We are all happy that Dave has decided to regale us with his extensive draft reviews and analysis, and in order to make his life a little easier, please ask all of your draft questions for him on this thread.
Hi Dave, and thanks for all the great insight you have given!
joeinct : 8:40 am : link : reply
I see you have mentioned "3 Year approach" a few times now and also your concentration on Offensive Line. We are past year 3 of Richburg and Pugh and coming on year 3 for Flowers. It would be interesting to hear how you scouted them originally and now that you have benefit of hindsight, how you think where they are now lined up with your original assessment? And if you had lineman rated higher than them who were still available when we picked that have matched your original expectations?
ANSWER
Oh buddy, I can’t fully answer this until after the draft, as I will have to back to notes at the complex & I am on the road right now looking at 2018 draft eligibles. I do know my thoughts back then on Richburg, because I scouted him for three years. Some teams were convinced he was a reserve guard, but he had that Tim Grunhard-get-the-F-outta-my-way attitude that I liked.
It’s not my scouting report, but in the league archives is the story that I published in The NFL Draft Report that year. Pugh was rated in the top ten at his position by my staff, but I don't have his report. Understand, I'm on the road, so please keep questions to this draft, not previous ones, thanks.
WESTON BLAINE RICHBURG
Offensive Center
Colorado State University Rams
#70
6:03.3-298
Bushland, Texas
Bushland High School
OVERVIEW
Richburg entered his senior season regarded as one of the best centers in the collegiate ranks and did nothing to disprove that assessment after yet another banner campaign. Often compared to former Pittsburgh Steelers pivot man, Jeff Hartings, the Rams center has been very durable, starting every game he played in during his college career.
Richburg has the classic frame to play center – squat, wide-bodied with a low center of gravity, along with the thick legs and strong anchor to hold ground firmly taking on the challenge of stalling the bull rush. He has impressive upper body strength, but unlike most centers, he has the balance and lateral agility normally seen in guards, making him a valuable second level blocker, as he fires off the snap and gets in front instantly leading on traps and pulls.
When the coaches arrive at the football complex, they are usually not the first person in attendance – it is Richburg. Whether it is working out in the weight room, sitting down to watch game films of upcoming opponents or simply mentoring the younger players, Richburg has been a steady presence in the locker room.
"There's always work to be done, always room to be better," Richburg said after going through a workout. "I look at it that if you get complacent, that's not good. I'm just trying to put good games together and hope that at the end of the season, I can look back and be proud of what I did."
The proliferation of new statistics hasn't reached the trenches, so it's still difficult to quantify an offensive lineman's individual proficiency beyond team statistics and the sometimes misleading and even suspect "sacks allowed" judgment. Evaluation often has to be taken on faith — including trusting the grading coaches — and subjected to the eye test.
"Weston Richburg, since I've come here, has taken probably as big of a step as anybody," Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain said. "He's made himself not only a huge leader for us and this football team, but has made himself relevant when it comes to the next level. He's handled all the guys that we've gone against."
Throughout his senior season, Richburg received blocking consistency grades of 90% or better in four contests, delivering 92 knockdowns/key blocks to pace Mountain West Conference blockers with an overall 85.08% grade. Seven of his seventeen touchdown-resulting blocks came down field, lending some NFL teams to seriously consider him as a guard prospect, in addition to eyeing him at center.
Richburg has shown “pedigree” and versatility throughout his career, having played guard and tackle as well during his CSU career. McElwain toyed with sliding Richburg out of the center's spot during the 2013 season if it made the offensive line better as a unit, but was convinced he was too valuable serving as the unit’s anchor at center.
"When they talk about my versatility, I think they're talking about that I can play wherever they need me to play," Richburg said. "I think if somebody gets hurt, we have guys who are capable, but I'm able and willing to go play any position. ... I've talked to some guys (about the NFL) and they've said that a guy was only a center, and he went into camp and was going against a guy who could play center and guard, and the center-only guy might be a better center than the other guy. But they're going to keep the guy who plays guard and center, so it's really valuable to be trying to do as much as I can."
Richburg was born in Louisville, Kentucky, later moving to Bushland, Texas, where he was a standout lineman at Bushland High School. He began his gridiron career taking snaps from under center, as a quarterback, also playing linebacker during his freshman season. A growth spurt prior to his sophomore campaign saw him convert to the line, playing on both sides of the ball.
As a senior, the team captain helped lead the Falcons to a flawless 10-0 regular season record en route to capturing the district title. He recorded two sacks as a senior defensive lineman and earned first-team All-District honors as an offensive lineman. His gridiron career at BHS ended after the team lost in the first round of the Class 2A Division I play-offs to eventual state champ Muleshoe High in 2008.
Richburg also lettered in basketball and track at Bushland High. He still holds the
school record in the shot put with a throw of 60 feet, 1 inch, the fourth-best throw by a Texas prep athlete in any classification and worthy of the Texas Class 2A gold medal. He was also was a hurdler on his track team earlier in high school.
Richburg only received a two-star prospect grade from Rivals.com, but the National Honor Society member graduated with a 3.4 grade point average and decided to leave home and enroll at Colorado State University, despite a scholarship offer from local Texas Christian.
He red-shirted as a freshman in 2009, but even before he suited up for the football team’s varsity in 2010, he competed on the Rams’ track team, recording a season-best 51’-6 ½” toss at the Don Barrett Duals to finish third in that event.
Richburg earned Freshman All-American honors in 2010, starting every game. He began the year as the strong-side offensive guard, but took over center duties for the final nine contests. He allowed just one sack and no quarterback pressures while posting 54 knock-downs as the Rams ranked 24th in the nation with 4,022 yards in total offense.
Richburg was one of just four sophomores named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List in 2011. He earned All-Mountain West Conference second-team honors while starting every game at center. Injuries during several contests would see him slide to offensive tackle, though. In the San Diego State clash, he got his snapping hand caught on a defender’s jersey, suffering a fracture.
He went to the locker room and returned after being fitted for a cast. The coaches thought he would miss a month of action, but the next week, vs. Texas Christian, Richburg was back in the lineup, mostly playing at strong-side tackle. In his final two contests, he snapped vs. Air Force and Wyoming using his left hand, but sustained the first bad snap of his career vs. the Cowboys, ending a string of 1,179 successful snaps.
Richburg extended his consecutive starts string to thirty-six games in 2012, as the Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award candidate served as team captain. He helped the Rams collected 4,068 yards in total offense, as he did not allow any of the thirty sacks given up by the front wall. He led the front wall with 64 knockdowns and delivered touchdown-resulting blocks on nine of the twelve scores recorded by the ground game.
Named All-American first-team and All-Mountain West Conference first-team as a senior, Richburg cleared out rush lanes for seventeen of the team’s 28 touchdown runs. He led a spirited blocking effort up front, as the twenty-two sacks yielded by the offensive line was the lowest figure at CSU since the 2003 squad was charged with eighteen sacks. The Rams offense boasted the only unit in the Football Bowl Subdivision that featured a 1,500-yard rusher (Kapri Bibbs) and a 3,200-yard passer (Garrett Grayson) during the 2013 campaign.
Invited to play in the 2014 Senior Bowl, Richburg was clearly the standout of the four centers in attendance. He impressed NFL decision makers with his ability to anchor and handle powerful bull-rushers, as well as display impressive agility in getting to the second level. The Rams prospect is certain to become the first Colorado State offensive lineman to be selected in the NFL Draft since Shelley Smith in 2010. Since the 1943 draft, only eleven CSU offensive linemen have been selected in the draft, with Bill Leer, an 11th round pick by Atlanta in 1979, the only Rams center to hear his name called.
CAREER NOTES
Richburg started every game (fifty) during his career, a school record, lining up at center forty-five times, at strong-side guard during the first three games of his career and in two contests at strong-side tackle in 2011…Recorded 273 knockdown blocks…Has had just one bad snap on 3,382 offensive plays…Registered thirty-nine touchdown-resulting blocks through four seasons.
SEASON ANALYSIS
2013 SEASON
Richburg garnered All-American second-team honors from The NFL Draft Report…The All-Mountain West Conference first-team selection was also a candidate for the Rimington Trophy (third time), Outland Trophy (second time) and Lombardi Award (second time)...
Started all fourteen games at center, recording a blocking consistency grade of 85.08%, as he delivered 92 key blocks/knockdowns (45) that included seventeen touchdown-resulting blocks and seven blocks down field…Helped propel Colorado State to the most productive offensive performance in school history...The Rams averaged 470.8 yards per game in total offense, as Richburg led a blocking effort that yielded just 22 sacks, the lowest figure since the Rams’ 2003 unit allowed eighteen sacks…Blocked for the nation's eighth-leading runner Kapri Bibbs, who rushed for 1,741 yards and NCAA-best 31 touchdowns, as those 31 scoring runs also represent a CSU and Mountain West season- record...The Rams' rushing attack averaged 204.36 rushing yards per game, their highest average since 2002 (205.7)...Behind Richburg and his linemates, Garrett Grayson threw for the most yards in a single season in program history (3,696)...Grayson is only the fourth Ram quarterback to thrown for 3,000-plus yards in a season...Leader of the only offense in NCAA FBS to produce a 3,200-yard passer and 1,500-yard rusher this season...The Rams' offense compiled the most yards (6,591), the second-most points in a season (507) and second-most touchdowns (61) in CSU history.
2012 SEASON
For the second consecutive year, Richburg was named a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, an award given annually to the nation's most outstanding center, and was also named to the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) and Rotary Lombardi Award (top lineman or linebacker) preseason watch lists...Started at center in all twelve games for the Rams...Named the nation's 17th-best interior lineman by Yahoo Sports...Ended the year with a team-leading 36 consecutive starts...Was an All-Mountain West Conference honor-able mention…The Rams coaches and teammates named Richburg one of four squad captains…Consistently graded out above 90%, leading the offensive line...Led the offensive line unit in knockdown blocks (55) and was penalty-free all season, helping the Rams generate 4,068 yards in total offense (339.0 ypg).
2011 SEASON
A Rimington Trophy candidate, Richburg was one of four sophomores to receive that honor…Was the anchor of the Rams' offensive line and started all twelve games - ten at center and two at strong-side offensive tackle, earning second-team All-Mountain West Conference accolades…Ended the year with a share of the team's longest streak of consecutive starts, 24 (became the team's longest active stretch after the graduation of offensive guard Jake Gdowski)...Selected first-team midseason all-conference by CollegeFootballNews.com on Oct. 21...Showed his versatility during fall camp, with occasional reps at tackle on an injury-depleted line...In CSU’s loss vs. Colorado, he made a lead block on a 34-yard Crockett Gillmore screen that set up the game's first touchdown, then on a second-half touchdown drive, he threw a nice block to spring Raymond Carter for 16 yards...With twelve minutes remaining in fourth quarter of a windy, 18-15 loss vs. San Diego State, Richburg got his snapping hand caught on a defender's jersey and broke a bone. He went to the locker room to cast the injury and could've returned, but sat out the remaining minutes...Spent the week before CSU's trip to Texas Christian snapping with his left hand while practicing at tackle, and made his first career start at strong-side tackle in the Frogs contest, playing the entire game there, keeping alive a streak of consecutive starts...Returned to start at center in the season finale vs. Wyoming, snapping with his left hand, but sustained the first bad snap of his career, breaking a string of 1,179 successful snaps.
2010 SEASON
Richburg earned first-team Freshman All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report, Phil Steele and CollegeFootballNews.com…Also named honorable-mention All-Mountain West Conference…Started all twelve games for the Rams, the first three at guard and the final nine at center...The former high-school quarterback, had not played center before his freshman season at CSU, but did not have a bad snap all season and allowed only one sack all year, and no other pressures...Posted a team-high 54 knockdown blocks and also led the team with 22 outstanding efforts and 12 "Meyer mauls," the coveted game-film award distributed by former offensive coordinator/line coach Pat Meyer...Graded out at 85 percent or better in every contest, and was the line's most valuable player on eight occasions.
2009 SEASON
Richburg red-shirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility...He participated on the CSU track & field team in the spring, finishing third at the Don Barrett Duals with a 16-pound shot put toss of 51’-6 ½”…Also recorded a 50’-0 25/64” toss for the Rams at the Mountain West Conference Championships.
INJURY REPORT
2011 Season…Suffered a broken bone in his snapping (right) hand vs. San Diego State, but did not miss any games, opting to snap with his left hand in the season finale vs. Wyoming.
HIGH SCHOOL
Richburg attended Bushland (Tex.) High School, playing football for head coach David Flowers…Began his career as a quarterback, also playing linebacker during his freshman season, but a growth spurt prior to his sophomore campaign saw him convert to the line, playing on both sides of the ball…As a senior, the team captain helped lead the Falcons to a flawless 10-0 regular season record en route to capturing the district title…Recorded two sacks as a senior defensive lineman and earned first-team All-District honors as an offensive lineman…His gridiron career at BHS ended after the team lost in the first round of the Class 2A Division I play-offs to eventual state champ Muleshoe High in 2008…Also
lettered in basketball and track…Still holds the school record in the shot put with a throw of 60 feet, 1 inch, the fourth-best throw by a Texas prep athlete in any classification and worthy of the Texas Class 2A gold medal…Also was a hurdler on his track team earlier in high school…Only received a two-star prospect grade from Rivals.com, but the National Honor Society member graduated with a 3.4 grade point average.
PERSONAL
Richburg graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science, and is presently pursuing a second degree while playing his final season in 2013...Two relatives played football at Texas Tech, Nathan and Aubrey Richburg...A member of the National Honor Society... Helped members of the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County with homework and reading, and also participated in the club's sports programs in March before the 2010 season...Has made several appearances visiting with developmentally disabled kids at Respite Care of Fort Collins, in February 2010, February 2011 and July 2011...For a month during the summer of 2010, interacted with low-income Linton Elementary students at a local clubhouse, in conjunction with the Larimer County Food Bank, Fort Collins Recreation and Vineyard church...Son of Ruth and Danny Richburg…Born Weston Blaine Richburg on 7/09/91 in Louisville, Kentucky…Resides in Bushland, Texas.
Outside of Myles Garrett
est1986 : 9:10 am : link : reply
Leonard Fournette, Solomon Thomas, Malik Hooker or your number one guy Adams (the consensus top guys)... What one or two guys in this entire draft can have the biggest impact or become the best of all the other players in the class, specifically playing for the Giants, even if you dont see them being availible at 23?
ANSWER
I’d prefer to get back to this question after the guys are selected, if that’s cool. Here’s why, if you read my format, I operated on a 3-year analysis when a talent hits the pro ranks (scroll back somewhere above).
Now, Fournette looks great as a draftee, but what happens if let’s say, he ends up in Green Bay & Rodgers continues to play 90% pass. Fournette is not a great value to them as he would be if with Jacksonville, where T. Coughlin (anyone that thinks Marrone is running the joint, ha) loves the big back, get Leonard on the SI front cover.
Now, after the draft, I can give you a feel for who wears the glass slipper or not.
Off the top of my head, if cards fall right, Mahomes is the guy that I would pay to go see. I just like that kid – cocky, yet so willing to absorb. Another QB that caught my attention as a guy in the right system (why do I feel Jay Gruden will draft him) is Brad Kaaya sometime going on Day 2. The best athlete in this class? Oh, if I can get him a patient teacher, I’d love to get Bucky Hodges in the mid rounds.
Great thread here Dave.
KWALL2 : 2:56 pm : link : reply
Thanks for all of the time you put into providing this for us.
How about a report on WR Taywan Taylor? He looks like he has a healthy Victor Cruz type game. What are your thoughts on his NFL potential? Where do you see him going in this draft?
ANSWER
Not a draft guy, I'm a scout. I'd take him in 2, most say 3, but not my biz. Here's excerpts from what I do;
Athletic Ability 1.1 Taylor has the timed speed to threaten the deep areas of the secondary, but with his strength and ability to shield the ball from defenders, he has been very effective as a possession receiver. He uses his hands well to defeat the jam at the line of scrimmage and has the loose hips and crisp cutting ability to make the initial tackler miss and gain separation after the catch. He is very good at settling underneath, showing the balance and body control to make the shoestring grabs or extend to catch outside his frame. He is very flexible in his route progression, showing the stop-&-go action to instantly redirect. He has the valid burst to get on top of the defense and shows nice body control adjusting to the deep ball in flight. He has the hip flexibility to drop his weight and the balance to change his stride without having to throttle down.
Release 1.1 Taylor might get a little bit erect in his stance coming off the snap, but he has that ability to get into his routes instantly, using his hands with force to push off the press. He is too strong to jam at the line of scrimmage and uses his hip swerve efficiently to avoid defenders to get into his route progression. He can elude second level defenders with his cutting ability and shows a fluid glide in his running style.
Acceleration 1.2 Taylor is used a lot on shallow and wheel routes, as he has the strength to power his way to the ball in the crowd. He has the long reach to get under the fades and bubble screens and when utilized in crossing patterns, he can turn up field in an instant after the catch. He has made steady improvement extending for the ball with defenders all over him, and is effective at dropping his hips and separating out of his cuts. He has outstanding hand/eye coordination, seeing the ball as it arrives while generating the moves needed to uncover. On deep routes, he needs to utilize his second gear more and he will drift at times when going long distances. He has good turning motion to catch the ball over his outside shoulder, but does not turn as quick when having to look the ball in over his inside shoulder. He has that functional burst to separate at the line of scrimmage, but must utilize it more in attempts to separate on deep routes.
Quickness 1.2 Taylor’s short area quickness allows him to get to quite a few balls in the short-to-intermediate areas. He has the loose hips and acceleration to ride up on a defender, but could be more sudden trying to separate on deep throws. When he keeps his pads down instead of getting erect in his stance, he is much more effective at gaining and eating up the defensive back’s cushion.
Separation Ability 1.3 Because he is used so often on short-to-intermediate routes than in the deep area game, it is difficult to get a true feel for his separation ability. He does a good job of running at a proper pad level and coming out of his breaks cleanly when working underneath. With his timed speed, he should be capable of getting open in the deep zone more often. He uses his size well to shade the defender and demonstrates the balance and body control to catch the ball and turn up field without having to break stride.
Ball Concentration 1.1 Few receivers have that keen sense of where to be on the field that Taylor displays. He is always alert to coverages and where his defender is. He does a fine job of keeping his feet when catching along the sidelines and plays with uncanny instincts to find the zone’s soft areas. The thing you see on film is his ability to adjust to the thrown ball underneath. He has the speed to get open when working in a crowd and blocks out all activity around him to concentrate on the ball in flight, knowing how to use his long reach and hands to extend and catch the pass at its highest point.
Hands 1.3 Taylor has good hand strength to gain position as a blocker and uses his upper body power well to defeat the jam and get into his routes. He will cradle a few balls, but when he extends for the pass, he will generally get to most throws. He is a natural hands catcher with the ball skills to make plays on it outside of his frame. He just needs to improve his ability to look the ball in over his shoulder on deep routes.
Off the top of my head, if cards fall right, Mahomes is the guy that I would pay to go see. I just like that kid – cocky, yet so willing to absorb. Another QB that caught my attention as a guy in the right system (why do I feel Jay Gruden will draft him) is Brad Kaaya sometime going on Day 2.
I don't mean to miller, but I was intrigued by Mahomes (and even ready to get onboard with him as the 23rd pick) until I read this quote on PFT...
Quote:
“I feel like a lot of coaches like me, but especially coach O’Brien. I think my personality and how real I am, those are things beyond what I can do on the field that he likes,” Mahomes said, via NFL.com. “It seemed like the way I was answering questions, I think he knew that I knew what was going on. You can tell when coaches have a confidence in you.”
Call me old-fashioned but it's a major turn-off when someone brags about how "real" they are. As for Brad Kaaya, he's my favorite QB in the draft. If the Giants could get him with the 87th pick that would be great.
Hey guys, this is fun, but I need everybody to follow a few simple rules. I am on the road and will be for ten more days. I am scouting 2018 talent. I am not on the road with 50 years of history in my back pocket.
Please keep the questions to player ability, performance, etc. I can not answer where he's going in the draft. I can tell you what schemes the guy fits, but the last I checked, 32 other guys make the draft decision.
Do not ask me what my scouting report was on Joe Blow from 5 years ago, Giant or no Giant. Again, I am on the road, traveling with whatever I need to accomplish the assignment at hand.
And oh-dear God, try to keep the question to one or two guys. I got a few that looked like the guys were sending me a freaking lineup card. That's dribble down your shirt time bros, and I like to keep my shirts clean.
I am not into fantasy FB & won't delve into those questions, nor will I answer mock drafts. You have "what is it to be a scout" questions, hold them off until after the draft. It is very detailed, complicated & what works for me, might not work for the next guy.
I appreciate respecting my wishes. As you can see from this thread, I need bus fare just to get to the bottom of it. Sorry if I offend some here, but I came on board late & just trying to limit to what I know best - evaluation of the football player.
peace
Amazing thread, love all these insights!
AdamBrag : 5:09 pm : link : reply
Two guys I don't think are getting enough love, Joshua Dobbs and Jonnu Smith. Any thoughts on them?
ANSWER
Adam, I like you, I really like you. Both of those players are held in high esteem by me. If the football gods shine bright, the SMARTEST QB in this draft will either be a Viking or a Brown - Mr. Dobbs. I'm not convinced Bridgewater can make it back & feel Dobbs has that Russell Wilson-plus ability. He's uncanny rolling out of the pocket & the way they used Bridgewater can be amped up with Dobbs, especially with that ball flows off his fingers on posts & screens.
Smith is coming along at just the right time, as the TE position has evolved into those Reed/Ebron/Vern Davis needs for teams. I know the Saints have done tons of homework on him.
Dave
Anakim : 7:48 pm : link : reply
What do you think of BYU RB Jamaal Williams? I think he'll be an absolute steal on Day 3.
ANSWER
Nice player, but the Day three steal at this position is going to be another Williams - Joe out of Utah!
Max Browne wasn't eligible to play at Pitt last year. He was USC's starting qb at the beginning of last season. Browne isn't very athletic and can't elude a strong rush.
You gotta see him in camp this year. Narduzzi must have had that kid with a dance coach. Reminds me of Cousins the way he gets through his progressions & he seems to be very confident throwing on the move from either side. I think the year to absorb worked well for him. Narduzzi's OC, Matt Canada, is the type of QB coach that is known for developing average guys. Look at the difference in Peterman, even from the start of the season until the end.
Look around the NFL & a lot of QBs get by on their savvy & intelligence over sheer athleticism. Browne's going to be a guy in the Dalton/Cousins class, but I bet you he has a hell of a year this season.
Still, hands down, no arguement, the USC kid & the Wyoming Cowboy are going to make next year (if Darnold declares) another 1-2 QB draft.
Thanks for the all the info. Appreciated.
est1986 : 11:27 pm : link : reply
Which LBs, if added to the Giants defense, is really going to get after the passer? We havent had a good pass rusher from the LB spot in a while.
ANSWER
If the football gods shine, TJ Watt & Bowser are the perfect fits, but Minnesota is getting a big luv fest going on Watt & the Lions have been all over Bowser. I'm getting vibes as teams start finalizing their boards that these two will be gone by #23 though.
If options on Day 2 are all the Giants can hope for, I feel Rivers-Youngstown State can play second level 3-4, but not Basham in that role.
He's not a true sleeper, but whether he's a Giant next year or not, I feel Ryan Anderson will outperform both Foster & Williams during their NFL careers.
Also, on Day Three, Carroll Phillips-Illinois got Big Blue's attention, but I hope they open up there eyes on a stud out their in Round 4/5 that can play all 3 roles in the LB unit-Oklahoma's Jordan Evans. I see a lot of Stan Lee (minus the injury factor) in him ^ Phillips is like a Michael Coley type
Max was the Gatorade Offensive player of the Year a few years back. I'll very surprised to see him nimble but I wish him well. Was a good soldier at USC but it was obvious to everyone at USC's spring practice last season that Darnold was by far the batter talent. Helton thought he owed Browne the opportunity to play since it was "his turn" after backing up Kessler for years. BTW, I would not be surprised if Darnold does not come out after next season.
How good of a fit would would Dalvin Tomlinson DT BAMA fit with the gmen, I'd love to know your take on him. Time permitting (I'm crazy I know) Could I pry one more and inquire about Jaleel Johnson DT IOWA?
I just want to say thank you for your great insights. I don't want to ask any questions. Please keep up the great work. I hope after the draft you can take a little time off from scouting and enjoy other things in life. You deserve it.
Darnold is thisclose to getting the highest grade I gave a QB since Elway. Josh Allen will be a Big Ben type, but next year has a good crop of talent to get any QB-needy or aged QB team busy visiting campuses. Still, my favorite character to watch is Louisville's Jackson - its fun watching the D miss so many tackles on him. If this was next year & Cleveland still does not have a QB, Jackson is a perfect fit for Hue in the Dawg Pound
Dave...thanks for the detailed reply on Taylor. It wouldn't surprise me if Taylor was the best WR in this class because of this Cruz like skill you mentioned: "stop-&-go action to instantly redirect". He's certainly a tough cover because of it.
Dave...thanks for the detailed reply on Taylor. It wouldn't surprise me if Taylor was the best WR in this class because of this Cruz like skill you mentioned: "stop-&-go action to instantly redirect". He's certainly a tough cover because of it.
Because it's getting cumbersome and because we are preparing for another Dave Te Thomas event
We have a 40 year vet of scouting giving us details and reports on players. What's better than that right now? It should be up there for as long as Dave is OK with it.
It would be a shame if Dave opened the page and didn't see it because it was buried.
This is some of the best content we've had here this year. Way too early to drop it. Too many stickys? Drop the 2 mock draft threads from the top.
We have a 40 year vet of scouting giving us details and reports on players. What's better than that right now?
Bad move dropping it now. It should be up there for as long as Dave is OK with it.
Agreed. The BBI Mock Threads have been pinned for 18 days. Anyone who is participating in those threads aren't going to lose their place or need a reminder.
Has anyone asked about Max Rich yet?
Milton : 2:23 pm : link : reply
If not.....
And Brad Kaaya?
Milton : 5:14 pm : link : reply
Would love to hear more details on what you like about him.
ANSWER
QUICK SCOUTING REPORT EXCERPTS-RICH
Body Structure Rich has a tall frame with good overall muscle development and room to add at least another twenty-five pounds of bulk. He has a solid midsection, but also possesses small hands and feet for a player his size. He is a smooth-skinned type with a good bubble and calves, carrying his weight well.
General Report 1.36
Athletic Ability 1.5 Rich has developed good quickness to get into position, showing sudden moves in his kick slide. He has some of the lower body stiffness and is not a classic knee bender (more so at the waist), but has the balance to maintain position and stay on his feet. He is quick to redirect to the edge, which prevents defensive ends from attacking from the outside and he generates good force to wall off and sustain once he locks on with his hands.
Competitiveness 1.3 He is a sound technician who will not let his emotions get the better of him. You’d like to see more aggression in his play, but he’s the type that calculates every move. He makes a good effort to search out secondary targets and shows a willingness to get involved in the in-line action. He is quick to get in front on pulls and sweeps, doing a nice job of neutralizing the defender in the second level.
Work Habits 1.4 He is a good worker in the weight room, but could improve upon his lower body flexibility. He has excellent upper body strength and works hard to hold rush lanes and get a strong push off the line. He is a vocal team leader who is easy to coach.
Initial Quickness 1.5 He has improved his foot quickness off the line, getting into position effectively, but he will take false steps moving to the edge, which gets him behind the defender. Rich has an average first step and hand punch, but is not overpowering on extention, as he tends to catch defenders. However, he can use his hands to compensate and does position block well.
Lateral Movement 1.3 Even though he is not a classic knee bender, he stays square in his base and has good lateral agility.
Balance/Stays On Feet 1.4 He shows good balance in his base, doing an adequate job to readjust and mirror the defender. When he plays flat-footed, he generates a good lateral slide, but he has marginal flexibility, making him a step slow getting to the edge.
Explosion/Pop 1.6 He does not show flexibility in his hip snap and needs to improve his lower body power. When he gets high in his stance, he loses leverage. He will generally rely on his size to lean into the opponent in attempts to wall off.
Run Blocking 1.5 Due to a lack of knee bend, he has to rely on his size to create movement. He might struggle at times when changing direction, but his hand placement allows him to be dependable when attempting to sustain and finish.
Pass Blocking 1.2 He might take some false steps and get his leg base a bit narrow (crosses his feet), but he does have the balance needed to slide and make the cut-off block. He might get pushed back in the pocket some vs. the bull rush, but he will generally play with good awareness and hold his own, if he keeps his leg base wide.
Pulling/Trapping 1.5 Rich has the foot quickness and balance to play down the line, but the Crimson system does not require their tackles to work in-line much. He does get good position coming out of his stance and angles to impact. He can build to the next level, but struggles to square and adjust in space.
Adjust on Linebacker
Downfield 1.4 Due to only adequate upfield quickness, it is very important that he takes proper angles (which he usually does) in order to make the cut-off. When he stays up on his feet, he will generally finish the play.
Reactions/Awareness 1.3 He is very alert on the field, doing a nice job of picking up twists and stunts. He short sets well, but he will sometimes take false steps into his kick slide on deep sets. Rich also struggles with the quick edge and fast lateral movements.
SCOUTING REPORT EXCERPTS-KAAYA
Athletic Ability 1.3 Kaaya is a mobile passer who shows good slide and escape agility, but lacks the second gear to run long distances with the ball. He demonstrates good balance throwing across his body and the loose hips to get to the outside hashes. He has just adequate acceleration past the line of scrimmage, but does a good job of squaring his shoulders to break arm tackles. He appears to be built more in the lines of a pocket passer, but can avoid pressure rolling out.
Football Sense 1.1 Kaaya is a student of the game who sits in on coaches’ meetings and has the work ethic to study and break down game film. He has a bit of a gambler in him on the field, but does a good job of scanning the field. He is quick to make his decisions and has excellent poise to stand tall under the fierce rush He is not the type that will force the ball just for the sake of making the play. He calmly makes his progression reads and is alert to zone coverages. There is no question that he can handle and digest a complicated playbook, as he is perhaps the best quarterback in this draft when it comes to digesting the playbook..
Set Up 1.2 Kaaya has the quick retreat skills from center to get to his drop point and sets his feet well to be ready to throw. He has the body control to throw off-balance and shows good ability to pass on the move. Whether off the sprint or in drop-back action, he can easily scan the field and demonstrates a smooth follow-through motion.
Reading Defenses 1.1 Kaaya has a bit of gambler in him, but with his vision and patience in the pocket, he does a very good job of going through route progressions. You will not see him force his throws under pressure, but he does get into trouble with turnovers when he tries to throw long (had ten interceptions on deep throws last year). He sees the entire field, whether standing in the pocket or on the sprint. He is also quite innovative when the play breaks down and must be accounted for anytime he drives back from center.
Release 1.2 With his height and arm length, Kaaya’s over-the-top release gets the ball out with good quickness. He carries the ball chest high and is generally quick to get into position to throw. He has that quick wrist flick that gets the ball out effortlessly, but does need to improve his foot plant before throwing the deep ball. He gets rid of the ball on time and usually does so with a smooth motion.
Arm Strength 1.5 Kaaya is more effective when he keeps the ball in the short area, as he has much better velocity on his throws there. He lacks the arm strength to attack the deep secondary and most of his interceptions are the result of seeing his long tosses wobble or lose air. He will generally under-throw his targets when attacking the seam, but does show good zip working underneath.
Accuracy 1.3 When Kaaya operates in the short-to intermediate area, he shows much better timing on his attempts. He throws a tight spiral working underneath and does a good job of “threading the needle” when throwing into tight areas. He is precise throwing short on the move, as he does a good job of unleashing it across his body. He is also effective when passing off his back foot. However, when attacking the deep zone, his long throws tend to spray all over the field. His deep passes will flutter and die, allowing the defense to settle under it to make the interception.
Touch 1.4 Kaaya shows better touch when he drills the ball into the short area. He can throw on the run and keeps his receivers in their routes with minimal adjustment when working underneath. He just runs hot and cold when trying to air the ball out. In the short passing game, he knows how to take something off his tosses and vary its speed. Once he works on his deep timing and shows more consistency with the 4-5 cut, he will be more effective delivering the ball in a seam.
Pocket Movement 1.3 Kaaya is very alert to pocket pressure and takes advantage of his hip swerve to avoid the pass rush. He does take a sack rather than throw the ball away at times, but he is effective throwing on the roll-out. He has that peripheral vision that lets him quickly sense backside pressure, doing a nice job of stepping up to avoid.
Scrambling Ability 1.4 Kaaya might not win long distance foot races, but he is quite nimble moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run. He has very good balance that lets him get the ball out quickly, even when throwing without setting his feet first. He maintains his velocity and accuracy throwing to the short area from the outside hashes.
I seem to be hitting 99% of the questions, so keep them here to make life easier for me. I usually take Questions from my previous answer down.
If I did not answer your question, I either totally did not see it, or, you did not follow my request - no previous drafts (I am on the road, I don't take my library with me), no mock drafts, no freaking fantasy FB questions & please, don't correct my spelling. I'm trying to get to as many as I can, so keep the spell-check at home.
Darius Hamilton
KWALL2 : 9:33 pm : link : reply
Dave, have you scouted Keith Hamiltons son? The injury really set him back. What do you think of him as an NFL prospect?
He went to the Giants local proday, was he able to give a full workout? If he did, how was his workout?
ANSWER
Some say he's a day 3 guy, but my scout who was in there gave him a camp grade. Lo & behold, the kid proved the scout right at the Rutgers Pro Day. With the right knee thing in 2015 & then pulling up with both knees on March 10, I doubt he gets a call during the draft. Ran 5.06 that day checking in a 6:01.4, down from 283 during the season to 274. Arms were 32 7/8, wingspan hit 82 3/8, but had small hands (8 5/8). Ho hum
PS-my heavy 2017 class scouting was strictly out west - staff filled in otherwise, so on some players, I refer to their notes.
My current heavy hitting on the road is getting every ounce in before spring drills end. That could be why I consider this year's draft marginal, as the talent next year is the best I've seen in 35 years
Top Wonderlich scores are usually recorded by OL & QBs. WRs & DBs, well, they show their lack for cracking the books. The average grade is 20. Those #s by OL guys are going to come into play during draft decisions. Especially for OL guys, those scores tell me, as a position coach, that those players are going to require a whole lot more than a few reps to retain.
Guys, I understand the draft is rapidly approaching. Maybe it was my mistake to ask to keep Q&As here? I get in from my road trip & have two dozen messages at my email address. Last time guys- you email me there, unless I requested, you never get a response.
I sort of have "some work" to do this week & really don't care to read resumes or hear wishes of being a scout. Stepping forward, I gotta cut down on that. If it is Giants specific or this year's draft, keeping questions along those lines.
I think you see here that I've tried to get you as much info as I can, but those few that don't follow orders, well, it could lead to no response from me.
My center is the SMARTEST guy, at least when it comes to recognition skills. You can always tell the mediocre centers - another lineman will call that team's blocking assignments.
Eyes & paws, brutha, that's what I want from my guards. They need to know when to widen the rush lane, locate second level targets on sweeps & pulls & also to be able to combo with the tackle or center.
Tackles, I look for big hands, lower leg flexibility (kick slide) and the ability to mirror. I am not a "bug juice" guy that will discount Lamp for short arms at left tackle, as no OL guy in this draft has the hand activity he does & only one (Asiata) has a stronger anchor
My center is the SMARTEST guy, at least when it comes to recognition skills. You can always tell the mediocre centers - another lineman will call that team's blocking assignments.
Eyes & paws, brutha, that's what I want from my guards. They need to know when to widen the rush lane, locate second level targets on sweeps & pulls & also to be able to combo with the tackle or center.
Tackles, I look for big hands, lower leg flexibility (kick slide) and the ability to mirror. I am not a "bug juice" guy that will discount Lamp for short arms at left tackle, as no OL guy in this draft has the hand activity he does & only one (Asiata) has a stronger anchor
Lamp in round 1, Asiata in round 3 could help this Oline. Right Dave?
Two probs with that equation.
Pugh will have to move to right guard, as Asiata's footwork is that forward blast off the snap, not angling. With Lamp's ability to move laterally, it covers the area Asiata abandons on the outside pull. Pugh can't do that.
Second problem - if asiata lasts until the Giants pick in Round 3, Jerry Reese had dirty pictures on the other 31 GMs
DAVE - Giants current rumblings update and a couple of others. Â
DAVE - Giants current rumblings update and a couple of others.
Big Blue Hokie : 9:44 am : link : reply
Dave, first thank you for doing this. It is truly awesome! Sorry if I'm greedy with a couple of questions.
Are there any updates or changes on the current list of players in play at 23? I think last time you had Reddick, Bowser, Davis, Willis, Lamp.
Does Bolles checkered past give him a red flag on off the field issues?
If Foster drops to 23? Would he be considered?
ANSWER
Reddick is likely to be the first linebacker taken and from all indications, the Colts are ready to pounce on him. Most teams have pushed Foster down on the board, but it is more so due to his shoulder issues, even though his immaturity was an issue I cited on my report on him in December. Buyer beware on Tide-hyped guys (Foster, Humphrey). Bowser should be the next LB to go and Detroit and the Redskins have him high on their list. Bolles? If you read my comments here, without Asiata helping him on combo blocks, etc., he’s “just a guy.”
Willis could be in play, but if I had to get into Jerry Reese’s mind (help, get me out, the cobwebs are trapping me), I might have to toss a coin at #23 if Lamp and T.J. Watt are still available. As for Foster, the team seemed to be more enthralled with Davis, even before the Foster debacle began.
If you have any questions, get them in by Monday AM folks. I depart for Foxboro and will not be available to answer any questions until after the draft. Time to "pay the bills" if you know what I mean.
Just keep questions to this draft & Giants specific talent. Other type of questions, well, they will remain on the board unanswered. Thanks for understanding, but once the final draft process approaches, my ability to get on-line is limited
Samaje Perine - This is one of my favorite guys to watch and was disappointed when he didn't break out again after his incredible Freshman year. Do you think if he lost 15+ lbs and got himself down to his Freshman playing weight could he become a Le'veon Bell type at the next level. Also how do you like him as a prospect compared to Mixon irrespective of the off the field stuff?
Aviante Collins - I saw this guy ran a 4.81 at the combine which puts him in Terron Armstead territory but I haven't heard much chatter about him as a prospect. Is there any upside besides the freakish athleticism? Does he actually bring anything to the table that would make him interesting to the Giants or is he a classic overdraft based on freeakish measurables?
Dave Te
Jim in Forest Hills : 11:05 am : link : reply
Your thoughts on WR Mack Hollins from UNC? Sleeper with how much upside?
ANSWER
Hollins is the type of guy that could get taken by the fourth round, but if not for that right collarbone fracture, he would have easily been off the board by early round three. He has good size (6:04)/speed (4.53) factor, big hands (9 ¾), good reach and wingspan (33 ¼ & 81 ¾) that you look for in a flanker, but you know what sells best on this guy? His special teams coverage skills. I mean, it is so rare in college to see a sophomore served as that unit’s captain. I bet you he turns into a Steve Tasker type in that role & as a receiver, I can see him contributing 40 or so grabs per year. Good eye spotting him. Most media forgot about him when he got hurt in October (still not fully recovered, but well on his way).
Dave - Question on Two Draft Prospects
HugeS : 11:18 am : link : reply
Samaje Perine - This is one of my favorite guys to watch and was disappointed when he didn't break out again after his incredible Freshman year. Do you think if he lost 15+ lbs and got himself down to his Freshman playing weight could he become a Le'veon Bell type at the next level. Also how do you like him as a prospect compared to Mixon irrespective of the off the field stuff?
ANSWER
I like Perine right where he is at, actually. He’s a powerful inside runner & yes, he has average speed, but coming out of the backfield as a receiver, he has few peers. I think he’s a solid third round target, but from what ole bud Quinn indicated, he’s well regarded in Detroit circles.
Aviante Collins - I saw this guy ran a 4.81 at the combine which puts him in Terron Armstead territory but I haven't heard much chatter about him as a prospect. Is there any upside besides the freakish athleticism? Does he actually bring anything to the table that would make him interesting to the Giants or is he a classic overdraft based on freakish measurables?
ANSWER
You know, for a guy that ran as fast as he did & put up the weights (34 reps), he’s a total enigma. He fails to translate that power to the FB field, as his base is very mediocre and I still think his body needs to fill out more, especially in the shoulder/chest region. He’s not good at keeping his pad level down and is susceptible to the bull rush. He has the quick feet to mirror edge rushers, but has to strike with a better hand punch, especially since he has good weight room numbers. I won’t go after him as a tackle, feeling his ability to strike in the second level & get out front on pulls is more suited for guard, but late on Dat Three of the draft, yeah, I might put a card in with his name on it
One guy I am curious about when it comes to the draft as a whole and his potential relation to NYG is Jabrill Peppers. Since October, I have been telling everyone that would listen this kid IS NOT a top 10 pick. It seems people have finally come around on that...
With that said, there is still an incredibly high amount of talent with this kid. Very smart player. Team player. And a guy that can make a big time difference with the ball in his hands. I'll take this to my grave...but I think Peppers could be an elite RB. I understand his decision to play defense though, likely a longer shelf life.
With his versatility, do you see a potential hidden interest in Peppers from NYG? Or would his role be too similar to what they already have in Collins? I see the hybrid SS/FS/LB/CB that Spags would love to have. And if he drops...I wouldn't discount the possibility.
You know, through all these months & 280 reports sent to them, the Giants never asked about Peppers. I would say maybe a well-kept secret on their part, but since I have supplied them with reports going back to the ice age (they joined in 1971), they usually don't try to hide things from me, especially since they send tons of requests for reports.
PS-later, some profiles on street free agents they just signed that the PR department requested.
joeinct : 8:40 am : link : reply
I see you have mentioned "3 Year approach" a few times now and also your concentration on Offensive Line. We are past year 3 of Richburg and Pugh and coming on year 3 for Flowers. It would be interesting to hear how you scouted them originally and now that you have benefit of hindsight, how you think where they are now lined up with your original assessment? And if you had lineman rated higher than them who were still available when we picked that have matched your original expectations?
ANSWER
Oh buddy, I can’t fully answer this until after the draft, as I will have to back to notes at the complex & I am on the road right now looking at 2018 draft eligibles. I do know my thoughts back then on Richburg, because I scouted him for three years. Some teams were convinced he was a reserve guard, but he had that Tim Grunhard-get-the-F-outta-my-way attitude that I liked.
It’s not my scouting report, but in the league archives is the story that I published in The NFL Draft Report that year. Pugh was rated in the top ten at his position by my staff, but I don't have his report. Understand, I'm on the road, so please keep questions to this draft, not previous ones, thanks.
WESTON BLAINE RICHBURG
Offensive Center
Colorado State University Rams
#70
6:03.3-298
Bushland, Texas
Bushland High School
OVERVIEW
Richburg entered his senior season regarded as one of the best centers in the collegiate ranks and did nothing to disprove that assessment after yet another banner campaign. Often compared to former Pittsburgh Steelers pivot man, Jeff Hartings, the Rams center has been very durable, starting every game he played in during his college career.
Richburg has the classic frame to play center – squat, wide-bodied with a low center of gravity, along with the thick legs and strong anchor to hold ground firmly taking on the challenge of stalling the bull rush. He has impressive upper body strength, but unlike most centers, he has the balance and lateral agility normally seen in guards, making him a valuable second level blocker, as he fires off the snap and gets in front instantly leading on traps and pulls.
When the coaches arrive at the football complex, they are usually not the first person in attendance – it is Richburg. Whether it is working out in the weight room, sitting down to watch game films of upcoming opponents or simply mentoring the younger players, Richburg has been a steady presence in the locker room.
"There's always work to be done, always room to be better," Richburg said after going through a workout. "I look at it that if you get complacent, that's not good. I'm just trying to put good games together and hope that at the end of the season, I can look back and be proud of what I did."
The proliferation of new statistics hasn't reached the trenches, so it's still difficult to quantify an offensive lineman's individual proficiency beyond team statistics and the sometimes misleading and even suspect "sacks allowed" judgment. Evaluation often has to be taken on faith — including trusting the grading coaches — and subjected to the eye test.
"Weston Richburg, since I've come here, has taken probably as big of a step as anybody," Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain said. "He's made himself not only a huge leader for us and this football team, but has made himself relevant when it comes to the next level. He's handled all the guys that we've gone against."
Throughout his senior season, Richburg received blocking consistency grades of 90% or better in four contests, delivering 92 knockdowns/key blocks to pace Mountain West Conference blockers with an overall 85.08% grade. Seven of his seventeen touchdown-resulting blocks came down field, lending some NFL teams to seriously consider him as a guard prospect, in addition to eyeing him at center.
Richburg has shown “pedigree” and versatility throughout his career, having played guard and tackle as well during his CSU career. McElwain toyed with sliding Richburg out of the center's spot during the 2013 season if it made the offensive line better as a unit, but was convinced he was too valuable serving as the unit’s anchor at center.
"When they talk about my versatility, I think they're talking about that I can play wherever they need me to play," Richburg said. "I think if somebody gets hurt, we have guys who are capable, but I'm able and willing to go play any position. ... I've talked to some guys (about the NFL) and they've said that a guy was only a center, and he went into camp and was going against a guy who could play center and guard, and the center-only guy might be a better center than the other guy. But they're going to keep the guy who plays guard and center, so it's really valuable to be trying to do as much as I can."
Richburg was born in Louisville, Kentucky, later moving to Bushland, Texas, where he was a standout lineman at Bushland High School. He began his gridiron career taking snaps from under center, as a quarterback, also playing linebacker during his freshman season. A growth spurt prior to his sophomore campaign saw him convert to the line, playing on both sides of the ball.
As a senior, the team captain helped lead the Falcons to a flawless 10-0 regular season record en route to capturing the district title. He recorded two sacks as a senior defensive lineman and earned first-team All-District honors as an offensive lineman. His gridiron career at BHS ended after the team lost in the first round of the Class 2A Division I play-offs to eventual state champ Muleshoe High in 2008.
Richburg also lettered in basketball and track at Bushland High. He still holds the
school record in the shot put with a throw of 60 feet, 1 inch, the fourth-best throw by a Texas prep athlete in any classification and worthy of the Texas Class 2A gold medal. He was also was a hurdler on his track team earlier in high school.
Richburg only received a two-star prospect grade from Rivals.com, but the National Honor Society member graduated with a 3.4 grade point average and decided to leave home and enroll at Colorado State University, despite a scholarship offer from local Texas Christian.
He red-shirted as a freshman in 2009, but even before he suited up for the football team’s varsity in 2010, he competed on the Rams’ track team, recording a season-best 51’-6 ½” toss at the Don Barrett Duals to finish third in that event.
Richburg earned Freshman All-American honors in 2010, starting every game. He began the year as the strong-side offensive guard, but took over center duties for the final nine contests. He allowed just one sack and no quarterback pressures while posting 54 knock-downs as the Rams ranked 24th in the nation with 4,022 yards in total offense.
Richburg was one of just four sophomores named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List in 2011. He earned All-Mountain West Conference second-team honors while starting every game at center. Injuries during several contests would see him slide to offensive tackle, though. In the San Diego State clash, he got his snapping hand caught on a defender’s jersey, suffering a fracture.
He went to the locker room and returned after being fitted for a cast. The coaches thought he would miss a month of action, but the next week, vs. Texas Christian, Richburg was back in the lineup, mostly playing at strong-side tackle. In his final two contests, he snapped vs. Air Force and Wyoming using his left hand, but sustained the first bad snap of his career vs. the Cowboys, ending a string of 1,179 successful snaps.
Richburg extended his consecutive starts string to thirty-six games in 2012, as the Rimington Trophy, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award candidate served as team captain. He helped the Rams collected 4,068 yards in total offense, as he did not allow any of the thirty sacks given up by the front wall. He led the front wall with 64 knockdowns and delivered touchdown-resulting blocks on nine of the twelve scores recorded by the ground game.
Named All-American first-team and All-Mountain West Conference first-team as a senior, Richburg cleared out rush lanes for seventeen of the team’s 28 touchdown runs. He led a spirited blocking effort up front, as the twenty-two sacks yielded by the offensive line was the lowest figure at CSU since the 2003 squad was charged with eighteen sacks. The Rams offense boasted the only unit in the Football Bowl Subdivision that featured a 1,500-yard rusher (Kapri Bibbs) and a 3,200-yard passer (Garrett Grayson) during the 2013 campaign.
Invited to play in the 2014 Senior Bowl, Richburg was clearly the standout of the four centers in attendance. He impressed NFL decision makers with his ability to anchor and handle powerful bull-rushers, as well as display impressive agility in getting to the second level. The Rams prospect is certain to become the first Colorado State offensive lineman to be selected in the NFL Draft since Shelley Smith in 2010. Since the 1943 draft, only eleven CSU offensive linemen have been selected in the draft, with Bill Leer, an 11th round pick by Atlanta in 1979, the only Rams center to hear his name called.
CAREER NOTES
Richburg started every game (fifty) during his career, a school record, lining up at center forty-five times, at strong-side guard during the first three games of his career and in two contests at strong-side tackle in 2011…Recorded 273 knockdown blocks…Has had just one bad snap on 3,382 offensive plays…Registered thirty-nine touchdown-resulting blocks through four seasons.
SEASON ANALYSIS
2013 SEASON
Richburg garnered All-American second-team honors from The NFL Draft Report…The All-Mountain West Conference first-team selection was also a candidate for the Rimington Trophy (third time), Outland Trophy (second time) and Lombardi Award (second time)...
Started all fourteen games at center, recording a blocking consistency grade of 85.08%, as he delivered 92 key blocks/knockdowns (45) that included seventeen touchdown-resulting blocks and seven blocks down field…Helped propel Colorado State to the most productive offensive performance in school history...The Rams averaged 470.8 yards per game in total offense, as Richburg led a blocking effort that yielded just 22 sacks, the lowest figure since the Rams’ 2003 unit allowed eighteen sacks…Blocked for the nation's eighth-leading runner Kapri Bibbs, who rushed for 1,741 yards and NCAA-best 31 touchdowns, as those 31 scoring runs also represent a CSU and Mountain West season- record...The Rams' rushing attack averaged 204.36 rushing yards per game, their highest average since 2002 (205.7)...Behind Richburg and his linemates, Garrett Grayson threw for the most yards in a single season in program history (3,696)...Grayson is only the fourth Ram quarterback to thrown for 3,000-plus yards in a season...Leader of the only offense in NCAA FBS to produce a 3,200-yard passer and 1,500-yard rusher this season...The Rams' offense compiled the most yards (6,591), the second-most points in a season (507) and second-most touchdowns (61) in CSU history.
2012 SEASON
For the second consecutive year, Richburg was named a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, an award given annually to the nation's most outstanding center, and was also named to the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) and Rotary Lombardi Award (top lineman or linebacker) preseason watch lists...Started at center in all twelve games for the Rams...Named the nation's 17th-best interior lineman by Yahoo Sports...Ended the year with a team-leading 36 consecutive starts...Was an All-Mountain West Conference honor-able mention…The Rams coaches and teammates named Richburg one of four squad captains…Consistently graded out above 90%, leading the offensive line...Led the offensive line unit in knockdown blocks (55) and was penalty-free all season, helping the Rams generate 4,068 yards in total offense (339.0 ypg).
2011 SEASON
A Rimington Trophy candidate, Richburg was one of four sophomores to receive that honor…Was the anchor of the Rams' offensive line and started all twelve games - ten at center and two at strong-side offensive tackle, earning second-team All-Mountain West Conference accolades…Ended the year with a share of the team's longest streak of consecutive starts, 24 (became the team's longest active stretch after the graduation of offensive guard Jake Gdowski)...Selected first-team midseason all-conference by CollegeFootballNews.com on Oct. 21...Showed his versatility during fall camp, with occasional reps at tackle on an injury-depleted line...In CSU’s loss vs. Colorado, he made a lead block on a 34-yard Crockett Gillmore screen that set up the game's first touchdown, then on a second-half touchdown drive, he threw a nice block to spring Raymond Carter for 16 yards...With twelve minutes remaining in fourth quarter of a windy, 18-15 loss vs. San Diego State, Richburg got his snapping hand caught on a defender's jersey and broke a bone. He went to the locker room to cast the injury and could've returned, but sat out the remaining minutes...Spent the week before CSU's trip to Texas Christian snapping with his left hand while practicing at tackle, and made his first career start at strong-side tackle in the Frogs contest, playing the entire game there, keeping alive a streak of consecutive starts...Returned to start at center in the season finale vs. Wyoming, snapping with his left hand, but sustained the first bad snap of his career, breaking a string of 1,179 successful snaps.
2010 SEASON
Richburg earned first-team Freshman All-American honors from The NFL Draft Report, Phil Steele and CollegeFootballNews.com…Also named honorable-mention All-Mountain West Conference…Started all twelve games for the Rams, the first three at guard and the final nine at center...The former high-school quarterback, had not played center before his freshman season at CSU, but did not have a bad snap all season and allowed only one sack all year, and no other pressures...Posted a team-high 54 knockdown blocks and also led the team with 22 outstanding efforts and 12 "Meyer mauls," the coveted game-film award distributed by former offensive coordinator/line coach Pat Meyer...Graded out at 85 percent or better in every contest, and was the line's most valuable player on eight occasions.
2009 SEASON
Richburg red-shirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility...He participated on the CSU track & field team in the spring, finishing third at the Don Barrett Duals with a 16-pound shot put toss of 51’-6 ½”…Also recorded a 50’-0 25/64” toss for the Rams at the Mountain West Conference Championships.
INJURY REPORT
2011 Season…Suffered a broken bone in his snapping (right) hand vs. San Diego State, but did not miss any games, opting to snap with his left hand in the season finale vs. Wyoming.
AGILITY TESTS
5.10 in the 40-yard dash…2.97 10-yard dash…1.84 20-yard dash…4.63 20-yard shuttle…
7.93 three-cone drill…25 ½-inch vertical jump…8’-10” broad jump…Bench pressed 225 pounds 25 times…33 3/8-inch arm length…9 ¼-inch hands…78 7/8-inch wingspan.
HIGH SCHOOL
Richburg attended Bushland (Tex.) High School, playing football for head coach David Flowers…Began his career as a quarterback, also playing linebacker during his freshman season, but a growth spurt prior to his sophomore campaign saw him convert to the line, playing on both sides of the ball…As a senior, the team captain helped lead the Falcons to a flawless 10-0 regular season record en route to capturing the district title…Recorded two sacks as a senior defensive lineman and earned first-team All-District honors as an offensive lineman…His gridiron career at BHS ended after the team lost in the first round of the Class 2A Division I play-offs to eventual state champ Muleshoe High in 2008…Also
lettered in basketball and track…Still holds the school record in the shot put with a throw of 60 feet, 1 inch, the fourth-best throw by a Texas prep athlete in any classification and worthy of the Texas Class 2A gold medal…Also was a hurdler on his track team earlier in high school…Only received a two-star prospect grade from Rivals.com, but the National Honor Society member graduated with a 3.4 grade point average.
PERSONAL
Richburg graduated with a bachelor's degree in animal science, and is presently pursuing a second degree while playing his final season in 2013...Two relatives played football at Texas Tech, Nathan and Aubrey Richburg...A member of the National Honor Society... Helped members of the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County with homework and reading, and also participated in the club's sports programs in March before the 2010 season...Has made several appearances visiting with developmentally disabled kids at Respite Care of Fort Collins, in February 2010, February 2011 and July 2011...For a month during the summer of 2010, interacted with low-income Linton Elementary students at a local clubhouse, in conjunction with the Larimer County Food Bank, Fort Collins Recreation and Vineyard church...Son of Ruth and Danny Richburg…Born Weston Blaine Richburg on 7/09/91 in Louisville, Kentucky…Resides in Bushland, Texas.
est1986 : 9:10 am : link : reply
Leonard Fournette, Solomon Thomas, Malik Hooker or your number one guy Adams (the consensus top guys)... What one or two guys in this entire draft can have the biggest impact or become the best of all the other players in the class, specifically playing for the Giants, even if you dont see them being availible at 23?
ANSWER
I’d prefer to get back to this question after the guys are selected, if that’s cool. Here’s why, if you read my format, I operated on a 3-year analysis when a talent hits the pro ranks (scroll back somewhere above).
Now, Fournette looks great as a draftee, but what happens if let’s say, he ends up in Green Bay & Rodgers continues to play 90% pass. Fournette is not a great value to them as he would be if with Jacksonville, where T. Coughlin (anyone that thinks Marrone is running the joint, ha) loves the big back, get Leonard on the SI front cover.
Now, after the draft, I can give you a feel for who wears the glass slipper or not.
Off the top of my head, if cards fall right, Mahomes is the guy that I would pay to go see. I just like that kid – cocky, yet so willing to absorb. Another QB that caught my attention as a guy in the right system (why do I feel Jay Gruden will draft him) is Brad Kaaya sometime going on Day 2. The best athlete in this class? Oh, if I can get him a patient teacher, I’d love to get Bucky Hodges in the mid rounds.
KWALL2 : 2:56 pm : link : reply
Thanks for all of the time you put into providing this for us.
How about a report on WR Taywan Taylor? He looks like he has a healthy Victor Cruz type game. What are your thoughts on his NFL potential? Where do you see him going in this draft?
ANSWER
Not a draft guy, I'm a scout. I'd take him in 2, most say 3, but not my biz. Here's excerpts from what I do;
Athletic Ability 1.1 Taylor has the timed speed to threaten the deep areas of the secondary, but with his strength and ability to shield the ball from defenders, he has been very effective as a possession receiver. He uses his hands well to defeat the jam at the line of scrimmage and has the loose hips and crisp cutting ability to make the initial tackler miss and gain separation after the catch. He is very good at settling underneath, showing the balance and body control to make the shoestring grabs or extend to catch outside his frame. He is very flexible in his route progression, showing the stop-&-go action to instantly redirect. He has the valid burst to get on top of the defense and shows nice body control adjusting to the deep ball in flight. He has the hip flexibility to drop his weight and the balance to change his stride without having to throttle down.
Release 1.1 Taylor might get a little bit erect in his stance coming off the snap, but he has that ability to get into his routes instantly, using his hands with force to push off the press. He is too strong to jam at the line of scrimmage and uses his hip swerve efficiently to avoid defenders to get into his route progression. He can elude second level defenders with his cutting ability and shows a fluid glide in his running style.
Acceleration 1.2 Taylor is used a lot on shallow and wheel routes, as he has the strength to power his way to the ball in the crowd. He has the long reach to get under the fades and bubble screens and when utilized in crossing patterns, he can turn up field in an instant after the catch. He has made steady improvement extending for the ball with defenders all over him, and is effective at dropping his hips and separating out of his cuts. He has outstanding hand/eye coordination, seeing the ball as it arrives while generating the moves needed to uncover. On deep routes, he needs to utilize his second gear more and he will drift at times when going long distances. He has good turning motion to catch the ball over his outside shoulder, but does not turn as quick when having to look the ball in over his inside shoulder. He has that functional burst to separate at the line of scrimmage, but must utilize it more in attempts to separate on deep routes.
Quickness 1.2 Taylor’s short area quickness allows him to get to quite a few balls in the short-to-intermediate areas. He has the loose hips and acceleration to ride up on a defender, but could be more sudden trying to separate on deep throws. When he keeps his pads down instead of getting erect in his stance, he is much more effective at gaining and eating up the defensive back’s cushion.
Separation Ability 1.3 Because he is used so often on short-to-intermediate routes than in the deep area game, it is difficult to get a true feel for his separation ability. He does a good job of running at a proper pad level and coming out of his breaks cleanly when working underneath. With his timed speed, he should be capable of getting open in the deep zone more often. He uses his size well to shade the defender and demonstrates the balance and body control to catch the ball and turn up field without having to break stride.
Ball Concentration 1.1 Few receivers have that keen sense of where to be on the field that Taylor displays. He is always alert to coverages and where his defender is. He does a fine job of keeping his feet when catching along the sidelines and plays with uncanny instincts to find the zone’s soft areas. The thing you see on film is his ability to adjust to the thrown ball underneath. He has the speed to get open when working in a crowd and blocks out all activity around him to concentrate on the ball in flight, knowing how to use his long reach and hands to extend and catch the pass at its highest point.
Hands 1.3 Taylor has good hand strength to gain position as a blocker and uses his upper body power well to defeat the jam and get into his routes. He will cradle a few balls, but when he extends for the pass, he will generally get to most throws. He is a natural hands catcher with the ball skills to make plays on it outside of his frame. He just needs to improve his ability to look the ball in over his shoulder on deep routes.
Off the top of my head, if cards fall right, Mahomes is the guy that I would pay to go see. I just like that kid – cocky, yet so willing to absorb. Another QB that caught my attention as a guy in the right system (why do I feel Jay Gruden will draft him) is Brad Kaaya sometime going on Day 2.
Please keep the questions to player ability, performance, etc. I can not answer where he's going in the draft. I can tell you what schemes the guy fits, but the last I checked, 32 other guys make the draft decision.
Do not ask me what my scouting report was on Joe Blow from 5 years ago, Giant or no Giant. Again, I am on the road, traveling with whatever I need to accomplish the assignment at hand.
And oh-dear God, try to keep the question to one or two guys. I got a few that looked like the guys were sending me a freaking lineup card. That's dribble down your shirt time bros, and I like to keep my shirts clean.
I am not into fantasy FB & won't delve into those questions, nor will I answer mock drafts. You have "what is it to be a scout" questions, hold them off until after the draft. It is very detailed, complicated & what works for me, might not work for the next guy.
I appreciate respecting my wishes. As you can see from this thread, I need bus fare just to get to the bottom of it. Sorry if I offend some here, but I came on board late & just trying to limit to what I know best - evaluation of the football player.
peace
AdamBrag : 5:09 pm : link : reply
Two guys I don't think are getting enough love, Joshua Dobbs and Jonnu Smith. Any thoughts on them?
ANSWER
Adam, I like you, I really like you. Both of those players are held in high esteem by me. If the football gods shine bright, the SMARTEST QB in this draft will either be a Viking or a Brown - Mr. Dobbs. I'm not convinced Bridgewater can make it back & feel Dobbs has that Russell Wilson-plus ability. He's uncanny rolling out of the pocket & the way they used Bridgewater can be amped up with Dobbs, especially with that ball flows off his fingers on posts & screens.
Smith is coming along at just the right time, as the TE position has evolved into those Reed/Ebron/Vern Davis needs for teams. I know the Saints have done tons of homework on him.
Anakim : 7:48 pm : link : reply
What do you think of BYU RB Jamaal Williams? I think he'll be an absolute steal on Day 3.
ANSWER
Nice player, but the Day three steal at this position is going to be another Williams - Joe out of Utah!
Look around the NFL & a lot of QBs get by on their savvy & intelligence over sheer athleticism. Browne's going to be a guy in the Dalton/Cousins class, but I bet you he has a hell of a year this season.
Still, hands down, no arguement, the USC kid & the Wyoming Cowboy are going to make next year (if Darnold declares) another 1-2 QB draft.
est1986 : 11:27 pm : link : reply
Which LBs, if added to the Giants defense, is really going to get after the passer? We havent had a good pass rusher from the LB spot in a while.
ANSWER
If the football gods shine, TJ Watt & Bowser are the perfect fits, but Minnesota is getting a big luv fest going on Watt & the Lions have been all over Bowser. I'm getting vibes as teams start finalizing their boards that these two will be gone by #23 though.
If options on Day 2 are all the Giants can hope for, I feel Rivers-Youngstown State can play second level 3-4, but not Basham in that role.
He's not a true sleeper, but whether he's a Giant next year or not, I feel Ryan Anderson will outperform both Foster & Williams during their NFL careers.
Also, on Day Three, Carroll Phillips-Illinois got Big Blue's attention, but I hope they open up there eyes on a stud out their in Round 4/5 that can play all 3 roles in the LB unit-Oklahoma's Jordan Evans. I see a lot of Stan Lee (minus the injury factor) in him ^ Phillips is like a Michael Coley type
Dave...thanks for the detailed reply on Taylor. It wouldn't surprise me if Taylor was the best WR in this class because of this Cruz like skill you mentioned: "stop-&-go action to instantly redirect". He's certainly a tough cover because of it.
Dave...thanks for the detailed reply on Taylor. It wouldn't surprise me if Taylor was the best WR in this class because of this Cruz like skill you mentioned: "stop-&-go action to instantly redirect". He's certainly a tough cover because of it.
Because it's getting cumbersome and because we are preparing for another Dave Te Thomas event
This is some of the best content we've had here this year. Way too early to drop it. Too many stickys? Drop the 2 mock draft threads from the top.
We have a 40 year vet of scouting giving us details and reports on players. What's better than that right now?
Bad move dropping it now. It should be up there for as long as Dave is OK with it.
This is some of the best content we've had here this year. Way too early to drop it. Too many stickys? Drop the 2 mock draft threads from the top.
We have a 40 year vet of scouting giving us details and reports on players. What's better than that right now?
Bad move dropping it now. It should be up there for as long as Dave is OK with it.
Agreed. The BBI Mock Threads have been pinned for 18 days. Anyone who is participating in those threads aren't going to lose their place or need a reminder.
Milton : 2:23 pm : link : reply
If not.....
And Brad Kaaya?
Milton : 5:14 pm : link : reply
Would love to hear more details on what you like about him.
ANSWER
QUICK SCOUTING REPORT EXCERPTS-RICH
Body Structure Rich has a tall frame with good overall muscle development and room to add at least another twenty-five pounds of bulk. He has a solid midsection, but also possesses small hands and feet for a player his size. He is a smooth-skinned type with a good bubble and calves, carrying his weight well.
General Report 1.36
Athletic Ability 1.5 Rich has developed good quickness to get into position, showing sudden moves in his kick slide. He has some of the lower body stiffness and is not a classic knee bender (more so at the waist), but has the balance to maintain position and stay on his feet. He is quick to redirect to the edge, which prevents defensive ends from attacking from the outside and he generates good force to wall off and sustain once he locks on with his hands.
Competitiveness 1.3 He is a sound technician who will not let his emotions get the better of him. You’d like to see more aggression in his play, but he’s the type that calculates every move. He makes a good effort to search out secondary targets and shows a willingness to get involved in the in-line action. He is quick to get in front on pulls and sweeps, doing a nice job of neutralizing the defender in the second level.
Work Habits 1.4 He is a good worker in the weight room, but could improve upon his lower body flexibility. He has excellent upper body strength and works hard to hold rush lanes and get a strong push off the line. He is a vocal team leader who is easy to coach.
Initial Quickness 1.5 He has improved his foot quickness off the line, getting into position effectively, but he will take false steps moving to the edge, which gets him behind the defender. Rich has an average first step and hand punch, but is not overpowering on extention, as he tends to catch defenders. However, he can use his hands to compensate and does position block well.
Lateral Movement 1.3 Even though he is not a classic knee bender, he stays square in his base and has good lateral agility.
Balance/Stays On Feet 1.4 He shows good balance in his base, doing an adequate job to readjust and mirror the defender. When he plays flat-footed, he generates a good lateral slide, but he has marginal flexibility, making him a step slow getting to the edge.
Explosion/Pop 1.6 He does not show flexibility in his hip snap and needs to improve his lower body power. When he gets high in his stance, he loses leverage. He will generally rely on his size to lean into the opponent in attempts to wall off.
Run Blocking 1.5 Due to a lack of knee bend, he has to rely on his size to create movement. He might struggle at times when changing direction, but his hand placement allows him to be dependable when attempting to sustain and finish.
Pass Blocking 1.2 He might take some false steps and get his leg base a bit narrow (crosses his feet), but he does have the balance needed to slide and make the cut-off block. He might get pushed back in the pocket some vs. the bull rush, but he will generally play with good awareness and hold his own, if he keeps his leg base wide.
Pulling/Trapping 1.5 Rich has the foot quickness and balance to play down the line, but the Crimson system does not require their tackles to work in-line much. He does get good position coming out of his stance and angles to impact. He can build to the next level, but struggles to square and adjust in space.
Adjust on Linebacker
Downfield 1.4 Due to only adequate upfield quickness, it is very important that he takes proper angles (which he usually does) in order to make the cut-off. When he stays up on his feet, he will generally finish the play.
Reactions/Awareness 1.3 He is very alert on the field, doing a nice job of picking up twists and stunts. He short sets well, but he will sometimes take false steps into his kick slide on deep sets. Rich also struggles with the quick edge and fast lateral movements.
SCOUTING REPORT EXCERPTS-KAAYA
Athletic Ability 1.3 Kaaya is a mobile passer who shows good slide and escape agility, but lacks the second gear to run long distances with the ball. He demonstrates good balance throwing across his body and the loose hips to get to the outside hashes. He has just adequate acceleration past the line of scrimmage, but does a good job of squaring his shoulders to break arm tackles. He appears to be built more in the lines of a pocket passer, but can avoid pressure rolling out.
Football Sense 1.1 Kaaya is a student of the game who sits in on coaches’ meetings and has the work ethic to study and break down game film. He has a bit of a gambler in him on the field, but does a good job of scanning the field. He is quick to make his decisions and has excellent poise to stand tall under the fierce rush He is not the type that will force the ball just for the sake of making the play. He calmly makes his progression reads and is alert to zone coverages. There is no question that he can handle and digest a complicated playbook, as he is perhaps the best quarterback in this draft when it comes to digesting the playbook..
Set Up 1.2 Kaaya has the quick retreat skills from center to get to his drop point and sets his feet well to be ready to throw. He has the body control to throw off-balance and shows good ability to pass on the move. Whether off the sprint or in drop-back action, he can easily scan the field and demonstrates a smooth follow-through motion.
Reading Defenses 1.1 Kaaya has a bit of gambler in him, but with his vision and patience in the pocket, he does a very good job of going through route progressions. You will not see him force his throws under pressure, but he does get into trouble with turnovers when he tries to throw long (had ten interceptions on deep throws last year). He sees the entire field, whether standing in the pocket or on the sprint. He is also quite innovative when the play breaks down and must be accounted for anytime he drives back from center.
Release 1.2 With his height and arm length, Kaaya’s over-the-top release gets the ball out with good quickness. He carries the ball chest high and is generally quick to get into position to throw. He has that quick wrist flick that gets the ball out effortlessly, but does need to improve his foot plant before throwing the deep ball. He gets rid of the ball on time and usually does so with a smooth motion.
Arm Strength 1.5 Kaaya is more effective when he keeps the ball in the short area, as he has much better velocity on his throws there. He lacks the arm strength to attack the deep secondary and most of his interceptions are the result of seeing his long tosses wobble or lose air. He will generally under-throw his targets when attacking the seam, but does show good zip working underneath.
Accuracy 1.3 When Kaaya operates in the short-to intermediate area, he shows much better timing on his attempts. He throws a tight spiral working underneath and does a good job of “threading the needle” when throwing into tight areas. He is precise throwing short on the move, as he does a good job of unleashing it across his body. He is also effective when passing off his back foot. However, when attacking the deep zone, his long throws tend to spray all over the field. His deep passes will flutter and die, allowing the defense to settle under it to make the interception.
Touch 1.4 Kaaya shows better touch when he drills the ball into the short area. He can throw on the run and keeps his receivers in their routes with minimal adjustment when working underneath. He just runs hot and cold when trying to air the ball out. In the short passing game, he knows how to take something off his tosses and vary its speed. Once he works on his deep timing and shows more consistency with the 4-5 cut, he will be more effective delivering the ball in a seam.
Pocket Movement 1.3 Kaaya is very alert to pocket pressure and takes advantage of his hip swerve to avoid the pass rush. He does take a sack rather than throw the ball away at times, but he is effective throwing on the roll-out. He has that peripheral vision that lets him quickly sense backside pressure, doing a nice job of stepping up to avoid.
Scrambling Ability 1.4 Kaaya might not win long distance foot races, but he is quite nimble moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run. He has very good balance that lets him get the ball out quickly, even when throwing without setting his feet first. He maintains his velocity and accuracy throwing to the short area from the outside hashes.
If I did not answer your question, I either totally did not see it, or, you did not follow my request - no previous drafts (I am on the road, I don't take my library with me), no mock drafts, no freaking fantasy FB questions & please, don't correct my spelling. I'm trying to get to as many as I can, so keep the spell-check at home.
He went to the Giants local proday, was he able to give a full workout? If he did, how was his workout?
KWALL2 : 9:33 pm : link : reply
Dave, have you scouted Keith Hamiltons son? The injury really set him back. What do you think of him as an NFL prospect?
He went to the Giants local proday, was he able to give a full workout? If he did, how was his workout?
ANSWER
Some say he's a day 3 guy, but my scout who was in there gave him a camp grade. Lo & behold, the kid proved the scout right at the Rutgers Pro Day. With the right knee thing in 2015 & then pulling up with both knees on March 10, I doubt he gets a call during the draft. Ran 5.06 that day checking in a 6:01.4, down from 283 during the season to 274. Arms were 32 7/8, wingspan hit 82 3/8, but had small hands (8 5/8). Ho hum
PS-my heavy 2017 class scouting was strictly out west - staff filled in otherwise, so on some players, I refer to their notes.
My current heavy hitting on the road is getting every ounce in before spring drills end. That could be why I consider this year's draft marginal, as the talent next year is the best I've seen in 35 years
I sort of have "some work" to do this week & really don't care to read resumes or hear wishes of being a scout. Stepping forward, I gotta cut down on that. If it is Giants specific or this year's draft, keeping questions along those lines.
I think you see here that I've tried to get you as much info as I can, but those few that don't follow orders, well, it could lead to no response from me.
Eyes & paws, brutha, that's what I want from my guards. They need to know when to widen the rush lane, locate second level targets on sweeps & pulls & also to be able to combo with the tackle or center.
Tackles, I look for big hands, lower leg flexibility (kick slide) and the ability to mirror. I am not a "bug juice" guy that will discount Lamp for short arms at left tackle, as no OL guy in this draft has the hand activity he does & only one (Asiata) has a stronger anchor
Eyes & paws, brutha, that's what I want from my guards. They need to know when to widen the rush lane, locate second level targets on sweeps & pulls & also to be able to combo with the tackle or center.
Tackles, I look for big hands, lower leg flexibility (kick slide) and the ability to mirror. I am not a "bug juice" guy that will discount Lamp for short arms at left tackle, as no OL guy in this draft has the hand activity he does & only one (Asiata) has a stronger anchor
Lamp in round 1, Asiata in round 3 could help this Oline. Right Dave?
Pugh will have to move to right guard, as Asiata's footwork is that forward blast off the snap, not angling. With Lamp's ability to move laterally, it covers the area Asiata abandons on the outside pull. Pugh can't do that.
Second problem - if asiata lasts until the Giants pick in Round 3, Jerry Reese had dirty pictures on the other 31 GMs
Are there any updates or changes on the current list of players in play at 23? I think last time you had Reddick, Bowser, Davis, Willis, Lamp.
Does Bolles checkered past give him a red flag on off the field issues?
If Foster drops to 23? Would he be considered?
Big Blue Hokie : 9:44 am : link : reply
Dave, first thank you for doing this. It is truly awesome! Sorry if I'm greedy with a couple of questions.
Are there any updates or changes on the current list of players in play at 23? I think last time you had Reddick, Bowser, Davis, Willis, Lamp.
Does Bolles checkered past give him a red flag on off the field issues?
If Foster drops to 23? Would he be considered?
ANSWER
Reddick is likely to be the first linebacker taken and from all indications, the Colts are ready to pounce on him. Most teams have pushed Foster down on the board, but it is more so due to his shoulder issues, even though his immaturity was an issue I cited on my report on him in December. Buyer beware on Tide-hyped guys (Foster, Humphrey). Bowser should be the next LB to go and Detroit and the Redskins have him high on their list. Bolles? If you read my comments here, without Asiata helping him on combo blocks, etc., he’s “just a guy.”
Willis could be in play, but if I had to get into Jerry Reese’s mind (help, get me out, the cobwebs are trapping me), I might have to toss a coin at #23 if Lamp and T.J. Watt are still available. As for Foster, the team seemed to be more enthralled with Davis, even before the Foster debacle began.
Just keep questions to this draft & Giants specific talent. Other type of questions, well, they will remain on the board unanswered. Thanks for understanding, but once the final draft process approaches, my ability to get on-line is limited
Aviante Collins - I saw this guy ran a 4.81 at the combine which puts him in Terron Armstead territory but I haven't heard much chatter about him as a prospect. Is there any upside besides the freakish athleticism? Does he actually bring anything to the table that would make him interesting to the Giants or is he a classic overdraft based on freeakish measurables?
Jim in Forest Hills : 11:05 am : link : reply
Your thoughts on WR Mack Hollins from UNC? Sleeper with how much upside?
ANSWER
Hollins is the type of guy that could get taken by the fourth round, but if not for that right collarbone fracture, he would have easily been off the board by early round three. He has good size (6:04)/speed (4.53) factor, big hands (9 ¾), good reach and wingspan (33 ¼ & 81 ¾) that you look for in a flanker, but you know what sells best on this guy? His special teams coverage skills. I mean, it is so rare in college to see a sophomore served as that unit’s captain. I bet you he turns into a Steve Tasker type in that role & as a receiver, I can see him contributing 40 or so grabs per year. Good eye spotting him. Most media forgot about him when he got hurt in October (still not fully recovered, but well on his way).
HugeS : 11:18 am : link : reply
Samaje Perine - This is one of my favorite guys to watch and was disappointed when he didn't break out again after his incredible Freshman year. Do you think if he lost 15+ lbs and got himself down to his Freshman playing weight could he become a Le'veon Bell type at the next level. Also how do you like him as a prospect compared to Mixon irrespective of the off the field stuff?
ANSWER
I like Perine right where he is at, actually. He’s a powerful inside runner & yes, he has average speed, but coming out of the backfield as a receiver, he has few peers. I think he’s a solid third round target, but from what ole bud Quinn indicated, he’s well regarded in Detroit circles.
Aviante Collins - I saw this guy ran a 4.81 at the combine which puts him in Terron Armstead territory but I haven't heard much chatter about him as a prospect. Is there any upside besides the freakish athleticism? Does he actually bring anything to the table that would make him interesting to the Giants or is he a classic overdraft based on freakish measurables?
ANSWER
You know, for a guy that ran as fast as he did & put up the weights (34 reps), he’s a total enigma. He fails to translate that power to the FB field, as his base is very mediocre and I still think his body needs to fill out more, especially in the shoulder/chest region. He’s not good at keeping his pad level down and is susceptible to the bull rush. He has the quick feet to mirror edge rushers, but has to strike with a better hand punch, especially since he has good weight room numbers. I won’t go after him as a tackle, feeling his ability to strike in the second level & get out front on pulls is more suited for guard, but late on Dat Three of the draft, yeah, I might put a card in with his name on it
With that said, there is still an incredibly high amount of talent with this kid. Very smart player. Team player. And a guy that can make a big time difference with the ball in his hands. I'll take this to my grave...but I think Peppers could be an elite RB. I understand his decision to play defense though, likely a longer shelf life.
With his versatility, do you see a potential hidden interest in Peppers from NYG? Or would his role be too similar to what they already have in Collins? I see the hybrid SS/FS/LB/CB that Spags would love to have. And if he drops...I wouldn't discount the possibility.
PS-later, some profiles on street free agents they just signed that the PR department requested.
Any players that are getting a lot of hype in the media that the scouting community thinks are overrated?
Can we just fast forward 5 days to the draft?