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The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
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2007 Senior Bowl Notes Mobile, Alabama Next to the NFL Combine, the Senior Bowl is the premier annual event for talent evaluation. However, a position coach stole the show…again. Just like last year, Mike Singletary made everyone realize why he was one of the most revered players in the league’s history. His infectious enthusiasm for the game was on full display as he led the linebacker hopefuls through drills. With a wonderful combination of criticism and accolades, “Samurai Mike” is the ultimate teacher and quickly becomes one of the players’ favorites. If any of the attending general managers pay attention, Singletary will be a head coach, and an extremely good one, within the next three years. As for this year’s crop of collegiate players, which is nowhere near as accomplished or deep as the 2006 version, there are still several players that could have a big impact on NFL rosters. Here are some of the players that helped and hindered themselves. Ten players who impressed: Amobi Okoye – DT, Louisville, 6’2”, 282 lbs.: this 19-year-old college graduate won over every scout in Mobile. Between his incredible speed, power, and character, he easily moved himself into the first half of the opening round. Adam Carriker – DE, Nebraska, 6’6”, 292 lbs.: in addition to possessing the size and skills that could allow him to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment, he excelled at both the interior and exterior line positions. Levi Brown – OT, Penn State, 6’5”, 323 lbs.: rated the second best tackle in this year’s draft, he did not disappoint. In pass blocking drills, he displayed fantastic footwork and balance. The only concern was that he does not get the push on running plays that someone of his size should. Ryan Kalil – C, Southern California, 6’3”, 287 lbs.: coming into the week, strength was questionable, but the doubts were quickly erased. He simply “stonewalled” every defensive tackle he went up against (a couple of them were 30 to 40 pounds heavier). Along with his athleticism, he projects favorably into a zone blocking scheme. Dwayne Bowe – WR, Louisiana State, 6’2”, 222 lbs.: when he’s drafted in April, he’ll immediately be one of the top five blocking wide receivers in the league. Although he doesn’t possess ideal speed, his physicality allows him to get separation. He dropped a few passes that should have been caught, though. Aaron Ross – CB, Texas, 6’0”, 192 lbs.: very good press coverage skills. No matter who he was matched up against, he had no problem matching them stride-for-stride. In addition, he was very physical and did a great job jamming receivers. Brian Leonard – RB, Rutgers, 6’0”, 224 lbs.: this guy has New England Patriots written all over him. He’s smart, hustles, and is technically sound in all facets of his game. On fourth and two during the game, he overpowered Ole Miss’ linebacker Pat Willis, who weighs 240 pounds, for the first down. Brandon Meriweather – S, Miami, 5’11”, 192 lbs.: typical athletic safety from the U. He has the coverage skills to play cornerback and the physicality of a safety. The only drawback is possible character issues. He was one of the instigators in the brawl with Florida International and was suspended for a game. Jay Moore – DE, Nebraska, 6’4”, 274 lbs.: he had three sacks during the game and was consistently in the backfield. He took advantage of Joe Staley who is very much a work-in-progress as a left tackle (see below). Rufus Alexander – LB, Oklahoma, 6’0”, 225 lbs.: was by far the most agile and athletic of the linebackers in practice and the game. He nailed almost every drill and quickly became one of Mike Singletary’s favorites. His size may be a problem, but he looks like 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans. On the other hand, the following players didn’t help themselves at all: Marcus McCauley – CB, Fresno State, 6’0”, 200 lbs.: when he struggled with man-off coverage, it seemed to hurt his confidence and affected his usually-impressive tight-man skills. Joe Staley – OT, Central Michigan, 6’6”, 296 lbs.: the converted tight end was an unmitigated disaster. He was beaten regularly by every end he matched up against. Many scouts are high on his potential, but at this point, that’s all he has. Buster Davis – LB, Florida State, 5’9”, 240 lbs.: the opposite of Alexander. Davis was consistently hounded by the coaching staff about being too stiff and slow during practice. He had a very difficult time moving side-to-side which will be a huge detriment at the next level. Chris Leak – QB, Florida, 6’0”, 203 lbs.: his lack of arm strength was on full display all week. It seemed as though every defensive back was able to close quickly on each of his passes. In addition, his accuracy was a problem and he seemed skittish in the pocket. Kevin Kolb – QB, Houston, 6’3”, 220 lbs.: the biggest question is whether he can adapt to a new system that requires him to go under center. He’s been running the same spread offense since high school (he followed coach, Art Briles, to Houston). Unfortunately, he fumbled two snaps during the game and was holding on to the ball too long.
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