North Squad
Alex Mack; 6-04.1, 312: Mack has been extremely solid at the practices, and shows a nice upside in the pivot. He's had some minor struggles with BJ Raji, but everybody has. He has great size, and should be a solid 2nd rounder.
Max Unger; 6-04.6, 299: Unger has struggled as much as anybody else, especially with snaps that must be addressed. Blocking wise he's been ok, but I'd like to see him at different positions.
Ryan Shuman; 6-02.6, 300: Shuman has battled as much as possible, but he's not athletic enough to start in the NFL.
South Squad
Antoine Caldwell; 6-03.3, 307: He's a bit of a pit bull, and gets very low. He anchors very well, and sets his feet. He's got the best feet of the centers.
Eric Wood; 6-04.1, 304: He hasn't disappointed. He's one of my favorites, and is quite a battler. The line play this year has been extremely impressive, and he's standing out.
Jonathon Luigs; 6-03.3, 302: He's been very solid, as the South centers have dominated the line play this week.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Senior Bowl Positional Detail: TE's
North Squad
Connor Barwin; 6-03.3, 253: Can play both DE and TE. That kind of versatility goes a long way. Could be either in the NFL. Solid TE prospect, he's suppose to be better at DE.
John Phillips; 6-05.3, 251: Great size, but not athletic enough. Hasn't caught my eye, will have to wait until combine to get a better read on him.
Brandon Pettigrew; 6-05.1, 257: Great all around player. Doesn't play fast enough, but is good in passing game. Won't stretch the field, but is a great blocker.
South Squad
Shawn Nelson; 6-04.6, 238: He's got very good feet, and has held his own as a blocker. He's looking up, and should be a third round pick.
Travis McCall; 6-02.0, 276: Kind of short, might move to fullback. Inline blocker type.
Anthony Hill; 6-05.1, 264: All-pro body type. Great size, need to see more, probably at combine.
Connor Barwin; 6-03.3, 253: Can play both DE and TE. That kind of versatility goes a long way. Could be either in the NFL. Solid TE prospect, he's suppose to be better at DE.
John Phillips; 6-05.3, 251: Great size, but not athletic enough. Hasn't caught my eye, will have to wait until combine to get a better read on him.
Brandon Pettigrew; 6-05.1, 257: Great all around player. Doesn't play fast enough, but is good in passing game. Won't stretch the field, but is a great blocker.
South Squad
Shawn Nelson; 6-04.6, 238: He's got very good feet, and has held his own as a blocker. He's looking up, and should be a third round pick.
Travis McCall; 6-02.0, 276: Kind of short, might move to fullback. Inline blocker type.
Anthony Hill; 6-05.1, 264: All-pro body type. Great size, need to see more, probably at combine.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Senior Bowl Positional Detail: WR
I'll skip the RB's until after the Senior Bowl game, which is the best time to evaluate the RB's.
North Squad:
Brooks Foster; 6-00.5, 204: He's shown a burst for someone who had injury problems and missed his bowl game. According to NFL network he isn't 100% yet, but he's showing great heart and effort. I am eagerly awaiting his time.
Derrick Williams; 5-11.2, 197: He's always been one of my favorite type of players, as he plays with the type of energy that is contagious. He has great burst, but has struggled somewhat with his hands. I wouldn't sell him short, as his short area burst is top in this year's draft class. He's making plays in practice.
Brandon Gibson; 6-00.3, 204: I need to see more of him to get a better feel for him.
Juaquin Iglesias; 6-00.5, 204: I thought he'd be bigger, but he is what he is. He's a solid third round type who will be an extra receiver. He needs to develop to become more.
Ramses Barden; 6-06.0, 227: He has legitimate size, but that might be all he's got going for him. I need to see more, but he's not impressing so far.
Brian Robiskie; 6-02.7, 207: I think he's always been sold short, but he's a great route runner, and should take less time to develop. He's the type who could start in the NFL right away, not many WR's can do that. I think he's underrated, and should be a high second rounder.
South Squad:
Mo Massaquoi; 6-01.3, 210: He's had the case of the dropsies in practice, which is his rep. I think he's average, and is overrated. He's also a tad shorter than I thought he'd be.
Mike Thomas; 5-08.0, 187: Don't let his size fool you, he's a rat, and a tough receiver. He has a little bit of Steve Smith in him, but I don't know if he can handle the deep routes like Smith. Right now he's great underneath, and has very good hands. He's a receiver's receiver.
Quan Cosby; 5-08.6, 191: He's more of the possession type, and I don't see too much of an upside. He's got decent hands, and looks like a decent mid round pick. He's experienced, and is close to a finished product.
Patrick Turner; 6-05.1, 221: I don't believe he's in Mobile, or I'm completely missing him.
Mike Wallace; 6-00.1, 189: Unheralded receiver who was a key cog in college defense. He's got some quicks to him, and I believe he's running under the radar right now. Watch out for him. I need to see him run.
Kenny McKinley; 5-11.5, 182: Is struggling in his limited reps in Mobile. Had QB problems at SC, so it's tough to get a guage on him.
North Squad:
Brooks Foster; 6-00.5, 204: He's shown a burst for someone who had injury problems and missed his bowl game. According to NFL network he isn't 100% yet, but he's showing great heart and effort. I am eagerly awaiting his time.
Derrick Williams; 5-11.2, 197: He's always been one of my favorite type of players, as he plays with the type of energy that is contagious. He has great burst, but has struggled somewhat with his hands. I wouldn't sell him short, as his short area burst is top in this year's draft class. He's making plays in practice.
Brandon Gibson; 6-00.3, 204: I need to see more of him to get a better feel for him.
Juaquin Iglesias; 6-00.5, 204: I thought he'd be bigger, but he is what he is. He's a solid third round type who will be an extra receiver. He needs to develop to become more.
Ramses Barden; 6-06.0, 227: He has legitimate size, but that might be all he's got going for him. I need to see more, but he's not impressing so far.
Brian Robiskie; 6-02.7, 207: I think he's always been sold short, but he's a great route runner, and should take less time to develop. He's the type who could start in the NFL right away, not many WR's can do that. I think he's underrated, and should be a high second rounder.
South Squad:
Mo Massaquoi; 6-01.3, 210: He's had the case of the dropsies in practice, which is his rep. I think he's average, and is overrated. He's also a tad shorter than I thought he'd be.
Mike Thomas; 5-08.0, 187: Don't let his size fool you, he's a rat, and a tough receiver. He has a little bit of Steve Smith in him, but I don't know if he can handle the deep routes like Smith. Right now he's great underneath, and has very good hands. He's a receiver's receiver.
Quan Cosby; 5-08.6, 191: He's more of the possession type, and I don't see too much of an upside. He's got decent hands, and looks like a decent mid round pick. He's experienced, and is close to a finished product.
Patrick Turner; 6-05.1, 221: I don't believe he's in Mobile, or I'm completely missing him.
Mike Wallace; 6-00.1, 189: Unheralded receiver who was a key cog in college defense. He's got some quicks to him, and I believe he's running under the radar right now. Watch out for him. I need to see him run.
Kenny McKinley; 5-11.5, 182: Is struggling in his limited reps in Mobile. Had QB problems at SC, so it's tough to get a guage on him.
Senior Bowl Positional Detail: QB
Thanks to Great Blue North for the measurements...
North Squad:
Graham Harrell; 6-02.0, 217: Harrell has caught my eye, as he definitely looks prepared to take snaps from center. He has been extremely accurate, but hasn't had to make too difficult of a throw yet. I know he can throw the deep ball, I need to know if he has enough arm to make all the necessary throws. His stock is rising, and he's a safe bet to go in either the second or third round. Another thing I like about Harrell is that he makes his decisions quickly, and gets the ball out fast. He's not quick, but knows where to go, and when to step up in the pocket.
Rhett Bomar; 6-02.1, 224: He's been inconsistant with his arm slot, as he drops down to a three quarter delivery at times which compromises his strong arm. He's physically talented, but struggles with his mechanics, and shows indecisiveness in the pocket. He's a late round project, and I don't know if he's worth the trouble.
Nathan Brown; 6-00.5, 217: He's a developmental project with limited upside. He has decent accuracy and arm strength, but is limited due to a lack of height and limited reps. He looks like a small school QB.
South Squad:
Cullen Harper; 6-02.6, 227: He's had a rough year, as a coaching change and shoulder injury has squandered this once highly thought of prospect. He threw for more INT's than TD's, which is not forgivable. He is probably limited to UDFA at this time.
John Parker Wilson; 6-01.4, 215: He doesn't have alot of natural skills, but has been a mudder who gets the job done. He might be a late round pick, and may make a team as a third option if the stars align for him. He's looked solid in practice, but he's always had an issue with holding onto the ball too long.
Pat White; 6-00.0, 190: He knows what he is, and that is a highly talented player who teams need to find a place for in the NFL. He makes the quintessential slash type of player, who can play many positions and cause a great deal of matchup problems for a defense. He's also shown surprising accuracy down at Mobile.
North Squad:
Graham Harrell; 6-02.0, 217: Harrell has caught my eye, as he definitely looks prepared to take snaps from center. He has been extremely accurate, but hasn't had to make too difficult of a throw yet. I know he can throw the deep ball, I need to know if he has enough arm to make all the necessary throws. His stock is rising, and he's a safe bet to go in either the second or third round. Another thing I like about Harrell is that he makes his decisions quickly, and gets the ball out fast. He's not quick, but knows where to go, and when to step up in the pocket.
Rhett Bomar; 6-02.1, 224: He's been inconsistant with his arm slot, as he drops down to a three quarter delivery at times which compromises his strong arm. He's physically talented, but struggles with his mechanics, and shows indecisiveness in the pocket. He's a late round project, and I don't know if he's worth the trouble.
Nathan Brown; 6-00.5, 217: He's a developmental project with limited upside. He has decent accuracy and arm strength, but is limited due to a lack of height and limited reps. He looks like a small school QB.
South Squad:
Cullen Harper; 6-02.6, 227: He's had a rough year, as a coaching change and shoulder injury has squandered this once highly thought of prospect. He threw for more INT's than TD's, which is not forgivable. He is probably limited to UDFA at this time.
John Parker Wilson; 6-01.4, 215: He doesn't have alot of natural skills, but has been a mudder who gets the job done. He might be a late round pick, and may make a team as a third option if the stars align for him. He's looked solid in practice, but he's always had an issue with holding onto the ball too long.
Pat White; 6-00.0, 190: He knows what he is, and that is a highly talented player who teams need to find a place for in the NFL. He makes the quintessential slash type of player, who can play many positions and cause a great deal of matchup problems for a defense. He's also shown surprising accuracy down at Mobile.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My top 5 at each position...
QB
1. Matt Stafford
2. Mark Sanchez
3. Josh Freeman
4. Graham Harrell
5. Nate Davis
I love Matt Stafford, I think he's the perfect fit for the Lions at #1. I think Mark Sanchez is a good game manager, ala Matt Leinart (who hasn't been the manager in the NFL). Freeman has physical ability and size, although he lacks accuracy and consistancy. Harrell I like his presence in the pocket, although questions will linger about being a system QB. I like Nate Davis, but he's rough.
RB
1. Chris Wells
2. Knowshown Moreno
3. Lesean McCoy
4. James Davis
5. Shonn Greene
Chris Wells is headed to the top 10 as a power runner, although RB's do slip. Moreno needs to run well, but has terrific athleticism, and should garner first round grades; although it's possible he'll fall with McCoy to the 2nd round. I think Greene is a special case, and might have the best game for the next level. He runs with great leverage, and plays fast. He'll be a bargain with his advanced age. I also love Glen Coffey, who's a gamebreaker himself.
WR
1. Michael Crabtree
2. Jeremy Maclin
3. Hakeem Nicks
4. Kenny Britt
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey
There is actually some depth at this position now, with an exceptional load of underclassmen joining the ranks. Crabtree needs to run well, but should still go high-1. Maclin is a multi-faceted burner, and Nicks has great hands. I love Britt and Bey's upside.
TE
1. Brandon Pettigrew
2. Chase Coffman
3. Jared Cook
4. Travis Beckum
5. Dennis Pitta
Pettigrew is a stud, and should go somewhere in the mid-late first. Coffman is a solid player, and should be a predictably handy pass catching TE at the NFL level. Cook has physical tools, although his performances have been up and down. He could get a late push for his talents, but buyer beware. Beckum is coming off the broken leg, but would have been a first day pick before his injury. I'd love to see Pitta run a 40 before I'd assess a final grade. This is a good class, but it could have been a great class with Gresham.
OT
1. Andre Smith
2. Michael Oher
3. Eugene Monroe
4. Jason Smith
5. Phil Loadholt
I concede Smith will go high one, but there's alot that I remain weary about him. He scares me on an island, and he had TE help on his side at Alabama. I've knocked Oher, but he's a good football player. Probably a top 10 pick. Monroe and Smith are very similar, and they are two experienced and dependable blockers. I'm higher on Loadholt than others are. He reminds me of Marcus McNeill of the Chargers, and he might be able to stay on the left side.
OG
1. Duke Robinson
2. Sergio Render
3. Herman Johnson
4. Kraig Urbik
5. Anthony Parker
Ugh, Duke! When he's in control, he's a top of the line blocker, but he commits too many penalties for my liking, although technically I have to put him at the top. I like Render more than Johnson, but maybe Johnson is out of position...RT anyone? Urbik is a battler, and Parker has good feet.
C
1. Max Unger
2. Alex Mack
3. Jonathon Luigs
4. Eric Wood
5. A.Q. Shipley
Mack is getting some hype, but Unger has more value, as he can play almost anywhere on the line of scrimmage. The rest including Cooper, are very good centers. This is the best class of centers I can remember...
DE
1. Everette Brown
2. Brian Orakpo
3. Aaron Maybin
4. Tyson Jackson
5. Michael Johnson
This is a really solid group of pass rushers. I like Brown over Orakpo, simply because I think he's more physical at the point of attack, and he reminds me of Andre Carter. Orakpo has great burst, but bursts his way out of too many plays. Jackson is a better run defender, and Maybin is a 3-4 OLB rush end waiting to happen. Johnson is more for show than go.
DT
1. BJ Raji
2. Peria Jerry
3. SenDerrick Marks
4. Fili Moala
5. Ron Brace
I love the team of Raji/Brace so much, and I think Brace is underrated because of Raji. Raji is lurking, but I think the NFL will catch up to him. He's really a superstar, and might be a top 10 (maybe higher) pick before it's all said and done. Jerry and Marks are strictly three techniques, although Moala offers some versatility in the roles he plays. This isn't a strong class, but these are five good players.
OLB
1. Aaron Curry
2. Brian Cushing
3. Clay Mathews
4. Clint Sintim
5. Marcus Freeman
Curry is a stud, although it looks like he has free reign within the WF defensive scheme. He's all over the place, and doesn't look out of place rushing the passer with his hand down. He reminds me of Junior Seau, but bigger. The rest of the guys are all similar...they're pretty safe bets to be solid players at the next level. All three USC LB's could go in the first round, which is impressive.
ILB
1. Rey Maulauga
2. James Laurinaitis
3. Dannell Ellerbe
4. Jasper Brinkley
5. Scott McKillop
I'm not convinced 100% that Laurinaitis isn't the better MLB, but this is a conservative ranking. When I key in on Laurinaitis, he's making great reads, moves well, and has great functional strength, as he showed against Texas. I think McKillop doesn't get enough hype, as he is a better player than given credit for.
CB
1. Vontae Davis
2. Malcolm Jenkins
3. DJ Moore
4. Alphonso Smith
5. Asher Allen
I think Davis is terrific, and I also wonder how fast Jenkins is. We'll know more after they run. I love Moore's toughness, and Smith is a terrific player.
S
1. Rashad Johnson
2. Nic Harris
3. William Moore
4. Louis Delmas
5. Patrick Chung
I've gone back and forth with this safety class, wondering what to think about it. I'm kind of meh about them as a group, although there is something there. I like Harris as a hitter, and I think he should be a SS in the box type. Delmas is getting too much hype, that I'm not buying. He's a nice 2nd rounder, maybe third.
1. Matt Stafford
2. Mark Sanchez
3. Josh Freeman
4. Graham Harrell
5. Nate Davis
I love Matt Stafford, I think he's the perfect fit for the Lions at #1. I think Mark Sanchez is a good game manager, ala Matt Leinart (who hasn't been the manager in the NFL). Freeman has physical ability and size, although he lacks accuracy and consistancy. Harrell I like his presence in the pocket, although questions will linger about being a system QB. I like Nate Davis, but he's rough.
RB
1. Chris Wells
2. Knowshown Moreno
3. Lesean McCoy
4. James Davis
5. Shonn Greene
Chris Wells is headed to the top 10 as a power runner, although RB's do slip. Moreno needs to run well, but has terrific athleticism, and should garner first round grades; although it's possible he'll fall with McCoy to the 2nd round. I think Greene is a special case, and might have the best game for the next level. He runs with great leverage, and plays fast. He'll be a bargain with his advanced age. I also love Glen Coffey, who's a gamebreaker himself.
WR
1. Michael Crabtree
2. Jeremy Maclin
3. Hakeem Nicks
4. Kenny Britt
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey
There is actually some depth at this position now, with an exceptional load of underclassmen joining the ranks. Crabtree needs to run well, but should still go high-1. Maclin is a multi-faceted burner, and Nicks has great hands. I love Britt and Bey's upside.
TE
1. Brandon Pettigrew
2. Chase Coffman
3. Jared Cook
4. Travis Beckum
5. Dennis Pitta
Pettigrew is a stud, and should go somewhere in the mid-late first. Coffman is a solid player, and should be a predictably handy pass catching TE at the NFL level. Cook has physical tools, although his performances have been up and down. He could get a late push for his talents, but buyer beware. Beckum is coming off the broken leg, but would have been a first day pick before his injury. I'd love to see Pitta run a 40 before I'd assess a final grade. This is a good class, but it could have been a great class with Gresham.
OT
1. Andre Smith
2. Michael Oher
3. Eugene Monroe
4. Jason Smith
5. Phil Loadholt
I concede Smith will go high one, but there's alot that I remain weary about him. He scares me on an island, and he had TE help on his side at Alabama. I've knocked Oher, but he's a good football player. Probably a top 10 pick. Monroe and Smith are very similar, and they are two experienced and dependable blockers. I'm higher on Loadholt than others are. He reminds me of Marcus McNeill of the Chargers, and he might be able to stay on the left side.
OG
1. Duke Robinson
2. Sergio Render
3. Herman Johnson
4. Kraig Urbik
5. Anthony Parker
Ugh, Duke! When he's in control, he's a top of the line blocker, but he commits too many penalties for my liking, although technically I have to put him at the top. I like Render more than Johnson, but maybe Johnson is out of position...RT anyone? Urbik is a battler, and Parker has good feet.
C
1. Max Unger
2. Alex Mack
3. Jonathon Luigs
4. Eric Wood
5. A.Q. Shipley
Mack is getting some hype, but Unger has more value, as he can play almost anywhere on the line of scrimmage. The rest including Cooper, are very good centers. This is the best class of centers I can remember...
DE
1. Everette Brown
2. Brian Orakpo
3. Aaron Maybin
4. Tyson Jackson
5. Michael Johnson
This is a really solid group of pass rushers. I like Brown over Orakpo, simply because I think he's more physical at the point of attack, and he reminds me of Andre Carter. Orakpo has great burst, but bursts his way out of too many plays. Jackson is a better run defender, and Maybin is a 3-4 OLB rush end waiting to happen. Johnson is more for show than go.
DT
1. BJ Raji
2. Peria Jerry
3. SenDerrick Marks
4. Fili Moala
5. Ron Brace
I love the team of Raji/Brace so much, and I think Brace is underrated because of Raji. Raji is lurking, but I think the NFL will catch up to him. He's really a superstar, and might be a top 10 (maybe higher) pick before it's all said and done. Jerry and Marks are strictly three techniques, although Moala offers some versatility in the roles he plays. This isn't a strong class, but these are five good players.
OLB
1. Aaron Curry
2. Brian Cushing
3. Clay Mathews
4. Clint Sintim
5. Marcus Freeman
Curry is a stud, although it looks like he has free reign within the WF defensive scheme. He's all over the place, and doesn't look out of place rushing the passer with his hand down. He reminds me of Junior Seau, but bigger. The rest of the guys are all similar...they're pretty safe bets to be solid players at the next level. All three USC LB's could go in the first round, which is impressive.
ILB
1. Rey Maulauga
2. James Laurinaitis
3. Dannell Ellerbe
4. Jasper Brinkley
5. Scott McKillop
I'm not convinced 100% that Laurinaitis isn't the better MLB, but this is a conservative ranking. When I key in on Laurinaitis, he's making great reads, moves well, and has great functional strength, as he showed against Texas. I think McKillop doesn't get enough hype, as he is a better player than given credit for.
CB
1. Vontae Davis
2. Malcolm Jenkins
3. DJ Moore
4. Alphonso Smith
5. Asher Allen
I think Davis is terrific, and I also wonder how fast Jenkins is. We'll know more after they run. I love Moore's toughness, and Smith is a terrific player.
S
1. Rashad Johnson
2. Nic Harris
3. William Moore
4. Louis Delmas
5. Patrick Chung
I've gone back and forth with this safety class, wondering what to think about it. I'm kind of meh about them as a group, although there is something there. I like Harris as a hitter, and I think he should be a SS in the box type. Delmas is getting too much hype, that I'm not buying. He's a nice 2nd rounder, maybe third.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My letter to Wojo...
Regarding his column today in The Detroit News...
Wojo:
I get your point on your article, but the larger question must be...who's the best player? I believe strongly that these two QB's (Stafford and Bradford) are by far the class of this draft, and Stafford should be drafted #1. If you were to pass on a better player to take a "safer" player, isn't that a riskier pick? I have a littany of issues with Andre Smith, considered by most to be one of the top three players. If every play was a run play, he'd be a perfect guy, he's that good against the run. But if you've noticed one thing about Alabama, is that they play the TE to his side to help him in pass protection. He's inconsistant in pass protection, and the Lions have Jeff Backus, who has played every game in his career. The Lions have issues at guard that need to be addressed (smartly, in free agency and later in the draft), but are fine otherwise on their underrated line (most of the sacks were caused by QB's holding onto the ball too long, and WR's not getting open). If you don't have a franchise QB, do not pass on a franchise QB. And these two players are franchise QB's in my opinion. I disagree that Stafford lacks accuracy or decision making. Actually, he does very well when plays break down, and has shown moxie in the pocket. I'd prefer he also come in as the #2 QB for a year, unless he signs right away and there is no question he should start. Both he and Bradford would be much more talented than any other QB the Lions have ever had.
Thank you,
David Hinkle
http://dave-lionsandtigers.blogspot.com/
Wojo:
I get your point on your article, but the larger question must be...who's the best player? I believe strongly that these two QB's (Stafford and Bradford) are by far the class of this draft, and Stafford should be drafted #1. If you were to pass on a better player to take a "safer" player, isn't that a riskier pick? I have a littany of issues with Andre Smith, considered by most to be one of the top three players. If every play was a run play, he'd be a perfect guy, he's that good against the run. But if you've noticed one thing about Alabama, is that they play the TE to his side to help him in pass protection. He's inconsistant in pass protection, and the Lions have Jeff Backus, who has played every game in his career. The Lions have issues at guard that need to be addressed (smartly, in free agency and later in the draft), but are fine otherwise on their underrated line (most of the sacks were caused by QB's holding onto the ball too long, and WR's not getting open). If you don't have a franchise QB, do not pass on a franchise QB. And these two players are franchise QB's in my opinion. I disagree that Stafford lacks accuracy or decision making. Actually, he does very well when plays break down, and has shown moxie in the pocket. I'd prefer he also come in as the #2 QB for a year, unless he signs right away and there is no question he should start. Both he and Bradford would be much more talented than any other QB the Lions have ever had.
Thank you,
David Hinkle
http://dave-lionsandtigers.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Lions roster set for major overhaul...
Tom Kowalski has an in-depth article about the Lions current roster, and the cuts that could allow the Lions to be up to 39.7 million under the cap when free agency hits. He didn't even bring up Kitna, who would be another 2 million freed up. The point of the article is that the Lions won't (as they mentioned in the GM's press conference) be making headlines in March, but rather in December; so the idea is to get more for their money. They're going to need a great deal of cap money for the draft, with their team record allotment of picks/draft position. They're also going to have to act like an expansion franchise, and build with under the radar type signings, such as the Dolphins heisting of Justin Smiley last year. They're going to have to make themselves bigger and faster and younger. Which isn't easy when you're playing with so much money.
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