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canadaram
ParticipantOurlads on Aaron Green, RB, TCU
Started 18 games over the past three years. From San Antonio, TX. Started off at Nebraska, backing up Ameer Abdullah. A space-hungry back who excels at being elusive and quick in the open field. Has fluid hips and light feet. Will burst through a crease, easy hop cut and change of direction. Elusive and savvy with good vision. Poor power presence. Will not push the pile and rarely breaks tackles when a defender has a clean look at him. Needs more bulk. Does not put in full effort as a blocker or route runner. He has some ability in space and may be best suited for return duty in the league. Senior Bowl notes: Dances too much in the hole. Doesn’t hit it. Needs to worm on route running. Slows to cut. Needs more bulk and pass blocking effort. He did have a nifty 25-yard touchdown run where he showed his cut back vision. 2015 stats: 1272 yrds, 5.2 ypr, 11 TD, 16 rec, 117 yds, 1 TD. Not invited to Combine. Seventh round/PFA. (A-30, H-8 3/8, BP-DNP, SS-DNP).
canadaram
ParticipantSorry about the misplaced posts on lomax and Jordan. I reposted in he UDFA thread. Too late for me to delete them here.
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This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by
canadaram.
canadaram
ParticipantBruglar on Lomax
JORDAN LOMAX | Iowa
5097|202 lbs|5SR Upper Marlboro, Md. (DeMatha Catholic) 10/13/1993 (age 22)GRADE Priority Free Agent
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 | Hand: 08 3/4 | Wingspan: 76
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.75 | 10-YD: 1.68 | 20-YD: 2.77 | BP: 8 | VJ: 36 | BJ: 10’00” | SS: 4.15 | 3C: 7.18 PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.66 | 10-YD: 1.61 | 20-YD: 2.70 | VJ: 38.5 | BJ: 10’01” | 3C: 6.76BACKGROUND: A three-star athlete recruit out of high school, Lomax passed on offers from nearby Maryland and Virginia, committing to Iowa as a cornerback – also a sprinter and ran the opening leg on 4×400-meter relay team that won a national title. He saw action in 11 games as a true freshman back-up in 2011, recording seven tackles. After redshirting in 2012 due to a shoulder injury, Lomax a reserve defensive back as a sophomore and started his first game, finishing the 2013 season with five tackles and two passes defended. He moved to free safety as a junior and earned a starting job (12 starts), recording 92 tackles, seven passes defended and one interception to earn Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. Lomax started all 14 games as a senior free safety in 2015 and finished third on the team with 96 tackles, adding seven passes defended and one interception to earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game.
STRENGTHS: Excellent play speed…fast angles downhill and pursuit outside, not playing hesitant…fluid footwork and unlocks his hips to turn and run with tight ends and running backs…quick read/react skills to diagnose and attack vs. the run – not distracted by motions and ball fakes…unafraid to throw his body around and arrives at the contact point with authority, always looking to separate man from ball…aggressive take-on strength to bounce off blockers…highly intelligent on and off the field – Academic All-American…extra coach on the field, communicating play indicators – well-respected on campus…desired mental and physical toughness for the position…versatile experience at both cornerback and safety with consistent production the past two seasons.
WEAKNESSES: Undersized frame with short arms and maxed out build…tiny margin of error with his pursuit angles, leading to misses…routinely needs help from the cavalry to finish tackles due to his lack of size and strength – fierce striker, but not a wrap up tackler…overaggressive tendencies with his eyes in the wrong place, allowing plays in the middle of the field…doesn’t have the make up speed to recover after false steps…poor timing and anticipation in coverage, falling for double- moves and attracting penalties…struggles to locate or feel passes once his back is turned to the ball…marginal ballskills with several dropped interceptions on his film…no return experience on special teams…violent play style and lack of size leads to durability concerns – missed the 2012 season due to a torn labrum (July 2012) that required surgery.
canadaram
ParticipantBruglar on safety, Mike Jordan
MICHAEL JORDAN | Missouri Western St.
6006|200 lbs|5SR Hazelwood, Mo. (Hazelwood Central) #23
GRADE Priority Free Agent
MEASUREABLES Arm: 31 1/2 | Hand: 09 3/8 | Wingspan: 76 3/4 COMBINE N/A (not invited)
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.56 | 10-YD: 1.59 | BP: 15 | VJ: 37.5 | BJ: 10’07”SUMMARY: A no-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Jordan had academic issues and wasn’t highly recruited, joining his older brother Reggie Jordan (undrafted tight end in 2014 NFL Draft) at Division-II Missouri Western State. He earned MIAA Freshman of the Year honors in 2012 and started all four seasons for the Griffons, finishing with career-best 22 passes defended and five interceptions as a senior to earn multiple All-American honors. Jordan, who fittingly wears No. 23 jersey, has a fluid lower body with burst off his plant foot to change directions and stay on top of throws, but his high pedal and premature hip-turn allows receivers to create spacing out of breaks. He tends to play too much on his heels and lacks a second gear downfield, leading to grabby hands. Jordan has undeniable career ball production (16 interceptions and 58 passes defended) with natural size and field sense, but he is a cornerback/safety tweener who might be limited by scheme.
canadaram
ParticipantOurlads On Paul McRoberts, WR SE Missouri State
Three-year starter from St. Louis, MO. Two-time captain and first team All-Ohio Valley Conference. Has good sized catching radius thanks to long arms and big hands. Soft hands that adjust to the ball in flight. Extends and plucks ball away from his body. He can make the tough catch and will lay out for the ball. Played at a lower level of competition and when he lined up against Missouri’s corners he struggled to get off the press coverage. Productive small college receiver. Broke the school record by catching 29 TD passes. Played one year of basketball at SE Missouri during the 2013-14 season. Led the Redhawks in receiving three straight years. Averaged 11.6 yards on 14 punt returns scoring one TD. Also returned four kickoffs. Senior Bowl notes: Struggles to get of press coverage because of stiffness in his upper body. Stands straight up. Better versus off coverage. A possession type receiver who is a good sized target but needs space in his release to get off the ball. Needs to work on his flexibility and ability to avoid contact. Caught four passes in the game for 46 yards and a TD. Also retuned a punt for 27 yards. 2015 stats: 76-940, 12.4 ypr, 9 TD. Not invited to Combine. Seventh round/PFA (A-33 1/2, H-9 3/4, VJ-DNP, SS-DNP).
canadaram
ParticipantOurlads On Taylor Bertolet, K, Texas A&M
Four year starter from Reading, PA. The former Aggie kicker has been consistently one of the strongest kickoff guys in the country throughout his career. Showing improvement in his ball striking and ability to make kicks has given him a chance of making an NFL team. Shortenin his steps and improving his swing vertically has improved the straightness of his kicks. Bertolet is a hard worker who has overcome a rough start in his career to finish with a solid season of 21/31 on field goals, and one of the top kickoff specialists in the country. Field goal statistics over his career have been up and down but finished his senior season on a high note. Quick hips an powerful leg allow him to create hang times rarely seen. Kick offs have been a strength since day one as he has been the starting kickoff guy at A&M all four years. Has over 150 touchback a in his career including 49 last fall. Three-time Academic all-SEC. Made 5/9 from 50+ yards his senior year and 5/6 from 40-49 yards. The ball jumps off his foot and he brings a lot of energy through contact. His size will scare away some teams. Field goal percentage has not been great, the difference between his A and C ball is wide, cleaning up his consistency in rotation is vital for his improvement. Seventh round/PFA. (A-28, H-8).
canadaram
ParticipantOurlads on Marquez North, who they rated higher than Mike Thomas, Kenny Lawler and Rashaed Higgins, FWIW.
Junior entry from Charlotte NC. Two years as a full time starter and started four of seven games in 2015. Missed the end of the 2014 season and spring practice with a torn labrum. Caught 74 passes in his three year career, good for 874 yards and five TDs. He averaged 11.8 yards per grab. Will lay out and reach and extend for the ball. A hand catcher who wins at the ball on 50/50 balls. Works to stack and finish. Goes up for the ball at the high point good body control to make the circus catch. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to be a number two or three NFL recover. Was named to the Academic All-SEC team in 2015. Had a career high of seven catches versus Missouri in 2013. Grades out as a solid backup with ascending skills and measurables. Passes the eye and athlete test for an NFL receiver. 2015 stats: 6-58, 9.6 ypr, 0 TD in 7 games. OSR: 6/42, fourth/fifth round. (A-33 3/8, H -10 1/4, VJ-35, SS-4.13).
canadaram
ParticipantI don’t consider myself a Fisher defender. On the other hand I’m not anti-Fisher either. After 4 years you’d think I’d have a firm opinion on him one way or the other. But I don’t. After 4 years I’m still in ‘wait and see’ mode and I think the majority of Rams fans are as well.
You said what I think. Except that I didn’t know that’s what I was thinking until I thought about it. So yeah, that’s how I feel about Fisher too.
I totally get where Mack is coming from about the offense. Having said that, I am encouraged by how some of the young guys developed on the offensive line last year. Maybe it leads to some improvements to the overall offense. Maybe Mack is right, and the offensive problems are much more deeply rooted than who is lining up on that side of the ball. Beats me, ‘wait and see.’
canadaram
ParticipantOurlads
Two-year starter and junior college transfer from Chicago, IL. Breakout year in 2015 where he averaged 19.5 yards per catch. A good athlete who is a little more than a possession receiver. Has a good stutter go move that fools defensive backs on this level. Slips across the formation and can beat man coverage then get up the field. He lines up on the left side of the formation 71.4% of the time and is in the slot 22.4%. Rarely lines up on the right side, only 3.5%. Thomas was targets 28.6% of the time on 185 routes. His drop percentage was almost double the norm of 5.9%. He dropped 11.3% of his targets. The slender and wiry receiver has made several circus type one-handed catches showing his concentration and athleticism. Can twist his body to adjust to about any off target pass. Goes up after the ball. He doesn’t wait on it. Plucks the ball at the high point. A developmental prospect with some draft able qualities. Pro day numbers. 16/BP, 10-11/BJ, 7.05/ 3 cone. 2015 stats. 71-1391, 19.5 ypr, 14 TD. Not invited to the Combine. Seventh round/PFA. (A-31 3/8, H-9 5/8, VJ-36, SS-4.28).
canadaram
ParticipantOurlads
Junior entry and two-year starter from Havelock, NC. First-team All-SEC two years in a row. A jack-of-all-trades type of athlete. Lines up 84% of the time in the slot as an inside receiver. No top college receiver was in the slot alignment more than Cooper. He did, however, have aligned drop rate than most receivers, losing the handle on 8.2% of his targets passes. Built like a running back. Explosive from a dead stop. Instant acceleration. Sudden change of direction. Quick cuts in and out of his breaks. Not shy about crossing the middle. Has courage and grit between the hash marks. An instinctive runner who can find the seems and holes in the secondary. Has enough lower body power to break tackles. A competitor who plays with intensity. Not afraid to inline block. Physically tough and aggressive. Can adjust on the move when blocking downfield. A slot receiver who is quicker than fast. Needs work on his routes. More power than shake. Averaged 4.58 yards on 12 punt returns. Pro day numbers: 9-8/BJ, 6.75/3 cone. 2015 stats: 37-644, 17.4 ypr, 4 TD. OSR: 14/42. Third/fourth round. (A-32, H- 10 3/8, VJ -37.5, SS-4.41).
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This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by
canadaram.
canadaram
ParticipantFrom Ourlads
Fifteen starts over career. From Clearwater, FL. Brandon Doughty’s check down and safety receiver. He let FBS TEs in yards and was tied for the most TDs with six when he injured his left knee versus North Texas. The big tight end played in nine games and averaged 14.8 yards on his 38 catches for the year. Moved from wide receiver to tight end in 2013. Big soft hands and long arms. Gets up the field North and South as soon as he makes the catch. Adjusts well to off-target passes. Catches the ball away from his body. A smooth route runner. Needs more core strength and bulk to be inline NFL blocking tight end. At Western he was used as move blocker who could get position and seal the edge in the running game. Was asked to position and wall off as a blocker. Collected 11 receptions versus Marshall. Uses his long frame to his advantage when attacking the ball at the high point. Good timing. If healthy, he will provide depth to a team and will be drafted higher. 2015 stats: 38-563, 14.8 ypr, 8TD. Medical exclusion at Combine. sixth/seventh round. (A 33 1/4, H-10, BO-DNP, VJ-DNP)
canadaram
ParticipantI forget, did Paul Tagliabue used to get booed? NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman gets booed heartily and heavily by NHL fans. Former NBA commissioner, David Stern was a target as well. Almost seems to come with the territory.
canadaram
ParticipantDane Bruglar on the prospects:
TYLER HIGBEE | Western Kentucky 6056|249 lbs|5SR Clearwater, Fla. (East Lake) 12/31/1992 (age 23) #89 GRADE 3rd-4th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 1/4 | Hand: 10 1/4 | Wingspan: 80 7/8 COMBINE N/A (injury; left knee)
PRO DAY N/A (positional drills only)BACKGROUND: A two-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Higbee received two FBS-level scholarship offers, committing to Western Kentucky over Colorado State. He caught two passes for 92 yards as a true freshman receiver in 2011 before redshirting in 2012, making the transition to tight end. He started three games as a sophomore in 2013, recording 13 catches for 169 yards and one touchdown. Higbee started three games again in 2014 as a junior and posted 15 receptions for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Despite battling injuries, he had his most productive season as a senior in 2015 (eight starts), finishing with 38 catches for 563 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First Team All-CUSA honors. Higbee accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl, but was forced to pull out due to injury.
STRENGTHS: Speed to threaten the seam with smooth acceleration…athleticism to catch the ball without breaking stride, creating YAC…soft hands and extends to snag, looking the ball into his large mitts…natural body control and coordination to adjust and complete inaccurate throws…displays savvy and quickness at the top of routes, showing little wasted motion…doesn’t allow defenders to slow him in his patterns…wins 50-50 balls due to body position and strength, absorbing contact and keeping his focus…competitive ballcarrier and barrels through contact…has committed himself to adding weight to his frame with growth potential to add more bulk…holds his own as a blocker, extending and looking to engage his target…can get on the perimeter and take out defenders…production has improved each season, including career-bests as a senior.
WEAKNESSES: Former wideout who is still developing the muscle on his frame…needs to tweak technical issues as a route runner, including depth and timing…more of a get-in-the-way blocker, lacking the upper body power or hand strength to latch-and-drive…limited core strength and inline hip snap – pops at contact, but doesn’t sustain…doesn’t always play as big as he looks at the catch point…allows the ball into his frame at times…needs to better secure the ball after the catch – two career fumbles…below average career production despite a pass happy offense and record-breaking quarterback…strong durability concerns, missing four games and parts of a several others as a senior due to a left knee sprain (Oct. 2015) – injury also kept him out for the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
SUMMARY: A one-year starter, Higbee is a receiver-turned-tight end who steadily progressed over his career and emerged as an impact player in 2015 despite battling a knee issue most of the season. He has natural receiving traits with reliable focus and smooth athleticism to create mismatches down the field and between the hashes. Higbee lacks the prototypical bulk or strength to be a true inline blocker right now, but he has the physical temperament and frame to grow into that type of role. He has the tools to start in the NFL once he adds polish to his game, but the key to his evaluation is the health of his knee, which plagued him over the last six months – top-100 talent, who might last until day three due to the medical questions.
PHAROH COOPER | South Carolina 5111|203 lbs|3JR Havelock, N.C. (Havelock) 3/7/1995 (age 21) #11 GRADE 2nd Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 1/4 | Hand: 09 1/8 | Wingspan: 75 COMBINE BP: 15 | VJ: 31 | BJ: 09’07”
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.59 | 10-YD: 1.64BACKGROUND: A four-star athlete recruit out of high school, Cooper’s dream school was North Carolina, but because he didn’t have a “good feel” with the Tar Heels coaching staff, he spurned their recruitment and signed with South Carolina – arrived in Columbia as a safety before moving to receiver. He played in 11 games as a true freshman, spending most of his time on special teams as the featured kickoff returner. Cooper became a starting wide receiver as a sophomore in 2014 and had a breakout season with 69 catches for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns (all-career highs), earning First Team All-SEC honors. He produced similar numbers as a junior in 2015, leading the Gamecocks with 66 receptions for 973 yards and eight scores and again earning First Team All-SEC honors. Cooper elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
STRENGTHS: Good muscle tone and has worked hard to develop his physique…electric athlete with light feet and creative moves, showing the strong strides to accelerate and eliminate pursuit angles…hits top speed instantly with excellent plant-and-go movements in his routes, not losing any speed in his breaks…smoothly changes directions without slowing down, allowing him to work back to the ball and separate in his patterns…terrific vision as a ballcarrier and follows blocks well…quick hands and reliable ballskills to be a catch-and-go threat…very good focus to pluck poor throws without breaking stride…high degree of toughness over the middle and doesn’t allow impending contact to spook him…plays his butt off each snap and never goes half speed…versatile offensive threat in college with a lot of direct snaps, averaging 7.2 yards per rush (71/513/4) and completing 56% of his passes (9-for-16/118/4)…offers return experience on special teams, averaging 4.7 yards per punt return (36/170/0) and 22.4 yards per kickoff return (16/359/0)…humble character, high-effort worker and very coachable…comes from a disciplined background, growing up in a military family – grandfather and father were Marines and his brother is currently serving in the Marines.
WEAKNESSES: Ordinary height and length for the position, limiting his catch radius…better play speed than timed speed…wasn’t asked to run a sophisticated route tree in college and still learning the nuances at the stem of patterns…will have some double-catches and needs to do a better job tracking over his shoulder…will hold the ball loose and away from his body, leading to ball security concerns – seven career fumbles…inconsistent on-the-move efficiency as a blocker, showing effort to deliver pop, but struggles to sustain…high volume of touches in college led to physical collisions, limping off the field several times on film – wore a heavy brace due to a sprained left knee (Sept. 2015).
SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Pharoh Cooper (named after the Egyptian kings) was a do-everything weapon for the Gamecocks’ offense the last two seasons, overcoming poor quarterback play to earn First Team All-SEC honors as a sophomore and junior – lined up mostly as an inside and outside receiver, but also took snaps at quarterback and running back. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, displaying the play speed, elusive cuts and start/stop movements to create on his own and generate separation as a route-runner. Despite only average size, Cooper doesn’t worry about contact and is always working to get open, never taking a play off. A similar prospect as Randall Cobb out of Kentucky, Cooper is a superb talent and person who will contribute in the NFL as a rookie – second round prospect who can be a jack-of-all-trades for an offense.
12. TEMARRICK HEMINGWAY | South Carolina St. 6047|244 lbs|5SR Loris, S.C. (North Myrtle Beach) 7/30/1993 (age 22) #81
GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 34 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 81
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.71 | 10-YD: 1.67 | 20-YD: 2.76 | BP: 18 | VJ: 30.5 | BJ: 09’07” | SS: 4.31 | 3C: 6.88 PRO DAY N/ABACKGROUND: A no-star wide receiver recruit, Hemingway grew up in a small town and weighed only 180-pounds out of high school, causing him to go under- recruited by FBS programs. He received several FCS-level offers and committed to South Carolina State, redshirting in 2011. Hemmingway saw action as a true freshman in 2012 (two starts) and recorded 11 catches for 164 yards and one touchdown. He saw his playing time increase as a sophomore, recording 26 receptions for 223 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Hemingway started 11 games as a junior in 2014 and earned First Team All-MEAC honors with 18 catches for 251 yards and one score. He started every game as a senior in 2015 and finished with 38 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown, earning First Team All-MEAC and All-American honors. Hemingway accepted his invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Skyscraper with arms and projectable frame…uses his reach to extend and highpoint, climbing the ladder…big-bodied target to split defenders and manipulate the middle of the field – consistently beat linebackers between the hashes with his whip routes on film…long, fluid strides to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and threaten the seam…flexible lower body to make strong cuts and create separation at the stem…smooth route-runner, using patience and body fakes to sell patterns…stabs at the catch point, not allowing traffic to alter his focus…good pop at initial contact as a blocker…worked hard to develop his frame, adding 60+ pounds since arriving at South Carolina State…All-American senior season and graduated with a degree in business administration (Dec. 2014)…focused, well- respected individual and earned the 2015 Walter Payton Achievement Award, which is given to the student-athlete in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge who best shows character and team spirit.
WEAKNESSES: Lean-limbed and lacks prototypical thickness and build for the position…one-gear athlete and lacks variety in his routes…most of his patterns were within seven yards of the line of scrimmage and didn’t give the secondary much to worry about on film…picks and chooses his aggressiveness at the catch point…not doing much after contact as a ballcarrier – doesn’t run as big as he looks…holds the ball too loose, leading to fumbles…upright blocker and struggles to sustain…late to recognize blocking angles and gain proper positioning…below average career production, especially in the end zone with only two combined touchdowns the last two seasons.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at South Carolina State, Hemmingway was used as a versatile “Y” tight end and lined up inline, wing and in the slot, running mostly short-to-intermediate routes. He shows the fluid athleticism and patience in his patterns to create separation against linebackers, making a living between the hashes. Hemmingway has long vines for arms and uses his size to out-rebound the ball, but needs to consistently play up to his size and match the physicality of defenders attacking the ball. Although incredibly raw in several areas, Hemmingway is an intriguing size/speed athlete with upside to secure a NFL roster spot if given time to develop his power and mental toughness – day three developmental tight end in the mold of Ladarius Green.
JOSH FORREST | Kentucky 6031|249 lbs|5SR Paducah, Ky. (Tilghman) 2/24/1992 (age 24) #45
GRADE 6th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 1/2 | Hand: 09 1/2 | Wingspan: 81 5/8
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.88 | 10-YD: 1.69 | 20-YD: 2.83 | BP: 11 | VJ: 30.5 | BJ: 09’10” PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.83 | 10-YD: 1.74 | 20-YD: 2.80 | SS: 4.38 | 3C: 7.53BACKGROUND: A three-star tight end recruit out of high school, Joshua “Josh” Forrest committed to Kentucky as a wide receiver over Central Florida and redshirted for the Wildcats in 2011. Prior to the 2012 season, he switched from receiver to linebacker and tallied 13 tackles as a redshirt freshman, mostly on special teams. Forrest played in all 12 games as a sophomore in 2013 and gained more experience on defense with 16 tackles and his first career interception. He earned the starting middle linebacker job as a junior in 2014 (12 starts) and led the team with 110 tackles, adding 8.0t tackles for loss, four passes defended and two interceptions. Forrest again started all 12 games and led the team with 93 tackles as a senior, finishing with 6.0 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and two interceptions. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Tall, angular athlete with a frame that can be molded…terrific play range and flies to the ball, arriving with violent intentions…unlocks his hips with patient eyes to mirror ballcarriers…aggressive downhill angles and timing to shoot through the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield…physical mindset and looks to mix things up…squares well in the middle of the field to make stops…wide receiver ballskills, showing the tracking ability to adjust, drive and finish interceptions…turns into a playmaker after the interception, averaging 30.4 yards per return with two touchdowns (5/152/2)…two career blocked kicks on special teams coverages (one field goal, one punt)…graduated with a degree in community and leadership development…productive senior captain, starting every game the last two seasons.
WEAKNESSES: Very raw instinctively and often caught guessing and freelancing…wild pursuit angles and doesn’t see blockers, choosing to go the long way in order to avoid contact…upright play style and high center, causing limitations moving laterally…hyper-focused on what is happening in the backfield and loses receivers and tight ends in zone coverage – reacts, doesn’t anticipate…high tackler and too much of a hugger due to his tall pad level…late coming to balance on the move to break down and finish moving targets…streaky take-on effort, playing soft and not effectively using his length…jolted by blockers and too easily moved from his spot…doesn’t play through the whistle, giving up on plays too quickly.
SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Forrest earned the starting middle linebacker role as a junior and started every game there the past two years, leading the Wildcats in tackles both seasons. He didn’t play football until his junior year in high school and started his Kentucky career at wide receiver so his linebacker instincts are still in the development phase, lacking the anticipation or break down skills to play with desired consistency. Forrest is rangy vs. the run and plays faster than he timed, showing playmaking savvy when the ball is thrown in his area, but he is often late to react and gives up more plays than he makes in coverage. His raw traits and flashes on film are intriguing, but he is nothing more than a possible special teamer right now until his play anticipation catches up – some teams have worked him out as an edge rusher.
MIKE THOMAS | Southern Miss 6010|197 lbs|4SR Chicago, Ill. (DuSable) 8/16/1994 (age 21) #88
GRADE 4th-5th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 31 7/8 | Hand: 09 1/4 | Wingspan: 76 1/2
COMBINE N/A (not invited)
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.53 | 10-YD: 1.59 | 20-YD: 2.61 | BP: 16 | VJ: 36 | BJ: 10’11” | SS: 4.29 | 3C: 7.06BACKGROUND: A no-star wide receiver recruit, Michael “Mike” Thomas’ was known for basketball, not football, in high school and he went vastly under-recruited despite gaudy production. He started at nearby College of Dupage in 2012 before transferring to Dodge City Community College in Kansas for the 2013 season. Thomas was a two-star JUCO recruit and transferred to Southern Miss over Minnesota. He didn’t join the team until late in the summer so he was behind learning the offense as a junior in 2014, starting nine games and posting 41 catches for 592 yards and five scores to earn All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors. Thomas emerged as a legitimate NFL prospect as a senior in 2015 (13 starts), leading the team with 71 receptions for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn First Team All-CUSA honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Adequate height and length for the position…fleet-of-foot athlete with lower body flexibility…excellent footwork to sell and create separation in/out of breaks…runs his routes with tempo and timing, using subtle moves at the stem…catches the ball well in stride to be a consistent YAC target…smooth body control and muscle twitch to make acrobatic adjustments on the ball…quick hands to stab the ball away from his frame…attacks anything in his zip code with springs in his legs and steady focus…locked-in competitor and always alert, never taking a play off – worked his tail off to have a chance at the NFL…returned kicks at Southern Miss, averaging 22.8 yards per return with one career touchdown (41/936/1)…above average production as a senior, setting a new school-record for single-season receiving yards (1,391) and touchdown grabs (14).
WEAKNESSES: Pipe cleaner frame with skinny limbs and lean lower body…lacks the body strength to cleanly fight through press coverage…leggy routes and needs to sharpen his technique…focus at the catch point runs hot-and-cold, running before securing or bracing for impending contact – more double-catches that you want to see on film…struggles in 50-50 situations, lacking the girth to out-muscle defenders…can be overwhelmed as a blocker…needs to develop his acumen of coverages and concepts…only two season at the FBS-level, lacking ideal experience…lean frame leads to durability concerns, missing one game as a senior and parts of several others due to minor injuries.
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Southern Miss, Thomas spent his junior season adjusting to the FBS and learning the playbook, setting up a breakout senior season as the starting “X” receiver and one of the top statistical wideouts in the country – led the nation in receiving yards per catch (19.6) among receivers with at least 63 catches in 2015. He moves fast and bursts off his plant foot to create room to work and be a threat after the catch. Thomas is fazed by traffic and his skinny body type gives teams pause that he’ll be able to hold up long-term, but his skill-set and competitive drive are worth betting on – one of the highest rated Combine snubs in this draft class and worthy of mid-round consideration.
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This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by
canadaram.
canadaram
ParticipantI’ll be disappointed if they dont take the best available
WR or TE with the next pick,
and then the best available DT with the next one.w
vDitto. I’d also accept a LB with the second 4th rounder. There’s not a lot of depth a center either. That needs to be addressed.
April 30, 2016 at 6:31 am in reply to: long fat article: Michael Silver on how Rams decided on Goff with No. 1 pick #42900canadaram
Participantcanadaram
Participantoh dear. i’m not a shallow person. but that photo is not the most flattering
😳 Oh dear?
My reaction was much stronger. A photo from the waist up would have been much more desirable. Somebody say a prayer to the patron saint of offensive lines.canadaram
ParticipantIs NFL radio online?
I’m not sure, but I think that it is. I know up here there is some registration process involved when it comes to streaming sirius channels. I use a home/auto portable receiver.
canadaram
Participantthey have guys open, they have people running wide open at times
I listened to the first round on Sirius nfl radio. When talking about the rams QB situation in 2015 Jim Miller referenced the Bears game which he worked as part of the Bears broadcast team. Miller said that he saw Rams receivers running open numerous times during that game, but Foles was unable to connect.
BTW, I say this every year, but nfl radio’s coverage of the draft is top notch. I’ve recorded both espn and the nfl network’s coverage and will watch later. However, usually both networks pale in comparison when it comes to the draft.
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This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by
canadaram.
canadaram
ParticipantI am more or less prepared for it to be Goff, though if it’s Wentz I will be just fine with it.
Yeah, me too. I still prefer Wentz, but I have a history of getting these things wrong; so what do I know?
Pat Kirwan has expressed some concern about Goff’s size over the last few weeks, but today he spoke with both Goff and Wentz while they sat side-by-side and he felt that they looked almost identical in terms of their size. He came away from that meeting less concerned about Goff’s size. That was a little reassuring for me.
canadaram
ParticipantIf he Rams take Wentz I will shave “theramshuddle.com” in the side of my head.
Please post a pic of that!
Will do!
canadaram
ParticipantIf he Rams take Wentz I will shave “theramshuddle.com” in the side of my head.
canadaram
ParticipantJim Miller and Pat Kirwan had a very similar conversation on MTC yesterday. Although, they didn’t go back as far as the 70s for the purposes of their discussion. Similar stats, similar conclusions.
canadaram
ParticipantSam has to the see the writing on the wall. If he starts the year as number one, he’s not likely to finish the year that way. The Eagles didn’t give up that many picks so Sam could start all year. The best case scenario for Sam is that he is Jon Kitna and Wentz is Carson Palmer. That said, the 2003 Bengals did not give up a boatload of picks to get Palmer.
I wonder if Andy Reid would be interested in having Foles as a back up? Similarly, I wonder if Chip Kelly would want Bradford back?
canadaram
Participant…everyone thought that SF was going to pick Rogers until the last minute when they switched to Alex Smith
Thats my all-time favourite first round pick by Niners.
canadaram
ParticipantEarly after the trade Mike Silver said he thought that it would be Goff. Perhaps I’m too trusting of Silver, but in my mind the mystery was over at that moment. I haven’t been following many of the other “who will the Rams pick?” stories since. Has there been anyone who has had a strong indication that the Rams were leaning toward Wentz recently?
April 21, 2016 at 6:54 am in reply to: Teams believe Jared Goff to Rams is a 'done deal,' sources say #42344canadaram
ParticipantBut the Rams didn’t trade up to take Lynch, that’s for sure, so if the wonderlic thing doesn’t work for you, just look at the guy’s ‘stache. That will reassure you.
I had read about the wonderlic scores of Wentz and Goff, but not Lynch. That is a strike against him for sure. That does reassure me a little. I am decidedly opposed to that facial growth! I would have no response to anyone who trashed talked me because of Lynch’s facial hair. That fact reassures me a lot!
April 21, 2016 at 6:37 am in reply to: Teams believe Jared Goff to Rams is a 'done deal,' sources say #42342canadaram
ParticipantIf it’s Goff consider the general territory of his skills–in different degrees and ways, it includes players like Ryan and Bulger to people like Warner, Manning, Brady, and Montana.
Those are all good comparisons, from the low end to the high end.
If you were to predict right now which week during the regular season Goff is the Rams starter what would your guess be? Do you buy the argument by some in the media that a team picking a QB at number one – nevermind a team that traded a lot to get there- will be starting the rookie QB week one?
April 21, 2016 at 12:20 am in reply to: Teams believe Jared Goff to Rams is a 'done deal,' sources say #42338canadaram
ParticipantOh well. I’m still Team Wentz, but have become more accepting of Goff. I realize that good QBs come in various shapes and sizes, but I have to admit that I favour the size of both Wentz and Paxton Lynch. Goff’s slight frame will have me nervous for quite some time. I state this concern knowing that it was the bigger Wentz, not Goff, who missed time due to injury last year. The cannon arms of Wentz and Lynch also intrigue me.
Prior to the trade I’d been warming to the idea of the Rams drafting Lynch. So giving up so much to move up seems to carry so many obvious risks when holding still at 15 might have brought success. In the end there’s a good chance that Lynch will go before 15 anyway, but obviously the price to move up to get him would not have been as steep as the what the Rams paid to move to one. Of course, if the pundits are right and Goff will be ready to play sooner than either Lynch or Wentz I can see why the Rams would prefer Goff.
Anyway, over the coming weeks and months I may need people to reassure me lots and tell me that everything is going to be ok.
April 20, 2016 at 4:51 pm in reply to: Goff or Wentz? Wentz or Goff? Der Wentz oder Goff entscheidung #42310canadaram
ParticipantOurlads (Shonka et al) on Goff
Junior entry. Three-year starter from Kentfield, CA. First-team All Pac-12. Plays in the QB friendly pitch and catch spread “Air Raid” offense. A drop back passer from the shotgun who has good arm strength and knows his way around the pocket. Throws the ball on time and on target with good accuracy over his career. The lanky underclassman helped revitalize the Golden Bear program that had fallen on hard times by starting 37 straight games after hitting the field as a true freshman. The two-time team captain will look the rush pressure in the eye and make the clutch pass. Reacts well to pressure. Knows where he wants to go with the ball and throws the receiver open with good accuracy and timing. Keeps his eyes down the field. No pause in the pocket. GOod pocket presence and feel. Reads progressions. Keeps his feet hot and throws before the receiver is breaks open. Does a good job of changing ball speed and trajectory over the top of defenders. Good ball placement. THe receiver doesn’t have to wait on the ball and is hit in stride to give him a change to run after the catch. A quick snap wrist release with velocity. Steps, throws, and completes passes through small windows in tight areas. At his best when the protection is solid and he can step towards his target and throw. Majors in carving up a defense with short ball control passes from 6-10 yards. Spreads the ball around to multiple receivers who rotate into the huddle in a variety of sub packages. Can make the key throws rolling to his left. Will need to work on his 3-5 and 7-step drops to the trowing point from under center. Goff never played under centre and defense looks a whole lot different when dropping back and making your reads rather than seeing the field from a shotgun formation. The angular passer set 26 Cal records including career marks for passing yards (12 220), passing yards per game (329.7), and touchdown passes (96). He also set a pair of Pac-12 single season records in his final year at Cal when passed for 4719 yards and 43 scores. An eventual starter with the talent to contribute early in his career. As an added bonus, Goff as a pooch punter is a major weapon.
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This reply was modified 9 years ago by
canadaram.
canadaram
ParticipantFrom Dane Brugler:
3rd Round gradeMEASUREABLES Arm: 31 | Hand: 09 5/8 | Wingspan: 74 1/4
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.50 | 10-YD: 1.59 | 20-YD: 2.63 | BP: 14 | VJ: 35.5 | BJ: 10’00”BACKGROUND: A four-star wide receiver recruit, Carroo grew up five miles from the Rutgers campus and wanted to be a part of the program’s rise – helped convince five-star high school teammate Darius Hamilton to join him at Rutgers. After playing the 2012 season on special teams, he started three games as a sophomore in 2013 and recorded 28 catches for 478 yards and nine scores. Carroo had a breakout season as a junior in 2014 with a team-best 55 receptions for 1,086 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. His senior season was derailed by injuries and other issues, but he still led the team with 39 catches for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning team offensive MVP honors and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. Carroo accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Well-strapped together build with thick muscle tone for the position – doesn’t skip workouts and takes care of his body…coordinated footwork off the line of scrimmage and in his patterns…deliberate routes to plant-and-go in his breaks…understands timing to bait and force defensive backs to commit their hips…strong hands-catcher, looking the ball into his mitts…tracks well with athletic body control to smoothly adjust to throws…gains leverage and uses his body at the catch point, winning 50-50 balls…tough over the middle and plays fearless…balanced and physical as a ballcarrier…works back to the ball and made plays at every level of the defense on film…aggressive open-field blocker…experienced on special teams, including two career blocked punts…voted a senior captain and greatly supported in the locker room – persistent worker and lead-by-example type…productive career stats, including the school record for touchdown receptions (29) – five career games with at least three touchdown grabs.
WEAKNESSES: Ordinary height and short arms…not an explosive player and lacks the twitch to instantly burst or accelerate away from defenders…will round off some patterns and too predictable on in-breaking routes due to tight ankles…good, not great, deep speed, and lacks a fifth gear vertically…room to improve his locating ability and instincts vs. zone coverage…jam technique requires work…engages as a blocker, but needs to be a better finisher…durability was an issue as a senior, missing two games due to a high right ankle sprain (Oct. 2015); also missed the Senior Bowl due to an ankle injury (Jan. 2016)…personal character needs investigated with a fine tooth comb after he was suspended indefinitely (Sept. 2015) following an altercation outside the team facilities between him and a former girlfriend – charged with simple assault, but the case was dismissed after the alleged victim dropped the claims.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Rutgers, Carroo emerged as the Scarlet Knights go-to target the last two seasons and lined up both outside and in the slot, becoming the first Rutgers player to earn back-to-back All-Big Ten honors – played under four different offensive coordinators in four years, each implanting different pro style schemes. He is a one-note runner and doesn’t play with much burst or fluidity, but he understands how to set up and manipulate his routes. Carroo prefers to attack with his mitts and his best trait is his powerful hands at the catch point, winning contested situations and playing a physical brand of football. If his off-field checks out, Carroo projects as one of the top-five senior wide receiver prospects in the 2016 class and a player who will fight for a starting job in his first few years in the NFL.
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This reply was modified 9 years ago by
canadaram.
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