NCAA Scouting 2011 Draft Wrap Up by Paul Emery May 11th 2011
We all have our favourites sometimes logical, sometimes not – and in my final 2011 Draft article, I wanted to pick a few favourites from each round plus some I’m not enamoured with. Those of a Bengal disposition may need to think carefully before reading further
Round One
Favourites
Muhammed Wilkerson DT Temple (Jets) perhaps it was all the research I put into my 3-4 defenses article, but I came away really appreciating two gap technique and Wilkerson has it. He’s also not bad as a one gap guy. Completely dominated the MAC.
Jimmy Smith CB Colorado (Ravens) big, physical press CB who can run. Top 10 talent. The dreaded character concerns dropped him yes he’s super confident bordering arrogant but here’s a news flash, he’s a press Corner so he had better be.
Not For Me
Cam Newton QB Auburn (Panthers) the spread offense is coming to the NFL. Newton will presumably be running some form of the spread it’s the only he’s getting on the field. Now is the spread going to take over the NFL or is it going to be a bit like the run and shoot offense in the early 90’s? If Newton has success then it’s here to stay if he busts out then not. The thing for me is that defensive co-ordinators don’t have a whole lot to do right now so you can bet they are working out how to stop the spread and I think they will. Newton is a massive gamble and for the Panthers to make that gamble with the first pick in the Draft is like me putting my annual salary on a hand of blackjack I could win big, but I could also bust out and set myself back 5+ years. Perhaps I’m living in the past, but the spread isn’t my cup of tea (QB’s looking to the sideline for the play indeed!) and I wouldn’t touch Newton despite his raw talent.
Phil Taylor NT Baylor (Browns) only got his weight under control in his senior year while being locked out I wouldn’t trust him to keep that weight down. Runs hot and cold I don’t in regard to him, just cold.
James Carpenter OT/G Alabama (Seahawks) Cliff Matthews of South Carolina loves the inside move when rushing the passer if I noticed that you can bet the Alabama coaching staff did yet he beat Carpenter inside on multiple occasions. When would I have taken this kid? Fifth round at best. Enough said.
Round Two
Favourites
Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia (Patriots) he didn’t play much in 2010 but for those who watched his limited appearances it was well worth it. Top 15 talent just a shade below Smith. Another big CB who can run. The Patriots picking him here also means that ex-Virginia coach Al Groh gave them the thumbs up.
Stefen Wisniewski OG Penn State (Raiders) I love technicians and Wisniewski is a fine one. As the season moved on he had a couple of games where his technique was perfect. Loved watching him.
Not For Me
Andy Dalton QB TCU (Bengals) if they are expecting Dalton to be the next Carson Palmer then they will be disappointed he’s a great kid, but the further down the field he throws the worse the accuracy becomes. Limited backup type. Too many teams this year reached for a QB and for me this was the biggest one.
Jonas Mouton ILB Michigan (Chargers) when would I have taken this kid? Seventh round if he was lucky. Enough said.
Round Three
Favourites
John Moffitt OG Wisconsin (Seahawks) try watching Gabe Carimi and keeping your eyes off this kid next to him impossible. Tough kid who is going to start for 10+ years.
Jah Reid OT Central Florida (Ravens) flashes really nice quickness out of his stance in pass protection. Handled Justin Houston comfortably in the Bowl game. Very few had him rated highly but the Ravens traded up to make sure they got him. Nice that I saw what the Ravens did.
Vincent Brown WR San Diego State (Chargers) plays faster than his timed speed. Very reliable receiver who surprises people with his ability to get deep.
Not For Me
DeMarco Murray RB Oklahoma (Cowboys) the kid is soft and lacks vision will get what is blocked and only what is blocked. I’d move him to WR but I sure wouldn’t have taken him this early.
Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy (Giants) looks pedestrian off the line at times not the best ingredient for a smaller receiver. Doesn’t always look interested. Wouldn’t have touched him.
DeMarcus Van Dyke CB Miami (Fl.) (Raiders) he runs super fast but a stick insect has more meat on the bone. Ran at his pro day without his shirt on you could count the ribs!! Didn’t have great tape either. I’m all for Combine numbers but you have to be able to play too and I don’t see it with ‘DVD’.
Round Four
Favourites
Greg Salas WR Hawaii (Rams) I was watching a Hawaii game a couple of weeks before the Draft post route ball thrown away from him hands out and snatch beautiful. Just summed him up perfectly.
Edmond Gates WR Abilene Christian (Dolphins) need to stretch the field? Gates is your man. Great hands too. My top small schooler this year.
Not For Me
Kris Durham WR Georgia (Seahawks) not sure quite what they were seeing but this kid before Salas and Tandon Doss? No chance. I wouldn’t have used a draft pick on him.
Casey Matthews ILB Oregon (Eagles) want someone to fly upfield and leave a gaping hole where he should have been? Here’s your man. Yes, yes he’s a Matthews but he didn’t play like someone with a high football IQ. Reckless player.
Round Five
Favourites
Dion Lewis RB Pittsburgh (Eagles) not real big, not real fast but great vision and ability to create from nothing (a dying trait). I’d have been willing to spend a second round pick on him because he can play.
Jason Pinkston OG Pittsburgh (Browns) will probably have to move inside to Guard from college Left Tackle. Has a great initial punch real nice fit too in a tough division.
Not For Me
Ricky Stanzi QB Iowa (Chiefs) some people say they saw Tom Brady in this kid perhaps he uses the same after shave but that’s about it for comparisons like that. Third stringer at best accuracy is an issue makes his receivers have to work too hard.
Shiloh Keo SS Idaho (Texans) Prime Time loved his feet at the Combine but for a kid with a big reputation he didn’t show up at all on tape. Missed tackles and poor angles not a great recipe for a Safety.
Round Six
Favourites
Brandon Fusco C Slippery Rock (Vikings) – a small school Moffitt. Dominant at a lower level of play. You could see him figuring things out as the Senior Bowl week went along culminating in a fine game where I thought he had Phil Taylor’s number.
Jerrell Powe NT Mississippi (Chiefs) apparently he has some learning difficulties that meant he fell to the sixth round. My top rated NT showed quickness on tape, although nothing on show at the Combine. However, I’d take him over Phil Taylor every time.
Dwayne Harris WR East Carolina (Cowboys) I have no idea what happened to Harris at the Senior Bowl where he went to pieces. Despite that week I thought he was fun to watch and I prefer him to Jeremy Kerley taken in the fifth round (who I still like).
Markell Carter OLB Central Arkansas (Patriots) there’s just something about this kid looks quick coming off the edge. I think he develops into something for the Pats.
Greg Jones LB Michigan State (Giants) it would seem the NFL isn’t real high on this kid and maybe he struggles some to get off blocks but the kid Weatherspoon did last year and he was a first round pick! Jones is a tackling machine and an effective blitzer clearly loves the game. He’s an ‘I want him on my team’ kinda guy for me.
Not For Me
Caleb Schlauderaff OG Utah (Packers) waist bender, never a fan of those.
Aldrick Robinson WR SMU (Redskins) too many drops and didn’t show up in the C-USA Championship game.
Round Seven
Favourites
Anthony Gaitor CB Florida International (Bucs) I can’t put it into words, but he’s got a certain something that I really like.
D’Aundre Reed DE Arizona (Vikings) he actually intrigued me more than Brooks Reed or Ricky Elmore who started in front of him.
Stanley Havili FB USC (Eagles) I know he’s got shoulder problems and I know he might not be a traditional FB but I’d find a way to use him.
Not For Me
Korey Lindsey CB Southern Illinois (Bengals) – many had him as a real sleeper, but I came away distinctly unimpressed funny how I rarely tend to see what the Bengals see.
Jay Finley RB Baylor (Bengals) no I didn’t pick him out just because the Bengals drafted him!! Way too many short runs no vision at all must have a big hole to run through.
That wraps up my 2011 NFL Draft coverage as I prepare to spend my summer attempting to play cricket! Thanks for the feedback on the NFL (UK) and Draft Breakdown forums and enjoy your summer! But most of all – thanks for reading!
Jerrell Powe NT Mississippi (Chiefs) apparently he has some learning difficulties that meant he fell to the sixth round. My top rated NT showed quickness on tape, although nothing on show at the Combine. However, I’d take him over Phil Taylor every time.
