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A FRICKIN DIRTY GOPHER OVER DEANGELO WILLIAMS ????????????????
TERD Buckley over Troy Vincent, Robert Ferguson over Chris Chambers, Kevn King instead of TJ Watt, and now, RICH GANNON, over JIMMY JIMMY JIMMY LEONARD. Thank you FLOWER
KEY * Recently updated Position grade increased Position grade decreased
Laurence Maroney
RB, Minnesota
War Room analysis
Inside running: Runs bigger than his size would indicate and is explosive. Possesses vision, shows patience, makes one cut and gets downhill in a hurry. Plants and drives through cuts well. Doesn't dance or hesitate. Lacks the bulk to run over defenders or push the pile but is slippery and will hit creases at full speed. Grade: 8.2.
Outside running: Shows outstanding body control to cut on a dime on the second level and bounce outside. Is not especially elusive but can shake linebackers or bounce off tackles. Has the speed to pull away for long runs. Grade: 8.2.
Blocking: Has limited experience in pass protection and must improve blitz awareness. Lacks the size to handle defensive linemen in pass protection and isn't willing to take or deliver a blow at the point of attack. Must get tougher and improve blocking technique to be an every-down back. Grade: 7.9.
Hands/routes: Has limited experience as a receiver. Is not a natural. Doesn't snatch the ball and tuck it quickly, and takes too long to become a runner after the catch. Is a serviceable dump-off option but doesn't recognize coverages well or get open quickly. Grade: 7.8.
Durability: Had no significant injuries in college but must add bulk to be a primary running back in the NFL. Has limited wear and tear because he split carries with Marion Barber III and Gary Russell the last two seasons. Grade: 8.2.
Bottom line: Maroney is a prototype runner for the zone-blocking system made popular by the Broncos and recently copied throughout the league. With added bulk, will remind fans of ex-Broncos great Terrell Davis. Maroney shows awareness and is a patient but decisive runner. Has all the physical tools -- explosiveness, breakaway speed, body control -- to be a feature back. He never fumbles. Barber left Minnesota early because he couldn't surpass Maroney, and Barber had a promising rookie season with the Cowboys in '05, a good indicator of Maroney's ability to succeed in the NFL. Maroney is a certain first-round pick and, depending on a team's scheme, could be the second, third or fourth running back selected.
Dan Pompei analysis
Chain-moving back is good at everything. Shows the vision to find creases. Has good one-cut ability. Is a creative runner. Has made plenty of big plays. Can elude in the open field. Has good size and can break tackles. Early-eligible junior ran for 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons against tough Big Ten competition. Runs with strength, but he is not a power back. Doesn't move piles very effectively. Needs work in the passing game, both in pass protection and route running.
No. 3 on Pompei's RB rankings
A FRICKIN DIRTY GOPHER OVER DEANGELO WILLIAMS ????????????????
He's gonna kick some ass in the pros.
IT'S A SAD DAY WHEN WE HEAR THE DIRTY GOPHER SCHOOL BEFORE THE BADGERS
TERD Buckley over Troy Vincent, Robert Ferguson over Chris Chambers, Kevn King instead of TJ Watt, and now, RICH GANNON, over JIMMY JIMMY JIMMY LEONARD. Thank you FLOWER
TERD Buckley over Troy Vincent, Robert Ferguson over Chris Chambers, Kevn King instead of TJ Watt, and now, RICH GANNON, over JIMMY JIMMY JIMMY LEONARD. Thank you FLOWER
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is an outstanding natural athlete with rare speed. Plays bigger than his size would indicate. Is an explosive tackler. As a pass rusher, flies off the edge and shows a great closing burst. Is raw, but continues to develop pass-rush moves. Has steadily matured. Shows the speed to blow past top offensive tackles. Chases down the ball well in pursuit. Shows good instincts, takes good angles to the ball and makes sound open-field tackles. Is a demon on special teams. Works hard in the weight room, and shows the potential to add bulk.
Weaknesses: Is undersized. Must strengthen lower body and play with better leverage at the point of attack. Can get overwhelmed against the run. Must learn to use hands better to shed blocks; relies too much on strong upper body.
Bottom line: Lawson is a physical specimen with freakish strength and terrific running and leaping ability. He must polish his all-around game but has unlimited potential. With added bulk, he can be an every-down end. With his current skills, he also could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Lawson\u2019s stock improved with impressive pre-draft workouts and could be drafted withing the top 15.
Dan Pompei analysis
Is a long-limbed speed rusher who is a finesse player. Has a burst. Can cut back inside. Uses an array of moves. Hand use is pretty good. Gets surprising leverage given his build. Is a bit gangly and struggles to redirect. Takes some plays off. Can get bulled against the run. Is also considered as an outside linebacker prospect and situational rusher.
No. 7 on Pompei's DE rankings
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