Mlb

[Play2win]

Since the RB thread has been sidetracked enough...

Who is your MLB in the Draft and Why?


Also as a late round pickup, after watching the FAU - Central Michigan game-- FAU #56 Joseph looked pretty good (and I like the Number)...

I know the competition level isn't nearly the same, but he did look like the throwback type, well worth a late round pick...


My choice, of course, is Rey-Rey...

Have at it...

[lex]

Jason Phillips

[Play2win]

Jason Phillips

What round?



I think Rey-Rey will need to be coached-up in the NFL, but could turn into a once-in-a-decade player...

Yes, I think he is a project...

But, as Al Wilson showed us a STUD MLB can make a lot of other problems go away...

[lex]

What round?



I think Rey-Rey will need to be coached-up in the NFL, but could turn into a once-in-a-decade player...

Yes, I think he is a project...

But, as Al Wilson showed us a STUD MLB can make a lot of other problems go away...

5th

[TheDave]

Lauranitis if he is there... excelent instincs, doesn't miss a tackle, can play the run and the pass effectively. :thumbs:

[lex]

Lauranitis if he is there... excelent instincs, doesn't miss a tackle, can play the run and the pass effectively. :thumbs:

If theyre goint to take a Mike in the 1st, it better be Spikes, Maualuga, or even Curry. Laurinaitis is massively overrated.

[TheDave]

If theyre goint to take a Mike in the 1st, it better be Spikes, Maualuga, or even Curry. Laurinaitis is massively overrated.

I disagree... He has the highest floor of all the MLB prospects. I admit he doesn't have the upside of spikes or maualuaga, but nor does he have their downside. He is as close as you are going to get to a can't miss prospect and would fill a critical need for 10+ years.

[lex]

I disagree... He has the highest floor of all the MLB prospects. I admit he doesn't have the upside of spikes or maualuaga, but nor does he have their downside. He is as close as you are going to get to a can't miss prospect and would fill a critical need for 10+ years.

Sorry, Im not really interested in a guy who routinely gets washed out of plays and consequently has to make a lot of tackles 6 yards down field or by piling on.

[TheDave]

Sorry, Im not really interested in a guy who routinely gets washed out of plays and consequently has to make a lot of tackles 6 yards down field or by piling on.


As usual, you are the only person I have heard that from...

[Play2win]

As usual, you are the only person I have heard that from...

When I look at MLB, I look at SUDDENNESS... Now, I realize GOLD had some of the best suddenness even, but lacked in other areas... but Wilson was as sudden as an avalanche...

In L, I see no suddenness... the man I see, however raw, that has a bottomless pit of suddenness is Rey-Rey...

He will take time... but probably not as much time as a lot of people think...

Rey-Rey, IMHO, is the absolute best football player in this draft (and a few other recent ones...)

[BroncoMan4ever]

When I look at MLB, I look at SUDDENNESS... Now, I realize GOLD had some of the best suddenness even, but lacked in other areas... but Wilson was as sudden as an avalanche...

In L, I see no suddenness... the man I see, however raw, that has a bottomless pit of suddenness is Rey-Rey...

He will take time... but probably not as much time as a lot of people think...

Rey-Rey, IMHO, is the absolute best football player in this draft (and a few other recent ones...)

Rey is the most phyically gifted of the MLB in the draft, but Spikes is the best all around. He has the physical tools, great mind, is a ball hawk, can rush the passer. He's a guy i could see us building a defense around. Rey, i worry leaves us in the same position we are in now for as much as a season or 2, before he is coached up enough to be the game changer. He has more potential upside than anyone else, but Spikes is complete right now and has a really high ceiling, and he would be a major upgrade for us.

I am not even going to bring up Laurinitus, because i think he is overrated.

[bpc]

The Frantz kid looked really good and has racked up a lot of tackles. I see some fundamental stuff he needs to clean up but I would be interested around round 4 or after.

I have the first round MLB's ranked Curry (I know he's not natural here but he can play any spot IMO), Brandon Spikes, Lauranaitis, and then Maualuga. I think all could be very good. IMO Maualuga has the biggest bust factor, but also a higher ceiling than most.

[Elway777]

I like Laurinatis the most. Laurinatis is the best pass coverage linebacker in the draft and could be the best Blitzer. I also feel Laurinatis is the the best at diagnoising plays . Laurinatis is a solid tackler that will maintain his gap and not over run plays. I also like Curry , Spikes,Rey Rey and would be happy to get any of them in the fisrt round. I also think Herzlick would make a good Mike in the NFL. In the 3 round I like Jason Phillips and Jasper Brinkley.

[SpringStein]

It will be interesting to see if the trend of last year of taking players with good character continues into this year. If so, Rey is unlikely. This is a blurb from Scott Wright:

Was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery after allegedly punching a man during a party in 2005...Has faced team disciplinary action on more than one occasion

That's a flag and on the field he makes the spectacular play, but misses too many others. My preference is Spikes. One of the things about Spikes that hasn't been mentioned is that he is the emotional leader of the Gators D. If we are going to invest in a MLB in the first round, I'd like to see it be one that brings some fire to the unit.

[elsid13]

Maualuga reminds me a lot of undisciplined Junior Seau. I think your going to get lots of good ESPN highlights, but I also think that your going to get missed assignments that show up in the coaches tape.

Laurinatis seems to be solid professional player that will not be game changer but be in the right position to make the right play within the system.

Curry is stud able to be were he supposed to be accord to the defense plan, bring the pain and make a play. He will be play maker

Cushing is another LB I think can move inside and be little more banger then Laurinatis but not as dynamic as Rey-Rey. Better discipline but still not a great MLB for cover-2 defense

Spikes seem to be nice mix of the top three, but I think that sometime he disappears in games for some reason, he lets the action come to him more forcing the action.

[lex]

Does anyone know anything about Daniel Holtzclaw out of Eastern Michigan?

[*Famous*]

One thing I'm looking for in a MLB is a team leader and a guy that can set the tone. I want an intimidator on our defensive side of the ball to strike fear into the opponent. Rey Rey brings this to the table. He will put a hit on guys coming across the middle and even a quarterback or two. While that hit is only one play, it sets the tone for the entire game! We do not have a bad ass on D, someone that will step up and make a huge play when needed. Sure champ qualifies for that, but he is not going to knock a MF out!

[Broncoman13]

Seems like we did pretty well the last time we went with a SEC Mike! Bring on Spikes, he sounds like a well rounded leader we could use on our defense!

[lex]

One thing I'm looking for in a MLB is a team leader and a guy that can set the tone. I want an intimidator on our defensive side of the ball to strike fear into the opponent. Rey Rey brings this to the table. He will put a hit on guys coming across the middle and even a quarterback or two. While that hit is only one play, it sets the tone for the entire game! We do not have a bad ass on D, someone that will step up and make a huge play when needed. Sure champ qualifies for that, but he is not going to knock a MF out!

Actually Nate Webster can hit guys. Unfortunately, he is also undisciplined and runs himself out of position also. Nate has his moments but he's too inconsistent because of his lack of discipline.

[mattob14]

My preference is Spikes. One of the things about Spikes that hasn't been mentioned is that he is the emotional leader of the Gators D. If we are going to invest in a MLB in the first round, I'd like to see it be one that brings some fire to the unit.

I agree with this 100%! Spikes is an emotional leader and would bring a fire that we're missing right now. I also like the way Spikes takes on blocks. Against 'Bama, there were a number of plays where he met a pulling Andre Smith and didn't give an inch. He may not have made the play, but by stopping Smith in the hole 2-3 yds downfield, he effectively bottled things up and let his teammates clean up the rest.

[Inkana7]

As usual, you are the only person I have heard that from...

He's right though. I watch a lot of OSU football. He had 20+ tackles in both NC games he's played in and I think all were at least 5 yards downfield. Vastly overrated.

[Play2win]

Maualuga reminds me a lot of undisciplined Junior Seau. I think your going to get lots of good ESPN highlights, but I also think that your going to get missed assignments that show up in the coaches tape.

Laurinatis seems to be solid professional player that will not be game changer but be in the right position to make the right play within the system.

Curry is stud able to be were he supposed to be accord to the defense plan, bring the pain and make a play. He will be play maker

Cushing is another LB I think can move inside and be little more banger then Laurinatis but not as dynamic as Rey-Rey. Better discipline but still not a great MLB for cover-2 defense

Spikes seem to be nice mix of the top three, but I think that sometime he disappears in games for some reason, he lets the action come to him more forcing the action.


Thnx... good info... :thumbsup:

[lex]

Maualuga reminds me a lot of undisciplined Junior Seau. I think your going to get lots of good ESPN highlights, but I also think that your going to get missed assignments that show up in the coaches tape.

Laurinatis seems to be solid professional player that will not be game changer but be in the right position to make the right play within the system.

Curry is stud able to be were he supposed to be accord to the defense plan, bring the pain and make a play. He will be play maker

Cushing is another LB I think can move inside and be little more banger then Laurinatis but not as dynamic as Rey-Rey. Better discipline but still not a great MLB for cover-2 defense

Spikes seem to be nice mix of the top three, but I think that sometime he disappears in games for some reason, he lets the action come to him more forcing the action.

Are you sure its not because he is taking care of his assignment and the play is just going elsewhere? Because if thats the case, that would be a god trait.

[Requiem]

Spikes or Ellerbe, but I'm a homo.

[elsid13]

Are you sure its not because he is taking care of his assignment and the play is just going elsewhere? Because if thats the case, that would be a god trait.

Lex

AS MLB I would expect him to be around the ball more. Who knows if he were he supposed to be since I don't have the calls or the coaches tapes. I think he good LB, but I think he sometimes unfocused on the field at times.

[socalorado]

As usual, you are the only person I have heard that from...


Ah no. Many have stated that Lauranitius gets washed out of plays only to make a tackle 12 yards downfield. He never gives up on a play, i'll give him that, but he is massively overrated, and playing MLB in the NFL will depend on what team he goes to.

[ohiobronco2]

Ah no. Many have stated that Lauranitius gets washed out of plays only to make a tackle 12 yards downfield. He never gives up on a play, i'll give him that, but he is massively overrated, and playing MLB in the NFL will depend on what team he goes to.

I keep hearing that he is massively overrated. What is your definition of overrated? On many draft sites, he is considered the 4th best LB in this draft. He is what he is. He's a solid LB. He has great athletic ability, keeps his nose clean, is a student of the game, has not only great speed north and south, but sideline to sideline and is the best LB in this class in coverage. I've said it before and I'll say it again, James doesn't get the same opportunities that some guys get, he isn't sent to blitz the QB very often like Mauluaga. Also, his D line sucks (this year especially), perhaps that is why he is forced to make plays downfield. Gholston was a solid pass rushing DE and Freeman is a good LB but what other amazing member of the front 7 have been there while James has been there. Atleast Spikes has been fortunate enough to have Harvey, Moss, and Thomas. Mauluaga has got to play with Moala, Ellis, Jackson, Rivers, and Cushing. He is washed out of plays by design. If you are the only player on D that the offense worries about, if a guard and a FB are sent to block you, you are going to have difficulty, I don't care who you are.

[lex]

I keep hearing that he is massively overrated. What is your definition of overrated? On many draft sites, he is considered the 4th best LB in this draft. He is what he is. He's a solid LB. He has great athletic ability, keeps his nose clean, is a student of the game, has not only great speed north and south, but sideline to sideline and is the best LB in this class in coverage. I've said it before and I'll say it again, James doesn't get the same opportunities that some guys get, he isn't sent to blitz the QB very often like Mauluaga. Also, his D line sucks (this year especially), perhaps that is why he is forced to make plays downfield. Gholston was a solid pass rushing DE and Freeman is a good LB but what other amazing member of the front 7 have been there while James has been there. Atleast Spikes has been fortunate enough to have Harvey, Moss, and Thomas. Mauluaga has got to play with Moala, Ellis, Jackson, Rivers, and Cushing. He is washed out of plays by design. If you are the only player on D that the offense worries about, if a guard and a FB are sent to block you, you are going to have difficulty, I don't care who you are.


Moss and Thomas were gone when Spikes became a starter. Siler was the MLB when Moss and Thomas were last there. And actually, sideline to sideline, both Spikes and Maualuga find their way through traffic better than Laurinaitis. Also, its hard to say Laurinaitis is better in the passing game when Spikes has 4 INTs and 2 returns for TDs in a conference with faster WRs on average. Plus, when UF played Ohio State a couple of years ago, Florida carved Ohio State up by throwing over the middle. Laurinaitis looked like a piece of furniture in that game. For what Laurinaitis is, there are better options later. The whole idea of playing defense is to prevent 1st downs. If every time you make a tackle its farther down the field than it should be, then this isnt good.

[ohiobronco2]

Moss and Thomas were gone when Spikes became a starter. Siler was the MLB when Moss and Thomas were last there. And actually, sideline to sideline, both Spikes and Maualuga find their way through traffic better than Laurinaitis. Also, its hard to say Laurinaitis is better in the passing game when Spikes has 4 INTs and 2 returns for TDs in a conference with faster WRs on average. Plus, when UF played Ohio State a couple of years ago, Florida carved Ohio State up by throwing over the middle. Laurinaitis looked like a piece of furniture in that game. For what Laurinaitis is, there are better options later. The whole idea of playing defense is to prevent 1st downs. If every time you make a tackle its farther down the field than it should be, then this isnt good.

Spikes did start a game or two when Moss and Thomas played at Florida. He can't be too awesome if he couldn't beat out Siler. ;D Atleast James had to play behind Hawk and Carpenter. Don't base coverage skills on stats. Maualuga has an INT returned for a touchdown this year, but he didn't read the QB and step into a passing lane, Boeckman threw the ball right to him. Florida carved up the Buckeyes because they had all day to throw the ball. Expecting a LB to be out on an Island all day by himself and consistently make plays is foolish. If we don't address the D line in Free Agency, our best bet will be Maulauga because he has the best pass rush skills and putting pressure on the QB should be our number one priority. If you want the best all around LB, I'd still take Laurinaitis over anybody else. I don't want this man to be my LB.

[lex]

Spikes did start a game or two when Moss and Thomas played at Florida. He can't be too awesome if he couldn't beat out Siler. ;D Atleast James had to play behind Hawk and Carpenter. Don't base coverage skills on stats. Maualuga has an INT returned for a touchdown this year, but he didn't read the QB and step into a passing lane, Boeckman threw the ball right to him. Florida carved up the Buckeyes because they had all day to throw the ball. Expecting a LB to be out on an Island all day by himself and consistently make plays is foolish. If we don't address the D line in Free Agency, our best bet will be Maulauga because he has the best pass rush skills and putting pressure on the QB should be our number one priority. If you want the best all around LB, I'd still take Laurinaitis over anybody else. I don't want this man to be my LB.

Spikes didnt start only because he played on a better team and it was more difficult to see the field.

Id rather not have a guy who is making tackles 8 yards down field. Sorry. Youre just never going to sell me on that. For all that I hear about Laurinaitis, ever time I watch him play, Im like, huh? Theres just not enough value there.

[Inkana7]

Moss and Thomas were gone when Spikes became a starter. Siler was the MLB when Moss and Thomas were last there. And actually, sideline to sideline, both Spikes and Maualuga find their way through traffic better than Laurinaitis. Also, its hard to say Laurinaitis is better in the passing game when Spikes has 4 INTs and 2 returns for TDs in a conference with faster WRs on average. Plus, when UF played Ohio State a couple of years ago, Florida carved Ohio State up by throwing over the middle. Laurinaitis looked like a piece of furniture in that game. For what Laurinaitis is, there are better options later. The whole idea of playing defense is to prevent 1st downs. If every time you make a tackle its farther down the field than it should be, then this isnt good.

Tebow also ran Lauinaitis the **** over in that game. I laughed so hard.

This guy took the time to go over pretty much every single snap when LSU played OSU. And diagrammed just how Laurinaitis was. It's definitely worth a look.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/2008/01/14/james-laurinaitis-ohio-states-most-overrated-linebacker-ever/

Oh, and I believe it was posted by a Buckeye fan.

[ohiobronco2]

Spikes didnt start only because he played on a better team and it was more difficult to see the field.

Id rather not have a guy who is making tackles 8 yards down field. Sorry. Youre just never going to sell me on that. For all that I hear about Laurinaitis, ever time I watch him play, Im like, huh? Theres just not enough value there.

I see the same thing when I watch Spikes. You're not going to sell me Lex. I'm sorry. I'm always like, "Huh." How is this guys considered such a great prospect. I mean, he disappeared in the Alabama game. And Siler isn't a great MLB. Spikes didn't start because he isn't the best LB to ever play the game. Listen I don't think that James is the end all be all. All of these prospects have flaws, but I think James is the best and you're not going to sell me on anybody else. All of the things that you have mentioned as flaws in his game, I've seen the other premier LB's struggle with as well. Gets caught up in traffic? I've seen that happen to the great Ray Lewis several times and that is by design. Much like it is for James.

[Inkana7]

"The Animal" was worse than I thought in the LSU Game. He was downright terrible..

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-13-thumb.jpg
Here he is attempting one of his patented "Pile Jumps" 7 yards from the play..

[Inkana7]

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-18-thumb.jpg

Now THAT is worthy of a 1st round pick..

[ohiobronco2]

Tebow also ran Lauinaitis the **** over in that game. I laughed so hard.

This guy took the time to go over pretty much every single snap when LSU played OSU. And diagrammed just how Laurinaitis was. It's definitely worth a look.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/2008/01/14/james-laurinaitis-ohio-states-most-overrated-linebacker-ever/

Oh, and I believe it was posted by a Buckeye fan.

So he says. Any idiot can have a blog and pretend to be something that they are not. I can't even read the numbers in many of those pictures and you would be taking the guys word for it that others players made the plays before James did. I'll let the countless awards speak for themselves. James has been a starter on a premier program for 3 years and people have had time to disect his game and find his flaws. We will all find out how great or how terrible he will be in the coming seasons.

[lex]

Tebow also ran Lauinaitis the **** over in that game. I laughed so hard.

This guy took the time to go over pretty much every single snap when LSU played OSU. And diagrammed just how Laurinaitis was. It's definitely worth a look.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/2008/01/14/james-laurinaitis-ohio-states-most-overrated-linebacker-ever/

Oh, and I believe it was posted by a Buckeye fan.

Thats good stuff and exactly what many of us are talking about.

[ohiobronco2]

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-18-thumb.jpg

Now THAT is worthy of a 1st round pick..

Wait, so he is losing a battle with Herman Johnson, a near 400 LB lineman and that is a big deal because??? I'm sure Spikes or Mauluaga would have ran right through him. Come on Inkana, you need to bring more than that.

[ohiobronco2]

"The Animal" was worse than I thought in the LSU Game. He was downright terrible..

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-13-thumb.jpg
Here he is attempting one of his patented "Pile Jumps" 7 yards from the play..

Looks to me like he is getting pushed from behind. Surely, you can't be stupid enough to believe he is attempting to jump 21 feet.

[Inkana7]

So he says. Any idiot can have a blog and pretend to be something that they are not. I can't even read the numbers in many of those pictures and you would be taking the guys word for it that others players made the plays before James did. I'll let the countless awards speak for themselves. James has been a starter on a premier program for 3 years and people have had time to disect his game and find his flaws. We will all find out how great or how terrible he will be in the coming seasons.

Many people, mostly Buckeye fans, I've learned, have commented on how he usually just "lucks" into his big plays and has a penchant for jumping on the pile. I've noticed the same thing and have thought he was overrated since his first year as a starter. But I'm a hater. I'm not alone though.

A picture speaks a thousand words:

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-25-thumb.jpg
http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-23b-thumb.jpg
Overpersuit.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-27-thumb.jpg
Easily blocked WAY downfield.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-15-thumb.jpg
Poor in coverage.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-23c-thumb.jpg
Jump on the pile, get a tackle on the stat sheet.

And he's just not aggressive.

[Inkana7]

Wait, so he is losing a battle with Herman Johnson, a near 400 LB lineman and that is a big deal because??? I'm sure Spikes or Mauluaga would have ran right through him. Come on Inkana, you need to bring more than that.

Oh, they'd get blocked, but not driven 5+ yards downfield like a helpless doll.

[Inkana7]

Okay. Last one. This is probably my favorite.

http://www.mikeroberto.com/pics/James_Laurinaitis_is_Overrated/OSU_LSU_2008-Laurinaitis_Overrated-32-thumb.jpg
We can keep Nate Webster to do that.

[lex]

So he says. Any idiot can have a blog and pretend to be something that they are not. I can't even read the numbers in many of those pictures and you would be taking the guys word for it that others players made the plays before James did. I'll let the countless awards speak for themselves. James has been a starter on a premier program for 3 years and people have had time to disect his game and find his flaws. We will all find out how great or how terrible he will be in the coming seasons.


This is typical though. It shows what everyone has been talking about. Spikes plays in the same conference as LSU and doesnt look that bad that often. And Id actually maybe take Beckwith over Laurinaitis.

[lex]

Wait, so he is losing a battle with Herman Johnson, a near 400 LB lineman and that is a big deal because??? I'm sure Spikes or Mauluaga would have ran right through him. Come on Inkana, you need to bring more than that.


Florida defeated LSU this year handily and even last year when they were playing with all freshmen and sophomores at LSU, the defense kept Florida in the game. If LSU was controlling the middle of the field the same way they were against Ohio State, do you really think Florida wins this year or avoids getting blown out last year?

[elsid13]

I see the same thing when I watch Spikes. You're not going to sell me Lex. I'm sorry. I'm always like, "Huh." How is this guys considered such a great prospect. I mean, he disappeared in the Alabama game. And Siler isn't a great MLB. Spikes didn't start because he isn't the best LB to ever play the game. Listen I don't think that James is the end all be all. All of these prospects have flaws, but I think James is the best and you're not going to sell me on anybody else. All of the things that you have mentioned as flaws in his game, I've seen the other premier LB's struggle with as well. Gets caught up in traffic? I've seen that happen to the great Ray Lewis several times and that is by design. Much like it is for James.

I am sorry but that incorrect. I not enamored with Spike like some, but he showed extremely large in that game and was all over the field making plays.

I know that many have favorite college teams, but this isn't how a guy played in school or were he went. It about how he projects in the NFL. Players that were very good in college (Chase Daniels) might not even be drafted.

Right now if I was rating LB for the draft (I don't claim to know **** unlike some) this is how I would project the them as players in the NFL

1. Curry - Play maker
2. Rey-Rey - undisciplined but has physical gifts to range all over the field
3. Spikes - good lateral movement and good closing speed. Need to stronger at the Point of Attack
4. Laurinaitis - Technically sound but he could be stronger and needs to fill hole better
5. Darry Beckwith - Inconsistent as heck but is helluva an athlete
6. Dannell Ellerbe - every time I watch Georgia play he seems to be in the middle of making something happen
7. Zach Follett (CAL) after watching last game I like him in the middle more the Williams. Seem to make more play out of the ILB in the 3/4

[ohiobronco2]

Oh, they'd get blocked, but not driven 5+ yards downfield like a helpless doll.

LOL. I disagree. You are not going to win the battle as a LB against a 6'7 400LB man.

[ohiobronco2]

[QUOTE=elsid13;2217223]I am sorry but that incorrect. I not enamored with Spike like some, but he showed extremely large in that game and was all over the field making plays.

I don't remember his stat line, but I watched the game specifically for him and I disagree. He didn't show me anything exceptional.

[lex]

LOL. I disagree. You are not going to win the battle as a LB against a 6'7 400LB man.

OK, how is Florida able to hold its own and even soundly defeat LSU if LSU is able to control the middle of the field with that kind of ease?

[ohiobronco2]

Well, I'm done with this. I'm still convinced that James is a solid LB and one of the best in this draft. Overrated? In regards to what, being the first LB taken, a top ten pick, a first rounder? Thats all I want to know. A lot will change after the combine and if Mayock says he sucks, then I'll believe it. Otherwise, you won't convince me he's not a solid LBer and that those others are leaps and bounds better than he is. We will have to wait and see.

[ohiobronco2]

OK, how is Florida able to hold its own and even soundly defeat LSU if LSU is able to control the middle of the field with that kind of ease?

Lex, I didn't watch the game. I couldn't tell you, but I will say that Florida has better all around talent on the D line and if the line does it's job, a LB and a guard don't engage. OSU's line is terrible and that is why James is force to battle with Johnson, 5 yards down field.

[lex]

Lex, I didn't watch the game. I couldn't tell you, but I will say that Florida has better all around talent on the D line and if the line does it's job, a LB and a guard don't engage. OSU's line is terrible and that is why James is force to battle with Johnson, 5 yards down field.



According to Urban Meyer, Floridas DLine was terrible last year too. And btw, Florida was very thin at DT when they played Alabama...and theyre still young there too...not as young as last year but still very young. Additionally, I would also say that Alabama 08 was better than LSU 09, especially on the offensive line. So if Laurinaitis was made to look bad last year vs LSU, I shudder to think how bad it would have been against this Alabama team.

[elsid13]

Well, I'm done with this. I'm still convinced that James is a solid LB and one of the best in this draft. Overrated? In regards to what, being the first LB taken, a top ten pick, a first rounder? Thats all I want to know. A lot will change after the combine and if Mayock says he sucks, then I'll believe it. Otherwise, you won't convince me he's not a solid LBer and that those others are leaps and bounds better than he is. We will have to wait and see.

No saying he sucks. But this Mayock top senior list as of 13 Dec 2008. BOLD are LB

1 Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
2 Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
3 Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
4 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
5 Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6 Brian Orakbo, DE, Texas
7 Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
8 B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
9 Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
10 Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
11 Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
12 Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
13 James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
14 William Moore, S, Missouri Valero
15 Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
16 Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
17 Max Unger, C, Oregon
18 Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
19 Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
20 Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan

[Play2win]

No saying he sucks. But this Mayock top senior list as of 13 Dec 2008. BOLD are LB

1 Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
2 Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
3 Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
4 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
5 Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6 Brian Orakbo, DE, Texas
7 Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
8 B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
9 Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
10 Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
11 Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
12 Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
13 James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
14 William Moore, S, Missouri Valero
15 Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
16 Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
17 Max Unger, C, Oregon
18 Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
19 Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
20 Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan


Has Wake Forest played their Bowl Game yet, or did they even have one?

[elsid13]

Has Wake Forest played their Bowl Game yet, or did they even have one?

yes they played Navy last week

[ohiobronco2]

No saying he sucks. But this Mayock top senior list as of 13 Dec 2008. BOLD are LB

1 Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
2 Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
3 Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
4 Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
5 Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6 Brian Orakbo, DE, Texas
7 Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
8 B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
9 Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
10 Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
11 Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
12 Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
13 James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
14 William Moore, S, Missouri Valero
15 Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
16 Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
17 Max Unger, C, Oregon
18 Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
19 Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
20 Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan


Elsid, thanks for posting this. I really value Mayocks opinions. I want to see where he values him after the combine. I just feel that James appears as a lesser prospect because of the overall lack of talent on the line around him. There haven't been too many solid linemen that come out of OSU. When I think of OSU, I think of solid LBers and CBs. I do think that the others have benefited from having a better overall team around them. Time will tell if I'm right or only being a homer.:thumbs:

[Inkana7]

Elsid, thanks for posting this. I really value Mayocks opinions. I want to see where he values him after the combine. I just feel that James appears as a lesser prospect because of the overall lack of talent on the line around him. There haven't been too many solid linemen that come out of OSU. When I think of OSU, I think of solid LBers and CBs. I do think that the others have benefited from having a better overall team around them. Time will tell if I'm right or only being a homer.:thumbs:

You think Laurinaitis has been hampered by a poor D-Line and you want him to come here?

But to respond, he had Ghloston for two years. And I don't remember AJ Hawk having much trouble because of his D-Line.

[Play2win]

yes they played Navy last week

Shoot... I would have kinda like to see him play... I haven't seen him play all year... Have no idea what kind of player he is... I guess off to youtube, it is...

Thnx anyways...

[ohiobronco2]

[QUOTE=elsid13;2217223]I am sorry but that incorrect. I not enamored with Spike like some, but he showed extremely large in that game and was all over the field making plays.

I don't remember his stat line, but I watched the game specifically for him and I disagree. He didn't show me anything exceptional.

Elsid, I just looked at Spikes stats from that game. 7 total tackles and 1 pass breakup. Not a solid outing.

[Inkana7]

Your boy had 15 tackles against Florida. Is that a solid outing?

[ohiobronco2]

You think Laurinaitis has been hampered by a poor D-Line and you want him to come here?

But to respond, he had Ghloston for two years. And I don't remember AJ Hawk having much trouble because of his D-Line.

I have said if before and I will say it again, I only want him to come here if we improve the D line in free agency. He would be worthless here with our line in its current state. If we dont address our line, the best MLB for us would be Rey. James would be the best of the big three, if he has some help up front. He's pretty solid in coverage and I feel is the best athlete moving from sideline to sideline. Gholston was really only a starter for 1 year, look it up.

[Inkana7]

I have said if before and I will say it again, I only want him to come here if we improve the D line in free agency. He would be worthless here with our line in its current state. If we dont address our line, the best MLB for us would be Rey. James would be the best of the big three, if he has some help up front. He's pretty solid in coverage and I feel is the best athlete moving from sideline to sideline. Gholston was really only a starter for 1 year, look it up.

I think being 2nd Team All-Big 10 in 2006 qualifies as "starting". 25 games started in his career.

[elsid13]

Shoot... I would have kinda like to see him play... I haven't seen him play all year... Have no idea what kind of player he is... I guess off to youtube, it is...

Thnx anyways...

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A1waonOFv20&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A1waonOFv20&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[elsid13]

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[lex]

[QUOTE=ohiobronco2;2217229]

Elsid, I just looked at Spikes stats from that game. 7 total tackles and 1 pass breakup. Not a solid outing.


Obviously, he's not jumping on enough piles.

[Play2win]

Thanks elsid... :thumbsup:

[ohiobronco2]

[QUOTE=ohiobronco2;2217351]


Obviously, he's not jumping on enough piles.

Obviously he just wasn't good enough in that game.

[ohiobronco2]

Your boy had 15 tackles against Florida. Is that a solid outing?

Different team and nobody from OSU played great in that game. Nice try.

[ohiobronco2]

I think being 2nd Team All-Big 10 in 2006 qualifies as "starting". 25 games started in his career.

Still not completely a full 2 year starter, now was he?:D

[Inkana7]

Still not completely a full 2 year starter, now was he?:D

Seeing as an NCAA season is an average of 12 games. Yes.

[Inkana7]

Different team and nobody from OSU played great in that game. Nice try.

You were the one using a stat sheet to judge how solid a player was. I just followed suit.

[ohiobronco2]

You were the one using a stat sheet to judge how solid a player was. I just followed suit.

Nope, I watched the game and said I didn't think he was impressive. To reinforce my opinion, I posted his stats. Not the same.

[ohiobronco2]

Seeing as an NCAA season is an average of 12 games. Yes.

I can't refute your arguement, with a source that is. All I can point to is that his stats got better his Junior year with less talent around him. Oh and my memory of him not being an every down lineman. If I'm wrong, I will say it, but I'm 99% sure (since I watch every Buckeye game) that Vernon wasn't a full time starter, regardless of what you got off of NFL.com. At the end of the year yes, but I believe the it was Lawrence Wilson, David Patterson, Quinn Pitcock and Jay Richardson. Oh wait, I do have a source that backs it up.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/553226.html

[mattob14]

[QUOTE=ohiobronco2;2217229]

Elsid, I just looked at Spikes stats from that game. 7 total tackles and 1 pass breakup. Not a solid outing.

7 tackles and 1 pass defended, that's not a bad outing. That equates to about 85 tackles and a dozen passes defended for a 12 game season. The thing that impressed me most about that game though was the way he took on blocks. On multiple occasions, Andre Smith (a 350 lb potential top-5 pick) pulled and had a clean shot on Spikes at the 2nd level. I didn't see Spikes make the plays off of those blocks, but he didn't give any ground either. Where the previous picture shows JL being moved backward, Spikes was able to stop Smith in the hole 2-3 yards downfield, effectively clogging up the running lane. In one instance that I remember, Smith ended up on his back with Spikes still standing in the hole. Those plays don't show up in the stat line, but they'll show up on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

[ohiobronco2]

[QUOTE=ohiobronco2;2217351]

7 tackles and 1 pass defended, that's not a bad outing. That equates to about 85 tackles and a dozen passes defended for a 12 game season. The thing that impressed me most about that game though was the way he took on blocks. On multiple occasions, Andre Smith (a 350 lb potential top-5 pick) pulled and had a clean shot on Spikes at the 2nd level. I didn't see Spikes make the plays off of those blocks, but he didn't give any ground either. Where the previous picture shows JL being moved backward, Spikes was able to stop Smith in the hole 2-3 yards downfield, effectively clogging up the running lane. In one instance that I remember, Smith ended up on his back with Spikes still standing in the hole. Those plays don't show up in the stat line, but they'll show up on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

Well, if we draft him, I hope he is all that people think he is. I hope that this game tonight lets people know that we need to improve the D more than anything else.

[lex]

[QUOTE=mattob14;2218356]

Well, if we draft him, I hope he is all that people think he is. I hope that this game tonight lets people know that we need to improve the D more than anything else.

More than anything, its convinced me that we need a new DC.

[ohiobronco2]

[QUOTE=ohiobronco2;2218484]

More than anything, its convinced me that we need a new DC.

The DC doesn't suck at tackling and tell DJ to pull up his gloves in the middle of a play. We need both.

[lex]

The DC doesn't suck at tackling and tell DJ to pull up his gloves in the middle of a play. We need both.

No but a big part of success is dictated on how you play situations, namely 3rd downs. Shanahan has said as much when it comes to QBing...that they prove their worth on 3rd down. The same is true for the defense.

[mhgaffney]

We get to watch Rey Malauga in the Rose Bowl

[stugotsII]

We get to watch Rey Malauga in the Rose Bowl

Sorry, but Rey Rey is overrated. He is famous for a couple huge hits on youtube, but other than that he is far too unproductive at the MLB position.

[Ziggy]

Now we're going to have to see who Bowlen brings in and what defensive scheme they are going to run. Regardless, we'll still need at least one new LB on the inside, maybe 2.