Texas A&M (Red Bryant) Bowl Game Tonight on E!SPN At 8 EST

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

If we miss on Okam, Bryant is likely the only decent backup plan. Providing my girlfriend cooperates, I'll do a play by play on his bowl game production tonight like I did with Okam's. Should be interesting, and with the recent news that Kris Jenkins does not want to play on the Central/West/South Coasts, the draft (and specifically Okam or Bryant) looks to be where we'll find our Nose Tackle of the future.


Anyway, watch the game, and hopefully some other posters will take some notes to compare with afterwards in this thread.

I'll probably also keep a tab of sorts on Dan Connor for PSU since he's a possibility for us as well.

[redbirdy80]

We've got company coming over for this game tonight (my family are huge PSU fans)

Thanks for the heads-up, I'll keep an eye out!

[Ncfootball]

He's gonna get run over all night by our tailbacks! :fight:

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

1ST QUARTER PLAY BY PLAY FOR BOTH (BRYANT AND CONNOR)


RED BRYANT (#85)

PSU POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Subbed out.
- (2nd) Subbed out.
- (3rd) Subbed out.
- (2nd) Subbed out, short run for 1st down.
- (1st) Doubled, short, quick pass outside
- (2nd) Singled, overpowered blocker, incomplete pass
- (3rd) Singled, held ground, but was not direct factor in stuffed run.
- (4th) Penetrated nicely on 4th and short, but they still got the 1st down by an inch.
- (1st) Singled and stood up, roll out pass, incomplete
- (2nd) Subbed out, medium run outside.
- (3rd) Subbed out, incomplete short pass
- FIELD GOAL MISSED

PSU POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Singled, OG completely owned him and pushed him out of the running lane which was directly at him. Medium gain, very bad play by Bryant.
- (2nd) Doubled, sealed off, but fought through blocks and held ground, might have assisted with the tackle, but definitely was the reason his teammate stuffed the run.
- (1st) Singled, stood up at line, kind of just gave up when got stood up, short pass.
- (2nd) Doubled, was moved, big run right through his gap. Bad play.
- (1st) Singled, tried to stunt outside, lost track of RB, teammates stuffed him
- (2nd) Doubled and pancaked, lineman sat on him afterwards, short run.
- (3rd) Subbed out, incomplete pass.
- PUNT




DAN CONNOR #40

AM POSSESSION 1
- (1sT) dropped into zone coverage, not a factor in play
- (2nd) Blitzed from outside, stonewalled by single blocker
- (3rd) dropped into middle zone, tackled man immediately on reception in front, two yards shy of 1st down. Smart, heady zone drop, gave enough room to entice the pass but was ready to tackle short of line.
- PUNT

AM POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Run to outside, great diagnosis and stuffed the run
- (2nd) Lots of pre snap movement, D-line stuffed run.
- (3rd) Dropped into medium zone, QB ran toward other side for 1st down.
- (1sT) Bit on the playaction, pass to the spot he just vacated, big gain, bad play by Connor.
- (1st) Run away from him outside, not a factor but trailed play. Medium gain.
- (2nd) Misread his gap, 1st down run. Bad play by Connor.
- (1st) Shed O-line blocker nicely, and made tackle on RB. Good play. This guy is like Jekyl and Hyde so far.
- (2nd) OG sealed him off, decent run for 1st down.
- (1st) Option to the outside for TD away from Connor, not much he could d
- XTRA POINT GOOD

AM POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Got sealed by fullback, RB ran right by him cutting back a bit for a TD run. Connor didn’t get pancaked or lose ground, but FB stood him up momentarily and won that play.
- XTRA POINT GOOD

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

2ND QUARTER PLAY BY PLAY FOR BOTH (BRYANT AND CONNOR)


RED BRYANT

PSU POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Subbed out, big run off tackle
- (1st) Subbed out, big run off tackle again.
- (1st) Singled and cut blocked to ground, taken out of play, short run.
- (2nd) Singled, pushed back, held in the process as well. Short run. Bryant looked bad here.
- (3rd) Singled, pushed back blocker a little bit, short quick pass, tackled immediately.
- (4th) Doubled, minimal penetration though tried to split the double team. Deep pass for TD.
- XTRA POINT GOOD

PSU POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Singled, stood up and dominated at line, moved, QB sneak right up the gut for TD. Looked like he was held a bit too. But Bryant is having a bad game to this point.
- EXTRA POINT GOOD

PSU POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Singled, overran the RB, decent run. Bryant still looks bad.
- (2nd) Doubled, stood up, short run
- (3rd) Subbed out, incomplete pass
- PUNT

PSU POSSESSION 4
- (1st) Subbed out, incomplete pass, pass interference on defense
- (1st) Subbed out, incomplete pass.
- (2nd) Subbed out, short, quick pass
- (3rd) Singled, stood up at line, QB run for 1st down up the gut.
- (1st) Singled, stood up, looked like he had outside contain, pass batted down by other player.
- (2nd) Singled, held position, helped tackle RB on inside run. Solid play.
- (3rd) Singled, minimal penetration, screen pass to RB, GREAT hustle by Bryant to get off his block and run down the RB from behind for medium gain.
- (1st) Incomplete pass, play was unviewable due to commercials.
- (2nd) Subbed out, incomplete shovel pass. Holding on offense.
- (2nd) Double teamed, split double team and got good penetration, incomplete pass. Nice play and effort by Bryant on this play.
- (3rd) Doubled, really odd play. Long completion, but Bryant thought the RB did a draw and tackled him at the line.
- (1st) Subbed out, short run.
- (2nd) Singled, bounced off blocker and dropped into a run zone at the line. This was an odd play too. Might have just taken the play off when he was stonewalled by blocker. Incomplete pass.
- (3rd) QB run to opposite side, Bryant was sealed by RT anyway, but nothing he could have done this play regardless.
- (1st) Subbed out, short pass, incomplete.
- (2nd) Subbed out, shovel pass stuffed.
- (3rd) Subbed out, incomplete pass
- FIELD GOAL




DAN CONNOR

AM POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Short hitch pass, Connor helped on tackle.
- (2nd) Medium outside run, Connor not a factor.
- (3rd) Dropped in zone, team sacked QB
- PUNT

AM POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Run stuffed at line, penalty on Offense for illegal formation
- (1st) Dropped into short zone, tackled man whom caught ball in front of him immediately. Very good tackler and good feel in coverage so far.
- (2nd) Man Coverage on TE, good coverage. QB was sacked.
- (3rd) Dropped in medium deep zone, short screen, teammates tackled and caused fumble, which PSU recovered.

AM POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Dropped into medium zone, QB had lots of pressure, eventually Connor manned up on the WR or TE. QB threw ball away. Good coverage by connor.
- (2nd) Option away from Connor. Not a factor in play but was held anyway. No call.
- (3rd) Dropped into medium zone, TE settled down in zone near Connor, but nothing he could really do. Penalty on offense.
- (3rd) Dropped into deep zone, with man coverage on TE when he ran by. Short pass to RB, not a factor on play.
- PUNT

AM POSSESSION 4
- (1st) Run up the middle, solid low tackle by Connor on RB
- (2nd) Run off tackle, Connor shed through blockers and helped run the RB out of bounds.
- (3rd) Man coverage on slot WR, fast, quick throw, incomplete. Good coverage.
- PUNT

AM POSSESSION 5
- (1st) Dropped into medium zone, incomplete pass
- (2nd) Goofy play, short pass lots of laterals. Connor should great hands by snagging an errant lateral in the air.
- HALFTIME

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

HALF TIME ANALYSIS ON BOTH BRYANT AND CONNOR


RED BRYANT

He looks terrible. Routinely single blocked by Penn State's RG or RT. He hardly does much more than stands in his lane. He's been easily rerouted several times when they run the ball directly at him. He's taken a few plays off, typically when he gets stone walled initially. He does not try and bat down passes, which is sad. Has shown bursts, few and far between, of playmaking ability. Is a decent penetrating DT when he faces a double team, he's very good at splitting doubleteams, but he sucks at penetrating against a single blocker... Go Figure.

Right now, he looks nothing more than a backup player in the NFL. And maybe not even a good one at that. I can't imagine this guy goes in the 2nd round, he looks like a 5th rounder at best to me.



DAN CONNOR

First things first. This guy is not a MIKE LB in the NFL. He's not great at diagnosing a run and attacking the proper gap. He's VERY VERY good at fundamental tackling and shedding blockers. He's insanely good in pass defense. I'm talking ridiculously good. So, he looks like a WILL or SAM to me. Could probably be one of the better SAM's in the NFL if he plays that position with his coverage skills and ability to shed blocks. Could also work extremely well at WILL LB, though he looked marginal with his blitzing. He's a better WILL LB then Ian Gold is right now, at least in terms of talent and skill. And I think Ian Gold is pretty darn good. Connor is effectively Ian Gold in coverage but more effective at tackling and shedding blocks. Connor is inconsistent against the run and reading his gaps though, but nobody is perfect. He looks like the best OLB in this draft. He's not a MIKE in the NFL. Top 20 Pick.

[broncs2bowl]

officially off the Red Bryant bandwagon..........i rly want Okam but not in the first, we could get a playmaker in the first........but we neeeeed Okam and im scared he might not last to us for our 2nd rnd pick. You think he would MUG?

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

officially off the Red Bryant bandwagon..........i rly want Okam but not in the first, we could get a playmaker in the first........but we neeeeed Okam and im scared he might not last to us for our 2nd rnd pick. You think he would MUG?


I can't imagine a scenario where Okam does not go in the 1st round. If Red Bryant is supposed to be the 2nd best NT, the gap between the two of them is beyond massive. I think Okam is a Top 20 pick and I think when teams break down his play and take all the factors into consideration, that's around where he'll go.

I expect a Justin Harrell type rise heading into draft day. But we'll see. *I* would be completely comfortable taking Okam in the top 10. I think he's a 10-15 year starter at Nose Tackle barring injuries and a future Pro Bowler. And he'll always be a first class citizen and community leader.

[broncs2bowl]

I can't imagine a scenario where Okam does not go in the 1st round. If Red Bryant is supposed to be the 2nd best NT, the gap between the two of them is beyond massive. I think Okam is a Top 20 pick and I think when teams break down his play and take all the factors into consideration, that's around where he'll go.

I expect a Justin Harrell type rise heading into draft day. But we'll see. *I* would be completely comfortable taking Okam in the top 10. I think he's a 10-15 year starter at Nose Tackle barring injuries and a future Pro Bowler. And he'll always be a first class citizen and community leader.

maaaantop 10 i dont know, trade down maybe, BUT I WANT HIM, with his potential and our need for an NT maybe its alright to reach for him in the top 10

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

3RD QUARTER PLAY BY PLAY FOR BOTH (BRYANT AND CONNOR)

RED BRYANT

PSU POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Subbed out, long run.
- (1st) Subbed out, run stuffed
- (2nd) Tremendous play by Bryant. First, he split the double team, then he saw a RB was hovering for a screen. He stopped his rush to drop back on the RB screen, and forced the incompletion. Best play of the night for Bryant.
- (3rd) Stunted outside, stonewalled by single then double team, then dropped into a passing lane and almost intercepted the pass. Was more a QB’s poor throw than anything Bryant did.
- PUNT

PSU POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Subbed out, run stuffed.
- (2nd) Bryant has problems locating the ball. He beat his single blocker soundly and then tackled the RB finishing a short fake handoff. It was obvious the QB kept the ball Interception.

PSU POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Subbed out, incomplete pass.
- (2nd) Subbed out, short run.
- (3rd) Lined up at DE in 3-4. Looked great rushing off the edge and applied good pressure, long pass completion though.
- (1st) Singled, stood up at line, short, quick pass.
- (2nd) Doubled originally and completely blown off the line and moved out of his gap. Short run directly at where he lined up for 1st down.
- (1st) Short run right by him, looked like the OG tackled him from behind. No call.
- (2nd) Doubled and stood up at line. Played 3-4 NT here.
- (3rd) Subbed out, long inside run for TD
- XTRA POINT GOOD




DAN CONNOR

AM POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Dropped into middle zone, pass picked on long bomb.

AM POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Missed Play
- (2nd) Dropped into medium zone, short pass. Helped on tackle.
- (1st) Got completely screened off on inside run by blocker. Short run.
- (2nd) Short run up middle, helped clog up lane and with the tackle. Solid play.
- (3rd) Was clothes lined and held, not called. Short run up middle.
- (1st) Option outside, Connor bit on the inside fake, medium gain.
- (2nd) QB run outside away from Connor, stuffed for little gain.
- (3rd) Run stuffed at line, Connor not involved in play.
- (4th) Dropped into zone, screen to TE for short gain. Connor not involved.
- (1st) Medium run up the middle, VERY nice play by Connor, shed direct blocker and made the tackle.
- (2nd) Draw up the middle, Connor was blocked to the ground. Big gain, Connor did get back up and pursue but was not involved.
- (1st) Connor up at line, play up the gut, run stuffed, Connor not involved.
- (2nd) Short run, Connor not involved.
- (3rd) Outside blitz by Connor, looked good, but didn’t make it in time, short quick slant pass to where Connor left.
- (1st) Short run up the middle, fought through block to get in on tail end of tackle.
- (2nd) Run outside, away from Connor, medium gain. Connor not involved on play. Offsetting penalties, replay down.
- (2nd) Dropped into coverage, could not see if man or zone. Incomplete.
- (3rd) Absolutely ROCKED on the blitz by a blocker. Bounced off and kept pursuing QB, so showed good toughness.
- FIELD GOAL

AM POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Short pass outside, Connor came up and made tackle, looked like his leg bent in a nasty direction, but he wasn’t hurt.

[Broncosinindy]

I missed okam the other day and Bryant today. blah. how does henery smith look. i have heard that he is supposed to be better then bryant.Also its one game. he could have had a off night. definetly gonna have to dig a bit deeper on him

[Lorcust]

maaaantop 10 i dont know, trade down maybe, BUT I WANT HIM, with his potential and our need for an NT maybe its alright to reach for him in the top 10

In the draft, I'd rather get the guy we want as opposed to getting better value for a guy.

The Broncos seem to think that too. That's the rationale for trading up to get Jarvis Moss in last years draft and (eventually) handicapping us in this years draft.

By trading up we missed out on Marcus Thomas with our other third, had to give up a third this year to get him and some possible depth picks in last years draft.

Personally, if I don't see Sam Baker perform lights out in the Rose Bowl, and look like a significantly better pick than a second-round grade OT like Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt, than I have no problem reaching for a quality prospect like Okam.

Would I rather get him in the middle of round 1? Yes. Would I risk losing out on him and having no other dominant Nose Tackle in this draft? No.

I trust what MUG has to say on Okam, Bryant and Nose Tackles in general, especially based on his advocation for one to improve the run defense.

A Nose tackle like him would improve the play of the entire defense. It allows us to use Marcus Thomas in more of his undertackle role. It allows the defensive ends, who are maturing, to go one on one with the tackles in both pass protection and run defending. It opens more gaps so that our linebackers can make plays instead of getting stonewalled like they are now. An improved pass rush will allow our secondary to avoid getting lit up like it did against Green Bay and an improved run defense can keep the secondary from having to play against the run and can let them stay in coverage.

Every good defense starts up front, and Okam gives us a fixture from which we can build our defense around.

On the d-line, we have some positions set for the future. Crowder is going to be one of our bookends in the future. Dumervil, at the least will be a solid rotational pass rusher. Moss could be our answer at rush end, but we'll see how he does next season. We can resign Ekuban for veteran depth and the only upgrade here we need is experience and a nosetackle. Drafting Okam and giving him time accomplishes both.

Webster is servicable at SLB, depth is an option though. D.J. is a force at MIKE, but Gold is the only expendable one at WLB. I'm confident we can fill that void in free agency with someone like DeMorrio Williams to compete with Wilborn next season.

In the secondary, we have set corners in Bailey and Bly and solid depth in Foxworth and Paymah. Safety is our only real question mark. The level of play and availability of John Lynch next season is in question. Hamza Abdullah may or may not be the longterm answer at Strong Safety. Kenny Phillips could be a pick in the first too. Even if he is a strong safety, I'm confident he could become a free safety at the next level. There still may be options in the free agent market too with Ken Hamlin, Gibril Wilson, Erik Coleman and others set to hit the free agent market.

More importantly. It keeps guys like 268 lb Josh Mallard of the field. :laugh:

I can't see Okam lasting anywhere past the end of the first. San Diego is looking for a successor to Jamal Williams and San Francisco is looking for a NT for their 3-4. One of those will select him.

If we don't get him when we can, somebody else will.

I'm on the Okam bandwagon. I'm a believer. The guy seems solid on and off the field and I'd be delighted to have him in orange and blue.

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

4TH QUARTER PLAY BY PLAY FOR BOTH (BRYANT AND CONNOR)


RED BRYANT

PSU POSSESSION 1
- (1st) Completely dominated by a single blocker. Looked like he took the play off or else just got whipped. Pushed back a mile. Incomplete pass.
- (2nd) Initially double teamed, then single teamed. Was sealed off on run going right into his gap. Helped with the play though due to drawing extra attention. Short gain.
- (3rd) Outside at 3-4 DE again. Played outside contain. Short pass.
- PUNT

PSU POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Alright....Bryant tried a pure bull rush, he puts his head down and moves his blocker...the problem was the RB ran right by him and he never saw him because he was looking down.
- (2nd) Singled and stood up, not a factor in play.
- (1st) Singled and assisted in stuffing the run.
- (2nd) Singled and stood up, 3-4 DE again. Short pass outside.
- (1st) Singled but got really good penetration, short pass outside.
- (2nd) Subbed out, short run.
- (3rd) Singled and dominated by Penn State’s OC. Bryant looks like crap. Poor effort.
- PUNT

PSU POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Singled, stonewalled, run up the middle short gain.
- (2nd) Cut blocked and ran right over while on the ground for 1st down. This has to be a nightmare game for Bryant.
- (1st) Singled, stood up at line. The Right Guard(s) of Penn State has (have) destroyed Bryant almost all game.
- (2nd) Wow, cut blocked again. Ran right over his head while on the ground again.
- (3rd) Doubled, helped clog up the line and stuff the run. Wasn’t a factor on the play, but solid attempt.
- END OF REGULATION



DAN CONNOR

4TH QUARTER

AM POSSESSION 1
- (2nd) Connor not involved in play, batted pass on blitz by other LB.
- (3rd) Swing pass away from Connor, not involved in play, short gain.
- PUNT

AM POSSESSION 2
- (1st) Dropped into deep outside zone, incomplete pass.
- (2nd) Missed play, watching Patriots Game
- (3rd) Dropped into man coverage on slot or TE. Great coverage. QB completed pass to other receiver.
- (1st) Run away from Connor stuffed, not involved in play.
- (2nd) Screen pass away from Connor, not involved in play.
- (3rd) Great coverage by Connor on TE, but TE caught a perfect throw from QB falling out of bounds.
- (1st) Dropped into deep zone, not involved in play.
- (2nd) Fake option, Connor completely fooled, QB ran through his area for a big gain. Bad play by Connor.
- (1st) Deep zone coverage or man coverage by Connor, incomplete pass.
- (2nd) Dropped into middle zone, QB kept ball for medium run outside.
- (3rd) Missed play
- (1st) Connor bit on inside fake, medium run offtackle.
- (2nd) Read inside run, helped fill gaps, but not a factor in play.
- (1st) QB keeper up middle, shoe string tackle by Connor to save a TD.
- (2nd) Connor had good read on run, helped assist with tackle after short gain.
- (4th) Option away from Connor, Connor was sealed off by good block, QB fell down.

AM POSSESSION 3
- (1st) Dropped into deep zone, good coverage, forced QB to scramble for good yards.
- (1st) Medium run up middle, TV was not on play.
- (2nd) Dropped back in coverage, short pass outside
- (2nd) Dropped in zone coverage, forced QB to go out of bound on scramble. Holding flag.
- (2nd) Dropped in deep zone again, incomplete pass.
- (3rd) Dropped into zone coverage, appeared to man up on TE when he crossed zone, incomplete pass. Good coverage.
- PUNT

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

POST GAME THOUGHTS ON RED BRYANT AND DAN CONNOR


RED BRYANT

He had a very bad game. Flashed a couple nice plays here and there. The big thing I came away with tonight from watching him is that he's not a Nose Tackle, he's a Gerrard Warren-type big penetrating tackle. But, he's a penetrating tackle that's most effective splitting double teams or rushing around the end. He has some quickness off the snap.

I think his future is as a 3-4 DE. He is not nearly strong enough nor commands the leverage techniqes needed to play a Nose Tackle role in the NFL. And he's terrible lined up over the top of a single blocker, he needs to be placed in a gap and told to shoot it from the snap.

Overall, 5th Round Prospect. I'm not sure if he projects to anything more than a backup in the NFL. Might have a chance as a 3-4 DE.



DAN CONNOR

I've never watched him play before tonight, at least not where I documented every time he moved or scratched his butt. And I found out he's essentially Ian Gold. Penn State plays him exactly like we play Gold. He's dropped into deep coverage or zone more than 50% of his snaps. And, like Gold, he's very good in coverage and very fast. However, he's a tremendous fundamentally sound tackler and he sheds O-lineman blocks very well for the most part. He got stoned a few times this game, the FB really nailed him once, but he defeated most blocks to still get in on most plays. He looked marginal as a blitzer. He's fast, but he's not elusive. He gets cold-cocked by the blockers picking him up. Connor also struggled diagnosing the run and blitzing on playaction. He did this almost all game, every time. Which just basically means he has NO future as a MIKE LB. But he looks like a Godsend as a SAM, with his coverage skills and ability to shed blocks. And he looks like he could be a dominant WILL. He just needs to work on his blitzing to be a true WILL backer. As it stands, I'd draft him to be my SAM backer and I'd use him in my nickel defense as well, putting my MIKE on the sideline.

He's definitely a 1st rounder and the best OUTSIDE LB in this draft. I think he goes in the Top 20 picks. He's a natural SAM if I've ever seen one.

However, the guy that really caught my eye was the other Penn State LB Sean Lee. Now, THAT guy is going to be a dynamic WILL LB. He's one of the better blitzers I've seen in awhile. His coverage skills are suspect though. He's probably going to be a Top 15 pick next year at worst.

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

I missed okam the other day and Bryant today. blah. how does henery smith look. i have heard that he is supposed to be better then bryant.Also its one game. he could have had a off night. definetly gonna have to dig a bit deeper on him


He was the better player tonight for sure, and while Bryant is listed as being bigger, Smith was giga-normous. He was a pain in my balls too because his number was 95 and Bryant was 85. And they're both huge black guys. Eventually, I got used to how Bryant would set up pre-snap.

I did not watch Smith every play, I didn't even know he existed until I saw this game. He looked better then Bryant though. I almost wish I would have just focused on him instead because I didn't do any play by play analysis and I dont know how he did against double teams or what not. I do know he made more plays and was larger. I know that doesn't help much.

[Ncfootball]

POST GAME THOUGHTS ON RED BRYANT AND DAN CONNOR


RED BRYANT

He had a very bad game. Flashed a couple nice plays here and there. The big thing I came away with tonight from watching him is that he's not a Nose Tackle, he's a Gerrard Warren-type big penetrating tackle. But, he's a penetrating tackle that's most effective splitting double teams or rushing around the end. He has some quickness off the snap.

I think his future is as a 3-4 DE. He is not nearly strong enough nor commands the leverage techniqes needed to play a Nose Tackle role in the NFL. And he's terrible lined up over the top of a single blocker, he needs to be placed in a gap and told to shoot it from the snap.

Overall, 5th Round Prospect. I'm not sure if he projects to anything more than a backup in the NFL. Might have a chance as a 3-4 DE.



DAN CONNOR

I've never watched him play before tonight, at least not where I documented every time he moved or scratched his butt. And I found out he's essentially Ian Gold. Penn State plays him exactly like we play Gold. He's dropped into deep coverage or zone more than 50% of his snaps. And, like Gold, he's very good in coverage and very fast. However, he's a tremendous fundamentally sound tackler and he sheds O-lineman blocks very well for the most part. He got stoned a few times this game, the FB really nailed him once, but he defeated most blocks to still get in on most plays. He looked marginal as a blitzer. He's fast, but he's not elusive. He gets cold-cocked by the blockers picking him up. Connor also struggled diagnosing the run and blitzing on playaction. He did this almost all game, every time. Which just basically means he has NO future as a MIKE LB. But he looks like a Godsend as a SAM, with his coverage skills and ability to shed blocks. And he looks like he could be a dominant WILL. He just needs to work on his blitzing to be a true WILL backer. As it stands, I'd draft him to be my SAM backer and I'd use him in my nickel defense as well, putting my MIKE on the sideline.

He's definitely a 1st rounder and the best OUTSIDE LB in this draft. I think he goes in the Top 20 picks. He's a natural SAM if I've ever seen one.

However, the guy that really caught my eye was the other Penn State LB Sean Lee. Now, THAT guy is going to be a dynamic WILL LB. He's one of the better blitzers I've seen in awhile. His coverage skills are suspect though. He's probably going to be a Top 15 pick next year at worst.

That made me smile a lot haha Sean Lee came into Penn State as a DB, so he has the athletic skills. He's also within striking distance of breaking Connor's record for most career tackles for PSU. And last year, he was on the same team as Connor and Posluszny! (Currently 1-2)
*Edit- To add a little about Lee, I don't see him as a 1st round pick, personally. Maybe it's because he's always been in someone else's shadow at PSU, or maybe it's because he has different duties, but he's never impressed me nearly as much as Posluszny or Connor have. We'll see next year if he can step it up and be the leader of their defense.**

I didn't see Bryant show up tonight. I was more focused on cheering my team on and worrying about Anthony Morelli's QB performance though, so I didn't pay nearly as much attention to Bryant as you did. I only noticed him two plays in a row where he played the screen well, the second of which almost resulting in an interception. Man, Penn State's QB is HORRIBLE. That near-INT was all his fault.

I'm not going to say that Connor had a bad game, but he is normally better at diagnosing plays. I'm not going to disagree with his blitzing ability though. Being at all the games over the past two years, I can honestly say that I barely ever saw him blitz. He's more of a coverage guy, for sure. But since he is a Penn State linebacker, his fundamentals are outstanding. On many occasions, I've seen running backs try to juke by Connor, but Connor just kinda stands pat and keeps his feet moving. He doesn't fall for it, he just waits for the running back to make the extra yard to come to him in the open field and tackles him. He doesn't miss much at all.

I'd be elated to see him in blue and orange next year, but I think we have bigger needs than linebacker. If, however, we do go that route in the first round, Connor should be the guy. His measureables won't be the best at the combine, but his fundamentals will be better than any other at his position this year.

[Broncosinindy]

yeah i have heard rumblings for the last few weaks that smith was a better player., do you know who played the NT role.

[Mat'hir Uth Gan]

yeah i have heard rumblings for the last few weaks that smith was a better player., do you know who played the NT role.


Both of them. When A&M went with some 3-4 looks, Bryant played at least 2 snaps at Nose Tackle and 2-3 at DE with Henry playing NT. Bryant looked MUCH better as a 3-4 DE.

In their usual 4-3 defense, Bryant was in the Nose Tackle slot (RDT) more often, but they swapped around every now and then. It was probably a 65/35 split. Penn State's guards tore him up though.

It's semi-amazing that with 2 interior run defenders that size, that PSU was able to destroy them at the line. Bryant, in particular, was easily rerouted and blocked with a single blocker.