Until the college season starts, I won't get into players too much. But we are starting to get a look at our current team, and what the needs for next year might be.
1) ROT 2) OLB 3) C (upgrade Hardwick's back up and eventual replacement)
These are what I think at this early juncture. Yet, there are still a few question marks that stand to be answered. Mainly, will the moves to address certain positions with recent draft picks pan out? Also, will we keep certain players who will be free agents after the 2011 season? These are the positions worth keeping an eye on, as they carry these ????'s with them into the coming year...
1) WR (if you don't plan on ponying up for VJax) 2) ILB (if the fresh faces don't work out) 3) CB (lots to be seen still) 4) HB (if Tolbert walks after 2011) 5) KR/PR specialist
This my extremely preliminary outlook at this point. I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on team needs as the preseason unfolds.
I think you nailed most of these. The only position I don't see the Chargers paying too much attention to is the ORT. They just signed Clary to four years and 20 million dollars.
The other position to keep an eye on is SS. Bob Sanders is a one year rental. Stuckey looked pretty good last night... but we have to see how does this season.
If no one steps up at ROLB this season, that will be our #1 concern.
To also have a better perspective of the direction(s) we might go you should also be very aware of which of our current players "could" become UFAs next year barring being signed or traded before the FA period begins. I've grouped them by their basic positions to give you a clear view of areas that will be hardest hit.
Thanks for that list, Mr. Jones. However, make sure to go ahead and scratch Kris Wilson, Alfonso Boone, and Donald Strickland off that list. They've not been invited back to the party.
Taking that list into account, I'd think FB and TE could be distinct draft-need possibilities. I'd still like a #1 OT to feature on one of AJ's draft boards for once. And I wouldn't necessarily discount the possibility of him cutting a guy despite having 3 years left on his contract, although it's not something he does all that often.
I'd think FB and TE could be distinct draft-need possibilities.
I concur, although I do think both are 3rd round or lower picks, especially the FB, which I don't see AJ spending more than a 5th round pick for...although he honestly threw me for a loop by moving up for Hester...sure hope he doesn't do that again.
I'd still like a #1 OT to feature on one of AJ's draft boards for once.
As far as OT in the 1st...not next year...UNLESS...all the good LBs are gone, especially the OLBs who can rush the QB. He took McNeil in the 2nd round, and I'd be more than happy with a ORT in the 2nd round who has a nasty streak to him. I might also state that the kid Schilling impressed me the other night, and now I've also read a couple of reports the Chargers coaches are very high on him. According to both of those reports this kid does have that "nasty streak" that I talked about.
The way I see it, we need to reload on LBs, depending on what these guys do we picked up this year. Right now I can't see putting any faith into English until he proves me wrong. Even if he did have a good year, could he do it two years in a row? And, I'm not only talking about outside edge rush guys, but I think we have to consider ILBs too. I liked how Butler looked as far as his mobility in that first game, but how is he going to hold up all year long? How many years does Spikes and Coop have, even if they're rotated to keep them fresh? If we continue with the 3-4, and I hope we do, then we need to get our LB corps back up to being one of the strongest facets of our defensive team. In that respect, I wouldn't mind taking LBs with our first two picks next year depending on who's there.
On offense, let's see how Todman works out, but if he actually works his way into a featured back position, then I'd also think we should look for another "Sproles-like" RB for 3rd downs and the return game, thus freeing up Gilchrist to concentrate on becoming a better DB, be it at Safety, where I honestly see him settiling in eventually, or CB.
Thanks for that list, Mr. Jones. Not a problem Mr. E. I do think we have some decisions to make. I think Binn will play as long as we'll have him...maybe until he's 65
However, Hardwick, Tolbert, Spikes, Sanders, Gregory, Mruckowski, Sperry, and Scifres are all worthy players of bringing back and will probably play important roles this year if the Chargers are going to compete for the Super Bowl...not to mention Coop. I do believe both VJ and Garay will be our No. 1 and 1a priorities from this list, with perhaps Hardwick being 2 or 2a. However, I also have read they are exceptionally high on rookie Colin Baxter out of Arizona.
I think it's also important to know of our division opponents upcoming FAs too, and KC will have its work cut out next year to get both Brandon Flowers and Bowe signed, as they are both UFAs next year too, and perhaps their two best players right now, although I really love that young Safety of their's, Berry.
I agree that FB would not be a high round pick. Maybe as early as 4th round, but that would have to be one hell of a FB. Maybe Frank Summers or Dean Rogers will work out in this role, but I've not looked at either of them closely enough to have anything like an educated opinion on the matter. AJ ate his hat on the Hester draft...he was not only hoping he'd suffice as a FB, but also that he'd be able to fill the same short-yardage HB role he excelled in at LSU. I wouldn't want him to overspend for a FB, unless that guy happened to make the difference in the run game.
For the right TE, on the other hand, I could see using an early round pick. Depending on what we see in the coming weeks, and how Gates' health shapes up, this could be a big enough need that we might want to get the best TE available.
I'm surprised to see Schilling at T, to be honest. While he played there for the Wolverines, I fully anticipated (as did a lot of others) he'd transition to G in the NFL. He doesn't have the quickness for pass protection. But you're right...he's a remorseless beast in run-blocking, especially downfield.
LBs would be nice. But I don't know about picking them up 1-2 next year. First OR second, I agree with...but not both. Butler is going to be able to slide up into the ILB job without problem, but Mouton is still a big question mark.
The big thing still left for us to see is the clearer picture of available talent in next year's draft. Having a round-about idea of our needs is one thing...assigning our draft picks to fill those needs at this early stage is yet another.
I too thought Schilling would be moved to G, but he's not looking too bad right now at T...I don't know if it's technique, or him actually not having the quickness to play that ORT position, but I guess they'll figure that out. Heck, he hasn't even made the team yet.
I also agree that if the Gates situation worsens that TE could move up to a higher priority, especially with Norv as the HC. As did Coryell, Norv also places a high priority on the TE deep down the seams to open those outside WRs by drawing at least one of those Safeties in. However, unless a true Winslow type TE were to emerge, we got Gates as a UDFA, and I don't believe you need to use that high of a pick to get a player of similar potential. Right now, the guy I would have the most interest in as a downfield threat that's due to bek Michael Egnew from Missouri. He has the speed to get deep. However, he hasn't used that speed to translate into being a deep threat and has a low ypc total, but that might just be a product of the system for the TE there. I'm sure there might be another one or two that come around this year, or another basketball player turning to football that could turn into the next Gates...which is why I was hoping that somehow we'd draft that USC TE, Jordan Cameron. I think he turns out to be a heck of a player once he really gets his feet wet in the NFL.
I also doubt we'd go 1, 2 for LBs in the draft. However, it also depends on what these young guys accomplish and how they progress, along with how Spikes and Cooper hold up due to their ages. I could easily envision an OLB being taken in the 1st, then turning around and taking an ILB in the 2nd, depending on who's on the board and what other needs we might have. Granted, I'm not saying this will happen, but if the right playerse there, along with the need, it very well could. Ideally, you like to spread the wealth to different positions, but I also remember the 49ers under Walsh taking 4 DBs back in the 80s because of a real need there, and how in doing so it changed the direction of that team around almost immediately.
And heck, Mister E, why not have a little fun by assigning draft picks to rounds right now? After all, what else is there for arm chair GMs to do?
And heck, Mister E, why not have a little fun by assigning draft picks to rounds right now? After all, what else is there for arm chair GMs to do?
Oh, hell! I have no good response to this...I only ask that I be allowed to use my 6th round pick to draft Curious George. I've got a good feeling about that guy.
Are you guys ready for this? Time to stock up on the No-Doz and fire it up. I'm not even sure where I'll be this week, but my DVR's set and my subscriptions are all paid up and I'm rearing to go!
Remember that the Big-Ten has 12 teams this year, and the Big-Twelve has 10 teams. I guess being off on the size was less confusing than swapping conference names. It looks to me that we'll see quite a few tailbacks with Sproles-type builds during the season.
THURSDAY, 9/1 The big game tonight is on ESPN...UNLV @ Wisconsin. The Badgers will send at least 5 players to the NFL next year. Watch for WR Nick Toon, O-linemen Kevin Zeitler and Josh Oglesby, and DB's Aaron Henry and Antonio Fenelus. Also, if you are in-tune with the fact that David Binn won't be a Charger forever (sadly), Kyle Wojta is possibly the best college long-snapper in the country.
Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky: this game is on ESPNU. Set the DVR, because you only need to watch when the Hilltoppers have the ball. HB Bobby Rainey is electric. Kentucky LB Danny Trevathan deserves a look, too.
ESPN360 will have the Villanova/Temple game. Temple has a few guys worth seeing on both offense and defense, but the big opportunity here is to watch 'Nova's Norman White, who is the best Wide Receiver you've never heard of. Also on 360, you can see FIU's T.Y. Hilton and Rutgers's Mohamed Sanu...these guys are both top-notch receivers who should become more and more well-known as the season progresses. Also look for UConn's Kendall Reyes (DT) and Wake Forest's Kyle Wilber (LB).
FRIDAY, 9/2 Only one game available here...TCU @ Baylor. TCU's Tank Carder has been on my watchlist since he was a sophomore...the guy's a total beast. Baylor features C Philip Blake and WR Kendall Wright. Both are top prospects.
This is just a primer. There are lots more guys worth watching in all of these games. Saturday will be a bit crazy...I doubt I'll give a preview every week, but I hope this will get all the draft-watchers off on the right foot for 2011!
I didn't expect to be as busy as I was for the opening week. It took me a bit longer than I'd hoped to watch the games I had to watch. Here's some of the guys I liked in week 1...
Murray State: Mike Harris is a small and shifty tailback with an explosive burst through the line. An injury was all that kept this JUCO transfer from 1,000 yards last season, and I would expect that to be the only thing which could possibly get in his way this year. He's already making headway on NFL scouts' radar scopes.
Louisville: Josh Chichester is a 6-7 Tight End with pretty decent hands. He's an interesting "novelty" pick, who could definitely create mismatches due to his size. Mike Linebacker Dexter Heyman has a nose for the football. He reminds me of Darryl Gamble last year. He's just a really good linebacker who will never look all that great on paper.
UNLV: WR Phillip Payne has good size (6-3/205) and is pretty quick, but on his current team it's very easy for opponents to key on him which will affect his production.
Wisconsin: Kevin Zeitler is an excellent OG. He supports the run extremely well and pulls blocks very well. Expect him to go in the first three rounds of the draft next year. He's an intense player but reports are that he's awfully quiet. Has decent enough height and sliding speed he might be able to transition to ROT. DE Louis Nzegwu plays at a school where DEs don't often get to play before they are seniors. He's strong as an ox and unknown enough that he might be a very low risk with huge upside as a OLB transition project.
Western Kentucky: Bobby Rainey is a very, very good halfback. He's short (5-7) with sub- 4.5 speed on an honest stopwatch. I don't want to rush too quickly to compare the guy to Sproles, but it's kind of hard not to! He can run 20+ times a game without losing a step.
Kentucky: Danny Trevathan is a beast of a linebacker. He plays hard through the whistle and is a positive impact on the players around him. Size is a concern, at just 230 lbs. Move him to the inside, and he stands a chance at success.
TCU: This year will tell us A LOT about LB Tank Carder. He's benefitted from extremely good d-lines his whole career, but this year they are all green. TCU plays primarily in a 2-linebacker set, so you can put him at either outside or inside and he'll be able to adapt. Has a high motor and a lot of intensity, but the supporting cast isn't there for him this year.
Baylor: The better question is who DON'T I like at Baylor this year! Terrance Ganaway is a 240 lb. tailback who runs very well north-south. Don't be too quick to draw parallels with Tolbert, because they are extremely different types of players. DT Nicolas Jean-Baptiste is very strong and I think could transition very successfully to being a 0-technique NT in the bigs. Kendall Wright is a do-everything superstar WR in the making. He can catch, run, block, even throw. Very impressive, this kid is. The Center position is sort of Baylor's trademark. They make some good ones, and Philip Blake is one of the best they've had. Lastly, put Terrence Lloyd up on your watch list as a DE to watch next year...as a sophomore, he's already making tackles look as though they were born with two left feet.
Temple: A lot of times, you'll see a college TE projected as an NFL FB. Evan Rodriguez is not an exception, except that he is an exception. He is a tight end, AND he's a fullback. And he's very good at playing both positions. He's an exceptional blocker who could easily be a back-up player for both positions and definitely challenge for the starting job at FB with a year or two under his belt. Look for him to go in the 4th or 5th round, and start to improve the run-game for his team almost immediately. Left OG Derek Dennis doesn't have to learn much to take it to the next level, in my humble opinion.
Florida International: T.Y. Hilton is one of those players who you will see and just KNOW you are watching something special. In this regard, he reminds me of Barry Sanders. He's absolutely amazing. Just watch him play...you'll see what I mean.
Toledo: RB Adonis Thomas makes people miss. He's quick and changes direction on a dime, but I don't think he can hold up to a prolonged beating at the hands of NFL defenders.
Northwestern: Jordan Mabin is an outstanding CB who would probably be perfectly suited to play the nickel. Brian Peters is a beast of a safety who is yet to be appreciated.
Boston College: ILB Luke Kuechly is only good on the parts of the field which are covered in grass or turf. He's sideline to sideline, balls to the wall, all game long. He plays at a level of intensity only few guys can match. Ifeanyi Momah plays TE because he's 6-6, but he's essentially a really really big and slightly under-fast receiver. He plays split off into the pattern more often than he will line up next to the tackle. When the ball is thrown his way, he demonstrates really good hands and good eyes for moving it up the field.
Miami (Ohio): I really like Chris Givens, but more as a punt returner than as a receiver.
Missouri: I really like DT Dominique Hamilton. But runs very hot-cold. When he's hot, he's a total beast.
South Florida: FS Jerell Young is smart and hits hard. Forcing a fumble at the one yard line was probably the key play in their week 1 game vs. the Irish.
Notre Dame: Michael Floyd is a senior this year, and pretty much has his way with any secondary he'll face. Most importantly, he's re-developing his character in a way that only Notre Dame can instill in a young man of his caliber. Manti Te'o is a Junior, and could probably go in the first round if he declared for the draft this year. I'm not sure he'll do that, but no one could blame him. He's bigger, faster and stronger than other ILB's, and he just knows intuitively how to make the play in virtually any situation. Because of Te'o's intensity, OLB Darius Fleming often goes unnoticed...reminds me a bit of Shaun Phillips being overshadowed by Merriman for a while. Fleming could wind up being a bargain pick up in the 7th round because of it.
Minnesota: Oddly enough, the things I said above regarding Temple's Evan Rodriguez could also be said about Eric Lair. He's more of a TE, but he can play both positions very well. At 6-2, I doubt he'd stand out as a TE. ILB Gary Tinsley is another "value" backer that is standing out to me this season.
USC: Matt Barkley lives up to the hype. But forget about him. ILB Chris Galippo is intense and very good at breaking through the line to pressure the quarterback.
Louisiana-Monroe: Remember Urlacher in college? Remember how he used to play that "HAWK" position which was mostly linebacker but essentially also a safety? Darius Prelow plays basically the same type of position/role, with the same level of aptitude, only he's just the opposite (mostly safety, but surprisingly linebacker-like).
Florida State: Andrew Datko is a legitimate 1st round OT. Give him a week or two to learn to play on the right side, and he could take Clary's job by the end of next training camp. He's very solid. LB Nigel Bradham can play both inside and outside, and hits like a truck.
Cal-Poly: CB Asa Jackson is extremely fast (like 4.40 fast), but could stand to learn a thing or two about the finer points of pass coverage. In the meantime, he's an exceptional kick returner who might give us a chance to see OUR team return one to the house for once.
SDSU: AJ got burned big time with the Tolzien debacle. And it hurts big-time. We need to recognize that Volek is no longer the same guy who marched us down the field to win a playoff game in Indy. I really like the idea of Ryan Lindley as the long-term back-up to Rivers. He's a similar type of quarterback, strong in the pocket with a rifle for an arm, who could stand to learn a few things about throwing when forced out of the pocket. He'll fail in a starting role if thrown in there within his first three years, but I think he's one of the few QBs coming out next year who will actually be an upgrade for us in terms of a #2 QB. OLB Miles Burris can hold his own on the weak side, but most importantly has the guts and tackling skills to make a difference on special teams.
LSU: I'm on the fence about a lot of Tigers, but T-Bob Hebert (what a great name!) could eventually be a really good Center in the NFL.
Oregon: Not many WRs are easy to classify as "punishing", but that's just what Lavasier Tuinei is...CBs will want to work extra hard to keep him from catching the ball because they sure as hell don't want to have to tackle him. I like RB LaMichael James, but he doesn't really strike me as AJ's type.
Miami (Florida): Character problems in peninsular Florida are never a big surprise, but RB Lamar Miller, LB Ramon Buchanan, and C Tyler Horn are three guys who I would consider to be worth the risk. Especially Horn, who is pretty much ALL upside!
Maryland: RB Davin Meggett looks a lot like his dad when he has the ball. Let's hope we never find out if he looks a lot like his dad in prison jumpsuits. OLB Kenny Tate is another linebacker who can slide inside and hold his own, and also carries a lot of force on special teams coverage.
My favorites: Based on week 1, if the draft was happening right now, the two guys I would just HAVE to get would be Baylor's Kendall Wright and Boston College's Luke Kuechly.
I'm going to regroup and try to catch up on week 2 so I can update you guys before week 3 is finished this time!
Good post, Mister E.! I see someone else is watching that little RB at FIU too. I kind of can't wait to see what he can do in some of the post season all star games and the pros. I also agree with you on that Temple TE, and I think depending on how many teams are seriously looking at QB, I actually have Lindley as a borderline 1st round pick, and if he were to get out of the 2nd I'd be truly surprised as it stands right now.
The one player who had a huge game that you left off is the WR from Oklahoma St., Blackmon. I'd really love to see him with a lightning bolt on his pro helmet. I think he has a legitimate shot at being better than Calvin Johnson.
The one player who had a huge game that you left off is the WR from Oklahoma St., Blackmon. I'd really love to see him with a lightning bolt on his pro helmet. I think he has a legitimate shot at being better than Calvin Johnson.
I just didn't get to see his game in week 1. I did see game 2, though...and I am more than impressed. More like awestruck!
Arizona: Nick Foles is built big, and has a very accurate arm. He'd be an excellent 2nd quarterback, if not a starter. OLB Paul Vassallo is a handful for offensive coordinators because you never know where he'll be.
Oklahoma State: Justin Blackmon is the best receiver in college football. But if the Chargers have a shot at him, then it will mean we just had a HORRIBLE season! So here's hoping he won't be a Charger. Levy Adcock is the best OT in this year's class who is used to playing on the right side of the line. Last but not least, FS Markelle Martin is absolutely excellent in coverage.
FIU: I must keep singing the praises of T.Y. Hilton. He looked amazing in week 2, just unstoppable.
Louisville: I remain impressed with Josh Chichester and Dexter Heyman. Their performance in any given week is no fluke.
Wyoming: DT Gabe Knapton filled in at O-line last season due to injuries. This year he's back on the d-line, but at 255 lbs., I can't imagine it would be easy for him to convert to a linebacker. Then again, stranger things have happened, and this kid's a real baller!
Missouri: This has got to be a very tough year for TE Michael Egnew. He's an all-American, but Blaine Gabbert's favorite target hardly gets a nod from the new QB.
Arizona State: WR Aaron Pflugrad wasn't on anyone's draft board before playing Missouri. But he is now. I'd expect to see him as a UDFA next summer.
SDSU: Brian Stahovich is easily one of the best punters in college football. He has a booming leg, and a level of accuracy not very common at this level.
Alabama: CB Dre Kirkpatrick is just a big blur on most gamefilm. He's excellent in coverage, and a very reliable tackler who goes for the strip pretty much all the time.
Penn State: DT Devon Still collapses pockets from the inside out, and penetrates the backfield enough to disrupt most plays. DE Eric Latimore doesn't just disrupt passing lanes with his big paws, he absolutely destroys them!
Notre Dame: OG Trevor Robinson has good days and bad days. When he's good, he's absolutely amazing.
Michigan: Though often overshadowed by Mike Martin, DT Ryan Van Bergen seems to me to be the one who's most ready to move up to the next level. Super high motor.
Florida Atlantic: DE Kevin Cyrille is a beast who can break through the line virtually anytime he chooses, but he's a bit undersized for a 3-4 set.
Michigan State: Edwin Baker is a fast tailback who moves very well, but I'm not convinced he's really "seeing" the field right now. B.J. Cunningham is a very dependable WR with a knack for getting open at will, which is why he holds the Spartans record for career receptions.
San Jose State: Duke Ihenacho is the more talented of the two brothers, and is a safety who flies around the field like he's wearing a jet-pack. He hits very hard, and provides excellent help over the top.
UCLA: Derrick Coleman is the 2nd tailback for the Bruins, but I think he's the only one who can move up to the NFL and contribute. He's a big boy, a real bruiser, yet surprisingly very fast when he explodes through the hole.
Boise State: I've heard lots of reasons why Kellen Moore can't make it as a QB in the NFL, but none of them are convincing. He knows how to win, and how to lead a team.
Toledo: Remember when I said I didn't think Adonis Thomas was very durable? Yea...I take that back.
Iowa State: Leonard Johnson is an excellent 3rd-round cover corner...perfect to cover small and fast slot receivers.
Connecticut: DT Kendall Reyes is not all that much unlike Corey Liuget.
LSU: CB Morris Claiborne picks off the ball. He has a great break and can make a fool out of even the best QBs. However, this also leaves him open to getting burned from time to time. WR Rueben Randle is big and fast, and able to make some amazing plays when he's in a groove.
Mississippi State: Quinton Saulsberry plays both Guard and Center. Mruczkowski's contract is up this coming offseason, and this guy is an immediate upgrade who will be signable for a much more reasonable rate than the veteran will require. Not only that, but he's a potential replacement in the future for either Hardwick or Dielman, neither of whom are getting any younger. I think in his second year, he might be able to challenge for Hardwick's job. Look for him in the late rounds.
Auburn: OT Brandon Mosley, a JUCO transfer from Coffeyville CC, plays on the right side of the line. He's athletic and shows lots of promise, but might require a bit of coaching to hone his technique and mentally preparing for high-level play.
Clemson: Dwayne Allen is the best tight end in college football, period. Whoever drafts him will benefit immediately. FB Chad Diehl doesn't get tired of pounding away at opposing linebackers, wearing them down with a nastiness you just can't teach. DE Andre Branch is probably the easiest 3-4 OLB conversion project ever. All of the physical attributes are there, and his team lines him up as a linebacker surprisingly often.
Michigan State: DT Jerel Worthy's draft stock is falling. One day soon he'll wake up, and return to his punishing ways.
Notre Dame: FS Harrison Smith has decided he wants to be the deciding factor for the Irish defense. He played like he was in a different world last Saturday. It was extremely impressive. CB Robert Blanton is stepping up as the top corner on the team, now that Gary Gray has fallen off a cliff in terms of production.
Washington State: OLB Alex Hoffman-Ellis is a defensive playmaking machine. He carries the team in more ways than one, and always winds up in the middle of the play.
Colorado: OG Ryan Miller needs to put on a few points, but the kid doesn't make mistakes. He is just solid all the way around.
Colorado State: Quarterbacks just outright avoid CB Elijah-Blu Smith. Forget white on rice, there's nothing more sticky than "blu"!
Stanford: Yes, we all hear a LOT about Andrew Luck. And he's a good quarterback. But the heart and soul of this team is all-American right OG David DeCastro. He is vicious and tireless, and other available guards just pale in comparison. This guy is someone you DEFINITELY want on your team! If you missed the game last weekend, you should find it on espn3, because he defines what the "battle in the trenches" is all about. I couldn't say enough good things about him. Expect him to be picked up in the first round...hopefully he lasts long enough for that to be US who gets him.
Arizona: CB Trevin Wade is excellent in pass coverage, and also in run support. He has gone mostly unnoticed so far in his college career. He could probably be gotten for a steal as a UDFA.
Wyoming: DE Josh Biezuns is just incredible some days (MWC player of the week last week). It's like he's playing at a whole different level from everyone else on the field. He has all the skills it will take to convert to OLB, and likely won't involve much risk based on projections thus far. CB Tashaun Gipson is just finally getting used to having his brother gone from the team, and is beginning to return to his old self. A very talented and good-sized corner who can shut down receivers and contribute greatly on special teams as well. Lastly, look for OLB Brian Hendricks to surprise a few people during the course of this season. They love him in Laramie, because he's just always in the middle of plays. He's a difference maker.
Bowling Green: Ben Bojicic is a very decent Center. Unfortunately, the team keeps lining him up at left tackle, where he gets shredded. Keep him where he belongs, coach!
Virginia: WR Kris Burd has all the skills you'd like to see for a guy playing in the slot for an NFL team. Runs a very nice crossing route.
North Carolina: While Quinton Coples disappoints (not that failing to make plays should convince cbs to drop him from the #2 pick projection after 3 weeks, for crying out loud!), OLB Zach Brown is stepping it up and carrying the defense on his back at times. This guy is super fast for a linebacker...faster than a lot of Tight Ends. WR Dwight Jones is not all that much unlike Vincent Jackson. Good size and speed along with excellent hands. A very impressive package. SS Matt Merletti provides excellent pass defense help, along with his tackling ability, and has very good field vision.
Oklahoma: OLBs Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis will give an offensive coordinator fits. These guys are something else, and definitely worth a look if you have a chance.
Florida State: If OLB Nigel Bradham can get his emotions in check, he'll be unstoppable. Right now, he gets himself too many needless penalties to be considered worth a pick in rounds 1-4.
My favorite players for week 3...Stanford's David DeCastro, Notre Dame's Harrison Smith, and Wyoming's Josh Biezuns...each for VERY different reasons!
Again, Mister E., great post. I don't know if you've heard or not, by T.Y. Hilton was injured in the game against UCF last week, and he's questionalbe for this week. It's his right hamstring. He really wasn't a factor in the UCF game, catching 3 balls for about 30 yards, and had one run for 6 yards. He actually dropped the ball that was a sure TD on the play in which he was hurt early in the 1st half and did not return. UCF was leading at the time, 7-0. He has particpated in some of the workouts this week, but I don't know if he'll play, or how effective he will be if he does. It was a big surprise for me to see them beat UCF without him in all honesty, even though they do have a good team. In any case, there's your TY Hilton update from cloudy south Florida.
It really is too bad, what happened to Hilton. It seems that injury bugs bite the most ridiculously talented players far too often, as we unfortunately know all too well here in San Diego. Hopefully, he'll heal fully and quickly enough that he'll continue flying up draft boards. Otherwise, maybe he could be one of AJ's UDFA gold-mines. Here's my take on last week's games....
North Carolina State: ILB Audie Cole gets after the play. He's a bit on the slower side, according to the stopwatch, but his gamespeed is right there on a par with the best in the biz. WR T.J. Graham is a track star with really good hands. He returns kicks with aplomb. Saw him put one ball on the turf, but it's not something he does all that regularly.
Cincinnati: Isaiah Pead is a speedy as hell halfback who explodes through the secondary. Also makes a helluva receiver. Left Tackle Alex Hoffman is very decent in supporting the run, and proficient enough in pass protection to hold his own. He moved over from the right side of the line recently, so much of what seems lacking could be a result of relearning his footwork. Zach Collaros is a very mobile QB, who probably has a few things to learn in terms of accuracy from the pocket and pass decision making. Funny enough, he appears to be most accurate when he throws on the run.
Central Florida: Josh Robinson is an exceptional cover corner. But he has difficulty taking down larger running backs in open space.
BYU: 331 lb NT Hebron Fangupo transferred over from USC, and he's getting a lot of reps anchoring the line in a 3-4 scheme. He's excellent in holding his ground, and he also chases down plays out to the ends and gets his hands up into throwing lanes. It's quite possible he won't be drafted, but I wouldn't hold my breath. He transferred because of lack of playing time with the Trojans, which is why a lot of the analysts don't know about him. But the scouts are all over Provo watching his development this year.
Notre Dame: Right Guard Trevor Robinson is very close to making that transition from being decent to being an elite O-lineman. Watching OLB Darius Fleming develop this season has been very fun so far...he's made great strides each week.
Pittsburgh: A couple of linebackers stand out in Pitt games, as they are always making plays or funneling plays to their teammates. Look for OLB Brandon Lindsey to go in the 2nd round, and ILB Max Gruder to get picked up late in the draft.
Nebraska: LB Lavonte David has the range of a safety, but he hits like a lineman. Put a little meat on your bones and we'll see you in April, Lavonte!
Wyoming: CB Tashaun Gipson had a coming out party of sorts versus the Cornhuskers. He gave big red receivers a real run for their money on the right side of the field.
Georgia: Cordy Glenn is the most talked-about Guard in this year's senior class. Trouble is, the Bulldogs have him playing left tackle this year. He's doing a pretty decent job out there, but he'd be downright dominating if he was playing his natural position. C Ben Jones has exceptional field vision. This is a major position of need for us this year, as Mr. Jones noted above.
Ole Miss: DE Wayne Dorsey maintains his point of attack very well, and can penetrate the backfield fairly well. He might be able to transition to OLB.
Southern Methodist: Kelvin Beachum is a fairly decent UDFA offensive line option. Probably has more to learn technique-wise than a lot of other rookies will, but he has loads of talent.
Memphis: Dontari Poe is a 350 lb DT who has a lot of analysts salivating. However, I'm not sure he's cut out for a 3-4. I see him getting picked in the top 2 rounds by a 4-3 team, or possibly someone like AJ might take a flyer on him as an end. As a redshirt Junior, he could very well stay in school next year and come out looking more like a NT...some time in the weight room wouldn't hurt.
Arkansas: WR Joe Adams is one of the smaller guys with blazing speed. He also has decent hands and playmaking ability. ILB Jerry Franklin is very solid vs. the run. You could do a lot worse in the 7th round.
Alabama: Dre Kirkpatrick is an absolutely ridiculously talented CB. Too bad he'll be gone in the top 5 picks. ILB Dont'a Hightower is a 260 lb. guy who gets put down at end on occasion. I can see him being a "utility" type of linebacker. If he can learn all 4 positions, he's built for any of them, and that would be a huge weapon for a team. C William Vlachos would be an immediate upgrade over Mruczkowski as a back-up, but he has a ways to go before I'd think of letting Hardwick go.
California: DE Trevor Guyton is super strong and quick for his size, which is right at about the low end for what you can get away with in a 3-4. ILB Mychal Kendricks has a game presence which just reverberates throughout the game. He is a definite leader, and brings up the intensity level of his teammates. WR Marvin Jones is an NFL receiver already...he just needs a team. He has great hands and uncanny body awareness. He's not really on that many teams' radar just yet.
Washington: NT Alameda Ta'amu is a prototypical guy to anchor a 3-4, and everywhere you look someone's attaching to him a first round grade. But I see a major lack of consistency from him, and he needs to get a handle on that if he doesn't want to be seen as a first round bust. Chris Polk is a great north-south runner who punishes defenders for having the audacity to try to tackle him. Stays on his feet very well. ILB Cort Dennison is the heart and soul of his team's defense. Some team is going to consider him an undrafted steal, but anyone who's ever played with him or against him will not be surprised in the least by his success.
Boise State: Kellen Moore has a great track record. He's ranked low among quarterbacks, but I think he'd make an excellent back-up with significant weapons to offer if ever called upon. He rarely wastes opportunities, and is a good leader. Tyler Shoemaker is best running routes in the end zone, which is where lots of receivers have trouble as they run out of space. He seems to excel at it.
LSU: I keep watching Morris Claiborne, and I must admit I'm less and less impressed. He is great at coverage and returning kicks, but he's afraid of contact and rarely delivers a solid tackle attempt. I believe we've already learned our lessons about this type of corner (Cromartie), and Claiborne looks more and more like that type of corner the more I watch him, even down to the habitual holding of opposing receivers even when they don't necessarily have him beat. SEC officials won't call him for it, but NFL refs won't hesitate to flag him. I'm still infatuated with T-Bob Hebert's proficiency, utility, and intensity. But I've seen him get hurt in the knees twice this season, neither of them serious, and I'm beginning to question his ability to hold up through a 16 game season. QB Jarrett Lee can boast one thing other QBs really can't, and this thing would matter a lot to a team like the Chargers. He's a solid QB who never made a big deal out of being beaten out by Jordan Jefferson, and then didn't miss a beat when called upon to lead the team in the starter's absence. I'm not saying he's responsible for LSU's success this year, but we can say for darned sure that he has not been a liability. Losing the starting QB would put an early end to nearly any other team's chances to bid for a national championship (for example, look at what happened when Oklahoma lost Bradford, and note that Landry Jones DIDN'T manage to keep that team together and on top of their game). He's demonstrated he's exactly what a back-up quarterback should be. Finally, take a look at FB James Stampley sometime. He's a little bit on the smaller side for a blocking fullback, and he is decidedly a blocking fullback, but he craves the contact of a solid block in support of his halfback. Put him on a high-protein diet and a hardcore strength/conditioning regimen, and I can see him supplanting Hester as the starting fullback even though he's essentially useless catching passes out of the backfield.
West Virginia: CB Keith Tandy is an excellent cover corner who supports the run well and tackles in space extremely well. Left Tackle Don Barclay played the best 60 minutes of football you could ever expect against the LSU pass-rush.
Florida State: I really hope that DE/OLB Brandon Jenkins decides to play out his senior year in college, because the guy is freakishly talented and needs to have that final year to develop the mental and strength aspects of his game. He can be a major force on a team like ours, or a big time disappointment. At this point, he's right there around that "Larry English" level, but another year in the ACC and he'll be a game-changer. I still like LOT Andrew Datko, but he's a lot better in pass protection than run blocking, so I hope that part of his game comes along this year because he's actually built for it. I'm very impressed by CB Mike Harris, who was thrust into the starting role due to injuries. Clemson tried to pick on him, and he showed up to play. I'm assuming he earned something like 10 helmet stickers last Saturday, despite the loss.
Clemson: This is one of those teams whose players really appeal to me. Brandon Thompson is arguably the best DT in college football, able to consistently fend off a block and tackle a runner trying to hit the hole. With the repetitive health issues we've seen from Gates the past few years, I wouldn't be necessarily opposed to seeing the team burn a first round pick on Dwayne Allen with the money we can save from not signing McMichael and Sperry back next year. RB Andre Ellington is super-fast and runs equally well between the tackles and on the edges. Right OG Antoine McClain clears lots of space on his blocks, and DT Rennie Moore is a low-investment, high-upside defensive player...he lines up as an undersized DT right now, but I could actually see him moving to OLB for situational strength against the run or to DE in the nickel package.
Oklahoma State: Last weekend's game put up enough red flags for me, that I'm glad we won't have a shot at Justin Blackmon. The guy's a train wreck when his emotions get the best of him. QB Brandon Weeden was outstanding, however, and so was Josh Cooper, the other WR for the Cowboys. He's versatile, returning punts and running the end-around very well. He's the type of receiver I think we could use more than the egotistical guys like Blackmon. You can't go wrong signing an undrafted Richetti Jones next year to see what he can do as an OLB.
Texas A&M: Ryan Tannehill is a decent throwing quarterback who can make things happen with his feet. On the downside, he seems to melt down a little bit when faced with adversity. I don't think he's worth his first round grade. DT Tony Jerod-Eddie holds up the line really well but most excels chasing a play down to the edges and keeping it in the backfield. Garrick Williams is another ILB who really impressed me last weekend for the usual reasons an ILB will open one's eyes. The real surprise to me, however, was CB Terrence Frederick, who plays with a rare level of aggressiveness. He's not afraid of contact, and can hang with the best receivers.
My favorite guys this week were BYU's Hebron Fangupo, Washington's Cort Dennison, and Clemson's Dwayne Allen.
