Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

2014 NFL Draft chatter/rumors/news

Rising Sock Report: Who helped themselves with a strong pro day performance? Greg Gabriel
  • D’Anthony Thomas – Running Back – Oregon – Thomas ran his 40 in 4.35 while also having a 10’5” long jump. On the downside, he did only nine reps of 225. Thomas will be a specialty-type player in the NFL
  • Taylor Hart – Defensive Tackle – Oregon – Hart measured 6063 – 284 and did 23 reps of 225. His drill work was very good, showing that he is a fit for either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme.
  • Dee Ford – Defensive End – Auburn – The medical people didn’t let Ford work at the combine because of a back issue. At his pro day, he ran a 4.61 while jumping 35 ½ and 10’4”. He also had a 7.07 3 cone. Ford weighed in at under 250 and looks to be the classic tweener. The NFL clubs' medical people will have a lot to say as to where Ford get drafted.
  • Khalil Mack – Linebacker – Buffalo – The only combine drill that Mack did was the 40. He ran an average of 4.54 in his only attempt. After running, Mack looked outstanding doing positional drills for coaches.
  • Jimmy Garoppolo – Quarterback – Eastern Illinois – Garoppolo worked out at Northwestern’s pro day and threw the ball very well. There was a representative of just about every club at the workout.
  • Eric Lora – Wide Receiver – Eastern Illinois – Lora was not at the combine but was Garoppolo’s go-to receiver at EIU. He measured 5103 – 203 and ran 4.49. He also had jumps of 36” and 9’11”. His three-cone was a fast 6.76. Those numbers will probably get him drafted in the later rounds.
  • Colton Underwood – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – Illinois St. – Underwood was also not at the combine. He measured 6024 – 256. He ran the 40 in 4.70 to go along with jumps of 36” and 10’. His three-cone was 7.03. During drills, he looked good dropping into coverage and the overall workout may get him drafted.
  • Anthony Barr – Linebacker – UCLA – Barr improved on his speed at the combine running the 40 in 4.41 and 4.49. He also looked good during drills.
  • Ryan Shazier – Linebacker – Ohio State – Shazier did not run at the combine, but ran an average of 4.38 at his pro day. At 235 pounds, that speed will put Shazier into the first round.
  • Corey Linsley – Center – Ohio State – Corey measured 6026 – 301 and ran the 40 in 4.97 and 5.00. His positional drill work was very good. His arm length is only 31 7/8. This may hurt him on draft day, but if there is a position on the offensive line where a player can get away with having shorter arms, it’s center.
  • Darqueze Dennard – Corner – Michigan State – Dennard did run at the MSU pro day, but he had a vertical jump of 36” and a long jump of 11’2”! He also had outstanding positional drill work.
  • Jimmie Ward – Safety – Northern Illinois – Ward did not work at the combine because of a foot injury. Knowing he needed to get a time in for scouts, he ran 4.48 and the NIU pro day. Ward will have foot surgery shortly but should be recovered in time for training camp if not sooner.
  • Shaquille Richardson – Corner – Arizona – Richardson was another non –combine player. With tall corners being wanted by every NFL team, Richardson’s workout helped his cause. He measured 6001 – 194 with 32” arms. He ran a 4.44, had jumps of 38.5 and 10’7” to go along with a 6.87 3-cone. Richardson will get drafted!
  • Blake Annen – Tight End – Cincinnati – Annen was not invited to Indy and needed a strong pro day, He had one! At 6041 – 247 he ran a 4.45. He also had jumps of 34” and 10’, to go along with a 7.19 3-come and 25 reps of 225. It was a very strong workout.
  • Brett Smith – Quarterback – Wyoming – I was shocked that Smith did not get invited to the combine. He is easily a better player than half the quarterbacks there. At his pro day, he measured 6016 which is a little short, but he ran 4.51 and had a long jump of 10’8”. During drill work he threw the ball very well.
  • Robert Herron – Wide Receiver – Wyoming – There was never a question about Herron’s speed, having been a top sprinter in high school. Herron ran well at the combine, but improved that, running a sub 4.40 at the Wyoming pro day.

With about three more weeks of pro days still coming, I will try and update this list every Saturday.
 
Interesting thing about those two small school QBs is that their #1 WR is listed right there next to them. Makes you pause for a second and wonder if one is making the other look better than they are. Just an observation.
 
teddy-gif.gif


Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
For Teddy Bridgewater, about Noon Eastern. RT @RJJC_LU: @RapSheet @nflnetwork what time is pro day?

Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater Pro Day is tomorrow, live on NFL Network

March 17 Pro Days: Appalachian State, Boise State, Florida, Houston, Lane College, Louisville, Memphis, Valdosta State, Virginia, Wake Forest, Texas Southern, Idaho State, James Madison, Rice
 
Does anyone that writes at Bleacher Report have any credence? Just askin'
Yes, but you have to learn the players because there are still fools on there. The model is built to weed out the b.s. over time. Just has that annoying page clicks thingy.

Greg Gabriel is a highly experienced, respected scout...
Started my scouting career with the Buffalo Bills in 1981 as a part time scout. Became an are scout for National Football Scouting in 1984 and worked with them through the 1984 football season. I then joined the New York Giants as an area scout in January 1985. I was with the Giants through the 2001 NFL Draft and then became Director of College Scouting for the Chicago Bears. I held that position for 9 years and retired after the 2010 Draft. During my time in Chicago we were able to draft 9 Pro Bowl players and win 3 Division Championships as well as 1 conference Championship. Since retiring I have consulted for NFL teams including the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2012 season and 2013 Draft. I also write for the Nationalfootballpost.com on the NFL Draft and NFL in general.
 
Gil Brandt ‏@Gil_Brandt
Only 4 FBS QBs over last 10 yrs averaged at least 8 yds/att AND at least 45% on 3rd down: Bradford, Stafford, Manziel, Bridgewater.

Don't know how accurate that is. I'm pretty sure Keenum did it with Houston as well.

EDIT: Someone double check me, but I think over 4 seasons Keenum was 8.5 Y/A and 50% 3rd down.
 
He's not a fantastic athlete, which is why I think he would be better served to move inside in the NFL. I don't think he's an edge rusher. But he's a football player. Some guys just have it when the pads are on. I don't think he'll ever be an All Pro or anything. But he'll give you more than you expect from a 6th/7th rounder.

When I watched Colorado St to check out Bibbs, this kid just jumped out on every single defensive series.

Sounds like a perfect pick in the late rounds for Seattle.
 
50 days to the draft! :doot:

March 19: Baylor, Central Florida, Lindenwood, Missouri State, San Jose State, Utah, Virginia Tech, Youngstown State

Logan Thomas, David Fales two other draftable QBs with pro days as well as the guy from UCF.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB
Which school has had player drafted in EVERY year except one? #NFLDraftCountdown #50Days
 
Last edited:
NFL on ESPN ‏@ESPNNFL
I think the Texans should take Mack, Clowney or Robinson at No. 1 overall. Stay away from the QBs. #AskRiddick

= Louis Riddick
As executive:
Washington Redskins (2001–2004) (Pro scout)
Washington Redskins (2005–2007) (Director of pro personnel)
Philadelphia Eagles (2008) (Pro scout)
Philadelphia Eagles (2009) (Assistant director of pro personnel)
Philadelphia Eagles (2010–2013) (Director of pro personnel)
 
mack @1 wouldn't be a reach, IMO.

Funny how opinions change over time.

I was saying that a couple of months ago and nobody (or very few) agreed. Now it's a pretty common, or even popular, idea.

A few years ago, nobody would touch a LB at #1. With the new rookie wage scale I think you can afford to take the best player period.
 
Funny how opinions change over time.

I was saying that a couple of months ago and nobody (or very few) agreed. Now it's a pretty common, or even popular, idea.

A few years ago, nobody would touch a LB at #1. With the new rookie wage scale I think you can afford to take the best player period.

Well, to be fair, you are usually ahead of the pack with prospects, especially smaller school guys. A couple of months ago the only thing I knew about him was his name and his position.
 
The Texans even suck at sucking. Every time they have the 1st pick it seems like the 1st pick isn't worth having.

At this point I am more on board with taking Clowney (if there are no trade options).

While I am afraid he might turn out to be a Mario Williams (work ethic wise), he has a lot more potential that MW ever did. Also I think JJ Watt might push him to work hard.
 
Funny how opinions change over time.


A few years ago, nobody would touch a LB at #1. With the new rookie wage scale I think you can afford to take the best player period.

Even if he might have to play @ RT?
 
Virginia Tech
There was a good crowd on hand at pro-day for Virginia Tech, including San Francisco 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, and the team's defensive coordinator, Bill Davis.

Word from pro-day was maligned quarterback Logan Thomas looked terrific. Scouts on hand said Thomas has a wealth of talent and proved as much today. While there were a few poor throws, he was accurate for most of the workout and it was an improvement from his combine performance. Thomas seemed to struggle with his accuracy rolling to his right, as passes seemed to get away from him, but for the most part the reviews have been very positive. Unconfirmed reports have Harbaugh going to lunch with Thomas and his quarterback coach George Whitfield after the workout. Regardless of whether the report is true, I'm told Harbaugh showed a lot of interest in Thomas.
...
Cornerback Kyle Fuller stood on his combine numbers, but stood out in position drills, catching everything thrown to him. I'm told prior to the workout, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis made a point of introducing Fuller to the teams head coach, Chip Kelly.

Eric Edholm ‏@Eric_Edholm
One longtime offensive coach texted me on Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas' pro day effort today: "Just ok at best"
 
Last edited:
A. With the new rookie wage scale I think you can afford to take the best player period.
It definitely made the dynamics of taking a non-QB easier.

At this point I am more on board with taking Clowney (if there are no trade options).

While I am afraid he might turn out to be a Mario Williams (work ethic wise), he has a lot more potential that MW ever did. Also I think JJ Watt might push him to work hard.
If we did draft him, I'd be hanging my hat on that hope.
 
Eric Edholm ‏@Eric_Edholm
Louis Nix on Mike Tomlin: "I heard he liked big thighs." #NDProDay #steelers

[IMGwidthsize=450]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjLrh0hCIAAv2Pg.jpg[/IMG]
Big crowd at Notre Dame for pro day

March 20: Bethune-Cookman, California (PA), Fresno State, Hawaii, Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, Notre Dame, San Diego State, Stanford, Tennessee State

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris
Y'all feel that shake out in California? RT @NDSportsBlogger: Louis Nix runs the 40 at #NDProDay https://vine.co/v/MhlFbTdlZqh

Rob Rang ‏@RobRang
ILB Shayne Skov pulled his hamstring on Monday in prep for Stanford's Pro Day today and won't be working out. Will have his own on April 21.

Bigger crowd at Missouri pro day... ???
[IMGwidthsize=450]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjLuzIJCUAA9yjz.jpg[/IMG]
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjLuzIJCUAA9yjz.jpg
 
Last edited:
TSV: LOWERING THE BARR
“But he had ten sacks this year…”

I saw this tweet this week, not just once (and I’m paraphrase-twitter-ing), “Why are people off the Anthony Barr bandwagon?” When I saw a similar tweet on the All-American UCLA OLB more than a couple of times, I did what I always do. I put the film on…
...
Had Barr declared early in 2012, he probably would’ve gone third over Dion Jordan to Miami in what many thought was a weak draft. But this draft isn’t quite that way. Barr’s athleticism is attractive, but Buffalo’s Khalil Mack has athleticism and nasty and a full complement of “wrecking shop” skills.

South Carolina edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is freakish and he DID get doubled/chipped most of the season. With three top QBs, a couple of solid prospects at tackle and the aforementioned edge rushing freaks, Barr should fall behind them due to the problems outlined above. If it’s been a little shocking to see Barr’s name take a hit lately, now you know -- if you didn’t already, of course.

UCLA LB Anthony Barr: I'm the perfect NFL draft prospect
"I'm not just going to be a guy rushing the quarterback," Barr told Jim Rome on Thursday. "I can drop, I can play the run, and I can play off the ball, on the ball. I'm a smart football player. I can understand the game, the nuances of the game. All those things combine to make me the perfect prospect."
 
Last edited:
Really great piece on how other prospects jump off the tape while watching targeting another player...

12 exciting 2014 NFL draft prospects hidden behind bigger names
The star: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
The understudy: Kelcy Quarles, DT
...
The star: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF
The understudy: Storm Johnson, RB
...
The star: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The understudy: Martavis Bryant, WR
...
The star: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
The understudy: Michael Schofield, OT
...
The star: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
The understudy: Jordan Zumwalt, OLB, UCLA
...
The stars: Louis Nix III, DT; Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
The understudy: Prince Shembo, OLB
...
The star: Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
The understudy: Eathyn Manumaleuana, DT
...
The star: Timmy Jernigan, DT; Lamarcus Joyner, CB; Telvin Smith, LB/S
The understudy: Christian Jones, ILB
...
The star: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
The understudy: Ja’Wuan James, OT
...
The star: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The understudy: Antone Exum, CB
...
The stars: Tre Mason, RB, Auburn; Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU
The understudy: Jay Prosch, FB; J.C. Copeland, FB
 
Matt Miller ‏@nfldraftscout
Two team scouts had Kony Ealy at 4.56-4.61 on his 2nd 40 attempt. That's moving. #MizzouMade @EalyKony

No idea what the official will be, that's ridiculous.

Ealy ran in the mid-4.6s on Thursday, a vast improvement over the 4.92 time from the combine. One report had Ealy timed at 4.57 seconds, which would be a personal record.
 
Rob Rang ‏@RobRang
ILB Shayne Skov pulled his hamstring on Monday in prep for Stanford's Pro Day today and won't be working out. Will have his own on April 21.
Skov got behind a mic (online) during part of Stanford's pro day... sharp young man, very well spoken, detailed analysis propping up his teammates.
 
The Texans even suck at sucking. Every time they have the 1st pick it seems like the 1st pick isn't worth having.

At this point I am more on board with taking Clowney (if there are no trade options).

While I am afraid he might turn out to be a Mario Williams (work ethic wise), he has a lot more potential that MW ever did. Also I think JJ Watt might push him to work hard.

That would be ten times funnier if it wasn't so damn true.
 
[IMGwidthsize=400]http://hawkcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Kirksey.jpg[/IMG]

Tony Pauline ‏@TonyPauline
Christian Kirksey/OLB/Iowa runs 4.48s/4.50s forty...30 teams on hand.
 
Back
Top