Denver_56
01-30-2007, 06:20 PM
sports illustrated
Ten Prospects Who Exceeded Expectations
Amobi Okoye has had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
AP
1. Amobi Okoye/DL/Louisville: Okoye was the talk of the town this week. Weighing in at a chiseled 287-pounds, he displayed tremendous quickness and athleticism from the first practice. Okoye, a bright and articulate 19-year-old, also interviewed well for the teams that spent time with him.
2. Adam Carriker/DL/Nebraska: Another front four player who was tough to block, Carriker elevated his draft stock significantly. Displaying a combination of strength and intelligence, he also came across well during interviews.
3. Dwayne Bowe/WR/LSU: The big pass catcher separated himself from the rest of the group and distinguished himself as the top senior receiver in the country.
4. David Irons/CB/Auburn: Irons capitalized on a terrific senior campaign with a great showing in Mobile. He was consistently applauded by coaches for his cover skills, hard work and ability to learn new defensive systems.
5. Michael Griffin/S/Texas: Displaying an array of talent in centerfield, Griffin made an impact every day at practice. His ball skills in coverage were outstanding as was his play defending the run.
6. Brandon Mebane/DT/California: The stout defensive tackle was unblockable for most of the week. Displaying tremendous quickness, he showed pass rush moves scouts were not aware he had.
7. Ryan Kalil/C/USC: The Trojan blocker looked great on the pivot. Holding his own against bigger opponents, he showed a lot of unexpected skill blocking in motion.
8. Aundrae Allison/WR/East Carolina: Allison impressed scouts from the first day he stepped on the field. Catching everything thrown in his directions, he also got deep behind defenders with consistency.
9. Mason Crosby/PK/Colorado: Crosby regularly put his field goals through the uprights from 50-yards or longer with plenty of room to spare.
10. Antonio Johnson/DT/Mississippi State: The big tackle showed-off his athleticism all week. More impressively, he consistently made plays up the field, something that was lacking in his college career.
Five Prospects Who Failed to Meet Expectations
1. Ryan Harris/OL/Notre Dame: Continuing what was a poor senior season, Harris was beaten regularly in Mobile. At one point he was chastised by Jon Gruden for allowing a sack on Thursday.
2. Marcus McCauley/CB/Fresno State: Another who struggled in '06, McCauley was beaten with regularity all week. His performance during Thursday's no pads practice was not good.
3. Patrick Willis/MLB/Mississippi: Willis gave good effort all week and looked strong in the box. Problem was he struggled making plays out to the sidelines or in reverse. He does not resemble the first-round talent many have pinned him to be.
4. Quentin Moses/DE/Georgia: The Bulldogs pass rusher checked in much lighter than expected at 249 pounds and was handled all week by blockers. During interviews, Moses did not come off as a confident individual.
5. Troy Smith/QB/Ohio State: While Smith was accurate with his short and intermediate passes, his long throws were off. Smith did not display the ability to drive the deep pass and was rarely on the mark downfield.
Senior Bowl Notes: NFL scouts are not enamored with the overall talent of this year's senior class but they were reasonably happy with the players on hand in Mobile. This years group could match the number of first-round picks which came out of last year's game; 14. The Senior Bowl is the place where the unemployed and underclassmen come to look for job interviews. Larry Coker, the recently released coach from the Miami Hurricanes, was at practice all week hoping to catch on with an NFL team. Florida Gator defensive back Reggie Nelson, who declared for the draft soon after the national title game, interviewed with several teams right through Wednesday.
nfldraftcountdown
Stock Up
1. Dwayne Bowe, WR, L.S.U.
Put on a show and will go ahead of some more highly-touted underclassmen.
2. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
19-year-old with huge potential made a terrific impression on and off the field.
3. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Versatile prospect had an outstanding week and looked good inside at tackle.
4. Ryan Kalil, C, USC
Doesn't have great size but is an excellent technician and maybe a 1st rounder.
5. David Irons, CB, Auburn
Man cover guy who may have helped himself more than anyone else this week.
6. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
Was really impressive at the weigh-in and he looked quick and athletic all week.
7. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
Had a nice week and may have passed Justin Blalock as the top guard prospect.
8. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Worked hard, got better with every practice and he may now be a Top 15 pick.
9. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)
Seemingly all over the field this week and made a number of eye-catching plays.
10. James Marten, OT, Boston College
Tough, nasty player who doesn't have the physical tools but gets the job done.
11. Tony Hunt, RB, Penn St.
Was pretty solid, albeit not special, in practice but then stood out in the game.
12. Stewart Bradley, OLB, Nebraska
Has excellent size and may have emerged as the top SAM linebacker prospect.
13. Ryan McBean, DT, Oklahoma St.
Raw but teams really like this guy and he might be a perfect fit at end in a 3-4.
14. Scott Chandler, TE, Iowa
In a real weak crop of senior tight ends this guy just may be the best out there.
15. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
Rare physical specimen who struggled early but was really able to bounce back.
16. Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Short yardage guy and pass catcher who cemented himself as the #2 fullback.
17. Brandon Myles, WR, West Virginia
Didn't get a lot of chances in college but was one of the best wideouts in Mobile.
18. Eric Weddle, S, Utah
Versatile gamer and playmaker that coaches love and is always around the ball.
19. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
After a strong senior season he continued his ascent up draft boards this week.
20. Aundrae Allison, WR, East Carolina
Had a very solid week and capped it all off with a touchdown catch in the game.
21. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
The Duke transfer had no problem fitting in after being added to the roster late.
22. Tanard Jackson, CB, Syracuse
Was very consistent all week and may now be the top zone cover guy available.
23. Antonio Johnson, DT, Mississippi St.
An athletic big guy who was getting a lot of attention from teams that run a 3-4.
24. Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
Was able to convert from beyond 50 yards and he certainly lived up to the hype.
25. Thomas Clayton, RB, Kansas St.
Late injury replacement who came in and was instantly one of the best in town.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Down
1. Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois
Got hurt early in the week and was not able to show off his return abilities.
2. Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame
His frame looks maxed out and he was then routinely beaten all week long.
3. Chase Pittman, DE, L.S.U.
Did nothing to stand out and looked like just another guy for the most part.
4. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
Really struggled early on and then had to drop out of the game with an injury.
5. Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
Looked slow and unathletic before having to leave town due to a toe injury.
6. Chris Leak, QB, Florida
The worst signal caller at the game and nothing more than a backup at best.
7. Josh Gattis, S, Wake Forest
Really struggled in coverage and might be just an in-the-box type in the NFL.
8. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
After struggling at times as a senior that just continued this week in Mobile.
9. Dan Mozes, C, West Virginia
Highly-decorated college player who lacks the physical tools for the next level.
10. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
Had a great opportunity to move way up but he did not take advantage of it.
just thouht id compare thoughts from different sources. :D
Ten Prospects Who Exceeded Expectations
Amobi Okoye has had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
AP
1. Amobi Okoye/DL/Louisville: Okoye was the talk of the town this week. Weighing in at a chiseled 287-pounds, he displayed tremendous quickness and athleticism from the first practice. Okoye, a bright and articulate 19-year-old, also interviewed well for the teams that spent time with him.
2. Adam Carriker/DL/Nebraska: Another front four player who was tough to block, Carriker elevated his draft stock significantly. Displaying a combination of strength and intelligence, he also came across well during interviews.
3. Dwayne Bowe/WR/LSU: The big pass catcher separated himself from the rest of the group and distinguished himself as the top senior receiver in the country.
4. David Irons/CB/Auburn: Irons capitalized on a terrific senior campaign with a great showing in Mobile. He was consistently applauded by coaches for his cover skills, hard work and ability to learn new defensive systems.
5. Michael Griffin/S/Texas: Displaying an array of talent in centerfield, Griffin made an impact every day at practice. His ball skills in coverage were outstanding as was his play defending the run.
6. Brandon Mebane/DT/California: The stout defensive tackle was unblockable for most of the week. Displaying tremendous quickness, he showed pass rush moves scouts were not aware he had.
7. Ryan Kalil/C/USC: The Trojan blocker looked great on the pivot. Holding his own against bigger opponents, he showed a lot of unexpected skill blocking in motion.
8. Aundrae Allison/WR/East Carolina: Allison impressed scouts from the first day he stepped on the field. Catching everything thrown in his directions, he also got deep behind defenders with consistency.
9. Mason Crosby/PK/Colorado: Crosby regularly put his field goals through the uprights from 50-yards or longer with plenty of room to spare.
10. Antonio Johnson/DT/Mississippi State: The big tackle showed-off his athleticism all week. More impressively, he consistently made plays up the field, something that was lacking in his college career.
Five Prospects Who Failed to Meet Expectations
1. Ryan Harris/OL/Notre Dame: Continuing what was a poor senior season, Harris was beaten regularly in Mobile. At one point he was chastised by Jon Gruden for allowing a sack on Thursday.
2. Marcus McCauley/CB/Fresno State: Another who struggled in '06, McCauley was beaten with regularity all week. His performance during Thursday's no pads practice was not good.
3. Patrick Willis/MLB/Mississippi: Willis gave good effort all week and looked strong in the box. Problem was he struggled making plays out to the sidelines or in reverse. He does not resemble the first-round talent many have pinned him to be.
4. Quentin Moses/DE/Georgia: The Bulldogs pass rusher checked in much lighter than expected at 249 pounds and was handled all week by blockers. During interviews, Moses did not come off as a confident individual.
5. Troy Smith/QB/Ohio State: While Smith was accurate with his short and intermediate passes, his long throws were off. Smith did not display the ability to drive the deep pass and was rarely on the mark downfield.
Senior Bowl Notes: NFL scouts are not enamored with the overall talent of this year's senior class but they were reasonably happy with the players on hand in Mobile. This years group could match the number of first-round picks which came out of last year's game; 14. The Senior Bowl is the place where the unemployed and underclassmen come to look for job interviews. Larry Coker, the recently released coach from the Miami Hurricanes, was at practice all week hoping to catch on with an NFL team. Florida Gator defensive back Reggie Nelson, who declared for the draft soon after the national title game, interviewed with several teams right through Wednesday.
nfldraftcountdown
Stock Up
1. Dwayne Bowe, WR, L.S.U.
Put on a show and will go ahead of some more highly-touted underclassmen.
2. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
19-year-old with huge potential made a terrific impression on and off the field.
3. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Versatile prospect had an outstanding week and looked good inside at tackle.
4. Ryan Kalil, C, USC
Doesn't have great size but is an excellent technician and maybe a 1st rounder.
5. David Irons, CB, Auburn
Man cover guy who may have helped himself more than anyone else this week.
6. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
Was really impressive at the weigh-in and he looked quick and athletic all week.
7. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn
Had a nice week and may have passed Justin Blalock as the top guard prospect.
8. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
Worked hard, got better with every practice and he may now be a Top 15 pick.
9. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)
Seemingly all over the field this week and made a number of eye-catching plays.
10. James Marten, OT, Boston College
Tough, nasty player who doesn't have the physical tools but gets the job done.
11. Tony Hunt, RB, Penn St.
Was pretty solid, albeit not special, in practice but then stood out in the game.
12. Stewart Bradley, OLB, Nebraska
Has excellent size and may have emerged as the top SAM linebacker prospect.
13. Ryan McBean, DT, Oklahoma St.
Raw but teams really like this guy and he might be a perfect fit at end in a 3-4.
14. Scott Chandler, TE, Iowa
In a real weak crop of senior tight ends this guy just may be the best out there.
15. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
Rare physical specimen who struggled early but was really able to bounce back.
16. Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Short yardage guy and pass catcher who cemented himself as the #2 fullback.
17. Brandon Myles, WR, West Virginia
Didn't get a lot of chances in college but was one of the best wideouts in Mobile.
18. Eric Weddle, S, Utah
Versatile gamer and playmaker that coaches love and is always around the ball.
19. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
After a strong senior season he continued his ascent up draft boards this week.
20. Aundrae Allison, WR, East Carolina
Had a very solid week and capped it all off with a touchdown catch in the game.
21. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
The Duke transfer had no problem fitting in after being added to the roster late.
22. Tanard Jackson, CB, Syracuse
Was very consistent all week and may now be the top zone cover guy available.
23. Antonio Johnson, DT, Mississippi St.
An athletic big guy who was getting a lot of attention from teams that run a 3-4.
24. Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
Was able to convert from beyond 50 yards and he certainly lived up to the hype.
25. Thomas Clayton, RB, Kansas St.
Late injury replacement who came in and was instantly one of the best in town.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Down
1. Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois
Got hurt early in the week and was not able to show off his return abilities.
2. Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame
His frame looks maxed out and he was then routinely beaten all week long.
3. Chase Pittman, DE, L.S.U.
Did nothing to stand out and looked like just another guy for the most part.
4. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan
Really struggled early on and then had to drop out of the game with an injury.
5. Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
Looked slow and unathletic before having to leave town due to a toe injury.
6. Chris Leak, QB, Florida
The worst signal caller at the game and nothing more than a backup at best.
7. Josh Gattis, S, Wake Forest
Really struggled in coverage and might be just an in-the-box type in the NFL.
8. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
After struggling at times as a senior that just continued this week in Mobile.
9. Dan Mozes, C, West Virginia
Highly-decorated college player who lacks the physical tools for the next level.
10. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
Had a great opportunity to move way up but he did not take advantage of it.
just thouht id compare thoughts from different sources. :D