| 25 January 2012
Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting is still working for us from a makeshift office at the Best Western Motel in Mobile, Alabama. Today he brings us the offensive profiles of the guys the Eagles are evaluating at the Senior Bowl practices.
I should first address the question as to why NFL teams send scouting and executive personnel to these all-star games in the first place. Why isn't the videotape accumulated after 3 or 4 years on most of these guys sufficient?
The answer: Tempo. You just can't evaluate tempo (timing and rhythm) of an athlete until you see him (or her) perform in real time relative to the competition surrounding not only the athlete but the event.
Also, the behind-the-scenes yet very scheduled personnel interviews with the prospects are in fact job applications...
Although the Eagles' main focus is defense down in Mobile, here's what they've got to look at on the offensive side:
Eric Galko sees at least 6, possibly 10, 1st-round Draft selections on parade here...
Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State, age 28, 6-4, 220, former New York Yankees minor league pitcher, jumps off the page as the most unlikely yet possibly most qualified college quarterback to move right into a competent backup role in the NFL...
Chris Polk, RB, Washington, 5-11, 222, reminds me of a young Emmit Smith. And that's good.
Quarterbacks
1. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
2. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
3. Nick Foles, Arizona
4. Kellen Moore, Boise State
5. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
6. Russel Wilson, NC State
NOTES: It seems to me the clear-cut top quarterback in this game is Brandon Weeden, but the real question is: what is his value on draft day? Being 28 years old already, he needs to prove that he doesn't need a whole lot of development, as teams need him to be ready to play NOW and hit his prime early. If he can show technique and NFL readiness, he could be worth a late first round look, which is where his talent-value lies. I'm looking forward to see Kirk Cousins display the leadership qualities I've heard so much about, but also to see if he can consistently make the big time NFL throws. Finally, I'm really curious to see if the smaller QBs in Kellen Moore and Russell Wilson can hold up against the bigger, strong-armed Nick Foles and Ryan Lindley.
Running Backs
1. Chris Polk, Washington
2. Doug Martin, Boise State
3. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
One to Watch: Terrence Gannaway, Baylor
NOTES: Both Chris Polk and Doug Martin have a chance to be first round picks. Polk was a surprise invite considering he was a "junior" all season, but due to a non-medical redshirt year, he'll get a chance to show why I believe he's the clear second best running back in this class. I'm very curious to see Terrence Gannaway of Baylor this week, as he ended his season on a high note. if he can show some potential feature back ability, at his size and with his bulk, he could be a highly coveted power back.
Wide Receivers
1. Dwight Jones, North Carolina
2. Kendall Wright, Baylor
3. Marvin McNutt, Iowa
4. Brian Quick, Appalachian State
5. Juron Criner, Arizona
One to Watch: DeVier Posey, Ohio State
NOTES: I hope this can stick with me, but Dwight Jones is my single most favorite player in this draft, as I truly feel he could be end up being the best receiver in this class after the week, and should be a Top 20 pick. He'll have a chance to show why I believe he's that, as of now. Kendall Wright of Baylor isn't much further off, though he'll need to show me he can be a consistent outside NFL receiver before I'll give him a Top 20 name. Brian Quick of Appalachian State is an exciting watch, as since following him the past two years especially, the potential is there to develop into a great outside receiver. A big week against consistent NFL talent could go a long way. And finally, DeVier Posey missed almost his entire senior season after two Ohio State suspensions, but he's flashed as a polished deep receiver who can get consistent separation. His stock could be made or broken this week.
Tight End
1. Michael Egnew, Missouri
One to Watch: DeAngelo Peterson, LSU
NOTES: Along with Michael Egnew, who is more of a situational, slot receiver/fringe inside blocker at the next level, Ladarius Green could be the number one senior on NFL team boards as well as a bit more powerful option. Both will be interesting to follow, as both need big weeks to be safe second round picks. DeAngelo Peterson really intrigues as a joker TE at the next level, interested to see if he can be that match-up nightmare consistently or still raw in his development.
Offensive Linemen
1. (OT) Mike Adams, Ohio State
Tackle to Watch: Matt McCants, UAB
1. (OG) Cordy Glenn, Georgia
Guard to Watch: Amini Silatoulu, Midwestern State
1. (OC) Michael Brewster, Ohio State
Center to Watch: Ben Jones, Georgia
NOTES: Mike Adams of Ohio State is currently the top rated offensive tackle prospect and reportedly is high on NFL teams boards. However, I really wonder if he's a left tackle or bust, and he doesn't always show great pass blocking technique. Matt McCants of UAB really intrigues, and he may have a higher ceiling as a left tackle than Adams, but is far more raw. Both could move higher on NFL teams' boards with a big week. Cordy Glenn is only a team-by-team guard prospect, as many won't consider him at all based on their system and his struggles on the outside this year. High on NFL team's boards even in the pre-season, Amini Silatoulu has some lofty expectations to live up to, and against a talented defensive tackle and end group at the Senior Bowl, he'll surely be tested. I am hoping center Mike Brewster gets some work at guard or tackle before the week's over with, but he's still one of the Top 6-7 interior offensive linemen in this draft. Ben Jones of Georgia looks great on film sometimes and has led a young Georgia offensive line this year, but I'm not sold on him as a Top 3 center prospect after Peter Konz and David Molk.
Thanks again, Eric Galko, who's on location in Mobile... We'll look to you for more updates on Senior Bowl developments this week...and please send us the bill for room service expenses...oh wait, the Best Western doesn't have room service...Okay, we'll foot the bill for complimentary USA Today at your door and continental breakfast in the lobby... JB and Broz highly recommend the oatmeal, best served with a toast spoon... and welcome back to our old friend from Florida, Palm Feathers!!!
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