DRAFT DAY DISCUSSION The Official NFL Draft Day 3 Thread

[Deus Irae]

I know the scouting department knows far more than I do, but if they wanted a DB what exactly does the rugby player bring to the table that CB Chase Minnifield, SS Antonio Allen or FS Aaron Henry do not? Rugby mentality for special teams?

In order to lessen concussions, Goodell's going to outlaw padding on special teams.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

BB is just straight up trollin' now

 

[TyronePoole]

Has Gary Clark Jr. been drafted yet? we could use him on special teams

 

[Uncle Rico]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Draft Prospect - Nate Ebner

An elite rugby player, Ebner did not play football in high school, instead competing internationally on the pitch. Walked on at Ohio State, earning a scholarship and the respect of his teammates by excelling on special teams. Races down the field like a bat out of hell and hunts returners like a heat-seeking missile. Has been a dedicated workout enthusiast his whole life and it showed at pro day — bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times and ran the 60-yard shuttle in 10.99 seconds, illustrating his conditioning level. Also recorded surprising athletic numbers, including a 39-inch vertical leap, broad jump of 10 feet 8 inches, short-shuttle time of 4.04 seconds and a 3-cone time of 6.59 seconds. Square-jawed, mentally tough, competitive overachiever with a wedge buster’s mentality (relishes contact) who will be given the opportunity to carve a niche as a special-teams demon. Has leadership traits and is the type you root for.

Well you can't be too disappointed in what that summary has to say.

For some reason I read that summary — the characteristics, not necessarily the numbers — and think "Matt Chatham." That's a good thing.

 

[Aßßynormal]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Draft Prospect - Nate Ebner

An elite rugby player, Ebner did not play football in high school, instead competing internationally on the pitch. Walked on at Ohio State, earning a scholarship and the respect of his teammates by excelling on special teams. Races down the field like a bat out of hell and hunts returners like a heat-seeking missile. Has been a dedicated workout enthusiast his whole life and it showed at pro day — bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times and ran the 60-yard shuttle in 10.99 seconds, illustrating his conditioning level. Also recorded surprising athletic numbers, including a 39-inch vertical leap, broad jump of 10 feet 8 inches, short-shuttle time of 4.04 seconds and a 3-cone time of 6.59 seconds. Square-jawed, mentally tough, competitive overachiever with a wedge buster’s mentality (relishes contact) who will be given the opportunity to carve a niche as a special-teams demon. Has leadership traits and is the type you root for.

Well you can't be too disappointed in what that summary has to say.

That's nearly a 73 on the explosiveness index (bench, vertical, broad jump), for someone his size that's a lot.

 

[patchick]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Draft Prospect - Nate Ebner

An elite rugby player, Ebner did not play football in high school, instead competing internationally on the pitch.

that's odd...NFLDraftScout says:

Gained 3,600 yards and 35 TDs during his career at Hilliard Davidson … Ohio Capital Conference player of the year for the 2006 state champions … MVP of the state title game … two times all-district and all-state

 

[DaBruinz]

Pretty impressive pure athlete, and a rugby tough guy. Why the heck not? I always like to see "shoot the moon" picks in the late round -- extra-long long shots with rare raw potential.

With a Rugby mentality, he might be this year's version of David Wing..

 

[BlueThunder]

Just love the NE and GB -----all defensive players....LOL

Looks like BB understands his team weakness

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

I love this pick...give him a year or two ..learning to be a safety......and he will be punishing players......big time!!! BB is always thinking outside the box. That is why he is the best coach in the NFL

 

[The Boomer]

Nate Ebner
6'0
202 lbs.
40: 4.54
20: 2.64
10: 1.56

Bench: 23 reps
Vertical: 39 inches
Broad: 10' 08"
Shuttle: 4.04
3 cone: 6.59

The ones in bold really stand out to me.. Love to hear from some Ohio St. Fans on the kid..

Here is a recent article about his pro day:

Among Buckeyes with NFL Draft dreams, Nate Ebner's is rather special | cleveland.com

Rugby players are arguably tougher than football players since they do roughly the same thing without pads. Could he be a bust? Sure as will many 6th rounders. Sliders that drop this far clearly have flaws that are common knowledge to everyone. Diamonds in the rough like this guy are so much fun to root for. Kiper's negative reaction was just one more endorsement for the real scouting professionals.

 

[manxman2601]

A number of posts back I said jokingly that BB traded back for three extra picks so he could draft three rather than one more special teamer. I'm on a roll

 

[Uncle Rico]

Bit of on-field action:

Nate Ebner Ohio State 7's - YouTube

 

[MP-Logick]

Every player Patriots fans haven't heard of is immediately deemed a "special teams player"

 

[unoriginal]

Every player Patriots fans haven't heard of is immediately deemed a "special teams player"

How does "Practice Player of the Week" x16 grab you?

 

[rookBoston]

Nate Ebner Rugby Feature - YouTube

 

[Uncle Rico]

Every player Patriots fans haven't heard of is immediately deemed a "special teams player"

Except, well, this guy actually is, right?

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

Priceless to see how ESPN ...including Kiper and McShay...react to the pick....

I would love them to say ...WTF ...just once...they are practically speechless at our picks..LOL

 

[aurakilla]

Bit of on-field action:

Nate Ebner Ohio State 7's - YouTube

im so confused


did they just draft a rugby player in the 6th round


dafuq is going on?

 

[manxman2601]

Every player Patriots fans haven't heard of is immediately deemed a "special teams player"

He literally is. Only 3 defensive plays all year. One was a sack though.

 

[Rusty Coupe]

Would rather see Ebner making plays as the H Back than Hernandez.