A different OLB ranking, fwiw

[patchick]

NFLDraftScout has added a bunch of expanded scouting reports, which conclude with a point grade for each player that incorporates athleticism, character, field smarts, a variety of skill grades, etc. It's interesting to note how their grades do NOT correspond to their player rankings. Here are the prospects they've added so far who would project to OLB for the Pats (all college DEs, none of the LBs are done yet). In ascending order:

Ayers: 6.10
Kruger: 6.38
Maybin: 6.43
M. Johnson: 6.45
Orakpo: 6.72
Barwin: 7.23
E. Brown: 7.35

 

[maverick4]

Man, we're going to need to trade up into the top 10 now to get Barwin

 

[BelichickFan]

I feel like I have Battered Fan Syndrome. I'm sure I'll love Barwin if we take him but right now I can't stand the guy. Too much Barwin. I finally got the PFW book which was after the combine (it mentioned his numbers) but before his resurection () and Nolan mentioned his lack of instincts and ball awareness.

 

[patchick]

Man, we're going to need to trade up into the top 10 now to get Barwin

Hey now, who's making this a Barwin thread?

I'm really interested to see their grades for guys like English, Matthews and Cushing. So far, their order pretty much corresponds to my own (though I never mentally rank Ayers, because he just confuses me). But it's interesting to see grades given apparently independent of reputation and projected draft position, as Orapko & Maybin's scores seem to indicate.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'm really interested to see their grades for guys like English, Matthews and Cushing. So far, their order pretty much corresponds to my own (though I never mentally rank Ayers, because he just confuses me). But it's interesting to see grades given apparently independent of reputation and projected draft position, as Orapko & Maybin's scores seem to indicate.

In their (NFLDS) OLB rankings for USA Today :

USATODAY.com - feature

they rank the OLB :

Curry
Cushing
Mathews
Barwin
English

 

[patchick]

In their (NFLDS) OLB rankings for USA Today :

USATODAY.com - feature

they rank the OLB :

Curry
Cushing
Mathews
Barwin
English

Right, that's the same ranking as on the NFLDraftScout site. But as I said, their new detailed grading does NOT correspond to their player rankings. (E.g. Orapko is ranked #1 at DE.)

 

[BTTA]

Presumably higher numbers mean higher rankings?


[QUOTE

Ayers: 6.10
Kruger: 6.38
Maybin: 6.43
M. Johnson: 6.45
Orakpo: 6.72
Barwin: 7.23
E. Brown: 7.35[/QUOTE]

 

[14thDragon]

This convinces me further. If Brown falls out of the top ten, I am looking for some picks to get packaged and move up.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

i can't believe cushing is even being considered. he looks the most overrated out of the bunch.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

NFLDraftScout has added a bunch of expanded scouting reports, which conclude with a point grade for each player that incorporates athleticism, character, field smarts, a variety of skill grades, etc. It's interesting to note how their grades do NOT correspond to their player rankings. Here are the prospects they've added so far who would project to OLB for the Pats (all college DEs, none of the LBs are done yet). In ascending order:

Ayers: 6.10
Kruger: 6.38
Maybin: 6.43
M. Johnson: 6.45
Orakpo: 6.72
Barwin: 7.23
E. Brown: 7.35

Typical, I've yet to find a draft site that evaluates a player for a 3-4 scheme, it's always an afterthought. Too bad this stuff hasn't made it to the pay site yet. Some great reading...I hope no one sensitive to the player who shall not be discussed here actually reads the run defense section on that particular profile. :amusic:

 

[cstjohn17]

NFLDraftScout has added a bunch of expanded scouting reports, which conclude with a point grade for each player that incorporates athleticism, character, field smarts, a variety of skill grades, etc. It's interesting to note how their grades do NOT correspond to their player rankings. Here are the prospects they've added so far who would project to OLB for the Pats (all college DEs, none of the LBs are done yet). In ascending order:

Ayers: 6.10
Kruger: 6.38
Maybin: 6.43
M. Johnson: 6.45
Orakpo: 6.72
Barwin: 7.23
E. Brown: 7.35

They have done the same thing for most of the offensive positions. Very detailed, really brings out the inner nerd. Best $24.95 I spend every year.

This caught my eye "he could be a nice fit in a 3-4 alignment as a strong-side linebacker.", strong-side linebacker.. strong-side linebacker.. think.. think... what team could use a strong-side linebacker... think... think...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

As I'm reading these, another thing that stands out is "balance" between run and pass rush and coverage...

 

[patchick]

As I'm reading these, another thing that stands out is "balance" between run and pass rush and coverage...

I've been looking at the same thing...take Everette Brown, who makes them drool all over themselves as a pass rusher and instinctive player, but who earns his only weak reviews on lateral mobility (and to a lesser extent on strength at point/run support). Interesting that they envision a Freeney-like role for him.

 

[bucky]

Typical, I've yet to find a draft site that evaluates a player for a 3-4 scheme, it's always an afterthought. Too bad this stuff hasn't made it to the pay site yet. Some great reading...I hope no one sensitive to the player who shall not be discussed here actually reads the run defense section on that particular profile. :amusic:

So that means that Orakpo, English, etc. are being graded on their ability to play OLB in a 4-3? Interesting. Just out of curiosity, do they say which current NFL player these guys compare to?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I've been looking at the same thing...take Everette Brown, who makes them drool all over themselves as a pass rusher and instinctive player, but who earns his only weak reviews on lateral mobility (and to a lesser extent on strength at point/run support). Interesting that they envision a Freeney-like role for him.

Yes, it was a fun exercise looking at the rankings to see who was unusually low compared to the others and who demonstrated the best "balance" in their game. Considering some of the charges thrown around here it was even amusing.

 

[PATSNUTme]

NFLDraftScout has added a bunch of expanded scouting reports, which conclude with a point grade for each player that incorporates athleticism, character, field smarts, a variety of skill grades, etc. It's interesting to note how their grades do NOT correspond to their player rankings. Here are the prospects they've added so far who would project to OLB for the Pats (all college DEs, none of the LBs are done yet). In ascending order:

Ayers: 6.10
Kruger: 6.38
Maybin: 6.43
M. Johnson: 6.45
Orakpo: 6.72
Barwin: 7.23
E. Brown: 7.35

How can anyone who played in the Rose Bowl at 226lbs even be considered to be a 3-4 OLB?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

So that means that Orakpo, English, etc. are being graded on their ability to play OLB in a 4-3? Interesting. Just out of curiosity, do they say which current NFL player these guys compare to?

As I read it they were 4-3 DEs in college, and while the evaluator may mention potential to play LB (usually LB in a 4-3), he doesn't make an effort to grade them as other then a DE. It's up for us to read it and think about the qualities we've seen in the successful NE LBs and make our own projection.

 

[VJCPatriot]

For many reasons already discussed, I <3 Connor Barwin at #23. I just hope he lasts that long now and BB is thinking the same. Yeah I think he's a better prospect than Groves this time last year.

On Thursday the former tight end/defensive end added to his draft lore by running the forty and giving NFL scouts and coaches everything they wanted and then some. At the combine Barwin ran a 4.66 forty and many coaches and scouts felt he’d pass on running at the Bearcats Pro-Day. Barwin, who’s been open and upfront about his abilities, shocked many when he announced he was running. In the end Barwin bettered his combine time hitting a 4.48 and a 4.52 on his second attempt. While many felt Barwin had a chance to enter the first round of the draft, his forty had scouts and coaches whispering he’d just pushed him into the first round without any questions.

Connor Barwin*|*Cincinnati,*OLB*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

How can anyone who played in the Rose Bowl at 226lbs even be considered to be a 3-4 OLB?

People don't seem to think he can cut it as an NFL DE, so they talk about OLB - since he's only decent as a pass rusher and weak everywhere else they aren't thinking about a "true" LB and try to label him as a "rush" LB.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I'm right there with you about Brown. No offense to Barwin who is my second favorite DE/OLB in this draft. I just think E.Brown is going to be an absolute menace to QB's from day 1.