Fri 02/22/2013

Key NFL Scouting Combine Drills

---

Recent Posts

---

Fantasy Football: Impact of Vernon Davis Lined Up More as WR

.@Score_Tomlinson explores Fantasy Football impact of Vernon Davis working out at Wide Receiver during minicamp.  Could be to counteract absence of Crabtree and at worst make him more consistent.  Last season, Davis surged to a great start w Alex Smith, then almost disappeared under Colin Kaepernick before re-emerging in playoffs.  4.38 40 speed plenty to deep on CBs.  Link

Ross Tucker NFL Podcast: Matt Williamson & Scouting

.@RossTuckerNFL’s Pod visits w @WilliamsonNFL about his NFL scouting days.  Pod

What Makes a Good NFL Zone Cornerback

.@PFF_Sam says dif between CBs who can play zone and not is understanding zone’s not a strict division w invisible lines but constantly shifting.  The reception Richard Sherman gave up to Roddy White in playoffs actually shows Sherman cognizant of difference, attempting to make adjustment.  As opposed to Nnamdi Asomugha, who never seemed to understand it.  Link

Fantasy Football: Cam Newton to Run Read Option Less?

.@CDCarter13 (SJ) examines how much de-emphasis on read option will effect cam Newton’s Fantasy Football value.  Last year, tm/media claimed it was de-emphasized as Cam got hot towards end of season, but stats don’t bear it out.  This offseason, new OC Mike Shula singing same tune, which is worrisome.  20 of 22 of his career rushing TDs on designed run plays.  Link

NFC North 2013 Offseason Review

.@danpompei (NFP) reviews AFC North 2013 offseasons.  Most improved: Bengals.  Biggest vet move: Ravens (Elvis Dumervil).  Best draft addition: Steelers (Jarvis Jones).  Under the radar: Browns (Jason Campbell & Brian Hoyer).  Link

Cardinals 2nd CB Battle: Antoine Cason vs Jerraud Powers

.@PFF_Neil hopes the Cardinals give 2nd CB position to Antoine Cason because of upside.  Jerraud Powers gets edge in having played both sides (2nd CB will be flipping because Patrick Peterson often covers best wR) and has a more team friendly contract.  However, while their down years have been similar, Cason has at least shown seasons/flashes of better than average.  Link

NFL “Hot” Teams Don’t Carry to Next Season

.@billbarnwell (GD) says hot NFL teams down the stretch don’t fare statistically any better the following year when compared to other teams with a similar amount of wins.  Regression to 8-8 a more powerful factor than any momentum or having “put it together.”  In fact, hot streak might make team think more highly of self, overspend in FA.  Redskins & Bengals shouldn’t be discouraged but temper expectations.  Link

Where New York Giants Can Improve in 2013

.@CaptainComeback (BR) looks at where Giants can improve in 2013.  2012 saw big wins (Packers, 49ers 2 of their 4 +25 point wins) combined w bad losses (Bengals, Falcons, Ravens).  Eli Manning has stellar record of 4Q wins and in games where other team held under 20 pts.  But, too often in 2012, games were out of hand too early.  Pass rush overly dependent on Jason Pierre-Paul’s health.  Need to keep on/off switch “on” more often to keep them in more games.  Link

Minnesota Vikings Still Searching for Middle Linebacker

.@TomPelissero (1500 ESPN) says Vikings wanted to draft MLB but supply didn’t meet demand, so they still have work to do.  Alec Ogletree, Kevin Minter, Manti Te’o all had shortcomings that dropped them below their first three picks on their board.  Erin Henderson best in house option but not ideal.  Free Agent like Desmond Bishop an option.  It’s clear they still want to upgrade.  Link

Film Room: Browns RB Trent Richardson’s Rookie Season

.@BrendanLeister (@DraftBrowns) breaks down film on Browns RB Trent Richardson’s mistakes during rookie season.  By PFF standards, he had 3 good games, 9 avg, 3 bad.  Often displayed poor vision, hesitance, or played slower than NFL level.  Trouble following blocks or designed holes.  Talent there but needs to match it w mental game.  Link