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znModeratorNote: this one’s in 2 threads, here and the qb thread. I just repeated the WR part here for the sake of access. Duplication ain’t an issue. Hope no one minds.
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Joe Marino’s Scouting Combine Notes:
Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Written by Joe Marino on February 27, 2016—
Wide Receivers
Pitt’s Tyler Boyd and TCU’s Josh Doctson displayed the most natural, soft hands of any receivers today. These docston insideguys can catch footballs in their sleep. Both have exceptional body control.
Not far behind Boyd and Doctston is Cal’s Kenny Lawler and Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins. They are effortless hands catchers and the ball sticks to their hands.
Notre Dame’s Will Fuller came into today’s drills with numerous drops in games and small hands. With that said, he had a clean day catching the football. That was important for him to show.
UMass WR Tajae Sharpe showed his ability to adjust to the football and had a strong day catching the football. He was locked in and performed well.
Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard was as good as his tape advertised. After turning in excellent test results, he showed good route-running skills, burst and hands.
Clemson’s Charone Peake and UCLA’s Jordan Payton both had better timed speed than I anticipated. In a class of “slower” receivers, this will boost their stock.
Cincinnati WR Chris Moore tested extremely well today and showed good ball skills. Never waiting for the ball to come to him, he showed the ability to “got get it”.
I had a mild liking for Mississippi State WR Da’Runnya Wilson but his performance was dreadful today. His tests across-the-board were poor and he looked clunky running around. Not ideal for a NFL receiver in any way.Tight Ends
South Carolina TE Jerell Adams was the fastest tight end today and displayed a massive catch radius.
Ohio State’s Nick Vannett was the most natural hands catcher in the group. He was clean in the gauntlet drill and the ball was securely squeezed away from his body. He ran excellent routes with good change of direction skills and timing.
Montana State’s Beau Sandland struggled catching the football today. The ball was on top of him quickly and he was unable to adjust and secure the ball in the gauntlet. He had several drops.
Stanford’s Austin Hooper who is an intriguing move-piece, ran good routes and confirmed his play speed.February 29, 2016 at 12:54 am in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39784znModeratorHe has “implode after signing big contract” written all over him. I want him gone.
There’s that. I have to admit, that thought crossed my mind too.
In terms of just the money, the question then becomes, how does he see himself? The news on that is not promising, if one needs them to keep Jenkins (I personally don’t).
“Total disrespect when u held down one side all 4 years and force the ball the other way..” #ThanksButNoThanks
That to me says that according to him, teams got so they were not throwing his way (there was a lot of truth to that last year). Ignoring that, he claims, means disrespect. That strongly suggests that he sees his offer as a lowball…or rather, VERY lowball. We don’t have to agree with him, but that’s what it looks like he’s saying. Maybe he sees himself as top 5.
Which means going Barksdale. And by that I don’t mean, he overestimates himself. By going Barksdale, it means that the difference between his own sense of what he’s worth and the team’s is so great, that he cannot possibly sign with the Rams, even if other offers are worse than the Rams. That is, if he goes Barksdale, he will burn bridges and even accept less rather than compromise with the Rams, who (in his mind) insulted him with a lowball. At a certain point it becomes a pride thing. So if that happens, we could see him go out in the market and sign for less than 9 M.
.
znModeratorNFL Rumors – Team Drafting Related
http://walterfootball.com/nflrumors/teamdraft#dCWzV4Md8DvCpzox.99
Cleveland Browns:
2/27: “Sources with the Cleveland Browns say Jared Goff’s interview was poor. He was very nervous. On Carson Wentz they say ‘Stud. Absolute Stud.'” – Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
2/25: “Hue Jackson said hand size is important to him, so Jared Goff having smaller hands than the other first and second-day quarterback prospects will hurt his chances of being Cleveland’s selection with the second-overall pick.” – Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
2/24: All signs point toward the Browns drafting a quarterback at No. 2 overall. – Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
2/24: I want a quarterback who can thrive in the AFC North. Hand size matters. – Hue Jackson, Browns Head Coach
2/16: It’s “quarterback or bust” for the Browns. – Tony Grossi, ESPN
2/11: The Browns are expected to take a quarterback at No. 2 “unless something unforeseen happens in free agency.” – Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
2/2: It’s possible that two quarterbacks go in the top five, with “Carson Wentz and Jared Goff filling the slots.” – Tony Pauline
1/29: “Carson Wentz “has a lot of the characteristics that you look for.” – Hue Jackson –
1/29: “If the Browns take Carson Wentz at No. 2 they’d be set for 15 years,” a high-ranked NFL personnel man said. – Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
1/26: Head of football ops Sashi Brown said it would be “shocking” if the Browns traded up to No. 1 from 2. “More likely we’d trade down.” – Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
1/25: “Carson Wentz is definitely in play with Cleveland.” – Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com
1/23: “The Hue Jackson Era in Cleveland will trigger the end of Johnny Manziel and the #Browns. Expect the new coach to move on from the QB.” – Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
znModeratorNow called “NRA Family,” the website’s content includes a 2014 article reviewing the Thompson/Center HotShot youth rifle, calling it “a tiny gun intended for the very youngest shooters — the ultimate first gun.”
The article cited the manufacturer as saying the rifle is targeted to kids aged six to 12.
They quoted the NRA. And, the argument did not reduce to “color” alone.
Now called “NRA Family,” the website’s content includes a 2014 article reviewing the Thompson/Center HotShot youth rifle, calling it “a tiny gun intended for the very youngest shooters — the ultimate first gun.”
The article cited the manufacturer as saying the rifle is targeted to kids aged six to 12.
February 28, 2016 at 10:32 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39779znModeratorfrom off the net
==
RamBill
The good news if one of the cb’s signs elsewhere….the size of their contract will almost certainly result in a 3rd or 4th round comp pick in 2017.
Of course, how many picks you gets depends on how many FA’s you lose vs. how many you sign.
I don’t see the Rams signing an outside free agent at the same contract level that Jenkins/Johnson will get.
Plus, the Rams will almost certainly lose more FA’s overall than they sign.
Hello Comp picks in 2017
znModeratorOh there’s no doubt that a lot of people loved the movie. I’m just sorry you had to be wrong about it too. Just kidding.
Hey.
That hurt.
znModeratorI know that critics loved it–audiences loved it–but I just never got it.
I liked it, a lot, myself.
znModeratorHow bad would it be if we lacked the capacity for caring about others or no longer felt a deep sense of guilt when our actions hurt someone else?
The big theme of Philip K. Dick, right there. Not just in Do Androids Dream, but much earlier in 1950s short stories like “2nd Variety” (which is in public domain and online if anyone is interested).
February 28, 2016 at 8:15 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39768znModeratoras long as the rams can sign one of them i don’t care. i’m pretty confident gaines can come back and do a job.
And Roberson.
And Joyner was coming on at the end there.
We have said it before—it’s easy to trust these guys when it comes to finding and developing DBs.
So maybe Jenkins gets his money somewhere else, or, he ends up being a Barksdale. I can’t call this one in advance. Who knows.
,
February 28, 2016 at 6:26 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39764znModeratorHere is what the top 10 CBs in the league are getting, by yearly avg.:
http://overthecap.com/position/cornerback
Revis: 14+ M
Peterson: 14+ M
Sherman: 14 M
Haden: 13.5 M
Maxwell: 10.5 M
Smith: 10+ M
Carr: 10 M
Hall: 9.75 M
Shields: 9.75 M
Talib: 9.5 MznModeratorPFF: 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM COMBINE QB WORKOUTS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/02/27/draft-5-takeaways-from-combine-qb-workouts/
The quarterback position isn’t one that normally fluctuates with combine performance, but outliers on either end of the spectrum can still give teams pause. Here are five guys who showed me something — whether encouraging or disappointing — in Indy:
Jared Goff’s hands are small, but he’s still accurate
The concerns about Goff’s slight frame have been out there for months now, but he added another red flag on Thursday when his hands measured in at 9 inches. That is a popular cutoff point for hand size in the NFL and it doesn’t give you confidence that his fumbling issues (23 career at Cal) will be solved anytime soon. When Goff actually had to throw the ball at the combine though, the hand size issue got put on the back burner. His ball placement was on point in drill after drill and he showed why he finished 2015 as PFF’s highest graded college quarterback.
Christian Hackenberg’s hands are small and he’s still inaccurate
Hackenberg’s hands were also 9 inches despite him having otherwise prototypical size. But unlike Goff, Hackenberg’s hand size might actually affect his ability to throw accurately. Hackenberg egregiously missed on back-to-back post routes against air at one point — a feat you’ll almost never see at the combine. The Penn State QB was our 119th in accuracy percentage (64.0) in the FBS this past season and 87th overall in our grading.
Jeff Driskel is athletic enough to play wide receiver
If you had predicted Jeff Driskel as the most athletic quarterback in this year’s draft class, you have a keen eye. After pacing all QBs with a 4.56 40-yard dash and a 10-foot-two-inch broad jump, Driskel blew away a mediocre field. Now scouts will have to decide if that athleticism, combined with a much improved senior season, is worth taking a mid-round flyer on. Driskel was a mess in 2014 at Florida, finishing with a -4.7 overall quarterback and a 67.2 accuracy percentage. After transferring to Lousiana Tech this past season Driskel improved by leaps and bounds to a +26.3 overall grade and a 71.6 accuracy percentage.
Trevone Boykin is not athletic enough to play wide receiver
After much consternation earlier this year about Boykin switching positions, few teams will have him on their board as a receiver after running a 4.77 40 and posting a 32-inch vertical. That’s a good thing. Boykin has more than enough ability to get a fair shake at quarterback. His ball placement is a bit of an issue, but Boykin consistently flashed talent throwing the ball downfield. He was PFF’s seventh-highest graded quarterback last year and fourth most accurate quarterback on throws 20+ yards down the field (53.7 percent)
Carson Wentz is no Cam Newton, but that won’t matter
There was some buzz about Wentz’ athleticism being comparable to that of the current MVP’s heading into the combine. While his numbers can go head-to-head with some of the tight ends in attendance, they were not all-world like Newton’s. He posted a 4.77 40-yard dash, 6.86 3-cone, 30.5-inch vertical, and nine-foot-10-inch broad jump — solid enough numbers that it wouldn’t change anything if you already envisioned him as a top-five pick. We don’t have any hard and fast numbers from his FCS games just yet (we’re working on it), but our top analysts thought enough of him to put him at No. 4 on our initial draft board.
znModeratorCharles on Davis Paxton Lynch: “On building, he’ll remind people of Roman Gabriel.”
That’s fun.
znModeratorPotential landing spots for first-round QBs & WRs
NFL Media’s Charles Davis and Daniel Jeremiah join “Combine Primetime” to give their ideal landing spots for potential first found quarterbacks and wide receivers in the 2016 NFL draft.
from this…
Charles on Davis Paxton Lynch: “On building, he’ll remind people of Roman Gabriel.”
February 28, 2016 at 4:50 pm in reply to: 2016 mocks & rankings & general draft commentaries, thread 2 #39756znModerator2016 NFL Draft Outlook
Bob McGinn
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/2016-nfl-draft-outlook-b99676279z1-370399721.html
Here’s an early look at 50 players who figure to fit into these layers of the draft (underclassmen are denoted by asterisk).
Based on interviews with executives in personnel for five teams, it is possible to narrow down just a little bit the pool of players that might be considered by the Green Bay Packers regardless of position if they exercise their current 27th selection in the first round of the NFL draft April 28.
Prospects are conservatively divided into three categories: As Good As Gone – barring negative developments, these players have virtually no chance of reaching No. 27; Probably Gone — players who appear to have no better than a 50-50 chance of remaining on the board at No. 27; and The Next Level — players who figure to fall next.
The Packers have their own selection in all seven rounds. They’re also likely to be awarded at least one compensatory pick next month for the free-agent losses of cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Davon House in 2015.
AS GOOD AS GONE (11)
Laremy Tunsil*, T, Mississippi: 6-5, 310. Started 28 games at left tackle. “Outstanding athlete,” one scout said. “Long arms. Moves well. He played against some of the best pass rushers in college football and shut them down. Tough.” Doesn’t work to finish blocks on a consistent basis. “He might be a little lighter on his feet than (Ronnie) Stanley,” a second scout said. Top-five pick.
Ronnie Stanley*, T, Notre Dame: 6-6, 312. Junior left tackle. “Good player, but I don’t think he’s special,” said one scout. “He’s in the top seven, eight (picks). He’s a better player than the Giants took at No. 9 last year (tackle Ereck Flowers).” Not a great worker and doesn’t always play hard. Three-year starter (39 games) at LT. “He needs to get stronger,” another scout said. “He probably has the best pass set. He’s really good technically as a pass blocker. Left tackle.” Extremely long arms (35 5/8 inches).
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: 6-5, 237. Played behind Waupaca’s Brock Jensen until 2014. A wrist injury in ’15 limited him to just 23 career starts. “He’s a big guy with a big arm,” said one scout. “The ball gets there. He’s not a scrambler per se but he has speed. He might be the most physically talented of the group. Would I be nervous with this guy? Absolutely. But if you have no quarterback at all, what do you got to lose?” Finished with an NFL passer rating of 105.2. Scored 29 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. “He’s got an arm,” another scout said. “But it’s such a long way from that level of play to the NFL at any position, let alone quarterback.”
Jared Goff*, QB, California: 6-4, 215. Third-year junior with 37 starts. “He might be the most ready,” one scout said. “Thing I don’t like is his slender build. He did not have a lot of talent around him. Does he have a great arm? No, but it’s good enough. I’d be nervous taking him above 10.” Posted an NFL passer rating of 98.9. “In terms of arm talent, he’ll be like (Jay) Cutler,” another scout said. “Skinny kid. Gets hit a bunch. He doesn’t see everything. Accuracy is off at times, but he is talented. He can really spin it. Really good feet.”
Paxton Lynch*, QB, Memphis: 6-7, 244. Fourth-year junior. “There’s stuff he doesn’t see but, boy, is he a great athlete for a big guy,” one scout said. “He’s got good feet and can make all the throws.” His NFL passer rating of 93.5 included 110.6 in 2015. “Big production in a lot of games, so-so in some others,” another scout said. “Pretty good athlete for a big kid. Excellent size. He’s got a big ceiling. It’s a weird group of quarterbacks. None of them are just ready-made and none of them show consistency. They’re good, solid starters. None of them are Pro Bowl-caliber type quarterbacks. I would take (Jameis) Winston and (Marcus) Mariota over these guys. No question.”
Joey Bosa*, DE, Ohio State: 6-5, 269. Third-year junior with 26 sacks and 50½ tackles for loss in 37 starts. “He’s a top-three, top-four player,” said one scout. “He could be the first pick in the draft. Very strong. Can play the run and he rushes the passer well. Plays with good intensity.” Father, John, was a bust (seven sacks in three seasons) as a DE drafted with the 16th pick by Miami in 1987. “He’s a little better version of Justin Smith when he came out of Missouri (in 2001),” said another scout. “Little better athlete. Strong, tough guy like that. Good motor.”
A’Shawn Robinson*, DT, Alabama: 6-4, 307. Third-year junior. “He doesn’t play with the same consistency that (Jarran) Reed does,” said one scout. “He’s not stiff. He can play 3-technique or 5-technique. I don’t like him as a nose because he plays tall.” Started 30 of 42 games, finishing with 9 sacks and 22 tackles for loss. Won’t turn 21 until next month. “Big run stuffer with pass-rush ability,” one scout said.
DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon: 6-7, 291. Started 38 of 54 games. “Comes in and starts,” one scout said. “Not as dynamic obviously as Bosa. More of a run-down player for a 3-4 team, but he has some pass rush to him.” Finished with 18 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. Wonderlic score of 9. Widely regarded as a better prospect than former Duck DE Arik Armstead, who went 17th last year to the 49ers. “They play a two-gap 3-4 there,” said another scout. “He’s got a chance to be an impact guy. He kind of plays all across the front.” Hands measured an incredible 11¾ inches.
Myles Jack*, ILB, UCLA: 6-1, 245. Third-year junior. “He’s the best player in the draft,” one scout said. “He’s a slam dunk. He can play modern-day football. He ain’t never leaving the field.” Suffered torn lateral meniscus in practice after the third game last season and immediately left team. Cleared for workouts Jan. 22. Also played extensively as a RB in 2013-’14. “He’s a ‘will’ but he’s kind of a freak,” said another scout. “You see him walk out to the slot and cover receivers. He can also play in the box. I’m betting he’d go in the first three rounds as a running back. He’s a much better player than Shaq Thompson a year ago. Will run in the 4.5s. He can play inside in a 3-4 but that’d be kind of a waste for him.”
Jalen Ramsey*, CB-S, Florida State: 6-1, 209. Third-year junior split time between CB and safety. “He could be the first pick,” said one scout. “He’s going to blow this combine out. He’ll run in the 4.3s. Super competitive. Very smart. Very long. Very physical.” Just three interceptions in 41 starts. “I don’t know if the movement’s quite there for corner but he can really run and he’s athletic and he’s smooth,” said another scout. “I think he’s probably better covering tight ends and backs than walking out.”
Vernon Hargreaves*, CB, Florida: 5-10, 204. Third-year junior. “I do think he’s the best corner,” said one scout. “He’s a smoother cover guy than Ramsey.” Started 37 games and had 10 interceptions. “Very smart, very instinctive,” said one scout. “Joe Haden-type player. Gets his hands on a lot of balls. Very physical in the run game. Competitor. Only thing he lacks is Jalen’s size.”
PROBABLY GONE (9)
Laquon Treadwell*, WR, Mississippi: 6-2, 221. Bounced back from a gruesome leg injury in November 2014 with 82-catch, 1,153-yard final season. “Most likely he is the first wide receiver taken, but that’s not a slam dunk,” one scout said. “He’s a physical, stronger guy. DeVante Parker last year was a very similar player. Good route runner.” From Crete, Ill. “He’s big, has made some great catches and can run with the ball,” another scout said.
Ezekiel Elliott*, RB, Ohio State: 6-0, 225. Two-year starter with 592 carries for 3,961 yards (6.7) and 43 TDs. “He’s a complete three-down back,” one scout said. “He’s really good.” Stunned some scouts by telling reporters after loss to Michigan State that he didn’t get the ball enough and was done as a Buckeye. “Declaring for the draft and making those statements right after a loss were very disappointing,” another scout said. “Is he a selfish player? Is it all about him? He’s going to have to answer a lot of questions.” Ran a 4.47 40.
Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama: 6-3, 307. Played two seasons of junior college before starting two seasons for Crimson Tide. “I didn’t realize how well he ran until he chased down (Carson) Wentz in the Senior Bowl,” one scout said. “I’d take him (mid-first round) and not look back. You don’t see his pass rush but I think he can. I think he can play nose, too.” Finished with 6½ sacks and 21½ tackles for loss. “He doesn’t thrill me,” another scout said. “He’s a nose tackle. Maybe somebody will get fired up on him. Not a pass-rush guy.”
Robert Nkemdiche*, DT, Mississippi: 6-3, 294. Kicked off team 10 days before Rebels’ bowl game after having his 15-foot fall from a hotel wall interrupted by a bush. “I was drunk,” he said Friday. “It was a blunder. I have changed. I have cleaned up a little bit.” Third-year junior started 34 games. “He’s really a different kid,” said one scout. “He may scare some people. He’s strange strange.” Finished with seven sacks. “He’s got as much ability as anybody, if not more,” another scout said. “Three-technique is his best position. He’s a little bit up and down, but his good plays are very, very good. But there’s some things that have to be answered and worked through.” Added a third scout: “His character will keep him off the board for us. He’s talented enough to be in the top 10. But holy (expletive), buyer beware on this one.”
Kevin Dodd*, DE, Clemson: 6-5, 277. Fourth-year junior. “He’s a little better than (teammate) Shaq Lawson,” one scout said. “Really came on. His best games were probably the last six in his career, which always helps. Quality kid, all that stuff. He’s a 4-3 DE pass rusher or an outside backer in a 3-4.” Had 12 sacks in 39 games (15 starts).
Shaq Lawson*, DE, Clemson: 6-3, 269. Third-year junior. “Top 25,” said one scout. “Pass rusher. Long arms. Really came on this year. Played behind (Vic) Beasley in the past. Totally different than Beasley. Beasley was a speed rusher. This guy’s got speed and athleticism. He’s just a bigger guy.” Posted 20 sacks in 43 games (16 starts).
Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville: 6-1 1/2, 299. Undersized 3-technique with 29 starts in four seasons. “He’s a move guy,” one scout said. “If you put him at nose and don’t move him you’re going to be wasting him. He can run. He’ll play at 315, 320.” Models his game after Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt and Geno Atkins. “I can play in any scheme and all three downs,” he said.
Emmanuel Ogbah*, DE, Oklahoma State: 6-4, 273. Fourth-year junior. “Whoever takes him will get an excellent player,” one scout said. “He can play any position except nose. He does what they tell him to do. He plays the defense.” Consistent production (28 sacks, 36 starts) over three seasons. “Good effort player,” another scout said. “Very explosive. Late first, early second.” Arms were 35 1/2.
Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama: 6-1, 247. Started two of four years. “Ragland is a great kid, great leader, great person, great worker,” said one scout with intimate knowledge of the Crimson Tide program. “His speed is good enough.” Dropped 12 pounds in the last month, presumably in hopes of running a competitive 40 Sunday. Several scouts said he wasn’t as good as D.J. Mosley, the Alabama ILB who went in the first round to Baltimore in 2014. Scored 10 in first attempt at the Wonderlic. “Alabama runs probably the toughest defense in college football to understand, and he ran the show,” another scout said. “He had to bide his time to run the show. He did it only his senior year. He’s a pretty serious football player. Very tough, very athletic, could cover really well. Mosley is a little more versatile than Ragland but Ragland can take the pounding a little bit more.”
THE NEXT LEVEL (30)
Corey Coleman*, WR, Baylor: 5-11, 194. Caught 173 passes for 3,009 yards (17.4) and 33 TDs. “Really dynamic player,” one scout said. “Got a ton of catches and big plays. It’ll take a little bit of time when he comes in the league just like all the Baylor receivers because they don’t run a route tree. There’s a development to his game that he needs.” Compared by another scout to Anquan Boldin.
Josh Doctson, WR, Texas Christian: 6-2, 202. Caught 35 passes as a true freshman at Wyoming before transferring. “He’s got great hands,” one scout said. “He may have the best hands of the bunch.” Late-season wrist injury that required surgery concerns some teams. “He’s very similar to (Laquon) Treadwell,” another scout said.
Tyler Boyd*, WR, Pittsburgh: 6-1, 197. Established school records with 254 receptions and 3,361 yards (13.2) in three seasons. “Very smooth,” said one scout. “Good hands. Good route runner. He has a chance to be in the latter part of the first (round).” Ran a disappointing 4.58.
Hunter Henry*, TE, Arkansas: 6-5, 250. Moved to the head of the tight end group after Alabama’s O.J. Howard returned for his senior season. “It’d be a reach to take a tight end in the first round,” one scout said. “He’s not a dynamic, special athlete, difference-maker like some of the tight ends that have come out recently. Like Eric Ebron or Jordan Reed or Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz or Travis Kelce. All those guys had more athletic-receiver traits than this guy.” Much faster than Green Bay’s Richard Rodgers and has comparable hands, according to another scout. “He’s a complete tight end,” said one scout. “More of a pass catcher but he’s got enough size to block.” Started 30 of 38 games, finishing with 116 receptions for 1,661 (14.3) and nine TDs.
Jack Conklin*, T, Michigan State: 6-6, 308. Walk-on from Plainwell, Mich., who earned scholarship shortly after his redshirt season. “He’s a mass blocker, not an explosive blocker,” one scout said. “I think he’s a guard or a right tackle.” Started 35 games at LT and three at RT. “He’s a typical Big Ten offensive lineman,” another scout said. “Big, tough, nasty. Late first round.” Added a third scout: “Finisher. Doesn’t have elite left tackle feet but his feet are good enough. Very consistent.” He compared Conklin to Green Bay RT Bryan Bulaga. 40 time of 5.00.
Taylor Decker, T, Ohio State: 6-7, 310. Started all 42 games from 2013-’15 at LT. “He’ll end up being a right tackle,” one scout said. “OK athlete. Tough kid, smart, good length. He just ends up being so high he gets pushed. He’s better than the (Jack) Mewhort kid was.” Co-captain in 2015. “I’m not as excited about him,” a second scout said. “He does have some toughness and is pretty sound in his technique, but he’s limited athletically.” Just 20 reps on the bench press.
Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama: 6-4, 311. Three-year starter. “Great kid,” said one scout. “Leader. Has great initial quickness. Savvy. He’s not overly powerful. Turned down the Senior Bowl. Plays with leverage. Athletic enough in the screen game. Really good at the second level.” Took over in 2013 for long-time starter Barrett Jones. “He’s significantly better than Barrett Jones,” said another scout. “Not even in the same category. Jones didn’t have nearly the ability that Kelly has. He’s the best center in the draft.”
Jason Spriggs, T, Indiana: 6-6, 301. Started 47 games at LT. “He may go late one or top of two,” said one scout. “Athletic kid. Had a good Senior Bowl. He’s got size, he’s got length and does have left tackle type feet. He’ll continue to rise.” Excelled in three other sports as a high school athlete. “Strictly a left tackle,” another scout said. “He is athletic. Maybe he sits a year and works his way into the lineup. Offensive linemen go (early) because there’s such a need, but I don’t see him being any more than a solid starter.” Turned in a sensational workout. His 40 time of 4.94 was the best among offensive linemen, and he did 31 reps on the bench.
Shon Coleman*, T, Auburn: 6-5, 307. Was diagnosed with leukemia in spring 2010, underwent treatment and finally was cleared for limited practice two years later. “He’s actually a very humble kid,” one scout said. “That (leukemia) is a big deal now. He had 30 months of treatment. That kind of slowed him down, but he’s a worker.” Backed up Greg Robinson in 2013 before making 25 starts at LT. “Very talented,” another scout said. “That offense is hard to evaluate because they don’t do a lot of traditional, basic pass protection.”
Nick Martin, C-G, Notre Dame: 6-4, 299. Older brother Zack was a four-year starter at LT for the Irish before being drafted in the first round by Dallas in 2014 as a RG. “He’s close to his brother only because of blood,” one scout said. “He’s just not as good a player. Not as athletic. He’ll play in the league, yes.” Most of his 37 starts were at center but also projects to guard. “Tough, try-hard kid,” another scout said. “He’s got the intangibles like his brother but not the athlete.”
Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State: 6-4, 301. Four-year starter. “He was a college left tackle but will be a guard,” one scout said. “Probably the best guard in the draft. Very steady. Always in great position. Great feet. Knows how to play.” Handicapped to an extent by short arms (32 inches). “He’s stiff,” said another scout. “I’m not as enthused with him as other people. Real smart guy.” Hurt himself with merely 16 reps on the bench.
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: 6-4, 217. Three-year starter with a 34-5 record. “He’s got a great winning percentage, an average arm and a quick release,” one scout said. “I don’t know if his teammates really love him.” Wasn’t elected as a team captain. “He can make all the throws and he’s got some strength to him and he can run,” another scout said. “It’s all the other stuff. How much he really likes ball and how much he’s going to work at it. He likes being a celebrity.” NFL passer rating was 95.1. “Cook speaks well and looks good when he speaks, but he’s not the sharpest guy,” a third scout said. “He’s not a high football IQ guy.”
Christian Hackenberg*, QB, Penn State: 6-4, 223. Third-year junior. “He’s got an incredible amount of talent,” one scout said. “There are times he makes incredible throws and times he makes stupid throws. Does the pressure rattle him? That’s the key. The changeover in coaches has probably brought him down.” Flourished as a freshman (NFL passer rating of 89.0) before coach Bill O’Brien departed for the Texans. His rating in 2014-’15 dipped to 75.6. “After his freshman year people looked at him as the first pick in the draft,” another scout said. “He could be as talented as any of these quarterbacks. He’s got the arm, the body and is actually a competitor. But the coaches there at Penn State didn’t play to his strengths. A premier type talent like that is so hard to find these days. I could see him going latter part of the first round.”
Derrick Henry*, RB, Alabama: 6-3, 247. Heisman Trophy winner started just 17 of 41 games. “He’s very similar to (Eddie) Lacy,” one scout said. “He’s the workhorse.” Rushed for 2,219 yards last season, bringing his three-year totals to 602 carries for 3,591 (6.0) and 42 TDs. “Great kid,” another scout said. “Great production. Strong runner. Had a lot of wear and tear. Upright style of running.” 40 time of 4.54.
Noah Spence*, DE, Eastern Kentucky: 6-2, 251. Ended up at Eastern Kentucky after being suspended indefinitely at Ohio State for failed drug tests. “Multiple trust things got him kicked out,” said one scout. “Some question marks about his character. Pass rushers are a premium, and he is that.” Had a strong week at the Senior Bowl. “He could go anywhere from 15 to 35,” a second scout said. “It’s all on the off-field stuff. All it takes is one team to be OK with it. Especially with guys like Randy Gregory…you get nervous.” Played well as an outside linebacker at OSU. Had 11 1/2 sacks in only season at EKU.
Andrew Billings*, NT, Baylor: 6-0½, 311. Third-year junior with 30 starts. “They bill him as the strongest college football player,” one scout said. “He’s a limited athlete, but he’s got incredible strength.” Had 5 1/2 sacks in 2015. Likens his style of play to Vince Wilfork. “He’s the true nose,” another scout said. “They rant and rave about how strong he is, but he just doesn’t play that way all the time. I see him second or third round.”
Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech: 6-4, 323. Two-year starter with extremely long arms (35 1/8) and large hands (10 3/4). “Big 5-technique,” one scout said. “He can do a lot of things. I’d be a little skittish of him there (late first round).” Just five sacks in 48 games (28 starts). “Everybody here loves him,” another scout said. “More second round. Nose tackle and 3-technique.”
Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida: 6-3, 285. Started 36 of 50 games. “He had his best year (in 2015),” one scout said. “Thought about coming out last year. Helped himself. He’s been dinged up. More of a 4-3 DE than an outside linebacker. He’ll go second or third round just because of limitations on flexibility.” Posted 12 sacks and 33 1/2 tackles for loss.
Kenny Clark*, DT, UCLA: 6-3, 314. Third-year junior. “Very similar to Billings,” one scout said. “Good football player. Second round. He has always played nose.” A scout for a 3-4 team said Clark fits better as a 3-technique. “He has some pass rush in him,” the scout said. “Wish he was more consistent.” Two-year starter with seven sacks.
Austin Johnson*, DT, Penn State: 6-4, 314. Fourth-year junior. “Fits multiple schemes,” said one scout. “Late first, early second. Like him. Plays more 3-technique but he can play nose.” Registered 8 1/2 sacks in 38 games (28 starts). Short arms (32 3/4). “For me it’s all about running to the ball,” Johnson said. “I like 3-technique but I can play whatever.”
Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State: 6-3, 298. Prevented from playing in the bowl game by coach Urban Meyer after his arrest for soliciting a prostitute. “I think about it on a daily basis,” he said. “I had never been in trouble or failed a drug test. It was just an impulsive decision.” Finished with 13 1/2 sacks in 49 games (31 starts). “Losing the last game because of that…God, what an idiot,” said one scout. “He’s a late second-rounder now.” Wonderlic of 16. “I like him but he gets knocked around, he really does,” another scout said. “He plays light. He’s got a good first step. He’s a 3-technique all the way.”
Chris Jones*, DT, Mississippi State: 6-6, 310. Third-year junior. “Interesting guy. Real interesting,” one scout said. “Big long guy. Can run. I don’t know if he knows he don’t know (anything) yet. Five-technique. He can rush. Second round.” Started just three games in first two seasons before starting 13 at DT in ’15. “He could easily be in the top 50 but he is such a dog,” said another scout. “He’s an underachiever. Very good ability.” Said Jones: “I’m a flamboyant personality. I’m a cheerful guy. Sky’s the limit.”
Leonard Floyd*, OLB, Georgia: 6-6, 244. Fourth-year junior. “He has a DeMarcus Ware kind of body,” one scout said. “Could play D-end, could play outside backer. Has first-round traits and some third-round, fourth-round inconsistency.” Started 32 of 38 games, finishing with 17 sacks. “His lack of bulk and strength is going to be a concern for some teams,” another scout said. “He’s got good pass-rush skills and instincts. People will be concerned about him because of Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan in recent years.”
Jaylon Smith*, ILB, Notre Dame: 6-2, 240. Seven weeks removed from suffering knee damage (torn ACL, torn lateral collateral ligament, some nerve damage) and might not be ready to play at all in 2016. “If he didn’t have the blown knee I think he’s in the top 10,” one scout said. “Maybe he falls because of that and is there for Green Bay (at No. 27). If so, they lucked into a great player.” Third-year junior with 39 starts in 39 games. “I view myself as the best player in the draft,” he said. “I’m going to be a very impactful player for a long time.” Projects inside in a 3-4 and on the weak side in a 4-3. “Athletic, really good pass rusher and he’s also got cover skills,” another scout said. “He’s better than Manti Te’o.”
Darron Lee*, OLB, Ohio State: 6-1, 232. Redshirt sophomore started all 28 games in 2014-’15. “Run, see, hit type guy,” one scout said. “Little bit like Myles Jack. Very athletic. Little undersized. 4-3 ‘will’ or 3-4 inside backer. Immediate nickel backer.” Had 12 sacks, 27½ tackles for loss and three interceptions. “More of a finesse guy than anything,” another scout said. “Has to be covered up. He goes out and plays on the slot a lot. First-round talent.”
Su’a Cravens*, OLB-S, Southern California: 6-1, 226. Projects himself as another Deone Bucannon, the Cardinals’ strong safety who shifted to ILB in ’15. “I think that’s what this kid is,” said one scout. “Probably a nickel backer. For a 4-3 team he’s probably not much different than Shaq Thompson that went in the first round (No. 25) last year. I don’t see him being a first. I just don’t see the production.” His 14 turnover plays included nine picks. “He’s not (Troy) Polamalu but he’s a good player,” another scout said. “Everybody wants to make a linebacker out of him. I think he can play safety.”
Eli Apple*, CB, Ohio State: 6-1, 199. Redshirt sophomore renounced final two seasons of eligibility. “He’s raw,” one scout said. “He’s a man-cover corner. He’d benefit from not having to start right off the bat. Not getting beat early. The physical stuff is there. He gets by with size and speed but not really good fundamentals. That’s great on the college level where they allow you to grab downfield.” Had four picks, 18 passes defensed.
Kendall Fuller*, CB, Virginia Tech: 5-11, 187. Third-year junior. Suffered torn meniscus three games into last season, underwent a microfracture procedure and never returned. “If he wasn’t hurt he’d be a first-rounder,” one scout said. “He’ll probably end up being top of the second based on size and ability. His sophomore film really was very good.” Older brothers Vincent (CB-S), Corey (WR) and Kyle (CB) all either played or are playing in the NFL. “He’s faster than his brother in Chicago (Kyle),” said another scout. “He’s not as good a football player or as strong.”
Xavien Howard*, CB, Baylor: 6-0, 201. Fourth-year junior. “He probably has a chance to be a late first because of the height-weight-speed factor,” one scout said. “Top 50 for sure. Man-cover corner. Decent ball skills. He is tough to throw on. Not a lot of balls completed on him. He can run with almost all receivers. He tracks the ball well. Physical.” Picked off 10 passes in 39 games.
Artie Burns*, CB, Miami: 6-0, 193. Third-year junior. “He’s going to run very well (Monday),” one scout said. “Then he’ll climb.” Started 23 of 36 games, finishing with seven interceptions. “Howard is a much better player but he could slide into the top 50 because of the nature of the position, the size and the speed,” said another scout. “I don’t love him. He’s not very instinctive. More of a height-weight-speed type player that shows flashes.”
znModeratorNFLDraftScout.com
2016 NFL Combine: Five takeaways from defensive line drills
Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
With all due respect to the quarterbacks and the rest of the “skill position” talent testing this week at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, the truly exceptional talent in this year’s class lies along the defensive line as workouts Sunday reinforced.
NFL COMBINE
How to watch online, TV schedule, list of players
With a combine-high 64 prospects at the position working out, there was quality and quantity for scouts to evaluate with projected first-round prospects like Emmanuel Ogbah (Oklahoma State) and Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi) showing off the same explosiveness we’d seen on tape.Each, in fact, proved more explosive in drills than NFLDraftScout.com’s No. 1 overall rated prospect Joey Bosa, who was solid if unspectacular with a 4.86-second 40-yard dash, 24 repetitions of 225 pounds and a 32-inch vertical jump.
In an interview with the NFL Network following the drills, Bosa characterized his 40-yard dash time as “disappointing,” but scouts may not feel the same way. Raw athleticism isn’t the attribute scouts like most about the Buckeyes’ star. Rather, it’s his use of hands, core power, awareness and versatility that make the 6-foot-5, 269-pounder the most pro-ready prospect in this class.
Here are the “other” takeaways from a busy Sunday at the combine.
Gaga over Ogbah. No one was better than Ogbah, which perhaps isn’t surprising given that the former Oklahoma State star is the two-time reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The native of Nigeria finished second among his position in the 40-yard dash (4.63 seconds), tied for second in the vertical jump (35.5 inches) and third in the broad jump (10 feet, 1 inch). Though his 20 repetitions of 225 pounds certainly weren’t as eye-popping as the 32 posted by fellow defensive end Robert Blair of Appalachian State, the number is respectable given Ogbah’s 35 1/2-inch arms.
Tapper tops among defensive linemen in the 40. While his former Big 12 rival Ogbah enjoyed the better all-around workout, OU’s Charles Tapper proved the fastest of the defensive linemen, clocking in at an eye-popping 4.59 seconds after measuring in at 6-foot-3, 271 pounds.
Asked to play all over the defensive line for the Sooners and often take on multiple blockers, Tapper rarely had opportunities to show off his remarkable straight-line speed. His workout, however, suggested he may possess the wheels to handle a conversion to outside linebacker.
Small-schoolers star on big stage. The beauty of the NFL combine is that there are no decals on helmets to influence scouts impressions of athleticism. While most of the attention will certainly go to FBS stars like Bosa and Ogbah, small-school prospects like Blair, Grand Valley State’s Matt Judon and South Carolina State’s Javon Hargrave were big winners, more than measuring up to their more well-known peers.
Judon was the most impressive of the three, demonstrating the combination of speed (4.73 seconds in the 40), explosiveness (35-inch vertical) and power (30 reps) that helped him lead all of college football with 20 sacks last season, earning the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman at the Division II level.
Like Judon, Hargrave dominated the lower level, registering 29.5 sacks over the past two seasons — a staggering number for a defensive tackle. The 6-foot-1, 309 pound Hargrave was the best player at the East-West Shrine Game and fared well as a late call-up to the Senior Bowl as well. The power he used to bull rush through opponents into the backfield was quantified this weekend with 29 reps, but his speed (4.93) excited scouts most.
Nkemdiche cuts through competition. The most important tests at the combine for Mississippi defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche were the interviews he held with teams prior to his workout, but the former No. 1 overall prep recruit reminded scouts of his staggering overall athleticism. After measuring in at 6-foot-3, 294 pounds, Nkemdiche was clocked at 4.87 seconds in the 40 and recorded a 35-inch vertical — numbers better than any other similarly sized defensive tackle measured in Indianapolis this year.
Keep the “Underwear Olympics” in perspective. While the defensive linemen as a group fared well, several notable prospects failed to turn in the eye-popping numbers fans might expect. As such, some may question if players like Bosa, Oregon’s DeForest Buckner or Alabama’s duo of A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed are perhaps being overrated.
Don’t believe it.
For all of the media attention that goes into the combine, scouts view it as only about 5 percent of the overall evaluation for most players with their success against top competition.
Take, Alabama’s 6-foot-4, 307-pound Robinson as an example. While it is true that his 22 reps on the bench press was just two more than what Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard (who is 5-foot-10, 194 pounds) put up on Friday, the functional power shown on tape is much more important.
February 28, 2016 at 4:36 pm in reply to: Jenkins fires his agent…but? (4/8) …may stay with Rams? #39754znModeratorReport: Jenkins rejects 5 yrs, $45M from Rams
http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/332083/Report–Jenkins-rejects-5-yrs,-$45M-from-Rams
Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole reports free agent CB Janoris Jenkins recently rejected a five-year, $45 million offer from the Rams.
Jenkins has since fired his agent and is switching to the same representation that negotiated Darrelle Revis’ contract. By rule, Jenkins isn’t allowed to hire an agent within five days of canning his previous one, so the Rams are now going to be up against the wall and will probably have to compete with other teams for Jenkins. The $9 million annually the Rams offered Jenkins would have made him one of the 13 highest-paid corners in annual average, but, of course, we have no idea what the guaranteed money was in the Rams’ offer. Jenkins is coming off easily his best season and is probably seeking upwards of $10 million per year.
February 28, 2016 at 1:59 pm in reply to: reportedly, Manning has decided to retire? Or…not (?) #39746znModeratorBroncos refute retirement report: ‘Peyton has not made a decision’
Will Brinson
Is Peyton Manning going to ride off into the sunset after winning his second Super Bowl? Woody Paige of the Denver Post writes two sources have told him that Manning will announce his retirement by the end of the week.
Shortly after that report, the Broncos responded directly, with Broncos PR man Patrick Smythe refuting the report on Twitter and saying Manning has made no decision on his future.
“Peyton has not made a decision on his future,” Smythe tweeted. “Plan remains for him to continue talks with the team this week.”
This is basically a big debate about semantics.
Everyone agrees Manning is going to call it a career. But he’s also methodical about everything he does — Manning is borderline psychotic about his preparation and there’s no way he would approach a final decision on his career any differently.
It’s all about the timing when getting the scoop on Manning’s future. As colleague John Breech noted, Paige has been covering and writing about Manning’s father Archie since 1968.
There remains a possibility Manning decides to play one more year with another team. The Los Angeles Rams were reportedly doing their due diligence on the aging quarterback and debating his fit on the roster.
But it sure feels less than probable at this point, given how Manning played down the stretch. He picked up a second Lombardi Trophy in an unlikely season (given how he played) and gets a shot to walk away from football on top.
The only question is when he makes the final decision. The Broncos say it hasn’t happened yet.
znModeratorMayock on the qbs, 2/28
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000639461/Mayock-s-quarterback-takeaways
znModeratorfrom LA Rams’ financial picture looks even brighter after salary cap bump
LYNCH GETS A SURPRISE
Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch raised some eyebrows when he missed his media session on Thursday, but it turns out he had a valid excuse.
Although one that even he concedes spooked a couple of teams.
Lynch was delayed on Thursday by a prolonged medical evaluation session that ultimately turned up a small clavicle fracture he never knew he had.
Among other things – all of which meant delaying his media session by a day.
“I had an issue with my left knee and my right knee and an issue with my AC joint,” Lynch explained. “When I hurt my AC joint back in my redshirt sophomore year of college in Cincinnati, I didn’t realize that I had, I think they said it was just a small fracture in my clavicle. So that popped up on the X-ray, but it was healed. But there was just some like piece of the bone I guess just floating around in there. So it spooked a team or two, I think, and that’s why they requested the MRIs and all that. But I mean I didn’t miss a game or a practice or a single throw ‘cause of it, and none of those injuries bother me today. I’m 100 percent, so I was more than willing to do what they need me to do.”
Lynch is among three quarterbacks who seem destined to be drafted in the first round. And based on his performance Saturday during the quarterback on-field drills, there was no evidence of any injury carry over.
No matter what the X-rays showed this week.
February 28, 2016 at 10:50 am in reply to: 2016 Los Angeles Rams: Salary Cap Update – Free Agency Edition #39739znModeratorWith NFL salary cap set, L.A. Rams can start making deals
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-la-rams-nfl-combine-20160228-story.html
Maneuvering by the Rams began even before the NFL set the salary cap for the 2016 season.
Now that $155.27 million has been established as the number, the Rams know exactly how much money they can spend. They are about $60 million under the cap heading into the new league year, which begins March 9.
The Rams will have 12 unrestricted and five restricted free agents.
Cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, safety Rodney McLeod and safety/linebacker Mark Barron are among those set to become unrestricted free agents.
Defensive linemen William Hayes, Eugene Sims and Nick Fairley also are in that group.
Less than two weeks ago, the Rams cleared about $23 million in salary-cap space when they released middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive end Chris Long and tight end Jared Cook.
Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead said this week at the NFL scouting combine that signing members of the secondary was the priority.
See the most-read stories in Sports this hour >>
“It’s a tough task but it is realistic…. Especially considering the cap room and things like that,” Snead said.Tuesday is the deadline for teams to designate whether they will utilize franchise or transition tags on unrestricted free agents.
Jenkins, 27, and Johnson, 26, are candidates to receive the lone franchise tag if the Rams opt to use it for the first time since 2009.
Players who get the franchise tag are retained by their current team for one season, earning no less than the average of the top five salaries at their position, or 120% of their previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. For cornerbacks, that is expected to be nearly $14 million.
A transition tag gives teams the right of first refusal to match another team’s offer.
Fisher has said that Keenum would enter training camp as the starter. If Keenum accepts an offer sheet from another team, the Rams would have the opportunity to match it and retain his services. If they lose him, the Rams could be granted one or more compensatory draft picks.
“We’re not going to let him go somewhere else,” Snead said last month.
But the Rams also are expected to pursue other avenues at the position. Nick Foles, who was benched in favor of Keenum last season, and Sean Mannion are also on the roster.
Fisher said Foles and Mannion would have the opportunity to compete for the starting job, and that others could be in the quarterback mix.
“There’s probably a good chance there’s going to be another one at camp, if not two,” Fisher said. “I can’t say whether that comes through the draft, through free agency or through trade.”
Among other free agents, Snead said center Tim Barnes was “one of those guys we’d like to get back.”
Barnes, 27, started all 16 games last season.
“The center and the QB thing are very important,” Snead said, “So there’s a lot of continuity on our line, and lot of things in terms of our young offensive lineman.
“Sometimes you want to keep that heartbeat, that brain, in check so that all the other guys can kind of fall in line and be communicated with and not have to learn new communication.”
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LA Rams’ financial picture looks even brighter after salary cap bump
Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
National Football League teams learned late Friday they will have roughly $12 million more to spend on player salaries in 2016 than 2015.
And for the Rams, it only adds to their already tremendous financial flexibility.
According to a high-ranking team executive, NFL teams received a league memo Saturday afternoon indicating the 2016 team salary cap has been set at $155.27 million, up from $143.28 in 2015.
As a result, the Rams are approximately $60 million under the cap, and that bodes well considering they have 12 unrestricted free agents, including starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson.
Incidentally, a Rams source indicated the club has been in active talks this week with the representatives of Johnson and Jenkins and said those talks will continue.
Rams general manager Les Snead said this week it’s possible the club will use its franchise tag on one of its free agents, but that it is still evaluating whether or not to utilize it.
znModeratorRams give long look to quarterback prospects at combine
By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/quarterbacks-706084-rams-lynch.html
INDIANAPOLIS – The annual, comical debate over the hand size of quarterbacks commenced this past week and, once again, ended with the conclusion that everyone could properly grip and throw a football.
That’s good news for the Rams, who might draft one of these mysterious 10-fingered creations in a couple months. The issue isn’t hand size as much as whether those hands – and brain and heart – can be trusted, because after after three seasons of flux, the Rams would like some long-term stability at quarterback.
“I think getting consistency at that position is one thing,” Rams general manager Les Snead said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Finding good players is another.”
The options are plentiful. Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Sean Mannion are incumbents, but Coach Jeff Fisher has spoken bluntly about seeking an “upgrade.” A trade or free-agent acquisition is possible.
In fact, Fisher hinted that multiple quarterbacks could be on the way. It’s entirely possible that the Rams could sign or trade for a transitional quarterback for 2016 while they draft and develop his successor.
“There’s going to have to be a level of patience,” Snead said of drafting a quarterback. “You might go to the realistic scenario, and you find a guy who can bridge you and win games while maybe a young player is developing. That’s a realistic scenario. It’s nice to live in the ideal world sometimes, but it doesn’t happen.”
So what’s realistic? Start with the assumption that the presumed top two quarterbacks in the draft class, Cal’s Jared Goff and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, will be gone by the time the Rams pick at No. 15.
Assume Memphis’ Paxton Lynch is still available. Lynch is well-regarded but, of the top-tier quarterbacks, is presumed to be the least likely to become an immediate starter. If the Rams recognize the need for a “bridge” starter in 2016, are they willing to invest in Lynch, or take a more NFL-ready receiver at No. 15?
After days of tests, interviews and speculation, the top quarterback prospects finally got the chance to step on the field at the NFL Scouting Combine, and they didn’t disappoint Saturday.
Goff and Wentz appeared to have the strongest all-around performances while Lynch, at 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds, made strong throws and showed surprisingly good movement for a big quarterback.
The quarterbacks rotated and performed a variety of drills with the receiver prospects. They were tested on deep throws, out patterns, slant patterns and comebacks, but didn’t face any defenders.
Before the quarterbacks did throwing drills, they took part in the traditional running and jumping tests.
Wentz, at 6-5, 244 pounds, had a 40-yard dash time of 4.77 seconds, third-best among the 17 quarterbacks who participated. Goff (4.82) was 11th and Lynch (4.86) was 14th. Wentz and Lynch each recorded broad jumps of 118 inches, tied for second among quarterbacks.
USC’s Cody Kessler ran the 40 in 4.89 seconds, 15th among the 17 quarterbacks, and his broad jump of 104 inches ranked 16th, but Kessler is expected to be a late-round pick at best.
“There’s really no guy who’s standing out right now,” Lynch said. “So any little edge you can get, whether it’s throwing or agility or any of that stuff, you kind of want to take advantage of that.”
Lynch remains an intriguing option. He’s tall and athletic and had a strong senior season at Memphis, but struggled badly in a bowl game loss to Auburn and is inexperienced at taking snaps from under center.
“I’ve always relied on my athletic ability with my size and arm strength,” Lynch said, “but I know that’ll be a little different when I get to the NFL. Those guys are a lot faster, those windows are a lot smaller and those defenses do a lot more tricky stunts than they do in college. But I’m working hard. I’m training.”
Perhaps it’s a smokescreen, but when asked about quarterbacks this past week, Snead gave a lengthy statistic-based dissertation about how defense is arguably more important than an elite quarterback.
The implication seemed to be that the Rams could win by sticking with Keenum, who ended 2015 with a 3-1 record as starter (with the loss in overtime) when the Rams’ defense allowed only 70 points in four games.
If nothing else, though, the Rams will give long looks to the quarterback prospects, even if they end up drafting one who won’t get on the field in 2016.
“You can handle yourself in a rookie mini-camp and the OTAs,” Fisher said, “and you can handle your stuff in the third quarter or fourth quarter of a preseason game, because the talent level is probably not what it was in the first quarter. Then all of a sudden, when the lights come on, it’s hard.”
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Top quarterback prospects air it out at NFL combine
RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nfl-706048-prospects-top.html
INDIANAPOLIS — After days of tests, interviews and speculation, the top quarterback prospects finally got the chance to step on the field at the NFL Scouting Combine, and they didn’t disappoint Saturday.
Cal’s Jared Goff, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch, the three quarterbacks likely to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, were among those running and throwing at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the results weren’t likely to change any minds.
Goff and Wentz appeared to have the strongest all-around performances while, not surprisingly, Lynch and his 6-foot-7, 244-pound frame displayed a strong deep arm.
The quarterbacks rotated and performed a variety of drills with the receiver prospects. They were tested on deep throws, out patterns, slant patterns and comebacks, but didn’t face any defenders.
The Rams, with the No. 15 overall pick, are pondering whether to take a quarterback in that spot or perhaps wait a couple rounds for a prospect such as Connor Cook (Michigan State), Christian Hackenberg (Penn State) or Dak Prescott (Mississippi State).
The Rams, not surprisingly, haven’t tipped their hands, and have floated the idea that they might instead seek a quarterback through free agency or a trade.
It is widely presumed that Goff and Wentz will be out of the Rams’ drafting range unless they trade up, but Lynch could be an option at No. 15, or the Rams could choose a receiver.
Before the quarterbacks did throwing drills, they took part in the traditional running and jumping tests.
Wentz, at 6-5, 244 pounds, had a 40-yard dash time of 4.77 seconds, third-best among the 17 quarterbacks who participated. Hackenberg (4.78) tied for fourth, Cook and Prescott (4.79) tied for sixth, Goff (4.82) was 11th and Lynch (4.86) was 14th.
Wentz and Lynch also showed athleticism in the broad jump. They both recorded jumps of 118 inches, tied for second among quarterbacks.
USC’s Cody Kessler ran the 40 in 4.89 seconds, 15th among the 17 quarterbacks, and Kessler’s broad jump of 104 inches ranked 16th.
In throwing drills, Kessler sometimes struggled to connect on deep throws but looked sharp on sideline routes.
Mississippi receiver Laquon Treadwell, a possible Rams target, did not run the 40 but looked solid in the throwing drills with quarterbacks.
znModeratorCombine One-On-One with Taylor Morton
Rams Reporter Dani Klupenger gets the scoop on the Rams scouting efforts from Director of Player Personnel Taylor Morton at the NFL Combine.
znModeratorTracking Greg Robinson’s development, future at tackle
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The offseason is here for the Los Angeles Rams and now that we know where they will be playing their home games for the long-term, things have settled down enough to spend our weekends answering a few of your Twitter questions.
As always, you can find me on Twitter @nwagoner and fire away with any Rams-related questions you might have. Please use hashtag #RamsMail so I can see them.
On to your questions.
Dennis Sullivan @drsully62
Q: With Greg Robinson’s slow development, what are the chances that they go after a stud LT in the draft or a FA & put him at G?@nwagoner: The chances of that are very slim, actually. The Rams still believe in Greg Robinson and they were encouraged by his improvement near the end of the season. General manager Les Snead talked about it at the combine last week and pointed to the fact that Robinson had a long way to go when he arrived and they want to see that through. So, it’s a safe bet that Robinson will be the team’s starting left tackle when the season begins. Now, with that said, I was also told the Rams intend to keep Rodger Saffold despite some speculation that he could be released. Part of the reason for that is because they don’t view his cap number as too cumbersome. But the other part is that Saffold is the most qualified to step in at left tackle should Robinson get injured or struggle in 2016. Clearly, the Rams hope it doesn’t come to that, but Saffold is a sort of Robinson insurance in case he doesn’t turn his potential into consistent production this season.
Victor Aldaco @VAS039
Q: Any chance the Rams go after Raven’s G Kelechi and cut injury prone Saffold? Would he be a fit for the Rams?@nwagoner: I just don’t see the Rams spending big money on a free agent offensive lineman at this point. Really, I don’t expect the Rams to spend big money on any outside free agents as they attempt to re-sign their own guys plus some of the young defenders like Michael Brockers and Alec Ogletree, who they want to keep around for the long haul. If somehow a legitimate quarterback option shook loose, I could see that changing, but it’s important to view this offseason as one for the Rams to secure the players they have invested so much time in developing rather than one where they look to bring in a lot of new faces. As mentioned above, the Rams intend to keep Saffold, and though I suppose that could change if the right opportunity presented itself, I think the Rams are content to keep rolling with what they have. Entering next season, they have Saffold, Garrett Reynolds, Cody Wichmann, Andrew Donnal and Jamon Brown as candidates to start at guard. It’s safe to say they believe they can find at least two good regulars out of that group.
znModeratorThis is a good place to lookup combine numbers. We can move this after the combine is over. imo
Gotcha
znModeratorOK, so how good is Kap at this point?
I don’t know. I’m wondering if he’s any better than Foles or Keenum? That’s a low bar, but still…
Doubt they would trade him within the division.
I would say that right now, based on what we saw last year, that Keenum is better overall than Kaepernick.
…
znModeratorfrom off the net
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alyoshamucci]
So as I said yesterday, these are just stand out impressions to note as I watch the combine, not too technical. I’m going to try to do one every day.
Overall
1) I have very rarely seen an entire day lack energy like today’s groups. Kinda depressing. I don’t know how harshly to judge the QBs for not getting energy flowing, but it’s gotta be someone’s fault, and since it’s someone’s, it’s gonna be everyone’s. I’m dinging every player today (except Michael Thomas and David Morgan 2).
QBs
2) The accuracy was good across the board. It’s a good class, although it may lack personality.
3) Doughty and Allen were the most accurate passers. Doughty’s deep ball was inspiring actually.
4) Wentz and Goff were totally ready to go, mellow going through the drills. I predicted them going 1-2 a while back, and I can’t see that changing.
5) Lynch’s footwork seemed to be practiced, but was solid. He should be able to transition without losing more than half a season getting used to the drops.
6) They spent a lot of time with Cook, talking up his game and questioning his lack of being a captain … someone said there was “something missing.” I can’t imagine he’s not being hurt by comments like that. But as far as his command of the drills and the footwork he looked fine. Accuracy was slightly off compared to the others … weird feel I have on it is that he doesn’t have a grip on the ball he likes. Velocity drops, ball comes out funny sometimes.
7) The kid from Liberty Woodrum looked good again. He and the Rivers younger brother may have a future if they get into a camp and study. Watch the Patriots take him. lol
8) I have no recollection of Cardale throwing … did I miss it?
9) Driskel looked good. I also didn’t know that he was a #1 coming out of high school (just like Hackenburg).
TE
10) BOOOOO … Run your 40s. Henry, Vannett, Mcgee … none ran.
11) Morgan looked great even though he could only be a replacement for Harkey …
12) McGee was the best in the drills … although I will say Vannett grades out higher overall and has some really solid arm length for receiving. He made a seriously great catch.
13) Duarte is a WR, Cajuste is a TE.
14) I don’t know if there’s anyone in this class I would think are valuable where they would be picked.
WR
15) Treadwell should have run. The times were so bad that even running a 4.7 would not have made him look bad. He would have been middle of the pack and not stood out. His hands were excellent, and he moved well in all the drills. I think getting stuck on his timed speed is going to mess with some clubs, but he’s tenacious, aggressive and has great hands. He should be picked around the tenth overall … but could easily slide.
16) Michael Thomas ran a 4.58? Wild. Did NOT see that coming. He was competing though, really high intensity.
17) Josh Doctson probably made the most money today (besides Cal’s Davis … he may have jumped multiple rounds) … he may jump to the top of the class in some eyes. He had one of the best gauntlets I’ve ever seen, bad throws and he made all the catches in stride. He doesn’t have the best hands, but his “rapid cognition and ability to pick up the ball” is superior.
18) Duke Williams 4.75 and D Wilson 4.9? Valuable possession receivers and Duke can play football. Cayleb Jones and Lawler high 4.6s too.
19) Malcolm Mitchell nice time, and Ricardo Louis … both had a good day. 6th round? I’m game. Charone Peake had a nice day … so did Payton, who ran better than expected.
20) Marquez North ran a serious time at his size. 4.48 He was one of the most powerful freshman then he fell off the map.
21) Keyarris Garrett is huge and ran a 4.53. That, with his crazy production? Surprised he isn’t being talked about in round 2.
22) There is depth in this class, we can get quality in the 6th. High quality in the 4th.
Thoughts and comments/questions welcome
znModeratorKevin Hogan is primed for pro-style offenses
Eric Branch
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Kevin-Hogan-is-primed-for-pro-style-offenses-6857381.php
INDIANAPOLIS — Cardinals head coach and noted quarterback guru Bruce Arians believes the NFL’s glamor position is difficult to evaluate because the most important traits are impossible to measure.
“You can’t evaluate the brain and the heart,” Arians said. “They’re the two you play with. … So much of it’s still a crapshoot. If you could analyze those two things, you could make millions of dollars.”
That said, Arians and other NFL evaluators at the combine can feel fairly confident about this: Stanford’s Kevin Hogan has a first-round brain.
After spending his four-year, 46-start career in Stanford’s pro-style offense, Hogan is viewed as one of the Rhodes Scholars of this year’s quarterback draft class. Unlike other prospects from shotgun-only spread attacks that populate the college ranks, Hogan has been operating under center in a system that directly translates to the next level since 2012.
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock views Hogan as the most NFL-ready of the quarterbacks who will be selected after the first round.
“He’s probably the most ready, intellectually, of any of those quarterbacks,” Mayock said. “…He’s probably as close to what you’re going to see in the NFL as any of them. He’s going to come in and pick it up very quickly.”
Hogan was a quick study at Stanford. He became the starter midway through his freshman season, a campaign he capped by leading the Cardinal to four straight wins over ranked teams. That season-ending stretch included the program’s first Rose Bowl victory in 40 years and served as a springboard for a career that ended with the most wins (36) by a quarterback in Stanford history, 75 touchdown passes, 29 interceptions and a 65.9 completion percentage.
Stanford’s Austin Hooper, one of the draft’s top tight ends, said Hogan succeeded because of his savant-like knowledge.
“That guy knows more than anybody,” Hooper said. “He’s started so many darn games. He can tell you a blitz before it happens. Like I watch film with him and he’s not a route runner, he’s a QB, and he’ll teach me some things and I’ll just be like, ‘Wow!’
“There’s certain little things with timing, there’s some cases in the film where I give him a certain look, or he’ll give me a certain look and we’d be on the same page and see a certain change in the defense and we would just capitalize on it. He’s been a great part of my success.”
Of course, there are reasons Hogan isn’t being mentioned with slam-dunk first-round quarterbacks such as North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and Cal’s Jared Goff.
Among the perceived shortcomings that figure to make him a mid-round pick, at best: average arm strength and a funky, too-long delivery.
Hogan has been training in Westlake Village (Ventura County) at Proactive Sports, with John Ramsdell serving as his quarterbacks coach.
Ramsdell’s 19-year NFL coaching career included a seven-season stint (2006-12) in San Diego, where he tutored Philip Rivers, another quarterback with an unorthodox throwing motion. Rivers’ delivery hasn’t prevented him from earning five Pro Bowl berths and throwing for 41,447 yards in his 12-year career.
Hogan said he’s not tweaking his throwing motion, but is focusing on footwork that will quicken his release.
“It’s something I’ve been working on, just trying to get the ball out quicker,” Hogan said. “I’ve been working on a lot of quick-release drills with coach Ramsdell. I think by tightening up my base — if your feet are in the ground and ready to throw, you’re going to be able to get the ball out quicker.”
Hogan acknowledged that weakness, but also noted the edge he has on many of his peers, who were far less independent during their college careers.
“I’ve called plays in the huddle,” he said. “I’ve had to manage tons of different looks at the line — not checking to the sideline to see what the adjustment should be.”
Not surprisingly, Hogan has enjoyed his conversations with NFL teams at the combine. Those sit-downs have allowed him to give teams a glimpse into his beautiful mind, and he particularly enjoyed an X’s-and-O’s heavy visit with the Bills.
It was nice to draw up some plays, draw up concepts and talk actual football,” Hogan said, “the stuff that matters.”znModeratorfrom off the net
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Kind of Blue/Gold
Laquon Treadwell
Highlights
Scouting Profile
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/laquon-treadwell?id=2555214
Comps? Zierlein cites DeAndre Hopkins, which would be great. His size would certainly make him an appealing complement to mighty mite smurf Austin.
znModeratorTreadwell leads 2016 NFL Draft’s safest picks among WRs
By Chad Reuter
With the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine in full swing, I’ll be unveiling my picks for the safest prospects at each position.
Receivers that I consider low-risk selections are not necessarily speed demons, but they can run effective routes, and are tough (and/or crafty) enough to separate themselves downfield without a great 40-yard dash time. And, of course, they need to have reliable hands to make plays with or without a defender nearby. The biggest and/or fastest receiver on the team is not going to help if he can’t bring in the tough catch.
These three wideouts are my safe bets in the 2016 draft class. As with every position group in this series, there is a mix of top-rated prospects and others for whom I project a long NFL career without the early-round hype.
1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss: It’s the time of year where the best players get ripped apart for this or that. I’m not guaranteeing Treadwell will be a superstar receiver in the Julio Jones/Calvin Johnson class, but he’s the best bet you have in this draft of finding a physical pass-catcher who will challenge the strength of even the best cornerbacks in the league on third downs and in the red zone. And when he lines up a smaller cornerback as a blocking target, that guy had better watch out.
Potential landing spots: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions
2. Rashard Higgins, Colorado State: He’s a natural hands-catcher with excellent foot quickness and route-running ability who can exploit defenses inside and outside. Like Treadwell, Higgins’ 40 time is immaterial, as his new quarterback will immediately trust him to be in the right place at the right time — and catch whatever is thrown his way. Even if he proves to be “quicker than fast,” he will make plays.
Potential landing spots: Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots
3. Corey Coleman, Baylor: Yes, he plays in a spread offense with a limited route tree. But Coleman is perfectly capable of running all of the routes. I trust his ability to transition to Sundays, using his explosive cutting ability and acceleration to become both a safety valve and a big-time playmaker at the next level. If guys like Brandin Cooks, Emmanuel Sanders, and T.Y. Hilton can be among the leading receivers in the league, Coleman should fare just fine.
Potential landing spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams
znModeratorhttp://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000639554/article/day-2-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: The Spartans’ star quarterback had an opportunity to make a move up the charts with a strong showing on Saturday but blew his chances for a surge up the board when he struggled with ball placement and accuracy in drills. Cook repeatedly missed receivers on routes with high and outside throws that landed well outside of the strike zone. While teams will certainly take Cook’s injury into account, the fact that he continued to struggle with his ball placement confirms the questions about his accuracy based on his low completion percentage.
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