the next level. He’s too small to be an every down defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end, but he doesn’t have the height or the speed to be a left end. He might just be a nickel rusher at defensive tackle and a situational player.

He struggled against the run and didn’t get consistent pressure either in this game and overall he didn’t stand out as a dominant player against WAC competition. He needed to stand out to be anything more than a mid rounder and I think he’s in that mid to late round range as a situation 4-3 player. He really reminds me of Eric Foster, a 6-2 265 pound defensive tackle for Indianapolis.

Free Agents 41-50

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41. G Harvey Dahl (Atlanta)- signed in St. Louis 4 years

One of the best guards in the league and coming off arguably the best season of his career, but he’s 30 this offseason, so teams need to avoid paying him for things he’s already done and pay him for what they think he can do.

42. OLB/RLB Manny Lawson (San Francisco)- signed in Cincinnati 1 year 3 million

Not much of a pass rusher with only 14.5 sacks in 5 years as a rush linebacker for San Francisco, but he’s solid in pass coverage and good against the run. He’d be best off with a new team, a 4-3 one, as a strong side linebacker.

43. CB Antonio Cromartie (NY Jets)- resigned 4 years 32 million

Inconsistent, streaky, and a bit of a head case, but when he’s on he’s on and his type of size, speed, and ball skills are rare in this league. He’s best in a scheme where he can play deep, rather than in close in bump and run and it appears tackling and stopping the run are against his religion.

44. OT Tyson Clabo (Atlanta)- resigned 5 years 27 million 11.5 million guaranteed

An above average right tackle, who made the Pro Bowl this season. That could inflate his value.

45. WR Braylon Edwards (NY Jets)- signed in San Francisco 1 year 3.5 million 1 million guaranteed

Talented, but inconsistent, drop happy and somewhat of a head case. His 80 catches for 1281 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007 are his upside, but 16 drops to 55 catches in 2008 and only 45 catches for 630 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009 are his downside. He’s a former #3 overall pick, but his 53 catches for 904 yards and 7 touchdowns, and only two drops, this year might have been just an effort to get a longterm deal. With 4 other Jets on this list to deal with, in addition to Brad Smith, and Brodney Pool, Edwards might have to find a new team this offseason.

 

46. S Quentin Mikell (Philadelphia)- signed with St. Louis 4 years 28 million

A solid safety for the Eagles for years and turned in his 3 best years in the last 3 years, but he’s over 30 so a big, longterm deal might not be the best idea.

47. 3-4 DE/DT Cullen Jenkins (Green Bay)- signed with Philadelphia 5 years 25 million

One of the league’s best defensive linemen when healthy, but he’s missed 17 games in the last 3 seasons. He had a career high 7 sacks in 2010, despite missing 5 games. He has experience in both a 4-3 and a 3-4. The Packers recent comments make it seem like they are ready to move on without him with Johnny Jolly hopefully returning from his suspension and 2010 2nd round pick Mike Neal waiting in the wings.

48. CB Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh)- resigned with Pittsburgh 4 years 28 million 9 million guaranteed

Pittsburgh’s best cornerback had a much better 2010 than 2009, but he’s not the same when Troy Polamalu isn’t on the field and he’s had a ton of help from his front 7. He’s no more than a solid #2 cornerback.

49. CB Chris Carr (Baltimore)- resigned 4 years 14 million 3.8 million guaranteed

Carr broke out this season, just in time for a new contract. The Ravens front 7 play may have helped him out big time.

50. TE Mercedes Lewis (Jacksonville)- resigned 5 years 35 million 18 million guaranteed

The former 1st round pick finally broke out in 2010, with 57 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns in the last year of his rookie deal. He’s a mauling run blocker and a big target, but has a history of complacency and might have just played well this season because he smelled the money. 

 

 

Free Agents 31-40

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31. OT Doug Free (Dallas)- resigned 4 years 32 million 17 million guaranteed

Played surprisingly well in 2010, his first year as a starter. He’ll get a lot of money no matter where he goes.

32. TE Owen Daniels (Houston)- resigned with Houston 4 years, 22 million, 6 million guaranteed

When healthy he’s one of the best tight ends in the league, but he keeps tearing his ACL. One more could end his career.

33. FB Vonta Leach (Houston)- signed with Baltimore 3 years 11 million

The best fullback in the league and a huge part of Arian Foster’s success. The Texans can’t let him go. He also had 76 career catches.

34. 3-4 DE/DT Richard Seymour (Oakland)- resigned 2 years 30 million 22.5 guaranteed

He was once one of the best defensive linemen in the game but at 31, he’s not the same player anymore. He’s still an above average one and has experience in both a 3-4 and a 4-3.

35. DE Jason Babin (Tennessee)- signed with Philadelphia 5 years 28 million 6 million guaranteed

He had 12.5 sacks this season, but his previous career high was 5 and he’s 31 in May. Giving longterm deals to 30+ year old defensive ends after one year of success is normally a bad idea.

 

36. OT Matt Light (New England)- Resigned 2 years 12 million 7 million guaranteed

He’s not quite the player he was in his prime, but he was a big part of the reason behind the Patriots success this year as the line as a whole protected Tom Brady very well. He struggled with more athletic pass rushers against the Jets however and he’s over 30.

37. OLB James Anderson (Carolina)- Resigned 5 years 22 million

One of the bright spots on Carolina’s 2-14 team, Anderson stepped in with all the injuries at linebacker and had 130 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

38. WR Steve Smith (NY Giants)- signed with Philadelphia 1 year 4 million

He’s got injury problems, but he caught 100 passes in 2009 and he’s only 26 this offseason so he’s worth a good amount of money.

39. DE/RLB Mathias Kiwanuka (NY Giants)- resigned 2 years 8.6 million 4.6 million guaranteed

Injury prone, but extremely athletic. I think his potential would be best maximized in a 3-4, but he has 23.5 sacks in 5 years with the Giants, as a former first round pick.

40. MLB Kevin Burnett (San Diego)- signed in Buffalo 4 years 22 million 9 million guaranteed

A do everything linebacker, Burnett has settled into his role in the middle of San Diego’s 3-4 with 95 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 picks last season.

Prediction: Buffalo

San Diego decided he was asking too much and signed Takeo Spikes instead. That doesn’t completely rule out a return to the Chargers as they play a 3-4 scheme that starts 2 middle linebackers, but right now it seems more likely he rejoins former teammate Shawne Merriman in Buffalo, another 3-4 team.