SI.com overrated/underrated - New England Patriots Forums

JoePats · 04-23-2008, 06:33 PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...08draft/1.html

There's the link to the article, which was written by Stewart Mandel, a college football writer. The perspective is important because he's basing his evaluations on their production in college and stuff he saw in games, and not on combine measurables. I've picked out a couple that have been discussed here...

Quote:

Underrated: Antoine Cason, Arizona

Four-year starter. Three-time All Pac-10 honoree. Fifteen career interceptions, including three touchdowns. And a signature, nationally televised performance last season against then second-ranked Oregon in which he scored on both a 42-yard interception return and a 56-yard punt return. I'm not sure you could ask for a more solid, consistent four-year career by a major-conference cornerback (Aqib Talib turned pro early), yet he's only considered a second-rounder, well behind a guy from Troy (Leodis McKelvin) and a guy from Tennessee State (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie). What more did the guy need to do?

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Overrated: Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

A) I couldn't find a pure linebacker I thought was overrated, but some are projecting Gholston to play such in a 3-4. B) I've never understood all the fuss over this guy. I've watched a lot of Ohio State games over the past two years and only once did I see him truly dominate a contest. That was last year's Michigan game, when he had three sacks. (He did have four sacks against Wisconsin, but that game was on the Big Ten Network, so I can't be sure it actually took place.) Most notably, Gholston was a non-factor in both of the Buckeyes' BCS title-game appearances the past two seasons (against Florida in 2006 and LSU in '07). What am I missing here?

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Underrated: Quentin Groves, Auburn

Groves was limited by injuries at times last season, but when he was at his best, he was definitely one of those guys who can take over a game just by the pressure he puts on opposing quarterbacks. He did just that in the Tigers' early season upset at Florida, helping limit Heisman winner Tim Tebow to mostly short completions. The year before, when fully healthy, he notched 9.5 sacks. The only defensive end I'd rank above him is Chris Long, and if, as projected, Groves slips into the second round, someone is going to get themselves an absolute steal.

mcsully · 04-23-2008, 08:05 PM

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sco...tingroves.html

Quentin Groves:

Extremely inconsistent and lacks a great motor...Undersized and doesn't have the ideal bulk that you look for..Isn't stout at the point...Marginal instincts, awareness and recognition...Limited pass rush repertoire...Too aggressive at times...Slow off the line...Has trouble shedding blocks...Poor technique..A questionable work ethic

Sometimes players aren't playing in the right system but can be coached up.. When I read about his work ethic not being there.. FORGET IT..

tombonneau · 04-23-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsully

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sco...tingroves.html

Quentin Groves:

Extremely inconsistent and lacks a great motor...Undersized and doesn't have the ideal bulk that you look for..Isn't stout at the point...Marginal instincts, awareness and recognition...Limited pass rush repertoire...Too aggressive at times...Slow off the line...Has trouble shedding blocks...Poor technique..A questionable work ethic

Sometimes players aren't playing in the right system but can be coached up.. When I read about his work ethic not being there.. FORGET IT..

I always take these scouting reports with a grain of salt. For the most part, all these online scouts are outsiders relying on secondary sources for their reports. Throw in the fact they need to put these together for hundreds of players, and you have a not-so-reliable distributor of information.

For instance, "questionable work ethic" could be something stuck in there because as a sophomore there was an blurb in the local paper about coaches wanting him to try harder or something like that. Presto. Questionable work ethic!

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 04-23-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombonneau

I always take these scouting reports with a grain of salt. For the most part, all these online scouts are outsiders relying on secondary sources for their reports. Throw in the fact they need to put these together for hundreds of players, and you have a not-so-reliable distributor of information.

For instance, "questionable work ethic" could be something stuck in there because as a sophomore there was an blurb in the local paper about coaches wanting him to try harder or something like that. Presto. Questionable work ethic!

The only thing I had to go on was my questionable eyes when I watched him this season, I was unimpressed. Folks on here and elsewhere whom I take seriously seem to like him, he gets some lip service from draftniks and pundits, but me eyes just ain't buying. He's off my board (okay, my scrap paper with crayon scribbles) and I hope for his sake he's hot property and turns into a livng testiment to my bi-focal's flaws.

Blizzzard · 04-23-2008, 11:29 PM

Holy Shnikes... those 2 assessments are polar opposites.
Most assessments on him vary wildley. Watching his stock go up and down is like riding Space Mountain.

Good thing the Patriots have their own opinions to rely on