Notes and opinions on players Rotoworld

[RS12]

Courtney Gardner - WR - Wolverines
Sierra College WR Courtney Gardner has a private workout with the New York Jets.
Gardner was expected to land at Oklahoma but academic problems forced him to declare for the NFL. He is 6'3", 215 pounds and is smooth in and out of his cuts. He once recorded a 10.7 second 100 meter run.
Source: Metro Mar 16 - 8:22 PM

Le'Veon Bell - RB - Spartans
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell could go in the second- to-third round.
Lande's report seems to be consistent with what's been reported as of late. Most recently, NFL.com's Gil Brandt said Bell could be picked "at the top of the second-round." He compared Bell to Chuck Muncie, a running back in the 1980s.
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:17 PM

William Gholston - DL - Spartans
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes teams question Michigan State DL William Gholston's mental makeup.
"...he did not show good flexibility to maintain leverage to be an effective two gap player. Most concerning however was the lack of aggressiveness, intensity and passion that Gholston displayed during the workout," Lande wrote. "An NFL source in attendance told me that Gholston’s demeanor throughout the workout made them question if he has the mental makeup to handle being a five technique who has to anchor and physically control blocker."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:12 PM

Josh Evans - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Florida S Josh Evans was more fluid and athletic than teammate Matt Elam.
"Although not an explosive athlete, Evans was smooth throughout the positional drills staying over his feet and changing directions easily," Lande wrote. "One NFL person in attendance told us that it was clear to him that Evans is the more flexible and fluid athlete of the two safeties, Matt Elam being the other, and that he felt Evans was also better in coverage in games."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:08 PM

Matt Elam - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that Florida S Matt Elam was tight in the hips at his pro day.
"During his workout at the Pro Day, Elam displayed a little tightness in his hips and was not as quick or smooth flipping hips and changing directions as elite safeties usually are," Lande said. "Obviously, Elam’s lack of ideal size is an issue for NFL teams and the hip tightness he showed in his workout raises concerns about if he has the top level athleticism to make up for that lack of size. Teams definitely are impressed with his competitiveness, football intelligence and aggressive playing style, which should keep him from sliding out of the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:06 PM

Denard Robinson - QB - Wolverines
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that teams view Michigan QB/WR Denard Robinson as a slot receiver.
"He not only went through receiver drills, but also was put through running back drills as many teams believe that while his long term future is as a slot receiver, the fastest way for him to get on the field as a rookie will be as a third down back," Lande said in reference Robinson's pro day.
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:02 PM

Ryan Otten - TE - Spartans
San Jose State TE Ryan Otten ran in the mid-4.6s during his pro day on Friday.
Otten also completed a 33-inch vertical and 4.45 short shuttle time, but more importantly he weighed in at 242 pounds after losing around 20 pounds due to a staph infection that limited his ability during the Senior Bowl. We expect a third day selection to be in Otten's future.
Source: CBS Sports Mar 16 - 9:19 AM

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars
Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Houston CB D.J. Hayden is "one the best kept secrets in this draft."
Hayden has been unable to work out during the pre-draft process due to a freak heart injury that took place during the latter parts of the 2012 season, but "he's a playmaker that will end up starting," according to Weidl. We agree, since Hayden is very fluid in his back pedal with excellent quickness to close on targets and locate the football.
Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter Mar 16 - 9:00 AM

Tommy Bohanon - RB - Demon Deacons
Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl says Wake Forest FB Tommy Bohanon is the type of player he wants on the back end of his roster.
"Versatile, tough and selfless," Weidl tweeted. The fullback position is sort of a dying breed in the NFL, with draftable players needing versatility to stick on a roster. Bohanon was able to show his skills at the Senior Bowl.
Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter Mar 16 - 8:52 AM

Markus Wheaton - WR - Beavers
Oregon State WR Markus Wheaton struggled to track vertical targets over his shoulder during the school's pro day, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt.
It appears as though Wheaton stood on his Combine numbers, but per Brandt "He caught the ball very well, but he had some trouble tracking the ball overhead on long throws." This is surprising, since Wheaton was a dynamic downfield target during his collegiate career.

 

[RS12]

Le'Veon Bell - RB - Spartans
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell could go in the second- to-third round.
Lande's report seems to be consistent with what's been reported as of late. Most recently, NFL.com's Gil Brandt said Bell could be picked "at the top of the second-round." He compared Bell to Chuck Muncie, a running back in the 1980s.
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:17 PM

 

[xwalker]

Le'Veon Bell - RB - Spartans
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell could go in the second- to-third round.
Lande's report seems to be consistent with what's been reported as of late. Most recently, NFL.com's Gil Brandt said Bell could be picked "at the top of the second-round." He compared Bell to Chuck Muncie, a running back in the 1980s.
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:17 PM

I had to look up Chuck Muncie (6-3, 227):

Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie (born March 17, 1953) is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1979, 1981, 1982) and tied the then-NFL season record for rushing touchdowns in 1981.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Muncie was considered by many as one of the best running backs in the game until cocaine problems forced him into retirement. Eventually he went to prison where he turned his life around and now helps others through mentoring programs.

 

[xwalker]

Josh Evans - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Florida S Josh Evans was more fluid and athletic than teammate Matt Elam.
"Although not an explosive athlete, Evans was smooth throughout the positional drills staying over his feet and changing directions easily," Lande wrote. "One NFL person in attendance told us that it was clear to him that Evans is the more flexible and fluid athlete of the two safeties, Matt Elam being the other, and that he felt Evans was also better in coverage in games."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:08 PM

Matt Elam - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that Florida S Matt Elam was tight in the hips at his pro day.
"During his workout at the Pro Day, Elam displayed a little tightness in his hips and was not as quick or smooth flipping hips and changing directions as elite safeties usually are," Lande said. "Obviously, Elam’s lack of ideal size is an issue for NFL teams and the hip tightness he showed in his workout raises concerns about if he has the top level athleticism to make up for that lack of size. Teams definitely are impressed with his competitiveness, football intelligence and aggressive playing style, which should keep him from sliding out of the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:06 PM


Not a good report for Elam.

 

[tm1119]

Josh Evans is definitely underrated in my opinion. He doesn't get the credit he deserves because Elam made all the flashy plays. The reason Elam was able to be more or less in free roam was because Evans was behind him playing a great CF. Very good in coverage and was always where he was supposed to be. My only knock against him would be how skinny he is.

 

[RS12]

I had to look up Chuck Muncie (6-3, 227):

Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie (born March 17, 1953) is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1979, 1981, 1982) and tied the then-NFL season record for rushing touchdowns in 1981.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Muncie was considered by many as one of the best running backs in the game until cocaine problems forced him into retirement. Eventually he went to prison where he turned his life around and now helps others through mentoring programs.

I think Bell will be a nice player but Chuck Muncie was one of the most gifted FOOTBALL players I ever saw. Think Dickerson's speed and glide, then add more power plus the recieving skills of a TE. The best part was he made it look effortless. Gil really sounding ridiculous on this comparison.

 

[Idgit]

Josh Evans - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Florida S Josh Evans was more fluid and athletic than teammate Matt Elam.
"Although not an explosive athlete, Evans was smooth throughout the positional drills staying over his feet and changing directions easily," Lande wrote. "One NFL person in attendance told us that it was clear to him that Evans is the more flexible and fluid athlete of the two safeties, Matt Elam being the other, and that he felt Evans was also better in coverage in games."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:08 PM

Matt Elam - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that Florida S Matt Elam was tight in the hips at his pro day.
"During his workout at the Pro Day, Elam displayed a little tightness in his hips and was not as quick or smooth flipping hips and changing directions as elite safeties usually are," Lande said. "Obviously, Elam’s lack of ideal size is an issue for NFL teams and the hip tightness he showed in his workout raises concerns about if he has the top level athleticism to make up for that lack of size. Teams definitely are impressed with his competitiveness, football intelligence and aggressive playing style, which should keep him from sliding out of the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:06 PM


Not a good report for Elam.

Every year this happens. A player get's slotted somehow in the first two rounds, despite consistent reports that they don't match up physically for whatever reason, and yet, for whatever reason, it doesn't seem to affect their draft projections. All the way up until draft day, where they end up getting overdrafted and never developing.

I can't remember an example (though there probably are some) of it working out for the team when they ended up taking a DB who's a good athlete with tight hips, or whatever. It seems like every evaluation of Elam is saying the same things. Why doesn't he seem to be slipping down the board into the third or fourth rounds?

 

[RS12]

Josh Evans - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes Florida S Josh Evans was more fluid and athletic than teammate Matt Elam.
"Although not an explosive athlete, Evans was smooth throughout the positional drills staying over his feet and changing directions easily," Lande wrote. "One NFL person in attendance told us that it was clear to him that Evans is the more flexible and fluid athlete of the two safeties, Matt Elam being the other, and that he felt Evans was also better in coverage in games."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:08 PM

Matt Elam - DB - Gators
National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that Florida S Matt Elam was tight in the hips at his pro day.
"During his workout at the Pro Day, Elam displayed a little tightness in his hips and was not as quick or smooth flipping hips and changing directions as elite safeties usually are," Lande said. "Obviously, Elam’s lack of ideal size is an issue for NFL teams and the hip tightness he showed in his workout raises concerns about if he has the top level athleticism to make up for that lack of size. Teams definitely are impressed with his competitiveness, football intelligence and aggressive playing style, which should keep him from sliding out of the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft."
Source: National Football Post Mar 16 - 8:06 PM


Not a good report for Elam.

Yep thats what I thinking along with the fact that Evans could be a bargain. Short and tight hips equals carved up in coverage.

 

[Tezz]

Regarding Matt Elam's pro day I guess its just who you ask as some other people in attendance thought he looked great in drills...

In terms of the blurbs I think Daniel Jeremiah's opinion of Justin Pugh is the most intriguing since a lot of fans prob have him as a mid round pick...

Rotoworld:

The NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes Syracuse OL Justin Pugh "should be a first-round pick."
"His name is buzzing in personnel circles," Jeremiah tweeted. "I think he's a better version of Andy Levitre." Due to the guard comparison, we suspect teams are projecting Pugh inside. We like the Syracuse product quite a bit since he works well in close quarters, something he will have to manage due to shorter arms. Jeremiah later tweeted he grades Pugh as a late first rounder.

 

[RS12]

Regarding Matt Elam's pro day I guess its just who you ask as some other people in attendance thought he looked great in drills...

In terms of the blurbs I think Daniel Jeremiah's opinion of Justin Pugh is the most intriguing since a lot of fans prob have him as a mid round pick...

Rotoworld:

The NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes Syracuse OL Justin Pugh "should be a first-round pick."
"His name is buzzing in personnel circles," Jeremiah tweeted. "I think he's a better version of Andy Levitre." Due to the guard comparison, we suspect teams are projecting Pugh inside. We like the Syracuse product quite a bit since he works well in close quarters, something he will have to manage due to shorter arms. Jeremiah later tweeted he grades Pugh as a late first rounder.

One of the scouts said he actually had the best feet of all the tackles in the draft, he could still end up outside IMO.

 

[RS12]

Tavon Austin - WR - Mountaineers
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that West Virginia WR Tavon Austin "won't make it" to pick No. 23, the Vikings' earliest first-round pick.
Austin will be a popular Vikings pick in mock drafts, but it appears as though the electric playmaker won't have to wait that long on draft day. He's not an outside receiver, but Austin makes plays with the ball in his hands and has very quick movement skills to create separation. Some will call him small, but Austin never missed a single practice in college.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter Mar 17 - 11:29 AM

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars
Houston CB D.J. Hayden will hold a personal pro day for NFL teams on Monday.
Hayden also has four private workouts scheduled. The Houston product is a talented corner with excellent closing speed and vision to find the football as the receiver turns his head. However, the medicals will be the most important part of Hayden's draft process due to a near fatal heart issue this fall.
Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter Mar 17 - 10:35 AM

 

[xwalker]

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars
Houston CB D.J. Hayden will hold a personal pro day for NFL teams on Monday.
Hayden also has four private workouts scheduled. The Houston product is a talented corner with excellent closing speed and vision to find the football as the receiver turns his head. However, the medicals will be the most important part of Hayden's draft process due to a near fatal heart issue this fall.
Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter Mar 17 - 10:35 AM

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars
Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Houston CB D.J. Hayden is "one the best kept secrets in this draft."
Hayden has been unable to work out during the pre-draft process due to a freak heart injury that took place during the latter parts of the 2012 season, but "he's a playmaker that will end up starting," according to Weidl. We agree, since Hayden is very fluid in his back pedal with excellent quickness to close on targets and locate the football.
Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter Mar 16 - 9:00 AM

What happened to this guy?

 

[RS12]

Bryan Broaddus ‏@BryanBroaddus
“@Spiiderr_Webb: @BryanBroaddus How do the front office & scouts view Tavon Austin?” Positive.
View conversation Reply Retweet Favorite More

Uh oh

 

[TwoCentPlain]

I had to look up Chuck Muncie (6-3, 227):

Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie (born March 17, 1953) is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984...

If I remember correctly, Chuck Muncie was one of the few players who wore glasses. He had these dorky Buddy Holly glasses on which was a polar opposite to his pounding running style. Quite hilarious seeing him in those glasses.

 

[newlander]

I think Bell will be a nice player but Chuck Muncie was one of the most gifted FOOTBALL players I ever saw. Think Dickerson's speed and glide, then add more power plus the recieving skills of a TE. The best part was he made it look effortless. Gil really sounding ridiculous on this comparison.

...I have to agree RS....I was very young and vaguely remember Muncie but he was unreal....just a man's man. Bell will VERY likely compare to Matt Forte of the Bears. I really believe that: he's gonna be a good one. BUt Chuck Muncie? C'mon Man.....

 

[newlander]

Bryan Broaddus ‏@BryanBroaddus
“@Spiiderr_Webb: @BryanBroaddus How do the front office & scouts view Tavon Austin?” Positive.
View conversation Reply Retweet Favorite More

Uh oh

..............NO:bang2:

 

[DFWJC]

I had to look up Chuck Muncie (6-3, 227):

Harry Vance "Chuck" Muncie (born March 17, 1953) is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1979, 1981, 1982) and tied the then-NFL season record for rushing touchdowns in 1981.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Muncie was considered by many as one of the best running backs in the game until cocaine problems forced him into retirement. Eventually he went to prison where he turned his life around and now helps others through mentoring programs.

I assume that's why he was laughing.

Comparing someone other than a future star to Chuck Munice is a bit of a reach. Muncie was an outstanding Pro w/ multiple pro Bowls, etc.

I guess you never know. Maybe Bell will be really good too.

 

[austin88]

I assume that's why he was laughing.

Comparing someone other than a future star to Chuck Munice is a bit of a reach. Muncie was an outstanding Pro w/ multiple pro Bowls, etc.

I guess you never know. Maybe Bell will be really good too.

It's also a bit of strange comparison in terms of running styles. I (dimly) remember Chuck Muncie, at least when he was with San Diego, as (a) a smooth runner with some glide to him, and (b) a guy who caught a lot of passes out of the backfield. Bell seems more like a pounder to me, though I haven't seen him very much.

Overall, Muncie was a guy with a world of natural talent who probably underachieved a little (maybe b/c of drugs). Not sure Bell has that kind of upside, though maybe the results will be closer.

 

[RS12]

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars
Houston CB D.J. Hayden ran forty times of 4.34 and 4.37 seconds at the school's pro day on Monday.
If this is your first introduction to Hayden, be sure to check out some of his games. The Houston corner's closing burst is excellent and he consistently finds the football to disrupt at the catch point. Sure, there was a freak heart issue that nearly ended Hayden's life, but we hope he earns a clean bill of health.
Source: Plex Performance on Twitter Mar 18 - 10:52 AM

Aaron Dobson - WR - Thundering Herd
Marshall WR Aaron Dobson recorded a 4.42 and 4.44 forty at the school's pro day.
The Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles were in attendance. Dobson recorded a 4.29 in the short shuttle and ran the three-cone drill in 7.2 seconds. He also put up the bar 16 bench press reps. The wideout made some highlight reel catches and should be a third day selection.
Source: NFL.com Mar 18 - 10:12 AM

Phillip Thomas - DB - Bulldogs
Former NFL Scout Daniel Jeremiah considers Fresno State S Phillip Thomas a late second or early third-round prospect.
Thomas "has some fly-by missed tackles but outstanding ball skills," Jeremiah tweeted. The poor tackling is a big part of Thomas' game, since he takes good angles towards ball carriers but tends to slow and whiff once close enough. That lunging or lack of quick twitch movement could really hurt Thomas in the NFL, but expect him to play a center field type role.
Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter Mar 18 - 10:06 AM

 

[Gaede]

Not a great fan of Thomas, because of that poor tackling. Of course, he's got great ball instincts, but I just can't stand a safety that can't tackle.

I think Bell is extremely underrated and will be an excellent back in the NFL. Would love to get him on this team.

Also, if this team drafts Tavon Austin in the first, I'd be thrilled. BPA and the guy is a football player. Can't be upset with that. Alot of people were up in arms over Sean Lee and Bruce Carter as well. But a player is a player and if you get the opportunity to get one that makes a significant difference to your team, you take advantage.