Flankers: OutSide LineBackers

[Off The Grid]

Flankers: OutSide LineBackers

What an incredibly deep Draft Class. Considering how utterly bereft last year’s deep Draft Class was, of 6.4/250-275 pound Athletes who could potentially fit Coach Bill’s prized role, the depth of talent in this year’s crew is simply ASTOUNDING.

A great number of these guys are projected Defensive End Conversions.

Top Tier

*DaQuan Bowers, Clemson ~ 6.4/275
*Robert Quinn, North Carolina ~ 6.5/270
**Aldon Smith, Missouri ~ 6.5/260

Second Tier

Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue ~ 6.3/265
Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma ~ 6.3/265
Akeem Ayers, UCLA ~ 6.4/255
Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh ~ 6.5/270

I have passed over a number of great prospects whose measurements don’t fit our scheme.

Third Tier

Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh ~ 6.3/255
Mark Herzlich, Boston College ~ 6.4/245
*Vince Brown, NorthWestern ~ 6.5/265
*Quint Coples, North Carolina ~ 6.6/270
*Frank Alexander, Oklahoma ~ 6.4/250
*Vinny Curry, Marshall ~ 6.4/250
*Justin Houston, Georgia ~ 6.3/260

Late Round Dark Horses

Sam Acho, Texas ~ 6.3/260
Pierre Allen, Nebraska ~ 6.4/265
Cliff Matthews, South Carolina ~ 6.4/270
Ricky Elmore, Arizona ~ 6.5/260
Brookes Read, Arizona ~ 6.3/260
Ryan Winterswyk, Boise State ~ 6.4/265
Karl Klug, Iowa ~ 6.3/270
Brandon Bair, Oregon ~ 6.6/270
Christian Anthony, Grambling ~ 6.4/275

Binkie Alert!!

God help me: I'm gonna have to break these guys down, one by one, in individual posts. The truth of the matter is that I've got a ManCrush on no less than a DOZEN of these guys.

With speculation that Rosters are going to expand by about 10% after the CBA is finally agreed to, I'd love to see us get extremely aggressive in a Draft that offers ASTONISHING Depth of Talent at this position. If it were up to me, we'd not only hit this position twice in the Top 64, we'd follow up in the late rounds with two more, with a mind towards fielding no less than 6 Flankers on our Final Roster, which could possibly go as high as 60.

 

[SirApropos]

You left off Steven Friday from Virginia Tech. He's 6.4/252 and I've seen him ranked between Houston and Herzlich on several sites. His stats have dropped off after the first couple of games because he's been double teamed since the BC game where he got 2 sacks and a FF. He has decent stats through 11 games for this year 56 tackles, 14 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 FF, and 1 PD. Plays on ST and already has his degree.

 

[DaBruinz]

Why couldn't this have been in with either of the other 2 OLB threads?

That being said, nice list.

 

[Off The Grid]

Why couldn't this have been in with either of the other 2 OLB threads?

That being said, nice list.

Well, there are about 20 OLB threads, and, like I said: they tend to whither and die.

Also, they didn't get anywhere near the attention this one's going to get.

That being said: Thank ye kindly, sir. And feel free to DOMINATE this Thread.

I'll take all the help I can get.

 

[Off The Grid]

You left off Steven Friday from Virginia Tech. He's 6.4/252 and I've seen him ranked between Houston and Herzlich on several sites. His stats have dropped off after the first couple of games because he's been double teamed since the BC game where he got 2 sacks and a FF. He has decent stats through 11 games for this year 56 tackles, 14 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 2 FF, and 1 PD. Plays on ST and already has his degree.

Thank you, sir.

I never aspired to squeeze every last Flanker out'f the Drafting Universe: I'm counting on my fellow DraftNicks ~ such as you ~ to pitch in.

 

[Off The Grid]

DaQuan Bowers Scouting Report


Draft CountDown

Da'Quan Bowers ~ 6'4 270 - 4.75 ~ Most coveted defender of the 2011 draft?

Due to being a highly touted 5-Star recruit, the expectations for Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers were set ridiculously high. He was an elite pass-rushing recruit that looked to be the Tigers replacement for Top 5 pick Gaines Adams. For two years Bowers struggled with his weight among other barriers that made it tough for him to get going at the college level. During his Freshman and Sophomore campaigns, many would describe him as pudgy, slow, or even invisible at times. It's tough to argue with those statements because Bowers, despite receiving plenty of playing time, remained relatively quiet and unproductive (at least as a pass-rusher.)

Perhaps because he realized this was more or less his "contract year," or perhaps because coaches urged him, Da'Quan lost almost 20 pounds in the offseason to get down to a much slimmer 270 or so. The result of that weight loss and extra year of coaching is a whole new player. At 6'4 270, the kind of closing speed Bowers brings to the table is rare. He's developed several reliable pass-rush moves and has been simply living in the backfield this season. It's more or less a certainty that Bowers, a Junior, will enter the draft after terrorizing the ACC this year. It should be noted that he hasn't been held without a sack in ACC competition and only Anthony Castonzo (BC) held Bowers to less than 2 TFL all season.

A couple traits that have stood out in Da'Quan's play throughout his college career are his ability to track the ball and his ability to finish plays as a solid, secure tackler. In his first two seasons, Bowers accumulated 105 Tackles from his Defensive End spot and this season he leads his team with 60 stops. Of those 60 stops, 22.0 were made in the backfield & 13.5 were sacks. What's scary about those numbers is he likely has three more games to play (so we're talking about a 25+ TFL, 15+ Sack guy.) He's a smart defender that has really found his stride as a pass-rusher and the sky appears to be the limit in terms of NFL upside. He's every bit as dominant from his end spot as Ndamukong Suh was from the Tackle spot just a year ago.

As a person, I would hardly define Bowers as lazy and character doesn't appear to be a red flag. He plays guitar in his father's gospel band on the weekends, he's a very positive young man, and he has kept himself out of trouble in college. He should be well-spoken in the face of NFL coaches & executives and his attitude is not one that will rub many the wrong way. The biggest character storyline to be discussed will be what agent he chooses to have represent him. Although it's very quiet, a player's agent does influence how high a player goes or what particular team drafts him. Another helping factor has been his durability; he's been completely healthy aside from missing most of three games a year ago due to a minor knee injury.

I can't remember such a talented, physically gifted individual having this big a year. In a passing league elite pass-rushers are at a premium, and in the Top 5 overall complete players with elite athleticism & production seem to draw a lot of attention. That said, Da'Quan Bowers is currently my #2 rated player in the 2011 Draft class and will be a hot commodity come draft day.

Out of the worst football teams in the NFL, several could consider Bowers at 1st or 2nd Overall. Cincinnati and Detroit at 2-7 would be a fit, as well as Carolina at 1-8. Buffalo would likely target a Quarterback no matter what the case and the best fit for Dallas looks to be Patrick Peterson or an emerging star OLineman. You're going to hear a lot of hype leading up to the draft and I'd be shocked to see Bowers fall from the Top 5. So, I ask all of you, is he the best defensive player in this draft? Is a dominant defensive end more important than a lockdown corner? Could he go first overall if the team happens to be Carolina or Cincinnati rather than Buffalo? All viable discussion options.

DaQuan Bowers commands an astonishing fusion of Gravitational Integrity, Explosive Launch, and Relentless Motor: He's the rare Flanker who can Rush the QuarterBack AND Crush the Run with equal ferocity.

Chances are: He goes in the Top 5, even the Top 3.

But if, by any chance, he should slip...

 

[Wilfork#75]

Anyone who has read any of my posts on this forum knows how much I LOVE Da'Quan Bowers and I would be willing to trade up as high as it takes to draft him. He is the second best player in the draft behind Patrick Peterson and the best two-gap 3-4 Flanker to enter the draft in a long time. So I will be absolutely devastated when BB doesnt draft him.

 

[mgteich]

Thank you for the list. And I don't care if we have 20 other such lists. We'll likely another 20 before the draft.

One thing though, why do you call OLB's "flankers". I have followed the nfl for over 50 years, and for me, a "flanker" is a wide receiver on the TE side of the field, the "Z" or "FL" receiver. After seeing you call an OLB a flanker so many times, I finally googled "flanker" and found no usage in American football for other than a wide receiver. Just asking!

 

[SanAngeloState]

As an olb, I think Bowers is a bust...he needed the motivation of a contract year to lose 20 pounds and he still looks chunky. I don't know...gaines adams ring any bells? He was a highly rated highly drafted BUSTo.

Best not to get too worked up over these guys and mortgage the farm on them.

 

[Peachhead]

I may take some flak for this, but what the heck.

I think Da'quan Bowers is a far better fit as a 4-3 DE than as a conversion to 3-4 OLB. I think he's already north of 270, and the natural tendency for anyone that age is to gain some pounds in the next year or so. Plus, the top guys that size almost always intentionally put on some pounds so they can make the bigger bucks as a DE. He's athletic, but IMO he's not _that_ athletic that he can play OLB at his current weight. Nevermind if he adds 10-15, which is common.

 

[Off The Grid]

Anyone who has read any of my posts on this forum knows how much I LOVE Da'Quan Bowers and I would be willing to trade up as high as it takes to draft him. He is the second best player in the draft behind Patrick Peterson and the best two-gap 3-4 Flanker to enter the draft in a long time. So I will be absolutely devastated when BB doesnt draft him.

Hah! Nicely put...

I've actually taken huge strides in getting over my Bowers ManCrush, as well as my Fairley ManCrush.

These guys are awesome...But not necessarily best fit in OUR system.

Also: The possibilities of building additional Depth of Talent, if we pass on trading up, and instead trade BACK...are IMMENSE.

 

[Off The Grid]

Thank you for the list. And I don't care if we have 20 other such lists. We'll likely another 20 before the draft.

One thing though, why do you call OLB's "flankers". I have followed the nfl for over 50 years, and for me, a "flanker" is a wide receiver on the TE side of the field, the "Z" or "FL" receiver. After seeing you call an OLB a flanker so many times, I finally googled "flanker" and found no usage in American football for other than a wide receiver. Just asking!

Thanks for the kind words, Brother Teich...and thanks for asking!!

My answer ~ no surprise, I'm sure ~ is eccentric: The term "LineBacker" feels insulting to the men who play the position, to me: It describes them not as individuals with particular responsibilities and importance, but as assistants ~ "backers" of the LineMen. I just object to the terminology, you see: It seems to me that they ought to be described in their OWN right: The middle guy ~ or guys, in a 3-4 ~ as "MidFielders", and the outside guys as "Flankers".

It adds flavor, it doesn't take all day to say, unlike "Strong Side Out Side Line Backer", and it recognizes their individual accomplishments, as opposed to describing them with a startlingly lame "Backer of Linemen" nomenclature.

Like I said: Eccentric. Just trying to add a little flavor.

 

[Off The Grid]

I may take some flak for this, but what the heck.

I think Da'quan Bowers is a far better fit as a 4-3 DE than as a conversion to 3-4 OLB. I think he's already north of 270, and the natural tendency for anyone that age is to gain some pounds in the next year or so. Plus, the top guys that size almost always intentionally put on some pounds so they can make the bigger bucks as a DE. He's athletic, but IMO he's not _that_ athletic that he can play OLB at his current weight. Nevermind if he adds 10-15, which is common.

Good man, Brother PeachHead.

Your credit is good, around these parts, needless to say.

Bowers is unquestionably an awesome prospect.

Whether or not he would fit here IS questionable, though, and you've encapsulated the core reasons for concern PERFECTLY.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I may take some flak for this, but what the heck.

I think Da'quan Bowers is a far better fit as a 4-3 DE than as a conversion to 3-4 OLB. I think he's already north of 270, and the natural tendency for anyone that age is to gain some pounds in the next year or so. Plus, the top guys that size almost always intentionally put on some pounds so they can make the bigger bucks as a DE. He's athletic, but IMO he's not _that_ athletic that he can play OLB at his current weight. Nevermind if he adds 10-15, which is common.

I can definitely understand your reservations about Bowers weight, especially if he does add some pounds in the future. However, I dont think he is an Andre Smith or Terrence Cody that has weight issues, but rather a young guy thats still trying to find his optimal playing weight. In a pro setting with specialist coaches im not to worried about his ability to stay at his optimum weight, which I believe is about 265-270. At that weight I have no doubt that he has the athletecism to play OLB in the two-gap 3-4. With his versatility even if he does struggle in coverage, there are so many ways in which BB could use him that I dont think it would be much of an issue. He could be a three down lineman for the Pats because he has the ability to play the 3-tech, 5-tech, 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB, which is very important especially when you look at the number of sub packages the Pats run (about 53%).

And the beauty of Da'Quan Bowers is even if he outgrows the position, he has the size, strength and technique to excel at the 5-tech, which I believe will eventually be his position towards the end of his career. One thing to remember is that he will only be 20 years old for his rookie season, so he could be a beast for the Pats for the next 10-15 years. I could easily see him playing 6-7-8 years at OLB, then bulking up and moving to the 5-tech in his late 20's. his frame could handle playing around 300-310 while still having great athletecism for the position. And with his incredible versatility I cant see him being a bust. He might not be the player you expect him to be, but with the variety of ways he can help a defense I think he will at least be a contributor.

As an olb, I think Bowers is a bust...he needed the motivation of a contract year to lose 20 pounds and he still looks chunky. I don't know...gaines adams ring any bells? He was a highly rated highly drafted BUSTo.

Best not to get too worked up over these guys and mortgage the farm on them.

I dont buy that its the contract that motivated him to slim down and lift his game this year. I think its more that he just grew up. He was only 17 when he arrived at Clemson, and with the pressure and expectations of being the top player in the nation its understandable that he started off slow. You also have to take into account the injuries that slowed him down last year which explain his lack of production. Listening to his teammates and coaches the biggest difference between Bowers this season and last season, is last season he was a boy, this season he is a man. I think alot of this also has to do with him losing his father in the offseason, forcing him to grow up. He is a really high character guy and if you listen to his teammates and coaches they rave about him and his work ethic. And if you listen to his pre and post game interviews he just sounds like a Patriots player. He buys into the system, he trusts his coaches and he just tries to do his job. Dont let the 15.5 sacks and the 24 TFL fool you, he isnt just a pass rusher like most DL in college football, he is a complete football player. I know I may overvalue Bowers but I think alot of people undervalue him as a football player and see him just as a pass rusher.

 

[pats_premi]

What is your take on Von Miller as OLB for the Patriots ? In the games that I watched, he presured the QB consistantly. I was more impressed with him than Quinn and Bower.
I understand that he is not 6-5' 255-270lb, that can set the edge, but if BB is willing to use CB (Arrington) to generate pressure, then I think Miller may be a possibly.

 

[Off The Grid]

What is your take on Von Miller as OLB for the Patriots ? In the games that I watched, he presured the QB consistantly. I was more impressed with him than Quinn and Bower.
I understand that he is not 6-5' 255-270lb, that can set the edge, but if BB is willing to use CB (Arrington) to generate pressure, then I think Miller may be a possibly.

Von Miller is certainly an High Caliber Talent, a clear Tier Two ~ probable 1st Rounder ~ prospect.

I don't see him as a fit for our Scheme, which is why I didn't include him on the Opening List, up above...But on further review, that's a little too "editorial" of me. Who am I to judge?? :snob:

I'll include reports on him and any other Top Tiers guys I may've excluded on the initial list.

To answer your inquiry: Precisely as you mentioned, he is too small to be an optimum fit for our system, as opposed to that of the Steelers or Chargers. And I follow your rationale regarding Kyle Arrington, but I'm sure that ~ while Coach Bill is up for any number of mutations of his base packages ~ he would prefer a much better fit for the base packages, themselves...though, God knows, he's been taking his time acquiring them.

Tonight, I'm rolling out the Elites.

 

[Off The Grid]

Draft CountDown on DaQuan Bowers

Da'Quan Bowers ~ 6'4e 270e - 4.75e

Most coveted defender of the 2011 draft?

Due to being a highly touted 5-Star recruit, the expectations for Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers were set ridiculously high. He was an elite pass-rushing recruit that looked to be the Tigers replacement for Top 5 pick Gaines Adams. For two years Bowers struggled with his weight among other barriers that made it tough for him to get going at the college level. During his Freshman and Sophomore campaigns, many would describe him as pudgy, slow, or even invisible at times. It's tough to argue with those statements because Bowers, despite receiving plenty of playing time, remained relatively quiet and unproductive (at least as a pass-rusher.)

Perhaps because he realized this was more or less his "contract year," or perhaps because coaches urged him, Da'Quan lost almost 20 pounds in the offseason to get down to a much slimmer 270 or so. The result of that weight loss and extra year of coaching is a whole new player. At 6'4 270, the kind of closing speed Bowers brings to the table is rare. He's developed several reliable pass-rush moves and has been simply living in the backfield this season. It's more or less a certainty that Bowers, a Junior, will enter the draft after terrorizing the ACC this year. It should be noted that he hasn't been held without a sack in ACC competition and only Anthony Castonzo (BC) held Bowers to less than 2 TFL all season.

A couple traits that have stood out in Da'Quan's play throughout his college career are his ability to track the ball and his ability to finish plays as a solid, secure tackler. In his first two seasons, Bowers accumulated 105 Tackles from his Defensive End spot and this season he leads his team with 60 stops. Of those 60 stops, 22.0 were made in the backfield & 13.5 were sacks. What's scary about those numbers is he likely has three more games to play (so we're talking about a 25+ TFL, 15+ Sack guy.) He's a smart defender that has really found his stride as a pass-rusher and the sky appears to be the limit in terms of NFL upside. He's every bit as dominant from his end spot as Ndamukong Suh was from the Tackle spot just a year ago.

As a person, I would hardly define Bowers as lazy and character doesn't appear to be a red flag. He plays guitar in his father's gospel band on the weekends, he's a very positive young man, and he has kept himself out of trouble in college. He should be well-spoken in the face of NFL coaches & executives and his attitude is not one that will rub many the wrong way. The biggest character storyline to be discussed will be what agent he chooses to have represent him. Although it's very quiet, a player's agent does influence how high a player goes or what particular team drafts him. Another helping factor has been his durability; he's been completely healthy aside from missing most of three games a year ago due to a minor knee injury.

I can't remember such a talented, physically gifted individual having this big a year. In a passing league elite pass-rushers are at a premium, and in the Top 5 overall complete players with elite athleticism & production seem to draw a lot of attention. That said, Da'Quan Bowers is currently my #2 rated player in the 2011 Draft class and will be a hot commodity come draft day.

Out of the worst football teams in the NFL, several could consider Bowers at 1st or 2nd Overall. Cincinnati and Detroit at 2-7 would be a fit, as well as Carolina at 1-8. Buffalo would likely target a Quarterback no matter what the case and the best fit for Dallas looks to be Patrick Peterson or an emerging star OLineman. You're going to hear a lot of hype leading up to the draft and I'd be shocked to see Bowers fall from the Top 5.

SideLine Scouting on DaQuan Bowers

Da'Quan Bowers - Clemson (HT: 6-4 - WT: 280)

Projection: 1st Round


Positives: Had 46 tackles, 10.5 for loss and three sacks in 2009... Good size and bulk... Solid pass rusher... Solid rip and swim moves... Good upper body strength... In an effective inside rusher and can be used as a 3-technique... Good closing speed... Long arms... Solid versus the run... Can get good leverage playing inside... Has the strength to anchor... Uses good technique to disengage... Hard hitter... Versatile, is best suited with his hand down as a left DE in a 4-3, but could also fit as a 5-technique in a 3-4... Instincts continue to get better... Played through injuries in 2009... One of the top ranked players out of high school, is finally living up to the hype.

Negatives: Is a bit stiff in the hips coming around the edge... Does not get consistent leverage in the run game... Needs to stay low to maximize lower-body strength... Misses some tackles... Will give up on plays too early... Missed two games with MCL and PCL strain in 2009... Needs to improve his sack total... Little experience dropping into coverage.

DaQuan Bowers is an EPIC Talent. He is a BEAST against the Run, and his Pass Rushing game has SKYROCKETED, this year.

He probably will go Top 5, and will quite possibly go with the 1st or 2nd Pick.

There are some exceptional Talents out there who will probably fall right into our laps, and at Draft Positions that will probably allow us to keep 3 or 4 exceptional Impact Players, for what it would cost to pay Bowers' or Fairley's contract, in what looks to be the very last year of Rookie Salary Decadence.

So I would not trade up to get him, alluring though his Game is.

But I'd certainly keep an eye out for slippage.

It is a looooooooooooooong way to April.

DaQuan Bowers Brings the HEAT!!

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on Robert Quinn

Looking over the senior defensive line class, there is certainly a talented group of prospects toward the top end who have the ability to come off the board some time in the first couple of rounds. But as of now, there doesn’t seem to be a potential dominant blue-chip-type guy who has the ability to be a real game changer up front. Nevertheless, when you start to look at some of the potential junior early entries who could be thrown into the mix, one name seems to rise above the rest:

North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn, who has the makings to develop into one of the best defensive end prospects since Mario Williams.

Today, the National Football Post takes a look at Quinn’s game and breaks down some of the other top junior defensive linemen who could have big years in 2010.


Robert Quinn, North Carolina (6-5, 268)

Possesses a tall, long-armed frame with good overall muscle tone and girth through his lower half. Coils up well into his stance and does a great job maximizing his first step and exploding off the football up the field. Get his hands up very quickly off the snap and knows how to use his length to initially slip blocks on contact. However, he looks much more natural at this stage using his hands to shed blocks in the pass game than vs. the run.

In the pass game, he does a great job working a jab step inside and instantly exploding toward the outside edge, maintaining his balance and accelerating toward the quarterback as well as any pass rusher in college football. Showcases impressive natural body control when asked to flatten out around the corner and looks natural dropping his shoulder and working a powerful and compact swat to keep himself clean. Has the first step to consistently threaten the outside and turn the corner but is also very efficient and savvy when asked to change directions and work the inside stunt. However, he needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time, as he too often is the last defensive lineman moving off the ball – that should improve with more experience. Even so, the guy plays with a motor that runs non-stop, and because of his range and length, he rarely stays blocked for long.

Against the run game, he needs to do a better job playing with a lower pad level initially off the snap since he too often gets high out of his stance and can be jolted backward on contact. However, because he’s so long and sudden, he consistently is able to slip the block and close on the football after the initial jolt. He also needs to continue to work on his hand placement vs. the run game, especially when asked to set the edge. Although he does, for the most part, do a pretty good job remaining disciplined and staying at home with backside contain, he struggles to consistently gain initial leverage on contact when asked to take on blocks. His hands end up on the outside shoulders of opposing linemen where he can be steered away from the ball. But Quinn does work hard to fight his way off blocks and has the kind of range to close from the backside and consistently make plays in pursuit.

Overall, there are some spots to his game that still need polish, especially vs. the run. But he has the kind of size, body control and acceleration to consistently free himself from blocks and make plays on the ball. If he continues to develop, there’s no reason to think he can’t be an elite blue-chip prospect come 2011.

New Era Scouting on Robert Quinn

* Compressed *

SideLine Scouting on Robert Quinn

* Compressed *

The Huddle Report's Drew Boylhart's ROUGH Assessment of Robert Quinn!!

Robert Quinn DE North Carolina

STRENGTHS

Robert has the size, speed and burst that you love to see in a 4-3 defensive end. He has those long arms that allow him to disengage from a blocker quickly and make a tackle. Robert has a quick burst off the line that will come in handy when rushing the passer at the next level. He works well with his linebackers and when he is not blocked, he can get into the backfield quicker than most players who play defensive end at the college level. Robert is a sure tackler and once he gets his arms around a player, it is rare to see a player break free and make additional yards.

CONCERNS

I have a houseboat of concerns when it comes to Robert's ability to impact at the next level. There are medical concerns, character concerns and most of all, playing concerns. He is easily handled one-on-one, he gives up after he engages a blocker and only goes full speed into the backfield if, and when, he gets off the line quicker than the offensive tackle. He does not do very well defending against the run and makes no effort to get off his block and make a tackle. He settles for being blocked and thinks his job is to take up space and let a line- backer make the play. He likes to pass rush; however, as I said before, once he is engaged or doubled teamed, he does not fight to make a play. I'm afraid this is another case of the public being lead by an agent and his draft expert down the wrong path. The publicity and stats do not match what I see on film.

BOTTOM LINE

Here is the bottom line. Robert is a workout warrior who was paid by agents during college and now, one of those agents is trying to recoup his investment by trying to convince all the draft experts that this kid is/will be a top ten pick in this draft. Robert has the size and looks the part, but plays the game like Aaron Maybin (DE/LB Buffalo Bills). The problem with that comparison is that Aaron can't get on the field for the team that drafted him in the first round. Robert went one-on-one with Ed Wang (former LT, Virginia Tech) and got stoned in that match-up. Ed is a hard working kid that might make an NFL team if he is lucky. Add to that Robert's lackluster play on the field in most games that I saw and his questionable stats (11 sacks last year ???) and you have a kid being promoted above and beyond what he actually accomplished on the field. Believe me when I tell you Robert has very good athletic talent that does not show up consistently in every game and on every play. But if you want to listen to his agent and the other draft "experts" who do not look at film to form an opinion of a player, then go right ahead. But remember this profile because it is the only profile that is written by a person who actually has looked at film of Robert from last year. I don't see the player that everyone else seems to be so enamored with on film. But I do see this...an agent trying very hard to recoup an investment. I don't usually give nicknames to players that I don't think deserve them, but in this case I can't resist. I'm calling him Robert (Recoup) Quinn. I think you can understand why!

The Sky is the limit for Robert Quinn. Whether or not he makes it is a matter of great speculation.

Quinn has stunning natural Pass Rushing instincts. His Repertoire, as last seen, needed more development, but he has the potential to become phenomenal.

His Run Defense, on the other hand, is raw and unimpressive. However, he is well proportioned, with excellent lower body strength, and does have the perfect frame to develop into an exceptional Edge Setting Flanker, with the right coaching and sustained effort.

Prior to this Summer's disaster, he was considered a very high character guy: He recovered from a brain tumor to develop a beautifull Game, and received nothing but high praise from his Coach.

Quinn is pretty much the quintessential High Risk ~ High Reward prospect. He could very well go in the Top 5, or he could drop to the bottom of the 1st Round.

Personally, I need to see how he looks at The Combine ~ and how he sounds when he's questioned about things ~ before assessing whether or not I'd risk an early Pick on him.

Robert Quinn Tears it UP!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Draft Bible on Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith, Missouri

The Big XII Freshman of the Year as voted by the conference’s coaches was also a Second Team All-Big XII selection by the Associated Press in what was one of the best rookie seasons in 2009, regardless of position. One of the top prospects coming out of the state of Missouri, Smith exceeded the hype as a red-shirt freshman by setting a Missouri single-season record with 11.5 sacks, good enough for third in the conference. He was electric coming off the edge, using his explosive first step, agility, and long arms to beat offensive linemen and penetrate the line of scrimmage. In addition to his top-notch athleticism Smith plays with a high motor; he’s relentless when getting after the quarterback and when he smells a sack he has the closing speed to get all the way to the quarterback. If he continues to develop physically, improve his bull rush, add a variety of moves, and work on his hand technique the Missouri product could be downright unblockable as a pass rusher. Smith also proved to be productive as a run stopper, making an impressive 64 tackles as a freshman including 7.5 for a loss against the run, which is why his rookie campaign was so special. The Tiger is blessed with great length at 6’5”, prototypical for a defensive end. However, at 255 pounds he will need to add some bulk if he is to fit the mold of an NFL trench man, although some believe he may be athletic enough to make the move to outside linebacker in a three-four scheme where he could be a force coming off the edge. Smith will be draft eligible following the 2009 season and while he figures to return for the 2011 season at the very least, depending on how quickly he progresses in all aspects of his game the Missouri native could be temped by the NFL riches.

SideLine Scouting on Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith - Missouri (HT: 6-5 - WT: 260)

Projection: 2nd Round


Positives: Very productive, 64 tackles, 19 for loss and a school record 11.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman... Big 12 Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American... Good height... Very solid pass rusher... Good burst off the line... Good snap instincts... Can get around the edge... Solid swim move... Uses his hands well... Long arms... Will effect passing lanes when he cannot reach QB... Can be used on defensive line stunts... Plays well in space... Solid versus the run... Good change of direction ability... Effective tackler... Plays with good intensity... High motor... Has the frame to add 10-12 lbs... Has a lot of potential, has only been playing football since he was a junior in high school.

Negatives: Needs to expand pass rushing repertoire... No bull rush... Pass rush tendencies will become predictable... Lacks strength and bulk... Needs to work on hand technique... Can be washed out against the run... A bit of a tweener... Would project as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 team... Has not been asked to drop into coverage... Is stiff in the open field... Fractured fibula sidelined him for three games this season.

Oh, BABY.

Aldon Smith has the Burst, the Lateral Velocity, the Mecuriality, and the Closing Speed to forge a legendary career as a Pass Rushing Flanker, if he develops a complete Repertoire.

And at 6.5/260, he has the frame to add another 5 or 10 pounds ~ preferably all in the trunk ~ and develop into a consistent force against the Run, where he is raw but relentless.

All he needs is dedication, time, a little more strength, and expert guidance. He brings the first, and we have the rest, locked and loaded.

Aldon Smith...could become Great.

Aldon Smith on FIRE!!

 

[Off The Grid]

I am INTOXICATED with the possibilities that've been brought up, with regards to Adrian Clayborn, by the utterly shocking insight of Drew Boylhart of The Huddle, as first brought to our attention by The Immortal Brother Mayo Clinic. But first:

NFP's Wes Bunting on Adrian Clayborn

DE Adrian Clayborn: No. 94 (6-3, 287)

A thick, well-built defensive lineman with a strong lower half who has the ability to consistently anchor vs. blocks when run at. Is very balanced and coordinated on the move, extending his arms into contact and consistently playing off opposing linemen. Is a real stack and shed guy who displays a powerful punch at the point. Is really tough to get into off the line, extends his arms well into opposing linemen while maintaining his balance and working his way toward the ball carrier.

Isn’t the most explosive guy initially off the snap as a pass rusher and isn’t going to threaten the edge at the next level. However, for such a big defensive end, he exhibits impressive nimbleness and lateral agility to break off a sudden inside move off his initial outside pass rush. Exhibits a quick arm over with the ability to cleanly change directions and gain a step inside. However, allows his pad level to rise and will lose balance, giving athletic offensive tackles a chance to push him past the play. But has a powerful base and can really generate a jolt on contact as a bull rusher. However, it’s his balance, body control and ability to gain leverage on contact that allows him to be so effective disengaging in the pass game. Isn’t simply a push/pull guy as his lateral quickness paired with his power allow him to consistently shed on contact.

Impression: Isn’t your prototypical speed rusher. However, he’s a guy who can win on first, second and third down for you at the next level at either defensive end spots. Looks like a potential ten-year vet.

*I'm going to have to compress the next two reports, to allow for space*

New Era Scouting on Adrian Clayborn


SideLine Scouting on Adrian Clayborn


NFP's Bunting compares Clayborn's Game to that of Heyward + Bailey

Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn is far and way the best of the three.

He isn’t quite the athlete that Bailey is; however, it’s his suddenness, body control and extremely quick/powerful hands that allows him to consistently slip blocks and accelerate up the field. Pair that with his overall power on his bull rush and drive when asked to fight through defenders once he gains a step and he is in my opinion the best pass rusher of the bunch.

The guy also does a great job anchoring vs. the run as well.

He possesses a nice blend of power, balance and range when asked to stack and shed on contact and displays the instincts to consistently find the football and make a play off his frame.

Finally: The SHOCKING Insight of Drew Boylhart of TheHuddleReport.com

Adrian Clayborn DE/OLB Iowa

STRENGTHS

Adrian is a smart, quick defensive lineman who shows leadership skills through his play on the field. He is very coachable and looks to be an excellent teammate. He has good size, strength and speed and has a variety of pass rushing moves that, along with his quickness, speed and burst will make him a pass rushing nightmare for the next level. Adrian is a head up, wrap up, squeeze and drive tackler with excellent instincts and when he uses his quickness, he can shed a block and make a tackle when defending against the run. He is the type of player who might be downgraded in this draft because he is a team player and is very coachable.

However, trust me when I say that Adrian, used correctly, will become a nightmare for offensive coordinators to deal with at the next level in the near future.

CONCERNS

Adrian is playing with too much weight. I think if he loses weight and shows some linebacker skills in the combine and Senior Bowl, you will see people talking about Adrian in a more positive manner. Adrian has a little bit of a macho attitude that makes him think that he can use strength at the next level to stop the run. Adrian has to learn better techniques to stop the run to be successful at his position in the NFL.

BOTTOM LINE

In Adrian's junior year he was in a defense that used his quickness and attacking attitude to become one of the more disruptive players in all of college. He reminded me a lot at the time of Charles Haley (former DE/OLB Cowboys & 49ers). Adrian, in his junior year, was quick, strong, powerful, instinctive and a disruptive force that had to be accounted for on every play. You never knew where he was going to line up. He did the job that Clay Mathews does now for the Green Bay Packers.

Then Iowa had to go to a different style of defense to protect its young linebackers. Now Adrian looks like he gained weight, and is playing more of a pure two gap DE position. This is not his strength; however, to his credit, he is doing a very good job. If he is not double teamed on big plays, he is still disruptive but he is not as impacting and looks to most people (Not me) to be a bit of a tweener. I don't believe in down grading a player because he listens to his coaches' and is a good teammate. Adrian is an attacking front seven player who, if slimmed down and moved around a defense to be used in an attack-style approach on every play regardless of down or distance, will become a nightmare for the opposing team -- very much like Clay Mathews (Packers) and Brian Orakpo (Redskins). I would guess that if Adrian slims down to about 260 Lbs you will have yourself the type of player you can build your defense around. Adrian has the type of burst and explosion to the play that helps to make him that unique style of player who is disruptive on every play if he is moved around the defense and allowed to attack the line of scrimmage.

Slim him down, move him around, let him attack and use his instincts and trust me he will not be a tweener...he will become a recurring nightmare to the offensive coordinators in the NFL.

That's why I call him Adrian (Nightmare) Clayborn.

Wow.

For those of you who don't know the name, Boylhart is just a flat out VISIONARY.

Perfect?? HELL, no.

But he is GOOD.

Gentlemen??

Lady??

I am SOLD.
I'm convinced that Clayborn ~ reduced to his previous weight, and playing off the line ~ could be ~ what's the word??

~ a NIGHTMARE for opposing Offenses!!

Adrian Clayborn: Autumn Wind!!

Adrian Clayborn: Game Changer!!