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Todd McShay on 2014 NFL Draft

Playoffs

Playoffs

Hall of Fame
Ummm, hurray?

Todd McShay grades Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel and Carr higher than Geno Smith
On a conference call Thursday, McShay said he has higher grades on Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr than he did on Smith a year ago. McShay cautioned that there is plenty of time left in the process, but it stands to reason he feels good about this class of quarterbacks coming out.
...
McShay added that losing Murray and Mettenberger also hurt the class. He thinks Mettenberger was the most improved quarterback in this class before going down with an injury.

As for the underclassmen, McShay thinks Mariota made the right decision returning to school and thinks that Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller and UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley should follow Mariota's lead and go back for another year in college.
...
The sleeper in this class? Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

"I think he has a chance to, one day down the road, develop into a starter," McShay said.

Now it just comes down to how badly these quarterbacks will be picked apart over the next few months.
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Last year's QB class was a joke so not really a surprise to see or hear this. The crop this year has been praised as a talented and deep QB class. Is there a franchise guy? That's up for debate. But there are some pretty talented guys coming out this year that can be solid starters and maybe even franchise guys down the road.
 
Texans' options with the No. 1 pick

1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville Cardinals

I had Houston selecting Bridgewater in my first mock draft earlier this month. My reasoning then is the same as it is now: Given the importance of quarterback play in the NFL and the Texans’ need at the position, it’s hard to see the Texans not talking themselves into taking the top quarterback prospect on their board.

The top QB prospect on our board right now is Bridgewater. Granted, he isn’t on the elite level of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III; in fact, he’s only the ninth-ranked prospect overall in our rankings. (It’s also worth noting that he hasn’t yet said whether he’ll leave school early for the draft.) There are concerns about his long-term durability in the NFL because of his lean frame, and his ceiling isn’t as high as Luck’s, RG III’s or even the second-ranked QB on our board, UCF’s Blake Bortles (more on Bortles later).

But there is a lot to like about Bridgewater’s game. He has proved he can beat opponents from inside the pocket with his accuracy, quick release and ability to read defenses. He is also very mentally and physically tough, and he has good mobility. (Check out his TD run in the Cardinals’ bowl win over Miami on Saturday night.) So although he isn’t a perfect prospect, I’ve got him as the No. 1 QB in this draft class right now, and if the Texans feel the same on May 8, I think that they’ll make him the top overall pick.

2. Blake Bortles, QB, UCF Knights

Bortles is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the entire draft. He didn’t debut in our Top 32 rankings until Dec. 4, and we had him going No. 3 in our mock draft just two weeks later. But even though many fans are unfamiliar with him, it would not surprise me if he eventually unseated Bridgewater as the top QB prospect in this class -- if he opts to leave school early, that is.

Bortles has a higher ceiling than Bridgewater, with a strong, accurate arm, good size and the ability to move around in the pocket and deliver throws even when defenders are hanging all over him. (He resembles Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco in that respect.) He has a chance to improve his stock in Wednesday night’s Fiesta Bowl, when the Knights play Baylor.

Placing Bortles as the No. 2 option here is all about the value of the QB position and Houston’s need for one. Sure, getting an elite offensive tackle or elite pass-rusher (two of the Texans’ other options with the top pick) would be nice, but you don’t need either of those to win a Super Bowl -- and when’s the last time a team won it all with a quarterback who wouldn’t be classified in the league’s top 10 at the position? Exactly. It’s not surprising to hear ESPN colleague Adam Schefter's report Sunday morning that Texans GM Rick Smith is spending the week scouting several college quarterbacks in their bowl games, Bridgewater and Bortles included.

3. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M Aggies

If the Texans do decide to pass on a QB with the No. 1 overall pick, and they aren’t able to find a trading partner to move back in the draft, I think Matthews is the next-likeliest pick. Houston’s second-biggest need is offensive tackle, and Matthews has the potential to be a very good one at the NFL level. Matthews is versatile, having played both right tackle and left tackle at a very high level for Texas A&M, which could be an asset for the Texans as they attempt to rebuild their offensive line. Additionally, Matthews has the pedigree (he’s the son of former Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans OT Bruce Matthews), durability and work ethic you look for at the position.

4. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina Gamecocks/Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA Bruins

I'm listing these two guys together because (A) I don't consider it all that likely that Houston would take a defensive player here and (B) we don’t yet know what type of defensive scheme the Texans are going to install under their new coaching staff -- will they keep the current 3-4 alignment or switch to a 4-3?

Clowney is best suited to play a 4-3 D-end, while Barr is best suited to play a 3-4 OLB, but both players have the versatility to be used in different ways if the Texans fall in love with one or the other. Clowney is the most talented individual prospect in this entire draft class, but Barr has great potential as well (having played on the defensive side of the ball for only two seasons at UCLA), and he was very disruptive and productive during the 2013 season (more so than Clowney, whose effort was up-and-down toward the end of the season).

I think it’s far likelier that the Texans go for a QB or offensive tackle with the No. 1 pick, but either Clowney or Barr would provide good value. (Clowney is currently No. 1 on our board, and Barr is No. 2.) In particular, the idea of pairing Clowney with J.J. Watt on the same defense could be awfully tempting.
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Playoffs said:
Ummm, hurray?

Todd McShay grades Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel and Carr higher than Geno Smith
On a conference call Thursday, McShay said he has higher grades on Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr than he did on Smith a year ago. McShay cautioned that there is plenty of time left in the process, but it stands to reason he feels good about this class of quarterbacks coming out.
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Click to expand...

:tinfoil:

Manziel?? McShay must be some loser Texans fan with delusions of one day attending A&M.
 
Big Board
01/08/14
1Jadeveon Clowney*
COLLEGE: South CarolinaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 258POS: DE
Tkl 41Sack 3.0Int 0

2Jake Matthews
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 309POS: OT
GP 13GS 13

3Anthony Barr
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 244POS: OLB
Tkl 66Sack 10.0Int 0
Analysis: Barr had an incredibly productive 2013 season and performed at such a high level that I think he closed the gap between him and Clowney in the minds of some teams, especially those that run a 3-4. Barr may be a notch below in pure ability, but he is a disruptive player with very good first-step quickness and elite closing burst as a pass-rusher and a run defender. He also possesses ideal size, length and versatility for his position, and from everything I've heard, he is exceptional in terms of football character and work ethic.

4Sammy Watkins*
COLLEGE: ClemsonAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 205POS: WR
Rec 101Yds 1464YPC 14.5TD 12

5Khalil Mack
COLLEGE: BuffaloAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 245POS: OLB
Tkl 100Sack 10.5Int 3
Analysis: Mack has impressive upper-body power, explosiveness and closing burst. He is also very versatile, excelling as a pass-rusher, run defender and in pass coverage. He had a very productive season, which included breaking the NCAA career record for forced fumbles.

6Greg Robinson*
COLLEGE: AuburnAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 320POS: OT
GP 13GS 13

7Timmy Jernigan*
COLLEGE: FSUAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 298POS: DT
Tkl 53Sack 4.5Int 0
Analysis: Jernigan performed well in the Seminoles' BCS title game victory over Auburn, recording nine tackles, although he appeared gassed at times in the fourth quarter and had to come out of the game for a stretch. He is a classic 3-technique with good first-step quickness and good range versus the run, and is a very disruptive player.

8C.J. Mosley
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 228POS: LB
Tkl 106Sack 0Int 0
Analysis: Teams are going to have to look at Mosley's medical history (shoulder surgery, dislocated elbow, dislocated hip), but in terms of his performance and ability, he has been one of the best defensive playmakers in college football. He has good change-of-direction ability and closing burst against the run, good range in pass coverage and above-average instincts as a pass-rusher.

9Marqise Lee*
COLLEGE: USCAGE: 21HT: 6-0WT: 195POS: WR

10Taylor Lewan
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 314POS: OT
GP 13GS 13

11Justin Gilbert
COLLEGE: Oklahoma StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: CB
Tkl 42Sack 0Int 7
Analysis: Gilbert has very good size for a cornerback, which is an asset against bigger receivers. He can help your defense in coverage and in run support, and he is a playmaker.

12Teddy Bridgewater*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 220POS: QB
Comp 303Att 427Pct 71.0Yds 3970TDs 31INT 4
Analysis: Bridgewater is currently the top QB prospect on our board, which is why he could be in the mix to be selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans. There are concerns about his long-term durability because of his frame, and he doesn't have as high of a ceiling as our No. 2 QB prospect, UCF's Blake Bortles. But he is a very polished prospect with great intangibles, and in the two most critical categories we evaluate quarterbacks in -- mental makeup and accuracy -- Bridgewater rates out very well.

13Stephon Tuitt*
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 303POS: DE
Tkl 49Sack 7.5Int 1
Analysis: Tuitt has declared for the draft, and he figures to warrant first-round consideration with his athleticism, which is very good for his size, and his versatility (he can play the 3-technique in a four-man front or the 5-technique in a three-man line). He does a very good job against the run, and can also get to the QB on occasion (7.5 sacks in 2013).

14Eric Ebron*
COLLEGE: UNCAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 231POS: TE
Rec 62Yds 973YPC 15.7TD 3

15Blake Bortles*
COLLEGE: Central FloridaAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 228POS: QB
Comp 259Att 382Pct 67.8Yds 3581TD 25Int 9
Analysis: Bortles declared for the draft this week on the heels of UCF's Fiesta Bowl win over Baylor in which he accounted for four total TDs. I went into more detail about his draft stock here, so I'll stick to the basics: He is still a work in progress, and probably could have benefited from another year in school (he needs to take fewer risks and improve his decision-making, as well as the consistency of his mechanics), but he has an impressive set of physical tools. He has a strong arm and very good mobility for his size. He isn't Cam Newton, but he reminds me of a cross between Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco.

16Ha Ha Clinton-Dix*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 208POS: S
Tkl 50Sack 0Int 2

17Louis Nix III
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 340POS: DT
Tkl 27Sack 0Int 0
Analysis: Nix's 2013 season ended early because of a torn meniscus, and he didn't perform particularly well when he was on the field. His stock could drop after scouts watch the tape of his play against Michigan State. But it's hard to see him falling out of the first round, given his physical abilities and the way he played in 2012. He is a disruptive, space-eating, two-gap nose tackle with ideal size and above-average lateral agility and quickness for the position, and his snap anticipation and first-step quickness are excellent.

18Johnny Manziel*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: QB
Comp 300Att 429Pct 69.9Yds 4114TD 37Int 13
Analysis: Manziel has really improved his arm strength and consistency with his ball placement this season, and he has looked a lot more comfortable in the pocket. That has caused him to rise in these rankings because he still has the unique improvisational skills and speed and agility as a runner that make him so difficult to defend in the open field. Here's my full take on his draft stock.

19Darqueze Dennard
COLLEGE: Michigan StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 189POS: CB
Tkl 62Sack 0Int 4

20Mike Evans*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 220POS: WR
Rec 69Yds 1394YPC 20.2TD 12

21Cyrus Kouandjio*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 310POS: OT
GP 13GS 13

22Ra'Shede Hageman
COLLEGE: MinnesotaAGE: 23HT: 6-5WT: 307POS: DT
Tkl 38Sack 2.0Int 1
Analysis: Hageman performed very well for Minnesota in 2013, and I think he's one of those guys who will be a better pro than he was a college player. He is an outstanding athlete for his position and is effective as a bull-rusher and against the run.

23Morgan Moses
COLLEGE: VirginiaAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 332POS: OT
GP 12GS 12
Analysis: Moses has the potential to be one of the surprises of this year's draft, given his physical tools. He is a big, tall, long-armed left tackle who shows good shock with his initial punch and looks a lot more natural in his pass protection sets this season than he did last year at right tackle. He needs to be more consistent with his balance and more efficient as a run-blocker, but he has shown improvement in both areas.

24Marcus Roberson*
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 195POS: CB
Tkl 9Sack 0Int 0
Analysis: Roberson missed a lot of the Gators' disappointing 2013 season because of injury and suspensions. He needs to add strength and improve his consistency, but he has good height for the position and from what I've seen on tape, he has good recognition skills and displays the balance, hip fluidity and closing burst possessed by most good starting cornerbacks in the NFL.

25Scott Crichton*
COLLEGE: Oregon StateAGE: 21HT: 6-3WT: 260POS: DE
Tkl 46Sack 7.5Int 0

26Jordan Matthews
COLLEGE: VanderbiltAGE: 21HT: 6-3WT: 201POS: WR
Rec 112Yds 1477YPC 13.2TD 7
Analysis: Matthews doesn't have great speed, but he has good size, strength, flexibility and ball skills. He was a very productive player at Vanderbilt, even though he was often the focus of opposing defenses.

27Loucheiz Purifoy*
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 185POS: CB
Tkl 24Sack 2.0Int 2
Analysis: Purifoy is an elite athlete, with very good quickness, length and top-end speed. He also has great playmaking instincts and can stop and start on a dime. He is still raw as a pure cover corner at this point (his former teammate Roberson has him beat in that regard), but he is aggressive in run support.

28Carlos Hyde
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 238POS: RB
Rush 208Yds 1521YPC 7.3TD 15

29Kelvin Benjamin*
COLLEGE: Florida StateAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 233POS: WR
Rec 54Yds 1011YPC 18.7TD 15

30Kony Ealy*
COLLEGE: MissouriAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 275POS: DE
Tkl 42Sack 8.0Int 1
Analysis: Ealy provides a lot of versatility as a prospect, as he can play defensive end full-time but also reduce and move inside on obvious passing downs. He has very good quickness and range for a player his size, and was productive for the Tigers this season.

31Zack Martin
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 23HT: 6-4WT: 308POS: OT
GP 13GS 13
Analysis: The more tape I watch of Martin, the more I like him. He is just really solid -- consistent in his performance and effort, and he possesses great versatility (he's capable of playing guard, but athletic enough to stay at tackle).

32Aaron Donald
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 281POS: DT
Tkl 59Sack 11.0Int 0
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Senior Bowl: 2014 QB class lacks depth

1. The 2014 QB draft class isn’t as deep as we thought it would be
...what at times during the 2013 college football season appeared to be a very deep crop of quarterbacks has begun to thin out considerably, which could present problems for NFL teams looking to draft a QB.

Right now there are three prospects who appear to be pretty legitimate first-round talents in UCF’s Blake Bortles, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel. But after that there is a relatively significant drop-off to the next tier –- a tier that is shrinking in numbers as well. There are a few reasons for this, including ...

2. Tall tight ends are tantalizing prospects
Teams value big tight ends these days -- Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham and Martellus Bennett -- all big targets in the passing game who create matchup problems...

3. Cornerbacks with size could be highly valued in the 2014 draft
With the Seattle Seahawks obviously having success with bigger cornerbacks such as Richard Sherman, and other teams looking to add more size at the position to deal with the increasing number of big wide receivers, we could see more tall corners taken in this draft...

4. This is a deep group of tackle prospects
There are two offensive tackle prospects in Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews and Auburn's Greg Robinson, who have the potential to land in the top five, and two more in Michigan’s Taylor Lewan and Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio, who each have a good chance to land in the first round. But there is a next tier of tackles, many of whom are participating in Mobile this week, that makes this a very deep tackle class –- which is great news for NFL teams looking to upgrade that position...

5. Outside linebackers [Senior Bowl] find trouble in space
Alabama's Adrian Hubbard, Missouri's Michael Sam and Louisville's Marcus Smith all have limitations in space and on Monday struggled to limit separation in coverage...

6. Shorter DT prospects jumped out first day
Two defensive tackle prospects to keep an eye on as the draft process unfolds are Arizona State’s Will Sutton and Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald...


7. Big backs from smaller programs at [Senior Bowl]
There are three bigger backs here with above-average size, all who weigh 225 pounds or more from non-AQ schools -- Western Kentucky's Antonio Andrews, Toledo's David Fluellen and Lorenzo Taliaferro from Coastal Carolina...
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Senior Bowl: One-tool standouts, NFL fits
MOBILE, Ala. -- The North and South teams both had two-hour practices Tuesday in preparation for the Senior Bowl, and several of the players who stood out did so for not necessarily having the most well-rounded games, but for showcasing talents and abilities that will make them coveted by NFL teams for specific roles.

Let’s take a look at four guys who fit the description of being very strong in one area, along with NFL player comparisons and NFL team (and scheme) fits for each.

Dee Ford, Auburn Tigers
Role: Pass-rushing specialist
NFL comparison: Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills
NFL fits: Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys

Ford played defensive end at Auburn, although it’s likely that he’ll make the transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Regardless of what scheme he plays in, the one thing he’s going to be able to do is serve as an edge rusher. He’s exploding off the ball in practices this week, showing a really good first step. For an undersized guy (he measured at 6-foot-2, 243 pounds), he showed impressive pop and explosiveness during the bag drill, which tells us he has the potential to get better over time with his rip and club moves as a pass-rusher. That’s really important for a guy like him who lacks ideal size. He got home as a pass-rusher more times than any of the other D-ends in practice Tuesday, and he displayed a great motor and energy level.

Missouri’s Michael Sam is another guy who fits this mold, although he struggled a bit in practice Tuesday as he attempts to make the transition to linebacker. And while Sam is a little bigger, Ford is the more explosive athlete.

Teams are always looking for pass-rushers, but Tampa Bay, Chicago and Dallas are three teams that would make sense for Ford given their schemes (Tampa 2) and current personnel needs.

Kain Colter, Northwestern Wildcats
Role: Slot receiver
NFL comparison: Jeremy Kerley, New York Jets
NFL fits: Texans, Broncos, Falcons, Browns, Saints

Spending as much time at quarterback as he did at Northwestern likely stunted his growth as a receiver, so Colter still has plenty of room to improve as a route runner and with the other nuances of the position. He also doesn’t have great size at 5-10, 199 pounds, so if you ask him to match up against a bigger, more physical cornerback he can have his route disrupted.

However, he has the potential to develop into an effective slot receiver, where it will be tougher for defensive backs to get their hands on him. He has the burst to separate quickly on his routes as well as get free after the catch. He was by far the best slot guy in practices on Tuesday, catching the ball well with his good-sized hands (10 inches), including a one-handed snatch.

Colter is beginning his transition from QB to receiver on the same field that Antwaan Randle El did several years ago, and while Colter isn’t the same special kind of athlete Randle El was, he has the raw abilities to possibly contribute as a returner down the road, as Randle El did during his NFL career.

Keith McGill, Utah Utes
Role: Press corner
NFL comparison: Brandon Browner
NFL fits: Seahawks, Jaguars, Packers

Given the size of some of the more prolific receivers in the NFL today, there is an increased need for bigger cornerbacks who can match up with them in press coverage. As we mentioned on Monday, there are several bigger corners in practices this week, and McGill is one who has stood out both days so far.

McGill has pretty good instincts in terms of his overall awareness and route recognition. He also does a good job of finding the ball in the air and playing it. He had some ups and downs this season, and there are aspects of his game he needs to clean up (his hip fluidity can improve). But because of his size, he doesn’t need to always be in ideal position to be disruptive to a receiver’s route and make a play on the ball when he’s forced to turn and run. He really knows how to throw his weight around -- not all big corners are aggressive, physical and competitive, but he has been all three in practices.

He needs to improve his press technique, but he has the tools to do it. McGill's size will be tempting for teams. He’s 6-3, 214 pounds, which is slightly bigger than Richard Sherman when he was coming out of school (6-2, 205) and roughly the same size as Browner when he was coming out (6-3, 221). For teams in the middle rounds looking to add size at cornerback, particularly one who can hold his own in press coverage, McGill could be an intriguing option.

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh Panthers
Role: 3-technique defensive tackle
NFL comparison: Peria Jerry, Atlanta Falcons
NFL fits: Bears, Cowboys, Falcons, Cardinals

Donald’s snap anticipation and first-step quickness are up there with any defensive tackle in this year’s draft class. That was on display in practice Monday, when he was phenomenal, and again at times on Tuesday. That isn’t surprising, as he has been really disruptive throughout his career.

This is why he’s an ideal fit as a 3-technique D-tackle who can get up the field and be disruptive in the backfield. His initial quickness allows him to get on top of blockers right away before they have time to get into their sets, and he shows good instincts and change-of-direction skills when he gets in the backfield.

Where he gets into trouble is when he’s asked to sit back and anchor down (things asked of traditional 4-3 D-tackles and 3-4 D-ends), which was evident Tuesday during two-on-one drills. And there were times when Tennessee State guard Kadeem Edwards got in front of him in one-on-one drills, and made Donald look ordinary (similar to what happened to him against a bigger Miami offensive line this season). He lacks ideal size at 6-0, 288 pounds with 31¾-inch arms, which is really right on the edge of acceptable size at the position. If he were 2 inches taller and 15 pounds bigger, we’d be talking about him as a top-15 pick. But his ability to get off the ball with initial pop and explosiveness makes him an ideal fit as a 3-technique, as that scheme is designed to do everything it can to allow that position to stay on the move.

Other standouts from Tuesday’s practices:

DT Deandre Coleman, California: Coleman isn’t a big-name D-lineman like Ford or Arizona State’s Will Sutton, but he has played really well both days here. He looked very strong against the double-team on Tuesday, using his hands effectively and playing really hard. He plowed through Oklahoma’s Gabe Ikard during one session.

WR Ryan Grant, Tulane: Grant has stood out on both days, cleanly catching the ball away from his frame and looking smooth getting in and out of his breaks. He’s very quick and has done a good job of separating from coverage. He’s lean and needs to get stronger, but has a big enough frame to do so.

OG Kadeem Edwards, Tennessee State: Edwards has done a great job of using his hands and playing with balance, and he completely stoned Donald during one of the sessions. He’s a small-school guy who has performed well against bigger-name competition.

OL Brandon Thomas, Clemson, and Jack Mewhort, Ohio State: Neither of these guys is overly pretty, but they are effective. Mewhort looks like a fit at right tackle, while Thomas might be more of a guard, but both are potential starters. Mewhort could be a good value on Day 2, and Thomas would be a good value in the middle rounds.

RB Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern: McKinnon is trying to make the transition from small-school college quarterback (he rushed for 125 yards on nine carries, including the game-winning TD, in Georgia Southern’s upset win over Florida this season) to NFL running back, so he still has some things to figure out in terms of showing better vision and patience, and improving his technique in pass protection. But he has noticeable juice and acceleration. He looks like the quickest running back here, and has great burst out of his cuts.
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Senior Bowl: Evaluating Carr, Garoppolo
...
Let's take a look at what each of these guys does well, including how they've performed in Mobile, and what the remaining questions are about them as prospects. They certainly have scouts intrigued. But will they be deemed worthy of a high draft pick?

Carr: When Carr doesn't have to deal with pressure, he can be a very effective quarterback. He has pretty quick feet and can be very accurate on short and intermediate throws. That's why it isn't surprising that he's performed well this week in Mobile, as he isn't facing any fear of pressure in the drills. He has shown well in practices, doing exactly what you'd want to see out of him.

But the problem we're seeing when we watch Carr on tape is that his mechanics and throwing accuracy fail when pressure is a threat. We've studied seven tapes of him over a two-season span, and we've seen him consistently have trouble dealing with the pass rush. Additionally, his footwork can be sloppy at times, and he has some significant work to do on his lower-body mechanics.

In our experience, unless there's a specific reason for struggles while in college (and Carr had an ideal situation at Fresno State, with a good offensive coaching staff and skill-position players around him), performances at all-star games like the Senior Bowl should never trump what stands out about a player on tape. Which is why, even as he shines this week in Mobile, we have some concerns about Carr's game.

Garoppolo: Having come from a small school, there's a lot less known about Garoppolo, but he certainly has NFL scouts intrigued. We saw him at the East-West Shrine Game, and he stood out as the best QB there. We've watched only two tapes on him so far, but we liked what we've seen. He's light on his feet, has sound mechanics and a quick release. And while he doesn't have a big-time arm, his arm strength is adequate and he can make all the NFL throws.

He ha flashed anticipation as a passer this week in Mobile, but what has really stood out is his ability to marry his feet with his eyes, making him always ready to get the ball out as he goes through his progressions. He underwhelmed us on Wednesday after good showings Monday and Tuesday, but there are reasons to excuse that a bit, seeing as how he's in the midst of his second consecutive week of All-Star game practices, which can drain on you both physically and mentally. (A quarterback make a ton of throws at these events.)

The bottom line for us is that we're excited to study Garoppolo further (in particular, we'll be looking to see how he fares throwing the ball in bad-weather games, given his small hand size), but the limited amount we've seen so far makes us think that he could be a potential NFL starter. If teams end up feeling the same about him -- or Carr -- that could go a long way toward shaping the second tier of QBs in this draft...
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Todd McShay ‏@McShay13
6 first round prospects in tonight's #ASFC: OT Matthews, NT Nix III, DT Hageman, LB Mosley, CB Gilbert, and S Clinton-Dix. 9p ET ESPN2

All-Star Football Challenge airs tonight at 9p ET ESPN2. 16 draft prospects participated, incl. QBs Logan Thomas and Tajh Boyd. Check it out
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Quicken Loans QB Accuracy

Tajh Boyd – Clemson

David Fales – San Jose State

Logan Thomas – Virginia Tech

Eckrich Obstacle Course

Lache Seastrunk – RB – Baylor

CJ Mosley – LB – Alabama

Kyle Van Noy – LB – BYU

Skechers Hands Competition

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – S – Alabama

Justin Gilbert – CB – Oklahoma State

Marcus Roberson – CB – Florida

Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio State

Mercedes-Benz Lineman Strength Challenge

Ra’Shede Hageman – DL – Minnesota

Jake Matthews – OL – Texas A&M

Louis Nix III – DL – Notre Dame

TD Ameritrade Speed Kick

Chris Boswell – Rice

Anthony Fera – Texas

Cairo Santos – Tulane
 
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Playoffs said:
Todd McShay ‏@McShay13


Quicken Loans QB Accuracy

Tajh Boyd – Clemson

David Fales – San Jose State

Logan Thomas – Virginia Tech

Eckrich Obstacle Course

Lache Seastrunk – RB – Baylor

CJ Mosley – LB – Alabama

Kyle Van Noy – LB – BYU

Skechers Hands Competition

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – S – Alabama

Justin Gilbert – CB – Oklahoma State

Marcus Roberson – CB – Florida

Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio State

Mercedes-Benz Lineman Strength Challenge

Ra’Shede Hageman – DL – Minnesota

Jake Matthews – OL – Texas A&M

Louis Nix III – DL – Notre Dame

TD Ameritrade Speed Kick

Chris Boswell – Rice

Anthony Fera – Texas

Cairo Santos – Tulane
Click to expand...
Mathews in a strength competition will be very interesting.
 
How did this go? I obviously didn't watch it because it seems stupid but I was hoping one of yall would give me a recap.
 
Top 32

1Jadeveon Clowney*
COLLEGE: South CarolinaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 258POS: DE

2Greg Robinson*
COLLEGE: AuburnAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 320POS: OT

3Jake Matthews
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 309POS: OT

4Sammy Watkins*
COLLEGE: ClemsonAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 205POS: WR

5Timmy Jernigan*
COLLEGE: FSUAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 298POS: DT

6Anthony Barr
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 244POS: OLB

7C.J. Mosley
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 228POS: LB

8Khalil Mack
COLLEGE: BuffaloAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 245POS: OLB

9Teddy Bridgewater*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 198POS: QB

10Marqise Lee*
COLLEGE: USCAGE: 21HT: 6-0WT: 195POS: WR

11Justin Gilbert
COLLEGE: Oklahoma StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: CB

12Blake Bortles*
COLLEGE: UCFAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 228POS: QB

13Mike Evans*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 220POS: WR

14Taylor Lewan
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 314POS: OT

15Stephon Tuitt*
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 303POS: DE

16Ha Ha Clinton-Dix*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 208POS: S

17Louis Nix III
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 340POS: DT

18Darqueze Dennard
COLLEGE: Michigan StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 189POS: CB

19Zack Martin
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 23HT: 6-4WT: 308POS: OT

20Ra'Shede Hageman
COLLEGE: MinnesotaAGE: 23HT: 6-5WT: 307POS: DT

21Johnny Manziel*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: QB

22Eric Ebron*
COLLEGE: UNCAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 231POS: TE

23Loucheiz Purifoy*
COLLEGE: FloridaAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 185POS: CB

24Cyrus Kouandjio*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 310POS: OT

25Aaron Donald
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 281POS: DT

26Kony Ealy*
COLLEGE: MissouriAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 275POS: DE

27Lamarcus Joyner
COLLEGE: Florida StateAGE: 23HT: 5-8WT: 187POS: CB

28Jason Verrett
COLLEGE: TCUAGE: 22HT: 5-9WT: 174POS: CB

29Morgan Moses
COLLEGE: VirginiaAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 332POS: OT

30Davante Adams*
COLLEGE: Fresno StateAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 212POS: WR

31Calvin Pryor*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 208POS: S

32Carlos Hyde
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 238POS: RB
Click to expand...
 
2/12 Big Board

1Jadeveon Clowney*
COLLEGE: South CarolinaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 258POS: DE

Analysis: Clowney remains the No. 1 prospect on our board, as he has all season. His production dropped off in 2013 and his motor ran hot and cold, especially toward the end of the year, but simply put, he is the most talented player in this class. He has a rare blend of size, athleticism, strength and speed, and he can beat opponents with both his speed rush and his bull rush.

2Greg Robinson*
COLLEGE: AuburnAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 320POS: OT

3Jake Matthews
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 309POS: OT

4Khalil Mack
COLLEGE: BuffaloAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 245POS: OLB

5Sammy Watkins*
COLLEGE: ClemsonAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 205POS: WR

6Timmy Jernigan*
COLLEGE: FSUAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 298POS: DT

7C.J. Mosley
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 228POS: LB

8Mike Evans*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 220POS: WR

9Taylor Lewan
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 314POS: OT

10Teddy Bridgewater*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 198POS: QB

11Blake Bortles*
COLLEGE: UCFAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 228POS: QB

12Justin Gilbert
COLLEGE: Oklahoma StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: CB

13Ha Ha Clinton-Dix*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 208POS: S

14Louis Nix III
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 340POS: DT

15Marqise Lee*
COLLEGE: USCAGE: 21HT: 6-0WT: 195POS: WR

16Anthony Barr
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 21HT: 6-4WT: 244POS: OLB

17Darqueze Dennard
COLLEGE: Michigan StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 189POS: CB

18Stephon Tuitt*
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 20HT: 6-6WT: 303POS: DE

19Zack Martin
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 23HT: 6-4WT: 308POS: OT

20Johnny Manziel*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 200POS: QB

21Eric Ebron*
COLLEGE: UNCAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 231POS: TE

22Lamarcus Joyner
COLLEGE: Florida StateAGE: 23HT: 5-8WT: 187POS: CB

23Ra'Shede Hageman
COLLEGE: MinnesotaAGE: 23HT: 6-5WT: 307POS: DT

24Cyrus Kouandjio*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 310POS: OT

25Calvin Pryor*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 208POS: S

26Aaron Donald
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 281POS: DT

27Kony Ealy*
COLLEGE: MissouriAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 275POS: DE

28Brandin Cooks*
COLLEGE: Oregon StateAGE: 20HT: 5-10WT: 185POS: WR

29Morgan Moses
COLLEGE: VirginiaAGE: 22HT: 6-6WT: 332POS: OT

30Jason Verrett
COLLEGE: TCUAGE: 22HT: 5-9WT: 174POS: CB

31Bradley Roby*
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 193POS: CB

32Jace Amaro*
COLLEGE: Texas TechAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 255POS: TE
Click to expand...
 
This is how I expect to see a mock draft adjusted after 7 days. More respect for McShay this time around.

Although I still don't feel this is truly his because of it's roots, I believe he is making this his, and for that I respect him.

It's McShay still so much can be argued, but I won't bother.
 
McShay insight...

On RBs at the Combine, the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump and those rankings are best predictor of NFL success...

But if you run slower than 4.66 in the 40 your chances of success drop to just 1 of 64 RBs became 3 year starter last 10 years. Over 4.70, none became starters.
Click to expand...

Also drafting the fastest 40 yard dash guy at any position yielded ~25% successful outcome.
 
McShay: Biggest combine snubs for 2014
While the National Invitation Camp Selection Committee does a very good job of targeting most of the top prospects in a given class for that year's combine, there are inevitably a few to fall through the cracks each year. Approximately 10 percent of the players selected in the draft every year are not invited, and occasionally a star will emerge from this "non-combine" group.

In 2012, OG Brandon Brooks (Miami-OH) was our highest-rated snub and he wound up drafted by the Texans in Round 3. Last year, Vince Williams (Florida State) was our top-rated combine snub, and the Steelers wound up drafting the inside linebacker in the sixth round.

Which prospects were snubbed this season? Here's our top 10:

1. Morgan Breslin, DE, USC
2. Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
3. Ty Zimmerman, S, Kansas State
4. Marquis Spruill, ILB, Syracuse
5. Robert Nelson, CB, Arizona State
6. Trey Hopkins, G, Texas
7. Derrell Johnson, OLB, East Carolina
8. Brett Van Sloten, OT, Iowa
9. Beau Allen, DT, Wisconsin
10. Bruce Gaston, DT, Purdue
Click to expand...
 
Prospects with most riding on combine

The stakes are higher at this year’s NFL scouting combine than in years past, with a record-setting number of underclassmen (85) in attendance. It’s unsettling for teams to be less than three months away from the draft and still not have official heights and weights for approximately one-third of the players who will be drafted.

Which prospects have the most riding on their combine performances? I’ve ranked my top 10, some of whom are guys in need of strong showings in order to solidify or improve their draft status (or in some cases, to prevent their stocks from slipping), and some of whom are players with the potential to make significant jumps up draft boards by posting big numbers and handling the process well.

1. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

Not too long ago, I had Barr listed as the No. 2 prospect in my Top 32 rankings. He looks...

2. Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Lee is on this list for...

3. Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

I feel as though Tuitt’s draft stock has slowly eroded over the course of the past year, but he has a chance to regain some traction with a strong combine showing...

4. Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

It was pretty obvious from watching tape on Roby early in the season that he was playing with terrible eye discipline and gambling way too much, and he got burned several times as a result. But he started playing better as the season progressed, and I would argue that he is the most talented natural athlete in this year’s class of cornerbacks...

5. Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Amaro has been a tough prospect for me to figure out on tape, because while he was highly productive and is a massive target with good hands and straight-line speed, I also don’t see him consistently separating...

6. Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida

Purifoy is kind of a teaser on tape in that he appears to be such a good, natural athlete with fluid hips, very good speed, body control and change-of-direction skills, but his technique...

7. De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

When you’re small, you don’t really have a defined position at the next level, and you exited college with a lot of questions about your mental and physical toughness and competitiveness (as Thomas did), you better be fast. Well, Thomas is. In fact, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player in a live game situation who was faster with the ball in his hands...

8. Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado

Two words come to mind when I watch Richardson on tape: speedy and skinny...

9. Andre Williams, RB, Boston College

It’s hard to have a more productive season running the football than Williams did last season, and he’s a good, smart player who will likely impress teams during his interviews. But he took a beating last season, so his medical evaluation will be important..

10. Dri Archer, RB, Kent State

The same things I wrote above about Thomas’ size can be said of Archer -– if you’re 5-8 and around 170 pounds, you better be fast. That’s more so the case with Archer in that he’s a guy who has struggled with durability...
Click to expand...
 
"I would lean in the direction of Clowney or Greg Robinson over any of these QBs for Houston [at 1-1]."

"Clowney was a lot more productive and a lot more dominant this year than what the statistics would say or the image being portrayed this past season in the media indicates."

"Do you have concerns, yes. Will the psychological testing be important, yes." -- McShay on Mike&Mike


Hmmm.... not comfortable being on the same side as Todd, Todd, Todd, Todd, Todd, Todd.
 
2/27 Big Board
1Jadeveon Clowney*
COLLEGE: South CarolinaAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 266POS: DE

Analysis: From a talent standpoint, he is the clear No. 1 prospect in this class, a fact he reminded everyone of with his exceptional 4.53-second 40-yard dash time at the combine. To put that number into perspective, it is faster than the average produced by wide receivers over the last five years at the combine and faster than Johnny Manziel as well as mobile NFL QBs Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson. Clowney will have some questions to answer at his pro day and in individual interviews with teams, but I'm not anticipating any issues there. He has a rare combination of size, speed, strength and athleticism.

2Greg Robinson*
COLLEGE: AuburnAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 332POS: OT

3Khalil Mack
COLLEGE: BuffaloAGE: 22HT: 6-3WT: 251POS: OLB

4Sammy Watkins*
COLLEGE: ClemsonAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 211POS: WR

5Jake Matthews
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 308POS: OT

6Taylor Lewan
COLLEGE: MichiganAGE: 22HT: 6-7WT: 309POS: OT

7Mike Evans*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 231POS: WR

8Teddy Bridgewater*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 214POS: QB

Analysis: He didn't participate in any combine events outside of the vertical and broad jumps, but I don't think his sitting the rest out will matter much. It will put more focus on his pro day, but I feel as though his performance there will have minimal importance as well. He is the most naturally accurate and pro-ready quarterback in this class. The only questions about him regard his upside, long-term durability and vocal leadership.

9Blake Bortles*
COLLEGE: UCFAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 232POS: QB

Analysis: I wasn't able to see Bortles' passing session in person at the combine, but I thought he looked OK overall from what I saw on TV, and those I talked to who were there gave him mixed reviews. He ran surprisingly slow in the 40 at 4.93, but the most important aspect of Bortles' combine was his interviews, and I heard he did really well there. In fact, I've yet to hear one negative thing about him as a person. He has prototypical size at 6-5, 232 pounds, in addition to good pocket presence and playmaking ability. He has some minor improvements to make in terms of his mechanics and accuracy.

10Justin Gilbert
COLLEGE: Oklahoma StateAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 202POS: CB

11Timmy Jernigan*
COLLEGE: FSUAGE: 20HT: 6-2WT: 299POS: DT

12C.J. Mosley
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 21HT: 6-2WT: 234POS: LB

13Aaron Donald
COLLEGE: PittsburghAGE: 22HT: 6-1WT: 285POS: DT

14Darqueze Dennard
COLLEGE: Michigan StateAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 199POS: CB

15Calvin Pryor*
COLLEGE: LouisvilleAGE: 22HT: 5-11WT: 207POS: S

16Ha Ha Clinton-Dix*
COLLEGE: AlabamaAGE: 20HT: 6-1WT: 208POS: S

17Eric Ebron*
COLLEGE: UNCAGE: 20HT: 6-4WT: 250POS: TE

18Marqise Lee*
COLLEGE: USCAGE: 21HT: 6-0WT: 192POS: WR

19Zack Martin
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 23HT: 6-4WT: 308POS: OT

20Louis Nix III
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 22HT: 6-2WT: 331POS: DT

21Kony Ealy*
COLLEGE: MissouriAGE: 22HT: 6-4WT: 273POS: DE

22Lamarcus Joyner
COLLEGE: Florida StateAGE: 23HT: 5-8WT: 184POS: CB

23Johnny Manziel*
COLLEGE: Texas A&MAGE: 20HT: 6-0WT: 207POS: QB

Analysis: I wasn't blown away with Manziel's test results overall, even though he did run a good 40 time (4.68, fourth-best among QBs) and short shuttle (4.03, fastest among QBs). But from everything I heard, he did really well in his team interviews, which was an important area for him. The longer the process goes on, the less likely I think it is that he'll go No. 1 overall to Houston, but there's still a good chance he could go in the top five or 10 picks. He has special playmaking and improvisational ability, and he improved his arm strength and ball-placement consistency this season. The questions remain about his on- and off-field decision-making and long-term durability.

24Brandin Cooks*
COLLEGE: Oregon StateAGE: 20HT: 5-10WT: 189POS: WR

25Ra'Shede Hageman
COLLEGE: MinnesotaAGE: 23HT: 6-6WT: 310POS: DT

Analysis: He showed off his strength at the combine, tying for third among defensive linemen with 32 reps on the bench press. There are some boom-or-bust qualities to Hageman, as he has to improve his consistency and technique, but there aren't many players as big as he is who can move as well as his does. His versatility is an asset, as well.

26Bradley Roby*
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 194POS: CB

27Odell Beckham Jr.*
COLLEGE: LSUAGE: 21HT: 5-11WT: 198POS: WR

28Anthony Barr
COLLEGE: UCLAAGE: 21HT: 6-5WT: 255POS: OLB

Analysis: He proved with his combine performance that he is a really good, fast athlete, running a 4.66 40 and doing well in the three-cone short-shuttle drills. He was just OK in the jumps that measure lower-half explosiveness, which matches up with the biggest issue I see from him on tape: He hasn't shown a lot of explosiveness or finishing ability. He was very productive at UCLA, however, and has the potential to get better.

29Stephon Tuitt*
COLLEGE: Notre DameAGE: 20HT: 6-5WT: 304POS: DE

30Ryan Shazier*
COLLEGE: Ohio StateAGE: 21HT: 6-1WT: 237POS: LB

31Kyle Fuller
COLLEGE: Virginia TechAGE: 22HT: 6-0WT: 190POS: CB

Analysis: Fuller is making his first appearance in the Top 32 after showing well in Indy with a 4.49 40 time and posting the top broad jump distance (128 inches) among all cornerbacks. He struggles to match up in man-to-man coverage at times, but he is an aggressive and capable run defender.

32Jason Verrett
COLLEGE: TCUAGE: 22HT: 5-9WT: 189POS: CB
Click to expand...
 
McShay: UM DT Hageman is a 'rare talent'
ESPN.com's Todd McShay called Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman a "rare talent."

"Hageman has more 'wow' moments than any DT in class," McShay tweeted. "Pads rise way too often, motor runs hot-cold." Outside of Jadeveon Clowney, Hageman is as athletically gifted as any defensive line prospect. At 6-foot-6, 311-pounds, he runs a sub 5-second forty and is arguably versatile enough to play any DL position in any scheme. Some believe his best fit is as a 3-4 DE, while others see a pocket collapsing 4-3 DT. Some evaluators are spooked by his inconsistency, but keep in mind that Hageman was easily Minnesota's best defender and was often targeted with multiple blockers in Big 10 play.
Click to expand...
 
So unless you just disregard every eval of McShay, there's 7 guys you should take ahead of Bridgewater.
 
lol, classic McShay.

Maybe if Justin Gilbert isn't drafted by the Vikings he also has the possibility of getting drafted by someone else at some point in the draft...

I guess I can be a hard hitting journalist too.
 
Playoffs said:
McShay on 610AM: Texans should take Clowney, Robinson, Mack or one of the QBs at 1-1.

:secret: :runaway:
Click to expand...

Dadgum, McShay covered ALL the Bases. Perfect example of NOT going out on a limb. Talk about a CYA. I'd say McShay has 99.9% chance of being right with that statement.
 
Todd McShay ‏@McShay13
Cont13... Sorry for novel. The end!

Cont12... I think Bortles is worth top 10 pick but would have hard time taking him over the elite guys: Clowney, Robinson, Mack, Watkins

Cont11... but remember I was a bit higher on Tannehill than most (mid-1st rd grade)

Cont10... Long-short: I think he grades out (for me) just slightly behind Tannehill -

Cont9... But he has above avg arm and accuracy. He has outstanding pocket presence. He has a strong mental makeup, and he has "it" factor.

Cont8... ...he's always going to have to work hard on mechanics to keep ball placement at a high enough level.

Cont7... He is never going to have elite arm strength and...

Cont6... Now- I understand it's just a pro day, so I'm keeping everything in perspective. He's not Andrew Luck- not by a long shot.

Cont5... As result, he's generating more power from lower body to improve ball velocity. And in long run will have more consistent accuracy.

Cont4... Based on what I saw yesterday, he's well on his way towards fixing. And it is coming very naturally to him.

Cont3... Which is step 1. Step 2 is fixing the problem - and making sure it's natural (so it can be sustainable).

Cont2... He has identified issues that we all see on tape (weak base, failing to transfer weight, opening wide to left, falling off throws)

Cont... knows that he is just a minor tweak to lower body mechanic away from putting it all together.

Improved base/balance. Looks like he's finding mechanically sound delivery that works for him. Anyone that knows QB pos and studied his tape

Was just ripping with @LanceZierlein re: QB Bortles. Next few tweets are copied/pasted from what I was writing...
Click to expand...
 
McShay's World Draftnik Tour Top 32

1Jadeveon ClowneyCOLLEGE: South CarolinaClass: JrHT: 6-5WT: 266POS: DE
Analysis: I attended Clowney's pro day workout Wednesday and wrote up an article on how I thought he performed, which you can read here. But in short, I think Clowney is in his own class, a step above the other three elite prospects in this class, and I think it's going to be really hard for the Texans to pass him up with the No. 1 pick. He has a rare blend of size, athleticism, strength and speed, and he can beat opponents with his speed rush or his bull rush. I also think he's capable of dropping into coverage when he's asked to do so.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD

2Greg RobinsonCOLLEGE: AuburnClass: SophHT: 6-5WT: 332POS: OT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD

3Khalil MackCOLLEGE: BuffaloHT: 6-2WT: 251POS: OLB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD

4Sammy WatkinsCOLLEGE: ClemsonClass: JrHT: 6-0WT: 211POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 4 | PLAYER CARD

5Jake MatthewsCOLLEGE: Texas A&MClass: SrHT: 6-5WT: 308POS: OT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 5 | PLAYER CARD

6Taylor LewanCOLLEGE: MichiganClass: SrHT: 6-7WT: 309POS: OT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 7 | PLAYER CARD

7Mike EvansCOLLEGE: Texas A&MClass: SophHT: 6-4WT: 231POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 6 | PLAYER CARD

8C.J. MosleyCOLLEGE: AlabamaClass: SrHT: 6-2WT: 234POS: ILB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 9 | PLAYER CARD

9Blake BortlesCOLLEGE: UCFClass: JrHT: 6-5WT: 232POS: QB
2013 STATSYDS 3280TD 22INT 7
Analysis: Bortles has prototypical size at 6-5, 232 pounds, and, although he doesn't have a great arm, it is strong enough to make all the NFL throws. He has good pocket presence and playmaking ability and rates well in terms of his leadership and intangibles. He has some minor improvements to make in terms of his mechanics and accuracy, but it was very encouraging to see at his pro day that he had clearly made progress in those areas already this offseason.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 10 | PLAYER CARD

10Ha Ha Clinton-DixCOLLEGE: AlabamaClass: JrHT: 6-1WT: 208POS: S

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 16 | PLAYER CARD

11Aaron DonaldCOLLEGE: PittsburghHT: 6-0WT: 285POS: DT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 12 | PLAYER CARD

12Eric EbronCOLLEGE: North CarolinaClass: JrHT: 6-4WT: 250POS: TE

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 13 | PLAYER CARD

13Teddy BridgewaterCOLLEGE: LouisvilleClass: JrHT: 6-2WT: 214POS: QB
2013 STATSYDS 3523TD 28INT 4
Analysis: Bridgewater remains the most pro-ready QB prospect in this class, but he drops a few spots here because there continue to be concerns about his long-term durability because of his lean frame and about his ability to drive the ball down the field with velocity and accuracy. He did nothing to ease either of those concerns for NFL teams with his pro day performance; Bridgewater's is one of the rare cases when a quarterback's throwing performance on game tape is more impressive than what he showed at his pro day.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 8 | PLAYER CARD

14Morgan MosesCOLLEGE: VirginiaHT: 6-6WT: 314POS: OT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 32 | PLAYER CARD

15Zack MartinCOLLEGE: Notre DameHT: 6-4WT: 308POS: OT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 17 | PLAYER CARD

16Darqueze DennardCOLLEGE: Michigan StateClass: SrHT: 5-10WT: 199POS: CB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 14 | PLAYER CARD

17Calvin PryorCOLLEGE: LouisvilleClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 207POS: S

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 15 | PLAYER CARD

18Brandin CooksCOLLEGE: Oregon StateClass: JrHT: 5-9WT: 189POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 23 | PLAYER CARD

19Bradley RobyCOLLEGE: Ohio StateClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 194POS: CB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 20 | PLAYER CARD

20Johnny ManzielCOLLEGE: Texas A&MClass: SophHT: 5-11WT: 207POS: QB
2013 STATSYDS 3732TD 33INT 13
Analysis: Manziel earned an A for his pro day performance, but he remains one of the most difficult-to-evaluate prospects I've ever seen. You can check out my full scouting report on him here; in short, he has a strong arm, quick release, poise and vision under pressure and a unique ability to create, but carries with him a significant injury risk because of his small frame and has a lot of work to do to overcome being a sub-6-foot quarterback with a three-quarter delivery and inconsistent college mechanics.

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 21 | PLAYER CARD

21Odell Beckham Jr.COLLEGE: LSUClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 198POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 26 | PLAYER CARD

22Marqise LeeCOLLEGE: USCClass: JrHT: 5-11WT: 192POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 18 | PLAYER CARD

23Timmy JerniganCOLLEGE: Florida StateClass: JrHT: 6-1WT: 299POS: DT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 30 | PLAYER CARD

24Justin GilbertCOLLEGE: Oklahoma StateClass: SrHT: 6-0WT: 202POS: CB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 11 | PLAYER CARD

25Ra'Shede HagemanCOLLEGE: MinnesotaHT: 6-5WT: 310POS: DT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 19 | PLAYER CARD

26Louis Nix IIICOLLEGE: Notre DameClass: SrHT: 6-2WT: 331POS: DT

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 22 | PLAYER CARD

27Anthony BarrCOLLEGE: UCLAClass: SrHT: 6-4WT: 255POS: OLB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 24 | PLAYER CARD

28Kyle FullerCOLLEGE: Virginia TechClass: SrHT: 5-11WT: 190POS: CB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 27 | PLAYER CARD

29Jason VerrettCOLLEGE: TCUClass: SrHT: 5-9WT: 189POS: CB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 31 | PLAYER CARD

30Ryan ShazierCOLLEGE: Ohio StateClass: JrHT: 6-1WT: 237POS: OLB

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 29 | PLAYER CARD

31Dee FordCOLLEGE: AuburnHT: 6-2WT: 244POS: DE

PREVIOUS RANK: No. 28 | PLAYER CARD

32Kelvin BenjaminCOLLEGE: Florida StateClass: SophHT: 6-5WT: 240POS: WR

PREVIOUS RANK: No. NR | PLAYER CARD
Click to expand...

Morgan Moses' 2013 game tape got 18 spots better from TMc's last rankings. :lol:
 
If the Texans trade out of 1-1, McShay "would be shocked if the Texans took Manziel over Bortles." -ESPN
 
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