Trying to expand my horizons on some of the non-prototypical Giant pass-rushers at 9.
Cosell is probably one of the most respected draft analysts out there who watches a TON of film. Also interestingly enough, said he was not impressed with Williams.
Honestly Gregory checks all the boxes for what the Giants look for in their ideal edge rusher except weight. Great length, excellent strength for his weight, long arms, very mature technique in both pass and run for college player etc. Also a pretty damn good combine.
From Walter Football:
Gregory looks like a dynamic pass-rusher for the NFL. Many college speed rushers don't have a repertoire of moves as they rely on their speed 100 percent of the time. Gregory, however, would use a spin move, swim move and bull rush effectively. Gregory is instinctive about when to deploy those moves, too. On tape, he seems to diagnosis his blockers in an instant to know what type of rush will work best. For example, Gregory wouldn't mess around by using the bull rush on heavy offensive tackles. He would catch smaller blockers by surprise with his bull rush and use his speed moves on the slower tackles.
At the Combine, Gregory came in lighter than expected. There were some reports that he had been sick beforehand. However, with the versatility and size advantage of Dante Fowler Jr., Gregory is no longer the top edge rushing prospect. Gregory could slide in the first round. Sources said that Gregory's team interviews didn't go very well either.
Gregory could use more weight and strength to hold up in run defense. If he is drafted into a 4-3 defense, he could be used like the Broncos' Von Miller as a linebacker in running situations and a pass-rusher. Gregory looks like a great fit in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker.
Another potential option for the Giants at 9?
Cosell on Gregory,Williams and Fowler - (
New Window )
so, even with his injury, it is an ironic comparison.
hmm, interesting. i hear you can get franchise money my specializing in the bull rush predominately.
Clowney clearly could play when he wanted to - I do not see this at all
This.
Also, just because he is a lightweight doesn't mean he can't be successful. I'm not saying he wouldn't need to gain some weight, but he could put on about 15 lbs and be fine...it just depends on how he is built.
Randy is a mature pass rushing Defensive End whose effort on every play is excellent. He is a trusted teammate and willingly, as well as successfully, plays within the context of his team’s defensive game plan. His techniques to play the run are solid; his mature pass rushing skills and pure athletic talent will allow him to play at the next level in multiple styles of defenses and positions. He has the athletic ability to play OLB in a 3-4 defense or defensive end in a 4-3 defense. Randy changed the line of scrimmage to his advantage on every play. He is double and triple-teamed when an opponent wants to run to his side. He is smart and shows leadership through his play on the field.
In tight games, he always makes a play in the fourth quarter when his team needs him to step up. He has those long spider-like arms and legs that allow him to make up ground quickly and disrupt plays in the backfield when other linemen are still just trying to shed and make a play. That’s why I call him Randy (Spiderman) Gregory. As the song says, “Spiderman, Spiderman does whatever a spider can…”; Randy spins a web, any size and catches QB’s just like flies.
Apparently there were some reports. But it may be an over-generalization here. We don't know specifically why he didn't interview well (at least I didn't see it).
Apparently Amukamara didn't interview well and it was a case of teams being a little judgmental about his 'quirky' personality. It didn't affect his play on the football field at all.
Gregory gets pushed around by college guys. Overmatched physically. Clowney never had that problem even in year 1 of college. At DE, Gregory won't be able to hold up vs NFL. He's got a long way to go.
Pat Kirwin - CBS Sports - ( New Window )
You face a major winnowing down of Offensive Tackles: only the best and biggest and quickest and those with the best technique among all the many colleges and divisions get into the NFL.
Then they get schooled in the gladiatorial techniques in the Pro's for years.
Then - is Clowney the new Vernon Gholston?, i.e. a DE who went 6th overall and never had a single sack? We just don't know yet, he could be.
So, its a far out freaky comparison and area of speculation to me, if a 235 lb guy can play DE for this type of team in the NFC East, in the NFL. . Freaky speculations.
Easy to downplay Clwoney after what happened last year...and knowing he may not be a grinder. Eh.
He interviewed great in public interviews at the combine. We all know teams look to spread misinformation to get them to drop. Heck, last year we heard that Beckham might have an attitude problem.
Easy to downplay Clwoney after what happened last year...and knowing he may not be a grinder. Eh.
Clowney has size over Gregory but I cna't think of anything else. Gregory is better laterally and more fluid and coordinated.
He interviewed great in public interviews at the combine. We all know teams look to spread misinformation to get them to drop. Heck, last year we heard that Beckham might have an attitude problem.
Last year? There are people now claiming Beckham has attitude problems.
That sounds like a nice third round pick.
His frame can add a few pounds and was up a few more LBs for his pro-day. Still light, but Kirwan seems to think he can get up to 270 and he's played at 255.
Interesting discussion at least.
Might be a string bean...but he is much stronger for his size then even JPP...Gregory got off 24 reps at 225 versus JPP at 270 when he came out only got off 19 reps...
There are 3 really good pass rushers in my opinion that will be available early:
1) Beasley
2) Gregory
3) Ray
Based on their highlight tapes that I personally witnessed...all three were EXTREMLY impressive making plays, high motor, and just popping off the screen when you view their tape...I think all 3 are similar with the exception of one area...Beasley has proven in drills that he will project well at OLB...based on the fact that he can play in space...not sure about Gregory and Ray...and at there current weight they may not be ready to be a full time DE...
Although I like all three prospects...in my opinion Beasley looks like the one most ready to play immediately...with Gregory the player with the most upside and potential...
I like all the top pass rushers in this draft. If the Giants feel they are worth it then I have no problem with them taking Fowler, Ray, Gregory, Beasley or Dupree. Also wouldn't mind White or Cooper.
As far as DEs go, I think most of us are too concerned with guys not being able to play the run. The number of guys who come out of college as elite pass rushers who also play the run really well is extremely low. It's almost like reading the scouting reports on linebackers who "struggle to get off of blocks". Pretty much every athletic college LB has that label. If the guy has the strength and the want-to, he can be a good run defender. I want somebody at #9 who can get to the god damned quarterback.
so, even with his injury, it is an ironic comparison.
to his credit when he played which was only a few games he did look very good.
As far as DEs go, I think most of us are too concerned with guys not being able to play the run. The number of guys who come out of college as elite pass rushers who also play the run really well is extremely low. It's almost like reading the scouting reports on linebackers who "struggle to get off of blocks". Pretty much every athletic college LB has that label. If the guy has the strength and the want-to, he can be a good run defender. I want somebody at #9 who can get to the god damned quarterback.
Love Beasley but I kind of like what I'm hearing about Gregory too.
He is insanely talented and can add weight to his frame.
He is very explosive and has a number of pass rush moves. He seems to have an innate instinct on how to pass rush. While Dupree who has freakish measurables and better size seems much more tenative and more unnatural off the edge.
He's a better athlete than Clowney. He's more flexible. He's more explosive in his movement," Cosell told The Midday 180 radio show in Nashville, Tenn. "Clearly, not as strong. Clowney could get inside and push back, but Clowney did not have the loose hips that this guy does. Gregory's a much more explosive mover, a much looser athlete."
Quite a bold statement, given that Clowney is considered one of the most freakish athletes the draft has ever seen.
"Gregory's kind of shifty and elusive in his movement. He's a quick-twitch, explosive guy laterally," Cosell said. "Clowney was more straight-line power."
Cosell on the Edge Rushers - ( New Window )
Bingo!
We've missed on these 'hybrid' players before. However was it due to the talent of the player, the talent of the coach, or the fact that it simply won't work?
I tend to believe it's a combination of the first two. With the right type of player and coach who will use him the right way, I think it has a chance to be successful. Do Beasley and Gregory possess the requisite diverse skill-sets to succeed in this defense under Spagnuolo in perhaps a less traditional 4-3 edge-rusher role?
and the rangy wide outs.
- 6'4" and 272lbs.
Today the offensive linesman is
310 ot 320lbs.
So, your asking this kid, Gregory...and other like him, to give up 90lbs, maybe even 100lbs at times, whereas LT only gave up 20, 30 or at the very most 45lbs.
now, can we use a kid like that as a linebacker? maybe, better minds needed, but in what round???? and how do you build a team? and this team??
Cosell is usually one of the best and right or wrong both he ,Boylehart, and others who know the NFL game better than you or I seem to beleive he can play in a 4-3
To whit:
Gregory has played at 255 previously and said his frame can probably get up to 270 depending on system needs.
Cosell:
He's a better athlete than Clowney. He's more flexible. He's more explosive in his movement," Cosell told The Midday 180 radio show in Nashville, Tenn. "Clearly, not as strong. Clowney could get inside and push back, but Clowney did not have the loose hips that this guy does. Gregory's a much more explosive mover, a much looser athlete."
Quite a bold statement, given that Clowney is considered one of the most freakish athletes the draft has ever seen.
"Gregory's kind of shifty and elusive in his movement. He's a quick-twitch, explosive guy laterally," Cosell said. "Clowney was more straight-line power."
On measurables maybe. But many a measurables 'freak' have fizzled in the NFL. Clowney had 3 sacks his last year. 3.
Quote:
we've seen in over a decade. This 235lb DE isn't even considered the best player in this draft.
On measurables maybe. But many a measurables 'freak' have fizzled in the NFL. Clowney had 3 sacks his last year. 3.
He played in only 4 games. That's 3 sacks in 4 games. Now this 235lb string bean in a better prospect? He's not even the best DL prospect in the draft let a lone the last decade like Clowney.
Clowney games played - ( New Window )
Draft him and have him eat stadium food for a few weeks.
lol - the link you provided was for college and his 11 games at South Carolina.
He plays for Texas now.
I don't know how he considers Gregory the better prospect although he is probably right. Last year, almost every draftnick in the country had Clowney rated off the charts.