Brian Smith, Missouri: OLB prospect

[PonyExpress]

Brian Smith, Missouri, was maybe THE BEST OLB prospect in this draft before breaking his hip in mid season. Fortunately, it didn't require surgery and was not the Colvin or Bo Jackson variety. He was almost ready to play in the bowl game, and he may work out at the combine. If he receives medical clearance, he is a huge sleeper in this draft whom I would consider taking a flier on in the 4th round. The kid was a monster, a great leader and has ideal size. In two years he could be a pro-bowl player, barring medical complications.

Other thoughts:
I am warming up to Brandon Siler in rd 1 for the Pats. He needs to recover from his knee injury a bit, but his athleticism is underrated and he is a smart player.

Prescott Burgess: a later rd LB prospect, but a more versatile and smarter player than most think...

 

[DaBruinz]

Add Anthony Waters to the list of sleepers. This kid was one of the top ILB prospects before tearing his ACL in the 1st game of the season. Now listed as a 7th round pick, but I honestly think he'd be a steal there.

 

[cstjohn17]

Add Anthony Waters to the list of sleepers. This kid was one of the top ILB prospects before tearing his ACL in the 1st game of the season. Now listed as a 7th round pick, but I honestly think he'd be a steal there.

Interesting Waters will be at the combine, mostly for just interviews I assume. Most 6,7 round picks are throw aways, I like the idea of takng someone with a lot of potential late in day 2. They are getting better are knee surguries, nothing is for sure but lots of players have bounced back (think Willis McGahee). Waters is worth watching.

Brad Smith - I had him on my list as an OLB prospect but he had a serious injury. I know Colvin came back from this type of injury but i seems a lot riskier than ACL surgery. I will wait for Dr. clearance before adding his name to the mix.

Of all the LBs at I like:

• Bradley, Burgess - Both have the size and could be able to play inside or outside. Rounds 2-3
• Harris - Natural ILB - Round 2
• Pos. - Seems small but may be able to take over for Bruschi. Very good in coverage, listed at 6'1, 237. I think Bruschi plays at about 245 so not that much difference especially with the expectation he is not asked to start until year 2. Round 1 - Seems high but he would be signed for 5 years.
• DeOzzie - May as a mid round developmental player, not sure if we are more interested in him because of his Dad. The combine will tell a lot. Rounds 5 or 6.

 

[PonyExpress]

Interesting Waters will be at the combine, mostly for just interviews I assume. Most 6,7 round picks are throw aways, I like the idea of takng someone with a lot of potential late in day 2. They are getting better are knee surguries, nothing is for sure but lots of players have bounced back (think Willis McGahee). Waters is worth watching.

Brad Smith - I had him on my list as an OLB prospect but he had a serious injury. I know Colvin came back from this type of injury but i seems a lot riskier than ACL surgery. I will wait for Dr. clearance before adding his name to the mix.

Of all the LBs at I like:

• Bradley, Burgess - Both have the size and could be able to play inside or outside. Rounds 2-3
• Harris - Natural ILB - Round 2
• Pos. - Seems small but may be able to take over for Bruschi. Very good in coverage, listed at 6'1, 237. I think Bruschi plays at about 245 so not that much difference especially with the expectation he is not asked to start until year 2. Round 1 - Seems high but he would be signed for 5 years.
• DeOzzie - May as a mid round developmental player, not sure if we are more interested in him because of his Dad. The combine will tell a lot. Rounds 5 or 6.

Bruschi has a powerful base, in his prime delivered explosive hits, was an accomplished pass rusher, got very good drops in coverage, played very low, with unusual flexibility and lateral agility, and was able to take on and slips blocks. Posluzny is not a big hitter, is not a pass rusher, does not exhibit remarkable lateral quickness, does not excel in coverage, and does not take on blocks. What am I missing? I have no agenda against him.

 

[cstjohn17]

Bruschi has a powerful base, in his prime delivered explosive hits, was an accomplished pass rusher, got very good drops in coverage, played very low, with unusual flexibility and lateral agility, and was able to take on and slips blocks. Posluzny is not a big hitter, is not a pass rusher, does not exhibit remarkable lateral quickness, does not excel in coverage, and does not take on blocks. What am I missing? I have no agenda against him.

I have been for Pos. and against Pos....

I watched him in the bowl game against Tennessee. He will never be the pass rusher Bruschi was/is but showed ability to drop back into coverage. He is faster than Bruschi ever was, but is slender, this is my biggest concern. He may never be able to shed blocks well enough to excel in our 3-4. I won't cry if we don't take him but think he has some potential and with a year to learn the system, get "coached up" and improve his bulk he could potentially replcae Bruschi. It took Bruschi several years to learn the system, I think Pos. will be able to pick it up faster because he played more LB in college.

Again, not the top player on my board but don't think he would be an awful pick.

 

[PonyExpress]

I have been for Pos. and against Pos....

I watched him in the bowl game against Tennessee. He will never be the pass rusher Bruschi was/is but showed ability to drop back into coverage. He is faster than Bruschi ever was, but is slender, this is my biggest concern. He may never be able to shed blocks well enough to excel in our 3-4. I won't cry if we don't take him but think he has some potential and with a year to learn the system, get "coached up" and improve his bulk he could potentially replcae Bruschi. It took Bruschi several years to learn the system, I think Pos. will be able to pick it up faster because he played more LB in college.

Again, not the top player on my board but don't think he would be an awful pick.

I agree, and I didn't mean to overstate my criticism. He is obviously a good kid with the heart of a lion and leadership qualities.