HarveyWallbangers
03-31-2006, 01:42 PM
Some of these were posted on C-E.
This is from the JSO scouts:
Marcus McNeill, offensive tackle, Auburn
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers’ legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Marcus McNeill, a 6-foot-8, 336-pound tackle from Auburn.
"If you were to create an offensive tackle, you would give him this kid’s measurables. Has the height, bulk and speed with long arms to get separation from defenders. Because of his size, above average quickness, arms and hand use, he is tough to get around. Is a knee bender, who can change direction and will handle second moves. Quickness, size and speed allow him to be a good run blocker. Can get to the next level. Will often times just overwhelm defenders with his size. Once he gets into an opponent, if is hard for the defender to get away. Has struggled with his weight. If he can stay focused and stay in shape, he will be a force. His technique needs work and he relies too much on his physical gifts. Will lunge and take a play off now and then. I don't think he is lazy, just not as challenged as he will be at the next level. He needs a coach who will stay on him and get him to play up to his ability. There are questions about a back problem, but if that is cleared up, he will go early. Bottom line is he has impressive physical tools and is a rare talent."
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Laurence Maroney, running back, Minnesota
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Laurence Maroney, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back from Minnesota. Maroney is coming out as a junior.
“He has vision. He can bounce the ball outside or run inside. He’s strong in his legs. He has contact balance. He can break tackles and finish a run. He’s a durable, workhorse type guy. He takes and delivers a lot of contact with his running style. He challenges defenders. He can be a real hard knockdown. He had a great first half in the Music City Bowl, then limited production and carries in the second half. It was a real mystery. Gary Russell, the backup, had more of a workload in the second half and that was with the game on the line. That shocked me. Their best runner and they don’t play him. I know he wasn’t hurt. This guy has unbelievable productivity. But they also had two backs rush for more than 1,000 yards at Minnesota. So it wasn’t like one separated himself from the other. Hell, I don’t understand. With the coach’s job on the line – he didn’t have a new contract at the time – and the game in question, and Maroney is standing over on the sideline and Russell was doing all the work. If I was going to make the school call that would be the first darn question I’d ask.â€ÂÂ
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Ernie Sims, linebacker, Florida State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Ernie Sims, a 6-foot, 228-pound outside linebacker from Florida State:
“Heââ €šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s a weak outside linebacker. He’s a hustle illusion guy. He’s running all over the field and gives you the impression that he’s really working and doing all this stuff. But, hell, all he’s doing is running. He shows up all the time, but there didn’t appear to be a lot of things happening with him. He blitzes a lot on both run and pass. He has some trouble at the point of attack. I think he’s better running in pursuit than on plays inside or at him and as a take-on guy. He’s a little short and slightly bow-legged. He’s a sellout guy. He either hits them or misses. I never got a chance to see him knock balls down on pass defense or that kind of thing. He’s always running to the ball after the ball has been completed.â€ÂÂ
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Winston Justice, offensive tackle, Southern Cal
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Winston Justice, a 6-foot-6, 319-pound tackle from Southern Cal:
"He can road grade as a run blocker. He can lock on, run his feet and get movement. He can pull and lead to his left well. He showed stoutness on the bull rush. But it looked like he might lack a little recovery quickness and change of direction on pass pro and run blocks. He's a right offensive tackle and that's where he should play. I think he'd struggle on the left side. He's strong with his hands. He has been a three-year starter. I didn't think he was nearly as good as (D'Brickashaw) Ferguson, the kid from Miami (Eric Winston) or, for that matter, the kid from Wisconsin who got hurt (Joe Thomas)."
--------------------
Thomas Howard, linebacker, Texas-El Paso
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Thomas Howard, a 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker from Texas-El Paso:
"He is a superior athlete with speed and explosiveness. Very agile player who posses a good burst to the ball and had good change of direction ability. Plays outside. Covers a lot of ground. Possess a great motor that never shuts off. Can over-pursue. When he gets to the ball carrier, he arrives with explosiveness. A jarring tackler. Is so aggressive and physical that he often takes poor angles and does not always wrap when tackling. Shows the ability to blitz and because of his quickness, agility and speed, he is a good cover linebacker. He is a true pursuit linebacker. If he is protected in the NFL, he will be very productive. Question his ability to get off blocks and make plays in the box. Needs to improve the mental side of his game, not because of any deficiency, but rather because he gets by on physical gifts at this level. Not as prepared for the NFL as some of the Big School linebackers. Needs to develop a little. Will be an upgrade on special teams because of his physical tools.
--------------------
Kelly Jennings, cornerback, Miami (Fla.)
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Kelly Jennings, a 5-foot-11, 177-pound cornerback from Miami:
"I thought he lacked cover ability. He plays in a chase mode more than in a coverage mode. He's always behind the guy running after him instead of running with him. I didn't think he played the ball in the air well. He may lack courage in run support. I was very disappointed off the bowl game."
--------------------
DeAngelo Williams, running back, Memphis
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on DeAngelo Williams, a 5-foot-9, 214-pound running back from Memphis:
"Interesting guy. In the Senior Bowl, he ran the ball only three times for about 30 yards and had two catches on screens for about 28. But the guy has speed and quickness to break outside. He has gears. He's explosive. He has a strong and effective straight-arm. He shows agility, balance and burst. Those gears are obvious. Off the Senior Bowl, I don't know if he can catch with his hands off his body frame. Both those screens were thrown where he could just catch the ball and smother it. And there was no blitzing. He didn't do any blocker. But he's a good runner. He ran strong. He's a compact guy. And I really liked that straight-arm. He has some shake. There was a play where he was supposed to run off-tackle and he broke it outside, where there was no contain. So he took it up the field for about 20 yards and it was pretty impressive. But he only touched the ball five times in the whole damn game."
--------------------
Sinorice Moss, wide receiver, Miami (Fla.)
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Sinorice Moss, a 5-foot-8, 183-pound wide receiver from Miami:
"Is a burner. Some say he will run a 4.3 forty time. Has the burst and quickness that elite receivers have. Will stretch the field. Runs decent pass patterns. Great agility and does not lose speed on cuts and adjustments. Has good but not great hands. Makes tough catches. Not a body receiver. Will use his hands to pluck the ball. Can go the distance on any given play. Does not possess the height or bulk that you want at the position. Will struggle in press coverage against bigger defensive backs. Can be muscled. Cannot see him as the No. 1 receiver because of his lack of size, but would be a great addition as a No. 2 or 3. Do not believe he has any experience as a returner, so any return ability would be a projection. Speed, agility and quickness would make him an asset as a returner, assuming he can catch the punt and has the courage. There are also reports that he is an exceptional gunner on the punt team, which is a valuable job, but maybe not from your frontline receivers. Brother is Santana Moss of the Redskins."
--------------------
DeMeco Ryans, linebacker, Alabama
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on DeMeco Ryans, a 6-foot-1, 236-pound linebacker from Alabama:
"He's a strong linebacker, but they line him up all over the formations. Has range, shows some speed. He can be an aggressive, load hitter. He plays sideline-to-sideline. He has blitz quickness, but it's the scheme more than his ability to create on the blitzes. He didn't have to snatch or jerk or move around anybody in the Cotton Bowl. The scheme just allowed him to come through clean. He got a couple sacks, but, like I said, they were scheme sacks. Then again, the fact that they blitz him maybe tells you he can do it. I think he's a good, solid player. I think he'll have to be a strong-side or inside backer. He'll probably have to play over the tight end. He looks like he has a thick body and thick legs. He wasn't built like a runner for coverage. But he's a good football player. He's just going to be a steady guy."
--------------------
Santonio Holmes, wide receiver, Ohio State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Santonio Holmes, a 5-foot-11, 198-pound wide receiver from Ohio State who is coming out as a junior:
"He returns punts and kickoffs. He has natural hands. He handles punts with ease and confidence. He played on a bad foot all year, but he had an 85-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl. He'll block downfield for the run. I like his speed and I like his pure hands. He makes plays. I like the guy. That 85-yard run and catch impressed me."
--------------------
Jay Cutler, quarterback, Vanderbilt
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Jay Cutler, a 6-foot-3, 226-pound quarterback from Vanderbilt:
"A four year starter for the Commodores, he almost declared for the draft last year. Adequate size and speed. Better than average athlete, he can move in the pocket, buy some time and will run when necessary. Smart kid who has all the intangibles. A tough, hard working kid who has earned the respect of his teammates. Better than average arm strength, he can make most of the throws required of him at the next level. Can throw on the run. Accuracy and touch have improved over the years and he will keep developing. Does more at Vanderbilt with less than Vince Young and Matt Leinart do in their programs. He is the major reason the team was competitive. Apparently had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl and has vaulted to the top of the first round in some scout's eyes. Quarterbacks are hard to find and he will get a chance somewhere. Would benefit if he is not counted on to be the man right away. Some folks compare his personality to Brett Favre: Carefree, fun loving and a little rash. Like Favre, he will get caught up in the game and lose rhythm and get off his game. Balls will sail and he will press. Vandy would be in a game against a better opponent and find themselves down by 10 points with the ball. Jay would try and do it all himself and next thing you have is a turnover - game over. He struggled in the actual Senior Bowl game. Early word is he bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times which is pretty good for a quarterback. He has a swagger, that is for sure."
--------------------
Michael Huff, safety-cornerback, Texas
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Michael Huff, a 6-foot-0, 198-pound safety-cornerback from Texas:
"He's a strong safety. He holds on placements. That probably tells you something about how good his hands are. He's a willing, aggressive hitter. He's a sure, wrap tackler on run support. He has coverage skills. He covers the slot receiver man-to-man. Very aware and alert. He's a willing run supporter. He's a complete player. He's always around the football. He really plays smart. He plays his position really well. He doesn't blow assignments. He shows good range. He's all over the field versus run and pass. He takes people on high, but he'll learn that he can't do that all the time. Could he play corner? You generally think the other way: Moving them from corner to safety. Hell, the way this guy plays, he has a chance to be involved in the run and the pass. You put him out at corner and you kind of make him one-dimensional. Maybe the best tackler on the team is going to be out of the play 99% of the time. He's going to be in coverage."
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Brodrick Bunkley, defensive tackle, Florida State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Brodrick Bunkley, a 6-foot-2, 286-pound defensive tackle from Florida State:
"Whether the defense goes over or under, he's always the nose tackle. He will long pursuit. I don't know if he can run 40 yards, but he runs 20, 25 yards very well. He looks athletic running. He's active. He was strong and stout at the point of attack. He delivers a good blow on the blockers. He can stalemate the blockers. But he can be slow to shed and slow to locate the ball, particularly on inside runs. He keeps working on pass rush and gets some push. He showed a short burst or surge to the quarterback. But he's kind of a blind rusher or worker. He loses the ball. They'll run right by him and he won't even see it. In the Orange Bowl, he wasn't dominating. He had his hands full with an undersized center from Penn State. The best thing he does is run. And when he knew where the ball was, he'd run to it. He's not a fat, lazy guy that occupies a small area. But I was just surprised he wasn't more instinctive. He flashed, but didn't dominate."
--------------------
Manny Lawson, defensive end, North Carolina State
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Manny Lawson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end from North Carolina State:
"Is he a defensive end or a linebacker? Might have to convert to linebacker to make it in the NFL and he would still need top add some bulk and strength to hold the point. He would probably be better as a 3-4 outside backer. Does not have the bulk to be a defensive end at this time. Not sure he can get significantly bigger. Media guide shows he is a weight room guy. He is very athletic for his position and even though he did not show much production in space, I feel he could play as a backer if he has limited coverage responsibility. Will be a very good blitzer, but could develop some additional pass rush moves. Has very good speed and quickness. May be the fastest player on the team. More instinctive than Mario Williams, he can sniff out screens and draws and has more awareness in my estimation. Has been a special teams demon in the past and is very adept at blocking kicks. Also has a reputation for being very adept at covering kicks. He would be a welcome addition to the team as a special teams player as he develops into a linebacker or matures into a defensive end. Could also be utilized as a pass rush specialist. Unlike some projects, he could contribute immediately. And he played defensive end in the Senior Bowl, so it looks like NFL teams want to see him with his hand in the dirt. He went up against D'Brickashaw Ferguson for most of his snaps and was mostly neutralized as a pass rusher. Ferguson is the best pass blocker in the draft, so that was not unexpected. It is difficult to out-quick Ferguson and Lawson is not big enough to out-power Ferguson. Lawson was effective coming off blocks to make plays around the line of scrimmage and downfield once the runner got beyond the line of scrimmage. Once again, he is a very good athlete and has tools, but needs to either bulk up to be more effective as an end or transition to the linebacker position."
This is from the JSO scouts:
Marcus McNeill, offensive tackle, Auburn
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers’ legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Marcus McNeill, a 6-foot-8, 336-pound tackle from Auburn.
"If you were to create an offensive tackle, you would give him this kid’s measurables. Has the height, bulk and speed with long arms to get separation from defenders. Because of his size, above average quickness, arms and hand use, he is tough to get around. Is a knee bender, who can change direction and will handle second moves. Quickness, size and speed allow him to be a good run blocker. Can get to the next level. Will often times just overwhelm defenders with his size. Once he gets into an opponent, if is hard for the defender to get away. Has struggled with his weight. If he can stay focused and stay in shape, he will be a force. His technique needs work and he relies too much on his physical gifts. Will lunge and take a play off now and then. I don't think he is lazy, just not as challenged as he will be at the next level. He needs a coach who will stay on him and get him to play up to his ability. There are questions about a back problem, but if that is cleared up, he will go early. Bottom line is he has impressive physical tools and is a rare talent."
--------------------
Laurence Maroney, running back, Minnesota
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Laurence Maroney, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back from Minnesota. Maroney is coming out as a junior.
“He has vision. He can bounce the ball outside or run inside. He’s strong in his legs. He has contact balance. He can break tackles and finish a run. He’s a durable, workhorse type guy. He takes and delivers a lot of contact with his running style. He challenges defenders. He can be a real hard knockdown. He had a great first half in the Music City Bowl, then limited production and carries in the second half. It was a real mystery. Gary Russell, the backup, had more of a workload in the second half and that was with the game on the line. That shocked me. Their best runner and they don’t play him. I know he wasn’t hurt. This guy has unbelievable productivity. But they also had two backs rush for more than 1,000 yards at Minnesota. So it wasn’t like one separated himself from the other. Hell, I don’t understand. With the coach’s job on the line – he didn’t have a new contract at the time – and the game in question, and Maroney is standing over on the sideline and Russell was doing all the work. If I was going to make the school call that would be the first darn question I’d ask.â€ÂÂ
--------------------
Ernie Sims, linebacker, Florida State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Ernie Sims, a 6-foot, 228-pound outside linebacker from Florida State:
“Heââ €šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s a weak outside linebacker. He’s a hustle illusion guy. He’s running all over the field and gives you the impression that he’s really working and doing all this stuff. But, hell, all he’s doing is running. He shows up all the time, but there didn’t appear to be a lot of things happening with him. He blitzes a lot on both run and pass. He has some trouble at the point of attack. I think he’s better running in pursuit than on plays inside or at him and as a take-on guy. He’s a little short and slightly bow-legged. He’s a sellout guy. He either hits them or misses. I never got a chance to see him knock balls down on pass defense or that kind of thing. He’s always running to the ball after the ball has been completed.â€ÂÂ
--------------------
Winston Justice, offensive tackle, Southern Cal
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Winston Justice, a 6-foot-6, 319-pound tackle from Southern Cal:
"He can road grade as a run blocker. He can lock on, run his feet and get movement. He can pull and lead to his left well. He showed stoutness on the bull rush. But it looked like he might lack a little recovery quickness and change of direction on pass pro and run blocks. He's a right offensive tackle and that's where he should play. I think he'd struggle on the left side. He's strong with his hands. He has been a three-year starter. I didn't think he was nearly as good as (D'Brickashaw) Ferguson, the kid from Miami (Eric Winston) or, for that matter, the kid from Wisconsin who got hurt (Joe Thomas)."
--------------------
Thomas Howard, linebacker, Texas-El Paso
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Thomas Howard, a 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker from Texas-El Paso:
"He is a superior athlete with speed and explosiveness. Very agile player who posses a good burst to the ball and had good change of direction ability. Plays outside. Covers a lot of ground. Possess a great motor that never shuts off. Can over-pursue. When he gets to the ball carrier, he arrives with explosiveness. A jarring tackler. Is so aggressive and physical that he often takes poor angles and does not always wrap when tackling. Shows the ability to blitz and because of his quickness, agility and speed, he is a good cover linebacker. He is a true pursuit linebacker. If he is protected in the NFL, he will be very productive. Question his ability to get off blocks and make plays in the box. Needs to improve the mental side of his game, not because of any deficiency, but rather because he gets by on physical gifts at this level. Not as prepared for the NFL as some of the Big School linebackers. Needs to develop a little. Will be an upgrade on special teams because of his physical tools.
--------------------
Kelly Jennings, cornerback, Miami (Fla.)
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Kelly Jennings, a 5-foot-11, 177-pound cornerback from Miami:
"I thought he lacked cover ability. He plays in a chase mode more than in a coverage mode. He's always behind the guy running after him instead of running with him. I didn't think he played the ball in the air well. He may lack courage in run support. I was very disappointed off the bowl game."
--------------------
DeAngelo Williams, running back, Memphis
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on DeAngelo Williams, a 5-foot-9, 214-pound running back from Memphis:
"Interesting guy. In the Senior Bowl, he ran the ball only three times for about 30 yards and had two catches on screens for about 28. But the guy has speed and quickness to break outside. He has gears. He's explosive. He has a strong and effective straight-arm. He shows agility, balance and burst. Those gears are obvious. Off the Senior Bowl, I don't know if he can catch with his hands off his body frame. Both those screens were thrown where he could just catch the ball and smother it. And there was no blitzing. He didn't do any blocker. But he's a good runner. He ran strong. He's a compact guy. And I really liked that straight-arm. He has some shake. There was a play where he was supposed to run off-tackle and he broke it outside, where there was no contain. So he took it up the field for about 20 yards and it was pretty impressive. But he only touched the ball five times in the whole damn game."
--------------------
Sinorice Moss, wide receiver, Miami (Fla.)
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Sinorice Moss, a 5-foot-8, 183-pound wide receiver from Miami:
"Is a burner. Some say he will run a 4.3 forty time. Has the burst and quickness that elite receivers have. Will stretch the field. Runs decent pass patterns. Great agility and does not lose speed on cuts and adjustments. Has good but not great hands. Makes tough catches. Not a body receiver. Will use his hands to pluck the ball. Can go the distance on any given play. Does not possess the height or bulk that you want at the position. Will struggle in press coverage against bigger defensive backs. Can be muscled. Cannot see him as the No. 1 receiver because of his lack of size, but would be a great addition as a No. 2 or 3. Do not believe he has any experience as a returner, so any return ability would be a projection. Speed, agility and quickness would make him an asset as a returner, assuming he can catch the punt and has the courage. There are also reports that he is an exceptional gunner on the punt team, which is a valuable job, but maybe not from your frontline receivers. Brother is Santana Moss of the Redskins."
--------------------
DeMeco Ryans, linebacker, Alabama
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on DeMeco Ryans, a 6-foot-1, 236-pound linebacker from Alabama:
"He's a strong linebacker, but they line him up all over the formations. Has range, shows some speed. He can be an aggressive, load hitter. He plays sideline-to-sideline. He has blitz quickness, but it's the scheme more than his ability to create on the blitzes. He didn't have to snatch or jerk or move around anybody in the Cotton Bowl. The scheme just allowed him to come through clean. He got a couple sacks, but, like I said, they were scheme sacks. Then again, the fact that they blitz him maybe tells you he can do it. I think he's a good, solid player. I think he'll have to be a strong-side or inside backer. He'll probably have to play over the tight end. He looks like he has a thick body and thick legs. He wasn't built like a runner for coverage. But he's a good football player. He's just going to be a steady guy."
--------------------
Santonio Holmes, wide receiver, Ohio State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Santonio Holmes, a 5-foot-11, 198-pound wide receiver from Ohio State who is coming out as a junior:
"He returns punts and kickoffs. He has natural hands. He handles punts with ease and confidence. He played on a bad foot all year, but he had an 85-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl. He'll block downfield for the run. I like his speed and I like his pure hands. He makes plays. I like the guy. That 85-yard run and catch impressed me."
--------------------
Jay Cutler, quarterback, Vanderbilt
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Jay Cutler, a 6-foot-3, 226-pound quarterback from Vanderbilt:
"A four year starter for the Commodores, he almost declared for the draft last year. Adequate size and speed. Better than average athlete, he can move in the pocket, buy some time and will run when necessary. Smart kid who has all the intangibles. A tough, hard working kid who has earned the respect of his teammates. Better than average arm strength, he can make most of the throws required of him at the next level. Can throw on the run. Accuracy and touch have improved over the years and he will keep developing. Does more at Vanderbilt with less than Vince Young and Matt Leinart do in their programs. He is the major reason the team was competitive. Apparently had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl and has vaulted to the top of the first round in some scout's eyes. Quarterbacks are hard to find and he will get a chance somewhere. Would benefit if he is not counted on to be the man right away. Some folks compare his personality to Brett Favre: Carefree, fun loving and a little rash. Like Favre, he will get caught up in the game and lose rhythm and get off his game. Balls will sail and he will press. Vandy would be in a game against a better opponent and find themselves down by 10 points with the ball. Jay would try and do it all himself and next thing you have is a turnover - game over. He struggled in the actual Senior Bowl game. Early word is he bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times which is pretty good for a quarterback. He has a swagger, that is for sure."
--------------------
Michael Huff, safety-cornerback, Texas
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Michael Huff, a 6-foot-0, 198-pound safety-cornerback from Texas:
"He's a strong safety. He holds on placements. That probably tells you something about how good his hands are. He's a willing, aggressive hitter. He's a sure, wrap tackler on run support. He has coverage skills. He covers the slot receiver man-to-man. Very aware and alert. He's a willing run supporter. He's a complete player. He's always around the football. He really plays smart. He plays his position really well. He doesn't blow assignments. He shows good range. He's all over the field versus run and pass. He takes people on high, but he'll learn that he can't do that all the time. Could he play corner? You generally think the other way: Moving them from corner to safety. Hell, the way this guy plays, he has a chance to be involved in the run and the pass. You put him out at corner and you kind of make him one-dimensional. Maybe the best tackler on the team is going to be out of the play 99% of the time. He's going to be in coverage."
--------------------
Brodrick Bunkley, defensive tackle, Florida State
Dick Corrick, an NFL scout for 30 years, reports on Brodrick Bunkley, a 6-foot-2, 286-pound defensive tackle from Florida State:
"Whether the defense goes over or under, he's always the nose tackle. He will long pursuit. I don't know if he can run 40 yards, but he runs 20, 25 yards very well. He looks athletic running. He's active. He was strong and stout at the point of attack. He delivers a good blow on the blockers. He can stalemate the blockers. But he can be slow to shed and slow to locate the ball, particularly on inside runs. He keeps working on pass rush and gets some push. He showed a short burst or surge to the quarterback. But he's kind of a blind rusher or worker. He loses the ball. They'll run right by him and he won't even see it. In the Orange Bowl, he wasn't dominating. He had his hands full with an undersized center from Penn State. The best thing he does is run. And when he knew where the ball was, he'd run to it. He's not a fat, lazy guy that occupies a small area. But I was just surprised he wasn't more instinctive. He flashed, but didn't dominate."
--------------------
Manny Lawson, defensive end, North Carolina State
John Lombardi, a former NFL scout and grandson of Packers legend Vince Lombardi, reports on Manny Lawson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end from North Carolina State:
"Is he a defensive end or a linebacker? Might have to convert to linebacker to make it in the NFL and he would still need top add some bulk and strength to hold the point. He would probably be better as a 3-4 outside backer. Does not have the bulk to be a defensive end at this time. Not sure he can get significantly bigger. Media guide shows he is a weight room guy. He is very athletic for his position and even though he did not show much production in space, I feel he could play as a backer if he has limited coverage responsibility. Will be a very good blitzer, but could develop some additional pass rush moves. Has very good speed and quickness. May be the fastest player on the team. More instinctive than Mario Williams, he can sniff out screens and draws and has more awareness in my estimation. Has been a special teams demon in the past and is very adept at blocking kicks. Also has a reputation for being very adept at covering kicks. He would be a welcome addition to the team as a special teams player as he develops into a linebacker or matures into a defensive end. Could also be utilized as a pass rush specialist. Unlike some projects, he could contribute immediately. And he played defensive end in the Senior Bowl, so it looks like NFL teams want to see him with his hand in the dirt. He went up against D'Brickashaw Ferguson for most of his snaps and was mostly neutralized as a pass rusher. Ferguson is the best pass blocker in the draft, so that was not unexpected. It is difficult to out-quick Ferguson and Lawson is not big enough to out-power Ferguson. Lawson was effective coming off blocks to make plays around the line of scrimmage and downfield once the runner got beyond the line of scrimmage. Once again, he is a very good athlete and has tools, but needs to either bulk up to be more effective as an end or transition to the linebacker position."