Why is Fletcher Cox getting hyped up over Devon Still ?

[bronx_2003]

I like both players but from watching them in college Still looked much better. Still was highly ranked after the season and before the combine, then Cox starting getting hyped to the point of a possible top ten pick.

Sometimes when you get closer to the draft some people get hyped up unfairly and unrealistically IMO.

Cox has more quickness at times but gets over-powered too much for my liking. Still will be a strong 3 down player and an anchor against the run.

Comparing the 2 over the last 3 years -

Cox - Played 35 - 107 tackles - 22.5 TFL's - 7.5 Sacks

Still - Played 39 - 113 tackles - 32.5 TFL's - 10.5 Sacks

Still is - 6'5 - 303 pounds
Cox is - 6'4 - 298 pounds

A negative for Cox from NFL.com - 'Cox allows himself to get completely washed away when faced with a double team, an example of the raw nature of his play'

Still - 'For a massive nose tackle he is an above-average pass rusher who can use an array of swim and dip moves to get to the passer'

The negative for Still was that he was not a consistent pass rusher, but we need a stout, physical DT for the middle of the line who can offer pass rush.

Cox may bring more pass rushing ability but will get dominated at times.

Even though I give Cox the pass rushing props, Still had many more TFL's and more sacks so Still can rush the passer pretty well too.

Not sure if anyone is 'Still' on Devon's band-wagon, but I certainly am.

[ERoyal248]

Because he's better?

[bronx_2003]

Because he's better?

Thats what a lot of the media are pushing, but I'm not buying that.

[bronx_2003]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDJFa270SQc

Here are some highlights of what he did this year. The lower leg drive is very impressive and the stoutness of his game.

People can argue if Cox is a better pass rusher or not but Still will be a huge presence in the middle of the DL, espeically with the outside pass rushers we have.

[Cugel]

The answer to these kinds of questions is always the same: "upside pass-rush potential."

Cox is deemed by NFL scouts to have a bit more pass-rush potential than Still. Still is bigger and probably is going to be a fire-plug DT who holds his ground well.

It is a lot less certain if he will ever develop into an elite pass-rusher from the DT spot.

In short he might get 2-4 "opportunity sacks" a year and not generate much inside pressure on his own, instead of consistent pressure and perhaps 5.5 - 7.5 which you would get from an elite player; like say a Suh or Dareus.

When scouts are projecting how a player might pan out in the NFL "untapped potential" seems to rate higher than solid pragmatic proven ability -- because no college player is really as good as he'll need to be in the pros.

They always need to develop, often a lot. So it comes down to "future potential."

Not precisely an exact science is it?

[bronx_2003]

The answer to these kinds of questions is always the same: "upside pass-rush potential."

Cox is deemed by NFL scouts to have a bit more pass-rush potential than Still. Still is bigger and probably is going to be a fire-plug DT who holds his ground well.

It is a lot less certain if he will ever develop into an elite pass-rusher from the DT spot.

In short he might get 2-4 "opportunity sacks" a year and not generate much inside pressure on his own, instead of consistent pressure and perhaps 5.5 - 7.5 which you would get from an elite player; like say a Suh or Dareus.

When scouts are projecting how a player might pan out in the NFL "untapped potential" seems to rate higher than solid pragmatic proven ability -- because no college player is really as good as he'll need to be in the pros.

They always need to develop, often a lot. So it comes down to "future potential."

Not precisely an exact science is it?

Good points. Cox being 298 is not 'small', but at times he gets engaged and pushed out of plays far too easily for me, I hope we don't end up with a 3rd down pass rusher in the third round.

Out of interest, which DT's do you like ?

[cdumler7]

Injuries

I think another part of the problem with Devon Still is that he does have a pretty serious injury history. He had 2 leg injuries in college which doesn't look good to teams thinking about spending a 1st round pick on a guy they are planning on anchoring their DL for 5-10 years.

I do think that Devon Still fits really well with our defense as he might not have the pass rush ability of say Fletcher Cox but he does seem to have the better strength to push his guy or guys back in the pocket making it difficult for quarterbacks to step up. He also seems to be very stout against the run shown by how many tackles for loss he had. I really wouldn't mind either player. Right now every DT in the first round has possible huge upside but complete bust ability written on them as well.

[100%Broncoholic]

Answer is simple:

Still went to PSU. (before I continue I am a PSU fan) but who is the last big PSU defensive star?
Aaron Maybin-Bills drafted him 1st round and then waived the him! Jets signed to league minimum. Released then re-signed and ended year as JETs leader in sacks.
Jared Odrick- Dolphins DE 23 Tackles and 7 sacks injury concerns
Posluszny- injured w Bills did alright w Jags but injuries plague him.
Dan Connor-Often injured now w Cowboys after injuries w Panthers.
Sean Lee- Done well for Cowboys
Lavar Arrington- DC nightmare
Courtney Brown- stole money from browns and Broncos

Sad to say but a lot of PSU guys don't transition well to NFL.

I also think some are trying to avoid bringing PSU up because then the talk turns to off the field issues.

Now do I hope that Still can break the mold and be productive? Yes absolutely.

I hope that Still can make a difference and if he can do it for the Broncos, then all the better.

[Snarfalicious]

Still has had leg injuries as well. Broken ankle and torn ACL. Pretty serious. He overcame them to contribute in varying degrees from 2009-2011, but just having that on the records will be an obvious detractor.

[AdamSchefter]

Just because they are going to draft a dt doesn't mean it will be first round. It's fox Elwway and jack del rio. The two positions they will draft for sure are rb and dt. Regardless of best player available those two positions will be taken in the first 4 rounds. I think first round dt would either be brockers or if poe or cox fell to us. Could also see us taking a cb a de or a lb if one of these falls to us. And you know they are taking a qb just for the sake of taking one. I doubt they would take still I see them going taamu in 2nd or 3rd.

[THEdraftnik]

Fletcher played a less productive position than Still. Cox was a DE in a 3-4, Still was an UT in a 4-3.

Fletcher also played better competition in the SEC.

Fletcher is much more consistent in the run and pass game while Still runs hot and cold.

[AdamSchefter]

Fletcher played a less productive position than Still. Cox was a DE in a 3-4, Still was an UT in a 4-3.

Fletcher also played better competition in the SEC.

Fletcher is much more consistent in the run and pass game while Still runs hot and cold.

But still was taught by one of most honarable great college coaches of all time..oh wait

[THEdraftnik]

But still was taught by one of most honarable great college coaches of all time..oh wait

Well he doesnt have good technique, so he obviously wasn't the best listener.

[100%Broncoholic]

But still was taught by one of most honarable great college coaches of all time..oh wait

Before you start w that, Tom Bradley was Still's coach not Sandusky. So before you go there.

Also if you read what I wrote above you will see that coming from PSU at this time is probably hurting him too.

[AdamSchefter]

Well he doesnt have good technique, so he obviously wasn't the best listener.

It was a joke Haha I wouldn't want still id rather take brockers