How each Free Safety in the draft stacks up

[Muhast]

Gerald Sensabaugh- UNC.. 6' 211lbs. Dallas assistant Mike MacIntyre attended his pro day.

James Butler- GT-6'1 1/2 212lbs. Ran 4.49 and 4.55 in the 40. Had a 44 inch vertical. *wow* very interesting player.

B.J Ward-FSU-6'2 3/8 211 ran 4.43 and 4.48 in the 40. 39 1/2 inch vertical

Brodney Pool-Oklahoma-6'1 201lbs with a 39 inch vertical. 4.54 and 4.55 40's.

Josh Bullocks-Nebraska- 6'0 195lbs with 40 times of 4.47 and 4.51, Dallas defensive back coach Todd Bowles was in attendance for the nebraska pro-day.

Those are 5 of the more intrigueing fs candidates in the draft.

[Qwickdraw]

I really like what Ive heard about Butler.
Sounds like a real value in the mid rounds.

[Nors]

Watching Butler during season, workouts, etc. Is a major bust alert, I have him rated as a 4th to 5th rounder.

Bullocks size is my only conceren. Not sure he can take an NFL pounding.

CB to watch is Marlin Jackson who has and can play safety.

[Qwickdraw]

What makes Butler bust potential?
(I haven't seen him play)

[VoR]

Watching Butler during season, workouts, etc. Is a major bust alert, I have him rated as a 4th to 5th rounder.

Bullocks size is my only conceren. Not sure he can take an NFL pounding.

CB to watch is Marlin Jackson who has and can play safety.

Marlin Jackson is officially 6-0 3/8, 192
Josh Bullocks is 6-0 209

So since Marlin Jackson is smaller than Bullocks can he take an NFL pounding?
Can't you be consistent?

[MichaelWinicki]

Watching Butler during season, workouts, etc. Is a major bust alert, I have him rated as a 4th to 5th rounder.

Bullocks size is my only conceren. Not sure he can take an NFL pounding.

CB to watch is Marlin Jackson who has and can play safety.


I like Jackson. I would have no problems him being chosen with our second round pick. Our problems with coverage would decrease a great deal having him back there. But if Rolle somehow slipped to 20 I think I would grab him.

[MichaelWinicki]

Marlin Jackson is officially 6-0 3/8, 192
Josh Bullocks is 6-0 209

So since Marlin Jackson is smaller than Bullocks can he take an NFL pounding?
Can't you be consistent?


I think we have to be more concerned with coverage ability in a future FS than anything else at this point.

[Hollywood Henderson]

Yes, its way past time we had a REAL FS who excelled in coverage...

I wouldn't mind if our 2nd rd pick was one, but I am betting Hunter is our FS come game #1...

[MichaelWinicki]

Yes, its way past time we had a REAL FS who excelled in coverage...

I wouldn't mind if our 2nd rd pick was one, but I am betting Hunter is our FS come game #1...


I have no problem if Hunter is the guy... but I want a better reserve than Scott or Dixon.

[Avery]

A 3rd rounder would be looking real good right now... here's to trading down from #20 and still nabbing an awesome player and a 3rd.

[Cbz40]

Exactly.......We need to fill a few more holes. Trade out of 20 and pick up a few more picks. In this draft there are some good players to be had in the middle rounds.

[Natedawg44]

Sounds like B.J. Ward had a great workout. I haven't heard much about him or where most think he will go. Correct me if I'm wrong I thought woodysgirl was pretty high on him at the start of the year.
Anybody got any profiles?

[big dog cowboy]

Exactly.......We need to fill a few more holes. Trade out of 20 and pick up a few more picks. In this draft there are some good players to be had in the middle rounds.
Been saying that for a long time now. Actually I wouldn't mind a Roy Williams type trade with the #11 if things work out just right. I also wouldn't mind dumping a couple of those late picks to move up a little.

[jobberone]

What makes Butler bust potential?
(I haven't seen him play)

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/playerprofiles/s/jamesbutler.html

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2004/Players/GeorgiaTech_JamesButler.htm

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/Profiles/jamesbutlerprofile.htm

http://2005.otcdraft.com/content/profiles/safety/JamesButler.php

http://www.houstonprofootball.com/draft/prospects/butlerj.html

Just a few. Mostly big upside and little experience. But he seems to look like a solid pick. Davis may be better and you all know the rest. It's a good position to pick someone up. I just wish we had a third because I think someone will fall to the third who could be a great find.

[zagnut]

Watching Butler during season, workouts, etc. Is a major bust alert, I have him rated as a 4th to 5th rounder.

Bullocks size is my only conceren. Not sure he can take an NFL pounding.

CB to watch is Marlin Jackson who has and can play safety.

Jackson played safety, but he was pretty average at best. Considering he's a late first/early second type at corner, seems we (or anyone) would only consider him at safety if he failed at CB.

If there's a CB convert to look for, I'd say it's Brandon Browner. He doesn't appear to have the long range speed required for CB and it sounds like many teams are no longer considering him at that position. He's very young, but he has the frame at 6-3.5/205, to possibly grow into a 215 to 220 pounder with great hands and strong coverage skills. I prefer bullocks to every other prospect, but trade down and pick up later second rounder and Browner could be a great fit instead.

[btcutter]

People get way too caught up in the 40 time. Sure it's nice to have great speed but there's alot more to playing the FS position. Most importantly is instinct. You know where the ball is going and how to get there quickly to make the play. I don't care if you can run 4.2 40 (note to Randall Williams) if you can't figure out the play and take few wrong step then you aren't in positon to make plays. I like to know how many quality FS in the league have 4.4 times.

There are plenty of 4.4 guys these days but most can't play football worth a lick. Watch film and see who can anticipate play and make them. If they look fast enough on the field, don't get caught up in the 40 time.

[Natedawg44]

So nobody has a premium profile on B.J. Ward?

[Chocolate Lab]

What makes Butler bust potential?
(I haven't seen him play)
I've only seen him a few times, but it looked to me like his attitude was kind of lackadaisical at times... Like he took some plays off.

He does look the part of a free safety, though.

[Muhast]

I think Sensabaugh may be the guy we want the most. Seems like Dallas has interest in him.

If i knew more about B.J Ward i'd help you out NateDawg, but im not an FSU fan.

[Sandman52]

Here's a little sample of Marlin's ability of sound-tackling:
Marlin stick (http://www.umgoblue.com/Video/04UMPurdue-Marlin.wmv)

:eek:

[MichaelWinicki]

People get way too caught up in the 40 time. Sure it's nice to have great speed but there's alot more to playing the FS position. Most importantly is instinct. You know where the ball is going and how to get there quickly to make the play. I don't care if you can run 4.2 40 (note to Randall Williams) if you can't figure out the play and take few wrong step then you aren't in positon to make plays. I like to know how many quality FS in the league have 4.4 times.

There are plenty of 4.4 guys these days but most can't play football worth a lick. Watch film and see who can anticipate play and make them. If they look fast enough on the field, don't get caught up in the 40 time.


I'm thinking we can find a guy that runs less than a 4.5 AND has some instincts too.

[HeHateMe]

For the millionth time.

Brodney Pool with our 2nd rounder.

[chicago JK]

Most of my impressions of the safeties is from the Combine coverage on NFL network. I didn't get to watch a lot of college football this year and even the games you do watch it is tough to get a good gage on safeties because they are off the screen on most plays.

With that being said James Butler has a pretty impressive build. Although he didn't look good in the combine drills at all. Mayock from NFL network also made similar mention.

A sleeper CB/S prospect who I heard mentioned is Dustin Fox from Ohio State. He is probably a late first day or early second day player. Yes he is white but was productive at Ohio state. He looked very smooth in the drills and could be an interesting choice for some team.

[Sandman52]

A sleeper CB/S prospect who I heard mentioned is Dustin Fox from Ohio State. He is probably a late first day or early second day player. Yes he is white but was productive at Ohio state. He looked very smooth in the drills and could be an interesting choice for some team.
Fox is a good player when he doesn't have any responsibilities.

[Natedawg44]

For the millionth time.

Brodney Pool with our 2nd rounder.

For the millionth time HECK NO have you every watched any Sooner games. He has the body of the first rounder and the deep coverage ability of a UDFA.

[HeHateMe]

For the millionth time HECK NO have you every watched any Sooner games. He has the body of the first rounder and the deep coverage ability of a UDFA.

I guess all the scouts, experts, and analysts who are paid for thier judgments and opinions have it all wrong.

[cowboygolfer]

Gotta say I like Poole, but I don't know if he has teh cover ability we need, I know he can find the ball... But I'm a homer on this guy as well so take that for what it is worth. All the same with him and Williams back there you can almost see WR's arms getting shorter.

[Chuck 54]

I really like what Ive heard about Butler.
Sounds like a real value in the mid rounds.
I'd take Bullocks and expect him to start on opening day at FS....

Strengths: Was very productive with the Huskers...Has a nose for the ball...Excels in coverage and has excellent range...Has good athletic ability...Is very smart...A ballhawk and a playmaker.

Weaknesses: Only average versus the run and isn't super physical...Will take too many risks in an effort to make the big play...Solid speed, but not special...Did not have a huge junior season.

Notes: Has a twin brother Daniel who also starts in the Cornhusker secondary...The type of safety who will be a staple of the highlight shows because of his knack for making the big play.

[Natedawg44]

I guess all the scouts, experts, and analysts who are paid for thier judgments and opinions have it all wrong.
Yeah they do have it wrong. All they and you have to do is watch these 3 games and see if you and them have the same opinion. Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and USC. The guy cannot cover in a 2 deep zone he NEVER gets there in time. Which would spell disaster for us. If we draft him I have visions of WRs running untouched down the sideline for scores. He has the physical ability I don't discount that as evidenced by him catching Reggie Bush from behind with no angle in the NC game and his size is very good, but he just consistently takes bad angles in deep coverage I don't think its coaching I think it is his instincts. Alot of people have opinions on players in here that are from different schools than they follow or whatever, but think about this I'm a Sooner Fan I've watched probably 15 games in the last two years of Oklahoma football. If a Longhorn fan was saying similar things about Derrick Johnson I would probably pay attention to it.

[BigWillie]

Pool is getting by on what his reputation carried with him -- the next 'Roy Williams' at Oklahoma. All the hype and everything that surrounded him, he simply hasn't lived up to at all.

But about Bullocks, I doubt you can call his junior season a bust. He was playing under his 3rd DC (defensive coordinator) in 3 years, all of whom implented completely different schemes from the other. The one scheme he excelled in was that of Bo Pelini who let him sit back in a cover 2 zone consistently and just read the QB, react and just play centerfield basically.

This past year Kevin Cosgrove implented a style more or less based off of man coverage and thus why Bullocks INT numbers are WAY down. However it wasn't a bad year, just nothing spectacular.

Cosgrove runs the 'bend but dont break' style of defense that Mike Zimmer seems to love. So that is alot of the reason I do not believe Bullocks would thrive in our type of defensive system. Although not inept at man coverage, Bullocks isn't an Ed Reed type of cover man, although who exactly is?

Bullocks could EASILY be one of the best FS' in all the NFL if he is in the right system. If it were a system of say Lovie Smith in Chicago, it would be right in Bullocks' alley. I sincerely believe that as well.

Bullocks would be a FANTASTIC pickup in round 2 if Zimmer allows him to roam and play centerfield like a FS should be doing to begin with, rather than sticking him on a slot receiver or TE.

[Natedawg44]

But about Bullocks, I doubt you can call his junior season a bust. He was playing under his 3rd DC (defensive coordinator) in 3 years, all of whom implented completely different schemes from the other. The one scheme he excelled in was that of Bo Pelini who let him sit back in a cover 2 zone consistently and just read the QB, react and just play centerfield basically.

Which is the same system Pool ran in last year and failed miserably at. Which tells you all you need to know about Pool

[HeHateMe]

Yeah they do have it wrong. All they and you have to do is watch these 3 games and see if you and them have the same opinion. Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and USC. The guy cannot cover in a 2 deep zone he NEVER gets there in time. Which would spell disaster for us. If we draft him I have visions of WRs running untouched down the sideline for scores. He has the physical ability I don't discount that as evidenced by him catching Reggie Bush from behind with no angle in the NC game and his size is very good, but he just consistently takes bad angles in deep coverage I don't think its coaching I think it is his instincts. Alot of people have opinions on players in here that are from different schools than they follow or whatever, but think about this I'm a Sooner Fan I've watched probably 15 games in the last two years of Oklahoma football. If a Longhorn fan was saying similar things about Derrick Johnson I would probably pay attention to it.

You THINK its instincts.

I THINK its coaching.

You bring him in here, he can be coached properly and correct any problems hes having now.

[Chuck 54]

Pool is getting by on what his reputation carried with him -- the next 'Roy Williams' at Oklahoma. All the hype and everything that surrounded him, he simply hasn't lived up to at all.

But about Bullocks, I doubt you can call his junior season a bust. He was playing under his 3rd DC (defensive coordinator) in 3 years, all of whom implented completely different schemes from the other. The one scheme he excelled in was that of Bo Pelini who let him sit back in a cover 2 zone consistently and just read the QB, react and just play centerfield basically.

This past year Kevin Cosgrove implented a style more or less based off of man coverage and thus why Bullocks INT numbers are WAY down. However it wasn't a bad year, just nothing spectacular.

Cosgrove runs the 'bend but dont break' style of defense that Mike Zimmer seems to love. So that is alot of the reason I do not believe Bullocks would thrive in our type of defensive system. Although not inept at man coverage, Bullocks isn't an Ed Reed type of cover man, although who exactly is?

Bullocks could EASILY be one of the best FS' in all the NFL if he is in the right system. If it were a system of say Lovie Smith in Chicago, it would be right in Bullocks' alley. I sincerely believe that as well.

Bullocks would be a FANTASTIC pickup in round 2 if Zimmer allows him to roam and play centerfield like a FS should be doing to begin with, rather than sticking him on a slot receiver or TE.
according to the scouting report, he "excells in coverage" so I think he'd be fine in any system as a FS, not as a SS enforcer.

[MichaelWinicki]

according to the scouting report, he "excells in coverage" so I think he'd be fine in any system as a FS, not as a SS enforcer.


I'll be interested to see what Ourlads says about him.

[fishspill]

I think Pool will be very good but might need to be brought along like Polamalu, lots of special teams and slowly integrate into the schemes. Pool doesn't have Polamalu's elite speed (at least I think he ran a crazy 40, if memory serves) but plenty of ability and is a better tackler than he's given credit for.

[zagnut]

You THINK its instincts.

I THINK its coaching.

You bring him in here, he can be coached properly and correct any problems hes having now.

And since when is our defensive coaching staff really good at teaching those sorts of things?

In any case, I don't believe there's any such thing as coverage instincts. It comes down to recognizing what your seeing. Maybe the major differences between Pool and Bullocks are effort off the field, self-motivation and intelligence.

Which one would we want?

[zagnut]

From Condraft:


2. Josh Bullocks, 6-0 190, JR, Nebraska
Bullocks is probably the most underrated safety in the nation, heck he is probably the best coverage safety in the country, last year he tied Miami’s Safety Sean Taylor for the most interceptions in the entire nation with 10. He is finally getting some well-deserved recognition, he is one of only five juniors to be selected as a 2004 1st Team Street & Smith’s All-American. Nebraska head coach Frank Solich said Josh Bullocks has improved all phases of his game and has especially improved his tackling. Bullocks said he's also learned plenty from secondary coach Marvin Sanders about reading quarterbacks, guessing where they're going to throw by the position and tilt of their shoulders.

"No one covers the field like he does when the ball is in the air," Solich said of Josh Bullocks. "He has great anticipation." Bullocks, the Cornhuskers’ free safety, intercepted 10 passes last year, a school and Big 12 single-season record, making him the nation’s top returning pass thief for 2004. He has 11 career picks, well within reach of Dana Stephenson’s (1967-69) school record of 14. He also made 97 tackles in ’03, was consensus first-team All-Big 12 and AP second-team All-America.

Josh is an excellent talent and with his speed his talent projects very favorably in the pros because he is good enough to play corner also. Injured in 2004 but has recently declared for the 2005 NFL Draft. Safety Josh Bullocks, who quietly had one of the better overall combines, was times at a 4.46 and 4.52 in Lincoln, an improvement from Indianapolis. Bullocks was the most popular player amongst scouts. Afterwards several teams including the Chiefs and Texans had him do individual drills. For their part the Dallas Cowboys are thrilled with Bullocks and feel he could immediately produce for the squad.


I didn't know Bullock was injured this past year. Anyone know if he played injured all season?

[Natedawg44]

You THINK its instincts.

I THINK its coaching.

You bring him in here, he can be coached properly and correct any problems hes having now.
Yeah Its not like Ron Zook is coaching at Oklahoma or anything. LMAO
And since you haven't mentioned it Ill assume that you haven't watched any Oklahoma games I'm talking about. In Bo Pelini/Brent Venable D he was Horrible against OSU, Tex A&M and USC anyone who has actually watched the games can't conclude otherwise. By the way Bullocks was incredible with Pelini. Same coach two different results means to me that there may be more than coaching at play and the concerns about play recognition and deep help instincts may be legit. Why would I be running down a player from my school if it there wasn't a legit concern? See the articles below

Underclassmen saving grace of safety classBy Todd McShay, Scouts Inc.


Ironically, two of the first three "safety prospects" who come off the board in the 2005 draft could soon become outside linebackers in the NFL.

Georgia's Thomas Davis and Michigan's Ernest Shazor are both a Twinkie away from eating themselves out of the defensive secondary and up to the linebacker corps. In both cases, the decision will likely be determined by the defensive scheme used by the respective teams that draft them.

Regardless, Davis is still considered a late-first-round prospect and Shazor is still expected to come off the board somewhere in the second round.

The other safety prospect who fits into the first- and second-round equation is Oklahoma's Brodney Pool. The ball-hawking free safety prospect needs to take fewer risks as the last line of defense (sounds like instincts/recognition there) and will never have great man-to-man cover skills. However, Pool is a natural playmaker who is always around the ball, which is evidenced in his 160 total tackles and nine interceptions over the course of the last two seasons.

After Davis, Pool and Shazor, there is a drop-off in talent, but Nebraska's Josh Bullocks is certainly a viable option for a team looking to develop a free safety with starting potential. Bullocks is coming off a somewhat disappointing season as a senior in 2004. He is better dropping into coverage than he is filling against the run.

However, Bullocks shows excellent instincts in coverage, above-average range, excellent ball skills and enough size to improve his ability to support the run, which is why he could sneak into the final few picks of the second round.

Pool is a rangy safety with great size and athleticism. He has great height for the position. In coverage, Pool shows good instincts. He has great ball skills and plays the ball in the air well. He has good hands and leaping ability and will rarely drop an interception opportunity. He has good, but not blazing speed, he is better as a free ranger than he is in one on one coverage. What he needs to a better job of doing is reading plays, seeing them develop rather than just relying on instincts and reacting. He tends to be a little late with his deep help and will get caught looking into the backfield at times.(There it is again) In run support, he comes up hard and aggressively, but lacks great bulk and strength. He isn't a reliable form tackler and often approaches the ball carrier too high.

Give me Josh Bullocks or Marlin Jackson

[zagnut]

Sounds like B.J. Ward had a great workout. I haven't heard much about him or where most think he will go. Correct me if I'm wrong I thought woodysgirl was pretty high on him at the start of the year.
Anybody got any profiles?

Consensus Draft Services has him rated 10th:


10. S Jerome Carter, 600, 220, SR, Florida State
Shared time with Kyler Hall as a sophomore (2002) but still ranked third on the team and 19th in the ACC with a career-high 94 total tackles. He was the top tackler among the Seminoles’ defensive backs and led all Florida State defensive backs in total, unassisted and assisted tackles and quarterback sacks.

Carter is a supreme athlete with 4.48 speed and has plenty of upside. He battled with injuries during his first two years with a knee surgery coming at the end of his freshman season and shoulder surgery coming at the end of his sophomore season. Jerome was highly recruited out of high school and ranked as the 27th best player regardless of position in the nation by Collegefootballnews.com.

As a junior in 2003 he battled injuries, but if he stays healthy this year Carter could have a break out season and emerge into a super NFL prospect. Better at run support than pass. Has his weight up to 220 which is a little high, but looked very athletic at the combine, benched for an impressive 21 repetitions, 35 inch vertical and a 10.1 inch broad jump and ran a decent 4.55 forty. His 7.18 3-cone time was pretty good for a 220 pounder.

I see a lot of ACC games and Carter never stood out. I didn't really see an NFL prospect at safety when I watched FSU. Of course, McFadden wasn't all that at CB and some people are talking him up like a first rounder.

[ghettogandhi]

Brandon Browner or Josh Bullocks in the second would definitely be nice-

Going into the draft we have 3 glaring weaknesses on this- team-

1) playmaker linebackers- currently we have 1 good lb among the group

2) free safety- who can cover and is around the ball on deep passes

3) wide receiver-with speed to stretch the field

more than anything this team needs playmakers -preferably with speed-
offense speed is average with jones being the only one with above average speed at his position

on defense we have average speed- would be nice to see Roy Donut Williams slim down some -would help make him a more complete player


therefore if we come away with these three guys in the first two rounds we will have solidified our starters.

1) at number 11- Derrick Johnson or mike Williams

2) at number 20- Either Troy Williamson or Shawn Merriman

3) second round- Brandon Browner or josh bullocks or Marlin Jackson

[Hollywood Henderson]

Its just a good thing to see talk coming out of the ranch that we now DO NEED a cover FS type, a few years way too late IMHO but at least Parcells now knows that zimmy has failed miserabally as a DB coach & hired Todd Bowles to take over there...

In fact Bowles has been to see some of these prospects so it will be interesting to see who we go after...

I sense Bowles taking over on D after this next year...

[MichaelWinicki]

Brandon Browner or Josh Bullocks in the second would definitely be nice-

Going into the draft we have 3 glaring weaknesses on this- team-

1) playmaker linebackers- currently we have 1 good lb among the group

2) free safety- who can cover and is around the ball on deep passes

3) wide receiver-with speed to stretch the field

more than anything this team needs playmakers -preferably with speed-
offense speed is average with jones being the only one with above average speed at his position

on defense we have average speed- would be nice to see Roy Donut Williams slim down some -would help make him a more complete player


therefore if we come away with these three guys in the first two rounds we will have solidified our starters.

1) at number 11- Derrick Johnson or mike Williams

2) at number 20- Either Troy Williamson or Shawn Merriman

3) second round- Brandon Browner or josh bullocks or Marlin Jackson

A playmaking linebacker? Not needed if we stay in a 4-3. Playmaking linebackers are not needed in a 4-3 IF the defensive lineman are doing their jobs. I've watched this Dallas defense for more than 30 years and I can count the number of "playmaking" linebackers on one-hand, maybe on like two fingers. What we've always had is "efficient" linebackers. Give me an outstanding d-line and efficient linebackers any day IF we're staying in a 4-3. Linebackers are usually only as good as the d-lineman in front of them. A "playmaking" linebacker isn't going to be making too many plays if a 300lb lineman is always blocking him.

[btcutter]

Consensus Draft Services has him rated 10th:



I see a lot of ACC games and Carter never stood out. I didn't really see an NFL prospect at safety when I watched FSU. Of course, McFadden wasn't all that at CB and some people are talking him up like a first rounder.


He shouldn't be a 1st rounder esp after Matt Jone beat him up at the combines.

[BigWillie]

wayne_motley, I believe I addressed the coverage issue pretty good, don't you? Hopefully I don't have to go over it again. But to keep it simple, Bullocks excels when you allow him to play as a true FS, rather than putting him out in man coverage. Although not inept, he isn't the greatest guy man-up in coverage.

HeHateMe, Pool played in the same system Bullocks THRIVED in. What coaching hurt him?

Lastly, zagnut, I don't know where you have heard Bullocks was injured, but it is wrong. The only two men from Nebraska's secondary that were injured were Fabian Washington and Cortney Grixby.

[HeHateMe]

Scouts, Inc. has watched every game and broken down all possible film on this kid.

You contribute a lot and I respect your opinion, but I'm going with them on this one.

And for the record, I saw at least 7 Oklahoma games this season.

Enough to know I'd really like to see this kid lined up next to #31.

Brodney Pool
DS | (6'3", 198) | OKLAHOMA

Scouts Grade: 89

Strengths: Centerfielder-type with excellent instincts, athleticism, range and ball skills. He covers a lot of ground in zone coverage and he is a ball-hawk with proven playmaking ability. Is instinctive and intelligent. Makes quick reads and does an excellent job of diagnosing plays. Rarely takes false steps. Gets great jumps by being disciplined and reacting quicker than most. Does a very good job of reading QB's eyes in zone coverage. Rarely gets caught peeking into the backfield. Has adequate-to-good closing speed but not great. He shows some good burst when coming forward. Is at his best when he can read from the high-point and break on the ball in front of him. . If he's in the vicinity he will make a play on the ball. He has excellent height, long arms and adequate-to-good leaping ability. Does a good job of adjusting to the ball in the air and timing his leaps. Has soft and consistent hands if in position to challenge for the INT. also knocks down a lot of passes because of his quick jumps, great angles and long arms. Isn't intimidating but is very productive in run support. He fills hard and is aggressive. He diagnoses things quickly, takes good angles and always seems to be around the ball. Is a bit of a drag-down tackler but is reliable. Gets into position, breaks down in space and does a good job of wrapping up.

Weaknesses: He has a good frame but lacks ideal bulk and strength. Doesn't have great pop or power as a tackler. Won't make many big hits or force a lot of fumbles. Has adequate but not great top-end speed. Is better in zone coverage than he is man-to-man. Is a bit high-cut and has some trouble sticking with quicker WR's that can exploit his lack of ideal hip fluidity by using double moves. He doesn't show great catch-up speed if he gets out of position and is forced to turn-and-run downfield.

Overview: Pool played in 12 games (mostly on special teams) as a true freshman in 2002. He started 12-of-14 games in 2003 at FS and finished with 68 total tackles, seven interceptions, six pass breakups and nine tackles for loss. As a junior in 2004, Pool led the Sooners with 92 tackles and finished with two interceptions, nine passes broken up and five tackles for loss. Pool lacks elite speed and he isn't a huge hitter versus the run. However, what he lacks in physical tools he makes up for with his recognition skills and instincts. He's a playmaker that is always around the ball versus the run and the pass. In our opinion, Pool is the best free safety prospect in the 2005 draft. He might be a bit of a reach late in the first round but would be a great value anywhere in the second round

[fishspill]

I've seen every game Pool has played in college and would be fine with the Cowboys drafting him.

Bringing up the A&M, OSU and USC games is fair, Pool made mistakes. So did Nicholson, Bassey, Onyenegecha, etc. They each had their time in the doghouse for playing like idiots. I don't think, though, it's a good idea to ignore all the good Pool has done in his career by overstating a few games.

The OSU game was a rivalry game against a team with a couple of nice receivers and a QB that took chances that paid off. It happens.

The A&M games was looking just as bad when, low and behold, Stoops burned the redshirt on Walker and the defense held A&M to 7 second half points. Of course, having Reggie out might have had a lot to do with that but just let me use Bassey as a goat instead :D .

And of course you had to remind me of the USC "game" as many call it. In actuality it was a cruel joke played on this fat man by God. I can't recall a game where a QB throwing for 50% overall is hitting 40 yard+ passes on the nose. At any level you count on long passes being off a yard this way or that MOST OF THE TIME but again and again they dropped in perfectly despite good coverage in most cases. Leinert was hot deep, the fronts got handled, an *** kicking occured.

There is also the possibility that the OU coaching staff chemistry didn't work. It's easy to say Pelini coordinated Nebraska and went to OU and did the same things and it didn't work so the talent must be the problem. But Pelini was a co-defensive coordinator this time and what he did in conjunction with what Venables did simply didn't jibe like Mike Stoops and Venables working together. Perhaps?

Pool is a talented, versatile defender. He may take a year to season but will be a credit to any team taking him. I promise, he's a really good player :) .

[WoodysGirl]

Sounds like B.J. Ward had a great workout. I haven't heard much about him or where most think he will go. Correct me if I'm wrong I thought woodysgirl was pretty high on him at the start of the year.
Anybody got any profiles?

Minor Clarification:

B.J. Ward has never been on my radar.

Not that I'm an expert or anything, but I liked what I saw of Marlin Jackson just off what I saw on the Combine coverage. He looked real fluid in those change of direction drills (forget what they're called at the moment) shuttle??

[Natedawg44]

B.J. Ward has never been on my radar.
My bad someone on this site was pumping him up at the start of the year though and I just want a little more first hand info on the guy.

Thanks Fishspill I appreciate the breakdown I'll tell you why I have to lay alot of the blame on Pool in those games. He is the last line of defense in a Zone D which they play a ton of and he just didn't get the job done in any of those games. Maybe I could write if off if he was younger but that was his third year in the D and he kept making the same mistakes in all three. Some of the others deserve the blame as well, but we aren't talking about spending a high second rounder on them. As far as Pelini is concerned, from everything I read he coached the secondary was in charge of assignments and their splits on the field. Maybe the chemistry wasn't good but its hard not to see the difference in the two years Bullocks and Pool had with the same coach and conclude the only difference is lack of chemistry. The bottom line for me is I saw enough of Pool last year to know I don't want to see anymore and am happy he will be playing on Sundays instead of Saturdays. I will be much happier watching what Tony Cade and Jason Carter have to offer at free safety which for me is the most telling thing of all.

[Natedawg44]

You contribute a lot and I respect your opinion, but I'm going with them on this one.

Thanks for the kind words, just so you know its just a difference of a opinion nothing personal.

[MichaelWinicki]

Minor Clarification:

B.J. Ward has never been on my radar.

Not that I'm an expert or anything, but I liked what I saw of Marlin Jackson just off what I saw on the Combine coverage. He looked real fluid in those change of direction drills (forget what they're called at the moment) shuttle??


I like him too WG... nice second round pickup. Would make a good FS.

[zagnut]

wayne_motley, I believe I addressed the coverage issue pretty good, don't you? Hopefully I don't have to go over it again. But to keep it simple, Bullocks excels when you allow him to play as a true FS, rather than putting him out in man coverage. Although not inept, he isn't the greatest guy man-up in coverage.

HeHateMe, Pool played in the same system Bullocks THRIVED in. What coaching hurt him?

Lastly, zagnut, I don't know where you have heard Bullocks was injured, but it is wrong. The only two men from Nebraska's secondary that were injured were Fabian Washington and Cortney Grixby.

I read it in the same profile I quoted, fool. :D


Josh is an excellent talent and with his speed his talent projects very favorably in the pros because he is good enough to play corner also. Injured in 2004 but has recently declared for the 2005 NFL Draft. Safety Josh Bullocks, who quietly had one of the better overall combines, was times at a 4.46 and 4.52 in Lincoln, an improvement from Indianapolis. Bullocks was the most popular player amongst scouts. Afterwards several teams including the Chiefs and Texans had him do individual drills. For their part the Dallas Cowboys are thrilled with Bullocks and feel he could immediately produce for the squad.


I did 2 minutes of research and he actually was injured/banged up in late October, 2004. He was subbed by the younger brother of none other than Dallas' Scott Shanle -- Andrew Shanle. He injured a shoulder in practice and barely played vs Kansas St. What I'm wondering is how much the shoulder affected him through this past season.


Shanle has proven himself at the Division I-A level. In Nebraska's loss last year at Kansas State, he filled in for an injured Josh Bullocks and recorded seven tackles, including a 10-yard sack of Allen Webb.

http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2005/02/12/huskerextra/doc420bef40230da197608489.txt

[fishspill]

I hear what you're saying, Nate.

And here's to hoping Cade can keep his temper in check enough to get on the field a little more. He might be a safety we can both agree on.

[Redball Express]

Good points all.

I think the selection of a FS is clouded as in the Dallas schemes, at least the present 4-3 ones, the SS/FS is sort of interchangable. Now, in a 3-4, if that becomes a bread and butter defense for '05..the need may change to more of a cover man, not so much a duplicate SS to play FS.

So until we know how the defense stacks up..this is a tough call for anybody trying to guess what Dallas will want to do.

I think the key will be what Dallas does to fill the LB/DE pass rushing positions. If they go for a non-3-4 type DE with that first choice, that will mean the 4-3 is the base defense and that then means we are going to draft a physical safety like a Woody for strong safety one they can mix coverages and blitzes with Roy Williiams to disquise the defense at the snap. Just as they have done for years.

If any of the #1 choices is a Merriman or other type of 3-4 player to help with the passrush, then that means the 3-4 is to be the base defense and the safety drafted later in the draft is going to be a coverage guy, not a physical hitter-type like Woody or Williams is because the coverages will be very different than the 4-3. The FS in those schemes will be downfield in deep coverage and will need more range than we saw in Woody or Williams.

I also keep remembering things that Parcells has said about Roy Williams being a bisquette away from being a LB. I've always had the feeling that with Williams' size and domination at the line of scrimmage, that the Cowboys might experiment with moving him closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid SS/OLBer in some way to get even more DB's on the field in obvious passing downs and thus be able to use Williams better in the blitz packages. So keep that in mind, too, if the 3-4 becomes a reality.

Williams may have a position created for him and that might be pretty interesting if we go 3-4. I could see Williams as a OLBer if the CB's hold up and b/w what we draft and what we already have, we can stabilize the safety positions, too.

So we just have to wait and see what falls to us in the 1st round or what trades in that round effect who we are targeting nad go from there.

I don't think even the Cowboys really know what type FS they are going to want. Not yet.

later.

ParcellsWaterBoy

[HeHateMe]

Thanks for the kind words, just so you know its just a difference of a opinion nothing personal.

Always.

Thats what makes this board great.

That I can want player A because I think hes better and you want player B because you think hes better.

All we can do now is wait to see who can say, "I told you so". ;)

[BigWillie]

Bullocks did seperate his shoulder, zagnut, but never missed any time because the injury wasn't severe. I actually had forgotten about it because the injury never plagued him and never hindered him whatsoever.