Scouting the 2008 RB’s

April 25th, 2008 — football, NFL, NFL Draft

Lead by possibly the most talented player in this years draft Darren McFadden, here is a look at the rest of the runnning backs of the 2008 draft.

1 5 McFadden Darren Arkansas U RB 6012v 211v 4.36v D
Best back to enter the draft in the past two decades. Is a big back who showed excellent quicks, moves in the hole and the speed to run away from folks. Breaks secured tackles and finishes. Good backside vision, excellent hands and was extremely dangerous in space. Runs tall, but can create and finish. A slasher, who can put his foot in the ground and go. Best football player in the country. My first player off the board. A young Eric Dickerson.

Darren McFadden
2 5 Mendenhall Rashard Illinois U RB 5101v 225v 4.45v I
This guy does a lot of things that impact a football game. Has size, outstanding take off quickness and the speed to take it to the house. Instinctive runner who has the speed to get the corner and the gear changes to run away from second and third level defenders. Can create in space and was an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. Should impact quickly. Round # 1 draft consideration. 262 1,681 – 6.4 -17 TD’s in 2007.
3 5 Johnson Chris East Carolina U RB 5110v 197v 4.29v I
Has outstanding speed & run instincts. Tougher then expected inside.. As a receiver will line up in the slot, motion across the formation and come out of the backfield, but proved to be a real threat to take it to the house. Impressive hands.Dangerous return man who hit the seam and goes. Not as patient inside as he should be but ran hard. Not a big man by today’s standards, was a marginal blocker and not big tackle breaker, but is without question the real deal.
4 25 Charles Jamaal Texas U RB 5110v 200v 4.41v I
A one cut guy with vision, good balance, top speed and a great burst. I liked the way he hit the hole, bounced it and got the corner and out ran second and third level defenders. Was not a big finisher inside (just wasn’t very strong on contact and put the football on the ground far to0 frequently). Still developing (not a every down player at this time), but I really liked what I saw in this players game. Has run 10.26/100m. Draft # 1
5 25 Jones Felix Arkansas U RB 5101v 207v 4.49v I
Exciting zone runner with the speed to get the corner & outrun the pursuit angle. Is sudden with vision & ability to plant and go. Shows multiple cutting skills, good hands and was dangerous in space. Has bouncy legs and the ability break secured tackles. Not a lot of thread off the tires having been a back up throughout his entire career. Whether he can carry the full load & become feature back in the NFL is still an unknown, but I like what I’ve seen to this point.
6 28 Stewart Jonathan Oregon U RB 5102v 235v 4.48v I
Big productive between the tackles runner who broke secured tackles and finished his runs. Liked his ability to get up in the hole, bounce it outside or see the backside cutbacks. Appeared a little stiff and didn’t run with the type of speed he showed at the scouting combine. Runs hard. Has good pad level and finishes his runs consistently. An 80-20 catcher on flat, circle, screen and arrow routes. Late 1st or top of the second draft potneital.
7 25 Forte Matt Tulane U RB 6013v 217v 4.47v I
This is a highly productive (361 – 2127 – 5.9 – 23), between the tackles runner that moves the pile and breaks secured tackles. Not nifty or elusive but gets north-south quickly and finishes everything. Can catch and advance the ball. Doesn’t have break away speed, but at games end did a lot of positive things. Appears to thrive on work. Excellent red zone runner.
8 24 Smith Kevin Central Florida U RB 6011v 217v 4.51v F
Has good vision, balance, and lower body surge. Can breaks secured tackles and finishes. Is not an elusive runner but is a strong legged runner with the speed to run away from 2nd and 3rd level people. Has a low center of gravity and showed the ability to hit a point and go. Marginal down the field receiver.. (struggles to catch) Under rated and appreciated player. Not flashy, but does a lot of positive things during the course of a game. Rd 3 consideration.
9 27 Rice Ray Rutgers U RB 5080v 199v 4.47v G
Has excellent take off quicks to press the LOS, moves in the hole, very good vision and the speed to take it to the house. Hard nosed kid who finished his runs inside. Highly competitive player. Good but not exceptional receiver (screen, flat, and arrow route type hands). Is short in stature and as an “I” back little is known about his run or pass blocking skills. Should impack quickly as a change of pace, all purpose back, but does he have the stuff to be a front line player. Round 3
10 22 Hightower Tim Richmond U RB 6000v 223v 4.59v F
Led the nation sub division in rushing on 2007 (327-1924-5.9-20). A zone runner who posesses good initial quickness to press the line of scrimmage. Showed moves in the hole and once he broke the LOS exhibited multiple cutting skills in the open area. A strong runner who who can break secured tackles and finishes.Fine receiver who caught and adjusted to the football well. Has never fumbled in over 700 carries during his college career. Round 4 – 5
11 10 Slaton Steve West Virginia U RB 5091v 197v 4.49v G
A patient runner with suttle moves, who showed the ability to read blocks and react (very good feel). Quicker then fast, although has the speed to get the corner. Liked his ability to see the backside cutback. Confident catcher who can adjust catch the ball down the field. Not as elusive as expected (more of a 1 cut and go guy, but judges distances well. Production has declined over the last 3 season which is a concern, but is a steady dependable back. Rd # 3
12 22 Choice Tashard Georgia Tech RB 5104v 215v 4.51v G
Earns every yard he gets. Quicker then fast. Good run instincts, hands and run pass routes. Not a home run guy but gets tough yards between the tackles. Lacks top speed to create daylight and beat the angle. Has puts the ball on the ground some and was never 100% during the 07 season. Was a willing but not effective blocker. Very strong lower torso. Transfer from the U of Oklahoma where he backed up Adrian Peterson. Has 4th round draft potential.
13 23 Washington Chancey USC RB 5113v 211v 4.44v F
Not as physical a back as I would have expect given his physical make up. More of a dancer then power back. Ran the hole, but his feet tend to stop on contact. Adequate catch and run after skills. Has solid back up and special teams potential. Good cutback skills and vision to see the backside. Has plus hands and overall receiving skills. Has had a number of injuries to go along with academic problems. Has mid round draft potential
14 33 Parmele Jalen Toledo U RB 5114v 224v 4.52v I
Big strong back who hits it up inside with authority. Can breaks inside tackles and move the pile on the inside. Productive between the tackle runner with more then adequate speed. Good feet, vision, pad level at contact and finish. Fights for yards, and was particularly effective in short yardage and red zone situations. Not a home run hitter nor was he an elusive runner in the open field.
15 20 Hart Mike Michigan U RB 5087v 206v 4.76v F
Tough I-back who consistently moved the chains inside. Got north-south runner quickly while showing good physical toughness. Is undersized (short but very thick) and does not have the necessary speed. Has done it at the highest level for his entire career showing natural run instincts. Decision making was questionable. A big concern is his work load (1,015 carries) over a 4 year career. Only so many war in a little man’s body. Second day draft consideration.
16 22 Savage Dantrell Oklahoma St RB 5082v 187v 4.51v F
Juco guy who has come a very long way. Change of pace back who hit the hole quickly, showing both balance, feet, very good run instincts. Showed multiple cutting skills and a spin move that can freeze a defender. Talented player, but is a little guy who is not going to have the physical stature for fulltime play. Has been injured in each of the past two seasons.. Caught well in the under zone. Not a complete player, but should factor as a 3rd down back
20 32 Simpson Chad Morgan St RB 5085v 216v 4.44v G
South Florida transfer who had a very productive year in his only season of play at Morgan. Is a strong inside runner with quickness, quick feet, instincts, balance and speed. Is strong legged and broke many secured tackles at this level. Tough inside but also showed creativity in space. Not featured in their offense as a pass receiver.& was not used on returns (feature back). Has the run skills, but would like to have seen him catch, block and or return. Rd 6-7
18 3 Boyd Cory So Carolina U RB 6004v 213v 4.57v F
Has good vision and feel running inside the tackles. Was patient, read blocks well and finished his runs. Doesn’t have top speed/explosion, wasn’t an elusive nor was he a tackle breaker. Lacks the speed to consistently get the corner. Did catch the ball well on screens arrow and swing routes.Just a good college back but didn’t do anything to set him apart from the rest of the pack. Back-up special team type player. Draft consideration; round 6 – 7.
19 23 Patrick Allan Oklahoma U RB 6006v 198v 4.58v G
Did not play well in his first year as a starter. Not a natural instinctive runner. Is a tough guy who ran hard inside, but appeared to run with blinders on (no vision). Doesn’t run with much in the way of instincts. Best area of his game appears to be his efforts on speial teams (effective gunner). Overall, I liked this player toughness and versatility, but his lack of instincts concerns me greatly. Would give some late round consideration.
17 26 Torain Ryan Arizona St RB 6003v 222v 4.59v F
Tough inside runner who move the chain inside. I felt he made good decisions. A slasher who judges distances well. Not particularly fast nor was he an elusive runner. Said to have good football smarts and instincts. Runs hard, showed balance, breaks tackles and secured the football. Needs to keep his pads down more consistently. Has had a history of injuries over his career. A good college back but not a difference maker. Draft consideration; rds 6 – 7.
21 20 Brown Thomas Georgia U RB 5083v 204v 4.55v G
Tough feisty little all purpose back who plays extremely hard. Runs the hole, but was essentially a straight line runner. compact (pro style runner – plant and go). Good finisher. A proto-type third down back, but I didn’t think he ran good routes and his hand appeared barely adequate. Style of play will likely shorten his career. You have to like him, but realistically, what do you do with him. Late round draft potential, but is more likely a priority free agent.
22 6 Green-Ellis BenJarvus Mississippi U RB 5105v 219v 4.66v F
A serviceable athlete, who rushed for a thousand plus yards since transferring from Indiana. North -south runner who showed balance and run vision. Showed some inside running strength and the ability move the pile. Once he broke the scrimmage line, I didn’t see either the burst or creativity in the open field. Inconsistent to get to the corner. Limited exposure within the passing game (10 catches in two seasons). No special skills. Late consideration.
24 22 Little Rafael Kentucky U RB 5086v 194v 4.50e G
Skilled tough runner with good instincts and vision / Judges distances well / Has talent but is acutely undersized, lacks break away speed and just wasn’t sudden. Injuries (knees) appears to have eroded his playing skills. Adequate hands (check down and screens), but I don’t see him running the wheel. Has a chance of being drafted, but is more likely a priority free agent.
23 6 Lumpkin Kregg Georgia U RB 5114v 226v 4.73v F
Smooth runner with good vision. Hits it in there with authority, but has been banged up over the past two seasons and has had very few touches (played with big cast on his thumb early) Started the season in a three man rotation, but his role deminished as the season progressed. Was not a factor in the passing game. Has a pro body and athletic ability, but at this stage is a long shot to make it. Late round potential, but is more likely a priority free agent.
25 42 Korte Steve LSU (Ex) RB 6005v 233v 4.37v
Big, strong talented back whose career was cut short due to to a series of events including an knee reconstruction academic suspension. Is a big powerful inside runner with limited experience and virtually no playing experience. Explosive player with excellent hands. Good special team’s potential. Son of former Saints star of the same name.

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Scouting the 2008 Offensive Guards

April 24th, 2008 — football, NFL, NFL Draft

Today we are focusing on the big guys that take up all the space in the middle of the field. Being an old QB myself I want to take care of these guys and make sure that they are getting the recognition they deserve. Here is a look at the guards that are coming out of college this year.

1 71 Albert Branden Virginia U OG 6055v 309v 5.20v I
Junior eligible player with excellent size, range and athletic ability. Pass sets were quick and efficient. Good stunt awareness, feet and range. Good knee bender. As a run blocker, engages quickly with good hand placement and sustain. Very impressive on his pull and lead. Can improve his overall body strength, but I saw little else that I didn’t like with this player’s game. Round # 1
2 66 Rachal Chilo USC OG 6050v 315v 5.26v I
Missed some time due to injury in 07. Very physical and strong. Excellent punch and ability to move his feet. Liked his pull and lead skills. Good power in his hands. Excellent finisher. Should become a productive professional very quickly. Hits up and works for position after contact. Good body balance. Adequate to reach playside. Might be a tear away from factoring, but has a good deal of talent. Round # 2
3 75 Cousins O’Niel Texas-El Paso OG 6036v 308v 5.04v I
Impressive Senior Bowl practice effort. Has good inline power and the ability to finish people. Good hand placement and ability to steer and stick on blocks. Reaches effectively and runs his feet on contact. Powerful guy who plays on his feet. On pass pro, his mass and ability to drop his base, enables him to handle the bull rush. Inconsistent with his kick/slide (depth and width). A high ceiling player with natural tools. Round 2 draft potnetial
4 79 Greco John Toledo U OG 6046v 305v 5.26v F
An impressive athlete with good feet and strength, size and athletic ability. Looked natural on the left size, but due to his limited arm length would project this player down inside. Liked his work on pass protection (sets, kick step and striking power). A knee bender with striking power and savvy. Liked his balance points and recovery skills. Under the radar player who has a chance to play a very long time. Smart and aware. Round 2 – 3.
5 75 McGlynn Mike Pittsburgh U OG 6042v 311v 5.41v F
College ROT. Is a big sucker (small hands), who impressed me with his work at OG during Senior Bowl workouts. Strong and efficient in a limited area. Not as nifty or quick as one would want, but was physical, and was an adequate to good finisher. Struggled with the quick edge rusher on the outside (gets his feet crossed some). Some block point balance problem. Solid journeyman prospect. Has solid 3rd to 4th round potential.
6 60 Radovich Drew USC OG 6044v 301v 5.38v F
Versatile player with surprising athletic skills & versatility. Can swing between the tackle and guard positions. Need to improve his overall upper body strength but I like his toughness. More then adequate bend and playing savvy. Comes off the ball & hit up with more then adequate punch. Good hand placement and fits. Efficient short set and extend. See him as a valuable back up at the pro level. Round 3 – 4 draft potential.
7 67 Schuening Roy Oregon St OG 6035v 306v 5.32v F
Is a good technician who was both smart and experienced.. Not as explosive as a run blocker as I expected. Good to short set and mirror. Limited playing range. Some inconsistency in 07. Needs to take better angles and improve efficiency at the second level. Marginal to reach playside. Is never going to be a great one, but has the ability to become a regular in time within the league. Draft round 3 – 4
8 61 Felton Robert Arkansas U OG 6035v 313v 5.54v F
A big thick, bad body guy with good upper body strength and quickness, but had some contact balance problems (on the ground too frequently) Feet had a tendency to stall on contact. Got to second level & was able to hit up turn and wall defender. On pass protection, I liked his setting quicks, feet and movement, although I didn’t he get consistent lockout. Will need to keep his weight under control, but is a smart and versatile player. Round 4 draft consideration
9 74 Barton Kirk Ohio St OG 6043v 310v 5.30e F
Much better suited physically and from an athletic standpoint to play down on the inside. Tough kid with some playing experience. Doesn’t kick butt, but also doesn’t get his butt kicked. Has a tendency to engage with his hands from the outside the defenders frame and doesn’t alway bring his feet with him. Not real effective adjusting to movement off the LOS. On pass pro, anchored well on his short sets. Problems with speed out on the edge. Rd 4 – 5.
10 77 Rinehart Chad Northern Iowa U OG 6051v 320v 5.34v F
Not impressive from a physical standpoint but was technically sound, very tough and understands the game. Would project down inside to a guard position. Has a good understanding of angles and he wasn’t on the ground a great deal. Good to scoop, but wasn’t real effecient at the second level. Is a journeyman player who gives you some versatility and experience. Not a supple easy moving athlete. Solid mid to late second day selection (Rd 5-7).
11 73 Bernadeau Mackenzy Bentley College OG 6041v 304v 5.27v F
An athletic, explosive and tough individua,, who can run and adjust in space. Showed good ball smarts, adjusted well on the move and had some nasty in him. Pass sets, feet and use of hands were impressive given his limited background. Missed last 3 games of the 07 season with an MCL injury. Dominates the competition. Similar to Jahri Evans (Saints) in playing style although might not be his equal as an athlete. Has 4th to 5th round draft potential.
12 55 Thomas Donald Connecticut U OG 6033v 303v 5.06v I
The big question is whether he going to be big enough? Has good upper body strength, but his feet often stalled on contact inline. Tried to muscle people rather then hitting up and working around defender. Tough nasty individual who has an edge about him. On pass pro, was effectively able to anchor once he locked on with his hands. Base has a tendency to get too wide I didn’t like the way his toes turned out. Mid to late round draft potential (4 -6).
13 63 Crummey Andrew Maryland U OG 6045v 301v 5.36v F
Is big, smart & experienced player with knowhow. Comes out of a balanced stance, was adequate on his get off but was not a consistent finisher.. Just not a power player. Feet tended to stall on contact . On pass pro, I didn’t think his feet were quick, played, rigid & didn’t get consistent lock out. Overall, I didn’t see special skills, but I believe he has shown enough good things to make a club in a back up role. Round 6 to 7 consideration.
14 74 Murphy Shawn Utah St OG 6037v 320v 5.21v F
Tough, strong, highly physical and versatile (LOT in 06 – LOG in 07). Son of former Braves baseball great Dale Murphy. J.C. transfer, who is very much a work in progress. Former DE. Comes off the ball showing good balance points. Works to sustain, but was not particularly explosive on contact. Can pull, lead and adjust on the move. On pass pro, is going to needs work on his hand use and set more efficiently. Draft consideration 5th – 7th.
15 59 Scott Walter Kentucky U OG 6032v 298v 4.91v J
Former TE and defensive linemen. First year regular. Good athlete, but did not play particularly strong (can’t move big people inline). Did show some shock on the snap but not a big finisher. I do like his feet, balance and bend, but is just not ready at this time. Late developmental prospect who could pay big dividends. Good smarts and playing intangibles. Draft consideration round # 6 to 7.
16 70 Clark Devin New Mexico U OG 6035v 313v 5.29v F
A mauler who showed the ability to bend his knees. Better suited to play down inside. Can make a club based on ability, but is going to have to become more accountable off the field (need to check some off his off the field incidents). Good pass pro skills (liked his sets and range). A mauler who played with some tenacity. Playing ROT, but is better suited to move down inside (OG). Has a chance to become a good one. Late round consideration.
17 54 Young Eric Tennessee U OG 6035v 310v 5.25e I
First season at the LOT position. Appeared top heavy. Doesn’t play with a lot of power. Comes off the ball well, but doesn’t climb or finish consistently. At the second level or on the backside, was quick to do little. Feet and pass sets were solid, but again doesn’t get lockout and was not strong on his feet. Just does not bend well and lacks power. A waist bender although he covers ground and showed. Finesse rather then he is a power player. Round 6th to 7th.
18 71 Zuttah Jeremy Rutgers U OG 6033v 303v 5.07v I
Good size and lots room to grow with his frame. Outstanding test athlete, but lacked functional playing strength. Played consistently straight legged and was stiff in his hips. A non knee bender in the classic sense. Playing a ROT, but is better suited to play inside. On pass pro, his lack of balance points will always limit this player (gets driven back). Adequate college player with tools, but has a very long way to go. Needs position refinement. Draft # 7
19 53 Gibson Mike California U OG 6034v 305v 5.29v F
Is an athletic big man who appeared more natural on the right side then his current LOT position. Is a versatile player, who although is better suited inside, could lineup in a pinch at the tackle spot. Didn’t see him as having a lot of functional playing strength at this time (legs stall on contact), but appeared to have more then adequate feet and contact balance. Would give late round draft consideration, but is more likely a priority free agent prospect.
20 68 McDuffie Chris Clemson U OG 6041v 330v 5.35e F
Proto type look physically although lacks functional playing strength (gets his pads up consistently). Didn’t consistently come off the ball and lacks rear power to get movement inline. Plays hard but was barely an adequate athlete. All of his success and effectiveness was in a short area. Hate to give up on a big man, but this isn’t a quick fix type player. Late consideration, but is more likely a priority free agent player
21 77 Sosa Pedro Rutgers U OG 6035v 300v 5.35e F
LOT starter, but is far better suited to play down inside (Doesn’t play heavy and lacks the foot quickness to play out on an island). Inline flashed take off quicks, but feet generally stopped on contact. Catch and steer guy who lacked short area explosiveness. On pass pro, is a classic waist bender who will have consistent problems with balance. Not a bad athlete, but has a lot of things that need to be fixed. 7th round or PFA.
22 75 Schwartz Geoffrey Oregon U OG 6061v 332v 5.39v F
An absolute giant!. Has decent footwork and effectiveness in a limited area. Not particularly tough and had real problems with speed people on the edge. If he can front up a defender and get his hands on them has a chance to roster. Missed much of 07 due to injury. Has long snap skills which further enhance his playing chances. Late consideration, but is more likely a free agent player within the league.

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Scouting the 2008 Defensive Tackle’s

April 15th, 2008 — football, NFL, NFL Draft

This is a draft analysis of the top defensive tackles coming out for 2008. The information and scouting reports are all written by Tom Marino who has been a scout in the NFL for over 35 years. You can see the defensive tackle, their school, height/weight. 40 time and NFL grade. You then have their full scouting report followed by their projected draft status and NFL potential.

72 Dorsey Glen  LSU DT 6014v 297v 5.12v G 1.100
A top prospect who converts quickness to power.  Can split a double team, range to make plays and when he came and countered on his pass rush was virtually impossible to single block.  Loved his intensity level , quickness, strength and know how. Strong at the point and showed good movement down the line. Took good angles away and has the speed and quicks to factor outside the tackle boxInjured for much of 07 season. A difference maker.
49 Ellis Sedrick USC DT 6004v 299v 5.08v G 1.140
Ellis has outstanding quickness, body control, range and balance.  Plays with good leverage, has extremely quick strong hands and overall explosiveness.  Can stack, but was more effective playing in the gap. Far better at nose then at a 3 technique. Has short arms and does not appear to have long speed. Very disruptive player in a limited area but is not second coming of Tommy Harris.  A top 10 selection in this year’s player draft. Solid starter potential.
90 Balmer Kentwan  No Carolina U DT 6044v 308v 5.31v F 1.201
One dimensional player.  Is strong, plays on his feet and showed the ability to neutralize. A force playing the double team. As a pass rusher, did get inside push on his bull rush, but needs to keep pads down and develop better hand use. Played hard in every contest viewed.  Tackle to tackle range only. showed good effort in pursuit. A two down player, but could become an every down player if he develops as a rusher. Late 1st or top of the 2nd selection
55 Harrison Marcus  Arkansas U DT 6026v 317v 5.07v I 1.235
Very talented run stopper.  Loved his pad level when meeting blocks and overall leverage.  Stout at the point (can dominate).  Could play both spots inside.  Played the entire 07 season with a recently repaired ACL.  Not what I would consider a top pass rusher (power moves only) but does get some inside push.  Some off the field concerns will need to be addressed, but this is a very good football player who has not reached his full potential. Draft consideration 2 – 3
92 Moore Dre  Maryland U DT 6040v 305v 4.91v I 1.350
Short area player who was a strong space eater on the inside. Didn’t make a a lot of plays, but restricted the running lanes inside and freed up the backers to make plays. Plays on his feet and did a good job stacking the double team. Has good but not exceptional quickness but was ineffective as a pass rusher (strictly a bull rusher who didn’t counter or colaspe the pocket. Round 3 potential, but could go sooner due to team needs and the lack of quality at the top
92 Pressley DeMario  No Carolina St DT 6031v 301v 5.13v I 1.365
Had a disappointing 07 season and senior bowl effort  Was injured for much of the season and did not play to near his skill level. Is a strong inside player who played with good pad level.  Elbow injury (early) may well have effected his use of hands. Good ability to sort things out and move to the ball. As a pass rusher, came off the ball, but didn’t shed effectively on the move nor did he finish. Don’t think we have seen near his best. Round 3 – 4 consideration.
93 Guion Letroy Florida St DT 6033v 303v 5.37v F 1.385
Injured much of career. Is athletic, has good feet, quickness and adequate range. Felt he hustled & showed the ability to make plays outside the tackle box. Will get tall inline & needs to shed blocks more consistently. Lacks A-1 closing speed. Is not there yet, but you are going to have to take this player far earlier then his skill & production level would indicate.  No sacks as a college player.  Problems locating ball on misdirections (see Wake Forest) Round 3 – 4..
98 Laws Trevor  Notre Dame DT 6006v 304v 5.13v G 1.396
Works his butt off. Has very good quickness, plays with leverage and has good strength in his hands. Very intense and physical. Play effort was second to none.  Might not be quick or stout enough to play a nose   A physical drive through tackler. Will fight you, but diesn’t always play big inside (got covered up some by big people).  Has limitations, but overall was a very solid football player. Has stong early second day draft potential.
96 Fluellen Andre  Florida St DT 6007v 296v 5.06v G 1.436
Not ideal size although flashed outstanding quicks, plays hard and gave backside effort. Combative & disruptive within the running game. Can dominate, but will also disappear. Vs the pass his main attribute was his quickness into the “A” gap & burst to the QB. Played injuried for virtually the entire 07 season. When healthy this guy is far better player then he showed in 07. Senior bowl effort was impressive. Round 4 – 5.
97 Okam Frank Texas U DT 6044v 347v 5.37v E 1.481
A big wide body who showed body control & quicks. Plays high, but teams still had a difficult time moving him on the inside. Is very smart (both on and off the field) and experienced, but has no heart or playing character. A underachiever in my opinion. Just not a nasty rub your face in the dirt type (no edge). Overall, you just don’t know what you are going to get with this player. Wouldn’t consider in day 1, but recognize his talent and physical tools. Rd 4.
95 Sims Patrick Auburn U DT 6021v 310v 5.11v E 1.485
Has stability issues which need to be addressed. Played much of 07 with a cast on his lt .hand (Fx).  Has size, but needs to redefine his body (very soft middle & butt).  Flashed get off quick, but lacks stamina and his overall competitive effort. When he kept his pads down, got some push (So Florida), but when they were up got knocked around pretty good (LSU).  Has talent, but wouldn’t risk a first day selection based on his history. Round # 4 
85 Bryant Joseph  Texas A&M DT 6041v 318v 5.06v F 1.486
A big, tough, strong inside guy who played hard, but consistently got his pads up working inside. Is stout and difficult to move around, but did not protect his legs or get over trash effectively. Got some inside push as a bull rusher, but lacks counter skills and change of direction.  Gave up far too much blocking surface and has had some lower body injuries which need to be considered. Best suited to play tackle in a 3-4 look.  Makes your team, but has limitations.  
71 Rubin Ahtyba  Iowa State U DT 6026v 315v 5.24v F 1.516
Offensive tackle as a Juco player.  Big man who has improved a great deal over the past 2 seasons. Is very strong, but is in every sense of the word a work in progress.Showed quickness and some playing range. Can stack inside particularly when he kept his pads down. Questionable play instincts and was inconsistent to find the ball on the inside.  Felt his playing effort varried  Draft consideration; rounds 5 to 6.
96 Dykes Keilen West Virginia U DT 6033v 294v 5.10e F 1.518
A very tough, strong, nose who was a very effective run stopper. Plays very hard, is unselfish and was a consistent performer. Could also play a three technioue.  Is a run stopper who had a good feel for blocks and restricted the “A” gap. Has adequate range, but needs to protect his lower half more effectively. Marginal pass rusher who showed limited counter skills. Blue collar player who will contribute to winning football games. Round 4 – 5.
94 Dixon Marcus Hampton U DT 6040v 292v 5.27v F 1.550
Good looking athlete with size & power. Can stack inside effectively. Good 1st step quicks, hand use & the ability to find the ball. For the most part a bull rusher, but has some counter ability & close. Has a long way to come in terms of learning how to play..  Plays on his feet and is highly intelligent. Involved in a highly publicized rape incident down in Georgia and served 15 months, but was later cleared of the charges. Great young man 4th to 5th rd potential. 
95 Robinson Nate  Akron U DT 6037v 324v 5.15e E 1.680
Highest rated prep DT in the country. Signed with Miami and briefly attended Rutgers.  Just don’t know who is going to show up from game to game.  Has a great deal of talent and size.  Flashes initial quickness and some explosiveness in his hips and hands. Very limited  rush skills (very moves rush moves and or counters). Showed a tendency to wear down in games (questionable conditioning and stamina).A lot of talent, but something is missing here. 
56 Foster Eric Rutgers U DT 6011v 271v 5.00e G 1.731
Undersized defender who showed good initial quickness, range (runs well), leverage, and use of hands.  Liked his competitive effort (showed consistent energy) and effort. His physical stature (or lack of) limits play to that of a tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Is going to have to get stronger, but this guy reminds me a great deal of Rams tackle La’ Roi Glover at a similar stage.  Late round (6th to 7th ) draft consideration. 
95 Smith Henry Texas A&M DT 6023v 310v 5.19v F 1.795
A JC guy with play strength who played with good pad level  inside.  Has a good body, played with good leverage and got some pretty good inside push. Was inconsistent to find the football inside and his feel for blocks was just adequate. Needs to finish better and I don’t believe he has top playing range. Not there yet, but has has some of the things you look for in an inside player. Has an outside chance of being drafted, but is more likely a priority free agent.
99 Powell Carlton Virginia Tech DT 6022v 292v 5.14v G 1.796
Just not a very physical player (played with far too much finesse) Didn’t play through blocks (Never saw him fight across the face of a blocks to the ball). Wasn’t stout at the point of attack nor was he heavy handed. Good snap reaction and gap penetration.  Worked well on his stunts and hustled in pursuit.  Is not void of skills, but is going to have to improve in a number of area’s if he is to play at the professional level. Has late round (7th) or priority free agent.
96 Johnston Brian  Gardner Webb DT 6050v 278v 4.97v J 1.800
A 4 year regular who certainly was a good player, but is going to have to improve hand use, and ability to shed, to be a difference maker.  A former linebacker. Showed a marginal ability to get over trash and get to the football.  As a pass rusher, played with power, but doesn’t have a real plan after his initial engagement. Is an effort guy, but I just don’t see any special skills.  Possible late round selection, but is more likely a priority free agent prospect.
97 Shirley Jason Fresno St DT 6052v 329v 5.04v E 1.799
Is a great looking individual, but was not a particularly good football player.  Very much an underachiever.  Was dismissed from the squad furing the 2007 season. Inner city LA background.  Some off field concerns.  Might be worth a look on the offensive side of the football if his off the field issues  are found to be satisfactory. 
93 McClinton James  Kansas U DT 6000v 293v 5.54v F 1.800
Active undersized three technique. Has initial quickness but I didn’t see the long speed and or range.  Has been productive, but didn’t get off blocks especially well.  As a pass rusher, comes hard, but if he doesn’t beat you with his initial movement, the game was over.  Lacks closing burst to the football.  Just don’t see how he could play above 285 lbs.  Good college player, but limited chance to factor.  Priority free agent player

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