*** Official Dave Te Q & A Thread ***

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Tommorow buddy-remind me-plane just landed & gotta run

In comment 13440703 nflscouting said:

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Tommorow buddy-remind me-plane just landed & gotta run

Thanks man! Safe travels

It's probably too much trouble and time-consuming but I would love to hear what you're hearing on every single pick in the first round.

In comment 13440662 nflscouting said:

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Big Guy, don't get fooled by Darboh's 40 time. There's an old adage in scouting - we judge kids in pads/coaches like them in their undies. Here's the thing. 4.45 40, puts the equipment on & you see absolutely no explosion out of the guy. You hear the term for RBs at times-one cut runner. Well, Darboh is a one-speed guy. If he gets a clean release out of the blocks, he gets into the route's progression. When he gets a jam, his feet die & he struggles to recover. Give him a undetected shove in his pattern & he takes extra steps to get back in his route. He has nice hands and impressive leaping ability, but I feel like Homer Simpson (DUH) when he fails to time those leaps or leaves his feet too early. Get this - he had 27 jump ball situations last year, caught 11. To him, I give him the Peggy Lee hit song - is that all there is, is that all there is. He's gotta show me more before I get excited about the kid

Thanks Dave. Hopefully he's a player that will have his best football ahead of him. I had a feeling I was going to get the answer about him running well while not in pads. Great stat... 11-27 in jump balls. Love that, can't get analysis like that anywhere else.

left a message at your other post, but I don't do draft stuff, especially mock first round. I talk talent & don't care what any team does, taking the philosophy to let the chips fall where they may, sorry buddy

In comment 13440814 nflscouting said:

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left a message at your other post, but I don't do draft stuff, especially mock first round. I talk talent & don't care what any team does, taking the philosophy to let the chips fall where they may, sorry buddy

I know, but you seem to hear a lot of things through the grapevine (e.g. the Falcons interested in our pick. Carolina wants the #2 pick). I'd love to hear more rumors and news that you're hearing.

What are your thoughts on Safety Jadar Johnson of Clemson. I think he's underrated.

9000 questions here, I would say I gave enough on the rumors. As for Johnson? After the first few strong safeties, the group sucks. He's a pile jumper, nothing more & for me at strong safety, that guy has to have some Jake Tatum blood in his veins. J. Adams, Josh Jones, Evans, Woods & my sleeper Morrow are my kind of guys there.

WR Zay Jones, what are you thoughts on his talent in terms of being an outside physical receiver versus more of a move type of guy? Also, where do you see his value to a team like the Giants? Is he worth considering at 23? 55?

He seems like the most refined/highest floor receiver in my (wholly amateur) estimation.

Thanks for your consideration with these questions, boss.

Here's what bothers me about Jones - I did not chart his season finale, but before that game, just 246 of 1,685 yards came after the catch. On the 151 receptions he had prior to meeting Temple, just 46% of them gained even 10 yards & 12.6% of those reached 20 yards.
"In nutta woyds," tag him & he's done. I like guys that can get good RAC

I just reread your question. Jones at #23? Okay, here's the deal - go pee in a cup & don't stand next to Mr. Peppers. I suspect you have a problem!

In comment 13440837 nflscouting said:

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I just reread your question. Jones at #23? Okay, here's the deal - go pee in a cup & don't stand next to Mr. Peppers. I suspect you have a problem!

I figured as much after your last post. I'll beware the Zay high though... Thanks for your info.

In meetings all day today, so if you have a question, check back for an answer later tonight, thanks

What's your thoughts on Carlos Watkins? I know you've written about Hester (I assume as a later pick), but any Day 2 type DTs you think fit the Giants?

Watkins will go around the fourth, but I can’t pull scouting reports any more this week, as I am traveling. Some other DTs I think can be nice Day 3 finds begins with the Big Snacks clone, Grover Stewart out of Albany State, but UCLA’s Eddie Vanderdoes is getting lots of interest in the fourth round area, along with fellow Pac-12 DT out of Washington (Elijah Qualls). As for free agent types, somebody could unearth some depth value from Southen Miss’ Dylan Bradley, Winston Craig-Richmond, Pat Ricard-Maine, Jordan Wade-Oklahoma & Jordan Carrell-Colorado

If this is too personal I completely understand. Your generosity here has been overwhelming. I don't want to ask you a football question just to ask one. you have already answered questions I am not smart enough to ask. Could you tell us one story about your wife that you might tell amongst friends that makes you laugh or smile. If this is too hard, no response in necessary. Thanks for everything you do here.

Your wife
Thegratefulhead : 12:51 pm : link : reply
If this is too personal I completely understand. Your generosity here has been overwhelming. I don't want to ask you a football question just to ask one. you have already answered questions I am not smart enough to ask. Could you tell us one story about your wife that you might tell amongst friends that makes you laugh or smile. If this is too hard, no response in necessary. Thanks for everything you do here.
ANSWER
I have more than enough memories to fill a lifetime of stories about here. This is going to be sad, but take a look at a video she did for the sarcoma foundation she started in St Louis. Below that link is the story the NFL, BBI and other sites I was doing work for that ran it after she passed. I think it spells the undying love I had for her. No matter what anyone says to console me, I still feel I failed her. Too much research & experimental treatments consumed us to the point where it was just the fight for life, rather than enjoying those last few moments. I think after you see the video & read what I wrote to her, well, maybe you will know why I backed away from a career I loved. Without her, the fun just suddenly stopped, the world stopped spinning & I just simply stopped for awhile. Now, I have stayed away from friends & family & engulfed myself in the 2018 draft crop, keeping mind occupied so I do not think about her last three months, when the liver failed and I just just feel I failed, miserably. Sorry if it brings a tear to your eye, but you asked;

THE LINK;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zHSK0n-joo

MY TRIBUTE TO HER
FROM DAVE-TE THOMAS AND THE NFL DRAFT REPORT STAFF

My apologies for not writing about football at this time, but I ask all those who enjoyed my reports to just allow me to express some thoughts this day

MY SADDEST DAY

My girl, Laurie, a true battler to the end, was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma in 2011. Given a year to live, she volunteered to undergo-first ever surgeries and also participated in several experimental trial periods. It was not for her, she would say, but to try and save someone else before it was too late.

She leaves behind a slew of friends, four great kids that have grown up to be fine adults and ten grand children to carry on all that she instilled in them – a never ending will to fight on – against all odds. I was blessed to find someone who for the first time in my storied life, actually loved me unconditionally, one that made it worth getting up in the morning, one that brought me great pleasure by just a simple smile.

My rock she was, one that can always be counted to sacrifice her personal wants for the needs of others. Babe, I am so sorry if I ever did anything that was not what you wanted, but you knew that above all others, you were the only thing that truly mattered to me. I ask that you look at your significant other, give that person a hug and tell what you really feel.

I told Laurie every day how much I loved her, yet, I still feel that I could have done more. I feel lost, I feel hurt, I feel oh-so sad, the saddest I have ever felt. I ask my late brother and grandmother to guide her through what will be a fantastic journey for her. She truly was my angel. Shortly after she passed this morning, a deer appeared in our backyard – prancing and moving free. The deer had to be Laurie, giving me the sign that “I’m okay, please see me be free.” As soon as it appeared, it was gone, off to some adventure that I will never know of.

Early in the morning on September 7th, 2016, my beautiful Laurie left this world. Her six-year battle with sarcoma is over. The love of my life, my light at the end of the tunnel, my dark days begin without her. I always wrote her poems, but for the last six months, the words could not appear. Yesterday, as she lay quite, I wrote my final poem to her. She always called me Maxx, as she says I operate in Maximum Overdrive. Today, I stop my engines;

LET ME
Let me sit here, alone in my sadness
Let me wonder how I'll live without you
Let me again feel so lost and empty inside
Let me silently remember a love that was so true

Let me again hold you in my arms
Let me never tear you from my heart
Let me read the contours of your face
Let me remember the first day of our start

Let me immerse in the pages of the book I am reading
Let me hear your voice in a rustling wind, like a song
Let me hold you in my arms while conceding
During our time together, to you - I belonged

Let me be glad, yet knowing I am sad
Let me always keep you within my empty heart
Let me listen for the voices in that wind
One is mine, whispering my love to you, even when apart

Let me tell the world from the highest mountain tops
Let me show them - you are now and will be always my love
Let me remember yesterday, today and forever
Let your love for me shine down from above

But until that time comes to say goodbye one last time
Let me add a smile to your face – give meaning to your day
Let me add warmth to take away your pain with this little rhyme
Let me help you along the way

Let me give you a meaning for today
Let me give you a chance to show one little smile
Let me give you strength to go on one more day
Let me walk for you that one extra mile

Let me give you one more day to laugh
Let me have one more day to feel the love from you
Let me have one more day to hear and one more to see
One more day to hold your hand – to feel the love that’s true

Let me have time to see you laugh
Let me have one more day to hold you near
Let me not think about what lies ahead tomorrow
Let me give you one more day of cheer

Let me hold you up when your legs fail to go on
Let me have you fall into my arms, I say
Let me rest your head on my chest one last time
Let me be your Prince Charming, just one more day

Let me hope that that there truly are miracles
Let me hope that there is one left for you
Let me see if there truly is a heaven
Let me be there one day, just to be with you.

Love, Maxx

From this day forward, I will keep her in my heart, remember her in my thoughts, but because of her, I have been able to find the words to express myself, to express my love for her. When you look at your significant other, my friends, I hope you do so in the venue of how I saw my Laurie;

Through Artist's Eyes
Where all dreams truly belong
drifting towards the edge of time
Seeing her through an artist's eyes
no finer masterpiece that man can find

Through perfect strokes on a canvas
this artist can surely see
Snow-white wings lifting her high
into an angel's flight of ecstasy

She chases nightingales nestled in the trees
racing over the horizon that divides the sky
Soaring past the sun and moon, on her way to heaven
where this angel belongs, through this artist's eyes


http://nfldraftreport.sportsblog.com/posts/25131937/my-saddest-day.html

Thoughts on Noble Nwachukwu?

Don't laugh, I'd convert him to FB. He's too short to play on the edge, too slow to drop back & play second level, but is a demon on special teams, powerful as all hell, but much like in life, size does matter. As a DE? Solid reserve for a handful of snaps, until he gets engulfed (short arms when that happens), but with that first step, low pads, squat frame and sheer desire to be John Cafferty (put me in coach, I'm ready to play), he's someone I'd look at in the end of the draft & see what shakes out in training camp.
Hint to Giants fans-do some homework before the draft on Eastern Washington's Samson Ebukam. Don't tell me I didn't tell you when Friday's action concludes

If I don't get to your question in a timely manner, bear with me. Traveling to Foxboro, Pittsburgh & Detroit the next 24 hours, so I'm trying to catch up to my luggage

if you search Ebukam on this site... the first mention of him will be from yours truly, as a late round pick in a mock draft for the Giants! Please excuse my back-patting.

Dave, I have two guys I would love your thoughts on. The first is priority.

I've really been fascinated with RB De'Angelo Henderson of Coastal Carolina. What's your take on him? I saw him at the underwear olympics and it looked like he was extremely physically prepared, and tested great.

Second guy is DE Garrett Sickles.

Thanks.

Beautiful...I married my best friend in the world 25 years ago. I will go home tonight, hug her and not let her go and hope I can love her as well you loved your wife. Peace brother.

Give her an extra hug for me brutha!

Big guy, I put Ebukam's scouting report excerpt up on the board. Figured it was would get lost in this monster Q&A

I was asking about De'Angelo Henderson of Coastal Carolina and Garret Sickels, if you would be so kind.

I will try to get to questions later today, as I have eight shows to do, but after today, I am in lockdown for the draft. I will post reports on the Giants picks throughout, but will not be on-line to communicate until Monday.
Get whatever questions for the Monday post-draft wrapup, as I shut down after that and head to Europe for NBA scouting, thanks

Both late rounders, but too tied up doing shows to pull any more reports, sorry

Dave - on the Eve of the draft, what would you say in your opinion is the order of preference for the Giants @ 23?

Appreciate all the insights.

"shows to do," what does that mean? Are we able to catch you on some form of media or another?

hint, hint-if Baltimore takes Cam Robinson at #16 & the Giants do intend to take an OL guy, look for a possible deal with Tampa, as the Robinson selection by the Ravens could see a short run on OL guys before the Giants pick at #23

just got off with one of my guys in re; Henderson
They see him more late Day 3 but they have done a lot of late work on Jamaal Williams & Brian Hill as round 4 candidates
Giants actually have Schwan with a draft grade, but not Sickels
Oh, and they rate Godwin higher than any other team has the Penn State WR on their board. Me? I like the kid, but it will take a 2 & they have needs at OT, DT, rush, RB, TE & that ho-hum LB unit needs a spark

would Giants prefer Lamp to a Robinson or Bolles because of the versatility?

for Giants first pick (versus other positional targets).

Do you feel the same, or still way too many variables out there?

Btw - nice job with all your info. I have been busy over past few weeks at work so just catching up on your posts. Nice to have you on the site man...

Sadly, as much as I could get love on Lamp, the Giants;
1-do not consider him an option at LOT
2-know Miami & Denver want him & if Giants did, they would have to trade up. However, if Bolles (hate the guy) is there when Tampa comes up, look for a possible deal with Big Blue that would move them up 5 places

Yikes...moving up 5 places for Bolles would be quite interesting.

Tampa wanted to move up for an RB, but there's freefall chatter going on with OJ Howard that Tampa likes if they drop to 23 & if not, they are in the zone with the UConn safety

this might go without saying but if hell froze over and Howard was there at 23 - would the Giants not even think twice about selecting him?

It's called cold feet at the altar time & Howard's lack of umph on most plays have a lot of teams rethinking. Mobile, Indy-looked great, but when the taste test came on film, how much could a GM bank on "potential" with the guy. I don't think he gets past Tennessee's second round one pick (unless they trade) & Denver has him higher than any of the OL guys, but yeah, if there at 23, I don't think Reese will pass, even though teams are starting to build on the Ashland kids immense upside
Two Day 3 sleepers-Bucky Hodges--Virginia Tech (receiving only) & Jacob Hollister-Wyoming. On potential FA TEs, I like the Louisville backup, Thornbridge & there were a lot of teams accessing my report on a big find during my week in Utah - kid from Southern Utah-Steve Wroblewski - checked in for me at 6:07.4-252, 1.65/2.68/4.64 10/20/40
9 3/8-hands, 79 3/8-wingspan 34 1/4-arms
33 vertical/10-2 broad
4.29 shuttle/freakish 6.96 three cone

Wonder how far you have to move up for kid McCaffrey..

Right now, McCaffrey appears to be the consolation prize for either Cincy or Carolina. Both are trying to leapfrog Jax for Fournette. Even with Peterson signed, crazy Sean Payton is trying to move up to take him, figuring he's not there at 11

I would have to imagine with interest in him, you would have to be placed before Cincy & Carolina, at least, unless one of them trade up for Fournette.
Yes, he does a ton, but check out Donnell Pumphrey-San Diego State. No, not a McCaffrey type, but that production makes him an interesting third day type, wouldn't you think?

Hey Dave, is that trade you mentioned the other day - Carolina sending a 2nd and 3rd to SF, I think it was - still on the table ? It sounds like if Cleveland made their proposal by now they're still looking elsewhere for a trade partner.

Thanks Dave

In comment 13442976 nflscouting said:

Quote:

Sadly, as much as I could get love on Lamp, the Giants; 1-do not consider him an option at LOT 2-know Miami & Denver want him & if Giants did, they would have to trade up. However, if Bolles (hate the guy) is there when Tampa comes up, look for a possible deal with Big Blue that would move them up 5 places

Dave,

Please tell Jerry Reese to not take Bolles, especially do not waste a draft pick by moving up to get him!!! Ugh!!

okay, here's the plan. We get ahold of the Pillsbury Doughboy, Christie & have him close down all access roads to Rutherford. Either that or pray to the FB gods that Bolles ends up in Denver (PS, something is cooking, or should I say cooling on OJ Howard with a bunch of teams. I think the media wants him in the top 10, but even Tennessee seems to be falling for the Miami kid. Denver would pounce on him if he slides & let Bolles go elsewhere)

As far as edge pass rusher I love a guy like Ryan Anderson from bama but what are your thoughts on taking someone like Vince biegel round 2 if he's still there which he should be. Not quite sure why people are over looking him and Anderson. Personally, I would take either one in round 2. Is that too high in your opinion and who is the better player of the two?

In comment 13444050 nflscouting said:

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okay, here's the plan. We get ahold of the Pillsbury Doughboy, Christie & have him close down all access roads to Rutherford. Either that or pray to the FB gods that Bolles ends up in Denver (PS, something is cooking, or should I say cooling on OJ Howard with a bunch of teams. I think the media wants him in the top 10, but even Tennessee seems to be falling for the Miami kid. Denver would pounce on him if he slides & let Bolles go elsewhere)

Praying OJ Howard gets to pick 19 and TB will trade back for a 4th and 6th and we get our TE. Denver can have Bolles.

You & I can really smile if the Giants snatch up Anderson, as I think he adds value both on the edge & as a strong-side linebacker and I see him as a strong Round 2 candidate if they don't get a LB (WAtt/Bowser) in round one. Biegel, well, I say they can find him late in 3, possibly even in 4. I am not convinced the outside will be his eventual position & think a move to Mike would really be a better fit for his ability to close rush lanes. Outside, not so great in pass coverage (extra steps, slow to turn)

I might not be able to get to questions until after each round & have a zillion shows to do today, but will be back on the podcast with Sy tonight to wrap up Day One events