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1/26 Senior Bowl Practice Day 2 Rumblings

Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 9:15 am
Quote:
According to the Dallas Morning News, the "entire Cowboys contingent perked up" when Idaho OG Mike Iupati weighed in Monday at the Senior Bowl.
A guard in college, Iupati could probably play as many as four positions on the offensive line at the next level because of his impressive build and incredibly long arms. The Cowboys are especially needy at the tackle spots.


Oh please God no, this guy would anchor the Cowboy's Offensive Line for a Decade.

Quote:
According to an ESPN report earlier this month, Alabama NT Terrence Cody weighed "right around" 355 pounds on January 5.
In other words, Cody appears to have gained 15 pounds (he measured 6'4/370 at the Senior Bowl) in the last 20 days. Cody's body appeared sloppy, to put it mildly, when he removed his shirt for Monday's weigh-in. While weight fluctuation is a routine concern for clogging, nose-tackle types, Cody is already resembling a late-career Ted Washington at age 21.


Already weight issues with this guy and we havent even hit the Combine yet? Do you want this unmotivated beast on your team?



Quote:
Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield tore his left ACL on the first day of Senior Bowl practices Monday.
The Defensive MVP of last week's East-West Shrine Game, Schofield ranked second in the nation in tackles for loss and second in the Big Ten in sacks as a fifth-year senior. He was a probable second- to third-round pick before the injury, but now may fall out of the draft altogether. Some team is still likely to sign and stash Schofield on I.R. for 2010 because of his upside.


Promising top 4 round pick, now likely an undrafted FA...Giants better jump on the phone ASAP after the draft if the case...kid can play and can be stashed on our I.R.

From yesterday but for those who missed it an eye-opening look into the character of Mays...(Personality rubs me the wrong way with a lot of these arrogant USC guys)

Quote:
USC S Taylor Mays reportedly drew the ire of an NFL pro personnel man when he leveled Citadel WR Andre Roberts on the first day of Senior Bowl practices.
NFL types want to see DBs make plays on the football in drills, not take out 5'11/192-pound return specialists in the open field. This is especially true in Mays' case. He only had five interceptions as a four-year starter at Southern Cal, with just two of the picks coming in his last three seasons.


And Other Blurbs of interest...


Quote:
Kyle Wilson, the CB from Boise State was the biggest standout of the day. During the CB vs. WR drill, Wilson undercut an out route for an interception on his first rep and was an offensive pass interference away from another on a nine route. Wilson was a premier punt returner in college, which means he is dangerous after an interception.


Quote:
Dan Williams had a good day stuffing the run, at least as good as possible without full pads. He didn't do well in pass rushing drills, however, which is a drill designed to favor the defensive player. I'm not particularly concerned if the DT Rick Smith drafts is an elite pass rusher as long as he can stuff the middle, so this development might actually be beneficial.


Quote:
Myron Rolle is a popular story because of his year hiatus from football as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, but unfortunately that break has caused some rust. He has plenty of time before the Combine and his Pro Day, but even then he is considered more of a strong safety who lacks coverage skills. Probably not a consideration for the Texans.


Quote:
Offensive Guard Vladimir Ducasse will be under the microscope this week. Ducasse moved to the States from Haiti when he was 14 and has only played football for six years, but he has enough raw talent that Mayock compared him to Jeff Otah. On his first pass rush drill the quicker O'Brien Schofield blew by him on the edge as Ducasse was playing LT. Before the analysts could even finish stating that Ducasse never saw speed like that at UMass, Ducasse went against Schofield again, anchored down and unfortunately injured Schofield when he fell on him. I mention all this because he is rated as a guard and could be a steal after the first couple of rounds.


Credit Rotoworld & Battleredblog for the info, feel free to update & discuss as the day goes on about prospective Giants Draft Selections
Mount Bust will not dissapoint  
Figgy2989 : 1/26/2010 9:28 am : link
Jesus, 15 lbs in 20 days, what the hell was this guy eating?
A couple of things regarding your comments...  
barens : 1/26/2010 9:31 am : link
I'm not quite sure what rubs you the wrong way about Mays' personality? What makes him so arrogant?

Schoefield will still get drafted, IMO. if a team wants him, they won't wait until the drat is over. He's too good a football player.

And to answer your question regarding Cody, I'd want him on our team outside of the first round. Not motivated? His team won the national championship and he was a big reason for it, no pun intended.
Just b/c Mays was playing physical  
GMen131 : 1/26/2010 9:38 am : link
does NOT make him arrogant! That's his strength, obviously he needs to play to his strengths. He's a big-hit, knock you out, dont leave yourself open when i'm around type of safety and for him to change that right now would be dumb on his part. Obviously he's gonna have to work on his coverage techniques but to try to do it in a 1 week span instead of plying to his strength in front of these scouts would be foolish on his part.
Iupati won't make it to the Cowboys pick imo  
Torrag : 1/26/2010 9:39 am : link
Teams are realizing he can play RT at least as well as OG. That will increase his value and he's just too good to drop that far imo. If Berry(pipedream but I can wish), Haden, McClain, and Mays are off the board imo we could be looking at O-lineman at #15. Don't force a defensive pick if the offensive line talent is better. We have spots on the O-line that can be upgraded right now, starting with Seubert at LG. IMO Richie needs to go to the bench at this point, he's had a nice run on a Gucci leg but looks to me like its taken its toll on him. McKenzie at RT may be wearing down, he missed a lot of time this season. Diehl isn't a blue goose LT tho he is effective noone is mistaking him for Jumbo Elliot out there. Eli was harassed too much for my liking this past season, imagine what he'll do if we can keep him clen in the pocket.
Mays  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 9:46 am : link
has a reputation of being a dirty player

Quote:
He also has a reputation for unclean hits of the helmet-to-helmet variety, one that’s not entirely undeserved.


Also..a House Representative called Mays out as a “headhunter”

At this rate  
I wanna be Torbor, sucka : 1/26/2010 9:46 am : link
I will be surprised if someone takes Cody in the 2nd round, nevermind the first.

He better get his weight under control for the combine.

Too bad for Schofield - that sucks. Interviews will make the difference for him. If he shows determination to get better and contribute, he will get drafted. But there is no doubt he just lost a bunch of money.

I'm just  
DaMightyGiants : 1/26/2010 9:52 am : link
wondering if Beatty is an upgrade over Diehl at LT? if so, that will excellent, then we could draft Iupati and kick him out to RT and slide Diehl to LG...man I'm really anxious to see how Beatty develops this off season, his development alone can make a big difference...If we tighten up that line, Eli would put up Video game numbers!
Were the Texans really considering taking Rolle  
Figgy2989 : 1/26/2010 9:52 am : link
with their first round pick? I thought even with a good showing at the Senior Bowl and putting up "better than expected" numbers at the combine/FSU pro day, he would be a mid to late 2nd round pick at best.
Scofield tore his ACL?  
Jim in Forest Hills : 1/26/2010 9:55 am : link
Goddamn, shit luck for such a hard working kid.
Nasif  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 10:01 am : link
You may have an anti-USC bias in regards to Mays but character isn't an issue with him. I'm not calling you out when it comes to this but it seems like the people that would have a problem with Mays doing that in a practice should be just as mad, if not more concerned, about Brandon Spikes trying to gouge an opposing RB's eyes out in an actual game.

You should be concerned about Rolando McClain picking up 2 personal foul penalties on the same play (a dead ball personal foul & an unsportsmanlike conduct) against Virginia Tech when he threw a forearm shiver at an opposing linemen. If you don't want players with mean streaks then it should apply to everyone, not just Mays. I just hope you remain consistent in regards to that.

Personally, while I hope Mays doesn't repeat that type of conduct in practice (I don't expect him to, he's a very coachable kid) our defense desperately needs an enforcer who will inject some much needed toughness into the entire unit. To balance out the anti-Mays blurb in the writeup, here's a positive Mays blurb from yesterday...

Quote:
Posted by: Ed Thompson
at 01/25/2010 04:31 PM ET
Taylor Mays Physical in Practice

USC's Taylor Mays was the most consistently physical and successful CB on that last drill in the South Practice. He uses his hands and upper body really well during initial contact at the line. Mays is behind only Tennessee's Eric Berry in Scout's rankings of safeties.
In McClain's defense....  
Greg from LI : 1/26/2010 10:06 am : link
....it was against Virginia Tech. Anyone can be excused for personal fouls against that team.
The knock on Mays...  
Klaatu : 1/26/2010 10:06 am : link
Is that he didn't make enough plays (unintentional rhyme). But wasn't that the knock on KP, too?
Out of the skill position  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 10:15 am : link
Prospects on day one, it seems that the consensus is that Dexter McCluster & Jacoby Ford had the most impressive performances.

Quote:
Ole Miss RB #22 Dexter McCluster played like a star today. He exploded through the line and was able to exploit tiny holes for big gains. Easy to imagine him doing the same at the next level.


Quote:
Jacoby Ford (Clemson): He was the most consistent receiver on the north squad today. He wasnt as quick out of his cuts as [Mardy] Gilyard, but he was fast enough and in control of his body. What he did better than all of the receivers as catch the football. In fact, I dont remember seeing him drop a pass in any drill. He was also frequently getting open in the one-on-one, five-on-seven, and 11-on-11 drills. The QBs targeted him mostly on shallow routes, but he also managed to get separation and make clean catches on deep outs. What was telling was the fact the north quarterbacks gained confidence in Ford early and increased his targets as the five-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills progressed. Interestingly, Fords impressive play in the team drills came after he cramped up just after a quick practice break while returning a kick off. He got cramps in both calves and literally waddled slowly down the field, stretching his calves for five minutes. However, when it was time to get opposite a corner, he looked perfectly fine until the very end of practice when he cramped up again. Nothing major, but telling that his body was acting up and he still looked like the most reliable receiver on the field for the north squad.


BTW, I'd put any amount of money on Ford running the fastest 40 at the Combine in February. His track credentials are phenomenal and he is likely to threaten Chris Johnson's Combine record.
Bad break for Schofield  
PeterS : 1/26/2010 10:16 am : link
I hope these guys have some sort of insurance that will cover any loss of income due to an injury.
Ford  
Mike in NY : 1/26/2010 10:19 am : link
His biggest issue is his height (I believed he measured in below 5'9"). He has shown the ability to get around the jam against college CB's, but the real question remains whether he is the next Desean Jackson or the next Dexter Jackson
Mayock likened McCluster to Darren Sproles.  
Klaatu : 1/26/2010 10:23 am : link
Too bad Emmitt Smith is no longer with ESPN. I'd love to hear him try and say "Dexter McCluster."
Will A/P  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 10:23 am : link
Forget the character issues...end of the day at #15 I think for a safety with question marks (and can possibly moved to Outside LB) I think is too much of a risk. Unless its Eric Berry, I'm not a fan of a 1st round safety this year, with our many needs.

Dont get me wrong I have no problems with mean streaks but stuff after the whistle (like Spikes) or personal fouls for stupid things during a play always pisses me off. Not only does it does it show a lack of discipline, but greatly hurts the team...and these type of guys I would greatly avoid; especially if coming in as a rookie.
....  
JBGiants : 1/26/2010 10:24 am : link
I love Mayock, but don't think I agree with McCluster being compared to Sproles. McCluster is going to be a hell of a player for whatever team drafts him...much more of an every down guy than Sproles, IMO.
Huge McCluster fan,  
barens : 1/26/2010 10:25 am : link
he's really the only offensive skill player I'm hoping the Giants get their hands on within the first 3 rounds. He brings a dimension the Giants could really use on offense.
....  
JBGiants : 1/26/2010 10:27 am : link
Although after looking at McCluster's weigh-in yesterday, he is a lot smaller than I thought he was. 5 8.5 and 165. I thought he was closer to 5 10 180, but guess I was dead wrong.
Also interested to hear how Jermaine Gresham  
barens : 1/26/2010 10:28 am : link
fairs at the combine, if he's able to workout. He looks like a true matchup nightmare.
Sproles was a dual-purpose back...  
Russel in VA : 1/26/2010 10:29 am : link
and a fine kick returner. If McCluster does that at the next level nobody's complaining.
....  
JBGiants : 1/26/2010 10:30 am : link
Russell, I agree, Sproles is a very nice player...I just had originally thought McCluster could be a bit more than that and be an every down guy...not sure after really looking at his size, though. He plays bigger than his weight, IMO.
did Dexter McCluster  
sps28 : 1/26/2010 10:30 am : link
do any punt and kick returning? the few times i saw him play he was incredible and always looked to be the best player on the field
This we have many needs thing is overplayed  
Torrag : 1/26/2010 10:30 am : link
We are a solid football team that had a lot of defensive injuries. Our offense was very good most of the year. Do we have some holes to fill no doubt but we have free agency and the draft to fill them and we will. Most notably we need a MLB and a S. If we fill those two spots the right way imo we are contenders again. Mays at #15 is a very good fit. IMO he's a safety in the NFL, he's a fluid athlete with very good speed. What he needs is coaching and he'll get it at the next level.
jb, there's nothing wrong with being compared to Sproles,  
barens : 1/26/2010 10:30 am : link
he's a heck of a football player. The big difference, to me, is that McCluster can play WR as well.
JB...  
Klaatu : 1/26/2010 10:31 am : link
I think you were right about him being more of an everydown player than Sproles. Mayock mentioned how he was used at RB for a stretch and was getting something like 18 carries a game - 25 in one game I think.
Spiller..  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 10:33 am : link
Quote:
The 49ers are expected to pursue a return specialist that also offers value as a versatile offensive player this offseason.
The draft-eligible that fits this profile is Clemson RB C.J. Spiller, who returned four kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns as a senior. Still, it's somewhat hard to imagine San Francisco using one of its two first-rounders on a tailback a year after drafting Glen Coffee in the third round. The Citadel's Andre Roberts and Clemson WR Jacoby Ford are later-round options.
Agree w/Torrag  
ColHowPepper : 1/26/2010 10:35 am : link
We're one (maybe two) good draftees away from shoring up the O big time--

on d, too many holes to fill and to really improve with one great pick--go with the best available player when #15 comes around, whichever side of the ball, spend the rest of the draft on d.
Nasif  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 10:36 am : link
Fair enough, nice to see that you're remaining consistent. Out of curiosity, who is your #1 target for our 1st rounder since you aren't interested in McClain, Mays or Spikes?

JBGiants, the McCluster/Sproles comparison is interesting and it's important to remember with McCluster that he's just 5'8" and 165 pounds. It's hard to imagine him holding up to an every-down workload, though he presents very intriguing potential in a situational role. Sproles was certainly under-utilized in the San Diego offense this year, particularly with Tomlinson's rapidly decreasing productivity, but he's a very solid contributor when called upon and a dynamic return man.

Mike in NY, I'd say he falls somewhere in between those two but he'll never be anything close to what Desean Jackson is as a WR. That being said, I doubt that he fizzles out completely the way that Dexter Jackson did. He also won't be drafted as early as Dexter Jackson was, I expect him to be a 4th-5th round option as opposed to an early round prospect.
Will A/P  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 10:39 am : link
Dream: Eric Berry
Realistic & Wouldnt Mind: Brian Price
Throw the Remote: Taylor Mays
Mays isn't a throw the remoter for me...  
Russel in VA : 1/26/2010 10:41 am : link
just a mild disappointment. The only throw-the-remoters for me would be guys that are clear reaches (Odrick comes to mind, though his postseason could change that) or tweener DEs like Kindle.
Russel, I agree with you about Kindle,  
barens : 1/26/2010 10:44 am : link
but Odrick a good one. I wouldn't be disappointed at all.
Interesting  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 10:44 am : link
Mays is right there with McClain as the top two guys that I hope we draft at #15. I would be thoroughly happy with Mays, though I know that's contrary to popular opinion here at BBI.
What's with the Alabama guys having man-boobs?  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:45 am : link
?
...  
Russel in VA : 1/26/2010 10:47 am : link
Note to self...
Anakim : 10:47

Look into transferring to Alabama
Nasif you sound like the people that were bashing KP in '08  
Torrag : 1/26/2010 10:48 am : link
Mays will be a very good ballplayer. This defense needs an attitude adjuster, a physical freak that puts the fear of god into opposing teams. Mays will bring that to our team. Did you even watch this guy play? In college the INT was not his forte but he was rarely beaten deep and he punished a lot of people. He's a solid tackler that suffers from being overaggressive and going for the knockout hit everyplay. NFL coaches will harness that urge and this kid will be good. Realistically after McClain he's my #1 target this draft.
I am another one who would be on board with Mays  
Figgy2989 : 1/26/2010 10:49 am : link
If he fell to us at 15 and McClain is off the board, he would be the pick IMO. Having him and KP at the two safety postions would be deadly for opposing WR's. Plus both can come up and play the run well which is important for Fewell's type of schemes.
Mays certainly has potential  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:50 am : link
Too bad he couldn't cover anyone in college. But there are tools to work with.


Right now, he's a project
McClain, I have a hard time  
barens : 1/26/2010 10:51 am : link
seeing him get past Miami. Seems like a Parcells type of pick, perfect for their defense.

Odrick though, I think is one of the more underrated players in this draft. He was clearly the best defender on that Penn State defense last year.
Any word on Kurt Coleman?  
Stu : 1/26/2010 10:51 am : link
.
I'd rather get Javier Arenas or Perrish Cox than McCluster  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:51 am : link
.
Odrick at 15 would be a remote-tosser  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:52 am : link
For me. I'd rather have Dan Williams or Brian Price
Perrish Cox?  
Giants in 07 : 1/26/2010 10:53 am : link
We should draft him in the first.


-Davisian.
Odrick at 15 would be a remote-tosser  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:53 am : link
For me. I'd rather have Dan Williams or Brian Price
I'm also intrigued by Syd'Quan Thompson  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 10:56 am : link
If he has a good 40 time, he could not only be our KR/PR but our Nickle CB as well.
Pretty Intrigued by this guy in the mid-rounds...  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 10:56 am : link
Quote:
Mississippi State RB Anthony Dixon worked out at fullback during Senior Bowl practice Monday.
While Dixon looks the part of a fullback at 6'1/245, he is a tailback and is much more likely to stay there in the pros. Wes Bunting of the National Football Post projects Dixon as a first-year starter in the league who'd probably fit best in a power-blocking scheme. With a bulldozing running style and smooth receiving skills, Dixon has the look of a top-50 overall selection.


But would be a luxury pick IMO
Mays is seriously  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 10:59 am : link
too boom or bust in the NFL level based on what scouts are saying...his best position might not even be Safety it might even be OLB...just too much risk to justify at #15.

Teams going after physical specimen instead of production really scare me (like the Jets with Gholston, Raiders with Heyward-Bey). Teams always fall head over heels with size, height, 40 time etc.
Anak  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 11:12 am : link
You're off base with the Mays couldn't cover anyone comment. He struggled with the role that USC put him in as a senior but he'll never be playing that type of role in the pros. And even when he played 15-20 yards off the line of scrimmage with the responsibility of not allowing anyone to get behind him, he executed his assignment far more often than not. Line him up against a tight end, allow him to get physical and he's going to excel. Allow him to cover half of the field as opposed to the entire field in deep coverage (when necessary) and it will cater more to his strengths.

And Mays is no project. A 4-year starter from a program as prestigious as USC who only missed 1 game in his career due to injury? He's as NFL ready as they come in this year's class.
Mays will struggle with man-coverage in the NFL  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 11:23 am : link
But the potential is there
Will A/P,  
barens : 1/26/2010 11:35 am : link
you mean like against Witten, Cooley, and Celek twice a year? : )

.....  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 11:41 am : link
Quote:
1 other DL who drew an "Ooh" from onlookers was Arkansas State's Alex Carrington, who Obliterated Idaho OT Mike Iupati on a bull rush
....  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 11:41 am : link
Quote:
Michigan DE Brandon Graham making himself some $ this morn. Very impressive in 1-on-1 drills.
....  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 11:43 am : link
Quote:
Brandon Ghee stuggling in the press coverage drill
Wow so Iupati  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 11:45 am : link
isnt the second coming of Steve Hutchinson? But BBI said so?
Nasif...  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 11:49 am : link
no so fast...

Quote:
Iupati getting work at LT...looks uncomfortable out in space


Just saw this, he is working out as a LT.
Nasif  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 11:50 am : link
LOL, it was one play man
mays will struggle in coverage?  
Smicksingham : 1/26/2010 11:52 am : link
Ugh you people make my head hurt

In college they run different defensive schemes. In the pros he won't be lined up 1 on 1 against WRs. He will cover TEs and if he is a SS he will be in the box and cover flats. You people make it like mays has to go one on one with randy moss. Shit learn the difference between pro and college schemes and SS and FS
stu  
Smicksingham : 1/26/2010 11:56 am : link
As good as a safety kurt coleman was in college he was really struggling in moble in coverage. Mike from walterfootball.com said he had no movement in his hips and looked lost in space. But he will develop with time
Will A/P  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 11:57 am : link
im only kiddin lol...love how BBI always goes head over heels for a few guys during this time
Nasif  
DCPollaro : 1/26/2010 12:00 pm : link
you seem to be the one going head over heals with all of your descriptions and what not...
Update time  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 12:02 pm : link
Quote:
49ers head coach Mike Singletary has settled in to keep an eye on the defensive linemen, as has a representative of the Vikings scouting staff. Mike Iupati looks unbeatable at guard during one-on-one drills, but gets beaten badly at times when moved to LT. Ducasse's struggles continue as he's beaten all four times during one-on-ones.


Quote:
Michigan DE/OLB Brandon Graham is causing fits for UMass OT/OG Vladimir Ducasse in drills. Graham is the most explosive defender on the field. In addition, OG/OT Mike Iupati stoned Purdue DT Mike Neal twice during linemen drills. Scouts like Iupati as an OT, which will dramatically increase his draft value.


Quote:
A fun drill to watch as there's spirited competition between linebackers and running backs doing one-on-on drills, with linebackers attempting to get to the QB. Sean Weatherspoon is again the clear vocal leader and his power and finesse dominates in two reps against Division 2 running back Joique Bell (Wayne State). Also in these drills, Utah OLB Koa Misi is playing with purpose. He's explosive and showing good push.


Quote:
Nebraska LB Phillip Dillard is struggling a bit in pass coverage while trying to cover tight ends. Michigan LB Brandon Graham is just about unblockable with his speed and spin moves.
barens  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 12:02 pm : link
Yes, that's what I was referring to
I wonder how much Iupati  
Phil in LA : 1/26/2010 12:04 pm : link
has worked at OLT before.
Sean Weatherspoon  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 12:05 pm : link
looks to be a well-rounded player...hope hes on our radar in the 2nd round
Brandon Graham would look good in blue  
RobNYG : 1/26/2010 12:05 pm : link
.
11-on-11 drills  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 12:07 pm : link
Quote:
The North Team is starting 11-on-11 drills. Again Missouri MLB Sean Weatherspoon's enthusiasm is contagious. He's very energetic on the field! The drills start with RB Joique Bell shaking and baking through linebackers for a long touchdown. Bell, the small-school runner, is showing good awareness running behind his blockers and falling forward in limited spaces.
RobNYG  
DCPollaro : 1/26/2010 12:07 pm : link
your a michigan guy...sirius crew was saying he may project more as a 3-4 OLB...dont see us going after him
i think he's too slow for OLB  
RobNYG : 1/26/2010 12:09 pm : link
his best fit is a 4-3 DE IMO although his height is not ideal for the position

I really...  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 12:09 pm : link
would love Daryl Washington, the more I read about him, the more I would love his speed at LB.
Taylor Mays might be the best option at 15  
bois : 1/26/2010 12:11 pm : link
Can't ignore the fact that the Giants have a gaping hole at safety. Phillips is the only bright spot, and there's no guarantee that he returns or represents any kind of long term fixture at safety. Arthritis in the knee at his age, Phillips might be a washout. Even if he comes back and plays well the team needs another safety. Mays sounds like a talented, physical player. I don't care about INT numbers...if the Giants are going to hold out for a safety who can play the run effectively, stay with receivers deep and has tremendous hands..well..the Giants might be waiting forever. Ed Reed and Sean Taylor don't show up in the draft every year or even every few years. Maybe Berry is that guy, but he's out of reach.


I'd rather see this team go after Mays than some DT.
Bleeding Blue  
armstead98 : 1/26/2010 12:16 pm : link
Washington was awesome in the bowl game. He was all over the field making plays.
RobNYG  
DCPollaro : 1/26/2010 12:17 pm : link
we will see how he tests
they said he caught javon ringer from behind on a long run 2 yrs ago and saved a TD
also were comparing him to elvis dumerville
thats true, he also gets compared a lot to everett brown  
RobNYG : 1/26/2010 12:18 pm : link
.
Imagine your dreams come crashing down  
adam XLII : 1/26/2010 12:53 pm : link
on your first day of Senior Bowl practice...

Schofield was the leader and far away the best player on Wisconsin this past year. The team who stashes him is going to stash a real winner.
I'm about as afraid of Iupati falling to the Cowboys  
santacruzom : 1/26/2010 1:16 pm : link
as I'm afraid of Suh falling to the Eagles. Neither are going to happen. Iupati may not even "fall" to us... I think the 9'ers will snatch him up.
From Sy...  
BleedingBlue2 : 1/26/2010 1:41 pm : link
Quote:
When Blount gets a head of steam in space he is impossibe to take down with 1 tackler

Quote:
Chiefs GM Scott Pioli just a few feet away, saying some good words about Blount

Quote:
WR Mardy Gilyard showing some stone hands today. dropping some easy balls
and when Blount's  
santacruzom : 1/26/2010 1:49 pm : link
fist gathers a head of steam it's impossible to stop it with merely one face.
Anak  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 2:02 pm : link
Stop making idiotic comments like "Mays couldn't cover anyone in college". Patently absurd if you actually watched the guy play. He got burned for probably 2 long passes in his entire CAREER. The rest of the time he was so far back that "covering" anyone man-on-man wasn't even an option.

Holy crap, some of you think you actually know these players based on some nonsense you read.
Rich  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 2:10 pm : link
The sad part is that those misconceptions about Mays are going to circulate amongst those who haven't seen him play and aren't familiar with him or how he was utilized (i.e. comparisons to Roy Williams, saying he can't cover at all, etc). The anti-Mays BBI contingent is going to have a field day if he messes up at all in Senior Bowl practices or shows stiff hips in coverage drills at the Combine.

It's easy to make someone look like a world beater or an absolute bum in a YouTube clip.
Rich  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:14 pm : link
We're not going to play a zone scheme (which Mays belongs in, mind you). He's below average in Man coverage; he's a SS in the NFL. I believe we already have that in Kenny Phillips. Mays has very stiff hips
WA/P  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:14 pm : link
It's the combination of stiff hips (which he has), mediocre instincts (which he has), shoddy tackling ability (which he has), bad angles (which he takes), a tendency to pile on (which he does) and a tendency to aim for the big hit rather than complete the play (which he does).

I haven't been routinely impressed with Mays for two seasons now, and I've seen 15 or so USC games in that time.

I'm not sure what to make of him in the pros...he can be coached and put in a scheme that maximizes his talents...but his collegiate production points to a lot of risk.

Point is: if he wasn't an athletic freak, he would never come up in a draft discussion. And that troubles me.
Anyway, it seems like the Oregon guys are doing work in practice  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:16 pm : link
Wes Bunting gave Ed Dickson a glowing review, and I'm not surprised that Blount got a lot of love. Think of a bit slower, but more physical Adrian Peterson, with a nice little case of the crazy to boot.
Thank you, Dubsy!  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:17 pm : link
He has tools to work with but if you want to go by pure production, he's not a first round pick. Not even a second round pick
Dubs  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 2:24 pm : link
I can accept your aforementioned comments on Mays because they have merit. I myself have been quite vocal about Mays and his stiff hips and his issues playing the ball in the air.

But saying "he couldn't cover anyone in college" is just silly. Mays was defending the deep half of the field on virtually every play and almost never got challenged deep. When he did get beaten, it was by a whisker-- the perfect throw from Clausen to Tate for a TD, this year, for example. Mays was a heartbeat late on that play. He wasn't late on plays like that last year (gee, maybe the knee injury DID make a difference)-- ask the Cal WR's who kept getting separated from the ball as it arrived on about a half-dozen occasions.

I'm not saying Mays is a great cover guy, I actually agree with Amtoft that his position in the NFL is strong safety, where he can creep up to the LOS and throw that big body around. But the picture being painted here is laughable, as if Mays has been burned over and over again in his college career. False, if you actually bothered watching the kid play.
Excellent post, Rich  
JonC : 1/26/2010 2:25 pm : link
.
Rich  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:27 pm : link
So how is he not a project CONSIDERING he's very raw in coverage (based on what you said, it was the scheme that brouht unfair criticism to Mays).

I mean we have a SS already. His name is Kenny Phillps
Rich  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:28 pm : link
I'd agree with that. I really, really liked Sy's comparison to Adrian Wilson. Put him in that role and he could prosper. He'll need to beef up his tackling fundamentals (Wilson is an exceptional tackler...Mays is not) but it would minimize his weaknesses.

And I still think that the idea of moving him to OLB (WLB) has some merit.
BTW  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:31 pm : link
An article on Dickson. Not that we'd draft him, but he's been impressive. And Sean Canfield, in an effort to be exactly like Chad Pennington (the draft's best prospect-pro comparison, IMO), is making all of his throws under 15 yards and floundering when he has to throw any further.
Link - ( New Window )
If Mays doesn't learn how to tackle  
Returning Video Tapes : 1/26/2010 2:31 pm : link
he is just going to be another Laron Landry.
Amtoft  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 2:32 pm : link
I don't think Mays is right for the Giants. I'm just defending some of the nonsense being tossed out about him.

Part of me does worry that if we pass up on him he'll end up being a 9-time Pro Bowler for someone else. Especially if Kenny never returns 100% from his injury. But looking at Mays objectively, I don't think he's the right fit here. He'd be better off starting from day one as a strong safety for a team that uses him to blitz and wreak havoc.
Just curious but why do you keep calling me Amtoft?  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:33 pm : link
Haha
Hey Rich  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:34 pm : link
If you cast me in of your shows, I'll change my name to Amtoft ;)
Whoops  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 2:34 pm : link
Sorry, Anak. Amtoft is a good buddy here and I'm used to talking USC-Cal with him.
All good in the hood, Rich  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 2:37 pm : link
Any new information on Dan Williams regardong the practice?
From McShay and Scouts Inc. on Iupati  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:39 pm : link
Quote:
There is not a weakness in Iupati's game when he's lined up at guard.


Wellll...ok!
Dubs  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 2:43 pm : link
I'd prefer that comment coming from Mayock instead of McShay/Scouts... but yeah, Iupati is an impressive guy.

Yeah, they're second class, but it's still outstanding praise  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 2:45 pm : link
In other news...Mount Cody, holy crap. Haven't seen this angle before.
Link - ( New Window )
I know what Iupati's weakness is  
santacruzom : 1/26/2010 2:55 pm : link
it's that he'll be drafted before we pick. Dammit!
Dubsy  
Anakim : 1/26/2010 3:01 pm : link
I hate you for posting that picture. I wanna throw up!
Dubs..  
drkenneth : 1/26/2010 3:05 pm : link
That has to be so embarrassing. Parading your fat ass up there for everyone to gawk at.
Dubs (re: your Mays post)  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 3:25 pm : link
My biggest concerns with Mays are his ball skills (he goes for the kill shot instead of playing the ball), poor angles and lateral agility (will be interesting to see how he performs throughout the pre-draft process without the lingering knee injury that hampered him all season).

The key is that Mays is going to be playing an entirely different role in the pros than he did in his senior season at USC. He is not a prototypical ballhawking FS, that description fits prospects such as Eric Berry or Earl Thomas. As you just mentioned, if he is placed in a role where he can be utilized similar to how the Cardinals use Adrian Wilson it will cater to his strengths. Mays has the ability to be a difference maker as an in-the-box defender with coverage responsibilities that don't expose his weaknesses. But he has also shown that he can execute his assignment in deep coverage if asked to prevent the big play and his impeccable sideline-to-sideline range is invaluable in this capacity.

Allow him to play downhill and closer to the line of scrimmage as opposed to playing deep centerfield and he is going to make far more of an impact and be a much more productive contributor. The argument was over the comment about Mays being unable to cover anyone and how he is weak in man coverage when primarily his assignment revolved around ensuring that no opposing receiver get behind him over the top. Implying that he was exposed consistently in man-to-man coverage is absurd and off-base since he served as a deep cover safety in zone throughout his senior season (obviously, you didn't make this claim).
BBI Scouting Report of Taylor Mays  
Will in NJ : 1/26/2010 3:26 pm : link

Strengths
Manages to wear helmet and other equipment correctly
Always on time for team travel arrangements
Excellent athleticism
Forceful hitter who intimidates opponents
Sexy physique and winsome smile
Rarely lines up in the neutral zone

Weaknesses
Exploited in coverage
Poor tackler
Routinely tries to decapitate receivers (legal ramifications?)
Struggles playing the ball in the air
Half black
Half jewish

NFL Comparison
CC Brown
Bahahaha  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 3:29 pm : link
.
Update  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 3:30 pm : link
Quote:
MLB Darryl Sharpton dropped an interception during drills, but bounced back with two nice picks. Then, as if he needed to balance things out, Sharpton drops an easy one. (Sharpton is rated as being in the upper portion of a solid inside linebacker class.


Quote:
Ole Miss WR Dexter McCluster was handling punt returns and made good adjustments while the wind tried to make a few catches more difficult.


Quote:
Miami TE Jimmy Graham looks fluid while running routes, but he dropped a couple of passes during receiver drills, including a short pass thrown right to his belly.
WA/P  
chris r : 1/26/2010 3:33 pm : link
Is he a reliable enough tackler as an in the box safety?
McCluster is going to be one of those guys  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:34 pm : link
that steadily rises throughout this process. He could break the back end of the first.
chris  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:35 pm : link
Currently? No. But being in the box will prevent him from trying too often for the knock out blow (not as much space to move), so maybe it will force him to settle down and establish himself. That said, watching him try and stop some RBs near the line this year was not a pretty sight. But again, it's about minimizing weaknesses.
chris r  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 3:37 pm : link
IMO yes, his problem as a tackler is that he occasionally sacrifices technique to go for the kill shot. Keep in mind that he had 90+ tackles as a senior despite playing 20 yards off the LOS predominantly, he has shown quality tackling ability when he doesn't get reckless.
Tebow now sick...  
Nasif08 : 1/26/2010 3:41 pm : link
Quote:
Tim Tebow, who turned in a disappointing first Senior Bowl practice, is reportedly battling strep throat this week.
According to ESPN, Tebow still plans on playing in the Senior Bowl. The illness may buy him a mulligan on Monday's struggles, but he's still going to have to show that he can play under center.
May buy him a mulligan?  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:41 pm : link
Give me a break.
Twitter updates from Feldman and Staples, respectively  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:47 pm : link
Quote:
Ole Miss WRs Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster looking very good at Senior Bowl today. Dexter's quickness is ridiculous.


Quote:
Former #UGA DT Geno Atkins looking mighty quick in 1-on-1 pass pro drill at Senior Bowl practice.
Did they mean Tebow is suffering from  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 3:48 pm : link
a "strep arm"? Because a strep throat has nothing to do with how awful he's throwing the ball.
I'm trying to figure out how strep  
Davisian : 1/26/2010 3:50 pm : link
Affects the center exchange.
Taylor Mays was  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 3:51 pm : link
very erratic with tackles because he'd try to use that big body as a missile instead of wrapping the ballcarrier up. Even as a freshman he tackled that way. I never understood why Pete Carroll (a former DB himself) tolerated that. I'm sure Mays will the basics of "wrapping up" in the NFL; he's a bright kid.
Shanoff, Tebow's butt buddy, is in full defense mode  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:53 pm : link
Quote:
Commensurate with his status as the Senior Bowl's -- and college football's -- biggest rock star, there is a strong chance that he could have mediocre workouts yet still go in the Draft's Top 10, to the Jaguars.

Undoubtedly, this drives the draftniks crazy, because it is irrational -- and because it makes their opinion about the most intriguing prospect in NFL Draft history irrelevant.

Draftniks have two choices: Bash Tebow and look like fools when he goes in the 1st round, or abandon their analysis and reflect more accurate "reality" in their mock draft. Either way, the only mockery is the draftnik-industrial complex.


That logic is entirely absurd. The Jaguars would draft him for financial reasons as much as anything else. And regardless: a shitty workout is not automatically vindicated by a team taking a flyer on Tebow. The fact remains: he is a spread QB with a weird release who is having trouble under center. If a team wants to take a gamble, fine, but that doesn't mean that the "draftniks" are incorrect in their assessment.
Link - ( New Window )
Rich  
chris r : 1/26/2010 3:55 pm : link
you think its a safe bet to assume that someone who has made it to through 4 years of football at the top football university in the country without learning the fundamentals will learn them in the pros because he's bright? Where was the intelligence at USC?

BTW, I'm not being rhetorical.
Reports  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 3:55 pm : link
On a few BBI favorites from this morning's session...

Quote:
Sean Weatherspoons play was poor today. He is a quick, nifty athlete that was able to immediately alter his angle of attack to make plays. He also flows well laterally to the play and shows a good amount of speed. Problem is he could not tackle anyone and Weatherspoons tackles were almost always broken, which resulted in gains for ball carriers.


Quote:
Daryl Washington is a nice athlete and did an effective job in coverage. He got depth on drops and easily ran downfield with tight ends.


Quote:
Vladimir Ducasse did see limited action at guard. His footwork and agility has yet to be an issue. His problems continue manifest from problems in his technique up top. Ducasse can be terribly inconsistent with his punch and aiming point. He is aggressive and quick off the snap in the run game.


Quote:
Tuesday Practice Notes: Finally, Iupati saw a few repetitions at left tackle in pass rush drills The guard by trade was beat badly on those few occasions. His feet and hands were not in syncgetting too wide with his handplay and too narrow in his footwork. As a result defensive end prospect Alex Carrington was able to beat Iupati easily, with one particularly spectacular encounter ending with the offensive lineman lying on his backside. Inside, his technique also remains inconsistent. Hands continue to be wide, though powerful when grasping a defender. He will overset initially, but has the athleticism to recover. A redeeming quality is his work ethic and consistent effort throughout the practice.


All of these blurbs were from TFY's site.
not encouraging about Weatherspoon  
chris r : 1/26/2010 3:57 pm : link
I thought he might be projected on the inside in a 4-3.
Seems like they're treating Iupati like a guinea pig  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 3:59 pm : link
His value would go up if he's a consistent tackle but I like the idea of a mauler at guard.

Washington is one of my favorites. I see he's becoming a BBI fav, too. Kiss of death.

Weird on Weatherspoon...McShay was giving him some love.

Some more (contradictory?) updates via twitter:

Quote:
NFL teams looking for a center should check out USC's Jeff Byers or NC State's Ted Larsen. Both looking good today.


Quote:
OK, so Terrence Cody won't win any bodybuilding contests but he just bullrushed NC State's center back five yards in a heartbeat.
Good, I hope Weatherspoon drops  
RoadWarriorz : 1/26/2010 4:20 pm : link
to our 2nd, I want him in Blue badddd
chris r  
Rich in L.A. : 1/26/2010 4:26 pm : link
USC produces good tacklers in general-- see for reference Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Kaluka Maiava, Rey Maulaluga, Cary Harris, and Kevin Ellison (all starters as rookies). I think the USC coaches gave Mays a pass because his tackling style DID result (in general) in taking people down. But in the NFL, he won't be able to get away with that. He won't be dwarfing RB's and WR's like he did in college, so he'll have to wrap people up and drag them down.
McCluster  
GiantsLaw : 1/26/2010 4:32 pm : link
165 lbs is not going to cut it. Are there any 165 lb players in the NFL? That's tiny.
Dubs  
armstead98 : 1/26/2010 4:33 pm : link
From what little I've seen of Washington, he strikes me as a good athlete and great football player. Do you know where he is projected to play in the NFL? MLB? Also, early projections on what round he where he will drafted? I'd guess 2nd or 3rd but I really have no idea.
armstead  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 4:37 pm : link
Washington is most likely going to be a weakside backer in a 4-3. Should be a 2nd rounder.
Oh no!  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 4:44 pm : link
The LB prospects are doomed!

Quote:
Former Giants D-Coordinator Bill Sheridan coaching up the linebackers
Other updates  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 4:46 pm : link
Quote:
Dexter McCluster burns Javier Arenas and makes a diving catch on 50 yard bomb by Tebow


Quote:
Taylor Mays missed a jam at the LOS on Riley Cooper in 1-on-1's.


Quote:
Dan Williams getting grilled for handle the double team poorly


Quote:
Annnnnd there is Tebows first fumbled snap in team drill[quote]

[quote]Cardinals scouts saying some good things about S Taylor Mays
armstead  
Will Allen/Peterson : 1/26/2010 4:48 pm : link
But I wouldn't completely rule out Washington staying inside in a 4-3 if he can add a bit more bulk to his frame.
Wes Bunting with some thoughts  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 5:24 pm : link
Kyle Wilson, good. Brandon Ghee, bad.

Alex Carrington getting love.
Link - ( New Window )
Some good updates here  
Dubs : 1/26/2010 5:30 pm : link
Just read on down
Link - ( New Window )
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