Gus Ornstein's School of Sports » Florida State

2008 Linebackers

Gus — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:23:40 +0000

Here is the scouting report for the class of 2008 linebackers. This report was compiled by NFL scout Tom Marino.

40	Connor	Dan	Penn St	LB	6023v	231v	4.65e	I
Is an experienced, aggressive, athlete with outstanding playing instincts. Loved his first step quicks, his key & diagnose and ability to get to the ball. I liked the way he effectively stepped up and met the lead and his tackling ability. Got depth on his spot drops, settled and moved to the ball. Good hands. The most talented Penn State LB in a quarter century. Some early off the field immaturity (pranks), but it’s absolutely not a problem. Should factor quickly. Round # 1.
52	Gooden	Tavares	Miami U	LB	6012v	234v	4.63v	G
Has a world of athletic ability and speed to burn. Has excellent playing range, change of direction and a real burst to the ball. Liked the way he met the lead in the hole. Doesn’t linger on blocks. Impressive in both man and zone coverage. Reads and reacts to the ball in flight. Not a big man by today’s standards, but is what you are looking for at the position. Top round consideration.
10	Hayes	Geno	Florida St	LB	6007v	226v	4.67v	G
Very good athlete with good playing range. Competitive and very active on the inside. Slips blocks and flies to the ball. Looks and plays somewhat small. Not a big takes on guy. Will backer prospect who will need to be protected. Flies around and makes plays (solid tackler). In coverage got good depth, settled, read route, but has poor hands. Should factor early at the pro level. Excellent teams potential. Round 2 draft consideration.
41	Kehl	Bryan	Brigham Young U	LB	6023v	238v	4.59v	G
Really liked this prospect’s playing demeanor, athletic ability, range, playing instincts and most importantly his ability in pass coverage. Also showed blitz speed and the ability alter his course to the ball. Is quick to read and react. A leverage guy who needs to improve his point strength and explosiveness . Good ball skills and should factor quickly in nickel. Draft consideration round 3 to 4
44	Dizon	Jordon	Colorado U	LB	5117v	229v	4.73v	G
An outstanding ball player who makes a ton of plays. Plays well in traffic keeping excellent leverage on the ball. Surprising ability to slip blocks and make plays. Excellent playing instincts and the ability to locate the ball on the inside. Very good wrap up tackler. As productive a player as there is in the game. His only true negative I could find was his lack of size. Great special teams potential. Has late 2nd to mid 3 potential.
2	Crable	Shawn	Michigan U	LB	6051v	241v	4.62v	I
Has the speed to run people down from the backside. Long strider who gains ground quickly as an outside rusher. Good looking arms, shoulders and chest, but lacks lower body girth and strength to play with his hand on the ground on 1st down.. Most effective as a nickel rusher, but is not a washout as a “sam” I really liked his length and play speed (can run people down). Going to take some time, but could develop into a good one in time. Draft consideration 3 – 4.
4	Redd	Vince	Liberty U	LB	6057v	263v	4.61v	I
OVA transfer. I liked this players athletic ability, direction change and potential as a edge pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme. Good stride length to top of the rush and bend and use of hands to alter course and finish. Active within the running game showing both range and instincts. Good wrap up tackler. Possible end in 4-3 scheme. Competition level is a concern, but this is a talented high ceiling player. Round 3-4.
41	Wheeler	Philip	Georgia Tech	LB	6017v	240v	4.74v	G
A great young man (quiet and humble). Lacks prototype size for inside play (good natural leverage) . Plays physical, but has to be covered up or protected. Questionable to take on lead (lacks strength). Just looked adequate in coverage. Didn’t react or make plays on the ball. In zone, I thought he was slow to react. Was somewhat disappointed in his overall play (thought I was going to see a more athletic, instinctive player. Round 3 – 4 draft consideration.
11	Adibi	Xavier	Virginia Tech	LB	6016v	232v	4.71v	G
Can range to the boundary, but doesn’t make enough wow plays. I liked his energy and playing character. Undersized, doesn’t take on or play through the ball to the ball. Inconsistent to key and diagnose and locate the football (problem with miss direction and play action). Can range in pass coverage, but made few plays on the ball. In zone appeared unaware. Not enough production to consider on day one, but should get a lot of attention at the top of rd # 4
44	Humpal	Mike	Iowa U	LB	6024v	244v	4.83v	F
Is intelligent (football smart), runs well and gave outstanding effort. Not as quick or athletic as one would want, but make a lot of plays. Took good angles away. I just can’t say enough about hisplayiing instincts. Might be a little stiff in his spot drops, but worked well in the under zones (spot drops) and can run with the TE down the field. Has good teams potential. Rd 4 – 5
15	Bowen	Alvin	Iowa State U	LB	6011v	223v	4.88v	F
A good athlete and football player who ran well in his pads. Moved to a “sam” in 07, but I see him as more of a “Will” at the pro level. Showed good playing range and lateral movement. Flies around and makes plays. Good ability to slip or run around blocks. Took good angles to the football. Would have to think this player would have very good potential on special teams. Not a big man and will have to add some bulk to his frame. Strong second day consideration.
24	Buggs	Marcus	Vanderbilt U	LB	5104v	233v	4.80e	G
Short, thick “Sam” backer prospect with body strength and explosiveness. I liked the way he met pressure and got under (leverage) the lead’d pads. Reads were good and I liked his backside effort and close to the ball. More of a pure hitter then a consistent wrap up tackler. Should be an effective player in nickel. Looked aware, showed good feet and some cover skills. Good special teams potential. Round 4 – 5
93	Smith	Bryan	McNeese St	LB	6027v	239v	4.77v	F
A talented player who doesn’t plays strong. Didn’t think he took on or defeated blocks especially well on the inside. Marginal to see things develop and flow to the ball. Is adequate at best within the passing situations. Comes hard but just doesn’t vary his moves, counter or finish. Good team’s potential. Has a lot of gifts, but still needs a great deal of development. Mid to late round draft consideration.
48	Gatewood	Curtis	Vanderbilt U	LB	6020v	248v	4.79v	F
A talented player who doesn’t plays strong. Didn’t think he took on or defeated blocks especially well on the inside. Marginal to see things develop and flow to the ball. Is adequate at best within the passing situations. Comes hard but just doesn’t vary his moves, counter or finish..Good team’s potential. Has a lot of gifts, but still needs a great deal of development.
16	Woodyard	Wesley	Kentucky U	LB	6003v	227v	4.51v	G
Highly productive backer with outstanding straight line speed. Has good playing instincts but also appeared to be very stiff and mechanical. Tough and game ready, but is very much a tweener. Too small for will backer and far too stiff for the back end. Will be hard to run off, but I don’t know where he fits at the professional level. Has made a lot of plays and should develop into a good special team player. Late round consideration but more likely a priority free agent.
59	Kegler	Stanford	Purdue U	LB	6015v	239v	4.61v	G
Has a good looking well muscled body and impressive athletic skills to factor at the LB position, but I felt he missed an inordinate amount of tackles and wasn’t a physical take on guy at the point of attack. Has the tool, but needs to continue to put it all together. I liked the way he took on blocks and worked to the football and did show a god effort on plays away, but will need to become more consistent in his overall play. Late draft or priority FA consideration
6	Grant	Larry	Ohio St	LB	6011v	235v	4.67v	G
A highly touted Juco transfer. Is a good athlete who can run, but overall I was disappointed in his lack of instincts and play strength. Didn’t meet pressure tough and wasn’t an explosive player on contact (not real physical at the point of attack). Not a quick study guy. A run and hit athlete with teams potential at this stage. Saved the best for last (LSU). Like this player from an athletic standpoint, but is not near where he will need to be. Consider rounds 6 – 7.
22	Myles	Lamar	Louisville U	LB	5114e	220e	4.60e	G
Little guy (220 max), who was tough and competitive. Out of position playing on the inside, but may not be athlete enough to line up at the will backer position. A good deal stiffer then I would have expected. Adequate to process, but I didn’t think he showed A-1 playing instincts. Runs around and made plays, but don’t know where he fits in a pro scheme. Late round consideration.
11	Jackson	Malik	Louisville U	LB	6016v	225v	4.65e	G
Run around guy who really didn’t make a lot of plays in the game viewed, particularly for a “will backer”. Can run in a straight line and gave dedicated playing effort, but a majority of them were in pursuit or down the field. Not very big or physical and isn’t going to get significantly bigger. Played better as a underclassman. Late round or free agent consideration for somebody else.
54	Brown	Titus	Mississippi St	LB	6025v	247v	4.84v	F
A special situation pass rusher who played with his hand on the ground. Had moderate success, but will have to project to a “sam” backer to play at the next level. Has the speed and quickness to came hard off the edge (has a closing burst). but didn’t always finish. Good but not exceptional athlete. Not a disciplined read and react player. Showed enough toughness, range and energy to merit a chance as a developmental player.
46	Poppinga	Kelly	Brigham Young U	LB	6015v	237v	4.83v
The third member of the football playing family, Kelly does not have exceptional skills in any skill area, but is a tough consistent and a solid special teams performer Is never going to be a great one, but I like his chances of playing in a back up, teams role
49	McCollough	Ronnie	Bethune Cookman	LB	5112v	226v	4.75e	G
First and foremost a football player. Very productive guy who made virtually every play filed in the games viewed (Hampton 07). Is undersized, Five times conference player of the week! Excellent nose for the ball (reads and reacts quickly). Effective in a short area. Factors positively on special team player (great desire & toughness). .Short in stature and has limitations in range, coverage and COD, but will make your ball club. 7th or priority FA consideration.
	Green	Chad	Shaw U	LB	6041v	213v	4.67v	J
Not in school this past season (accademic disqualification) Has outstanding athletic ability.quickness, rare foot speed and a true closing burst. I also believe he has the frame to add significant bulk and strength. Needs a good deal of individual skill development (pro coaching), but has everything you want to become a top performer at this critical position. An impressive workout might earn him late consideration, but is more likely a PFA

Scouting the 2008 Defensive Tackle’s

Gus — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:49:59 +0000

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