Re: Now what? Round 5
 

I am sticking with Wesley Woodyard, or maybe even Highsmith.

Woodyard is supposedly undersized, but if you watch his film, the kid just knocked people OUT!

Highsmith was supposed to be a first round pick for his on field production, but after a poor combine he's been falling off the map. If he is there in the fifth round he is a steal.

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

I was thinking Steltz, too.

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

I think Steve Justice is someone to consider, if he falls. He's still sitting there.

Steve Justice Position:C Wake Forest 6-3.5, 293 40 Time:5.27

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and senior seasons.

POSITIVES: Tough, intelligent center who.s a great leader on the field. Blocks with good lean, quick with his hands, and shows explosion in his all-around game. Plays with a nasty attitude, always looking for someone to hit, and does a good job quarterbacking the offensive line. Solid position blocker who seals opponents from the action. Effective with shotgun snap. Shows the ability to slide laterally. Effective on the second level and can hit a moving target.

NEGATIVES: Lacks the dominant base and does not drive opponents off the ball. Struggles handling larger opponents.

ANALYSIS: Justice is a competitive blocker with a terrific understanding of his position. His potential at the next level is in a zone blocking system.

PROJECTION: Late Third Round

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

13. Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky, 6004, 227, 4.49 (OLB/SS)

Wesley Woodyard is the unquestioned leader of the Wildcat defense. As the starting WLB the past three years (he played some safety and MLB as a freshman), he's consistently racked up phenomenal stats and earned All-SEC honors. Woodyard is a great athlete. He shows great football awareness and has the speed to get to the ball. He has a great burst off the ball, a nose for the ball, and he brings a load when he gets to the ball. He's a very hard hitter. Smart with good awareness and instincts. Despite his (lack of) size, he plays an aggressive and physical style of football and has shown himself to be a solid tackler. With his athleticism and speed, he's comfortable dropping into coverage. Has fluid hips and does a nice job in coverage. He's a true leader on and off the field and has excelled academically and is involved in the community. No one will work harder.

You can't teach size and Woodyard is just undersized. He needs to get much heavier and stronger, which will help him improve getting off blocks (which is his biggest weakness). Struggles to fight through traffic and is not stout at the point. Some scouts would like to see him improve his tackling skills.



There's a lot to like about this guy but his lack of size is a monumental negative. Woodyard is simply a football player and that's a high compliment. He'll find a job. He might never be more than a backup and special teamer

I like him

We all know about highsmith

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

Steltz or Highsmith would be popular picks as well as appropriate values in the 5th round IMO. Our depth at LB has gotten a lot better through FA but we could benefit by adding more youth. Safety is a fairly strong spot for us, but again youth as well as flexibility in a guy who could play S/CB would be beneficial. Steltz would not be that guy for us, his coverage skills are pedestrian but he is a beast of a tackler.

Just my 2 cents.

Steveo

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

Well, with Dan Morgan likely to have another concussion at some point during the season, I like the Woodyard pick. Another LB certainly wouldn't hurt.



BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his senior and junior seasons. Led Kentucky in tackles last season, compiling a career high 139/8.5/2.5 after 142/9.5/2 the prior year. Totaled 100 tackles as a sophomore.

POSITIVES: Explosive one-gap linebacker best in pursuit. Displays speed in every direction, cuts off the corners from running backs and covers a lot of area on the field. Gets depth on pass drops, takes good angles to the action and nicely flows to the ball carrier. Strong for his size and durable. Displays a good head for the ball in run defense and relatively instinctive.

NEGATIVES: Controlled at the point by tight ends or fullbacks. Not a secure tackler. Stiff and not agile for an undersized linebacker.

ANALYSIS: Woodyard is competitive linebacker and respected team leader who plays hard. He has size limitations and is not skilled enough in coverage to get consideration at safety. His best opportunity would be in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers type of defense.

PROJECTION: Early Sixth Round

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

Dre Moore, DT, Maryland

Frank Okam, DT, Texas

Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas

Joe Jon Finley, TE, Oklahoma

Mike Peterson, TE, NW Missouri St

Matt Spanos, C, USC (I know2)

Taylor Mehlhaff, K, Wisconsin

Carl Stewart, FB, Auburn

Breno Giacomini, OT, Louisiville

Shannon Boatman, OT, Florida St (Right OT)

Quintin Demps, S, UTEP

Caleb Campbell, S, Army (West Point)

David Roach, S, TCU

DeMario Pressley, DT, NC State

Kerry Brown, OG, The Appalachian St

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

Never mind Harrison is gone...

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

It seems like Highsmith would be better suited at safety. I would like him at S for us.

Re: Now what? Round 5
 

Ali Highsmith at Safety? Does he have the speed to cover a slot receiver? It be like Roy Toast of Dallas...

I'd sure like to see the Saints snag him regardless...