Maurice Clarrett

[BuffSoldier]

If Clarrett drops say to the 5th or 6th round, do you guys think we should take him, and hope to get a kinda Drew Henson deal out of it. If he has a good pre-season and he becomes the player he had the potential to be at his short time at OSU we might be able to get a 2nd round pick for him, maybe more.

 

[TexansCanes]

i don't think we could get a 2nd round pick for clarrett based on his play in the pre-season. also if we only got a 3rd rounder for a guy that could have been the first player taken and was out for three years what makes you think we can a 2nd rounder for a guy that would have been a 2nd rounder at best who hasn't played for 2 years and has off the field issues? also teams are more willing to take a chance on a qb will lots of potential than a rb that has injury and discipline problems. also clarrett is the kind of rb that capers wants so maybe if we did take him we wouldn't trade him.

 

[Rosusu]

I like Maurice, I think he has great potential and he could be a steal in the later rounds if he clears up some of his legal problems. It would also get us press which is always a good thing even if it is for something like drafting a troubled RB. He could probably learn a few things from modest and great players like Dre and others on the team. He would compliment with DD very well in the backfield IMO.

 

[Vinny]

I would not mind to see us select him with our second 3rd round pick if he is on the table at that time. Publicly Casserly has only made a couple of vague statements about him but I think we may have an interest in him. I think we are going to see a ton of backs drafted in rounds 2 and 3 this year. I'm not real impressed with most of the other positions in this draft.

 

[Youngstown Colt]

You would be well served to draft him if he's there late.

I'll go out on a limb, he will outperform Tony hollings

 

[keyfro]

personally i think clarett is a locker room poison but that hasn't seem to enter into ya'lls head...clarett was overrated during his freshman year...he was behind of the best o-lines in college that year...which 4 out of 5 of the o-lineman are on teams in the nfl...most of the big 10 that year was weak defensively...i mean come on this kid is nothing but a punk i wouldn't want him on my team...he needs to go to the raiders

 

[texasguy346]

If we take a back in the 3rd Round I'd much rather see us spend it on Ciatrick Fason. I doubt we would draft him because he's very similar to DD as far as his strengths on the field. He seems to have a little more break away speed than DD, but DD is probably a better reciever out of the backfield. Both of them are pretty good at catching the ball, and gaining some yards after the catch. If we do draft Clarett I'd rather get him in the 2nd day of the draft where he'd be more of a value pick. Late 4th to early 5th wouldn't be unreasonable. There are a lot of good backs in this draft, and I think there will still be some good ones on the board as late as the 5th or possibly 6th round.

 

[TexansCanes]

i don't like him enough to take him the 3rd, i would much rather have ciatrick. but if he is there in the 6th then i wouldn't care if we took him. i'll tell you that i don't like the guy at all, but he has a lot of potential, much more than anyone else at that pick. i will give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he was just immature and will grow up when he gets to the nfl. he is a good player and we need good players.

 

[astrofan]

I agree that Fason would be a much better fit, but I would be surprised if he was on the board at 47 and I just can't imagine him being there in the third

 

[Vinny]

The 4 guys I'd like to take a shot with our late 3rd rd pick would be Clarett, Ced Houston, Ryan Moats, or Eric Shelton. Any one of these four would be very exciting to me if we selected one of them.

 

[Blake]

I wouldnt mind him either. But I think Houston would be better. He wont have to "shake off the rust", and he is not as much of a head case. Both have unlimited upside IMO.

 

[wags]

The 4 guys I'd like to take a shot with our late 3rd rd pick would be Clarett, Ced Houston, Ryan Moats, or Eric Shelton. Any one of these four would be very exciting to me if we selected one of them.

Three pounders and Moats. Do you think we would pick a speed guy?

 

[Big78]

i think DD will do us for next year, i think we should take an offensive line man or a saftey so we can get coleman back at corner.

 

[Vinny]

Three pounders and Moats. Do you think we would pick a speed guy?

Moats is someone to keep an eye on at the combine because I think he will be one of the rising backs and has the most burst of all the backs I listed. I still think Hollings will be our speed guy next season with us replacing Wells with a power back that runs like a power back.

 

[Youngstown Colt]

personally i think clarett is a locker room poison but that hasn't seem to enter into ya'lls head...clarett was overrated during his freshman year...he was behind of the best o-lines in college that year...which 4 out of 5 of the o-lineman are on teams in the nfl...most of the big 10 that year was weak defensively...i mean come on this kid is nothing but a punk i wouldn't want him on my team...he needs to go to the raiders

You must be a genious. Keep saying that O-line was amazing. They're all in the NFL, which one of them starts? I know teammates of his from Harding H.S. and your claims that he's a locker room poison don't seem to hold much weight. Really all you're doing is making accusations and hoping nobody calls you out on them.

I heard Andre Johnson is really hated by his teammates. The only reason his numbers are so good is because he plays against weak CBs. And he has one of the greatest QBs of all time.

(see how easy that was. And who cares if it's not true, maybe no one will call me out)

 

[texasguy346]

Keep saying that O-line was amazing. They're all in the NFL, which one of them starts?

Off the top of my head I'm pretty sure Olivea was a starter for the Chargers last season as a rookie, and their line faired pretty well. Can't really think of any other former Buckeye starting OLinemen at the moment.

 

[wags]

Off the top of my head I'm pretty sure Olivea was a starter for the Chargers last season as a rookie, and their line faired pretty well. Can't really think of any other former Buckeye starting OLinemen at the moment.

Alex Stepanovich and Shane Olivea started 16 games this year as rookies.
Yea, Clarett had a weak OL.

 

[Reddevil63]

I could care less what Oline he was behind, he was a true freshmen and had a great season. I think Ohio St. is as much to blame for his problems, the only strike he has was trying to get into the league early. JMO

 

[BornOrange]

I wouldn't take Clarrett with the last pick in the seventh round.

If he went undrafted I wouldn't invite him to camp.

 

[Corrosion]

Value for the pick ...... If he's still around @ the time the Texans come around with the Second of their 3rd round picks .... I Would Take a gamble on him . He has First Round Skills . IF he were to come in and put his nose to the grind stone could become a feature back in the NFL . He is the kind of back the Texans lack and that Capers likes . Sure he has made a few Questionable decisions but havent we all ....im NOT defending his actions but had he stayed in school and maintained the pace he set in his freshman year ..... would ANY of us question his value as a First Round Pick ..... Value For the Pick

 

[Wolf]

Name: Maurice Clarett
School: Ohio St.
Overall: 7.7
Height: 5'11
Weight: 228
NFL Comparison: Edgerrin James, Colts

WAR ROOM ANALYSIS
Inside running: Has good size and power as an inside runner. Lowers shoulder, creates his own running room and pushes the pile in short-yardage situations. Shows impressive vision and patience, allowing him to find backside creases and exploit defenses for over-pursuing him. Burst through the hole is most impressive asset. Few NFL backs can match his ability to get through small creases in the line. Once through the hole, his ability to bounce outside and accelerate is uncanny. Grade: 8.7

Outside running: Lacks elite speed. Has enough speed to occasionally turn the corner, and shows a second gear to win some races down the sideline. Is not overly elusive in the open field, and doesn't make many defenders miss. Grade: 7.5

Blocking: Is a technically sound, aware and physical blocker. Is surprisingly efficient in this area for an inexperienced player. Shows lateral movement skills to pick up the blitz. Shows good leverage and pop at the point of attack. Should improve with added strength and experience. Grade: 8.3

Hands/routes: Is not a huge matchup threat, but is a smooth route-runner on short routes. Clarett is similar to the Colts' Edgerrin James in the sense that he catches the ball smoothly and is tough to tackle in the open field because of his size and burst. Shows soft hands, and adjusts nicely to bad passes. Makes catches on the run, and gets upfield right away. Is not overly elusive or fast in the open field, but is tough to tackle because of his size, vision, cutting ability and burst. Grade: 8.0

Durability: Good news: Didn't take many hits in college. Bad news: Still struggled to stay healthy (knee, shoulder) in lone college season. Has not proven capable of handling a full load. Grade: 6.5

Bottom line: Clarett is inexperienced; he played just one season at Ohio State before sitting out 2003 because of NCAA violations. He also has off-field and durability concerns. Still, his talent is impossible to deny. There are a lot of reasons not to like Clarett personally, but he has exceptional potential and is worth a chance on in the second round.

not sure when this was written
http://sparda.250free.com/NFLDRAFT/RB/mauriceclarett.html

seemed pretty fair judgement on the guy

I got to go with Vinny on this.. 3rd round. I'd could see the Texans take a chance.. so basically it would be a Clarrett for Henson deal which was originally a 6th rounder.

here is another piece.

Strengths

A bruising "big back" Clarett runs over people, instead of out running them. Usually tries to hit the defender before the defender hits him. It usually takes a couple defenders to get him down, his legs never quit churning. Not ultra fast, but has deceptive speed. Very solid build, said himself that he could play Linebacker. Brings a defensive feel to the RB position, you can just tell he’s going all out on every possession. Doesn't waist a lot of movement, he tries to move the ball North to South. Shows great blocking ability as well, he is really built solid. Although OSU didn’t feature it too much, he also has intriguing receiving capabilities. Has a very obvious "cocky" aura around him, he knows he is a very good player. Don't let that fool you into thinking that he isn’t a team player though; he actually is a very good leader. When on the field he only wants to do one thing, win. Maurice is also a hard worker (he graduated from HS early so he could get an early jump at OSU) who seems dedicated to improving. Clarett displays a lot of potential as a Pro Running Back.

Weaknesses

Clarett has weaknesses though. If he couldn’t hold up during a whole College Football season, how can he possibly stand up to the punishment that he will receive in the NFL? Last season Maurice had a "Stinger" that turned into a lingering injury. He tried to play through it, but he was playing in pain for most of the season. If, and that’s a big If, he comes back healthy it will be very important for him to prove that he is in fact a durable back. The only other glaring weakness for Clarett is just his inexperience; he will not turn 20 until October 29. He just needs to take his time and work on improving his game, and concentrate on the Buckeyes instead of the NFL, at least until after his junior year.

--Ryan Conley

http://www.nflfuture.com/mauriceclarett.html


I just wonder if he is still working out and all that stuff. I haven't herd a thing.. If he is. I stick to my statement early about 3rd round, if not...well pass

 

[Lucky]

I just wonder if he is still working out and all that stuff. I haven't herd a thing...

Latest info on Clarett from his new agent, Steve Feldman.

Feldman said Clarett is healthy and working with a private trainer but declined to say where.

"This guy will blow people's minds at the combine," Feldman said. "He is in fantastic shape. That's why it seems ludicrous to jeopardize it at this point."

Following the combine in Indianapolis, which begins Feb. 23, Clarett will likely take part in two or three private workouts, Feldman said.

Hey, at least Clarett's agent will get him to do something at the combine. That's more than he did last year.

 

[Wolf]

thanks for not making fun of me lucky.. can't believe I typed 'herd" instead of 'heard a thing' ..

guess I need to check my spellings


thanks for the info lucky

 

[keyfro]

just saw clarett's press conference at the combine...he has seemed to mature a little as he admitted that he looked like a joke early last year and feels that he has matured...he also looked in great shape and plans to par-take in all the workouts at the combine...if he is for real in what he says then maybe we have seen this young man take a step in the right direction...any thoughts

 

[texasguy346]

if he is for real in what he says then maybe we have seen this young man take a step in the right direction...any thoughts

I really wouldn't take anything said by one of the players at the combine with a grain of salt. Most of them have spent the past couple months preparing for the combine, and that includes preparing for the interviews by being coached to say the "right thing at the right time". Clarrett has had even more time to prepare for the combine because I believe around this time last year he was trying to prepare for the 2004 combine. I'm sure he has matured some, but also he knows that what he says in a press conference is going out to all 32 NFL teams. Some players have injury concerns that force their agents to start a PR campaign about how quickly that player is recovering, and in Clarrett's case the major complaint is his character so it make sense that his agent wants to launch a similar PR campaign illustrating how mature he's become and how he's a changed man. I have no doubt that there may be some truth in what he says, but I also won't fool myself by thinking he's telling the whole truth either.

 

[edo783]

Clarrett seemed to have a much better attitude and to be more mature. How much of that is window dressing???? who knows. I guess that they will probe that in the interviews. He did look ALOT more in shape this year and if he turns a good 40 and shuttle times with a good hands showing in the passing, he will get picked up by a team. If he really spanks the times, he MIGHT even crawl into the top of the 2nd round.

 

[Wild Bill]

What everybody seems to forget is that this guy is a kid. What is he, 21 now? Of course he did stupid things and has made bad choices. How hasn't at that age? To say he is poison in the locker room is premature. A 21 year old kid is not going to be poison in any NFL locker room. Not with 30+ year old veterans who would quickly knock him to his butt.

The fact is that he has talent. And saying that he had a great offensive line to run behind his rookie season is an over statement. I watched him play and he constantly broke tackles behind the line of scrimmage. For a kid at 18, he consistantly out muscled tacklers. He'll end up being a very servicable back in the NFL.

 

[TheOgre]

I think Clarett's biggest mistakes have been the advice he has gotten from family, agents and friends. They haven't guided him through the draft system well.

 

[wiley2002]

I hope he gets drafted by the Ravens. Ray Lewis will keep his butt in line.

 

[V Man]

Look for the Raiders to draft him in the second round. He and Moss will make a great combo on and off the field. :woot

 

[wiley2002]

My money would be on Moss. He'll run the kid over with his car. Won't that be the talk of Sports Center. Wonder if they'll show that replay like they did the hit Lynch got fined for.

 

[Lucky]

...If he really spanks the times, he MIGHT even crawl into the top of the 2nd round.

Clarett isn't a track guy, so I wouldn't expect any more than mid 4.5's or higher. Remember, the guy is a 230+ between the tackles RB. But, Clarett did show very good field speed as a freshman. Running down Sean Taylor (after an end zone INT) and stripping him in the '03 BCS game proved Maurice can move when he has to.

 

[Youngstown Colt]

Clarett isn't a track guy, so I wouldn't expect any more than mid 4.5's or higher. Remember, the guy is a 230+ between the tackles RB. But, Clarett did show very good field speed as a freshman. Running down Sean Taylor (after an end zone INT) and stripping him in the '03 BCS game proved Maurice can move when he has to.

I wouldn't be suprised with a 4.4. He did it in high school, and he has trained so hard that it's a good possibility he runs it at the combine.

And I think people are starting to get over his problems and realize they were foolish mistakes made by someone who got everything too quickly and too young. Clarett is from Youngstown, and you don't see this kid partying anymore since he has really started training hard over a year ago. He'll suprise some people

 

[Texan in Japan]

Agree Colt. I think his new agent is doing a great job of marketing the kid and he's the hype of the early combine. If he turns some good numbers, someone (like Philly) make take a chance on him in late 1st or early 2nd.

 

[edo783]

If he in fact does a 4.4 and shows good hands, he will be picked up in the second, probably near the top. Could he sneak into the 1st, yes, but probably not.

 

[threetoedpete]

If he in fact does a 4.4 and shows good hands, he will be picked up in the second, probably near the top. Could he sneak into the 1st, yes, but probably not.

JMHO. NO offense,..... poison. Let someone else take him.

 

[gg no re]

On the topic of poison.... what has Clarett done to earn that title, aside from the OSU debacle?

You ignore the OSU controversy, I don't see anything wrong with Clarrett's character [aside from being too ambitious for his own good]

If Clarrett is willing to split time with DD, I wouldn't mind if the Texans drafted him.

 

[Vinny]

Clarett may go earlier than everyone is thinking. In a year devoid of obvious superstars he is an interesting player.

Clarett may have been a member of the Super Bowl-winning Patriots in 2004. Yes, the same New England franchise that measures character in karats, as in championship gold, was convinced Clarett could shape up. With the 32nd pick in the draft, the Patriots would have drafted Clarett. Instead, when the federal ruling and subsequent appeal was rendered, the Patriots scrapped Plan A and met with Bengals RB Corey Dillon. The rest is history.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Scouting+Combine/2005/reynolds022405.htm

 

[threetoedpete]

Saw that Vinny. Just my opion guys. If you think he's that good grab him with the thirteen pick. Well see. Character count's : "


See that. That's Respect. Just becuase you are a character doesn't mean you have character" Mr. Wolf, Pulp Fiction.

 

[edo783]

JMHO. NO offense,..... poison. Let someone else take him.

No offense taken. I never suggested WE take him, just that someone would. IMO, we shouldn't touch him with a 10 Ft. pole.

 

[tacoman_j]

According to Espn Radio, Clarett ran a 4.82. Will he be drafted?/?

 

[WildBlackBear32]

He ran a 4.72 on his 2nd run.Either way, that is terrible for a shorter back. I see him being drafted, but reallll late. Early projections were 3rd-5th, however I see it as a 6-8 now.

 

[Youngstown Colt]

This suprised me. He was very bad on his starts which obviously hurt him. IMO good 40 times help you more than bad 40's hurt you (for late round picks anyway)

I just remember when Anquan Boldin ran a 4.7-4.8, it didn't hurt him in the pros

 

[threetoedpete]

This suprised me. He was very bad on his starts which obviously hurt him. IMO good 40 times help you more than bad 40's hurt you (for late round picks anyway)

I just remember when Anquan Boldin ran a 4.7-4.8, it didn't hurt him in the pros

Maybe the Colts will draft him.

 

[nunusguy]

I wouldn't take Clarrett with the last pick in the seventh round.
If he went undrafted I wouldn't invite him to camp.

Hey Orange, would you quit being so wishy-washy and non commital and try to say whats really on your mind instead of just beating around the bush.

 

[Huge]

I wouldn't be suprised with a 4.4. He did it in high school, and he has trained so hard that it's a good possibility he runs it at the combine.

And I think people are starting to get over his problems and realize they were foolish mistakes made by someone who got everything too quickly and too young. Clarett is from Youngstown, and you don't see this kid partying anymore since he has really started training hard over a year ago. He'll suprise some people

This suprised me. He was very bad on his starts which obviously hurt him. IMO good 40 times help you more than bad 40's hurt you (for late round picks anyway)

I just remember when Anquan Boldin ran a 4.7-4.8, it didn't hurt him in the pros

This is what I posted on the original "Clarett" thread:

I just don't buy into everything that's said about him. Again, I have yet to see anything special about the guy. What's so amazing about him? He hasn't done anything on or off the field that I haven't seen many times before. He averaged 112 yards per game his freshman season (11 games...1237 yards) and I'm supposed to roll over for that?

I do think he's a victim of having too many people in his ear (agents, Brown, etc) and having too much success (MNC his first year in college) too early. Having Lebron James as a close friend (high schooler going straight to the pros) probably didn't help either.

If you want to talk straight football skills...I think he's a second round/second day pick without the baggage. He doesn't run with patience. He doesn't have great vision. He doesn't have the burst needed at this level. His durability is a big question mark (couldn't finish an entire season the last two seasons he's played).

I don't feel he should be kept out of the league so I don't fall into "not giving him a second chance". I say let him in. But I'll be back when he proves me right. If I'm wrong, then I'll be here for that too.

 

[Marcus]

Clarett distraught, quits drills at combine

Clarett, who was hoping to improve his stock with NFL scouts, squandered his latest shot at redemption on Saturday afternoon, posting sluggish performances in the 40-yard dash. According to the unofficial times, Clarett ran 4.72 seconds and 4.82 seconds in his two efforts.

Clarett took part in some of the early drills during the running back session at the RCA Dome. After running his 40s, he pulled on his sweatshirt and opted not to finish the rest of the drills. When he appeared in an interview with the NFL Network after the poor times, Clarett appeared to be distraught at his performance.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Auburn star Ronnie Brown dazzled scouts with a workout that included unofficial 40-yard times of 4.32 and 4.40. Brown also caught the ball well and may have established himself as the top tailback prospect, ahead of former Auburn teammate Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Cedric Benson of Texas.

 

[gg no re]

Clarrett.... whatever supporters had left to believe in him, he had to go out there and drill a hole in his own ship. :/