PonyExpress
In the Starting Line-Up
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.The blemish on Woods was supposedly his lack of commitment and immaturity, the reported reasons for which Carr benched him as a senior. Prior to that, Woods had registered 7 sacks and 14 TFLs as a junior, leading Michigan in both categories. He was on the Nagurski and Butkus awards watch entering his senior campaign. Normally, but not always, talented players improve production between junior and senior seasons. Hypothetically, if Pierre had merely equalled his junior production his lost senior year, IMO he would have been a 2nd rd pick at a minimum considering his upper tier athleticism and rare size. But his benching led teams to justifiably consider him a problem child. Since then, Pierre has scrapped and clawed his way onto a roster spot as an UDFA, been a good soldier on special teams, and finished the year injury free at a high quality of ST play. He has removed the blemish of his senior season by demonstrating renewed commitment. With his team attitude and commitment to the game now proven commodities, and considering his junior year production + his rare size and athleticism+ performance as a college LBer, IMO Pierre has a higher probability to impact at 3-4 OLB than several of the most talked about prospects in this draft, including J. Moss, L. Woodley, and V. Abiamiri. In this draft, IMO the only prospects who have a higher probability to become quality starters at 3-4 OLB than Pierre are G. Adams and A. Spencer.
If you think Woods can start at OLB, than let me introduce you to LaMarr WoodleyWoods has the talent to become a starter. By 2008 he will be able to start at OLB and play effectively. This is contingent on his offseason commitment. So far it seems like he has shed the immaturity label that Carr punished him for as a senior.
He responded to my question a few months ago, let me see if I can find it.Where's Michigan Dave when you need him? I'd like to know his take re: Woods v. Carr.
Here you go :Where's Michigan Dave when you need him? I'd like to know his take re: Woods v. Carr.
Michigan Dave said:"Pierre had off-field issues at UM (that are NOT going to be discussed). THAT is why he was not playing. Unlike a certain sweatervested coach lackin morals, Lloyd makes sure that his players leave the program in good shape (whether they play in the NFL or not.) Pierre had the talent to start, and play well. But he could've gone down a Clarett-path without the right teaching."
BelichickFan said:"Dave, without discussing the specifics of the issues - have they been taken care of to your knowledge ? Is Woods now headed down the right path or is he a problem waiting to happen ?"
Michigan Dave said:"I talked to Pierre briefly after the UM game last Saturday, and he seemed to be fine. His issues were more issues of maturity and needing to grow up. If LC had catered to him, and pampered him as a star, Pierre could've headed for trouble. I think having to deal with this adversity, and having to really bust his ass to earn a spot in the league was the best thing for him. He won't take anything for granted, and I can't see him regressing to do the things he did at Michigan that landed him in trouble. I've been wrong before, but I don't think he'll have any discipline problems.
."
You think ?I wonder, who's that "sweatervested coach lacking morals" of whom Dave speaks? Tressel?
Just a reminder of Woods' pre-draft measurables:
Shuttle: 4.19 (!)
Cone: 6.87 (!)
! is right. Those numbers are better than Timmons' who is a LOT smaller.