2010 Senior Bowl Practice Report: Day Two
Day two has come and gone for the practices prior to the 2010 Senior Bowl. Television coverage of the event was dominated by the Tim Tebow Show today, which is understandable if not frustrating. I understand that NFLN is trying to expand their viewership of all pre-draft events and therefore feels it is necessary to show the most popular college player invited to Mobile, but it's aggravating to see so much focus on a player who has very little chance of cracking the first two rounds of the draft.
In my practice breakdown, you'll see an absence of notes on both running backs and linebackers. This is because during coverage of the practices, NFLN usually shows pass rushing drills involving the offensive and defensive lines and pass drills with wide receivers, defensive backs and quarterbacks. If anyone has questions about specific players feel free to leave them in the comments and I'll try to relate what I've seen so far or I'll try to keep an eye out in future practices. Enough talk. Follow the jump to see the notes.
South
- Taylor Mays (S - USC) didn't have a great day. He did do a good job separating from a blocking wide receiver during a stalk block drill to pursue the trailing ball carrier, but later was burnt in both press and soft coverage at least three times that were shown. It's a little unfair to grade him in man-to-man coverage given that he's a safety, but it was still disconcerting to see how awkward he looked on an island.
- Dexter McCluster (RB/WR - Ole Miss) had another spectacular day and his stock is rising considerably. Following a dominant rushing performance in the Cotton Bowl, McCluster showed off receiving skills today. He easily defeated press coverage a couple of times on both a slant route and a vertical route on a double move followed by a diving catch.
- Nate Allen (S - South Florida) had an impressive day in coverage. Despite playing in man coverage on receivers, he more than held his own.
- Patrick Robinson (CB - FSU) had a good day as well. Robinson reacted well in both soft and press coverage, although he looked lacking during the stalk block drill which requires the defensive back to shed the wide receiver block and get to the ball carrier. Mayock thinks Robinson has the quickest feet of any CB in the draft.
- Parrish Cox (CB - OKSU) looks good but a tad bit inconsistent. He looked weak in the stalk block drill and on one of his routes, but then looked great covering the speedy McCluster on a flat route which should have favored the scat back.
- Terrance Cody (DT - Bama) had a better day than the weigh-in disaster yesterday, but still not great. He did a good job of collapsing the pocket in one-on-one drills, but in the two O linemen vs. one D lineman drill, which is designed to test a DT's ability to hold the point of attack and keep both blockers on the line away from linebackers, Cody allowed a free release every time.
- Dan Williams (DT - Tenn) looks like a great two-gap DT. During pass rushing drills he collapses the pocket with ease and excelled during 2 on 1 drills. Mayock pointed out that Williams gained 17 pounds in the last year, which makes me wonder how much more weight he could put on his frame.
- Jeff Byers (G - USC) shows great interior line blocking ability. In every pass rushing drill shown involving Byers he did a great job using his hands and then finishing blocks by knocking rushers to the ground.
North
- Kyle Wilson (CB - BSU) continues to impress during practice. He showed great ability in press coverage several times. Mayock led the program by stating Wilson was the most impressive from day one, and shared that he received several texts from friends who were scouts that admitted Mayock was probably right in assigning a first round grade to Wilson.
- Taylor Price (WR - Ohio) is showing that he belongs with the prospects from bigger schools. He doesn't look like he's a blazer, but he has shown decent speed, good size and phenomenal hands thus far. He looks like he could be a sneaky later round pick as a possession receiver for the next level.
- Mardy Gilliard (WR - CIN) had a much better day and there was not a single DB that could jam him at the line. He is extremely quick but his lack of size is concerning.
- Syd'Quan Thompson (CB - CAL) is getting exposed as a slower corner. Gilliard absolutely burnt him on a vertical route that wasn't even close. Thompson is known as an aggressive, run-supporting corner, but his lack of speed could drop his stock considerably.
- Mike Iupati (G - Idaho) is justifying the rating as the best interior lineman in the draft. He is physical and nasty while playing on the inside, but today he took reps at left tackle and looked out of place. He doesn't necessarily lack the physical skills to play on the outside; it's just something that he's never done before. If teams feel he could fill in on the outside in case of injury, his stock would rise even higher.
- Vladimir Ducasse (T/G - UMass) continued to struggle against prospects from bigger schools today. Ducasse has amazing physical attributes, but he will need time to develop skills and get used to the speed at the higher level.
- Brandon Graham (DE/OLB - Mich) is the best performing defensive player for the North thus far. He has a great mixture of speed and strength and will likely be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 in the NFL.
- Camp Thomas (DT - UNC) is a two-gap defensive tackle who shows no ability to rush the passer. He might be good at holding the point of attack, but has shown little ability to collapse the pocket.
- Jared Odrick (DT - PSU) has been playing well in one on one rush drills. Odrick will likely be a one gap penetrator in a 4-3 or five technique in a 3-4 at the next level. All the same, he has shown good burst off the line.
- Jacoby Ford (WR - Clem) is lowering his stock so far. Ford is an NCAA track champion but lacks that kind of speed in pads. Ford will likely wow at the Combine, but he has not fared well in full pads.
That's it for today. Check back tomorrow for notes after the last day of practice in full pads. Once again, if you have any specific players you are curious about leave it in the comments.
2 recs |
68 comments
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Comments
J.D. Walton (C - Baylor)
How’s he doing in practice? The Texans could use a center, and I think he could be a nice grab in round 3 or 4 (where he’s currently projected on many websites).
CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest). I hear so much about the other CBs, but nothing about Ghee. Why? And Trevard Lindley (Kentucky) for that matter as well.
OG Mike Johnson (Alabama), I know he’s been mentioned by a lot of Texan fans.
Here's what I know
- I only saw Ghee once, he broke up a deep pass to Jacoby Ford in one on one drills, but he was burnt initially.
- Lindly looked terrible today. He was burnt by a couple of recievers, and he is a smaller corner (about 180 I think) so I’m not really a fan.
- I didn’t see Mike Johnson or Walton in the televised version, but I’ll keep an eye out for any mention in written articles I read.
You know... for kids.
Expounding on Lindley
ESPN did a good day/bad day report from practice today, and Lindley was one of the three bad days recipients. It’s insider content so i can’t quote it, but it basically detailed tight hips and lack of makeup speed. They stated he might drop to the “later rounds”.
You know... for kids.
Here's more on Ghee
Wake Forest CB Brandon Ghee had an up and down day, but made one particularly solid play. On a deep pass thrown by Sean Canfield, Ghee stayed with the receiver in his route, turned and found the ball at the right time, and almost pulled in an amazing one handed interception. Ghee has the fundamentals down but I’d like to see him improve in the press coverage area.
You know... for kids.
Nate Allen
I’ve been preachin bout this guy since October. Think him and pollard would be an awesome tandem
I’m curious to see his combine numbers and especially the 40 time
by AllenOU on Jan 26, 2010 7:29 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I think Eugene Wilson and Pollard would make an awesome tandem
:-p
www.manningface.com
by nolander on Jan 26, 2010 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd.
I’ve done all I can to sway the “FS in early round” picketers, but I’ve never made a comment that drills it like this one.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Whatever
Wilson is 31 I believe and I like the guy
we need more speed and range from this position. Wilson was good but I think he will start to show signs of his age and we need to get younger. It’s a position we have ignored since existence so it’s time to spend a valuable pick on it.
What if Wilson gets hurt in game one?? We get barber and Russell for the rest of the year??
Child please!!!!! Can’t spend another first on the d line. Oline or safety
by AllenOU on Jan 27, 2010 10:38 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I like that you assumed I thought we should ignore the position entirely.
Did I say that, or did I say “early round?”
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
goo'd it for you
I agree, especially since we already have our FS of the future on our roster in Glover Quin.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
CB is more valuable than FS
Do we agree ??
Then quin should stay at CB because he could be our # 2 for years and might reach 1 potential…
But yes he would make a great FS
I just want to have Nate allens babies, will you be my surrogate ??
by AllenOU on Jan 27, 2010 6:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don't think GQ has what it takes to be a #1
And I agree that he would be better long term as a FS, which would be why I would rather grab a couple CBs this draft then a CB and a FS.
www.manningface.com
Agree
Quin was excellent this year, especially compared to what we had on the roster. BUT, he was being picked on toward the end of the year.
What I really like about him is his tackling fundamentals. Seriously, he’s in the top three tacklers on the team. But I also doubt his ability to stay at CB long term due to his closing and overall speed.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
I think he has good field vision
which might make him more of a FS, also. Agree, his ability to cover might not be CB #1.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
He's not #1 Corner
However, I’d like to see him at free safety. He’s a fantastic tackler and putting him in open space wouldn’t be a bad move at all.
We would however need Dunta/Leigh Bodden signed and a CB within the first 2 rounds…possibly another later for depth purposes.
How do you feel about McCain?
I admit I was impressed with his coverage abilities (in that crappy zone, of course) toward the end of the year. In fact, I admit to being a little excited about him going into next year.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
I dunno anyone...
Who’s not fond of McCain. He played really well down the stretch especially against New England.
So there’s
CB 1: Dunta’s currently un-signed and the only CB unsigned.
CB 2: Glover Quin
CB 3: Jacques Reeves
CB 4: Brice McCain
Fred Bennett (oh what happened to him???), the injury prone Antwaun Molden, and some dude named Mark Parson.
If you move Quin then there’s a gap, but who knows if McCain’s ready to start?
With Dunta/Leigh Bodden there’s 1 starter plus whoever we draft in round 1, 2, or 3.
Dunta plus Donovan Warren/Parrish Cox/Kyle Wilson would probably allow Quin to move to FS if the coaches wanted….or they could not re-sign Dunta/sign Bodden, grab a rookie CB and FS, and have a Rookie and Quin at starting CBs.
Is it me or does that second scenario seem unlikely? A rookie CB and FS starting together?
We DO still have E Wilson
But who saw Quin as CB2?
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
With all the CBs but 1 and both Wilson and Barber returning...
A part of me wonders what’s likely to happen
A) Dunta’s re-signed. They’ll draft Thomas in round 1, cut Wilson or Barber, and keep Dunta and Quin starting alongside SS Pollard and FS Thomas.
B) Dunta’s re-signed. They draft a CB in round 1 or 2 with the eventual plan that the rookie starts while Quin moves to FS.
C) Dunta’s re-signed. They draft a FS in round 2 or 3 with him backing up Wilson and eventually replacing him. No CB is drafted which brings back last year’s group.
D) Dunta’s not re-signed. They draft a CB in round 1 who starts with Quin. They may or may not draft (this season) a FS to back-up/replace Wilson/Barber.
Of course, there’s a lot of other ways to do it….but out of these, I gotta say I like B.
If I had a choice
They would start working Quinn at FS while keeping him at corner, draft a corner, and if Wilson has any serious injuries then you can move Quinn to corner after giving the rook some time to adjust and or Mccain the chance to earn more playing time.
www.manningface.com
Why in the name of fuck do any of y'all want Dunta back???
That’s what I cannot figure out for the life of me.
does the fact that he was our CB1 FORCE us to re-sign him??
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
And what in his past makes you think he'd sign for cheap?
He should really be an afterthought, even before money is brought up. The dude sucks at football.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
It's been reported...
That Dunta’s more likely to return than Chester Pitts.
I’ve always thought he’d be back in Houston in 2010 especially since with the free agency pool so thin.
Then...
Why not try to sign a guy that may not suck as bad? Heck… one that may be better??
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
If that's your only response, then you obviously want him back, talent be damned.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
He is no number one CB, and at best a very meh number two, but there aren’t many upgrades in FA. I would want him back for depth if anything while we develop the corner we will hopefully picking in the first 2 rounds.
www.manningface.com
To expand on that...
the only CB that I would call an upgrade would be Leigh Bodden.
Outside of that, I wouldn’t say there’s an upgrade. If they could get the contract done early enough so he could do OTAs and a full training camp (he hasn’t been to training camp in 2 seasons), I think it would go a long way for him.
Of course, they do need to draft a CB (Kyle Wilson or Parrish Cox would be ideal).
If they let Dunta walk and couldn’t get Bodden…I’d be fine if they got an additonal early 2nd round pick (how? Trade OD) and drafted both Wilson and Cox.
Truly a great tandem.
Certainly better than the Barber-Pollard tandem that you’re going to have to deal with during the seven games that Wilson is hurt.
by Nashmeister on Jan 27, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
Kyle Wilson
has the tools to be the perfect Texans CB. He gets a jam on the WR at the line, and can turn and run. I’d take him over Earl Thomas and Mike Iupati, and those are two phenomenal prospects. There’s no doubt he’d instantly improve our secondary. Let GQ compete with Eugene Wilson for the FS spot, and let Kyle Wilson compete with Frenchy for the CB spot opposite Dunta (you know he’s coming back).
Add one more person to the "gonna look stupid" list...
No way in hell Rick brings Cunta back.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
I think he would
but I think Dunta takes more money somewhere else to try to save face.
www.manningface.com
Tim Tebow
“Very little chance” of getting drafted in the first two rounds? I beg to differ, good sir.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
The chances of him going in the first may be low, but very high that someone will take a flyer on him in the 2nd. Too many people like his work ethic and “leadership” qualities, and some people do actually think with some hard work he could fix his mechanical flaws.
www.manningface.com
Jacksonville
needs to groom someone to sit behind Pro-Bowler David Garrard….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Other then Jax I can’t really think of a team that would take him in the first though.
www.manningface.com
I have seen mock drafts with them doing that
but, I don’t believe it will happen. Even they must realize that no other team will touch him before the 3rd round.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I disagree
I think there is at least a 50 percent chance some team takes him in the 2nd.
www.manningface.com
Sounds like we have a good debate....
I wonder how the people at Big Cat Country think about this….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Jax isn't taking him
Christian Ponder in 2011! Bring him home Wayne, he can actually play QB in the NFL
Big Cat Country Radio, Every Wednesday Night at 10 PM EST
by Jonathan Loesche on Jan 27, 2010 6:40 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe round 4
Christian Ponder in 2011! Bring him home Wayne, he can actually play QB in the NFL
Big Cat Country Radio, Every Wednesday Night at 10 PM EST
by Jonathan Loesche on Jan 27, 2010 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
Why?
Are they having a bon voyage party for their team, and help them pack up for L.A?
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
No, just from having conversations with people who know more than I do.
Christian Ponder in 2011! Bring him home Wayne, he can actually play QB in the NFL
Big Cat Country Radio, Every Wednesday Night at 10 PM EST
by Jonathan Loesche on Jan 27, 2010 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
Care to place a wager on Tim Tebow, Tim?
You differ with the words “very little chance” which must mean you think there is a “very good chance”???
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Re: Wager
As of today, I do think there’s a very good chance that St. Tebow is drafted in the first or second round. While I won’t make any wager until after the Combine, what would you like the stakes to be?
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
So, you think "very little chance" could be "no chance" depending on His Combine drills
What about His Pro Day?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Well, your original post where you said, "I beg to differ, good sir"
sounded like you were so sure of yourself and now, you feel you need to wait and see…..I don’t know??? What is it? Do you beg to differ or do you want to back off from that and wait until Tebow has had more of a chance to demonstrate his ineptness under center…then gracefully back down from that statement?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Jacksonville may have some competition for Tebow
Check out this article on sb’s Denver site. Its funny to me b/c the biggest argument for drafting Tebow is b/c he just wins.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
Jacoby Ford
I know you said his speed hasn’t translated well, but if he were to fall to a lower round (5-7) what are your thoughts of the Texans bringing him in to compete with Davis as the kickoff return man? Mathis was a track star and until he got hurt seemed to work out well for us in that limited role.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
I'd be happy with that
Apostrophe was simply horrible returning last year. He seemed to aim for piles.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
Odd..,
Seems odd that CBSSportsline, National Football Post, Scout and Espn have all had glowing reviews of Jacoby Ford thus far at both practices. Of the six write ups or so I’ve seen on the Sr. Bowl this is literally the only one that has said anything negative about Ford’s performances to date. Just not sure what the disconnect is.

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