hagan714

What scouts actually believe (about the draft)

Quote:
2. Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

6-2¾, 263; Round 1

Overview: Junior entry with immense physical talent but questionable football character. Started at defensive end the last two years, and last season had 14 sacks and 15 ½ tackles for a loss. Has an impressive physique and moved into a possible top-five pick with a superb workout at the scouting combine, where he ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds, had an amazing 42-inch vertical jump and did a defensive-tackle like 37 reps on the 225-pound bench press. Has the rarest of explosive talent, but some scouts are greatly concerned by his spotty effort on game videotape.

The talk: “He’s a dog. He’s embarrassing, he embarrasses himself and his coach,” said one long-time scout. “But about three times a game, he goes like no one’s gone in about five years. He’s got supernatural stuff, he really does. I don’t see anybody in the last five years that has what he has. I’d have to really think back to (Dwight) Freeney or (Julius) Peppers to have the stuff he has. But he’s absolutely a dog, and anybody that tells you different should be fired immediately from their job. If we were up there, I’d be scared to death and, at the same time, I’d feel my adrenalin rushing thinking maybe we could turn him on. I confronted him. I said, ‘You’re about the laziest SOB I’ve ever seen.’ He didn’t know how to explain it. He couldn’t come back on it. He didn’t get mad. I don’t know. He was taken by surprise, I guess. Are you going to spend a top-10 pick on a guy? I don’t know. But he’s got real, real stuff. On a scale of 1 to 10, he’s 10. He had 14 sacks. He should have had 30. He’d have set the world’s record. They shouldn’t be able to block him. He just doesn’t care.” … “I’d have to agree that there’s periods during the game when the guy will disappear,” the college scouting director for an AFC team said. “But even saying that the guy had 14 sacks, and pass rushers are at a premium and so hard to find. If you can push his buttons just a little bit, maybe that five or 10 percent of the game he plays a little harder, I think you’ve got something. Even saying that, I think he’ll come in the league and be a double-digit sack guy, he’s got that kind of ability.” … “I think the guy’s learning how to play a little bit,” a third scout countered. “You have to know what they’re being taught and what the defense is asking them to do. Because you get a lot of guys that grade tape and if a guy’s not chasing everything like crazy from the get go, they’re dogging it. Well, a lot of times they’re told to hang back in certain games against certain people because of tendencies. So you’ve got to be careful about some of that stuff.”

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. DEVIN THOMAS, Michigan State (6-2, 213, 4.41, 1) - Caught six passes in '06, his first year at MSU after a junior-college season, and entered '07 as a backup with absolutely no NFL prospects. "I think he did some growing up that first year just to get the adjustment to college football," Chicago GM Jerry Angelo said. "Man, what he did the next year is pretty spectacular given the fact he went through a coaching change. Now he could take another step." Caught a school-record 79 passes for 1,260 yards (15.9-yard average) before declaring a year early. "He's got so many tools that it's impossible not to fall in love with him," Indianapolis President Bill Polian said. Exceptional ability after the catch. "He's reckless," one executive said. "He likes to jump over guys, run through guys." Compared by two scouts to Javon Walker in that he's big, fast and not a quick study. "His hands are inconsistent," one scout said.

2. JAMES HARDY, Indiana (6-5½, 214, 4.48, 1-2) - Fourth-year junior. "He scored 36 TDs in three years," one scout said. "I went back and tried to find a wide receiver who did that and I couldn't find one, especially for a team that had no QB." Started 26 of 36 games, catching 191 passes for 2,740 yards (14.4) and the 36 TDs, which ranked third in Big Ten history behind Braylon Edwards (39) and Anthony Carter (37). "I think he's got a big up side," Tampa Bay consultant Jim Gruden said. "He's come from a tremendously difficult background. On the right team he could be a real force. He's tough for corners to cover because he's a big sucker." All-time leading high school scorer in Fort Wayne, Ind. Played basketball 23 games for the Hoosiers in 2004-'05. "He's not a real tough kid," another scout said.

3. MALCOLM KELLY, Oklahoma (6-4, 225, 4.62, 1-2) - Third-year junior with 144 catches for 2,285 yards (15.9) and 21 TDs in 39 games (34 starts). "Big, athletic, body control guy," Angelo said. Underwent reconstructive knee surgery in junior high, had arthroscopic knee surgery in '06 and a thigh bruise that ruined his off-season in '08. "Big, long build-up type runner," one scout said. "Good to great hands. The only problem with big receivers, when they're not quick, they can't make it in the NFL. I don't know how quick he is." Some scouts figured he'd run 4.5 this month. Failed to break 4.6 in two workouts. "That shot him down," another scout said. "You thought he'd really be a combination of size and speed. He's still able to separate down the field using his body."

4. DeSEAN JACKSON, California (5-10, 171, 4.38, 1-2) - "Every time he touches the ball it's a potential touchdown," one scout said. "He's better than Steve Smith at the same stage. He didn't play as well this year as his sophomore year. The other guys in the draft are big catchers but they're not explosive. DeSean's explosive." Third-year junior with 162 receptions for 2,423 yards (15.0) and 22 TDs as three-year starter. "I mean, he's a great player," Polian said. "But those small guys don't prosper in the league. That's the bottom line." Returned six punts for TDs. Can cut on a dime, reverse field and go the distance. "Our people were trying to say he's Marvin Harrison because of his body structure," one scout said. "He's 169 (pounds). He's Ted Ginn all over again. He's not a real good route runner. He's a one play on, three play off guy."

5. LIMAS SWEED, Texas (6-4, 210, 4.48, 2) - Started 39 of 43 games in four years. "If you just go on pure talent he's probably the best one in the draft," said Trent Baalke, San Francisco's director of player personnel. "He can do anything you want and he's big. He's a good kid, a country kid. But I feel bad for him because he started out the year playing so well." Nagged by a wrist injury and finally was forced to shut it down after six games, then underwent surgery on the wrist. "He's got long speed and quickness," Tennessee national scout C.O. Brocato said. Finished with 124 catches for 1,915 yards (15.4) and 20 TDs. "He's not as dynamic as Roy Williams," Tennessee scouting coordinator Blake Beddingfield said. "Really nice, natural hands."

6. MARIO MANNINGHAM, Michigan (5-11½, 183, 4.42, 2-3) - Almost killed his chances with a 4.59 at the combine but bounced back in March on campus. "He really caught the ball well at the pro day," Tennessee scout Johnny Meads said. "He showed the speed, the hands and the knowledge of the game." Third-year junior with 137 catches for 2,310 yards (16.9) and 27 TDs. "He can be special," one scout said. "The guy's explosive, quick, fast, great route runner, makes spectacular catches. Just very inconsistent with his hands. A little bit is just his mental strength is not there (6 on the Wonderlic test). He should be a first-round guy if mentally he was OK and he worked." Regarded as a serious character risk by some teams. "He really doesn't excite me," another scout said. "Those Big Ten guys, I hate to say it but that league doesn't have much speed." Added a third scout: "That knock on Michigan wide receivers is not a good thing."

7. EARLY DOUCET, Louisiana State (6-0, 203, 4.59, 2-3) - Backed up Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis for three years, finishing with 160 catches for 1,943 yards (12.1) and 20 TDs in 45 games (22 starts). "He's probably the surest one out of all of them," one scout said. "He'll end up having the best career just because he's steady, he's been steady, no problems, he's going to work." Compared by one scout to Devin Thomas, by another to Anquan Boldin. "He's a glider," another scout said. "He's not explosive."

8. JORDY NELSON, Kansas State (6-2½, 218, 4.54, 2-3) - Second in Division I-A with 122 catches in '07. "He catches everything," said Rick Reiprish, New Orleans' college scouting director. "He's a competitor. Tough kid." Farm boy from Riley, Kan., who walked on as a safety before converting to offense in '05. "He doesn't have great top-end speed but he reminds me of a Joe Jurevicius kind of guy," Gruden said. "Tough. Smart (28 on the Wonderlic)." Finished with 206 catches for 2,822 yards (13.7) and 20 TDs in 36 games (32 starts). "He's got the fewest flaws of anybody," said Eric DeCosta, Baltimore's director of college scouting. "He may not be the most elite talent but he's got the least amount of warts."

9. BUBBA CALDWELL, Florida (6-0, 205, 4.35, 3) - His brother, Reche, was San Diego's second-round pick in 2002. "Reche probably hurt his cause," Cleveland GM Phil Savage said. "Reche was somewhat overdrafted and has been a journeyman. People have kind of put this kid in the same box. He is fast. He does have some explosiveness. He can catch but his hands are kind of hard." Caught 185 passes for 2,349 yards (12.7) and 16 TDs in 53 games (35 starts). "Why aren't more people talking about him?" Gruden said. "He's big, he's fast, he's the leading receiver in the history of Florida." There's a stigma attached to Gators wideouts, but Gruden pointed out that Ike Hilliard has had a long and prosperous career.

10. EARL BENNETT, Vanderbilt (5-11½, 206, 4.48, 3) - Declared a year early after breaking the Southeastern Conference record for receptions with 236. "Probably similar value to Doucet," said Tom Modrak, Buffalo VP of college scouting. "Some could have him higher. I don't think you miss with him." Gained 2,852 yards (12.1) and scored 20 TDs in 35 games (32 starts). "He's got good hands," Arizona scout Jerry Hardaway said. "He's their go-to guy. He's working all those underneath routes. I'd say he's a product of the system. He's not a speed guy."

OTHERS: Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech; Donnie Avery, Houston; Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State; Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina; Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech; Arman Shields, Richmond; William Franklin, Missouri; Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest; Josh Harper, Virginia Tech; Marcus Smith, New Mexico.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1. GLENN DORSEY, Louisiana State (6-1½, 297, 5.13, 1) - The most celebrated player at LSU since Billy Cannon, Dorsey won the Nagurski, Lombardi, Outland and Lott awards. "He's one of those interior linemen that has the ability to make everyone on the defense better because of his energy and ability," Baalke said. "I think Dorsey has rare explosion, hand use, strength and balance in his lower body. He can be successful however you want to play him." Started 30 of 51 games, finishing with 13 sacks and 179 tackles. "I think he will be dominant," Tennessee national scout C.O. Brocato said. "Remember Anthony McFarland? He's way better. It would be close with Curley Culp. He's short but he plays with such great leverage and great strength that it doesn't bother him. Everybody's talking about his knees and everything. All I know is one thing: The guy can play." Courageously played with a stress fracture in his tibia in '06 and a bad knee in '07. Gruden and others compared him to Warren Sapp. "At times, he's explosive like that (Sapp), but other times you don't know he's on the field," one scout said. "Injuries. Lack of production. Didn't even show up in shape for his workout. Shorter guy. Tommie Harris was quicker; this guy is more powerful." Scored 21 on the Wonderlic.

2. SEDRICK ELLIS, Southern California (6-0½, 298, 5.06, 1) - Replaced Mike Patterson at NT in 2005 and finished with 17½ sacks and 144 tackles in 48 games (36 starts). "If this draft wasn't quite as loaded as it is in the top eight picks, he could be the first pick in the draft," DeCosta said. "He could be a Russell Maryland. He plays really, really, really hard. He had a great Senior Bowl and a great workout, and his tape is outstanding." One scout said he was "built like a gymnasium." Led all defensive tackles at the combine on the bench press, lifting 225 pounds 36 times. "He and Dorsey are very similar," Gruden said. "They're more run defenders than pass rushers but they can push the pocket." Able to stack the point as well as penetrate. "He's not like Warren Sapp," another scout said. "He's not as explosive up the field as Sapp. He's strong but he doesn't use his hands real well. There's a clear difference between him and Dorsey." Had 15 on the Wonderlic.

3. KENTWAN BALMER, North Carolina (6-4½, 307, 5.25, 1) - Came out of nowhere in '07 and, with few decent prospects at the position, worked to become a probable first-rounder. "He has prototype size and strength," Baalke said. "When he plays to the level of his ability he can be a dominant player. Probably has as much up side as any of the D-linemen in the draft." Hails from tiny Weldon, N.C., and was his school's first major-college recruit in more than 20 years. "Justin Harrell has more pass rush than this guy," one scout said. "This guy at least hasn't been hurt. Maybe he'll get some pressure just pushing. But he'll be a run stopper." Compared by some to Ryan Sims, another former Tar Heels DT who busted as the No. 6 pick in 2002 by Kansas City. "He plays like Ryan Sims, on his toes," another scout said. "I don't like him. Why? He doesn't have a lot of snap. He's a one-good-play, five-bad-play guy. He's on the ground too much. Marginal pass rusher. Hey, do you want to keep going?"

4. MARCUS HARRISON, Arkansas (6-2½, 312, 5.06, 2) - Started 34 games, including 11 at DE and 23 at DT. Finest game was a nine-tackle effort in '06 opener against USC C Ryan Kalil. "That was his claim to fame and he's done very little since," one scout said. "He has talent but I wouldn't touch him." Blew out his knee in spring '07, then was arrested for possession of ecstasy and marijuana. Suspended for one game and lost his team captaincy for five games. "Basically, a good kid who made a stupid mistake," one scout said. "Won't have a learning problem." Finished with four sacks and 160 tackles in 47 games. "There's a lot to work with," Polian said. "In the end, there's only a few of those guys. You've got to sort of take a shot at them." More of a three-technique DT but can play NT. "I don't know if he'll be a great pass rusher but he runs well where he can come free on a game and a stunt," another scout said. "He can get to the quarterback and he can play the point."

5. TREVOR LAWS, Notre Dame (6-0½, 304, 5.09, 2) - Probably Notre Dame's best performer in '07 and followed it up with a superb Senior Bowl. "The light went on this year," one scout said. "A year ago I would have said fifth-, sixth-rounder. He's got natural strength and plays with great leverage. He can shed. He can hold the point vs. a double team. Not a real good pass rusher but he'll slip and slide through a guard-center block at times. Real good up side." Highly emotional player described as a "whirling dervish" by another scout. Finished with 10 sacks and 224 tackles in 49 games (37 starts). "Very effective at what he does," a third scout said. "His quickness helps him." From Apple Valley, Minn. Scored 30 on the Wonderlic.

6. PAT SIMS, Auburn (6-2, 310, 5.08, 2-3) - Classic boom-or-bust pick. "He has talent," one scout said. "But why would you take a guy that plays two plays and he can't run from here to the restroom? He has ability but he's never in shape." Quit the team in 2005 over playing time, couldn't get along with his position coach in '07 and declared as a fourth-year junior. "He's a really good football player who has shaky character," another scout said. "Just a notch below Dorsey and Ellis." Tested positive for marijuana at least twice, once as recently as last July. "He's so cocky," a third scout said. "Thinks he's going in the first round. He's a little pain in the (bleep) but he has ability." Finished with 7½ sacks and 56 tackles in 27 games (13 starts).

7. DRE MOORE, Maryland (6-4, 305, 4.91, 3) - Played only one year in high school, redshirted in '03 and went on to start 26 of 44 games. "Impressive physical specimen," Hardaway said. Fastest tackle on the board and also very strong. "You saw some flashes at the Senior Bowl one-on-one," one scout said. "You want to like him because of the stuff he does but he never makes a play." Finished with 10½ sacks and 140 tackles. "He is as lazy as lazy can get," another scout said. "He only pass rushes when he beat a guy off the initial move. If he ever gets stalemated at the line he just gives up. He's going to disappoint a lot of people."

8. LeTROY GUION, Florida State (6-3½, 307, 5.24, 3-4) - Was suspended for the bowl game and subsequently declared as a third-year junior. "He should have gone back," one scout said. "He hasn't defined himself as a pass rusher. He's very raw against the run. He's going to need to sit a year, but how many teams are going to want to take a D-tackle that struggles learning?" Started just 14 of 34 games, finishing with 1½ sacks and 66 tackles. Ended up on his back too often. "Out of shape at his workout," another scout said. "No production. And you're going to take him high? He hasn't done (bleep). Better athlete than he is player."

9. ANDRE FLUELLEN, Florida State (6-2, 294, 5.05, 4) - Started in 2005 and '06 but split time with Guion in '07. "He got hurt this year and didn't play very well because he had a wrist and a thumb," one scout said. "Has to be a three-technique penetrator. Played a lot better last year." Started 30 of 48 games, finishing with 5½ sacks and 81 tackles. "There's no way he can play head-up on people," Gruden said. "He fits a team that uses quick, slanting tackles. Then he might have a chance." Played with great energy at the Senior Bowl.

10. FRANK OKAM, Texas (6-4½, 335, 5.27, 4) - Enormous run stuffer. "He's got ability to do whatever he wants to do," one scout said. "Those guys, if they're that massive and have some quickness to them, they're hard to block." Had 10 sacks and 160 tackles in 50 games (39 starts). "I'm going to give him to you," another scout said. Plans to attend law school; scored 39 on the Wonderlic. "That's probably why he doesn't play better," a third scout said. "He probably realizes he could get hurt inside there. The guys that are dumb, they don't care."

OTHERS: Antyba Rubin, Iowa State; Red Bryant, Texas A& M; Nick Hayden, Wisconsin; DeMario Pressley, North Carolina State; Derek Lokey, Texas; Jason Shirley, ex-Fresno State; Carlton Powell Jr., Virginia Tech; Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Michigan State; David Faaeteete, Oregon; Keilen Dykes, West Virginia.


Clearly, Rivers is rated as the only elite linebacker. He garnered 13 first-place votes (Mayo had two, Lofton had one) in a Journal Sentinel poll of 16 personnel men asking them to rank linebackers on a 1-to-5 basis, with a first-place vote worth five points, a second four and so on.

Following Rivers, who had 77 of a possible 80 points, were: Mayo, 55; Lofton, 44; Connor, 37; Tavares Gooden, 15; Jordon Dizon, five; Geno Hayes, three; Xavier Adibi, two; and Phillip Wheeler, two.

Quote:
"I've got a problem with Flacco," a personnel director for an AFC team said. "You know why? He's 6-6. I don't know why it is but history tells you they're not going to be any good."

Although Mitchell made 71 starts in the 1990s, primarily for Detroit, it is Anderson who should give hope to Flacco. He used his big frame and big arm last year in leading Cleveland to a surprising 10-6 record.

"I think Derek Anderson really helped a guy like Flacco," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "He's got a big arm, he's tall, he was a bit under the radar to a degree during the fall. I think people saw him more like a third- or fourth-round type project but now he's been elevated to the end of the first round. If not, the second round for sure."

The Green Bay Packers own the second-last pick in the first round and need someone to go with Aaron Rodgers.

Ted Thompson's mentor, the retired Ron Wolf, much preferred quarterbacks with size. Although Brett Favre came in at 6-2 and Mark Brunell stood 6-1, Wolf found Matt Hasselbeck (6-4) and Aaron Brooks (6-3½) in the mid- to late rounds.

Green Bay's tallest quarterback was Frank Patrick, a 10th-round pick in 1970 from Nebraska. Patrick was 6-7, or 3 inches taller than the strapping Rich Campbell a decade later, but neither accomplished a thing.

"Just because I'm 6-6, 236, doesn't mean I can't move," Flacco said at the combine in February. "I like to think I'm a pretty good athlete."

At least Flacco's in good company with his pedestrian 4.84-second clocking in the 40-yard dash. For the first time in years, not one of the top six prospects can even break 4.8.

"I'm just glad I'm not drafting one," another AFC personnel director said. "To me, the league has gotten away from these type quarterbacks. You're going to have to protect these guys."

When Indianapolis President Bill Polian refers to the class as having "one contender and the rest pretenders," it's understood that he ranks Boston College's Matt Ryan head and shoulders above the pack. Of Ryan, Polian said, " I never say 'can't miss' but Matt Ryan has really no down side."

Savage, who traded his first-round choice this year to take Notre Dame's Brady Quinn 22nd last year, remains wary.

"I'll say this: I'm glad we moved up for Brady Quinn," Savage said. "If you think Matt Ryan is going to be the answer with not much around him, I think people would be disappointed. I don't know that he has a special quality other than his personality and leadership."

In a Journal Sentinel survey, 15 personnel people were asked to rank their top five quarterbacks. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Ryan, with 12 firsts, won going away with 71 points. Following, in order, were: Louisville's Brian Brohm, 53 (one first); Michigan's Chad Henne, 38 (two firsts); Flacco, 36; Southern California's John David Booty, 11; Kentucky's Andre' Woodson, 7; Tennessee's Erik Ainge and Oregon's Dennis Dixon, 4; and San Diego's Josh Johnson, 1.

"To me, they're all guys you're going to have to coach up and get them in position to manage games," said Trent Baalke, San Francisco's director of player personnel. "There's no Brett Favre coming out of this draft."

Yet one scout for a team that had a private audition with Flacco last month labeled it "arguably the most impressive quarterback workout I've ever seen."

"Really, if he goes to Michigan or Boston College, he might be the first pick in the draft," said Jerry Angelo, general manager of the Chicago Bears. "Delaware is what puts a cap on him. But three years from now, who knows?"

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins