2009 Senior Bowl

[Box_O_Rocks]

From all accounts, BJ Raji continues to just dominate OLs. He may be the Sedrick Ellis of this year's Senior Bowl, vaulting into top 10 territory. Here's what Jon Cozart at gbnreport had to say about this morning's practice: "Boston College DT B.J. Raji continued to dominate. The 334-pounder is living in the backfield making interior lineman look ridiculous. The backside of this stud defensive tackle is enormous and he looks like he was born to demolish the squat rack. That strength transfers to the field as he can bull rush anyone. In individual drills he threw Oregon OL Max Unger to the ground in a move reminiscent of Reggie White in Super Bowl XXXI. However, brute strength isn’t the only impressive aspect of this mauler’s game. His pass rush repertoire is special. Raji’s first step is very quick and he gets his hips underneath him to create great leverage. He can turn the corner and make himself small to beat the man in front of him. Honestly, I have to make myself focus on other players because I could watch him all day. Raji is a top five pick in my opinion and has been by far the most impressive player on the North." The link is Great Blue North Draft Report

With all the teams switching to a 3-4 defense, if Green Bay at #9 or Denver at #12 is serious about the 3-4 they may serious consider taking Raji as their defensive centerpiece. Most important and difficult part of the 3-4 to fill.

Green Bay reportedly already has a big body for the Nose.

Mayock called out Raji (BC alum to BC alum) after Raji had an "off day" in his second practice. Mayock is trying to light a fire I guess. Raji would work well in Nolan's version of the 3-4 in Denver.

 

[PatsFan2]

He's not on the roster. I don't know anything about him, but the next Ben Coates sounds pretty good to me. Of course, who ever heard of an elite player coming out of East Carolina.

BTW PatsFans2, I've followed your posts for years on KFFL and learned a lot from you. Thanks.

And here i am thinking i'm a bad example...thanks i think.:attention:

 

[condon84]

Mayock's top prospects at each position

Mayock's top prospects at each position

He's got Rashad Johnson ahead of William Moore. I thought that Moore was a lock for Top 20, but now seems like he might slide out of the first round. Also, since Bill is good friends with Saban, I wouldn't be surprised if we go after Rashad. Saban has talked highly of Rashad.

 

[mayoclinic]

Some comments from Tony Pauline of TFY on day 2:

"Trevor Canfield/OG/Cincinnati: Canfield has a reputation for being a nasty, fierce competitor and he showed why Tuesday. The former Bearcat starter was dominant at the point and handled almost everyone he faced. He's not only strong but also mean; he never let up. More than once he continued to play after the whistle, getting an extra shove in after the play had ended."

"Louis Delmas/S/Western Michigan: Delmas has been the best safety on the field and the feisty defender consistently put himself in a position to make plays on the ball all day. He throws his body around the field in an effort to stop ball handlers and delivered a number of blows that made scouts take notice. Delmas was effective in run defense and against the pass."

Tony Pauline: Senior Bowl practice report, Day 2 - NFL - SI.com

Scott Wright was also high on Delmas today: "Western Michigan S Louis Delmas really impressed me today. He played very physical and had some pop, seemed to transition well and even had one of the big hits of the day on Ramses Barden. Delmas also appeared to be one of the team leaders, barking out instructions to his defensive teammates from the deep safety spot. I heard he got beat deep a couple of times but I didn't see it.". On the other hand, he wasn't so impressed with Cliff Sintim: "Virginia OLB Clint Sintim continues to disappoint. In drills today he did not appear to have quick feet, used poor technique as a tackler and was getting blocked pretty easily by running backs. On the positive side he was able to keep up with Kory Sheets in coverage and even break up a pass."

Draft Countdown's Senior Bowl Coverage - 1/20/09 North Practice Report

Canfield reminds me a bit of Logan Mankins, especially in his demeanor - tough and nasty. We could use a bit more of that on our OL. Delmas sounds like he may be overtaking William Moore as the #1 S prospect, somewhat reminiscent of how Tyrell Johnson from Arkansas St. came on last year. I have a feeling Sintim may take a Cliff Avril-like tumble on draft day due to a lack of athleticism, but the jury is still out. I know he's BOR's binkie, but I'm not sold.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

National Post on chats with various Senior Bowl prospects.

The National Football Post | Senior Bowl Media Night Recap

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Some comments from Tony Pauline of TFY on day 2:

"Trevor Canfield/OG/Cincinnati: Canfield has a reputation for being a nasty, fierce competitor and he showed why Tuesday. The former Bearcat starter was dominant at the point and handled almost everyone he faced. He's not only strong but also mean; he never let up. More than once he continued to play after the whistle, getting an extra shove in after the play had ended."

"Louis Delmas/S/Western Michigan: Delmas has been the best safety on the field and the feisty defender consistently put himself in a position to make plays on the ball all day. He throws his body around the field in an effort to stop ball handlers and delivered a number of blows that made scouts take notice. Delmas was effective in run defense and against the pass."

Tony Pauline: Senior Bowl practice report, Day 2 - NFL - SI.com

Scott Wright was also high on Delmas today: "Western Michigan S Louis Delmas really impressed me today. He played very physical and had some pop, seemed to transition well and even had one of the big hits of the day on Ramses Barden. Delmas also appeared to be one of the team leaders, barking out instructions to his defensive teammates from the deep safety spot. I heard he got beat deep a couple of times but I didn't see it.". On the other hand, he wasn't so impressed with Cliff Sintim: "Virginia OLB Clint Sintim continues to disappoint. In drills today he did not appear to have quick feet, used poor technique as a tackler and was getting blocked pretty easily by running backs. On the positive side he was able to keep up with Kory Sheets in coverage and even break up a pass."

Draft Countdown's Senior Bowl Coverage - 1/20/09 North Practice Report

Canfield reminds me a bit of Logan Mankins, especially in his demeanor - tough and nasty. We could use a bit more of that on our OL. Delmas sounds like he may be overtaking William Moore as the #1 S prospect, somewhat reminiscent of how Tyrell Johnson from Arkansas St. came on last year. I have a feeling Sintim may take a Cliff Avril-like tumble on draft day due to a lack of athleticism, but the jury is still out. I know he's BOR's binkie, but I'm not sold.

Delmas is working his way into the second round, it's unlikely he'll go first.

Remember that Sintim is making a position change, from 3-4 rush LB at Virginia to SLB in a 4-3 - patience grasshopper. I'd also caution you against putting too much weight in Wright's analysis of 3-4 LBs, I like to visit his site, but I don't put a lot of stock in his LB analysis skills. For example he and Mike Mayock have radically different perspectives on Sintim - I have greater faith in Mayock myself.

I like Canfield's nasty attitude, he's one of several I think would be more than adequate OL on the second day.

 

[Seneschal2]

Rey Maualuga...

Found this blurb:

MOBILE, Ala. — The suitors lined up near midfield as soon as the South team had broken its huddle to end Tuesday's Senior Bowl practice.

Kansas City, New Orleans, New England and Baltimore all were setting up interviews for that night with Rey Maualuga, star linebacker from the University of Southern California.

USC linebacker Rey Maualuga is a hot commodity

---

Wouldn't read too much into the Pats interest at this point, as an interview is just part of the overall process.

 

[mayoclinic]

Delmas is working his way into the second round, it's unlikely he'll go first.

Remember that Sintim is making a position change, from 3-4 rush LB at Virginia to SLB in a 4-3 - patience grasshopper. I'd also caution you against putting too much weight in Wright's analysis of 3-4 LBs, I like to visit his site, but I don't put a lot of stock in his LB analysis skills. For example he and Mike Mayock have radically different perspectives on Sintim - I have greater faith in Mayock myself.

I like Canfield's nasty attitude, he's one of several I think would be more than adequate OL on the second day.

I don't think Delmas will go 1st round, but I think he could pass Moore as the first safety of the board if Moore doesn't show more than he has.

I understand that Sintim is making a position change, and I agree with you about Mayock being the draft guru whose opinion I most trust. I'm not bashing Sintim by any means, just tossing out some of the reports for people's information. I do think that there are questions about Sintim's athleticism and stiffness which need to be answered, but I'm just waiting to see more at this point.

It seems to me that there are way more than 64 players being given potential 1st day grades at this point. Players like Shawn Nelson and Mohammed Massaquoi may be playing themselves into the first day. The number of spots in each round are obviously fixed, so someone will have to drop. There will be a lot of talent in the 3rd round of this draft. On the other hand, it seems like every year we hear this, only to have some of the guys who did well at the Senior Bowl fade during the combine and pro days and drop back.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Rey Maualuga...

Found this blurb:

USC linebacker Rey Maualuga is a hot commodity

---

Wouldn't read too much into the Pats interest at this point, as an interview is just part of the overall process.

The Pats are also known more than any other team for deception and feigning disinterest in prospects, since probably more than any other team others copy them and look at what they are doing. It seems like every year we are open about showing interest in several prospects, only to pass up on them: Channing Crowder, Cliff Avril, etc.

 

[patchick]

National Post on chats with various Senior Bowl prospects.

The National Football Post | Senior Bowl Media Night Recap

Ah, they clear up the Barwin-on-offense mystery:

Cincinnati DE/TE Connor Barwin admitted to me that he’s a better DE then TE but was unable to get an invitation to the game as a DE. However, he wanted to be involved in the action and decided to take the invitation as a TE, a position he hasn’t played in over a year. When I asked who would win if Connor Barwin the tight end were to block Connor Barwin the DE, he laughed and said, “There is no way he could block himself.”

 

[mayoclinic]

Ah, they clear up the Barwin-on-offense mystery:

I had heard that. The remaining mysery to me is why they didn't offer Barwin a spot at DE. The Senior Bowl DE roster is incredibly weak, and almost every player at DE (not DT) listed will probably go later than Barwin in the draft. I understand some big names dropped out, but it's a mystery to me why he didn't get a spot.

On Barwin as a TE, this was Scott Wright's comment yesterday: "I don't know whether Cincinnati's Connor Barwin is going to be a defensive end or an outside linebacker in the NFL but I am fairly confident he isn't going to be a tight end. Barwin was smooth and quick, which is to be expected from someone with his athleticism, but he struggled mightily as a blocker. I mean mightily."

 

[VJCPatriot]

On Barwin as a TE, this was Scott Wright's comment yesterday: "I don't know whether Cincinnati's Connor Barwin is going to be a defensive end or an outside linebacker in the NFL but I am fairly confident he isn't going to be a tight end. Barwin was smooth and quick, which is to be expected from someone with his athleticism, but he struggled mightily as a blocker. I mean mightily."

That's certainly not something you want to hear about a TE prospect... Which makes me wonder how he will line up for the Combine. If he goes as a TE, he is going to hurt his own draft stock a lot. Which might just turn him into a bargain pick for the Pats on day 2, but you have to be wondering why his agent isn't advising him to try out as a DE instead?

He's got Rashad Johnson ahead of William Moore. I thought that Moore was a lock for Top 20, but now seems like he might slide out of the first round. Also, since Bill is good friends with Saban, I wouldn't be surprised if we go after Rashad. Saban has talked highly of Rashad.

It looks like there might be a lot of good safeties falling to round 2 now. Which means the Pats can spend their 1st rounder going after an elite OLB or CB instead.

 

[mayoclinic]

Some comments from Russ Lande in today's The Sporting News out of the Senior bowl:

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NFL Football stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NFL Football columnists

Some specific players of interest (to me, at least):

"Alex Mack, C, California: He definitely looked the part in uniform with a thick lower body. He showed he is very quick out of his stance to get into blocking position, and gets his hands up and onto a DT quickly. He did a good job overall Tuesday, but was overmatched and driven back by Boston College DT B.J. Raji one time."

"Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinnati: Showed very good competitiveness with good motor. Showed good strength holding ground against DT pass rush, but was inconsistently moving feet to adjust to quick spin move."

"B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Another dominant performance. Basically jolted and shed center to make and disrupt plays against the run. Consistently overpowered offensive linemen when he bull-rushed and was able to pressure QB."

"Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech: Really did a bad job of waiting to open up hips and got turned around over and over by receivers, especially Robiskie, who just killed him. From his play Tuesday, he looked like he does not have the quickness, burst or speed to recover well enough to play CB and will need to make the switch to safety for the NFL." Particularly interesting as Harris got some rave reviews yesterday.

"Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC: Showed good playing speed and does a good job using hands to take on and shed blocks quickly. Displayed natural instincts and feel for the ball. Was consistently around the ball."

"Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Showed very good athleticism dropping off ball into pass coverage. Flashed top speed running to ball and showed hip snap to explode up and make hard, violent hits."

"Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State: Showed very good athleticism Tuesday. Very fluid in pedal and showed ability to turn and run without losing a step. He consistently showed a willingness to step up and make hard hits, but will need to improve his tackling technique. He impressed me with his willingness to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage; slowed receiver's release and played physically throughout the route to disrupt timing."

"Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest: Looked very smooth and athletic dropping deep in zone and was able to cut inside to make a nice interception. He is fast and very aggressive with his hands, so he can maintain contact with receivers during their routes. His lack of height showed when a receiver made a good catch on a deep pass even though Smith was in a good position to make a play."

 

[VJCPatriot]

Brace has the size for a 3-4 defense, weighing in at 329 lbs at the senior bowl. Ayers at 273 lbs might be a bit on the light side though.

Senior Bowl South Team measurements (Ayers included)
TFY

Senior Bowl North Team measurements (Brace included)
TFY

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

I am watching Barwin right now rushing of the edge on 1 on 1's. He looked quick off the edge with a nice dip and rip around the edge. Cannfield battled nicely today and Improved his stock.

 

[mmasterkillah]

Extremely hapy to see that Brace showed up really light and in shape. The guy was about 360 when he played for Burncoat HS a few years ago, and while he was still pretty dominant, a leaner Brace could be fantastic.

I would really be thrilled to have him as a backup NT, just as I would have liked guys like Gabe Watson, Alan Branch, and Red Bryant the past few seasons.p

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Some comments from Russ Lande in today's The Sporting News out of the Senior bowl:

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NFL Football stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NFL Football columnists

Some specific players of interest (to me, at least):

"Alex Mack, C, California: He definitely looked the part in uniform with a thick lower body. He showed he is very quick out of his stance to get into blocking position, and gets his hands up and onto a DT quickly. He did a good job overall Tuesday, but was overmatched and driven back by Boston College DT B.J. Raji one time."

"Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinnati: Showed very good competitiveness with good motor. Showed good strength holding ground against DT pass rush, but was inconsistently moving feet to adjust to quick spin move."

"B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Another dominant performance. Basically jolted and shed center to make and disrupt plays against the run. Consistently overpowered offensive linemen when he bull-rushed and was able to pressure QB."

"Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech: Really did a bad job of waiting to open up hips and got turned around over and over by receivers, especially Robiskie, who just killed him. From his play Tuesday, he looked like he does not have the quickness, burst or speed to recover well enough to play CB and will need to make the switch to safety for the NFL." Particularly interesting as Harris got some rave reviews yesterday.

"Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC: Showed good playing speed and does a good job using hands to take on and shed blocks quickly. Displayed natural instincts and feel for the ball. Was consistently around the ball."

"Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Showed very good athleticism dropping off ball into pass coverage. Flashed top speed running to ball and showed hip snap to explode up and make hard, violent hits."

"Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State: Showed very good athleticism Tuesday. Very fluid in pedal and showed ability to turn and run without losing a step. He consistently showed a willingness to step up and make hard hits, but will need to improve his tackling technique. He impressed me with his willingness to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage; slowed receiver's release and played physically throughout the route to disrupt timing."

"Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest: Looked very smooth and athletic dropping deep in zone and was able to cut inside to make a nice interception. He is fast and very aggressive with his hands, so he can maintain contact with receivers during their routes. His lack of height showed when a receiver made a good catch on a deep pass even though Smith was in a good position to make a play."

Did you guys see Unger put Raji on the ground. Did you see how good Unger looked pulling and leading around the edge?

BB please draft Unger!!!

 

[Clonamery]

The National Football Post | Senior Bowl Wednesday Recap

Wednesday night review from NFP.......

 

[patchick]

Did you guys see Unger put Raji on the ground. Did you see how good Unger looked pulling and leading around the edge?

BB please draft Unger!!!

Ochmed, any thoughts on Unger vs. Luigs?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Ochmed, any thoughts on Unger vs. Luigs?

No contest - Unger hands down.