View Full Version : Pro Football Weekly on Zbikowsi
BowlenBall
12-10-2007, 07:31 AM
Down for the count
Since a sophomore campaign in which he recorded five interceptions and scored four touchdowns, the fall from grace has been drastic for Notre Dame SS Tom Zbikowski. A former amateur boxer, he surely looks the part, but throw on the tape and flaws are glaring.
Zbikowski is slow diagnosing plays and recognizing his responsibilities, takes atrocious angles, and lacks the speed to compensate for his mistakes. Perhaps better suited as an in the box safety, Zbikowski shows poor form and is a drag tackler.
That said, does he stand a chance in the NFL? Sure, if he isn’t asked to blitz twenty yards from the line of scrimmage or cover a running back sneaking into the flat on the other side of the field. Zbikowski must be protected and is still best suited closer to the line of scrimmage. But don’t underestimate the impact of poor coaching in his career. Zbikowski has been put in positions he simply can’t win. However, don’t be surprised if this household name lasts well into Day Two.
We'll almost certainly be taking a safety in the draft this year, as Lynch and Ferguson are the oldest safety tandem in the league, and Hamza Abdullah is the only backup who is a possible future starter. So... in which round do you think Denver should pull the trigger and draft Zbikowski? My thought is, anytime from the 4th round on is a good gamble....
BowlenBall
12-10-2007, 07:45 AM
For another take on Zbikowski, here's the scouting report from ESPN.com:
Strengths: Can cover a lot of ground in zone overage and has experience playing a centerfielder-type role. Opens hips well enough and is fast enough to run with most tight ends. Fills hard when reads run, takes sound angles to the ball and is a relentless run defender Squares up to the ball carrier, wraps up and is a reliable open field tackler that flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. Times blitzes well and flashes an adequate rip move. Looks to strip or punch the ball out of the ball carrier's hands when chasing and is a ball hawk. Plays with a lot of emotion and is a natural leader. Fearless punt return man, flashes big-play ability in that role and can make an immediate impact on special teams.
Weaknesses: Can get caught too close to the line of scrimmage and lacks the second gear to consistently recover when gets caught in a trail position. Footwork is inconsistent and gets spun around at times. Can get to physical in coverage and is vulnerable to pass interference as well as defensive holding calls. Slow locating the ball and is step late getting to the ball at times. Though uses hands fairly well and can get though traffic quickly takes too long to shed blocks when a blocker is able to lock on.
Overall: Zbikowski arrived at Notre Dame in 2003, did not appear in any games, but was not redshirted. From 2004-'06, he started all 35 games he played in registering 213 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Zbikowski also returned 43 punts for 523 yards (12.2 average) and three touchdowns in 2005-'06. He missed one game in 2006 with a shoulder injury. Zbikowski was granted a fifth year of eligibility for 2007. Zibilowski is a tough run defender who has the speed to develop quality cover skills and make an impact on special teams. On the other hand, he can't be considered an elite prospect at the position because he is too inconsistent for a player with his talent.
BowlenBall
12-10-2007, 07:49 AM
And
BowlenBall
12-10-2007, 07:50 AM
And as long as I'm wasting time at work -- here's what SportingNews.com has to say:
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is tough, and attacks every play. Shows no hesitation when launching himself into bigger runners and blockers. Accelerates to full speed quickly, and has the speed to make plays sideline-to-sideline. Closes quickly on passes in front of him, and can blow up the receiver as the ball arrives. Covers tight ends and running backs nicely on short routes. Reaches the flat quickly to disrupt screen passes. Is a dangerous return man who is a threat to score on every touch.
Weaknesses: Is too much of a straight-line athlete. Is tight in hips, and does not change directions quickly. Struggles to burst and reach downfield passes along the sidelines. Struggles to stay with wide receivers man-to-man. Takes bad angles to the ball at times, and lacks the agility to adjust and make the tackle. Is not a fundamentally sound tackler. Misses too many tackles, stopping feet and launching himself too often. Bottom line: Zbikowski is an interesting NFL prospect and an aspiring professional boxer, to boot. He is built well and plays with an aggressive and attacking attitude, but he does not always stay under control and must greatly improve his tackling skills to be a trusted NFL safety. Zbikowski will be drafted higher than he deserves and will struggle to be a quality NFL safety. He projects as a quality backup safety whose biggest impact will come on special teams -- as a return man and on the coverage units. Zbikowski can make big plays and help his team win the battle of field position.
I've been saying we should tarbet Zbikowski since last year. He's a hard hitter with very good ball skills and underrated athleticism. He's also a contributor or both ends of the special teams unit. He's basically exactly what we need in the back half of this draft.
I'd honestly be ok with using a late 3rd on him, but we won't have a 3rd period. So if he's there when our 4th rounder roles around I hope we jump on him. He's an impressive athlete who goes 110% every play. Draft him and give him a year or two as Lych's understudy and I think we'd have a very impressive player on our hands.
socalorado
12-10-2007, 09:41 AM
I've been saying we should tarbet Zbikowski since last year. He's a hard hitter with very good ball skills and underrated athleticism. He's also a contributor or both ends of the special teams unit. He's basically exactly what we need in the back half of this draft.
I'd honestly be ok with using a late 3rd on him, but we won't have a 3rd period. So if he's there when our 4th rounder roles around I hope we jump on him. He's an impressive athlete who goes 110% every play. Draft him and give him a year or two as Lych's understudy and I think we'd have a very impressive player on our hands.
Zbikowski is this years John Wendling. A great physical athlete, but only good for straight inline tackling. Cant cover in the NFl to save his life. A good in the box run stuffer and nothing more.
Like you said, late 4th round pick, nothing higher.
If DEN wants a good SS, please see Barrett or Stetzl. As for a later round SS,
Kevin Ellison of USC is projected as a 3-4 rounder and is lightyears ahead of zbikowski in pure talent. He can cover, but also drop the hammer.
Also, Michael Hamlin of Clemson
Caleb Campbell, SS, Army (military commitment?)
Wesley Woodyard, SS, Kentucky
Chris Horton, SS, UCLA (considered by many to be the best "open field" tackler in college football)
Joe Fields SS Syracuse is also moving up draft boards. Guy can do everything. Play SS, FS and even is a good QB ! when needed! Jack of all trades.
There are plenty of safeties out there with better range and power than the guy from ND. I think hes waaaay overrated simply because he had 1! fairly good season, plays for a popular team, and did that boxing thing, which got him alot of PR.
Billy Clyde Puckett
12-10-2007, 09:41 AM
This is a perfect illustration of why the draft websites are pretty much worthless this time of year. You copied three sites and they have conflicting reports. There are better options in the mid rounds than Zbikowski.
This is not a great year for safeties. What makes Z appealing is special teams. Any guy we get may or may not crack the starting lineup and assuming that none of them (slotted at the 4th like Barrett, Z, and Steltz), it would be OK to have someone to help more on ST.
socalorado
12-10-2007, 10:35 AM
This is not a great year for safeties. What makes Z appealing is special teams. Any guy we get may or may not crack the starting lineup and assuming that none of them (slotted at the 4th like Barrett, Z, and Steltz), it would be OK to have someone to help more on ST.
Agreed. No higher than a 4th though. He just not worth taking any higher, and then being a bust.
What i would really love to see happen is DEN address STs, FS and all in one player!
Terrell Thomas, USC
Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round: 2.
A jack of all trades, Terrell Thomas can play corner, safety and return specialist. He also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in 2006. The leader of USC's locker room.
OR if you really want to address these issues with a higher pick
Reggie Smith*, Oklahoma (12/1)
Height: 6-1. Weight: 198.
40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round: Top 20 Pick.
OK... forget about waiting until next year. Reggie Smith is having a great 2007 campaign. His versatility can only increase his draft stock; he can play corner and safety.
Smith doubles as a return specialist. Had a fumble returned for a touchdown against Miami this year.
I'm not one for drafting a FS so high when there are really big time superstar guys out there,ahem.........
but Thomas in the 2nd round is a good bet.
Zbikowski is this years John Wendling. A great physical athlete, but only good for straight inline tackling. Cant cover in the NFl to save his life. A good in the box run stuffer and nothing more.
There are plenty of safeties out there with better range and power than the guy from ND. I think hes waaaay overrated simply because he had 1! fairly good season, plays for a popular team, and did that boxing thing, which got him alot of PR.
Have you watched much ND football?
He had an amazing season two years ago and has been basically the only DB worth a damn since then. I don't see how anyone can say he doesn't have good range or just straight line speed, watch him return a kick and that myth is blown to hell.
He makes bad reads and takes too many wrong steps in coverage, but athletically he's very impressive. He's also got exceptional ball skills. Is he a sure thing to become a starting quality safety? No, not by a long shot, but he's not overrated int erms of potential. Given the right system and a chance to learn from experienced vets how to cover at the NFL level he could be something really good.
He's a total boom/bust prospect but I think we have the best home for him to boom and not bust. Give him a year or two as Lynch's understudy, whom I think he has a lot of on field similarities to (especially in how both approach the game), and he could be an excellent safety.
Talent wise he can do everything you want a safety to do, nothing is exceptional but he's a solid B to B+ across the board. Because of that he's been allowed to basically freelance throughout his college career, but he's not Ed Reed, who's pretty much all A's across the board so that won't fly in the NFL. If someone teaches him how to play sound football as a safety they'd be looking pretty good.
Doesn't much matter though, if he lasts to the last bit of the first day I expect the Pats to swoop in and snag him. He's a perfect fit there, the mentality they want and the athleticism they prize. He isn't worth a 2nd and I don't see us with the draft pick fire power to get the right positioning (very late 3rd/early 4th) for where he's a good value pick.
socalorado
12-10-2007, 04:30 PM
Have you watched much ND football?
He had an amazing season two years ago and has been basically the only DB worth a damn since then. I don't see how anyone can say he doesn't have good range or just straight line speed, watch him return a kick and that myth is blown to hell.
He makes bad reads and takes too many wrong steps in coverage, but athletically he's very impressive. He's also got exceptional ball skills. Is he a sure thing to become a starting quality safety? No, not by a long shot, but he's not overrated int erms of potential. Given the right system and a chance to learn from experienced vets how to cover at the NFL level he could be something really good.
He's a total boom/bust prospect but I think we have the best home for him to boom and not bust. Give him a year or two as Lynch's understudy, whom I think he has a lot of on field similarities to (especially in how both approach the game), and he could be an excellent safety.
Talent wise he can do everything you want a safety to do, nothing is exceptional but he's a solid B to B+ across the board. Because of that he's been allowed to basically freelance throughout his college career, but he's not Ed Reed, who's pretty much all A's across the board so that won't fly in the NFL. If someone teaches him how to play sound football as a safety they'd be looking pretty good.
Doesn't much matter though, if he lasts to the last bit of the first day I expect the Pats to swoop in and snag him. He's a perfect fit there, the mentality they want and the athleticism they prize. He isn't worth a 2nd and I don't see us with the draft pick fire power to get the right positioning (very late 3rd/early 4th) for where he's a good value pick.
Sorry. just disagree. I see him as the MOST overrated player in college football. there are others though. Shoot i like Bo Ruud! And Mike Hart! Cmon! talk about a tough players! But they are considered ovverrated by many and wont tranfer to the NFL well. Cushing is also a physical specimen just like Wendling last year, but hes injury prone so i see him on alot of overrated boards. Alot of its a matter of opinion an versatility, durability, experience.
i cant remember if it was Sports Illistrated or Sporting News, or E!SPN but one of em had a overrated list and Z was on it. No biggie though, like i said, i agree a 4th round choice and sure! Take the guy! but nothing higher and theres better guys out there.
iforgotmypassword
12-10-2007, 08:37 PM
Im a nortre dame homer but still I'd love Tommy Z... he's a lynch clone