Senior Bowl Rosters, Practice and Game thread

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Cincinnati's Pead shines in North's complete Senior Bowl win[/size][/b]


Posted Jan. 28, 2012 @ 9:53 p.m. ET
By Mike Wilkening


MOBILE, Ala. — Big plays in all three phases of the game put the North in control in the 2012 Senior Bowl.

Cincinnati RB Isaiah Pead set a game record for punt-return yardage with two long returns, Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins and Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson each threw TD passes, and Purdue PK Carson Wiggs hit three field goals as the North defeated the South 23-13 in front of 40,646 fans at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday.

Pead, who also led all rushers with 31 yards on eight carries, earned game MVP honors. His two punt returns, both in the second quarter, went for 60 and 38 yards. The 60-yarder featured him starting right and cutting back to his left toward the North sideline, before he was finally brought down at the South 18. The North capitalized with Wiggs' second field goal of the game to take a 13-6 lead with just over two minutes left in the first half.

"I hope just to prove that I'm a football player," Pead said afterward. "... And that's really all we came down here to prove."

The North took control of the game early in the second half as Cousins connected on a 41-yard TD to Arizona WR Gerell Robinson, who took a short pass the distance to take a 20-6 edge.

"It was just a little 'under' route," Robinson said. "... Kirk was stepping up and flipped it to me, and we took it to the crib."

Cousins, who completed 5-of-11 passes for 115 yards with an interception to go along with the TD, threw a couple of the game's more impressive passes, hitting Ohio State WR DeVier Posey for 33 yards in the second quarter and N.C. State WR T.J. Graham for 22 yards in the third quarter.

"You want it to be perfect, but it never is. Short of being perfect, I think it was a great week," Cousins said of his Senior Bowl week. "I showed my arm strength. I showed what I'm capable of, not just on the field, but off the field, and I felt very good about what I did today. I put my best foot forward."

The North defense was the story early. On the game's first drive, Oklahoma DB Jamell Fleming forced Arkansas WR Joe Adams to fumble, with Michigan State DB Trenton Richardson recovering at the South 42. Wiggs would connect on his first field goal, a 27-yarder, to give the North a 3-0 lead.

After the South evened the score, the North defense struck again. Brandon Weeden, facing heavy pass-rush pressure, was intercepted by Utah State LB Bobby Wagner, whose 12-yard return put the North on the South 46. Wagner, who notched seven tackles, earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the North. Another standout was Marshall DE Vinny Curry, who had two sacks.

The North made the most of the takeaway, scoring the first touchdown of the game, an eight-yard strike from Wilson to California WR Marvin Jones off play-action. Early in the drive, Wilson needed all of his skills to avert disaster after he dropped a snap. He picked up the ball, rolled left and found Robinson for 23 yards.

The South defense also impressed. North Carolina DE Quinton Coples, who's likely to be a first-round pick, played to that level Saturday, save for a second-quarter personal-foul penalty. He notched a sack, as did Alabama DE-OLB Courtney Upshaw, who will also vie to be the top player drafted out of this game. He bowed after a third-quarter sack of Wilson to the cheers of a crowd not lacking in Crimson Tide faithful.

The South would cut the North's lead in half early in the fourth quarter, as Arizona QB Nick Foles (11-of-15 passing, 136 yards) hit teammate Juron Criner for a 20-yard TD. Criner, who caught six passes for 77 yards, was a frequent target of South quarterbacks, as was the swift Adams, who hauled in six passes for 116 yards and earned the South's Most Outstanding Player honors.

However, in the end, the North just made a few more plays. In the fourth quarter, Coples beat his man and closed in on Boise State QB Kellen Moore, but Moore was able to get off a touch pass to Wisconsin FB Bradie Ewing, who hauled in the 23-yard receptiom. Wiggs would end that drive with his third field goal, and the North had iced the game.

Notes

Jones (knee) left the game, as did Cal Poly DB Asa Jackson (ankle) and Georgia DB Brandon Boykin (lower leg). ...The South attempted 45 passes, compared to 30 for the North. ... South Carolina S Antonio Allen led the South with seven tackles.




http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/28/cincinnatis-pead-shines-in-norths-complete-senior

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]DEs dominate Senior Bowl action[/size][/b]

[b] [size=6]Three defensive linemen, one cornerback on another level during practice week[/size][/b]


By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.



The practice week has come to a close at the Senior Bowl, and while plenty of prospects stood out for one reason or another, four players clearly separated themselves as the elite talents in Mobile, Ala.


Here's a look at what makes those four top-end talents and where they might fit in the NFL.



[b]North Carolina DE [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28090/quinton-coples"]Quinton Coples[/url] (Scouts Inc. grade: 95)[/b]
Coples (6-foot-5¾, 281 pounds) did not have his best season in 2011, failing to play with the consistent aggressiveness we saw on his junior tape from 2010. That's not to say he was dogging it, just that his motor wasn't running in its highest gear at all times. That has raised some concerns about the work ethic he'll show at the next level, but if a team can get him to work hard, Coples can be an elite difference-maker along the defensive front.


He's a versatile lineman who can be disruptive as an interior pass-rusher. Although Coples doesn't have elite top-end speed, he showed the ability this week to set up offensive tackles with his hands, using his initial quickness to get into power moves and flashing quickness and fluidity on both inside and outside pass-rush moves.


Coples also has the long arms and upper-body strength to be effective against the run, and he's one of the top three or four natural talents in this year's class. Depending on how things shake out with the top quarterbacks on the board, Coples likely won't last long past the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-browns"]Cleveland Browns[/url] at No. 4 or the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/was/washington-redskins"]Washington Redskins[/url] at No. 6, where he would find his best fit as a 4-3 defensive end.


[b]South Carolina DE/OLB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28296/melvin-ingram"]Melvin Ingram[/url] (94)[/b]
Coming into the week we rated Alabama's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27437/courtney-upshaw"]Courtney Upshaw[/url] slightly ahead of Ingram (6-1⅞, 276), but based on film study and what we saw in Mobile, it appears Ingram is more ready to make the leap. They are similar players who are about the same size, but Ingram had a quicker first step and showed more explosive initial power.


He can get into the body of an offensive tackle and knock him back, and he has the athleticism to follow that with a quality pass-rush move. Ingram's ability to make the tackle respect his power, then work inside or outside based on the reaction, is impressive. He can also rush the passer from the inside on occasion, and Ingram flashes strength and range against the run.


He will find his best fit at end in a 4-3 scheme, which could make him a target for the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/sea/seattle-seahawks"]Seattle Seahawks[/url] at No. 11 or 12 (depending on a coin flip with the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/kan/kansas-city-chiefs"]Kansas City Chiefs[/url]). Ingram could also play for 3-4 teams that don't mind shorter outside linebackers, which could mean interest from the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/ari/arizona-cardinals"]Arizona Cardinals[/url] at No. 13.


[b]Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw (93)[/b]
Upshaw (6-1½, 273) is just slightly behind Ingram, and after helping Alabama win the BCS title on Jan. 9, Upshaw didn't seem to have the same fresh legs or explosiveness as other prospects who came in having had more time off. He didn't play badly, but he did lack the excellent burst we've seen on tape.


However, Upshaw still showed a lot of power. He is a thick, solidly built player who uses his hands well and has the potential to develop a wider array of pass-rush moves. We also like the ability he showed to maneuver in tight spaces. Upshaw was able to get into tackles, then use a rip or swim move to get past them; he showed good torso flexibility when bending back toward the quarterback off the edge. He's also relentless as a pass-rusher.


Upshaw is very strong taking on blocks against the run, and even though he doesn't always diagnose plays as quickly as one might like, he is disciplined within the scheme and does a nice job with gap assignments. He'll fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, and Arizona might be a best-case scenario at No. 13. The [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets"]New York Jets[/url] are also a possibility at No. 16 and the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gnb/green-bay-packers"]Green Bay Packers[/url] would give Upshaw a long look should he somehow last until the 28th overall pick.


[b]North Alabama CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28085/janoris-jenkins"]Janoris Jenkins[/url] (90)[/b]
Jenkins was a sure first-rounder based on the tape of his 2010 season at Florida, a dominant year in which he held last year's No. 6 overall pick A.J. Green and likely 2012 first-rounder [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28294/alshon-jeffery"]Alshon Jeffery[/url] to just 95 combined receiving yards. However, off-field issues led to his dismissal at Florida and Jenkins spent the 2011 season under the radar after transferring to North Alabama.


There is little reliable film of him from this season, so Senior Bowl week was a huge opportunity for Jenkins to show he is still the same player. No question, he was the best defensive back on either roster. He doesn't have elite size (5-9⅞, 177) or speed, but Jenkins is fast enough and is one of the elite corners in recent years in terms of foot quickness and fluidity.


He can open his hips and turn to run with receivers so quickly and easily that it makes other players look like high schoolers. Jenkins will gamble at times -- he guessed wrong on a double move by Texas A&M WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28391/jeff-fuller"]Jeff Fuller[/url] at one point during the week -- but more often than not he is anticipating the route correctly. His man-to-man cover skills are excellent, he's willing in run support and can also contribute as a punt returner.


There's no question in my mind that Jenkins is one of the elite physical talents on the board. He's just behind LSU's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27921/morris-claiborne"]Morris Claiborne[/url] and just ahead of Alabama's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27428/dre-kirkpatrick"]Dre Kirkpatrick[/url] among cornerbacks. However, it will be interesting to see how far Jenkins drops because of his character baggage. The [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/dal/dallas-cowboys"]Dallas Cowboys[/url] will be in the market for a cornerback at No. 14, though that might be a bit early. The [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/pit/pittsburgh-steelers"]Pittsburgh Steelers[/url] (No. 24) and [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nwe/new-england-patriots"]New England Patriots[/url] (No. 31/32) could also be possible landing spots.


In the end -- especially after the [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens"]Baltimore Ravens[/url] took a chance on the similarly talented and similarly checkered Jimmy Smith in 2011 and were rewarded -- it will surprise me if there's not a team among the top 40 picks willing to bring in Jenkins and have a plan for keeping him out of trouble.




http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7509721/2012-nfl-draft-four-defenders-proved-their-elite-status-senior-bowl

[EnglishBengal]

After what I've seen and read about the prospects this week. I would like the Bengals to draft any (if not all) of the following:

RB Doug Martin
CB Brandon Boykin
[s]WR Mike Adams[/s] WR Joe Adams
OG Cordy Glenn

[Jason]

[quote name='EnglishBengal' timestamp='1327846867' post='1092828']
After what I've seen and read about the prospects this week. I would like the Bengals to draft any (if not all) of the following:

RB Doug Martin
CB Brandon Boykin
[b]WR Mike Adams[/b]
OG Cordy Glenn
[/quote]

Huh? Mike Adams is an OT. Did you mean another player?

[spicoli]

[quote name='EnglishBengal' timestamp='1327846867' post='1092828']
After what I've seen and read about the prospects this week. I would like the Bengals to draft any (if not all) of the following:

RB Doug Martin
CB Brandon Boykin
WR Mike Adams
OG Cordy Glenn
[/quote]

I think you mean Joe Adams...right?

[unleashed]

[quote name='spicoli-2' timestamp='1327852652' post='1092838']

I think you mean Joe Adams...right?[/quote]

Thought he looked pretty good also. Recovered well after his fumble in the 1st quarter

[EnglishBengal]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1327848625' post='1092830']

Huh? Mike Adams is an OT. Did you mean another player?
[/quote]
[quote name='spicoli-2' timestamp='1327852652' post='1092838']

I think you mean Joe Adams...right?
[/quote]
Yes I did, my bad!

[quote name='unleashed' timestamp='1327858283' post='1092844']
Thought he looked pretty good also. Recovered well after his fumble in the 1st quarter
[/quote]
Yes he did. In particular, he showed some good YAC. Ideal for WCO. I think he could be another Hawkins type guy from day one.

[unleashed]

Thank God we don't need a QB this year.

Outside of Luck and RGIII it looks like slim pickings.

There were 2 qbs under 6 feet tall if I remember correctly.

[ButchWalkerRokks]

Here is what I would personally want. Let me know what you guys think.

With 17, I'd love to get DeCastro if he already hasn't been taken by then. I could see Arizona or Dallas targeting him. If he IS gone, I'd then like to get Floyd because the likelihood of him going to the Bears at #19 is pretty strong in my opinion and we need a guy opposite A.J.

With #21, I'd love to get Cordy Glenn. I could see his stock rising pretty high due to his flexibility along the line, but I think he could be a great fit. I know some people would like to grab a RB, but I personally devalue the position as a whole due to the fact I feel many have just as good of a chance to be great in the later rounds (such as Pead/Martin)


If we were to go WR/RG/OT/RB/CB, I'd be a happy camper.

[Tigris]

[quote name='ButchWalkerRokks' timestamp='1327865100' post='1092865']
Here is what I would personally want. Let me know what you guys think.

With 17, I'd love to get DeCastro if he already hasn't been taken by then. I could see Arizona or Dallas targeting him. If he IS gone, I'd then like to get Floyd because the likelihood of him going to the Bears at #19 is pretty strong in my opinion and we need a guy opposite A.J.

With #21, I'd love to get Cordy Glenn. I could see his stock rising pretty high due to his flexibility along the line, but I think he could be a great fit. I know some people would like to grab a RB, but I personally devalue the position as a whole due to the fact I feel many have just as good of a chance to be great in the later rounds (such as Pead/Martin)


If we were to go WR/RG/OT/RB/CB, I'd be a happy camper.
[/quote]

The reason why I'm so high on Martin outside of his physical talents is that I think RB was 1 of or 2 biggest position of need on offense last year (G being the other). The guys we currently have, including Scott, can't come close to what this offense asks for in a RB. Leonard is our closest but he's too slow and doesn't have the wiggle. If we get a guy like Martin, Andy will totally blow it up. He'd have a guy for checking down. Also, after Martin would make the catch, he has a chance to go an extra 10 yards unlike Benson, Scott. I wouldn't mind going a mix of g/db/wr if that's what they really believe is the right move, but I have been struggling believing anyone in this draft would help our offense more than Doug Martin. He's the perfect fit and I think it's obvious as hell.

I don't see us going WR in round 1 with our needs at guard, corner, safety, and runnung back. I just think those needs outweigh the wideout position especially with Gresham splitting out more and Shipley returning.

[unleashed]

I think WR will be filled in free agency.

With some of the big names like Vjax, Bowe, and Colston coming into FA, some of the good wide receivers can be had for cheap.

I'd be happy with meachem, manningham, Wayne, or garçon as our number 2 wide receiver.

We really just need a guy that can take a little of the coverage off of AJ. Any of these guys would be a solid WR2 with the depth we have after AJ.

I could live with: Green, Garçon, Shipley, Hawkins, Whalen, and Tate(who will hopefully be expendable)

Add in Gresham and someone like Doug Martin coming out of the backfield and you have an arsenal for number 14.

[The PatternMaster]

Here are my observations of the talent of the SeniorBowl by positions of need for the Bengals:

[u][b]RB[/b][/u] - Overall I think this is a good group of talent coming out this year, a guy like Trent Richardson has the opportunity to be very special at the next level. Guys like Miller, Martin, Polk, and Ganaway also have an opportunity to be special players at the next level, but they are not on Richardson level of talent. Considering the need for a young rb on this team I would think we would do well to draft a guy early instead of going the FA route.

- [b][u]Doug Martin Boise State[/u][/b]- By far the most impressive back at the Senior Bowl who looks like he can do it all; run between the tackles, bounce it to the outside, catch it out of the backfield, pass pro, and even make some plays on special teams. I think his height, or lack their of, is actually an advantage because it makes it harder for big dlineman to get a hold of him and get clean shots on him. Going into the week I wasn't sold on this guy because of where he went to school, sorry but I don't have much respect for Boise's program and the players they produce..However, Doug Martin changed my mind. I would think he would make a great first round pick, as he's a guy who you can put into our offense from day 1 and he can not only start but get you good production.

- [u][b]Isiah Pead UC[/b][/u] - Pead really impressed on special teams with two huge returns that showcased his ability to setup blockers and make guys miss. However he wasn't as impressive when lined up at rb, at 195 lbs Pead needs to add 10-15 lbs of muscle to be an everydown back in the NFL. He has the quickness and vision to be a productive rb in the NFL, physically you have to wonder if he can stand up to the pounding a back who carries it 20-25 a game would take. I can see him being a change of pace/special teams back early and if he can bulk up he will mature into an every down back.

- [u][b]Dan Herron OSU[/b][/u] - Herron wasn't that impressive, he doesn't have top end speed and isn't big enough to run through many tackles. Herron might stick as a back up but I don't think he will be a starter in the NFL. He could have value has a change of pace back to team with a big brusier, as he can run between the tackles and bounce it outside but I can't see him getting more than 10 carries a game at the next level.

- [u][b]Terrance Ganaway Baylor[/b][/u] - I think Ganaway is a sleeper pick for this position, the only part of his game I don't like is pass protection. Ganaway is a physical back who would be an ideal fit for a team that needs a bruiser to get short yards or pound it between the tackles. Ganaway exploded last season racking up 21 td's and over 1,500 yrds, after being basically non-existant his first few years at Baylor. I think if we keep Bernard Scott on the roster and don't add a guy like Doug Martin early in the draft Ganaway would be a good pick in the mid rounds as he can be the 1st and 2nd down back and then bring in a Scott or Leonard depending on the situation.

[u][b]WR [/b][/u]- I think this is a down year for wr talent, there are only a couple of guys I would take in the first round and only one guy who stands out as a can't miss prospect, Justin Blackmon. Outside of him the rest of the group is anywhere between slighty above average to blahh. I know the Bengals need a #2 and with Simpson being a FA and up on chargers for marijuana I think the best route would be to get a veteran FA who won't have the growing pains that most young wr's have. AJ Green was the exception to the rule, he's special. Most rookie wr's struggle mightly to make the jump to the NFL and we don't need a #2 who has a steep learning curve.

[u][b]-DeVier Posey OSU[/b][/u] - Posey is a local kid, LaSalle high and OSU, who has all of the phsyical tools to be a good NFL wr. At 6'0" 205 lbs he has the size and speed to play at the next level, however mentally he struggles with his focus and concentration. He drops passes he should catch and needs to work on his route running, I think he will need a season or two at the next level with some good coaches before he will be ready to start in the NFL. He would be a steal in the 4 or 5th rounds as he can sit and develop without any pressure to preform right away.

-[b][u]Jeff Fuller Texas A&M[/u][/b] - Fuller is a phyical freak, standing 6'4" and 220 lbs he his very similar to AJ Green. However he is nowhere as consistent as Green and that is Fuller's biggest concern at the next level. if he can get with a coach that get the most out of him he could develop into a great #2 wr as he has the physical tools to beat most db's on a consistent basis, he just has to put it all together mentally.

-[u][b]Joe Adams Arkansas[/b][/u] - Adams is the most dynamic wr coming out of the draft, he's a big play waiting to happen everytime he gets his hands on the ball. He's a top notch return guy who can also play the slot at the next level. Adams only concern is that he's a bit small, 5'10 180 lbs is not ideal size for an NFL wr as he will subjected to hits from guys weighing 50-60 lbs heavier than him on a consistent basis. However there are plenty of guys his size making big plays in the NFL on every Sunday, so I don't think that will be a big problem for Adams. If the Bengals needed a slot guy I would be all over him, however we have two slot guys already on the roster(Hawkins and Shipley) and we need a #1/#2 type and Adams isn't that guy.

-[u][b]Brian Quick Appalachian State[/b][/u] - Quick is a guy who intrest me the most out of all of the guys at the Senior Bowl because of his potential. He's a raw guy who played basketball until his senior year of high school then went to Applachian State, so he hasn't faced many quality opponents so he will struggle to adjust to the level of competition in the NFL. However with some good coaching this guy could be special as he is a physical freak who works hard and seems to make plays when they are ready to be made. Being that we need a guy who can start from day 1, I don't think Quick would be a good pick in the first two rounds, but he would be a steal in the 3rd or later.

[u][b]OL[/b][/u] - This is probably the deepest group in the 2012 draft class with multiple guys who can step in a play from day 1. The Bengals need a quality OG who can start from day 1 and some quality depth at the tackle positions.

- [u][b]Cordy Glenn UGA[/b][/u] - Glenn was one of the best players at his position at the Senior Bowl. During practice he struggled at the LT position come game time he played about 2 quarters of football at the LT and looked pretty good doing it. I know alot of Bengals fan have targeted Glenn as a the guy they want to fill the OG void but I don't think he will be there at #17 or #21 or that he will play OG in the NFL. Some team will take him early, I'm talking top 15 and plug him in at LT, maybe RT early on but his future is at LT. He seems like he would be an outstanding OG, but if he can play LT then by God some NFL team will play him millions of dollars to do just that.

-[u][b]Mike Adams OSU[/b][/u] - Adams showed he is also an elite LT prospect, another top 15 pick, who will be a blind side protector in the NFL for years to come. He has long arm, full of tattoes, and quick feet. His technique gets a tad bit sloppy at times but he is a good player who can develop into a legit starter with some good coaching. We have two great tackles in Whitworth and Smith so I don't think Adams is on our radar.

-[u][b]Jeff Allen Illnois[/b][/u] - Allen really impressed me with his play during the game at LG, he's a steady, reliable guy who should be available in the mid rounds. A guy who can start from day 1 and give you good production in the running and passing game. I heard he practiced well all week, very consistent with his technique, and he played well in the game. He can get to the second level in run blocking and has a nasty streak when he finishes blocks. I know everyone wants a DeCastro or Glenn, but this team doesn't have a habit of drafting inside linemen early in the draft and almost never in the first round. If the team decides to look elsewhere early in the draft, like rb or cb, I think Allen would be a great mid round guy who can start from day 1.

-[u][b]Kelechi Osemele Iowa State[/b][/u] - Osemele is a physical guy who plays RT in college but I think would be a beast of a RG. He's athletic enough to get to the second level in run blocking and strong enough to handle the big DT's in pass protection. I could definitely see him replacing Bobbie at RG and I think he would be a good depth guy at the tackle position if he can't get on the field at RG.

[u][b]DL[/b][/u] - Another deep group in this years draft, alot of DE's who can flat out get after the qb are available. I expect their to be an early run on these guys so while we have plenty of young talent at that position already on the roster it never hurts to have more guys who can rush the qb.

- [u][b]Quinton Coples UNC[/b][/u] - This guy is a stud, he looked like a man playing vs. boys in the Senior Bowl. Every olineman he faced had problems containing, he made plays in the backfield all game. Coples should be a top 10 pick, he reminds me of a young Juilus Peppers with his athleticism and long frame when rushing the qb. Straight up beast is the only words I can think of to describe him on a football field. He's another guy who will go from the Senior Bowl to the Pro Bowl like our guy Andy Dalton.

- [b][u]Vinny Curry Marshall Univ[/u][/b] - Curry is a guy who can start out as a good situational pass rusher in the NFL, with possibility to mature into a 3 down player at DE. Curry displayed good balance and strength to go along a wide repertoire of moves he uses to get to the qb. Curry had insane production in college, getting the C-USA defensive player of the year after 3 great years at Marshall. Curry has career totals of 239 tackles(crazy amount for a DE on any level), with 49 TFL, 26.5 sacks, and 10 FF. The most impressive thing about Curry is that going into his senior season he was known as one of the top guys at his position and still put up great numbers despite the extra attention other teams were giving him. If Curry is there in the 2nd or 3rd you almost have to take him despite the guys on your roster because the Giants have proven you can never have enough pass rushers...Am I right???

-[b][u]Mike Martin Michigan[/u][/b] - Martin reminds me of a Geno Atkins type of guy, he has a high motor and is stout enough to hold his own at the point of attack. He is a bit undersized, like Atkins, but uses leverage to get under most olinemen and get pressure in the back field. He's the type of guy who goes hard every snap, like Atkins..see where I'm going here. I think teaming him with Atkins would give us a sick interior rush on 3rd downs, if the team moves on from Pat Sims, I would love to see Martin in a Bengals uniform.

- [u][b]Alameda Ta'amu Washington[/b][/u] Ta'amu is a disruptive force in the middle, he's a huge man at 6'3 340 lbs but he can move and is quick off the snap for a guy his size. He gets good leverage and consistantly makes plays in the backfield, Ta'amu would also be an ideal fit for this defense as he can anchor in run support and collapse the pocket when the qb drops back to pass. He would be an ideal replacement for Pat Sims should the team decicde to move on.

[b][u]LB[/u][/b] - This is a solid group, alot hybrid guys who played DE in college but will probably play OLB in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL. Going into the season this was thought to be a position of strength for the Bengals but with injuries to Rivers, Muckleroy, Moch, and Maluaga we need some quality young guys that his position. Lawson and Howard were great pickups as they both started and help anchor the defense that finished in the top 10, however neither guy is young and it would be good to start getting some future starters, especially if Rivers and Mauluaga don't live up to their potential.

- [b][u]Bobby Wagner Utah State[/u][/b] - Wagner would be considered undersized at 6'0 240lbs, but he plays bigger and is very instinctual when it comes making plays. This guy is a tackling machine, he averaged over 11 tackles a game last year and was three time all conference player. Wagner finish his college career with 446 tackles, with 30 TFL. Although he may lack ideal height and size he plays with heart and a high motor, not to mention he is a high character guy who will be a leader with his steady and conistent style of play. He's the type of player who steps up when you need a big stop or turnover.

- [u][b]Nigel Bradham FSU[/b][/u] - Bradham is a guy who passes the eyeball test when it comes to being an NFL linebacker. At 6'2 245 lbs Brandham has the size to be a good OLB in the NFL and he can run and tackle in the open field. Bradham will need to be coached up a bit, but his god given abilities will earn him an opportunity in the NFL. He's a physically imposing player who strikes with force when he gets to his target. He's the type of guy who if you can get lined up correctly and simplfy his assignment can make an impact in the NFL. I would love to see the Bengals take him only if he played special teams early while he gets his technique together.

[u][b]DB[/b][/u] - Not impressed with the guys coming out this year, only a couple of guys that I would give a first round grade to. The Bengals clearly need help in the secondary, specifically at cb and fs but I think they would be better served going after veteran FA's than spending a high draft pick in this years draft. There are only 1 cb and 1 safety that I like in the draft, after that it's all average.

- [u][b]Brandon Boykin UGA[/b][/u] - Boykin is a bit on the small side at 5'9 180 lbs, but he's a tough guy who plays physical and can hang with most wr's from an athletic standpoint. Boykin was highly productive in college, but he will struggle vs. the bigger wr's in the NFL as he is just 5'9", so going against a guy like AJ Green at 6'4" he would be out classed. I think Boykin could be a good nickel or dime cb early in his career and work his way into the starting lineup once he gets used to the NFL game.

Overall I think the positions the Bengals need to focus on in the draft are rb, ol, dl, lb; we can veteran guys through FA at wr, cb, and s.

Here's my Post Senior Bowl mock draft with guys who played in the game.

1. Doug Marrtin RB Boise St.
1. Cordy Glenn UGA
2. Vinny Curry Marshall
3. Nigel Bradham FSU
4. Mike Martin Michigan
5. Jeff Allen Illinios
6. Brian Quick Applachian St.
7. Derek Wolfe Cincinnati

[Lewdog]

DeVier Posey was a top 3-4 WR pre season until he got suspended and lost Pryor as his QB.

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Pead planted seed for the NFL[/size][/b]

[b] [size=6]Big Senior Bowl can only help his stock[/size][/b]


After a week of Senior Bowl practices and being named the MVP of last Saturday’s game, it’s back to combine training for Isaiah Pead.

The UC standout is headed back to Athletes Performance in Phoenix to resume training for the NFL Scouting Combine, which will be in three weeks in Indianapolis. With a good week of practices and showing his skills on two punt returns, Pead helped boost his stock headed into the draft.

“There were good opportunities for a lot of teams to get to know me,” Pead said. “I hope it opened some eyes a little more and increased my opportunities of going earlier (in the draft).”

Pead set a Senior Bowl record with two punt returns totaling 98 yards. On his first one, he ran for 60 yards and was tripped up late or else he would have run it in for a touchdown.

The second one went for 38 yards when Janoris Jenkins, who trains at the same facility as Pead, made a nice tackle near the sideline.

“Both of them were return side calls, I just had to set up my blocks when the ball got there and be in good position,” Pead said.

Pead, the Big East Offensive Player of the Year, also led the North in rushing yards with 31 on eight carries. While the Senior Bowl certainly helped push him up on some draft boards, how much remains to be seen. Pead was considered a third- or fourth-round guy going into Senior Bowl week.



(Click the link for the entire article)



http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20120130/SPT02/301300173/Pead-planted-seed-NFL?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Bengals

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Plenty of buzz from Senior Bowl week[/size][/b]

[b] [size=6]Game action capped a busy practice week; D-line prospects stood out[/size][/b]

[b] By Todd McShay[/b]




Senior Bowl week has come and gone, a week during which [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7509721/2012-nfl-draft-four-defenders-proved-their-elite-status-senior-bowl"]four elite prospects[/url] separated from the pack and plenty of other players grabbed the attention of the NFL talent evaluators in attendance for the practice week in Mobile, Ala.


It wasn't all about practice, though. The game itself allowed prospects a chance to put a bow on strong practice showings or bounce back from subpar performances. Here's what I saw during game action, followed by the top 10 prospects who took part, five who took advantage of the week and five who missed opportunities to answer questions.

• Wisconsin QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28525/russell-wilson"]Russell Wilson[/url] struggled with accuracy inside the pocket during the game. Wilson was entirely too late on many throws and stared down his target on a first-quarter interception. I love his intelligence, athleticism and arm strength, and Wilson has big hands and slings the ball with a quick release.


However, his lack of height (5-foot-10⅝) is a major factor in his evaluation as an NFL prospect and Wilson has done little to ease concerns about his ability to throw accurately from inside the pocket.


• Arkansas WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28546/joe-adams"]Joe Adams[/url] showed great speed and run-after-catch ability, but he needs to learn to pluck the ball with his hands and secure it after the catch. Adams fumbled on the first drive of the game and let the ball into his body, as well.


He showed a nice dip move after the catch and ran hard to break through some feeble tackle attempts later in the game, and secured the ball better on that play. Adams also made a big catch over the middle at one point, showing good burst after the catch.


• Connecticut DT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27589/kendall-reyes"]Kendall Reyes[/url] and Washington DT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28429/alameda-taamu"]Alameda Ta'amu[/url] quietly dominated play along the interior. Reyes showed an impressive combination of initial quickness, power and awareness as both a run-stuffer and a pass-rusher. Ta'amu flashed two-gap power and the ability to disengage and disrupt in the backfield, and his effort and consistency were solid throughout the game.


• Boise State's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28603/doug-martin"]Doug Martin[/url] and Cincinnati's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27542/isaiah-pead"]Isaiah Pead[/url] were the standout running backs both during the week and during the game.


Pead used an impressive initial move to get outside at one point and shows good quickness and burst. He also had two long punt returns, and on the second showed good moves and burst down sidelines. Pead doesn't have elite elusiveness but is quick and shows good vision setting up blocks.


Martin, meanwhile, was a patient runner without dancing in the backfield. He ran hard, kept his legs churning and ran with good pad level. Martin twice did a nice job in pass protection, and also helped Arizona State WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27477/gerell-robinson"]Gerell Robinson[/url] on a long touchdown catch with some nice downfield blocking. He is not an elite runner, but with his burst, vision and quickness Martin was the most complete back in Mobile.


• Washington RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28430/chris-polk"]Chris Polk[/url] produced early in game, flashing a bit more in the game than he did during practice, but still showed a lack of burst and separation as a route-runner. Mississippi State RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28711/vick-ballard"]Vick Ballard[/url], on the other hand, ran hard throughout the game. Ballard lacks lateral agility but has outstanding straight-line burst for his size.


• A pair of linebackers also stood out during the game. Utah State's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28903/bobby-wagner"]Bobby Wagner[/url] continued to impress, making a nice leaping interception, and made himself a lot of money with his overall performance during the week. Marshall OLB/DE [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27949/vinny-curry"]Vinny Curry[/url] continued to show his motor, generating backside pressure on Oklahoma State QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28779/brandon-weeden"]Brandon Weeden[/url] and delivering a hit while Weeden was throwing the ball.


• Michigan State QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28010/kirk-cousins"]Kirk Cousins[/url] entered the game during a two-minute drill before halftime, making a nice throw on a deep crossing route at one point. However, he later missed a wide-open Robinson down the right sideline after North Alabama CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28085/janoris-jenkins"]Janoris Jenkins[/url] bit on a double move.


• There was a surprising number of drops during the game. Wide receivers [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27791/aj-jenkins"]A.J. Jenkins[/url] (Illinois), [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27467/juron-criner"]Juron Criner[/url] (Arizona), [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27821/marvin-mcnutt"]Marvin Mcnutt[/url] (Iowa) and [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28760/devier-posey"]DeVier Posey[/url] (Ohio State) all dropped passes, though Criner did catch everything thrown his way during practice.


The connection between Criner and college teammate [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27468/nick-foles"]Nick Foles[/url] became a major part of the South offense in the second half. Foles was inconsistent with his mechanics but played well overall, and he showed the ability to move the offense and made some tough throws that required good timing and ball placement. Criner really got involved in the second half following his early drop. He showed the strong hands and savvy route-running we saw during practice, using savvy and size to help overcome his lack of suddenness and speed.


[b] Senior Bowl top 10[/b]

The players who had the best overall showings in Mobile:


1. North Carolina DE [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28090/quinton-coples"]Quinton Coples[/url]
2. Ingram
3. Upshaw
4. Jenkins
5. Clemson DT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27556/brandon-thompson"]Brandon Thompson[/url]
6. Georgia G [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27703/cordy-glenn"]Cordy Glenn[/url]
7. Ohio State OT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28759/mike-adams"]Mike Adams[/url]
8. Notre Dame S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28160/harrison-smith"]Harrison Smith[/url]
9. Weeden
10. Curry


[b] Five who took advantage[/b]



[b]Quinton Coples[/b]
As the fifth overall prospect on our board Coples doesn't have far to climb, but his strong showing throughout the week helped to build some positive momentum following an underwhelming 2011 season at North Carolina. At 6-5¾ and 281 pounds, Coples exploded off the ball and showed above-average agility for his size throughout the week.


[b]North Alabama DC Janoris Jenkins[/b]
Florida dismissed Jenkins in April 2011 due to off-field issues, and after transferring to North Alabama he went a year without facing top competition. However, it didn't take long to shake off the rust and show he is still a first-round talent on the field. Jenkins is a quick-twitch athlete who showed above-average instincts and closing speed throughout the week.


[b]Louisiana-Lafayette DC [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27936/dwight-bentley"]Dwight Bentley[/url][/b]
Ragin' Cajuns teammate [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27935/ladarius-green"]Ladarius Green[/url] was the most notable Louisiana-Lafayette prospect entering the week, but the 5-9⅞, 176-pound cover corner quickly showed he has the mental toughness and natural ability to handle a much bigger stage than he played on in college. His aggressiveness and above-average route recognition skills in off-man coverage stood out, and Bentley has moved into the Day 2 conversation.

[b]Marshall DE Vinny Curry[/b]
Curry did not take a play off on film, and that continued in Mobile. He doesn't have the bend and burst teams covet in edge rushers, but Curry's tenacity, violent hands and upper-body strength made life difficult for the North's offensive tackles -- including first-round talent Mike Adams (Ohio State) -- throughout the practice week.

Curry finished strong, recording two sacks in the game. The second one was particularly impressive, with Curry using his initial power to drive Florida State OT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27672/zebrie-sanders"]Zebrie Sanders[/url] back, keeping his balance when Georgia C [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27705/ben-jones"]Ben Jones[/url] came over to help Sanders, and keeping his eyes on the quarterback the entire time.


[b]Utah State OLB Bobby Wagner[/b]
Wagner is another prospect from a relatively small FBS program who didn't wilt under the bright lights. At 6-foot and 241 pounds, he excelled at re-routing the North's tight ends at the line of scrimmage and showed good instincts in underneath coverage throughout the practice week.


His ability to set the edge and locate the ball as a run defender also helped his cause. Finally, Wagner showed the same motor and nose for the football during the game that he did during his collegiate career, finishing the game with a team-leading seven tackles and picking off a pass late in the first quarter.


[b] Five who failed to capitalize[/b]

[b]Appalachian State WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27462/brian-quick"]Brian Quick[/url] [/b]
We were looking forward to seeing Quick -- who has a lot of upside with his size (6-3½, 222), overall athletic ability and body control -- face a higher level of competition, and there was some talk that he could get himself solidly into the second-round conversation with a strong week.


However, he looked raw as a route-runner, rounding off too many cuts and showing he needs work on his tempo and setting up defenders. Quick also lacked overall suddenness, leading to questions about whether he can separate from underneath coverage at the next level, and even with a wide catching radius he dropped some passes he should have caught. He still has potential and didn't totally kill himself, but Quick now appears to be in the later portion of Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).

[b]Furman CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27692/ryan-steed"]Ryan Steed[/url][/b]
Another FCS prospect who had a chance to prove himself against the big boys, Steed flashed toughness, instincts and the ability to recognize and anticipate routes when I saw him against Appalachian State during the season. He struggled to stay with Florida's receivers during the season, though, and the Senior Bowl offered a chance to prove he can hang with top-shelf competition.


Steed did show some quick-twitch, short-area athleticism during Senior Bowl week, but he lacked speed and range and was unable to hold up against the better receivers in attendance. His inability to recover is also a concern, and while Steed won't free fall down the board he did fail to cement himself as a solid Day 2 prospect.

[b]Ohio State WR DeVier Posey[/b]
Posey was suspended for the first 10 games of the 2011 season for violating various NCAA rules, so he has only three game tapes from the season for scouts to evaluate. The Senior Bowl offered a chance to show he's still the same player who caught 60 passes for 828 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010. Posey did display some athleticism and the ability to run under the ball, but his inconsistent hands and body control were a big concern all week.


He simply dropped too many passes and allowed too many others into his body rather than snatching them with his hands. And his lack of focus in practice carried over to the game when Posey dropped a ball Boise State QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28606/kellen-moore"]Kellen Moore[/url] put right on his hands on a skinny post and failed to finish a poorly executed route just before halftime, which resulted in an interception for Vanderbilt's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28916/casey-hayward"]Casey Hayward[/url]. Posey had a chance to get solidly back into the Day 2 conversation, but as it stands now he remains on the fringe.

[b]Florida State OT Zebrie Sanders [/b]
A season-ending injury to teammate [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27670/andrew-datko"]Andrew Datko[/url] pushed Sanders into duty at left tackle midway through the 2011 season, and he showed that there's a lot to like about his frame (6-54, 308), long arms (34⅝ inches) and smooth feet. A good week in Mobile would have given Sanders some momentum as he looks to work his way into the late first round, but he struggled early on.


In fairness, he was matched up in practice with three of the elite defenders on the 2012 board -- Coples, South Carolina's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28296/melvin-ingram"]Melvin Ingram[/url] and Alabama's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27437/courtney-upshaw"]Courtney Upshaw[/url] -- but Sanders' lack of core strength was exposed as he struggled to sink and anchor against power pass-rush moves. Sanders did look better as the week progressed and did flash some good skills at times, but he now appears more likely to be a Day 2 pick.


[b]Washington RB Chris Polk[/b]
Polk was a bit of a surprise participant after initially being considered an early-entry prospect. He missed all but the first two games of his freshman season in 2008 due to a shoulder injury, which would have qualified him for a medical redshirt, but Polk never filed the paperwork and his eligibility ran out after the 2011 season.


Either way, he was in the second-day mix following a strong season (1,488 yards, 12 TDs). Polk didn't do much to stand out, though, showing a concerning lack of burst and top-end speed. He caught the ball well, but showed little in the way of creating yards on his own. Polk simply wasn't as quick or fast as expected based on his film, and the NFL combine and pro day workouts now become even more important if he hopes to become a Day 2 pick.





[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7520141/2012-nfl-draft-senior-bowl-week-left-plenty-impressions-scouts"]http://insider.espn....ressions-scouts[/url]

[texbengal]

[quote name='The PatternMaster' timestamp='1327946196' post='1093107']

Here's my Post Senior Bowl mock draft with guys who played in the game.

1. Doug Marrtin RB Boise St.
1. Cordy Glenn UGA
2. Vinny Curry Marshall
3. Nigel Bradham FSU
4. Mike Martin Michigan
5. Jeff Allen Illinios
6. Brian Quick Applachian St.
7. Derek Wolfe Cincinnati
[/quote]

Wow, you went all-out. Nice job.

I like your 1st and 2nd round guys especially, and I'm a big Mike Martin fan as well... he should be a solid rotation guy on the D-line. It'll be interesting to see how Doug Martin lands on team's boards... he may be had in round 2, depending on how he runs. Not saying that's right, it's just a "measurables" league for a lot of teams. He'll kill it on the weightlifting at the Combine - really strong kid.

[Cricket]

[quote name='The PatternMaster' timestamp='1327946196' post='1093107']

Here's my Post Senior Bowl mock draft with guys who played in the game.

1. Doug Marrtin RB Boise St.
1. Cordy Glenn UGA
2. Vinny Curry Marshall
3. Nigel Bradham FSU
4. Mike Martin Michigan
5. Jeff Allen Illinios
6. Brian Quick Applachian St.
7. Derek Wolfe Cincinnati
[/quote]

Don't we have a second 5th round pick (or whatever we got in this draft for Chad)?

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Cricket' timestamp='1328031385' post='1093269']

Don't we have a second 5th round pick (or whatever we got in this draft for Chad)?
[/quote]


yes.

[Tigris]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1328032891' post='1093277']


yes.
[/quote]

Do you get off doing this shit!?

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Tigris' timestamp='1328033066' post='1093279']

Do you get off doing this shit!?
[/quote]

by answering someone's question for them?

[Tigris]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1328033359' post='1093282']

by answering someone's question for them?
[/quote]
I was just poking fun at whoever said that to you earlier.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Tigris' timestamp='1328033430' post='1093283']
I was just poking fun at whoever said that to you earlier.
[/quote]


oh, then yes, its the only thing that gets me off anymore.

[Lewdog]

[quote name='Tigris' timestamp='1328033430' post='1093283']
I was just poking fun at whoever said that to you earlier.
[/quote]


Quit saying 'poking' and 'getting off,' you are turning this into a no homo thread.

[Tigris]

[quote name='Lewdog' timestamp='1328033543' post='1093285']


Quit saying 'poking' and 'getting off,' you are turning this into a no homo thread.



[/quote]

Excuse me. I'll go back to work.

[The PatternMaster]

[quote name='texbengal' timestamp='1328029500' post='1093259']

Wow, you went all-out. Nice job.

I like your 1st and 2nd round guys especially, and I'm a big Mike Martin fan as well... he should be a solid rotation guy on the D-line. It'll be interesting to see how Doug Martin lands on team's boards... he may be had in round 2, depending on how he runs. Not saying that's right, it's just a "measurables" league for a lot of teams. He'll kill it on the weightlifting at the Combine - really strong kid.
[/quote]

Thanks..As for Doug Martin I think he's the second best rb in the draft, behind Richardson and I favor the smaller Ray Rice type of backs as they are harder to tackle and harder to hit.