Post by XFLBlitz on Feb 9, 2006 12:01:12 GMT -5
(taken from SportingNews.com)
Most Intriguing Prospects (post Senior Bowl)
Running back Jerome Harrison of Washington State looked bad early when he weighed in at just 195 pounds. But once he got the pads on, he turned into an animal. He lit it up during the team's long scrimmage, showing good cutback ability and a strong burst, reminding some scouts of Curtis Martin. He sets up the cutback with great speed to the outside. He is more physical than his body would have you believe and has the frame to fill out and carry more weight. Scouts from several clubs asked if they could see Harrison at different positions and he obliged, taking reps at wide receiver, running back and as a kick returner. He dropped some passes, but he has good strength and speed and could be an early second day selection, and if he runs fast at workouts he could fight his way into the Day One mix.
Iowa's Chad Greenway was the best outside linebacker in Mobile. He has 4.5 speed and has shown good versatility. He's a guy who can stand stout against the run, drop in coverage and will be an effective blitzer. In blitz pickup drills this week he showed the ability to consistently beat the blocks of the backs. Think Mike Vrabel with speed.
Everyone was raving about Notre Dame wide receiver Maurice Stovall. He stole the show all week long. He showed great body control, making several acrobatic catches and has shown some burst off the line.
Ohio State center Nick Mangold also played well. He reminds us of Steve Everett, the former Michigan center, but bigger. He's tenacious, and even got in a fight during the week. But that edge may be the thing that will make him the top center in this draft. He has the talent to start as a rookie at the next level.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher and many of the scouts were impressed with Michigan defensive tackle Gabe Watson, who was fantastic throughout the week. The only offensive guard who seemed to hold his own against Watson during the week was USC's Deuce Latui.
There only appear to be five or six tight ends who have grades that would garner them day one consideration at this point. One who may have worked his way into that group this week is Colorado's Joel Klopfenstein. He's big (6-5, 243), athletic and he can catch. He had 32 catches as a senior and a team-high four touchdown receptions. Think Kyle Brady with soft hands.
Passing Notes
Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler has had quite a week and has been the best at his position this week, leading to speculation that he could possibly climb into the top ten in this year's draft. As the hype built, former USC and current Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow was asked if Cutler is better than USC's Matt Leinart. It's not even close. He has some inconsistencies in his footwork, is undisciplined and hasn't been coached to the level that Leinart has. Cutler is more in the mold of a Jake Plummer. He had a very good week in Mobile and helped himself considerably. The feeling amongst many scouts here is that he could very well be better than Vince Young, but he is not the top QB in this draft.
Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst has impressed scouts with excellent mechanics. Whitehurst was coached by his dad in high school and the old "coach's son" axiom seems to hold true here. He came to Mobile despite being only 75 percent healed from shoulder surgery in December. He's been limited this week, but he will be completely healed by the time the final workouts come around. The injury could actually help him. He will have a late workout to make sure the shoulder is healed, giving him plenty of time to prepare. He will also be one of the last players to work out before the draft, and could leave a lasting impression with a good showing. Arizona State's Andrew Walter was in the same position last year and got drafted in the third round.
Georgia's D.J. Shockley faded as the week progressed and seems to be suffering from some arm fatigue. He and UAB's Darrell Hackney have done little to improve their status.
Alabama's Brodie Croyle did, however. He has shown good technique, a strong arm and excellent leadership skills. The general feeling amongst scouts at this point is that he won't last until the third round.
Most Intriguing Prospects (post Senior Bowl)
Running back Jerome Harrison of Washington State looked bad early when he weighed in at just 195 pounds. But once he got the pads on, he turned into an animal. He lit it up during the team's long scrimmage, showing good cutback ability and a strong burst, reminding some scouts of Curtis Martin. He sets up the cutback with great speed to the outside. He is more physical than his body would have you believe and has the frame to fill out and carry more weight. Scouts from several clubs asked if they could see Harrison at different positions and he obliged, taking reps at wide receiver, running back and as a kick returner. He dropped some passes, but he has good strength and speed and could be an early second day selection, and if he runs fast at workouts he could fight his way into the Day One mix.
Iowa's Chad Greenway was the best outside linebacker in Mobile. He has 4.5 speed and has shown good versatility. He's a guy who can stand stout against the run, drop in coverage and will be an effective blitzer. In blitz pickup drills this week he showed the ability to consistently beat the blocks of the backs. Think Mike Vrabel with speed.
Everyone was raving about Notre Dame wide receiver Maurice Stovall. He stole the show all week long. He showed great body control, making several acrobatic catches and has shown some burst off the line.
Ohio State center Nick Mangold also played well. He reminds us of Steve Everett, the former Michigan center, but bigger. He's tenacious, and even got in a fight during the week. But that edge may be the thing that will make him the top center in this draft. He has the talent to start as a rookie at the next level.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher and many of the scouts were impressed with Michigan defensive tackle Gabe Watson, who was fantastic throughout the week. The only offensive guard who seemed to hold his own against Watson during the week was USC's Deuce Latui.
There only appear to be five or six tight ends who have grades that would garner them day one consideration at this point. One who may have worked his way into that group this week is Colorado's Joel Klopfenstein. He's big (6-5, 243), athletic and he can catch. He had 32 catches as a senior and a team-high four touchdown receptions. Think Kyle Brady with soft hands.
Passing Notes
Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler has had quite a week and has been the best at his position this week, leading to speculation that he could possibly climb into the top ten in this year's draft. As the hype built, former USC and current Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow was asked if Cutler is better than USC's Matt Leinart. It's not even close. He has some inconsistencies in his footwork, is undisciplined and hasn't been coached to the level that Leinart has. Cutler is more in the mold of a Jake Plummer. He had a very good week in Mobile and helped himself considerably. The feeling amongst many scouts here is that he could very well be better than Vince Young, but he is not the top QB in this draft.
Clemson's Charlie Whitehurst has impressed scouts with excellent mechanics. Whitehurst was coached by his dad in high school and the old "coach's son" axiom seems to hold true here. He came to Mobile despite being only 75 percent healed from shoulder surgery in December. He's been limited this week, but he will be completely healed by the time the final workouts come around. The injury could actually help him. He will have a late workout to make sure the shoulder is healed, giving him plenty of time to prepare. He will also be one of the last players to work out before the draft, and could leave a lasting impression with a good showing. Arizona State's Andrew Walter was in the same position last year and got drafted in the third round.
Georgia's D.J. Shockley faded as the week progressed and seems to be suffering from some arm fatigue. He and UAB's Darrell Hackney have done little to improve their status.
Alabama's Brodie Croyle did, however. He has shown good technique, a strong arm and excellent leadership skills. The general feeling amongst scouts at this point is that he won't last until the third round.