My ongoing random college analysis:

[casmith07]

If the "quick twitch" thing disqualified Sharif Floyd to be our selection last year, we should do the same with Ealy in the first round this year if we are consistent in our philosophy.

I would be willing to bet that Ealy is definitely not going to be one of our picks next month. I just don't think he's that good.

 

[Alexander]

I would be willing to bet that Ealy is definitely not going to be one of our picks next month. I just don't think he's that good.

I do not disagree. Frankly, I am tired of hearing him mentioned as the second best true DE in this draft. If that is the case, I wonder what people are looking at.

 

[xwalker]

One thing to also note about that game............ Nix had a knee injury late in 2012 that flared up again in that game. If it wasn't the NC game, it was said that Nix would have sat the game out after reaggravating it.

I am never a fan of putting a lot of stock into one game here or there. If you look at the totality of his career, Nix was a very, very good interior DL and has as much raw talent as most of the other interir DL in this draft.

Although I actually agree with what was said above - I think Tuitt might end up being the better NFL player when all is said and done.

I thought Alabama did a good job of game planning against Nix. They called/designed plays to get him moving in 1 direction and then ran the other way.

 

[xwalker]

If the "quick twitch" thing disqualified Sharif Floyd to be our selection last year, we should do the same with Ealy in the first round this year if we are consistent in our philosophy.

Agree. There are several similar type DEs in this draft. It's the super quick guys that are difficult to find.

 

[Alexander]

I thought Alabama did a good job of game planning against Nix. They called/designed plays to get him moving in 1 direction and then ran the other way.

They also just physically bullied him. That worked too. There was not much that did not work. Everyone was jumping on Te'o after that game, but it was a mauling at the line of scrimmage.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I thought Alabama did a good job of game planning against Nix. They called/designed plays to get him moving in 1 direction and then ran the other way.

They did a very good job. It would be a mistake to say that Nix had a terrible game against Alabama. That's simply not true. When ND allowed him to play up field, as opposed to trying to anchor him with 2gap responsibilities (the way you would a traditional NT), he was very disruptive. People forget that he had 5 solo tackles and 2 TFL against Bama. When he had to play in the more traditional role of NT, that's where he suffered against Alabama.

 

[Sydla]

They also just physically bullied him. That worked too. There was not much that did not work. Everyone was jumping on Te'o after that game, but it was a mauling at the line of scrimmage.

Teo should have been jumped on. He missed a ton of tackles that game. The DL took far too much heat for that game. They didn't play great but the LBs had a lot of runs at Bama's TBs and missed a ton of tackles.

That game was also the beginning of the end for ND's defensive coordinator, Bob Diaco. It was said he got very conservative game planning for that game and that carried over to 2014. ND fans were basically hoping someone would give Diaco a job this past offseason.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The issue that I have with Ealy is that he does not have elite quickness. I don't want to draft a DE in the 1st unless they have elite quickness.

This.

 

[xwalker]

They did a very good job. It would be a mistake to say that Nix had a terrible game against Alabama. That's simply not true. When ND allowed him to play up field, as opposed to trying to anchor him with 2gap responsibilities (the way you would a traditional NT), he was very disruptive. People forget that he had 5 solo tackles and 2 TFL against Bama. When he had to play in the more traditional role of NT, that's where he suffered against Alabama.

IIRC they even ran some plays where the RB keyed on Nix. He would cut one direction but as soon as Nix was on the outside of the OG then the RB cut back the opposite direction.

 

[starfrombirth]

I saw that as well... He is easily ran out of the lane. Hopefully like you said he can be coached tho.. Unless he plays against us then in that case I hope he's dumb as a box of rocks!!

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I think Nix possesses the most talent of the D-line group this year outside of Clowney. He is at his best when he is turned loose and trying to get in the backfield. Fits really well with our current mentality on defense. He would be a big asset to us IMO.

 

[starfrombirth]

I think Nix possesses the most talent of the D-line group this year outside of Clowney. He is at his best when he is turned loose and trying to get in the backfield. Fits really well with out current mentality on defense. He would be a big asset to us IMO.

Don't believe it! Tuitt is a better athlete and player on his own team. I'm not saying Nix won't be good but don't overestimate his size and strength relative to his speed. Yes, he has good speed for a man his size but he is only really good going forward. He has a real problem holding the point of attack in the run game. I think he can develop better technique but right now there are a number of people who have better quickness and the ability to be just as strong.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I'm not seeing Tuitt being nearly as quick. I've watched all the youtube tape I can get my hands on for both players and Tuitt looks like he can only 2 gap IMO. I disagree that Nix doesn't pursue the ball well. I think he does a fantastic job of that IMO. If your judging his POA on mostly the bama game that would be a mistake. That team wasn't even in the same ball park as Bama was that year.

 

[Sydla]

Don't believe it! Tuitt is a better athlete and player on his own team. I'm not saying Nix won't be good but don't overestimate his size and strength relative to his speed. Yes, he has good speed for a man his size but he is only really good going forward. He has a real problem holding the point of attack in the run game. I think he can develop better technique but right now there are a number of people who have better quickness and the ability to be just as strong.

I think Nix will be a pretty good pro but I agree with you in that Tuitt has much more upside. He looked slow and tired for a big stretch of the 2013 season but that was because of hernia surgery and he just didn't have time to get back in shape. But he played better at the end of the season and if you look at the 2012 season, you can see the athleticism. Of all the DL talked about in the first two rounds, I think he's the one with the most underrated skill set.

People also have to remember that ND normally was very conservative along the defensive front under Diaco. Not a ton of stunts, etc. Bob Diaco's system was largely a 2 gap system not an attacking 1 gap 3-4. It would have been interesting to see Tuitt play under the new ND coordinator, VanGorder, who wants to attack the line of scrimmage more and attack the gaps.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

IIRC they even ran some plays where the RB keyed on Nix. He would cut one direction but as soon as Nix was on the outside of the OG then the RB cut back the opposite direction.

That's fairly basic stuff and not unexpected, interior or inside zone blocking is exactly how you try to run against a penetrating DT scheme or Marinelli. However, the defense can also take advantage of this in that they can direct running games who utilize this scheme towards a certain area of the field or running lane. This is exactly how Phillips ran his defense. Marinelli does it a little differently in that he counts on all 4 DLs to be able to penetrate. This breaks down the execution of the Inside Zone Blocking technique. For that to work, the influence block must be executed properly for the back to cut off the block but all others must be able to hold their blocks and prevent penetration or backside pursuit.

This is why, unlike many, I do believe that Nix is a very good fit for Marinelli's scheme. He can penetrate exceedingly well. He's actually much better at this aspect of his game. I am not impressed with his ability to play 2 gap responsibility as a run stuffer. If you play him in this capacity, I think he's just another guy, so to speak. Certainly he can improve at this as he gains more technique, more strength and better conditioning but his ability to split the block and crush the pocket are exceptional IMO. I love him for us but I'm driving a lonely train on that one.

 

[starfrombirth]

Will Sutton
PositionDTSchoolArizona State
Height6' 0 1/2"Weight303 lbs
ClassRS SeniorNumber90

I've been hearing his name a little bit so I thought I would take a look. I've been hearing about how much less explosive he was in 2013 vs 2012 but in the film I looked at I didn't see it. He was carrying more weight, true but I think it helped him hold up against the run a little better. What I saw both years was a big man with above average penetration. I'm probably in the minority but I don't believe that he would be bad in that role. He is probably better in that role than as the 1 tech. He just doesn't have the strength or technique to stand up against the run. I saw a man that repeatedly lived in the opponents backfield. He often drew double and even triple team blocks. I wouldn't mind him as a 2nd or preferably 3rd rnd pick. I still like Donald, Ellis, and Tuitt but I would take Sutton as a substitute in the 3rd. I still like Jernigen as well but Sutton is good and I wouldn't necessarily believe the whole he wasn't as good in 2013. When you gain weight sometimes you have to grow your strength as well. I do like him after the first.

 

[starfrombirth]

I would be willing to bet that Ealy is definitely not going to be one of our picks next month. I just don't think he's that good.

I can only hope so.... I see a lot of people jumping on the Barr train as well. I know there is all kinds of buzz about Marinelli saying he see's him as a DE. Man, i just don't see it yet. I see potential yes but I still think he is too small. Like I said to xwalker, he is not my first choice but I won't throw the remote thru the t.v. because unlike a lot of posters.... "In Rod I trust!".

 

[xwalker]

I'm not seeing Tuitt being nearly as quick. I've watched all the youtube tape I can get my hands on for both players and Tuitt looks like he can only 2 gap IMO. I disagree that Nix doesn't pursue the ball well. I think he does a fantastic job of that IMO. If your judging his POA on mostly the bama game that would be a mistake. That team wasn't even in the same ball park as Bama was that year.

We sure to watch Tuitt's 2012 game footage. He was injured prior to 2013 and was not in great shape and played too heavy.

 

[xwalker]

Will Sutton
PositionDTSchoolArizona State
Height6' 0 1/2"Weight303 lbs
ClassRS SeniorNumber90

I've been hearing his name a little bit so I thought I would take a look. I've been hearing about how much less explosive he was in 2013 vs 2012 but in the film I looked at I didn't see it. He was carrying more weight, true but I think it helped him hold up against the run a little better. What I saw both years was a big man with above average penetration. I'm probably in the minority but I don't believe that he would be bad in that role. He is probably better in that role than as the 1 tech. He just doesn't have the strength or technique to stand up against the run. I saw a man that repeatedly lived in the opponents backfield. He often drew double and even triple team blocks. I wouldn't mind him as a 2nd or preferably 3rd rnd pick. I still like Donald, Ellis, and Tuitt but I would take Sutton as a substitute in the 3rd. I still like Jernigen as well but Sutton is good and I wouldn't necessarily believe the whole he wasn't as good in 2013. When you gain weight sometimes you have to grow your strength as well. I do like him after the first.

How do you think he compares to this guy:



They have very similar size, build and arm length.

 

[starfrombirth]

How do you think he compares to this guy:



They have very similar size, build and arm length.

I feel like I'm being set up a little bit here but I'll take a shot.... The highlight film you provided, as with all highlight films, shows some amazing plays by Nevis but because I didn't want to base my opinion off of just that I looked some more and found this: http://draftbreakdown.com/video/drake-nevis-vs-bama-vs/ Alabama has a great offensive line so I thought It would be a good test of his abilities. I thought he played well showing good strength at the point of attack and the ability to penetrate and be disruptive. I thought Sutton did better splitting blocks but Nevis held up against the run better. The bad part about that is since Drake is no longer on our roster, Rod must no believe in him. Can he make Sutton into more than Nevis was? No one really knows because as we all know, you have to have the "want to" to play for Rod. As I said, I think Sutton is more disruptive which is saying something because I thought Nevis had some nice moments for us last year. ... not great but something to work with. In summary, I believe that Sutton is more penetrating and that seems to be something Rod desires and maybe Rod can get more use from him than Nevis.