Tony Pauline Risers and sliders from Senior Bowl

[RS12]

The scouts and coaches left Mobile, Ala., on Thursday. The fans and campers headed home Saturday night after the North dominated the South 23-13 in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Several of the prospects we mentioned during the practices stood out during the contest, while a few who were quiet during the week also had nice performances. Here are the risers and sliders from the annual showcase for senior NFL prospects.

Risers

Isaiah Pead/RB/Cincinnati: At the start of Wednesday's practice it was mentioned how good Pead looked returning punts during special teams drills. Pead translated those skills from the practice field onto the game field and was named MVP of the Senior Bowl. Pead returned two punts for 60 and 38 yards, for an average of 49 yards. Pead looked like a veteran bringing the punts back, as he did a terrific job setting up his returns on both occasions. On offense he also had several nice runs, bursting through the open lanes and making defenders miss in the open field. Pead's solid week of practice coupled with the special teams skill showed during the game undoubtedly boosted his draft stock.

Kirk Cousins/QB/Michigan State: Cousins completed 5 of 11 passes for 115 yards, yet the stats tell a fraction of the story. Cousins made all the NFL throws from the pocket, displaying great speed on the ball while also putting touch on passes when required. His timing and accuracy was right on the mark as Cousins always gave his targets a good opportunity to make the reception. When he did miss on throws more times than not it was due to receiver error. It was important for Cousins to have a good game, as scouts questioned his judgment under center. At the Senior Bowl, decision-making was right on the money.

Mike Adams/T/Ohio State: During the week the consensus of scouts was the South squad had the best defensive ends of either roster. Adams was able to shut them down all game. On several occasions he stopped pass-rushing terrors Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram dead in their tracks. Upshaw eventually sacked the passer, though the fault was not placed on Adams shoulders. His ability to stop quick, explosive pass-rushers in the game will give scouts even more to think about when they decide where in Round 1 one the talented tackle should be selected.

Alameda Ta'amu/DT/Washington:


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...l-risers-and-sliders/index.html#ixzz1ktvtzo00

 

[SDogo]

Vinny Curry had a mixed week. He increased his value in the eyes of 4-3 teams but his overall stock took a hit because he showed in limited chances that he may not be fluid enough to make the switch to OLB in the 3-4.

 

[RS12]

Mike Adams/T/Ohio State: During the week the consensus of scouts was the South squad had the best defensive ends of either roster. Adams was able to shut them down all game. On several occasions he stopped pass-rushing terrors Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram dead in their tracks. Upshaw eventually sacked the passer, though the fault was not placed on Adams shoulders. His ability to stop quick, explosive pass-rushers in the game will give scouts even more to think about when they decide where in Round 1 one the talented tackle should be selected.

Alameda Ta'amu/DT/Washington: If scouts were hoping to be wowed by Ta'amu, all they need to due is watch the Senior Bowl game film. The big defensive tackle was dominant every time he lined up and was a constant nuisance for opponents. He collapsed the pocket on several occasions, overpowering opponents to make plays behind the line of scrimmage or force the action. His quarterback pressure at the end of the first half ended what looked to be a potential scoring drive for the South. In the second half the South was forced to double team Ta'amu in the attempt to slow him down.

I was impressed by both of these guys Adams looks like a shut down LT to me. Ta'amu moves like a guy 100 pounds lighter. I could definitely see Ta'amu being a major upgrade on the D Line.

 

[SDogo]

Ta'amu moves like a guy 100 pounds lighter. I could definitely see Ta'amu being a major upgrade on the D Line.

If it was not for his lack of effort or lack of conditioning in Washington's bowl game he would have me more excited. Just too much inconsistency all year for me to totally be sold when he gives 100% when the check writers are watching.

 

[Bigdog]

I was impressed by both of these guys Adams looks like a shut down LT to me. Ta'amu moves like a guy 100 pounds lighter. I could definitely see Ta'amu being a major upgrade on the D Line.

If memory serves me correct, DeCastro shut Ta'amu down when they faced each other this year.

 

[rester]

Nigel Bradham/OLB/Florida State: Bradham was fast and athletic all game long, running down opponents from all directions of the field. He was terrific in pursuit and Bradham made several outstanding plays in open space. Bradham showed skill in pass defense and was on top of his game covering tight ends and running backs.​

give me this guy an move him to ISB 6-2 #240 ​

Bradham appears to have a perfect health record, which is understandable given his chiseled body
.

Bradham looks a bit like a giant safety. Hips are a bit high, arms are long, and waist is narrow. Bradham, despite his build, holds up well in traffic, and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing. He is completely fearless and will always try to plow into the largest piles, and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ball carrier. Cover skills, in both man and zone, speed, quickness, and agility are very good.
Bradham could fit in the NFL at any 4-3 LB position, and inside in a 3-4

 

[JerryFan]

If memory serves me correct, DeCastro shut Ta'amu down when they faced each other this year.

From what I've read DeCastro is one of the better G prospects to come out in a while.

 

[JerryFan]

Nigel Bradham/OLB/Florida State: Bradham was fast and athletic all game long, running down opponents from all directions of the field. He was terrific in pursuit and Bradham made several outstanding plays in open space. Bradham showed skill in pass defense and was on top of his game covering tight ends and running backs.​

give me this guy an move him to ISB 6-2 #240 ​

Bradham appears to have a perfect health record, which is understandable given his chiseled body
.

Bradham looks a bit like a giant safety. Hips are a bit high, arms are long, and waist is narrow. Bradham, despite his build, holds up well in traffic, and makes a lot of plays by engaging a block, shedding, and pursuing. He is completely fearless and will always try to plow into the largest piles, and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ball carrier. Cover skills, in both man and zone, speed, quickness, and agility are very good.
Bradham could fit in the NFL at any 4-3 LB position, and inside in a 3-4

Where is he projected to go? Dallas can't really afford to take another ILB early but he sure seems like an interesting player.

 

[TheCount]

If memory serves me correct, DeCastro shut Ta'amu down when they faced each other this year.

There's just not a lot of talent around Ta'Amu on that defense, and he's not a "playmaker" type, so being "shut down" doesn't necessarily translate. In an NFL defense, his job would be to allow guys to make plays, especially at NT, and to get push in the pocket on pass downs and to be immoveable on run downs.

 

[supercowboy8]

If memory serves me correct, DeCastro shut Ta'amu down when they faced each other this year.

and phillip blake shut him down in the bowl game.

 

[rester]

Where is he projected to go? Dallas can't really afford to take another ILB early but he sure seems like an interesting player.

4 th rd