jeanpierre

It means exactly what it says; see 'em playing ball and incorporating that in the evaluation process...

jeanpierre

When I read, listen to commentary regarding building good teams, one theme that resonates with me is from baseball people like Peter Gammons and Harold Reynolds where they comment on how strong a team is up the middle (C, 2B, SS, CF)...

I translate that theme to football and look at QB, C, also maybe a G to the other side of the ball for a team to include NT, ILB, FS (and SS in Cover 2's)...

We've really neglected those positions in the draft and have addressed it poorly in Free Agency, though there was nothing poor in the exception of Byrd's deal, with that jury now coming back with what Bills fans warned us...

The ILB signings the past couple years were veterans getting up in age and were two down LBers at best, and that's useless now with teams passing as much on 1st down as they do on third down; and we've delayed salary cap hits compounding our problems...

We've finally made some draft picks to meet the linebacker needs of the move to a 34 defense, and though mid/late round picks, they look to be the part and could be moved to the ILB once the dead money contracts of Lofton, Hawthorne fall off the books...

But maybe they need to get healthy?!? (note: the skeptic in me thinks this is another unsubstantiated, uncorroborated Payton Redshirt Move to get not yet ready for prime time players physically, mentally up to speed)

Now, I had banged the drum real hard for Ogletree and Attaochu in the past two drafts so we could complement a very solid front three group and get the front seven to a level that would be effective on its own and to take the heat off the defensive backfield, allowing DBs more time to read and move in to attack and make turnovers...

Really wanted to see a high draft pick (R1, R2, R3) commitments that could come in with youth, vigor, speed, strength and contribute immediately and proved impact, spark...

If a HOF WR, LT falls to us in the draft, you draft 'em; but play 'em right away so they can learn, make mistakes, get even better; trade the aged veteran and get depth on the back end...

So if my list of prospects is skewed to LB, OL, QB, S - now you'll know why...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

hagan714

it is. always has been. lost more than a few girl friends over football

when college starts games are on 7 days a week around this house. a few sling boxes with a few friends and we access to all the games. we actual lend a hand scouting for a friend that does scouting for a living. you get more wth are you thinking? than nice find! And no he does not give us insight to his final evals. violation of his job contract.

System today almost always trumps talent. you only get a handful of players that can play in any system and they can be found through out the draft. If you can find them. then there is selling them to the front office. that is a whole different can of worms. some funny stories for sure

sub contracted to watch football aint bad way to get some loose pocket change and it is pocket change, your wallet does not get fat for sure. but it does get you all the sport channels on cable and dish.

It aint a science and i always am looking for leads and view points that may send in the right direction. more than once has a member here hit the nail on the head about a player and saw what no one else saw. gotta have an open mind.

we never lose the faith!

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

jeanpierre

Defensive Prospects I'm liking...

DE/DT Arik Armstead, 6-7/292, Jr, Oregon

Really, really like this guy's size, speed; ideally suited to play 34 end; would love to see us take him and move Hicks into a rotation position between end and nose tackle keeping those big boys fresh all game...


LB Zach Hodges, 6-2/230, Sr, Harvard

Great Motor; has great acceleration to complement his short area burst; while stamina is questioned, he plays for Harvard so it's not like he's got depth are other players to complement him...


CB Marcus Peters, 6-0/198, Jr, Washington

Playmaker with good size/strength combination; we may be taking another cornerback early...

LB Benardrick McKinney, 6-4/245, Jr, Mississippi St

Has the athleticism to play three downs; but keep thinking of a certain linebacker we selected form Illinois who was willing to play his balls off but failed to grasp the game; am watching his development, progression very closely...


LB Kris Frost, 6-2/238, rJr, Auburn

Linebacker showing instincts and 3 down athletic ability - hmmm; better keep an eye on this one...


CB Lorenzo Doss, 5-11/189, Jr, Tulane

Yeah, I'm a Homer, but this kid can play and he's accomplished alot on some not-yet-ready-for-primetime Tulane teams...


CB Jalen Collins, 6-1/195, rJr, LSU

His athleticism and size are great; can he improve his technique to become a pro bowl corner?!? Only concern is that he's another Morris Claiborne...


LB Derrick Malone, 6-2/216, rSr, Oregon

Smart guy who's continued to improve and surge; needs to put on some pounds and show no drop off in quickness...

NT Danny Shelton, 6-2/332, Sr, Washington

A smart defensive tackle, he may better suited to a 43 3 Tech, but the guy can play and he could step right in should Hicks not be re-signable...


FS Justin Cox, 6-2/190, Sr, Mississippi State

Good size, length; has shown ball hawk instincts; this is a guy to target with a fourth round pick...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...