Eric Weddle?

[cobra]

What does everyone think about Eric Weddle?

I've never seen him play. But NFL Draft Countdown has us taking him in the 2nd round in their mock. From his scouting report there, he sounds like someone who would be very nice. I love high motor guys who perform in college, even if they don't win the underwear Olympics. Playmaking ability can't be graded at the Combine. And the fact that he can play cornerback (like Woodson) and was their punt returner is interesting insofar as it shows a degree of athleticism there that is hard to gage.

Anyhow, I was reading the Senior Bowl practice reports and it sounds like Eric Weddle is making an impression there from that one reviewer:

One of the most impressive defensive backs on the field was definitely Eric Weddle of Utah, who was intense, showed some leadership qualities and made a number of nice plays versus the run that drew positive notice from the coaches. Say what you want about him but Weddle is simply a football player and the type of guy who will help some team one way or another."

If I was going to single out the day's top performers the names that would immediately come to mind are Daymeion Hughes, James Marten, Scott Chandler, Jay Moore, and Eric Weddle but something tells me others are going to emerge as the week progresses.

I don't know if it is the case that one scout fell in love with a player and is seeing what he wants to see or if anyone here has seen him play and comment on him or offer different perspectives on him.


Safety | Senior | Utah
Eric Weddle Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200 | 40-Time: 4.50
Official Bio

Strengths:
A playmaker with excellent ball skills...Has great instincts...Tough, aggressive and a good tackler...Is always around the action...A high character player who will be an asset on and off the field...Smart and a hard worker with a great motor...Was very productive and a game changer at the college level...Will be a great special teamer and also returned punts for the Utes...Versatile with experience at both safety and cornerback with the potential to play either position at the pro level.

Weaknesses:
A CB / S 'tweener who might not have a true position...An overachiever who gets the most out of his ability but isn't particularly big or fast...Will have a much more difficult time in coverage than he did in college...As a safety he won't be a great fit in coverage or in the box...Probably won't contribute as a return man in the pros.

Notes:
Special education major who is very active in the community...The type who won't impress you with his physical tools but just gets the job done between the lines and is a true football player...Underrated prospect whose grade will be affected by a lack of measurables but he will end up making teams regret passing on him. Career Statistics Year GP TKL PBU INT YDS 2003 12 60 4 3 0 2004 11 75 5 4 34 2005 12 78 12 4 34 2006 13 64 2 7 80 Totals 48 277 23 18 148

[StanleySpadowski]

He may be a decent run stuffer but he looks clueless in pass coverage. Of all the one on one drills they shown so far, Weddle's getting beat like a rented mule.

[dallasfaniac]

I like Weddle but I don't think he fits here. I think there's a better chance of Watkins improving then Weddle because it almost seems like Eric has limited growth potential. Who knows, I have Weddle as my 5th safety, which does put him in our pick range.

[dallasfaniac]

Originally Posted by StanleySpadowski

Weddle's getting beat like a rented mule.

lol,

[cobra]

Originally Posted by StanleySpadowski

He may be a decent run stuffer but he looks clueless in pass coverage. Of all the one on one drills they shown so far, Weddle's getting beat like a rented mule.

Really? Because the things I've read said he could play either CB or safety. That suggested to me that he ought to be acceptable pass coverage skills for a free safety. According to his bio on the Utah website, says he started as a freshman at corner, moved to SS, and then ended his career back at corner. The bio said "he can cover anyone on the field"... though that is likely mere puffery.

Thanks for the input.

[StanleySpadowski]

Originally Posted by cobra

Really? Because the things I've read said he could play either CB or safety. That suggested to me that he ought to be acceptable pass coverage skills for a free safety. According to his bio on the Utah website, says he started as a freshman at corner, moved to SS, and then ended his career back at corner. The bio said "he can cover anyone on the field"... though that is likely mere puffery.

Thanks for the input.

Granted it was 1 on 1 with a WR without any help or pass rush, something you'd almost never ask a safety to do but he wasn't even in the same zip code as the receiver on one play. The WR ran by him like he was stuck in quicksand.

He's definitely more of a strong safety than free.

[Smith22]

Originally Posted by StanleySpadowski

Granted it was 1 on 1 with a WR without any help or pass rush, something you'd almost never ask a safety to do but he wasn't even in the same zip code as the receiver on one play. The WR ran by him like he was stuck in quicksand.

He's definitely more of a strong safety than free.

After watching some of the Senior Bowl practices on NFLN, I agree.

[jcollins28]

Eric is a great kid and comes from my hometown. It would be a dream to see him become a Cowboy! The kid is a player and does live up to the billing that ABQ gave him.

[Avery]

He plays much better in a team atmosphere than an individual session. He doesn't have CB talent, but he can be a competent safety.

Watch any of his highlights from Utah games this year and you'll be impressed. He was tied for 9th in picks with a lot of other guys this year and took two back to the house. He's just a good football player.

All that said, he'll likely be gone before I would spend a pick on him with our current needs. I think Watkins can be a great FS and we have needs to address on the offensive side of the ball and possibly another CB.

[cobra]

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/fea...press/125.html

Senior Bowl - Thursday Press Conference Notes
Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

Jon Gruden - North Head Coach

• Said there is "no question" that Eric Weddle can play cornerback in the NFL and that he will see some action there in the game.

____

This is interesting to me. I don't think I would look at him as a CB. But the fact that it is discussed he *can* play it suggests to me that he has to be decent enough to cover a guy.

One of the great things about having Woodson was that he cover a guy like having an extra CB on the field.

So, I'm intrigued about him as a prospect at safety in the 2nd round (if he falls that far).

[StanleySpadowski]

Originally Posted by cobra

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/fea...press/125.html

Senior Bowl - Thursday Press Conference Notes
Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

Jon Gruden - North Head Coach

• Said there is "no question" that Eric Weddle can play cornerback in the NFL and that he will see some action there in the game.

____

This is interesting to me. I don't think I would look at him as a CB. But the fact that it is discussed he *can* play it suggests to me that he has to be decent enough to cover a guy.

One of the great things about having Woodson was that he cover a guy like having an extra CB on the field.

So, I'm intrigued about him as a prospect at safety in the 2nd round (if he falls that far).

Just take everything said by the coaching staffs at the Senior Bowl with a grain of salt.

They'll only say positive things about every player. Much like former employers now refusing to give recommendations, coaches actually open themselves up to all kinds of legal issues if they give any negative remarks.