Senior Bowl Rosters, Practice and Game thread

[B.A.B.]

Yep...bout that time to build Doug Martin a house

like, no homo, but comparisons to ray rice and mjd have got me sporting a wood you could see from the fucking moon

[texbengal]

[quote name='B.A.B.' timestamp='1327607189' post='1092388']

like, no homo, but comparisons to ray rice and mjd have got me sporting a wood you could see from the fucking moon
[/quote]


Well, if it persists for more than 6 hours, please consult your physician.

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Ranking [/size][size=6]the [/size][size=6]Senior [/size][size=6]Bowl’s [/size][size=6]Top [/size][size=6]10 [/size][size=6]prospects[/size][/b]

[b]And what NFL teams are good fits for each? [/b]
[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/wes-bunting.html"]Wes Bunting[/url]


After three days of practice in Mobile Alabama, the NFP ranks the Senior Bowl’s top prospects for the upcoming[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/scouting_department.html"] NFL draft[/url] and breaks down which NFL teams are good fits for each.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html"]1. DE Quinton Coples: North Carolina (6-6, 285)[/url]
Possesses the ideal build for a defensive lineman and the game really comes easy to him. He showcases the ability to overpower on contact, be sudden laterally and uses his length well to shed. If he can keep his motor running on high, looks like a top-five caliber talent.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Bears
Seahawks
Jaguars

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=ot"]2. OT Mike Adams: Ohio State (6-7, 320)[/url]
Looks the part of an NFL left tackle. He showcases good length, moves his feet well through contact and exhibits “plus’ range toward the edge for his size. At times gets himself into trouble “catching” defenders at the point, but has the skill set to mature into a good starting NFL left tackle.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Chiefs
Bills
Lions

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=olb"]3. DE Courtney Upshaw: Alabama (6-2, 265)[/url]
A physical, compact pass rusher who turns speed into power well off the edge and can overwhelm on contact. Plus, has the versatility to play in both a 34 and 43 front at the next level.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Bears
Cowboys
Chiefs[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=cb"]

4. CB Janoris Jenkins: North Alabama (5-10, 182)[/url]
He was simply the most impressive cover man down here this week. Jenkins displays natural fluidity when asked to turn and run, stays low out of his breaks and is a bear to separate from on all levels of the field. Looks like an NFL starter early on in the NFL.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Lions
[b]Bengals[/b]
Patriots

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=og"]5. OG Cordy Glenn: Georgia (6-5, 348)[/url]
Glenn had some struggles this week at OT. However, when lined-up inside at guard he was downright dominant. He showcased good natural quickness off the ball, was able to extend his arms and control blockers with ease through contact. Looks like a first round caliber guard prospect to me.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Steelers
Cowboys
Cardinals




[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=de"]6. DE Melvin Ingram: South Carolina (6-2, 276)[/url]
He’s an impressive pass rusher who can get after the QB in a number of ways. Plus, he’s versatile, as he can be effective from a number of spots and will likely get looks from both 34 and 43 teams.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Eagles
Chargers
Packers

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=cb"]7. CB Brandon Boykin: Georgia (5-10, 183)[/url]
Despite his lack of ideal height, he’s physical off the line, can turn and run, and did a better job as the week went on staying lower when trying to re-direct. He’s a competitor who loves to get into the face of opposing receivers and was a tough guy to separate from all week.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Ravens
Browns
Broncos[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=dt"]

8. DT Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)[/url]
He demonstrated the first step to consistently gain leverage at the point working the bull rush, kept his pad level down and displayed the ability to shed through contact. He’s got a slight wiggle laterally as well, but is more of a one-gap guy only who can create penetration inside as either a 43 or 34 guy.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Packers
Broncos
Panthers

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=rb"]9. RB Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)[/url]
Martin isn't a dynamic size/speed guy, but there aren't many negatives to his game. He plays fast, runs low, is natural through the line of scrimmage and has a skill set somewhat similar to former Alabama RB Mark Ingram. He might fall a bit because he doesn't run overly well, but he has the skill set to start in the league.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
[b]Bengals[/b]
Jets
Buccaneers

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=qb"]10. QB Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State (6-4, 218)[/url]
His age will likely keep him from going as early in the draft as his talents deserve. But, there isn't a throw this guy can't make and he has the skill set and mental make-up to mature into a starter early in his NFL career. Looks like a solid second round type value to me.

[b]NFL Fits…[/b]
Redskins
Dolphins
Browns
Check out the NFP [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/scouting_department.html"]Draft Page here...[/url]






http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ranking-the-Senior-Bowls-Top-10-prospects.html

[Jason]

So why is Glenn not a fit with the Bengals?

[Oldcat]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1327611995' post='1092403']
So why is Glenn not a fit with the Bengals?
[/quote]

Because the author isn't aware we need a guard.

[spicoli]

[url="http://www.gbnreport.com/seniorbowlreport.htm"]http://www.gbnreport...rbowlreport.htm[/url]

[quote]Mike Shanahan wasn’t kidding last night when he promised that we would see more one-on-one match-ups between DE Quentin Coples and G/T Cordy Glenn, the two best players on the South team. True to his word, the two ended up facing each other on the first four snaps of the 11-on-11 session, while they also went head-to-head on a number of occasions in the one-on-one pass blocking drills. And while each had their moments, the overall decision goes to Glenn who was probably the best player on the field today. Glenn, who lined up primarily at OG the first couple of days at practice, played almost exclusively at LT today and stoned just about every DE he faced including Mel Ingram and Courtney Upshaw on more than one snap. And Glenn put the coup de grace on his performance late in the 11-on-11 session when the offense ran a sweep around his side. Glenn pulled around the TE, raced down field - guys that big are only supposed to lumber in space - and delivered a crunching block on a poor overmatched safety. [/quote]

I'm really starting to like this kid a whole lot for us in the first but I'm a little worried he might end up in the top 16 now. Hard to see two Guards going that high but it's not out of the realm of possibility either since Glenn can also play OT.

Back-to-back Georgia teammates again? Glenn in the first and Boykins in the second?

[quote]One of the most impressive players on the South squad has been Georgia CB Brandon Boykin, who like his former teammate Cordy Glenn has probably earned himself some money this week. Boykin is a tad smallish at 5-9, 183, but otherwise can do it all. He is quick and fast, bordering on explosive when moving to the ball. He's also not afraid to be physical with receivers who are bigger than him. He may also contribute with some explosive return work come game day. And at UGA he even played some WR and ran some reverses. [/quote]

[AZBengal]

[quote name='akiliMVP' timestamp='1327602363' post='1092360']
I really didn't think Glenn would play so well. Expected him to be exposed as out of shape and not a great athlete. I was way wrong. I think it's safe to pencil him in on the depth chart at right guard.
[/quote]

Not sure why you would have expected that from Glenn unless you have never seen him play before. And he is a much better fit at LG than RG. He's more comfortable playing ont he left side. If we draft him, that's where I expect him to play.

[SocalBengalEd]

No need to move him to the right side he's comfortable playing the left side. He would be our version of Nicks.

[oldschooler]

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin"]GeoffHobsonCin[/url]Geoff Hobson




Zimmer says [url="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Bengals"][s]#[/s][b]Bengals[/b][/url] D looking for upgrades at every spot: 'Can't be satisfied with pretty good.'
[url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin/status/162690664239337472"]2 minutes ago[/url]

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Weeden makes his mark in Mobile [/size][/b]

January, 26, 2012


By Todd McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl


Practices were washed out by severe weather on Thursday of Senior Bowl week, which means it's time to begin taking a look back at what we've seen over the first three days of practice.

It's important not to overreact, because game tape will always trump what happens in an all-star setting, but here's an early breakdown of some Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) prospects who helped and hurt their overall stock during Senior Bowl week.

[b] Stock Up[/b]



[b]Oklahoma State QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28779/brandon-weeden"]Brandon Weeden[/url][/b]
Weeden came into the week with the opportunity to show he has the skills to become a starter in the NFL and that he is better than the other five quarterbacks in attendance,– including Arizona's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27468/nick-foles"]Nick Foles[/url], who grades out in the same late-first- or early-second-round area. From the first practice, Weeden was confident and seemed to embrace the opportunity.


He's not a great athlete and has room to become more consistent with his decision making, but Weeden did show two things in particular. First, we did not see as many balls thrown up for grabs as we did on Weeden's tape, when he was often seen putting the ball up and simply allowing WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28776/justin-blackmon"]Justin Blackmon[/url] to go get it with his superior ball skills.


Weeden also showed he can play in a pro-style system. He didn't line up under center very often in Oklahoma State's wide-open passing system, and given his lack of experience there, Weeden looked good making reads while dropping. He also flashed accuracy when on the run. Finally, his arm strength and ball placement were also good, and overall, Weeden was the most consistent of the quarterbacks here.


We didn't see many differences between Foles and Weeden on tape, but watching them go head-to-head this week, it's hard to imagine anyone walking away thinking Foles is the better quarterback. The age question still remains, though. Weeden will be a 29-year-old rookie and that could make a difference. Is he the next Chris Weinke, who struggled from a talent standpoint after spending several years playing minor league baseball? Or is Weeden going to be a late bloomer like Kurt Warner, who did not become a full-time starter until he was 29 and went on to play 10 more seasons after that?


How teams feel about those questions will likely determine whether Weeden comes off the board before or after Foles.


[b]Louisiana-Lafayette CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27936/dwight-bentley"]Dwight Bentley[/url][/b]
Bentley is among the small-school prospects who showed during Senior Bowl week that he has not only the physical tools to hang with a higher level of competition, but also the mental toughness. I'm interested to see how fast he runs during pre-draft workouts, because Bentley didn't show great deep speed or recovery ability here, but he couldn't have been much better otherwise.


He's a quick-twitch athlete with the burst, footwork and fluid hips to develop above-average man-to-man cover skills, and he also did a good job playing the ball. One play that stood out was a diving interception on a ball that deflected off Texas A&M WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28391/jeff-fuller"]Jeff Fuller[/url]. And while the all-star setting is not ideal for gauging a cornerback's ability in run support, Bentley appears willing to step up and be physical.


Bentley helped himself as much as any other prospect this week, and after coming into the Senior Bowl way under the radar, he'll certainly be a player we study much more tape on going forward.
-- Muench


[b]Georgia CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27704/brandon-boykin"]Brandon Boykin[/url][/b]
Boykin's physical tools jumped out this week. He is fluid and explosive, and he showed off good top-end speed and an extra gear to recover and make up ground when in a trail position. Boykin flashed the ability to turn his hips and run with receivers to limit separation, and even when he was beaten initially, he was able to recover. There are some concerns about his overall instincts and playmaking ability, whether he is a better athlete than football player at this point, but Boykin was one of the top performers on either roster.


He has the skill set to play nickelback and cover small, quick slot receivers, and his ability to return kicks is also an asset. Boykin is solidly in the Day 2 mix, and how teams judge his instincts on tape will play a role in where exactly he comes off the board.
-- Weidl


[b] Stock Down[/b]



[b]Washington DT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28429/alameda-taamu"]Alameda Ta'amu[/url][/b]
Ta'amu flashed some quickness and power during the practice week, but it was easy to notice the difference in effort from play to play. He was also inconsistent in terms of playing with leverage, and did not display the ability to occupy blockers and be an every-down, two-gap defender the way a 3-4 nose tackle needs to.


Those things have to improve, because being a run-stuffer is the only thing Ta'amu brings to the table. He lacks athleticism and is not a skilled pass-rusher, so he will be limited to being a two-down plugger. You can't coach his size and strength, though, and some 3-4 team looking for depth and a potential future starter at nose tackle will likely take a chance on him, but I was looking for a bit more from Ta'amu this week.
-- McShay


[b]Nebraska QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28041/alfonzo-dennard"]Alfonzo Dennard[/url][/b]
He's a tough, physical corner who plays bigger than his listed size, but Dennard's lack of top-end speed and inability to recover were both exposed during Senior Bowl practices. He competed hard and was able to push receivers around at times, but Dennard also allowed too much separation out of breaks, and once he recovered it took him too long to get back into the play. He is fluid enough to turn his hips and run with receivers, but he likely won't be able to stay with above-average vertical threats at the next level.


Dennard isn't in a free fall, but he's likely slipped to the middle of the second round and forced teams to go back to the tape for another and check his ability to locate and defend the deep out, among other things.
-- Muench


[b]North Carolina WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28091/dwight-jones"]Dwight Jones[/url][/b]
I like his deceiving top-end speed and hands to play the ball down the field, but Jones is stiff for his size and his inability to create separation became a glaring concern as the week wore on. Jones struggled to get off press coverage, had trouble dropping his hips and transitioning in and out of breaks, and he doesn't appear to adjust to the ball very well when his momentum is carrying him in a particular direction. Jones is just not a fluid player, and he is slipping as a result.
-- Weidl


[b] All in the mix[/b]



For perspective on just how many quality prospects are in Mobile, here's a list of all other prospects taking part who are potential Day 2 picks (in alphabetical order):


Arkansas WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28546/joe-adams"]Joe Adams[/url]
South Carolina DB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28298/antonio-allen"]Antonio Allen[/url]
North Carolina CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28094/zach-brown"]Zach Brown[/url]
Michigan State QB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28010/kirk-cousins"]Kirk Cousins[/url]
Marshall DE [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27949/vinny-curry"]Vinny Curry[/url]
NC State WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28113/tj-graham"]T.J. Graham[/url]
Boise State S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28605/george-iloka"]George Iloka[/url]
Boise State RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28603/doug-martin"]Doug Martin[/url]
Oklahoma State S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28778/markelle-martin"]Markelle Martin[/url]
Iowa State OT/G [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28970/kelechi-osemele"]Kelechi Osemele[/url]
Washington RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28430/chris-polk"]Chris Polk[/url]
Appalachian State WR [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27462/brian-quick"]Brian Quick[/url]
Connecticut DT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27589/kendall-reyes"]Kendall Reyes[/url]
Michigan State S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28674/trent-robinson"]Trent Robinson[/url]
Florida State OT [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27672/zebrie-sanders"]Zebrie Sanders[/url]
Notre Dame S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28160/harrison-smith"]Harrison Smith[/url]
LSU S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27923/brandon-taylor"]Brandon Taylor[/url]
Utah State ILB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28903/bobby-wagner"]Bobby Wagner[/url]
Boise State DL [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28602/billy-winn"]Billy Winn[/url]
Wisconsin G [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28514/kevin-zeitler"]Kevin Zeitler[/url]





http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/blog/_/name/nfl_draft/id/7507107/2012-nfl-draft-several-day-2-prospects-hurt-helped-senior-bowl

[Jason]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1327624376' post='1092429'][url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin"]GeoffHobsonCin[/url]Geoff Hobson




Zimmer says [url="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Bengals"][s]#[/s][b]Bengals[/b][/url] D looking for upgrades at every spot: 'Can't be satisfied with pretty good.'
[url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin/status/162690664239337472"]2 minutes ago[/url][/quote]

Sounds like a wide open draft, straight BPA.

Should make my contest really interesting this year.

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Moore, Wilson stand out at Senior bowl [/size][/b]

January, 25, 2012


By Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl


Here's a sampling of the impressions we took away from early action on Day 3 of Senior Bowl week:



Boise State's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28606/kellen-moore"]Kellen Moore[/url] was not as sharp Wednesday as he was over the first two days, forcing a couple of throws into coverage. However, Moore continued to show the most polish of the North team quarterbacks.


He got the ball out quickly and was decisive with his throws, which helps mask his lack of arm strength. He also showed good anticipation and touch, and Moore's pocket presence when avoiding the rush was impressive.


Wisconsin's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28525/russell-wilson"]Russell Wilson[/url] has the strongest arm on the North roster, flashing the ability to drive the ball vertically, and his athleticism continues to shine through. However, Wilson struggled during the team period because his short stature (5-foot-105) forces him to move within the pocket to locate passing lanes, causing him to be late on throws. He delivered some nice balls during 7-on-7 drills with no linemen in front of him, but the negative impact of Wilson's height was on full display Wednesday.


Michigan State's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28010/kirk-cousins"]Kirk Cousins[/url] continues to be very steady overall. He didn't do a lot to get excited about in terms of playmaking ability, but he made good decisions and flashed some arm strength when he put good zip on a deep out to the opposite hash.


[b] Wideout report[/b]



Iowa's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27821/marvin-mcnutt"]Marvin McNutt[/url] had one of the better days among the North wide receivers, showing some savvy route-running to find ways to get open. McNutt (6-24, 216) isn't overly explosive but he is quick enough for his size. He caught the ball well away from his body and showed good body control.


Marvin Jones of California was generally good snatching the ball with his hands and he showed a good feel for getting open against zone coverage. Jones also displayed some polish on his routes, showing the ability to set up defenders out of his breaks.


N.C. State's [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28113/tj-graham"]T.J. Graham[/url] has some speed, suddenness and explosion to his game, but he has to do a better job tracking the ball. Graham was late getting his head around to locate a deep ball at one point, though he showed some feel for zone coverage and caught a nice ball on a seam route during 7-on-7s. He has some added value as a return man, where he is smooth changing directions and can hit creases with his explosiveness.


[b] DBs are underwhelming[/b]



There is not much overall speed among the North defensive backs. Iowa State CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27826/leonard-johnson"]Leonard Johnson[/url] has some quick-twitch, short-area movement skills and is a scrappy player, but we still have questions about his ability to run with receivers and limit separation at the next level.


Nebraska CB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28041/alfonzo-dennard"]Alfonzo Dennard[/url] continues to struggle to limit separation, at one point getting beaten by McNutt on an inside move. Dennard has tight hips, and you have to wonder about his top-end speed and playmaking ability.


On a more positive note, Notre Dame S [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28160/harrison-smith"]Harrison Smith[/url] has looked good. It's sometimes hard to get a good read on safeties in all-star practices because tackling is limited, but Smith is competing hard and putting himself in the right spots. He could clean up his angles to the point when the ball is in the air, but overall Smith is helping himself this week.


[b] Different days for LB duo[/b]



Utah State LB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28903/bobby-wagner"]Bobby Wagner[/url] continues to play well and show he can handle a step up in competition. He was good in coverage on Day 3, making it hard for Michigan State TE [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28675/brian-linthicum"]Brian Linthicum[/url] to get off the line. He did an excellent job getting into the flat to take running backs out of the underneath passing game. We haven't seen him rush the passer during Senior Bowl week, but he can be seen doing so on film.


Nebraska LB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28042/lavonte-david"]Lavonte David[/url] is an athletic prospect who shows good range on tape, and he has the potential to be a solid run defender and above-average man-coverage linebacker in a scheme that values smaller linebackers with speed. However, this week he's not finishing plays in coverage. David is showing the ability to stay on the hip of underneath receivers, but he's making tackles rather than plays on the ball.


[b] RBs look good[/b]



Boise State RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28603/doug-martin"]Doug Martin[/url] showed good vision and patience on Day 3, and he caught the ball well. Martin made a nice grab above his shoulders on a pass over the middle and brought in a waist-high throw in the flat and turned smoothly upfield. He didn't look natural fielding kickoffs, but overall it was a nice day for Martin.


Massachusetts FB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/27963/emil-igwenagu"]Emil Igwenagu[/url] hasn't had a great week but did bounce back a bit Wednesday. Igwenagu made a good grab over his head when working across the field, and he was more aggressive and physical, putting a nice kick-out block on Wagner at one point.


Ohio State RB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/28761/dan-herron"]Dan Herron[/url] is running hard and finishing plays by delivering blows, but it's hard to know exactly what to make of that because of a lack of live tackling. It will be interesting to see whether that carries over into the game this weekend. Herron didn't show great burst, though, failing to get behind Boise State LB [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=28610&year=2012"]Shea McClellin[/url] on a wheel route.





http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/blog/_/name/nfl_draft/id/7502752/2012-nfl-draft-size-continues-hurt-russell-wilson-senior-bowl

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1327625713' post='1092438']
Sounds like a wide open draft, straight BPA.

Should make my contest really interesting this year.
[/quote]


what are you thinking? Pick #17 with #21 as the tiebreaker?

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Senior Bowl notebook: Thursday[/size][/b]



Posted Jan. 26, 2012 @ 6:24 p.m. ET
By PFW staff


MOBILE, Ala. — Here are the sights and sounds from an improvised practice day for the Senior Bowl squads:

[b]South practice observations from senior editor Mike Wilkening[/b]

The North had the misfortunate of starting practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, stopping practice when the rain picked up, busing to the Mobile Convention Center and holding a an abbreviated practice inside.

The South, meanwhile, moved its practice inside well in advance and held an 11-on-11 practice sans pads and hitting. There was a crisp pace to the proceedings. Arizona WR Juron Criner tumbled to the ground after a catch, but he was no worse for wear, and there were no incidents of note.

The teams will have separate hour-long walk-throughs on Friday morning at Ladd-Peebles.

[i]Notes[/i]

• Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins replaced Alabama's Marquis Maze on the roster. Jenkins will wear No. 88.

• The South's passing game looked fairly sharp Thursday. Criner caught the ball well, and Arkansas' Joe Adams looked quick on the concrete surface. It would have been fun to watch Adams on the AstroTurf fields of old.

• Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said after Thursday's practice that the line is "probably the strength" of the South defense, with Alabama DE Courtney Ingram, South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram, North Carolina DE Quinton Couples and Clemson DL Brandon Thompson the players he mentioned.


[b]North practice notes from associate editor Kevin Fishbain[/b]

Thunderstorms and high winds sent the Senior Bowl practices inside the Mobile Convention Center on Thursday. The teams essentially had walk-throughs in a multipurpose room.
With that in mind, there wasn't an opportunity for any players to really strut their stuff in our eyes. It gave them a chance to practice some plays and situations. The North team's offense went through a few two-minute drills.

The conditions didn't help Thursday's newcomers, Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman and Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins, who didn't have a chance to get up to speed in pads for their respective coaching staffs.

Luckily for Norman, Jenkins and other players who were hoping to make an impression on Thursday, most of the NFL scouts have left Mobile, as Thursday's practice is generally a little lighter — though, not this light. Packers GM Ted Thompson and a small Green Bay contingent were present in the morning when the North team began practicing outside.

With the practices wrapped up, at least from a scouting perspective, here are a few things I'm looking forward to in Saturday's game. It should be noted that the game is a small part of the evaluation process, but Christian Ponder was the game MVP last year and it worked well for his draft stock.

1. Clemson DT Brandon Thompson and Michigan DT Mike Martin — Thompson has been one of the players getting high marks during practice. He will go against some tough interior linemen on the North team, like Ohio State's Michael Brewster. It can be hard for an interior D-lineman to make a big impression in limited time, but I'm curious to see how he looks in the game situation. Same goes with Martin, who has looked pretty good in his battles with Brewster and could get some chances against Georgia's Cordy Glenn, who has been considered the top O-lineman here.

2. Who is this year's Ponder among the quarterback crop? — The quarterbacks have very limited opportunities in the game to make a big play, and each one will want to make a positive impression. Brandon Weeden separated himself as the top signalcaller here, and Kellen Moore seemed to have separated himself in the opposite direction. Can Kirk Cousins, Ryan Lindley, Russell Wilson or Nick Foles turn heads with some big throws on Saturday?

3. Can a wide receiver make a name for himself? — None of the wideouts has really wowed me this week. Marvin Jones out of California looked pretty good on Tuesday, but the group has been underwhelming, often getting beat by the cornerbacks. In the game, there is no press coverage, so the wide receivers will have to show off their open-field skills to make a good impression.

4. Boise State RB Doug Martin — Martin has looked the best among the running backs here, and that's a lofty title considering there is some pretty good talent here with Vick Ballard, Chris Polk and Chris Rainey present, though Rainey mainly has lined up at receiver and has been very good there. Martin might get some chances to return kickoffs as well and in a draft short on running backs after Trent Richardson, he could continue improving his stock.

[b]North practice observations from senior editor Mike Wilkening[/b]

Notre Dame S Harrison Smith came to Mobile wanting to show he could play both safety spots.

"I just wanted to prove that I'm versatile, that I can do a lot of things, (that) I can really play any kind of safety you want me to play," he said after Thursday's North practice.

The 6-1¾, 212-pound Smith told PFW that he believes clubs "originally" viewed him as a strong safety, but "they've kind of seen that I can do a few different things" this week. Smith, it should be noted, is PFW's top-ranked senior free safety.

Smith said he has worked to improve his tackling, something he said he "used to be technically horrible at."

"I think now I'm a very sure tackler and I always wrap up and strike with my chest," Smith said. "So that's something I take pride in."

A sure-tackling safety that can cover a lot of ground quickly is quite valuable in today's game, as my colleague Kevin Fishbain [url="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/25/explosive-tight-ends-increase-need-for-versatile-s"]wrote[/url] Wednesday. Smith's play will be one of the story lines I'll be watching in Saturday's game.

Here's four other prospects I'll be watching closely:

North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins — The potential first-round pick has been open about the off-field problems that got him dismissed from Florida. I'm eager to see how he fares in game action.

Boise State QB Kellen Moore — Interested to see the quality of his downfield throws. I am keeping an open mind on him.

Washington RB Chris Polk — Eager to see his production against a strong South defensive line. Will he show the speed he desperately wants to display for clubs? This is a big game for him.

South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram — High-motor, quick, strong. Fun to watch, tough to block.



http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/26/senior-bowl-notebook-thursday-2

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Talented Coples has to shed underachiever label[/size][/b]


Posted Jan. 26, 2012 @ 1:29 p.m. ET
By Nolan Nawrocki


[i]The following is the third in a series of scouting reports for draft prospects who are participating in this year's Senior Bowl. These reports from PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki will be running all week leading up to Saturday evening's game in Mobile, Ala.[/i]

[b]DE-DT Quinton Coples, #90
North Carolina[/b]
[b]Height:[/b] 6-5 3/4 [b]Weight:[/b] 281 [b]Speed:[/b] 4.75e
[b]Arm:[/b] 33 1/8 [b]Hand:[/b] 10 1/8 [b]Age:[/b] 21

[b]Notes[/b]

Last name is pronounced “COE-pulls.” Spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) before playing 12 games as a true freshman in 2008 — was credited with eight tackles, 3 1/2 for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. Played all 13 games in ’09 (one start at defensive end) and notched 22-6 1/2-5. The suspension of Marvin Austin prompted Coples’ move inside in ’10 when he started 12-of-13 games and produced 59-15 1/2-10 with two passes batted down and two forced fumbles. Made all 13 starts at left defensive end in ’11 and led the team in tackles for loss and sacks after posting 55-15-7 1/2 with two batted passes and three forced fumbles.

[b]Upside[/b][list]
[*]Excellent body length
[*]Exceptional athlete with terrrific balance, bend and body control
[*]Has a long second step, great closing speed
[*]Can stack the line — solid run defender
[*]Versatile
[/list]
[b]Downside[/b][list]
[*]Rises off the ball, negating takeoff speed
[*]Idle motor — too many backside loafs
[*]Shut it down as senior
[*]Questionable makeup
[*]Relies too much on natural ability
[*]Average competitor
[/list]

[b]The way we see it [/b]

An extremely athletic, versatile, inside-outside pass rusher capable of dominating, Coples too often plays down to the competition, coasts on his given talent and fits the classic underachiever label. A boom-or-bust pick who might be affected by a big payday.

[b]Draft projection[/b]: Round One





http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/26/talented-coples-has-to-shed-underachiever-label

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Penn St.'s Lynn digging NFL path of his own[/size][/b]


[b]MOBILE, Alabama[/b] - The 100 or so players at the Senior Bowl this week come from various backgrounds, have various skill sets and are here trying to put themselves on the right side of the sliding signing-bonus scale that comes with being selected in April's NFL Draft.

It's fair to say that Penn State cornerback D'Anton Lynn is the only Senior Bowler who's already collected a paycheck from an NFL organization.

It's also fair to say he earned it.

When Lynn was just finishing high school, his father, Anthony, was the running backs coach for the Cleveland Browns. D'Anton came to Cleveland to spend time with his father, and part of that time overlapped with the Browns' preseason preparations. Like most wide-eyed kids who loved football, D'Anton wanted to spend as much time as possible at the Browns' training complex.

His father wanted him to get the most out of it, so Anthony Lynn signed up his son for landscaping duty.

"After minicamp was over I stayed in Cleveland about two weeks," D'Anton Lynn said. "I helped mulch the whole entire facility. I pretty much did everything. He told (the Browns) to pay me a little for my work but he definitely wanted me just to work for the sake of working.

"I don't remember exactly how much (money) I made or what I was supposed to make. I just know it wasn't as much as it was supposed to be. My dad wanted me to get paid but not that much. I guess it was one of those lessons. He was big on those."

Asked about his son's journey from growing up around the NFL to performing in front of almost every general manager and head coach in the league this week, Anthony Lynn laughed and said, "He's come a long way from working the grounds crew with the Browns, hasn't he?"

Anthony Lynn -- now the New York Jets running backs coach -- said there was "no negotiation" when he told D'Anton he was going to occupy his time with the Browns on the grounds crew and not hanging out in his father's office.

"Most kids want to just hang out in the locker room, maybe be a ball boy, act like they're one of the guys," Anthony Lynn said. "He was going out there with a shovel."

Now that D'Anton is on the cusp of his own NFL career -- he's playing cornerback for the North team this week -- his dad thinks his son learned from his time in the mulch.

"He has a strong work ethic," Anthony Lynn said. "Anything I've ever wanted to nitpick or get him on about as far as being a football player, I kind of take a step back and know that he's never minded working. His coaches tell me that a lot, and that makes me proud. That makes me think he has a chance."

D'Anton Lynn played his last three seasons of high school football in Celina, Texas, and in his senior year led Celina to a 16-0 record and a Class 3A state title. He was a three-year starter at Penn State, played multiple positions in the secondary and had 4 interceptions, 3 in his junior season.

To the surprise of no one who knows his background, D'Anton Lynn played a lot like a coach on the field. Tom Bradley, his position coach who eventually took over as Penn State's head coach last season, called Lynn "the heart and soul of the secondary."

D'Anton Lynn's NFL Draft resume includes good genes and a better work ethic.

"It is different watching your kid out there competing at the Senior Bowl, but it's exciting," Anthony Lynn said. "I'm proud. He's worked hard to get here and he's living a dream right now.

"He still has to get to the next step of his dream, and he knows how much work he has to do. A lot of kids have the ability to make it but the percentage who do make it are so small. That's why it's so important to give it your best shot but always have something to fall back on. If he got anything from me, I hope it's that."

Anthony Lynn starred as a running back at Texas Tech and played for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers from 1993-99, winning two Super Bowl rings with the Broncos. He coached with the Jaguars and Cowboys before spending two years (2007-08) with the Browns and the last three with the Jets.

"Being the son of an NFL player and an NFL coach, it does come with pressure," D'Anton Lynn said. "But you either rise with pressure or you wilt. I've dealt with it my entire life. I'm uncomfortable if I don't have pressure.

"How much work it takes off the football field to make it in the NFL is one thing my dad always told me. I haven't forgotten that."




http://www.foxsportsohio.com/01/26/12/Penn-Sts-Lynn-digging-NFL-path-of-his-ow/landing_browns.html?blockID=654032&feedID=3725

[Jason]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1327626122' post='1092442']


what are you thinking? Pick #17 with #21 as the tiebreaker?
[/quote]

No, it will be my normal tiebreaker, but between picking 17, and a draft board that could contain everyone this draft will be a lot less predictable.

[Tigris]

If the guard is everything they're saying, grab him, then grab Martin at 21. Offense would be instantly upgraded significantly. Imagine Martin in the backfield and Green down the sideline..... Dayyyuuuuuummm

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Tigris' timestamp='1327633593' post='1092459']
If the guard is everything they're saying, grab him, then grab Martin at 21. Offense would be instantly upgraded significantly. Imagine Martin in the backfield and Green down the sideline..... Dayyyuuuuuummm
[/quote]

they could trade down to at least 30 and still get Martin, IMO.

[bengaled]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1327511696' post='1092056']
lol I can't believe how agitated some are getting over this.
[/quote]

a-fucking-men... grow up folks. nobody's experts at this stuff. so how about we drop all these bullshit pretenses and stop pretending like we are. nobody's buying that bullshit!

[cincity]

I really don't think 3 RBs

[SooneraBengal]

Dennard's out for the game; supposedly w/ a hip flexor. Hope I'm wrong & he really has one, but this wreaks of damage control to me.

[url="http://sports.omaha.com/2012/01/25/dennard-done-at-senior-bowl/"]http://sports.omaha.com/2012/01/25/dennard-done-at-senior-bowl/[/url]

[MichaelWeston]

Really like Boykin, Glenn and Martin

[B.A.B.]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1327624376' post='1092429'][url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin"]GeoffHobsonCin[/url]Geoff Hobson Zimmer says [url="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23Bengals"][s]#[/s][b]Bengals[/b][/url] D looking for upgrades at every spot: 'Can't be satisfied with pretty good.' [url="https://twitter.com/#!/GeoffHobsonCin/status/162690664239337472"]2 minutes ago[/url][/quote]

[size=7]WHO ARE THE MLB'S AT THE SENIOR BOWL?????[/size]

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Senior Bowl: Making a list[/size][/b]



Thirty things I've seen, heard, pondered or just went ahead and decided while spending the week at the Senior Bowl, all finely packaged into one random list. Accessories sold separately...

1. Some team is going to draft Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden before the Browns pick at No. 36 early in the second round.

2. Whether Weeden fits or interests the Browns, I don't know. Nobody knows. Same for the issue of would the Browns give up their second first-rounder (and more) to move up and draft Robert Griffin III at No. 2 overall. Strictly guesswork at this point.

3. How Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill fits into this equation also remains to be seen since he got hurt training and had to drop out of the Senior Bowl. I know teams are tantalized by Tannehill's potential. I don't know how good he is, but I do know that Jake Locker and Christian Ponder going in the top 12 of last year's draft is a sign that quarterbacks make drafters positively loony. When teams want quarterbacks -- and lots of them do this year -- they just go get them.

4. I haven't been to a Senior Bowl in a few years, but a few people who get paid to come here every year seem convinced the talent pool in this one is on the high end, by comparison. Considering 83 Senior Bowlers got drafted last year -- including two top-10 guys and 12 first-rounders altogether -- that's a high compliment.

5. Browns General Manager Tom Heckert is not here. Browns President Mike Holmgren is not here.

6. Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur is here, but he wouldn't comment on the team's offensive coordinator search or what the decision-makers identified as the team's most glaring need in their post-2011 evaluation.

7. I asked three scouts, none who work for the Browns, about Robert Griffin III. The common denominator in their answers was "he's very good." One of the replies even included III verys. What the Browns' interest level might be -- or whether some team will have to trade up to No. 2 to get Griffin -- remains a mystery.

8. Heckert and Holmgren, presumably, will be at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next month. Here's a guess they'll get more than III Griffin questions then.

9. The Senior Bowl is unique. To me (and for my job), it's 30 times better and more valuable than the Combine because it involves helmets, shoulder pads and actual football-playing activities. Nobody asks me -- and the Combine still serves a purpose -- but this is a week like no other in terms of evaluation, access and impressions. It's probably the one event on the entire NFL calendar that includes coaches, GMs, scouts, players, media and fans and doesn't involve a bunch of barriers and restrictions.

10. Nick Saban came to South practice Monday in an SUV driven by a police officer. People went absolutely crazy, clapping and chasing him around the stadium.

11. People are crazy.

12. I'm no scout, but the best small-school prospect here has to be Furman cornerback Ryan Steed. He measured at 5'10, 190, but he looks and plays bigger and has been able to turn and run with a bunch of really good South receivers this week.

13. The practices are more important than the actual Senior Bowl game on Saturday, though the eyes of the NFL will eventually evaluate the game tape as well. I can't imagine the North receivers getting open very often against the fast and aggressive South cornerbacks in the game.

14. I can't imagine the North team scoring very many points, period.

15. I'm not right very often, so tune in anyway.

16. South cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who played for Urban Meyer at Florida before getting booted and having to go play for Terry Bowden at North Alabama, is making a case that he's still a first-round talent. The key for Jenkins, and a lot of other guys is here, to follow up the right things they see this week with the right actions. And make sure interested teams make their follow-up calls to the right people.

17. The best South receivers have been Joe Adams of Arkansas in the Speed-Burner Division and Juron Criner of Arizona in the Big-Beast-Who-Makes-One-Handed-Catches Division. Both the Browns and Bengals have been watching.

18. South tight end DeAngelo Peterson of LSU is a load (6'3, 230) and a matchup problem as well.

19. It's very possible that when the 2012 NFL Draft is said and done, the college program with the most players drafted could be - you guessed it - Boise State. Running back Doug Martin will be gone by the second round. Defensive end Shea McClellin will be a high pick as well.

20. National Signing Day for high school recruits is next week. It's become a national holiday and cause for excessive celebration in some parts of the country. In 2007, the year Boise State signed Kellen Moore, Martin, Titus Young, Austin Pettis, Billy Winn and McClellin -- all were drafted last year or will be this year -- Scout.com rated Boise's 2007 haul as the 57th best recruiting class nationally. Celebrate cautiously next Wednesday. Certainly hire a designated driver.

21. No NFL team is taking a 5'10 quarterback in the first two rounds -- and quite possibly in the first four -- but somebody is going to draft Russell Wilson, probably a West Coast-type team, and give him a chance to learn and eventually work his way into the lineup. Wilson makes great reads, makes some pretty good throws, is mobile and has handled himself like a pro this week.

22. More bothersome to the eyes of the NFL in regard to Kellen Moore than his height (5'11) is his inability to move out of the pocket. He's like a short statue, and against these super-fast NFL defensive ends that's not good. Moore is still smart and accurate enough that he'll be drafted, but not before Saturday afternoon.

23. I wish Baylor receiver Kendall Wright wouldn't have been a last-minute scratch.

24. I think the Bengals will seriously consider both Janoris Jenkins and Doug Martin with their second first-round pick. They might take Jenkins with their first.

25. I also think the Bengals will explore signing both Peyton Hillis and Braylon Edwards in free agency. That's something I thought before the Senior Bowl, but I just wanted to share.

26. Boom Herron had some explaining to do this week, but he didn't have a ton of proving to do. He's not a first or second day pick, but Herron is a solid player with a track record of productivity and a running style that indicates he can move the chains in the NFL. He's the type of person who can help himself in interviews with NFL decision-makers, and he's the type of back who can be ready if called upon next fall. He might never be a 1,000-yard rusher, but he'll have a career.

27. Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw is a player -- a big-time, probably-gone-before-pick-22 player. He's a bit of a "tweener" by NFL standards at 6'1, 273, but he can play the run, rush the passer and do whatever it takes. A bunch of media types were grilling him with questions about being able to learn multiple positions in the NFL after Wednesday's practice when he started chuckling and basically answered the question before it was even fully asked: "I played for Nick Saban."

28. Funniest thing a scout said to me: "Did Urban Meyer get a commitment from Josh Cribbs' young son yet? Dude is doing scorched earth. He should run for General."

29. When The Creator got done creating all that other less-essential stuff and started creating defensive ends, he created ones that looked a lot like North Carolina's Quentin Coples.

30. NFL teams pay big bucks to scouts because lots of guys who look the part don't play the part. On the flip side, this makes two Super Bowls in four years for a Giants team that employs a lot of well-chiseled, extremely-athletic defensive ends.

Teams come to the Senior Bowl because they want to get to the Super Bowl.

I mostly come for the seafood.






http://www.foxsportsohio.com/01/25/12/Senior-Bowl-Making-a-list/landing_bengals.html?blockID=653274&feedID=3685