from postgameheroes.com--DRAFT PRIORITIES

[heliKCx17]

I realize this is my first post, but I am a writer for postgameheroes.com and I came over to share this:

I focus on the draft, watching tons of film and keeping up with team needs. This is what I see the Skins doing.

#13
OT--Jansen was terrible, and while Heyer shows promise, we need a backup plan. Even if heyer plays well, Samuels will also be done soon, so we need another guy here. Andre Smith is absurd...this guy is a total stud and we should take him if we can. All 4 top OTs are as good on tape as Joe Thomas of the Browns, he went #4 and will be a starting LT his whole career, so obviously great value at #13.

LB--if no OTs left, we go LB. My pick would be Rey Maualuga, and I would consider taking him over the OTs because...1) this OL class is incredibly deep, so we can get pretty good value later if we trade down to get Rey and 2) because this is a man in the mold of ray lewis...a leader, hard hitter, and consistent performer who never stops working. He has the speed to play outside for the first few years and then move in when london is gone...it sets us up at LB for a long time.

DE-if orakpo is there, gotta take him, he looks like julius peppers out of college, and he can stand up too at OLB even in a 4-3. Would provide some nice packages for ol' Blache.

Best option?--Trade down, get OT(like Arizona's Eben Britton=stud) in early 2nd (via trade) and Rey in the 20s.

Now this is the part I love...the late round prospects...I love watching film of the small-school guys and finding the gems. I pride myself on finding Colston, Willie Parker, CHRIS HORTON (i don't know how people passed him up...his tape is nasty) and James Harrison, so I really enjoy finding these guys.

3rd round--OLB or OG

OLB--Cody Brown (Conn) is a good option here, but also keep an eye on one of the fastest linebackers ever to come out--Jonathan Casillas out of Wisconsin...he can fly and he has room to get more bulk....but we can probably pick him up as late as the 7th round if no one figures out his assets.

5th round---the draft-breaker--DEVIN MOORE--the guy is a beast, watch film on him and you will want to punch Mel Kiper in the face for not giving him a 1-2 round grade. This guy can fly, break tackles, and take it to the house...we need this guy.

7th round-OL depth, or receiver/rb with promise

late round gems:
WR:Brooks Foster--runs a 4.4 and put up 27 reps of 225
Aaron Kelly-Clemson--6'5", 4.49 with a 38" vert

RB: Devin Moore--above
Ian Johnson-FAST, put on 25 lbs since college
Keegan Herring--prototypical scatback

Lemme know what you all think.

[Jumbo]

Hey, glad to see you posting here--we appreciate the contriubutions from your site whenever you guys stop by. You boys do some great analysis. Your post here reflects most of the top pick names and opinions of need that has been much discussed here, but I haven't checked out Casillas or Moore, so I'll do so. Good to have you around and welcome to the board. :)

[Califan007]

Would picking Devin Moore mean that you wouldn't mind parting with Betts? Or would it mean Cartwright can be shown the door and have Moore be #3?

Nice analysis, thanks :cheers:

[heliKCx17]

per draftguystv: DEVIN MOORE

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2482649/devin_moore_rb_wyoming/

[heliKCx17]

John Casillas (OLB)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkEh6r7qoFU

[heliKCx17]

cody brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KTeWMfkyM8

[heliKCx17]

Ian Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9bkWU-J1tk

[heliKCx17]

Brooks Foster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcarsdf6o1o

[heliKCx17]

Keegan Herring

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmgrNRjGP-Y

That's it for now...enjoy

[nightbird]

I reaaaaaaaaallllllly want us to draft Devin Moore and set him up as our change of pace back.

In my scenario we'd keep Rock because he's dirt cheap and plays a necessary role on ST, and we'd part ways with Betts.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

How does it feel to be the only person in America currently advocating the drafting of Andre Smith?

[acuratl1984]

Awesome info Helikc.

I have to say I love the Offense/Defensive break down after every game.

[rd421]

Hey man WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!!!!!

Also I just wanted to say I ALWAYS want to punch Mel Kiper in the face...

[acuratl1984]

Was Brook Foster the WR that got hurt, and was later replaced by Hakeem Nicks?
Forgot where I read it, but they said he would have been an early round pick if he didn't get hurt and lost his starting job to Nicks. (Maybe another UNC WR though)

[Gator Bait]

Andre Smith is absurd...this guy is a total stud and we should take him if we can.
You aren't worried about his character issues and work ethic, because I am


Best option?--Trade down, get OT(like Arizona's Eben Britton=stud) in early 2nd (via trade) and Rey in the 20s.
I don't think Britton will be there in the 2nd round, I think he goes in the mid 20s of the first. I'd be surprised if Maualuga made it past the mid 1st round...he'll be gone by 20.


I pride myself on finding Colston, Willie Parker, CHRIS HORTON (i don't know how people passed him up...his tape is nasty) and James Harrison
Please find us a Harrison and a Colston and email them to Vinny. He has a gmail account posted in one of the threads in the Stadium forum.


OLB--Cody Brown (Conn) is a good option here
I'd love to get Cody Brown in the 3rd


5th round---the draft-breaker--DEVIN MOORE--the guy is a beast, watch film on him and you will want to punch Mel Kiper in the face for not giving him a 1-2 round grade. This guy can fly, break tackles, and take it to the house...we need this guy.
I don't think we need to draft a RB. We picked up Dorsey and Aldridge to compete for the 3rd RB/KR slots. I think Aldridge becomes our Sproles.


7th round-OL depth, or receiver/rb with promise
We don't have a 7th round pick

late round gems:
Ian Johnson-FAST, put on 25 lbs since college
Ian Johnson could end up being this year's Horton

[Dick Edds]

great info, I am really big on Rey Mal from USC ... I think he is gonna be a stud, Orakpo would be good to. I don;t care what system he played in college the kid is a straight up FREAK and will wreak havoc.

I agree that if the top 4 OT's aren't there ... we should take Rey or Orakpo ... there are solid OL'man to be had in the mid rounds.

Trading down with a team like Minny and getting a late first and maybe an additional 2nd or 3rd would be ideal. Nice post!

[Gator Bait]

I agree that if the top 4 OT's aren't there ... we should take Rey or Orakpo ... there are solid OL'man to be had in the mid rounds.


by the time all 4 OTs are gone.....Orakpo will be loooooooooong gone as well.

[SkinsHokieFan]

Welcome. Love the stuff you guys bring

I am still advocating trading down into the 20s and pick up another pick

[Laron Burgundy]

Devin Moore did look good. I'm surprised he doesn't sprain a knee with how hard he cuts. He's a bit smaller than Chris Johnson but he would probably be a nice change of pace. I'm still holding out for Noel Devine next year! Especially if he puts on 10 more pounds.

Great post and I completely agree with your line of thought.

[Gator Bait]

I'm still holding out for Noel Devine next year! Especially if he puts on 10 more pounds.


Noel Devine would be a good pick up...probably fall into at least the 3rd round, maybe 2nd day. PR/KR/change of pace

[Blue Collar Skins]

5th round---the draft-breaker--DEVIN MOORE--the guy is a beast, watch film on him and you will want to punch Mel Kiper in the face for not giving him a 1-2 round grade. This guy can fly, break tackles, and take it to the house...we need this guy. I would take Ian Johnson over Devin Moore. While Devin Moore might be fast, he cannot run between the tackles like Ian Johnson. Honestly if Joe Gibbs were still here, Ian Johnson would be his Running Back after Portis left.

[ChiefPowhatan17]

This year, the personnel team needs to draft for team needs especially in the late rounds. We need to fill positions. So, BPA might work at #13, which it should, but really it's gotta go by Team position needs, and then the BPA at that position. Let's get this right this year. No drafting of any TEs.

[Dick Edds]

by the time all 4 OTs are gone.....Orakpo will be loooooooooong gone as well.

maybe, maybe not ... hopefully Rey Mal would be there then. But, you really can't predict what is gonna happen and who is gonna be there or not.

[Gator Bait]

maybe, maybe not ... hopefully Rey Mal would be there then. But, you really can't predict what is gonna happen and who is gonna be there or not.

I'd put a pay check on this

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

Noel Devine would be a good pick up...probably fall into at least the 3rd round, maybe 2nd day. PR/KR/change of pace

Noel Devine is 5'2.

He would be an intersting UFA, but that's about it.

[Blue Collar Skins]

I'd put a pay check on thisSo you are saying all 4 OT's will be gone plus Orakpo too? If not you said you will give me your paycheck? Please tell me you work as a Doctor or something! :silly:

[Gator Bait]

So you are saying all 4 OT's will be gone plus Orakpo too? If not you said you will give me your paycheck? Please tell me you work as a Doctor or something! :silly:

no...I'm saying all 4 OT will not be gone by the time Orakpo is picked

[derekc4]

Noel Devine is 5'2.

He would be an intersting UFA, but that's about it.

I thought he was like 5' 7" or 5' 8".

[Blue Collar Skins]

I would take Ian Johnson over Devin Moore. While Devin Moore might be fast, he cannot run between the tackles like Ian Johnson. Honestly if Joe Gibbs were still here, Ian Johnson would be his Running Back after Portis left.Also, Ian Johnson runs a 4.42 and Devin Moore runs a 4.41. Ian Johnson is 212 Lbs while Devin Moore is only 190 Lbs. Ian Johnson hands down.

[derekc4]

Also, Ian Johnson runs a 4.42 and Devin Moore runs a 4.41. Ian Johnson is 212 Lbs while Devin Moore is only 190 Lbs. Ian Johnson hands down.

the op talked about moore's ability to cut, not necessarily his straight line speed. Portis runs a 4.3-4.4 too. Both are fast enough.

[heliKCx17]

if we get holt, we go OT, for sure, if we make an offensive move beyond the line we will be looking at that RT first. No Holt, look defense.

[Gator Bait]

Noel Devine is 5'2.

He would be an intersting UFA, but that's about it.

he is 5'8 according to espn.com.....where did 5'2 come from?

[Gator Bait]

the op talked about moore's ability to cut, not necessarily his straight line speed. Portis runs a 4.3-4.4 too. Both are fast enough.

portis hasn't run a 4.3-4.4 in at least 4 years

[That Redskins Fan]

I would take Ian Johnson over Devin Moore. While Devin Moore might be fast, he cannot run between the tackles like Ian Johnson. Honestly if Joe Gibbs were still here, Ian Johnson would be his Running Back after Portis left.


I am with you as well I an Johnson so fits the redskins and can return kicks as well bye bye betts, thank you but your time is up

[Gator Bait]

I am with you as well I an Johnson so fits the redskins and can return kicks as well bye bye betts, thank you but your time is up

why does everyone hate on Betts? I'd rather see bye bye Cartwright.....he is worthless as a RB and poses no threat to return a kick to the house

[Fede]

why does everyone hate on Betts? I'd rather see bye bye Cartwright.....he is worthless as a RB and poses no threat to return a kick to the house

I would like to see bye-bye to both. Betts and Cartwright both fumble. I need a running back with good hands.

[heliKCx17]

Betts will be gone...rock will stay...we will almost definitely get a RB in the draft

ive heard random rumors that betts is on the block of ANY draft pick

[Recent Vintage]

portis hasn't run a 4.3-4.4 in at least 4 years

Actually I'd say he ran something close to that in his race with Landry over the summer. They were neck and neck the whole way and Landry ran a 4.35 at the combine.

[chow184]

no offense but andre smith looks like a huge bust

if he doesnt have a good proday I've heard rumors he could fall out of the first round.

[BG]

I would love to land Ian Johnson. The guy is a Gibbs type of player (in all seriousness) he's super smart, works hard and is a scrapper at RB. He's got some wheels too, not sure what his 40 is, but I thought he was a hell of a back. I don't know to much about BSU, but I know he lost his starting job. Not sure why...

[Dick Edds]

I'd put a pay check on this

good for you!

[FrFan]

Devin Moore 98-Yard Fake Reversal Kickoff Return TD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IRWT_woUOQ&feature=related)

[Blue Collar Skins]

the op talked about moore's ability to cut, not necessarily his straight line speed. Portis runs a 4.3-4.4 too. Both are fast enough.But if you look at college careers, Moore would always go to the outside because of his speed, while Ian Johnson would run up the middle, to the outside. Ian Johnson was an all-around better RB versus Moore who was only quick and cut cut it to the outside.

[brooksflow]

Was Brook Foster the WR that got hurt, and was later replaced by Hakeem Nicks?
Forgot where I read it, but they said he would have been an early round pick if he didn't get hurt and lost his starting job to Nicks. (Maybe another UNC WR though)

Nicks was already a starter. The guy you're thinking of is Brandon Tate, who before his injury led the NCAA's in total yards (including returns, that is).

[earl]

all you andre smith haters out there obviously don't watch college football. Turn off ESPN and the NFL network, stop listening to the talking heads that are just looking for a reason to bash someone and watch the film. Andre Smith is a physical specimen who has been identified as a star since high school. there was a reason he was the #1 recruit coming out of high school. There is a reason why prior to the season being over he was regarded as a top 1 or 2 pick. Many experts believe he is the best OT to come out over the past 10 years. Prior to the sugar bowl there was absolutely no sign that he is a problem player. He made some bad decisions but who hasn't when they were 20 years old? its not like he got in trouble w/ the law. Bottom line if Smith is there at 13 we'd be fools to pass on him. Him skipping the combine might have been the best thing that could have happened to the skins. Besides w/ fellow Bama Alum, Samuels, on the team to mentor him, I think there is almost no chance that he busts. The talent is undeniable and the character is all speculation. Just wait until March 11, his proday, and all the naysayers will disappear.

[That Redskins Fan]

I would love to land Ian Johnson. The guy is a Gibbs type of player (in all seriousness) he's super smart, works hard and is a scrapper at RB. He's got some wheels too, not sure what his 40 is, but I thought he was a hell of a back. I don't know to much about BSU, but I know he lost his starting job. Not sure why...

he ran a 4.38 first time at the combine and ran a 4.49 on second attempt

he lost his starting job due bsu having a top notch qb and more of passing attack. i believe if he is around in the 5-6th round he his on the redskins radar

[heliKCx17]

Agreed...andre is a beast.

[elkabong82]

I'd have no problems with Andre Smith in a Skins uni.

And I wouldn't mind us getting a draft pick for Betts and getting a speedy, change of pace back in the lower rounds, while also seeing what we have in Dorsey of course. Rock is solid on kick returns, though he won't take it to the house often. However, how long will that last for him? Dorsey could push Rock for that 3rd RB spot, or at least I imagine that's why we brought him in.

[Dmac#5]

Andre Smith was my #1 ranked player prior to the Sugar Bowl/Combine events. IMO if he is there at #13 you can't pass on him because of character concerns. Top 5 and even top 10 you are taking a big risk but passing him up at 13 I think would be dumb. He is infinity better than Michael Oher but people push Oher over him because of character issues. Smith to me is unmatched talent in this draft. Eugene has great potential to be a dominant pass blocker but is just average against the run. Jason Smith is a surefire solid starter who is uber athletic but he too isn't that physical in the run game. Andre Smith to me is the one guy who can man the LT, RT, and even guard spot at worst. You don't often find an absolute mauler in the run game like him in a tackle to go along with such impressive footwork for a guy so big. I hate that people drop him so much because of the character concerns when they actually haven't seen him play. He was far and away the most dominating lineman in the country this year. I'd gladly take him if he dropped. Drafting him is just about the same risk as getting Haynesworth. I'd draft Orakpo over him if he dropped and would explore trading down, but if I go for an OT, I am not going to go for a lesser talent because of character issues, especially when a guy like Oher has consistency problems, and from what I heard at the senior bowl his knowledge and the understanding of the game and picking up blitzes quick is poor.

[RenegadeTK]

welcome to the board... very interesting post. a couple guys i havent heard mentioned

[airs0ft3r]

Devin Moore seems like he'll be a great back to complement what we've already seen from Dorsey. Portis is our big and powerful back, Dorsey is our Sproles-type back and Moore is in-between. If you can, watch the video that was posted on here. He's got talent without doubt. Think of Rock Cartwright + Speed.

[stevemcqueen1]

This year, the personnel team needs to draft for team needs especially in the late rounds. We need to fill positions. So, BPA might work at #13, which it should, but really it's gotta go by Team position needs, and then the BPA at that position. Let's get this right this year. No drafting of any TEs.

Yeah I agree somewhat. But I would only put TE and FB on the list of positions we shouldn't draft. Maybe Safety too, I really like what we have with Kareem Moore and of course Landry and Horton. It's shameful how many we have brought in over the past several years with really only Davis and Cooley sticking.

Aside from those 3 positions, we can pretty much go BPA for every single pick and not go wrong.

[stevemcqueen1]

Andre Smith was my #1 ranked player prior to the Sugar Bowl/Combine events. IMO if he is there at #13 you can't pass on him because of character concerns. Top 5 and even top 10 you are taking a big risk but passing him up at 13 I think would be dumb. He is infinity better than Michael Oher but people push Oher over him because of character issues.

Why do you think that Andre Smith is way better than Oher. I admit that I'm a pro-Oher guy, but I think that Smith will seriously struggle against speed rushers at LT because of his feet and bulk. Should we take him, it will be his job to block DeMarcus Ware for a long time after Samuels is gone so this is a big concern. Add to that all of the concerns about his weight struggles, and I think you have a guy whose future is best at RT.

Oher, on the other hand, is also a fantastic run blocker, and has very good feet for his size making him the more rounded prospect. Sure people complain about his consistency, but I think he will improve. Remember, he's only played football since he got accepted into that private school in like the 10th or 11th grade, so he still has a lot of room to learn and improve.

Honestly, I don't think we can go wrong with either, but to me its an issue of taking a guy who is shades of Orlando Pace and Willie Roaf in terms of skill set (Oher) against a guy who is reminds scouts of Flozell Adams (A. Smith).

[stevemcqueen1]

no offense but andre smith looks like a huge bust

if he doesnt have a good proday I've heard rumors he could fall out of the first round.

The Eagles will snap him up immediately at 21 if he is sitting there. He won the Outland trophy I'm pretty sure, its a good indicator of talent at the position. He screwed up the combine but that hardly means he will bust. More likely he will fall to a good team and end up in a good situation instead of wasting away in obscurity on an awful team like the Lions for the next four or five seasons.

[SkinsNorth]

Rey Rey is not a good fit for the skins. He plays MLB at USC and his instincts are not a strength. Asking him to switch positions (OLB) would further expose this weakness. He also does not do a good job with his hands shedding blocks, playing slb over the TE would mean that he would have a blocker on him nearly every play. He is also poor in coverage which is one of the primary duties of the slb.

Rey is best in a scheme that lets him roam and play downhill, his speed is just too iffy to play him outside. I think his best fit is at MLB in the 4-3 or ILB in the 3-4.

From a skins perspective, both Cushing and Matthews are better fits for what the skins are looking to do as they can both play the SLB spot ad move to DE on passing downs.

[HapHaszard]

I hadn't been checking out PGH lately, thought you guys had gone totally Steelers, good to know you still report on the Redskins. I'll be checking in more often.

[Burgundy Burner]

The Eagles will snap him up immediately at 21 if he is sitting there. He won the Outland trophy I'm pretty sure, its a good indicator of talent at the position. He screwed up the combine but that hardly means he will bust. More likely he will fall to a good team and end up in a good situation instead of wasting away in obscurity on an awful team like the Lions for the next four or five seasons.

With Tra Thomas gone, look for the Eagles to move up in the draft (ahead of the Redskkins) and snatch one of the elite tackles. Another team could do the same thing. Look for the four elite tackles to be gone by the time we pick.

[Justsomeguy]

Devin Moore seems like the total package he is just the kind of back that I think would compliment Portis and Dorsey.(Though I would like to see Dorsey as a KR/PR mostly.)
And a late round steal at that!!!!
Do it to it!!

[heliKCx17]

With Tra Thomas gone, look for the Eagles to move up in the draft (ahead of the Redskkins) and snatch one of the elite tackles. Another team could do the same thing. Look for the four elite tackles to be gone by the time we pick.

Good idea...I feel that the Skins will almost definitely do everything they can to trade down...teams interested will include the Eagles (but they don't like to trade up often) and the lions who have like 109876235 draft picks this year and next, and MAYBE the bolts if the top 3 OTs are gone and they wanna snatch the last one.

[heliKCx17]

Rey is best in a scheme that lets him roam and play downhill, his speed is just too iffy to play him outside. I think his best fit is at MLB in the 4-3 or ILB in the 3-4.



What did MW do so well for the good years? Played down hill using his instincts. Also, Rey ran .1 slower than aaron curry with a pulled hammy.

[heliKCx17]

Keep an eye on connor barwin...de out of cincinatti

[Dick Edds]

Rey Rey is not a good fit for the skins. He plays MLB at USC and his instincts are not a strength. Asking him to switch positions (OLB) would further expose this weakness. He also does not do a good job with his hands shedding blocks, playing slb over the TE would mean that he would have a blocker on him nearly every play. He is also poor in coverage which is one of the primary duties of the slb.

Rey is best in a scheme that lets him roam and play downhill, his speed is just too iffy to play him outside. I think his best fit is at MLB in the 4-3 or ILB in the 3-4.

From a skins perspective, both Cushing and Matthews are better fits for what the skins are looking to do as they can both play the SLB spot ad move to DE on passing downs.

couldn't disagree more ... players don't learn one system and then are never able to adjust to a different system or position. I could see a slight difference in going from a 3-4 to a 4-3, but even then you can't pass on football talent strictly due to the scheme they played in college.

Rey is the TRUE athlete out of the crop of LB'ers from USC. He has the natural athletic ability that cant be coached. And pretty soon we 're gonna need a MLB, and I'm not 100% sold on Blades. Rey can fit in anywhere.




NFL Draft Overview:

A more consistent playmaker than Keith Rivers -- selected 10th overall by the Bengals in 2008 -- Maualuga might be the most explosive hitter in the draft. Blessed with a prototypical combination of size and athleticism, Maualuga has the speed to beat the running back wide and the bulk to be a punisher on the inside. Maualuga impressed scouts with his ability to rush the passer during drills at the Senior Bowl and delivered six sacks as a junior (zero as a senior). His penchant for big plays in coverage make him one of the few inside linebackers of this class capable of playing all three downs. A three-time all-conference selection and 2009 All-American, Maualuga is a difference-maker worthy of a top-20 selection in the 2009 draft.

[stevemcqueen1]

From a skins perspective, both Cushing and Matthews are better fits for what the skins are looking to do as they can both play the SLB spot ad move to DE on passing downs.

I think that both Cushing and Matthews are lesser talents. It would be awfully short sighted of us to draft one of them over Maualuga simply because we don't need a MLB this year when our current MLB is 33.

Rey Maualuga could be the punishing hitter and leader we'd want to revolve our defense around for years to come. He will be a fantastic pro, and last year most people thought he was a better prospect than Rivers. Luckily, I'm pretty sure Cerrato agrees with my viewpoint here because I read that he loved him at the combine. People are only down on him because of what they perceived was a slow 40 time on a slow track after he injured his hamstring. Those are all very stupid reasons to ignore what he did on film.

But once again, we should only take him if the big 4 OT's are gone. Offense Offense Offense.

[Dick Edds]

I think that both Cushing and Matthews are lesser talents. It would be awfully short sighted of us to draft one of them over Maualuga simply because we don't need a MLB this year when our current MLB is 33.

Rey Maualuga could be the punishing hitter and leader we'd want to revolve our defense around for years to come. He will be a fantastic pro, and last year most people thought he was a better prospect than Rivers. Luckily, I'm pretty sure Cerrato agrees with my viewpoint here because I read that he loved him at the combine. People are only down on him because of what they perceived was a slow 40 time on a slow track after he injured his hamstring. Those are all very stupid reasons to ignore what he did on film.

But once again, we should only take him if the big 4 OT's are gone. Offense Offense Offense.

totally agree ... Rey reminds me of Polamalu ... and if he's half the player, he's gonna be a damn good pro.

[KDawg]

Maualuga would be a bad move for us. He has bad hips and often makes terrible reads. He struggles in coverage (Sure he makes big plays, but check to see how many times he's been beat). For now we'd be drafting him to play an OLB spot, which doesn't suit him in the least. He's LaVar Arrington but less athletic and worse in coverage, meaning he free lances like LaVar but relies to heavily on the big hit and can't cover all that well.

Sure, he hits hard, and sure he's a leader. I wouldn't be surprised if some team snagged him and really liked him, but he's not a good fit for us at this point. He just isn't, at least in my opinion.

[Dick Edds]

Maualuga would be a bad move for us. He has bad hips and often makes terrible reads. He struggles in coverage (Sure he makes big plays, but check to see how many times he's been beat). For now we'd be drafting him to play an OLB spot, which doesn't suit him in the least. He's LaVar Arrington but less athletic and worse in coverage, meaning he free lances like LaVar but relies to heavily on the big hit and can't cover all that well.

Sure, he hits hard, and sure he's a leader. I wouldn't be surprised if some team snagged him and really liked him, but he's not a good fit for us at this point. He just isn't, at least in my opinion.

interesting, I though he has been said to have explosive hips and is able to turn quickly and adjust. Very possible I was drunk and reading something on another prospect and didn't realize it though.

I still like him better than Cushing or Mathews, just my uneducated opinion though. Hail.

[Jimbo]

The think that always impressed me about Ian Johnson is his balance. I get frustrated seeing Portis get tripped up so easily. I'd love to see what Ian Johnson, with a extra 25 lbs, could do behind our O-Line. He seems to run a little high but they said the same thing about Stephen Davis so that's not too big a concern. The bigger concern is can he hold up for a full season given his history with injuries.

I like Moore as well and he can return kicks.

[SkinsNorth]

Rey is basically Lavar 2.0 w/o the athleticism.

Too many people get caught up in his big hits, they dont see the missed tackles and missed reads.

Going from MLB to SLB is a big step, responsibilities are different and if you cant shed blocks and play over the TE you are dead. Rey isnt athletic enough to play OLB effectively.

Cushing and Matthews have both shown the ability to play SLB, why draft a guy who hasnt and isnt in the same league athletically.

If the conversation was about drafting a MLB then I'd give Rey a bit more credit, but not to play outside.

[KDawg]

Rey is basically Lavar 2.0 w/o the athleticism.

Too many people get caught up in his big hits, they dont see the missed tackles and missed reads.

Agreed. Except Rey is pretty athletic. He's just not as athletic as Arrington.

But he misses a ton of tackles and makes some horrible reads. From what I've seen. But I'll be the first to admit I haven't seen all of his games. So maybe he just had a few off games when I watched.


If the conversation was about drafting a MLB then I'd give Rey a bit more credit, but not to play outside.

Absolutely. Can't disagree here.

[Peregrine]

Interesting analysis. However, I would say it might be a better idea to put more weight on their actual football play rather than their combine numbers.

[STBonecrusher21]

Ahhh.

Clear and intelligent threads started?

TK banning all the morons?

Dishing out NNT left and right?

There may be hope for ES yet!! Great post my friend.

[stevemcqueen1]

The think that always impressed me about Ian Johnson is his balance. I get frustrated seeing Portis get tripped up so easily. I'd love to see what Ian Johnson, with a extra 25 lbs, could do behind our O-Line. He seems to run a little high but they said the same thing about Stephen Davis so that's not too big a concern. The bigger concern is can he hold up for a full season given his history with injuries.

I like Moore as well and he can return kicks.

25 lbs is a lot to ask anybody, especially a running back, to gain without seeing them slow down and become less agile.

[stevemcqueen1]

Rey is basically Lavar 2.0 w/o the athleticism.

Too many people get caught up in his big hits, they dont see the missed tackles and missed reads.

Going from MLB to SLB is a big step, responsibilities are different and if you cant shed blocks and play over the TE you are dead. Rey isnt athletic enough to play OLB effectively.

Cushing and Matthews have both shown the ability to play SLB, why draft a guy who hasnt and isnt in the same league athletically.

If the conversation was about drafting a MLB then I'd give Rey a bit more credit, but not to play outside.

I don't know where you are getting this evaluation about Maualuga's athleticism but I think it's wrong. He is incredibly fast, and not only that, he is huge for his position. When you watch him, you see the suddeness and the acceleration that should belong to a man much smaller than he is. He has good instincts, saying he relies on the big hits short changes him. Also, I like the intangible aspects to his game way better than Cushing. Look at the guy and his massive weight gain after his surgery. He looks like the posterchild for steroid abuse!

Another point I disagreed on was that Maualuga is good at shedding blocks. He is very powerful, he even rushes the passer well. And he made a lot more plays than any of USC's other linebackers. He is clearly the best of that bunch.

Lastly, why are we so hung up on drafting only an OLB? It isn't as if he would play that position his whole carreer. He'd probably only be there for a season or two before he'd move inside. You think it's a good idea to pass on such a unique talent simply because we won't be able to play him at his true position this year?

[Manny555]

Imo we should start grooming some young talent. We're old in the middle and it would be nice to give him a couple years to develop.

[SkinsNorth]

I don't know where you are getting this evaluation about Maualuga's athleticism but I think it's wrong. He is incredibly fast, and not only that, he is huge for his position. When you watch him, you see the suddeness and the acceleration that should belong to a man much smaller than he is. He has good instincts, saying he relies on the big hits short changes him. Also, I like the intangible aspects to his game way better than Cushing. Look at the guy and his massive weight gain after his surgery. He looks like the posterchild for steroid abuse!

Another point I disagreed on was that Maualuga is good at shedding blocks. He is very powerful, he even rushes the passer well. And he made a lot more plays than any of USC's other linebackers. He is clearly the best of that bunch.

Lastly, why are we so hung up on drafting only an OLB? It isn't as if he would play that position his whole carreer. He'd probably only be there for a season or two before he'd move inside. You think it's a good idea to pass on such a unique talent simply because we won't be able to play him at his true position this year?

My evaluation of Maualaga comes from watching his games, not just highlights.

He is an explosive hitter, but he misses a lot more tackles than you think. He weighed in at 249lbs at the combine, I dont think that makes him huge, more like average (or slightly above).

His instincts at MLB are below average, you can see that in the missed steps he takes, but if you move him to OLB (a position he has never played) it just means a tougher adjustment.

He does not use his hands well to shed blockers in the running game, watch the film. The majority of his big plays come on the blitz where no read is involved, he just has to attack. At SLB you have to use your hands as there is a player over you every play.

To say that he made the most big plays out of the usc lbs is just wrong, here are the stats direct from the usc website comparing the 3 starting USC LBs (Rey, Cush and Maiava) and Matthews:

TOTAL TACKLES: Rey (79) Cush (73) Maiava (66) Matthews (56)
TACKLE FOR LOSS: Rey (2.5) Cush (10.5) Maiava (7.5) Matthews (9)
SACKS: Rey (0) Cush (3) Maiava (0) Matthews (4.5)
INTS: Rey (2) Cush (1) Maiava (1) Matthews (0)
PASS BREAK UPS: Rey (4) Cush (6) Maiava (5) Matthews (2)

As I said before, if the skins needed a mlb, I'd be a little more comfortable with Maualaga, but the bigger need is at slb and this yr there are more than the usual amount of slb prospects that would not just be 2 down players. I think Cushing, Matthews and Sintim all project well to slb and have all played DE so they would truly be 3 down players which is rare at the slb position.