THE SCOUT'S NOTEBOOK

NOT QUITE READY FOR PRIME TIME PLAYERS


October 10, 2008

by Paul Guillemette, editor of Paul’s Pigskin Place and publisher of a newsletter with views and analysis on the passing NFL scene.

At this time of year I run into article after article touting ‘Risings Prospects’ for the DRAFT. In principle I have no problem with that concept, engaging in it myself each week. But in some instances I sit with my mouth hanging open after seeing some of the names being thrown into this category. Let me give you five players listed as ‘fast risers’ over the past few weeks that left me gasping for air.

Anybody touting this guy is reading football annuals and not watching games. He is immature and undisciplined. The only reason he might end up in the ’09 DRAFT is because SPURRIER may get tired of his act in Columbia and kick him off the team. He is not disciplined enough on or off the field for the NFL.

TERRENCE ‘MOUNT’ CODY/DT/ALABAMA

He has made a big impression with his play and size (6-5/365 lbs.  give or take a biscuit w/gravy or six) plugging up the middle of SABAN’s 3-4 D, and rightly so. But he still needs a lot of work on his technique and conditioning to make an impact in the NFL. Talk to me at this time next year about his pro potential.

C. J. SPILLER/RB/CLEMSON

I like SPILLER as a collegian, and I think the NFL will fins a way to use his speed and skills just they like the SAINTS have (finally) with REGGIE BUSH, but he is not an every down RB at 5-11/193. I think he is better off to let teammate JAMES DAVIS graduate and then be “the man” at CLEMSON in 2009.

RICKY JEAN-FRANCOIS/DT/LSU

A very good athlete and college player, who came into 2008 with 3 starts in his career. He still plays in the LSU DL rotation. He is a solid football player, but is undersized to play inside in the NFL at 290 lbs, and probably too slow (4.85/40) to make a huge impact at DE. I’d like to see what his stats are at the end of this year before we truly proclaim him as the next GLENN DORSEY.

These players all have NFL potential, but I think moving them up too high, too fast would be a big mistake. None of them are on my list at this point as guys who should declare for the DRAFT come January. In the immortal words of LEE CORSO; not so fast my friends.

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Draft Winners and Losers from USC-Ohio State slugfest...
by Colin Lindsay; Editor and Publisher of the Great Blue North Draft Report

February 18, 2008.... Saturday’s much-hyped showdown between Ohio State and Southern Cal in Los Angeles turned out to be a real dud as the Trojans ran away and hid from the overmatched Buckeyes. Indeed, when the dust had settled the #1 ranked USC won 35-3 over their Big 10 rivals who actually scored first before the Trojans reeled off 5 straight TDs. And while Ohio State and Southern Cal both came into the game with two of the deepest classes for the 2009 draft, pro scouts also probably had to be a little disappointed with the overall play of each team’s top prospects for the upcoming draft in Saturday night’s match-up.

MLB vs. MLB… The most celebrated individual match-up of the evening was probably that which pitted the two team’s veteran MLBs going head-to-head, however, neither USC’s Rey Maualuga nor James Laurinaitis appeared to do a whole lot of enhance their respective draft grades. Maualuga, for example, did step in front of an underthrown Todd Boeckman pass and returned if for a critical score late in the first half; Maualuga also showed some unexpected straight line speed in pursuit of the ball and as expected was very physical taking on blockers. Maualuga, though, just didn’t look very athletic overall; Maualuga didn’t appear to change directions all that quickly and was seldom able to shift through the traffic; indeed, while Maualuga generally did a nice job standing up blockers, he also struggled to disengage from those blocks most of the evening. Maualuga also appeared to be playing out of control too often and struggled to maintain his balance at times; he also missed way too many tackles - as many as 5 by our unofficial count - tackles in the open field.

In fact, Ohio State’s Laurinaitis showed more in the way of athleticism than SC’s Maualuga, but still probably didn’t have anywhere near the evening he had hoped for the final score aside. Overall, Laurinaitis was light on his feet, generally found his way through the traffic and did a nice job shucking blockers. Laurinaitis also squared up well in the hole and did a nice job wrapping up between the tackles. Laurinaitis, though, just wasn’t quite quick enough to stay with Southern Cal’s stable of speedy young backs led by emerging sophomore Joe McKnight. For some reason, Laurinaitis was caught playing much too far off the line of scrimmage throughout most of the first half and lacked the speed to track down the ball. In contrast, in the second half Laurinaitis was much more aggressive - and effective - attacking the line of line of scrimmage. Marcus Freeman, Laurinaitis’ Ohio State LB mate, also made a few plays late in the ball game long after the issue had been decided, but was largely invisible through the first three quarters, that is, with the exception of perhaps of getting beaten badly in coverage on Southern Cal’s first TD. Freeman did show plenty of speed in open space, but didn’t appear very instinctive and also wasn’t very physical at the point off attack.

While the game’s other heralded LBs struggled at times on Saturday night, USC SSLB Brian Cushing may have been the best player on the field, with the exception of Trojan RB McKnight who was a real difference maker. Cushing was all over the field making 11 tackles; he showed excellent acceleration and as a long strider covered a lot of ground in a hurry; he also used his hands well to fend off blockers; showed nice instincts and agility finding and getting to the ball in traffic; and really exploded into tackles. In fact, about the only place Cushing wasn’t seen was in coverage, although he was very effective pressuring the passer showing great timing and range getting into the backfield. USC DT Fili Moala also had a solid game. Moala, a one-gap type DT, was quick off the snap, kept his pads low, his feet moving and showed some decent spin moves to get off blocks; Moala also did a nice job holding the point of attack against double teams and showed good lateral range and a great motor. Pro scouts, though, probably would have liked to see Moala get a little more consistent penetration rushing the passer. Meanwhile, DE/LB Clay Matthews, who doesn’t start and really doesn’t have a position, opened some eyes showing good speed and range chasing down the passer and could ultimately get some looks as a 3-4 pass rush OLB at the 2009 draft.

The individual player whose stock may have taken the biggest hit in the OSU-SC match-up was veteran Ohio State OT Alex Boone. Considered by many scouts to be at least a late first round prospect, Boone did show some good feet, balance and technique at times against the Trojans; in particular, Boone has long arms and got very good extension and also showed a smooth backpeddle, but too often just wasn’t very physical; he also appeared to lose focus too often for someone with that kind of experience as he was ticketed for a couple of procedure penalties and allowed as many as four QB hurries. Meanwhile, massive OG Steve Rehring was forced to sit out the second half with a sprained foot, but was around long enough to also have trouble with the speed of the USC defensive front. No question the 345-pound Rehring is big and strong and was a load at the point of attack, but wasn’t able to change direction with any agility, got caught playing too tall on more than one occasion and didn’t really sustain blocks until the whistle. It also wasn’t a great night for Ohio State junior DE Lawrence Wilson, who did play hard and showed some decent lateral range, but lacked next gear quickness to get much real pressure from the outside.

Meanwhile, Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins, arguably the highest rated player on the field Saturday night, wasn’t really tested much by the USC offense. Jenkins did give up a couple of short gainers and got sealed off by a big USC wideout for a 12-15 yard gain, although he was actually in the pocket of the receiver from the snap. Jenkins was also very physical tackling and showed some special athleticism moving in space.

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A QUICK PREVIEW OF THE 2009 DRAFT
by Colin Lindsay

September 2, 2008: The consensus around the NFL was that the 2008 draft was a relatively strong class. And that was borne out when a relatively large percentage of this year’s rookie draft class made their respective team’s opening day 53-man rosters which were announced over the weekend. The jury is still way out on the upcoming draft class, however, in large part because so many of the very best players in college football are underclassmen.

In fact, its not just juniors that could have a major impact at the 2009 draft. There are whispers around the league, for example, that Oklahoma redshirt sophomore QB Sam Bradford could ultimately be the best pro prospect at the position in the country. Same story at RB where Georgia redshirt RB Knowshon Moreno is one of the top 2-3 rushing prospects, while a pair of redshirt sophomores - Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech and Missouri’s Jeremy Maklin - are the lading receiver candidates. Indeed, there are rumblings that Crabtree could be the best prospect period after a record-breaking freshman season last fall when he caught 134 passes for almost 2,000 yards and 22 scores.

At the same time, juniors dominate at a number of other positions. Florida’s Tim Tebow, the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman Trophy, and Mathew Stafford of Georgia, for example, both have top 10 physical skills, as does Ohio State RB Beanie Wells, who should battle Georgia’s Moreno for the top grade among backs assuming he’s healthy after leaving the Buckeyes’ season opener with a foot injury. Meanwhile, SEC junior OTs Andre Smith of Alabama and LSU’s Ciron Black have top 10-15 skills.

No position could be more impacted at the 2009 draft by an infusion of underclassmen than DE. Indeed, a case can be made that DE could be the position of choice at the upcoming draft if all or most of a strong junior class including George Selvie of South Florida, Penn State’s Maurice Evans, Greg Hardy of Ole Miss, Greg Middleton of Indiana, Lawrence Wilson of Ohio State and Auston English of Oklahoma opt to leave school early this winter. They would join seniors Tyson Jackson of LSU and Georgia Tech’s Michael Johnson, both of whom have uncommon athletic skills, although neither has been consistently productive to date, in what could be this year’s strongest position.

MLB, which has often been an afterthought early on daft in recent years, will also have a relatively strong class this year, highlighted by All-Americans James Laurinaitis of Ohio State and Southern Cal’s Rey Maualuga. Florida junior Brandon Spikes also has first round talent, although he’s battling some injury concerns, while the MLB class will be even stronger if South Carolina’s Jasper Brinkley is back 100% after missing most of the 2007 season with a knee injury. Meanwhile, rugged Scott McKillop of Pittsurgh, Darry Beckwith of LSU and Dave Philistin of Maryland provide quality depth.

Like the MLBs, the interior offensive line hasn’t gotten much respect early on draft day in recent years, however, that could change this coming April. Duke Robinson of Oklahoma, for example, is one of the better pure OGs to come along in awhile, while there is a strong second-level group of OGs including Dallas Reynolds of BYU, who will also get some consideration at OT, 350-pound Herman Johnson of LSU, Steve Rehring of Ohio State, Anthony Parker of Tennessee, Kraig Urbik of Wisconsin, Oregon State’s Jeremy Perry, if healthy, along with juniors Sergio Render of Virginia Tech and Greg Isdaner of West Virginia. All have the size and athleticism to get some first-day consideration. There is also a very talented group of veteran Cs headed by California All-American Alex Mack, along with Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas, Max Unger of Oregon, Eric Wood of Louisville and Antoine Caldwell of Alabama.

While there is plenty of depth along the interior offensive line, the OTs could still dominate the very early going at the upcoming draft. Bama’s Smith and LSU’s Black, both have top 10 talent, as does Ole Miss’ Michael Oher, yet another star SEC tackle, while Alex Boone of Ohio State, Virginia’s Eugene Monroe and Phil Loadholt of Oklahoma have later first round potential. There isn’t necessarily a lot of depth at the position, though, and teams looking to upgrade at OT at the 2009 draft may not want to dither.

QB could also be a most interesting position this coming April, especially if top 10 underclassmen like Bradford, Tebow and Stafford leave school this winter. Meanwhile, there likely won’t be any senior QBs taken that early, but there are a number of solid veteran signal callers including Curtis Painter of Purdue, Clemson’s Cullen Harper, Graham Harrell of Texas Tech, Chase Holbrook of New Mexico State, Chase Daniel of Missouri and Hunter Caldwell of Louisville. Then there is super athletic Pat White of West Virginia, who may not have the arm to play QB at the next level, but has the speed and play-making ability to find a role somewhere at the next level.

There could also be a special class at TE this year including star receivers Travis Beckum of Wisconsin, Chase Coffman of Missouri and Darius Hill of Ball State, while Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew is a special two-way talent, although he has some off-field issues to address. The TE class could get even better if juniors like Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma, Dennis Pitta of BYU, Jared Cook of South Carolina, and Cody Slate of Marshall enter this year’s draft.

On the other hand, there are plenty of questions at both wide receiver. Crabtree and Maklin, the two best players in the country at the position are very young, while Florida’s Percy Harvin and Maryland’s Darrius Heywad-Bey, two juniors with uncommon fisrst-round speed, both have issues. The Gators’ Harvin has been dogged by a foot injury for months, while Heyward-Bey is still learning the nuances of the position. Meanwhile, there are some very productive senior receivers including Clemson’s Aaron Kelly, Brandon Gibson of Washington State, Jarrett Dillard of Rice, Brian Robiskie of Ohio State, Oklahoma’s Juaquin Iglesias of Oklahoma and Sammy Stroughter of Oregon State although none is yet the total package.

There is also something of a major drop-off between top prospect RBs Moreno and Wells to the second-tier backs. Veteran backs like Marlon Lucky of Nebraska, Arion Foster of Tennessee, James Davis of Clemson, and Ian Johnson of Boise State are productive college rushers, but none has the extra gear of an elite prospect at the position. There are however, a lot of solid complimentary backs around the country including Javon Ringer of Michigan State, Mike Davis of South Carolina, Kory Sheets of Purdue, Keegan Herring of Arizona State, bruisers Rodney Ferguson of New Mexico, Darrell Mack of Utah and Luke Lippincott of Nevada, and former Virginia Tech star Branden Ore who transferred to West Liberty State after being booted from the Hokies.

Meanwhile, there are also questions at DT, OLB and in the secondary, although CB Malcolm Jenkins of Ohio State, along with safeties Taylor Mays, a USC junior, and Missouri’s Will Moore are top 15 prospects. There is much sorting out to do among the other top CBs and safeties, though. Same at DT where Ricky Jean-Francois of LSU played like a top 10 prospect at last January’s BCS title game, but that was one of the very few games he’s played because of academics. At the same time, DTs Vance Walker of Georgia Tech and USC’s Fili Moala have late-first round potential, although neither is very big. Another USC star, Brian Cushing, is the top-rated OLB, however, he'll have to be more productive that 2007 when he had just 25 tackles to join teammate Rey Maualaga in the opening round.

If you have comments or suggestions, e-mail the editor. The GBN can also be reached by phone at (613) 727-3388; by fax at (613) 951-0387;or regular mail at PO Box 5282, Merivale Station, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2C 3H5.

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