Thursday's Senior Bowl practices were washed out by rain and tornado warnings, but many NFL front offices are already gone. Returning to War Rooms at their team facilities, club execs are now in a digestive phase and set to begin pre-Combine evaluation of underclassmen prospects. From the seniors, NFL teams gathered quite a bit of information over the past four days through player interviews and all-angle practice film. Last week's East-West Shrine and this week's Senior Bowl truly are the start of the “Second Season”.
Before my position-by-position offensive observations, I wanted to discuss the importance of understanding player strengths and how they might be affected in the Senior Bowl setting. Take, for example, Washington RB Chris Polk (5-10/224), Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard (5-10/203), and Oklahoma CB Jamell Fleming (5-10/202).
For a patient runner like Polk, it is difficult to stand out in a situation where he is running behind new linemen. At Washington, Polk had tremendous success because he was comfortable following his blocks and used superb vision to weave in and out of lanes. Admittedly, he lacks the kind of explosiveness that would jump off the page in a limited or no-contact environment. Polk is a methodical, deliberate runner that bursts at the correct time off of blockers with which he is familiar. He possesses elite balance between the tackles and into the open field. Polk did struggle in pass-protection drills and looked a bit soft during the weigh-in, but watch his game film before knocking Polk for two practices. He will remain my No. 3 running back behind Alabama's Trent Richardson and Doug Martin of Boise State.
Dennard and Fleming are pure press corners, at their best getting physical with receivers. While South defensive backs coach Raheem Morris let his players play press in practices, the Vikings' North squad used off coverage. (Fleming and Dennard were both on the North.) On tape, it is obvious that Dennard and Fleming struggle in off coverage, having to anticipate a receiver’s route while backpedaling, then opening their hips and reacting to a receiver running at full speed. This all takes place beyond the five-yard contact window. Both senior cornerbacks favor pressing at the line even if they do not jam off the snap because they feel comfortable running alongside the receiver, staying in their hip pocket to slow them down, and reacting to the pass while keeping an armbar to locate the wideout.
Cornerback is one of the most scheme-specific positions to evaluate. It is heavily based on defensive type and assignments. In the heavily off-coverage setting, Dennard and Fleming's sample sizes were too small for effective evaluation. Only a handful of corners are scheme versatile, but since teams only scout for their particular systems, cornerback assessments are going to vary considerably. Dennard and Fleming’s strengths were not catered to in Mobile, so consider that when reading criticisms elsewhere.
Quarterbacks
Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson (5-11/203) looked poised with an upright posture in the pocket, and scrambled with appropriate timing. His high release helps him throw like a taller quarterback. Wilson also confidently reads coverage and calmly works through progressions. While Wilson lacks great arm talent, he is self-aware and does not stretch himself trying to fit too many passes into tight windows.
Even with my expectations low for Nick Foles, (6-5/244) the Arizona Wildcat's performance was uninspiring. His upper and lower bodies look unbalanced and uncoordinated while dropping back, with sloppy footwork while his shoulders twist. Foles took several “sacks” in 7-on-7 drills versus no defensive linemen, failing to make a throw in under five seconds and instead tucking and running. Some kind of throw must be made in those situations. Foles also lacks touch, choosing to throw bullets even to outlet receivers. He has done little to remedy his inconsistent label and resembles Kerry Collins.
Thursday's Senior Bowl practices were washed out by rain and tornado warnings, but many NFL front offices are already gone. Returning to War Rooms at their team facilities, club execs are now in a digestive phase and set to begin pre-Combine evaluation of underclassmen prospects. From the seniors, NFL teams gathered quite a bit of information over the past four days through player interviews and all-angle practice film. Last week's East-West Shrine and this week's Senior Bowl truly are the start of the “Second Season”.
Before my position-by-position offensive observations, I wanted to discuss the importance of understanding player strengths and how they might be affected in the Senior Bowl setting. Take, for example, Washington RB Chris Polk (5-10/224), Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard (5-10/203), and Oklahoma CB Jamell Fleming (5-10/202).
For a patient runner like Polk, it is difficult to stand out in a situation where he is running behind new linemen. At Washington, Polk had tremendous success because he was comfortable following his blocks and used superb vision to weave in and out of lanes. Admittedly, he lacks the kind of explosiveness that would jump off the page in a limited or no-contact environment. Polk is a methodical, deliberate runner that bursts at the correct time off of blockers with which he is familiar. He possesses elite balance between the tackles and into the open field. Polk did struggle in pass-protection drills and looked a bit soft during the weigh-in, but watch his game film before knocking Polk for two practices. He will remain my No. 3 running back behind Alabama's Trent Richardson and Doug Martin of Boise State.
Dennard and Fleming are pure press corners, at their best getting physical with receivers. While South defensive backs coach Raheem Morris let his players play press in practices, the Vikings' North squad used off coverage. (Fleming and Dennard were both on the North.) On tape, it is obvious that Dennard and Fleming struggle in off coverage, having to anticipate a receiver’s route while backpedaling, then opening their hips and reacting to a receiver running at full speed. This all takes place beyond the five-yard contact window. Both senior cornerbacks favor pressing at the line even if they do not jam off the snap because they feel comfortable running alongside the receiver, staying in their hip pocket to slow them down, and reacting to the pass while keeping an armbar to locate the wideout.
Cornerback is one of the most scheme-specific positions to evaluate. It is heavily based on defensive type and assignments. In the heavily off-coverage setting, Dennard and Fleming's sample sizes were too small for effective evaluation. Only a handful of corners are scheme versatile, but since teams only scout for their particular systems, cornerback assessments are going to vary considerably. Dennard and Fleming’s strengths were not catered to in Mobile, so consider that when reading criticisms elsewhere.
Quarterbacks
Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson (5-11/203) looked poised with an upright posture in the pocket, and scrambled with appropriate timing. His high release helps him throw like a taller quarterback. Wilson also confidently reads coverage and calmly works through progressions. While Wilson lacks great arm talent, he is self-aware and does not stretch himself trying to fit too many passes into tight windows.
Even with my expectations low for Nick Foles, (6-5/244) the Arizona Wildcat's performance was uninspiring. His upper and lower bodies look unbalanced and uncoordinated while dropping back, with sloppy footwork while his shoulders twist. Foles took several “sacks” in 7-on-7 drills versus no defensive linemen, failing to make a throw in under five seconds and instead tucking and running. Some kind of throw must be made in those situations. Foles also lacks touch, choosing to throw bullets even to outlet receivers. He has done little to remedy his inconsistent label and resembles Kerry Collins.
Running Backs
One southeast NFC area scout was particularly low on Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard (5-10/217). "I watched four games and his longest run was of 12 yards," the scout told me. "For 220 pounds, he goes down on first contact almost every time. (Ballard has) zero running skills, but has looked more comfortable catching the ball this week.” I felt obligated to mention Ballard’s bowl game, in which he broke off two long runs. “I heard that from another scout, too," the NFC evaluator said with a chuckle. "I'm not sure he can do anything to change my mind. (Louisiana Tech's) Lennon Creer (6-0/222) may be the best back on that team, and he’s average. He’s at least shown something. Just a guy, though.” I wished Tennessee's Tauren Poole had been called up from the Shrine Game. He at least flashed limited, two-down starting potential and would have had a chance to be the South's top running back.
This was a perfect setting for Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead (5-10/193), and he maximized the opportunity. Pead has phone-booth shiftiness and is a versatile playmaker that can be lined up in the slot for mismatches. Though "breaking tackles" was virtually impossible due to controlled contact, Pead looked willing to be physical when pass protecting. He still runs too high, but my previous concern about Pead's acceleration cutting in small spaces seems to be a non-issue.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
During the aforementioned conversation, the same NFC scout asked the general question, “Do you know who has let me down the most?” I responded with Appalachian State WR Brian Quick (6-4/222), and apparently it was the correct answer. “Man I gave that guy a good grade and he has not shown up." Quick's routes looked smoother as the week progressed, but his hands were a major issue, failing to secure more than half of the passes thrown in his direction, even when open. Quick didn't use his size as an asset. He didn't shield cornerbacks or use his long arms to stretch out.
Even as raw as he is, it's reasonable to wonder if Quick regressed a bit this week. “He’s a good kid and I was afraid this might happen much later," the scout said. "Like when he gets to a training camp. He is very self-aware, down to earth, and understands his limitations. So let's say he winds up with the Packers and walks in that first day and is in awe of Charles Woodson. That could affect his play until he gets comfortable. But it shouldn’t be happening here.”
Quick is an extraordinary young man and was one of the few players willing to interview for two full hours at a media-only event. He was one of the first to arrive each day and always the last to leave, jogging to catch the bus. I think Quick has a bright future, but he picked a tough week to struggle.
The week leading up to the Senior Bowl was a busy one for me, with Shrine Game coverage and a long drive to Mobile. Admittedly, because of late additions, I did not get a chance to watch California WR Marvin Jones (6-2/198) on tape before Monday’s practice. Now, I wish I had. Jones' game is explosive in every area, but in a very controlled way, effortlessly planting to break off routes or incorporating subtle head movements to fool defenders vertically. In the limited Cal game film I've seen since, Jones was rarely featured as the first option in progressions. He worked primarily as a bailout second or third read. At the Senior Bowl, Jones consistently created separation at every distance and let very few throws touch the ground after hitting his hands. Non-west area scouts shared my opinion, “He’s certainly a player a ton of teams will be cross checking as soon as they get out of here," one scout said. "Maybe the first on that list. He’s been impressive.”
Offensive Linemen
Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn (6-5/346) was consistently the best lineman on either roster, but not solely at guard as I anticipated. Glenn rotated reps at both tackle spots, as well as guard, and flashed success at each. Amazingly, this is all despite terrible technique. For those familiar with Chargers LT Marcus McNeill, Glenn uses the same hunched posture. He bends at the waist and even ducks his head at times, but uses a massive reach while readjusting his feet to mirror pass rushers. Like McNeill, some teams may consider it a matter of time before Glenn starts losing because of the sloppy technique. I just find it hard to argue with his production.
No player at any position disappointed me more in Mobile than Florida State LT Zebrie Sanders (6-5/308). His feet are incredibly slow, like they are stuck in quicksand, and Sanders' initial punch is far too wide. Sanders’ heavy feet led to losses in almost every one-on-one protection drill. He could not keep up inside or out with Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram, or Courtney Upshaw. Not only does the first step beat Sanders, but if somehow his initial positioning is balanced, the rusher's counter move usually gets him beat because of Sanders' lack of recovery quickness. He stays too high instead of bending at the knees to anchor. I may end up looking at every one of Sanders' games this season, but from this performance he looks like he needs to add quite a bit of strength to even become a right tackle. Sanders is much too heavy-footed for the blind side.
Ohio State's Mike Adams (6-7/323) is another player that let me down but in an expected way: Inconsistency. Adams looks great one snap, stoning the pass rusher's upfield momentum and readjusting hand placement to stay balanced. On the next, Adams will get completely overmatched, either with a quick inside rush or by losing leverage on a counter move. Adams has truly been a conundrum with inconsistent posture and contact. For a big body, Adams is quite soft. He has been tried across the line without a glaring fit, which may worry teams (e.g. Chris Williams of the Bears).
While Adams' performance was unpredictable from one snap to the next, Cal OT Mitchell Schwartz (6-5/317) emerged as the top outside lineman on the North. Schwartz does not play as long as his measurements indicate, but shows the same toughness his brother Geoff possesses with the Panthers. Mitchell learns quickly, remembering how he was beaten in a previous rep and adjusting his feet/hands/posture accordingly. Schwartz is not flashy, but should at least carve out a career as a rotational, utility lineman.