Hello from Mobile article

[SoCalBronco]

Hello From Mobile!

By TFY Draft Preview

Posted Jan 21, 2007

Players, general managers, scouts and NFL coaches began arriving in Mobile as the Senior Bowl gets ready to kick-off . On hand were most of the nation's top senior prospects including Notre Dame's Brady Quinn. What is the status of Quinn's injury? What's the word on Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye? And what players were teams interviewing today? Here's the latest.


Questions about Amobi Okoye physical stature have been omni-present. Many feel the 19-year old will not be able to hold up over the course of an NFL season.

Though listed at 313-pounds on most pre-season reports handed out by NFL scouting services, sources told us Okoye has never been near that weight. In fact someone close to the talented Louisville defensive tackle told us they expect him to weigh-in near 295-pounds tomorrow.

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn addressed a small gathering of the media tonight, fielding several questions.

Quinn stated he was advised by renowned physician Dr. James Andrews not to participate in this weeks event after suffering a bursar sac injury in his right knee. Quinn, training with API in Phoenix, is concerned he may aggravate the injury.

Over the next two days he will be interviewing with teams here in Mobile, Tampa being one of the first as Buccaneer coach Jon Gruden came out to grab Quinn after the session.

Asked when the injury first occurred Quinn was very evasive saying he wasn't sure on what play it happened and gave no mention of what team it may have occurred against.

When asked a direct question about working out at the combine Quinn said no definitive decision had been made yet as to whether or not he'll participate. He alluded to the fact he is preparing for "combine and individual workouts".

Teams were busy Sunday interviewing players one-on-one all through the day.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, usually spectators at the Senior Bowl, were the most active. The team cornered receivers Dwayne Bowe and Rhema McNight as well as linebacker Prescott Burgess, defensive end/linebacker Tim Crowder and cornerback Jonathan Wade.

The Rams were right behind Pittsburgh as one of the most active franchises today. They also talked with Dwayne Bowe as well as receiver Dallas Baker and linebackers Paul Posluszny and Earl Everett.

Miami was also busy interviewing players through the early evening. The Dolphins interests included offensive lineman Justin Blalock, defensive tackle Antonio Johnson and defensive end Anthony Spencer.

Paul Posluszny spent extensive time with the San Diego Chargers.

We spoke at length with Justin Blalock late in the afternoon.

An articulate and bright individual, Blalock states he prefers playing right tackle as opposed to guard but doesn't care where he ends up at the next level.

Blalock said he expects teammate Brian Robison, the defensive end many feel is rising up draft boards, to light is up at the combine with great workouts.

When asked if he was surprised that another teammate from the defensive line, Frank Okam, did not declare for the draft, Blalock responded no as Okam struggled with injuries all season.

http://nflexperts.scout.com/2/611742.html

[Kaylore]

Thanks SoCal. I'm watching every single day of practice this week. That news about Akoye is intriguing. I wonder how the hype will go.

[Barry Ramey]

That weight issue for Okoye could push him out of the 1st round.

[Drek]

That weight issue for Okoye could push him out of the 1st round.

He'll need a pretty pedestrian combine for it to push him out of the first, but his stock took a hit that might have just made him available at #21 for us. Really depends on how he plays and practices at the senior bowl along with his combine results. Wouldn't surprise me if he's below his normal playing weight (probably still not 313) to improve his speed numbers.

[Broncoman13]

Hello From Mobile!

By TFY Draft Preview

Posted Jan 21, 2007

Players, general managers, scouts and NFL coaches began arriving in Mobile as the Senior Bowl gets ready to kick-off . On hand were most of the nation's top senior prospects including Notre Dame's Brady Quinn. What is the status of Quinn's injury? What's the word on Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye? And what players were teams interviewing today? Here's the latest.


Questions about Amobi Okoye physical stature have been omni-present. Many feel the 19-year old will not be able to hold up over the course of an NFL season.

Though listed at 313-pounds on most pre-season reports handed out by NFL scouting services, sources told us Okoye has never been near that weight. In fact someone close to the talented Louisville defensive tackle told us they expect him to weigh-in near 295-pounds tomorrow.

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn addressed a small gathering of the media tonight, fielding several questions.

Quinn stated he was advised by renowned physician Dr. James Andrews not to participate in this weeks event after suffering a bursar sac injury in his right knee. Quinn, training with API in Phoenix, is concerned he may aggravate the injury.

Over the next two days he will be interviewing with teams here in Mobile, Tampa being one of the first as Buccaneer coach Jon Gruden came out to grab Quinn after the session.

Asked when the injury first occurred Quinn was very evasive saying he wasn't sure on what play it happened and gave no mention of what team it may have occurred against.

When asked a direct question about working out at the combine Quinn said no definitive decision had been made yet as to whether or not he'll participate. He alluded to the fact he is preparing for "combine and individual workouts".

Teams were busy Sunday interviewing players one-on-one all through the day.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, usually spectators at the Senior Bowl, were the most active. The team cornered receivers Dwayne Bowe and Rhema McNight as well as linebacker Prescott Burgess, defensive end/linebacker Tim Crowder and cornerback Jonathan Wade.

The Rams were right behind Pittsburgh as one of the most active franchises today. They also talked with Dwayne Bowe as well as receiver Dallas Baker and linebackers Paul Posluszny and Earl Everett.

Miami was also busy interviewing players through the early evening. The Dolphins interests included offensive lineman Justin Blalock, defensive tackle Antonio Johnson and defensive end Anthony Spencer.

Paul Posluszny spent extensive time with the San Diego Chargers.

We spoke at length with Justin Blalock late in the afternoon.

An articulate and bright individual, Blalock states he prefers playing right tackle as opposed to guard but doesn't care where he ends up at the next level.

Blalock said he expects teammate Brian Robison, the defensive end many feel is rising up draft boards, to light is up at the combine with great workouts.

When asked if he was surprised that another teammate from the defensive line, Frank Okam, did not declare for the draft, Blalock responded no as Okam struggled with injuries all season.

http://nflexperts.scout.com/2/611742.html



You know, I wouldn't be upset if we ended up with about 4 Longhorns or former Longhorns. Blalock, Robison, Crowder, Griffin, Ramonce Taylor, or Selvin Young. Take your pick... but that is a great list of players and if we got every one of them it would be an INCREDIBLE draft.

HAS ANYBODY WATCHED THE FOOTAGE OF TAYLOR YET???

[Dedhed]

He'll need a pretty pedestrian combine for it to push him out of the first, but his stock took a hit that might have just made him available at #21 for us. Really depends on how he plays and practices at the senior bowl along with his combine results. Wouldn't surprise me if he's below his normal playing weight (probably still not 313) to improve his speed numbers.

My thoughts exactly. As I've said on other threads, I like Okoye a lot, but don't want to move up to get him. Weight concerns could make him available at #21.

Even if he weighs in at 295, I wouldn't be worried. From what I've seen he carries weight very well, and could put on another 20#s without much difficulty.

[RocBronc]

Even if Okoye is 295, so what??? The kid is 19 years old, he's not 22 or even 21 years old, he should easily be able to put on a few more pounds over the next year.

[Drek]

Even if Okoye is 295, so what??? The kid is 19 years old, he's not 22 or even 21 years old, he should easily be able to put on a few more pounds over the next year.

Most teams draft guys who can contribute right away though. If you're picking in the second half of the first round you're a playoff contender. Most teams want first rounders to contribute quickly.

I personally like this news on Okoye, if he was really 313 pounds at only 19 years old I'd be real concerned he'd break 350 by his mid-20's and lose any pass rushing ability.

This is a plus for the Broncos as Alan Branch is now the only DT we definitely have no shot at and if Okoye does drop to the late first its going to push others down. I've been saying it for over a week now, this draft is deep at DE and DT but the guys ranking 8-12 aren't significantly better than the guys ranking 18-22. We could wait until the mid to late second and still grab some talented DLs.

[Killericon]

This is good news...I was hoping for a bad combine performance, and this just helps.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/senior_bowl

NFL Network kicks off another tradition this January as it begins the exclusive broadcast of the Under Armour Senior Bowl game and practices.

The broadcast team for the Under Armour Senior Bowl features former NFL head coach Dick Vermeil, who spent 14 years as a college football broadcaster, college football expert Mike Mayock and play-by-play announcer Rich Eisen.

The Under Armour Senior Bowl airs live on NFL Network Saturday, Jan. 27, at 4 p.m. ET from Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Top collegiate talent participating in this year's game includes Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith from Ohio State, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, Michigan defensive lineman LaMarr Woodley and Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny.

As important as the game is to potential NFL players, the practice sessions are when the players have an outstanding chance to impress NFL coaching staffs.

More than 12 hours of live practice coverage begins on Monday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. ET as host Paul Burmeister and analysts Charles Davis, Pat Kirwan and Mayock provide fans with a window on the action all week, including live practice coverage, analysis of top prospect performances and interviews with team officials.

The coaching staffs from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers will coach the two squads led by head coaches Jon Gruden (North team) and Mike Nolan (South team).

Under Armour Senior Bowl week takes place during the week between the NFL Conference Championships and the Super Bowl. The game and practices are key tools used by NFL coaches, scouts and training staffs to judge the best talent in the country as they prepare for the NFL Draft.

The Under Armour Senior Bowlfeatures 100 of the country's best senior collegiate football players on teams representing the North and South.

On average, 11 NFL first-round draft choices play in the Under Armour Senior Bowleach year with 95 percent of players in the game making active NFL rosters.

Below is a day-by-day breakdown of NFL Network's planned television coverage of the Under Armour Senior Bowl (All times Eastern):

Monday, Jan. 22
4 p.m. - Day 1 Practice (90 minutes)
8 p.m. - Day 1 Recap (30 minutes)

Tuesday, Jan. 23
10:30 a.m. - Day 2 Morning Practice (90 minutes)
5 p.m. - Day 2 Afternoon Practice (2 hours)
9:30 p.m. - Path to the Draft: Day 2 Recap (30 minutes)

Wednesday, Jan. 24
10:30 a.m. - Day 3 Morning Practice (90 minutes)
5 p.m. - Day 3 Afternoon Practice (2 hours)
9:30 p.m. - Path to the Draft: Day 3 Recap (30 minutes)

Thursday, Jan. 25
10:30 a.m. - Day 4 Morning Practice (90 minutes)
5 p.m. - Day 4 Afternoon Practice (2 hours)
8 p.m. - Path to the Draft: Day 4 Recap (30 minutes)

Saturday, Jan. 27
3 p.m. - NFL Total Access pregame show (1 hour)
4 p.m. - 2007 Under Armour Senior Bowl, Live (3 hours)
7 p.m. - NFL Total Access postgame show (1 hour)

[bpc]

I thought Okoye looked like he carried his weight really well for being 310 lbs. I'm not surprised he is that skinny... he didn't really get much push on the inside from what I saw. He will need to bulk up on the next level along with improving his technique tremendously.

As for Blalock... I watched him against OU and he looked tremendous at RG. He does not give ground in the pass game, has great feet and plays very strong. He also has enough speed and athleticism to be great at playing in our zone system getting to the second level. At guard he projects very well, he could be another Will Shields.

[Guessed]

Okoye weighed in today at 287 pounds for the Senior Bowl. Maybe he'll slide to #21. Here's the link

http://nflexperts.scout.com/2/611926.html

[Traveler]

Okoye weighed in today at 287 pounds for the Senior Bowl. Maybe he'll slide to #21. Here's the link

http://nflexperts.scout.com/2/611926.html

Tony Hunt weighed in at almost 240lbs. WOW!

[Guessed]

Okoye or Pitcock or Carriker in the first and Tony Hunt in the second with the best available safety and offensive tackle in the third could go a ways toward bringing some needed toughness back to the team. Bates defense needs more beef and muscle up front. Carriker can play the Courtney Brown (or 2005) role or Trevor Pryce multi position role....solid on run and a solid push...maybe not a ton of sacks but tie up some O lineman to spring others. Maybe they can pry a third rounder for Tatum and add a receiver or another defensive lineman with that pick.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Mason Crosby - Kickers Body LOL

Brian Leonard only 224 with short arms.

Brandon Mebrane - Tank Butt soft torso

Eric Weddle - needs weight room work, little development

Lamar Woodly - Thick arms Soft body

[RocBronc]

Still doesn't bother me... Can easily put that weight on (in muscle) before the season would start.

[Guessed]

Still doesn't bother me... Can easily put that weight on (in muscle) before the season would start.

Agreed, the lighter than expected weigh-in doesn't bother me but maybe just maybe it will drop him down a peg on draft day. Probably not due to his potential but you never know.

[TheDave]

Okoye weighed in today at 287 pounds for the Senior Bowl. Maybe he'll slide to #21. Here's the link

http://nflexperts.scout.com/2/611926.html

Great news for us... Unfortunately he will probably be over 300 by the combine.

[Broncoman13]

Amobi Okoye 6020 287 34 10 1/4 Built like a brickhouse. (Trevor's best day's at DT were played at this weight and he's a few inches taller. Wouldn't mind him at #21 either.)

Marcus McCauley 6005 200 31 1/2 10 1/8 Cut and solid. (This guy will be the best CB in this draft. I'd gladly take him at 21 and not feel bad about it. He's a true freak. Pat Hill, whom I have much respect for, says he's the best athlete he's ever been around!)

Tony Hunt 6016 239 31 1/4 9 3/4 Solid and bigger than expected. (Can anyone say "Tony Hunt, Denver Broncos, #53!!!)

Nick Leeson 6014 258 31 1/4 9 1/2 Beergut...was referred to as a wasted roster spot. (ouch!!! That's worse than the perenial "man boobs" comments!)

Adam Carriker 6057 292 33 9 1/2 Long thick arms. (I'll take one!)

Victor Abiamiri 6044 271 33 1/2 10 1/4 Thick upper body and thighs (good weigh in, Player to watch this week for sure. Could put himself in the middle of the 2nd w/good showings now and in the combine/individual work outs)

Paul Williams 6010 200 35 10 1/4 Long arms and broad shoulders. (Arm length is that of a guy 6" taller... good for WR's!)

LaMarr Woodley 6013 269 34 1/4 10 Thick arms but soft body. (Haven't been impressed with him anyhow)

[Steve Prefontaine]

Tony Hunt weighed in at almost 240lbs. WOW!
I'm still confused why there isn't more discussion about Tony Hunt. He seems like a beast. Good pass blocker. Hard worker. He has run well against the top teams.

Is there some knock against him that I don't know?

[bpc]

I'm in love with Tony Hunt's size. I'll definitely be watching the whole practice today.

[Broncoman13]

Justin Blalock 6033 331 33 1/2 10 1/4 Big rear end but sloppy on top. (I don't care if he has "man boobs" the dude can flat out play!)

Dwayne Bowe 6022 222 33 1/4 9 1/2 Built like a linebacker. (In three years time the only WR that will be better out of this draft is Calvin Johnson... and that's not a given.)

Tim Crowder 6037 271 33 9 1/2 Big triceps/traps. (We should just say, we'll take all the Texas guys and be done with the draft! That would be sweet!)

Buster Davis 5093 244 31 1/8 10 1/2 Stout and built like a stump. (With that size he could very well fall to the 2nd round. I wouldn't mind the pick at 53 if that were the case. He's a helluva player and his height will drop him...A LOT!)

Michael Griffin 5114 195 31 7/8 10 1/8 Solid and lean. (His size is less than expected. May not grade out as a first rounder now. Has to dazzle this week and in his workouts to earn that first round grade. I still like him a lot though!)

Kenny Irons 5107 198 31 8 3/4 Looks like a body builder. (I don't really want him, but supposedly he's a brick. Hands are on the small side to be a ball carrier. Should be a top 50 pick.)

Quentin Moses 6047 249 33 1/2 9 1/2 Flat chested and soft. (And he continues to plummet. Could be around in the late 2nd now. Talk about a fall down the charts!)

Joe Staley 6055 296 34 1/4 10 1/8 Spare time with limited upper body definition. (I still like him for our system. Could possibly slide to #70. We'll see how he does this week in drills and comp.)

Patrick Willis 6010 240 32 3/4 9 3/4 Cut and well built. (If anybody caught his article in November's ESPN mag, you know he's got a great story. He's a gamer and will be a great player in this league. Probably won't be around when we draft at 21... but I'm pulling for him anyway.)

Aaron Ross 6004 192 31 1/4 9 Thin upper body. (Keep your eye on him, he's another Longhorn that can play!)

Brandon Meriweather 5105 192 30 8 5/8 Needs work in the weight room. (Could he fall any further? A 2nd day pick right now. I don't think we'll look his way, but he can play.)

[Broncoman13]

I'm still confused why there isn't more discussion about Tony Hunt. He seems like a beast. Good pass blocker. Hard worker. He has run well against the top teams.

Is there some knock against him that I don't know?


He's a Penn St RB. No flash, just production. Will likely run in the upper 4.5's perhaps even lower 4.6's. Not as much of a bull as his size would indicate, but he does run with more authority than Michael Bush.

I'd take him!

[Guessed]

I'm in love with Tony Hunt's size. I'll definitely be watching the whole practice today.

Ding, ding, ding. This is the Broncos bell cow back if he can be had at #53. I'm ok if he doesn't go flying up draft boards. With an improved offensive line by having Lepsis hopefully healthy and inserting a road grader in Kuper somewhere along the interior of the line and with Pears settling in at right tackle, Hunt is the perfect back to complement Cutler and the direction the offense is going. They need a consistent chain mover, not just against the weaker teams but against playoff caliber teams. I'll take 3, 5, 4, 7 and 2 yards per carry over vs. 18, minus 2, no gain, 3 yards and 1 yard per carry any day of the week. The first controls the clock and moves the chains while the second stalls drives. Don't forget, Hunt is known as a good pass blocker and reciever out of the backfield and as someone that does all the little things to help the team win.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Maylock certainly has a different view of the DBs than folk here have. He has Nelson and Griffin in his second ten which would make them marginal first day picks

[Drek]

Amobi Okoye 6020 287 34 10 1/4 Built like a brickhouse. (Trevor's best day's at DT were played at this weight and he's a few inches taller. Wouldn't mind him at #21 either.) True, but Bates has a history of liking big uglies for DT. I'd love Okoye at 21 but he's too much a project to lose picks trading up after. A good combine and he'll be back up out of our range.


Tony Hunt 6016 239 31 1/4 9 3/4 Solid and bigger than expected. (Can anyone say "Tony Hunt, Denver Broncos, #53!!!)
I really like Hunt myself, but when he gets out on the track during the combine his stock will drop like a stone. He's not going to run fast. Personally I love it. The underclassmen declaring has solidified this RB class so I could see Hunt still on the board at #70 or maybe even #85. He reminds me of Brandon Jacobs, huge guy who'll run a 4.5-4.6, teams won't look his way and he'll be a middle round steal.


Victor Abiamiri 6044 271 33 1/2 10 1/4 Thick upper body and thighs (good weigh in, Player to watch this week for sure. Could put himself in the middle of the 2nd w/good showings now and in the combine/individual work outs)
Most of what I've read (primarily Kiper and Scouts Inc.) already had Abiamiri as a late first/early second. He's weighed in almost 10 pounds heavier than his last collegiate weigh in too. His stock is going nowhere but up.

Kolby Smith is in the Senior Bowl too, I think he'd make a good RB in our system as well.

[elsid13]

Woodley got destory by Levi Brown on one on ones.

[Polster60]

Watching the north practice right now. Okoye has a burst and made one guy look absolutely stupid, but the very next play got stoned by the same guy. He looks explosive. I'm beggining to wonder if he would make a better 3-4 5 tech. rather than forcing him to put on another 20-30 lbs. Coyer tried Carriker at 3 tech with Okoye at 1 tech for a few plays. Made a decent push. Anthony spencer looks pretty explosive as well. Most impressive = Levi Brown. Absolutely dominating the DE in Pass protection/ pass rush drills. Big boy who is smart too. Would not mind seeing him picked at 21 if he lasts that long.

[Polster60]

First day of coverage, but hate how NFL network keeps moving from one group to another right when the group they are showing is about to do a play. f***-ing stupid.

[PLOWHORSE]

Amobi Okoye 6020 287 34 10 1/4 Built like a brickhouse. (Trevor's best day's at DT were played at this weight and he's a few inches taller. Wouldn't mind him at #21 either.)

Marcus McCauley 6005 200 31 1/2 10 1/8 Cut and solid. (This guy will be the best CB in this draft. I'd gladly take him at 21 and not feel bad about it. He's a true freak. Pat Hill, whom I have much respect for, says he's the best athlete he's ever been around!)

Tony Hunt 6016 239 31 1/4 9 3/4 Solid and bigger than expected. (Can anyone say "Tony Hunt, Denver Broncos, #53!!!)

Nick Leeson 6014 258 31 1/4 9 1/2 Beergut...was referred to as a wasted roster spot. (ouch!!! That's worse than the perenial "man boobs" comments!)

Adam Carriker 6057 292 33 9 1/2 Long thick arms. (I'll take one!)

Victor Abiamiri 6044 271 33 1/2 10 1/4 Thick upper body and thighs (good weigh in, Player to watch this week for sure. Could put himself in the middle of the 2nd w/good showings now and in the combine/individual work outs)

Paul Williams 6010 200 35 10 1/4 Long arms and broad shoulders. (Arm length is that of a guy 6" taller... good for WR's!)

LaMarr Woodley 6013 269 34 1/4 10 Thick arms but soft body. (Haven't been impressed with him anyhow)



I read an article today in ESPN insider that said Hill nearly benched McCauley this season due to poor and uninthused play. Just an FYI. Not posting link due to contractual rigamorou.

[That One Guy]

So after the first day of Senior Bowl practices we're already seeing why Mock Drafts shouldn't be seriously debated until after the combine.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

So after the first day of Senior Bowl practices we're already seeing why Mock Drafts shouldn't be seriously debated until after the combine.

Yep!! Most folk who do the mock drafts and many who debate them here have never seen the players play. LOL

[Clockwork Orange]

So after the first day of Senior Bowl practices we're already seeing why Mock Drafts shouldn't be seriously debated until after the combine.

I'd rather talk prospects shortly after the college football season ends than after the combine, personally. People get raging erections over 40 times, bench presses and a whole lot of other stuff that has little to do with whether or not a guy can actually play football.

Beware of workout warriors.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/draft/news/2001/04/19/headtohead_combine/mamula.jpg

[elsid13]

So after the first day of Senior Bowl practices we're already seeing why Mock Drafts shouldn't be seriously debated until after the combine.

Problem, sometime the exact opposite occurs to, when a kid put up good numbers and he suddenly become a star because of his workout.

[Broncoman13]

Maylock certainly has a different view of the DBs than folk here have. He has Nelson and Griffin in his second ten which would make them marginal first day picks


What do you mean 2nd 10?

If Griffin fell to #53 I'd be shocked. If he fell to #70 I'd be suprised we didn't pick him at 53! :wiggle:

As for Pat Hill benching McCauley late in the season... not suprising. He was getting lax b/c the ball wasn't going his way, mainly b/c he was locking down his receiver. He also wasn't doing much in terms of run defense late in the season. The final straw was the dropped INT's. The kid has more talent at CB than any other prospect in this draft. Whether he can reach his potential is the only real question. With some good coaching and a great mentor (Champ) he could be for real. In all honesty, he's not another DeAngelo Hall or anything like that, but he's certainly on the same level as a guy like Tye Hill who went in the first last year and had a decent rookie season.

[Broncoman13]

In case anybody is interested in the "players of the day" here is a list from Scott Wright.

Despite the lack of a real eye-opening performance on either side of the ball it was a good first day overall and there should be some excellent matchups throughout the rest of the week, especially between the offensive and defensive linemen. If I was going to single out the day's top performers the names that would immediately come to mind are Daymeion Hughes, James Marten, Scott Chandler, Jay Moore, and Eric Weddle but something tells me others are going to emerge as the week progresses. So day one for the North is officially in the books and while it may not have quite lived up to expectations I am confident that will all change tomorrow and with any luck the weather will follow suit.

I know there are a lot that are high on Weddle and Hughes is a stud corner as well. I think there have been a few Mocks that have us taking Hughes at 21 which isn't all bad, just reminds me of Deltha Oneal.

[WABronco]

Mason Crosby - Kickers Body LOL

Brian Leonard only 224 with short arms.

Brandon Mebrane - Tank Butt soft torso

Eric Weddle - needs weight room work, little development

Lamar Woodly - Thick arms Soft body
Tank BUTT!Ha!

[-Slap-]

Patrick Willis 6010 240 32 3/4 9 3/4 Cut and well built. (If anybody caught his article in November's ESPN mag, you know he's got a great story. He's a gamer and will be a great player in this league. Probably won't be around when we draft at 21... but I'm pulling for him anyway.)

Michael Griffin 5114 195 31 7/8 10 1/8 Solid and lean. (His size is less than expected. May not grade out as a first rounder now. Has to dazzle this week and in his workouts to earn that first round grade. I still like him a lot though!)

:thumbsup:

[bpc]

I watched the practice and just throw out my thoughts.

I thought Brandon Mebane was exactly what I predicted he would be. A bull-dozing a$$ kicker who plays close to the ground and is stronger than $hit. He has the ability to penetrate easily into the backfield. We should definitely get this guy. He is a BoogerMcFarland/WarrenSapp clone. He would instantly help us on run downs.

Amobi Okoye was what I thought he was... pretty funny as I don't really like the guy but Maynard from NFL network gave my description to a "T". He pops up, will play high but he is great with his hands and keeping people off of him and he has some burst up-field. I still think he is a project though and I think that people are severely overating him as of his talent to this point. I saw him get stoned by some average linemen today.

Adam Carriker - Very interesting prospect from what I saw. The coaches had him working at DT and DE. I love his versatility. He has great size, good speed and he uses his hands well. He had a solid day.

Levi Brown - Definitely has what it takes to play at the next level. He isn't soft but he isn't power tackle either. He is a very athletic player who has very good feet. He'll be a very good left tackle on the next level. I think he will need to work on his run blocking. He is okay at it but pass pro is definitely where he excels. He destroys Lemar Woodley from Michigan. It wasn't even close.

Leon Hall - I was leary about this guy at first. He got torched against OSU and USC... I thought he was overated coming in but he had very good feet and technique at the CB spot. He really trusts his backpedal and is quick to break on the ball. I don't think he'll be another Champ Bailey by any means but he'll be a very solid 2nd corner for some team.

Ryan Harris - He got beat multiple times on pass rushing drills by one of the Nebraska players I think. I didn't write it down. He is just marginal in my estimation.

Jason Hill - Great bursting out of his breaks. Hands are very good, snatches the ball out of the air and has a feel for YAC. He isn't a highly publicized guy because he had a down senior but he is going to be a steal in the late 2nd or 3rd round.

Daymeion Hughes - Great ball skills, his quickness and speed are going to kill him at CB. He'll be a guy that gets burned but will make a play. He'll tantilize most teams to keep him in the game despite his short comings. I think he would be a very good deep safety but I doubt he has starting CB speed for the NFL unless he is playing in primarily a zone defense.

Tony Hunt - The offensive lines were all out of wack so you can't expect much from the HB's but his size alone warrants a look.

Marcus McCauley - Looks like he has the skill set. The guy is in phenominal shape. For 6'1, he is cut like crazy. He could be a sleeper because of his down senior year.

Jay Moore - Lost in Carriker's shadow. He has some solid technique and at 6'5 275 could warrant a late round look.

Dan Mozes - All-American center who had poor technique and got beaten repeatedly.

Paul Poslusny - Very active player, eager for contact. I wonder if this guy can have a rise like Urlacher. He looked very good to me.

Lemarr Woodley - I don't know if he is that bad or Levi Brown is just that good but he got owned every time I watched him.

I hated the way the NFL network covered practice but some footage is better than no film. I'll take it.

Those are my feelings on the guys that I watched. We'll see but I'm standly strongly on Mebane. I think he is going to be better than Okoye. I could be wrong but thats my oppinion. I just don't see him being a top 15 selection the way he plays. I'm really going to try and bust through some footage of McBean from Okie State, another Louisville film, and I'm going to try and get some NCState film so I can watch Tank Tyler.

Justin Harrell is hyped up too... has anybody seen him?

[youcandoit1687]

Okay, to clear up the Marcus McCauley talk...not only was he benched, he wasn't even in on some dime packages. He got beat by a white guy from La. Tech, looked absolutely stupid against LSU, and got benched on a team that went 4-8. Really people, he'll put up great measurables but something just isn't right, whether it is heart, cover skills, or another intangible, he has bust written all over him.

As for Okoye, if he was panting all over himself at 287 in the Orange Bowl then he is in trouble. People are in love with his potential because he is 19 and super smart. Yes, there is the possibility of him growing and developing but there is also a huge chance that he is a bust just like many high school recruits. Things change and a 19 year old's body is an unknown. This guy scares me so bad. If we pick him, we will be scared off of other DTs and it will be a vicious cycle.

[Elway777]

I watched the practice and just throw out my thoughts.

I thought Brandon Mebane was exactly what I predicted he would be. A bull-dozing a$$ kicker who plays close to the ground and is stronger than $hit. He has the ability to penetrate easily into the backfield. We should definitely get this guy. He is a BoogerMcFarland/WarrenSapp clone. He would instantly help us on run downs.

Amobi Okoye was what I thought he was... pretty funny as I don't really like the guy but Maynard from NFL network gave my description to a "T". He pops up, will play high but he is great with his hands and keeping people off of him and he has some burst up-field. I still think he is a project though and I think that people are severely overating him as of his talent to this point. I saw him get stoned by some average linemen today.

Adam Carriker - Very interesting prospect from what I saw. The coaches had him working at DT and DE. I love his versatility. He has great size, good speed and he uses his hands well. He had a solid day.

Levi Brown - Definitely has what it takes to play at the next level. He isn't soft but he isn't power tackle either. He is a very athletic player who has very good feet. He'll be a very good left tackle on the next level. I think he will need to work on his run blocking. He is okay at it but pass pro is definitely where he excels. He destroys Lemar Woodley from Michigan. It wasn't even close.

Leon Hall - I was leary about this guy at first. He got torched against OSU and USC... I thought he was overated coming in but he had very good feet and technique at the CB spot. He really trusts his backpedal and is quick to break on the ball. I don't think he'll be another Champ Bailey by any means but he'll be a very solid 2nd corner for some team.

Ryan Harris - He got beat multiple times on pass rushing drills by one of the Nebraska players I think. I didn't write it down. He is just marginal in my estimation.

Jason Hill - Great bursting out of his breaks. Hands are very good, snatches the ball out of the air and has a feel for YAC. He isn't a highly publicized guy because he had a down senior but he is going to be a steal in the late 2nd or 3rd round.

Daymeion Hughes - Great ball skills, his quickness and speed are going to kill him at CB. He'll be a guy that gets burned but will make a play. He'll tantilize most teams to keep him in the game despite his short comings. I think he would be a very good deep safety but I doubt he has starting CB speed for the NFL unless he is playing in primarily a zone defense.

Tony Hunt - The offensive lines were all out of wack so you can't expect much from the HB's but his size alone warrants a look.

Marcus McCauley - Looks like he has the skill set. The guy is in phenominal shape. For 6'1, he is cut like crazy. He could be a sleeper because of his down senior year.

Jay Moore - Lost in Carriker's shadow. He has some solid technique and at 6'5 275 could warrant a late round look.

Dan Mozes - All-American center who had poor technique and got beaten repeatedly.

Paul Poslusny - Very active player, eager for contact. I wonder if this guy can have a rise like Urlacher. He looked very good to me.

Lemarr Woodley - I don't know if he is that bad or Levi Brown is just that good but he got owned every time I watched him.

I hated the way the NFL network covered practice but some footage is better than no film. I'll take it.

Those are my feelings on the guys that I watched. We'll see but I'm standly strongly on Mebane. I think he is going to be better than Okoye. I could be wrong but thats my oppinion. I just don't see him being a top 15 selection the way he plays. I'm really going to try and bust through some footage of McBean from Okie State, another Louisville film, and I'm going to try and get some NCState film so I can watch Tank Tyler.

Justin Harrell is hyped up too... has anybody seen him? I really like what I seen out Carriker. If is now #1 on my wish list outside of Lynch and Ginn.I hope one of those players lost to 21 pick.I also like Mebane and Hill. Both Kenny Ions and Dave Irons are to players I'm interrested in Watching.

[Polster60]

If Levi falls to 21 I think we have no option but to take him. Lepsis is getting older and a great pass blocking tackle like Levi will be needed to protect Cutler. He really impressed me, I just hope he looks O.K/ adequate in run blocking so he might fall in the draft.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

What do you mean 2nd 10?

If Griffin fell to #53 I'd be shocked. If he fell to #70 I'd be suprised we didn't pick him at 53! :wiggle:

As for Pat Hill benching McCauley late in the season... not suprising. He was getting lax b/c the ball wasn't going his way, mainly b/c he was locking down his receiver. He also wasn't doing much in terms of run defense late in the season. The final straw was the dropped INT's. The kid has more talent at CB than any other prospect in this draft. Whether he can reach his potential is the only real question. With some good coaching and a great mentor (Champ) he could be for real. In all honesty, he's not another DeAngelo Hall or anything like that, but he's certainly on the same level as a guy like Tye Hill who went in the first last year and had a decent rookie season.

He rated 20 DBs. Griffin and Nelson were both in the second ten.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I
Justin Harrell is hyped up too... has anybody seen him?

Harrell is a beast. He would have been the number one DT had he not torn that Bicep. Asked to play the florida game with the injury before he had surgery.

[Polster60]

The announcers said that after reviewing game tape that they felt griffin had to many opportunities to make plays this season and he didn't make those plays. Citing physical play and run support as being the main reason for being downgraded.

[WABronco]

I watched the practice and just throw out my thoughts.

I thought Brandon Mebane was exactly what I predicted he would be. A bull-dozing a$$ kicker who plays close to the ground and is stronger than $hit. He has the ability to penetrate easily into the backfield. We should definitely get this guy. He is a BoogerMcFarland/WarrenSapp clone. He would instantly help us on run downs.

Amobi Okoye was what I thought he was... pretty funny as I don't really like the guy but Maynard from NFL network gave my description to a "T". He pops up, will play high but he is great with his hands and keeping people off of him and he has some burst up-field. I still think he is a project though and I think that people are severely overating him as of his talent to this point. I saw him get stoned by some average linemen today.

Good news on Mebane...

As far as Okoye, I think a lot of it is the whole "OMG he's 19 just think what he could be longterm" thing.

Jason Hill - Great bursting out of his breaks. Hands are very good, snatches the ball out of the air and has a feel for YAC. He isn't a highly publicized guy because he had a down senior but he is going to be a steal in the late 2nd or 3rd round.

Didn't get to see him, but I heard he stood out. Awesome...I was really hoping he'd re-establish himself.

Marcus McCauley - Looks like he has the skill set. The guy is in phenominal shape. For 6'1, he is cut like crazy. He could be a sleeper because of his down senior year.

Agreed. I saw a shot of him today and I thought he was a safety...he's ripped.

Those are my feelings on the guys that I watched. We'll see but I'm standly strongly on Mebane. I think he is going to be better than Okoye. I could be wrong but thats my oppinion. I just don't see him being a top 15 selection the way he plays. I'm really going to try and bust through some footage of McBean from Okie State, another Louisville film, and I'm going to try and get some NCState film so I can watch Tank Tyler.

Justin Harrell is hyped up too... has anybody seen him?

McBean looks real small for a tackle...I wonder what his body fat % is. A draftnik guy I talk to occasionally seems to like him, though...he really likes Harrell too. Apparently he was dominant early in the season, and even played well with the torn biceps against Florida. I really like his size, though. He's a bull...

[bpc]

If Levi falls to 21 I think we have no option but to take him. Lepsis is getting older and a great pass blocking tackle like Levi will be needed to protect Cutler. He really impressed me, I just hope he looks O.K/ adequate in run blocking so he might fall in the draft.

Levi is a interesting prospect. He definitely has the talent to help us at LT but with Lepsis being there, I'm unsure how we would start using him... maybe at RT.

Brown and Blalock from UT would be two very solid can't miss prospects on the Oline that might make going all defensive on the 1st day, a tough proposition.

[bpc]

If Levi falls to 21 I think we have no option but to take him. Lepsis is getting older and a great pass blocking tackle like Levi will be needed to protect Cutler. He really impressed me, I just hope he looks O.K/ adequate in run blocking so he might fall in the draft.

You know, i went and checked out some of the Penn State/Tennessee Outback bowl because of how Brown did at practice yesterday... more of the same. If this guy is available at our spot, we would have a hard time passing this guy up. I think he fits in with the D'Brickashaw's of the world where he is not a big hulking SOB, but a very lean, quick, strong guy who will knock your ass off. He gets up to the next level nicely and he works to finish blocks. I've seen a little bit of a mean streak there and he'll buck the opposing players and give them some extra stuff after the whistle. Nothing illegal of course.

I think he projects nicely and a guy of his build, stature, and playing style would fit in very well doing what we do.

In the case of realistic possibilities at our spot I see Griffin and Brown as guys that I really like. I got a lot of film on players so i'm going to keep watching and evaluating.

[elsid13]

More and more I think that we will see Shanahan go with Brown or WR in the first. Which will cause a lot of hate and discount on the board.

[Polster60]

Lepsis recovering from his knee injury isn't a guarantee. If Brown is there at 21 pick hi and run.

Day two north practice-
Impressive-
DE
Anthony spencer- No Tackle was able to contain him.
Victor Abirimi- solid, w/ decent moves
Adam Carriker- good power moves, no finese though
DT
Brandon Mebane- good power and quickness. Abused almost every lineman that he went up against. Really liking him as our second round draft choice.
Amobi Okoye- good quickness, used some good moves. The spin move almost works every time.
RB-
Kolby Smith- Loving his vision. Has good burst through the hole. Lined up both at FB and RB. Have yet to see him at the recieving options.

[Polster60]

Con't
OL-
Levi Brown- Great foot speed, only tackle that blocked spencer halfway decent. Still am liking him as our first choice.
Beekman- Very good at pass pro. Another solid BC lineman.
Tavish- Able to line up at G, C, and T. Good overall talent, but nothing outstanding.
Marten- Less impressive version of Brown. Has good feet, but could not handle power moves well.
Yanda- Like marten, but seems inconsistent.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

More and more I think that we will see Shanahan go with Brown or WR in the first. Which will cause a lot of hate and discount on the board.

Get ready to see a WR. Brown will be gone by the 15th pick.

[Elway777]

Lepsis recovering from his knee injury isn't a guarantee. If Brown is there at 21 pick hi and run.

Day two north practice-
Impressive-
DE
Anthony spencer- No Tackle was able to contain him.
Victor Abirimi- solid, w/ decent moves
Adam Carriker- good power moves, no finese though
DT
Brandon Mebane- good power and quickness. Abused almost every lineman that he went up against. Really liking him as our second round draft choice.
Amobi Okoye- good quickness, used some good moves. The spin move almost works every time.
RB-
Kolby Smith- Loving his vision. Has good burst through the hole. Lined up both at FB and RB. Have yet to see him at the recieving options.Right now I would draft Carriker in the first and Mebane in the second.In the 3 round maybe go with Kenny Irons or Greg Hill and Dave Irons.

[Polster60]

If brown were not to fall to 21, I would draft carriker too. Mebane at the moment is my favorite for round 2. Those two alone would imporve our d-line instantly. Running downs Carriker/Mebane/Warren/Lang or Ekuban. Passing downs Dummerville/Carriker/Warren or Mebane/ Ekuban or Lang. Thats a d-line folks!

[Hercules Rockefeller]

More and more I think that we will see Shanahan go with Brown or WR in the first. Which will cause a lot of hate and discount on the board.

Ginn's about the only one who fits what this team needs, a burner who is a vertical threat. They already have their big-bodied WRs in Walker and Marshall.

[DBroncos4life]

Ginn's about the only one who fits what this team needs, a burner who is a vertical threat. They already have their big-bodied WRs in Walker and Marshall.

I would love to have Ginn. He sits a top of my wish list.

[bpc]

I have Brown, Griffin and Carriker as possible 1st rounders right now.

I would put Nelson, Landry, Ginn, Jarrett in that category as well if they slide.

I want Mebane in the 2nd but after testing and the senior bowl, I think he is going to be upped to at least a mid-2nd round pick. He will have a rise like Patterson from USC a few years back when he moved all the way into the bottom of the 1st round. If we are to see him we might have to trade which i'm not a huge fan of.

Maybe we can pedal Plummer off to Houston and swap 2nd round selections. Hmmmmm...

[Broncoman13]

The announcers said that after reviewing game tape that they felt griffin had to many opportunities to make plays this season and he didn't make those plays. Citing physical play and run support as being the main reason for being downgraded.


Funny that Griffin would be cited as a non-physical type when most are concerned with him being too physical for his body size. As for his run support... Nelson and Landry combined had less tackles than Griffin over the past two years.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Maybe we can pedal Plummer off to Houston and swap 2nd round selections. Hmmmmm...

That's my guess on what happens with Jake if he's traded to someone picking near the top of each round. Swap 2nds and then a 4th or a 5th coming back too.

[Polster60]

We will have to see what Griffin looks like in the NFL before all is said and done. Personally I see him projecting to a faster/ slightly more athletic Nick Ferguson.

[want2bAbronco2]

I dont think brown is there at 21, but he is ours if he is. If Jarrett slides to 16+ I could see us moving up to get him. Other then that I want Okoye or that DE.

[bpc]

Funny that Griffin would be cited as a non-physical type when most are concerned with him being too physical for his body size. As for his run support... Nelson and Landry combined had less tackles than Griffin over the past two years.

They reported yesterday that Griffin had some kind of neck stinger that was bothering him this year. That would make you rear your head back from hitting.

That being said, I wasn't confusing Ed Reed with the second coming of Steve Atwater either... I wanted him for his ball hawking skill. Griffin can do that. His tackling is a plus.

Its so funny too, wherever you read or listen, everybody has a different oppinion. One guy thought Griffin stunk yesterday, somebody said he looked amazing. Most of these guys have no clue what they are watching and are listening to whomever will give them the time of day like scouts and coaches. If a coaching staff REEEEALLY liked somebody do you think they want it getting out?

Just beware of the smoke and mirrors that go on this week and over the combine. This is high stakes poker, make no mistake about it.

[elsid13]

Ginn's about the only one who fits what this team needs, a burner who is a vertical threat. They already have their big-bodied WRs in Walker and Marshall.

I wouldn't sleep on Rice or Meachem (reportedly a 4.2 to 4.4 speed), while not in Ginn's class speed wise, both are good size and fast enough in the WCO. And I remember reading that Shanahan prefer bigger WR for WCO that catch and go.

[Mediator12]

They reported yesterday that Griffin had some kind of neck stinger that was bothering him this year. That would make you rear your head back from hitting.

That being said, I wasn't confusing Ed Reed with the second coming of Steve Atwater either... I wanted him for his ball hawking skill. Griffin can do that. His tackling is a plus.

Its so funny too, wherever you read or listen, everybody has a different oppinion. One guy thought Griffin stunk yesterday, somebody said he looked amazing. Most of these guys have no clue what they are watching and are listening to whomever will give them the time of day like scouts and coaches. If a coaching staff REEEEALLY liked somebody do you think they want it getting out?

Just beware of the smoke and mirrors that go on this week and over the combine. This is high stakes poker, make no mistake about it.

Yep. That's why I want to be there to see what they are seeing live and in perspective of what is going on. A lot of people do not even know what the drills are designed to show and if players are cheating the drill. They also do not hear the coaching and instructions and whether the players can make adjustments to the coaching during the drill. They just see player X getting around player Y or something. Just like gameday, they see results without the process of achieving the results.

[bpc]

I'm so pissed, I schedule my lunch at 1:30pm today so I could come home and turn on the NFL network to watch the live action from Mobile... they shifted the schedule and its full pads! Its going from 2pm-4pm. I'm bummed so somebody will have to give me a run down on how things went as I imagine i'll only get to watch warm ups and crap that doesn't matter besides QB's throwing and WR's catching.

From what i'm hearing though, Dewayne Bowe is supposed to be looking very good at the senior bowl. Great blocker and a rocked up 6'2", 222lbs.

[Rohirrim]

I'm so pissed, I schedule my lunch at 1:30pm today so I could come home and turn on the NFL network to watch the live action from Mobile... they shifted the schedule and its full pads! Its going from 2pm-4pm. I'm bummed so somebody will have to give me a run down on how things went as I imagine i'll only get to watch warm ups and crap that doesn't matter besides QB's throwing and WR's catching.

From what i'm hearing though, Dewayne Bowe is supposed to be looking very good at the senior bowl. Great blocker and a rocked up 6'2", 222lbs.

I was very impressed with Bowe in the couple of LSU games I watched this season. He goes up and catches the ball, no matter what. He's one of those guys who seems to live by the motto, "If it's in the air, it belongs to me." Playing bump and run with him is a good way to get your ass kicked. ;D I wouldn't be sad at all if Shanahan called out his name with the 21st pick. I don't know how the Broncos could figure a way of getting him, Javon and Brandon on the field all at once.

[Obushma]

Bowe droped a couple of passes tonight, overall i'd say he had a average night.

The guy who stuck out to me tonight was Ryan Kalil, the kid is gonna be one hell of a NFL center. After he was done putting some DT on his back they were talking about how he's 290lbs with great technique and footwork, said he'd be perfect for a zone blocking scheme, specificly with the Broncos. I'd honestly take a long look at this kid, even with Greg on the roster.

[bpc]

I've heard Kalil is one of the best technical players over there and he has some solid attributes on the interior line like heavy hands and explosive punch. I think he will get picked too high though for us and we have needs in other locations.

Bowe is going to drop into the 2nd/3rd round just based on the juniors who flooded the boards.

[elsid13]

I've heard Kalil is one of the best technical players over there and he has some solid attributes on the interior line like heavy hands and explosive punch. I think he will get picked too high though for us and we have needs in other locations.

Bowe is going to drop into the 2nd/3rd round just based on the juniors who flooded the boards.

There a replay/hightlights show tonight around 0900 PM EST